Objective: To investigate the clinicopathological characteristics, pathological diagnosis of Ewing's sarcoma of the central nervous system. Methods: Six cases of Ewing's sarcoma of the central nervous system diagnosed at the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China from 2015 to 2022 were collected. The clinical manifestations, histological morphology, immunophenotype and molecular genetics of these cases were analyzed. The related literature was reviewed. Results: There were four males and two females, with a male to female ratio of 2∶1. The onset age was 17-40 years, with a median age of 23 years. All 6 tumors were located in the spinal cord (2 cases of cervical vertebra, 1 case of thoracic vertebra, 2 cases of lumbar vertebra, and 1 case of sacral vertebra). The patients' clinical manifestations were mostly lumbago, weakness and numbness of lower limbs/limbs. In 1 case, the tumor recurred and metastasized to the suprasellar region and the third ventricle. Microscopically, the tumor showed diffuse infiltrative growth. In some cases, the tumor was closely related to the spinal meninges. The tumor cells were arranged in sheet, lobular, thin-rope, and nest-like patterns. Homer-Wright rosette was visible. The tumor cells were small to medium in size, and most of them had scant cytoplasm. A few cells had clear cytoplasm. Some areas were rhabdoid. The tumor cell nuclei showed focal mild pleomorphism. The chromatin was uniform and delicate while the nucleoli were not obvious. Mitosis was commonly seen. The tumor was separated by fibrous connective tissue and may be accompanied by mucinous degeneration. Immunohistochemistry showed that all tumors were positive for CD99, NKX2.2, Fli1, ERG. ATRX, H3K27me3, INI1 and BRG1 were all retained. Immunohistochemical stains for EMA, GFAP and Olig2 were negative. The Ki-67 proliferation index was 30%-70%. EWSR1 break-apart FISH test was positive. Conclusions: Ewing's sarcoma is rare in the central nervous system and needs to be distinguished from a variety of neoplasms with primitive undifferentiated small cell morphology. Immunohistochemistry and molecular genetics may be required for a proper diagnosis.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Young Adult ; Adult ; Adolescent ; Sarcoma, Ewing/pathology* ; Proto-Oncogene Protein c-fli-1 ; Immunohistochemistry ; Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics* ; Central Nervous System/pathology*

SAM pointed domain containing E26 transformation-specific transcription factor (SPDEF) plays dual roles in the initiation and development of human malignancies. However, the biological role of SPDEF in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remains unclear. In this study, the expression level of SPDEF and its correlation with the clinical parameters of patients with HNSCC were determined using TCGA-HNSC, GSE65858, and our own clinical cohorts. CCK8, colony formation, cell cycle analysis, and a xenograft tumor growth model were used to determine the molecular functions of SPDEF in HNSCC. ChIP-qPCR, dual luciferase reporter assay, and rescue experiments were conducted to explore the potential molecular mechanism of SPDEF in HNSCC. Compared with normal epithelial tissues, SPDEF was significantly downregulated in HNSCC tissues. Patients with HNSCC with low SPDEF mRNA levels exhibited poor clinical outcomes. Restoring SPDEF inhibited HNSCC cell viability and colony formation and induced G0/G1 cell cycle arrest, while silencing SPDEF promoted cell proliferation in vitro. The xenograft tumor growth model showed that tumors with SPDEF overexpression had slower growth rates, smaller volumes, and lower weights. SPDEF could directly bind to the promoter region of NR4A1 and promoted its transcription, inducing the suppression of AKT, MAPK, and NF-κB signaling pathways. Moreover, silencing NR4A1 blocked the suppressive effect of SPDEF in HNSCC cells. Here, we demonstrate that SPDEF acts as a tumor suppressor by transcriptionally activating NR4A1 in HNSCC. Our findings provide novel insights into the molecular mechanism of SPDEF in tumorigenesis and a novel potential therapeutic target for HNSCC.
Carcinogenesis ; Cell Proliferation ; Head and Neck Neoplasms ; Humans ; Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 4, Group A, Member 1 ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-ets ; Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck ; Transcription Factors

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of Zuogui Jiangtang Jieyu Formula (ZGJTJYF, the Chinese Medicine) on hippocampal neuron apoptosis in diabetes mellitus complicated with depression (DD). METHODS: The primary cultured hippocampal neurons were treated with high glucose (150 mmol/L) and corticosterone (200 micromol/L) to establish the cell model of DD in vitro. The cultured hippocampal neurons were randomly divided into five groups: blank serum group, normal group, Zuogui Jiangtang Jieyu recipe drug-containing serum group, positive drug (metformin + fluoxetine) drug-containing serum group and model group (three compound holes in each group). The model group and the normal group were given the same amount of culture medium, and the other groups were given the corresponding serum with 10% volume fraction for 18 hours. Hoechst staining, high content cell imaging and RT-PCR were used to detect the apoptosis of hippocampal neurons and the expressions of apoptosis-related ETS-like 1 transcription factor(ELK-1), C-Jun N-terminal kinase(JNK) and c-Fos proteins and genes. RESULTS: Compared with the blank group, the apoptotic number of hippocampal neurons in the model group was increased significantly, and the expression levels of ELK-1, JNK and c-Fos were increased significantly (P＜0.05). Compared with the model group, the local bright spots of hippocampal neurons in the Zuogui Jiangtang Jieyu recipe-containing serum group and the positive drug-containing serum group were decreased significantly, and the number of apoptotic cells was decreased significantly. The expressions of JNK, c-fos protein and mRNA were down-regulated significantly (P＜ 0.05), and the neural network and dendritic junction were improved significantly. CONCLUSION Zuo Gui Jiang Tang Jie Yu Formula can reverse the expressions of ELK-1, JNK and c-Fos signals in hippocampal neurons under DD environment and play an anti-apoptotic effect.
Animals ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Depression ; drug therapy ; Diabetes Complications ; drug therapy ; Diabetes Mellitus ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Hippocampus ; drug effects ; MAP Kinase Kinase 4 ; drug effects ; Neurons ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-fos ; drug effects ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; ets-Domain Protein Elk-1 ; drug effects

OBJECTIVETo explore the HER22 expression in children with ETV6/RUNX1 (E/R)-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia(ALL) and to investigate the relationship between the HER2 expression and clinical features.

METHODSThirty-seven newly diagnosed E/R-positive ALL children and 6 controls (4 cases of ITP and 2 healthy children) were selected in Institute of hematology and blood disease hospital. The 37 patients were divided into standard risk (SR), intermediate risk(IR), high risk(HR) groups according to risk stratification; and they were divided into relapse and non-relapse groups according to follow-up result. The CD10CD19 cells were sorted by flow cytometry. The mRNA was extracted from these cells. Real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR was used to detect the expression level of HER2.

RESULTSAmong the 37 cases, 51.35% (n=19) were boys and 48.65% (n=18) were girls and their median age was 4.72 (1.72-11.99) years old. Among the 6 controls, 50% (n=3) were boys and 50% (n=3) were girls and the median age was 5.24 (1.53-13.17) years old. The expression level of HER2 in E/R-positive ALL patients were lower than that in controls (P<0.05). Although the difference of HER2 expression level between the 2 groups failed to achieve statistical significance, the expression level of HER2 in relapse patients were significantly lower than that in non-relapse patients, and the HER2 expression in HR group patients were lower than that in SR and IR groups. In addition, there was no significant correlation between the expression level of HER2 and the sex, age, initial white blood cell count, blast cell percentage and the level of LDH (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe expression level of HER2 in E/R ALL patients is lower than that in controls, and in relapse group lower than that in non-relapse patient. Thus, HER2 may play important roles in the pathogenesis and relapse mechanism of pediatric E/R-positive ALL patients.

Adolescent ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Core Binding Factor Alpha 2 Subunit ; Female ; Flow Cytometry ; Humans ; Infant ; Male ; Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma ; Prognosis ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-ets ; Receptor, ErbB-2 ; Recurrence ; Repressor Proteins

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the copy number variations (CNVs) in pediatric ETV6/RUNX1 gene positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia(ALL) and its correlation with clinical features and prognosis.

METHODTotally 141 children (<14 years of age) with newly diagnosed ETV6/RUNX1 positive ALL in Institute of Hematology and Blood Diseases Hospital, were included from January 2006 to November 2012. The CNVs were analyzed by multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA). The survival rate between the patients with CNVs were explored. Overall survival (OS) and event-free survival (EFS) were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method and compared with the log-rank test.

RESULTAmong the 141 cases, 55.3% (n=78) were boys and 44.7% (n=63) were girls and the median age was 4 (1-13) years. The estimated 5-year DFS rate for the patients was (84±4)%. The estimated 5-year OS rate for the patients was (85±4)%. Ninety-five patients were tested MLPA. CNVs were detected in 73 cases (76.8%). CNVs of genes EBF1(15.8%), CDKN2A/2B(18.9%), PAX5(21.1%), ETV6(54.8%), BTG1(10.5%) were detected in more than 10% of the patients. Among the 95 patients, EBF1 deletions were found in 9 patients and EBF1 amplifications were found in 6 patients; 5-year recurrence-free survival (RFS) was statistically significant among 3 groups (χ(2)=9.809, P=0.007) . PAX5 deletions were found in 13 patients and PAX5 amplifications were found in 7 patients; the difference in 5-year RFS was statistically significant between 3 groups(χ(2)=7.622, P=0.022). ETV6 deletions were found in 39 patients and ETV6 amplifications were found in 13 patients; the difference in 5-year RFS was statistically significant among the 3 groups (χ(2)=11.045, P=0.004).

CONCLUSIONThe CNVs had prognostic relevance in ETV6/RUNX1 positive ALL.

Adolescent ; Child ; Core Binding Factor Alpha 2 Subunit ; DNA Copy Number Variations ; Disease-Free Survival ; Humans ; Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma ; Prognosis ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-ets ; Repressor Proteins ; Survival Rate

BACKGROUND: Intrachromosomal amplification of chromosome 21 (iAMP21) is known to be associated with poor prognosis in B-cell ALL (B-ALL). To determine the frequency and clinical characteristics of iAMP21 in Korean B-ALL patients, we performed FISH and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) analyses. METHODS: A total of 102 childhood B-ALL patients were screened with ETV6-RUNX1 FISH probes (Abbott Molecular, USA). The presence of an iAMP21 was confirmed by using MLPA P327 iAMP21-ERG probemix (MRC Holland, The Netherlands). RESULTS: iAMP21 was detected in one of the screened B-ALL patients (1/102 patients, 1.0%) who presented the ALL immunophenotype and complex karyotype at initial diagnosis. The patient relapsed twice after bone marrow transplantation. MLPA showed 12.5-Mb and 4.28-Mb regions of amplification and deletion, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of iAMP21 is considerable in Korean pediatric patients. Our report suggests that iAMP21 in childhood B-ALL has very unfavorable impact on patient's prognosis. Additional methods such as MLPA analysis is essential to rule out patients with equivocal interphase FISH results.
Adolescent ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group/*genetics ; B-Lymphocytes/*metabolism ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; *Chromosomes, Human, Pair 21 ; Core Binding Factor Alpha 2 Subunit/genetics ; DNA Probes/metabolism ; Female ; Humans ; Immunophenotyping ; In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Male ; Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma/*diagnosis/genetics ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-ets/genetics ; Repressor Proteins/genetics ; Republic of Korea ; Translocation, Genetic ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo report clinical and laboratory features of 4 cases of myeloid neoplasm with t (5;12) (q33;p13).

METHODSCytogenetic examination of bone marrow cells obtained from patients was performed by 24 h culture method. R banding technical was used for karyotype analysis. PDGFRβ gene rearrangement was detected by FISH using dual color break apart PDGFRβ probe. ETV6-PDGFRβ fusion genes were detected by multiple-reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Direct sequencing analysis was performed on the PCR products in case 1. Immunophenotype analysis was carried out by flow cytometry. Four cases were treated with imatinib (IM) and followed up.

RESULTSThe diagnoses included 3 MPN and 1 AML-M2. The t (5;12) (q33;p13) was a primary abnormality in 3 cases of MPN and a secondary abnormality in 1 case of AML-M2. PDGFRβ gene rearrangement and ETV6-PDGFRβ fusion genes were detected by FISH and multiple-RT-PCR in 4 cases, respectively. The immunophenotypical analysis of leukemia cells showed positive for CD13, CD33 and CD34. Two cases obtained MMR after the treatment of IM, one case complete hematologic and complete cytogenetic response. ETV6-PDGFRβ was negative detected by multiple-RT-PCR after the treatment of IM, but relapsed and died soon in case 4.

CONCLUSIONSThe t (5;12) myeloid neoplasm was a subtype with unique features. The t (5;12) maybe a primary chromosome abnormality in MPN and a secondary in AML. MPN with t (5;12) could benefit from IM, but not for AML. Dual-FISH was a reliable tool for detecting PDGFRβ rearrangement.

Chromosome Banding ; Gene Rearrangement ; Hematologic Neoplasms ; genetics ; Humans ; Immunophenotyping ; In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence ; Karyotyping ; Myeloproliferative Disorders ; genetics ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-ets ; genetics ; Receptor, Platelet-Derived Growth Factor beta ; genetics ; Remission Induction ; Repressor Proteins ; genetics ; Translocation, Genetic

Child ; Chromosomes, Human, Pair 21 ; Core Binding Factor Alpha 2 Subunit ; genetics ; Gene Amplification ; Gene Deletion ; Humans ; Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma ; genetics ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-ets ; genetics ; Repressor Proteins ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of simulated microgravity on erythroid differentiation of K562 cells and explore the possible mechanism.

METHODSThe fourth generation rotating cell culture system was used to generate the simulated microgravity environment. Benzidine staining was used to evaluate the cell inhibition rate, and real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to detect GATA-1, GATA-2, Ets-1, F-actin, β-Tubulin and vimentin mRNA expressions. The changes of cytoskeleton were observed by fluorescence microscopy, and Western blotting was employed to assay F-actin, β-tubulin and vimentin protein expression levels.

RESULTSBenzidine staining showed that simulated microgravity inhibited erythroid differentiation of K562 cells. K562 cells treated with Hemin presented with increased mRNA expression of GATA-1 and reduced GATA-2 and Ets-1 mRNA expressions. Simulated microgravity treatment of the cells resulted in down-regulated GATA-1, F-actin, β-tubulin and vimentin mRNA expressions and up-regulated mRNA expressions of GATA-2 and Ets-1, and reduced F-actin, β-tubulin and vimentin protein expressions. Exposure to simulated microgravity caused decreased fluorescence intensities of cytoskeletal filament F-actin, β-tubulin and vimentin in the cells.

CONCLUSIONSimulated microgravity inhibits erythroid differentiation of K562 cells possibly by causing cytoskeleton damages to result in down-regulation of GATA-1 and up-regulation of GATA-2 and Ets-1 expressions.

Actins ; metabolism ; Cell Differentiation ; Down-Regulation ; GATA1 Transcription Factor ; metabolism ; GATA2 Transcription Factor ; metabolism ; Hemin ; pharmacology ; Humans ; K562 Cells ; Proto-Oncogene Protein c-ets-1 ; metabolism ; Tubulin ; metabolism ; Up-Regulation ; Vimentin ; metabolism ; Weightlessness Simulation

BACKGROUND: Specific cytogenetic aberrations detected by conventional karyotyping or FISH play a major role in the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of patients with acute leukemia. The FISH technique enhances the capacity of conventional karyotyping to detect subtle chromosomal aberrations. Multiprobe FISH assay (Cytocell, UK) can hybridize multiple probes to a single slide, thereby increasing the detection rate of cytogenetic aberrations. This study aimed to evaluate multiprobe FISH in detecting cytogenetic abnormalities in acute leukemia. METHODS: Thirty newly diagnosed acute leukemia patients who attended the hematology clinic at Dong-A University Hospital from October 2008 to October 2012 were enrolled in the study. The multiprobe FISH results were compared with those of G-banding. RESULTS: Multiprobe FISH detected the chromosomal aberrations identified by G-banding, as well as additional aberrations in 6 of 30 (20.0%) cases, which included ETV6/RUNX1 translocation, p16 deletion, TP53 deletion, and IGH break-apart. CONCLUSIONS: The multiprobe FISH assay was a more sensitive and reliable technique compared with G-banding. It was also more cost-effective and yielded faster results.
Acute Disease ; Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; *Chromosome Banding ; Core Binding Factor Alpha 2 Subunit/genetics ; Gene Deletion ; Humans ; *In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence ; Karyotyping ; Leukemia/*diagnosis ; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/diagnosis ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma/diagnosis ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-ets/genetics ; Repressor Proteins/genetics ; Translocation, Genetic ; Tumor Suppressor Protein p53/genetics ; Young Adult