Utility of Retrospective Molecular Analysis in Diagnostically Challenging Mesenchymal Neoplasms

Introduction: Molecular analysis plays a growing role in the diagnosis of mesenchymal neoplasms. The aim of this study was to retrospectively apply broad, multiplex molecular assays (a solid tumor targeted next-generation sequencing [NGS]) assay and single nucleotide polymorphism [SNP] microarray) to selected tumors, exploring the current utility and limitations. Methods: We searched our database (2010-2020) for diagnostically challenging mesenchymal neoplasms. After histologic review of available slides, tissue blocks were selected for NGS, SNP microarray, or both. DNA and RNA were extracted using the AllPrep DNA/RNA FFPE Kit Protocol on the QIAcube instrument. The NGS platform used was the TruSight Tumor 170 (TST-170). For SNP array, copy number variant (CNV) analysis was performed using the OncoScanTM CNV Plus Assay. Results: DNA/RNA was successfully extracted from 50% of tumors (n = 10/20). Specimens not successfully extracted included 6 core biopsies, 3 incisional biopsies, and 1 resection; 4 were decalcified (3 hydrochloric acid, 1 ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid). Higher tumor proportion and number of tumor cells were parameters positively associated with sufficient DNA/RNA extraction whereas necrosis and decalcification were negatively associated with sufficient extraction. Molecular testing helped reach a definitive diagnosis in 50% of tumors (n = 5/10). Conclusions: Although the overall utility of this approach is limited, these molecular panels can be helpful in detecting a specific "driver" alteration.

EVI5 is an oncogene that regulates the proliferation and metastasis of NSCLC cells

Background

The Ecotropic viral integration site 5 (EVI5), an important protein in regulating cell cycle, cytokinesis and cellular membrane traffic, functions as a stabilizing factor maintaining anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C) inhibitor Emi1 in S/G2 phase. However, the mechanism by which EVI5 promotes malignant transformation of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains unknown. In the present study, we addressed the role of EVI5 in NSCLC by regulating tumor growth, migration and invasion.

Methods

The expression levels of EVI5 and miR-486-5p in NSCLC tissues and cells were measured by real-time PCR. Meanwhile, EVI5 and its associated protein expression were analyzed by western blot and co-immunoprecipitation assay. Flow cytometry was performed to determine cell proliferation and apoptosis. CCK-8 and clonogenic assays were used to analyze cell viability. Wound healing, transwell migration and matrigel invasion assays were utilized to assess the motility of tumor cells. To investigate the role of EVI5 in vivo, lung carcinoma xenograft mouse model was applied..

Results

EVI5 was upregulated in NSCLC tissues and cell lines when compared with that in normal tissues and cell line. Knockdown of EVI5 in vitro inhibited tumor cell proliferation, migration and invasion in NSCLC cells. Further, inoculation of EVI5-deficient tumor cells into nude mice suppressed tumor proliferation and metastasis compared to control mice inoculated with unmanipulated tumor cells. These data indicated that EVI5 promote the proliferation of NSCLC cells which was consistent with our previous results. Additionally, we showed that EVI5 was directly regulated by miR-486-5p, and miR-486-5p-EVI5 axis affected the NSCLC migration and invasion through TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway by interacting with TGF-β receptor II and TGF-β receptor I.

Conclusions

Based on these results, we demonstrated a new post-transcriptional mechanism of EVI5 regulation via miR-486-5p and the protumoral function of EVI5 in NSCLC by interacting with Emi1 and/or TGF-β receptors, which provides a new insight into the targeted therapy of NSCLC.

Ecotropic Viral Integration Site 5 (EVI5) expression analysis in multiple sclerosis patients

BACKGROUND

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex immune-related disorder of the central nervous system (CNS) in which dysregulation of different classes of T cells are involved. Variants in Ecotropic Viral Integration Site 5 (EVI5) gene has been shown to be significantly associated with MS in different populations.

OBJECTIVES

However, there is no data regarding relative expression of this gene in peripheral blood of MS patients compared with healthy controls.

METHODS

In the present study we assessed expression of EVI5 in 50 Iranian MS patients compared with healthy subjects by means of quantitative real time RT-PCR.

RESULTS

Statistical analyses showed no significant difference in EVI5 relative expression neither between total MS patients and healthy controls nor between age- and sex-based subgroups of patients and controls except for a trend toward significance in patients aged between 30 and 40 years compared with healthy subjects in both sexes (P= 0.068 and 0.075 for males and females respectively). No significant correlation was found between the expression level of this gene and disease duration, age at onset or Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS).

CONCLUSION

Future studies are needed to explore the role of EVI5 in the pathogenesis of MS.

Ecotropic Viral Integration Site 5 (EVI5) variants are associated with multiple sclerosis in Iranian population

BACKGROUND

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a multifactorial disorder with immunological basis. Numerous genetic and environmental factors contribute in its pathogenesis. Several genetic loci have been shown to be associated with MS risk. Among genes whose participation in MS has been evaluated is Ecotropic Viral Integration Site 5 (EVI5). EVI5 is a common site of retroviral integration with a possible role in T-cell lymphomagenesis.

METHODS

In the current study, we aimed to confirm association of the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within EVI5 gene with MS in 410 relapsing-remitting MS patients and 410 controls from Iranian population. The rs6680578, rs10537781 and rs11810217 genotypes were defined by amplification-refractory mutation system (ARMS)-PCR method.

RESULTS

The allele and genotype frequencies of rs6680578 and rs11810217 were not significantly different between cases and controls. However, in the rs10735781 the GG genotype was significantly associated with MS risk in recessive (P = 0.03, OR (95%CI) = 1.84 (1.05-3.19)) and co-dominant models (P = 0.02, OR 95%CI) = 1.90 (1.08-3.35)). In addition, T G T haplotype (rs6680578, rs10735781 and rs11810217 respectively) was associated with MS risk while T C C, A G T and A C T had a protective effect against MS.

CONCLUSION

The results of the current study provide further evidences for participation of EVI5 in MS pathogenesis.

GFI1B, EVI5, MYB--additional genes that cooperate with the human BCL6 gene to promote the development of lymphomas

The BCL6 gene, which is expressed in certain B- and T-cell human lymphomas, is involved with chromosomal rearrangements and mutations in a number of these neoplasms. Lymphomagenesis is believed to evolve through a multi-step accumulation of genetic alterations in these tumors. We used retroviral insertional mutagenesis in transgenic mice expressing the human BCL6 transgene in order to identify genes that cooperate with BCL6 during lymphomatous transformation. We previously reported PIM1 as the most frequently recurring cooperating gene in this model. We now report three newly identified cooperating genes-GFI1B, EVI5, and MYB-that we identified in the lymphomas of retroviral-injected BCL6 transgenic mice (but not in retroviral-injected non-transgenic controls); mRNA and protein expression of GFI1B and EVI5 were decreased in the murine tumors, whereas MYB mRNA and protein expression were increased or decreased. These findings correlated with protein expression in human lymphomas, both B- and T-cell. Improved therapy of lymphomas may necessitate the development of combinations of drugs that target the alterations specific to each neoplasm.