Differential Expressed Genes Identified Between African American and European American Keloid Fibroblasts

Keloids are benign fibroproliferative tumors due to dysregulation of collagen remodeling and abnormal wound healing. Although worldwide, there is a higher incidence of keloid disease (KD) in skin of color, little is known about this predisposition. In this study, we used one tissue micro array slide comprised of six AA and 6 EA punch biopsies of primary untreated keloid tissue from the head and neck area was created, following the NanoString® DSP Technology Access Program protocol. The GeoMx Human Whole Transcriptome Atlas Assay was performed, using morphology marker FAP. Polygonal region of interests selection strategy for Fibroblast Activation Protein (FAP) positive cells was conducted. Univariate analysis was performed, using linear regression models to identify differentially expressed genes (DEG) at a false discovery rate (FDR) of 0.05. Ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA) software was used to determine DEG pathway enrichment. 1,450 DEG were identified (p-va

Brief Report: Prognostic Relevance of 3q Amplification in Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Lung

Introduction: Amplification of 3q is the most common genetic alteration identified in squamous cell carcinoma of the lung (LUSC), with the most frequent amplified region being 3q26 to 3q28. Methods: In this analysis, we aim to describe the prognostic relevance of 3q amplification by focusing on a minimal common region (MCR) of amplification constituted of 25 genes. We analyzed 511 cases of LUSC from The Cancer Genome Atlas and included 476 in the final analysis. Results: We identified a 25-gene MCR that was amplified in 221 (44.3%) cases and was associated with better disease-specific survival (not reported [NR] versus 9.25 y, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.24–NR, log-rank p = 0.011) and a progression-free interval of 8 years (95% CI: 5.1–NR) versus 4.9 years (95% CI: 3.5–NR, log-rank p = 0.020). Multivariable analysis revealed that MCR amplification was associated with improved disease-specific survival and progression-free interval. Conclusions: Amplification of the 25-gene MCR within 3q was present in 44% of this cohort, consisting mainly of Caucasian patients with early stage LUSC. This analysis strongly indicates the prognostic relevance of the 25-gene MCR within 3q. We are further evaluating its prognostic and predictive relevance in a racially diverse patient population with advanced LUSC