The curious case of Gαs gain-of-function in neoplasia

Giulio Innamorati, Thomas M. Wilkie, Havish S. Kantheti, Maria Teresa Valenti, Luca Dalle Carbonare, Luca Giacomello, Marco Parenti, Davide Melisi, Claudio Bassi

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

17 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Mutations activating the α subunit of heterotrimeric Gs protein are associated with a number of highly specific pathological molecular phenotypes. One of the best characterized is the McCune Albright syndrome. The disease presents with an increased incidence of neoplasias in specific tissues. Main body: A similar repertoire of neoplasms can develop whether mutations occur spontaneously in somatic tissues during fetal development or after birth. Glands are the most "permissive" tissues, recently found to include the entire gastrointestinal tract. High frequency of activating Gαs mutations is associated with precise diagnoses (e.g., IPMN, Pyloric gland adenoma, pituitary toxic adenoma). Typically, most neoplastic lesions, from thyroid to pancreas, remain well differentiated but may be a precursor to aggressive cancer. Conclusions: Here we propose the possibility that gain-of-function mutations of Gαs interfere with signals in the microenvironment of permissive tissues and lead to a transversal neoplastic phenotype.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number293
JournalBMC Cancer
Volume18
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 15 2018

Keywords

  • Activating mutation
  • Fibrous dysplasia
  • GNAS
  • Heterotrimeric Gs protein
  • Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm
  • McCune Albright Syndrome
  • Neoplasm

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Oncology
  • Genetics
  • Cancer Research

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The curious case of Gαs gain-of-function in neoplasia'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this