Germline MEN1 Mutations Research Articles

Suspected olfactory meningioma and synchronous pituitary microadenoma in a canine patient treated with radiation therapy

The authors report on the rare occurrence of dual synchronous primary brain tumors in a canine patient, successful treatment with radiation therapy, and medical therapy with patient stabilization for almost three years. A 12.5-year-old spayed mixed-breed female Labrador was referred to Purdue Veterinary Hospital to treat hyperadrenocorticism of suspected pituitary origin. During MRI imaging, the presence of two possible brain neoplasms was detected: a possible right olfactory bulb meningioma and a microadenoma of the pituitary gland. The patient was treated with a fractionated course of radiation in both tumors, 15 treatments of 3Gy, which limited the tumor growth. Mitotane therapy corrected the hormonal dysregulation. The dog had a normal life for nearly three years and recently passed. Cancer cells were not found at necropsy. No MEN1 germline mutations were identified in constitutional DNA (from blood) via high-coverage whole genome sequencing.

Familial parathyroid tumours-comparison of clinical profiles between syndromes.

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) caused by parathyroid tumours is mostly sporadic, with a genetic cause identified in 5-10% of cases. Familial parathyroid tumours can be included in complex syndromes, such as multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) type 1, 2A and 4 or hyperparathyroidism-jaw tumour syndrome (HPT-JT). Characterisation of the familial parathyroid tumours followed-up at our centre and comparison of the different clinicopathological manifestations between the syndromes. Retrospective analysis of 48 patients with familial parathyroid tumours harbouring RET (n = 11), CDC73 (n = 20) and MEN1 (n = 17) germline mutations was performed. Cases of PHPT in MEN2A syndrome presented with lower serum PTH (sPTH) and serum calcium (sCa) levels at diagnosis (sPTH = 108.0 (IQR 53.3) pg/mL, sCa = 10.6 ± 1.1mg/dL) than MEN1 (sPTH = 196.9 (IQR 210.5) pg/mL, sCa = 11.7 ± 1.2mg/dL) (p = 0.01, p = 0.03, respectively) or HPT-JT cases (sPTH = 383.5 (IQR 775.8) pg/mL, sCa = 12.9 ± 1.8mg/dL) (p = 0.01; p < 0.001, respectively). There was a statistical difference in sCa levels between MEN1 and HPT-JT (p = 0.02), but not between sPTH (p = 0.07). The predominant first manifestation of the syndrome in MEN1 was gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumour (GEP-NET) in 47.1% of the cases, in MEN2A was medullary thyroid cancer (90.9%) and in HPT-JT was PHPT in 85% patients. In MEN1 syndrome, the number of affected parathyroid glands was significantly higher than in MEN2A (p < 0.001) and HPT-JT (p = 0.01). The first manifestation of the syndrome in MEN1 cases was GEP-NET and not PHPT. Although presenting at similar ages, patients with MEN2A exhibit less severe biochemical and clinical PHPT at diagnosis than the other familial syndromes.

ODP300 c-MET expression in MEN1-associated neuroendocrine tumors

Abstract Multiple studies have shown that approximately 50-70% of patients with MEN1 die of causes directly related to MEN1 particularly gastroenteropancreatic (GEP) neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). While non-functional GEP-NETs are the most common in the general population, gastrinomas (40%) are the most common functional GEP-NETs in patients with MEN1. c-MET is a proto-oncogene that encodes for c-MET, a tyrosine kinase receptor which promotes tumor cell motility, proliferation, survival, invasion, and metastasis. Studies in patients with sporadic gastrinomas and pancreatic NETs (PNETs) have shown that c-MET expression correlates with decreased survival. While c-MET inhibitors are currently in various stages of investigation for treatment of carcinoids and sporadic PNETs, data regarding their efficacy in patients with MEN1-related GEP NETs is lacking. The majority of trials in patients with GEP-NETs exclude or do not report the number of patients with MEN1. Importantly, somatic MEN1 mutations are observed in 20-40% of sporadic NETs (gastrinomas, PNETs, lung NETs, etc.) but correlation of cMET expression with the presence of somatic or germline MEN1 mutations has not been reported. We sought to investigate the expression of c-MET in tumor tissue from germline MEN1 patients with metastatic GEP-NETs. Methods We identified subjects with a germline positive MEN1 mutation and pathologically confirmed distant metastasis who had a follow-up visit between 2018-2020. Of these, we selected subjects with available tissue specimens (including either multiple organ sources or different tumor types). Where available, we identified specimens from multiple source or tumor types. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) to detect c-MET was performed with anti-MET (Cell Signaling) using the DAKO IHC kit (Agilent). IHC slides were imaged and observed to score the level of c-MET staining (-, 1+ to 5+). A score of 3+ or higher was considered consistent with overexpression. We investigated if age at initial GEP-NET presentation, tumor type, tissue source, tumor grade, total number of surgeries for GEP-NET, number of sites of distant metastasis and disease status from overall GEP-NET burden over the preceding 12 months (stable/progressive) predicted c-MET expression. Results Eight subjects with available tissue specimens were identified, of which six had tissue from multiple organs while five had tissue from multiple tumor types. Six subjects (75%) showed increased expression of c-MET in one or more tumor specimen(s). The frequency of c-MET overexpression varied with tumor types – carcinoids (n=2/2; 100%), gastrinomas (n=3/5; 60%) and non-functional tumors (n=3/6; 50%). c-MET expression also varied among different tumors in the same patient. Tumor tissue from liver (n=2/2), duodenum (n=3/4), stomach (n=1/1), ovary (n=1/1), pancreas (n= 1/5), and lymph nodes (n=1/3), all showed over-expression of c-MET. No clear predictors of c-MET overexpression emerged. Conclusion Our finding suggests a role for c-MET expression in personalizing therapy for patients with MEN1-related NETs with distant metastases. Presentation: Sunday, June 12, 2022 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m., Sunday, June 12, 2022 12:48 p.m. - 12:53 p.m.

RF21 | PSUN07 Germline Genetic Testing in a Cohort of Adults with Adrenocortical Carcinoma : Insights From a Clinical Care Setting

Abstract Context About 5-10% of adrenocortical cancer (ACC) arise in patients with genetic predisposition syndromes, including Li-Fraumeni, Lynch, MEN1, or Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (APC). Recent European (2018) and American guidelines (2020) recommend that all adults with ACC should be offered clinical genetic counseling. There is a paucity of data regarding systematic germline testing in adults with ACC and the extent of the genetic evaluation is unclear. Objective To describe the germline genetic characteristics in a cohort of adult patients with ACC evaluated in a tertiary clinical care center. Methods Data including demographics, personal and family history of neoplasia, pathology reports, clinical features and genetic testing were retrospectively collected from charts of patients treated at Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM). After genetic counseling, genetic testing was proposed to patients with a pathologic diagnosis of ACC. From 2005 to 2015, TP53 gene analysis was performed using direct sequencing and MLPA. Since 2016, multigene testing was performed for a progressively increasing number of oncogenic genes using a custom next-generation panel for germline leucocyte DNA including at least the TP53, MSH2, MSH6, MLH1,PMS2, EPCAM, MEN1, BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes (Invitae, CA). An extended panel, based on past medical and familial history, was performed at the discretion of the geneticist. Patient data was retrospectively investigated. Results We analyzed data from 44 patients with available germline genetic results. Median age of the patients was 46 years (ranging from 22 to 79 years), including 11 males (25.0%) and 33 females (75.0%). Ten patients (22.7%) underwent only TP53 gene analysis and 32 patients (72.7%) were studied using the larger oncogenic genetic panel. Germline pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants were identified in 5 of the 44 patients (11.4%) while genetic variants of unknown significance (VUS) were found in 7 of the 44 patients (15.9%). Among patients with pathogenic variants, one had a family history and known germline mutation in the BRCA2 gene (8765delAG, p.Glu2846GlyfsX23). One patient had a personal and familial medical history suggesting a MEN1 syndrome that was confirmed with the finding of a germline MEN1 mutation (c.1556delC, p.Pro519Leu fs40). Unsuspected germline pathogenic variants were found in three patients: 1) TP53 (c.425delC, p.Pro142fs), 2) MUTYH (c.536A&amp;gt;G, p.Tyr179Cys) and 3) MSH6 (c.3649-3655, p.Arg1217Leu fs9) genes. Variants of unknown significance (VUS) were found in the following genes: POT1, MSH3, PALB2, RAD51d, APC, ATM and BRCA2. Conclusions Germline pathogenic variants were found in 11.4% of our cohort of patients with ACC. VUS were found in 15.9% of patients but their significance remains to be determined. Genetic counseling and germline genetic testing should be offered to all patients with ACC; however the optimal use and extent of oncogenic gene panels need to be better defined. Presentation: Sunday, June 12, 2022 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m., Sunday, June 12, 2022 12:48 p.m. - 12:53 p.m.

Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 in children and adolescents: Clinical features and treatment outcomes

BackgroundClinical manifestations and treatment outcomes in children and adolescents with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 are not well characterized. MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study of 80 patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 who commenced tumor surveillance at ≤18 years of age. ResultsFifty-six patients (70%) developed an endocrine tumor by age ≤18 years (median age = 14 years, range = 6–18 years). Primary hyperparathyroidism occurred in >80% of patients, with >70% undergoing parathyroidectomy, in which less-than-subtotal (<3-gland) resection resulted in decreased disease-free outcomes versus subtotal (3–3.5-gland) or total (4-gland) parathyroidectomy (median 27 months versus not reached; P = .005). Pancreaticoduodenal neuroendocrine tumors developed in ∼35% of patients, of whom >70% had nonfunctioning tumors, >35% had insulinomas, and <5% had gastrinomas, with ∼15% having metastases and >55% undergoing surgery. Pituitary tumors developed in >30% of patients, and ∼35% were macroprolactinomas. Tumor occurrence in male patients and female patients was not significantly different. Genetic analyses revealed 38 germline MEN1 mutations, of which 3 were novel. ConclusionSeventy percent of children aged ≤18 years with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 develop endocrine tumors, which include parathyroid tumors for which less-than-subtotal parathyroidectomy should be avoided; pancreaticoduodenal neuroendocrine tumors that may metastasize; and pituitary macroprolactinomas.

Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1: Latest Insights.

Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1), a rare tumor syndrome that is inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern, is continuing to raise great interest for endocrinology, gastroenterology, surgery, radiology, genetics, and molecular biology specialists. There have been 2 major clinical practice guidance papers published in the past 2 decades, with the most recent published 8 years ago. Since then, several new insights on the basic biology and clinical features of MEN1 have appeared in the literature, and those data are discussed in this review. The genetic and molecular interactions of the MEN1-encoded protein menin with transcription factors and chromatin-modifying proteins in cell signaling pathways mediated by transforming growth factor β/bone morphogenetic protein, a few nuclear receptors, Wnt/β-catenin, and Hedgehog, and preclinical studies in mouse models have facilitated the understanding of the pathogenesis of MEN1-associated tumors and potential pharmacological interventions. The advancements in genetic diagnosis have offered a chance to recognize MEN1-related conditions in germline MEN1 mutation-negative patients. There is rapidly accumulating knowledge about clinical presentation in children, adolescents, and pregnancy that is translatable into the management of these very fragile patients. The discoveries about the genetic and molecular signatures of sporadic neuroendocrine tumors support the development of clinical trials with novel targeted therapies, along with advancements in diagnostic tools and surgical approaches. Finally, quality of life studies in patients affected by MEN1 and related conditions represent an effort necessary to develop a pharmacoeconomic interpretation of the problem. Because advances are being made both broadly and in focused areas, this timely review presents and discusses those studies collectively.

C-MET inhibition: novel treatment for sporadic and MEN1-associated GEP NETs.

Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP NETs) comprise a heterogenous and diverse group of neoplasms arising from a common neuroendocrine cell origin. The majority of these tumors occur sporadically while ~20% manifest within the context of hereditary syndromes. Germline MEN1 mutations cause a syndrome with an increased susceptibility to multifocal primary GEP NETs. In addition, somatic MEN1 mutations also occur in these sporadic lesions. MEN1 alterations are the most frequent somatic mutation found in pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. In this review, we explore the implication of the loss of the MEN1-encoded protein menin as a key pathogenic driver in subsets of GEP NETs with downstream consequences including upregulation of the oncogenic receptor c-MET (hepatocyte growth factor receptor). Furthermore, the review will summarize the data related to the clinical presentation, therapeutic standards, and outcomes of these tumors in both sporadic and germline MEN1 mutation-associated contexts. Finally, we present the data on c-MET expression in GEP NETs, clinical trials using c-MET inhibitors and provide an overview of the molecular mechanisms by which c-MET inhibition in these lesions represents a potential precision-medicine targeted approach.

Germline mutations in MEN1 are associated with the tumorigenesis of pituitary adenoma associated with meningioma.

Pituitary adenoma and meningioma are two of the most common benign tumors in the central nervous system. Pituitary adenoma associated with meningioma (PAM) is a rare disease, the tumorigenesis of which remains unclear. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the tumorigenesis of PAM. A total of 8,197 patients with pituitary adenoma were analyzed. Furthermore, the clinical data of 57 patients with PAM were compared with patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia 1 (MEN-1) syndrome. Whole exome sequencing (WES) was performed on 23 samples from patients with PAM and the germline mutation was verified by Sanger sequencing. The age of tumor penetrance (age of patients at diagnosis) for PAM was significantly higher than that for patients with MEN-1. Compared with MEN-1 patients, there was a significant association between PAM and female sex (P=0.004). Clonal analysis and phylogenetic tree construction suggested that the pituitary adenoma and meningioma in PAM don't originate from a common progenitor. WES revealed that 5/23 PAM samples had the recurrent germline mutation MEN1 c.1523G>A; p.G508D, which may be a genetic risk factor for PAM. Compared with patients with sporadic pituitary adenoma, the difference was statistically significant (P=0.0004). Compared with wild-type MEN1, there was a significant association between the MEN1 mutation and recurrence of pituitary adenoma, young age and larger diameter of the meningioma. The present study indicated that germline mutations in MEN1 may be associated with the tumorigenesis of PAM.

SUN-909 A Unique Presentation of Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia (MEN) Type 1 Mosaicism Caused by a Novel c.124G&amp;gt;A Variant in the MEN1 Gene

The MEN1 gene is positioned on the long arm of chromosome 11 (11q13) and results in the production of menin. A classical tumour suppressor gene; the spectrum of reported germline MEN1 mutations occur throughout the gene with no strong genotype/phenotype relationship. Mosaicism is extremely rare, a recent report citing only 2 mosaic cases by next generation sequencing1. We describe a 43-year-old female with MEN1 mosaicism associated with parathyroid adenoma and probable gastrinoma.Our patient initially presented with nephrolithiasis and nephrocalcinosis alongside biochemistry of primary hyperparathyroidism. Imaging confirmed a right lower pole parathyroid adenoma and the lesion was removed, pathology confirming the diagnosis (July 2018). Post operatively she remained hypercalcaemic. Repeat imaging suggested a further right sided culprit lesion.One year previously (August 2017) she was admitted with a perforated duodenal ulcer within the first part of the duodenum (D1), ascribed to ibuprofen use, requiring surgical repair. Whilst awaiting repeat parathyroid surgery she represented with a further duodenal ulcer and perforation (February 2019) this time in the second part of the duodenum(D2). A second parathyroidectomy was performed and genetic investigations were instigated, given the presence of classical MEN1 phenotype. Again, pathology was consistent with a parathyroid adenoma (March 2019).DNA was extracted for next generation sequencing which revealed mosaicism with a c.124 G>A variant detected in the MEN1 gene at a level of approximately 15%.Further investigations have shown normal serum prolactin and pituitary and pancreatic MRI imaging. With no other family members testing positive (parents and 2/3 children) this mutation appears to be a de novo index case. Adjusted Calcium is normal 2.53 mmol/L (2.2-2.6 mmol/L) but serum Chromogranin A is elevated (2620 µg/L (ref range <95 µg/L)).The c.124 G>A variant predicts an amino acid substitution p.(Gly42Ser) in menin structure, an amino acid change previously associated with MEN12. Given the paucity of MEN1 mosaicism reported within the literature with the presence of the two cell lines and only 15% mosaicism close monitoring will be crucial to determine the genotype/phenotype relationship in our patient. 1 Choppin et al 2019 Eur J Endocrinol 1; 180(2):L1-L3 2 Itoh et al 2017 Clin Pediatr Endocrinol 26;25-28

Clinical and Molecular Update on Genetic Causes of Pituitary Adenomas.

Pituitary adenomas are benign tumors with variable functional characteristics that can have a significant impact on patients. The majority arise sporadically, but an inherited genetic susceptibility is increasingly being recognized. Recent advances in genetics have widened the scope of our understanding of pituitary tumorigenesis. The clinical and genetic characteristics of pituitary adenomas that develop in the setting of germline-mosaic and somatic GNAS mutations (McCune-Albright syndrome and sporadic acromegaly), germline MEN1 mutations (multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1), and germline PRKAR1A mutations (Carney complex) have been well described. Non-syndromic familial cases of isolated pituitary tumors can occur as familial isolated pituitary adenomas (FIPA); mutations/deletions of the AIP gene have been found in a minority of these. Genetic alterations in GPR101 have been identified recently as causing X-linked acro-gigantism (X-LAG) leading to very early-onset pediatric gigantism. Associations of pituitary adenomas with other tumors have been described in syndromes like multiple endocrine neoplasia type 4, pheochromocytoma-paraganglioma with pituitary adenoma association (3PAs) syndrome and some of their genetic causes have been elucidated. The genetic etiologies of a significant proportions of sporadic corticotropinomas have recently been identified with the discovery of USP8 and USP48 mutations. The elucidation of genetic and molecular pathophysiology in pituitary adenomas is a key factor for better patient management and effective follow-up.

Pancreatic grade 3 neuroendocrine tumors behave similarly to neuroendocrine carcinomas following resection: a multi-center, international appraisal of the WHO 2010 and WHO 2017 staging schema for pancreatic neuroendocrine lesions

BackgroundIn 2017, the WHO updated their 2010 classification of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, introducing a well-differentiated, highly proliferative grade 3 tumor, distinct from neuroendocrine carcinomas. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical significance of this update in a large cohort of resected tumors. MethodsUsing a multicenter, international dataset of patients with pancreatic neuroendocrine lesions, patients were classified both according to the WHO 2010 and 2017 schema. Multivariable survival analyses were performed, and the models were evaluated for discrimination ability and goodness of fit. ResultsExcluding patients with a known germline MEN1 mutation and incomplete data, 544 patients were analyzed. The performance of the WHO 2010 and 2017 models was similar, however surgically resected grade 3 tumors behaved very similarly to neuroendocrine carcinomas. ConclusionThe addition of a grade 3 NET classification may be of limited utility in surgically resected patients, as these lesions have similar postoperative survival compared to carcinomas. While the addition may allow for a more granular evaluation of novel treatment strategies, surgical intervention for high grade tumors should be considered judiciously.

MON-321 Metastatic Melanoma with Unknown Primary Site in a Patient with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1

Background: MEN1 is a rare hereditary tumor syndrome caused by germline inactivating mutations of the tumor suppressor gene MEN1 and is characterized by a predisposition to endocrine tumors primarily of parathyroid, enteropancreatic, and anterior pituitary origin, as well as nonendocrine neoplasms. Cutaneous manifestations mainly include lipomas, angiofibromas, and collagenomas. Melanoma has been observed in MEN1 with 9 cases described in the literature, including 2 cases with unknown primary site (Nord et al. 2000; Baldauf et al. 2009; Brown et al. 2015). Clinical Case: A 45 year old man with MEN1 syndrome manifesting as primary hyperparathyroidism, metastatic pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (NET), Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, nonfunctional pituitary microadenoma, anterior mediastinal mass and skin angiofibromas presented with a left neck mass that developed over 1 year. CT neck confirmed a 2.2 cm left lateral neck level V mass. Further evaluation revealed stable NET disease with the exception of an enlarging 1.3 cm anterior mediastinal nodule. 18F-FDG PET/CT demonstrated more activity in the left neck mass and mediastinal mass than 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT. Biopsy of the left neck mass revealed a high grade malignant neoplasm with epithelioid features and markedly elevated MIB1. Tumor cells were positive for CD56, SOX-10 and S-100 protein, but negative for CD20, CD3, CD5, chromogranin, synaptophysin, AE1/AE3, CAM5.2, C-Kit and p53. Molecular analysis showed pathogenic variants in BRAF, TERT, PIK3C, and RB1, a likely pathogenic variant in FBXW7, and a variant of uncertain significance in PMS2. Given these histologic and molecular findings, the diagnosis of metastatic melanoma was favored. Ophthalmological evaluation, skin examination and biopsy of suspicious cutaneous lesions did not reveal the primary site of melanoma. PCR did not reveal MEN1 loss of heterozygosity (LOH) of the neck mass, though there was insufficient material to evaluate for large MEN1 deletions. Conclusion: Of the 9 cases of melanoma previously reported in MEN1, only 1 was evaluated for MEN1 LOH, which was not demonstrated. MEN1 LOH has been described in sporadic melanoma and in vitro and in vivo studies in mice suggest a role for MEN1 as a tumor suppressor gene in melanoma (Gao et al. 2011, Fang et al. 2013). Whether melanoma in MEN1 is related to the germline MEN1 mutation or is sporadic is still unclear. Evaluation of melanomas for MEN1 LOH initially with targeted sequencing of the germline mutation followed by LOH for markers in and near the MEN1 gene at 11q13, may help further elucidate the role of MEN1 in melanoma.

Correction to: Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1: analysis of germline MEN1 mutations in the Italian multicenter MEN1 patient database.

The original version of this article unfortunately contained a mistake in Table 2. The table 2 was truncated in the original publication. The full table 2 is given below.

Children with MEN1 gene mutations may present first (and at a young age) with Cushing disease.

Cushing disease (CD) is a rare entity caused by ACTH-secreting pituitary tumours, leading to prolonged hypercortisolism. Most cases are sporadic but can rarely occur in the context of familial predisposition, due to germline mutations in genes such as MEN1, leading to multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1, MEN1. We have reported previously that CD can be the first and only presenting manifestation of MEN1. In this report, we describe a cohort of paediatric patients who presented with CD as the first manifestation of MEN1. A retrospective analysis of paediatric patients admitted to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Clinical Center for evaluation of hypercortisolism, between 1997 and 2017. MEN1 was diagnosed on a clinical, familial and/or genetic basis. Of a total of 238 children with CD, six patients were subsequently diagnosed with MEN1, three males and three females with a mean age at diagnosis of CD at 13.4±2.9years. Five of the six patients had familial MEN1 and one patient was a sporadic case. Additional manifestations of MEN1 included primary hyperparathyroidism in three patients and hyperprolactinemia in two patients. This report describes a paediatric patient population with MEN1 in whom CD was the initial manifestation, confirming a previous observation that paediatric patients with MEN1 may present first with an ACTH-producing adenoma. Therefore, germline MEN1 mutations should be sought in paediatric CD and tested for when there is a suggestive family history and/or other manifestations.

Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors are predictive for a positive MEN1 germline mutation test: evidence from Hungarian MEN1 cohort

Searchable abstracts of presentations at key conferences in endocrinology ISSN 1470-3947 (print) | ISSN 1479-6848 (online)

Mutational and large deletion study of genes implicated in hereditary forms of primary hyperparathyroidism and correlation with clinical features.

The aim of this study was to carry out genetic screening of the MEN1, CDKN1B and AIP genes, both by direct sequencing of the coding region and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) assay in the largest monocentric series of Italian patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 1 syndrome (MEN1) and Familial Isolated Hyperparathyroidism (FIHP). The study also aimed to describe and compare the clinical features of MEN1 mutation-negative and mutation-positive patients during long-term follow-up and to correlate the specific types and locations of MEN1 gene mutations with onset and aggressiveness of the main MEN1 manifestations. A total of 69 index cases followed at the Endocrinology Unit in Pisa over a period of 19 years, including 54 MEN1 and 15 FIHP kindreds were enrolled. Seven index cases with MEN1 but MEN1 mutation-negative, followed at the University Hospital of Cagliari, were also investigated. FIHP were also tested for CDC73 and CaSR gene alterations. MEN1 germline mutations were identified in 90% of the index cases of familial MEN1 (F-MEN1) and in 23% of sporadic cases (S-MEN1). MEN1 and CDC73 mutations accounted for 13% and 7% of the FIHP cohort, respectively. A CDKN1B mutation was identified in one F-MEN1. Two AIP variants of unknown significance were detected in two MEN1-negative S-MEN1. A MEN1 positive test best predicted the onset of all three major MEN1-related manifestations or parathyroid and gastro-entero-pancreatic tumors during follow-up. A comparison between the clinical characteristics of F and S-MEN1 showed a higher prevalence of a single parathyroid disease and pituitary tumors in sporadic compared to familial MEN1 patients. No significant correlation was found between the type and location of MEN1 mutations and the clinical phenotype. Since all MEN1 mutation-positive sporadic patients had a phenotype resembling that of familial MEN1 (multiglandular parathyroid hyperplasia, a prevalence of gastro-entero-pancreatic tumors and/or the classic triad) we might hypothesize that a subset of the sporadic MEN1 mutation-negative patients could represent an incidental coexistence of sporadic primary hyperparathyroidism and pituitary tumors or a MEN1 phenocopy, in our cohort, as in most cases described in the literature.

MENIN loss as a tissue-specific driver of tumorigenesis.

The MEN1 gene encodes MENIN, a tumor suppressor that plays a role in multiple cellular processes. Germline and somatic mutations in MEN1 have been identified in hereditary and sporadic tumors of neuroendocrine origins suggesting context-specific functions. In this review, we focus on the development of mutational Men1 invivo models, the known cellular activities of MENIN and efforts to identify vulnerabilities in tumors with MENIN loss.

Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 associated with a new germline Men1 mutation in a family with atypical tumor phenotype

Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 associated with a new germline Men1 mutation in a family with atypical tumor phenotype

Abstract 3293: Molecular evidence for a parent of origin effect in pediatric insulinomas

Abstract Insulinomas are well-differentiated pancreatic endocrine tumors that cause abnormal beta cell proliferation and hyperinsulinimic hypoglycemia. With an incidence of 2-4 cases per million per year, insulinomas are rare in adults and even less common in children. Since congenital focal hyperinsulinism, another developmental lesion, is associated with paternal isodisomy for the imprinted 11p15 locus, we sought to characterize the role of this region and of mutations in MEN1 on 11q13 in pediatric insulinoma cases. We identified 13 pediatric insulinoma cases, which is the largest pediatric series reported, and performed immunohistochemical analysis for the maternally expressed tumor suppressor marker p57 located in 11p15. Using blood and tumor DNA, we tested 9 candidate genes associated with congenital hyperinsulinism including ABCC8, KCNJ11 and the MEN1 tumor suppressor. We performed methylation analysis of imprint control regions (ICR) that included the paternally expressed IGF2 (ICR1) and maternally expressed CDKN1C (ICR2) located on 11p15 and genome-wide SNP array analysis with tumor DNA. MEN1 mutations were found in 4 cases and suspected in one (MEN1 group); all 5 tumors stained negative for p57 and were hypermethylated at ICR1 and hypomethylated at ICR2 indicating loss of the maternal allele. SNP arrays confirmed loss of heterozygosity (LOH) of entire chromosome 11 in 4 cases. Four out of the 6 remaining non-MEN1 cases also stained negative for p57; in confirmation, 2 of the 4 cases carried mosaic copy number abnormality of chromosome 11. SNP array data demonstrated extensive genome-wide aneuploidy in MEN1 and non-MEN1 cases; however interstitial changes were not present in any of the cases. Notably, MEN1 cases carried only entire chromosome changes, while non-MEN1 cases carried whole arm changes in addition whole chromosome changes. In conclusion, MEN1 mutations are more common in pediatric insulinomas than in adult insulinoma cases (40% in this study vs. 8% in adults). Compared to adult cases, our pediatric insulinoma cases had smaller sized tumors and a shorter median duration of symptoms, suggesting that these tumors are rapidly growing and that the most common chromosome gains and losses very likely represent early events in insulinoma development. Mechanistically, our data suggest that loss of p57 expression, in conjunction with loss of either MEN1 and/or additional imprinted genes on 11p, play a role in the pathogenesis of most insulinomas. In cases with a germ-line MEN1 mutation, we identified a previously unreported paternal parent-of-origin effect that is unique to pediatric insulinomas but not to other MEN1 endocrine tumors (e.g., prolactinoma, parathyroid adenoma). Since a congenital focal hyperinsulinism has a similar parent of origin effect this suggests a broader role for the imprinted locus, 11p15, in not just the pathogenesis of pediatric insulinomas but also in beta-cell replication. Citation Format: Arupa Ganguly, Tricia Bhatti, Karthik Ganapathy, Laura Conlin, Courtney MacMullen, Susan Becker, Eduardo Ruchelli, Charles Stanley. Molecular evidence for a parent of origin effect in pediatric insulinomas. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 3293. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-3293

Genetic mutations in sporadic pituitary adenomas--what to screen for?

Pituitary adenomas are benign intracranial neoplasms that can result in morbidity owing to local invasion and/or excessive or deficient hormone production. The prevalence of symptomatic pituitary adenomas is approximately 1:1,000 in the general population. The vast majority of these tumours occur sporadically and are not part of syndromic disorders. However, germline mutations in genes known to predispose individuals to familial pituitary adenomas are found in a few patients with sporadic pituitary adenomas. Mutations in AIP (encoding aryl-hydrocarbon receptor-interacting protein) are the most frequently observed germline mutations. The prevalence of these mutations in patients with sporadic pituitary adenomas is ∼4%, but can increase to 8-20% in young adults with macroadenomas or gigantism, and also in children. Germline mutations in MEN1 (encoding menin) result in multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 and are found in very young patients with isolated sporadic pituitary adenomas, which highlights the importance of the chromosome 11q13 locus in pituitary tumorigenesis. In this Review, we describe the clinical features of patients with sporadic pituitary adenomas that are associated with AIP or MEN1 mutations, and discuss the molecular mechanisms that might be involved in pituitary adenoma tumorigenesis. We also discuss genetic screening of patients with sporadic pituitary adenomas and investigations of relatives of these patients who also have the same genetic mutations.