Hotspot Mutations in H3F3A and IDH1 Define Distinct Epigenetic and Biological Subgroups of Glioblastoma

SummaryGlioblastoma (GBM) is a brain tumor that carries a dismal prognosis and displays considerable heterogeneity. We have recently identified recurrent H3F3A mutations affecting two critical amino acids (K27 and G34) of histone H3.3 in one-third of pediatric GBM. Here, we show that each H3F3A mutation defines an epigenetic subgroup of GBM with a distinct global methylation pattern, and that they are mutually exclusive with IDH1 mutations, which characterize a third mutation-defined subgroup. Three further epigenetic subgroups were enriched for hallmark genetic events of adult GBM and/or established transcriptomic signatures. We also demonstrate that the two H3F3A mutations give rise to GBMs in separate anatomic compartments, with differential regulation of transcription factors OLIG1, OLIG2, and FOXG1, possibly reflecting different cellular origins.

Graphical AbstractFigure optionsDownload high-quality image (463 K)Download as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► We identified six distinct GBM subgroups based on global DNA methylation patterns
► Three epigenetic GBM subgroups correlate strictly with mutations in H3F3A and IDH1
► H3F3A K27- and G34 mutant GBMs clearly arise in different anatomic compartments
► One GBM subgroup (G34) lacks important markers of neural lineage commitment