Transcriptomic comparative study between canalicular adenoma and HMGA2::WIF1 canalicular-like pleomorphic adenoma

Area of Science:

• Oral pathology
• Oncology
• Molecular biology

Background:

• Canalicular adenoma (CA) is a benign salivary tumor of the upper lip.
• HMGA2-canalicular-like pleomorphic adenoma (PA) mimics CA but affects major salivary glands.
• Shared immunohistochemical markers raise questions about molecular distinctions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To extensively compare molecular profiles of CAs and HMGA2-canalicular-like PAs.
• To elucidate the oncogenesis mechanisms underlying these salivary gland tumors.
• To identify key molecular differences beyond histology.

Main Methods:

• Comparative analysis of histology and immunohistochemistry.
• Transcriptomic profiling of CAs and HMGA2-canalicular-like PAs.
• Gene Ontology and hallmark pathway enrichment analysis.

Main Results:

• CAs and HMGA2-canalicular-like PAs showed similar histology and immunostaining.
• Significant differences observed in tumor site and transcriptomic profiles.
• CA exhibited SOX2 overexpression and enriched Hedgehog/IL2/STAT5 signaling pathways.
• CAs showed enrichment in muscle-related biological processes.

Conclusions:

• Despite similar morphology, CAs and HMGA2-canalicular-like PAs are distinct entities.
• SOX2 overexpression and muscle-related pathways characterize CA oncogenesis.
• Transcriptomic differences provide insights into salivary gland tumor development.