Novel FGL2::PDGFD and TGFBI::PDGFB Fusions Expand the Molecular Spectrum of Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans

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Authors: Jeffrey M. Cloutier, Mohamed A. Yakoub, Meera Hameed, Silvia Cavalchini, Carina A. Dehner, Cyril Fisher, Khin Thway, Konstantinos Linos
Cited by: 2
References: 20

Abstract

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a locally aggressive fibroblastic neoplasm characterized by recurrent COL1A1::PDGFB fusions that drive autocrine PDGFR-β activation. Recent sequencing studies have revealed rare DFSPs with alternative noncanonical PDGFB or PDGFD rearrangements, underscoring the genetic diversity of PDGF-ligand activation in this tumor. Here, we describe two conventional DFSPs harboring previously unreported fusions: FGL2::PDGFD and TGFBI::PDGFB. In the first case, FGL2(ex1)::PDGFD(ex6) replaces the PDGFD N-terminal CUB domain with the FGL2 signal peptide, a configuration predicted to generate a constitutively active, secreted PDGFD ligand. In the second case, TGFBI(ex14)::PDGFB(ex3) juxtaposes PDGFB to the highly expressed extracellular matrix gene TGFBI, providing an alternative promoter context for PDGFB overexpression. Both cases showed classic DFSP morphology and diffuse CD34 expression. These findings expand the molecular landscape of DFSP and illustrate convergent mechanisms of PDGFR-β activation achieved through diverse yet functionally equivalent genomic rearrangements.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Sarcoma Diagnosis and Treatment Soft tissue tumor case studies Vascular Tumors and Angiosarcomas

Publication details

Journal / source
Genes Chromosomes and Cancer
Publisher
Wiley
Volume
65
Issue
2
Pages
e70110–e70110
Publication date
1 February 2026
Language
EN