Lineage restriction analyses in CHIP indicate myeloid bias for TET2 and multipotent stem cell origin for DNMT3A

Abstract

We analyzed DNA from polymorphonuclear (PMN) cells, monocytes, B cells, and T cells of 107 individuals with clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP) to perform lineage restriction analysis of different gene mutations. Three lineage categories were defined: myeloid (PMN with or without monocytes), myelolympho-B (myeloid and B cells), and multipotent (myeloid, B and T cells). Six individuals with aberrant patterns were excluded from analysis. Ninety-four had a single mutation (56 in DNMT3A, 24 in TET2, 7 in other genes [JAK2, ASXL1, CBL or TP53]). Fourteen had multiple mutations. The lineage restriction patterns of single DNMT3A- or TET2-mutated individuals were different. The proportion of myeloid restricted mutations was higher for TET2 (54.2%, 13 of 24) than for DNMT3A (23.2%, 13 of 56) (P < .05). It was similar for myelolympho-B category but with a 1.5 fold greater proportion of myeloid cells for TET2 individuals (P < .05). Importantly, 0% (0 of 24) of the individuals with TET2 mutation in the multipotent category in contrast to 35.7% (20 of 56) for DNMT3A (P < .01). The clone size predicted multipotent pattern for DNMT3A suggesting a time delay for extensive lineage clonal dominance. These distinctive features may be important in deciphering the transformation mechanisms of these frequent mutations.