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Hernández-Ramírez LC, Perez-Rivas LG, Theodoropoulou M, Korbonits M. An Update on the Genetic Drivers of Corticotroph Tumorigenesis. Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes 2024. [PMID: 38830604 DOI: 10.1055/a-2337-2265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
The genetic landscape of corticotroph tumours of the pituitary gland has dramatically changed over the last 10 years. Somatic changes in the USP8 gene account for the most common genetic defect in corticotrophinomas, especially in females, while variants in TP53 or ATRX are associated with a subset of aggressive tumours. Germline defects have also been identified in patients with Cushing's disease: some are well-established (MEN1, CDKN1B, DICER1), while others are rare and could represent coincidences. In this review, we summarise the current knowledge on the genetic drivers of corticotroph tumorigenesis, their molecular consequences, and their impact on the clinical presentation and prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura C Hernández-Ramírez
- Red de Apoyo a la Investigación, Coordinación de la Investigación Científica, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México e Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Marily Theodoropoulou
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, LMU Klinikum, LMU München, Munich 80336, Germany
| | - Márta Korbonits
- Centre for Endocrinology, Barts and The London School of Medicine, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London, UK
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Vamvoukaki R, Chrysoulaki M, Betsi G, Xekouki P. Pituitary Tumorigenesis-Implications for Management. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:medicina59040812. [PMID: 37109772 PMCID: PMC10145673 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59040812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
Pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (PitNETs), the third most common intracranial tumor, are mostly benign. However, some of them may display a more aggressive behavior, invading into the surrounding structures. While they may rarely metastasize, they may resist different treatment modalities. Several major advances in molecular biology in the past few years led to the discovery of the possible mechanisms involved in pituitary tumorigenesis with a possible therapeutic implication. The mutations in the different proteins involved in the Gsa/protein kinase A/c AMP signaling pathway are well-known and are responsible for many PitNETS, such as somatotropinomas and, in the context of syndromes, as the McCune-Albright syndrome, Carney complex, familiar isolated pituitary adenoma (FIPA), and X-linked acrogigantism (XLAG). The other pathways involved are the MAPK/ERK, PI3K/Akt, Wnt, and the most recently studied HIPPO pathways. Moreover, the mutations in several other tumor suppressor genes, such as menin and CDKN1B, are responsible for the MEN1 and MEN4 syndromes and succinate dehydrogenase (SDHx) in the context of the 3PAs syndrome. Furthermore, the pituitary stem cells and miRNAs hold an essential role in pituitary tumorigenesis and may represent new molecular targets for their diagnosis and treatment. This review aims to summarize the different cell signaling pathways and genes involved in pituitary tumorigenesis in an attempt to clarify their implications for diagnosis and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodanthi Vamvoukaki
- Endocrinology and Diabetes Clinic, University Hospital of Heraklion, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71500 Crete, Greece
| | - Maria Chrysoulaki
- Endocrinology and Diabetes Clinic, University Hospital of Heraklion, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71500 Crete, Greece
| | - Grigoria Betsi
- Endocrinology and Diabetes Clinic, University Hospital of Heraklion, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71500 Crete, Greece
| | - Paraskevi Xekouki
- Endocrinology and Diabetes Clinic, University Hospital of Heraklion, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71500 Crete, Greece
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Hernández-Ramírez LC, Pankratz N, Lane J, Faucz FR, Chittiboina P, Kay DM, Beethem Z, Mills JL, Stratakis CA. Genetic drivers of Cushing's disease: Frequency and associated phenotypes. Genet Med 2022; 24:2516-2525. [PMID: 36149413 PMCID: PMC9729444 DOI: 10.1016/j.gim.2022.08.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Cushing's disease (CD) is often explained by a single somatic sequence change. Germline defects, however, often go unrecognized. We aimed to determine the frequency and associated phenotypes of genetic drivers of CD in a large cohort. METHODS We studied 245 unrelated patients with CD (139 female, 56.7%), including 230 (93.9%) pediatric and 15 (6.1%) adult patients. Germline exome sequencing was performed in 184 patients; tumor exome sequencing was also done in 27 of them. A total of 43 germline samples and 92 tumor samples underwent Sanger sequencing of specific genes. Rare variants of uncertain significance, likely pathogenic (LP), or pathogenic variants in CD-associated genes, were identified. RESULTS Germline variants (13 variants of uncertain significance, 8 LP, and 11 pathogenic) were found in 8 of 19 patients (42.1%) with positive family history and in 23 of 226 sporadic patients (10.2%). Somatic variants (1 LP and 7 pathogenic) were found in 20 of 119 tested individuals (16.8%); one of them had a coexistent germline defect. Altogether, variants of interest were identified at the germline level in 12.2% of patients, at the somatic level in 7.8%, and coexisting germline and somatic variants in 0.4%, accounting for one-fifth of the cohort. CONCLUSION We report an estimate of the contribution of multiple germline and somatic genetic defects underlying CD in a single cohort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura C Hernández-Ramírez
- Section on Endocrinology and Genetics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD; Red de Apoyo a la Investigación, Coordinación de la Investigación Científica, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México e Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Nathan Pankratz
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN
| | - John Lane
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Fabio R Faucz
- Section on Endocrinology and Genetics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD
| | - Prashant Chittiboina
- Neurosurgery Unit for Pituitary and Inheritable Diseases, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD
| | - Denise M Kay
- Newborn Screening Program, Division of Genetics, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY
| | - Zachary Beethem
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN
| | - James L Mills
- Division of Population Health Research, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD
| | - Constantine A Stratakis
- Section on Endocrinology and Genetics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD; Human Genetics & Precision Medicine, IMBB, FORTH, Heraklion, Crete; ELPEN Research Institute, Athens, Greece.
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Simon J, Theodoropoulou M. Genetics of Cushing's disease. J Neuroendocrinol 2022; 34:e13148. [PMID: 35596671 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Corticotroph tumours are primarily sporadic monoclonal neoplasms and only rarely found in genetic syndromes. Recurrent mutations in the ubiquitin specific protease 8 (USP8) gene are found in around half of cases. Mutations in other genes such as USP48 and NR3C1 are less frequent, found in less than ~20% of cases. TP53 and ATXR mutations are reported in up to one out of four cases, when focusing in USP8 wild type or aggressive corticotroph tumours and carcinomas. At present, USP8 mutations are the primary driver alterations in sporadic corticotroph tumours, TP53 and ATXR mutations may indicate transition to more aggressive tumour phenotype. Next generation sequencing efforts have identified additional genomic alterations, whose role and importance in corticotroph tumorigenesis remains to be elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Simon
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, LMU Klinikum, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Marily Theodoropoulou
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, LMU Klinikum, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
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Locantore P, Paragliola RM, Cera G, Novizio R, Maggio E, Ramunno V, Corsello A, Corsello SM. Genetic Basis of ACTH-Secreting Adenomas. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23126824. [PMID: 35743266 PMCID: PMC9224284 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23126824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Cushing's disease represents 60-70% of all cases of Cushing's syndrome, presenting with a constellation of clinical features associated with sustained hypercortisolism. Molecular alterations in corticotrope cells lead to the formation of ACTH-secreting adenomas, with subsequent excessive production of endogenous glucocorticoids. In the last few years, many authors have contributed to analyzing the etiopathogenesis and pathophysiology of corticotrope adenomas, which still need to be fully clarified. New molecular modifications such as somatic mutations of USP8 and other genes have been identified, and several case series and case reports have been published, highlighting new molecular alterations that need to be explored. To investigate the current knowledge of the genetics of ACTH-secreting adenomas, we performed a bibliographic search of the recent scientific literature to identify all pertinent articles. This review presents the most recent updates on somatic and germline mutations underlying Cushing's disease. The prognostic implications of these mutations, in terms of clinical outcomes and therapeutic scenarios, are still debated. Further research is needed to define the clinical features associated with the different genotypes and potential pharmacological targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Locantore
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore—Fondazione Policlinico “Gemelli” IRCCS, Largo Gemelli 8, I-00168 Rome, Italy; (P.L.); (G.C.); (R.N.); (E.M.); (V.R.); (A.C.); (S.M.C.)
| | - Rosa Maria Paragliola
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore—Fondazione Policlinico “Gemelli” IRCCS, Largo Gemelli 8, I-00168 Rome, Italy; (P.L.); (G.C.); (R.N.); (E.M.); (V.R.); (A.C.); (S.M.C.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Gianluca Cera
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore—Fondazione Policlinico “Gemelli” IRCCS, Largo Gemelli 8, I-00168 Rome, Italy; (P.L.); (G.C.); (R.N.); (E.M.); (V.R.); (A.C.); (S.M.C.)
| | - Roberto Novizio
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore—Fondazione Policlinico “Gemelli” IRCCS, Largo Gemelli 8, I-00168 Rome, Italy; (P.L.); (G.C.); (R.N.); (E.M.); (V.R.); (A.C.); (S.M.C.)
| | - Ettore Maggio
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore—Fondazione Policlinico “Gemelli” IRCCS, Largo Gemelli 8, I-00168 Rome, Italy; (P.L.); (G.C.); (R.N.); (E.M.); (V.R.); (A.C.); (S.M.C.)
| | - Vittoria Ramunno
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore—Fondazione Policlinico “Gemelli” IRCCS, Largo Gemelli 8, I-00168 Rome, Italy; (P.L.); (G.C.); (R.N.); (E.M.); (V.R.); (A.C.); (S.M.C.)
| | - Andrea Corsello
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore—Fondazione Policlinico “Gemelli” IRCCS, Largo Gemelli 8, I-00168 Rome, Italy; (P.L.); (G.C.); (R.N.); (E.M.); (V.R.); (A.C.); (S.M.C.)
| | - Salvatore Maria Corsello
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore—Fondazione Policlinico “Gemelli” IRCCS, Largo Gemelli 8, I-00168 Rome, Italy; (P.L.); (G.C.); (R.N.); (E.M.); (V.R.); (A.C.); (S.M.C.)
- Unicamillus, Saint Camillus International University of Medical Sciences, via di S. Alessandro 10, I-00131 Rome, Italy
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Spada A, Mantovani G, Lania AG, Treppiedi D, Mangili F, Catalano R, Carosi G, Sala E, Peverelli E. Pituitary Tumors: Genetic and Molecular Factors Underlying Pathogenesis and Clinical Behavior. Neuroendocrinology 2022; 112:15-33. [PMID: 33524974 DOI: 10.1159/000514862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (PitNETs) are the most common intracranial neoplasms. Although generally benign, they can show a clinically aggressive course, with local invasion, recurrences, and resistance to medical treatment. No universally accepted biomarkers of aggressiveness are available yet, and predicting clinical behavior of PitNETs remains a challenge. In rare cases, the presence of germline mutations in specific genes predisposes to PitNET formation, as part of syndromic diseases or familial isolated pituitary adenomas, and associates to more aggressive, invasive, and drug-resistant tumors. The vast majority of cases is represented by sporadic PitNETs. Somatic mutations in the α subunit of the stimulatory G protein gene (gsp) and in the ubiquitin-specific protease 8 (USP8) gene have been recognized as pathogenetic factors in sporadic GH- and ACTH-secreting PitNETs, respectively, without an association with a worse clinical phenotype. Other molecular factors have been found to significantly affect PitNET drug responsiveness and invasive behavior. These molecules are cytoskeleton and/or scaffold proteins whose alterations prevent proper functioning of the somatostatin and dopamine receptors, targets of medical therapy, or promote the ability of tumor cells to invade surrounding tissues. The aim of the present review is to provide an overview of the genetic and molecular alterations that can contribute to determine PitNET clinical behavior. Understanding subcellular mechanisms underlying pituitary tumorigenesis and PitNET clinical phenotype will hopefully lead to identification of new potential therapeutic targets and new markers predicting the behavior and the response to therapeutic treatments of PitNETs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Spada
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanna Mantovani
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Endocrinology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea G Lania
- Endocrinology, Diabetology and Medical Andrology Unit, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | - Donatella Treppiedi
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Mangili
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Rosa Catalano
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Carosi
- Endocrinology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Elisa Sala
- Endocrinology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Erika Peverelli
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy,
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Yamamoto M, Nakao T, Ogawa W, Fukuoka H. Aggressive Cushing's Disease: Molecular Pathology and Its Therapeutic Approach. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:650791. [PMID: 34220707 PMCID: PMC8242934 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.650791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cushing's disease is a syndromic pathological condition caused by adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-secreting pituitary adenomas (ACTHomas) mediated by hypercortisolemia. It may have a severe clinical course, including infection, psychiatric disorders, hypercoagulability, and metabolic abnormalities, despite the generally small, nonaggressive nature of the tumors. Up to 20% of ACTHomas show aggressive behavior, which is related to poor surgical outcomes, postsurgical recurrence, serious clinical course, and high mortality. Although several gene variants have been identified in both germline and somatic changes in Cushing's disease, the pathophysiology of aggressive ACTHomas is poorly understood. In this review, we focused on the aggressiveness of ACTHomas, its pathology, the current status of medical therapy, and future prospects. Crooke's cell adenoma (CCA), Nelson syndrome, and corticotroph pituitary carcinoma are representative refractory pituitary tumors that secrete superphysiological ACTH. Although clinically asymptomatic, silent corticotroph adenoma is an aggressive ACTH-producing pituitary adenoma. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the pathophysiology of aggressive ACTHomas, including these tumors, from a molecular point of view based on genetic, pathological, and experimental evidence. The treatment of aggressive ACTHomas is clinically challenging and usually resistant to standard treatment, including surgery, radiotherapy, and established medical therapy (e.g., pasireotide and cabergoline). Temozolomide is the most prescribed pharmaceutical treatment for these tumors. Reports have shown that several treatments for patients with refractory ACTHomas include chemotherapy, such as cyclohexyl-chloroethyl-nitrosourea combined with 5-fluorouracil, or targeted therapies against several molecules including vascular endothelial growth factor receptor, cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4, programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1), and ligand for PD-1. Genetic and experimental evidence indicates that some possible therapeutic candidates are expected, such as epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor, and BRAF inhibitor. The development of novel treatment options for aggressive ACTHomas is an emerging task.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaaki Yamamoto
- Division of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Kobe University Hospital, Kobe, Japan
| | | | - Wataru Ogawa
- Division of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Hidenori Fukuoka
- Division of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Kobe University Hospital, Kobe, Japan
- *Correspondence: Hidenori Fukuoka,
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