Mutation screening of ACKR3 and COPS8 in kidney cancer cases from the CONFIRM study

Maryam Mahmoodi1, Tu Nguyen-Dumont2, Fleur Hammet1

  • 1Genetic Epidemiology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia.

Familial Cancer
|January 8, 2017
PubMed

Insights

A balanced translocation linked to clear cell renal cell carcinoma (RCC) was investigated. A potentially damaging variant in the ACKR3 gene was identified in 0.8% of patients, offering insights into RCC genetics.

Area of Science:

  • Genetics
  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • The genetic underpinnings of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) remain incompletely understood.
  • A specific translocation, t(2;3)(q37.3;q13.2), has been observed to segregate with ccRCC, suggesting its potential role.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the t(2;3)(q37.3;q13.2) translocation and its associated genetic variants in the germline DNA of ccRCC patients.
  • To identify potential causal genes for ccRCC, focusing on ACKR3 and COPS8.

Main Methods:

  • Hi-Plex targeted sequencing was employed to analyze germline DNA from 479 individuals with ccRCC.
  • Analysis focused on the breakpoint translocation and genetic variants in neighboring genes ACKR3 and COPS8 on chromosome 2.

Main Results:

  • No pathogenic variants were found in COPS8, with only synonymous variants identified.
  • A missense variant in ACKR3 (c.892C>T) was detected in 4 out of 479 individuals (0.8%) and predicted to likely impair ACKR3 function.

Conclusions:

  • The identified ACKR3 variant represents a potential genetic contributor to ccRCC.
  • Understanding these genetic factors can aid in risk assessment, early intervention, and improved patient outcomes for renal cell carcinoma.