ABSTRACT
Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is a common endocrine cancer with a good prognosis. Radioactive iodine is thought to be useful for individuals who have had a total or almost total thyroidectomy, but its effects are still controversial. The effects of radioactive iodine-131 (I-131) treatment on oxidative and chromosomal damage in PTC patients were examined in this study, which was carried out with 16 patients newly diagnosed with PTC and 20 healthy control subjects with similar age and gender. Blood samples were taken from patients with PTC at five sampling times (before total thyroidectomy, after total thyroidectomy, and seven days, six months, and one year after treatment) and from control subjects. The cytokinesis block micronucleus cytome (CBMN-cyt) assay parameters in peripheral blood lymphocytes of patients with PTC and controls were evaluated and plasma 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) levels were measured. Furthermore, genome instability and oxidative DNA damage in peripheral blood lymphocytes and plasma of patients with PTC were evaluated before total thyroidectomy (n=16), after total thyroidectomy (before I-131 treatment) (n=16), seven days (n=10), six months (n=5), and one year after treatment (n=5). The numbers of CBMN-cyt assay parameters (micronucleus; MN and nucleoplasmic bridges; NPB) and 8-OHdG levels in patients with PTC were determined to be significantly higher than in those of the control subjects and these values significantly decreased after total thyroidectomy (before I-131 treatment). While the number of MN, apoptotic, and necrotic cells increased after I-131 treatment, it significantly decreased after six months and one year after treatment. The results achieved in this study suggest that I-131 treatment may pose a threat to cells and that radioactive iodine therapy should be avoided (if possible) for patients with PTC after total thyroidectomy.
Subject(s)
DNA Damage , Iodine Radioisotopes , Oxidative Stress , Thyroid Cancer, Papillary , Thyroid Neoplasms , Thyroidectomy , Humans , Iodine Radioisotopes/therapeutic use , Iodine Radioisotopes/adverse effects , Thyroid Neoplasms/blood , Thyroid Neoplasms/radiotherapy , Thyroid Neoplasms/pathology , Thyroid Neoplasms/genetics , Female , Male , Adult , Middle Aged , Thyroid Cancer, Papillary/blood , Thyroid Cancer, Papillary/radiotherapy , Oxidative Stress/drug effects , Micronucleus Tests , Carcinoma, Papillary/blood , Carcinoma, Papillary/pathology , Carcinoma, Papillary/radiotherapy , Carcinoma/radiotherapy , Carcinoma/blood , Carcinoma/genetics , Lymphocytes/radiation effects , Lymphocytes/drug effects , 8-Hydroxy-2'-Deoxyguanosine/blood , Deoxyguanosine/analogs & derivatives , Deoxyguanosine/blood , Case-Control Studies , Genomic InstabilityABSTRACT
Approximately 70% of treatment failures in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients are attributed to distant metastasis, yet the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. RNA 5-methylcytosine (m5C) is an emerging regulatory modification that controls gene expression and plays a critical role in tumor progression. However, there is little information on the potential roles of RNA m5C modification in NPC metastasis. In this study, we found that the m5C reader Aly/REF export factor (ALYREF) is significantly upregulated in NPC, whereby its high expression is associated with metastasis and poor prognosis. ALYREF overexpression was found to promote tumor metastasis of NPC cells in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, m5C-modified NOTCH1 mRNA was identified as a target of ALYREF. Moreover, ALYREF was found to upregulate NOTCH1 expression by enhancing its RNA stability in an m5C modification-dependent manner, thereby promoting the activation of the NOTCH signaling pathway and facilitating NPC metastasis. Overall, our data reveal the crucial role of ALYREF in NPC metastasis and provide a potential therapeutic target for NPC.
Subject(s)
Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma , Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms , Neoplasm Metastasis , RNA Stability , RNA, Messenger , Receptor, Notch1 , Humans , Receptor, Notch1/metabolism , Receptor, Notch1/genetics , Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma/genetics , Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma/pathology , Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma/metabolism , Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms/genetics , Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms/pathology , Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms/metabolism , Cell Line, Tumor , RNA, Messenger/metabolism , RNA, Messenger/genetics , Animals , Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic , Mice, Nude , Male , Female , Mice , Signal Transduction , Mice, Inbred BALB C , Up-Regulation/genetics , Carcinoma/metabolism , Carcinoma/genetics , Carcinoma/pathology , Middle AgedABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: ETV6 gene rearrangement is the molecular hallmark of secretory carcinoma (SC), however; the nature, frequency, and clinical implications of atypical ETV6 signal patterns by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) has not yet been systematically evaluated in salivary gland neoplasms. METHODS: The clinical, histopathologic, immunohistochemical and molecular features of seven salivary SCs, including four cases with atypical ETV6 FISH patterns, were retrospectively analyzed along with a critical appraisal of the literature on unbalanced ETV6 break-apart in SCs. RESULTS: The patients were four males and three females (31-70 years-old). Five presented with a painless neck mass and two patients with recurrent disease had a history of a previously diagnosed acinic cell carcinoma of the buccal mucosa. Histologically, there were varied combinations of microcystic, papillary, tubular, and solid patterns. All tumors were diffusely positive for S100 and/or SOX10, while 2 cases also showed luminal DOG1 staining. Rearrangement of the ETV6 locus was confirmed in 5/7 cases, of which 3 cases showed classic break-apart signals, 1 case further demonstrated duplication of the ETV6 5`end and the other loss of one copy of ETV6. Two cases harbored ETV6 deletion without rearrangement. Two of the 4 cases with atypical ETV6 FISH patterns represented recurrent tumors, one with widespread skeletal muscle involvement, bone and lymphovascular invasion. Surgical treatment resulted in gross-total resection in all 7 cases, with a median follow up of 9.5 months post-surgery for primary (n = 3) and recurrent disease (n = 1). CONCLUSION: Duplication of the distal/telomeric ETV6 probe represented the most common (26/40; 65%) variant ETV6 break-apart FISH pattern in salivary SC reported in the literature and appears indicative of an aggressive clinical course.
Subject(s)
ETS Translocation Variant 6 Protein , Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-ets , Repressor Proteins , Salivary Gland Neoplasms , Humans , Male , Salivary Gland Neoplasms/genetics , Salivary Gland Neoplasms/pathology , Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-ets/genetics , Female , Adult , Aged , Middle Aged , Repressor Proteins/genetics , In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence , Gene Rearrangement , Carcinoma/genetics , Carcinoma/pathology , Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics , Biomarkers, Tumor/analysisSubject(s)
Herpesvirus 4, Human , Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms , Humans , Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms/virology , Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms/genetics , Herpesvirus 4, Human/genetics , Herpesvirus 4, Human/isolation & purification , Epstein-Barr Virus Infections/virology , Epstein-Barr Virus Infections/complications , Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma/virology , Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma/genetics , Carcinoma/virology , Carcinoma/geneticsABSTRACT
Mouse orthotopic xenograft tumor models are commonly employed in studies investigating the mechanisms underlying the development and progression of tumors and their preclinical treatment. However, the unavailability of mature and visualized orthotopic xenograft models of nasopharyngeal carcinoma limits the development of treatment strategies for this cancer. The aim of this study was to provide a simple and reliable method for building an orthotopic xenograft model of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Human nasopharyngeal carcinoma (C666-1-luc) cells, stably expressing the firefly luciferase gene, were injected subcutaneously into the right axilla of BALB/C nude mice. Four weeks later, the resulting subcutaneous tumors were cut into small blocks and grafted into the nasopharynx of immunodeficient BALB/C nude mice to induce tumor formation. Tumor growth was monitored by bioluminescence imaging and small animal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The expression of histological and immunological antigens associated with orthotopic xenograft nasopharyngeal carcinoma was analyzed by tissue section analysis and immunohistochemistry (IHC). A visualized orthotopic xenograft nasopharyngeal carcinoma model was successfully developed in this study. Luminescence signal detection, micro-MRI, and hematoxylin and eosin staining revealed the successful growth of tumors in the nasopharynx of the nude mice. Moreover, IHC analysis detected cytokeratin (CK), CK5/6, P40, and P63 expression in the orthotopic tumors, consistent with the reported expression of these antigens in human nasopharyngeal tumors. This study established a reproducible, visual, and less lethal orthotopic xenograft model of nasopharyngeal carcinoma, providing a platform for preclinical research.
Subject(s)
Disease Models, Animal , Mice, Nude , Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma , Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms , Animals , Humans , Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma/pathology , Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma/genetics , Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma/metabolism , Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma/diagnostic imaging , Mice , Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms/pathology , Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms/metabolism , Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms/genetics , Cell Line, Tumor , Mice, Inbred BALB C , Carcinoma/pathology , Carcinoma/genetics , Carcinoma/metabolism , Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods , Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays , Heterografts , Luminescent Measurements/methodsABSTRACT
NUT carcinoma (nuclear protein in testis carcinoma) is a rare and highly invasive malignant tumor, which is most common in midline organs and lungs. The characteristic genetic change of NUT carcinoma is the rearrangement of NUT middle carcinoma family member 1 (NUTM1) gene. In this article, we will review the pathogenic mechanism of its most common fusion form, bromodomaincontaining protein 4 (BRD4)-NUTM1 fusion gene, and the progress in the research and development of targeting drugs.â©.
Subject(s)
Nuclear Proteins , Humans , Nuclear Proteins/genetics , Nuclear Proteins/metabolism , Neoplasm Proteins/genetics , Neoplasm Proteins/metabolism , Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/genetics , Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/metabolism , Animals , Carcinoma/genetics , Carcinoma/metabolism , Carcinoma/therapy , Carcinoma/drug therapy , Transcription Factors/genetics , Transcription Factors/metabolismABSTRACT
Cell surface receptors play crucial roles in cellular responses to extracellular ligands, helping to modulate the functions of a cell based on information coming from outside the cell. Syndecan refers to a family of cell adhesion receptors that regulate both extracellular and cytosolic events. Alteration of syndecan expression disrupts regulatory mechanisms in a cell type-specific fashion, often leading to serious diseases, notably cancer. Given the multifaceted functions and distinct tissue distributions of syndecan, it will be important to unravel the gene-level intricacies of syndecan expression and thereby further understand its involvement in various carcinogenic processes. Although accumulating evidence indicates that the protein expression patterns of syndecan family members are significantly altered in cancer cells, the underlying gene-level mechanisms remain largely unknown. This review endeavors to explore syndecan gene expression levels across different cancer types by scrutinizing extensive cancer genome datasets using tools such as cBioPortal. Our analysis unveils that somatic mutations in SDC genes are rare occurrences, whereas copy number alterations are frequently observed across diverse cancers, particularly in SDC2 and SDC4. Notably, amplifications of SDC2 and SDC4 correlate with heightened metastatic potential and dismal prognosis. This underscores the recurrent nature of SDC2 and SDC4 amplifications during carcinogenesis and sheds light on their role in promoting cancer activity through augmented protein expression. The identification of these amplifications not only enriches our understanding of carcinogenic mechanisms but also hints at the potential therapeutic avenue of targeting SDC2 and SDC4 to curb cancer cell proliferation and metastasis.
Subject(s)
Gene Amplification , Humans , Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic , Neoplasm Metastasis , Animals , Syndecan-4/genetics , Syndecan-4/metabolism , Syndecans/genetics , Syndecans/metabolism , Carcinoma/genetics , Carcinoma/pathology , Carcinoma/metabolism , Neoplasms/genetics , Neoplasms/pathology , Neoplasms/metabolism , Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics , Biomarkers, Tumor/metabolismABSTRACT
Mutations affecting codon 172 of the isocitrate dehydrogenase 2 (IDH2) gene define a subgroup of sinonasal undifferentiated carcinomas (SNUCs) with a relatively favorable prognosis and a globally hypermethylated phenotype. They are also recurrent (along with IDH1 mutations) in gliomas, acute myeloid leukemia, and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Commonly reported mutations, all associated with aberrant IDH2 enzymatic activity, include R172K, R172S, R172T, R172G, and R172M. We present a case of SNUC with a never-before-described IDH2 mutation, R172A. Our report compares the methylation pattern of our sample to other cases from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Hierarchical clustering suggests a strong association between our sample and other IDH-mutant SNUCs and a clear distinction between sinonasal normal tissues and tumors. Principal component analysis (PCA), using 100 principal components explaining 94.5% of the variance, showed the position of our sample to be within 1.02 standard deviation of the other IDH-mutant SNUCs. A molecular modeling analysis of the IDH2 R172A versus other R172 variants provides a structural explanation to how they affect the protein active site. Our findings thus suggest that the R172A mutation in IDH2 confers a gain of function similar to other R172 mutations in IDH2, resulting in a similar hypermethylated profile.
Subject(s)
Carcinoma , DNA Methylation , Isocitrate Dehydrogenase , Maxillary Sinus Neoplasms , Mutation , Humans , Isocitrate Dehydrogenase/genetics , DNA Methylation/genetics , Carcinoma/genetics , Carcinoma/pathology , Maxillary Sinus Neoplasms/genetics , Maxillary Sinus Neoplasms/pathology , Male , Middle Aged , Female , AgedSubject(s)
Ileal Neoplasms , Rhabdoid Tumor , SMARCB1 Protein , Humans , Male , Carcinoma/pathology , Carcinoma/genetics , Carcinoma/surgery , Ileal Neoplasms/pathology , Ileal Neoplasms/surgery , Rhabdoid Tumor/pathology , Rhabdoid Tumor/genetics , SMARCB1 Protein/genetics , SMARCB1 Protein/deficiency , Middle AgedABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Choroid plexus carcinomas (CPCs) are rare malignant tumors primarily affecting pediatric patients and often co-occur with Li-Fraumeni Syndrome (LFS), an inherited predisposition to early-onset malignancies in multiple organ systems. LFS is closely linked to TP53 mutations, with germline TP53 gene mutations present in approximately 75% of Li-Fraumeni syndrome families and 25% of Li-Fraumeni-like syndrome families. Individuals with TP53 mutations also have an elevated probability of carrying mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the structural and functional implications of the TP53: 799C > T, p. (Arg267Trp) missense mutation, initially identified in a Saudi family, and understand its impact on TP53 functionality and related intermolecular interactions. METHODS: Computational analyses were conducted to examine the structural modifications resulting from the TP53: 799C > T, p. (Arg267Trp) mutation. These analyses focused on the mutation's impact on hydrogen bonding, ionic interactions, and the specific interaction with Cell Cycle and Apoptosis Regulator 2 (CCAR2), as annotated in UniProt. RESULTS: The study revealed that the native Arg267 residue is critical for a salt bridge interaction with glutamic acid at position 258. The mutation-induced charge alteration has the potential to disrupt this ionic bonding. Additionally, the mutation is located within an amino acid region crucial for interaction with CCAR2. The altered properties of the amino acid within this domain may affect its functionality and disrupt this interaction, thereby impacting the regulation of catalytic enzyme activity. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings highlight the intricate intermolecular interactions governing TP53 functionality. The TP53: 799C > T, p. (Arg267Trp) mutation causes structural modifications that potentially disrupt critical ionic bonds and protein interactions, offering valuable insights for the development of targeted mutants with distinct functional attributes. These insights could inform therapeutic strategies for conditions associated with TP53 mutations.
Subject(s)
Choroid Plexus Neoplasms , Li-Fraumeni Syndrome , Mutation, Missense , Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 , Li-Fraumeni Syndrome/genetics , Humans , Choroid Plexus Neoplasms/genetics , Tumor Suppressor Protein p53/genetics , Carcinoma/genetics , Female , Germ-Line Mutation , MaleABSTRACT
Choroid plexus tumors (CPTs) are intraventricular tumors derived from the choroid plexus epithelium and occur frequently in children. The aim of this study was to investigate the genomic and epigenomic characteristics of CPT and identify the differences between choroid plexus papilloma (CPP) and choroid plexus carcinoma (CPC). We conducted multiomics analyses of 20 CPT patients including CPP and CPC. Multiomics analysis included whole-genome sequencing, whole-transcriptome sequencing, and methylation sequencing. Mutually exclusive TP53 and EPHA7 point mutations, coupled with the amplification of chromosome 1, were exclusively identified in CPC. In contrast, amplification of chromosome 9 was specific to CPP. Differential gene expression analysis uncovered a significant overexpression of genes related to cell cycle regulation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition pathways in CPC compared to CPP. Overexpression of genes associated with tumor metastasis and progression was observed in the CPC subgroup with leptomeningeal dissemination. Furthermore, methylation profiling unveiled hypomethylation in major repeat regions, including long interspersed nuclear elements, short interspersed nuclear elements, long terminal repeats, and retrotransposons in CPC compared to CPP, implying that the loss of epigenetic silencing of transposable elements may play a role in tumorigenesis of CPC. Finally, the differential expression of AK1, regulated by both genomic and epigenomic factors, emerged as a potential contributing factor to the histological difference of CPP against CPC. Our results suggest pronounced genomic and epigenomic disparities between CPP and CPC, providing insights into the pathogenesis of CPT at the molecular level.
Subject(s)
Carcinoma , Choroid Plexus Neoplasms , Papilloma, Choroid Plexus , Humans , Choroid Plexus Neoplasms/genetics , Choroid Plexus Neoplasms/pathology , Choroid Plexus Neoplasms/metabolism , Female , Male , Papilloma, Choroid Plexus/genetics , Papilloma, Choroid Plexus/pathology , Child , Child, Preschool , Carcinoma/genetics , Carcinoma/pathology , DNA Methylation , Infant , Adolescent , MultiomicsABSTRACT
WHO Classification of Skin Tumors, fifth edition (2023) has newly described primary cutaneous NUT carcinoma; however, information on this cancer type remains scarce. Herein, we performed clinicopathologic and genetic analyses of 4 cases. Four elderly women (median age 77 y, range: 68 to 82 y) were included. The median tumor size was 12.5 (10 to 40 mm). Tumors were located on the scalp, temple, thigh, and palm. Two (50%) patients presented with regional lymph node metastases. Neither distant metastasis nor mortality was observed during patient follow-up of 10.5 (3 to 15) months. Sanger, panel DNA and whole-exome RNA sequencing revealed BRD3::NUTM1 (n=2) and BRD4::NUTM1 (n=2) fusions. Histology of BRD3 -rearranged tumors revealed an epidermal connection, relatively small tumor nests, and ductal or intracytoplasmic luminal formation, whereas that of BRD4 -rearranged tumors revealed large solid nests comprising discohesive tumor cells. NUT, cytokeratins, p63, EMA, TRPS1, c-MYB, CD56, and INSM1 were immunoexpressed to varying degrees in all (100%) tumors. Furthermore, diffuse SOX10 expression was common (3/4, 75%). The literature review of five previously described cases revealed women predominance, no recurrence, frequent BRD3::NUTM1 fusions, and histology of ductoglandular structures. Our study findings and literature suggest elderly women predominance, relatively frequent BRD3::NUTM1 fusions, histopathologic ductoglandular differentiation, absence of abrupt keratinisation, and a characteristic immunoprofile in primary cutaneous NUT carcinoma, unlike in that of other organ. No distant metastasis or disease-associated mortality was seen in all cases with limited follow-up.
Subject(s)
Biomarkers, Tumor , Skin Neoplasms , Transcription Factors , Humans , Female , Aged , Skin Neoplasms/genetics , Skin Neoplasms/pathology , Skin Neoplasms/mortality , Aged, 80 and over , Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics , Biomarkers, Tumor/analysis , Transcription Factors/genetics , Nuclear Proteins/genetics , Neoplasm Proteins/genetics , Genetic Predisposition to Disease , Gene Rearrangement , Carcinoma/genetics , Carcinoma/pathology , Carcinoma/mortality , Carcinoma/chemistry , Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/genetics , Bromodomain Containing Proteins , Cell Cycle ProteinsABSTRACT
The E3 SUMO ligase PIAS2 is expressed at high levels in differentiated papillary thyroid carcinomas but at low levels in anaplastic thyroid carcinomas (ATC), an undifferentiated cancer with high mortality. We show here that depletion of the PIAS2 beta isoform with a transcribed double-stranded RNA-directed RNA interference (PIAS2b-dsRNAi) specifically inhibits growth of ATC cell lines and patient primary cultures in vitro and of orthotopic patient-derived xenografts (oPDX) in vivo. Critically, PIAS2b-dsRNAi does not affect growth of normal or non-anaplastic thyroid tumor cultures (differentiated carcinoma, benign lesions) or cell lines. PIAS2b-dsRNAi also has an anti-cancer effect on other anaplastic human cancers (pancreas, lung, and gastric). Mechanistically, PIAS2b is required for proper mitotic spindle and centrosome assembly, and it is a dosage-sensitive protein in ATC. PIAS2b depletion promotes mitotic catastrophe at prophase. High-throughput proteomics reveals the proteasome (PSMC5) and spindle cytoskeleton (TUBB3) to be direct targets of PIAS2b SUMOylation at mitotic initiation. These results identify PIAS2b-dsRNAi as a promising therapy for ATC and other aggressive anaplastic carcinomas.
Subject(s)
Mitosis , Protein Inhibitors of Activated STAT , Animals , Female , Humans , Mice , Carcinoma/genetics , Carcinoma/metabolism , Carcinoma/pathology , Cell Line, Tumor , Molecular Chaperones/metabolism , Molecular Chaperones/genetics , Proteasome Endopeptidase Complex/metabolism , Protein Inhibitors of Activated STAT/metabolism , Protein Inhibitors of Activated STAT/genetics , RNA Interference , Spindle Apparatus/metabolism , Sumoylation , Thyroid Neoplasms/genetics , Thyroid Neoplasms/pathology , Thyroid Neoplasms/metabolism , Xenograft Model Antitumor AssaysABSTRACT
NUT carcinoma (NC) is an aggressive cancer with no effective treatment. About 70% of NUT carcinoma is associated with chromosome translocation events that lead to the formation of a BRD4::NUTM1 fusion gene. Because the BRD4::NUTM1 gene is unequivocally cytotoxic when ectopically expressed in cell lines, questions remain on whether the fusion gene can initiate NC. Here, we report the first genetically engineered mouse model for NUT carcinoma that recapitulates the human t(15;19) chromosome translocation in mice. We demonstrated that the mouse t(2;17) syntenic chromosome translocation, forming the Brd4::Nutm1 fusion gene, could induce aggressive carcinomas in mice. The tumors present histopathological and molecular features similar to human NC, with enrichment of undifferentiated cells. Similar to the reports of human NC incidence, Brd4::Nutm1 can induce NC from a broad range of tissues with a strong phenotypical variability. The consistent induction of poorly differentiated carcinoma demonstrated a strong reprogramming activity of BRD4::NUTM1. The new mouse model provided a critical preclinical model for NC that will lead to better understanding and therapy development for NC.
Subject(s)
Bromodomain Containing Proteins , Neoplasm Proteins , Nuclear Proteins , Oncogene Proteins, Fusion , Transcription Factors , Animals , Mice , Carcinoma/genetics , Carcinoma/metabolism , Cell Cycle Proteins/genetics , Cell Cycle Proteins/metabolism , Disease Models, Animal , Neoplasm Proteins/genetics , Neoplasm Proteins/metabolism , Nuclear Proteins/genetics , Nuclear Proteins/metabolism , Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/genetics , Transcription Factors/genetics , Transcription Factors/metabolism , Translocation, Genetic/geneticsABSTRACT
AIMS: Salivary gland neoplasms (SGN) exhibiting the HMGA2::WIF1 fusion are recognized by their resemblance to histology found in canalicular adenoma. Recently, ~20% of cases among 28 HMGA2::WIF1-rearranged-SGN showed malignancy and adverse outcomes (recurrence, distant metastasis, and disease-specific mortality). Among them, MDM2/CDK4 amplifications were identified in one case. This outcome suggests that the MDM2/CDK4 amplifications could be useful to predict an aggressive course of carcinoma ex-pleomorphic adenoma (CEPA). METHODS AND RESULTS: We investigated the correlation between HMGA2 fusion and MDM2 amplification in four salivary gland neoplasms, providing detailed clinicopathological features and outcomes. Cases were selected from different institutions. Histological examination, immunohistochemistry, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), RNA sequencing, and whole-exome capture were performed. The cohort included four CEPA cases, all female, aged between 32 and 89 years. Tumours arose from the parotid gland with an average size of 24.5 mm. None exhibited recurrence or distant metastases during the 4-5 months of follow-up. Pathologically, all cases displayed a peculiar atypical nuclei with 'gear-like appearance'. Immunohistochemically, tumours exhibited a biphasic pattern with myoepithelial and ductal differentiation markers. All cases showed HMGA2 overexpression and MDM2 amplification by FISH and RNA sequencing. In a control cohort of MDM2 nonamplified CEPA cases, not exhibiting the peculiar nuclear atypia. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest a strong correlation between HMGA2 alteration/MDM2 amplification and a peculiar nuclear atypia, advocating for their evaluation in biphasic tumours to facilitate accurate diagnosis and tailored posttumour removal monitoring. Further studies are warranted to validate these observations and elucidate their prognostic implications.
Subject(s)
Adenoma, Pleomorphic , Gene Amplification , HMGA2 Protein , Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-mdm2 , Salivary Gland Neoplasms , Humans , HMGA2 Protein/genetics , HMGA2 Protein/metabolism , Female , Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-mdm2/genetics , Adult , Middle Aged , Aged , Adenoma, Pleomorphic/genetics , Adenoma, Pleomorphic/pathology , Aged, 80 and over , Salivary Gland Neoplasms/genetics , Salivary Gland Neoplasms/pathology , Carcinoma/genetics , Carcinoma/pathology , Carcinoma/diagnosis , Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics , In Situ Hybridization, FluorescenceABSTRACT
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a common malignant tumor of the head and neck. Its pathogenesis is complicated and needs further investigation. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression and clinical significance of WWP1 in NPC. Bioinformatics approaches were used to evaluate the expression and functions of WWP1 in NPC. WWP1 protein expression was then detected by immunohistochemistry on a tissue microarray in an NPC cohort and its association with clinical features and prognosis was determined. In addition, WWP1 expression was knocked down in NPC cells using RNA interference, and their colony formation and invasion abilities were assessed. A total of 25 genes closely related to WWP1, which may be enriched in different pathways, were filtered out. WWP1 expression was significantly higher in NPC cells than in normal controls. High WWP1 expression was correlated with lymph node metastasis, tumor recurrence, clinical stage and poor prognosis. Knockdown of WWP1 resulted in attenuated proliferation and invasion of NPC cells. The results suggest that WWP1 may serve as a novel biomarker and prognostic factor for NPC and a potential therapeutic target worthy of further investigation.
Subject(s)
Immunohistochemistry , Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma , Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms , Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases , Humans , Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms/pathology , Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms/metabolism , Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms/diagnosis , Male , Female , Middle Aged , Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases/genetics , Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases/metabolism , Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma/pathology , Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma/metabolism , Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma/genetics , Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma/diagnosis , Cell Line, Tumor , Prognosis , Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics , Biomarkers, Tumor/metabolism , Cell Proliferation , Adult , Neoplasm Invasiveness , Carcinoma/pathology , Carcinoma/metabolism , Carcinoma/genetics , Carcinoma/diagnosis , Lymphatic Metastasis , Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic , Clinical RelevanceABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: It is well established that most colorectal carcinomas arise from conventional adenomas through the adenoma-carcinoma sequence (ACS) model. mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) pathway has been reported as a crucial player in tumorigenesis. The MAPK signaling pathway is activated by different extracellular signals involving the "mitogen-activated/extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 (MEK1)", and this induces the expression of genes involved in proliferation and cellular transformation. Diaphanous-related formin-3 (DIAPH3) acts as a potential metastasis regulator through inhibiting the cellular transition to amoeboid behavior in different cancer types. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to investigate the pattern of immunohistochemical expression of MEK1 and DIAPH3 in colorectal adenoma (CRA) and corresponding colorectal carcinoma (CRC) specimens. METHODS: The immunohistochemical expression of DIAPH3 and MEK1 was examined in 43 cases of CRC and their associated adenomas using tissue microarray technique. RESULTS: MEK1 was overexpressed in 23 CRC cases (53.5%) and in 20 CRA cases (46.5%). DIAPH3 was overexpressed in 11 CRA cases (about 29%) which were significantly lower than CRC (22 cases; 58%) (Pâ=â0.011). Both MEK1 and DIAPH3 overexpression were significantly correlated in CRC (Pâ=â0.009) and CRA cases (Pâ=â0.002). Tumors with MEK1 overexpression had a significantly higher tumor grade (Pâ=â0.050) and perineural invasion (Pâ=â0.017). CONCLUSIONS: Both MEK1 and DIAPH3 are overexpressed across colorectal ACS with strong correlation between them. This co- expression suggests a possible synergistic effect of MEK1 and DIAPH-3 in colorectal ACS. Further large-scale studies are required to investigate the potential functional aspects of MEK1 and DIAPH3 in ACS and their involvement in tumor initiation and the metastatic process.
Subject(s)
Adenoma , Colorectal Neoplasms , Formins , MAP Kinase Kinase 1 , Humans , Colorectal Neoplasms/pathology , Colorectal Neoplasms/genetics , Colorectal Neoplasms/metabolism , Formins/genetics , Formins/metabolism , Adenoma/pathology , Adenoma/genetics , Adenoma/metabolism , Female , Male , Middle Aged , Aged , MAP Kinase Kinase 1/genetics , MAP Kinase Kinase 1/metabolism , Adult , Immunohistochemistry , Biomarkers, Tumor/metabolism , Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics , Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic , Carcinoma/pathology , Carcinoma/genetics , Carcinoma/metabolism , Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing/metabolism , Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing/geneticsABSTRACT
Secretory carcinoma is a malignant salivary gland tumor, which typically presents as an indolent painless mass within the parotid gland. Involvement of the minor gland is reported but less common. Secretory carcinoma was often misclassified as other salivary gland mimics, particularly acinic cell carcinoma, prior to 2010. It was first recognized as a molecularly distinct salivary gland tumor harboring the same fusion gene as well as histologic and cytogenetic features seen in juvenile breast cancer. Secretory carcinoma is generally managed in the same way as other low-grade salivary gland neoplasms and has a favorable prognosis; however, high-grade transformation requiring aggressive therapeutic interventions have been documented. Recent studies of biologic agents targeting products of this fusion gene offer the promise of a novel therapeutic option for treatment of this malignancy. Due to the limited number of reported cases, the spectrum of clinical behavior, best practices for management, and long-term treatment outcomes for secretory carcinoma remain unclear. A long-standing secretory carcinoma involving minor salivary glands of the mucobuccal fold, which was detected years after it was first noted by the patient, is reported. This case brings to light the importance of a thorough clinical exam during dental visits and reviews diagnostic differentiation of this malignancy from other mimics and discusses decision making for its management.
Subject(s)
Salivary Gland Neoplasms , Salivary Glands, Minor , Humans , Salivary Gland Neoplasms/pathology , Salivary Gland Neoplasms/genetics , Salivary Gland Neoplasms/therapy , Salivary Glands, Minor/pathology , Diagnosis, Differential , Carcinoma/pathology , Carcinoma/genetics , Carcinoma/therapy , Female , Male , Middle AgedABSTRACT
Undifferentiated gastric carcinoma, characterized by anaplastic cells lacking distinct features of cytological or architectural differentiation, poses diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Recent studies have suggested an association between this carcinoma and deficiencies in the SWI/SNF complex, particularly mutations in subunits such as SMARCA4. We herein report six cases of SMARCA4-deficient undifferentiated gastric carcinoma with molecular findings, highlighting the rarity and diagnostic pitfalls of this malignancy. Predominantly occurring in males over 50 years, these cases presented with nonspecific symptoms and were often diagnosed at an advanced stage. Histologically, the tumors exhibited a sheet-like growth pattern, reduced or absent epithelial markers, and loss of BRG-1 expression, with molecular analysis confirming SMARCA4 gene mutations. The response to conventional chemotherapy was poor, underscoring the importance of complete surgical resection and the development of alternative treatment modalities.
Subject(s)
DNA Helicases , Nuclear Proteins , Stomach Neoplasms , Transcription Factors , Humans , Stomach Neoplasms/pathology , Stomach Neoplasms/genetics , DNA Helicases/genetics , Male , Transcription Factors/genetics , Middle Aged , Female , Nuclear Proteins/genetics , Aged , Mutation , Cell Differentiation , Carcinoma/genetics , Carcinoma/pathologyABSTRACT
Mucinous tubular and spindle cell carcinoma (MTSCC) shows significant overlap with papillary renal cell carcinoma (PRCC), and harbor recurrent copy-number alterations (CNA). We evaluated 16 RCC with features suggestive of MTSCC using chromosomal microarrays. The cohort was comprised of 8 females and males, each, with an age range of 33-79 years (median, 59), and a tumor size range of 3.4-15.5 cm (median, 5.0). Half the tumors were high-grade (8/16, 50%) with features such as necrosis, marked cytologic atypia, and sarcomatoid differentiation, and 5/16 (31%) were high stage (≥pT3a). Three (of 16, 19%) cases had a predominant (>95%) spindle cell component, whereas 5/16 (31%) were composed of a predominant (>95%) epithelial component. Most cases (12/16, 75%) exhibited a myxoid background and/or extravasated mucin, at least focally. Twelve (of 16, 75%) cases demonstrated CNA diagnostic of MTSCC (losses of chromosomes 1, 4, 6, 8, 9, 13, 14, 15, and 22). In addition, 2 high-grade tumors showed loss of CDKN2A/B, and gain of 1q, respectively, both of which are associated with aggressive behavior. Three (of 16, 19%) cases, demonstrated nonspecific CNA, and did not meet diagnostic criteria for established RCC subtypes. One (of 16, 6%) low-grade epithelial predominant tumor (biopsy) demonstrated characteristic gains of 7, 17, and loss of Y, diagnostic of PRCC. MTSCC can be a morphologically heterogenous tumor. Our study validates the detection of characteristic chromosomal CNA for diagnostic use that may be useful in challenging cases with unusual spindle cell or epithelial predominant features, as well as in high-grade tumors.