Jeanne Marie Berner

Structure of the supernumerary ring and giant rod chromosomes in adipose tissue tumors

Supernumerary ring or giant rod marker chromosomes are a characteristic of well‐differentiated liposarcomas (WDLPS) and atypical lipomas (ALP) and are often observed as the sole cytogenetic abnormality, but are rare in lipomas. Using a combination of different methods, we extensively investigated the structure and composition of rings and giant rods in a series of 17 WDLPS‐ALP samples and three intra‐ or intermuscular lipomas (IMLP), revealing a unique combination of particular features strikingly related to these tumors. Although the rings and rods displayed in vitro and in vivo stability, the presence of alpha‐satellites could not be detected on these supernumerary structures. Comparative genomic hybridization analysis, in combination with fluorescence in situ hybridization, identified the chromosomal regions contributing to the formation of these chromosomes: in WDLPS‐ALP, all carried amplifications of 12q14–15 and the MDM2 gene, with variable other noncontiguous regions. In the three IMLP, the rings consistently carried amplifications of 12q15–21 and 1q21, but increased copies of MDM2 were found in only one case. Other genes located more proximal in 12q14–15 were amplified in several WDLPS‐ALP, but showed a normal copy number in IMLP. Furthermore, the immunohistochemical expression of the MDM2 protein was detected in most (12/14) WDLPS‐ALP, in 1–30% of the cells, but never in IMLP. These supernumerary chromosomes represent a peculiar kind of amplification structure, midway between double minute chromosomes and homogeneously staining regions, but the mechanisms underlying the formation of these structures remain obscure. Genes Chromosomes Cancer 24:30–41, 1999.

Diagnostic and prognostic gene expression signatures in 177 soft tissue sarcomas: hypoxia-induced transcription profile signifies metastatic potential

BackgroundSoft tissue sarcoma (STS) diagnosis is challenging because of a multitude of histopathological subtypes, different genetic characteristics, and frequent intratumoral pleomorphism. One-third of STS metastasize and current risk-stratification is suboptimal, therefore, novel diagnostic and prognostic markers would be clinically valuable. We assessed the diagnostic and prognostic value of array-based gene expression profiles using 27 k cDNA microarrays in 177, mainly high-grade, STS of 13 histopathological subtypes.ResultsUnsupervised analysis resulted in two major clusters – one mainly containing STS characterized by type-specific genetic alterations and the other with a predominance of genetically complex and pleomorphic STS. Synovial sarcomas, myxoid/round-cell liposarcomas, and gastrointestinal stromal tumors clustered tightly within the former cluster and discriminatory signatures for these were characterized by developmental genes from the EGFR, FGFR, Wnt, Notch, Hedgehog, RAR and KIT signaling pathways. The more pleomorphic STS subtypes, e.g. leiomyosarcoma, malignant fibrous histiocytoma/undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma and dedifferentiated/pleomorphic liposarcoma, were part of the latter cluster and were characterized by relatively heterogeneous profiles, although subclusters herein were identified. A prognostic signature partly characterized by hypoxia-related genes was identified among 89 genetically complex pleomorphic primary STS and could, in a multivariate analysis including established prognostic markers, independently predict the risk of metastasis with a hazard ratio of 2.2 (P = 0.04).ConclusionDiagnostic gene expression profiles linking signaling pathways to the different STS subtypes were demonstrated and a hypoxia-induced metastatic profile was identified in the pleomorphic, high-grade STS. These findings verify diagnostic utility and application of expression data for improved selection of high-risk STS patients.

Separate amplified regions encompassing CDK4 and MDM2 in human sarcomas

Amplification of MDM2 and CDK4 is observed frequently in human sarcomas. Although overexpression of these protooncogenes might inhibit growth regulation through the TP53‐ and retinoblastoma tumor suppressor protein (RB)‐mediated pathways, neither gene was included consistently in all of the amplicons observed in our sarcoma panel. It was unclear whether both of these genes were selected for during amplification. Furthermore, in some samples without amplification of MDM2 or CDK4, comparative genomic hybridization showed amplification in the 12q13–15 region, suggesting that another selection mechanism might also be involved. To investigate the possibility that another target gene, which may be located between CDK4 and MDM2, could be the driving force, we characterized the involvement of 17 loci from this region in 12q13–15 amplicons that were detected previously in 21 sarcoma samples. The results showed discrete amplicons around MDM2 and CDK4 with reduced amplification of the intervening sequences. This suggests that there is separate selection for amplification of the two genes, and it makes the possibility of a common selective gene unlikely. Furthermore, D12S8, localized distal to MDM2, was amplified almost as frequently as MDM2 and was also amplified in one of the samples without MDM2 or CDK4 amplification. The data suggest that amplification of at least three different regions within the 12q13–15 segment may be selected for in tumor cells involving MDM2, CDK4, or a more distally located gene, possibly near D12S8. Genes Chromosom Cancer 17:254–259 (1996).

Homozygous deletion frequency and expression levels of the CDKN2 gene in human sarcomas--relationship to amplification and mRNA levels of CDK4 and CCND1.

Homozygous deletions of the putative tumour-suppressor gene CDKN2, which encodes an inhibitor of cdk4, have been detected in a high percentage of cancer cell lines of various histological types. In the present study, 109 human sarcomas were examined for homozygous deletions and for mRNA expression levels of the CDKN2 gene. Altogether, deletions were found in only eight (7%) of the cases, but, interestingly, in two (of eight) malignant Schwannomas and in two (of five) rhabdomyosarcomas. In comparison, such deletions were seen in only one (of 21) osteosarcomas and in none of 20 MFHs and 21 liposarcomas. Notably, highly elevated CDKN2 mRNA levels were found in 33% of the sarcomas, whereas no detectable transcript was present in 12 normal tissues. Amplifications of CDK4 and CCND1 (cyclin D1) were observed in 11% and 4% of the sarcomas respectively, but never in tumours with CDKN2 deletions. The level of CDK4 mRNA expression was increased in nine tumours in addition to the 12 samples with CDK4 amplification. Increased levels of the cyclin D1 transcript was found in 37 cases, four with and 33 without amplification. The data indicate that aberrations of these functionally related genes, or in regulation of the expression of the kinase, the activator or the inhibitor, may participate in sarcoma development. Furthermore, the data suggest that homozygous CDKN2 deletions may be of dissimilar significance in different sarcoma subtypes.

HMGIC, the gene for an architectural transcription factor, is amplified and rearranged in a subset of human sarcomas

Amplified segments of the long arm of chromosome 12 are frequently observed in human sarcomas. In most cases there are separate amplified regions around the MDM2 and CDK4 genes. Here we show recurrent amplification of a third region encompassing HMGIC, a human architectural transcription factor gene. Reduced amplification frequency of sequences flanking the gene was observed, indicating that inclusion of this third region in the amplicons is also selected for. In three samples only the 5′ part of HMGIC was amplified, suggesting preferential loss of the 3′ part of the gene preceding or during amplification. In several other samples rearrangement of the gene was observed. Expression analysis showed transcripts of aberrant sizes, lacking 3′ sequences, and 3′ RACE of one sample revealed replacement of exons 4 and 5 with ectopic sequences. This truncation of HMGIC resembles that reported for translocations of HMGIC in benign tumors, including lipomas, and it is striking that the gene was frequently amplified or rearranged in well differentiated liposarcomas, the malignant counterpart of lipomas. It seems conceivable that high levels of either full length or truncated hmgic could be relevant for the etiology of these tumors

Molecular characterization of a novel amplicon at 1q21-q22 frequently observed in human sarcomas

In a recent comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) study of a panel of sarcomas, we detected recurrent amplification of 1q21-q22 in soft tissue and bone tumours. Amplification of this region had not previously been associated with sarcoma development, but occasional amplification of CACY/S100A6 and MUC1 in 1q21 had been reported for melanoma and breast carcinoma respectively. Initial screening by Southern blot analysis showed amplification of S100A6, FLG and SPRR3 in several sarcomas and, in a first attempt to characterize the 1q21-q22 amplicon in more detail, we have now investigated the amplification status of these and 11 other markers in the region in 35 sarcoma samples. FLG was the most frequently amplified gene, and the markers located in the same 4.5-Mb region as FLG showed a higher incidence of amplification than the more distal ones. However, for most of the 14 markers, amplification levels were low, and only APOA2 and the anonymous marker D1S3620 showed high-level amplifications (> tenfold increases) in one sample each. We used fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) to determine the amplification patterns of two overlapping yeast artificial chromosomes (YACs) covering the region between D1S3620 and FLG (789f2 and 764a1), as well as two more distally located YACs in nine selected samples. Six samples had amplification of the YAC containing D1S3620 and, in three, 764a1 was also included. Five of these tumours showed normal copies of the more distal YACs; thus, it seems likely that an important gene may be located within 789f2, or very close. Two samples had high copy numbers of the most distal YACs. Taken together, FISH and molecular analyses indicate complex amplification patterns in 1q21-q22 with at least two amplicons: one located near D1S3620/789f2 and one more distal.

Chromosome band 9p21 is frequently altered in malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors: Studies of CDKN2A and other genes of the pRB pathway†

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) are frequently associated with the disease neurofibromatosis type 1. Only few recurrent cytogenetic changes have been reported, including rearrangements of the short arm of chromosome 9. By fluorescence in situ hybridization with a centromere 9 probe, and by allelic imbalance studies with seven 9p21–23 markers in nine familial and three sporadic MPNSTs, we found interstitial deletions that supported CDKN2A as a possible target gene. Nine MPNSTs showed aberrations of CDKN2A by Southern blot analyses, and in four of these, expression of CDKN2A could not be detected by Northern blot analysis. No mutations of CDKN2A were identified by sequencing of the coding region, and gene inactivation by promoter methylation was not found. In the 9p allelic imbalance studies, a novel allele was detected at one locus in one tumor. Analyses of additional markers (n = 8) excluded mismatch repair deficiency as an important mechanism in the genesis of these tumors. The tumors were analyzed further for alterations in other candidate cell cycle‐associated genes. In total, 11/12 MPNSTs showed DNA changes in one or more of the genes CDKN2A, CDKN2B, RB1, CDK4, MDM2, and CCND2. The present study suggests that disruption of the pRB pathway is common in MPNST, and that dose reduction of CDKN2A is particularly frequent and contributes to MPNST development. Genes Chromosomes Cancer 26:151–160, 1999.

Ectopic sequences from truncated HMGIC in liposarcomas are derived from various amplified chromosomal regions

The HMGIC gene codes for an architectural transcription factor frequently rearranged by translocation in lipomas and other benign mesenchymal tumors. In sarcomas, malignant tumors of mesenchymal origin, the gene is also found to be rearranged, but in addition amplified and overexpressed. Here we report the sequence, chromosomal localization, and expression patterns of 11 novel ectopic sequences fused to exons 2 and 3 of HMGIC in seven different sarcoma samples. In addition, we identified a number of variant transcripts observed previously in benign tumors. Consistent with the suggested role of HMGIC in adipocytic differentiation, most of the novel ectopic sequences were observed in well‐differentiated liposarcomas. These tumors are known to have complex marker chromosomes containing amplified segments from several chromosomes. Five novel sequences were derived from 12q14–q15, where HMGIC resides, two from 1q24, a region frequently amplified in these types of tumors, two from 11q14, and one from chromosome 2. All except one of the aberrant transcripts encoded truncated proteins with intact DNA‐binding domains (AT hooks) but lacking the C‐terminal acidic region, a target for constitutive phosphorylation by protein kinase CK2. Some of the ectopic sequences were transcribed in other tissues, and most of the ectopic sequences also showed recurrent amplification in liposarcomas.

Mapping and characterization of the amplicon near APOA2 in 1q23 in human sarcomas by FISH and array CGH

BackgroundAmplification of the q21-q23 region on chromosome 1 is frequently found in sarcomas and a variety of other solid tumours. Previous analyses of sarcomas have indicated the presence of at least two separate amplicons within this region, one located in 1q21 and one located near the apolipoprotein A-II (APOA2) gene in 1q23. In this study we have mapped and characterized the amplicon in 1q23 in more detail.ResultsWe have used fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) and microarray-based comparative genomic hybridisation (array CGH) to map and define the borders of the amplicon in 10 sarcomas. A subregion of approximately 800 kb was identified as the core of the amplicon. The amplification patterns of nine possible candidate target genes located to this subregion were determined by Southern blot analysis. The genes activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6) and dual specificity phosphatase 12 (DUSP12) showed the highest level of amplification, and they were also shown to be over-expressed by quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR). In general, the level of expression reflected the level of amplification in the different tumours. DUSP12 was expressed significantly higher than ATF6 in a subset of the tumours. In addition, two genes known to be transcriptionally activated by ATF6, glucose-regulated protein 78 kDa and -94 kDa (GRP78 and GRP94), were shown to be over-expressed in the tumours that showed over-expression of ATF6.ConclusionATF6 and DUSP12 seem to be the most likely candidate target genes for the 1q23 amplification in sarcomas. Both genes have possible roles in promoting cell growth, which makes them interesting candidate targets.

A well-differentiated liposarcoma with a new type of chromosome 12-derived markers

Well-differentiated liposarcomas (WDLPS) are cytogenetically characterized by the presence of supernumerary ring or giant rod marker chromosomes. These supernumerary chromosomes are composed of amplified sequences from chromosome 12 (12q14 approximately 15) in association with amplified segments from various other chromosomes, and contain alterations of the alpha satellite sequences. We report a case of WDLPS of the lipoma-like and sclerosing subtype that contains a novel type of supernumerary marker chromosome. Instead of rings or giant rods, these cells had three apparently identical copies of a subtelocentric supernumerary marker with a size and shape similar to C-group chromosomes. Fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis revealed that the markers were composed of amplified material from 12q14 approximately 15, including the genes MDM2 and CDK4. Similar to the rings and giant rods observed in other WDLPS cases, these unusual markers had no alpha satellite repeats at the primary constriction site, but centromeric activity could be demonstrated by using anti-centromere protein C antibodies. These findings show that the supernumerary markers of WDLPS may be variable in size and shape, but consistently share the same genomic structure, specifically 12q amplified sequences together with centromere alterations, and underline the importance of molecular methods in the diagnosis of adipose tissue tumors.