Double-minute MYC amplification and deletion of MTAP, CDKN2A, CDKN2B, and ELAVL2 in an acute myeloid leukemia characterized by oligonucleotide-array comparative genomic hybridization

HERV-K (HML-2) insertion polymorphisms in the 8q24.13 region and their potential etiological associations with acute myeloid leukemia

Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are LTR retrotransposons that are present in the human genome. Among them, members of the HERV-K (HML-2) group are suspected to play a role in the development of different types of cancer, including lung, ovarian, and prostate cancer, as well as leukemia. Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an important disease that causes 1% of cancer deaths in the United States and has a survival rate of 28.7%. Here, we describe a method for assessing the statistical association between HERV-K (HML-2) transposable element insertion polymorphisms (or TIPs) and AML, using whole-genome sequencing and read mapping using TIP_finder software. Our results suggest that 101 polymorphisms involving HERV-K (HML-2) elements were correlated with AML, with a percentage between 44.4 to 56.6%, most of which (70) were located in the region from 8q24.13 to 8q24.21. Moreover, it was found that the TRIB1, LRATD2, POU5F1B, MYC, PCAT1, PVT1, and CCDC26 genes could be displaced or fragmented by TIPs. Furthermore, a general method was devised to facilitate analysis of the correlation between transposable element insertions and specific diseases. Finally, although the relationship between HERV-K (HML-2) TIPs and AML remains unclear, the data reported in this study indicate a statistical correlation, as supported by the χ² test with p-values < 0.05.

Oncofetal reprogramming in tumour development and progression

Embryonic development is characterized by rapidly dividing cells, cellular plasticity and a highly vascular microenvironment. These features are similar to those of tumour tissue, in that malignant cells are characterized by their ability to proliferate and exhibit cellular plasticity. The tumour microenvironment also often includes immunosuppressive features. Reciprocal communication between various cellular subpopulations enables fetal and tumour tissues to proliferate, migrate and escape immune responses. Fetal-like reprogramming has been demonstrated in the tumour microenvironment, indicating extraordinary cellular plasticity and bringing an additional layer of cellular heterogeneity. More importantly, some of these features are also present during inflammation. This Perspective discusses the similarity between embryogenesis, inflammation and tumorigenesis, and describes the mechanisms of oncofetal reprogramming that enable tumour cells to escape from immune responses, promoting tumour growth and metastasis.

The Oncogenic Potential of the Centromeric Border Protein FAM84B of the 8q24.21 Gene Desert

FAM84B is a risk gene in breast and prostate cancers. Its upregulation is associated with poor prognosis of prostate cancer, breast cancer, and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. FAM84B facilitates cancer cell proliferation and invasion in vitro, and xenograft growth in vivo. The FAM84B and Myc genes border a 1.2 Mb gene desert at 8q24.21. Co-amplification of both occurs in 20 cancer types. Mice deficient of a 430 Kb fragment within the 1.2 Mb gene desert have downregulated FAM84B and Myc expressions concurrent with reduced breast cancer growth. Intriguingly, Myc works in partnership with other oncogenes, including Ras. FAM84B shares similarities with the H-Ras-like suppressor (HRASLS) family over their typical LRAT (lecithin:retinal acyltransferase) domain. This domain contains a catalytic triad, H23, H35, and C113, which constitutes the phospholipase A_1/2 and O-acyltransferase activities of HRASLS1-5. These enzymatic activities underlie their suppression of Ras. FAM84B conserves H23 and H35 but not C113 with both histidine residues residing within a highly conserved motif that FAM84B shares with HRASLS1-5. Deletion of this motif abolishes FAM84B oncogenic activities. These properties suggest a collaboration of FAM84B with Myc, consistent with the role of the gene desert in strengthening Myc functions. Here, we will discuss recent research on FAM84B-derived oncogenic potential.

Clonal Evolution of B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia with del(9)(p13p21) into Mixed Phenotype Acute Leukemia Presenting as an Isolated Testicular Relapse

Lineage switch in acute leukemias is a well-reported occurrence; however, most of these cases involve a switch from either lymphoid to myeloid or myeloid to lymphoid lineage. Here, we report a case of a 14-year-old male with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) who initially responded well to standard chemotherapy but then later developed mixed phenotype acute leukemia (MPAL) at relapse, likely reflecting a clonal evolution of the original leukemia with a partial phenotypic shift. The patient had a del(9)(p13p21) in his leukemia blasts at diagnosis, and the deletion persisted at relapse along with multiple additional cytogenetic aberrations. Interestingly, the patient presented with an isolated testicular lesion at relapse, which on further analysis revealed both a lymphoid and myeloid component. Unfortunately, the patient did not respond well to treatment at relapse and eventually succumbed to his disease. To our knowledge, an isolated extramedullary MPAL at relapse in a patient with previously diagnosed B-ALL has not been reported in the literature before.

The expression pattern of long non-coding RNA PVT1 in tumor tissues and in extracellular vesicles of colorectal cancer correlates with cancer progression

The plasmacytoma variant translocation 1 gene (PVT1) is a large non-coding locus at adjacent of c-Myc, and long non-coding RNA PVT1 is now recognized as a cancerous gene co-amplified with c-Myc in various cancers. But the expression and functional role of PVT1 in colorectal cancer are still unelucidated. In addition, all the reported long non-coding RNAs so far are discovered in either cells or tissues, but no research about long non-coding RNAs detection in extracellular vesicles has been reported yet. In the present study, we firstly investigated the expression of PVT1 in colorectal cancer specimens and its correlation with the expression of c-Myc and other related genes by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Then, we isolated the extracellular vesicles from colorectal cancer cells culturing medium by differential centrifugation and detected the PVT1 expression in extracellular vesicles by using real-time polymerase chain reaction. The PVT1 targeting siRNA was transfected into SW480 and SW620 cells, and 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium assay and flow cytometry were used to evaluate the cell proliferation and apoptosis. The results showed that the PVT1 expression in tumor tissues was higher than that in normal tissues, which was significantly correlated with the expression of c-Myc and three c-Myc regulating genes FUBP1, EZH2, and NPM1 and also correlated with the expression of two other PVT1-associated transcript factors nuclear factor-κB and myocyte-specific enhancer factor 2A. Here, we reported for the first time that PVT1 as a long non-coding RNA was successfully detected in extracellular vesicles excluded from SW620 and SW480 cells, and the expression level of PVT1 was higher in extracellular vesicles from the more aggressive cell SW620 than from SW480. The results also showed that by down-regulating the PVT1 expression, the c-Myc expression was suppressed, the cell proliferation was inhibited, and cell apoptosis was increased. Taken together, these findings implicated that PVT1 may be a new oncogene co-amplified with c-Myc in colorectal cancer tissues and extracellular vesicles and functionally correlated with the proliferation and apoptosis of colorectal cancer cells.

Copy number variation in archival melanoma biopsies versus benign melanocytic lesions

BACKGROUND

Skin melanocytes can give rise to benign and malignant neoplasms. Discrimination of an early melanoma from an unusual/atypical benign nevus can represent a significant challenge. However, previous studies have shown that in contrast to benign nevi, melanoma demonstrates pervasive chromosomal aberrations.

OBJECTIVE

This substantial difference between melanoma and benign nevi can be exploited to discriminate between melanoma and benign nevi.

METHODS

Array-comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) is an approach that can be used on DNA extracted from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues to assess the entire genome for the presence of changes in DNA copy number. In this study, high resolution, genome-wide single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) arrays were utilized to perform comprehensive and detailed analyses of recurrent copy number aberrations in 41 melanoma samples in comparison with 21 benign nevi.

RESULTS

We found statistically significant copy number gains and losses within melanoma samples. Some of the identified aberrations are previously implicated in melanoma. Moreover, novel regions of copy number alterations were identified, revealing new candidate genes potentially involved in melanoma pathogenesis.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, these findings can help improve melanoma diagnosis and introduce novel melanoma therapeutic targets.

Fluorescence In situ Hybridization: Cell-Based Genetic Diagnostic and Research Applications

Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) is a macromolecule recognition technology based on the complementary nature of DNA or DNA/RNA double strands. Selected DNA strands incorporated with fluorophore-coupled nucleotides can be used as probes to hybridize onto the complementary sequences in tested cells and tissues and then visualized through a fluorescence microscope or an imaging system. This technology was initially developed as a physical mapping tool to delineate genes within chromosomes. Its high analytical resolution to a single gene level and high sensitivity and specificity enabled an immediate application for genetic diagnosis of constitutional common aneuploidies, microdeletion/microduplication syndromes, and subtelomeric rearrangements. FISH tests using panels of gene-specific probes for somatic recurrent losses, gains, and translocations have been routinely applied for hematologic and solid tumors and are one of the fastest-growing areas in cancer diagnosis. FISH has also been used to detect infectious microbias and parasites like malaria in human blood cells. Recent advances in FISH technology involve various methods for improving probe labeling efficiency and the use of super resolution imaging systems for direct visualization of intra-nuclear chromosomal organization and profiling of RNA transcription in single cells. Cas9-mediated FISH (CASFISH) allowed in situ labeling of repetitive sequences and single-copy sequences without the disruption of nuclear genomic organization in fixed or living cells. Using oligopaint-FISH and super-resolution imaging enabled in situ visualization of chromosome haplotypes from differentially specified single-nucleotide polymorphism loci. Single molecule RNA FISH (smRNA-FISH) using combinatorial labeling or sequential barcoding by multiple round of hybridization were applied to measure mRNA expression of multiple genes within single cells. Research applications of these single molecule single cells DNA and RNA FISH techniques have visualized intra-nuclear genomic structure and sub-cellular transcriptional dynamics of many genes and revealed their functions in various biological processes.

The long noncoding RNA regulation at the MYC locus

Aberrant expression of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) has been linked to cancers. The MYC oncoprotein is a key contributor to the development of many human tumors. Recent studies have revealed that a number of lncRNAs originating from the human 8q24 locus previously known to corresponding to a 'gene desert' are transcribed and play important roles in MYC regulation. In this review, we highlight recent progress in how these lncRNAs participate in control of MYC levels in normal and tumor cells.

Genetic variants associated with increased risk of malignant pleural mesothelioma: a genome-wide association study

Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor for malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM), a rare aggressive tumor. Nevertheless, only 5-17% of those exposed to asbestos develop MPM, suggesting the involvement of other environmental and genetic risk factors. To identify the genetic risk factors that may contribute to the development of MPM, we conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS; 370,000 genotyped SNPs, 5 million imputed SNPs) in Italy, among 407 MPM cases and 389 controls with a complete history of asbestos exposure. A replication study was also undertaken and included 428 MPM cases and 1269 controls from Australia. Although no single marker reached the genome-wide significance threshold, several associations were supported by haplotype-, chromosomal region-, gene- and gene-ontology process-based analyses. Most of these SNPs were located in regions reported to harbor aberrant alterations in mesothelioma (SLC7A14, THRB, CEBP350, ADAMTS2, ETV1, PVT1 and MMP14 genes), causing at most a 2-3-fold increase in MPM risk. The Australian replication study showed significant associations in five of these chromosomal regions (3q26.2, 4q32.1, 7p22.2, 14q11.2, 15q14). Multivariate analysis suggested an independent contribution of 10 genetic variants, with an Area Under the ROC Curve (AUC) of 0.76 when only exposure and covariates were included in the model, and of 0.86 when the genetic component was also included, with a substantial increase of asbestos exposure risk estimation (odds ratio, OR: 45.28, 95% confidence interval, CI: 21.52-95.28). These results showed that genetic risk factors may play an additional role in the development of MPM, and that these should be taken into account to better estimate individual MPM risk in individuals who have been exposed to asbestos.

A review of methionine dependency and the role of methionine restriction in cancer growth control and life-span extension

Methionine is an essential amino acid with many key roles in mammalian metabolism such as protein synthesis, methylation of DNA and polyamine synthesis. Restriction of methionine may be an important strategy in cancer growth control particularly in cancers that exhibit dependence on methionine for survival and proliferation. Methionine dependence in cancer may be due to one or a combination of deletions, polymorphisms or alterations in expression of genes in the methionine de novo and salvage pathways. Cancer cells with these defects are unable to regenerate methionine via these pathways. Defects in the metabolism of folate may also contribute to the methionine dependence phenotype in cancer. Selective killing of methionine dependent cancer cells in co-culture with normal cells has been demonstrated using culture media deficient in methionine. Several animal studies utilizing a methionine restricted diet have reported inhibition of cancer growth and extension of a healthy life-span. In humans, vegan diets, which can be low in methionine, may prove to be a useful nutritional strategy in cancer growth control. The development of methioninase which depletes circulating levels of methionine may be another useful strategy in limiting cancer growth. The application of nutritional methionine restriction and methioninase in combination with chemotherapeutic regimens is the current focus of clinical studies.

p53-Dependent induction of PVT1 and miR-1204

p53 is a tumor suppressor protein that acts as a transcription factor to regulate (either positively or negatively) a plethora of downstream target genes. Although its ability to induce protein coding genes is well documented, recent studies have implicated p53 in the regulation of non-coding RNAs, including both microRNAs (e.g. miR-34a) and long non-coding RNAs (e.g. lincRNA-p21). We have identified the non-protein coding locus PVT1 as a p53-inducible target gene. PVT1, a very large (>300 kb) locus located downstream of c-myc on chromosome 8q24, produces a wide variety of spliced non-coding RNAs as well as a cluster of six annotated microRNAs: miR-1204, miR-1205, miR-1206, miR-1207-5p, miR-1207-3p, and miR-1208. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA), and luciferase assays reveal that p53 binds and activates a canonical response element within the vicinity of miR-1204. Consistently, we demonstrate the p53-dependent induction of endogenous PVT1 transcripts and consequent up-regulation of mature miR-1204. Finally, we have shown that ectopic expression of miR-1204 leads to increased p53 levels and causes cell death in a partially p53-dependent manner.

Evidence-based genomic diagnosis characterized chromosomal and cryptic imbalances in 30 elderly patients with myelodysplastic syndrome and acute myeloid leukemia

Background

To evaluate the clinical validity of genome-wide oligonucleotide array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) for detecting somatic abnormalities, we have applied this genomic analysis to 30 cases (13 MDS and 17 AML) with clonal chromosomal abnormalities detected in more than 50% of analyzed metaphase cells.

Results

The aCGH detected all numerical chromosomal gains and losses from the mainline clones and 113 copy number alterations (CNAs) ranging from 0.257 to 102.519 megabases (Mb). Clinically significant recurrent deletions of 5q (involving the RPS14 gene), 12p12.3 (ETV6 gene), 17p13 (TP53 gene), 17q11.2 (NF1 gene) and 20q, double minutes containing the MYC gene and segmental amplification involving the MLL gene were further characterized with defined breakpoints and gene contents. Genomic features of microdeletions at 17q11.2 were confirmed by FISH using targeted BAC clones. The aCGH also defined break points in a derivative chromosome 6, der(6)t(3;6)(q21.3;p22.2), and an isodicentric X chromosome. However, chromosomally observed sideline clonal abnormalities in five cases were not detected by aCGH.

Conclusions

Our data indicated that an integrated cytogenomic analysis will be a better diagnostic scheme to delineate genomic contents of chromosomal and cryptic abnormalities in patients with MDS and AML. An evidence-based approach to interpret somatic genomic findings was proposed.

Concomitant and successive amplifications of MYC in APL-like leukemia

A 61-year-old male patient presented with very high blood white cell count, left shift of granulocytes to blasts, as well as low hemoglobin and platelets. The bone marrow aspirate and biopsy were consistent with an acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Blasts presented with large azurophilic inclusions and prominent Auer rods resembling acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). Cytogenetic analysis revealed a deletion 9p and double-minute chromosomes. Fluorescence in situ hybridization showed amplification of the MYC probe and the absence of a RARA rearrangement. The patient achieved complete morphologic and cytogenetic remission 1 month after allogenic transplant, but relapsed 1 month later. Cytogenetics showed MYC amplification as a homogeneously staining region inserted into the long arm of one chromosome 9 and as a ring structure. At least five other acute promyelocytic leukemia-like cases without translocation 15;17, but with double minutes, have been reported in the literature. Only one of these had no RARA rearrangement. This report presents a second patient with APL-like bone marrow morphology, absence of RARA rearrangement, and MYC amplification. In this case, the amplification happened in various concomitant or successive forms.