Somatic ERCC2 mutations are associated with a distinct genomic signature in urothelial tumors

Nat Genet. 2016 Jun;48(6):600-606. doi: 10.1038/ng.3557. Epub 2016 Apr 25.

Abstract

Alterations in DNA repair pathways are common in tumors and can result in characteristic mutational signatures; however, a specific mutational signature associated with somatic alterations in the nucleotide- excision repair (NER) pathway has not yet been identified. Here we examine the mutational processes operating in urothelial cancer, a tumor type in which the core NER gene ERCC2 is significantly mutated. Analysis of three independent urothelial tumor cohorts demonstrates a strong association between somatic ERCC2 mutations and the activity of a mutational signature characterized by a broad spectrum of base changes. In addition, we note an association between the activity of this signature and smoking that is independent of ERCC2 mutation status, providing genomic evidence of tobacco-related mutagenesis in urothelial cancer. Together, these analyses identify an NER-related mutational signature and highlight the related roles of DNA damage and subsequent DNA repair in shaping tumor mutational landscape.

Publication types

  • Validation Study

MeSH terms

  • Cohort Studies
  • DNA Damage
  • DNA Repair
  • Humans
  • Mutation*
  • Tobacco Products
  • Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / etiology
  • Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Xeroderma Pigmentosum Group D Protein / genetics*

Substances

  • Xeroderma Pigmentosum Group D Protein
  • ERCC2 protein, human