Comprehensive characterization of RAS mutations in colon and rectal cancers in old and young patients

Nat Commun. 2019 Aug 19;10(1):3722. doi: 10.1038/s41467-019-11530-0.

Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is increasingly appreciated as a heterogeneous disease, with factors such as microsatellite instability (MSI), cancer subsite within the colon versus rectum, and age of diagnosis associated with specific disease course and therapeutic response. Activating oncogenic mutations in KRAS and NRAS are common in CRC, driving tumor progression and influencing efficacy of both cytotoxic and targeted therapies. The RAS mutational spectrum differs substantially between tumors arising from distinct tissues. Structure-function analysis of relatively common somatic RAS mutations in G12, Q61, and other codons is characterized by differing potency and modes of action. Here we show the mutational profile of KRAS, NRAS, and the less common HRAS in 13,336 CRC tumors, comparing the frequency of specific mutations based on age of diagnosis, MSI status, and colon versus rectum subsite. We identify mutation hotspots, and unexpected differences in mutation spectrum, based on these clinical parameters.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Colonic Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Female
  • GTP Phosphohydrolases / genetics*
  • Genetic Variation / genetics*
  • Genome, Human / genetics
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Membrane Proteins / genetics*
  • Microsatellite Instability
  • Middle Aged
  • Mutation / genetics
  • Mutation Rate
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras) / genetics*
  • Rectal Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Structure-Activity Relationship

Substances

  • KRAS protein, human
  • Membrane Proteins
  • GTP Phosphohydrolases
  • NRAS protein, human
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras)