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Shehaj I, Krajnak S, Almstedt K, Degirmenci Y, Herzog S, Lebrecht A, Linz VC, Schwab R, Stewen K, Brenner W, Hasenburg A, Schmidt M, Heimes AS. BRCA1, BRCA2 and PALB2 mRNA Expression as Prognostic Markers in Patients with Early Breast Cancer. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1361. [PMID: 38927568 PMCID: PMC11202204 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12061361] [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: 05/31/2024] [Revised: 06/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) poses a challenge in establishing new treatment strategies and identifying new prognostic and predictive markers due to the extensive genetic heterogeneity of BC. Very few studies have investigated the impact of mRNA expression of these genes on the survival of BC patients. METHODS We examined the impact of the mRNA expression of breast cancer gene type 1 (BRCA1), breast cancer gene type 2 (BRCA2), and partner and localizer of BRCA2 (PALB2) on the metastasis-free survival (MFS) of patients with early BC using microarray gene expression analysis. RESULTS The study was performed in a cohort of 461 patients with a median age of 62 years at initial diagnosis. The median follow-up time was 147 months. We could show that the lower expression of BRCA1 and BRCA2 is significantly associated with longer MFS (p < 0.050). On the contrary, the lower expression of PALB2 was correlated with a shorter MFS (p = 0.049). Subgroup survival analysis identified the prognostic influence of mRNA expression for BRCA1 among patients with luminal-B-like BC and for BRCA2 and PALB2 in the subset of patients with luminal-A-like BC (p < 0.050). CONCLUSIONS According to our observations, BRCA1, BRCA2, and PALB2 expression might become valuable biomarkers of disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ina Shehaj
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany (M.S.); (A.-S.H.)
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Singh K, Scalia J, Legare R, Quddus MR, Sung CJ. Immunohistochemical findings and clinicopathological features of breast cancers with pathogenic germline mutations in Non-BRCA genes. Hum Pathol 2024; 146:49-56. [PMID: 38608781 DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2024.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
Deleterious germline mutations in multiple genes confer an increased breast cancer (BC) risk. Immunohistochemical (IHC) expression of protein products of mutated high-risk genes has not been investigated in BC. We hypothesized that pathogenic mutations may lead to an abnormal IHC expression pattern in the tumor cells. BCs with deleterious germline mutations in CHEK2, ATM, PALB2 & PTEN were identified. Immunohistochemistry was performed using Dako staining platform on formalin fixed paraffin embedded tumor tissue. Primary antibodies for PALB2 (ab202970), ATM [2C1(1A10)}, CHK2 (EPR4325), and PTEN (138G6) proteins were used for BCs with respective deleterious mutations. IHC expression was assessed in tumor and adjacent benign breast tissue. Total 27 BCs with 10 CHEK2, 9 ATM, 6 PALB2 & 2 PTEN deleterious germline mutations were identified. IHC staining was performed on 8 CHEK2, 7 ATM, 6 PALB2 & 2 PTEN cases. Abnormal CHEK2 IHC staining was identified in 7/8(88%) BCs. Three distinct CHK2 IHC patterns were noted: 1) Strong diffuse nuclear positivity (5 BC), 2) Null-pattern (2 BC), & 3) Normal breast-like staining in 1 BC Four of 5 (80%) strong CHK2 staining BC had missense CHEK2 mutations. Null-pattern was present with a missense & a frameshift mutation. Normal breast-like CHEK2 IHC staining pattern was present in 1 BC with CHEK2 frameshift mutation. Loss of nuclear/cytoplasmic PTEN IHC expression was noted in 2 in-situ carcinomas. Abnormal PTEN and CHK2 IHC were present in atypical ductal hyperplasia and flat epithelial atypia. ATM and PALB2 IHC expression patterns were similar in tumor cells and benign breast epithelium: mild to moderate intensity nuclear and cytoplasmic staining. We report abnormal CHEK2 IHC expression in 88% of BCs with pathogenic CHEK2 mutations. With PTEN and CHEK2 pathogenic mutations, abnormal IHC patterns are seen in early atypical proliferative lesions. IHC may be applied to identify CHEK2 & PTEN mutated BCs and precursor lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamaljeet Singh
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Staff Pathologist, Women & Infants Hospital, 101 Dudley Street, Providence, RI, 02903, USA.
| | - Jennifer Scalia
- Genetics, Breast Health Center, Women & Infants Hospital, 101 Dudley Street, Providence, RI, 02903, USA
| | - Robert Legare
- Medical Oncology, Westerly Hospital, 25 Wells Street, Westerly, RI, 02903, USA
| | - M Ruhul Quddus
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Staff Pathologist, Women & Infants Hospital, 101 Dudley Street, Providence, RI, 02903, USA
| | - C James Sung
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Staff Pathologist, Women & Infants Hospital, 101 Dudley Street, Providence, RI, 02903, USA
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Chen Y, Huang A, Bi Y, Wei W, Huang Y, Ye Y. Genomic insights and prognostic significance of novel biomarkers in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: A comprehensive analysis. Biochem Biophys Rep 2024; 37:101580. [PMID: 38107664 PMCID: PMC10724495 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrep.2023.101580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly prevalent digestive system malignancy, with a significant impact on public health, especially in the elderly population. The advent of the Human Genome Project has opened new avenues for precision medicine, allowing researchers to explore genetic markers and molecular targets for cancer diagnosis and treatment. Despite significant advances in genomic research, early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer remains elusive due to the lack of highly sensitive and specific markers. Therefore, there is a need for in-depth research to identify more precise and reliable diagnostic markers for pancreatic cancer. In this study, we utilized a combination of public databases from different sources to meticulously screen genes associated with prognosis in pancreatic cancer. We used gene differential analysis, univariate cox regression analysis, least absolute selection and shrinkage operator (LASSO) regression, and multivariate cox regression analysis to identify genes associated with prognosis. Subsequently, we constructed a scoring system, validated its validity using survival analysis and ROC analysis, and further confirmed its reliability by nomogram and decision curve analysis (DCA). We evaluated the diagnostic value of this scoring system for pancreatic cancer prognosis and validated the function of the genes using single cell data analysis. Our analysis identifies six genes, including GABRA3, IL20RB, CDK1, GPR87, TTYH3, and KCNA2, that were strongly associated with PDAC prognosis. Clinical prognostic models based on these genes showed strong predictive power not only in the training set but also in external datasets. Functional enrichment analysis revealed significant differences between high- and low-risk groups mainly in immune-related functions. Additionally, we explored the potential of the risk score as a marker for immunotherapy response and identified key factors within the tumor microenvironment. The single-cell RNA sequencing analysis further enriched our understanding of cell clusters and six hub genes expressions. This comprehensive investigation provides valuable insights into pancreatic PDAC and its intricate immune landscape. The identified genes and their functional significance underscore the importance of continued research into improving diagnosis and treatment strategies for PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuling Chen
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Anle Huang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China, 361001
| | - Yuanjie Bi
- School of Science, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Wei Wei
- Department of Emergency, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yongsheng Huang
- School of Science, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Yuanchun Ye
- School of Science, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
- Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
- Department of Hematology Oncology and Tumor Immunity, Benjamin Franklin Campus, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Liu J, Chen J, Sun J, Yao L, Zhang J, Xie Y, Xu Y. Low expression of PALB2 is associated with poor survival in Chinese women with primary breast cancer. Clin Breast Cancer 2023; 23:e259-e266. [PMID: 36997402 DOI: 10.1016/j.clbc.2023.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND PALB2 plays a crucial role in genome stability and the DNA repair process, and its mutation is associated with a moderate to high risk of breast cancer. However, the status and prognostic role of PALB2 expression in breast cancer are still unclear. MATERIALS AND METHODS The expression level of PALB2 mRNA was evaluated by using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction in core biopsy samples from 563 primary breast cancer tissues. RESULTS In the entire cohort, low expression of PALB2 mRNA was significantly associated with poor survival (low vs. intermediate: DFS, adjusted HR = 1.79, 95% CI = 1.21-2.65, P = .003; DDFS, adjusted HR = 2.07, 95% CI = 1.34-3.20, P = .001; DSS, adjusted HR = 2.59, 95% CI = 1.45-4.64, P = .001; OS, adjusted HR = 2.77, 95% CI = 1.56-4.92, P = .001; low vs. high: DFS, adjusted HR = 1.57, 95% CI = 1.06-2.35, P = .026; DDFS, adjusted HR = 1.66, 95% CI = 1.08-2.55, P = .020; DSS, adjusted HR = 1.74, 95% CI = 1.00-3.03, P = .048; OS, adjusted HR = 1.59, 95% CI = 0.95-2.67, P = .08). Notably, among hormone receptor (HR)-positive/HER2-negative subtype, patients with low PALB2 expression also had significantly worse outcomes (low vs. intermediate: DFS, adjusted HR = 2.33, 95% CI = 1.32-4.13, P = .004; DDFS, adjusted HR = 2.78, 95% CI = 1.47-5.27, P < .001; DSS, adjusted HR = 3.08, 95% CI = 1.27-7.43, P = .013; OS, adjusted HR = 3.15, 95% CI = 1.32-7.50, P = .010; low vs. high: DFS, adjusted HR = 1.84, 95% CI = 1.04-3.28, P = .04; DDFS, adjusted HR = 1.82, 95% CI = 0.99-3.36, P = .05; DSS, adjusted HR = 2.06, 95% CI = 0.87-4.86, P = .10; OS, adjusted HR = 1.54, 95% CI = 0.71-3.33, P = .28). CONCLUSION Breast cancer patients with low expression of mRNA have a poor survival, suggesting that patients with PALB2 low expression may be the potential beneficiaries for PARP inhibitors therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingsi Liu
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Familial & Hereditary Cancer Center, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Jiuan Chen
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Familial & Hereditary Cancer Center, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Jie Sun
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Familial & Hereditary Cancer Center, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Lu Yao
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Familial & Hereditary Cancer Center, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Juan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Familial & Hereditary Cancer Center, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Yuntao Xie
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Familial & Hereditary Cancer Center, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, 100142, China.
| | - Ye Xu
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Familial & Hereditary Cancer Center, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, 100142, China.
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Muhammad N, Sadaqat R, Naeemi H, Masood I, Hassan U, Ijaz B, Hanif F, Syed AA, Yusuf MA, Rashid MU. Contribution of germline PALB2 variants to an unselected and prospectively registered pancreatic cancer patient cohort in Pakistan. HPB (Oxford) 2022; 24:2134-2144. [PMID: 36175305 DOI: 10.1016/j.hpb.2022.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Partner and localizer of BRCA2 (PALB2) is a pancreatic cancer (PC) susceptibility gene reported in Caucasians. However, limited data are available among Asians. We investigated the contribution of PALB2 germline variants to Pakistani PC patients. METHODS 150 unselected and prospectively enrolled PC patients were comprehensively screened for PALB2 variants, using denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography and DNA sequencing. Novel variants were investigated for their pathogenic effect using in-silico tools. Potentially functional variants were screened in 200 controls. RESULTS Twenty-two different PALB2 variants were identified. A missense variant (p.Arg37His) was identified in a 48-years-old male patient with a family history of breast cancer. Another missense variant (p.Trp898Arg) was identified in a 48-years-old male patient with a family history of esophageal cancer. A novel 3' downstream variant (c.∗480A>G) was detected in a 34-years-old female patient with family history of lung cancer. Another novel 3' downstream variant (c.∗417A>C) was identified in a 41-years-old male patient. All these variants were absent in 200 controls. p.Arg37His and p.Trp898Arg were predicted as likely pathogenic. c.∗417A>C and c.∗480A>G were classified as variants of uncertain significance. CONCLUSION This is the first study that suggests a minimal contribution of PALB2 variants to PC risk in Pakistani population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noor Muhammad
- Basic Sciences Research, Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Center (SKMCH&RC), Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Rida Sadaqat
- Basic Sciences Research, Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Center (SKMCH&RC), Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Humaira Naeemi
- Basic Sciences Research, Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Center (SKMCH&RC), Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Iqra Masood
- Clinical Research Office, SKMCH&RC, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Usman Hassan
- Department of Pathology, SKMCH&RC, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Bushra Ijaz
- Laboratory of Applied and Functional Genomics, National Center of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Faisal Hanif
- Department of Surgical Oncology, SKMCH&RC, Lahore, Pakistan; Centre for Liver and Biliary Sciences, Bahria International Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Aamir A Syed
- Department of Surgical Oncology, SKMCH&RC, Lahore, Pakistan
| | | | - Muhammad U Rashid
- Basic Sciences Research, Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Center (SKMCH&RC), Lahore, Pakistan.
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Bennett C, Suguitan M, Abad J, Chawla A. Identification of high-risk germline variants for the development of pancreatic cancer: Common characteristics and potential guidance to screening guidelines. Pancreatology 2022; 22:719-729. [PMID: 35798629 DOI: 10.1016/j.pan.2022.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a product of a variety of environmental and genetic factors. Recent work has highlighted the influence of hereditary syndromes on pancreatic cancer incidence. The purpose of this review is to identify the high-risk syndromes, common variants, and risks associated with PC. The study also elucidates common characteristics of patients with these mutations, which is used to recommend potential changes to current screening protocols for greater screening efficacy. We analyzed 8 syndromes and their respective variants: Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer (BRCA1/2), Familial Atypical Multiple Mole Melanoma Syndrome (CDKN2A), Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome (STK11), Lynch Syndrome (PMS2, MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, EPCAM), Ataxia Telangiectasia (ATM), Li-Fraumeni Syndrome (TP53), Fanconi Anemia (PALB2), and Hereditary Pancreatitis (PRSS1, SPINK1, CFTR). Of 587 studies evaluated, 79 studies fit into our inclusion criteria. Information from each study was analyzed to draw conclusions on these variants as well as their association with pancreatic cancer. Information from this review is intended to improve precision medicine and improve criteria for screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cade Bennett
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Northwestern Medicine Regional Medical Group, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Mike Suguitan
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Northwestern Medicine Regional Medical Group, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - John Abad
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Northwestern Medicine Regional Medical Group, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Akhil Chawla
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Northwestern Medicine Regional Medical Group, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA; Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chicago, IL, USA.
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Nishimura T, Takadate T, Maeda S, Suzuki T, Minowa T, Fukuda T, Bando Y, Unno M. Disease-related protein co-expression networks are associated with the prognosis of resectable node-positive pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Sci Rep 2022; 12:14709. [PMID: 36038612 PMCID: PMC9424258 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-19182-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a multifactorial disease, the molecular profile of which remains unclear. This study aimed at unveiling the disease-related protein networks associated with different outcomes of resectable, node-positive PDAC cases. We assessed laser-microdissected cancerous cells from PDAC tissues of a poor outcome group (POG; n = 4) and a better outcome group (BOG; n = 4). Noncancerous pancreatic duct tissues (n = 5) were used as the reference. We identified four representative network modules by applying a weighted network correlation analysis to the obtained quantitative PDAC proteome datasets. Two network modules that were significant for POG were associated with the heat shock response to hypoxia-related stress; in the latter, a large involvement of the non-canonical Hedgehog pathway (regulated by GLI1), the internal ribosome entry site-mediated cap-independent translation, the inositol requiring enzyme 1-alpha (IRE1α)/X-box binding protein 1 pathway of the unfolding protein response (UPR), and the aerobic glycolysis was observed. By contrast, the BOG characteristic module was involved in the inactivation of the UPR pathway via the synoviolin 1-dependent proteasomal degradation of IRE1α, the activation of SOX2, and the loss of PALB2 (partner and localizer of BRCA2) function, all potentially suppressing malignant tumor development. Our findings might facilitate future therapeutic strategies for PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshihide Nishimura
- Department of Translational Medicine Informatics, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, 216-8511, Japan. .,Biosys Technologies, Inc., Tokyo, Tokyo, 153-8904, Japan.
| | - Tatsuyuki Takadate
- Department of Surgery, National Hospital Organization Sendai Medical Center, Sendai, Miyagi, 983-8520, Japan
| | - Shimpei Maeda
- Department of Surgery, Saitama Medical Center, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, 329-0498, Japan
| | - Takashi Suzuki
- Department of Pathology and Histotechnology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8574, Japan
| | - Takashi Minowa
- Nanotechnology Innovation Station, National Institute for Materials Science, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Fukuda
- Biosys Technologies, Inc., Tokyo, Tokyo, 153-8904, Japan
| | - Yasuhiko Bando
- Biosys Technologies, Inc., Tokyo, Tokyo, 153-8904, Japan
| | - Michiaki Unno
- Department of Surgery, National Hospital Organization Sendai Medical Center, Sendai, Miyagi, 983-8520, Japan.,Department of Surgery, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8574, Japan
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Lehrer S, Rheinstein PH. EARS2 significantly coexpresses with PALB2 in breast and pancreatic cancer. Cancer Treat Res Commun 2022; 32:100595. [PMID: 35779338 PMCID: PMC9427692 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctarc.2022.100595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND PALB2 (BRCA2 partner and localizer) is a BRCA2-interacting protein that is required for BRCA2 genome caretaker tasks and interacts with BRCA1. Women with PALB2 mutation have a 40% to 60% higher risk of breast cancer, almost equivalent to women who have BRCA mutations. PALB2 mutation may also increase the risk of pancreatic cancer. New guidelines for PALB2 mutation in breast cancer advise pancreatic cancer screening, which includes M.R.I.s of the pancreas as well as endoscopic ultrasonography, for women who have a family history of pancreatic cancer. Using the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and The Human Protein Atlas we examined genes that co-express with PALB2 in breast and pancreatic cancer. METHODS We used cBioPortal for Cancer Genomics to analyze data in TCGA. cBioPortal provides visualization, analysis and download of large-scale cancer genomics data sets. We used the UCSC Xena Browser to additionally analyze gene expression in TCGA. RESULTS Six genes, EARS2, ARL6IP1, DNAJA3, KNOP1, RPUSD1, and TMEM186, significantly coexpressed with PALB2 in both breast and pancreatic cancer. Glutamyl-tRNA synthetase 2 (EARS2) was the only gene coexpressing with PALB2 in the breast and pancreatic cancer subjects that was significantly related to pancreatic cancer survival. Elevated PALB2 and EARS2 gene expression are both significantly associated with the PAM50 Luminal B subtype and high risk of recurrence, suggesting why these women may need active intervention, such as prophylactic mastectomy. CONCLUSIONS EARS2 expression might be a risk factor for pancreatic cancer in breast cancer patients with PALB2 mutations. By assessing EARS2 expression in breast tumors, the clinician might obtain a second piece of information that, with family history of pancreatic cancer, could inform the decision to perform pancreatic cancer screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Lehrer
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, US.
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