Project description:This study investigates the epigenetic and genetic landscape of a rare case of supratentorial ependymoma (ST-EPN), characterised by a novel TEAD1::NCOA2 fusion, expanding the molecular understanding of YAP1 fusion-positive ependymomas. Using Illumina methylation arrays, we performed DNA methylation profiling to classify the tumour subtype. (Additionally, RNA sequencing identified the TEAD1::NCOA2 fusion, implicating the activation of the HIPPO-YAP/TAZ pathway. These findings highlight the complexity of central nervous system tumour classifications and demonstrate the utility of advanced molecular diagnostics in cases where conventional methods, such as fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH), yield inconclusive results.)
Project description:Molecular characteristics of pediatric brain tumors have not only allowed for tumor subgrouping but have introduced novel treatment options for patients with specific tumor alterations. Therefore, an accurate histologic and molecular diagnosis is critical for optimized management of all pediatric patients with brain tumors, including central nervous system embryonal tumors. We present a case where optical genome mapping identified a ZNF532-NUTM1 fusion in a patient with a unique tumor best characterized histologically as a central nervous system embryonal tumor with rhabdoid features. Additional analyses including immunohistochemistry for NUT protein, methylation array, whole genome, and RNA-sequencing was done to confirm the presence of the fusion in the tumor. This is the first description of a pediatric patient with a ZNF532-NUTM1 fusion, yet the histology of this tumor is similar to that of adult cancers with ZNF-NUTM1 fusions and other NUTM1-fusion positive brain tumors reported in literature. Although rare, the distinct pathology and underlying molecular characteristics of these tumors separate them from other embryonal tumors. Therefore, the NUTM-rearrangement appears to define a novel subgroup of pediatric central nervous system embryonal tumors with rhabdoid/epithelioid features that may have a unique response to treatment. Screening for a NUTM1-rearrangement should be considered for all patients with unclassified central nervous system tumors with rhabdoid features to ensure accurate diagnosis so this can ultimately inform therapeutic management for these patients.
Project description:Molecular characteristics of pediatric brain tumors have not only allowed for tumor subgrouping but have introduced novel treatment options for patients with specific tumor alterations. Therefore, an accurate histologic and molecular diagnosis is critical for optimized management of all pediatric patients with brain tumors, including central nervous system embryonal tumors. We present a case where optical genome mapping identified a ZNF532-NUTM1 fusion in a patient with a unique tumor best characterized histologically as a central nervous system embryonal tumor with rhabdoid features. Additional analyses including immunohistochemistry for NUT protein, methylation array, whole genome, and RNA-sequencing was done to confirm the presence of the fusion in the tumor. This is the first description of a pediatric patient with a ZNF532-NUTM1 fusion, yet the histology of this tumor is similar to that of adult cancers with ZNF-NUTM1 fusions and other NUTM1-fusion positive brain tumors reported in literature. Although rare, the distinct pathology and underlying molecular characteristics of these tumors separate them from other embryonal tumors. Therefore, the NUTM-rearrangement appears to define a novel subgroup of pediatric central nervous system embryonal tumors with rhabdoid/epithelioid features that may have a unique response to treatment. Screening for a NUTM1-rearrangement should be considered for all patients with unclassified central nervous system tumors with rhabdoid features to ensure accurate diagnosis so this can ultimately inform therapeutic management for these patients.
Project description:Primary central nervous system lymphoma(PCNSL) is a rare extra-nodal non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and accounts for 3%-4% of central nervous system tumors. Recent studies have highlighted the importance of cerebrospinal fluid derived extracellular vesicles in PCNSL. Extracellular vesicles(EVs) are nanoscale vesicles with bilayer lipid membrane released by almost all cell types. EVs are present in body fluids, including urine, blood and CSF. Cerebrospinal fluid(CSF) is a colorless fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord and acts as lymph in the central nervous system. CSF-derived EVs contain proteins from neurons, oligodendrocytes, astrocytes and microglias. Studies of CSF EVs are mainly limited by the amount of EVs isolated from per milliliter of CSF and the volume of CSF acquired from one patient. Here, we provide a label-free quantitative phospho-proteome profiling of EVs separated from PCNSL and non-PCNSL CSF samples by an earlier introduced functional magnetic beads called EVTRAP together with highly sensitive timsTOF Pro.
Project description:Identification of fungal species present in the central nervous system tissue from Alzheimer's disease patients by next-generation sequencing.