Variant WWTR1 gene fusions in epithelioid hemangioendothelioma-A genetic subset associated with cardiac involvement

The genetic hallmark of epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE) is a recurrent WWTR1-CAMTA1 fusion, which is present in most cases bearing a conventional histology. A subset of cases is characterized by a distinct morphology and harbors instead a YAP1-TFE3 fusion. Nevertheless, isolated cases lack these canonical fusions and remain difficult to classify. Triggered by an index case of a left atrial mass in a 76-year-old female with morphologic features typical of EHE, but which showed an WWTR1-MAML2 fusion by targeted RNA sequencing, we searched our files for similar cases displaying alternative WWTR1 fusions. A total of 6 EHE cases were identified with variant WWTR1 fusions, four of them presenting within the heart. There were 3 females and 3 males, with a wide age range at diagnosis (21–76 years, mean 62, median 69). The 4 cardiac cases occurred in older adults (mean age of 72, equal gender distribution), three involved the left atrium and one the right ventricle. One case presented in the vertebral bone and one in pelvic soft tissue. Microscopically, all tumors had morphologic features within the spectrum of classic EHE; two of the cases appeared overtly malignant. All cases were tested by FISH and 4 were investigated by targeted RNA sequencing. Two tumors harbored WWTR1-MAML2 fusions, one WWTR1-ACTL6A, and in 3 cases no WWTR1 partner was identified. Of the 4 patients with follow-up, 2 died of disease, one was alive with lung metastases, and the only patient free of disease was s/p resection of a T11 vertebral mass. Our findings report on additional genetic variants involving WWTR1 rearrangements, with WWTR1-MAML2 being a recurrent event, in a small subset of EHE, which appears to have predilection for heart

A morphologic and molecular reappraisal of myoepithelial tumors of soft tissue, bone, and viscera with EWSR1 and FUS gene rearrangements

Myoepithelial tumors (MET) represent a clinicopathologically heterogeneous group of tumors, ranging from benign to highly aggressive lesions. Although MET arising in soft tissue, bone, or viscera share morphologic and immunophenotypic overlap with their salivary gland and cutaneous counterparts, there is still controversy regarding their genetic relationship. Half of MET of soft tissue and bone harbor EWSR1 or FUS related fusions, while MET arising in the salivary gland and skin often show PLAG1 and HMGA2 gene rearrangements. Regardless of the site of origin, the gold standard in diagnosing a MET relies on demonstrating its "myoepithelial immunophenotype" of positivity for EMA/CK and S100 protein or GFAP. However, the morphologic spectrum of MET in soft tissue and bone is quite broad and the above immunoprofile is nonspecific, being shared by other pathogenetically unrelated neoplasms. Moreover, rare MET lack a diagnostic immunoprofile but shows instead the characteristic gene fusions. In this study, we analyzed a large cohort of 66 MET with EWSR1 and FUS gene rearrangements spanning various clinical presentations, to better define their morphologic spectrum and establish relevant pathologic-molecular correlations. Genetic analysis was carried out by FISH for EWSR1/FUS rearrangements and potential partners, and/or by targeted RNA sequencing. Then, 82% showed EWSR1 rearrangement, while 18% had FUS abnormalities. EWSR1-POU5F1 occurred with predilection in malignant MET in children and young adults and these tumors had nested epithelioid morphology and clear cytoplasm. In contrast, EWSR1/FUS-PBX1/3 fusions were associated with benign and sclerotic spindle cell morphology. Tumors with EWSR1-KLF17 showed chordoma-like morphology. Our results demonstrate striking morphologic-molecular correlations in MET of bone, soft tissue and viscera, which might have implications in their clinical behavior.</p

NTRK3 overexpression in undifferentiated sarcomas with YWHAE and BCOR genetic alterations

The BCOR family of tumors includes a number of undifferentiated sarcomas, occurring in various age groups and anatomic sites, characterized by a spindle and round cell phenotype and diffuse immunoreactivity for BCOR. Prior RNA sequencing data revealed that NTRK3 was a top-upregulated gene in BCOR-CCNB3 sarcomas. In this study, we investigate a large cohort of tumors harboring BCOR/YWHAE genetic alterations for NTRK3 upregulation at both the mRNA and protein levels, compared with other sarcoma types. Pan-Trk immunohistochemistry was assessed for intensity and extent. A correlation between NTRK3 expression and the type of BCOR alteration and BCOR immunoreactivity was also performed. Most soft tissue undifferentiated round cell sarcomas with YWHAE or BCOR rearrangements or BCOR internal tandem duplications (ITD) showed NTRK3, but not NTRK1 or NTRK2, upregulation by RNA sequencing data analysis. Cytoplasmic pan-Trk immunoreactivity was also observed in most soft tissue round cell sarcomas with YWHAE rearrangements (100%), BCOR ITD (80%), and BCOR-CCNB3 fusions (67%), as well as clear cell sarcomas of kidney (75%), another BCOR family tumor, and ossifying fibromyxoid tumors with ZC3H7B-BCOR fusion (100%), with variable staining intensity and extent. Pan-Trk staining was also seen in solitary fibrous tumors (100%) and less frequently in synovial sarcoma and Ewing sarcoma, but rarely in other sarcomas tested. Tumors harboring rare fusion variants of BCOR, such as BCOR-CHD9, a novel fusion identified by targeted RNA sequencing, and KMT2D-BCOR, were also positive for pan-Trk staining and NTRK3 overexpression. In conclusion, NTRK3 upregulation resulting in pan-Trk overexpression is common in the BCOR family of tumors as well as in subsets of BCOR-expressing sarcomas through alternative mechanisms. The therapeutic implication of this finding awaits further investigation

Recurrent MEIS1-NCOA2/1 fusions in a subset of low-grade spindle cell sarcomas frequently involving the genitourinary and gynecologic tracts

Sarcomas with MEIS1-NCOA2 fusions have been so far reported in 2 cases each of primitive renal sarcomas and intraosseous pelvic rhabdomyosarcomas. Their histologic spectrum, anatomic distribution, and clinical behavior remain poorly defined. In this study, we report 6 additional spindle cell sarcomas with MEIS1-NCOA2 or NCOA1 fusions that fall into the same disease spectrum with the previously reported renal sarcomas. The patients’ age range was wide (20–76 years, mean 46) and all except one were female. The tumors arose in the kidney (n=2), and one each in the uterine corpus, vagina, scrotum, and para-rectal region. The consistent morphology was that of monomorphic spindle to ovoid cells in a storiform, whorling, or solid pattern. Alternating cellularity, myxoid stroma, and microcystic changes were seen in some cases. Mitotic activity varied greatly (<1–33/10 high power fields). The immunophenotype was non-specific, with most cases expressing variable degrees of TLE1, WT1, cyclin D1, CD56, and CD10. Using various platforms of RNA-based targeted sequencing, MEIS1-NCOA2 fusions were recurrently identified in 5 cases, and a novel MEIS1-NCOA1 fusion was found in one renal tumor. The gene fusions were validated by fluorescence in situ hybridization using custom BAC probes. Of the 5 patients with available follow-up (5 months to 8 years), all experienced local recurrences, but no distant spread or death from disease. Our results expand the clinicopathologic spectrum of sarcomas with MEIS1-NCOA2/1 fusions, providing evidence of an undifferentiated spindle cell phenotype with non-specific immunoprofile and low-grade clinical behavior

Clinical and molecular characterization of primary sclerosing epithelioid fibrosarcoma of bone and review of the literature

Sclerosing epithelioid fibrosarcoma (SEF) is a rare sarcoma subtype characterized by monomorphic epithelioid cells embedded in a densely sclerotic collagenous matrix. The overwhelming majority of tumors arise in soft tissues; however, rare cases have been documented to occur primarily in bone. The hallmarks of soft tissue SEF include MUC4 immunoreactivity and the presence of an EWSR1-CREB3L1 fusion. Rare cases with alternative fusions have also been reported such as EWSR1-CREB3L2 and FUS-CREB3L2 transcripts. The molecular alterations of skeletal SEF have not been well-defined, with only rare cases analyzed to date. In this study we investigated the clinicopathologic and molecular features of seven patients presenting with primary osseous SEF. There were 3 males and 4 females, with a mean age at diagnosis of 38 years. All cases had microscopic features within the histologic spectrum of SEF and showed strong and diffuse MUC4 positivity, while lacking SATB2 expression. However, due to its unusual presentation within bone, four cases were initially misinterpreted as either osteosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma or chondroblastoma. Half of the patients with follow-up data developed metastasis. The cases were tested by targeted RNA sequencing, MSK-IMPACT, and/or fluorescence in situ hybridization, showing EWSR1-CREB3L1 in six cases and EWSR1-CREB3L2 in one case. The fusion transcripts were composed of EWSR1 exon 11 to either exon 6 of CREB3L1 or CREB3L2. In summary, due to their rarity in the bone, skeletal SEF are often misdiagnosed, resulting in inadequate treatment modalities. Similar to their soft tissue counterpart, bone SEF follow an aggressive clinical behavior and show similar EWSR1-CREB3L1/CREB3L2 fusions

Biphasic Hyalinizing Psammomatous Renal Cell Carcinoma (BHP RCC): A Distinctive Neoplasm Associated with Somatic NF2 Mutations

We report 8 cases of a distinctive, previously undescribed renal cell carcinoma associated with somatic mutations in the neurofibromin 2 (NF2) gene. All patients were adults, ranging from 51 to 78 years of age and of cases of known sex 6 of 7 were males. The carcinomas were predominantly unencapsulated, and all had a rounded, nodular interface with the native kidney. The neoplasms were all solid with papillary architecture evident in most cases (7/8), while 1 was only tubular. All cases were biphasic, characterized by larger and smaller carcinoma cells. The smaller cells clustered around basement membrane material similar to the characteristic pattern of the t(6;11) renal cell carcinoma associated with TFEB gene fusions. In 6 of 8 carcinomas, branching nodules of small cells clustered around basement membrane material within larger acini yielding a distinctive glomeruloid pattern. In 6 of 8 carcinomas, the small cells were focally spindle-shaped and unassociated with the basement membrane material. The stroma was sclerotic in all 8 carcinomas, and all 8 contained psammoma bodies that were abundant in 2. In some carcinomas, focal or predominant areas had a less distinctive appearance; 2 had areas that resembled clear cell renal cell carcinoma, 2 had high-grade eosinophilic areas, while 1 had branching tubular architecture that resembled mucinous tubular and spindle cell carcinoma. Two carcinomas demonstrated cellular necrosis. Although we have minimal clinical follow-up, 1 case presented with distant metastasis, progressed and resulted in patient death. While NF2 mutations may be found in other established renal cell carcinoma subtypes (often as secondary genetic alterations), they are potentially the genetic driver of this distinctive entity

The Ninth Data Release of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey: First Spectroscopic Data from the SDSS-III Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey

The Sloan Digital Sky Survey III (SDSS-III) presents the first spectroscopic data from the Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey (BOSS). This ninth data release (DR9) of the SDSS project includes 535,995 new galaxy spectra (median z=0.52), 102,100 new quasar spectra (median z=2.32), and 90,897 new stellar spectra, along with the data presented in previous data releases. These spectra were obtained with the new BOSS spectrograph and were taken between 2009 December and 2011 July. In addition, the stellar parameters pipeline, which determines radial velocities, surface temperatures, surface gravities, and metallicities of stars, has been updated and refined with improvements in temperature estimates for stars with T_eff<5000 K and in metallicity estimates for stars with [Fe/H]>-0.5. DR9 includes new stellar parameters for all stars presented in DR8, including stars from SDSS-I and II, as well as those observed as part of the SDSS-III Sloan Extension for Galactic Understanding and Exploration-2 (SEGUE-2). The astrometry error introduced in the DR8 imaging catalogs has been corrected in the DR9 data products. The next data release for SDSS-III will be in Summer 2013, which will present the first data from the Apache Point Observatory Galactic Evolution Experiment (APOGEE) along with another year of data from BOSS, followed by the final SDSS-III data release in December 2014.Comment: 9 figures; 2 tables. Submitted to ApJS. DR9 is available at http://www.sdss3.org/dr

Thermoplastic cassava starch-chitosan bilayer films containing essential oils

[EN] Starch-chitosan bilayer films, containing or not essential oils in the casted chitosan layer were obtained by thermo-compression. Bilayer films exhibited a good interfacial adhesion and better mechanical resistance than starch monolayers, although they were less stretchable and less transparent. Starchchitosan films were effective at controlling the bacterial growth in pork meat, but the thermal treatment applied to obtain the bilayers reduced their antimicrobial properties as compared to chitosan monolayers. The addition of essential oils did not promote any antimicrobial action in chitosan mono and bilayer films applied to pork meat. The final amount of essential oils in the films was very limited probably due to the losses occurred during film processing method. Other strategies to incorporate the essential oils into chitosan-based films should be used to improve their final retention in the film matrix and their effective release into the coated food. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.The authors acknowledge the financial support provided by the Spanish Ministerio de Economia y Competividad (Projects AGL2013-42989-R and AGL2016-76699-R). Author Cristina Valencia-Sullca thanks the Peruvian Grant National Program (PRONABEC).Valencia-Sullca, CE.; Vargas, M.; Atarés Huerta, LM.; Chiralt, A. (2018). Thermoplastic cassava starch-chitosan bilayer films containing essential oils. Food Hydrocolloids. 75:107-115. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodhyd.2017.09.008S1071157

ADGRL3 (LPHN3) variants predict substance use disorder

Genetic factors are strongly implicated in the susceptibility to develop externalizing syndromes such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), oppositional defiant disorder, conduct disorder, and substance use disorder (SUD). Variants in the ADGRL3 (LPHN3) gene predispose to ADHD and predict ADHD severity, disruptive behaviors comorbidity, long-term outcome, and response to treatment. In this study, we investigated whether variants within ADGRL3 are associated with SUD, a disorder that is frequently co-morbid with ADHD. Using family-based, case-control, and longitudinal samples from disparate regions of the world (n = 2698), recruited either for clinical, genetic epidemiological or pharmacogenomic studies of ADHD, we assembled recursive-partitioning frameworks (classification tree analyses) with clinical, demographic, and ADGRL3 genetic information to predict SUD susceptibility. Our results indicate that SUD can be efficiently and robustly predicted in ADHD participants. The genetic models used remained highly efficient in predicting SUD in a large sample of individuals with severe SUD from a psychiatric institution that were not ascertained on the basis of ADHD diagnosis, thus identifying ADGRL3 as a risk gene for SUD. Recursive-partitioning analyses revealed that rs4860437 was the predominant predictive variant. This new methodological approach offers novel insights into higher order predictive interactions and offers a unique opportunity for translational application in the clinical assessment of patients at high risk for SUD