Cross-Species Genomics Identifies TAF12, NFYC, and RAD54L as Choroid Plexus Carcinoma Oncogenes

• TAF12, NFYC, and RAD54L identified as CPC oncogenes
• CPC arises from post-mitotic, differentiated choroid plexus epithelium
• Dysregulation of DNA metabolism is a critical requirement for CPC development
• CPC mouse model to study the biology and treatment of this aggressive disease

SummaryChoroid plexus carcinomas (CPCs) are poorly understood and frequently lethal brain tumors with few treatment options. Using a mouse model of the disease and a large cohort of human CPCs, we performed a cross-species, genome-wide search for oncogenes within syntenic regions of chromosome gain. TAF12, NFYC, and RAD54L co-located on human chromosome 1p32-35.3 and mouse chromosome 4qD1-D3 were identified as oncogenes that are gained in tumors in both species and required for disease initiation and progression. TAF12 and NFYC are transcription factors that regulate the epigenome, whereas RAD54L plays a central role in DNA repair. Our data identify a group of concurrently gained oncogenes that cooperate in the formation of CPC and reveal potential avenues for therapy.

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