Expression of DOL54 is not restricted to myxoid liposarcomas with the FUS-DDIT3 chimera but is found in various sarcomas

The DOL54 gene [also known as megakaryocyte stimulating factor, articular superficial zone protein (SZP) or proteoglycan 4 (PRG4)], was cloned as a downstream target gene of the FUS-DDIT3 chimera, which is the fusion gene that characterizes myxoid liposarcoma (MLS). Activation of DOL54 was found to require an intact DNA binding domain of the DDIT3 protein and to be dependent on the presence of the N-terminal part of the FUS protein. Although originally suggested to be of oncogenic significance, expression analysis of DOL54 in tumors has so far been limited to a few cases of liposarcoma and malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH). In the present study we were interested to evaluate whether DOL54 expression can be associated with other fusion genes in which FUS is the 5'-partner. Thus, we investigated the expression of DOL54 in low grade fibromyxoid sarcoma (LGFMS) carrying the FUS-BBF2H7 chimeric transcript. We also included synovial sarcomas (SS), Ewing tumors (ET), extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcomas (EMC) and MFH. The first 3 of these tumor types are characterized by chromosomal translocations that give rise to fusion genes not involving FUS, while no specific chimeric genes have been reported in MFH. DOL54 expression was found in 8/12 LGFMS carrying the FUS-BBF2H7 chimera but also in 8/10 of the examined MFH, 5/7 SS, 2/5 ET and 7/7 examined EMC. The results of our study clearly show that expression of DOL54 is not only a characteristic feature of MLS with the FUS-DDIT3 chimera but that this is a frequent finding also in various other sarcomas.

Fusion, disruption, and expression of HMGA2 in bone and soft tissue chondromas

Soft tissue and skeletal chondromas are rare entities, and only 21 cases with abnormal karyotypes have been reported. A survey of these, and 10 new cases reported herein, showed that the 12q13-15 segment is nonrandomly involved in structural rearrangements in chondromas. The HMGA2 (HMGI-C) locus in 12q15 is frequently rearranged in other benign mesenchymal tumors, and this study aimed at characterizing the expression of HMGA2 in chondromatous tumors. The material consisted of 8 soft tissue and 6 skeletal chondromas, as well as of 14 skeletal chondrosarcomas. All cases had been cytogenetically analyzed. Expression of HMGA2 could be assessed by RT-PCR in 8 chondromas and 13 chondrosarcomas. HMGA2 was expressed in 4 of six soft tissue chondromas, all displaying 12q-rearrangements at cytogenetic analysis. A truncated transcript (exons 1-3), but not a full-length (exons 1-5) transcript, was detected in three of them, suggesting activation through an intragenic rearrangement. One soft tissue chondroma had a t(3;12)(q27;q15), and the RT-PCR analysis revealed an HMGA2-LPP fusion transcript, composed of HMGA2 exons 1-3 and LPP exons 9-11. An identical fusion transcript previously has been identified in lipoma and pulmonary chondroid hamartoma. In the fourth soft tissue chondroma, a full-length transcript was detected, indicating expression of at least one intact allele. Both skeletal chondromas expressed HMGA2. In one of them, a full-length transcript was detected, even though 12q was cytogenetically unaffected. A truncated or full-length transcript was found in 8 of 13 chondrosarcomas, 4 of which displayed 12q rearrangements. Possibly, cryptic rearrangements were present among the many complex marker chromosomes in the remaining 4 cases.

Activation of the GLI oncogene through fusion with the beta-actin gene (ACTB) in a group of distinctive pericytic neoplasms: pericytoma with t(7;12)

Activation of the GLI oncogene is an important step in the sonic hedgehog signaling pathway, and leads to, eg, tissue-specific cell proliferation during embryogenesis. GLI activity in adult tissues is restricted, but has been identified in various neoplasms, as a result of mutations in the PTCH (patched) or SMOH (smoothened) genes, encoding components of the sonic hedgehog pathway, or by amplification of GLI. Herein, we present a new mechanism of GLI activation through fusion with the beta-actin gene (ACTB) in five histologically distinctive soft tissue tumors showing a t(7;12)(p21-22;q13-15) and a pericytic phenotype. Each was composed of a perivascular proliferation of monomorphic short spindle cells that stained positively for smooth muscle actin and laminin and that showed pericytic features by electron microscopy. To date, with a median follow-up of 24 months, none has behaved in an aggressive manner. Molecular genetic analysis showed that the translocation in all cases resulted in a fusion transcript including the 5'-part of ACTB and the 3'-part of GLI. The DNA-binding zinc finger domains of GLI were retained in the fusion transcripts and it is likely that the replacement of the promoter region of GLI with that of the ubiquitously expressed ACTB gene leads to deregulation of GLI expression and its downstream target genes.

Combined binary ratio labeling fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis of chordoma

Chordoma is a rare, low- to intermediate-grade malignant tumor involving the axial spine. Cytogenetic data on these tumors have been limited to 25 cases. The findings of clonal chromosome aberrations in five new cases are presented. One of these and two previously reported cases have been studied with multicolor combined binary ratio labeling fluorescence in situ hybridization (COBRA-FISH). The karyotypes were near-diploid, mostly with several numerical and structural aberrations. There were multiple imbalances, with loss of segments from 1p, 3p, 3q, 9p, and chromosome 10 seen in two to four of the seven cases. No clustering of breakpoints was seen and no recurrent recombination between chromosomes was detected. The findings are consistent with previous data and indicate that chordoma tumor development is associated with multiple, nonrandom losses including chromosome segments that are frequently involved in many other solid tumors.

Mitotic instability associated with late genomic changes in bone and soft tissue tumours

One source of genomic instability in tumours is abnormal mitotic segregation of chromosomes. Evaluation of chromosome segregation and cytogenetic aberrations in 28 bone and soft tissue neoplasms revealed few mitotic disturbances in benign lesions, whereas most of the malignant tumours, except for chondrosarcomas, showed anaphase bridges and/or multipolar mitoses. Only cases with chromosomal imbalances exhibited these defects and they were not present in any of the cases with sole primary changes, indicating that mitotic instability is established relatively late in mesenchymal tumour development. Most cases with multipolar mitoses exhibited abnormal centrosome configurations. However, induction of supernumerary centrioles in vitro failed to produce mitotic abnormalities in normal cells, indicating that additional disturbances of the cell division machinery are required for the generation of mitotic multipolarity.

The chimericFUS/CREB3l2gene is specific for low-grade fibromyxoid sarcoma

Low-grade fibromyxoid sarcoma (LGFMS) is a variant of fibrosarcoma that was recognized as a distinct tumor entity only quite recently. We previously described a translocation, t(7;16)(q33;p11), that resulted in a fusion of the FUS and CREB3L2 (also known as BBF2H7) genes in two soft tissue tumors that fulfilled morphologic criteria for LGFMS. To delineate the spectrum of tumors that may harbor the FUS/CREB3L2 gene, we selected 45 low-grade spindle cell sarcomas for reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and/or fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analyses; none of these tumors had originally been diagnosed as LGFMS. Furthermore, also included were two benign soft tissue tumors and nine high-grade sarcomas with supernumerary ring chromosomes or 7q3 rearrangement and three tumors diagnosed as LGFMS prior to the genetic analysis. Of the 59 tumors analyzed, 12 were FUS/CREB3L2-positive, all of which were diagnosed at histopathologic re-examination as being LGFMS, of both the classical subtype and the subtype with giant collagen rosettes. The breakpoints in the fusion transcripts were always in exons 6 or 7 of FUS and exon 5 of CREB3L2. The results indicated that FUS/CREB3L2 is specifically associated with LGFMS and that RT-PCR or FISH analysis may be useful for the differential diagnosis.

Amplification of chromosome 1 sequences in lipomatous tumors and other sarcomas

Amplifications and gains involving 1q are common abnormalities in solid tumors. Recently, an amplicon originating from 1q21-23, containing the candidate oncogenes COAS1, COAS2 and COAS3 (Chromosome One Amplified Sequence) was identified. The presence, distribution and copy number level of extra COAS sequences were investigated in 48 bone and soft tissue tumor (BSTT) samples using metaphase FISH analysis. Amplification was seen in 27/48 (56%) samples. With few exceptions, all 3 genes were involved, but on average COAS2 exhibited higher copy numbers. The presence of extra COAS signals, irrespective of copy numbers, was found at similar frequencies in different histologic tumor subtypes. However, medium or high level amplification was common in lipomatous tumors but rare in other, nonlipomatous tumors (9/21 vs. 2/27 samples). The most common localization of extra COAS signals in lipomatous tumors was in supernumerary ring and giant marker chromosomes. Among nonlipomatous tumors, the distribution of extra COAS genes was more disperse, being located in various unidentified chromosomal structures, including double minutes, and only rarely in ring chromosomes. Because MDM2 is known to be amplified frequently in BSTTs, and in particular in atypical lipomatous tumors, cases with extra copies of COAS were studied also with an MDM2 probe. Twelve out of 18 lipomatous tumors had extra copies of both COAS and MDM2, and the 2 genes were found to be coamplified and interspersed exclusively in ring and giant marker chromosomes. Also 12 out of 18 nonlipomatous tumors exhibited simultaneous gain of COAS and MDM2, but colocalization in the same chromosome was less frequent. The role of the frequent coamplification of COAS, or some other yet unknown gene in the 1q21-23 region, and MDM2 remains to be elucidated.

Topoisomerase-II alpha is upregulated in malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors and associated with clinical outcome

PURPOSE

To identify target genes of clinical significance for patients with malignant peripheral-nerve sheath tumor (MPNST), an aggressive cancer for which no consensus therapy exists.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Biopsies and clinical data from 51 patients with MPNST were included in this study. Based on our previous research implicating chromosome arm 17q amplification in MPNST, we performed gene expression analyses of 14 MPNSTs using chromosome 17-specific cDNA microarrays. Copy numbers of selected gene probes and centromere probes were then determined by interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization in 16 MPNSTs. Finally, we generated a tissue microarray containing 79 samples from 44 MPNSTs, on which in situ protein expressions of candidate genes were examined and related to clinical end points.

RESULTS

Among several deregulated genes found by cDNA microarray analyses, topoisomerase II alpha (TOP2A) was the most overexpressed gene in MPNSTs compared with benign neurofibromas. Excess copies of the TOP2A were also seen at the DNA level in 10 of 16 cases, and high expression of the TOP2A protein was seen in 83% of the tumors on the tissue microarray. The TOP2A-expressing tumors were associated with poor cancer-specific survival and presence of metastases.

CONCLUSION

We have identified TOP2A as a target gene in MPNST, using a focused gene expression profiling followed by a DNA copy number evaluation and clinical validation of the encoded protein using a tissue microarray. This study is the first to suggest that TOP2A expression may be a predictive factor for adverse outcome in MPNST.

Fusion of the FUS and BBF2H7 genes in low grade fibromyxoid sarcoma

The FUS gene at 16p11 fuses with DDIT3 and ATF1 as the result of translocations with chromosome band 12q13 in myxoid liposarcoma and angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma, respectively, and with ERG as the result of a t(16;21)(p11;q22) in acute myeloid leukemia. We here show that a t(7;16)(q33;p11) in two cases of low grade fibromyxoid sarcoma fuses the FUS gene to BBF2H7, a previously uncharacterized gene that is homologous to the Drosophila Bbf-2 gene. BBF2H7 spans more than 120 kbp genomic DNA, is composed of 12 exons and contains a 1560 bp open reading frame. It codes for a 519 amino acid protein that contains a basic DNA binding and leucine zipper dimerization (B-ZIP) motif, highly similar to that in the OASIS, CREB-H, CREB4 and CREB3 transcription factors, followed by a hydrophobic region predicted to be an alpha-helical transmembrane domain. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), using FUS forward and BBF2H7 reverse primers, amplified FUS/BBF2H7 chimeric transcripts composed of the first five exons and part of exon 6 of FUS and part of exon 5 and exons 6-12 of BBF2H7. The FUS/BBF2H7 chimera codes for a protein containing the N-terminus of FUS and the B-ZIP domain and the C-terminus of BBF2H7.

Ring chromosomes and low-grade gene amplification in an atypical lipomatous tumor with minimal nuclear atypia

Atypical lipomatous tumors (ALTs) are characterized by supernumerary ring chromosomes and/or giant marker chromosomes, which typically are composed of interspersed, amplified 12q-sequences, are C-band negative, lack alpha-satellite sequences, and display high copy numbers of several oncogenes, including HMGA2 (a.k.a. HMGIC) and MDM2, from the 12q13-15 region. In the present study, we report the cytogenetic and molecular genetic findings in an ALT with minimal nuclear atypia from a 16-year-old boy. At G-banding analysis, 1-3 supernumerary ring chromosomes were detected. Combined binary ratio labeling fluorescence in situ hybridization (COBRA-FISH) showed that the rings were entirely composed of material from chromosome 12, and by further FISH analysis with locus-specific probes it was revealed that they consisted of two tandemly arranged copies of the segment 12p11.2-p13.2 to 12q21.2-q23.1. Within that segment of chromosome 12, there was a small deletion including the HMGA2 locus. There was no variation in ring size and no interphase bridges could be detected, indicating that the ring chromosomes were mitotically relatively stable. The present case thus adds support to the concept that there exists a subset of ALT with limited or minimal nuclear atypia and low-level amplification of 12q sequences, further suggesting the possibility of a molecular genetic continuum between lipoma and classical examples of ALT. Furthermore, the present data strongly imply that it is the composition of the rings rather than the ring chromosome formation as such that causes the genetic instability and nuclear atypia frequently seen in ALTs.

Chromosomal abnormalities in inflammatory pseudotumor of the urinary bladder

Inflammatory pseudotumors of the urinary bladder are rare, benign, nonepithelial tumors. Fewer than 30 have been reported, and no data are available on their karyotypic characteristics and/or the molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis. We performed short-term culturing and cytogenetic analysis of an inflammatory pseudotumor of the bladder, finding a der(20)t(12;20)(q13 approximately q15;q13) as the only cytogenetic aberration. The detection of a 12q13 approximately q15 rearrangement in the inflammatory pseudotumor indicates that this lesion is pathogenetically related to other benign mesenchymal tumors displaying, for example, lipogenic or leiomyomatous differentiation, something that is in sharp contrast to the karyotypic profile of epithelial tumors of the urinary bladder mucosa.

A novel fusion gene, SS18L1/SSX1, in synovial sarcoma

Synovial sarcoma is an aggressive soft tissue tumor that is characterized cytogenetically by the t(X;18)(p11;q11) translocation, resulting in fusion between the SS18 gene on chromosome 18 and one of the SSX genes on the X chromosome. The three fusion genes that have been detected thus far, SS18/SSX1, SS18/SSX2, and SS18/SSX4, account for more than 95% of the synovial sarcomas. Because SS18/SSX fusions do not seem to occur in other tumor types, and because synovial sarcomas may sometimes be difficult to distinguish from other spindle cell tumors, molecular genetic analysis has become established as an important diagnostic tool. Upon cytogenetic analysis of a soft-tissue tumor that showed classic synovial sarcoma morphology, we detected two supernumerary marker chromosomes but no rearrangement of chromosomes X or 18. By fluorescence in situ hybridization, the marker chromosomes were shown to contain material from chromosomes X and 20, including the SSX gene cluster on the X chromosome and the SS18L1 gene, which shows strong homology with the SS18 gene, on chromosome 20. Further RT-PCR analysis and sequencing of the amplified products revealed a novel SS18L1/SSX1 fusion transcript in which nucleotide 1216 (exon 10) of SS18L1 was fused in-frame with nucleotide 422 (exon 6) of SSX1. Thus, the existence of genetic heterogeneity has to be taken into account when RT-PCR is used for the diagnosis of synovial sarcoma.

Clustering of deletions on chromosome 13 in benign and low-malignant lipomatous tumors

Deletions and structural rearrangements of the long arm of chromosome 13 are frequently observed in benign and low-malignant lipomatous tumors, but nothing is known about their molecular genetic consequences. We assessed the karyotypes of 40 new and 22 previously published cases (35 ordinary lipomas, 15 spindle cell/pleomorphic lipomas, 2 myxolipomas, 1 angiomyxolipoma and 9 atypical lipomatous tumors) with chromosome 13-abnormalities, and found bands 13q12-22 to be frequently affected. Twenty-seven cases with structural abnormalities within this region were selected for breakpoint and deletion mapping by metaphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), using a set of 20 probes. Deletions were found in 23 of 27 cases. The remaining 4 cases had seemingly balanced rearrangements. The breakpoints were scattered but clustered to band 13q14, and in all cases with unbalanced abnormalities, a limited region within band 13q14 was partially or completely deleted. A deletion within band 13q14 was found together with a breakpoint on the other homologue in 5 cases, 4 of which could be tested further with regard to the status of the retinoblastoma (RB1)-gene. In all 4 cases, only 1 copy of the gene was deleted. In addition to the breaks and deletions in the vicinity of the RB1-locus, several other regions of 13q were recurrently affected, e.g., in the vicinity of the hereditary breast cancer (BRCA2; 13q12)- and lipoma HMGIC fusion partner (LHFP; 13q13)- genes. Our findings strongly indicate that deletion of a limited region (approximately 2.5 Mbp) within 13q14, distal to the RB1-locus, is of importance in the development of a subset of lipomatous tumors.

A full-coverage, high-resolution human chromosome 22 genomic microarray for clinical and research applications

We have constructed the first comprehensive microarray representing a human chromosome for analysis of DNA copy number variation. This chromosome 22 array covers 34.7 Mb, representing 1.1% of the genome, with an average resolution of 75 kb. To demonstrate the utility of the array, we have applied it to profile acral melanoma, dermatofibrosarcoma, DiGeorge syndrome and neurofibromatosis 2. We accurately diagnosed homozygous/heterozygous deletions, amplifications/gains, IGLV/IGLC locus instability, and breakpoints of an imbalanced translocation. We further identified the 14-3-3 eta isoform as a candidate tumor suppressor in glioblastoma. Two significant methodological advances in array construction were also developed and validated. These include a strictly sequence defined, repeat-free, and non-redundant strategy for array preparation. This approach allows an increase in array resolution and analysis of any locus; disregarding common repeats, genomic clone availability and sequence redundancy. In addition, we report that the application of phi29 DNA polymerase is advantageous in microarray preparation. A broad spectrum of issues in medical research and diagnostics can be approached using the array. This well annotated and gene-rich autosome contains numerous uncharacterized disease genes. It is therefore crucial to associate these genes to specific 22q-related conditions and this array will be instrumental towards this goal. Furthermore, comprehensive epigenetic profiling of 22q-located genes and high-resolution analysis of replication timing across the entire chromosome can be studied using our array.

Molecular genetic characterization of the EWS/CHN and RBP56/CHN fusion genes in extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma

Extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma (EMC) is a soft-tissue neoplasm cytogenetically characterized by the translocations t(9;22)(q22;q11-12) or t(9;17)(q22;q11), generating EWS/CHN or RBP56/CHN fusion genes, respectively. In the present study, 18 EMCs were studied both cytogenetically and at the molecular level. Chromosomal aberrations were detected in 16 samples: 13 with involvement of 9q22 and 22q11-12, and three with rearrangements of 9q22 and 17q11. Fifteen cases had an EWS/CHN fusion transcript and three had an RBP56/CHN transcript. The most frequent EWS/CHN transcript (type 1; 10 tumors), involved fusion of EWS exon 12 with CHN exon 3, and the second most common (type 5; two cases) was fusion of EWS exon 13 with CHN exon 3. In all tumors with RBP56/CHN fusion, exon 6 of RBP56 was fused to exon 3 of CHN. By genomic XL PCR and sequence analyses, the breakpoints from 14 cases were mapped in the EWS, RBP56, and CHN genes. In CHN, 12 breakpoints were found in intron 2 and only two in intron 1. In EWS, the breaks occurred in introns 7 (one break), 12 (eight breaks), and 13 (one break), and in RBP56 in intron 6. Repetitive elements such as Alu and LINE sequences seem to have limited, if any, importance in the genesis of EWS/CHN and RBP56/CHN chimeras. Furthermore, there were no chi, chi-like, topoisomerase II, or translin consensus sequences in the introns harboring the translocation breakpoints, nor could the number of topo I sites in EWS, RBP56, and CHN introns explain the uneven distribution of the breakpoints among EWS or CHN introns. Additional genetic events, such as nucleotide insertions, homologies at the junction, deletions, duplications, and inversions, were found to accompany the translocations, indicating that the chromosomal translocations do not require sequence-specific recombinases or extensive homology between the recombined sequences.

Molecular cytogenetic mapping of recurrent chromosomal breakpoints in tenosynovial giant cell tumors

Tenosynovial giant cell tumor (TGCT) is the most common benign tumor of synovium and tendon sheath. Cytogenetic data indicate that 1p11-13 is the region most frequently involved in structural rearrangements. With the aim of eventually identifying the genes associated with TGCT development, we have investigated 1p11-13 breakpoints using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis, with a panel of yeast artificial chromosome (YAC) probes covering 1p11-21. Twenty-six tumors were analyzed by G-banding, and 24 of these showed a breakpoint in 1p11-13. The cytogenetic findings add to previous observations that, among a variety of translocations involving 1p11-13, chromosome 2 is the most common translocation partner, with a breakpoint in 2q35-37. This aberration was found in eight cases. Other recurrent translocation partners, found in two or three cases, were 5q22-31, 11q11-12, and 8q21-22. Material from 21 tumors was available for FISH analysis, which revealed that the breakpoints clustered to one region spanned by two YAC probes, 914F6 and 885F12 located in 1p13.2, in 18 cases. Bacterial artificial chromosome probes were used to map the recurrent breakpoint on chromosome 2. In four of seven cases there was a breakpoint within the sequence covered by probe 260J21, where the RDC1 gene is located, a gene reported to fuse with HMGIC in lipomas with a 2;12 translocation.

Establishment and characterisation of a human clear cell sarcoma model in nude mice

We have established a new experimental model of human clear cell sarcoma, UM-CCS1, using serial subcutaneous transplantation of intact tumour tissue in nude mice. The heterotransplanted nude mouse tumours retained characteristic morphological features of the primary clear cell sarcoma. Immunohistochemical analysis showed the retained expression patterns of S-100 protein, melanoma-associated antigen HMB-45 and vimentin in the xenografts as compared to the primary tumour. DNA index showed low variations both between the xenografts in the same passage and between the serial passages. Cytogenetic analysis of the primary tumour and the xenografts showed the unbalanced translocation der(6)t(6;12)(p23;q13). Based on the combined genetic data a reasonable interpretation of our findings is that there was a complex chromosomal rearrangement resulting in a cytogenetically cryptic EWS-ATF1 fusion gene. Analysis of cell kinetics using in vivo incorporation of iododeoxyuridine and flow cytometry showed generally short potential doubling time (T(pot)) of the xenografts. Volume doubling time showed low variations without correlation with T(pot). The retained phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of the primary tumour and the morphological and structural stability over time makes the model suitable for studies on the tumour biology and treatment of clear cell sarcoma.

Fusion of RDC1 with HMGA2 in lipomas as the result of chromosome aberrations involving 2q35-37 and 12q13-15

Rearrangements of chromosome bands 12q13-15 are frequent in various benign mesenchymal and epithelial tumors, and the gene HMGA2 seems to be the most common target within this chromosome region. In the majority of cases, the rearrangements result in a fusion of the first three exons of HMGA2 with different translocation partners. Despite the large number of HMGA2 mutations that have been reported, very little is known about the fusion partners. In this study, we have characterized a recurrent fusion of the first three exons of HMGA2 5' to the G protein-coupled receptor gene (RDC1) in lipomas with rearrangements involving chromosome bands 2q35-37 and 12q13-15, one of several recurrent chromosomal rearrangements in lipomas. The functional impact of the fusion is truncation of HMGA2, because the RDC1 part contributes with a stop codon one amino acid downstream of the breakpoint. The breakpoint within RDC1 was localized in a previously uncharacterized exon of the gene, and our data suggest that RDC1 is subject to alternative splicing.

Centrosomal abnormalities, multipolar mitoses, and chromosomal instability in head and neck tumours with dysfunctional telomeres

Carcinomas of the head and neck typically exhibit complex chromosome aberrations but the underlying mutational mechanisms remain obscure. Evaluation of cell division dynamics in low-passage cell lines from three benign and five malignant head and neck tumours revealed a strong positive correlation between multipolarity of the mitotic spindle and the formation of bridges at anaphase in both benign and malignant tumours. Cells exhibiting a high rate of mitotic abnormalities also showed several chromosome termini lacking TTAGGG repeats and a high frequency of dicentric chromosomes. Multicolour karyotyping demonstrated a preferential involvement in structural rearrangements of chromosomes with deficient telomeres. The majority of malignant, mitotically unstable tumours expressed the reverse transcriptase subunit of telomerase. These data indicate that some of the genomic instability in head and neck tumours is initiated by telomere dysfunction, leading to the formation of dicentric chromosomes. These form chromosome bridges at mitosis that could prevent the normal anaphase-telophase transition. In turn, this may cause an accumulation of centrosomes and mitotic multipolarity. Telomerase expression does not confer total stability to the tumour genome but could be crucial for moderating the rate of chromosomal evolution.

Prognostically important chromosomal aberrations in soft tissue sarcomas: a report of the Chromosomes and Morphology (CHAMP) Study Group

Cytogenetic analysis has not only provided important information on the pathogenesis of soft tissue tumors but, by disclosing distinct chromosomal rearrangements in different histopathological entities, has also come to serve as a valuable diagnostic tool. Little is known as yet about the potential prognostic impact of cytogenetic features detected in these tumors. A total of 239 benign and 221 malignant soft tissue tumors with clonal chromosome aberrations were subdivided according to general karyotypic features, such as degree of complexity and ploidy level, and rearrangements of specific chromosomal regions. The cytogenetic variables were analyzed regarding clinical outcome, using time to metastasis as the end point. Selected variables were then compared with established clinicopathological predictors of metastasis development. When the entire material was considered, 167 of 268 investigated cytogenetic variables were associated with clinical outcome. Focusing on the subset of 151 patients with high-grade sarcoma, 17 variables were identified that, besides grade and size, were associated with increased risk of metastasis development. A final Cox regression analysis identified five independent cytogenetic predictors of adverse outcome; breakpoints in chromosome regions 1p1, 1q4, 14q1, and 17q2, and gain of regions 6p1/p2. An increasing effect on metastatic risk was seen with increasing involvement of the selected cytogenetic variables, even when different histopathological types were studied separately. We conclude that cytogenetic data provide independent prognostic information in soft tissue sarcomas. Furthermore, our results point to specific areas of the genome harboring genes that may influence the metastatic potential of sarcoma cells.

RNA splicing mediated by YB-1 is inhibited by TLS/CHOP in human myxoid liposarcoma cells

Human myxoid liposarcoma contains a characteristic t(12;16) chromosomal translocation that results in fusion of the N-terminal domain of the translocated in liposarcoma (TLS) protein to the C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP). TLS possesses structural motifs that suggest it may participate in RNA processing. We demonstrate that in human myxoid liposarcoma cells, wild-type TLS binds to RNA polymerase II (Pol II) via its N-terminal domain and to the transcription and translation factor Y-box binding protein-1 (YB-1) through its C-terminal domain. The liposarcoma fusion protein TLS/CHOP retains the ability to bind RNA Pol II but lacks the ability to recruit YB-1 due to replacement of the C-terminal domain of TLS by CHOP. In an in vivo splicing assay, YB-1 promotes splicing of adenovirus EIA pre-mRNA predominantly to the 13S isoform. The oncogenic TLS/CHOP fusion protein inhibits this splicing function of YB-1 in a dominant negative manner. When considered in conjunction with studies on other sarcoma fusion proteins, these data suggest that aberrant RNA splicing may be a common feature of human sarcomas.

SYT-SSX is critical for cyclin D1 expression in synovial sarcoma cells: a gain of function of the t(X;18)(p11.2;q11.2) translocation

The SYT-SSX fusion gene has been implicated in the malignant tumor cell growth of synovial sarcoma, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are still poorly understood. Here we demonstrate that SYT-SSX is critical for the protein level of cyclin D1 in synovial sarcoma cells. Antisense oligonucleotides to SYT-SSX mRNA rapidly and drastically decreased cyclin D1 and subsequently inhibited cell growth. This effect is specific for SYT-SSX, without involving the wild-type genes SYT or SSX. The decrease in cyclin D1 expression, which occurred shortly after inhibition of SYT-SSX expression, was found to be primarily dependent on an increased degradation of the cyclin D1 protein, as assessed by pulse-chase experiments using [(35)S]methionine. Furthermore, transfection of mouse fibroblasts with SYT-SSX cDNA increased the stability of cyclin D1. Because treatment with a proteasome inhibitor restored cyclin D1 expression, it seems like SYT-SSX interferes with ubiquitin-dependent degradation of cyclin D1. However, SYT-SSX-regulated cyclin D1 expression was proven to be independent of the glycogen synthetase kinase-3beta pathway. Taken together, our study provides evidence that SYT-SSX stabilizes cyclin D1 and is critical for cyclin D1 expression in synovial sarcoma cells. SYT-SSX-dependent expression of cyclin D1 may be an important mechanism in the development and progression of synovial sarcoma and also raises the possibility for targeted therapy.