FGFR2

Gene Summary

Gene:FGFR2; fibroblast growth factor receptor 2
Aliases: BEK, JWS, BBDS, CEK3, CFD1, ECT1, KGFR, TK14, TK25, BFR-1, CD332, K-SAM
Location:10q26.13
Summary:The protein encoded by this gene is a member of the fibroblast growth factor receptor family, where amino acid sequence is highly conserved between members and throughout evolution. FGFR family members differ from one another in their ligand affinities and tissue distribution. A full-length representative protein consists of an extracellular region, composed of three immunoglobulin-like domains, a single hydrophobic membrane-spanning segment and a cytoplasmic tyrosine kinase domain. The extracellular portion of the protein interacts with fibroblast growth factors, setting in motion a cascade of downstream signals, ultimately influencing mitogenesis and differentiation. This particular family member is a high-affinity receptor for acidic, basic and/or keratinocyte growth factor, depending on the isoform. Mutations in this gene are associated with Crouzon syndrome, Pfeiffer syndrome, Craniosynostosis, Apert syndrome, Jackson-Weiss syndrome, Beare-Stevenson cutis gyrata syndrome, Saethre-Chotzen syndrome, and syndromic craniosynostosis. Multiple alternatively spliced transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been noted for this gene. [provided by RefSeq, Jan 2009]
Databases:OMIM, HGNC, Ensembl, GeneCard, Gene
Protein:fibroblast growth factor receptor 2
Source:NCBIAccessed: 31 August, 2019

Ontology:

What does this gene/protein do?
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Pathways:What pathways are this gene/protein implicaed in?
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Cancer Overview

Research Indicators

Publications Per Year (1994-2019)
Graph generated 31 August 2019 using data from PubMed using criteria.

Literature Analysis

Mouse over the terms for more detail; many indicate links which you can click for dedicated pages about the topic.

  • Breast Cancer
  • FGFR2
  • Receptors, Fibroblast Growth Factor
  • DNA Mutational Analysis
  • Lung Cancer
  • Adenocarcinoma
  • Alleles
  • Bladder Cancer
  • Risk Factors
  • Single Nucleotide Polymorphism
  • Staging
  • Xanthomatosis
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-3
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2
  • Sulfones
  • Chromosome 10
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Gene Amplification
  • FISH
  • Synovial Sarcoma
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Estrogen Receptors
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors
  • ErbB Receptors
  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • Genetic Association Studies
  • Stem Cells
  • Stomach Cancer
  • High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing
  • Receptor, Fibroblast Growth Factor, Type 3
  • Gene Expression Profiling
  • Genome-Wide Association Study
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Drug Resistance
  • TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases
  • Receptor, erbB-2
  • Genetic Predisposition
  • Wnt Signaling Pathway
  • Genotype
  • Mutation
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy
  • Cancer Gene Expression Regulation
  • Immunohistochemistry
Tag cloud generated 31 August, 2019 using data from PubMed, MeSH and CancerIndex

Specific Cancers (5)

Data table showing topics related to specific cancers and associated disorders. Scope includes mutations and abnormal protein expression.

Note: list is not exhaustive. Number of papers are based on searches of PubMed (click on topic title for arbitrary criteria used).

Latest Publications: FGFR2 (cancer-related)

Liu Y, Qian J, Sun Z, et al.
Cervical Cancer Correlates with the Differential Expression of Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors and Reveals Therapeutic Targets.
Mar Drugs. 2019; 17(5) [PubMed] Free Access to Full Article Related Publications
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are associated with various cancers, but the relation between nAChRs and cervical cancer remains unclear. Therefore, this study investigated the differential expression of nAChR subunits in human cervical cancer cell lines (SiHa, HeLa, and CaSki) and in normal ectocervical cell lines (Ect1/E6E7) at mRNA and protein levels. Two specific nAChR subtype blockers, αO-conotoxin GeXIVA and α-conotoxin TxID, were then selected to treat different human cervical cancer cell lines with specific nAChR subtype overexpression. The results showed that α3, α9, α10, and β4 nAChR subunits were overexpressed in SiHa cells compared with that in normal cells. α9 and α10 nAChR subunits were overexpressed in CaSki cells. α*-conotoxins that targeted either α9α10 or α3β4 nAChR were able to significantly inhibit cervical cancer cell proliferation. These findings may provide a basis for new targets for cervical cancer targeted therapy.

Moncho-Amor V, Pintado-Berninches L, Ibañez de Cáceres I, et al.
Role of Dusp6 Phosphatase as a Tumor Suppressor in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.
Int J Mol Sci. 2019; 20(8) [PubMed] Free Access to Full Article Related Publications
DUSP6/MKP3 is a dual-specific phosphatase that regulates extracellular regulated kinase ERK1/2 and ERK5 activity, with an increasingly recognized role as tumor suppressor. In silico studies from Gene expression Omnibus (GEO) and Cancer Genome atlas (TCGA) databases reveal poor prognosis in those Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with low expression levels of

Kim SS, Eun JW, Cho HJ, et al.
Effect of Fibroblast Growth Factor-2 and its Receptor Gene Polymorphisms on the Survival of Patients With Hepatitis B Virus-associated Hepatocellular Carcinoma.
Anticancer Res. 2019; 39(4):2217-2226 [PubMed] Related Publications
BACKGROUND/AIM: Fibroblast growth factor (FGF), vascular endothelial growth factor, and hepatocyte growth factor play a critical role in the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
MATERIALS AND METHODS: We assessed nine single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the FGF1, FGF2, FGF receptor (FGFR)-2, Flt-1, and c-MET genes in 245 HCC patients and 483 chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) carriers without HCC.
RESULTS: Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that patients with the FGF2 rs308447 TT genotype had shorter overall survival than patients with the CC or CT genotype (p=0.016) and that FGF2 rs308379 A allele carriers had shorter overall survival than patients with the TT genotype (p=0.020).
CONCLUSION: Multivariate Cox proportional analysis revealed that the FGF2 rs308379 A allele (hazard ratio(HR)=1.663, p=0.004) and advanced tumor stage (HR=3.430, p<0.001) were independent prognostic factors for overall survival in patients with HCC.

Quaas A, Heydt C, Waldschmidt D, et al.
Alterations in ERBB2 and BRCA and microsatellite instability as new personalized treatment options in small bowel carcinoma.
BMC Gastroenterol. 2019; 19(1):21 [PubMed] Free Access to Full Article Related Publications
BACKGROUND: Carcinomas of the small bowel are rare tumors usually with dismal prognosis. Most recently, some potentially treatable molecular alterations were described. We emphasize the growing evidence of individualized treatment options in small bowel carcinoma.
METHODS: We performed a DNA- based multi-gene panel using ultra-deep sequencing analysis (including 14 genes with up to 452 amplicons in total; KRAS, NRAS, HRAS, BRAF, DDR2, ERBB2, KEAP1, NFE2L2, PIK3CA, PTEN, RHOA, BRCA1, BRCA2 and TP53) as well as an RNA-based gene fusion panel including ALK, BRAF, FGFR1, FGFR2, FGFR3, MET, NRG1, NTRK1, NTRK2, NTRK3, RET and ROS1 on eleven formalin fixed and paraffin embedded small bowel carcinomas. Additionally, mismatch-repair-deficiency was analyzed by checking the microsatellite status using the five different mononucleotide markers BAT25, BAT26, NR-21, NR-22 and NR-27 and loss of mismatch repair proteins using four different markers (MLH1, MSH6, MSH2, PMS2).
RESULTS: In five out of eleven small bowel carcinomas we found potentially treatable genetic alterations. Three patients demonstrated pathogenic (class 5) BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations - one germline-related in a mixed neuroendocrine-non neuroendocrine neoplasm (MiNEN). Two additional patients revealed an activating ERBB2 mutation or PIK3CA mutation. Furthermore two tumors were highly microsatellite-instable (MSI-high), in one case associated to Lynch-syndrome. We did not find any gene fusions.
CONCLUSION: Our results underscore, in particular, the relevance of potentially treatable molecular alterations (like ERBB2, BRCA and MSI) in small bowel carcinomas. Further studies are needed to proof the efficacy of these targeted therapies in small bowel carcinomas.

Cuevas D, Valls J, Gatius S, et al.
Targeted sequencing with a customized panel to assess histological typing in endometrial carcinoma.
Virchows Arch. 2019; 474(5):585-598 [PubMed] Related Publications
The two most frequent types of endometrial cancer (EC) are endometrioid (EEC) and serous carcinomas (SC). Differential diagnosis between them is not always easy. A subset of endometrial cancers shows misleading microscopical features, which cause problems in differential diagnosis, and may be a good scenario for next-generation sequencing. Previous studies have assessed the usefulness of targeted sequencing with panels of generic cancer-associated genes in EC histological typing. Based on the analysis of TCGA (The Cancer Genome Atlas), EEC and SC have different mutational profiles. In this proof of principle study, we have performed targeted sequencing analysis with a customized panel, based on the TCGA mutational profile of EEC and SC, in a series of 24 tumors (16 EEC and 8 SC). Our panel comprised coding and non-coding sequences of the following genes: ABCC9, ARID1A, ARID5B, ATR, BCOR, CCND1, CDH19, CHD4, COL11A1, CSDE1, CSMD3, CTCF, CTNNB1, EP300, ERBB2, FBXW7, FGFR2, FOXA2, KLLN, KMT2B, KRAS, MAP3K4, MKI67, NRAS, PGAP3, PIK3CA, PIK3R1, PPP2R1A, PRPF18, PTEN, RPL22, SCARNA11, SIN3A, SMARCA4, SPOP, TAF1, TP53, TSPYL2, USP36, and WRAP53. Targeted sequencing validation by Sanger sequencing and immunohistochemistry was performed in a group of genes. POLE mutation status was assessed by Sanger sequencing. The most mutated genes were PTEN (93.7%), ARID1A (68.7%), PIK3CA (50%), and KMT2B (43.7%) for EEC, and TP53 (87.5%), PIK3CA (50%), and PPP2R1A (25%) for SC. Our panel allowed correct classification of all tumors in the two categories (EEC, SC). Coexistence of mutations in PTEN, ARID1A, and KMT2B was diagnostic of EEC. On the other hand, absence of PTEN, ARID1A, and KMT2B mutations in the presence of TP53 mutation was diagnostic of SC. This proof of concept study demonstrates the suitability of targeted sequencing with a customized endometrial cancer gene panel as an additional tool for confirming histological typing.

Okuno T, Yashiro M, Masuda G, et al.
Establishment of a New Scirrhous Gastric Cancer Cell Line with FGFR2 Overexpression, OCUM-14.
Ann Surg Oncol. 2019; 26(4):1093-1102 [PubMed] Related Publications
BACKGROUND: The prognosis of scirrhous gastric carcinoma (SGC), which is characterized by rapid infiltration and proliferation of cancer cells accompanied by extensive stromal fibrosis, is extremely poor. In this study, we report the establishment of a unique SGC cell line from a gastric cancer patient in whom an autopsy was performed.
METHODS: A new SGC cell line, OCUM-14, was established from malignant ascites of a male patient with SGC. A postmortem autopsy was performed on the patient. Characterization of OCUM-14 cells was analyzed by microscopic examination, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis, immunohistochemical examination, CCK-8 assay, and in vivo assay.
RESULTS: OCUM-14 cells grew singly or in clusters, and were floating and round-shaped. Most OCUM-14 cells had many microvilli on their surfaces. The doubling time was 43.1 h, and the subcutaneous inoculation of 1.0 × 10
CONCLUSION: A new gastric cancer cell line, OCUM-14, was established from SGC and showed FGFR2 overexpression. OCUM-14 might be useful for elucidating the characteristic mechanisms of SGC and clarifying the effect of FGFR2 inhibitors on SGC.

Gao XH, Yu GY, Hong YG, et al.
Clinical significance of multiple gene detection with a 22-gene panel in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded specimens of 207 colorectal cancer patients.
Int J Clin Oncol. 2019; 24(2):141-152 [PubMed] Related Publications
BACKGROUND: Simultaneous detection of multiple molecular biomarkers is helpful in the prediction of treatment response and prognosis for colorectal cancer (CRC) patients.
METHODS: A 22-gene panel consisting of 103 hotspot regions was utilized in the formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue samples of 207 CRC patients, using the next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based multiplex PCR technique. Those 22 genes included AKT1, ALK, BRAF, CTNNB1, DDR2, EGFR, ERBB2, ERBB4, FBXW7, FGFR1, FGFR2, FGFR3, KRAS, MAP2K1, MET, NOTCH1, NRAS, PIK3CA, PTEN, SMAD4, STK11, and TP53.
RESULTS: Of the 207 patients, 193 had one or more variants, with 170, 20, and 3 having one, two, and three mutated genes, respectively. Of the total 414 variants identified in this study, 384, 25, and 5 were single-nucleotide variants, deletion, and insertion. The top four frequently mutated genes were TP53, KRAS, PIK3CA, and FBXW7. There was high consistency between the results of NGS-PCR technique and routine ARMS-PCR in KRAS and BRAF mutation detection. Univariate and multivariate analyses demonstrated that advanced TNM stage, elevated serum CEA, total variants number ≥ 2, AKT1 and PTEN mutation were independent predictors of shorter DFS; poor differentiation, advanced TNM stage, total variants number ≥ 2, BRAF, CTNNB1 and NRAS mutation were independent predictors of shorter OS.
CONCLUSIONS: It is feasible to detect multiple gene mutations with a 22-gene panel in FFPE CRC specimens. TNM stage and total variants number ≥ 2 were independent predictors of DFS and OS. Detection of multiple gene mutations may provide additional prognostic information to TNM stage in CRC patients.

Wahiduzzaman M, Karnan S, Ota A, et al.
Establishment and characterization of CRISPR/Cas9-mediated NF2
Cancer Sci. 2019; 110(1):180-193 [PubMed] Free Access to Full Article Related Publications
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM), a highly refractory tumor, is currently incurable due to the lack of an early diagnosis method and medication, both of which are urgently needed to improve the survival and/or quality of life of patients. NF2 is a tumor suppressor gene and is frequently mutated in MPM. Using a CRISPR/Cas9 system, we generated an NF2-knockout human mesothelial cell line, MeT-5A (NF2-KO). In NF2-KO cell clones, cell growth, clonogenic activity, migration activity, and invasion activity significantly increased compared with those in NF2-WT cell clones. Complementary DNA microarray analysis clearly revealed the differences in global gene expression profile between NF2-WT and NF2-KO cell clones. Quantitative PCR analysis and western blot analysis showed that the upregulation of fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) was concomitant with the increases in phosphorylation levels of JNK, c-Jun, and retinoblastoma (Rb) in NF2-KO cell clones. These increases were all abrogated by the exogenous expression of NF2 in the NF2-KO clone. In addition, the disruption of FGFR2 in the NF2-KO cell clone suppressed cell proliferation as well as the phosphorylation levels of JNK, c-Jun, and Rb. Notably, FGFR2 was found to be highly expressed in NF2-negative human mesothelioma tissues (11/12 cases, 91.7%) but less expressed in NF2-positive tissues. Collectively, these findings suggest that NF2 deficiency might play a role in the tumorigenesis of human mesothelium through mediating FGFR2 expression; FGFR2 would be a candidate molecule to develop therapeutic and diagnostic strategies for targeting MPM with NF2 loss.

Liu S, Liu H, Dong Y, et al.
Gastric carcinoma with a gastrointestinal stromal tumor - A case report and literature review.
Med Sci (Paris). 2018; 34 Focus issue F1:15-19 [PubMed] Related Publications
Gastric carcinoma (GC) with gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is encountered very rarely in the clinic, and few cases have been reported in the literature. Here, we present a case involving a 72-year-old man who was diagnosed with gastric antrum adenocarcinoma accompanied by neuroendocrine differentiation and a GIST in the fundus, according to a preoperative examination and postoperative pathology. The patient then underwent a distal radical gastrectomy and GIST resection. After the operation, the patient was administered combined chemo-radiotherapy and subsequently underwent a 9-month follow-up examination. The gene mutations involved in this case were explored via high-throughput sequencing. The high-throughput gene mutation analysis indicated an exon5 mutation in the TP53 gene and copy number amplification of FGF19, CCND1, and FGFR2 in the gastric antrum adenocarcinoma. A gene sequencing analysis of the gastric fundus stromal tumor demonstrated an exon11 non-frame shift deletion mutation in the KIT gene. These findings suggested that this patient's cancer might be sensitive to AZD1775 (a TP53-targeted drug) or targeted drugs such as FGF19, CCND1 and FGFR2, and should be sensitive to imatinib.

Yang C, Wu S, Wu X, et al.
Silencing circular RNA UVRAG inhibits bladder cancer growth and metastasis by targeting the microRNA-223/fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 axis.
Cancer Sci. 2019; 110(1):99-106 [PubMed] Free Access to Full Article Related Publications
Circular RNA UVRAG (circUVRAG), a type of non-coding RNA, is derived and cyclized by part of the exon from the UVRAG gene. However, the role of circUVRAG in bladder cancer (BLCA) has not been reported. The purpose of the present study was therefore to characterize the role of circUVRAG in BLCA. Bioinformatics analysis showed interactive relationships among circUVRAG, microRNA-223 (miR-223), and fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2). Quantitative real-time PCR was used to detect the expression of circUVRAG in BLCA cell lines. UM-UC-3 cells were stably transfected with siRNA against circUVRAG, and cell proliferation and migration ability were tested using the CCK8 assay, clone formation, and Transwell assays in vitro. Tumor xenograft formation and metastasis were determined using nude mice. Fluorescence in situ hybridization was used to confirm the subcellular localization of circUVRAG, and the luciferase reporter assay was used to confirm the relationships among circUVRAG, miR-223, and FGFR2. Results showed that circUVRAG was upregulated in BLCA cell lines. Downregulation of circUVRAG expression suppressed proliferation and metastasis both in vitro and in vivo. Downregulation of circUVRAG suppressed FGFR2 expression by "sponging" miR-223, which was confirmed by rescue experiments and luciferase reporter assay. Overall, the results showed that downregulation of circUVRAG suppressed the aggressive biological phenotype of BLCA. Taken together, silencing circular RNA UVRAG inhibited bladder cancer growth and metastasis by targeting the miR-223/FGFR2 axis, which may provide a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for the management of BLCA.

Chen L, Qi H, Zhang L, et al.
Effects of FGFR gene polymorphisms on response and toxicity of cyclophosphamide-epirubicin-docetaxel-based chemotherapy in breast cancer patients.
BMC Cancer. 2018; 18(1):1038 [PubMed] Free Access to Full Article Related Publications
BACKGROUND: The chemotherapy resistance and toxicity of chemotherapy are major problems in breast cancer treatment. However, candidate biomarkers for predicting clinical outcomes and better prognosis remain lacking.
METHODS: In this study, we analyzed possible impact of 8 genetic variants of fibroblast growth factor receptor1-4 (FGFR1-4) on the treatment response and toxicities in 211 breast cancer patients. DNA was extracted from peripheral blood cells, and the genotypes were examined using the TaqMan Pre-Designed SNP Genotyping Assays.
RESULTS: The FGFR4 rs1966265 and FGFR2 rs2981578 contributed to clinical outcome of breast cancer treated with docetaxel-epirubicin-cyclophosphamide (CET)-based chemotherapy. For rs1966265, AA genotype had significant correlation with the clinical response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NCT) when compared with GG and AG/GG genotype (P = 0.019 and P = 0.004, respectively). Moreover, A allele of FGFR2 rs2981578 had significant rates of response (P = 0.025). In addition, rs2420946 CC genotype was associated with higher frequency of toxicities compared with TT and CT/TT genotypes (P = 0.038 and P = 0.019, respectively). Also, rs2981578 AG genotype showed higher frequency of toxicities compared with GG genotype (P < 0.0001).
CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest these polymorphisms, especially rs1966265 and rs2981578, might be candidate pharmacogenomics factors to the response and prognosis prediction for individualized CET-based chemotherapy in breast cancer patients.

Koh J, Nam SK, Roh H, et al.
Somatic mutational profiles of stage II and III gastric cancer according to tumor microenvironment immune type.
Genes Chromosomes Cancer. 2019; 58(1):12-22 [PubMed] Related Publications
We aimed to determine somatic mutational profiles of stage II/III gastric cancers (GCs) according to their tumor microenvironment immune types (TMITs), which classify cancer based on co-assessment of PD-L1 expression and CD8

Zhu B, Wang J, Qin L, et al.
Biosci Rep. 2018; 38(6) [PubMed] Free Access to Full Article Related Publications
The association of the fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 gene (

Liu Y, Weber Z, San Lucas FA, et al.
Assessing inter-component heterogeneity of biphasic uterine carcinosarcomas.
Gynecol Oncol. 2018; 151(2):243-249 [PubMed] Article available free on PMC after 01/11/2019 Related Publications
OBJECTIVE: Uterine carcinosarcoma (UCS) is a rare and aggressive form of uterine cancer. It is bi-phasic, exhibiting histological features of both malignant epithelial (carcinoma) and mesenchymal (sarcoma) elements, reflected in ambiguity in accepted treatment guidelines. We sought to study the genomic and transcriptomic profiles of these elements individually to gain further insights into the development of these tumors.
METHODS: We macro-dissected carcinomatous, sarcomatous, and normal tissues from formalin fixed paraffin embedded uterine samples of 10 UCS patients. Single nucleotide polymorphism microarrays, targeted DNA sequencing and whole-transcriptome RNA-sequencing were performed. Somatic chromosomal alterations (SCAs), point mutation and gene expression profiles were compared between carcinomatous and sarcomatous components.
RESULTS: In addition to TP53, other recurrently mutated genes harboring putative driver or loss-of-function mutations included PTEN, FBXW7, FGFR2, KRAS, PIK3CA and CTNNB1, genes known to be involved in UCS. Intra-patient somatic mutation and SCA profiles were highly similar between paired carcinoma and sarcoma samples. An epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) signature tended to differentiate components, with EMT-like status more common in advanced-stage patients exhibiting higher inter-component SCA heterogeneity.
CONCLUSIONS: From DNA analysis, our results indicate a monoclonal disease origin for this cohort. Yet expression-derived EMT statuses of the carcinomatous and sarcomatous components were often discrepant, and advanced cases displayed greater genomic heterogeneity. Therefore, separately-profiled components of UCS tumors may better inform disease progression or potential.

Zhang H, Ye Q, Du Z, et al.
MiR-148b-3p inhibits renal carcinoma cell growth and pro-angiogenic phenotype of endothelial cell potentially by modulating FGF2.
Biomed Pharmacother. 2018; 107:359-367 [PubMed] Related Publications
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been implicated in a large number of biological processes such as tumor angiogenesis. MiR-148b-3p has been identified as a tumor suppressor in multiple cancer types and the function of miR-148b-3p in renal carcinoma remains unidentified. In this study, we found that the expression of miR-148b-3p was decreased in renal carcinoma based on GEO analysis and the gain-of-function experiments revealed that miR-148b-3p promoted renal carcinoma cell apoptosis and suppressed cell proliferation, migration in vitro and tumor growth in vivo. Functionally, the tube formation, invasion and migration capabilities of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were suppressed by conditioned media derived from renal carcinoma 786-O cells that were transfected with miR-148b-3p mimics. Meanwhile, these conditioned media inhibited the proliferation and promoted apoptosis of HUVECs. The key angiogenesis inducer hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and the pro-angiogenic mediators were decreased in 786-O cells that were transfected with miR-148b-3p mimics. Mechanistically, miR-148b-3p could target fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF2) and further impaired the activation of fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2). Taken together, our findings demonstrate that miR-148b-3p attenuates renal carcinoma cell growth, the invasion and tube formation of endothelial cell potentially via regulating FGF2-FGFR2 signaling pathway.

Daniels B, Girosi F, Tervonen H, et al.
Adherence to prescribing restrictions for HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer in Australia: A national population-based observational study (2001-2016).
PLoS One. 2018; 13(7):e0198152 [PubMed] Article available free on PMC after 01/11/2019 Related Publications
BACKGROUND: Targeted cancer therapy is often complex, involving multiple agents and chemotherapeutic partners. In Australia, prescribing restrictions are put in place to reflect existing evidence of cost-effectiveness of these medicines. As therapeutic options continue to expand, these restrictions may not be perceived to align with best practice and it is not known if their use in the real-world clinic adheres to these restrictions. We examined the treatment of women receiving trastuzumab for HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer (HER2+MBC) to determine the extent to which treatment adhered to national prescribing restrictions.
PATIENTS AND METHODS: Our population-based, retrospective cohort study used dispensing records for every Australian woman initiating publicly-subsidised trastuzumab for HER2+MBC between 2001-2013, followed through 2016. We used group-based trajectory models (GBTMs) to cluster patients, first on their patterns of trastuzumab exposure, and then on their patterns of lapatinib and chemotherapy exposure. We described the characteristics of patients within each cluster, and examined their treatments and combinations of treatments to determine restriction adherence.
RESULTS: Of 5,052 patients initiating trastuzumab, 1,795 (36%) received at least one non-adherent HER2-targeted treatment. The most common non-adherent treatments were trastuzumab combinations involving vinorelbine (24% of non-adherent treatments); capecitabine (24%); and anthracyclines (10%). Non-adherent lapatinib use was observed in 4% of patients. GBTM identified three trastuzumab exposure clusters, each containing three further sub-clusters. The largest proportions of non-adherent treatments were in sub-clusters with longer trastuzumab exposure and more non-taxane chemotherapy. Patients in these sub-clusters were younger than those in sub-clusters with less non-adherent treatment.
CONCLUSIONS: Our study highlights that, even during the relatively simpler treatment era of our study period, a substantial amount of treatment did not adhere to prescribing restrictions. As more trials are conducted exploring pertuzumab and T-DM1 in combination with different chemotherapies and other HER2-targeted therapies, the regulation and funding of HER2-targeted treatment will become more challenging.

Tajirika T, Tokumaru Y, Taniguchi K, et al.
DEAD-Box Protein RNA-Helicase DDX6 Regulates the Expression of HER2 and FGFR2 at the Post-Transcriptional Step in Gastric Cancer Cells.
Int J Mol Sci. 2018; 19(7) [PubMed] Article available free on PMC after 01/11/2019 Related Publications
The human DEAD/H-box RNA helicase DDX6 (RCK/p54) is a protein encoded by the fusion gene from the t(11;14)(q23;q32) chromosomal translocation observed in human B-cell lymphoma cell line RC-K8. DDX6 has a variety of functions such as translation initiation, pre-mRNA splicing, and ribosome assembly. However, details of the regulatory mechanism governing DDX6 and the functions of DDX6 are largely unknown. Previously, we reported that DDX6 is overexpressed in most malignant cell lines and clinical colorectal tumor samples and that DDX6 positively contributes to the pathogenesis of various cancers. In the current study, we aimed at revealing the function of DDX6 in HER2 and FGFR2 related human gastric cancer (GC) by using clinical samples and GC cell lines. DDX6 protein was overexpressed in about 60% of the clinical samples; HER2, in 35%; and FGFR2, in 30%, (

El-Athman R, Fuhr L, Relógio A
A Systems-Level Analysis Reveals Circadian Regulation of Splicing in Colorectal Cancer.
EBioMedicine. 2018; 33:68-81 [PubMed] Article available free on PMC after 01/11/2019 Related Publications
Accumulating evidence points to a significant role of the circadian clock in the regulation of splicing in various organisms, including mammals. Both dysregulated circadian rhythms and aberrant pre-mRNA splicing are frequently implicated in human disease, in particular in cancer. To investigate the role of the circadian clock in the regulation of splicing in a cancer progression context at the systems-level, we conducted a genome-wide analysis and compared the rhythmic transcriptional profiles of colon carcinoma cell lines SW480 and SW620, derived from primary and metastatic sites of the same patient, respectively. We identified spliceosome components and splicing factors with cell-specific circadian expression patterns including SRSF1, HNRNPLL, ESRP1, and RBM 8A, as well as altered alternative splicing events and circadian alternative splicing patterns of output genes (e.g., VEGFA, NCAM1, FGFR2, CD44) in our cellular model. Our data reveals a remarkable interplay between the circadian clock and pre-mRNA splicing with putative consequences in tumor progression and metastasis.

Morizane C, Ueno M, Ikeda M, et al.
New developments in systemic therapy for advanced biliary tract cancer.
Jpn J Clin Oncol. 2018; 48(8):703-711 [PubMed] Related Publications
Biliary tract cancer, carcinoma of the extrahepatic bile ducts, carcinoma of the gall bladder, ampullary carcinoma and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma are often identified at an advanced stage and have poor prognoses. Although effective chemotherapy regimens are needed, their development remains unsatisfactory. From the results of a phase III clinical trial (ABC-02 trial), gemcitabine plus cisplatin is the standard first-line chemotherapeutic regimen for advanced biliary tract cancer. A phase III trial of gemcitabine plus cisplatin vs. gemcitabine plus S-1 therapy (FUGA-BT) demonstrated the non-inferiority of gemcitabine plus S-1 to gemcitabine plus cisplatin. A phase III trial of gemcitabine plus cisplatin vs. gemcitabine plus cisplatin plus S-1 (MITSUBA) was conducted, and the report on the results of the final analysis is being awaited. A standard second-line chemotherapeutic regimen has not yet been established. Fluoropyrimidines are frequently used in clinical practice. Despite many clinical trials being conducted with molecular targeted agents including erlotinib, cetuximab, panitumumab, bevacizumab, sorafenib, cediranib, trametinib and vandetanib, no agent has shown to be effective for advanced biliary tract cancer. Next-generation sequencing shows great promise by allowing rapid mutational analysis of multiple genes in human cancers, and attractive driver genetic alterations have been reported in biliary tract cancer. FGFR2 fusion gene, mutations of IDH1/2, BRAF, BRCA1/2, ATM, PIK3CA and overexpression of c-MET and HER2/neu are reported relatively frequently and are interesting targets. Therefore, future development in precision medicine utilizing next-generation sequencing is expected. Although the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as anti-PD-1, anti-PD-L1 and anti-CTLA4 antibodies, remains unknown at present, basic data and results of ongoing clinical trials are anticipated.

Pekmezci M, Villanueva-Meyer JE, Goode B, et al.
The genetic landscape of ganglioglioma.
Acta Neuropathol Commun. 2018; 6(1):47 [PubMed] Article available free on PMC after 01/11/2019 Related Publications
Ganglioglioma is the most common epilepsy-associated neoplasm that accounts for approximately 2% of all primary brain tumors. While a subset of gangliogliomas are known to harbor the activating p.V600E mutation in the BRAF oncogene, the genetic alterations responsible for the remainder are largely unknown, as is the spectrum of any additional cooperating gene mutations or copy number alterations. We performed targeted next-generation sequencing that provides comprehensive assessment of mutations, gene fusions, and copy number alterations on a cohort of 40 gangliogliomas. Thirty-six harbored mutations predicted to activate the MAP kinase signaling pathway, including 18 with BRAF p.V600E mutation, 5 with variant BRAF mutation (including 4 cases with novel in-frame insertions at p.R506 in the β3-αC loop of the kinase domain), 4 with BRAF fusion, 2 with KRAS mutation, 1 with RAF1 fusion, 1 with biallelic NF1 mutation, and 5 with FGFR1/2 alterations. Three gangliogliomas with BRAF p.V600E mutation had concurrent CDKN2A homozygous deletion and one additionally harbored a subclonal mutation in PTEN. Otherwise, no additional pathogenic mutations, fusions, amplifications, or deletions were identified in any of the other tumors. Amongst the 4 gangliogliomas without canonical MAP kinase pathway alterations identified, one epilepsy-associated tumor in the temporal lobe of a young child was found to harbor a novel ABL2-GAB2 gene fusion. The underlying genetic alterations did not show significant association with patient age or disease progression/recurrence in this cohort. Together, this study highlights that ganglioglioma is characterized by genetic alterations that activate the MAP kinase pathway, with only a small subset of cases that harbor additional pathogenic alterations such as CDKN2A deletion.

Grønhøj C, Jensen DH, Agander T, et al.
Deep sequencing of human papillomavirus positive loco-regionally advanced oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas reveals novel mutational signature.
BMC Cancer. 2018; 18(1):640 [PubMed] Article available free on PMC after 01/11/2019 Related Publications
BACKGROUND: The genetic profile for human papilloma virus positive (HPV+) oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas (OPSCC) remains largely unknown. The purpose of this study was to sequence tissue material from a large cohort of locoregionally-advanced HPV+ OPSCCs.
METHODS: We performed targeted deep sequencing of 395 cancer-associated genes in 114 matched tumor/normal loco-regionally advanced HPV+ OPSCCs. Mutations and copy number aberrations were determined.
RESULTS: We identified a total of 3459 mutations with an average of 10 mutations per megabase and a median of 28 variants per sample. The most frequently mutated genes were KALRN (28%), SPTBN1 (32%), KMT2A (31%), ZNRF3 (9%), BNC2 (12%), NOTCH2 (25%), FGFR2 (12%), SMAD2 (6%), and AR (13%). Our findings were dominated by COSMIC signature 5 and 12, represented in other head and neck cancers and in hepatocellular carcinomas, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS: We have identified multiple genetic aberrations in HPV+ OPSCCs, and the COSMIC signature 12 as most prevalent. The mutations harbour both therapeutic and prognostic potential.

Yu Y, Yu X, Liu H, et al.
miR‑494 inhibits cancer‑initiating cell phenotypes and reverses resistance to lapatinib by downregulating FGFR2 in HER2‑positive gastric cancer.
Int J Mol Med. 2018; 42(2):998-1007 [PubMed] Related Publications
In gastric cancer, >15% of cases are associated with the amplification of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), which leads to poor clinical outcomes. Lapatinib, a potent ATP‑competitive inhibitor, is a small, orally active molecule, which inhibits the tyrosine kinases of HER2 and epidermal growth factor receptor type 1. The activation of receptor tyrosine kinases can contribute to lapatinib resistance in HER2‑positive gastric cancer. The aim of the present study was to explore the effects of miR‑494 and FGFR2 in regulation of cancer‑initiating cell phenotypes and therapeutic efficiency of lapatinib in HER2‑positive gastric cancer. Western blot analysis was used to identify that the expression of fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2), a receptor tyrosine kinase, was upregulated in gastric cancer tissues. Formation of cancer initiating cells (CICs) and resistance to lapatinib were determined using sphere growth assay and MTT assay, respectively. The overexpression of FGFR2 promoted the generation of cancer‑initiating cells (CICs) and resistance to lapatinib in HER2‑positive gastric cancer YCC1 cells. In addition, it was observed that overexpression of microRNA (miR)‑494 downregulated the protein expression of FGFR2, inhibited the formation of CICs and reversed lapatinib resistance in YCC1‑F cells (HER2‑positive, FGFR2 overexpressing and lapatinib‑resistant gastric cancer cells). Therefore, it was concluded that miR‑494 inhibited the CIC phenotype and reversed resistance to lapatinib by inhibiting FGFR2 in HER2‑positive gastric cancer.

Zanna I, Silvestri V, Palli D, et al.
Smoking and FGFR2 rs2981582 variant independently modulate male breast cancer survival: A population-based study in Tuscany, Italy.
Breast. 2018; 40:85-91 [PubMed] Related Publications
AIM: Male breast cancer (MBC) is a rare disease and recommendations for its clinical management are often extrapolated from those for female breast cancer, even if breast cancer (BC) has different characteristics in the two sexes. The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of several individual characteristics including clinico-pathological, lifestyle and genetic factors on overall survival (OS) of a relatively large and well characterized population-based series of 166 MBCs enrolled in Tuscany.
METHODS: We genotyped MBC cases at BRCA1/2 genes and at 9 candidate BC susceptibility SNPs. Kaplan-Meier method and multivariate Cox regression, adjusted for several individual characteristics were used. To reduce a possible selection bias related to the interval between diagnosis and enrolment of MBC cases into the study, we used the date of blood donation as the date of the start of observation for survival analysis.
RESULTS: Only smoking habits had a significant effect on OS at 10 years (for current smokers, HR: 3.34; 95% CI 1.45-7.68; p = 0.004), while lymph node status fell short of reaching statistical significance (for pN positive, HR: 2.07; 95% CI 0.93-4.55; p = 0.07). In the same multivariate analysis we found a significantly higher OS in cases with FGFR2 rs2981582 variant in the dominant transmission model (HR: 0.29; 95% CI: 0.13-0.62; p = 0.028). A sensitivity analysis with left truncation showed similar results.
CONCLUSIONS: Our results may contribute to shed light on factors influencing MBC survival suggesting an important role for cigarette smoking and FGFR2 rs2981582 variant, and provide clues for better patient management.

Cha Y, Kim HP, Lim Y, et al.
FGFR2 amplification is predictive of sensitivity to regorafenib in gastric and colorectal cancers in vitro.
Mol Oncol. 2018; 12(7):993-1003 [PubMed] Article available free on PMC after 01/11/2019 Related Publications
Although regorafenib has demonstrated survival benefits in patients with metastatic colorectal and gastrointestinal stromal tumors, no proven biomarker has been identified for predicting sensitivity to regorafenib. Here, we investigated preclinical activity of regorafenib in gastric and colorectal cancer cells to identify genetic alterations associated with sensitivity to regorafenib. Mutation profiles and copy number assays of regorafenib target molecules indicated that amplification of fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) was the only genetic alteration associated with in vitro sensitivity to regorafenib. Regorafenib effectively inhibited phosphorylation of FGFR2 and its downstream signaling molecules in a dose-dependent manner and selectively in FGFR2-amplified cells. Regorafenib induced G1 arrest (SNU-16, KATO-III) and apoptosis (NCI-H716); however, no significant changes were seen in cell lines without FGFR2 amplification. In SNU-16 mice xenografts, regorafenib significantly inhibited tumor growth, proliferation, and FGFR signaling compared to treatment with control vehicle. Regorafenib effectively abrogates activated FGFR2 signaling in FGFR2-amplified gastric and colorectal cancer and, therefore, might be considered for integration into treatment in patients with FGFR2-amplified gastric and colorectal cancers.

Zhang B, Chen MY, Shen YJ, et al.
A Large-Scale, Exome-Wide Association Study of Han Chinese Women Identifies Three Novel Loci Predisposing to Breast Cancer.
Cancer Res. 2018; 78(11):3087-3097 [PubMed] Related Publications
Genome-wide association studies have identified more than 90 susceptibility loci for breast cancer. However, the missing heritability is evident, and the contributions of coding variants to breast cancer susceptibility have not yet been systematically evaluated. Here, we present a large-scale whole-exome association study for breast cancer consisting of 24,162 individuals (10,055 cases and 14,107 controls). In addition to replicating known susceptibility loci (e.g.,

Bartels S, Adisa A, Aladelusi T, et al.
Molecular defects in BRAF wild-type ameloblastomas and craniopharyngiomas-differences in mutation profiles in epithelial-derived oropharyngeal neoplasms.
Virchows Arch. 2018; 472(6):1055-1059 [PubMed] Related Publications
The aim of this study was to evaluate the mutation profile of BRAF wild-type craniopharyngiomas and ameloblastomas. Pre-screening by immunohistochemistry and pyrosequencing for identifying BRAF wild-type tumors was performed on archived specimens of ameloblastic tumors (n = 20) and craniopharyngiomas (n = 62). Subsequently, 19 BRAF wild-type tumors (nine ameloblastic tumors and ten craniopharyngiomas) were analyzed further using next-generation sequencing (NGS) targeting hot spot mutations of 22 cancer-related genes. Thereby, we found craniopharyngiomas mainly CTNNB1 mutated (8/10), including two FGFR3/CTNNB1-double mutated tumors. Ameloblastic tumors were often FGFR2 mutated (4/9; including one FGFR2/TP53/PTEN-triple mutated case) and rarely CTNNB1/TP53-double mutated (1/9) and KRAS-mutated (1/9). In the remaining samples, no mutation could be detected in the 22 genes under investigation. In conclusion, mutation profiles of BRAF wild-type craniopharyngiomas and ameloblastomas share mutations of FGFR genes and have additional mutations with potential for targeted therapy.

Pu XH, Ye Q, Yang J, et al.
Low-level clonal FGFR2 amplification defines a unique molecular subtype of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma in a Chinese population.
Hum Pathol. 2018; 76:100-109 [PubMed] Related Publications
Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is a subtype of primary liver cancer rarely curable by surgery that is increasing rapidly in incidence. Chromosomal translocations and amplifications of the fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) locus are present in several kinds of tumors including ICC, but their incidence has not been assessed in Chinese patients. Using break-apart probes and by determining the ratios of FGFR2/chromosome enumeration probe (CEP) 10 double-color probes, we evaluated 122 ICCs for the presence of FGFR2 translocations and amplifications, respectively, by fluorescence in situ hybridization. We further determined FGFR2 protein expression by immunohistochemistry and analyzed the clinicopathologic records of the patients. Eight tumors (6.6%) had FGFR2 translocations, whereas 15 (12.3%) had low-level FGFR2 amplification. Interestingly, the tumors that showed both translocation and low-level amplification frequently were of the mass-forming type. Compared with the ICCs with normal FGFR2s, tumors with amplifications secreted less mucus (P = .017) and typically were accompanied by hepatitis B virus infection (P = .004). Tumors with low-level amplification generally were of lower stage (P = .013) and associated with better overall survival (P = .017). As tumors with FGFR2 amplification exhibit different biology from lesions with a normal gene, low-level amplification of FGFR2 may play an important role in tumor progression and may be a marker for targeted therapy.

DeLeon TT, Ahn DH, Bogenberger JM, et al.
Novel targeted therapy strategies for biliary tract cancers and hepatocellular carcinoma.
Future Oncol. 2018; 14(6):553-566 [PubMed] Related Publications
Worldwide hepatobiliary cancers are the second leading cause of cancer related death. Despite their relevance, hepatobiliary cancers have a paucity of approved systemic therapy options. However, there are a number of emerging therapeutic biomarkers and therapeutic concepts that show promise. In hepatocellular carcinoma, nivolumab appears particularly promising and recently received US FDA approval. In intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, therapies targeting FGFR2 and IDH1 and immune checkpoint inhibitors are the furthest along and generating the most excitement. There are additional biomarkers that merit further exploration in hepatobiliary cancers including FGF19, ERRFI1, TERT, BAP1, BRAF, CDKN2A, tumor mutational burden and ERBB2 (HER2/neu). Development of new and innovative therapies would help address the unmet need for effective systemic therapies in advanced and metastatic hepatobiliary cancers.

Li Q, Ingram L, Kim S, et al.
Paracrine Fibroblast Growth Factor Initiates Oncogenic Synergy with Epithelial FGFR/Src Transformation in Prostate Tumor Progression.
Neoplasia. 2018; 20(3):233-243 [PubMed] Article available free on PMC after 01/11/2019 Related Publications
Cross talk of stromal-epithelial cells plays an essential role in both normal development and tumor initiation and progression. Fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-FGF receptor (FGFR)-Src kinase axis is one of the major signal transduction pathways to mediate this cross talk. Numerous genomic studies have demonstrated that expression levels of FGFR/Src are deregulated in a variety of cancers including prostate cancer; however, the role that paracrine FGF (from stromal cells) plays in dysregulated expression of epithelial FGFRs/Src and tumor progression in vivo is not well evaluated. In this study, we demonstrate that ectopic expression of wild-type FGFR1/2 or Src kinase in epithelial cells was not sufficient to initiate prostate tumorigenesis under a normal stromal microenvironment in vivo. However, paracrine FGF10 synergized with ectopic expression of epithelial FGFR1 or FGFR2 to induce epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Additionally, paracrine FGF10 sensitized FGFR2-transformed epithelial cells to initiate prostate tumorigenesis. Next, paracrine FGF10 also synergized with overexpression of epithelial Src kinase to high-grade tumors. But loss of the myristoylation site in Src kinase inhibited paracrine FGF10-induced prostate tumorigenesis. Loss of myristoylation alters Src levels in the cell membrane and inhibited FGF-mediated signaling including inhibition of the phosphotyrosine pattern and FAK phosphorylation. Our study demonstrates the potential tumor progression by simultaneous deregulation of proteins in the FGF/FGFRs/Src signal axis and provides a therapeutic strategy of targeting myristoylation of Src kinase to interfere with the tumorigenic process.

Kober P, Boresowicz J, Rusetska N, et al.
DNA methylation profiling in nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas.
Mol Cell Endocrinol. 2018; 473:194-204 [PubMed] Related Publications
Nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas (NFPAs) are among the most frequent intracranial tumors but their molecular background, including changes in epigenetic regulation, remains poorly understood. We performed genome-wide DNA methylation profiling of 34 NFPAs and normal pituitary samples. Methylation status of the selected genomic regions and expression level of corresponding genes were assessed in a group of 75 patients. NFPAs exhibited distinct global methylation profile as compared to normal pituitary. Aberrant DNA methylation appears to contribute to deregulation of the cancer-related pathways as shown by preliminary functional analysis. Promoter hypermethylation and decreased expression level of SFN, STAT5A, DUSP1, PTPRE and FGFR2 was confirmed in the enlarged group of NFPAs. Difference in the methylation profiles between invasive and non-invasive NFPAs is very slight. Nevertheless, invasiveness-related aberrant epigenetic deregulation of the particular genes was found including upregulation of ITPKB and downregulation CNKSR1 in invasive tumors.

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