key papersKey paper
Recurrent fusion of MYB and NFIB transcription factor genes in adenoid cystic carcinoma
This study discovered that adenoid cystic carcinomas of the salivary gland and breast are driven by a fusion of the MYB and NFIB genes, providing the defining molecular feature of the tumour and a diagnostic marker.
Overview
Molecular study identifying a recurrent t(6;9) translocation in adenoid cystic carcinoma that fuses the MYB oncogene to NFIB, leading to MYB overexpression by loss of microRNA-mediated repression, present in the majority of tumours of both head and neck and breast origin.
Basic scienceChanged practice
Authors
Persson M, Andrén Y, Mark J, et al.
Published
Findings
- MYB-NFIB fusion detected in the majority of adenoid cystic carcinomas.
- Fusion leads to MYB overexpression through loss of 3' untranslated region regulation.
What it means
MYB immunostaining and MYB-NFIB fusion testing are now diagnostic tools for adenoid cystic carcinoma, and MYB is the principal target of therapeutic research in the disease.
Caveats
- No approved MYB-directed therapy has yet followed.