Mosaic RASopathy due to KRAS variant G12D with segmental overgrowth and associated peripheral vascular malformations
Vanessa Franziska Schmidt1, Ilse Wieland2, Walter A Wohlgemuth3
1Department of Radiology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.
Abstract:
Oncogenic RAS variants lead to constitutive overactivation and increased signal transduction into downstream pathways. They are found as somatic driver events in various types of human cancer. In a somatic mosaic status, the same RAS variants have been associated with a wide spectrum of focal or segmental tissue dysplasia and overgrowth including various types of congenital nevi, vascular malformations, and other changes (mosaic RASopathies). We present a 3-year-old male patient with segmental overgrowth of the subcutaneous fatty tissue of the right lower extremity with colocalized arteriovenous and capillary malformations and dysplastic draining veins in combination with talipes equinovarus of the right foot. In tissue biopsies of the affected extremity, we identified a mosaic KRAS variant, c.35G>A (p.Gly12Asp), while this variant was absent in the DNA extracted from a biopsy of the normal extremity. This report provides further evidence for the wide clinical and phenotypic variability associated with mosaic KRAS variants. The described pattern confirms that the combination of segmental overgrowth and vascular anomalies in the form of arteriovenous and capillary malformations is a possible manifestation of a mosaic RASopathy. The accurate genetic diagnosis is crucial for molecular-targeted therapy, which might be a future therapeutic target for mosaic RASopathies.
Insights
Mosaic RASopathies, caused by KRAS variants, present diverse symptoms like segmental overgrowth and vascular malformations. This case highlights the broad clinical variability and the importance of genetic diagnosis for potential targeted therapies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genetics
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Oncogenic RAS variants drive cancer by overactivating signaling pathways.
- Somatic mosaic RAS variants cause mosaic RASopathies, presenting as tissue overgrowth and malformations.
- Mosaic RASopathies encompass a range of conditions, including congenital nevi and vascular anomalies.
Observation:
- A 3-year-old male exhibited segmental subcutaneous fatty tissue overgrowth on his right lower extremity.
- The overgrowth was associated with arteriovenous and capillary malformations, dysplastic veins, and talipes equinovarus.
- Tissue biopsies revealed a mosaic KRAS variant (c.35G>A, p.Gly12Asp) in the affected limb, absent in the unaffected limb.
Findings:
- The identified mosaic KRAS variant confirms a genetic basis for the patient's segmental overgrowth and vascular anomalies.
- This case demonstrates the significant clinical and phenotypic variability of mosaic KRAS variants.
- The combination of segmental overgrowth and complex vascular malformations is a recognized manifestation of mosaic RASopathies.
Implications:
- Accurate genetic diagnosis of mosaic RASopathies is essential for patient management.
- Understanding the genetic underpinnings can pave the way for future molecular-targeted therapies.
- This case expands the known spectrum of clinical presentations for mosaic RASopathies.
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