Integration of transcriptional and mutational data simplifies the stratification of peripheral T-cell lymphoma

Am J Hematol. 2019 Jun;94(6):628-634. doi: 10.1002/ajh.25450. Epub 2019 Mar 19.

Abstract

The histological diagnosis of peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) can represent a challenge, particularly in the case of closely related entities such as angioimmunoblastic T-lymphoma (AITL), PTCL-not otherwise specified (PTCL-NOS), and ALK-negative anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (ALCL). Although gene expression profiling and next generations sequencing have been proven to define specific features recurrently associated with distinct entities, genomic-based stratifications have not yet led to definitive diagnostic criteria and/or entered into the routine clinical practice. Herein, to improve the current molecular classification between AITL and PTCL-NOS, we analyzed the transcriptional profiles from 503 PTCLs stratified according to their molecular configuration and integrated them with genomic data of recurrently mutated genes (RHOA G17V , TET2, IDH2 R172 , and DNMT3A) in 53 cases (39 AITLs and 14 PTCL-NOSs) included in the series. Our analysis unraveled that the mutational status of RHOA G17V , TET2, and DNMT3A poorly correlated, individually, with peculiar transcriptional fingerprints. Conversely, in IDH2 R172 samples a strong transcriptional signature was identified that could act as a surrogate for mutational status. The integrated analysis of clinical, mutational, and molecular data led to a simplified 19-gene signature that retains high accuracy in differentiating the main nodal PTCL entities. The expression levels of those genes were confirmed in an independent cohort profiled by RNA-sequencing.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Gene Expression Profiling*
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic*
  • Humans
  • Lymphoma, T-Cell, Peripheral* / genetics
  • Lymphoma, T-Cell, Peripheral* / metabolism
  • Male
  • Mutation*
  • Neoplasm Proteins* / biosynthesis
  • Neoplasm Proteins* / genetics
  • Transcription, Genetic*

Substances

  • Neoplasm Proteins