A t(17;22)(q21;q12) with partial ETV4 deletion in a soft tissue Ewing sarcoma

Gene partners of the EWSR1 fusion may represent molecularly distinct entities

EWSR1 fusions are highly promiscuous and are associated with unique malignancies, clinical phenotypes, and molecular subtypes. However, rare fusion partners (RFP) of EWSR1 has not been well described. Here, we conducted a cross-sectional, retrospective study of 1,140 unique tumors harboring EWSR1 fusions. We identified 64 unique fusion partners. RFPs were identified more often in adults than children. Alterations in cell cycle control and DNA damage response genes as driving the differences between fusion partners. Potentially clinically actionable genomic variants were more prevalent in tumors harboring RFP than common fusions. While the data presented here is limited, tumors harboring RFP of EWSR1 may represent molecularly distinct entities and may benefit from further molecular testing to identify targeted therapeutic options.

E26 transformation-specific variant 4 as a tumor promotor in human cancers through specific molecular mechanisms

E26 transformation-specific (ETS) variant 4 (ETV4) is an important transcription factor that belongs to the ETS transcription factor family and is essential for much cellular physiology. Recent evidence has revealed that ETV4 is aberrantly expressed in many types of tumors, and its overexpression is related to poor prognosis of cancer patients. Additionally, increasing studies have identified that ETV4 promotes cancer growth, invasion, metastasis, and drug resistance. Mechanistically, the level of ETV4 is regulated by some post-translation modulations in a broad spectrum of cancers. However, little progress has been made to comprehensively summarize the critical roles of ETV4 in different human cancers. Hence, this review mainly focuses on the physiological functions of ETV4 in various human tumors. In addition, the molecular mechanisms of ETV4-mediated cancer progression were elucidated, including how ETV4 modulates its downstream signaling pathways and how ETV4 is regulated by some factors. On this basis, the present review may provide a valuable therapeutics strategy for future cancer treatment by targeting ETV4-related pathways.

Molecular detection and targeting of EWSR1 fusion transcripts in soft tissue tumors

Soft tissue tumors are a heterogeneous group of tumors, traditionally classified according to morphology and histogenesis. Molecular classification divides sarcomas into two main categories: (a) sarcomas with specific genetic alterations and (b) sarcomas showing multiple complex karyotypic abnormalities without any specific pattern. Most chromosomal alterations are represented by translocations which are increasingly detected. The identification of fusion transcripts, in fact, not only support the diagnosis but also provides the basis for the development of new therapeutic strategies aimed at blocking aberrant activity of the chimeric proteins. One of the genes most susceptible to breakage/translocation in soft tissue tumors is represented by Ewing sarcoma breakpoint region 1 (EWSR1). This gene has a large number of fusion partners, mainly associated with the pathogenesis of Ewing's sarcoma but with other soft tissue tumors too. In this review, we illustrate the characteristics of this gene/protein, both in normal cellular physiology and in carcinogenesis. We describe the different fusion partners of EWSR1, the molecular pathways in which is involved and the main molecular biology techniques for the identification of fusion transcripts and for their inhibition.