New insights into the nature of Warthin's tumour.
Warthin's tumour is considered heterogeneous as to its pathogenesis with some data supporting a polyclonal origin for the epithelium, implying a non-neoplastic nature. After inconsistent reports, current information from molecular studies suggests that a recurrent t(11;19) and associated CRTC1-MAML2 fusion oncogene characterizes a subset of Warthin's tumours and supports a clonal origin in such cases. CRTC1-MAML2 is also a frequent feature of mucoepidermoid carcinoma. These findings, and the recent reports of Warthin's tumour and co-existent mucoepidermoid carcinoma with common CRTC1-MAML2 expression, provide a morphological and molecular framework for future studies as a basis for a fresh appraisal of the pathogenesis of Warthin's tumour. The underlying molecular basis and the pivotal studies defining such events are discussed.
O'Neill
Iain David
ID
Centre D'Affaires Poincare, 3 Rue Poincare Nice, France. iain.oneill@hotmail.com
D000235:Adenolymphoma / Q000235:genetics*; D018277:Carcinoma, Mucoepidermoid / Q000235:genetics; D002880:Chromosomes, Human, Pair 11 / Q000235:genetics; D002888:Chromosomes, Human, Pair 19 / Q000235:genetics; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D005810:Multigene Family / Q000235:genetics; D009687:Nuclear Proteins / Q000235:genetics; D050596:Oncogene Fusion / Q000235:genetics*; D011506:Proteins / Q000235:genetics; D012468:Salivary Gland Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics*; D015534:Trans-Activators; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000235:genetics; D014178:Translocation, Genetic / Q000235:genetics*
C428808:CRCT1 protein, human; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins; C471297:MAML2 protein, human; D009687:Nuclear Proteins; D011506:Proteins; D015534:Trans-Activators; D014157:Transcription Factors