Biomedical subjects

Yanming Zhang

Publications and source records attributed to Yanming Zhang.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2026

Cribriform tumors of the skin: CD38 expression distinguishes from histologic mimics in a multi-institutional series.

Cribriform tumor of the skin (formerly primary cutaneous cribriform carcinoma/primary cutaneous cribriform apocrine carcinoma) is a rare adnexal neoplasm of uncertain malignant potential. Recent studies have identified recurrent co-deletion of the long arm of chromosomes 6 and 9 and CD38 overexpression as potential diagnostic features, but their sensitivity and specificity remain incompletely defined. We identified 11 cribriform tumors with classic morphologic features, including several previously reported molecular characterized cases and additional unpublished cases, from multiple institutions. CD38 immunohistochemistry was performed on all tumors and compared with a panel of morphologic mimics, including adenoid cystic carcinoma (n = 8), digital papillary adenocarcinoma (n = 8), eccrine/apocrine adenomas (n = 7), hidradenoma (n = 2), and endocrine mucin-producing sweat gland carcinoma (n = 3). SNP array analysis was available in nine cases. Patients had a median age of 47 years with a slight female predominance (64%). Tumors commonly involved the extremities and ranged from 0.3 to 2.0 cm. Histologically, all cases demonstrated a well-circumscribed dermal neoplasm of bland epithelial cells arranged in cribriform architecture with characteristic thread-like intraluminal bridging, without high-grade features. CD38 expression was identified in 9/11 cases (82%), typically with moderate-to-strong diffuse cytoplasmic staining. All morphologic mimics (n = 28) were CD38 negative. Recurrent chromosomal deletions involving 6q and/or 9q were identified in 7/8 (88%) successfully tested cases. Two morphologically classic cribriform tumors lacked CD38 expression, including one with confirmed 6q/9q codeletion, while one CD38-positive case lacked detectable genomic copy number alterations. These findings further support cribriform tumors as a molecularly distinct, low-grade adnexal neoplasm characterized by recurrent 6q/9q deletions and frequent CD38 expression. CD38 appears to be a useful adjunctive diagnostic marker with high specificity among the selected mimics tested, although its sensitivity is incomplete, and absence of staining does not exclude the diagnosis.

Adnexal tumors↗

PubMed2026

Genomic Features Do Not Account for Differences in Multiple Myeloma Risk by Ancestry.

UNLABELLED: Studies have reported conflicting findings regarding the contribution of germline variants or somatic genomic drivers to racial disparities in multiple myeloma. To comprehensively investigate somatic drivers in relation to inherited genetics in multiple myeloma, we combined newly sequenced whole-genome sequencing data with publicly available datasets (total n = 1,286). Overall, we did not identify germline or somatic genomic differences that explain the different risk of developing multiple myeloma between patients with genetic similarity to African (AFR) or European (EUR) reference populations. A difference in the detectability and timing of APOBEC-associated and germinal center mutational activity was observed. Integrating epidemiologic data and mutational signature-based temporal estimates, we challenge the assumption that individuals in the AFR group develop multiple myeloma at a younger age. Finally, we demonstrate that, with equal access to efficacious therapies, patients in the AFR and EUR groups have equivalent clinical outcomes. SIGNIFICANCE: Multiple myeloma is reported to occur at higher rates in individuals who self-identify as non-Hispanic Black. In this large dataset, genomic drivers occur at the same rate among ancestry groups, except for APOBEC mutagenesis. With equivalent therapy, clinical outcomes did not differ for patients grouped by genetic ancestry similarity.

Humans↗

PubMed2025

Cytogenetics and genomics analysis of cold-hardy perennial wheatgrass: insights into agronomic performance, chromosome composition, and gene expression.

Intermedium wheatgrass (Thinopyrum intermedium), a perennial species with extensive root systems and high tolerance to cold, drought, and salinity, is a valuable genetic resource for the development of perennial crops. Over a decade-long selection process, two cold-hardy perennial wheatgrass lines were developed by crossing wheat-Thinopyrum partial amphiploids with Th. intermedium. These lines inherited key traits from Th. intermedium, including plant stature, spike morphology, and postharvest regrowth. Transcriptome-based single-nucleotide polymorphism tracing and sequential multicolor genomic in situ hybridization analyses revealed variations in the chromosome compositions of the perennial wheatgrass lines. The introgression of wheat chromosomes enhanced grain weight and size, while preserving the cold-hardy, perennial characteristics of the wheatgrass lines compared to Th. intermedium. Genome-wide gene expression was generally suppressed in the wheatgrass lines relative to Th. intermedium, particularly in conserved genes. This suppression was especially pronounced in genes involved in cell division and DNA repair pathways. In contrast, genes associated with cold tolerance and the water stress response were upregulated. We identified eight cold-tolerance genes in the Th. intermedium chromosomes and validated three of them, Thint.J05G452200, Thint.J05G452300, and Thint.V05G408900, using qRT-PCR. These genes encode proteins associated with cold tolerance and are potential candidates for further functional validation. Additionally, three chromosomes from homoeologous group 6 were introgressed, carrying six genes potentially associated with superior grain traits. Among them, TraesCS6D02G287800, which encodes a specific protein, exhibited high expression levels in both wheatgrass lines, suggesting its critical role in enhancing grain traits. Our results indicate that the suppression of grass gene expression, likely due to the introgression of wheat chromosomes and the upregulation of pathways related to cold tolerance and overwintering ability, contributes to the adaptive features of the wheatgrass lines. This study provides a genomic foundation for understanding gene expression regulation in distant hybrid progeny and offers valuable insights for designing new breeding strategies for perennial wheat or wheatgrass.

Chromosomes, Plant↗

PubMed2021

Whole-genome sequencing reveals progressive versus stable myeloma precursor conditions as two distinct entities.

Multiple myeloma (MM) is consistently preceded by precursor conditions recognized clinically as monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) or smoldering myeloma (SMM). We interrogate the whole genome sequence (WGS) profile of 18 MGUS and compare them with those from 14 SMMs and 80 MMs. We show that cases with a non-progressing, clinically stable myeloma precursor condition (n = 15) are characterized by later initiation in the patient's life and by the absence of myeloma defining genomic events including: chromothripsis, templated insertions, mutations in driver genes, aneuploidy, and canonical APOBEC mutational activity. This data provides evidence that WGS can be used to recognize two biologically and clinically distinct myeloma precursor entities that are either progressive or stable.

DNA Copy Number Variations↗