High resolution array-comparative genomic hybridization profiling reveals deoxyribonucleic acid copy number alterations associated with medullary thyroid carcinoma.

Abstract

CONTEXT:

Activating mutations in the RET protooncogene have been demonstrated in multiple endocrine neoplasia 2 and sporadic medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). However, the complete genetic etiology underlying MTC tumorigenesis remains unclear.

OBJECTIVE:

Our objective was to define more precisely the chromosomal regions and uncover novel genes associated with MTC tumorigenesis.

DESIGN AND SETTING:

In this study, we used high resolution array-based comparative genomic hybridization to define tumor-associated copy number alterations (CNA) in 30 primary MTCs: 20 sporadic tumors (50% of which harbored RET mutation), and 10 hereditary.

RESULTS:

We identified 98 CNA, including 76 genomic allelic losses, two gains, and 20 copy number variations associated with MTC. Across sporadic and hereditary groups, there was a similar and overlapping pattern of predominant allelic loss. There were 29 regions containing at least 30% CNA in the 30 tumor samples. The most frequent allelic loss occurred in four loci, 7q36.1, 12p13.31, 13q12.11, and 19p13.3-11. No regions were found to be uniquely altered in the hereditary tumors. There were 21 CNA specific to sporadic MTC, with loss of 11q23.3 uniquely altered in RET negative tumors. Pathway analysis found cellular growth and proliferation as the most significant overall target, and cell death as the most significant pathway targeted in sporadic MTC.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our findings underscore the importance of candidate tumor suppressor genes together with RET alterations in MTCs. Despite of RET status, all MTC might share similar oncogenetic mechanisms. Dysfunction of cell proliferation and cell death may both be involved in MTC tumorigenesis.

• Authors: Lei Ye, Libero Santarpia, Gilbert J Cote, Adel K El-Naggar, Robert F Gagel
• Journal: The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism (J Clin Endocrinol Metab) Vol. 93 Issue 11 Pg. 4367-72 (Nov 2008) ISSN: 0021-972X [Print] United States
• PMID: 18765511 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• DNA, Neoplasm
• Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-ret
• RET protein, human

Topics

• Chromosome Aberrations (statistics & numerical data)
• Chromosomes, Human (genetics)
• Comparative Genomic Hybridization (methods)
• DNA, Neoplasm (genetics, isolation & purification)
• Gene Expression Profiling
• Genes, Suppressor
• Genetic Variation
• Humans
• Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis
• Polymerase Chain Reaction
• Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-ret (genetics)
• Sensitivity and Specificity
• Thyroid Neoplasms (genetics)