Clinical Neuropathology practice news 2-2014: ATRX, a new candidate biomarker in gliomas

Clin Neuropathol. 2014 Mar-Apr;33(2):108-11. doi: 10.5414/np300758.

Abstract

Genome-wide molecular approaches have substantially elucidated molecular alterations and pathways involved in the oncogenesis of brain tumors. In gliomas, several molecular biomarkers including IDH mutation, 1p/19q co-deletion, and MGMT promotor methylation status have been introduced into neuropathological practice. Recently, mutations of the ATRX gene have been found in various subtypes and grades of gliomas and were shown to refine the prognosis of malignant gliomas in combination with IDH and 1p/19q status. Mutations of ATRX are associated with loss of nuclear ATRX protein expression, detectable by a commercially available antibody, thus turning ATRX into a promising prognostic candidate biomarker in the routine neuropathological setting.

MeSH terms

  • Astrocytoma / genetics
  • Astrocytoma / pathology
  • Brain Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Brain Neoplasms / pathology
  • DNA Helicases / biosynthesis
  • DNA Helicases / genetics*
  • DNA Modification Methylases / genetics
  • DNA Repair Enzymes / genetics
  • Genetic Markers / genetics*
  • Glioma / genetics*
  • Glioma / pathology
  • Humans
  • Isocitrate Dehydrogenase / genetics
  • Mutation / genetics
  • Nuclear Proteins / biosynthesis
  • Nuclear Proteins / genetics*
  • Prognosis
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins / genetics
  • X-linked Nuclear Protein

Substances

  • Genetic Markers
  • Nuclear Proteins
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins
  • Isocitrate Dehydrogenase
  • DNA Modification Methylases
  • MGMT protein, human
  • DNA Helicases
  • ATRX protein, human
  • X-linked Nuclear Protein
  • DNA Repair Enzymes