Genomic analyses reveal recurrent mutations in epigenetic modifiers and the JAK-STAT pathway in Sézary syndrome

Nat Commun. 2015 Sep 29:6:8470. doi: 10.1038/ncomms9470.

Abstract

Sézary syndrome (SS) is an aggressive leukaemia of mature T cells with poor prognosis and limited options for targeted therapies. The comprehensive genetic alterations underlying the pathogenesis of SS are unknown. Here we integrate whole-genome sequencing (n=6), whole-exome sequencing (n=66) and array comparative genomic hybridization-based copy-number analysis (n=80) of primary SS samples. We identify previously unknown recurrent loss-of-function aberrations targeting members of the chromatin remodelling/histone modification and trithorax families, including ARID1A in which functional loss from nonsense and frameshift mutations and/or targeted deletions is observed in 40.3% of SS genomes. We also identify recurrent gain-of-function mutations targeting PLCG1 (9%) and JAK1, JAK3, STAT3 and STAT5B (JAK/STAT total ∼11%). Functional studies reveal sensitivity of JAK1-mutated primary SS cells to JAK inhibitor treatment. These results highlight the complex genomic landscape of SS and a role for inhibition of JAK/STAT pathways for the treatment of SS.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • CARD Signaling Adaptor Proteins / genetics
  • Cell Cycle Proteins / genetics
  • DNA Copy Number Variations
  • DNA Mutational Analysis
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / genetics
  • Epigenesis, Genetic / genetics*
  • Exome
  • Genomics
  • Guanylate Cyclase / genetics
  • Humans
  • Janus Kinases / genetics*
  • Jumonji Domain-Containing Histone Demethylases / genetics
  • Jurkat Cells
  • Multigene Family
  • Neoplasm Proteins / genetics
  • Phospholipase C gamma / genetics
  • STAT Transcription Factors / genetics*
  • Sezary Syndrome / genetics*
  • ras Proteins / genetics

Substances

  • CARD Signaling Adaptor Proteins
  • Cell Cycle Proteins
  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • KMT2D protein, human
  • Neoplasm Proteins
  • STAT Transcription Factors
  • Jumonji Domain-Containing Histone Demethylases
  • KDM6B protein, human
  • Janus Kinases
  • PLCG1 protein, human
  • Phospholipase C gamma
  • ras Proteins
  • CARD11 protein, human
  • Guanylate Cyclase