Abstract

Angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma (AFH) is a rare soft tissue tumor of low malignant potential and uncertain differentiation. Only three genetically investigated cases of AFH have been reported. Two of them displayed a FUS-ATF1 fusion gene and one showed an EWSR1-ATF1 chimera. Using RT-PCR analysis, we have identified the EWSR1-ATF1 fusion transcript, and delineated the genomic breakpoints, in two new cases of AFH. Previously, the EWSR1-ATF1 fusion protein has been suggested to activate expression of the MITF-M transcript, and therefore the expression pattern of the MITF gene was studied. The MITF-M transcript was not detected in either AFH, in line with the finding that the co-activator SOX10 was not expressed. Thus, of the five AFH that have been molecularly analyzed to date, two have displayed a FUS-ATF1 fusion gene and three have shown an EWSR1-ATF1 chimera. There is no apparent correlation between the type of fusion gene and clinicopathologic features. Nonetheless, RT-PCR for these fusion transcripts remains a valuable diagnostic adjunct in the distinction between AFH and other soft tissue tumors or metastases that may simulate it.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.