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TRPS1 and GATA3 expression in BRG1/SMARCA4-deficient malignant neoplasms
Jing Han1, Yang Ding2, Qiong Gan1
1Department of Anatomical Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
Human Pathology
|July 3, 2026
Summary
BRG1-deficient breast carcinomas are rare, high-grade tumors. Co-expression of TRPS1 and GATA3 is specific for breast origin, aiding in classifying BRG1-deficient neoplasms.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pathology
- Molecular Diagnostics
Background:
- SMARCA4/BRG1-deficient malignant neoplasms are rare, high-grade tumors found in various sites.
- Breast-origin cases of these tumors are underexplored, necessitating further investigation.
- Accurate classification is crucial for effective treatment, especially in metastatic or poorly differentiated cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the pathological features of BRG1-deficient breast carcinoma.
- To assess the diagnostic utility of TRPS1 and GATA3 immunohistochemical staining.
- To distinguish BRG1-deficient breast carcinomas from those of other primary sites.
Main Methods:
- Detected BRG1 expression in 408 breast carcinomas via tissue microarrays.
- Searched institutional databases for BRG1-deficient malignant neoplasms (breast and non-breast origins).
- Analyzed pathological features and assessed TRPS1/GATA3 immunohistochemical staining in identified cases.
Main Results:
- BRG1 loss was found in only 1 of 408 breast carcinomas.
- BRG1-deficient breast carcinomas exhibited high-grade, primitive morphology.
- Co-expression of TRPS1 and GATA3 was observed in all 5 breast cases, but not in thoracic, gastrointestinal, or gynecologic BRG1-deficient tumors.
Conclusions:
- BRG1 loss is a rare event in breast carcinoma.
- TRPS1 and GATA3 co-expression is highly specific for identifying BRG1-deficient breast neoplasms.
- Combined immunohistochemical markers aid in accurate tumor classification.
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