MET Gene High Copy Number (Amplification/Polysomy) Identified in Melanoma for Potential Targeted Therapy

Author(s):  
Nisha S Ramani ◽  
Ajaykumar C Morani ◽  
Shengle Zhang

Abstract Objectives Aberrant expression of the mesenchymal epithelial transition factor (MET) gene has been observed in several malignancies, and drugs targeting the MET gene have been implicated in clinical trials with promising results. Hence, MET is a potentially targetable oncogenic driver. We explored the frequency of MET gene high copy number in melanomas and carcinomas. Methods The study group included 135 patients. Tissue microarrays were constructed with 19 melanomas and 116 carcinomas diagnosed from 2010 to 2012. We screened MET gene copy number by fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis using probes for MET gene and CEP7 as control. Results We found MET gene amplification in 2 (11%) of 19 melanoma cases, whereas 5 (26%) of 19 melanoma cases showed polysomy. For carcinomas, there was no MET gene amplification identified. However, 8 (7%) of 116 cases showed polysomy. Conclusions In our study, MET gene amplification was identified in 11% of melanomas and is relatively concordant with few reported studies. However, about 26% of the additional melanoma cases showed MET gene polysomy, which has not been reported as per our knowledge. If these results are validated with further orthogonal studies, more of the melanoma cases could potentially benefit from targeted therapy with MET tyrosine kinase inhibitors.

1984 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 16-20 ◽  
Author(s):  
M D Carman ◽  
J H Schornagel ◽  
R S Rivest ◽  
S Srimatkandada ◽  
C S Portlock ◽  
...  

A patient is described with acute myelocytic leukemia refractory to conventional therapy, who also became highly resistant to methotrexate (MTX) after repeated courses of this drug. Leukemia cells from this patient were found to contain an elevated level of dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) activity, with no change in the affinity of the enzyme for MTX. A sensitive "dot blot" assay revealed a fourfold increase in the gene copy number of DHFR. Southern blot analysis with a human DHFR cDNA probe confirmed this increase in the gene copy number, and demonstrated a similar restriction pattern with Eco R1, Hind III, and Pst 1 as seen with a highly amplified human leukemia cell line, K562. Additional DHFR fragments were detected, not seen in the K562 blot, suggesting the presence of pseudogenes, or a result of gene rearrangements occurring as part of the amplification process. Resistance to MTX in this patient was therefore ascribed to gene amplification and overproduction of DHFR.


2019 ◽  
Vol 116 (8) ◽  
pp. 3161-3170 ◽  
Author(s):  
QiXing Chen ◽  
Yang Yang ◽  
JinChao Hou ◽  
Qiang Shu ◽  
YiXuan Yin ◽  
...  

Sepsis claims an estimated 30 million episodes and 6 million deaths per year, and treatment options are rather limited. Human neutrophil peptides 1–3 (HNP1–3) are the most abundant neutrophil granule proteins but their neutrophil content varies because of unusually extensive gene copy number polymorphism. A genetic association study found that increased copy number of the HNP-encoding gene DEFA1/DEFA3 is a risk factor for organ dysfunction during sepsis development. However, direct experimental evidence demonstrating that these risk alleles are pathogenic for sepsis is lacking because the genes are present only in some primates and humans. Here, we generate DEFA1/DEFA3 transgenic mice with neutrophil-specific expression of the peptides. We show that mice with high copy number of DEFA1/DEFA3 genes have more severe sepsis-related vital organ damage and mortality than mice with low copy number of DEFA1/DEFA3 or wild-type mice, resulting from more severe endothelial barrier dysfunction and endothelial cell pyroptosis after sepsis challenge. Mechanistically, HNP-1 induces endothelial cell pyroptosis via P2X7 receptor-mediating canonical caspase-1 activation in a NLRP3 inflammasome-dependent manner. Based on these findings, we engineered a monoclonal antibody against HNP-1 to block the interaction with P2X7 and found that the blocking antibody protected mice carrying high copy number of DEFA1/DEFA3 from lethal sepsis. We thus demonstrate that DEFA1/DEFA3 copy number variation strongly modulates sepsis development in vivo and explore a paradigm for the precision treatment of sepsis tailored by individual genetic information.


2006 ◽  
Vol 24 (18_suppl) ◽  
pp. 7171-7171
Author(s):  
L. E. Morrison ◽  
S. S. Jewell ◽  
K. K. Jacobson ◽  
K. Kaiser ◽  
M. Gale ◽  
...  

7171 Background: EGFR, the presumed target of gefitinib and erlotinib, has been studied (expression, gene copy number, & mutations) for predicting response to these tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI), in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). ’High polysomy’ and ’amplification’ of the EGFR gene, as defined by Cappuzzo et al. JNCI 97:643, using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), showed significant association with objective response (Resp) and survival. We also measured EGFR and chromosome 7 (C7) copy numbers by FISH in 81 gefitinib-treated NSCLC patients (12 Resp). Using Cappuzzo’s FISH± parameter alone we saw similar trends but no statistical significance in the 81 patient group. Therefore we sought to optimize FISH parameters for these patients. Methods: FISH was performed (paraffin sections) using a 2-color probe set (Vysis LSI EGFR/CEP 7), median 80 cells per specimen. >50 parameters were derived from the data (e.g. mean EGFR/cell, C7/cell etc) and compared, using different threshold values, to Resp and survival. Results: The best single parameter associated with survival was the average C7/cell. Applying upper and lower thresholds of 3.6 and 2.0 C7/cell to delineate moderate from extreme ratios yielded median survival of 177 and 465 d, respectively (Kaplan-Meier, p < .002). A single threshold of 3.6, separating low from high, yielded survival of 201 and 522 d, respectively (p < .01). For these thresholds C7/cell was not associated with Resp, however, thresholds could be found for which both survival and Resp were significant. The best single parameter associated with Resp was average EGFR/cell. Of the 70 patients with EGFR/cell≤6.0, 63 (90%) did not respond while 5 of 11 patients (45%) with EGFR/cell >6.0 responded (p < .01). No EGFR/cell threshold could be found for which both survival and Resp were significant. Many 2-parameter combinations provided significant associations with both survival and Resp. Conclusions: Several FISH-derived parameters were significantly associated with either survival or Resp to gefitinib and a subset were associated with both. These parameters must be tested on independent data sets to determine their value in directing TKI therapy. [Table: see text]


2007 ◽  
Vol 25 (18_suppl) ◽  
pp. 6023-6023
Author(s):  
P. Weinberger ◽  
A. Psyrri ◽  
P. Kountourakis ◽  
T. Rampias ◽  
C. Sasaki ◽  
...  

6023 Background: EGFR overexpression correlates with recurrence and with treatment resistance in HNSCC. The mechanisms of EGFR protein overexpression are poorly understood. Nonetheless, previous investigators have not demonstrated a correlation between EGFR gene copy number and protein content, using conventional immunohistochemistry (IHC). The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship of EGFR gene copy number and protein expression utilizing fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and AQUA, a novel, immunohistochemical method of automated quantitative in situ proteomic analysis which permits subcellular localization. Methods: A tissue microarray composed of 137 HNSCC treated with (chemo)radiation was constructed and analyzed for EGFR copy number by FISH (Vysis/Abbot) and EGFR protein expression (DAKO antibody) using AQUA analysis of EGFR staining scored on a scale of 0–255 and by conventional IHC. Agreement was assessed using kappa. Results: Sixteen (15%) of one-hundred six tumors with FISH results demonstrated EGFR high polysomy and/or gene amplification (FISH+). AQUA demonstrated a range of 3.6–102.2; protein levels assessed by AQUA in the FISH amplified cases were significantly higher (p =0.008) than in the FISH non- amplified ones. Using the EGFR 75th percentile as a cut-off, AQUA and FISH showed significant agreement (percentage of overall agreement 82%, kappa=0.458, p=0.003). To the contrary there was no concordance between FISH and conventional IHC results in this series. Conclusions: The discrepancy between EGFR gene amplification rate and protein expression by IHC reported previously may be due to the limitations and nonquantitative nature of conventional IHC. EGFR protein content correlates with gene copy number if protein content is quantitated and automatically analyzed, as with AQUA. No significant financial relationships to disclose.


2007 ◽  
Vol 25 (18_suppl) ◽  
pp. 6063-6063
Author(s):  
M. Varella-Garcia ◽  
K. Acheson ◽  
G. B. Marshall ◽  
R. M. McCormack ◽  
A. Ryan ◽  
...  

6063 Background: EGFR gene copy number has previously been reported to predict for improved overall survival in NSCLC patients treated with gefitinib (IRESSA) or erlotinib compared with placebo [JCO 2006;24:5034–42 & N Engl J Med 2005;353:133–44]. The utility of EGFR gene copy number as a predictive biomarker in other tumour types such as squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) is currently under clinical investigation. The present study examined a panel of 20 SCCHN cell lines to identify potential biomarkers predicting in vitro sensitivity to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Methods: A panel of 20 SCCHN cell lines was screened for sensitivity to gefitinib, vandetanib or erlotinib using a viable cell number endpoint, with G150 values determined for each cell line (inhibitor concentration required to give 50% growth inhibition). Cell lines were blinded and assessed for EGFR, HER2 and HER3 protein expression by ELISA, mutation status by dye-terminator sequencing, and gene copy number by fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH). Results: A broad range in sensitivity was observed for all compounds across the panel of 20 SCCHN cell lines (G150 ranging from 0.001uM to =10uM). 12 cell lines were positive for EGFR genomic gain. Sensitivity (GI50 <1uM) to all EGFR TKIs was seen in 11 lines and resistance (GI50 >8uM) in 5 lines. Of the sensitive cell lines, 9 were positive for EGFR genomic gain compared with only 1 of the resistant lines. Furthermore, EGFR protein expression also had a direct association with EGFR TKI sensitivity. In contrast, only 4 cell lines were positive for HER2 or HER3 genomic gain and there was no correlation with sensitivity. The most sensitive cell line was positive for EGFR genomic gain and was the only line to have an EGFR TK mutation (S768I in exon 20). Conclusions: EGFR gene copy number and protein expression appeared to have predictive value in identifying SCCHN cell lines sensitive to EGFR TKIs. No significant financial relationships to disclose.


2013 ◽  
Vol 31 (35) ◽  
pp. 4445-4452 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlos Gomez-Martin ◽  
Jose Carlos Plaza ◽  
Roberto Pazo-Cid ◽  
Antonieta Salud ◽  
Francesc Pons ◽  
...  

Purpose Previous studies have highlighted the importance of an appropriate human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) evaluation for the proper identification of patients eligible for treatment with anti-HER2 targeted therapies. Today, the relationship remains unclear between the level of HER2 amplification and the outcome of HER2-positive gastric cancer treated with first-line chemotherapy with trastuzumab. The aim of this study was to determine whether the level of HER2 gene amplification determined by the HER2/CEP17 ratio and HER2 gene copy number could significantly predict some benefit in overall survival and response to therapy in advanced gastric cancer treated with trastuzumab-based chemotherapy. Patients and Methods Ninety patients with metastatic gastric cancer treated with first-line trastuzumab-based chemotherapy were studied. The optimal cutoff values for HER2/CEP17 ratio and HER2 gene copy number (GCN) for discriminating positive results in terms of response and prolonged survival were determined using receiver operating characteristic curves analyses. Results In this study, a median HER2/CEP17 ratio of 6.11 (95% CI, 2.27 to 21.90) and a median HER2 gene copy number of 11.90 (95% CI, 3.30 to 43.80) were found. A mean HER2/CEP17 ratio of 4.7 was identified as the optimal cutoff value discriminating sensitive and refractory patients (P = .005). Similarly, the optimal cutoff for predicting survival longer than 12 months was 4.45 (P = .005), and for survival longer than 16 months was 5.15 (P = .004). For HER2 GCN, the optimal cutoff values were 9.4, 10.0, and 9.5, respectively (P = .02). Conclusion The level of HER2 gene amplification significantly predicts sensitivity to therapy and overall survival in advanced gastric cancer treated with trastuzumab-based chemotherapy.


1984 ◽  
Vol 4 (6) ◽  
pp. 1050-1056
Author(s):  
T D Tlsty ◽  
P C Brown ◽  
R T Schimke

Pretreatment of 3T6 murine cells with the carcinogen UV radiation or N-acetoxy-N-acetylaminofluorene increased the number of methotrexate-resistant colonies. This carcinogen-induced enhancement was seen only at low toxicities. The enhancement was transient and was observed at its maximum when cells were subjected to methotrexate selection 12 to 24 h after treatment. The addition of a tumor-promoting agent, 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate, during or after carcinogen treatment further enhanced this effect. A large proportion of the resistant colonies had an increase in the dihydrofolate reductase gene copy number and the relative proportions of colonies with amplified genes were similar, regardless of whether selected cells were untreated, treated with carcinogen, or treated with carcinogen plus promoter. We discuss some of the variables which both enhance the generation and improve the detection of methotrexate-resistant colonies, as well as certain implications of our results for the generation and mechanism of gene amplification.


2007 ◽  
Vol 25 (18_suppl) ◽  
pp. 4110-4110
Author(s):  
G. A. Milano ◽  
M. C. Etienne-Grimaldi ◽  
M. Francoual ◽  
D. Benchimol ◽  
M. Chazal ◽  
...  

4110 Background: Colorectal tumors express EGFR and are responsive to anti-EGFR therapies. However, there is no tumoral predictive factor for anti-EGFR therapy in colorectal cancer and EGFR gene copy number is currently a good candidate. The aim of this study was to examine relationships between EGFR germinal polymorphisms, EGFR gene copy number and EGFR expression. Methods: Eighty primary colorectal tumors were analyzed along with 39 normal mucosas. Tumor staging was : 4 stage 0, 13 stage I, 22 stage II, 23 stage III and 18 stage IV. EGFR -216G>T and -191C>A genotypes were analyzed by PCR-RFLP, CA-repeats polymorphism in intron 1 by fluorescent genotyping and gene copy number was measured by PCR amplification. EGFR expression was quantified with the reference Scatchard binding assay giving high- and low-affinity sites along with Kd values (Francoual M et al. Ann Oncol 17, 2006). Results: The number of CA- repeats varied from 14 to 21. Considered genotypes were superimposable between tumoral and normal tissues. A linkage disequilibrium was noted between -216G>T and -191C>A genotypes (p = 0.011). CA-repeats polymorphism and -216G>T genotype were not independent (p = 0.002). No relationship was observed between any of the analyzed EGFR genotypes and EGFR expression. EGFR expression was not related to gene amplification. EGFR gene amplification in tumor and normal tissue varied over a 4.7- and 2.9-fold range, respectively, and were not correlated. The mean value of the tumor/normal mucosa amplification ratio was 1.16 (range 0.55–2.68) and 14% of patients exhibited lower amplification in the tumor relative to the normal mucosa (ratio < 0.75). The mean ratio of high-affinity sites between tumor and normal mucosa was 1.20 (range 0.03–13.33). Conclusions: In colorectal tumors, neither EGFR gene amplification nor EGFR germinal gene polymorphisms influenced EGFR expression quantified with a specific ligand-binding assay. No significant financial relationships to disclose.


2012 ◽  
Vol 30 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. 7061-7061
Author(s):  
Luca Toschi ◽  
Giovanna Finocchiaro ◽  
Teresa T. Nguyen ◽  
Margaret Skokan ◽  
Laura Giordano ◽  
...  

7061 Background: SOX2 is a member of the SRY-related HMG-box family of transcription factors and has been shown to be frequently amplified and overexpressed in squamous cell lung cancer, with conflicting results regarding its prognostic relevance. Similarly, FGFR1, a transmembrane tyrosine kinase receptor belonging to the fibroblast growth factor receptor family, has been recently reported to be amplified in squamous cell lung carcinomas, suggesting a potential role for FGFR1 as a therapeutic target in NSCLC. Aim of the present study is to evaluate SOX2 and FGFR1 gene copy number in surgically resected NSCLCs, to investigate their prognostic relevance and their association with clinico-pathological characteristics. Methods: SOX2 and FGFR1 gene copy number was assessed by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) in tissue microarray cores from 447 surgically resected NSCLCs. Each patient was given a score ranging from 1 to 6 according to increasing mean copy number per cell of each gene, with 6 indicating true gene amplification. Results: SOX2 and FGFR1 FISH was successfully performed in 445 patients (pts), which were grouped as + (score 5-6) and - (score 1-4). Using this scoring system 105 (23.6%) pts tested SOX2+, while 74 (16.6%) pts resulted FGFR1+. True gene amplification for SOX2 and FGFR1 was observed in 19 (4.3%) and 37 (8.3%) cases, respectively. SOX2+ and FGFR1+ status was significantly associated with squamous histology (p<.001). Additionally, SOX2+ pts had a significantly higher chance of being former/current smokers, male and FGFR1+. FGFR1 gene status had no prognostic impact in the whole population and in the squamous cell carcinoma subgroup. Conversely, SOX2+ pts had significantly longer overall survival compared with SOX2- pts (HR 0.68, p=.020). When restricting survival analysis to squamous cell histology, stage I-II SOX2+ pts had a significant survival advantage compared with SOX2- group (HR 0.38, p=.006), while no difference was observed in stage III-IV pts. Conclusions: Increased SOX2 and FGFR1 gene copy number is a common event in lung cancer pts with squamous cell histology. SOX2 gene gain is a favorable prognostic factor in surgically resected pts, particularly in early stage squamous cell cancers.


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