High frequency of FGFR3 mutations in adenoid seborrheic keratoses

J Invest Dermatol. 2006 Nov;126(11):2404-7. doi: 10.1038/sj.jid.5700422. Epub 2006 Jun 15.

Abstract

FGFR3 germline mutations cause autosomal dominant skeletal disorders including achondroplasia, thanatophoric dysplasia, severe achondroplasia with developmental delay and acanthosis nigricans, and Crouzon syndrome. Somatic mutations of FGFR3 have been identified in bladder cancer, multiple myeloma, and other neoplasms. FGFR3 mutations have also been detected in 40% of seborrheic keratoses (SKs) of the hyperkeratotic and acanthotic subtype, which are very common benign skin tumors. Using a multiplex SNaPshot assay that covers 11 activating FGFR3 mutations, we investigated a series of 27 SKs of the adenoid subtype. Mutations were detected in 23 of 27 (85%) adenoid SKs. R248C mutations were the most frequent mutation type. In two SKs, the A393E mutation was found, which has not been described in acanthotic and hyperkeratotic SKs so far. Three adenoid SKs displayed two simultaneous FGFR3 mutations. Adenoid SKs seem to be characterized by a higher frequency of FGFR3 mutations than hyperkeratotic and acanthotic SKs. The mechanism for the high rate of somatic FGFR3 mutations in these benign skin tumors remains elusive, but UV light exposure may play a potential role, especially in the R248C mutations.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Female
  • Gene Frequency
  • Germ-Line Mutation
  • Humans
  • Keratosis, Seborrheic / genetics*
  • Keratosis, Seborrheic / pathology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Receptor, Fibroblast Growth Factor, Type 3 / genetics*
  • Skin Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Skin Neoplasms / pathology

Substances

  • Receptor, Fibroblast Growth Factor, Type 3