A novel SMARCA2-CREM fusion expending the molecular spectrum of salivary gland hyalinazing clear cell carcinoma beyond the FET genes

Genes Chromosomes Cancer. 2023 Apr;62(4):231-236. doi: 10.1002/gcc.23114. Epub 2022 Dec 25.

Abstract

Hyalinizing clear cell carcinoma (HCCC) is a rare salivary gland carcinoma with a generally indolent behavior, characterized by recurrent chromosomal translocation involving EWSR1 (22q12.2) leading to two fusion genes EWSR1::ATF1 or EWSR1::CREM. We report one case of HCCC with a novel SMARCA2::CREM fusion, identified by targeted RNA next generation sequencing by LD-RT-PCR, which has until now never been described in salivary glands. The exon 4 of SMARCA2 is fused to exon 5 of CREM. This fusion has been described previously in only one tumor, a central nervous system tumor (intracranial mesenchymal tumor) but not in other FET::CREB fused tumors. This fusion was confirmed by CREM break-apart FISH and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The tumor cells showed retained expression of INI1, SMARCA2, and SMARCA4 by immunohistochemistry. We compare its clinical, histopathological, immunophenotypic, genetic features with those previously described in HCCC, FET::CREB fusion-positive. Our results added data suggesting that different histomolecular tumor subtypes seem to be included within the terminology "HCCC, FET::CREB fusion-positive," and that further series of cases are needed to better characterize them.

Keywords: CREM; SMARCA2; hyalinizing clear cell carcinoma; salivary gland tumor.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Carcinoma* / genetics
  • Cyclic AMP Response Element Modulator / genetics
  • Cyclic AMP Response Element Modulator / metabolism
  • DNA Helicases / genetics
  • Exons
  • Humans
  • Nuclear Proteins / genetics
  • Nuclear Proteins / metabolism
  • Oncogene Proteins, Fusion / genetics
  • Oncogene Proteins, Fusion / metabolism
  • RNA-Binding Protein EWS / genetics
  • Salivary Gland Neoplasms* / genetics
  • Salivary Gland Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Salivary Glands / metabolism
  • Transcription Factors / genetics
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism
  • Translocation, Genetic

Substances

  • RNA-Binding Protein EWS
  • Oncogene Proteins, Fusion
  • SMARCA2 protein, human
  • Transcription Factors
  • SMARCA4 protein, human
  • DNA Helicases
  • Nuclear Proteins
  • CREM protein, human
  • Cyclic AMP Response Element Modulator