USP6

Gene Summary

Gene:USP6; ubiquitin specific peptidase 6
Aliases: HRP1, TRE2, TRE17, Tre-2, TRESMCR, USP6-short
Location:17p13.2
Summary:-
Databases:OMIM, HGNC, Ensembl, GeneCard, Gene
Protein:ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase 6
Source:NCBIAccessed: 30 August, 2019

Ontology:

What does this gene/protein do?
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Cancer Overview

Research Indicators

Publications Per Year (1994-2019)
Graph generated 30 August 2019 using data from PubMed using criteria.

Literature Analysis

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Tag cloud generated 30 August, 2019 using data from PubMed, MeSH and CancerIndex

Specific Cancers (5)

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).

Latest Publications: USP6 (cancer-related)

Hermann AL, Polivka M, Loit MP, et al.
Aneurysmal bone cyst of the frontal bone - A radiologic-pathologic correlation.
J Radiol Case Rep. 2018; 12(7):16-24 [PubMed] Free Access to Full Article Related Publications
We present a case of 27-year-old female who presented for a progressive frontal swelling with ipsilateral headache. Subsequent CT scan revealed an extradural and expansile multiloculated mass with thin and strongly enhanced septations and MRI evaluation showed internal hyperintensity on T2 with no restriction of diffusion and confirmed the multiple cystic spaces with enhancing septations and rare hemorrhagic fluid-fluid levels. Surgery was performed and diagnosis of aneurysmal bone cyst was made on frozen section. Identification of USP6 fusion gene by in situ hybridization technique permitted to confirm the diagnosis of primary ABC. Although aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) of the skull is a very rare entity and accounts for 2-6% of all ABCs, we should think about it in front of osteolytic and cystic skull changes even with very few fluid-fluid levels. Following description of our case and differential diagnoses, we conduct a literature review of skull ABCs imaging characteristics and discuss the interest of USP6 rearrangement identification.

Song W, Suurmeijer AJH, Bollen SM, et al.
Soft tissue aneurysmal bone cyst: six new cases with imaging details, molecular pathology, and review of the literature.
Skeletal Radiol. 2019; 48(7):1059-1067 [PubMed] Related Publications
OBJECTIVE: Aneurysmal bone cysts (ABC) rarely present in soft tissue locations (STABC). The 30 cases of STABC reported in the English literature were reviewed. Six new cases retrieved from the files of the Netherlands Committee on Bone Tumors were compared to the six cases described in the radiological literature.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Imaging studies and histopathology of six new STABC cases were reviewed. Follow-up was recorded with respect to local recurrence. FISH for USP6 rearrangement and/or anchored multiplex PCR-based targeted NGS using Archer FusionPlex Sarcoma Panel were attempted.
RESULTS: On imaging, the six STABC cases presented as a solid or multicystic intramuscular soft tissue mass, usually with thin peripheral mineralized bone shell. On MRI, perilesional edema was visualized in nearly all cases. Fluid-fluid levels were observed in one case. All lesions had the distinct histologic features of STABC. In three cases suitable for NGS, the diagnosis of STABC was confirmed by a COL1A1-USP6 fusion gene. In one additional case, USP6 gene rearrangement was detected by FISH. After marginal excision, none of the six STABC recurred after a mean follow-up period of 50 months (range, 39-187 months).
CONCLUSIONS: On imaging, it can be difficult to discriminate between STABC and myositis ossificans. The presence of a thin bony shell and fluid-fluid levels can be helpful in discriminating these two entities. STABC is readily diagnosed after histopathologic examination of the resection specimen. STABC belongs to the spectrum of tumors with USP6 rearrangements, which includes ABC, myositis ossificans, and nodular fasciitis.

Baumhoer D, Amary F, Flanagan AM
An update of molecular pathology of bone tumors. Lessons learned from investigating samples by next generation sequencing.
Genes Chromosomes Cancer. 2019; 58(2):88-99 [PubMed] Related Publications
The last decade has seen the majority of primary bone tumor subtypes become defined by molecular genetic alteration. Examples include giant cell tumour of bone (H3F3A p.G34W), chondroblastoma (H3F3B p.K36M), mesenchymal chondrosarcoma (HEY1-NCOA2), chondromyxoid fibroma (GRM1 rearrangements), aneurysmal bone cyst (USP6 rearrangements), osteoblastoma/osteoid osteoma (FOS/FOSB rearrangements), and synovial chondromatosis (FN1-ACVR2A and ACVR2A-FN1). All such alterations are mutually exclusive. Many of these have been translated into clinical service using immunohistochemistry or FISH. 60% of central chondrosarcoma is characterised by either isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) 1 or IDH2 mutations distinguishing them from other cartilaginous tumours. In contrast, recurrent alterations which are clinically helpful have not been found in high grade osteosarcoma. High throughput next generation sequencing has also proved valuable in identifying germ line alterations in a significant proportion of young patients with primary malignant bone tumors. These findings will play an increasing role in reaching a diagnosis and in patient management.

Šekoranja D, Boštjančič E, Salapura V, et al.
Primary aneurysmal bone cyst with a novel SPARC-USP6 translocation identified by next-generation sequencing.
Cancer Genet. 2018; 228-229:12-16 [PubMed] Related Publications
Aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) is a benign but locally aggressive, mostly pediatric neoplasm, with characteristic USP6 gene rearrangement that distinguishes it from a secondary ABC and other primary bone tumors. With the advent of next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology, several hitherto unknown USP6 fusion partners have been identified in ABC. Accordingly, we present a case of an 18-year-old male with a solid sub-periosteal primary ABC in the diaphysis of the left femur. Using an NGS-based assay, we identified SPARC-USP6 fusion, which has not previously been described in ABC. Including our case, the list of currently known USP6 fusion partners in primary ABC include: CDH11, CNBP, COL1A1, CTNNB1, EIF1, FOSL2, OMD, PAFAH1B1, RUNX2, SEC31A, SPARC, STAT3 and THRAP3.

Brooks PJ, Chadwick JW, Caminiti M, et al.
Primary aneurysmal bone cyst of the mandibular condyle with USP6-CDH11 fusion.
Pathol Res Pract. 2019; 215(3):607-610 [PubMed] Related Publications
Primary aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) is a cystic bone neoplasm characterized by disease-defining gene fusions involving the USP6/Tre2 gene. The literature describing gnathic ABC is limited. This case report describes a 27-year-old man presenting with a long-standing left-sided facial asymmetry. Multi-detector computed tomography imaging demonstrated a large expansile lesion positioned within the left condylar head. The lesion was biopsied and resected. The specimen showed a giant cell-rich cystic neoplasm, with fibrous tissue lined by multinucleated giant cells. Next-generation sequencing confirmed the presence of a USP6-CDH11 fusion gene, consistent with classification as a primary ABC, the first reported to be translocation-positive in the head of the mandibular condyle.

Henrich IC, Young R, Quick L, et al.
USP6 Confers Sensitivity to IFN-Mediated Apoptosis through Modulation of TRAIL Signaling in Ewing Sarcoma.
Mol Cancer Res. 2018; 16(12):1834-1843 [PubMed] Article available free on PMC after 01/12/2019 Related Publications
Ewing sarcoma is the second most common sarcoma of the bone, afflicting predominantly the pediatric population. Although patients with localized disease exhibit favorable survival rates, patients with metastatic disease suffer a dismal 5-year rate of approximately 25%. Thus, there is a great need to develop treatments to combat the disseminated disease. Ubiquitin-specific protease 6 (USP6/TRE17) has been implicated as the key etiologic factor in several benign mesenchymal tumors, including nodular fasciitis and aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC). However, the role of USP6 in the biology of malignant entities remains unexplored. Previously, it was observed that USP6 is sufficient to drive formation of tumors mimicking ABC and nodular fasciitis, and that it functions through JAK1/STAT3 signaling. However, in the context of Ewing sarcoma, USP6 does not enhance the transformation, but rather triggers an IFN response signature, both in cultured Ewing sarcoma cells

Matcuk GR, Chopra S, Menendez LR
Solid aneurysmal bone cyst of the humerus mimics metastasis or brown tumor.
Clin Imaging. 2018 Nov - Dec; 52:117-122 [PubMed] Related Publications
Solid aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) is a rare subtype of ABC that most commonly involves the small bones of the hands or feet. We present a case of a solid ABC of the distal humerus in a 52-year-old man with a history of chronic kidney disease and renal cell carcinoma. On imaging with plain radiographs, CT, and MRI, this expansile lucent lesion with solid internal enhancement had an appearance that overlapped with metastasis or brown tumor of hyperparathyroidism. On 18F-FDG PET-CT, this lesion was hypermetabolic with an SUVmax of 9.9. Only 37 cases of solid ABC have previously been reported to involve the long bones in the literature, and only 4 in the humerus. We review the clinical, imaging, and histopathological findings and differential diagnosis of solid ABC, and highlight the usefulness of identifying the USP6 gene rearrangement on FISH to distinguish this lesion from other lesions with secondary ABC formation.

Shah N, Scharschmidt T, Fung B, et al.
Aneursymal Bone Cyst: An Uncommon Paraspinal Tumor in Children.
J Pediatr Hematol Oncol. 2019; 41(2):e129-e131 [PubMed] Related Publications
Paraspinal tumors with benign histology in the absence of trauma rarely arise in children. Treatment of such benign tumors, in contrast to malignancies, generally consists of surgical resection of the lesion with confirmation of histology via pathologic evaluation. We present a pediatric case of an atraumatic paraspinal mass with a histologic diagnosis of aneurysmal bone cyst, and USP6 gene rearrangement supporting the histologic diagnosis. The patient underwent gross total resection of the paraspinal lesion with no additional intervention. We highlight the differential diagnosis of paraspinal tumors in children and key features that led to the diagnosis in this patient.

Vargas AC, Selinger C, Satgunaseelan L, et al.
FISH analysis of selected soft tissue tumors: Diagnostic experience in a tertiary center.
Asia Pac J Clin Oncol. 2019; 15(1):38-47 [PubMed] Related Publications
AIM: Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) is an important ancillary tool for the classification of bone/soft tissue (BST) tumors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the contribution of FISH to the final classification of common BST entities in the molecular pathology department of the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital (RPAH), which is one of the most important referral centers for the management of sarcomas in Australia.
METHODS: All routine diagnostic FISH tests performed on BST formalin-fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissue specimens at the RPAH in a 5-year period (February, 2010-November, 2015) were reviewed. FISH analyses presented in this study include commercial break-apart probes (SS18, FUS, DDIT3, FUS, USP6, PDGFB, TFE3 and ALK) and a single enumeration (MDM2) probe.
RESULTS: There were 434 interpretable FISH assays on BST samples including MDM2 (n=180), SS18 (n=97), FUS (n=64), DDIT3 (n=37), USP6 (n=30), PDGFB (n=13), TFE3 (n=8) and ALK (n=5). Discrepancies between the histopathological diagnosis and the FISH results were seen in 12% of the cases. In this subset of discordant cases, FISH contributed to the re-classification of 7% of cases originally diagnosed as synovial sarcoma (SS18) and 6% of adipocytic neoplasms (MDM2) based on the presence or absence of the expected gene alteration.
CONCLUSION: Our study confirms that paraffin FISH is a sensitive and specific ancillary tool in the diagnosis of BST neoplasms when used in the appropriate clinicopathological context. These findings highlight the need for further ancillary molecular tools in the diagnosis and characterization of challenging cases.

Flucke U, Shepard SJ, Bekers EM, et al.
Fibro-osseous pseudotumor of digits - Expanding the spectrum of clonal transient neoplasms harboring USP6 rearrangement.
Ann Diagn Pathol. 2018; 35:53-55 [PubMed] Related Publications
Fibro-osseous pseudotumors of the digits (FOPD) is a rare self-limiting lesion composed of bland looking hypercellular fibrous tissue and bone. USP6 rearrangement is a consistent genetic finding in aneurysmal bone cyst, nodular fasciitis, myositis ossificans and giant cell lesions of small bones. We report herein the occurrence of USP6 rearrangement in fibro-osseous pseudotumors of the digits using fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis (FISH). Of the five patients included, three were female and two were male. The age ranged from 33 to 72 years (mean 48 years). Lesions arose in the palm (n = 2), thenar (n = 1), middle finger (n = 1) and great toe (n = 1). All patients underwent resection. Four cases (80%) harbored USP6 rearrangements showing that fibro-osseous pseudotumors of digits belongs to the spectrum of clonal transient neoplasms including aneurysmal bone cyst, nodular fasciitis, myositis ossificans and giant cell lesion of small bones.

Bekers EM, Eijkelenboom A, Grünberg K, et al.
Myositis ossificans - Another condition with USP6 rearrangement, providing evidence of a relationship with nodular fasciitis and aneurysmal bone cyst.
Ann Diagn Pathol. 2018; 34:56-59 [PubMed] Related Publications
Myositis ossificans is defined as a self-limiting pseudotumor composed of reactive hypercellular fibrous tissue and bone. USP6 rearrangements have been identified as a consistent genetic driving event in aneurysmal bone cyst and nodular fasciitis. It is therefore an integral part of the diagnostic workup when dealing with (myo)fibroblastic lesions of soft tissue and bone. Two cases of myositis ossificans with USP6 rearrangement were published so far. We determine herein the incidence of USP6 rearrangement in myositis ossificans using USP6 fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis (FISH). Of the 11 cases included, seven patients were female and four were male. Age ranged from 6 to 56 years (mean 27 years). Lesions were located in the thigh (n = 5), knee (n = 1), lower leg (n = 1), lower arm (n = 1), perineum (n = 1), gluteal (n = 1) and thoracic wall (n = 1). All assessable cases except one (8/9) showed rearrangement of USP6 providing evidence that myositis ossificans is genetically related to nodular fasciitis and aneurysmal bone cyst.

Li HR, Tai CF, Huang HY, et al.
USP6 gene rearrangement differentiates primary paranasal sinus solid aneurysmal bone cyst from other giant cell-rich lesions: report of a rare case.
Hum Pathol. 2018; 76:117-121 [PubMed] Related Publications
Aneurysmal bone cysts (ABCs) mostly occur in the metaphysis of long bones. Primary paranasal ABCs are extremely rare, and most reported cases reveal typical histopathological features including cystic space with fibrous septa and hemorrhage. Solid-variant ABCs or solid ABCs lacking cyst formation may be histologically indistinguishable from giant cell reparative granulomas, giant cell tumor of bone, and brown tumor. Here we report the case of a 24-year-old woman with a paranasal mass diagnosed as USP6-rearranged solid ABC, mimicking giant cell reparative granuloma, giant cell tumor of bone, and brown tumor. For paranasal sinus bone or soft tissue tumors containing numerous giant cells, molecular analysis including the USP6 gene may serve as a useful diagnostic tool to distinguish solid ABCs from other giant cell-rich lesions.

Galant C, Docquier PL, Ameye G, et al.
Aneurysmal bone cystic lesions: value of genomic studies.
Acta Orthop Belg. 2016; 82(4):768-778 [PubMed] Related Publications
Aneurysmal bone cystic (ABC) lesions can be primary or secondary (to a trauma or a pre-existing benign or malignant tumour). Specific translocations of the USP6 gene are reported in about 70% of primary but never in secondary ABC lesions. We report two cases of ABC lesions in which imbalanced genomic aberrations were detected at initial presentation and showed complex clonal evolution. These demonstrative observations strengthen the guidelines regarding the diagnostic approach when an ABC is suggested by imaging. Biopsy is mandatory including genomic analysis. When a primary ABC is not clearly proven by the initial biopsy, an extensive curettage should be performed, with pathological examination of all removed tissue in order to exclude a secondary ABC. It also illustrates the added value of genomic analyses in the setting of an ABC lesion: complex clonal aberrations argues for a lesion secondary to a malignant proliferation whereas USP6 rearrangement allows the diagnosis of primary ABC.

Chang KTE, Goytain A, Tucker T, et al.
Development and Evaluation of a Pan-Sarcoma Fusion Gene Detection Assay Using the NanoString nCounter Platform.
J Mol Diagn. 2018; 20(1):63-77 [PubMed] Related Publications
The NanoString nCounter assay is a high-throughput hybridization technique using target-specific probes that can be customized to test for numerous fusion transcripts in a single assay using RNA from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded material. We designed a NanoString assay targeting 174 unique fusion junctions in 25 sarcoma types. The study cohort comprised 212 cases, 96 of which showed fusion gene expression by the NanoString assay, including all 20 Ewing sarcomas, 11 synovial sarcomas, and 5 myxoid liposarcomas tested. Among these 96 cases, 15 showed fusion expression not identified by standard clinical assay, including EWSR1-FLI1, EWSR1-ERG, BCOR-CCNB3, ZC3H7B-BCOR, HEY1-NCOA2, CIC-DUX4, COL1A1-PDGFB, MYH9-USP6, YAP1-TFE3, and IRF2BP2-CDX1 fusions. There were no false-positive results; however, four cases were false negative when compared with clinically available fluorescence in situ hybridization or RT-PCR testing. When batched as six cases, the per-sample reagent cost was less than conventional techniques, such as fluorescence in situ hybridization, with technologist hands-on time of 1.2 hours per case and assay time of 36 hours. In summary, the NanoString nCounter Sarcoma Fusion CodeSet reliably and cost-effectively identifies fusion genes in sarcomas using formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded material, including many fusions missed by standard clinical assays, and can serve as a first-line clinical diagnostic test for sarcoma fusion gene identification, replacing multiple individual clinical assays.

Upadhyay P, Gardi N, Desai S, et al.
Genomic characterization of tobacco/nut chewing HPV-negative early stage tongue tumors identify MMP10 asa candidate to predict metastases.
Oral Oncol. 2017; 73:56-64 [PubMed] Article available free on PMC after 01/12/2019 Related Publications
OBJECTIVES: Nodal metastases status among early stage tongue squamous cell cancer patients plays a decisive role in the choice of treatment, wherein about 70% patients can be spared from surgery with an accurate prediction of negative pathological lymph node status. This underscores an unmet need for prognostic biomarkers to stratify the patients who are likely to develop metastases.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed high throughput sequencing of fifty four samples derived from HPV negative early stage tongue cancer patients habitual of chewing betel nuts, areca nuts, lime or tobacco using whole exome (n=47) and transcriptome (n=17) sequencing that were analyzed using in-house computational tools. Additionally, gene expression meta-analyses were carried out for 253 tongue cancer samples. The candidate genes were validated using qPCR and immuno-histochemical analysis in an extended set of 50 early primary tongue cancer samples.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Somatic analysis revealed a classical tobacco mutational signature C:G>A:T transversion in 53% patients that were mutated in TP53, NOTCH1, CDKN2A, HRAS, USP6, PIK3CA, CASP8, FAT1, APC, and JAK1. Similarly, significant gains at genomic locus 11q13.3 (CCND1, FGF19, ORAOV1, FADD), 5p15.33 (SHANK2, MMP16, TERT), and 8q24.3 (BOP1); and, losses at 5q22.2 (APC), 6q25.3 (GTF2H2) and 5q13.2 (SMN1) were observed in these samples. Furthermore, an integrated gene-expression analysis of 253 tongue tumors suggested an upregulation of metastases-related pathways and over-expression of MMP10 in 48% tumors that may be crucial to predict nodal metastases in early tongue cancer patients. In overall, we present the first descriptive portrait of somatic alterations underlying the genome of tobacco/nut chewing HPV-negative early tongue cancer, and identify MMP10 asa potential prognostic biomarker to stratify those likely to develop metastases.

Ivanova EL, Mau-Them FT, Riazuddin S, et al.
Homozygous Truncating Variants in TBC1D23 Cause Pontocerebellar Hypoplasia and Alter Cortical Development.
Am J Hum Genet. 2017; 101(3):428-440 [PubMed] Article available free on PMC after 01/12/2019 Related Publications
Pontocerebellar hypoplasia (PCH) is a heterogeneous group of rare recessive disorders with prenatal onset, characterized by hypoplasia of pons and cerebellum. Mutations in a small number of genes have been reported to cause PCH, and the vast majority of PCH cases are explained by mutations in TSEN54, which encodes a subunit of the tRNA splicing endonuclease complex. Here we report three families with homozygous truncating mutations in TBC1D23 who display moderate to severe intellectual disability and microcephaly. MRI data from available affected subjects revealed PCH, small normally proportioned cerebellum, and corpus callosum anomalies. Furthermore, through in utero electroporation, we show that downregulation of TBC1D23 affects cortical neuron positioning. TBC1D23 is a member of the Tre2-Bub2-Cdc16 (TBC) domain-containing RAB-specific GTPase-activating proteins (TBC/RABGAPs). Members of this protein family negatively regulate RAB proteins and modulate the signaling between RABs and other small GTPases, some of which have a crucial role in the trafficking of intracellular vesicles and are involved in neurological disorders. Here, we demonstrate that dense core vesicles and lysosomal trafficking dynamics are affected in fibroblasts harboring TBC1D23 mutation. We propose that mutations in TBC1D23 are responsible for a form of PCH with small, normally proportioned cerebellum and should be screened in individuals with syndromic pontocereballar hypoplasia.

Patel NR, Chrisinger JSA, Demicco EG, et al.
USP6 activation in nodular fasciitis by promoter-swapping gene fusions.
Mod Pathol. 2017; 30(11):1577-1588 [PubMed] Related Publications
Nodular fasciitis is a self-limited myofibroblastic lesion that can be misdiagnosed as a sarcoma as a result of its rapid growth, cellularity, and sometimes prominent mitotic activity. A recurrent translocation t(17;22) has been identified in nodular fasciitis, fusing the coding region of USP6 to the promoter region of MYH9, and resulting in increased USP6 expression. A subset of cases show USP6 rearrangement without the typical fusion variants by RT-PCR, or any MYH9 rearrangement by FISH. We sought to further characterize such tumors using molecular diagnostic assays. A novel RT-PCR assay was designed to detect the two known MYH9-USP6 fusion types in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded and frozen tissue, and a break-apart FISH assay was designed to detect USP6 rearrangement. Twenty-six cases of nodular fasciitis diagnosed between 2002 and 2013 were retrieved from the pathology files of our institutions and were confirmed to be positive by FISH and/or RT-PCR. Seven samples showed USP6 rearrangement by FISH but were negative for MYH9-USP6 fusion by RT-PCR; these cases were subjected to a next-generation sequencing assay utilizing anchored multiplex PCR technology. This assay targets a single partner gene associated with fusions in bone and soft tissue tumors for agnostic detection of gene fusion partners. Novel fusion partners were identified in all seven cases and confirmed by RT-PCR. Structurally, all fusions consisted of the juxtaposition of the entire coding region of USP6 with the promoter of the partner gene, driving increased USP6 expression. This study confirms the neoplastic nature of nodular fasciitis, defines additional pathogenic fusion partners, and adds to the growing body of literature on USP6-associated neoplasia. Given the diagnostic challenges of these tumors, molecular assays can be useful ancillary tools; however, the prevalence of promoter swapping must be recognized when interpreting results.

Busse TM, Roth JJ, Wilmoth D, et al.
Copy number alterations determined by single nucleotide polymorphism array testing in the clinical laboratory are indicative of gene fusions in pediatric cancer patients.
Genes Chromosomes Cancer. 2017; 56(10):730-749 [PubMed] Related Publications
Gene fusions resulting from structural rearrangements are an established mechanism of tumorigenesis in pediatric cancer. In this clinical cohort, 1,350 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-based chromosomal microarrays from 1,211 pediatric cancer patients were evaluated for copy number alterations (CNAs) associated with gene fusions. Karyotype or fluorescence in situ hybridization studies were performed in 42% of the patients. Ten percent of the bone marrow or solid tumor specimens had SNP array-associated CNAs suggestive of a gene fusion. Alterations involving ETV6, ABL1-NUP214, EBF1-PDGFRB, KMT2A(MLL), LMO2-RAG, MYH11-CBFB, NSD1-NUP98, PBX1, STIL-TAL1, ZNF384-TCF3, P2RY8-CRLF2, and RUNX1T1-RUNX1 fusions were detected in the bone marrow samples. The most common alteration among the low-grade gliomas was a 7q34 tandem duplication resulting in a KIAA1549-BRAF fusion. Additional fusions identified in the pediatric brain tumors included FAM131B-BRAF and RAF1-QKI. COL1A1-PDGFB, CRTC1-MAML2, EWSR1, HEY1, PAX3- and PAX7-FOXO1, and PLAG1 fusions were determined in a variety of solid tumors and a novel potential gene fusion, FGFR1-USP6, was detected in an aneurysmal bone cyst. The identification of these gene fusions was instrumental in tumor diagnosis. In contrast to hematologic and solid tumors in adults that are predominantly driven by mutations, the majority of hematologic and solid tumors in children are characterized by CNAs and gene fusions. Chromosomal microarray analysis is therefore a robust platform to identify diagnostic and prognostic markers in the clinical setting.

Warren M, Xu D, Li X
Gene fusions PAFAH1B1-USP6 and RUNX2-USP6 in aneurysmal bone cysts identified by next generation sequencing.
Cancer Genet. 2017; 212-213:13-18 [PubMed] Related Publications
Aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) is a locally aggressive, expansile, typically multilocular cystic bone tumor. ABC was previously thought to be a non-neoplastic lesion; however, it is now considered to be neoplasm that features recurrent chromosomal translocations resulting in gene fusions between ubiquitin specific peptidase 6 (USP6) and multiple partners, including COL1A1, CDH11, TRAP150, ZNF90 and OMD. Using next generation sequencing (NGS), we uncovered two fusion partners of USP6 in two ABCs: platelet activating factor acetylhydrolase 1b regulatory subunit 1 (PAFAH1B1), which is known to contribute to tumorigenesis in lung cancer, and runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), which is known to regulate osteoblastic differentiation, osteosarcoma tumorigenesis and its metastasis. In our study, the PAFAH1B1-USP6 fusion consisted of the promoter of PAFAH1B1 fused to the 5'-untranslated region (5'-UTR) of USP6 and was discovered in a typical ABC. The RUNX2-USP6 fusion had the promoter and a short coding region of RUNX2 fused to the translation start codon of USP6 and was detected in an unusually aggressive ABC with an osteosarcoma-like soft tissue extension. Our findings not only expanded the repertoire of the partner genes of USP6 in ABC but also can serve as a reference for future studies to better understand the correlation between various gene fusions and the progression of ABC.

Papp G, Mihály D, Sápi Z
Unusual Signal Patterns of Break-apart FISH Probes Used in the Diagnosis of Soft Tissue Sarcomas.
Pathol Oncol Res. 2017; 23(4):863-871 [PubMed] Related Publications
Break-apart FISH probes are the most popular and reliable type of FISH probes used to confirm certain pathological diagnoses. The interpretation is usually easy, however, in some instances it is not so unequivocal. Our aim was to reveal and elucidate the problems occurring in the process of evaluation of the break-apart probe results. Altogether 301 soft tissue sarcomas with confirmed molecular tests using break-apart probes were assessed to reveal the frequency and type of unusual signal pattern. Among 89 synovial sarcoma (SS18) 11%, 12 alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (FOXO1) 50%, 53 myxoid liposarcoma (DDIT3) 7.5%, 6 low grade fibromyxoid sarcoma (FUS) 67%, 93 Ewing sarcoma (EWSR1) 3%, 12 clear cell sarcoma (EWSR1) 8%, 5 desmoplastic small round cell tumor (EWSR1) 0%, 9 extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma (EWSR1) 0%, 2 myoepithelial carcinoma (EWSR1) 50%, 14 dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (COL1A1) 86% and 6 nodular fasciitis (USP6) 17% atypical break-apart signals were detected. Despite the unusual signal pattern type, the fusion genes were detected using either metaphase FISH, interphase FISH with translocation/TriCheck probe or RT-PCR methods. Although the interpretation problems in the process to evaluate the break-apart probe results is well known from sporadic case reports, a systemic overview to detect their frequency has not been performed so far. In our work we highlighted the relative frequency of this problem and pinpointed those signal-patterns which, despite their unusual appearance, can still confirm the diagnosis.

Guseva NV, Jaber O, Tanas MR, et al.
Anchored multiplex PCR for targeted next-generation sequencing reveals recurrent and novel USP6 fusions and upregulation of USP6 expression in aneurysmal bone cyst.
Genes Chromosomes Cancer. 2017; 56(4):266-277 [PubMed] Related Publications
Primary aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) is a neoplastic process due to recurrent translocations involving the USP6 gene. By fluorescence in situ hybridization, up to 69% of primary ABCs harbored USP6 translocations; no USP6 translocation was found in secondary ABC or giant cell tumor of bone (GCT). GCT can recur locally, metastasize to the lungs in some cases, and rarely undergo malignant transformation. Differentiating primary ABC from its mimics is important for treatment and prognosis. We evaluated USP6 fusion and expression in 13 cases of primary and 1 case of secondary ABC, and 9 cases of GCT using nucleic acid extracted from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue and a next generation sequencing (NGS)-based assay. USP6 fusions including 7 novel fusions and USP6 transcripts were identified in all 13 primary ABCs. Nine cases with strong evidence of fusions showed high levels of USP6 transcripts by reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR). The remaining four had no detectable USP6 expression by a first-round of RT-PCR but the presence of USP6 transcripts was identified by a second-round, nested PCR. The major fusions were confirmed by RT-PCR followed by Sanger sequencing. No USP6 fusion or transcript was detected in any of the GCTs or the case of secondary ABC by NGS or by two rounds of PCR. All USP6 translocations resulted in fusion of the entire USP6 coding sequence with promoters of the fusion gene leading to upregulation of USP6 transcription, which is likely the underlying mechanism for ABC oncogenesis. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Panagopoulos I, Gorunova L, Viset T, Heim S
Gene fusions AHRR-NCOA2, NCOA2-ETV4, ETV4-AHRR, P4HA2-TBCK, and TBCK-P4HA2 resulting from the translocations t(5;8;17)(p15;q13;q21) and t(4;5)(q24;q31) in a soft tissue angiofibroma.
Oncol Rep. 2016; 36(5):2455-2462 [PubMed] Article available free on PMC after 01/12/2019 Related Publications
We present an angiofibroma of soft tissue with the karyotype 46,XY,t(4;5)(q24;q31),t(5;8;17)(p15;q13;q21)[8]/46,XY,t(1;14)(p31;q32)[2]/46,XY[3]. RNA‑sequencing showed that the t(4;5)(q24;q31) resulted in recombination of the genes TBCK on 4q24 and P4HA2 on 5q31.1 with generation of an in‑frame TBCK‑P4HA2 and the reciprocal but out‑of‑frame P4HA2‑TBCK fusion transcripts. The putative TBCK‑P4HA2 protein would contain the kinase, the rhodanese‑like domain, and the Tre‑2/Bub2/Cdc16 (TBC) domains of TBCK together with the P4HA2 protein which is a component of the prolyl 4‑hydroxylase. The t(5;8;17)(p15;q13;q21) three‑way chromosomal translocation targeted AHRR (on 5p15), NCOA2 (on 8q13), and ETV4 (on 17q21) generating the in‑frame fusions AHRR‑NCOA2 and NCOA2‑ETV4 as well as an out‑of‑frame ETV4‑AHRR transcript. In the AHRR‑NCOA2 protein, the C‑terminal part of AHRR is replaced by the C‑terminal part of NCOA2 which contains two activation domains. The NCOA2‑ETV4 protein would contain the helix‑loop‑helix, PAS_9 and PAS_11, CITED domains, the SRC‑1 domain of NCOA2 and the ETS DNA‑binding domain of ETV4. No fusion gene corresponding to t(1;14)(p31;q32) was found. Our findings indicate that, in spite of the recurrence of AHRR‑NCOA2 in angiofibroma of soft tissue, additional genetic events (or fusion genes) might be required for the development of this tumor.

Kumar E, Patel NR, Demicco EG, et al.
Cutaneous nodular fasciitis with genetic analysis: a case series.
J Cutan Pathol. 2016; 43(12):1143-1149 [PubMed] Related Publications
Nodular fasciitis is a benign self-limited myofibroblastic neoplasm, which usually involves the upper extremities and trunk of young patients. These tumors have been shown to harbor a translocation involving the MYH9 and USP6 genes, leading to overexpression of the latter. We report seven cases of nodular fasciitis with cutaneous presentations. All cases involved the dermis, with six involving the superficial subcutis, and one auricular tumor extending into cartilage. All cases showed USP6 rearrangement by fluorescence in situ hybridization; in two of three cases, the characteristic MYH9-USP6 fusion was shown by RT-PCR. All patients underwent conservative resection. Nodular fasciitis is an uncommon mesenchymal neoplasm that can occasionally present in superficial locations and is sometimes mistaken for a malignant process. Molecular testing can be useful to distinguish this entity from other cutaneous spindle cell tumors.

Quick L, Young R, Henrich IC, et al.
Jak1-STAT3 Signals Are Essential Effectors of the USP6/TRE17 Oncogene in Tumorigenesis.
Cancer Res. 2016; 76(18):5337-47 [PubMed] Article available free on PMC after 01/12/2019 Related Publications
Bone and soft tissue tumors (BSTT) are relatively poorly understood, hampering the development of effective therapies. Here we report a role for the ubiquitin-specific protease 6 (USP6)/TRE17 oncogene, which is overexpressed upon chromosome translocation in various human tumors, including aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC), and the related benign lesion nodular fasciitis. Ectopic expression of USP6 is known to drive formation of tumors, which recapitulate key features of ABC and nodular fasciitis; however, the identity of USP6's relevant substrates has been obscure. Here we report that the Jak1-STAT3 signaling pathway serves as an essential effector of USP6 in BSTT formation. We found that USP6 directly deubiquitinated Jak1, leading to its stabilization and activation of STAT3. The tumorigenic potential of USP6 was attenuated significantly by CRISPR-mediated deletion of Jak1 or STAT3, or by administration of a Jak family inhibitor. Analysis of primary clinical samples of nodular fasciitis confirmed the activation of a Jak1-STAT3 gene signature in vivo Together, our studies highlight Jak1 as the first identified substrate for USP6, and they offer a mechanistic rationale for the clinical investigation of Jak and STAT3 inhibitors as therapeutics for the treatment of bone and soft tissue tumors along with other neoplasms driven by USP6 overexpression. Cancer Res; 76(18); 5337-47. ©2016 AACR.

Shin C, Low I, Ng D, et al.
USP6 gene rearrangement in nodular fasciitis and histological mimics.
Histopathology. 2016; 69(5):784-791 [PubMed] Related Publications
AIMS: Nodular fasciitis is known to be a benign mimic of sarcoma, both clinically and histologically. Accurate diagnosis, particularly on small biopsies, remains a challenge, as the morphology can be varied and the immunophenotype is essentially non-specific. Recently, rearrangement of the ubiquitin-specific protease 6 (USP6) gene has been reported as a recurrent and specific finding in nodular fasciitis. The aim of this this study was to evaluate the diagnostic utility of USP6 fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH) analysis in a subset of spindle-cell proliferations in which nodular fasciitis enters into the differential diagnosis.
METHODS AND RESULTS: A database search was performed at the Middlemore Hospital Histopathology Department. All in-house cases diagnosed between 2002 and March 2014 in which nodular fasciitis was considered as a differential diagnosis were retrospectively identified. Twenty cases were retrieved, reviewed and categorized as 'definite', 'possible' or 'definitely not' nodular fasciitis by consensus morphological opinion of three experienced pathologists. FISH analysis for USP6 rearrangement was performed in each case, with a commercially available break-apart probe. Of seven cases that were morphologically categorized as 'definite' nodular fasciitis, six were FISH-positive and one was FISH-negative. Of four cases categorized as 'possible' nodular fasciitis, one was FISH-positive and three were FISH-negative. Nine cases categorized as 'definitely not' nodular fasciitis were all FISH-negative. In the morphologically definitive cases, FISH analysis for USP6 had a sensitivity of 86% and specificity of 100% for a diagnosis of nodular fasciitis. The positive predictive value was 100%, and the negative predictive value 90%.
CONCLUSIONS: USP6 FISH is a useful ancillary test in cases where nodular fasciitis is a potential diagnostic consideration.

Carter JM, Wang X, Dong J, et al.
USP6 genetic rearrangements in cellular fibroma of tendon sheath.
Mod Pathol. 2016; 29(8):865-9 [PubMed] Related Publications
Fibroma of tendon sheath is a benign (myo)fibroblastic neoplasm of the tenosynovial soft tissues, typically affecting the distal extremities. It is classically described as a paucicellular, densely collagenized tumor; however, cellular variants have been described. A subset of cellular fibromas of tendon sheath shares similar histological features with nodular fasciitis. As nodular fasciitis very frequently harbors rearrangement of ubiquitin-specific peptidase 6 (USP6), we hypothesized that cellular fibromas of tendon sheath with nodular fasciitis-like features may also contain USP6 rearrangements. Cases of fibroma of tendon sheath (n=19), including cellular (n=9) and classic (n=10) variants, were evaluated for USP6 rearrangement by fluorescence in situ hybridization studies. A subset of cases was tested for MYH9 rearrangements and MYH9-USP6 and CDH11-USP6 fusion products. Classic fibroma of tendon sheath occurred in 5 males and 5 females (median age 67 years, range 23-77 years) as soft tissue masses of the hand (n=4), finger (n=3), forearm (n=1) and foot (n=2). Cellular fibroma of tendon sheath occurred in 5 males and 4 females in a younger age group (median age 32 years, range 12-46 years) as small soft tissue masses of the finger (n=5), hand (n=3) and wrist (n=1). USP6 rearrangements were detected in 6/9 cellular fibromas of tendon sheath. Among cellular fibromas of tendon sheath with USP6 rearrangements, no MYH9 rearrangements were detected. By RT-PCR, neither the MYH9-USP6 or the CDH11-USP6 fusion products were detected in any case. Neither USP6 nor MYH9 rearrangement were detected in any classic fibroma of tendon sheath. We report for the first time the presence of USP6 rearrangements in a subset of cellular fibroma of tendon sheath. Based on the similar morphological and molecular genetic features, we suspect that a subset of cellular fibromas of tendon sheath are under-recognized examples of tenosynovial nodular fasciitis, driven by alternate USP6 fusion genes. Further investigation will delineate how these lesions should best be classified.

Guo R, Wang X, Chou MM, et al.
PPP6R3-USP6 amplification: Novel oncogenic mechanism in malignant nodular fasciitis.
Genes Chromosomes Cancer. 2016; 55(8):640-9 [PubMed] Related Publications
Nodular fasciitis (NF) is a clonal self-limited neoplastic proliferation characterized by rearrangements of the USP6 locus in most examples. To our knowledge well-documented malignant behavior has never been previously observed in NF. In this report we present an unusual case of NF with classical histologic features that showed a protracted clinical course characterized by multiple recurrences and eventual metastatic behavior over a period of 10 years. Molecular analyses revealed the presence and amplification of the novel PPPR6-USP6 gene fusion, which resulted in USP6 mRNA transcriptional upregulation. These findings further support the oncogenic role of the USP6 protease in mesenchymal neoplasia and expand the biologic potential of NF. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Willis BC, Archer SR, Shahid R, et al.
Two Case Reports of Nodular Fasciitis: A Newly Recognized Placental Lesion.
Fetal Pediatr Pathol. 2016; 35(2):93-7 [PubMed] Related Publications
We describe two occurrences of nontrophoblastic mesenchymal tumors of the placenta. The first placental tumor was found along the placental margin, and the second was identified close to the insertion of the fetal membranes along the placental disc. Microscopically both lesions demonstrated bland fibroblastic cells with intricate vasculature and inflammatory cells. Both lesions were negative for estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), beta-HCG, PLAP, CD34, desmin, h-caldesmin, and smooth muscle actin by immunohistochemistry. Some cells were weakly positive for CD10, a nonspecific finding. The morphologic and immunohistochemical characteristics of these lesions were most consistent with nodular fasciitis, a tumor most commonly found in the soft tissues. FISH positive for USP6 gene rearrangement in our two patients confirmed the molecular similarity of these lesions to nodular fasciitis of soft tissue. Such lesions can be easily dismissed on gross placental examination as infarcts or thrombi, thus these rare entities are likely underreported.

Kang A, Kumar JB, Thomas A, Bourke AG
A spontaneously resolving breast lesion: imaging and cytological findings of nodular fasciitis of the breast with FISH showing USP6 gene rearrangement.
BMJ Case Rep. 2015; 2015 [PubMed] Article available free on PMC after 01/12/2019 Related Publications
We report a case of nodular fasciitis of the breast in a 48-year-old woman who presented with a tender rapidly growing right breast lump. Ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration (FNA) of the solid mass was performed. Cytology was reported as atypical spindle cell neoplasm and the patient was referred to a breast surgeon at a tertiary institution for a definitive diagnosis and further management. Follow-up ultrasound showed partial regression and MRI, mammogram after 2-3 weeks confirmed spontaneous and total resolution of the lesion. Nodular fasciitis of the breast is rarely diagnosed on cytology alone and a histological diagnosis is usually required for a definitive diagnosis. However, in this case, the lesion spontaneously resolved prior to core biopsy or diagnostic open biopsy. The cytological features in conjunction with immunohistochemistry and the clinical history strongly suggest nodular fasciitis, which is further supported by a USP6 FISH positive result.

Agaram NP, LeLoarer FV, Zhang L, et al.
USP6 gene rearrangements occur preferentially in giant cell reparative granulomas of the hands and feet but not in gnathic location.
Hum Pathol. 2014; 45(6):1147-52 [PubMed] Article available free on PMC after 01/12/2019 Related Publications
Giant cell reparative granulomas (GCRGs) are lytic lesions that occur predominantly in the gnathic bones and occasionally in the small bones of the hands and feet. They are morphologically indistinguishable from, and are regarded as synonymous with, solid variant of aneurysmal bone cysts (ABC) in extragnathic sites. Identification of USP6 gene rearrangements in primary ABC has made possible investigating potential pathogenetic relationships with other morphologic mimics. USP6 gene alterations in giant cell-rich lesions (GCRG/ABC) of small bones of the hands and feet have not been previously studied. We investigated USP6 gene alterations in a group of 9 giant cell-rich lesions of the hands and feet and compared the findings with morphologically similar lesions including 8 gnathic GCRGs, 22 primary ABCs, 8 giant cell tumors of bone, and 2 brown tumors of hyperparathyroidism. Overall, there were 49 samples from 48 patients including 26 females and 22 males. Of the 9 lesions of the hands and feet, 8 (89%) showed USP6 gene rearrangements, whereas no abnormalities were identified in the 8 gnathic GCRGs, 2 brown tumors, or 8 giant cell tumors of bone. Of the 22 primary ABCs, 13 (59%) showed USP6 gene rearrangements. In conclusion, most GCRGs of the hands and feet represent true ABCs and should be classified as such. The terminology of GCRG should be limited to lesions from gnathic location. Fluorescence in situ hybridization for USP6 break-apart is a useful ancillary tool in the diagnosis of primary ABCs and distinguishing them from GCRGs and other morphologically similar lesions.

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