Integrated molecular characterization of the lethal pediatric cancer pancreatoblastoma

Pancreatoblastoma is a rare pediatric pancreatic malignancy for which the molecular pathogenesis is not understood. In this study, we report the findings of an integrated multiomics study of whole-exome and RNA sequencing as well as genome-wide copy number and methylation analyses of ten pancreatoblastoma cases. The pancreatoblastoma genome was characterized by a high frequency of aberrant activation of the Wnt signaling pathway, either via somatic mutations of CTNNB1 (90%) and copy-neutral loss of heterozygosity (CN-LOH) of APC (10%). In addition, imprinting dysregulation of IGF2 as a consequence of CN-LOH (80%), gain of paternal allele (10%), and gain of methylation (10%) was universally detected. At the transcriptome level, pancreatoblastoma exhibited an expression profile characteristic of early pancreas progenitor-like cells along with upregulation of the R-spondin/LGR5/RNF43 module. Our results offer a comprehensive description of the molecular basis for pancreatoblastoma and highlight rational therapeutic targets for its treatment. Significance: Molecular genetic analysis of a rare untreatable pediatric tumor reveals Wnt/IGF2 aberrations and features of early pancreas progenitor-like cells, suggesting cellular origins and rational strategies for therapeutic targeting.