TRKA expression and NTRK1 gene copy number across solid tumours

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Molecular Biology
• Genetics

Background:

• Neurotrophic Tropomyosin Kinase Receptor 1 (NTRK1) gene encodes TRKA, a protein with oncogenic potential when deregulated.
• TRKA signaling pathways are implicated in various cancer types.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate TRKA protein expression using immunohistochemistry (IHC).
• To assess NTRK1 gene copy number (GCN) gain and rearrangements in solid tumors.
• To correlate TRKA expression with NTRK1 genetic alterations.

Main Methods:

• An observational cohort study analyzed 1043 solid tumor samples.
• TRKA expression was evaluated by IHC.
• Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was used to detect NTRK1 gene rearrangements and GCN gain.

Main Results:

• TRKA expression was observed in 1.6% of tested samples (17/1043).
• NTRK1 GCN gain was identified in 15/17 TRKA-expressing samples, while one sample showed an NTRK1 gene rearrangement.
• No correlation was found between TRKA IHC staining intensity and NTRK1 GCN.

Conclusions:

• TRKA expression is present in a small subset of solid tumors.
• NTRK1 GCN gain is the predominant genetic alteration associated with TRKA expression.
• The clinical significance of TRKA expression and associated NTRK1 alterations requires further investigation.