Carcinogenesis mechanism of gastric cancer discovered with whole genome sequencing

June 23, 2023
National Cancer Center
In Japanese

Highlights

• A large scale study with whole genome analysis of gastric cancer and its clinical information has revealed a comprehensive picture of chromosomal structural variants, and the role of extrachromosomal DNA in the development of gastric cancer.
• Further studies can lead to new strategies for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment development of gastric cancer.
• Extrachromosomal DNA present a likely new therapeutic target or molecular marker for gastric cancer. As it cannot be detected by gene panel tests, a new test method with whole genome sequencing is anticipated.

Summary

A team led by Dr Tatsuhiro Shibata, Chief of the Division of Cancer Genomics at the Research Institute of the National Cancer Center examined 170 gastric cancer whole genomes with clinical information, to unravel the structural aberration landscape in gastric cancer genomes. The team identified six rearrangement signatures in chromosomal structural variants, studying their association with epidemiological factors such as smoking and with driver mutations. The team also identified extra-chromosomal DNA (ecDNA), where driver genes were amplified and plays a role in developing gastric cancer, such as FGFR2, ERBB2, CCNE1. The results from whole genome sequencing unravel the causes of chromosomal structural variations of gastric cancer, anticipated to open doors to new research on prevention. Extra-chromosomal DNA may present a new therapeutic target or serve as a molecular marker for gastric cancer. The findings could lead to the utilization of results from whole genome sequencing in clinical medicine.

The findings were published in the journal Nature Communications on June 22, 2023.

Publication

Journal

Nature Communications

Title

Oncogenic structural aberration landscape in gastric cancer genomes

Authors

Mihoko Saito-Adachi, Natsuko Hama, Yasushi Totoki, Hiromi Nakamura, Yasuhito Arai, Fumie Hosoda, Hirofumi Rokutan, Shinichi Yachida, Mamoru Kato, Akihiko Fukagawa, Tatsuhiro Shibata

Publication Date

June 22, 2023

DOI

10.1038/s41467-023-39263-1

URL

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-023-39263-1（link to external site）

Contacts

• Study Inquiries
  Tatsuhiro Shibata
  Chief, Division of Cancer Genomics, National Cancer Center Research Institute
  e-mail: tashibat●ncc.go.jp
• Media Inquiries
  Office of Public Relations, Strategic Planning Bureau, National Cancer Center Japan
  Tel: +81-3-3547-5201(Ex 2632); E-mail: ncc-admin●ncc.go.jp