Novel Mutation Hotspots within Non-Coding Regulatory Regions of the Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Genome

Sci Rep. 2020 Feb 12;10(1):2407. doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-59243-5.

Abstract

Mutations in non-coding DNA regions are increasingly recognized as cancer drivers. These mutations can modify gene expression in cis or by inducing high-order chormatin structure modifications with long-range effects. Previous analysis reported the detection of recurrent and functional non-coding DNA mutations in the chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) genome, such as those in the 3' untranslated region of NOTCH1 and in the PAX5 super-enhancer. In this report, we used whole genome sequencing data produced by the International Cancer Genome Consortium in order to analyze regions with previously reported regulatory activity. This approach enabled the identification of numerous recurrently mutated regions that were frequently positioned in the proximity of genes involved in immune and oncogenic pathways. By correlating these mutations with expression of their nearest genes, we detected significant transcriptional changes in genes such as PHF2 and S1PR2. More research is needed to clarify the function of these mutations in CLL, particularly those found in intergenic regions.

MeSH terms

  • 3' Untranslated Regions
  • DNA Mutational Analysis
  • DNA, Intergenic / genetics
  • Homeodomain Proteins / genetics
  • Humans
  • Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell / genetics*
  • Mutation*
  • PAX5 Transcription Factor / genetics
  • Receptor, Notch1 / genetics
  • Regulatory Sequences, Nucleic Acid*
  • Sphingosine-1-Phosphate Receptors / genetics
  • Whole Genome Sequencing

Substances

  • 3' Untranslated Regions
  • DNA, Intergenic
  • Homeodomain Proteins
  • NOTCH1 protein, human
  • PAX5 Transcription Factor
  • PAX5 protein, human
  • PHF2 protein, human
  • Receptor, Notch1
  • S1PR2 protein, human
  • Sphingosine-1-Phosphate Receptors