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Mutations of epigenetic regulatory genes are common in thymic carcinomas

Yisong Wang1, Anish Thomas2, Christopher Lau2

  • 11] Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892 [2] Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington DC 20007.

Scientific Reports
|December 9, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Genetic mutations in thymic epithelial tumors (TETs) are poorly understood. Thymic carcinomas (TCs) show more mutations than thymomas, with TP53 and epigenetic genes frequently altered in TCs, suggesting new therapeutic targets.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Genetics
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • The genetic basis and causes of thymic epithelial tumors (TETs) remain largely unknown.
  • This knowledge gap hinders the development of effective targeted therapies for TET patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the genetic landscape of advanced-stage TETs.
  • To identify differences in mutation profiles between thymic carcinoma (TC) and thymoma.
  • To explore potential therapeutic targets based on genetic alterations.

Main Methods:

  • Targeted sequencing of 197 cancer-associated genes was performed on 78 TET/blood paired samples.
  • Samples included 47 thymic carcinomas (TCs) and 31 thymomas.
  • Comparative sequence analysis identified somatic non-synonymous sequence variations.

Main Results:

  • 86 somatic non-synonymous variations were found across 39 genes in 33 (42%) TETs.
  • TCs exhibited a significantly higher mutation rate (62%) compared to thymomas (13%).
  • TP53 was the most frequent mutation (17%), particularly in TCs (26%), and associated with poorer survival. Recurrent mutations in epigenetic regulators (histone modification, chromatin remodeling, DNA methylation) were observed in TCs but not thymomas.

Conclusions:

  • Significant genetic differences exist between TCs and thymomas.
  • Epigenetic dysregulation may play a crucial role in TC development.
  • These findings highlight potential avenues for targeted therapy in TCs.

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