Mutation and genomic amplification of the PIK3CA proto-oncogene in pituitary adenomas

Braz J Med Biol Res. 2012 Sep;45(9):851-5. doi: 10.1590/s0100-879x2012007500115. Epub 2012 Jul 12.

Abstract

The tumorigenesis of pituitary adenomas is poorly understood. Mutations of the PIK3CA proto-oncogene, which encodes the p110-α catalytic subunit of PI3K, have been reported in various types of human cancers regarding the role of the gene in cell proliferation and survival through activation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Only one Chinese study described somatic mutations and amplification of the PIK3CA gene in a large series of pituitary adenomas. The aim of the present study was to determine genetic alterations of PIK3CA in a second series that consisted of 33 pituitary adenomas of different subtypes diagnosed by immunohistochemistry: 6 adrenocorticotropic hormone-secreting microadenomas, 5 growth hormone-secreting macroadenomas, 7 prolactin-secreting macroadenomas, and 15 nonfunctioning macroadenomas. Direct sequencing of exons 9 and 20 assessed by qPCR was employed to investigate the presence of mutations and genomic amplification defined as a copy number ≥4. Previously identified PIK3CA mutations (exon 20) were detected in four cases (12.1%). Interestingly, the Chinese study reported mutations only in invasive tumors, while we found a PIK3CA mutation in one noninvasive corticotroph microadenoma. PIK3CA amplification was observed in 21.2% (7/33) of the cases. This study demonstrates the presence of somatic mutations and amplifications of the PIK3CA gene in a second series of pituitary adenomas, corroborating the previously described involvement of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in the tumorigenic process of this gland.

MeSH terms

  • Adenoma / genetics*
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Class I Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases
  • Female
  • Gene Amplification / genetics*
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mutation / genetics*
  • Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases / genetics*
  • Pituitary Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Proto-Oncogene Mas
  • Signal Transduction
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • MAS1 protein, human
  • Proto-Oncogene Mas
  • Class I Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases
  • PIK3CA protein, human