Exome sequencing identifies recurrent somatic MAP2K1 and MAP2K2 mutations in melanoma

Nat Genet. 2011 Dec 25;44(2):133-9. doi: 10.1038/ng.1026.

Abstract

We performed exome sequencing to detect somatic mutations in protein-coding regions in seven melanoma cell lines and donor-matched germline cells. All melanoma samples had high numbers of somatic mutations, which showed the hallmark of UV-induced DNA repair. Such a hallmark was absent in tumor sample-specific mutations in two metastases derived from the same individual. Two melanomas with non-canonical BRAF mutations harbored gain-of-function MAP2K1 and MAP2K2 (MEK1 and MEK2, respectively) mutations, resulting in constitutive ERK phosphorylation and higher resistance to MEK inhibitors. Screening a larger cohort of individuals with melanoma revealed the presence of recurring somatic MAP2K1 and MAP2K2 mutations, which occurred at an overall frequency of 8%. Furthermore, missense and nonsense somatic mutations were frequently found in three candidate melanoma genes, FAT4, LRP1B and DSC1.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Base Sequence
  • Cadherins / genetics
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cohort Studies
  • DNA Repair / genetics
  • Desmocollins
  • Exome / genetics*
  • Humans
  • MAP Kinase Kinase 1 / antagonists & inhibitors
  • MAP Kinase Kinase 1 / genetics*
  • MAP Kinase Kinase 2 / antagonists & inhibitors
  • MAP Kinase Kinase 2 / genetics*
  • Melanoma / genetics*
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 1 / genetics*
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Mutation*
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf / genetics
  • Receptors, LDL / genetics
  • Skin Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins / genetics
  • Ultraviolet Rays / adverse effects

Substances

  • Cadherins
  • DSC1 protein, human
  • Desmocollins
  • FAT4 protein, human
  • LRP1B protein, human
  • Receptors, LDL
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins
  • MAP2K2 protein, human
  • BRAF protein, human
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf
  • MAPK1 protein, human
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 1
  • MAP Kinase Kinase 1
  • MAP Kinase Kinase 2
  • MAP2K1 protein, human