Project description:A series of conditional mouse models of embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma, alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma and spindle cell sarcoma were generated and validated for relavence to corresponding human cancers. Conditional mouse models of embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma, alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma and spindle cell sarcoma were created by activation or deletion of Pax3:Fkhr, p53, Ptch1 or Rb1 genes.
Project description:A series of conditional mouse models of embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma, alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma and spindle cell sarcoma were generated and validated for relavence to corresponding human cancers.
Project description:Here, we report using RNA sequencing isolated from frozen tumor samples from genetically-engineered mouse models and canine samples, as well as a preserved mouse cell culture to determine endotypes, or subtypes with distinct pathobiological mechanisms, of embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (ERMS) and nonrhabdomyosarcoma soft tissue sarcomas (NRSTS). With an unsupervised clustering approach of DNA and RNA sequencing from mouse models, canine samples, patient-derived xenograft models, and human samples we have found several major endotypes with a wide range of putative driver mutations. This study aims to define each of the several pathological mechanisms driving tumor maintenance in these tumors in order to identify effective targeted treatments for individual patients.
Project description:Rhabdomyosarcomas (RMS) represent a family of aggressive soft tissue sarcomas that present in both the pediatric and adult setting. Pathologic risk stratification for RMS has been based on histologic subtype, with poor outcomes observed in alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (ARMS) and adult-type pleomorphic rhabdomyosarcoma (PRMS) compared to embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (ERMS). Recent genomic sequencing studies have expanded the spectrum of RMS, with several new molecularly defined entities, including fusion-driven spindle cell/sclerosing rhabdomyosarcoma (SC/SRMS) and MYOD1-mutant SC/SRMS. Comprehensive genomic analysis has previously defined the mutational and copy number spectrum for the more common ERMS and ARMS, as well as revealed corresponding methylation signatures. In contrast, genetic and epigenetic correlates have not been defined for the rare SC/SRMS or PRMS histologic subtypes. Herein, we present genomic sequencing, copy number analysis, and methylation profiling of the largest cohort of molecularly characterized RMS samples to date. We identified two novel methylation subtypes, one having SC/SRMS histology and defined by MYOD1 p. L122R mutations and the other matching adult type PRMS. Selected tumors from adolescent patients grouped with the PRMS methylation class, expanding the age range of these rare tumors. Pediatric patients in the MYOD1-mutant group, as well as those clustering with PRMS, appear to have poor overall survival.
Project description:Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is a highly malignant tumour accounting for nearly half of soft tissue sarcomas in children. Altered miRNA levels have been reported in human cancers, including RMS. Using deep sequencing technology, a total of 685 miRNAs were investigated in a group of alveolar RMSs (ARMSs), embryonal RMSs (ERMSs) as well as in normal skeletal muscle (NSM). Bioinformatics pipelines were used for miRNA target prediction and clustering analysis. Ninety-seven miRNAs were significantly deregulated in ARMS and ERMS when compared to NSM. MiR-378 family members were dramatically decreased in RMS tumour tissue and cell lines. Interestingly, members of the miR-378 family presented as a possible target the insulin-like growth factor receptor 1 (IGF1R), a key signalling molecule in RMS.
Project description:Activation of Sonic Hedgehog signaling through expression of a constitutively active Smoothened allele under control of an aP2 adipocyte-restricted transgene in mice gives rise to aggressive skeletal muscle tumors that display the histologic and molecular characteristics of human embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma with high penetrance. Conditional mouse models of embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma were created by activation of the oncogenic SmoM2 allele by both the non-muscle aP2-Cre or myotube Myogenin-Cre.
