Comprehensive molecular characterization of human colon and rectal cancer

To characterize somatic alterations in colorectal carcinoma, we conducted a genome-scale analysis of 276 samples, analysing exome sequence, DNA copy number, promoter methylation and messenger RNA and microRNA expression. A subset of these samples (97) underwent low-depth-of-coverage whole-genome sequencing. In total, 16% of colorectal carcinomas were found to be hypermutated: three-quarters of these had the expected high microsatellite instability, usually with hypermethylation and MLH1 silencing, and one-quarter had somatic mismatch-repair gene and polymerase ε (POLE) mutations. Excluding the hypermutated cancers, colon and rectum cancers were found to have considerably similar patterns of genomic alteration. Twenty-four genes were significantly mutated, and in addition to the expected APC, TP53, SMAD4, PIK3CA and KRAS mutations, we found frequent mutations in ARID1A, SOX9 and FAM123B. Recurrent copy-number alterations include potentially drug-targetable amplifications of ERBB2 and newly discovered amplification of IGF2. Recurrent chromosomal translocations include the fusion of NAV2 and WNT pathway member TCF7L1. Integrative analyses suggest new markers for aggressive colorectal carcinoma and an important role for MYC-directed transcriptional activation and repression.National Institutes of Health (U.S.) (Grant U24CA143799)National Institutes of Health (U.S.) (Grant U24CA143835)National Institutes of Health (U.S.) (Grant U24CA143840)National Institutes of Health (U.S.) (Grant U24CA143843)National Institutes of Health (U.S.) (Grant U24CA143845)National Institutes of Health (U.S.) (Grant U24CA143848)National Institutes of Health (U.S.) (Grant U24CA143858)National Institutes of Health (U.S.) (Grant U24CA143866)National Institutes of Health (U.S.) (Grant U24CA143867)National Institutes of Health (U.S.) (Grant U24CA143882)National Institutes of Health (U.S.) (Grant U24CA143883)National Institutes of Health (U.S.) (Grant U24CA144025)National Institutes of Health (U.S.) (Grant U54HG003067)National Institutes of Health (U.S.) (Grant U54HG003079)National Institutes of Health (U.S.) (Grant U54HG003273

Comprehensive genomic characterization of squamous cell lung cancers

Lung squamous cell carcinoma is a common type of lung cancer, causing approximately 400,000 deaths per year worldwide. Genomic alterations in squamous cell lung cancers have not been comprehensively characterized, and no molecularly targeted agents have been specifically developed for its treatment. As part of The Cancer Genome Atlas, here we profile 178 lung squamous cell carcinomas to provide a comprehensive landscape of genomic and epigenomic alterations. We show that the tumour type is characterized by complex genomic alterations, with a mean of 360 exonic mutations, 165 genomic rearrangements, and 323 segments of copy number alteration per tumour. We find statistically recurrent mutations in 11 genes, including mutation of TP53 in nearly all specimens. Previously unreported loss-of-function mutations are seen in the HLA-A class I major histocompatibility gene. Significantly altered pathways included NFE2L2 and KEAP1 in 34%, squamous differentiation genes in 44%, phosphatidylinositol-3-OH kinase pathway genes in 47%, and CDKN2A and RB1 in 72% of tumours. We identified a potential therapeutic target in most tumours, offering new avenues of investigation for the treatment of squamous cell lung cancers.National Institutes of Health (U.S.) (Grant U24 CA126561)National Institutes of Health (U.S.) (Grant U24 CA126551)National Institutes of Health (U.S.) (Grant U24 CA126554)National Institutes of Health (U.S.) (Grant U24 CA126543)National Institutes of Health (U.S.) (Grant U24 CA126546)National Institutes of Health (U.S.) (Grant U24 CA126563)National Institutes of Health (U.S.) (Grant U24 CA126544)National Institutes of Health (U.S.) (Grant U24 CA143845)National Institutes of Health (U.S.) (Grant U24 CA143858)National Institutes of Health (U.S.) (Grant U24 CA144025)National Institutes of Health (U.S.) (Grant U24 CA143882)National Institutes of Health (U.S.) (Grant U24 CA143866)National Institutes of Health (U.S.) (Grant U24 CA143867)National Institutes of Health (U.S.) (Grant U24 CA143848)National Institutes of Health (U.S.) (Grant U24 CA143840)National Institutes of Health (U.S.) (Grant U24 CA143835)National Institutes of Health (U.S.) (Grant U24 CA143799)National Institutes of Health (U.S.) (Grant U24 CA143883)National Institutes of Health (U.S.) (Grant U24 CA143843)National Institutes of Health (U.S.) (Grant U54 HG003067)National Institutes of Health (U.S.) (Grant U54 HG003079)National Institutes of Health (U.S.) (Grant U54 HG003273