Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 12, 2025

Modeling Brain Metastasis Via Tail-Vein Injection of Inflammatory Breast Cancer Cells
Published on: February 4, 2021
Recurrent PTPRZ1-MET fusion and a high occurrence rate of MET exon 14 skipping in brain metastases
Rui-Chao Chai1, Xing Liu1, Bo Pang1
1Department of Molecular Neuropathology, Department of Neuropathology, Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
Abstract:
Identifying molecular features is an essential component of the management and targeted therapy of brain metastases (BMs). The molecular features are different between primary lung cancers and BMs of lung cancer. Here we report the DNA and RNA mutational profiles of 43 pathological samples of BMs. In addition to previously reported mutational events associated with targeted therapy, PTPRZ1-MET, which was previously exclusively identified in glioma, was present in two cases of BMs of lung cancer. Furthermore, MET exon 14 skipping may be more common (6/37 cases) in BMs of lung cancer than the frequency previously reported in lung cancer. These findings highlight the clinical significance of targeted DNA plus RNA sequencing for BMs and suggest PTPRZ1-MET and MET exon 14 skipping as critical molecular events that may serve as targets of targeted therapy in BMs.
Insights
Molecular profiling of brain metastases (BMs) reveals distinct features from primary lung cancer. Novel PTPRZ1-MET fusions and increased MET exon 14 skipping in BMs suggest new therapeutic targets for lung cancer patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Identifying molecular features is crucial for managing brain metastases (BMs) and guiding targeted therapy.
- Molecular profiles of BMs can differ significantly from primary lung cancers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the DNA and RNA mutational landscape of brain metastases from lung cancer.
- To identify potential novel therapeutic targets within BMs.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of DNA and RNA mutational profiles from 43 pathological samples of BMs.
- Next-generation sequencing techniques were employed.
Main Results:
- Discovery of PTPRZ1-MET fusions in two cases of lung cancer BMs, a finding previously exclusive to glioma.
- MET exon 14 skipping mutations were observed in 6 out of 37 (approximately 16%) BMs, a higher frequency than typically reported in lung cancer.
- Identified known mutational events relevant to targeted therapy.
Conclusions:
- Targeted DNA plus RNA sequencing is clinically significant for characterizing BMs.
- PTPRZ1-MET fusions and MET exon 14 skipping represent critical molecular events in lung cancer BMs.
- These molecular alterations may serve as actionable targets for novel therapies in BMs.
Related Concept Videos
The Retinoblastoma Gene
The first-ever tumor suppressor gene called Rb was identified in retinoblastoma - a rare eye tumor in children. In inherited forms of the disease, a child inherits one defective copy of the Rb gene, which predisposes them to retinoblastoma. However,...
Non-LTR Retrotransposons
Metastasis
Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition
The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition or EMT is a developmental process commonly observed in wound healing, embryogenesis, and cancer metastasis. EMT is induced by transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) or receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) ligands, which further...

