1
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Erdem ZB, Ameline B, Bovée JVMG, van Boven H, Baumhoer D, Chrisinger JSA, Fritchie KJ. The utility of DNA methylation profiling in the diagnosis of un-, de- and trans-differentiated melanoma: a series of 11 cases. Histopathology 2024. [PMID: 39223066 DOI: 10.1111/his.15309] [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: 06/14/2024] [Revised: 08/11/2024] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
AIMS Melanomas are recognised for their remarkable morphological plasticity. Some tumours may lose conventional features and/or acquire non-melanocytic characteristics, referred to as undifferentiated, dedifferentiated and transdifferentiated melanoma. Despite this phenotypical variability, melanomas typically maintain their cancer driver aberrations, affecting genes such as BRAF, NRAS and NF1. Currently, little is known about whether the DNA methylation profile follows the loss or change of differentiation or is retained despite extensive morphological transformation. METHODS AND RESULTS In this study we analysed 11 melanoma cases, comprising six males and five females, with a median age of 67 years, including five undifferentiated, four trans-differentiated and two de-differentiated melanomas. Undifferentiated and trans-differentiated tumours either arose in a patient with known melanoma and/or presented in the groin/axilla with molecular alterations consistent with melanoma. Cases with heterologous differentiation resembled chondrosarcoma, osteosarcoma, angiosarcoma and rhabdomyosarcoma both morphologically and immunohistochemically, while undifferentiated tumours resembled undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma. Methylome profiling was performed, and unsupervised clustering analysis revealed nine cases (five undifferentiated, three trans-differentiated and one de-differentiated) to cluster closely together with conventional melanomas from a reference set. Two cases clustered separately with a distinct group of conventional melanomas exhibiting H3K27me3 loss. CONCLUSIONS Despite loss of differentiation and phenotypical plasticity, methylation patterns seem to be retained in undifferentiated, de-differentiated and trans-differentiated melanomas and represent useful diagnostic tools to enhance diagnostic precision in these diagnostically challenging cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeynep Betul Erdem
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Baptiste Ameline
- Bone Tumor Reference Center at the Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Judith V M G Bovée
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Hester van Boven
- Department of Pathology, Netherlands Cancer Institute-Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Daniel Baumhoer
- Bone Tumor Reference Center at the Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Basel Research Centre for Child Health, Basel, Switzerland
| | - John S A Chrisinger
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Division of Anatomic and Molecular Pathology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Karen J Fritchie
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
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2
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Tornesello ML, Cerasuolo A, Starita N, Amiranda S, Bonelli P, Tuccillo FM, Buonaguro FM, Buonaguro L, Tornesello AL. Reactivation of telomerase reverse transcriptase expression in cancer: the role of TERT promoter mutations. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1286683. [PMID: 38033865 PMCID: PMC10684755 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1286683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomerase activity and telomere elongation are essential conditions for the unlimited proliferation of neoplastic cells. Point mutations in the core promoter region of the telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) gene have been found to occur at high frequencies in several tumour types and considered a primary cause of telomerase reactivation in cancer cells. These mutations promote TERT gene expression by multiple mechanisms, including the generation of novel binding sites for nuclear transcription factors, displacement of negative regulators from DNA G-quadruplexes, recruitment of epigenetic activators and disruption of long-range interactions between TERT locus and telomeres. Furthermore, TERT promoter mutations cooperate with TPP1 promoter nucleotide changes to lengthen telomeres and with mutated BRAF and FGFR3 oncoproteins to enhance oncogenic signalling in cancer cells. TERT promoter mutations have been recognized as an early marker of tumour development or a major indicator of poor outcome and reduced patients survival in several cancer types. In this review, we summarize recent findings on the role of TERT promoter mutations, telomerase expression and telomeres elongation in cancer development, their clinical significance and therapeutic opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Lina Tornesello
- Molecular Biology and Viral Oncology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione G. Pascale, Napoli, Italy
| | - Andrea Cerasuolo
- Molecular Biology and Viral Oncology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione G. Pascale, Napoli, Italy
| | - Noemy Starita
- Molecular Biology and Viral Oncology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione G. Pascale, Napoli, Italy
| | - Sara Amiranda
- Molecular Biology and Viral Oncology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione G. Pascale, Napoli, Italy
| | - Patrizia Bonelli
- Molecular Biology and Viral Oncology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione G. Pascale, Napoli, Italy
| | - Franca Maria Tuccillo
- Molecular Biology and Viral Oncology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione G. Pascale, Napoli, Italy
| | - Franco M. Buonaguro
- Molecular Biology and Viral Oncology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione G. Pascale, Napoli, Italy
| | - Luigi Buonaguro
- Innovative Immunological Models Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione G. Pascale, Napoli, Italy
| | - Anna Lucia Tornesello
- Innovative Immunological Models Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione G. Pascale, Napoli, Italy
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3
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Kao EY, Wakeman KM, Wu Y, Gross JM, Chen EY, Ricciotti RW, Liu YJ, Mantilla JG. Prevalence and detection of actionable BRAF V600 and NRAS Q61 mutations in malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor by droplet digital PCR. Hum Pathol 2022; 129:90-97. [PMID: 36067829 DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2022.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors ( MPNSTs) are aggressive tumors with poor prognosis that do not typically respond well to standard chemotherapy. Recently, point mutations involving BRAF V600E have been demonstrated in a subset of MPNST, offering the possibility of targeted treatment. However, the reported prevalence of these alterations is variable. Mutations involving NRAS, which is also involved in the MAPK/ERK pathway and amenable to targeted inhibitors, have not been well characterized in MPNST. In this study, we validated droplet digital polymerase chain reaction for the detection of BRAF V600E and NRAS Q61 mutations and evaluate the prevalence of BRAF V600E and NRAS Q61 mutations in 79 cases of MPNST, including 45 sporadic, 27 NF-1 associated, and 7 radiation-associated tumors. We detected actionable BRAF or NRAS mutations in 3 of 44 sporadic MPNSTs (6.8%), including 2 BRAF V600 and 1 NRAS Q61 mutations, as well as 1 NRAS Q61 mutation in a tumor that was ultimately considered to represent melanoma. These 3 cases with positive mutations were exclusively in sporadic, high-grade MPNST (FNCLCC grade 3 of 3), with a prevalence of 11.5% in this group (3.8% NRAS Q61 mutations and 7.7% BRAF V600 mutations). None of the tumors associated with NF-1 or prior radiation had detectable mutations in the genes tested. Overall, the prevalence of these alterations offers the possibility of targeted therapy in this aggressive type of sarcoma and suggests the potential benefit of routine clinical testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Y Kao
- Department of Pathology, Brooke Army Medical Center, San Antonio, TX 78234, USA
| | - Kristina M Wakeman
- Department of Pathology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA
| | - Yu Wu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - John M Gross
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Eleanor Y Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Robert W Ricciotti
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Yajuan J Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA.
| | - Jose G Mantilla
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA.
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4
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Emerging mechanisms of telomerase reactivation in cancer. Trends Cancer 2022; 8:632-641. [PMID: 35568649 PMCID: PMC7614490 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2022.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Mutations in the promoter of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) result in hyperactivation of hTERT. Notably, all mutations are G>A transitions, frequently found in a wide range of cancer types, and causally associated with cancer progression. Initially, the mutations were understood to reactivate hTERT by generating novel E26 transformation-specific (ETS) binding sites. Recent work reveals the role of DNA secondary structure G-quadruplexes, telomere binding factor(s), and chromatin looping in hTERT regulation. Here, we discuss these emerging findings in relation to the clinically significant promoter mutations to provide a broader understanding of the context-dependent outcomes that result in hTERT activation in normal and pathogenic conditions.
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5
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Pillozzi S, Bernini A, Palchetti I, Crociani O, Antonuzzo L, Campanacci D, Scoccianti G. Soft Tissue Sarcoma: An Insight on Biomarkers at Molecular, Metabolic and Cellular Level. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13123044. [PMID: 34207243 PMCID: PMC8233868 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13123044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2021] [Revised: 06/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Soft tissue sarcoma is a rare mesenchymal malignancy. Despite the advancements in the fields of radiology, pathology and surgery, these tumors often recur locally and/or with metastatic disease. STS is considered to be a diagnostic challenge due to the large variety of histological subtypes with clinical and histopathological characteristics which are not always distinct. One of the important clinical problems is a lack of useful biomarkers. Therefore, the discovery of biomarkers that can be used to detect tumors or predict tumor response to chemotherapy or radiotherapy could help clinicians provide more effective clinical management. Abstract Soft tissue sarcomas (STSs) are a heterogeneous group of rare tumors. Although constituting only 1% of all human malignancies, STSs represent the second most common type of solid tumors in children and adolescents and comprise an important group of secondary malignancies. Over 100 histologic subtypes have been characterized to date (occurring predominantly in the trunk, extremity, and retroperitoneum), and many more are being discovered due to molecular profiling. STS mortality remains high, despite adjuvant chemotherapy. New prognostic stratification markers are needed to help identify patients at risk of recurrence and possibly apply more intensive or novel treatments. Recent scientific advancements have enabled a more precise molecular characterization of sarcoma subtypes and revealed novel therapeutic targets and prognostic/predictive biomarkers. This review aims at providing a comprehensive overview of the most relevant cellular, molecular and metabolic biomarkers for STS, and highlight advances in STS-related biomarker research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Pillozzi
- Medical Oncology Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy;
- Correspondence:
| | - Andrea Bernini
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy;
| | - Ilaria Palchetti
- Department of Chemistry Ugo Schiff, University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy;
| | - Olivia Crociani
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy;
| | - Lorenzo Antonuzzo
- Medical Oncology Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy;
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy;
| | - Domenico Campanacci
- Department of Health Science, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy;
| | - Guido Scoccianti
- Department of Orthopaedic Oncology and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Florence, Careggi University Hospital, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy;
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6
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Longo JF, Brosius SN, Znoyko I, Alers VA, Jenkins DP, Wilson RC, Carroll AJ, Wolff DJ, Roth KA, Carroll SL. Establishment and genomic characterization of a sporadic malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor cell line. Sci Rep 2021; 11:5690. [PMID: 33707600 PMCID: PMC7952412 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-85055-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) are aggressive Schwann cell-derived neoplasms that occur sporadically or in patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). Preclinical research on sporadic MPNSTs has been limited as few cell lines exist. We generated and characterized a new sporadic MPNST cell line, 2XSB, which shares the molecular and genomic features of the parent tumor. These cells have a highly complex karyotype with extensive chromothripsis. 2XSB cells show robust invasive 3-dimensional and clonogenic culture capability and form solid tumors when xenografted into immunodeficient mice. High-density single nucleotide polymorphism array and whole exome sequencing analyses indicate that, unlike NF1-associated MPNSTs, 2XSB cells have intact, functional NF1 alleles with no evidence of mutations in genes encoding components of Polycomb Repressor Complex 2. However, mutations in other genes implicated in MPNST pathogenesis were identified in 2XSB cells including homozygous deletion of CDKN2A and mutations in TP53 and PTEN. We also identified mutations in genes not previously associated with MPNSTs but associated with the pathogenesis of other human cancers. These include DNMT1, NUMA1, NTRK1, PDE11A, CSMD3, LRP5 and ACTL9. This sporadic MPNST-derived cell line provides a useful tool for investigating the biology and potential treatment regimens for sporadic MPNSTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jody Fromm Longo
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, 171 Ashley Avenue, MSC 908, Charleston, SC, 29425-9080, USA
| | - Stephanie N Brosius
- Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294-0017, USA.,Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294-0017, USA.,Division of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Iya Znoyko
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, 171 Ashley Avenue, MSC 908, Charleston, SC, 29425-9080, USA
| | - Victoria A Alers
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, 171 Ashley Avenue, MSC 908, Charleston, SC, 29425-9080, USA
| | - Dorea P Jenkins
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, 171 Ashley Avenue, MSC 908, Charleston, SC, 29425-9080, USA
| | - Robert C Wilson
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, 171 Ashley Avenue, MSC 908, Charleston, SC, 29425-9080, USA.,Center for Genomic Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425-9080, USA
| | - Andrew J Carroll
- Department of Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294-0017, USA
| | - Daynna J Wolff
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, 171 Ashley Avenue, MSC 908, Charleston, SC, 29425-9080, USA
| | - Kevin A Roth
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Steven L Carroll
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, 171 Ashley Avenue, MSC 908, Charleston, SC, 29425-9080, USA. .,Center for Genomic Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425-9080, USA. .,Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294-0017, USA.
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7
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Coskun S, Gamsizkan M, Yilmaz I, Yalcinkaya U, Sungur MA, Buyucek S, Onal B. BRAF mutation, TERT promoter mutation, and HER2 amplification in sporadic or neurofibromatosis-related neurofibromas and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors: do these molecules have a signature in malignant transformation? APMIS 2020; 128:515-522. [PMID: 32580246 DOI: 10.1111/apm.13063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Peripheral nerve sheath tumors may occur sporadically or related to neurofibromatosis (NF). Unless the mechanisms of tumorigenesis in NF related malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNST) are better understood, it remained unclear in sporadic cases. We aimed to investigate the genetic route for malignancy in both individuals with NF-1 and sporadic ones to open a way for targeted therapies in the future. We investigated the role of HER2 with Dual ISH DNA Probe Cocktail test, BRAF mutation (exon 15) and TERT promoter mutation frequency with Sanger sequencing method in respectively 25 sporadic neurofibromas, 25 NF-1 related neurofibromas and 25 MPNST cases from two institutes. Categorical data were analyzed and summarized as frequency and percentage. Statistical analysis was done with SPSS v.22 statistical package, and the statistical significance level was considered as 0.05. We identified TERT promoter mutation only in one sporadic MPNST (4%) and no BRAF mutation in any case. HER2 amplification is found in 10/25 (40%) MPNST cases. No mutations or gene amplification detected in neurofibromas (p < 0.001). MPNSTs are sarcomas with poor prognosis and limited treatment options. TERT promoter mutations and HER2 amplification may play a putative role in therapeutic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sinem Coskun
- Department of Pathology and Cytology, School of Medicine, Duzce University, Duzce, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Gamsizkan
- Department of Pathology and Cytology, School of Medicine, Duzce University, Duzce, Turkey
| | - Ismail Yilmaz
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Istanbul Sultan Abdulhamid Khan Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ulviye Yalcinkaya
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Ali Sungur
- Department of Statistics, School of Medicine, Duzce University, Duzce, Turkey
| | - Seyma Buyucek
- Department of Pathology and Cytology, School of Medicine, Duzce University, Duzce, Turkey
| | - Binnur Onal
- Department of Pathology and Cytology, School of Medicine, Duzce University, Duzce, Turkey
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8
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Høland M, Kolberg M, Danielsen SA, Bjerkehagen B, Eilertsen IA, Hektoen M, Mandahl N, van den Berg E, Smeland S, Mertens F, Sundby Hall K, Picci P, Sveen A, Lothe RA. Inferior survival for patients with malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors defined by aberrant TP53. Mod Pathol 2018; 31:1694-1707. [PMID: 29946184 DOI: 10.1038/s41379-018-0074-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2018] [Revised: 04/22/2018] [Accepted: 04/22/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor is a rare and aggressive disease with poor treatment response, mainly affecting adolescents and young adults. Few molecular biomarkers are used in the management of this cancer type, and although TP53 is one of few recurrently mutated genes in malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor, the mutation prevalence and the corresponding clinical value of the TP53 network remains unsettled. We present a multi-level molecular study focused on aberrations in the TP53 network in relation to patient outcome in a series of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors from 100 patients and 38 neurofibromas, including TP53 sequencing, high-resolution copy number analyses of TP53 and MDM2, and gene expression profiling. Point mutations in TP53 were accompanied by loss of heterozygosity, resulting in complete loss of protein function in 8.2% of the malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors. Another 5.5% had MDM2 amplification. TP53 mutation and MDM2 amplification were mutually exclusive and patients with either type of aberration in their tumor had a worse prognosis, compared to those without (hazard ratio for 5-year disease-specific survival 3.5, 95% confidence interval 1.78-6.98). Both aberrations had similar consequences on the gene expression level, as analyzed by a TP53-associated gene signature, a property also shared with the copy number aberrations and/or loss of heterozygosity at the TP53 locus, suggesting a common "TP53-mutated phenotype" in as many as 60% of the tumors. This was a poor prognostic phenotype (hazard ratio = 4.1, confidence interval:1.7-9.8), thus revealing a TP53-non-aberrant patient subgroup with a favorable outcome. The frequency of the "TP53-mutated phenotype" warrants explorative studies of stratified treatment strategies in malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maren Høland
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Institute for Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Matthias Kolberg
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Stine Aske Danielsen
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Bodil Bjerkehagen
- Department of Oral Biology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Pathology, Division of Laboratory Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ina A Eilertsen
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Merete Hektoen
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Nils Mandahl
- Department of Clinical Genetics, University and Regional Laboratories, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Eva van den Berg
- Department of Genetics, The University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Sigbjørn Smeland
- Institute for Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Fredrik Mertens
- Department of Clinical Genetics, University and Regional Laboratories, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Kirsten Sundby Hall
- Department of Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Piero Picci
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
| | - Anita Sveen
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ragnhild A Lothe
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway. .,Institute for Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
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9
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Gaspar TB, Sá A, Lopes JM, Sobrinho-Simões M, Soares P, Vinagre J. Telomere Maintenance Mechanisms in Cancer. Genes (Basel) 2018; 9:E241. [PMID: 29751586 PMCID: PMC5977181 DOI: 10.3390/genes9050241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2018] [Revised: 04/20/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumour cells can adopt telomere maintenance mechanisms (TMMs) to avoid telomere shortening, an inevitable process due to successive cell divisions. In most tumour cells, telomere length (TL) is maintained by reactivation of telomerase, while a small part acquires immortality through the telomerase-independent alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) mechanism. In the last years, a great amount of data was generated, and different TMMs were reported and explained in detail, benefiting from genome-scale studies of major importance. In this review, we address seven different TMMs in tumour cells: mutations of the TERT promoter (TERTp), amplification of the genes TERT and TERC, polymorphic variants of the TERT gene and of its promoter, rearrangements of the TERT gene, epigenetic changes, ALT, and non-defined TMM (NDTMM). We gathered information from over fifty thousand patients reported in 288 papers in the last years. This wide data collection enabled us to portray, by organ/system and histotypes, the prevalence of TERTp mutations, TERT and TERC amplifications, and ALT in human tumours. Based on this information, we discuss the putative future clinical impact of the aforementioned mechanisms on the malignant transformation process in different setups, and provide insights for screening, prognosis, and patient management stratification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiago Bordeira Gaspar
- Cancer Signaling and Metabolism Group, Institute for Research and Innovation in Health Sciences (i3S), University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal.
- Cancer Signaling and Metabolism Group, Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (Ipatimup), 4200-135 Porto, Portugal.
- Medical Faculty of University of Porto (FMUP), 4200-139 Porto, Portugal.
- Abel Salazar Biomedical Sciences Institute (ICBAS), University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Ana Sá
- Cancer Signaling and Metabolism Group, Institute for Research and Innovation in Health Sciences (i3S), University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal.
- Cancer Signaling and Metabolism Group, Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (Ipatimup), 4200-135 Porto, Portugal.
- Abel Salazar Biomedical Sciences Institute (ICBAS), University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
| | - José Manuel Lopes
- Cancer Signaling and Metabolism Group, Institute for Research and Innovation in Health Sciences (i3S), University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal.
- Cancer Signaling and Metabolism Group, Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (Ipatimup), 4200-135 Porto, Portugal.
- Medical Faculty of University of Porto (FMUP), 4200-139 Porto, Portugal.
- Department of Pathology and Oncology, Centro Hospitalar São João, 4200-139 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Manuel Sobrinho-Simões
- Cancer Signaling and Metabolism Group, Institute for Research and Innovation in Health Sciences (i3S), University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal.
- Cancer Signaling and Metabolism Group, Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (Ipatimup), 4200-135 Porto, Portugal.
- Medical Faculty of University of Porto (FMUP), 4200-139 Porto, Portugal.
- Department of Pathology and Oncology, Centro Hospitalar São João, 4200-139 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Paula Soares
- Cancer Signaling and Metabolism Group, Institute for Research and Innovation in Health Sciences (i3S), University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal.
- Cancer Signaling and Metabolism Group, Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (Ipatimup), 4200-135 Porto, Portugal.
- Abel Salazar Biomedical Sciences Institute (ICBAS), University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
| | - João Vinagre
- Cancer Signaling and Metabolism Group, Institute for Research and Innovation in Health Sciences (i3S), University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal.
- Cancer Signaling and Metabolism Group, Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (Ipatimup), 4200-135 Porto, Portugal.
- Medical Faculty of University of Porto (FMUP), 4200-139 Porto, Portugal.
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10
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Shaterian A, Bota D, Leis A. Expression of the BRAF L597Q mutation in sporadic neurofibromas of the upper extremity. Exp Mol Pathol 2017; 103:276-278. [DOI: 10.1016/j.yexmp.2017.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2017] [Accepted: 11/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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11
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Expression and inhibition of BRD4, EZH2 and TOP2A in neurofibromas and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0183155. [PMID: 28813519 PMCID: PMC5557548 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0183155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2017] [Accepted: 07/31/2017] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNST) are rare, highly aggressive sarcomas that can occur spontaneously or from pre-existing plexiform neurofibromas in neurofibromatosis type1 (NF1) patients. MPNSTs have high local recurrence rates, metastasize easily, are generally resistant to therapeutic intervention and frequently fatal for the patient. Novel targeted therapeutic strategies are urgently needed. Standard treatment for patients presenting with advanced disease is doxorubicin based chemotherapy which inhibits the actions of the enzyme topoisomerase IIα (TOP2A). Recent molecular studies using murine models and cell lines identified the bromodomain containing protein 4 (BRD4) and enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) as novel targets for MPNST treatment. We investigated the expression and potential use of BRD4, EZH2 and TOP2A as therapeutic targets in human NF1-derived MPNSTs. The transcript levels of BRD4, EZH2 and TOP2A were determined in paired formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) neurofibroma/MPNST samples derived from the same NF1 patient and in a set of plexiform neurofibromas, atypical neurofibromas and MPNST. We further examined the effect on cell viability of genetic or pharmacological inhibition of BRD4, EZH2 and TOP2A in an MPNST cell line panel. Our results indicated that in MPNST samples BRD4 mRNA levels were not upregulated and that MPNST cell lines were relatively insensitive to the bromodomain inhibitor JQ1. We corroborated that EZH2 mRNA expression is increased in MPNST but failed to confirm its reported pivotal role in MPNST pathogenesis as EZH2 knockdown by siRNA did not interfere with cellular proliferation and viability. Finally, the relation between TOP2A levels and sensitivity for doxorubicin was examined, confirming reports that TOP2A mRNA levels were overexpressed in MPNST and showing that MPNST cell lines exhibited relatively high TOP2A protein levels and sensitivity to doxorubicin. We tentatively conclude that the potential for effective therapeutic intervention in MPNST by targeting BRD4, EZH2 and TOP2A individually, may be limited. Clinical studies are necessary to ultimately prove the relevance of BRD4 and EZH2 inhibition as novel therapeutic strategies for MPNST.
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Jones RE, Grimstead JW, Sedani A, Baird D, Upadhyaya M. Telomere erosion in NF1 tumorigenesis. Oncotarget 2017; 8:40132-40139. [PMID: 28454108 PMCID: PMC5522233 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.16981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2016] [Accepted: 03/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1; MIM# 162200) is a familial cancer syndrome that affects 1 in 3,500 individuals worldwide and is inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion. Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumors (MPNSTs) represent a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in NF1 and currently there is no treatment or definite prognostic biomarkers for these tumors. Telomere shortening has been documented in numerous tumor types. Short dysfunctional telomeres are capable of fusion and it is considered that the ensuing genomic instability may facilitate clonal evolution and the progression to malignancy. To evaluate the potential role of telomere dysfunction in NF1-associated tumors, we undertook a comparative analysis of telomere length in samples derived from 10 cutaneous and 10 diffused plexiform neurofibromas, and 19 MPNSTs. Telomere length was determined using high-resolution Single Telomere Length Analysis (STELA). The mean Xp/Yp telomere length detected in MPNSTs, at 3.282 kb, was significantly shorter than that observed in both plexiform neurofibromas (5.793 kb; [p = 0.0006]) and cutaneous neurofibromas (6.141 kb; [p = 0.0007]). The telomere length distributions of MPNSTs were within the length-ranges in which telomere fusion is detected and that confer a poor prognosis in other tumor types. These data indicate that telomere length may play a role in driving genomic instability and clonal progression in NF1-associated MPNSTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhiannon E. Jones
- Division of Cancer and Genetics, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Julia W. Grimstead
- Division of Cancer and Genetics, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Ashni Sedani
- Division of Cancer and Genetics, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Duncan Baird
- Division of Cancer and Genetics, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Meena Upadhyaya
- Division of Cancer and Genetics, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4XN, UK
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Eastley N, Ottolini B, Garrido C, Shaw JA, McCulloch TA, Ashford RU, Royle NJ. Telomere maintenance in soft tissue sarcomas. J Clin Pathol 2017; 70:371-377. [PMID: 28183782 PMCID: PMC5484030 DOI: 10.1136/jclinpath-2016-204151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2016] [Accepted: 12/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Soft tissue sarcomas (STS) are a diverse group of heterogeneous malignant tumours derived from mesenchymal tissues. Over 50 different STS subtypes are recognised by WHO, which show a wide range of different biological behaviours and prognoses. At present, clinicians managing this complex group of tumours face several challenges. This is reflected by the relatively poor outcome of patients with STSs compared with many other solid malignant tumours. These include difficulties securing accurate diagnoses, a lack of effective systemic treatments and absence of any sensitive circulating biomarkers to monitor patients throughout their treatment and follow-up. In order to progress STS's cells must evade the usual cellular proliferative checkpoints, and then activate a telomere maintenance mechanism in order to achieve replicative immortality. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of STS genetics focusing particularly on these mechanisms. We will also highlight some of the key barriers to improving outcome for patients with STS, and hypothesise how a better understanding of these genetic characteristics may impact on future STS management.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Barbara Ottolini
- Department of Cancer Studies, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Carmen Garrido
- Department of Genetics, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Jacqueline A Shaw
- Department of Cancer Studies, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | | | | | - Nicola J Royle
- Department of Genetics, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
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Karmakar S, Reilly KM. The role of the immune system in neurofibromatosis type 1-associated nervous system tumors. CNS Oncol 2016; 6:45-60. [PMID: 28001089 DOI: 10.2217/cns-2016-0024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
With the recent development of new anticancer therapies targeting the immune system, it is important to understand which immune cell types and cytokines play critical roles in suppressing or promoting tumorigenesis. The role of mast cells in promoting neurofibroma growth in neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) patients was hypothesized decades ago. More recent experiments in mouse models have demonstrated the causal role of mast cells in neurofibroma development and of microglia in optic pathway glioma development. We review here what is known about the role of NF1 mutation in immune cell function and the role of immune cells in promoting tumorigenesis in NF1. We also review the therapies targeting immune cell pathways and their promise in NF1 tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Souvik Karmakar
- Rare Tumors Initiative, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, 37 Convent Dr, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Karlyne M Reilly
- Rare Tumors Initiative, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, 37 Convent Dr, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
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Yuan Y, Qi C, Maling G, Xiang W, Yanhui L, Ruofei L, Yunhe M, Jiewen L, Qing M. TERT mutation in glioma: Frequency, prognosis and risk. J Clin Neurosci 2016; 26:57-62. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2015.05.066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2015] [Revised: 05/17/2015] [Accepted: 05/22/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Saito T, Akaike K, Kurisaki-Arakawa A, Toda-Ishii M, Mukaihara K, Suehara Y, Takagi T, Kaneko K, Yao T. TERT promoter mutations are rare in bone and soft tissue sarcomas of Japanese patients. Mol Clin Oncol 2015; 4:61-64. [PMID: 26870359 DOI: 10.3892/mco.2015.674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2015] [Accepted: 10/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Recurrent hot-spot mutations in the telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) promoter have been reported in various types of tumor. In several tumor types, TERT promoter mutations are associated with poor clinical outcomes. TERT promoter mutations are reported to be rare in soft tissue tumors, with the exception of myxoid liposarcoma (MLS). Our previous study reported that TERT promoter mutations occurred in a subset of solitary fibrous tumors (SFTs) and were associated with adverse clinical outcomes in Japanese individuals. The site-specific frequency (e.g. central nervous or soft tissue origin) of TERT promoter mutations in our SFT cases appeared to be different from previously reported values in a European population. These findings prompted the present study to elucidate the potential role of ethnic background in the different frequencies of TERT promoter mutations in bone and soft tissue sarcomas. In the present study, TERT promoter mutations were examined in 180 cases of bone and soft tissue sarcomas. TERT promoter region mutations were identified in 10 cases [5 SFTs, 3 MLSs, 1 undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS) and 1 malignant granular cell tumor]. All mutations were C228T. The frequencies of TERT promoter mutation in MLS and UPS were 23.1 (3/13) and 5% (1/20), respectively. Only 1/5 patients with TERT-mutated tumors experienced local recurrence or distant metastasis. The present study revealed the first case of a malignant granular cell tumor with a TERT promoter mutation and revealed that the frequency of TERT promoter mutations in MLSs of Japanese patients is lower compared with that reported in German patients, providing evidence of a possible ethnic difference in the frequency of TERT promoter mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsuyoshi Saito
- Department of Human Pathology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
| | - Keisuke Akaike
- Department of Human Pathology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
| | - Aiko Kurisaki-Arakawa
- Department of Human Pathology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
| | - Midori Toda-Ishii
- Department of Human Pathology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
| | - Kenta Mukaihara
- Department of Human Pathology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
| | - Yoshiyuki Suehara
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Takagi
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
| | - Kazuo Kaneko
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
| | - Takashi Yao
- Department of Human Pathology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
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Sox10--a marker for not only schwannian and melanocytic neoplasms but also myoepithelial cell tumors of soft tissue: a systematic analysis of 5134 tumors. Am J Surg Pathol 2015; 39:826-35. [PMID: 25724000 DOI: 10.1097/pas.0000000000000398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 190] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Sox10 transcription factor is expressed in schwannian and melanocytic lineages and is important in their development and can be used as a marker for corresponding tumors. In addition, it has been reported in subsets of myoepithelial/basal cell epithelial neoplasms, but its expression remains incompletely characterized. In this study, we examined Sox10 expression in 5134 human neoplasms spanning a wide spectrum of neuroectodermal, mesenchymal, lymphoid, and epithelial tumors. A new rabbit monoclonal antibody (clone EP268) and Leica Bond Max automation were used on multitumor block libraries containing 30 to 70 cases per slide. Sox10 was consistently expressed in benign Schwann cell tumors of soft tissue and the gastrointestinal tract and in metastatic melanoma and was variably present in malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors. In contrast, Sox10 was absent in many potential mimics of nerve sheath tumors such as cellular neurothekeoma, meningioma, gastrointestinal stromal tumors, perivascular epithelioid cell tumor and a variety of fibroblastic-myofibroblastic tumors. Sox10 was virtually absent in mesenchymal tumors but occasionally seen in alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma. In epithelial tumors of soft tissue, Sox10 was expressed only in myoepitheliomas, although often absent in malignant variants. Carcinomas, other than basal cell-type breast cancers, were only rarely positive but included 6% of squamous carcinomas of head and neck and 7% of pulmonary small cell carcinomas. Furthermore, Sox10 was often focally expressed in embryonal carcinoma reflecting a primitive Sox10-positive phenotype or neuroectodermal differentiation. Expression of Sox10 in entrapped non-neoplastic Schwann cells or melanocytes in various neoplasms has to be considered in diagnosing Sox10-positive tumors. The Sox10 antibody belongs in a modern immunohistochemical panel for the diagnosis of soft tissue and epithelial tumors.
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