Ectopic sequences from truncated HMGIC in liposarcomas are derived from various amplified chromosomal regions

The HMGIC gene codes for an architectural transcription factor frequently rearranged by translocation in lipomas and other benign mesenchymal tumors. In sarcomas, malignant tumors of mesenchymal origin, the gene is also found to be rearranged, but in addition amplified and overexpressed. Here we report the sequence, chromosomal localization, and expression patterns of I I novel ectopic sequences fused to exons 2 and 3 of HMGIC in seven different sarcoma samples. In addition, we identified a number of variant transcripts observed previously in benign tumors. Consistent with the suggested role of HMGIC in adipocytic differentiation, most of the novel ectopic sequences were observed in well-differentiated liposarcomas. These tumors are known to have complex marker chromosomes containing amplified segments from several chromosomes. Five novel sequences were derived from 12q14-q15, where HMGIC resides, two from 1q24, a region frequently amplified in these types of tumors, two from 11q14, and one from chromosome 2. All except one of the aberrant transcripts encoded truncated proteins with intact DNA-binding domains (AT hooks) but lacking the C-terminal acidic region, a target, for constitutive phosphorylation by protein kinase CK2. Some of the ectopic sequences were transcribed in other tissues, and most of the ectopic sequences also showed recurrent amplification in liposarcomas. (C) 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.