Whole-exome sequencing of alpha-fetoprotein producing gastric carcinoma reveals genomic profile and therapeutic targets

Nat Commun. 2021 Jun 24;12(1):3946. doi: 10.1038/s41467-021-24170-0.

Abstract

Alpha-fetoprotein producing gastric carcinoma (AFPGC) is a rare and aggressive subtype of gastric cancer. However, little is known about the genomic features of this disease. We perform whole-exome sequencing analysis of AFPGC, and identify 34 significantly mutated genes. Somatic copy number alterations analysis reveals several significant focal amplifications (e.g. 19q12, 17q12) and focal deletions (e.g. 1p36.11, 9p21.3), and some of these negatively affect the patient prognosis. Comparative analyses reveal that AFPGC has distinct genomic features from gastric cancer of The Cancer Genome Atlas as well as four molecular subtypes. Several frequently altered genes with potential as therapeutic targets are identified in AFPGC. Further analysis reveals that AFPGC with amplification of CCNE1 at 19q12 and/or ERBB2 at 17q12 show poorer survival and more aggressive. Subsequently, based on our established patient-derived xenograft models for AFPGC, translational research is performed and the therapeutic value of targeting CCNE1 and ERBB2 is validated. In this work, we provide an understanding of genomic characteristics of AFPGC and propose a platform to explore and validate the genome-guided personalized treatment for this disease.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Animals
  • Cyclin E / genetics
  • Exome Sequencing
  • Female
  • Gene Dosage
  • Humans
  • Imidazoles / pharmacology
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Middle Aged
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy / methods
  • Mutation*
  • Oncogene Proteins / genetics
  • Prognosis
  • Pyrimidines / pharmacology
  • Receptor, ErbB-2 / genetics
  • Stomach Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Stomach Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Stomach Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Stomach Neoplasms / mortality*
  • Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
  • alpha-Fetoproteins / metabolism*

Substances

  • AFP protein, human
  • CCNE1 protein, human
  • Cyclin E
  • Imidazoles
  • Oncogene Proteins
  • Pyrimidines
  • alpha-Fetoproteins
  • AZD5438
  • ERBB2 protein, human
  • Receptor, ErbB-2