Array-based comparative genomic hybridization analysis identified cyclin D1 as a target oncogene at 11q13.3 in nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is highly prevalent in Southern China and Southeast Asia. To unveil the molecular basis of this endemic disease, high-resolution comparative genomic hybridization arrays were used for systematic investigation of genomic abnormalities in 26 nasopharyngeal carcinoma samples. A comprehensive picture of genetic lesions associated with tumorigenesis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma was generated. Consistent chromosomal gains were frequently found on 1q, 3q, 8q, 11q, 12p, and 12q. High incidences of nonrandom losses were identified on chromosomes 3p, 9p, 11q, 14q, and 16q. In addition to previously characterized regions, we have identified several novel minimal regions of gains, including 3q27.3-28, 8q21-24, 11q13.1-13.3, and 12q13, which may harbor candidate nasopharyngeal carcinoma-associated oncogenes. In this study, gain of 11q13.1-13.3 was the most frequently detected chromosomal aberration and a 5.3-Mb amplicon was delineated at this region. Within this 11q13 amplicon, concordant amplification and overexpression of cyclin D1 (CCND1) oncogene was found in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell lines, xenografts, and primary tumors. Knockdown of cyclin D1 by small interfering RNA in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell lines led to significant decrease of cell proliferation. The findings suggest that cyclin D1 is a target oncogene at 11q13 in nasopharyngeal carcinoma and its activation plays a significant role in nasopharyngeal carcinoma tumorigenesis.     

The complex landscape of genetic alterations in mantle cell lymphoma

Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is genetically characterized by the t(11;14)(q13;q32) which deregulates cyclin D1. Small subsets of cases have been identified with variant CCND1 translocations with the immunoglobulin light chain genes or with alternative translocations involving CCND2 and CCND3. Additionally, double-hit MCL with MYC rearrangements with a highly aggressive clinical course have been reported, but no other frequent recurrent translocations have been identified. In recent years, genome-wide screening of copy number alterations by comparative genomic hybridization and genomic microarray platforms have revealed a characteristic MCL profile of multiple secondary gains and losses as well as regions of copy number neutral loss of heterozygosity that target mainly genes involved in cell cycle regulation, DNA damage response, and cell survival pathways. Several aberrations have been found to be associated with worse prognosis, 3q gains and losses of 8p, 9p, and 17p. An increased number of secondary alterations and blastoid morphology have also been shown to be associated with cases with short survival. On the contrary, indolent MCL cases carry only the primary t(11;14) and few or no other additional genomic alterations. Altogether these observations suggest that the genetic background of MCL is an important factor that dictates their different clinical behavior. This review will focus on MCL from a genetic perspective and will present next-generation sequencing technology as a new potential tool to complement the study of complex genomes. The better understanding of genetic alterations of MCL may offer new approaches for more patient-tailored, risk-adapted treatment options.     

Analysis of gene copy number alterations by multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification in columnar cell lesions of the breast

Background

Columnar cell lesions (CCLs) are possible precursors of breast cancer, but little is known about the role of breast cancer-related genes in the progression of CCL to invasive breast cancer.

Methods

Gene copy numbers of 17 breast cancer-related genes were analyzed using Multiplex Ligation-dependent Probe Amplification (MLPA) in CCL (N?=?28), ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) grade I likely originating from CCL (N?=?5), and paired CCL (N?=?14/28) with DCIS (N?=?7) and/or invasive carcinoma (N?=?13). The genes included were BIRC5, C11orf30, CCND1, CCNE1, CDH1, CPD, EGFR, ERBB2, ESR1, FGFR1, IKBKB, MAPT, MED1, MTDH, MYC, TOP2A and TRAF4.

Results

No high level gene amplifications were observed in CCL, but copy number gains were encountered for the C11orf30 (3/28), MYC, CPD, MTDH (2/28), and CCND1, CCNE1, ESR1 and TOP2A genes (1/28). In addition, CDH1 showed loss in 2/28 and TOP2A in 1/28 cases. CCLs with or without atypia exhibited comparable numbers of copy number changes (p?=?0.312). Overall, the frequency of gene copy number changes increased from CCL towards DCIS and invasive carcinoma (p?=?0.004). Also in the cases with synchronous lesions, the CCLs exhibited fewer copy number changes than the DCIS/invasive carcinomas.

Conclusions

CCLs carry copy number changes of several known breast cancer-related genes, thereby substantiating their role in breast carcinogenesis. Among them, CCND1 and ESR1 copy number gains and CDH1 copy number losses are of particular interest. Since the copy number changes observed were more prevalent in DCIS and invasive carcinoma than in CCL, the corresponding gene alterations may represent rather late occurring events in low nuclear grade breast carcinogenesis.     

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia/Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma With Secondary Acquisition of t(11;14)(q13;q32)/CCND1-IGH: A Rare Variant Of Richter Transformation to Mantle Cell Lymphoma

IntroductionChronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL) occasionally undergoes Richter transformation, mostly to diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, but its evolution to other types of B-cell lymphoma is rare. We report a CLL evolved to mantle cell lymphoma by acquiring t(11;14)(q13;q32); CCND1-IGH.MethodA Retrospective review of clinical and laboratory data.ResultsA 39-year-old male patient was diagnosed with CLL/SLL, and was initially followed without specific treatment, but subsequently received chlorambucil/fludarabine/rituximab due to exacerbated lymphocytosis. While his CLL/SLL waned and waxed, the immunophenotype and genotype of neoplastic B-cells remained unchanged, without cyclin D1 expression and CCND1-IGH fusion. Eleven years after the diagnosis, the patient's disease showed evidence of progression. Bone marrow examination demonstrated “CLL” with the morphology and immunophenotype similar to those seen in the previous biopsies. Unexpectedly, the neoplastic B-cells demonstrated cyclin D1 expression and harbored t(11;14)(q13;q32); CCND1-IGH, suggesting a clonal evolution to mantle cell lymphoma. He subsequently received cytoreductive chemotherapy followed by allogenic bone marrow transplant and remained in remission since then.ConclusionThe retention of immunophenotype suggests a clonal relationship between CLL/SLL and mantle cell lymphoma. While the acquisition of t(11;14)(q13;q32); CCND1-IGH likely alters the disease course, the pathogenesis of this illegitimate translocation in CLL remains to be studied.     

Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Microarray Analysis in Cortisol-Secreting Adrenocortical Adenomas Identifies New Candidate Genes and Pathways

The genetic mechanisms underlying adrenocortical tumor development are still largely unknown. We used high-resolution single nucleotide polymorphism microarrays (Affymetrix SNP 6.0) to detect copy number alterations (CNAs) and copy-neutral losses of heterozygosity (cnLOH) in 15 cortisol-secreting adrenocortical adenomas with matched blood samples. We focused on microalterations aiming to discover new candidate genes involved in early tumorigenesis and/or autonomous cortisol secretion. We identified 962 CNAs with a median of 18 CNAs per sample. Half of them involved noncoding regions, 89% were less than 100 kb, and 28% were found in at least two samples. The most frequently gained regions were 5p15.33, 6q16.1, 7p22.3-22.2, 8q24.3, 9q34.2-34.3, 11p15.5, 11q11, 12q12, 16q24.3, 20p11.1-20q21.11, and Xq28 (≥20% of cases), most of them being identified in the same three adenomas. These regions contained among others genes like NOTCH1, CYP11B2, HRAS, and IGF2. Recurrent losses were less common and smaller than gains, being mostly localized at 1p, 6q, and 11q. Pathway analysis revealed that Notch signaling was the most frequently altered. We identified 46 recurrent CNAs that each affected a single gene (31 gains and 15 losses), including genes involved in steroidogenesis (CYP11B1) or tumorigenesis (CTNNB1, EPHA7, SGK1, STIL, FHIT). Finally, 20 small cnLOH in four cases affecting 15 known genes were found. Our findings provide the first high-resolution genome-wide view of chromosomal changes in cortisol-secreting adenomas and identify novel candidate genes, such as HRAS, EPHA7, and SGK1. Furthermore, they implicate that the Notch1 signaling pathway might be involved in the molecular pathogenesis of adrenocortical tumors.     

Chromosome 11q13 markers and D-type cyclins in breast cancer

Summary One in six primary human breast cancers has DNA amplification centered on the cyclin D1 gene (CCND1) on chromosome 11q13. This genetic abnormality is preferentially associated with estrogen-receptor positive tumors and may define a sub-class of patients with an adverse prognosis. AlthoughCCND1 has the credentials of a cellular oncogene, being a target for chromosomal translocation and retroviral integration, the 11q13 amplicon encompasses several other markers andCCND1 is not the only candidate for the key gene on the amplified DNA. To assess their relative importance, we have constructed a physical map of the amplified DNA and compared the extent and frequency of amplification across the region. Since it is likely that the gene providing the selective force for amplification will be expressed at elevated levels, we have also examined expression of both RNA and protein. By these criteria, cyclin D1 remains the strongest candidate for the key oncogene on the amplicon and we are currently investigating the functional consequences of its over-expression.Presented by Gordon Peters at the 16th Annual San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, San Antonio TX, USA, November 4, 1993; Minisymposium on Molecular Genetics in Breast Cancer.     

Prognostic Significance of Cyclin D1 and E-cadherin Expression in Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Cyclin D1 and E-cadherin are important factors in the progression and metastasis of cancers. Their role in laryngeal carcinoma has been studied with conflicting results. To define the frequency of cyclin D1 and E-cadherin expression and its correlation with both the clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of patients with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC). Tumor tissue samples from 75 patients with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma were examined for cyclin D1 and E-cadherin expression by immunohistochemistry. The relationship between the expression of both molecules and the age and sex of the patient, tumor site, tumor differentiation, lymph node metastasis, tumor invasiveness, TNM stages, tumor recurrence and overall survival was analyzed. Cyclin D1 was found to be a significant independent prognostic factor of lymph node metastasis (p?=?0.000). The multivariate analysis revealed that cyclin D1 and E-cadherin expression wasn’t an independent prognostic factor of local recurrence free survival (LRFS) in patients with LSCC (P?=?0.56 and 0.28) respectively. However, the univariate analysis revealed a significant association between them and LRFS (p?=?0.003 and 0.000) respectively. Also, the group of high cyclin D1 /low E-cadherin expression had the poorest prognosis, so they might serve as potential predictors of the prognosis of the patients with LSCC. E-cadherin was found to affect the overall survival (OAS) significantly by the univariate analysis (p?=?0.01). However, by the multivariate analysis the TNM stage was the only independent prognostic factor of OAS (p?<?0.05). Cyclin D1 can be used as an independent prognostic marker of lymph node metastasis in patients with LSCC and can help to identify those patients with clinically negative lymph nodes but with considerable risk for occult metastasis. Detection of cyclin D1 and E-cadherin status in LSCC may contribute to the identification of patients with high risk factors of local recurrence. However, they don’t appear to be better prognostic predictors than other established markers in LSCC.     

Whole genome copy number analysis in search of new prognostic biomarkers in first line treatment of mantle cell lymphoma. A study by the LYSA group

Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is a lymphoproliferative disorder characterized by the t(11;14)(q13;q32) CCND1/IGH translocation. This lymphoma is however extremely heterogeneous in terms of molecular alterations. Moreover, the course of the disease can vary greatly between indolent forms with slow progression and aggressive conditions rapidly pejorative. The identification of early markers allowing to predict individual patients outcome has however been unsuccessful so far. The LyMa trial treated homogeneously a cohort of young MCL patients. This appeared as a good opportunity to search for biomarkers of response to therapy. DNA extracted from diagnostic paraffin-embedded lymph node biopsies from 100 patients with newly diagnosed MCL, homogeneously treated in this prospective clinical trial, were investigated for copy number alterations and copy neutral loss of heterozygosity using the Oncoscan SNP-array scanning the whole genome. An independent confirmatory cohort was used to strengthen the possibly relevant anomalies observed. Here we describe the recurrent anomalies identified with this technique. Deletions of 17p(TP53) and 9p(CDKN2A) were more frequent in refractory or early relapsing patients (10%), but had no significant impact in univariate analysis on progression-free (PFS) or overall survival (OS). Regardless of the presence of TP53 or CDKN2A deletions, gains in 7p22 (8,5%) were associated with better PFS in univariate but not in multivariate analysis including MCL International Prognostic Index and treatment. Gains of 11q(CCDN1), suggesting gains of the CCND1/IGH fusion, were associated with worse OS and PFS in univariate and multivariate analyses. This worse prognosis impact was confirmed by FISH in an independent confirmatory cohort. This work, using a whole genome approach, confirms the broad genomic landscape of MCL and shows that gains of the CCND1/IGH fusion can be considered as a new prognostic structural variant. Genomic abnormalities of prognostic impact could be useful to strengthen or de-escalate treatment schedules or choosing targeted therapies or CART-cells.     

Cyclin D1 overexpression is not a specific grouping marker, but may collaborate with CDC37 in myeloma cells

Cyclin D1 is a positive-regulator of the cell cycle and is overexpressed in myeloma cells with t(11;14)(q13;q32). First, we analyzed whether there was a correlation between cyclin D1 overexpression and the presence of Ki67-positive myeloma cells in multiple myeloma (MM). Cyclin D1 overexpression was examined by competitive RT-PCR. Then we found these two markers were present independently in a given case. FISH analysis revealed that cyclin D1 over-expression was caused by t(11;14)(q13;q32) or extra copies of B-cell leukemia/lymphoma-1 (BCL-1/CCND1), and unknown mechanism without them. We compared the gene expression between myeloma cells with cyclin D1 overexpression and those without it using cDNA microarray analysis. Analysis of the expression profiles showed that the significantly up-regulated genes included cyclin D1, cell division cycle 37 (CDC37) and B-cell leukemia/lymphoma-2 (BCL-2), while the down-regulated genes included cyclin D2 and CD9 antigen (p24) in MM cases with cyclin D1 overexpression. However, hierarchical clustering analysis of the data showed that myeloma cells of MM cases with cyclin D1 overexpression could not be distinguished clearly from those without it. Real-time RT-PCR showed that the expression of CDC37 gene was significantly up-regulated in MM patients with cyclin D1 overexpression compared with those without it (p=0.0418). However, there was no significant difference in BCL-2 gene (p=0.5748). These results suggested that MM cases with cyclin D1 overexpression do not constitute a specific group, and cyclin D1 overexpression may not be caused only by abnormality of the BCL-1/CCND1 gene. The CDC37 may collaborate with cyclin D1 in progression of MM.     

从门静脉癌栓建立肝癌细胞株及对其细胞遗传特征的研究

背景和目的：肝细胞癌（hepatocellular carcinoma,HCC)预后差的原因是术后复发率高和早期过门静脉转移。本研究建立门静脉癌栓肝癌细胞株,并探讨其分子细胞遗传特征。方法：从HCC患者门脉癌栓中获得取肝癌细胞进行细胞培养,对培养成功的细胞（H4M）进行染色体G带染色后分析其核型和对比基因组杂交（comparative genomic hybridization,CGH)结果;用差异PCR检测周期素D1基因。结果：H4M细胞核型为超3倍体,染色体数为71－78,其中有一条标记染色体含有一长的均染区（hsr)。H4M主要的细胞遗传学改变为8p缺失和11q13高拷贝数扩增。周期素D1基因CCND1明显扩增。结论：染色体8p丢失和11q13高拷贝数扩增与H4M细胞的转移特性相关。周期素D1基因CCND1扩增可能是染色体11q13扩增的原因。     

Overexpression of cyclin D1 and cortactin is primarily independent of gene amplification in salivary gland adenoid cystic carcinoma

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) of the salivary glands exhibits persistent growth, invasion and metastasis. Chromosome 11q13 amplification is a frequent event associated with tumor progression in a number of carcinomas and is associated with poor prognosis. Two genes within the 11q13 amplicon that are overexpressed as a result of 11q13 amplification are the cell cycle regulatory protein cyclin D1 (CCND1) and cortactin (CTTN), a protein involved cell motility and invasion. To determine the expression and gene status of cyclin D1 and cortactin in ACC, we evaluated 39 ACC cases by immunohistochemistry (IHC) for cyclin D1 and cortactin expression. Amplification of CCND1 and CTTN was determined by fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH). Cyclin D1 overexpression was present in 90% (35/39) and cortactin expression in 62% (24/39) of evaluated cases, although CCND1 and CTTN levels were elevated in only two cases (5%) as determined by FISH. Our results indicate that chromosome 11q13 amplification is uncommon in ACC, but that cyclin D1 and cortactin are frequently overexpressed and may therefore contribute to the growth and invasive potential of ACC.     

QM-FISH analysis of the genes involved in the G1/S checkpoint signaling pathway in triple-negative breast cancer

This study was conducted to analyze copy number alterations (CNAs) of the genes involved in the G1/S checkpoint signaling pathway of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and to evaluate their clinical value in the prognosis of TNBC. Quantitative multi-gene fluorescence in situ hybridization was used to study CNAs of the genes involved in the G1/S checkpoint signaling pathway, including cyclin d1 (CCND1), c-Myc, p21, cell-cycle-checkpoint kinase 2 gene, p16, retinoblastoma (Rb1), murine double minute 2 (Mdm2) and p53, in 60 TNBC samples and 60 non-TNBC samples. In comparison with the non-TNBC samples, CNAs of the genes involved in the G1/S checkpoint signaling pathway were more frequently observed in the TNBC samples (p?=?0.000). Out of a total of eight genes, six (CCND1, c-Myc, p16, Rb1, Mdm2, and p53) exhibited significantly different CNAs between the TNBC group and the non-TNBC group. Univariate survival analysis revealed that the gene amplification of c-Myc (p?=?0.008), Mdm2 (p?=?0.020) and the gene deletion of p21 (p?=?0.004), p16 (p?=?0.015), and Rb1 (p?=?0.028) were the independent predictive factor of 5-year OS for patients with TNBC. Cox multivariate analysis revealed that the gene amplification of c-Myc (p?=?0.026) and the gene deletion of p21 (p?=?0.019) and p16 (p?=?0.034) were independent prognostic factors affecting the 5-year OS for TNBC. CNAs of the genes involved in the G1/S checkpoint signaling pathway presented a higher rate of incidence in TNBC than in non-TNBC, which could indicate one of the molecular mechanisms for the specific biological characteristics of TNBC. The genes c-Myc, p21, and p16 were correlated with the prognosis of TNBC and therefore may have potential clinical application values in the prognostic prediction of TNBC.     

原发性肺鳞状细胞癌染色体不平衡及其与吸烟的关系

背景与目的:染色体不平衡在肺癌发生中具有重要作用,并可能受不同致癌物的影响。本研究旨在探讨原发性肺鳞状细胞癌(squamous cell carcinoma,SCC)染色体不平衡特征及吸烟对其的影响。方法:采用比较基因组杂交(comparative genomic hybridization,CGH)技术对39例原发性肺SCC的染色体扩增和缺失进行检测,并分析吸烟与肺SCC染色体不平衡之间的关系。结果:肺SCC染色体扩增常见于3q(74.4%,29/39),5p(66.7%,26/39),1q(43.6%,17/39),8q(41%,16/39),12p(42.6%,18/39),2p(38.5%,15/39)、18p(33.3%,13/39)等;最小扩增区位于3q26.2鄄29、5p14.3鄄15.3、1q41鄄44、8q23和12p13;38.5%和15.4%的病例发生3q和5p高拷贝扩增。染色体缺失主要见于3p(56.4%,22/39),5q(53.8%,21/39),13q(51.3%,20/39),8p(46.1%,18/39),4p(43.6%,17/39)、4q(43.6%,17/39)、1p(41%,16/39)、2q(38.5%,15/39),9q(35.9%,14/39)、13p(35.9%,14/39)、16p(35.9%,14/39),6p(33%,13/39)、6q(30.7%,12/39)等;最小缺失区位于3p14.2鄄21.2(51.3%,20/39)、5q15鄄22(51.3%,20/39)、13q14.2鄄21.2(48.7%,19/39)、8p21.1鄄22(44%,17/39)、2q32(36%,14/39)和16p12鄄13.1(33%,13/39)。与非吸烟患者相比,吸烟患者3q和8q扩增率显著增加(P<0.05);两者共同的染色体     

Cortactin gene amplification and expression in breast cancer: a chromogenic in situ hybridisation and immunohistochemical study

Amplification of 11q13 is found in approximately 15% of breast cancers. Cyclin D1 (CCND1) has been reported to be the ‘driver’ of this amplicon, however, multiple genes map to the smallest region of amplification of 11q13. Out of these genes, cortactin (CTTN) has been shown to be consistently overexpressed at the mRNA level in tumours harbouring 11q13 amplification. The aims of this study are to define whether CTTN is consistently co-amplified with the main core of the 11q13 amplicon, whether it is consistently overexpressed when amplified and to determine correlations between CTTN amplification and overexpression with clinicopathological features of breast cancers and survival of breast cancer patients. CTTN and CCND1 chromogenic in situ hybridisation (CISH) probes and a validated monoclonal antibody against CTTN were applied to a tissue microarray of a cohort of breast cancers from patients treated with anthracycline-based chemotherapy. CTTN and CCND1 amplifications were found in 12.3 and 12.4% of cases, respectively. All cases harbouring CTTN amplification also displayed CCND1 amplification. High expression of CTTN was found in 10.8% of cases and was associated with CTTN amplification, expression of ‘basal’ markers and topoisomerase IIα. Exploratory subgroup analysis of tumours devoid of 11q13 amplification revealed that high expression of CTTN in the absence of CTTN gene amplification was associated with lymph node negative disease, lack of hormone receptors and FOXA1, expression of ‘basal’ markers, high Ki-67 indices, p53 nuclear expression, and basal-like and triple negative phenotypes. CTTN expression and CTTN gene amplification were not associated with disease-, metastasis-free and overall survival. In conclusion, CTTN is consistently co-amplified with CCND1 and expressed at higher levels in breast cancers harbouring 11q13 amplification, suggesting that CTTN may also constitute one of the drivers of this amplicon. CTTN expression is not associated with the outcome of breast cancer patients treated with anthracycline-based chemotherapy.     

Accumulated allelic losses in the development of invasive urothelial cancer

To investigate the roles of allelic loss in the development of urothelial cancer, loss of heterozygosity was examined on 7 chromosomal arms in 49 cases of urothelial cancer of various grades and stages. Loss of heterozygosity was found on alleles in order of frequency as follows: 9q (21/38, 55%), 11p (20/44, 45%), 17p (18/42,43%), 13q (10/39,26%), 3p (8/41, 20%), 10q 2/29, 7%) and 1p (1/36, 3%). lnvasive (high-grade or ≥pT2) tumors showed the loss of 17p (13/16,81%) and the loss of 13q (7/16, 44%) with significantly higher frequencies than non-invasive (grade 1-2 ≤_pTI ) tumors. Although the loss of 3p and the loss of 11p were also more frequently associated with the invasive phenotypes, the loss of 11p was detected in a considerable number (9 of 26,35%) of non-invasive tumors. Our results indicate that the loss of 11p might generally occur at an earlier stage before the loss of 3p, 13q or 17p in tumor progression. Since no correlation was found between the loss of 9q and the tumor grade or stage, this genetic alteration appears to be unrelated to invasiveness, and could be one of the initial events in tumorigenesis. Although accumulated allelic losses of 3p, 11p, 13q and 17p are considered to be involved in the development of the invasive type of urothelial cancers, these multiple genetic alterations may have already occurred in some pathologically non-invasive urothelial cancers. Furthermore, there appears to be some variation in the pattern of cumulative allelic loss.     

Coamplification in human breast-tumors and physical linkage at chromosomal band 12p13, of ccnd2 and fgf6 genes

The CCND2 and FGF6 genes are both located at band p13 of human chromosome 12. The two genes are coamplified in some cases (3.6%) of breast tumors. They are physically linked within a 500 kb genomic segment. Thus, both 11q13 and 12p13 chromosomal regions host related linked cyclin and FGF genes, and can be amplified in human tumors. This strengthens the hypothesis of genome duplication involving chromosomes 11 and 12.     

Cyclin D1 Genotype and Expression in Sporadic Hemangioblastomas

Summary Central nervous system (CNS) hemangioblastomas are highly-vascularized tumors occurring in sporadic form or as a manifestation of von Hippel–Lindau disease (VHL). The VHL protein (pVHL) regulates various target genes, one of which is the CCND1 gene, encoding cyclin D1, a protein that plays a critical role in the control of the cell cycle. Overexpression of cyclin D1 is found in many cancers. The CCND1 gene contains a common G → A polymorphism (870G > A) that enhances alternative splicing of the gene. CCND1 genotype is associated with clinical outcome in a number of cancers although prognostic significance varies with tumor type. In VHL disease, CCND1 genotype has been suggested as a genetic modifier that influences susceptibility to hemangioblastomas. In order to analyze whether CCND1 genotype plays a role in sporadic CNS hemangioblastomas, we investigated CCND1 genotype in tumor tissue of 17 sporadic and also in five VHL-related CNS hemangioblastomas. In addition, in these tumors the extent and localization of cyclin D1 expression was investigated by immunohistochemistry. We found no deviation in CCND1 genotype distribution and allele frequencies from expected values. Also, there was no correlation between age at onset and CCND1 genotype. The expression of cyclin D1 as detected by immunohistochemistry was highly variable within and between tumors, without a clear correlation with CCND1 genotype. We conclude that, whereas variable but sometimes high cyclin D1 expression is a feature of sporadic hemangioblastomas, CCND1 genotype is unlikely to be an important genetic modifier in the oncogenesis of these tumors.     

Cyclin D1 (CCND1) G870A polymorphisms and cervical cancer susceptibility: a Meta-analysis based on Ten case–control studies

Many studies have evaluated the association between cyclin D1 (CCND1) G870A polymorphism and cervical cancer susceptibility. However, these studies showed inconsistent results. The aim of this study was to derive a more precise estimation of this association. We searched PubMed and Embase for related studies that had been published in English, and ten case–control studies with a total of 2,864 cases and 3,898 controls were finally identified to be eligible studies in the meta-analysis. The association was assessed by summarizing the odds ratios (ORs) with the corresponding 95 % confidence intervals (CIs). Overall, there was no significant association between cyclin D1 (CCND1) G870A polymorphism and cervical cancer risk (for the allele model A vs. G: OR?=?1.02, 95 % CI 0.88–1.19, p?=?0.76; for the co-dominant model AA vs. GG: OR?=?1.03, 95 % CI 0.75–1.41, p?=?0.85; for the dominant model AA?+?GA vs. GG: OR?=?1.00, 95 % CI 0.78–1.28, p?=?0.99; for the recessive comparison AA vs. GA?+?GG: OR?=?1.06, 95 % CI 0.85–1.32, p?=?0.62). In subgroup analysis by ethnicity, no significant difference was found in both Asians and Caucasians. In summary, the present meta-analysis provides evidence that genotypes for the cyclin D1 (CCND1) G870A polymorphism may be not associated with genetic susceptibility of cervical cancer.     

Genetic gains and losses in oral squamous cell carcinoma: impact on clinical management

Purpose

The identification of genetic markers associated with oral cancer is considered essential to improve the diagnosis, prognosis, early tumor and relapse detection and, ultimately, to delineate individualized therapeutic approaches. Here, we aimed at identifying such markers.

Methods

Multiplex Ligation-dependent Probe Amplification (MLPA) analyses encompassing 133 cancer-related genes were performed on a panel of primary oral tumor samples and its corresponding resection margins (macroscopically tumor-free tissue) allowing, in both types of tissue, the detection of a wide arrange of copy number imbalances on various human chromosomes.

Results

We found that in tumor tissue, from the 133 cancer-related genes included in this study, those that most frequently exhibited copy number gains were located on chromosomal arms 3q, 6p, 8q, 11q, 16p, 16q, 17p, 17q and 19q, whereas those most frequently exhibiting copy number losses were located on chromosomal arms 2q, 3p, 4q, 5q, 8p, 9p, 11q and 18q. Several imbalances were highlighted, i.e., losses of ERBB4, CTNNB1, NFKB1, IL2, IL12B, TUSC3, CDKN2A, CASP1, and gains of MME, BCL6, VEGF, PTK2, PTP4A3, RNF139, CCND1, FGF3, CTTN, MVP, CDH1, BRCA1, CDKN2D, BAX, as well as exon 4 of TP53. Comparisons between tumor and matched macroscopically tumor-free tissues allowed us to build a logistic regression model to predict the tissue type (benign versus malignant). In this model, the TUSC3 gene showed statistical significance, indicating that loss of this gene may serve as a good indicator of malignancy.

Conclusions

Our results point towards relevance of the above mentioned cancer-related genes as putative genetic markers for oral cancer. For practical clinical purposes, these genetic markers should be validated in additional studies.