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Updated: Jan 24, 2026

09:58
Mapping the Structure-Function Relationships of Disordered Oncogenic Transcription Factors Using Transcriptomic Analysis
Published on: June 27, 2020
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Genomic and Transcriptomic Landscapes of MEN1-Wild-Type Low-Grade Metastatic Pancreatic NETs Uncover Key Oncogenic
Biorxiv : the Preprint Server for Biology
|January 23, 2026
Summary
Metastasis in sporadic pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNETs) with wild-type MEN1 is driven by pathway activation, not just mutation count. This study identifies key molecular signatures and potential targeted therapies for these tumors.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genomics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Sporadic pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNETs) with wild-type MEN1 are poorly understood regarding metastatic potential.
- Metastasis can occur despite low grade and modest mutations, suggesting alternative progression mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if metastatic competence in MEN1-wild-type pNETs arises from quantitative pathway reinforcement.
- To identify molecular signatures and therapeutic targets for metastatic pNETs.
Main Methods:
- Whole-exome and RNA sequencing of 75 primary low-grade pNETs (25% metastatic).
- Integration of genomic and transcriptomic data to analyze pathway alterations and gene expression.
- Upstream-regulator and perturbation analyses to nominate therapeutic agents.
Main Results:
- Metastatic tumors showed increased mutation frequency but conserved spectra; Grade 2 disease was enriched for adverse features.
- Transcriptomic analysis revealed enrichment of Calcium, WNT, and KRAS/PI3K-AKT pathways in metastatic cases.
- A 29-gene overlap, including RYR1 and ZNF273, distinguished metastatic from non-metastatic tumors, marking convergent pathway activation.
Conclusions:
- Metastasis in MEN1-wild-type pNETs is linked to pathway state intensity rather than mutation quantity.
- Convergent mutational patterns in genes like ZNF273 and CLCA1 may stratify metastatic risk.
- Identified a therapeutic shortlist, including fasudil and spaglumic acid, for biomarker-guided treatment development.
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