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Updated: May 14, 2026

Induction of Mesenchymal-Epithelial Transitions in Sarcoma Cells
11:42

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Published on: April 7, 2017

Microsatellite instability in sarcoma: fact or fiction?

Michael J Monument1, Stephen L Lessnick, Joshua D Schiffman

  • 1Sarcoma Services, Department of Orthopaedics, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine, 2000 Circle of Hope, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA.

ISRN Oncology
|February 13, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Microsatellite instability (MSI), a DNA repair deficiency, is being investigated in sarcomas. While its frequency mirrors colorectal cancer, distinct biological attributes are unclear, though it may impact gene activation in Ewing sarcoma.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Microsatellite instability (MSI) signifies deficient DNA mismatch repair (MMR).
  • MSI is well-characterized in colorectal cancer, predicting susceptibility, pathogenesis, and prognosis.
  • MSI investigation in sarcoma yields heterogeneous results due to detection methods, undefined loci, and small sample sizes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current understanding of MSI in sarcoma.
  • To explore the potential biological implications of MSI in sarcomas, particularly Ewing sarcoma.
  • To highlight challenges and suggest future research directions for MSI in sarcoma.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies investigating MSI in sarcoma.
  • Analysis of existing data on MSI frequency and biological characteristics in sarcoma.
  • Examination of emerging evidence on the mechanistic role of microsatellites in sarcoma gene activation.

Main Results:

  • MSI occurs in sarcomas at a frequency similar to sporadic colorectal cancers.
  • Limited evidence suggests MSI-positive sarcoma tumors do not share distinct biological attributes.
  • Emerging findings in Ewing sarcoma indicate microsatellite DNA's role in activating EWS/FLI-target genes.

Conclusions:

  • MSI in sarcoma requires further investigation with advanced techniques and larger studies.
  • The biological significance of MSI in sarcoma may differ from colorectal cancer.
  • Microsatellite DNA's role in gene activation presents a novel perspective for sarcoma research.

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