Cancer Overview
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Graph generated 01 September 2019 using data from PubMed using criteria.Literature Analysis
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Tag cloud generated 31 August, 2019 using data from PubMed, MeSH and CancerIndex
Specific Cancers (4)
Data table showing topics related to specific cancers and associated disorders. Scope includes mutations and abnormal protein expression.
Note: list is not exhaustive. Number of papers are based on searches of PubMed (click on topic title for arbitrary criteria used).
Useful Links
RREB1
OMIM, Johns Hopkin University
Referenced article focusing on the relationship between phenotype and genotype.
RREB1
International Cancer Genome Consortium.
Summary of gene and mutations by cancer type from ICGC
RREB1
Cancer Genome Anatomy Project, NCI
Gene Summary
RREB1
COSMIC, Sanger Institute
Somatic mutation information and related details
RREB1
GEO Profiles, NCBI
Search the gene expression profiles from curated DataSets in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) repository.
Latest Publications: RREB1 (cancer-related)
Ewing sarcoma (EWS) is a pediatric cancer characterized by the EWSR1-FLI1 fusion. We performed a genome-wide association study of 733 EWS cases and 1346 unaffected individuals of European ancestry. Our study replicates previously reported susceptibility loci at 1p36.22, 10q21.3 and 15q15.1, and identifies new loci at 6p25.1, 20p11.22 and 20p11.23. Effect estimates exhibit odds ratios in excess of 1.7, which is high for cancer GWAS, and striking in light of the rarity of EWS cases in familial cancer syndromes. Expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) analyses identify candidate genes at 6p25.1 (RREB1) and 20p11.23 (KIZ). The 20p11.22 locus is near NKX2-2, a highly overexpressed gene in EWS. Interestingly, most loci reside near GGAA repeat sequences and may disrupt binding of the EWSR1-FLI1 fusion protein. The high locus to case discovery ratio from 733 EWS cases suggests a genetic architecture in which moderate risk SNPs constitute a significant fraction of risk.
Siegfried A, Romary C, Escudié F, et al.
RREB1-MKL2 fusion in biphenotypic "oropharyngeal" sarcoma: New entity or part of the spectrum of biphenotypic sinonasal sarcomas?Genes Chromosomes Cancer. 2018; 57(4):203-210 [
PubMed]
Related Publications
An increasing number of sarcomas displaying a primitive, monomorphic spindle cell phenotype have been shown to harbor recurrent gene fusions, including biphenotypic sinonasal sarcoma (SNS). Occurring in the sinonasal area of middle-aged patients, SNS is a locally aggressive tumor harboring in 90% of cases recurrent gene fusions involving the PAX3 gene, in which the chimeric transcription factor induces an aberrant dual myogenic and neural phenotype. Here, we report an unusual oropharyngeal monomorphic spindle cell sarcoma in a 53-year-old man that revealed a novel RREB1-MKL2 gene fusion by RNA sequencing with the Illumina TruSight RNA Fusion Panel. The gene fusion was validated by RT-PCR. Although the tumor location is unusual (but head and neck seated), most of the other clinical, morphologic, immunophenotypic (focal combined expression of S100 protein, SMA, desmin, and myogenin) and oncogenic data suggest that this biphenotypic "oropharyngeal" sarcoma is closely related to the biphenotypic SNS spectrum. Notably, the RREB1-MKL2 chimeric transcription factor encoded by this fusion gene produced an increase in MKL2 expression, which regulates both neural and myogenic differentiation, mimicking the crucial role of PAX3 reported in SNS oncogenesis. NGS and especially RNA sequencing may be used to identify new candidate fusion oncogenes in soft tissue tumors, which would help in updating the existing classification. In turn, this would lead to better therapeutic management of patients.
Su J, Yu W, Liu J, et al.
Fluorescence in situ hybridisation as an ancillary tool in the diagnosis of acral melanoma: a review of 44 cases.Pathology. 2017; 49(7):740-749 [
PubMed]
Related Publications
Acral melanoma is associated with outcomes which are more unfavourable than those of other melanoma subtypes, and acral melanoma has higher mortality. However, histological distinction of acral melanoma from acral naevi may be difficult. Fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) targeting specific genes has been used as an ancillary method for differential diagnosis of melanocytic tumours, but most previous studies have focused on non-acral lesions which may have genetic alterations different from acral lesions. We evaluated use of multi-site FISH in the diagnosis of acral melanoma in a series of 82 acral melanocytic tumours. Two probe groups were applied. Probe set 1 involved a 4-probe FISH targeting 6p25 (RREB1), CEP6 (centromere 6), 6q23 (MYB) and 11q13 (CCND1). Probe set 2 involved a 3-probe FISH targeting 8q24 (MYC), 9p21 (CDKN2A) and CEP9 (centromere 9). In 44 primary acral melanomas, sensitivity was 70.5% (31/44) using probe set 1 alone, and 59.1% (26/44) using probe set 2 alone. When both probe sets were combined, sensitivity increased to 88.6% (39/44). The frequency of each gene alteration was as follows: MYC gain in 54.5% cases (24/44), RREB1 gain in 52.3% cases (23/44), CCND1 gain in 45.4% cases (20/44), MYB loss relative to CEP6 in 25.0% cases (11/44), and CDKN2A homozygous deletion in 20.5% cases (9/44). For lesions with both in situ and invasive disease, FISH findings in these two components were similar. No gene alterations were detected in any of 36 benign acral naevi. In this study FISH exhibited sensitivity and specificity in diagnosis of acral melanoma which allows its application as an auxiliary diagnostic test in acral melanocytic tumours.
Rand AJ, Flejter WL, Dowling CA, et al.
Atypical ALK-positive Spitz tumors with 9p21 homozygous deletion: Report of two cases and review of the literature.J Cutan Pathol. 2018; 45(2):136-140 [
PubMed]
Related Publications
ALK rearrangements occur in up to 10% of spitzoid melanocytic neoplasms. No reported cases have shown homozygous deletion of 9p21 (CDKN2A) or gains of 6p25 (RREB1) or 11q13 (CCND1), which have been associated with aggressive clinical behavior. Here we report 2 unique cases. Case 1 occurred in a 9-year-old male with a 14-mm nodule on the anterior left thigh. Biopsy revealed an ALK-positive Spitz tumor containing an irregular nodule of densely packed melanocytes with increased mitoses and loss of p16 immunoreactivity. FISH analysis showed homozygous deletion of 9p21 and gain of 6p25. Sentinel lymph node biopsy revealed small subcapsular foci of tumor. Case 2 occurred in a 7-year-old female with a 12-mm nodule on the anterior right ankle. Biopsy revealed an ALK-positive Spitz tumor containing an expansile nodule of pleomorphic epithelioid melanocytes with numerous mitoses and loss of p16 immunoreactivity. By FISH, the nodule showed homozygous deletion of 9p21 and gains of 6p25 and 11q13. Our cases show the transformation of tumors produced by an activating kinase fusion gene (ALK) through secondary genetic changes including loss of tumor suppressor activity (CDKN2A). Long-term follow up will be important to further define the behavior of these unique Spitz tumors.
We performed integrated genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic profiling of 150 pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) specimens, including samples with characteristic low neoplastic cellularity. Deep whole-exome sequencing revealed recurrent somatic mutations in KRAS, TP53, CDKN2A, SMAD4, RNF43, ARID1A, TGFβR2, GNAS, RREB1, and PBRM1. KRAS wild-type tumors harbored alterations in other oncogenic drivers, including GNAS, BRAF, CTNNB1, and additional RAS pathway genes. A subset of tumors harbored multiple KRAS mutations, with some showing evidence of biallelic mutations. Protein profiling identified a favorable prognosis subset with low epithelial-mesenchymal transition and high MTOR pathway scores. Associations of non-coding RNAs with tumor-specific mRNA subtypes were also identified. Our integrated multi-platform analysis reveals a complex molecular landscape of PDAC and provides a roadmap for precision medicine.
Weissinger SE, Frick M, Möller P, et al.
Performance Testing of RREB1, MYB, and CCND1 Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization in Spindle-Cell and Desmoplastic Melanoma Argues for a Two-Step Test Algorithm.Int J Surg Pathol. 2017; 25(2):148-157 [
PubMed]
Related Publications
BACKGROUND: Diagnostic confirmation of spindle-cell melanoma (SM) or desmoplastic melanoma (DM) as a melanoma can be challenging. In conventional melanoma (CM), a recently established fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) assay for RREB1, MYB, CCND1 can be helpful. Here, we determined the presence of RREB1, MYB, and CCND1 abnormalities in an SM/DM/mixed cohort.
METHODS: We assembled 49 cases and performed 3 separate hybridizations for RREB1/MYB/CCND1. We assessed clinical utility in diagnostically challenging cases and performed a cost and turnaround time analysis.
RESULTS: With regard to the diagnosis of melanoma, the FISH assay is 76% sensitive (n = 31/41 true positives melanomas) and 88% specific (n = 1/8 false positive desmoplastic nevi). The prevalence of abnormalities in DM is lower (12/19 cases, 63%; P = .03) than in SM (15/18 cases, 83%; P = .27), mixed (4 of 4 cases), or the reported sensitivity in CM (345/411 cases, 84%). The implied genetic differences in DM result in a higher false negative rate in DM (37%). Despite these limitations, when restricted to diagnostically challenging cases (n = 23), the FISH assay and, in particular, RREB1 was able to confirm melanoma in 70% (n = 16/23). Individual probe sensitivities ( RREB1 > MYB > CCND1) and a cost and turnaround time analysis argues for a 2-step test algorithm that reduces the economic impact of FISH testing considerably (~55%; n = 69 vs 123 hybridizations).
CONCLUSION: We propose a step-by-step genetic testing algorithm to support the diagnosis of melanoma in the setting of SM/DM and show that FISH testing is useful in diagnostically challenging cases.
Activating mutations of KRAS are nearly ubiquitous in pancreatic adenocarcinomas occurring in greater than 90% of cases. Cellular transformation by oncogenic RAS requires the RHO guanine exchange factor ARHGEF2 (also known as GEF-H1) for tumor growth and survival. Here, we find oncogenic KRAS activates ARHGEF2 through a minimal RAS responsive promoter. We have determined the endogenous ARHGEF2 promoter is positively regulated by the transcription factors ELK1, ETS1, SP1 and SP3 and negatively regulated by the RAS responsive element binding protein (RREB1). We find that the panel of ARHGEF2-regulating transcription factors modulates RAS transformed phenotypes including cellular viability, anchorage-independent growth and invasion-migration of pancreatic cancer cells. RREB1 knockdown activates the amplitude and duration of RHOA via increased ARHGEF2 expression. By relieving the negative regulation of RREB1 on the ARHGEF2 promoter, we determined that ETS1 and SP3 are essential for the normal expression of ARHGEF2 and contribute to the migratory behavior of pancreatic cancer cells. Furthermore, enforced expression of ARHGEF2 rescues loss of SP3 driven invasion-migration and anchorage-independent growth defective phenotypes through restored activation of RHOA. Collectively, our results identify a transcription factor program required for RAS transformation and provide mechanistic insight into the highly metastatic behavior of pancreatic cancer.
Palicelli A, Disanto MG, Panzarasa G, et al.
Orbital meningeal melanocytoma: Histological, immunohistochemical and molecular characterization of a case and review of the literature.Pathol Res Pract. 2016; 212(10):946-953 [
PubMed]
Related Publications
AIMS: We provide morphological, immunohistochemical and molecular characterization of the 3rd "intermediate-grade" orbital meningeal melanocytoma, testing for the first time Vysis Melanoma FISH Probe Kit. We reviewed the literature in order to discuss the main differential diagnoses and to provide a better molecular description of these unusual tumors of difficult diagnosis and controversial management.
METHODS: Histochemical stains (Haematoxylin and Eosin, Perls, reticulin), immunohistochemistry (HMB45, p16, Melan-A, S100, EMA, Ki67, CD68), polymerase chain reaction amplification and sequence analysis (BRAF, exon 15; NRAS exons 2 and 3; c-KIT, exons 11, 13, 17, 18; GNAQ, exons 4 and 5; GNA11, exons 4 and 5) and fluorescent in situ hybridization (RREB1, 6p25; MYB, 6q23; CCND1, 11q13; CEP 6, 6p11.1-q11.1) were performed on paraffin-embedded, formalin-fixed material.
RESULTS: Histological diagnosis of "intermediate-grade" melanocytoma was supported by zonal necrosis and increased Ki67-index (12%). Immunophenotype: HMB45+(strong, >75%), Melan-A+(strong, >75%), p16+(∼20%), S100 -/+ (<5%), EMA -/+ (<5%), CD68 - (positive histiocytes). No gene mutations nor copy-number alterations were identified. The patient was asymptomatic and disease-free 3 years after total surgical excision.
CONCLUSIONS: Adequate sampling and accurate immunohistochemical characterization are important for a correct diagnosis. Molecular analysis could provide important additional information (especially for "intermediate-grade" tumors), but further data are needed.
Romano RC, Shon W, Sukov WR
Malignant Melanoma of the Nail Apparatus: A Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization Analysis of 7 Cases.Int J Surg Pathol. 2016; 24(6):512-8 [
PubMed]
Related Publications
Background Malignant melanoma of the nail apparatus is exceedingly rare. Increasingly, genetic studies have been employed to aid in distinguishing between malignant melanoma and benign melanocytic nevi. Methods Archived nail apparatus melanomas were analyzed by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) using probes targeting the genes at 6p25 (RREB1), 11q13 (CCND1), 8q24.1 (MYC), 6q23 (MYB), 9p21 (CDKN2A) and the centromeres of chromosomes 8 (D8Z2) and 6 (D6Z1). The results were correlated with clinical and demographic information. Results Mean patient age was 57.8 years (range 23-92 years). In all, 5 of 7 (71%) cases involved the upper extremity digits. RREB1 gain was seen in all cases. CCND1 gain was seen in 6 of 7 (86%) cases, 3 of which were amplified. MYB loss and MYC gain were both seen in 5 of 7 (71%) cases. Homozygous loss of CDKN2A was not observed in any case. Two of 7 (28.6%) patients had lymph node metastasis and died of widely metastatic disease. These 2 patients harbored the most genetic aberrations: gains of RREB1, CCND1, and MYC, and MYB loss. Both benign melanocytic nevi controls showed normal FISH results. Conclusions RREB1 and CCND1 gains are common in nail apparatus melanoma as in most melanomas, and an increased number of genetic aberrations may be associated with a poorer prognosis, though the limited number of cases precludes definitive correlation. FISH appears to be a useful adjunct in the diagnosis of nail apparatus melanomas and improves diagnostic confidence even in the setting of unambiguous histomorphology.
Campa M, Patel M, Aubert P, et al.
Blue Nevus-Like Metastasis of a Cutaneous Melanoma Identified by Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization.Am J Dermatopathol. 2016; 38(9):695-7 [
PubMed]
Related Publications
A blue nevus-like melanoma is a rare melanoma variant arising from or histologically similar to a blue nevus. It can be challenging to distinguish a cellular blue nevus from a blue nevus-like melanoma, particularly in cases of blue nevus-like melanoma lacking a transition from a clearly benign component. We present a case of a 78-year-old man who refused treatment for a previously existing melanoma and subsequently developed a gray nodule near the site of the previous melanoma. After fluorescence in situ hybridization revealed copy number gains in RREB1, this was diagnosed as a blue nevus-like metastatic melanoma. Blue nevus-like metastatic melanoma is most commonly seen near the site of the primary cutaneous melanoma. This entity should be considered in a patient with a history of melanoma and a new blue nevus-like lesion.
Liang Y, Sun R, Li L, et al.
A Functional Polymorphism in the Promoter of MiR-143/145 Is Associated With the Risk of Cervical Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Chinese Women: A Case-Control Study.Medicine (Baltimore). 2015; 94(31):e1289 [
PubMed]
Free Access to Full Article Related Publications
MiR-143/145 is down-regulated in cervical cancer, which may serve as a tumor suppressor by targeting KRAS and Ras-responsive element-binding protein (RREB1). Activated KRAS leads to down-regulation of miR-143/145 transcription in a RREB1-dependent manner, establishing a miR-143/145-KRAS-RREB1 feedback loop. A polymorphism rs4705343C/T in the promoter of miR-143/145 might influence the binding of TATA-binding protein. We hypothesized that the miR-143/145 rs4705343 and KRAS rs712 may be related to the occurrence of cervical squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC). In this study, we genotyped the 2 polymorphisms in 415 patients with CSCC and 504 controls using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. The promoter activities were measured by the Dual-Luciferase Reporter Assay System. We found that the rs4705343TC genotype was associated with an increased risk of CSCC (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 1.37; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05-1.80). The significantly increased association was also observed in a dominant genetic model (adjusted OR = 1.32; 95% CI, 1.01-1.72). Combined analysis showed that individuals carrying the genotypes of rs4705343 TC/CC and rs712GT/TT had a 1.47-fold increased risk of CSCC (adjusted OR = 1.47; 95% CI, 1.01-2.15). By using multifactor dimensionality reduction software method, we identified a significant interaction between the miR-143/145 rs4705343 and KRAS rs712. Dual-Luciferase Reporter Assay showed that the luciferase activity was significantly lower in cells transfected with the rs4705343C allele than that of the rs4705343T allele. These findings indicate that miR-143/145 rs4705343 and KRAS rs712 may contribute to the etiology of CSCC in Chinese women.
Dika E, Fanti PA, Fiorentino M, et al.
Spitzoid tumors in children and adults: a comparative clinical, pathological, and cytogenetic analysis.Melanoma Res. 2015; 25(4):295-301 [
PubMed]
Related Publications
Spitzoid neoplasms may represent a difficult diagnosis in the practice of dermatopathology. We evaluated the concordance of the fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH) assay, histopathology, and dermoscopy in a group of adults and in a group of children with spitzoid neoplasms. The FISH assay, designed to detect the copy number of the RREB1 (6p25), MYB (6q23), and CCND1 (11q13) genes and of centromere 6 (Cep 6), was performed in a group of children and in a group of adults with a histopathologic diagnosis of spitzoid neoplasms. FISH data were compared with dermoscopy and histopathology. Fifteen spitzoid neoplasms were collected from 13 patients (five children and eight adults): nine lesions were histologically diagnosed as typical Spitz nevi; three lesions were melanomas and three were atypical Spitz nevi. The conventional FISH criteria were concordant with the clinical and histopathologic diagnosis of Spitz nevi in four adults and in three children. FISH criteria of the other neoplasms showed a concordance with the histopathologic diagnosis in three cases. Discordant results were obtained in five cases (two children, three adults). The FISH melanoma assay proved more reliable in spitzoid lesions found in adults than in children. This assay should be interpreted carefully in pediatric patients with Spitz nevi in the context of histological features as melanomas in the pediatric population may show distinct chromosomal aberrations.
Pletneva MA, Andea A, Palanisamy N, et al.
Clear cell melanoma: a cutaneous clear cell malignancy.Arch Pathol Lab Med. 2014; 138(10):1328-36 [
PubMed]
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Clear cell melanoma is a rare clear cell malignancy. Accurate diagnosis of clear cell melanoma requires integration of immunohistochemical and morphologic findings, with molecular studies to rule out clear cell sarcoma. The differential diagnosis includes melanoma, carcinoma, perivascular epithelioid cell tumor, and epidermotropic clear cell sarcoma. We use a case of a lesion on the helix of an 86-year-old man as an example. Histologic examination revealed an ulcerated clear cell malignant tumor. Tumor cell cytoplasm contained periodic acid-Schiff-positive, diastase-sensitive glycogen. Tumor cells showed positive labeling for S100, HMB-45, and Melan-A, and negative labeling for cytokeratins, p63, and smooth muscle actin. Molecular studies demonstrated BRAF V600E mutation, copy gains at the 6p25 (RREB1) and 11q13 (CCND1) loci, and absence of EWSR1-ATF1 fusion. These findings supported a diagnosis of clear cell melanoma. The rare pure clear cell morphology occurs due to accumulation of intracytoplasmic glycogen. We review the differential diagnosis of clear cell melanoma and describe the utility of immunohistochemical and molecular studies in confirming this diagnosis.
Magro CM, Abraham RM, Guo R, et al.
Deep penetrating nevus-like borderline tumors: A unique subset of ambiguous melanocytic tumors with malignant potential and normal cytogenetics.Eur J Dermatol. 2014 Sep-Oct; 24(5):594-602 [
PubMed]
Related Publications
BACKGROUND: Deep penetrating nevi (DPN) are a relatively uncommon subtype of melanocytic nevi. A small subset of these lesions exhibit atypical features (cytologic and architectural atypia, mitotic activity) seen in melanoma. These lesions we term the deep penetrating nevus-like borderline tumor. Unequivocal melanomas can show overlapping morphologic features of DPN, which have been termed plexiform melanomas.
PATIENTS AND METHODS: 40 cases of DPN-like borderline tumor were identified along with 6 cases of plexiform melanoma. Clinical follow up was obtained, along with cytogenetic analysis in the form of fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) and/or comparative genomic hybridization (CGH).
RESULTS: The DPN-like borderline tumor cases included 24 females and 16 males. Of sentinel lymph node biopsies performed, 1/3 of cases showed lymph node involvement. All patients where an aggressive clinical approach was adopted remain free of disease. All 6 DPN-like borderline tumor cases tested by CGH showed normal cytogenetics, as did 7 of 9 cases tested by FISH. Of the plexiform melanomas, 4/6 patients died of disease. In 3 cases there was morphologic progression from a DPN-like borderline tumor to overt melanoma. In one case of progression, cytogenetics was normal in the DPN-like borderline tumor and then abnormal in the progressed melanoma.
CONCLUSION: DPN-like borderline tumors are melanocytic tumors associated with a high incidence of regional lymph node disease and exhibiting the potential for melanoma progression despite a normal cytogenetic profile. Patients with these lesions should be aggressively managed, with at least complete re-excision and consideration of sentinel node biopsy, regardless of cytogenetic data.
While the cytogenetic and genetic characteristics of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemias (ALL) are well studied, less clearly understood are the contributing epigenetic mechanisms that influence the leukemia phenotype. Our previous studies and others identified gene mutation (RAS) and DNA methylation (FHIT) to be associated with the most common cytogenetic subgroup of childhood ALL, high hyperdiploidy (having five more chromosomes). We screened DNA methylation profiles, using a genome-wide high-dimension platform of 166 childhood ALLs and 6 normal pre-B cell samples and observed a strong association of DNA methylation status at the PTPRG locus in human samples with levels of PTPRG gene expression as well as with RAS gene mutation status. In the 293 cell line, we found that PTPRG expression induces dephosphorylation of ERK, a downstream RAS target that may be critical for mutant RAS-induced cell growth. In addition, PTPRG expression is upregulated by RAS activation under DNA hypomethylating conditions. An element within the PTPRG promoter is bound by the RAS-responsive transcription factor RREB1, also under hypomethylating conditions. In conclusion, we provide evidence that DNA methylation of the PTPRG gene is a complementary event in oncogenesis induced by RAS mutations. Evidence for additional roles for PTPR family member genes is also suggested. This provides a potential therapeutic target for RAS-related leukemias as well as insight into childhood ALL etiology and pathophysiology.
Ponti G, Ruini C, Massi D, et al.
Fluorescence in-situ hybridization and dermoscopy in the assessment of controversial melanocytic tumors.Melanoma Res. 2013; 23(6):474-80 [
PubMed]
Related Publications
Although the 'gold standard' for melanoma diagnosis remains histopathological analysis, presently dermoscopists play a significant role in the diagnostic process. However, even a combined approach may not allow a clear-cut judgment on equivocal melanocytic lesions. Fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH) can offer assistance in the evaluation of chromosome abnormalities associated with malignancies, and its role is emerging in melanoma diagnosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic role of the FISH in the assessment of controversial lesions, defined as those lesions showing discrepancies between dermatoscopic and histological evaluations. Twenty clinically and histologically ambiguous melanocytic lesions were selected. After the first histopathologic diagnosis, a second pathologist examined the specimens in a blinded review for a second opinion and to identify the most suitable areas to hybridize using probes specific to RREB1, MYB, and CCND1 genes and the centromere of chromosome 6. The first histopathological evaluation led to the diagnosis of melanoma in seven cases, whereas the second identified eight cases of malignant melanoma and was in agreement with the first in 65% of cases and with dermoscopy in 40% of cases. Cytogenetic abnormalities detected by FISH are markers of malignancy that can be useful in the characterization of difficult-to-diagnose melanocytic tumors, when the dermatologist and the pathologist have a different opinions.
Stem cell pluripotency, angiogenesis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) have been shown to be significantly upregulated in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and many other aggressive cancers. The dysregulation of these processes is believed to play key roles in tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis, and is contributory to PDAC being the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the US. The tumor suppressor miRNA miR-145 downregulates critical pluripotency factors and oncogenes and results in repressed metastatic potential in PDAC. Additionally, the miR-200 family regulates several angiogenic factors which have been linked to metastasis in many solid tumors. We have previously demonstrated that downregulation of DCLK1 can upregulate critical miRNAs in both in vitro and in vivo cancer models and results in downregulation of c-MYC, KRAS, NOTCH1 and EMT-related transcription factors. A recent report has also shown that Dclk1 can distinguish between normal and tumor stem cells in Apc (min/+) mice and that ablation of Dclk1(+) cells resulted in regression of intestinal polyps without affecting homeostasis. Here we demonstrate that the knockdown of DCLK1 using poly(lactide-co-glycolide)-encapsulated-DCLK1-siRNA results in AsPC1 tumor growth arrest. Examination of xenograft tumors revealed, (a) increased miR-145 which results in decreased pluripotency maintenance factors OCT4, SOX2, NANOG, KLF4 as well as KRAS and RREB1; (b) increased let-7a which results in decreased pluripotency factor LIN28B; and (c) increased miR-200 which results in decreased VEGFR1, VEGFR2 and EMT-related transcription factors ZEB1, ZEB2, SNAIL and SLUG. Specificity of DCLK1 post-transcriptional regulation of the downstream targets of miR-145, miR-200 and let-7a was accomplished utilizing a luciferase-based reporter assay. We conclude that DCLK1 plays a significant master regulatory role in pancreatic tumorigenesis through the regulation of multiple tumor suppressor miRNAs and their downstream pro-tumorigenic pathways. This novel concept of targeting DCLK1 alone has several advantages over targeting single pathway or miRNA-based therapies for PDAC.
Small non-coding RNAs, microRNAs (miRNA), inhibit the translation or accelerate the degradation of message RNA (mRNA) by targeting the 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) in regulating growth and survival through gene suppression. Deregulated miRNA expression contributes to disease progression in several cancers types, including pancreatic cancers (PaCa). PaCa tissues and cells exhibit decreased miRNA, elevated cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and increased prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) resulting in increased cancer growth and metastases. Human PaCa cell lines were used to demonstrate that restoration of miRNA-143 (miR-143) regulates COX-2 and inhibits cell proliferation. miR-143 were detected at fold levels of 0.41 ± 0.06 in AsPC-1, 0.20 ± 0.05 in Capan-2 and 0.10 ± 0.02 in MIA PaCa-2. miR-143 was not detected in BxPC-3, HPAF-II and Panc-1 which correlated with elevated mitogen-activated kinase (MAPK) and MAPK kinase (MEK) activation. Treatment with 10 μM of MEK inhibitor U0126 or PD98059 increased miR-143, respectively, by 187 ± 18 and 152 ± 26-fold in BxPC-3 and 182 ± 7 and 136 ± 9-fold in HPAF-II. miR-143 transfection diminished COX-2 mRNA stability at 60 min by 2.6 ± 0.3-fold in BxPC-3 and 2.5 ± 0.2-fold in HPAF-II. COX-2 expression and cellular proliferation in BxPC-3 and HPAF-II inversely correlated with increasing miR-143. PGE2 levels decreased by 39.3 ± 5.0% in BxPC-3 and 48.0 ± 3.0% in HPAF-II transfected with miR-143. Restoration of miR-143 in PaCa cells suppressed of COX-2, PGE2, cellular proliferation and MEK/MAPK activation, implicating this pathway in regulating miR-143 expression.
Wang L, Rao M, Fang Y, et al.
A genome-wide high-resolution array-CGH analysis of cutaneous melanoma and comparison of array-CGH to FISH in diagnostic evaluation.J Mol Diagn. 2013; 15(5):581-91 [
PubMed]
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Benign melanocytic nevi and cutaneous melanomas can be difficult to differentiate by means of routine microscopic analysis. Recent evidence has suggested that cytogenomic analysis may be a useful diagnostic method for evaluation of melanocytic proliferations. We investigated the array-based comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) platform for DNA copy number analysis of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues in melanocytic tumors and compared aCGH analysis with fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) assays in diagnosis of melanoma. aCGH findings and FISH results were interpreted independently in a blinded fashion. Positive findings were not noted in any benign nevi at aCGH analysis, whereas substantial unbalanced genomic aberrations were revealed in 92% of melanomas. Positive results were obtained in 72% of melanomas via the four-probe FISH assay (RREB1/MYB/CEP6/CCND1). A few additional FISH studies were performed to verify some aCGH findings of focal amplification of oncogenes and homozygous deletion of tumor suppressor genes. The overall concordance in aberrations detected using the two methods was 90%. Most discrepancies were due to a minor abnormal clone identified via FISH that was below analytical sensitivity of the FFPE aCGH test. Our study demonstrated that copy number analysis of FFPE tumor samples via aCGH is a robust and reliable method in diagnosis of melanoma and that aCGH and FISH tests should be used as complementary methods to improve the accuracy of genetic evaluation of melanocytic tumors.
Tuborgh A, Meyer C, Marschalek R, et al.
Complex three-way translocation involving MLL, ELL, RREB1, and CMAHP genes in an infant with acute myeloid leukemia and t(6;19;11)(p22.2;p13.1;q23.3).Cytogenet Genome Res. 2013; 141(1):7-15 [
PubMed]
Related Publications
Rearrangements affecting the MLL gene in hematological malignancies are associated with poor prognosis. Most often they are reciprocal translocations and more rarely complex forms involving at least 3 chromosomes. We describe an unusual case with cutaneous leukemic infiltrates that waxed and waned until progression to acute myeloid leukemia, AML-M5. The leukemic cells harbored a novel apparent 3-way translocation t(6;19;11)(p22.2;p13.1;q23.3). We utilized advanced molecular cytogenetic methods including 24-color karyotyping, high-resolution array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) and DNA sequencing to characterize the genomic complement in the leukemic cells from aspirated bone marrow cells at AML diagnosis. Karyotyping showed 47,XY,t(6;19;11)(p22;p13;q23),+der(6)t(6;11)(p22;q23)[17]/48,sl,+8[3]/48,sl,+8,der(12)t(1;12)(q11;p13)[3]/ 48,sdl,der(Y)t(Y;1)(q12;q11),+8[7] conferring MLL-ELL fusion. Oligo-aCGH analysis confirmed gains of 6p22qter and 11q23.3qter involving the CMAHP and MLL genes, respectively. DNA sequencing disclosed an additional breakpoint at 6p24.3 (at RREB1 gene). Retrospective fluorescence in situ hybridization revealed presence of the MLL-involving rearrangement in the initial stages of disease before clear morphological signs of bone marrow involvement. The patient responded well to therapy and remains in remission>6 years from diagnosis. This apparent 3-way translocation is remarkable because of its rarity and presentation with myeloid sarcoma, and may, as more cases are characterized, further our understanding onto how such complex translocations contribute to promote leukemogenesis and respond to therapy.
Dyduch G, Jach R, Huras H, et al.
Recurrent vulvar melanoma in 35-year-old pregnant women.J Low Genit Tract Dis. 2013; 17(2):223-5 [
PubMed]
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Vulvar melanoma represents between 3% and 10% of vulvar neoplasms. We present a case of a 34-year-old pregnant woman presenting with a pigmented lesion on the left labium majus; she reported no family history of melanoma. The histological diagnosis was malignant melanoma, superficial spreading type, with Breslow thickness of 0.9 mm; the excision was complete. Eight months before, an atypical genital nevus was completely excised from a nearby location. The pregnancy was finished by cesarean delivery at term, and 3 months later, another pigmented lesion was noticed near but not within the scars. Partial right vulvectomy was performed, and histological diagnosis was malignant melanoma of superficial spreading type, with Breslow thickness of 0.7 mm. The specimen obtained in the first operation was reviewed, and although histological examination was diagnostic for atypical genital nevus, Vysis Melanoma Fluorescence in situ hybridization Probe Kit revealed increased copy numbers of RREB1, which could be consistent with a diagnosis of malignant melanoma.
Mudhar HS, Smith K, Talley P, et al.
Fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) in histologically challenging conjunctival melanocytic lesions.Br J Ophthalmol. 2013; 97(1):40-6 [
PubMed]
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BACKGROUND: Even in experienced hands, the classification of some melanocytic lesions of the conjunctiva remains challenging. In skin pathology, the recent application of fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) has been demonstrated to be of use for the analysis and diagnosis of ambiguous melanocytic neoplasms of the skin. This study set out to evaluate this method on seven prospective conjunctival cases that were histologically equivocal.
METHODS: 18 unequivocal retrospective melanocytic controls were exposed to FISH. Commercially available probes assessing copy numbers of RREB1 (6p25), MYB (6q23) and CCND1 (11q13) genes compared with CEP6 (a chromosome six centromeric reference point) were used. After control verification, seven prospective, equivocal cases were identified and exposed to FISH.
RESULTS: There was complete correlation between FISH result and the control section histopathology report. Control cases of melanoma cases were all positive for FISH and control benign lesions were negative. Of the seven equivocal cases, five were positive and classed as invasive melanoma or melanoma-in situ, one was negative and one tetraploid, classed as negative (these last two cases were classed as naevi with careful clinical observation).
CONCLUSIONS: FISH is very useful in classifying equivocal conjunctival melanocytic lesions, especially those with atypical junctional activity and naevoid melanocytic proliferations of the conjunctiva.
Requena C, Rubio L, Traves V, et al.
Fluorescence in situ hybridization for the differential diagnosis between Spitz naevus and spitzoid melanoma.Histopathology. 2012; 61(5):899-909 [
PubMed]
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AIMS: The differential diagnosis between Spitz naevus and spitzoid melanoma can be extremely difficult, or even impossible. In recent years, many attempts have been made to find specific histopathological or immunohistochemical markers, although none has proved successful. Because the prognosis and treatment of each are very different, it is important to distinguish between these entities. We evaluated the ability of the fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) assay-designed to detect the copy number of the RREB1 (6p25), MYB (6q23) and CCND1 (11q13) genes and of centromere 6 (Cep 6)-in order to distinguish between Spitz naevus and spitzoid melanoma.
METHODS AND RESULTS: We evaluated 12 spitzoid melanomas and six Spitz naevi from our records. The diagnosis of both conditions was based on previously described histopathological criteria. We obtained valuable results for FISH in eight spitzoid melanomas and five Spitz naevi. Chromosomal aberrations were detected in seven of the eight spitzoid melanomas (FISH-positive) and in none of the five Spitz naevi. The FISH-negative spitzoid melanoma was the least typical in its group.
CONCLUSIONS: FISH was able to distinguish between Spitz naevus and spitzoid melanoma, with a sensitivity of 87.5% and a specificity of 100%. Our findings suggest that FISH could prove a useful tool in the differential diagnosis between these entities.
Turri-Zanoni M, Medicina D, Lombardi D, et al.
Sinonasal mucosal melanoma: Molecular profile and therapeutic implications from a series of 32 cases.Head Neck. 2013; 35(8):1066-77 [
PubMed]
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BACKGROUND: Primary sinonasal mucosal melanomas are aggressive tumors with a poor clinical control by current treatments, raising the urgent need of novel strategies.
METHODS: By fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), direct sequencing, and immunohistochemistry, we investigate the spectrum of molecular abnormalities in a cohort of 32 cases of primary sinonasal mucosal melanomas.
RESULTS: We found that all primary sinonasal mucosal melanomas lack BRAF V600E mutation; in addition, they are characterized by somatic mutations of NRAS (22%) and KIT (12.5%), together with amplification of RREB1 (100%) and loss of MYB (76%). The large majority of cases showed KIT protein expression (96.9%). Among tumor suppressor genes, primary sinonasal mucosal melanomas showed loss of PTEN (48.1%) and p16/INK4a (55.2%). All tested cases showed expression of pAkt and pErk, suggesting a combined activation of PI3K/Akt and RAS-mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways.
CONCLUSIONS: This molecular fingerprint strongly argues against the clinical efficacy of BRAF-inhibitors, but could candidate primary sinonasal mucosal melanomas to therapeutic strategies targeting RAS and KIT mutations or inhibiting PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathway.
Kent OA, Fox-Talbot K, Halushka MK
RREB1 repressed miR-143/145 modulates KRAS signaling through downregulation of multiple targets.Oncogene. 2013; 32(20):2576-85 [
PubMed]
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A lack of expression of miR-143 and miR-145 has been demonstrated to be a frequent feature of colorectal tumors. Activating KRAS mutations have been reported in 30-60% of colorectal cancers and an inverse correlation between Kras and miR-143/145 expression has been observed. Previously, we have demonstrated that oncogenic Kras leads to repression of the miR-143/145 cluster in pancreatic cancer and is dependent on the Ras responsive element (RRE) binding protein (RREB1), which negatively regulates miR-143/145 expression. In the present study, we have found that RREB1 is overexpressed in colorectal adenocarcinoma tumors and cell lines, and the expression of the miR-143/145 primary transcript is inversely related to RREB1 expression. In colorectal cancer cell lines, the miR-143/145 cluster is repressed by RREB1 downstream of constitutively active KRAS. RREB1 is activated by the MAPK pathway and negatively represses the miR-143/145 promoter through interaction with two RREs. In addition, overexpression of miR-143 or miR-145 in HCT116 cells abrogates signaling through the MAPK, PI3K and JNK pathways by downregulation of both KRAS and RREB1 in addition to downregulation of a cohort of genes in the MAPK signaling cascade. These results establish a complex network of regulation through which the miR-143/145 cluster is able to modulate KRAS signaling in colorectal cancer.
Martin V, Banfi S, Bordoni A, et al.
Presence of cytogenetic abnormalities in Spitz naevi: a diagnostic challenge for fluorescence in-situ hybridization analysis.Histopathology. 2012; 60(2):336-46 [
PubMed]
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AIMS: Spitz naevi are difficult to diagnose, because of significant overlap with melanomas. It has been recently demonstrated that the LSI RREB1(6p25)/LSI MYB(6q23)/LSI CCND1(11q13)/CEP6 fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH) assay is a reliable tool with which to distinguish benign naevi and melanomas. Little is known about its diagnostic usefulness in Spitz naevi.
METHODS AND RESULTS: We investigated 51 patients with Spitz naevi and long-term median follow-up (8.18 years) with the multicolour FISH probe. Control groups included 11 benign naevi and 14 melanomas. Spitz naevi from 32 (63%) patients did not show cytogenetic abnormalities (FISH-). In contrast, Spitz naevi from 19 (37%) patients showed changes in the investigated loci (FISH+). Spitz naevi with the FISH+ profile showed chromosome X polysomy in 14/18 (78%) patients. All Spitz naevi with the FISH- profile were disomic. All melanomas displayed a FISH+ profile, and 4/11 (36%) showed chromosome X polysomy. No differences in clinicopathological features were detected between Spitz naevi with and without genetic abnormalities.
CONCLUSIONS: The presence of gene copy number changes in Spitz naevi as detected by FISH is higher than expected, and Spitz naevi at the genetic level represent a heterogeneous group. The findings of similar cytogenetic alterations in Spitz naevi and melanomas suggest that there should be cautious interpretation of FISH analysis in this setting.
Senetta R, Paglierani M, Massi D
Fluorescence in-situ hybridization analysis for melanoma diagnosis.Histopathology. 2012; 60(5):706-14 [
PubMed]
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Melanocytic proliferation constitutes a heterogeneous group of lesions with remarkable differences in their biology and clinical outcome. Thus, accurate histological diagnosis of these cases is mandatory to establish the most appropriate surgical treatment and follow-up. Although histological examination alone is usually sufficient to identify melanomas among the greater number of nevi, the definition of the benign or malignant nature of a subset of melanocytic tumours, exhibiting atypical features, is a challenging task. Novel techniques that may assist in the histopathological diagnosis in difficult cases have been extensively researched over recent years. Fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH), performed with a panel of four probes, including three locus-specific identifier (RREB1, MYB, and CCND1) genes, seems to represent a sensitive and specific molecular tool for the diagnosis of non-ambiguous melanocytic lesions. Some studies have agreed that FISH may be an ancillary diagnostic instrument, but cannot replace light microscopy, to distinguish benign nevi from malignant melanomas in daily practice. However, in the context of ambiguous melanocytic tumours, results are still controversial, and additional and substantial work is needed to develop reliable probes that may identify, with high sensitivity, specific subsets of ambiguous melanocytic lesions, including spitzoid proliferation.
Mis-expression of microRNAs (miRNA) is widespread in human cancers, including in pancreatic cancer. Aberrations of miRNA include overexpression of oncogenic miRs (Onco-miRs) or downregulation of so-called tumor suppressor TSG-miRs. Restitution of TSG-miRs in cancer cells through systemic delivery is a promising avenue for pancreatic cancer therapy. We have synthesized a lipid-based nanoparticle for systemic delivery of miRNA expression vectors to cancer cells (nanovector). The plasmid DNA-complexed nanovector is approximately 100 nm in diameter and shows no apparent histopathologic or biochemical evidence of toxicity upon intravenous injection. Two miRNA candidates known to be downregulated in the majority of pancreatic cancers were selected for nanovector delivery: miR-34a, which is a component of the p53 transcriptional network and regulates cancer stem cell survival, and the miR-143/145 cluster, which together repress the expression of KRAS2 and its downstream effector Ras-responsive element binding protein-1 (RREB1). Systemic intravenous delivery with either miR-34a or miR-143/145 nanovectors inhibited the growth of MiaPaCa-2 subcutaneous xenografts (P < 0.01 for miR-34a; P < 0.05 for miR-143/145); the effects were even more pronounced in the orthotopic (intrapancreatic) setting (P < 0.0005 for either nanovector) when compared with vehicle or mock nanovector delivering an empty plasmid. Tumor growth inhibition was accompanied by increased apoptosis and decreased proliferation. The miRNA restitution was confirmed in treated xenografts by significant upregulation of the corresponding miRNA and significant decreases in specific miRNA targets (SIRT1, CD44 and aldehyde dehydrogenase for miR34a, and KRAS2 and RREB1 for miR-143/145). The nanovector is a platform with potential broad applicability in systemic miRNA delivery to cancer cells.
Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is an untreatable deadly cancer. The factors involved in its early development remain unknown; which contributes to the absence of biomarkers for early detection of malignancy or at-risk subjects, and the absence of efficacious therapeutic agents. Because zinc changes are implicated in some cancers, we determined if it might be involved in the development of pancreatic adenocarcinoma. With in situ Dithizone and Zinquin staining of normal pancreas and adenocarcinoma tissue sections, we show for the first time, a consistent major loss of zinc in ductal and acinar epithelium in adenocarcinoma compared to the normal epithelium. This decrease in zinc is evident in well-differentiated through poorly-differentiated stages of malignancy. Immunohistochemistry identified ZIP3 as the basilar membrane zinc uptake transporter in normal ductal/acinar epithelium; and that the transporter is absent in adenocarcinoma. In situ Rt-PCR revealed that ZIP3 gene expression is silenced in adenocarcinoma. The ZIP3 down regulation accompanied the loss of zinc in early and progressing malignancy. RREB1 transcription factor was down regulated along with ZIP3; and might be involved in the silencing of ZIP3 expression. Zinc treatment was cytotoxic to malignant Panc1 cells. The combination of concurrent zinc, ZIP3, and RREB-1 changes represent early events in the development of adenocarcinoma; and suggest that zinc might be a tumor suppressor of pancreatic cancer. This report provides the clinical foundation for further mechanistic studies that will provide important insight into pancreatic carcinogenesis, and can lead to the development of effective early biomarkers and effective therapeutic agents for pancreatic cancer.
Massi D, Cesinaro AM, Tomasini C, et al.
Atypical Spitzoid melanocytic tumors: a morphological, mutational, and FISH analysis.J Am Acad Dermatol. 2011; 64(5):919-35 [
PubMed]
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BACKGROUND: Identification of the clinical behavior of atypical Spitzoid tumors with conflicting histopathologic features remains controversial.
OBJECTIVE: We sought to assess whether molecular findings may be helpful in the diagnostic and prognostic assessment of atypical Spitzoid tumors.
METHODS: A total of 38 controversial, atypical Spitzoid lesions (≥ 1 mm in thickness) were analyzed for clinicopathological features, chromosomal alterations by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis (RREB1/MYB/CCND1/CEP6), BRAF(V600E) mutation by allele-specific real-time polymerase chain reaction confirmed by sequencing, and H-RAS gene mutation by direct sequencing.
RESULTS: Atypical Spitzoid lesions developed in 21 female and 17 male patients (mean age 22 years). Nine patients underwent sentinel lymph node biopsy and a sentinel lymph node micrometastasis was detected in 4 of these 9 cases. Four additional patients, who did not receive a sentinel lymph node biopsy, experienced bulky lymph node metastases and one experienced visceral metastases and death. Lesions from patients with lymph node involvement showed more deep mitoses (P < .01), less inflammation (P = .05), and more plasma cells (P = .04). FISH analysis demonstrated the presence of chromosomal alterations in 6 of 25 cases. Correlation with follow-up data showed that the only case with fatal outcome showed multiple chromosomal alterations by FISH analysis. BRAF(V600E) mutation was detected in 12 of 16 cases (75%) and H-RAS mutation on exon 3 was found in 3 of 11 cases (27%).
LIMITATIONS: Our results require validation in a larger series with longer follow-up information.
CONCLUSIONS: FISH assay may be of help in the prognostic evaluation of atypical Spitzoid tumors. Diagnostic significance of BRAF(V600E) and H-RAS mutations in this setting remains unclear.