De novo mutations in the BMP signaling pathway in lambdoid craniosynostosis.

Lambdoid craniosynostosis (CS) is a congenital anomaly resulting from premature fusion of the cranial suture between the parietal and occipital bones. Predominantly sporadic, it is the rarest form of CS and its genetic etiology is largely unexplored. Exome sequencing of 25 kindreds, including 18 parent-offspring trios with sporadic lambdoid CS, revealed a marked excess of damaging (predominantly missense) de novo mutations that account for ~ 40% of sporadic cases. These mutations clustered in the BMP signaling cascade (P = 1.6 × 10-7), including mutations in genes encoding BMP receptors (ACVRL1 and ACVR2A), transcription factors (SOX11, FOXO1) and a transcriptional co-repressor (IFRD1), none of which have been implicated in other forms of CS. These missense mutations are at residues critical for substrate or target sequence recognition and many are inferred to cause genetic gain-of-function. Additionally, mutations in transcription factor NFIX were implicated in syndromic craniosynostosis affecting diverse sutures. Single cell RNA sequencing analysis of the mouse lambdoid suture identified enrichment of mutations in osteoblast precursors (P = 1.6 × 10-6), implicating perturbations in the balance between proliferation and differentiation of osteoprogenitor cells in lambdoid CS. The results contribute to the growing knowledge of the genetics of CS, have implications for genetic counseling, and further elucidate the molecular etiology of premature suture fusion.

Circulating let-7e-5p, miR-106a-5p, miR-28-3p, and miR-542-5p as a Promising microRNA Signature for the Detection of Colorectal Cancer.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a disease with high incidence and mortality. Colonoscopy is a gold standard among tests used for CRC traceability. However, serious complications, such as colon perforation, may occur. Non-invasive diagnostic procedures are an unmet need. We aimed to identify a plasma microRNA (miRNA) signature for CRC detection. Plasma samples were obtained from subjects (n = 109) at different stages of colorectal carcinogenesis. The patients were stratified into a non-cancer (27 healthy volunteers, 17 patients with hyperplastic polyps, 24 with adenomas), and a cancer group (20 CRC and 21 metastatic CRC). miRNAs (381) were screened by TaqMan Low-Density Array. A classifier based on four differentially expressed miRNAs (miR-28-3p, let-7e-5p, miR-106a-5p, and miR-542-5p) was able to discriminate cancer versus non-cancer cases. The overexpression of these miRNAs was confirmed by RT-qPCR, and a cross-study validation step was implemented using eight data series retrieved from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). In addition, another external data validation using CRC surgical specimens from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) was carried out. The predictive model's performance in the validation set was 76.5% accuracy, 59.4% sensitivity, and 86.8% specificity (area under the curve, AUC = 0.716). The employment of our model in the independent publicly available datasets confirmed a good discrimination performance in five of eight datasets (median AUC = 0.823). Applying this algorithm to the TCGA cohort, we found 99.5% accuracy, 99.7% sensitivity, and 90.9% specificity (AUC = 0.998) when the model was applied to solid colorectal tissues. Overall, we suggest a novel signature of four circulating miRNAs, i.e., miR-28-3p, let-7e-5p, miR-106a-5p, and miR-542-5p, as a predictive tool for the detection of CRC.

Inflammatory Breast Cancer: Clinical Implications of Genomic Alterations and Mutational Profiling.

Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is a rare and aggressive type of breast cancer whose molecular basis is poorly understood. We performed a comprehensive molecular analysis of 24 IBC biopsies naïve of treatment, using a high-resolution microarray platform and targeted next-generation sequencing (105 cancer-related genes). The genes more frequently affected by gains were MYC (75%) and MDM4 (71%), while frequent losses encompassed TP53 (71%) and RB1 (58%). Increased MYC and MDM4 protein expression levels were detected in 18 cases. These genes have been related to IBC aggressiveness, and MDM4 is a potential therapeutic target in IBC. Functional enrichment analysis revealed genes associated with inflammatory regulation and immune response. High homologous recombination (HR) deficiency scores were detected in triple-negative and metastatic IBC cases. A high telomeric allelic imbalance score was found in patients having worse overall survival (OS). The mutational profiling was compared with non-IBC (TCGA, n = 250) and IBC (n = 118) from four datasets, validating our findings. Higher frequency of TP53 and BRCA2 variants were detected compared to non-IBC, while PIKC3A showed similar frequency. Variants in mismatch repair and HR genes were associated with worse OS. Our study provided a framework for improved diagnosis and therapeutic alternatives for this aggressive tumor type.

Fusion Potential of Human Osteoclasts In Vitro Reflects Age, Menopause, and In Vivo Bone Resorption Levels of Their Donors-A Possible Involvement of DC-STAMP.

It is well established that multinucleation is central for osteoclastic bone resorption. However, our knowledge on the mechanisms regulating how many nuclei an osteoclast will have is limited. The objective of this study was to investigate donor-related variations in the fusion potential of in vitro-generated osteoclasts. Therefore, CD14+ monocytes were isolated from 49 healthy female donors. Donor demographics were compared to the in vivo bone biomarker levels and their monocytes' ability to differentiate into osteoclasts, showing that: (1) C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX) and procollagen type I N-terminal propeptide (PINP) levels increase with age, (2) the number of nuclei per osteoclast in vitro increases with age, and (3) there is a positive correlation between the number of nuclei per osteoclast in vitro and CTX levels in vivo. Furthermore, the expression levels of the gene encoding dendritic cell-specific transmembrane protein (DCSTAMP) of osteoclasts in vitro correlated positively with the number of nuclei per osteoclast, CTX levels in vivo, and donor age. Our results furthermore suggest that these changes in gene expression may be mediated through age-related changes in DNA methylation levels. We conclude that both intrinsic factors and age-induced increase in fusion potential of osteoclasts could be contributing factors for the enhanced bone resorption in vivo, possibly caused by increased expression levels of DCSTAMP.

GADD45B Transcript Is a Prognostic Marker in Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma Patients Treated With Total Thyroidectomy and Radioiodine Therapy.

Currently, there is a lack of efficient recurrence prediction methods for papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). In this study, we enrolled 202 PTC patients submitted to total thyroidectomy and radioiodine therapy with long-term follow-up (median = 10.7 years). The patients were classified as having favorable clinical outcome (PTC-FCO, no disease in the follow-up) or recurrence (PTC-RE). Alterations in BRAF, RAS, RET, and TERT were investigated (n = 202) and the transcriptome of 48 PTC (>10 years of follow-up) samples was profiled. Although no mutation was associated with the recurrence risk, 68 genes were found as differentially expressed in PTC-RE compared to PTC-FCO. Pathway analysis highlighted a potential role of cancer-related pathways, including signal transduction and FoxO signaling. Among the eight selected genes evaluated by RT-qPCR, SLC2A4 and GADD45B showed down-expression exclusively in the PTC-FCO group compared to non-neoplastic tissues (NT). Increased expression of GADD45B was an independent marker of shorter disease-free survival [hazard ratio (HR) 2.9; 95% confidence interval (CI95) 1.2-7.0] in our cohort and with overall survival in the TCGA dataset (HR = 4.38, CI95 1.2-15.5). In conclusion, GADD45B transcript was identified as a novel prognostic marker candidate in PTC patients treated with total thyroidectomy and radioiodine therapy.

Increased Levels of Genomic Instability and Mutations in Homologous Recombination Genes in Locally Advanced Rectal Carcinomas.

Pre-operative 5-fluoracil-based chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) is the standard treatment for patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). Patients with pathological complete response (pCR-0% of tumor cells in the surgical specimen after nCRT) have better overall survival and lower risk of recurrence in comparison with incomplete responders (pIR). Predictive biomarkers to be used for new therapeutic strategies and capable of stratifying patients to avoid overtreatment are needed. We evaluated the genomic profiles of 33 pre-treatment LARC biopsies using SNP array and targeted-next generation sequencing (tNGS). Based on the large number of identified genomic alterations, we calculated the genomic instability index (GII) and three homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) scores, which have been reported as impaired DNA repair markers. We observed high GII in our LARC cases, which was confirmed in 165 rectal cancer cases from TCGA. Patients with pCR presented higher GII compared with pIR. Moreover, a negative correlation between GII and the fraction of tumor cells remaining after surgery was observed (ρ = -0.382, P = 0.02). High HRD scores were detected in 61% of LARC, of which 70% were incomplete responders. Using tNGS (105 cancer-related genes, 13 involved in HR and 5 in mismatch repair pathways), we identified 23% of cases with mutations in HR genes, mostly in pIR cases (86% of mutated cases). In agreement, the analysis of the TCGA dataset (N = 145) revealed 21% of tumors with mutations in HR genes. The HRD scores were shown to be predictive of better response to PARP-inhibitors and platinum-based chemotherapy in breast and ovarian cancer. Our results suggest that the same strategy could be applied in a set of LARC patients with HRD. In conclusion, we identified high genomic instability in LARC, which was related to alterations in the HR pathway, especially in pIR. These findings suggest that patients with impaired HRD would clinically benefit from PARP-inhibitors and platinum-based therapy.

Long Non-coding RNAs Involved in Resistance to Chemotherapy in Ovarian Cancer.

Ovarian cancer (OC) accounts for more than 150,000 deaths worldwide every year. Patients are often diagnosed at an advanced stage with metastatic dissemination. Although platinum- and taxane-based chemotherapies are effective treatment options, they are rarely curative and eventually, the disease will progress due to acquired resistance. Emerging evidence suggests a crucial role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the response to therapy in OC. Transcriptome profiling studies using high throughput approaches have identified differential expression patterns of lncRNAs associated with disease recurrence. Furthermore, several aberrantly expressed lncRNAs in resistant OC cells have been related to increased cell division, improved DNA repair, up-regulation of drug transporters or reduced susceptibility to apoptotic stimuli, supporting their involvement in acquired resistance. In this review, we will discuss the key aspects of lncRNAs associated with the development of resistance to platinum- and taxane-based chemotherapy in OC. The molecular landscape of OC will be introduced, to provide a background for understanding the role of lncRNAs in the acquisition of malignant properties. We will focus on the interplay between lncRNAs and molecular pathways affecting drug response to evaluate their impact on treatment resistance. Additionally, we will discuss the prospects of using lncRNAs as biomarkers or targets for precision medicine in OC. Although there is still plenty to learn about lncRNAs and technical challenges to be solved, the evidence of their involvement in OC and the development of acquired resistance are compelling and warrant further investigation for clinical applications.

Nuclear loss and cytoplasmic expression of androgen receptor in penile carcinomas: role as a driver event and as a prognosis factor.

Androgen receptor (AR) is a member of the steroid and nuclear family receptor that acts as transcription factor. AR signaling plays pivotal role in the development and progression of prostate cancer. However, the role of AR in penile cancer (PeCa) is poorly explored. Our previous molecular studies unveiled frequent AR mRNA loss in PeCa, which was further predicted as a major driver alteration in this neoplasm. Herein, we assessed the AR protein expression in 59 usual PeCa tissues and 42 surrounding normal tissues (SNT) by immunohistochemistry using a tissue microarray. In a paired analysis, we found a total absence of nuclear AR expression in PeCa while 95.2% of SNT samples presented strong nuclear AR expression (P < 0.001). Interestingly, 17 of 42 PeCa presented weak or moderate cytoplasmic AR staining, contrasting with 5 of 42 SNT (P = 0.008). Increased levels of AR cytoplasmic expression were related with poor prognosis features including advanced clinical staging (P = 0.044), compromised surgical margins (P = 0.005), and pathological inguinal node status (P = 0.047). Furthermore, AR cytoplasmic expression was also related with shorter overall survival (P = 0.032). In conclusion, the frequent loss of nuclear AR protein levels suggests a potential function in PeCa development. Based on this result, the androgen deprivation therapy is not indicated for PeCa patients. In addition, the AR cytoplasmic expression found in a significant number of cases (40.5%) showed prognostic value and pathways activated by the non-genomic AR signaling may represent a promising therapeutic strategy.

Deregulation of E-cadherin, ß-catenin, APC and Caveolin-1 expression occurs in canine prostate cancer and metastatic processes.

Prostate cancer is a heterogeneous disease with high levels of clinical and gene heterogeneity, consequently offering several targets for therapy. Dogs with naturally occurring prostate cancer are useful models for molecular investigations and studying new treatment efficacy. Three genes and proteins associated with the WNT pathway (ß-catenin, APC and E-cadherin) and Caveolin-1 (CAV-1) were evaluated in canine pre-neoplastic proliferative inflammatory atrophy (PIA), prostate cancer and metastatic disease. The APC gene methylation status was also investigated. As in human prostate cancer, cytoplasmic and nuclear ß-catenin, which are fundamental for activating the canonical WNT pathway, were found in canine prostate cancer and metastasis. Membranous E-cadherin was also lost in these lesions, allowing cellular migration to the stroma and nuclear localization of ß-catenin. In contrast to human prostate tumours, no APC downregulation or hypermethylation was found in canine prostate cancer. The CAV-1 gene and protein overexpression were found in canine prostate cancer, and as in humans, the highest levels were found in Gleason scores ≥8. In conclusion, as with human prostate cancer, ß-catenin and E-cadherin in the WNT pathway, as well as Caveolin-1, are molecular drivers in canine prostate cancer. These findings provide additional evidence that dogs are useful models for studying new therapeutic targets in prostate cancer.

Integration of miRNA and mRNA expression profiles reveals microRNA-regulated networks during muscle wasting in cardiac cachexia.

Cardiac cachexia (CC) is a common complication of heart failure (HF) associated with muscle wasting and poor patient prognosis. Although different mechanisms have been proposed to explain muscle wasting during CC, its pathogenesis is still not understood. Here, we described an integrative analysis between miRNA and mRNA expression profiles of muscle wasting during CC. Global gene expression profiling identified 1,281 genes and 19 miRNAs differentially expressed in muscle wasting during CC. Several of these deregulated genes are known or putative targets of the altered miRNAs, including miR-29a-3p, miR-29b-3p, miR-210-5p, miR-214, and miR-489. Gene ontology analysis on integrative mRNA/miRNA expression profiling data revealed miRNA interactions affecting genes that regulate extra-cellular matrix (ECM) organization, proteasome protein degradation, citric acid cycle and respiratory electron transport. We further identified 11 miRNAs, including miR-29a-3p and miR-29b-3p, which target 21 transcripts encoding the collagen proteins related to ECM organization. Integrative miRNA and mRNA global expression data allowed us to identify miRNA target genes involved in skeletal muscle wasting in CC. Our functional experiments in C2C12 cells confirmed that miR-29b down-regulates collagen genes and contributes to muscle cell atrophy. Collectively, our results suggest that key ECM-associated miRNAs and their target genes may contribute to CC in HF.

Genomic copy number variation associated with clinical outcome in canine cutaneous mast cell tumors.

Mast cell tumors are the most common malignant cutaneous tumors in dogs. Although there are several prognostic factors involved, the clinical and biological behavior of this type of tumor varies greatly, making the best choice of treatment challenging. Molecular techniques can be used to evaluate a large number of genes involved in the neoplastic process and aid in the selection of candidate genes related to prognostic and predicting factors. Identification of the genes associated with tumor development and progression can be performed through the analysis of numerical and structural changes in DNA isolated from tumor cells by array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH). The aim of this study was to compare copy number variations (CNVs) in cutaneous mast cell tumors of dogs that survived less than six (ST<6) and >12months (ST>12) from the date of diagnosis. Ten animals were used: four from Group ST>12 and six from Group ST<6. Genomic DNA was extracted, and aCGH was performed using Agilent Canine Genome CGH Microarray 4×180 (ID-252 552 - Agilent, USA). Data analysis was carried out using Nexus program version 5.0 (Biodiscovery, USA). The group ST>12 presented 11±3.3 CNVs, while the ST<6 group presented 85±38.5 CNVs. Regions of loss in PTEN and FAS as well as regions of gains in MAPK3, WNT5B, FGF, FOXM1 and RAD51 were detected in mast cell tumors with shorter survival times, and thus, worst prognoses, allowing for the identification of potential candidate genes for more detailed studies.

Rare germline alterations in cancer-related genes associated with the risk of multiple primary tumor development.

Multiple primary tumors (MPT) have been described in carriers of inherited cancer predisposition genes. However, the genetic etiology of a large proportion of MPT cases remains unclear. We reviewed 267 patients with hereditary cancer predisposition syndromes (HCPS) that underwent genetic counseling and selected 22 patients with MPT to perform genomic analysis (CytoScan HD Array, Affymetrix) aiming to identify new alterations related to a high risk of developing MPT. Twenty patients had a positive family history of cancer and 11 met phenotypic criteria for HCPS. Genetic testing for each of the genes associated with these syndromes revealed negative results for pathogenic mutations. Seventeen rare germline copy number variations (CNVs) covering 40 genes were identified in 11 patients, including an EPCAM/MSH2 deletion in one Lynch syndrome patient. An enrichment analysis revealed a significant number of genes (where the CNVs are mapped) associated with carcinogenesis and/or related to functions implicated with tumor development, such as proliferation and cell survival. An interaction network analysis highlighted the importance of TP53 pathway in cancer emergence. A high number of germline copy-neutral loss of heterozygosity (cnLOH) was identified in nine cases, particularly in two patients. Eighteen genes were covered by both rare CNVs and cnLOH, including 14 related to tumorigenesis and seven genes (ABCC1, KDM4C, KIAA0430, MYH11, NDE1, PIWIL2, and ULK2) specifically associated with cellular growth and proliferation. Overall, we identified 14 cases with rare CNVs and/or cnLOH that may contribute to the risk of MPT development. KEY MESSAGE: CNVs may explain the risk of hereditary cancer syndromes in MPT patients. CNVs affecting genes related to cancer are candidates to be involved in MPT risk. EPCAM/MSH2 deletions should be investigated in patients suspected to have LS. Gene enrichment related to the TP53 network is associated with MPT development. cnLOH and CNVs contribute to the risk of MPT development.

Integrative miRNA and mRNA analysis in penile carcinomas reveals markers and pathways with potential clinical impact.

Penile carcinoma (PeCa) is an important public health issue in poor and developing countries, and has only recently been explored in terms of genetic and epigenetic studies. Integrative data analysis is a powerful method for the identification of molecular drivers involved in cancer development and progression. miRNA and mRNA expression profiles followed by integrative analysis were investigated in 23 PeCa and 12 non-neoplastic penile tissues (NPT). Expression levels of eight miRNAs and 10 mRNAs were evaluated in the same set of samples used for microarray and in a validation set of cases (PeCa = 36; NPT = 27). Eighty-one miRNAs and 2,697 mRNAs were identified as differentially expressed in PeCa. Integrative data analysis revealed 255 mRNAs potentially regulated by 68 miRNAs. Using RT-qPCR, eight miRNAs and nine transcripts were confirmed as altered in PeCa. We identified that MMP1, MMP12 and PPARG and hsa-miR-31-5p, hsa-miR-224-5p, and hsa-miR-223-3p were able to distinguish tumors from NPT with high sensitivity and specificity. Higher MMP1 expression was detected as a better predictor of lymph node metastasis than the clinical-pathological data. In addition, PPARG and EGFR were highlighted as potential pathways for targeted therapy in PeCa. The analysis based on HPV positivity (7 of 23 cases) revealed five miRNA and 13 mRNA differentially expressed. Although in a limited number of cases, HPV positive PeCa presented less aggressive phenotype in comparison with negative cases. Overall, an integrative analysis using mRNA and miRNA profiles revealed markers related with tumor development and progression. Furthermore, MMP1 expression level was a predictive marker for lymph node metastasis in patients with PeCa.

Rare copy number alterations and copy-neutral loss of heterozygosity revealed in ameloblastomas by high-density whole-genome microarray analysis.

BACKGROUND: Ameloblastoma (unicystic, UA, or multicystic, MA) is a rare tumor associated with bone destruction and facial deformity. Its malignant counterpart is the ameloblastic carcinoma (AC). The BRAFV600E mutation is highly prevalent in all these tumors subtypes and cannot account for their different clinical behaviors. METHODS: We assessed copy number alterations (CNAs) and copy-neutral loss of heterozygosity (cnLOH) in UA (n = 2), MA (n = 3), and AC (n = 1) using the CytoScan HD Array (Affymetrix) and the BRAFV600E status. RT-qPCR was applied in four selected genes (B4GALT1, BAG1, PKD1L2, and PPP2R5A) covered by rare alterations, also including three MA and four normal oral tissues. RESULTS: Fifty-seven CNAs and cnLOH were observed in the ameloblastomas and six CNAs in the AC. Seven of the CNAs were rare (six in UA and one in MA), four of them encompassing genes (gains of 7q11.21, 1q32.3, and 9p21.1 and loss of 16q23.2). We found positive correlation between rare CNA gene dosage and the expression of B4GALT1, BAG1, PKD1L2, and PPP2R5A. The AC and 1 UA were BRAF wild-type; however, this UA showed rare genomic alterations encompassing genes associated with RAF/MAPK activation. CONCLUSION: Ameloblastomas show rare CNAs and cnLOH, presenting a specific genomic profile with no overlapping of the rare alterations among UA, MA, and AC. These genomic changes might play a role in tumor evolution and in BRAFV600E-negative tumors.

Evaluation of vascular endothelial growth factor gene and protein expression in canine metastatic mammary carcinomas.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a potent angiogenic factor that could be associated with the induction of endothelial cell proliferation and metastasis. In this study, we evaluated VEGF gene and protein expression in canine mammary tumors (CMT), including metastatic carcinomas, to determine if there is an influence of this marker in the malignant processes and aggressiveness of CMT. We also compared VEGF protein levels with clinicopathological features. The VEGF gene and protein expression levels were evaluated by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry, respectively, in normal mammary gland samples, benign mammary tumors, nonmetastatic mammary carcinomas, and metastatic mammary carcinomas. High VEGF gene and protein levels were associated with malignant tumors compared with normal mammary glands (p = 0.0089 and p < 0.0001, respectively). Benign tumors showed an increased VEGF protein expression compared with normal samples (p = 0.0467). No significant differences in VEGF gene or protein levels were detected between benign and malignant tumors or between nonmetastatic and metastatic carcinomas, suggesting an absence in the correlation of VEGF with malignant processes and aggressiveness of CMT. No correlation of VEGF expression with clinical and histopathological parameters was observed, suggesting that VEGF could be important in the beginning of the mammary gland carcinogenic process and could be related to survival time.

Identification of novel biomarkers associated with poor patient outcomes in invasive breast carcinoma.

Breast carcinoma (BC) corresponds to 23 % of all cancers in women, with 1.38 million new cases and 460,000 deaths worldwide annually. Despite the significant advances in the identification of molecular markers and different modalities of treatment for primary BC, the ability to predict its metastatic behavior is still limited. The purpose of this study was to identify novel molecular markers associated with distinct clinical outcomes in a Brazilian cohort of BC patients. We generated global gene expression profiles using tumor samples from 24 patients with invasive ductal BC who were followed for at least 5 years, including a group of 15 patients with favorable outcomes and another with nine patients who developed metastasis. We identified a set of 58 differentially expressed genes (p ≤ 0.01) between the two groups. The prognostic value of this metastasis signature was corroborated by its ability to stratify independent BC patient datasets according to disease-free survival and overall survival. The upregulation of B3GNT7, PPM1D, TNKS2, PHB, and GTSE1 in patients with poor outcomes was confirmed by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) in an independent sample of patients with BC (47 with good outcomes and eight that presented metastasis). The expression of BCL2-associated agonist of cell death (BAD) protein was determined in 1276 BC tissue samples by immunohistochemistry and was consistent with the reduced BAD mRNA expression levels in metastatic cases, as observed in the oligoarray data. These findings point to novel prognostic markers that can distinguish breast carcinomas with metastatic potential from those with favorable outcomes.

Integrative transcriptome analysis identifies deregulated microRNA-transcription factor networks in lung adenocarcinoma.

Herein, we aimed at identifying global transcriptome microRNA (miRNA) changes and miRNA target genes in lung adenocarcinoma. Samples were selected as training (N = 24) and independent validation (N = 34) sets. Tissues were microdissected to obtain >90% tumor or normal lung cells, subjected to miRNA transcriptome sequencing and TaqMan quantitative PCR validation. We further integrated our data with published miRNA and mRNA expression datasets across 1,491 lung adenocarcinoma and 455 normal lung samples. We identified known and novel, significantly over- and under-expressed (p ≤ 0.01 and FDR≤0.1) miRNAs in lung adenocarcinoma compared to normal lung tissue: let-7a, miR-10a, miR-15b, miR-23b, miR-26a, miR-26b, miR-29a, miR-30e, miR-99a, miR-146b, miR-181b, miR-181c, miR-421, miR-181a, miR-574 and miR-1247. Validated miRNAs included let-7a-2, let-7a-3, miR-15b, miR-21, miR-155 and miR-200b; higher levels of miR-21 expression were associated with lower patient survival (p = 0.042). We identified a regulatory network including miR-15b and miR-155, and transcription factors with prognostic value in lung cancer. Our findings may contribute to the development of treatment strategies in lung adenocarcinoma.

Nasoethmoidal meningocele in a child presenting bilateral congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation: Evidence for a new entity or consequence of gestational exposures?

BACKGROUND: Nasoethmoidal meningocele is considered an uncommon type of cephalocele, and congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation (CCAM) is a rare lung disorder characterized by overgrowth of the terminal bronchioles. CASE: We report the unusual association between a nasoethmoidal meningocele and CCAM type II in a fetus exposed to valproic acid and misoprostol. The mother was an 18-year-old woman on her first pregnancy. She had a history of absence seizures since she was 5 years old. She took valproic acid from the beginning of the gestation until the end of the third month. At the end of the third month, she attempted interruption of her pregnancy using misoprostol. The fetal nasoethmoidal meningocele and CCAM type II were identified through morphological ultrasound examination and magnetic resonance imaging. A genome-wide study detected one copy number variation classified as rare, entirely contained into the SPATA5 gene. However, it does not seem to be associated to the clinical findings of the patient. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, there is only one case reported in the literature showing the same association between a nasoethmoidal meningocele and CCAM. Thus, the malformations observed in our patient may be related to the gestational exposures. Also, we cannot rule out that the patient may present the same condition characterized by a cephalocele and CCAM described by some authors, or even an undescribed entity, because some hallmark features, such as laryngeal atresia and limb defects, were not observed in our case. Further reports will be very important to better understand the associations described in our study.

A comprehensive characterization of cell cultures and xenografts derived from a human verrucous penile carcinoma.

This study aimed to establish and characterize primary cell cultures and xenografts derived from penile carcinoma (PeCa) in order to provide experimental models for cellular processes and efficacy of new treatments. A verrucous squamous cell carcinoma (VSCC) was macrodissected, dissociated, and cultivated in KSFM/DF12 medium. Cell cultures were evaluated at passage 5 (P5) using migration and invasion assays and were serially propagated, in vivo, in BALB/c nude mice until passage 3 (X1-X3). Immunophenotypic characterization of cultures and xenografts was performed. Genomic (CytoScan HD, Affymetrix) and transcriptomic profiles (HTA 2.0 platform, Affymetrix) for VSCC, cell cultures, and xenografts were assessed. P5 cells were able to migrate, invade the Matrigel, and produce tumors in immunodeficient mice, demonstrating their malignant potential. The xenografts unexpectedly presented a sarcomatoid-like carcinoma phenotype. Genomic analysis revealed a high similarity between the VSCC and tumor-derived xenograft, confirming its xenograft origin. Interestingly, a subpopulation of P5 cells presented stem cell-related markers (CD44(+)CD24(-) and ALDH1(high)) and sphere-forming capacity, suggesting their potential xenograft origin. Cell cultures and xenografts retained the genomic alterations present in the parental tumor. Compared to VSCC, differentially expressed transcripts detected in all experimental conditions were associated with cellular morphology, movement, and metabolism and organization pathways. Malignant cell cultures and xenografts derived from a verrucous penile carcinoma were established and fully characterized. Nevertheless, xenograft PeCa models must be used with caution, taking into consideration the selection of specific cell populations and anatomical sites for cell/tumor implantation.

ROBO1 deletion as a novel germline alteration in breast and colorectal cancer patients.

Despite one third of breast (BC) and colorectal cancer (CRC) cases having a hereditary component, only a small proportion can be explained by germline mutations. The aim of this study was to identify potential genomic alterations related to cancer predisposition. Copy number variations (CNVs) were interrogated in 113 unrelated cases fulfilling the criteria for hereditary BC/CRC and presenting non-pathogenic mutations in BRCA1, BRCA2, MLH1, MSH2, TP53, and CHEK2 genes. An identical germline deep intronic deletion of ROBO1 was identified in three index patients using two microarray platforms (Agilent 4x180K and Affymetrix CytoScan HD). The ROBO1 deletion was confirmed by quantitative PCR (qPCR). Six relatives were also evaluated by CytoScan HD Array. Genomic analysis confirmed a co-segregation of the ROBO1 deletion with the occurrence of cancer in two families. Direct sequencing revealed no pathogenic ROBO1 point mutations. Transcriptomic analysis (HTA 2.0, Affymetrix) in two breast carcinomas from a single patient revealed ROBO1 down-expression with no splicing events near the intronic deletion. Deeper in silico analysis showed several enhancer regions and a histone methylation mark in the deleted region. The ROBO1 deletion in a putative transcriptional regulatory region, its down-expression in tumor samples, and the results of the co-segregation analysis revealing the presence of the alteration in affected individuals suggest a pathogenic effect of the ROBO1 in cancer predisposition.