| Abstract: |
We describe a comprehensive genomic characterization of adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC). Using this dataset, we expand the catalogue of known ACC driver genes to include PRKAR1A, RPL22, TERF2, CCNE1, and NF1. Genome wide DNA copy-number analysis revealed frequent occurrence of massive DNA loss followed by whole-genome doubling (WGD), which was associated with aggressive clinical course, suggesting WGD is a hallmark of disease progression. Corroborating this hypothesis were increased TERT expression, decreased telomere length, and activation of cell-cycle programs. Integrated subtype analysis identified three ACC subtypes with distinct clinical outcome and molecular alterations which could be captured by a 68-CpG probe DNA-methylation signature, proposing a strategy for clinical stratification of patients based on molecular markers. Zheng et al. perform comprehensive genomic characterization of 91 cases of adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC). This analysis expands the list of driver genes in ACC, reveals whole-genome doubling as a hallmark of ACC progression, and identifies three ACC subtypes with distinct clinical outcome. © 2016 Elsevier Inc. |
