1
|
Wang Z, Yao Q, Bao L, Chang H, Ren M, Xue T, Wei R, Yu C, Wang Q, Wang Y, Ping B, Bai QM, Zhou X, Zhu XL. Clinicopathological Features of CCDC6-RET and NCOA4-RET Fusions in Thyroid Cancer: A Single-center Retrospective Cohort Study in a Chinese Population. Thyroid 2024. [PMID: 39212716 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2024.0151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The rearranged during transfection (RET) proto-oncogene fusion is common in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC), varying across ethnic groups. However, comprehensive comparisons of RET fusion types are limited. This study aims to identify predominant RET fusions and analyze their clinicopathological characteristics in a cohort of Chinese thyroid cancer cases. METHODS This single-center retrospective cohort study analyzed thyroid cancer data, utilizing next-generation sequencing on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue samples. Detailed clinicopathological data of thyroid cancer cases with RET fusions were collected. RESULTS Among 2300 thyroid cancer cases, RET fusions were exclusively found in PTC or differentiated high-grade thyroid carcinoma (DHGTC) cases (2234 cases), absent in other types (66 cases). Of the 2234 PTC or DHGTC cases, 113 (5.06%) exhibited RET fusions, including 100 primary cases. CCDC6-RET fusions predominated (78.0%, 78/100), with NCOA4-RET fusions representing 22.0% (22/100). NCOA4-RET fusions were more prevalent in patients aged 45 years and older (54.5% vs. 28.2%, P = 0.021) and DHGTC cases (P < 0.05), and associated with higher rates of lymph node metastases (90.9% vs. 67.9%, P = 0.032). CCDC6-RET fusion exhibited a higher prevalence of Hashimoto's thyroiditis (67.9% vs. 22.7%, P < 0.001) and elevated thyroglobulin antibody levels (14.11 [1.86-174.32] IU/mL vs. 2.01 [1.14-15.41] IU/mL, P = 0.018). Moreover, CCDC6-RET fusion predominantly occurred in classic PTC (56.4%, 44/78) and infiltrative follicular PTC (17.9%, 14/78), whereas NCOA4-RET fusion was more frequent in classic PTC (36.4%, 8/22), solid PTC (27.3%, 6/22), and DHGTC (27.3%, 6/22). RET fusions with compound mutations were associated with older age (≥45 years) and bilateral thyroid involvement. Follow-up data showed a higher recurrence rate in the RET fusion group compared to the BRAF V600E mutation group (5.0% vs. 0.0%, P = 0.018). Although the NCOA4-RET group showed a numerically higher recurrence rate compared to CCDC6-RET (9.1% vs. 3.8%), this difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.559). CONCLUSIONS RET fusions are specific to PTC or DHGTC cases among Chinese thyroid cancer cases. CCDC6-RET and NCOA4-RET fusions exhibited distinct clinicopathological features, with NCOA4-RET being more aggressive.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhiting Wang
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Department of Pathology, Shanghai, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Department of Oncology, Shanghai, Shanghai, China;
| | - Qianlan Yao
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Department of Pathology, Shanghai, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Department of Oncology, Shanghai, Shanghai, China;
| | - Longlong Bao
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Department of Pathology, Shanghai, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Department of Oncology, Shanghai, Shanghai, China;
| | - Heng Chang
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Department of Pathology, Shanghai, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Department of Oncology, Shanghai, Shanghai, China;
| | - Min Ren
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Pathology, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Department of Oncology, Shanghai, Shanghai, China;
| | - Tian Xue
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Department of Pathology, Shanghai, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Department of Oncology, Shanghai, Shanghai, China;
| | - Ran Wei
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Department of Oncology, Shanghai, Shanghai, China;
| | - Chengli Yu
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Department of Pathology, Shanghai, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Department of Oncology, Shanghai, Shanghai, China;
| | - Qian Wang
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Department of Pathology, Shanghai, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Department of Oncology, Shanghai, Shanghai, China;
| | - Yu Wang
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Shanghai, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Department of Oncology, Shanghai, Shanghai, China;
| | - Bo Ping
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Department of Pathology, Shanghai, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Department of Oncology, Shanghai, Shanghai, China;
| | - Qian-Ming Bai
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Department of Pathology, Shanghai, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Department of Oncology, Shanghai, Shanghai, China;
| | - Xiaoyan Zhou
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Department of Pathology, Shanghai, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Department of Oncology, Shanghai, Shanghai, China;
| | - Xiao-Li Zhu
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Department of Pathology, Shanghai, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Department of Oncology, Shanghai, Shanghai, China;
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Englisch AS, Hofbrucker-MacKenzie SA, Izadi-Seitz M, Kessels MM, Qualmann B. Ankrd26 is a retinoic acid-responsive plasma membrane-binding and -shaping protein critical for proper cell differentiation. Cell Rep 2024; 43:113939. [PMID: 38493476 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.113939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Morphogens are important triggers for differentiation processes. Yet, downstream effectors that organize cell shape changes in response to morphogenic cues, such as retinoic acid, largely remain elusive. Additionally, derailed plasma membrane-derived signaling often is associated with cancer. We identify Ankrd26 as a critical player in cellular differentiation and as plasma membrane-localized protein able to self-associate and form clusters at the plasma membrane in response to retinoic acid. We show that Ankrd26 uses an N-terminal amphipathic structure for membrane binding and bending. Importantly, in an acute myeloid leukemia-associated Ankrd26 mutant, this critical structure was absent, and Ankrd26's membrane association and shaping abilities were impaired. In line with this, the mutation rendered Ankrd26 inactive in both gain-of-function and loss-of-function/rescue studies addressing retinoic acid/brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)-induced neuroblastoma differentiation. Our results highlight the importance and molecular details of Ankrd26-mediated organizational platforms for cellular differentiation at the plasma membrane and how impairment of these platforms leads to cancer-associated pathomechanisms involving these Ankrd26 properties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Sofie Englisch
- Institute of Biochemistry I, Jena University Hospital - Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Nonnenplan 2-4, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Sarah Ann Hofbrucker-MacKenzie
- Institute of Biochemistry I, Jena University Hospital - Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Nonnenplan 2-4, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Maryam Izadi-Seitz
- Institute of Biochemistry I, Jena University Hospital - Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Nonnenplan 2-4, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Michael Manfred Kessels
- Institute of Biochemistry I, Jena University Hospital - Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Nonnenplan 2-4, 07743 Jena, Germany.
| | - Britta Qualmann
- Institute of Biochemistry I, Jena University Hospital - Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Nonnenplan 2-4, 07743 Jena, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Pecar G, Liu S, Hooda J, Atkinson JM, Oesterreich S, Lee AV. RET signaling in breast cancer therapeutic resistance and metastasis. Breast Cancer Res 2023; 25:26. [PMID: 36918928 PMCID: PMC10015789 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-023-01622-7] [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: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2023] Open
Abstract
RET, a single-pass receptor tyrosine kinase encoded on human chromosome 10, is well known to the field of developmental biology for its role in the ontogenesis of the central and enteric nervous systems and the kidney. In adults, RET alterations have been characterized as drivers of non-small cell lung cancer and multiple neuroendocrine neoplasms. In breast cancer, RET signaling networks have been shown to influence diverse functions including tumor development, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance. While RET is known to drive the development and progression of multiple solid tumors, therapeutic agents selectively targeting RET are relatively new, though multiple multi-kinase inhibitors have shown promise as RET inhibitors in the past; further, RET has been historically neglected as a potential therapeutic co-target in endocrine-refractory breast cancers despite mounting evidence for a key pathologic role and repeated description of a bi-directional relationship with the estrogen receptor, the principal driver of most breast tumors. Additionally, the recent discovery of RET enrichment in breast cancer brain metastases suggests a role for RET inhibition specific to advanced disease. This review assesses the status of research on RET in breast cancer and evaluates the therapeutic potential of RET-selective kinase inhibitors across major breast cancer subtypes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey Pecar
- Women's Cancer Research Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center and Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, The Assembly, Room 2051, 5051 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Simeng Liu
- Women's Cancer Research Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center and Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Jagmohan Hooda
- Women's Cancer Research Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center and Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, The Assembly, Room 2051, 5051 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Jennifer M Atkinson
- Women's Cancer Research Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center and Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, The Assembly, Room 2051, 5051 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Steffi Oesterreich
- Women's Cancer Research Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center and Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, The Assembly, Room 2051, 5051 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Adrian V Lee
- Women's Cancer Research Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center and Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, The Assembly, Room 2051, 5051 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Khonrak T, Watcharadetwittaya S, Chamgramol Y, Intarawichian P, Deenonpoe R. RET rearrangements are relevant to histopathologic subtypes and clinicopathological features in Thai papillary thyroid carcinoma patients. Pathol Oncol Res 2023; 29:1611138. [PMID: 37188126 PMCID: PMC10175595 DOI: 10.3389/pore.2023.1611138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Background: Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the most common type of thyroid cancer. The RET gene rearrangements CCDC6::RET and NCOA4::RET are the most common RET gene rearrangements in PTC patients. Different RET::PTC rearrangements are associated with different PTC phenotypes. Methods: Eighty-three formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) PTC samples were examined. The prevalence and expression levels of CCDC6::RET and NCOA4::RET were determined using semi-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The association of these rearrangements with clinicopathological data was investigated. Results: The presence of CCDC6::RET rearrangement was significantly associated with the classic subtype and absence of angio/lymphatic invasion (p < 0.05). While NCOA4::RET was associated with the tall-cell subtype, and presence of angio/lymphatic invasion and lymph node metastasis (p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that an absence of extrathyroidal extension and extranodal extension were independent predictive factors for CCDC6::RET, whereas the tall-cell subtype, large tumor size, angioinvasion, lymphatic invasion and perineural invasion were independent predictive factors for NCOA4::RET (p < 0.05). However, the mRNA expression level of CCDC6::RET and of NCOA4::RET were not significantly associated with clinicopathological data. Conclusion: CCDC6::RET was correlated with an innocent PTC subtype and characteristics, but NCOA4::RET correlated with an aggressive phenotype of PTC. Therefore, these RET rearrangements strongly associated with clinicopathological phenotypes and can be used as predictive markers in PTC patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thitima Khonrak
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Sasithorn Watcharadetwittaya
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
- Cholangiocarcinoma Research Institute (CARI), Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Yaovalux Chamgramol
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Piyapharom Intarawichian
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
- Cholangiocarcinoma Research Institute (CARI), Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Raksawan Deenonpoe
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
- Cholangiocarcinoma Research Institute (CARI), Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
- *Correspondence: Raksawan Deenonpoe,
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Shi M, Wang W, Zhang J, Li B, Lv D, Wang D, Wang S, Cheng D, Ma T. Identification of RET fusions in a Chinese multicancer retrospective analysis by next-generation sequencing. Cancer Sci 2021; 113:308-318. [PMID: 34710947 PMCID: PMC8748217 DOI: 10.1111/cas.15181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Fusion of RET with different partner genes has been detected in papillary thyroid, lung, colorectal, pancreatic, and breast cancer. Approval of selpercatinib for treatment of lung and thyroid cancer with RET gene mutations or fusions calls for studies to explore RET fusion partners and their eligibility for RET‐based targeted therapy. In this study, RET fusion patterns in a large group of Chinese cancer patients covering several cancer types were identified using next‑generation sequencing. A total of 44 fusion patterns were identified in the study cohort with KIF5B, CCDC6, and ERC1 being the most common RET fusion partners. Notably, 17 novel fusions were first reported in this study. Prevalence of functional RET fusions was 1.05% in lung cancer, 6.03% in thyroid cancer, 0.39% in colorectal cancer, and less than 0.1% in gastric cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma. Analysis showed a preference for fusion partners in different tumor types, with KIF5B being the common type in lung cancer, CCDC6 in thyroid cancer, and NCOA4 in colorectal cancer. Co‐occurrence of EGFR mutations and RET fusions with rare partner genes (rather than KIF5B) in lung cancer patients was correlated with epidermal growth factor receptor‐tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance and could predict response to targeted therapies. Findings from this study provide a guide to clinicians in determining tumors with specific fusion patterns as candidates for RET targeted therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Minke Shi
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Weiran Wang
- Department of Translational Medicine, Genetron Health (Beijing) Technology, Co. Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Jinku Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pathology and Early Diagnosis of Tumor in Hebei Province, The First Centre Hospital of Baoding, Baoding, China
| | - Bobo Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shandong Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Dongxiao Lv
- Tumor Research and Therapy Center, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Danhua Wang
- Department of Translational Medicine, Genetron Health (Beijing) Technology, Co. Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Sizhen Wang
- Genetron Health (Beijing) Technology, Co. Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Dezhi Cheng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Tonghui Ma
- Department of Translational Medicine, Genetron Health (Beijing) Technology, Co. Ltd., Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Yao J, Arcila ME, Ladanyi M, Hechtman JF. Pan-Cancer Biomarkers: Changing the Landscape of Molecular Testing. Arch Pathol Lab Med 2021; 145:692-698. [PMID: 33373449 DOI: 10.5858/arpa.2020-0513-ra] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT.— The increasing use of large panel next-generation sequencing technologies in clinical settings has facilitated the identification of pan-cancer biomarkers, which can be diagnostic, prognostic, predictive, or most importantly, actionable. OBJECTIVE.— To discuss recently approved and emerging pan-cancer and multihistology biomarkers as well as testing methodologies. DATA SOURCES.— The US Food and Drug Administration approval documents, National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines, literature, and authors' own publications. CONCLUSIONS.— Since 2017, the US Food and Drug Administration has approved genotype-directed therapies for pan-cancer biomarkers, including microsatellite instability, neurotrophic receptor kinases fusions, and high-tumor mutation burden. Both the importance and rarity of these biomarkers have increased the prevalence of genomic profiling across solid malignancies. As an integral part of the management team of patients with advanced cancer, pathologists need to be aware of these emerging biomarkers, the therapies for which they determine eligibility, and the strengths and pitfalls of the available clinical assays.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jinjuan Yao
- From the Diagnostic Molecular Service, Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Maria E Arcila
- From the Diagnostic Molecular Service, Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Marc Ladanyi
- From the Diagnostic Molecular Service, Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Jaclyn F Hechtman
- From the Diagnostic Molecular Service, Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Zhang W, Yao J, Zhong M, Zhang Y, Guo X, Wang HY. A Brief Overview and Update on Major Molecular Genomic Alterations in Solid, Bone and Soft Tissue Tumors, Hematopoietic As Well As Lymphoid Malignancies. Arch Pathol Lab Med 2021; 145:1358-1366. [PMID: 34270703 DOI: 10.5858/arpa.2021-0077-ra] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT.— Recent advances in comprehensive genomic profiling by next-generation sequencing have uncovered the genomic alterations at the molecular level for many types of tumors; as such, numerous small specific molecules that target these alterations have been developed and widely used in the management of these cancers. OBJECTIVE.— To provide a concise molecular genomic update in solid, bone and soft tissue tumors, hematopoietic as well as lymphoid malignancies; discuss its clinical applications; and familiarize practicing pathologists with the emerging cancer biomarkers and their diagnostic utilities. DATA SOURCES.— This review is based on the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines and peer-reviewed English literature. CONCLUSIONS.— Tumor-specific biomarkers and molecular/genomic alterations, including pan-cancer markers, have been significantly expanded in the past decade thanks to large-scale high-throughput technologies and will continue to emerge in the future. These biomarkers can be of great value in diagnosis, prognosis, and/or targeted therapy/treatment. Familiarization with these emerging and ever-changing tumor biomarkers will undoubtedly aid pathologists in making accurate and state-of-the-art diagnoses and enable them to be more actively involved in the care of cancer patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhang
- From the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison (W. Zhang).,W. Zhang and Yao are co-first authors.,W. Zhang and H.-Y. Wang are co-senior authors and supervised this manuscript equally
| | - Jinjuan Yao
- The Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York (Yao).,W. Zhang and Yao are co-first authors
| | - Minghao Zhong
- The Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut (Zhong)
| | - Yaxia Zhang
- The Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York (Y. Zhang).,The Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell College of Medicine, New York, New York (Y. Zhang)
| | - Xiaoling Guo
- The Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York (Guo)
| | - Huan-You Wang
- The Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla (Wang).,W. Zhang and H.-Y. Wang are co-senior authors and supervised this manuscript equally
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Liu M, Chen P, Hu HY, Ou-Yang DJ, Khushbu RA, Tan HL, Huang P, Chang S. Kinase gene fusions: roles and therapeutic value in progressive and refractory papillary thyroid cancer. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2021; 147:323-337. [PMID: 33387037 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-020-03491-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The incidence of papillary thyroid cancer (PTC), the major type of thyroid cancer, is increasing rapidly around the world, and its pathogenesis is still unclear. There is poor prognosis for PTC involved in rapidly progressive tumors and resistance to radioiodine therapy. Kinase gene fusions have been discovered to be present in a wide variety of malignant tumors, and an increasing number of novel types have been detected in PTC, especially progressive tumors. As a tumor-driving event, kinase fusions are constitutively activated or overexpress their kinase function, conferring oncogenic potential, and their frequency is second only to BRAFV600E mutation in PTC. Diverse forms of kinase fusions have been observed and are associated with specific pathological features of PTC (usually at an advanced stage), and clinical trials of therapeutic strategies targeting kinase gene fusions are feasible for radioiodine-resistant PTC. This review summarizes the roles of kinase gene fusions in PTC and the value of clinical therapy of targeting fusions in progressive or refractory PTC, and discusses the future perspectives and challenges related to kinase gene fusions in PTC patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mian Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Pei Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Hui-Yu Hu
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Deng-Jie Ou-Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Rooh-Afza Khushbu
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Hai-Long Tan
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Peng Huang
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.
| | - Shi Chang
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Ou SHI, Zhu VW. Catalog of 5' fusion partners in RET+ NSCLC Circa 2020. JTO Clin Res Rep 2020; 1:100037. [PMID: 34589933 PMCID: PMC8474217 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtocrr.2020.100037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2020] [Revised: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the discovery of RET fusion-positive (RET+) NSCLC around late 2011 to early 2012, clinical trials of multikinase inhibitors and highly potent and selective RET tyrosine kinase inhibitors have indicated that RET fusion is an actionable oncogenic driver in NSCLC. There seems to be a differential response to multikinase inhibitors depending on the fusion partner (KIF5B-RET versus non-KIF5B-RET); thus, knowledge of the fusion partners in RET+ NSCLC is important. To date, we identified 48 unique fusion partners in RET from published literature and congress proceedings. Two of the novel fusion partners (CCNYL2 and TRIM24) were identified in RET fusions that emerged as resistant to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors. In addition, multiple intergenic rearrangements were identified.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sai-Hong Ignatius Ou
- Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of California Irvine School of Medicine, Orange, California
| | - Viola W. Zhu
- Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of California Irvine School of Medicine, Orange, California
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Proteogenomics analysis unveils a TFG-RET gene fusion and druggable targets in papillary thyroid carcinomas. Nat Commun 2020; 11:2056. [PMID: 32345963 PMCID: PMC7188865 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-15955-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is the most common type of endocrine malignancy. By RNA-seq analysis, we identify a RET rearrangement in the tumour material of a patient who does not harbour any known RAS or BRAF mutations. This new gene fusion involves exons 1–4 from the 5′ end of the Trk fused Gene (TFG) fused to the 3′ end of RET tyrosine kinase leading to a TFG-RET fusion which transforms immortalized human thyroid cells in a kinase-dependent manner. TFG-RET oligomerises in a PB1 domain-dependent manner and oligomerisation of TFG-RET is required for oncogenic transformation. Quantitative proteomic analysis reveals the upregulation of E3 Ubiquitin ligase HUWE1 and DUBs like USP9X and UBP7 in both tumor and metastatic lesions, which is further confirmed in additional patients. Expression of TFG-RET leads to the upregulation of HUWE1 and inhibition of HUWE1 significantly reduces RET-mediated oncogenesis. Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is one of the most common type of endocrine malignancy. Here, the authors use proteogenomic approaches to analyse the primary tumour and lymph node metastases from a PTC patient and report an oncogenic RET fusion, and potential druggable targets from the ubiquitin signaling machinery for treating human PTCs.
Collapse
|
11
|
RET Gene Fusions in Malignancies of the Thyroid and Other Tissues. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:genes11040424. [PMID: 32326537 PMCID: PMC7230609 DOI: 10.3390/genes11040424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Revised: 04/05/2020] [Accepted: 04/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Following the identification of the BCR-ABL1 (Breakpoint Cluster Region-ABelson murine Leukemia) fusion in chronic myelogenous leukemia, gene fusions generating chimeric oncoproteins have been recognized as common genomic structural variations in human malignancies. This is, in particular, a frequent mechanism in the oncogenic conversion of protein kinases. Gene fusion was the first mechanism identified for the oncogenic activation of the receptor tyrosine kinase RET (REarranged during Transfection), initially discovered in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). More recently, the advent of highly sensitive massive parallel (next generation sequencing, NGS) sequencing of tumor DNA or cell-free (cfDNA) circulating tumor DNA, allowed for the detection of RET fusions in many other solid and hematopoietic malignancies. This review summarizes the role of RET fusions in the pathogenesis of human cancer.
Collapse
|