Lack of hotspot mutations other than TP53 R249S in aflatoxin B1 associated hepatocellular carcinoma

Abstract

Objective: Despite the recent advances in diagnosis and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), it is still a major health problem. Therefore, understanding the molecular mechanism is very important. Our aim is to investigate the molecular basis of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) induced HCC other than the hotspot TP53 p.Arg249Ser (c.747G>T) (R249S) mutation. Methods: 525 genes previously reported to be involved in carcinogenesis with mutations in different cancer types were analyzed by next generation sequencing for 525 cancer-gene panel (Roche/NimbleGen) in one tumor sample (T29) and one cell line (MAHLAVU) carrying TP53 R249S mutation. Additionally, ARID2 and BCORL1 genes were analyzed by Sanger sequencing for MAHLAVU and Primary Liver Carcinoma/Poliomyelitis Research Foundation/5 (PLC/PRF/5) cell lines. Results: No other common gene mutations were found in the analyzed T29 and MAHLAVU samples and also no genetic variation possibly associated with AFB1 was detected in PLC/PRF/5 cell line and 68 COSMIC HCC samples. Likewise, no pathogenic mutation was detected in ARID2 and BCORL1 genes of MAHLAVU and PLC/PRF/5 cell lines. Conclusion: No fingerprint mutations were detected in the analyzed genes. To the best of our knowledge, other hotspot mutations appear to be absent if not at a very low frequency in HCC carrying TP53 R249S mutation.