Multi-omics characterization reveals the pathogenesis of liver focal nodular hyperplasia

The molecular landscape and pathogenesis of focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) have yet to be elucidated. We performed multi-omics approaches on FNH and paired normal liver tissues from 22 patients, followed bymulti-level bioinformatic analyses and experimental validations. Generally, FNH had low mutation burden with low variant allele frequencies, and the mutation frequency significantly correlated with proliferation rate. Although no recurrently deleterious genomic events were found, some putative tumor suppressors or oncogenes were involved. Mutational signatures indicated potential impaired mismatch function and possible poison contact. Integrated analyses unveiled a group of FNH specific endothelial cells that uniquely expressed SOST and probably had strong interaction with fibroblasts through PDGFB/PDGFRB pathway to promote fibrosis. Notably, in one atypical FNH (patientNo. 11) with pronounced copy number variations, we observed a unique immune module. Most FNH are benign, but molecularly atypical FNH still exist; endothelial cell derived PDGFB probably promotes the fibrogenic process in FNH.

Automated summary

This study investigated the molecular landscape and pathogenesis of focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH). The results revealed that FNH had low mutation burden and mutation frequency correlated with proliferation rate. A unique immune module was observed in an atypical FNH.