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Folpe AL, Tetzlaff MT, Billings SD, Torres-Mora J, Borowsky AD, Santiago TC, Ameline B, Baumhoer D. Superficial Neurocristic EWSR1::FLI1 Fusion Tumor: A Distinctive, Clinically Indolent, S100 Protein/SOX10-Positive Neoplasm. Mod Pathol 2024; 37:100537. [PMID: 38866368 DOI: 10.1016/j.modpat.2024.100537] [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: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
It is now understood that identical gene fusions may be shared by different entities. We report a distinctive neoplasm of the skin and subcutis, harboring the Ewing sarcoma-associated EWSR1::FLI1 fusion but differing otherwise from Ewing sarcoma. Slides and blocks for 5 cutaneous neoplasms coded as other than Ewing sarcoma and harboring EWSR1::FLI1 were retrieved. Immunohistochemical and molecular genetic results were abstracted from reports. Methylation profiling was performed. Clinical information was obtained. The tumors occurred in 4 men and 1 woman (median: 25 years of age; range: 19-69 years) and involved the skin/subcutis of the back (2), thigh, buttock, and chest wall (median: 2.4 cm; range: 1-11 cm). Two tumors were present "years" before coming to clinical attention. The lesions were multinodular and circumscribed and consisted of nests of bland, round cells admixed with hyalinized collagenous bands containing spindled cells. Hemorrhage and cystic change were often present; necrosis was absent. All were diffusely S100 protein/SOX10-positive; 4 of 5 were CD99-negative. One tested case was strongly positive for NKX2.2. A variety of other tested markers were either focally positive (glial fibrillary acidic protein, p63) or negative. Molecular genetic results were as follows: EWSR1 exon 7::FLI1 exon 8, EWSR1 exon 11::FLI1 exon 5, EWSR1 exon 11::FLI1 exon 6, EWSR1 exon 7::FLI1 exon 6, and EWSR1 exon 10::FLI1 exon 6. Methylation profiling (3 cases) showed these to form a unique cluster, distinct from Ewing sarcoma. All patients underwent excision with negative margins; one received 1 cycle of chemotherapy. Clinical follow-up showed all patients to be alive without disease (median: 17 months; range: 11-62 months). Despite similar gene fusions, the morphologic, immunohistochemical, epigenetic, and clinical features of these unique EWSR1::FLI1-fused neoplasms of the skin and subcutis differ substantially from Ewing sarcoma. Interestingly, EWSR1 rearrangements involved exons 10 or 11, only rarely seen in Ewing sarcoma, in a majority of cases. Superficial neurocristic EWSR1::FLI1 fusion tumors should be rigorously distinguished from true cutaneous Ewing sarcomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew L Folpe
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.
| | - Michael T Tetzlaff
- Departments of Pathology and Dermatology, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Steven D Billings
- Department of Pathology, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Jorge Torres-Mora
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | | | | | - Baptiste Ameline
- Bone Tumor Reference Center at the Institute of Medical Genetics and Pathology, University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Daniel Baumhoer
- Bone Tumor Reference Center at the Institute of Medical Genetics and Pathology, University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Basel Research Centre for Child Health, Basel, Switzerland
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Vanoli F, Song E, Dermawan JK, Fishinevich E, Sung P, Min SS, Xie Z, de Traux de Wardin H, Hwang S, Maki RG, Antonescu CR. Modeling Extraordinary Response Through Targeting Secondary Alterations in Fusion-Associated Sarcoma. JCO Precis Oncol 2024; 8:e2300688. [PMID: 38885476 DOI: 10.1200/po.23.00688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Targeted therapy in translocation-associated sarcomas has been limited to oncogenic activation of tyrosine kinases or ligands while gene fusions resulting in aberrant expression of transcription factors have been notoriously difficult to target. Moreover, secondary genetic alterations in sarcomas driven by translocations are uncommon, comprising mostly alterations in tumor suppressor genes (TP53, CDKN2A/B). Our study was triggered by an index patient showing a dramatic clinical response by targeting the secondary BRAF V600E mutation in a metastatic angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma (AFH) harboring the typical EWSR1::CREB1 fusion. MATERIALS AND METHODS The patient, a 28-year-old female, was diagnosed with an AFH of the thigh and followed a highly aggressive clinical course, with rapid multifocal local recurrence within a year and widespread distant metastases (adrenal, bone, liver, lung). The tumor showed characteristic morphologic features, with histiocytoid cells intermixed with hemorrhagic cystic spaces and lymphoid aggregates. In addition to the pathognomonic EWSR1::CREB1 fusion, targeted DNA sequencing revealed in both primary and adrenal metastatic sites a hot spot BRAF V600E mutation and a CDKN2A/B deletion. Accordingly, the patient was treated with a BRAF-MEK inhibitor combination (encorafenib/binimetinib) showing an excellent but short-lived response. RESULTS Using a CRISPR-Cas9 approach, we introduced the BRAF c.1799 T>A point mutation in human embryonic stem (hES) cells harboring a conditional EWSR1 (exon7)::CREB1 (exon7) translocation and further differentiated to mesenchymal progenitors (hES-MP) before fusion expression. The cells maintained the fusion transcript expression and the AFH core gene signature while responding to treatment with encorafenib and binimetinib. CONCLUSION These results highlight that additional targeted DNA NGS in chemotherapy-resistant translocation-associated sarcomas may reveal actionable oncogenic drivers occurring as secondary genetic events during disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Vanoli
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Evan Song
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Josephine K Dermawan
- Robert J. Tomsich Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
| | - Eve Fishinevich
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Patricia Sung
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Soe S Min
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Ziyu Xie
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Henry de Traux de Wardin
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Sinchun Hwang
- Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Robert G Maki
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Cristina R Antonescu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
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de Traux de Wardin H, Dermawan JK, Vanoli F, Jiang SC, Singer S, Chi P, Tap W, Wexler LH, Antonescu CR. NF1-Driven Rhabdomyosarcoma Phenotypes: A Comparative Clinical and Molecular Study of NF1-Mutant Rhabdomyosarcoma and NF1-Associated Malignant Triton Tumor. JCO Precis Oncol 2024; 8:e2300597. [PMID: 38603649 PMCID: PMC11161258 DOI: 10.1200/po.23.00597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Alterations of the NF1 tumor suppressor gene is the second most frequent genetic event in embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (ERMS), but its associations with clinicopathologic features, outcome, or coexisting molecular events are not well defined. Additionally, NF1 alterations, mostly in the setting of neurofibromatosis type I (NF1), drive the pathogenesis of most malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor with divergent RMS differentiation (also known as malignant triton tumor [MTT]). Distinguishing between these entities can be challenging because of their pathologic overlap. This study aims to comprehensively analyze the clinicopathologic and molecular spectrum of NF1-mutant RMS compared with NF1-associated MTT for a better understanding of their pathogenesis. METHODS We investigated the clinicopathologic and molecular landscape of a cohort of 22 NF1-mutant RMS and a control group of 13 NF1-associated MTT. Cases were tested on a matched tumor-normal hybridization capture-based targeted DNA next-generation sequencing. RESULTS Among the RMS group, all except one were ERMS, with a median age of 17 years while for MTT the mean age was 39 years. Three MTTs were misdiagnosed as ERMS, having clinical impact in one. The most frequent coexisting alteration in ERMS was TP53 abnormality (36%), being mutually exclusive from NRAS mutations (14%). MTT showed coexisting CDKN2A/B and PRC2 complex alterations in 38% cases and loss of H3K27me3 expression. Patients with NF1-mutant RMS exhibited a 70% 5-year survival rate, in contrast to MTT with a 33% 5-year survival. All metastatic NF1-mutant ERMS were associated with TP53 alterations. CONCLUSION Patients with NF1-mutant ERMS lacking TP53 alterations may benefit from dose-reduction chemotherapy. On the basis of the diagnostic challenges and significant treatment and prognostic differences, molecular profiling of challenging tumors with rhabdomyoblastic differentiation is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry de Traux de Wardin
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
- Department of Pediatrics, Brussels University Hospital, Academic Children's Hospital Queen Fabiola, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Josephine K. Dermawan
- Robert J. Tomsich Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
| | - Fabio Vanoli
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Samuel C. Jiang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Samuel Singer
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Ping Chi
- Department of Medicine, Sarcoma Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - William Tap
- Department of Medicine, Sarcoma Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Leonard H. Wexler
- Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Cristina R. Antonescu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
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Costa A, Gozzellino L, Nannini M, Astolfi A, Pantaleo MA, Pasquinelli G. Preclinical Models of Visceral Sarcomas. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1624. [PMID: 38002306 PMCID: PMC10669128 DOI: 10.3390/biom13111624] [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: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Visceral sarcomas are a rare malignant subgroup of soft tissue sarcomas (STSs). STSs, accounting for 1% of all adult tumors, are derived from mesenchymal tissues and exhibit a wide heterogeneity. Their rarity and the high number of histotypes hinder the understanding of tumor development mechanisms and negatively influence clinical outcomes and treatment approaches. Although some STSs (~20%) have identifiable genetic markers, as specific mutations or translocations, most are characterized by complex genomic profiles. Thus, identification of new therapeutic targets and development of personalized therapies are urgent clinical needs. Although cell lines are useful for preclinical investigations, more reliable preclinical models are required to develop and test new potential therapies. Here, we provide an overview of the available in vitro and in vivo models of visceral sarcomas, whose gene signatures are still not well characterized, to highlight current challenges and provide insights for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Costa
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Livia Gozzellino
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Margherita Nannini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
- Division of Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Annalisa Astolfi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Maria Abbondanza Pantaleo
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
- Division of Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Gianandrea Pasquinelli
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
- Division of Pathology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
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5
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Vanoli F, Antonescu CR. Modeling sarcoma relevant translocations using CRISPR-Cas9 in human embryonic stem derived mesenchymal precursors. Genes Chromosomes Cancer 2023; 62:501-509. [PMID: 36965130 PMCID: PMC10725040 DOI: 10.1002/gcc.23141] [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: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The role of cancer relevant translocations in tumorigenesis has been historically hampered by the lack of faithful in vitro and in vivo models. The development of the latest genome editing tools (e.g., CRISPR-Cas9) allowed modeling of various chromosomal translocations with different effects on proliferation and transformation capacity depending on the cell line used and secondary genetic alterations. The cellular context is particularly relevant in the case of oncogenic fusions expressed in sarcomas whose histogenesis remain uncertain. Moreover, recent studies have emphasized the increased frequency of gene fusion promiscuity across different mesenchymal tumor entities, which are clinicopathologically unrelated. This review provides a summary of different strategies utilized to generate cancer models with a focus on fusion-driven mesenchymal neoplasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Vanoli
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Cristina R Antonescu
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
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Dermawan JK, Rubin BP. The spectrum and significance of secondary (co-occurring) genetic alterations in sarcomas: the hallmarks of sarcomagenesis. J Pathol 2023; 260:637-648. [PMID: 37345731 DOI: 10.1002/path.6140] [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: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
Bone and soft tissue tumors are generally classified into complex karyotype sarcomas versus those with recurrent genetic alterations, often in the form of gene fusions. In this review, we provide an overview of important co-occurring genomic alterations, organized by biological mechanisms and covering a spectrum of genomic alteration types: mutations (single-nucleotide variations or indels) in oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes, copy number alterations, transcriptomic signatures, genomic complexity indices (e.g. CINSARC), and complex genomic structural variants. We discuss the biological and prognostic roles of these so-called secondary or co-occurring alterations, arguing that recognition and detection of these alterations may be significant for our understanding and management of mesenchymal tumors. On a related note, we also discuss major recurrent alterations in so-called complex karyotype sarcomas. These secondary alterations are essential to sarcomagenesis via a variety of mechanisms, such as inactivation of tumor suppressors, activation of proliferative signal transduction, telomere maintenance, and aberrant regulation of epigenomic/chromatin remodeling players. The use of comprehensive genomic profiling, including targeted next-generation sequencing panels or whole-exome sequencing, may be incorporated into clinical workflows to offer more comprehensive, potentially clinically actionable information. © 2023 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josephine K Dermawan
- Robert J. Tomsich Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Brian P Rubin
- Robert J. Tomsich Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
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7
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Ulici V, Hornick JL, Davis JL, Mehrotra S, Meis JM, Halling KC, Fletcher CD, Kao E, Folpe AL. "E-MGNET": Extra-Enteric Malignant Gastrointestinal Neuroectodermal Tumor- A Clinicopathological and Molecular Genetic Study of 11 Cases. Mod Pathol 2023; 36:100160. [PMID: 36934861 DOI: 10.1016/j.modpat.2023.100160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
Abstract
Malignant gastrointestinal neuroectodermal tumors (MGNET), also known as "gastrointestinal clear cell sarcoma-like tumor", are very rare, aggressive sarcomas characterized by enteric location, distinctive pathologic features, and EWSR1/FUS::ATF1/CREB1 fusions. Despite identical genetics, the clinicopathologic features of MGNET are otherwise quite different from clear cell sarcoma of soft parts (CCS). Only exceptional extra-enteric MGNET (E-MGNET) have been reported. We report a series of 11 E-MGNET, the largest to date. Cases diagnosed as MGNET and occurring in non-intestinal locations were retrieved. Clinical follow-up was obtained. The tumors occurred in 3 males and 8 females (14-70 years of age, median 33 years) and involved the soft tissues of the neck (3), shoulder (1), buttock (2), orbit (1), and tongue/parapharyngeal space (1), the urinary bladder (1) and the falciform ligament/liver (1). Tumors showed morphologic features of enteric MGNET (small, relatively uniform, round to ovoid cells with round, regular nuclei containing small nucleoli, growing in multinodular and vaguely lobular patterns, with solid, pseudoalveolar and pseudopapillary architecture). Immunohistochemical results were: S100 protein (11/11), SOX10 (11/11), synaptophysin (3/10), CD56 (7/9), CD117 (3/9), DOG1 (0/4), ALK (4/8), chromogranin A (0/10), HMB45 (0/11), Melan-A (0/11), tyrosinase (0/4), MiTF (0/11). NGS results were: EWSR1::ATF1 (7 cases), EWSR1::CREB1 (3 cases) and EWSR1::PBX1 (1 case). The EWSR1::PBX1-positive tumor was similar to other cases, including osteoclast-like giant cells, and negative for myoepithelial markers. Clinical follow-up (range: 10 to 70 months; median 34 months) showed 4 patients dead of disease (10.5, 12, 25 and 64 months after diagnosis), 1 patient alive with extensive metastases (43 months after diagnosis), 1 patient alive with persistent local disease (11 months after diagnosis), and 4 alive without disease (10, 47, 53 and 70 months after diagnosis). One case is too recent for follow-up. The clinicopathologic and molecular genetic features of rare E-MGNET are essentially identical to those occurring in intestinal locations. Otherwise-typical E-MGNET may harbor EWSR1::PBX1, a finding previously unreported in this tumor type. As in enteric locations, the behavior of E-MGNET is aggressive, with metastases and/or death from disease in at least 50% of patients. E-MGNET should be distinguished from CCS and other tumors with similar fusions. ALK expression appears to be a common feature of tumors harboring EWSR1/FUS::ATF1/CREB1 fusion but is unlikely to predict therapeutic response to ALK inhibition. Future advances in our understanding of these unusual tumors will hopefully lead to improved nomenclature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Ulici
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Jason L Hornick
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Jessica L Davis
- Department of Pathology, University of Indiana, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Swati Mehrotra
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL
| | - Jeanne M Meis
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Kevin C Halling
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | | | - Erica Kao
- Department of Pathology, Brooke Army Medical Center, San Antonio, TX
| | - Andrew L Folpe
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN.
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Generating in vitro models of NTRK-fusion mesenchymal neoplasia as tools for investigating kinase oncogenic activation and response to targeted therapy. Oncogenesis 2023; 12:8. [PMID: 36801905 PMCID: PMC9938185 DOI: 10.1038/s41389-023-00454-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The discovery of neurotrophic tyrosine receptor kinase (NTRK) gene fusions as pan-tumor oncogenic drivers has led to new personalized therapies in oncology. Recent studies investigating NTRK fusions among mesenchymal neoplasms have identified several emerging soft tissue tumor entities displaying various phenotypes and clinical behaviors. Among them, tumors resembling lipofibromatosis or malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors often harbor intra-chromosomal NTRK1 rearrangements, while most infantile fibrosarcomas are characterized by canonical ETV6::NTRK3 fusions. However, appropriate cellular models to investigate mechanisms of how kinase oncogenic activation through gene fusions drives such a wide spectrum of morphology and malignancy are lacking. Progress in genome editing has facilitated the efficient generation of chromosomal translocations in isogenic cell lines. In this study we employ various strategies to model NTRK fusions, including LMNA::NTRK1 (interstitial deletion) and ETV6::NTRK3 (reciprocal translocation) in human embryonic stem (hES) cells and mesenchymal progenitors (hES-MP). Here, we undertake various methods to model non-reciprocal, intrachromosomal deletions/translocations by induction of DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) exploiting either the repair mechanisms of homology directed repair (HDR) or non-homologous end joining (NHEJ). Expression of LMNA::NTRK1 or ETV6::NTRK3 fusions in either hES cells or hES-MP did not affect cell proliferation. However, the level of mRNA expression of the fusion transcripts was significantly upregulated in hES-MP, and phosphorylation of the LMNA::NTRK1 fusion oncoprotein was noted only in hES-MP but not in hES cells. Similarly, an NTRK1-driven transcriptional profile related to neuronal and neuroectodermal lineage was upregulated mainly in hES-MP, supporting the importance of appropriate cellular context in modeling cancer relevant aberrations. As proof of concept of the validity of our in vitro models, phosphorylation was depleted by two TRK inhibitors, Entrectinib and Larotrectinib, currently used as targeted therapy for tumors with NTRK fusions.
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Dermawan JK, Vanoli F, Herviou L, Sung YS, Zhang L, Singer S, Tap WD, Benayed R, Bale TA, Benhamida JK, Dickson BC, Antonescu CR. Comprehensive genomic profiling of EWSR1/FUS::CREB translocation-associated tumors uncovers prognostically significant recurrent genetic alterations and methylation-transcriptional correlates. Mod Pathol 2022; 35:1055-1065. [PMID: 35347249 PMCID: PMC9329182 DOI: 10.1038/s41379-022-01023-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
To elucidate the mechanisms underlying the divergent clinicopathologic spectrum of EWSR1/FUS::CREB translocation-associated tumors, we performed a comprehensive genomic analysis of fusion transcript variants, recurrent genetic alterations (mutations, copy number alterations), gene expression, and methylation profiles across a large cohort of tumor types. The distribution of the EWSR1/FUS fusion partners-ATF1, CREB1, and CREM-and exon involvement was significantly different across different tumor types. Our targeted sequencing showed that secondary genetic events are associated with tumor type rather than fusion type. Of the 39 cases that underwent targeted NGS testing, 18 (46%) had secondary OncoKB mutations or copy number alterations (29 secondary genetic events in total), of which 15 (52%) were recurrent. Secondary recurrent, but mutually exclusive, TERT promoter and CDKN2A mutations were identified only in clear cell sarcoma (CCS) and associated with worse overall survival. CDKN2A/B homozygous deletions were recurrent in angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma (AFH) and restricted to metastatic cases. mRNA upregulation of MITF, CDH19, PARVB, and PFKP was found in CCS, compared to AFH, and correlated with a hypomethylated profile. In contrast, S100A4 and XAF1 were differentially upregulated and hypomethylated in AFH but not CCS. Unsupervised clustering of methylation profiles revealed that CREB family translocation-associated tumors form neighboring but tight, distinct clusters. A sarcoma methylation classifier was able to accurately match 100% of CCS cases to the correct methylation class; however, it was suboptimal when applied to other histologies. In conclusion, our comprehensive genomic profiling of EWSR1/FUS::CREB translocation-associated tumors uncovered mostly histotype, rather than fusion-type associated correlations in transcript variants, prognostically significant secondary genetic alterations, and gene expression and methylation patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fabio Vanoli
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Laurie Herviou
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yun-Shao Sung
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Samuel Singer
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - William D. Tap
- Department of Medicine, Sarcoma Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ryma Benayed
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Tejus A. Bale
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jamal K. Benhamida
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Brendan C. Dickson
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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10
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Möller E, Praz V, Rajendran S, Dong R, Cauderay A, Xing YH, Lee L, Fusco C, Broye LC, Cironi L, Iyer S, Rengarajan S, Awad ME, Naigles B, Letovanec I, Ormas N, Finzi G, La Rosa S, Sessa F, Chebib I, Petur Nielsen G, Digklia A, Spentzos D, Cote GM, Choy E, Aryee M, Stamenkovic I, Boulay G, Rivera MN, Riggi N. EWSR1-ATF1 dependent 3D connectivity regulates oncogenic and differentiation programs in Clear Cell Sarcoma. Nat Commun 2022; 13:2267. [PMID: 35477713 PMCID: PMC9046276 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-29910-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Oncogenic fusion proteins generated by chromosomal translocations play major roles in cancer. Among them, fusions between EWSR1 and transcription factors generate oncogenes with powerful chromatin regulatory activities, capable of establishing complex gene expression programs in permissive precursor cells. Here we define the epigenetic and 3D connectivity landscape of Clear Cell Sarcoma, an aggressive cancer driven by the EWSR1-ATF1 fusion gene. We find that EWSR1-ATF1 displays a distinct DNA binding pattern that requires the EWSR1 domain and promotes ATF1 retargeting to new distal sites, leading to chromatin activation and the establishment of a 3D network that controls oncogenic and differentiation signatures observed in primary CCS tumors. Conversely, EWSR1-ATF1 depletion results in a marked reconfiguration of 3D connectivity, including the emergence of regulatory circuits that promote neural crest-related developmental programs. Taken together, our study elucidates the epigenetic mechanisms utilized by EWSR1-ATF1 to establish regulatory networks in CCS, and points to precursor cells in the neural crest lineage as candidate cells of origin for these tumors. The relationship between cellular histogenesis and molecular phenotypes for the EWSR1- ATF1 fusion in clear cell sarcoma (CCS) requires further characterization. Here, the authors investigate the EWSR1-ATF1 gene regulation networks in CCS cell lines, primary tumors, and mesenchymal stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emely Möller
- Experimental Pathology Service, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Viviane Praz
- Experimental Pathology Service, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sanalkumar Rajendran
- Experimental Pathology Service, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Rui Dong
- Department of Pathology and Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Alexandra Cauderay
- Experimental Pathology Service, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Department of Pathology and Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Yu-Hang Xing
- Department of Pathology and Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Lukuo Lee
- Department of Pathology and Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Carlo Fusco
- Experimental Pathology Service, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Liliane C Broye
- Experimental Pathology Service, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Luisa Cironi
- Experimental Pathology Service, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sowmya Iyer
- Department of Pathology and Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Shruthi Rengarajan
- Department of Pathology and Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Mary E Awad
- Department of Pathology and Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Beverly Naigles
- Department of Pathology and Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Igor Letovanec
- Department of Histopathology, Central Institute, Valais Hospital, Sion, Switzerland.,Institute of Pathology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nicola Ormas
- Department of Pathology, ASST Sette Laghi, Varese, Italy
| | - Giovanna Finzi
- Department of Pathology, ASST Sette Laghi, Varese, Italy
| | - Stefano La Rosa
- Institute of Pathology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Pathology Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Fausto Sessa
- Pathology Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Ivan Chebib
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - G Petur Nielsen
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Antonia Digklia
- Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Dimitrios Spentzos
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Gregory M Cote
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Edwin Choy
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Martin Aryee
- Department of Pathology and Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA.,Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Ivan Stamenkovic
- Experimental Pathology Service, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Gaylor Boulay
- Department of Pathology and Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Miguel N Rivera
- Department of Pathology and Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA.,Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Nicolò Riggi
- Experimental Pathology Service, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
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