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Hoki M, Yamada Y, Hiratomo E, Hirata M, Takeuchi Y, Yoshimatsu M, Kikuchi M, Kishimoto Y, Marx A, Haga H. Expression of FOXI1 and POU2F3 varies among different salivary gland neoplasms and is higher in Warthin tumor. Discov Oncol 2024; 15:36. [PMID: 38358561 PMCID: PMC10869675 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-024-00892-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Salivary gland tumors are histologically diverse. Ionocytes and tuft cells, rare epithelial cells found in normal salivary glands, might be associated with salivary tumors. Here, we explored the expression of FOXI1 and POU2F3, master regulators of ionocytes and tuft cells, respectively, for common salivary neoplasms using immunohistochemistry. METHODS We analyzed normal salivary tissues and nine salivary gland tumors; Warthin tumors (WT), pleomorphic adenomas (PA), basal cell adenomas, and oncocytomas were benign, whereas mucoepidermoid, adenoid cystic, acinic cell, salivary duct carcinomas, and polymorphous adenocarcinomas were malignant. RESULTS Normal salivary glands contained a few FOXI1- and POU2F3-positive cells in the ducts instead of the acini, consistent with ionocytes and tuft cells, respectively. Among the benign tumors, only WTs and PAs consistently expressed FOXI1 (10/10 and 9/10, respectively). The median H-score of WTs was significantly higher than that of PAs (17.5 vs. 4, P = 0.01). While WTs and PAs harbored POU2F3-positive cells (10/10 and 9/10, respectively), the median H-score was higher in WTs than in PAs (10.5 vs 4, respectively). Furthermore, WTs exhibited a unique staining pattern of FOXI1- and POU2F3-positive cells, which were present in luminal and abluminal locations, respectively. Whereas none of the malignant tumors expressed FOXI1, only adenoid cystic carcinoma consistently expressed POU2F3 (5/5), with a median H-score of 4. CONCLUSION The expression patterns of the characteristic transcription factors found in ionocytes and tuft cells vary among salivary gland tumor types and are higher in WT, which might be relevant for understanding and diagnosing salivary gland neoplasms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masahito Hoki
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Kyoto University Hospital, 54 Shogoin Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
| | - Yosuke Yamada
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Kyoto University Hospital, 54 Shogoin Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan.
| | - Emi Hiratomo
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Kyoto University Hospital, 54 Shogoin Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
| | - Masahiro Hirata
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Kyoto University Hospital, 54 Shogoin Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
| | - Yasuhide Takeuchi
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Kyoto University Hospital, 54 Shogoin Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
| | - Masayoshi Yoshimatsu
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Masahiro Kikuchi
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Kobe City Medical Center General Hospital, Kobe, Japan
| | - Yo Kishimoto
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Alexander Marx
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Göttingen, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Hironori Haga
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Kyoto University Hospital, 54 Shogoin Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
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Jimbo N, Ohbayashi C, Takeda M, Fujii T, Mitsui S, Tsukamoto R, Tanaka Y, Itoh T, Maniwa Y. POU2F3-Expressing Small Cell Lung Carcinoma and Large Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma Show Morphologic and Phenotypic Overlap. Am J Surg Pathol 2024; 48:4-15. [PMID: 37904277 DOI: 10.1097/pas.0000000000002145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2023]
Abstract
Considering the differences in protein expression in small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) by molecular classification, it is likely that there are differences in morphology, but the relationship between molecular classification and morphology has not been examined. Furthermore, there are limited reports concerning this molecular classification for large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) and SCLC simultaneously. Therefore, we investigated the relationship between immunohistochemistry-based molecular classification and morphology, protein expression, and clinical features of 146 consecutive resection specimens of pulmonary neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC), focusing mainly on POU2F3, the master transcription factor involved in tuft cell generation. POU2F3-dominant SCLC (n=24) and LCNEC (n=14) showed overlap in cytomorphology, while non-POU2F3-dominant SCLC (n=71) and LCNEC (n=37) showed distinct differences in cytomorphology. In addition, POU2F3-dominant NEC exhibited significantly more abundant tumor stroma, more prominent nest formation, more frequent bronchial intraepithelial involvement, and less frequent background fibrosis than non-POU2F3-dominant NEC. Immunohistochemically, POU2F3-dominant SCLC and LCNEC were characterized by lower expression of TTF-1, CEA, and neuroendocrine markers and higher expression of bcl-2, c-Myc, and c-kit. Clinically, POU2F3-dominant NEC had a significantly better prognosis than non-POU2F3-dominant NEC for recurrence-free survival. POU2F3-dominant NEC had a higher smoking index than non-POU2F3-dominant NEC. POU2F3-dominant NEC forms a unique population, exhibiting intermediate morphologic features between SCLC and LCNEC, with distinct protein expression as tuft cell-like carcinoma. Recognition of this unique subtype may provide clues for solving the long-standing issues of NEC and appropriate therapeutic stratification. It is important to accurately identify POU2F3-expressing carcinomas by immunohistochemistry and to analyze their clinicopathological features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoe Jimbo
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Chuo-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan
| | - Chiho Ohbayashi
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Shinko Hospital, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Japan
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Nara Medical University School of Medicine, Nara, Japan, Kashihara, Nara, Japan
| | - Maiko Takeda
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Nara Medical University School of Medicine, Nara, Japan, Kashihara, Nara, Japan
| | - Tomomi Fujii
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Nara Medical University School of Medicine, Nara, Japan, Kashihara, Nara, Japan
| | - Suguru Mitsui
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Chuo-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan
| | - Ryuko Tsukamoto
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Chuo-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan
| | - Yugo Tanaka
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Chuo-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan
| | - Tomoo Itoh
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Chuo-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan
| | - Yoshimasa Maniwa
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Chuo-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan
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Barachini S, Pardini E, Burzi IS, Sardo Infirri G, Montali M, Petrini I. Molecular and Functional Key Features and Oncogenic Drivers in Thymic Carcinomas. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 16:166. [PMID: 38201593 PMCID: PMC10778094 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16010166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Thymic epithelial tumors, comprising thymic carcinomas and thymomas, are rare neoplasms. They differ in histology, prognosis, and association with autoimmune diseases such as myasthenia gravis. Thymomas, but not thymic carcinomas, often harbor GTF2I mutations. Mutations of CDKN2A, TP53, and CDKN2B are the most common thymic carcinomas. The acquisition of mutations in genes that control chromatin modifications and epigenetic regulation occurs in the advanced stages of thymic carcinomas. Anti-angiogenic drugs and immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 axis have shown promising results for the treatment of unresectable tumors. Since thymic carcinomas are frankly aggressive tumors, this report presents insights into their oncogenic drivers, categorized under the established hallmarks of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Barachini
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Eleonora Pardini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Irene Sofia Burzi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Gisella Sardo Infirri
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Marina Montali
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Iacopo Petrini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
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Yamada Y, Iwane K, Nakanishi Y, Haga H. Thymic Carcinoma: Unraveling Neuroendocrine Differentiation and Epithelial Cell Identity Loss. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 16:115. [PMID: 38201543 PMCID: PMC10778300 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16010115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The histogenesis of thymic epithelial tumors (TETs) has been a subject of debate. Recent technological advancements have revealed that thymic carcinomas often exhibit a phenotype akin to tuft cells, which is a subset of medullary TECs. Here, we further explored the gene expression signatures of thymic carcinomas in relation to tuft cells and their kinships-ionocytes and neuroendocrine cells (neuroendocrine group). METHODS We analyzed a single-cell RNA sequencing dataset from the normal human thymus. Concurrently, we examined publicly available datasets on the mRNA expression and methylation status of TECs and lung cancers. Real-time quantitative PCR was also conducted with our tissue samples. RESULTS Thymic carcinomas displayed a neuroendocrine phenotype biased toward tuft cells and ionocytes. When exploring the possible regulators of this phenotype, we discovered that HDAC9 and NFATC1 were characteristically expressed in the neuroendocrine group in adult TECs and thymic carcinomas. Additionally, the pan-thymic epithelium markers, exemplified by PAX9 and SIX1, were significantly suppressed in thymic carcinomas. CONCLUSIONS Thymic carcinomas might be characterized by unique neuroendocrine differentiation and loss of identity as thymic epithelial cells. Future studies investigating the role of HDAC9 and NFATC1 in thymic epithelium are warranted to explore their potential as therapeutic targets in TETs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yosuke Yamada
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Kyoto University Hospital, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan;
| | - Kosuke Iwane
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan; (K.I.); (Y.N.)
| | - Yuki Nakanishi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan; (K.I.); (Y.N.)
| | - Hironori Haga
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Kyoto University Hospital, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan;
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Wang Y, Jin Y, Shen X, Zheng Q, Xue Q, Chen L, Lin Y, Li Y. POU2F3: A Sensitive and Specific Diagnostic Marker for Neuroendocrine-low/negative Small Cell Lung Cancer. Am J Surg Pathol 2023; 47:1059-1066. [PMID: 37357936 DOI: 10.1097/pas.0000000000002081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
POU2F3 (POU class 2 homeobox 3) is a novel transcription factor used to define the special molecular subtype of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) known as SCLC-P. Nevertheless, the sensitivity and specificity of POU2F3 immunohistochemical (IHC) staining have not been fully investigated. In this study, we explored the expression of POU2F3 by IHC in a large cohort of SCLC clinical samples (n=246), other common lung cancer types (n=2207), and various other cancer types (n=194). The results showed that POU2F3 was strongly nuclear stained in 13.41% (33/246) of SCLC cases, with negative or minimal labeling for thyroid transcription factor-1 and neuroendocrine (NE) markers. Compared with POU2F3-negative SCLC, SCLC-P harbored fewer TP53 and RB1 mutations. POU2F3 was also expressed in 3.13% (8/256) of squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) and 20% (2/10) of large cell NE carcinomas (LCNECs), whereas other lung cancer types were negative. In addition to lung cancer, POU2F3 was positive in 22.2% (4/18) of thymic tumors. All other tumors were POU2F3-negative except for thymic carcinoma, although sparsely distributed weak nuclear staining was observed in lung adenocarcinoma, cervical SCC, and colorectal carcinoma. The sensitivity and specificity of POU2F3 in NE-low/negative SCLC were 82.1% and 99.4%, respectively. Notably, some rare unique patterns of POU2F3 expression were observed. One case of thymic SCC was characterized by diffuse and uniform cytomembrane staining. One case of esophageal NE tumor was nuclear-positive, while the normal proliferating squamous epithelium was strongly membrane-stained. This is the largest cohort of clinical samples to confirm that POU2F3 is a highly sensitive and specific diagnostic marker for NE-low/negative SCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Wang
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Jin
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuxia Shen
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiang Zheng
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qianqian Xue
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lijun Chen
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yicong Lin
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuan Li
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Sun J, Li MX, Xie YM, Zhang YR, Chai YR. Thymic tuft cells: potential "regulators" of non-mucosal tissue development and immune response. Immunol Res 2023; 71:554-564. [PMID: 36961668 PMCID: PMC10037390 DOI: 10.1007/s12026-023-09372-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023]
Abstract
As the leading central immune organ, the thymus is where T cells differentiate and mature, and plays an essential regulatory role in the adaptive immune response. Tuft cells, as chemosensory cells, were first found in rat tracheal epithelial, later gradually confirmed to exist in various mucosal and non-mucosal tissues. Although tuft cells are epithelial-derived, because of their wide heterogeneity, they show functions similar to cholinergic and immune cells in addition to chemosensory ability. As newly discovered non-mucosal tuft cells, thymic tuft cells have been demonstrated to be involved in and play vital roles in immune responses such as antigen presentation, immune tolerance, and type 2 immunity. In addition to their unique functions in the thymus, thymic tuft cells have the characteristics of peripheral tuft cells, so they may also participate in the process of tumorigenesis and virus infection. Here, we review tuft cells' characteristics, distribution, and potential functions. More importantly, the potential role of thymic tuft cells in immune response, tumorigenesis, and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2) infection was summarized and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Sun
- Medical School of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, 450052, People's Republic of China
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, 450052, People's Republic of China
| | - Ming-Xin Li
- Medical School of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, 450052, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi-Meng Xie
- School of Fine Arts of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, 450001, People's Republic of China
| | - Ya-Ru Zhang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, No.100, Kexuedadao Road, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, 450001, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu-Rong Chai
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, No.100, Kexuedadao Road, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, 450001, People's Republic of China.
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Yamada Y. Histogenetic and disease-relevant phenotypes in thymic epithelial tumors (TETs): The potential significance for future TET classification. Pathol Int 2023; 73:265-280. [PMID: 37278579 DOI: 10.1111/pin.13343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Thymic epithelial tumors (TETs) encompass morphologically various subtypes. Thus, it would be meaningful to explore the expression phenotypes that delineate each TET subtype or overarching multiple subtypes. If these profiles are related to thymic physiology, they will improve our biological understanding of TETs and may contribute to the establishment of a more rational TET classification. Against this background, pathologists have attempted to identify histogenetic features in TETs for a long time. As part of this work, our group has reported several TET expression profiles that are histotype-dependent and related to the nature of thymic epithelial cells (TECs). For example, we found that beta5t, a constituent of thymoproteasome unique to cortical TECs, is expressed mainly in type B thymomas, for which the nomenclature of cortical thymoma was once considered. Another example is the discovery that most thymic carcinomas, especially thymic squamous cell carcinomas, exhibit expression profiles similar to tuft cells, a recently discovered special type of medullary TEC. This review outlines the currently reported histogenetic phenotypes of TETs, including those related to thymoma-associated myasthenia gravis, summarizes their genetic signatures, and provides a perspective for the future direction of TET classification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yosuke Yamada
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Kyoto University Hospital, Kyoto, Japan
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Yamada Y, Simon R, Iwane K, Nakanishi Y, Takeuchi Y, Yoshizawa A, Takada M, Toi M, Haga H, Marx A, Sauter G. An exploratory study for tuft cells in the breast and their relevance in triple-negative breast cancer: the possible relationship of SOX9. BMC Cancer 2023; 23:438. [PMID: 37179317 PMCID: PMC10183142 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-10949-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer is highly heterogeneous, suggesting that small but relevant subsets have been under-recognized. Rare and mainly triple-negative breast cancers (TNBCs) were recently found to exhibit tuft cell-like expression profiles, including POU2F3, the tuft cell master regulator. In addition, immunohistochemistry (IHC) has identified POU2F3-positive cells in the normal human breast, suggesting the presence of tuft cells in this organ. METHODS Here, we (i) reviewed previously identified POU2F3-positive invasive breast cancers (n = 4) for POU2F3 expression in intraductal cancer components, (ii) investigated a new cohort of invasive breast cancers (n = 1853) by POU2F3-IHC, (iii) explored POU2F3-expressing cells in non-neoplastic breast tissues obtained from women with or without BRCA1 mutations (n = 15), and (iv) reanalyzed publicly available single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data from normal breast cells. RESULTS Two TNBCs of the four previously reported invasive POU2F3-positive breast cancers contained POU2F3-positive ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). In the new cohort of invasive breast cancers, IHC revealed four POU2F3-positive cases, two of which were triple-negative, one luminal-type, and one triple-positive. In addition, another new POU2F3-positive tumor with a triple-negative phenotype was found in daily practice. All non-neoplastic breast tissues contained POU2F3-positive cells, irrespective of BRCA1 status. The scRNA-seq reanalysis confirmed POU2F3-expressing epithelial cells (3.3% of all epithelial cells) and the 17% that co-expressed the other two tuft cell-related markers (SOX9/AVIL or SOX9/GFI1B), which suggested they were bona fide tuft cells. Of note, SOX9 is also known as the "master regulator" of TNBCs. CONCLUSIONS POU2F3 expression defines small subsets in various breast cancer subtypes, which can be accompanied by DCIS. The mechanistic relationship between POU2F3 and SOX9 in the breast warrants further analysis to enhance our understanding of normal breast physiology and to clarify the significance of the tuft cell-like phenotype for TNBCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yosuke Yamada
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Kyoto University Hospital, 54 Shogoin Kawahara-Cho, Sakyo-Ku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan.
| | - Ronald Simon
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Kosuke Iwane
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yuki Nakanishi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yasuhide Takeuchi
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Kyoto University Hospital, 54 Shogoin Kawahara-Cho, Sakyo-Ku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
| | - Akihiko Yoshizawa
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Kyoto University Hospital, 54 Shogoin Kawahara-Cho, Sakyo-Ku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
| | - Masahiro Takada
- Department of Breast Surgery, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Masakazu Toi
- Department of Breast Surgery, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hironori Haga
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Kyoto University Hospital, 54 Shogoin Kawahara-Cho, Sakyo-Ku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
| | - Alexander Marx
- Institute of Pathology, Mannheim and Medical Faculty Mannheim, University Medical Centre, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Guido Sauter
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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Naso JR, Vrana JA, Koepplin JW, Molina JR, Roden AC. EZH2 and POU2F3 Can Aid in the Distinction of Thymic Carcinoma from Thymoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15082274. [PMID: 37190202 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15082274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Thymic carcinoma is an aggressive malignancy that can be challenging to distinguish from thymoma using histomorphology. We assessed two emerging markers for these entities, EZH2 and POU2F3, and compared them with conventional immunostains. Whole slide sections of 37 thymic carcinomas, 23 type A thymomas, 13 type B3 thymomas, and 8 micronodular thymomas with lymphoid stroma (MNTLS) were immunostained for EZH2, POU2F3, CD117, CD5, TdT, BAP1, and MTAP. POU2F3 (≥10% hotspot staining), CD117, and CD5 showed 100% specificity for thymic carcinoma versus thymoma with 51%, 86%, and 35% sensitivity, respectively, for thymic carcinoma. All POU2F3 positive cases were also positive for CD117. All thymic carcinomas showed >10% EZH2 staining. EZH2 (≥80% staining) had a sensitivity of 81% for thymic carcinoma and a specificity of 100% for thymic carcinoma versus type A thymoma and MNTLS but had poor specificity (46%) for thymic carcinoma versus B3 thymoma. Adding EZH2 to a panel of CD117, TdT, BAP1, and MTAP increased cases with informative results from 67/81 (83%) to 77/81 (95%). Overall, absent EZH2 staining may be useful for excluding thymic carcinoma, diffuse EZH2 staining may help to exclude type A thymoma and MNTLS, and ≥10% POU2F3 staining has excellent specificity for thymic carcinoma versus thymoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia R Naso
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55902, USA
| | - Julie A Vrana
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55902, USA
| | - Justin W Koepplin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55902, USA
| | - Julian R Molina
- Division of Medical Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55902, USA
| | - Anja C Roden
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55902, USA
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Li H, Ren B, Yu S, Gao H, Sun PL. The clinicopathological significance of thymic epithelial markers expression in thymoma and thymic carcinoma. BMC Cancer 2023; 23:161. [PMID: 36797681 PMCID: PMC9936685 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-10619-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The classification of thymomas is based on the morphology of epithelial tumor cells and the proportion of lymphocytes. Type A thymomas are composed of the spindle or oval tumor epithelial cells. Tumor cells of B thymomas are epithelioid-shaped with increasing atypia. Type AB thymomas have the features of epithelial tumor cells of A and B thymomas. The diagnosis can be difficult because of the complex morphology. Some novel thymic epithelial markers have been reported in several preclinical studies, but they have not been applied to clinical practice. Here, we investigated the expression of 3 cortical and 3 medullary markers, which are thymoproteasome-specific subunit β5t (β5t), thymus-specific serine protease 16 (PRSS16), cathepsin V, autoimmune regulator (AIRE), CD40 and claudin-4. METHODS Immunohistochemistry was used to analyze 53 cases of thymomas and thymic squamous cell carcinomas (TSCC), aiming to explore the expression of cortical and medullary epithelial markers and their correlation with histological classification, Masaoka-Koga stage, and prognosis. RESULTS Our results found that for cortical epithelial markers the expression of β5t, PRSS16, and cathepsin V was higher in type AB and B thymomas than in micronodular thymoma with lymphoid stroma (MNT), and we observed a dramatic increase of β5t and PRSS16 expression in type AB compared to type A thymomas. In medullary epithelial markers, the expression of AIRE was higher in type A than in B3 thymomas. CD40 and β5t expression were associated with the Masaoka-Koga stage. High cathepsin V expression was related to a good prognosis and a longer progression-free survival. CONCLUSION This is the first comprehensive analysis of the role of thymic cortical and medullary epithelial markers as biomarkers for differential diagnosis and prognosis in thymic tumors. Thymic medullary epithelial immunophenotype was found to exhibit in type A, MNT, and TSCC. Type B thymomas primarily exhibited a cortical epithelial immunophenotype. Type AB thymomas showed cortical, medullary, or mixed corticomedullary epithelial immunophenotype. Our results demonstrated that thymic cortical and medullary epithelial markers including β5t, PRSS16, cathepsin V, and AIRE could be used as ancillary markers in the diagnosis and prognosis of thymic epithelial tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiyang Li
- grid.452829.00000000417660726Department of Pathology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, 218 Ziqiang Road, 130041 Changchun, Jilin China
| | - Bo Ren
- grid.452829.00000000417660726Department of Pathology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, 218 Ziqiang Road, 130041 Changchun, Jilin China
| | - Shili Yu
- grid.452829.00000000417660726Department of Pathology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, 218 Ziqiang Road, 130041 Changchun, Jilin China
| | - Hongwen Gao
- grid.452829.00000000417660726Department of Pathology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, 218 Ziqiang Road, 130041 Changchun, Jilin China
| | - Ping-Li Sun
- Department of Pathology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, 218 Ziqiang Road, 130041, Changchun, Jilin, China.
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11
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Molecular Classification of Extrapulmonary Neuroendocrine Carcinomas With Emphasis on POU2F3-positive Tuft Cell Carcinoma. Am J Surg Pathol 2023; 47:183-193. [PMID: 36253891 PMCID: PMC9833113 DOI: 10.1097/pas.0000000000001977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Extrapulmonary neuroendocrine carcinomas (EP-NECs) are associated with a poor clinical outcome, and limited information is available on the biology and treatment of EP-NECs. We studied EP-NECs by applying the recent novel findings from studies of pulmonary neuroendocrine carcinomas, including POU2F3, the master regulator of tuft cell variant of small cell lung carcinomas. A cohort of 190 patients with surgically resected EP-NECs or poorly differentiated carcinomas (PDCs) were established. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) for POU2F3 along with ASCL1, NEUROD1, YAP1, and conventional neuroendocrine markers was performed on tissue microarrays. Selected cases with or without POU2F3 expression were subjected to targeted gene expression profiling using nCounter PanCancer Pathway panel. POU2F3-positive tuft cell carcinomas were present in 12.6% of EP-NEC/PDCs, with variable proportions according to organ systems. POU2F3 expression was negatively correlated with the expression levels of ASCL1, NEUROD1, and conventional neuroendocrine markers ( P <0.001), enabling IHC-based molecular classification into ASCL1-dominant, NEUROD1-dominant, POU2F3-dominant, YAP1-dominant, and not otherwise specified subtypes. Compared wih POU2F3-negative cases, POU2F3-positive tuft cell carcinomas showed markedly higher expression levels of PLCG2 and BCL2 , which was also validated in the entire cohort by IHC. In addition to POU2F3, YAP1-positive tumors were a distinct subtype among EP-NEC/PDCs, characterized by unique T-cell inflamed microenvironment. We found rare extrapulmonary POU2F3-positive tumors arising from previously unappreciated cells of origin. Our data show novel molecular pathologic features of EP-NEC/PDCs including potential therapeutic vulnerabilities, thereby emphasizing the need for focusing on unique features of EP-NEC/PDCs.
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12
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Kotas ME, O'Leary CE, Locksley RM. Tuft Cells: Context- and Tissue-Specific Programming for a Conserved Cell Lineage. ANNUAL REVIEW OF PATHOLOGY 2023; 18:311-335. [PMID: 36351364 PMCID: PMC10443898 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pathol-042320-112212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Tuft cells are found in tissues with distinct stem cell compartments, tissue architecture, and luminal exposures but converge on a shared transcriptional program, including expression of taste transduction signaling pathways. Here, we summarize seminal and recent findings on tuft cells, focusing on major categories of function-instigation of type 2 cytokine responses, orchestration of antimicrobial responses, and emerging roles in tissue repair-and describe tuft cell-derived molecules used to affect these functional programs. We review what is known about the development of tuft cells from epithelial progenitors under homeostatic conditions and during disease. Finally, we discuss evidence that immature, or nascent, tuft cells with potential for diverse functions are driven toward dominant effector programs by tissue- or perturbation-specific contextual cues, which may result in heterogeneous mature tuft cell phenotypes both within and between tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya E Kotas
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy and Sleep Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Claire E O'Leary
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
- Current affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Richard M Locksley
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA;
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
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13
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Kashima J, Hashimoto T, Yoshida A, Goto Y, Ushiku T, Ohe Y, Watanabe SI, Yatabe Y. Insulinoma-associated-1 (INSM1) expression in thymic squamous cell carcinoma. Virchows Arch 2022; 481:893-901. [PMID: 36305944 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-022-03437-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Thymic squamous cell carcinoma (TSC) presents distinct immunohistochemical features with its expression of CD5 and CD117, both of which are rarely expressed in squamous cell carcinoma in other organs. We found insulinoma-associated-1 (INSM1) expression in some TSCs; thus, a series of thymic tumors were examined retrospectively. Using surgically resected thymic tumors (TSC, n = 35; thymic atypical carcinoid [TAC], n = 4; and thymoma, n = 112) and non-neoplastic thymic tissue (n = 26), we evaluated immunohistochemically the expressions of INSM1, ASCL1, SOX2, NE markers (synaptophysin, chromogranin A, and CD56), and conventional TSC markers (CD5 and CD117). INSM1 was expressed in 22 TSCs (63%), whereas the positive frequencies of synaptophysin, chromogranin A, and CD56 were limited to 13, 10, and 1 cases, respectively. The discordance was highly contrasted with concordantly positive TACs. INSM1 and NE makers were rarely expressed in thymomas. INSM1 expression in TSCs was also associated with CD5 expression, which was significantly less frequent in INSM1-negative TSCs. INSM1, ASCL1, and SOX2 expressions were correlated with one another, but none of the single transcription factors or their combinations is associated with NE expression. The non-neoplastic medullary thymic epithelium was dispersedly positive for INSM1, particularly around Hassall's corpuscles. Despite positive INSM1, a significant decrease in the frequency of NE maker expression may present as a diagnostic pitfall in TSCs. Furthermore, the discordance, which was inherent in the non-neoplastic thymic epithelium, might be a characteristic feature in TSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jumpei Kashima
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, National Cancer Center Hospital, 5-1-1, Tsukiji, Chuo-Ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan.,Department of Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Taiki Hashimoto
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, National Cancer Center Hospital, 5-1-1, Tsukiji, Chuo-Ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan
| | - Akihiko Yoshida
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, National Cancer Center Hospital, 5-1-1, Tsukiji, Chuo-Ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan
| | - Yasushi Goto
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tetsuo Ushiku
- Department of Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuichiro Ohe
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shun-Ichi Watanabe
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasushi Yatabe
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, National Cancer Center Hospital, 5-1-1, Tsukiji, Chuo-Ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan.
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14
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Pulmonary cancers across different histotypes share hybrid tuft cell/ionocyte-like molecular features and potentially druggable vulnerabilities. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:979. [PMID: 36402755 PMCID: PMC9675833 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-05428-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Tuft cells are chemosensory epithelial cells in the respiratory tract and several other organs. Recent studies revealed tuft cell-like gene expression signatures in some pulmonary adenocarcinomas, squamous cell carcinomas (SQCC), small cell carcinomas (SCLC), and large cell neuroendocrine carcinomas (LCNEC). Identification of their similarities could inform shared druggable vulnerabilities. Clinicopathological features of tuft cell-like (tcl) subsets in various lung cancer histotypes were studied in two independent tumor cohorts using immunohistochemistry (n = 674 and 70). Findings were confirmed, and additional characteristics were explored using public datasets (RNA seq and immunohistochemical data) (n = 555). Drug susceptibilities of tuft cell-like SCLC cell lines were also investigated. By immunohistochemistry, 10-20% of SCLC and LCNEC, and approximately 2% of SQCC expressed POU2F3, the master regulator of tuft cells. These tuft cell-like tumors exhibited "lineage ambiguity" as they co-expressed NCAM1, a marker for neuroendocrine differentiation, and KRT5, a marker for squamous differentiation. In addition, tuft cell-like tumors co-expressed BCL2 and KIT, and tuft cell-like SCLC and LCNEC, but not SQCC, also highly expressed MYC. Data from public datasets confirmed these features and revealed that tuft cell-like SCLC and LCNEC co-clustered on hierarchical clustering. Furthermore, only tuft cell-like subsets among pulmonary cancers significantly expressed FOXI1, the master regulator of ionocytes, suggesting their bidirectional but immature differentiation status. Clinically, tuft cell-like SCLC and LCNEC had a similar prognosis. Experimentally, tuft cell-like SCLC cell lines were susceptible to PARP and BCL2 co-inhibition, indicating synergistic effects. Taken together, pulmonary tuft cell-like cancers maintain histotype-related clinicopathologic characteristics despite overlapping unique molecular features. From a therapeutic perspective, identification of tuft cell-like LCNECs might be crucial given their close kinship with tuft cell-like SCLC.
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Structural and Functional Thymic Biomarkers Are Involved in the Pathogenesis of Thymic Epithelial Tumors: An Overview. IMMUNO 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/immuno2020025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The normal human thymus originates from the third branchial cleft as two paired anlages that descend into the thorax and fuse on the midline of the anterior–superior mediastinum. Alongside the epithelial and lymphoid components, different types of lymphoid accessory cells, stromal mesenchymal and endothelial cells migrate to, or develop in, the thymus. After reaching maximum development during early postnatal life, the human thymus decreases in size and lymphocyte output drops with age. However, thymic immunological functions persist, although they deteriorate progressively. Several major techniques were fundamental to increasing the knowledge of thymic development and function during embryogenesis, postnatal and adult life; these include immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, in vitro colony assays, transplantation in mice models, fetal organ cultures (FTOC), re-aggregated thymic organ cultures (RTOC), and whole-organ thymic scaffolds. The thymic morphological and functional characterization, first performed in the mouse, was then extended to humans. The purpose of this overview is to provide a report on selected structural and functional biomarkers of thymic epithelial cells (TEC) involved in thymus development and lymphoid cell maturation, and on the historical aspects of their characterization, with particular attention being paid to biomarkers also involved in Thymic Epithelial Tumor (TET) pathogenesis. Moreover, a short overview of targeted therapies in TET, based on currently available experimental and clinical data and on potential future advances will be proposed.
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