Serena Tan
Assistant Professor of Pathology
Clinical Focus
- Anatomic and Clinical Pathology
Academic Appointments
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Assistant Professor - University Medical Line, Pathology
Professional Education
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Board Certification: American Board of Pathology, Pediatric Pathology (2019)
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Board Certification, Pediatric Pathology, American Board of Pathology (2019)
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Board Certification: American Board of Pathology, Anatomic and Clinical Pathology (2017)
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Fellowship: Ann and Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital Pediatric Pathology Fellowship (2019) IL
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Fellowship: Stanford University Surgical Pathology Fellowship (2018) CA
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Residency: Stanford University Pathology Residency (2017) CA
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Postdoctoral Fellowship, Stanford University Department of Biochemistry (2014)
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Residency, Stanford University General Surgery Residency, CA (2013)
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Medical Education: Duke University School of Medicine (2008) NC
All Publications
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Aggressive Pediatric Primitive Round Cell Tumors with MN1::ZNF341 Fusion: A Mimic of Neuroblastoma.
Pediatric blood & cancer
2024: e31425
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is one of the most common tumors in young children, arising from the adrenal medulla or paraspinal sympathetic ganglia. We describe primitive round cell tumors presenting in three patients less than 1.5years old, with striking clinical and pathologic similarities to neuroblastoma. Unlike neuroblastoma, however, these primitive tumors did not show specific histologic or immunophenotypic evidence of neuroblastic differentiation, and harbored a MN1::ZNF341 fusion. All patients progressed through neuroblastoma therapy and ultimately died of disease. These highly aggressive tumors mimicking neuroblastoma appear to be a novel and distinctive entity in need of further characterization.
View details for DOI 10.1002/pbc.31425
View details for PubMedID 39502074
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A lymphocyte chemoaffinity axis for lung, non-intestinal mucosae and CNS.
Nature
2024
Abstract
Tissue-selective chemoattractants direct lymphocytes to epithelial surfaces to establish local immune environments, regulate immune responses to food antigens and commensal organisms, and protect from pathogens. Homeostatic chemoattractants for small intestines, colon, and skin are known1 2, but chemotropic mechanisms selective for respiratory tract and other non-intestinal mucosal tissues (NIMT) remain poorly understood. Here we leveraged diverse omics datasets to identify GPR25 as a lymphocyte receptor for CXCL17, a chemoattractant cytokine whose expression by epithelial cells of airways, upper gastrointestinal and squamous mucosae unifies the NIMT and distinguishes them from intestinal mucosae. Single-cell transcriptomic analyses show that GPR25 is induced on innate lymphocytes prior to emigration to the periphery, and is imprinted in secondary lymphoid tissues on activated B and T cells responding to immune challenge. GPR25 characterizes B and T tissue resident memory and regulatory T lymphocytes in NIMT and lungs in humans and mediates lymphocyte homing to barrier epithelia of the airways, oral cavity, stomach, biliary and genitourinary tracts in mouse models. GPR25 is also expressed by T cells in cerebrospinal fluid and CXCL17 by neurons, suggesting a role in CNS immune regulation. We reveal widespread imprinting of GPR25 on regulatory T cells, suggesting a mechanistic link to population genetic evidence that GPR25 is protective in autoimmunity3,4. Our results define a GPR25-CXCL17 chemoaffinity axis with the potential to integrate immunity and tolerance at non-intestinal mucosae and the CNS.
View details for DOI 10.1038/s41586-024-08043-2
View details for PubMedID 39293486
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Crystalline Hepatopathy Associated With Bietti Crystalline Dystrophy: A Striking Manifestation of Disordered Fatty Acid Metabolism.
The American journal of surgical pathology
2024
Abstract
Bietti crystalline dystrophy (BCD) is a rare heritable retinal disease characterized by crystal deposition primarily in the retina. It is associated with atrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and is caused by variants in CYP4V2, which encodes a cytochrome P450 hemethiolate protein superfamily member. CYP4V2 is involved in the selective hydrolysis of saturated medium chain fatty acids, and patients with BCD demonstrate abnormalities in fatty acid metabolism, including abnormal lipid profiles and the accumulation of the pathogenic crystals within the RPE, which leads to the visual pathologies characteristic of BCD. However, the precise identity of the crystals is currently unknown, and BCD has no established extraocular manifestations. Here, we report granulomatous hepatitis associated with abundant diffuse crystalline clefts in the hepatic parenchyma in 3 patients with retinal dystrophy and dyslipidemia: 2 with pathogenic CYP4V2 variants and 1 patient with clinical ophthalmologic findings suggestive of BCD but without available genetic testing. The unique and striking histologic features unifying the liver biopsies in all 3 patients strongly support a process related to abnormal fatty acid metabolism underlying the genetic disease of BCD, expanding the spectrum of BCD and shedding light on the importance of CYP4V2 in systemic fatty acid metabolism.
View details for DOI 10.1097/PAS.0000000000002253
View details for PubMedID 38802997
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Perivascular Epithelioid Cell-Family Tumors in Children, Adolescents and Young Adults:Clinicopathologic Features in 70 Cases.
Archives of pathology & laboratory medicine
2024
Abstract
Perivascular epithelioid cell tumors (PEComas) are rare mesenchymal tumors of uncertain histogenesis expressing smooth muscle and melanocytic markers. The clinicopathologic spectrum in young patients is not well documented.To describe a multi-institutional series of PEComas in children, adolescents, and young adults.PEComas, not otherwise specified (NOS); angiomyolipomas (AMLs); lymphangioleiomyomatosis; and clear cell sugar tumors were retrospectively identified from 6 institutions and authors' files.Seventy PEComas in 64 patients (median age, 15 years) were identified. They were more common in females (45 of 64 patients), occurring predominately in kidney (53 of 70), followed by liver (6 of 70). Thirty-four patients had confirmed tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), 3 suspected TSC mosaicism, 2 Li-Fraumeni syndrome (LFS) and 1 neurofibromatosis type 1. Most common variants were classic (49 of 70) and epithelioid (8 of 70) AML. Among patients with AMLs, most (34 of 47) had TSC, and more TSC patients had multiple AMLs (15 of 36) than non-TSC patients (2 of 13). Two TSC patients developed malignant transformation of classic AMLs: 1 angiosarcomatous and 1 malignant epithelioid. Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (5 of 70) occurred in females only, usually in the TSC context (4 of 5). PEComas-NOS (6 of 70) occurred exclusively in non-TSC patients, 2 of whom had LFS (2 of 6). Three were malignant, 1 had uncertain malignant potential, and 2 were benign. All 4 PEComas-NOS in non-LFS patients had TFE3 rearrangements.Compared to the general population, TSC was more prevalent in our cohort; PEComas-NOS showed more frequent TFE3 rearrangements and possible association with LFS. This series expands the spectrum of PEComas in young patients and demonstrates molecular features and germline contexts that set them apart from older patients.
View details for DOI 10.5858/arpa.2023-0552-OA
View details for PubMedID 38547914
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Soft Tissue Perivascular Epithelioid Cell Tumors.
Surgical pathology clinics
2024; 17 (1): 105-118
Abstract
Perivascular epithelioid cell tumors (PEComas) are a heterogenous group of mesenchymal neoplasms with a mixed myomelanocytic immunophenotype. PEComa-family tumors include angiomyolipoma, lymphangioleiomyomatosis, and a large category of rare neoplasms throughout the body that are now classified under the umbrella term "PEComa." This review focuses on recent advances in the clinicopathological and molecular features of PEComas, with an emphasis on PEComas that originate in soft tissue.
View details for DOI 10.1016/j.path.2023.06.002
View details for PubMedID 38278600
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Clinical Features of SARS-CoV-2 Infection During Pregnancy and Associated Placental Pathologies
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GYNECOLOGICAL PATHOLOGY
2024; 43 (1): 15-24
Abstract
We reviewed the clinicopathologic findings of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-exposed placentas at our institution. We identified patients diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 during pregnancy (March-October 2020). Clinical data included gestational age at diagnosis and delivery and maternal symptoms. Hematoxylin and eosin slides were reviewed for maternal vascular malperfusion, fetal vascular malperfusion, chronic villitis, amniotic fluid infection, intervillous thrombi, fibrin deposition, and infarction. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) for coronavirus spike protein and RNA in situ hybridization (ISH) for SARS-CoV-2 was performed on a subset of blocks. A review of placentas from age-matched patients received March-October 2019 was conducted as a comparison cohort. A total of 151 patients were identified. Placentas in the 2 groups were similar in weight for gestational age and had similar rates of maternal vascular malperfusion, fetal vascular malperfusion, amniotic fluid infection, intervillous thrombi, fibrin deposition, and infarction. Chronic villitis was the only significantly different pathologic finding between cases and controls (29% of cases showed chronic villitis vs. 8% of controls, P <0.001). Overall, 146/151 (96.7%) cases were negative for IHC and 129/133 (97%) cases were negative for RNA ISH. There were 4 cases that stained positively for IHC/ISH, 2 of which showed massive perivillous fibrin deposition, inflammation, and decidual arteriopathy. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-positive patients were more likely to self-identify as Hispanic and more likely to have public health insurance. Our data suggests SARS-CoV-2 exposed placentas that stain positively for SARS-CoV-2 show abnormal fibrin deposition, inflammatory changes, and decidual arteriopathy. The group of patients with clinical COVID-19 are more likely to show chronic villitis. IHC and ISH evidence of viral infection is rare.
View details for DOI 10.1097/PGP.0000000000000948
View details for Web of Science ID 001124179400010
View details for PubMedID 36811832
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Melanoma in infants, caused by a gene fusion involving the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK).
Pigment cell & melanoma research
2023
Abstract
We describe the first cases of pediatric melanoma with ALK fusion gene arising within giant congenital melanocytic nevi. Two newborn boys presented with large pigmented nodular plaques and numerous smaller satellite nevi. Additional expansile nodules developed within both nevi and invasive melanomas were diagnosed before 10 months of age in both boys. Oncogenic driver mutations in NRAS and BRAF were absent in both cases. Instead, oncogenic ZEB2::ALK fusion genes were identified in both the nevus and melanoma developing within the nevus. In both cases, tumors were noted by ultrasound in utero, demonstrated significant nodularity at birth, and progressed to melanoma in the first year of life suggesting that congenital nevi with ALK fusion genes may behave more aggressively than those with other mutations. As ALK kinase inhibitors are effective against a range of tumors with similar ALK fusion kinases, identifying ALK fusion genes in congenital melanocytic nevi may provide an opportunity for targeted therapy.
View details for DOI 10.1111/pcmr.13115
View details for PubMedID 37475109
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The Pathologic Diagnosis of Pediatric Soft Tissue Tumors in the Era of Molecular Medicine: The Sarcoma Pediatric Pathology Research Interest Group Perspective.
Archives of pathology & laboratory medicine
2023
Abstract
Pediatric soft tissue tumors are one of the areas of pediatric pathology that frequently generate consult requests. Evolving classification systems, ancillary testing methods, new treatment options, research enrollment opportunities, and tissue archival processes create additional complexity in handling these unique specimens. Pathologists are at the heart of this critical decision-making, balancing responsibilities to consider expediency, accessibility, and cost-effectiveness of ancillary testing during pathologic examination and reporting.To provide a practical approach to handling pediatric soft tissue tumor specimens, including volume considerations, immunohistochemical staining panel recommendations, genetic and molecular testing approaches, and other processes that impact the quality and efficiency of tumor tissue triage.The World Health Organization Classification of Soft Tissue and Bone Tumors, 5th edition, other recent literature investigating tissue handling, and the collective clinical experience of the group are used in this manuscript.Pediatric soft tissue tumors can be difficult to diagnose, and evaluation can be improved by adopting a thoughtful, algorithmic approach to maximize available tissue and minimize time to diagnosis.
View details for DOI 10.5858/arpa.2022-0364-RA
View details for PubMedID 37196343
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The Tabula Sapiens: A multiple-organ, single-cell transcriptomic atlas of humans.
Science (New York, N.Y.)
2022; 376 (6594): eabl4896
Abstract
Molecular characterization of cell types using single-cell transcriptome sequencing is revolutionizing cell biology and enabling new insights into the physiology of human organs. We created a human reference atlas comprising nearly 500,000 cells from 24 different tissues and organs, many from the same donor. This atlas enabled molecular characterization of more than 400 cell types, their distribution across tissues, and tissue-specific variation in gene expression. Using multiple tissues from a single donor enabled identification of the clonal distribution of T cells between tissues, identification of the tissue-specific mutation rate in B cells, and analysis of the cell cycle state and proliferative potential of shared cell types across tissues. Cell type-specific RNA splicing was discovered and analyzed across tissues within an individual.
View details for DOI 10.1126/science.abl4896
View details for PubMedID 35549404
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Dissecting alveolar patterning and maintenance at single-cell resolution.
FASEB journal : official publication of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology
2022; 36 Suppl 1
Abstract
In mammalian lungs gas exchange occurs in thin-walled air sacs called alveoli, which are surrounded by a dense mesh of capillaries. Defects in patterning, maintenance or repair of alveoli lead to diseases that compromise gas exchange, including chronic diseases such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia, pulmonary fibrosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, as well as the acute respiratory distress syndromes accompanying severe alveolar injury or virus-induced damage, as in Covid-19. Despite the tremendous disease burden and the urgent need for therapies, the mechanisms that establish and maintain the pattern and architecture of alveoli are not well understood. Here we use mosaic genetic labeling, single-cell RNA-sequencing and high-resolution deep imaging to elucidate the three-dimensional structure and cellular composition of alveoli. We show that an alveolus in the mouse lung is composed of 10-15 cells of seven different types, each with a remarkable, distinctive structure. Two of them are intermingled capillary cell types with complex 'swiss cheese' morphologies and distinct functions. One cell type that we name the 'aerocyte' is specialized for gas exchange and unique to the lung. The other cell type, termed 'general capillary', is specialized to regulate vasomotor tone and functions as a progenitor cell in capillary maintenance and repair. By mapping alveolar development at single-cell resolution at a defined position in the lung, we find that alveoli form surprisingly early by budding of epithelial cells out from the airway stalk between enwrapping smooth muscle cells that rearrange into a ring of myofibroblasts at the alveolar entrance. Our analysis suggests a novel mechanism of alveolar formation and provides the foundation for investigations of the structure, function and maintenance of the gas exchange surface in health, disease, aging and evolution.
View details for DOI 10.1096/fasebj.2022.36.S1.I7444
View details for PubMedID 35560397
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Publisher Correction: Cell types of origin of the cell-free transcriptome.
Nature biotechnology
2022
View details for DOI 10.1038/s41587-022-01293-3
View details for PubMedID 35347330
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Leiomyomatosis in an Infant With a SUFU Splice Site Variant: Case Report.
Journal of pediatric hematology/oncology
2022
Abstract
Heterozygous loss-of-function variants in the suppressor of fused protein gene (SUFU) can result in Gorlin syndrome, which is characterized by an increased frequency of basal cell carcinoma, medulloblastoma, odontogenic keratocysts, as well as other tumors. We describe a case of a 5-month-old female who presented with multiple intra-abdominal leiomyomata and was found to have a likely pathogenic splice site variant in the SUFU gene. This is the first reported case of leiomyomatosis secondary to a pathogenic SUFU variant in an infant and may represent an early, atypical presentation of Gorlin syndrome.
View details for DOI 10.1097/MPH.0000000000002454
View details for PubMedID 35398865
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Cell types of origin of the cell-free transcriptome.
Nature biotechnology
2022
Abstract
Cell-free RNA from liquid biopsies can be analyzed to determine disease tissue of origin. We extend this concept to identify cell types of origin using the Tabula Sapiens transcriptomic cell atlas as well as individual tissue transcriptomic cell atlases in combination with the Human Protein Atlas RNA consensus dataset. We define cell type signature scores, which allow the inference of cell types that contribute to cell-free RNA for a variety of diseases.
View details for DOI 10.1038/s41587-021-01188-9
View details for PubMedID 35132263
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Intestinal Failure in Junctional Epidermolysis Bullosa: Mild Skin Disease, Severe Diarrhea.
Digestive diseases and sciences
2022
View details for DOI 10.1007/s10620-022-07410-1
View details for PubMedID 35147818
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ALK rearrangements in infantile fibrosarcoma-like spindle cell tumors of soft tissue and kidney.
Histopathology
2021
Abstract
AIMS: Recurrent alterations in receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) and downstream effectors are described in infantile fibrosarcoma (IFS)/cellular congenital mesoblastic nephroma (cCMN) and a subset of spindle cell sarcomas, provisionally designated "NTRK-rearranged" spindle cell neoplasms. These two groups of tumors demonstrate overlapping morphologies and harbor alterations in NTRK1/2/3, RET, MET, ABL1, ROS1, RAF1, and BRAF, although their relationship is not fully elucidated. We describe herein a cohort of pediatric tumors with clinicopathologic features not typical for inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor, but rather with similarities to cCMN/IFS harboring ALK fusions.METHODS AND RESULTS: Clinicopathologic features were assessed and partner agnostic targeted RNA sequencing on clinically validated platforms were performed. Tumors occurred in patients from 2 to 10 years (median age 2 years) with a 2:2 male to female ratio and an average size of 8.4 cm. Two tumors arose in soft tissues and 2 in the kidney. Morphologic features included spindle to ovoid cells arranged in long fascicles or haphazardly within a myxoid to collagenized stroma; a subset of cases had either dilated, ectatic vessels or focal perivascular hyalinosis. By immunohistochemistry, all cases tested showed cytoplasmic expression of ALK and one case demonstrated co-expression of CD34 and S100.CONCLUSIONS: This series of ALK rearranged IFS-like tumors expands the spectrum of targetable kinases altered in these tumors and reinforces the potential overlap between IFS/cCMN-like tumors and the provisional entity of "NTRK-rearranged" spindle cell neoplasms.
View details for DOI 10.1111/his.14603
View details for PubMedID 34843129
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Severe delayed hypersensitivity reactions to IL-1 and IL-6 inhibitors link to common HLA-DRB1*15 alleles.
Annals of the rheumatic diseases
2021
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) is a severe, delayed hypersensitivity reaction (DHR). We observed DRESS to inhibitors of interleukin 1 (IL-1) or IL-6 in a small group of patients with Still's disease with atypical lung disease. We sought to characterise features of patients with Still's disease with DRESS compared with drug-tolerant Still's controls. We analysed human leucocyte antigen (HLA) alleles for association to inhibitor-related DHR, including in a small Kawasaki disease (KD) cohort.METHODS: In a case/control study, we collected a multicentre series of patients with Still's disease with features of inhibitor-related DRESS (n=66) and drug-tolerant Still's controls (n=65). We retrospectively analysed clinical data from all Still's subjects and typed 94/131 for HLA. European Still's-DRESS cases were ancestry matched to International Childhood Arthritis Genetics Consortium paediatric Still's cases (n=550) and compared for HLA allele frequencies. HLA association also was analysed using Still's-DRESS cases (n=64) compared with drug-tolerant Still's controls (n=30). KD subjects (n=19) were similarly studied.RESULTS: Still's-DRESS features included eosinophilia (89%), AST-ALT elevation (75%) and non-evanescent rash (95%; 88% involving face). Macrophage activation syndrome during treatment was frequent in Still's-DRESS (64%) versus drug-tolerant Still's (3%; p=1.2*10-14). We found striking enrichment for HLA-DRB1*15 haplotypes in Still's-DRESS cases versus INCHARGE Still's controls (p=7.5*10-13) and versus self-identified, ancestry-matched Still's controls (p=6.3*10-10). In the KD cohort, DRB1*15:01 was present only in those with suspected anakinra reactions.CONCLUSIONS: DRESS-type reactions occur among patients treated with IL-1/IL-6 inhibitors and strongly associate with common HLA-DRB1*15 haplotypes. Consideration of preprescription HLA typing and vigilance for serious reactions to these drugs are warranted.
View details for DOI 10.1136/annrheumdis-2021-220578
View details for PubMedID 34789453
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Hepatogonadal fusion in a neonate with testicular torsion
JOURNAL OF PEDIATRIC SURGERY CASE REPORTS
2021; 74
View details for DOI 10.1016/j.epsc.2021.102026
View details for Web of Science ID 000729960500005
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RNA splicing programs define tissue compartments and cell types at single cell resolution.
eLife
2021; 10
Abstract
The extent splicing is regulated at single-cell resolution has remained controversial due to both available data and methods to interpret it. We apply the SpliZ, a new statistical approach, to detect cell-type-specific splicing in >110K cells from 12 human tissues. Using 10x data for discovery, 9.1% of genes with computable SpliZ scores are cell-type-specifically spliced, including ubiquitously expressed genes MYL6 and RPS24. These results are validated with RNA FISH, single-cell PCR, and Smart-seq2. SpliZ analysis reveals 170 genes with regulated splicing during human spermatogenesis, including examples conserved in mouse and mouse lemur. The SpliZ allows model-based identification of subpopulations indistinguishable based on gene expression, illustrated by subpopulation-specific splicing of classical monocytes involving an ultraconserved exon in SAT1. Together, this analysis of differential splicing across multiple organs establishes that splicing is regulated cell-type-specifically.
View details for DOI 10.7554/eLife.70692
View details for PubMedID 34515025
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Arteriovenous Malformations-Current Understanding of the Pathogenesis with Implications for Treatment.
International journal of molecular sciences
2021; 22 (16)
Abstract
Arteriovenous malformations are a vascular anomaly typically present at birth, characterized by an abnormal connection between an artery and a vein (bypassing the capillaries). These high flow lesions can vary in size and location. Therapeutic approaches are limited, and AVMs can cause significant morbidity and mortality. Here, we describe our current understanding of the pathogenesis of arteriovenous malformations based on preclinical and clinical findings. We discuss past and present accomplishments and challenges in the field and identify research gaps that need to be filled for the successful development of therapeutic strategies in the future.
View details for DOI 10.3390/ijms22169037
View details for PubMedID 34445743
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Sclerosing Epithelioid Fibrosarcoma of the Kidney: First Reported Case in a Young Child.
Pediatric and developmental pathology : the official journal of the Society for Pediatric Pathology and the Paediatric Pathology Society
2021: 1093526620977738
Abstract
Sclerosing epithelioid fibrosarcoma (SEF) is a rare variant of fibrosarcoma primarily arising in the deep soft tissue of the extremities and trunk. Despite having the morphologic appearance of a low-grade sarcoma, it generally has an aggressive clinical course with frequent local recurrences and distant metastases. It typically occurs in middle aged adults and is characterized by immunoexpression of MUC4 and recurrent gene fusions, most commonly EWSR1-CREB3L1. We report a primary renal SEF in a 4-year-old male. To our knowledge, this is the youngest patient reported with SEF and the second case of SEF in a pre-adolescent child. It is the eleventh reported case of primary renal SEF in the literature. While SEF arising in visceral organs is rare, the kidney is the most common primary site of any visceral organ. This case demonstrates SEF can occur in pre-adolescents, is an important consideration when evaluating sarcomas in young children, and should be considered in the differential diagnosis for primary renal tumors.
View details for DOI 10.1177/1093526620977738
View details for PubMedID 33470922
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Dissecting the Cardiac Conduction System: Is It Worthwhile?
Pediatric and developmental pathology : the official journal of the Society for Pediatric Pathology and the Paediatric Pathology Society
2020: 1093526620944756
Abstract
Pathologic examination of conduction system (CS) is not routinely performed, and histologic changes are mostly reported in forensic practice.We studied the value of dissecting the CS in a cohort of pediatric patients with unexplained sudden death or severe, inexplicable arrhythmias. Histopathologic changes present in CS components were recorded and correlated with findings noted in other cardiac structures.Twenty-one subjects (11 unexplained sudden deaths and 10 life-threatening arrhythmias) were identified; 18 (86%) had CS pathologic abnormalities. In 13 patients (62%), the CS findings mirrored those found in other cardiac sections (inflammation, allograft vasculopathy, vascular fibromuscular dysplasia, cardiomyopathy-related changes, and tumor/tumor-like conditions). Five cases (24%) had abnormalities restricted to CS (bundle of His [BH] with fibrotic scar and patch material following ventricular septal defect repair, inflammation, BH with fibrosis and calcifications, and intimal fibroplasia of sinoatrial node artery).Pathologic changes within the CS are present in a high number of pediatric patients presenting with unexplained sudden death or life-threatening arrhythmias. Frequently, the findings mirror those observed in other cardiac structures. However, in a significant number of cases (24%), the changes are restricted to CS and likely explain the patients' symptoms or cause of death, suggesting that systematic dissection of CS unveils valuable information.
View details for DOI 10.1177/1093526620944756
View details for PubMedID 32755444
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Barrett Esophagus and Intestinal Metaplasia of the Gastroesophageal Junction in Children: A Clinicopathologic Study.
Journal of pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition
2020; 70 (5): 562-567
Abstract
Barrett esophagus (BE) and intestinal metaplasia of gastroesophageal junction (IMGEJ) are rare in the pediatric population. This multi-institutional retrospective study evaluated the clinicopathologic characteristics and natural history of BE and IMGEJ in children.Data from 20 BE patients (70% boys, mean age: 14.9 years) and 17 IMGEJ patients (71% boys, mean age: 14 years) were retrospectively obtained from chart review. Endoscopic and pathologic findings from index and follow-up endoscopies were analyzed.Most patients (70% BE and 59% IMGEJ) had underlying conditions which put them at risk for gastroesophageal reflux disease. Increased body mass index (BMI) was observed in patients without underlying conditions (BE: 30.1 ± 9.8; IMGEJ: 23.9 ± 6.3) compared with those with underlying conditions (BE: 19.6 ± 7.8; IMGEJ: 16.4 ± 2.1) (BE, P = 0.02; IMGEJ, P = 0.01). Incomplete intestinal metaplasia (IM) was the predominant histology seen in BE (80%) and IMGEJ patients (75%). Dysplasia and malignancy were not identified in the initial and follow-up biopsies. Concurrent gastric biopsies showed various findings (79% BE and 40% IMGEJ were normal), with 1 IMGEJ patient showing coexisting gastric IM (7%). Follow-up in 12 BE patients (mean follow-up time 51.6 months) showed 100% persistent endoscopic disease and 58% persistent IM histologically. Three of 6 IMGEJ patients (mean follow-up time 24 months) demonstrated endoscopic and histologic features consistent with BE on subsequent procedures. Moreover, a subset of BE (57%) and IMGEJ patients (67%) who underwent endoscopy before initial diagnosis showed nongoblet columnar mucosa above the anatomic gastroesophageal junction.Increased BMI may be a risk factor for BE and IMGEJ in pediatric patients without underlying conditions. Nongoblet columnar metaplasia and IMGEJ might represent incomplete forms of BE. Our data suggest that these patients should be closely monitored.
View details for DOI 10.1097/MPG.0000000000002640
View details for PubMedID 31977949
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Capillary cell-type specialization in the alveolus.
Nature
2020
Abstract
In the mammalian lung, an apparently homogenous mesh of capillary vessels surrounds each alveolus, forming the vast respiratory surface across which oxygen transfers to the blood1. Here we use single-cell analysis to elucidate the cell types, development, renewal and evolution of the alveolar capillary endothelium. We show that alveolar capillaries are mosaics; similar to the epithelium that lines the alveolus, the alveolar endothelium is made up of two intermingled cell types, with complex 'Swiss-cheese'-like morphologies and distinct functions. The first cell type, which we term the 'aerocyte', is specialized for gas exchange and the trafficking of leukocytes, and is unique to the lung. The other cell type, termed gCap ('general' capillary), is specialized to regulate vasomotor tone, and functions as a stem/progenitor cell in capillary homeostasis and repair. The two cell types develop from bipotent progenitors, mature gradually and are affected differently in disease and during ageing. This cell-type specialization is conserved between mouse and human lungs but is not found in alligator or turtle lungs, suggesting it arose during the evolution of the mammalian lung. The discovery of cell type specialization in alveolar capillaries transforms our understanding of the structure, function, regulation and maintenance of the air-blood barrier and gas exchange in health, disease and evolution.
View details for DOI 10.1038/s41586-020-2822-7
View details for PubMedID 33057196
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Gonadal Tissue Cryopreservation for Children with Differences of Sex Development
HORMONE RESEARCH IN PAEDIATRICS
2020; 92 (2): 84–91
Abstract
Infertility is common for individuals with differences of sex development (DSD) and is a significant concern to these individuals. Fertility potential in many DSD conditions is poorly understood. Gonadal tissue cryopreservation (GTC) for fertility preservation (FP) is offered to children with cancer undergoing gonadotoxic therapy. Our team sought to expand the field of FP by offering and evaluating the success of GTC for individuals with DSD.GTC was offered to patients with DSD undergoing prophylactic gonadectomy, after extensive multidisciplinary counseling. For those who elected to attempt GTC, data were retrospectively abstracted, including: DSD diagnosis, age at gonadectomy, indication for gonadectomy, pathology results, and final decision about long-term gonadal tissue storage.Ten patients were enrolled to attempt GTC, with a mean age of 11.5 years (range 1-18). Five of the 10 patients had germ cells (GCs) present. Diagnoses (age at gonadectomy) for patients with GCs included ovotesticular DSD (13 months), mixed gonadal dysgenesis (17 months), partial gonadal dysgenesis (3 years), partial androgen insensitivity syndrome (11 years), and mixed gonadal dysgenesis (12 years). Four of the 5 subjects with GCs elected for GTC. One opted against GTC, citing immature gametes that did not match gender identity.GTC at the time of gonadectomy for patients with DSD is feasible. In many patients, GCs are present. While questions remain about the timing of gonadectomy, quality of GCs, and future success for use of the tissue based on technological advancement, GTC represents a novel approach to experimental FP for individuals with DSD.
View details for DOI 10.1159/000502644
View details for Web of Science ID 000507907900002
View details for PubMedID 31509845
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Solitary Fibrous Tumors in Pediatric Patients: A Rare and Potentially Overdiagnosed Neoplasm, Confirmed by STAT6 Immunohistochemistry
PEDIATRIC AND DEVELOPMENTAL PATHOLOGY
2018; 21 (4): 389–400
View details for DOI 10.1177/1093526617745431
View details for Web of Science ID 000438890400006
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Thrombotic Microangiopathy with Intraglomerular Monoclonal IgM Pseudothrombi
NATURE PUBLISHING GROUP. 2018: 618
View details for Web of Science ID 000429308604087
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Single-cell transcriptomics of 20 mouse organs creates a Tabula Muris.
Nature
2018; 562 (7727): 367–72
Abstract
Here we present a compendium of single-cell transcriptomic data from the model organism Mus musculus that comprises more than 100,000 cells from 20 organs and tissues. These data represent a new resource for cell biology, reveal gene expression in poorly characterized cell populations and enable the direct and controlled comparison of gene expression in cell types that are shared between tissues, such as T lymphocytes and endothelial cells from different anatomical locations. Two distinct technical approaches were used for most organs: one approach, microfluidic droplet-based 3'-end counting, enabled the survey of thousands of cells at relatively low coverage, whereas the other, full-length transcript analysis based on fluorescence-activated cell sorting, enabled the characterization of cell types with high sensitivity and coverage. The cumulative data provide the foundation for an atlas of transcriptomic cell biology.
View details for DOI 10.1038/s41586-018-0590-4
View details for PubMedID 30283141
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Pleomorphic myxoid liposarcoma in an adolescent with Li-Fraumeni syndrome.
Pediatric surgery international
2017
Abstract
We present the case of a 15-year-old female with a right perineal mass that was found to be pleomorphic myxoid liposarcoma, a recently recognized, rare subtype of liposarcoma. The patient had a strong family history of malignancy and genetic screening revealed a pathogenic TP53 mutation consistent with Li-Fraumeni syndrome.
View details for DOI 10.1007/s00383-017-4063-x
View details for PubMedID 28160093
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BRAF inhibitor treatment of primary BRAF-mutant ameloblastoma with pathologic assessment of response
ORAL SURGERY ORAL MEDICINE ORAL PATHOLOGY ORAL RADIOLOGY
2016; 122 (1): E5-E7
Abstract
Molecular characterization of ameloblastoma has indicated a high frequency of driver mutations in BRAF and SMO. Preclinical data suggest that Food and Drug Administration-approved BRAF-targeted therapies may be immediately relevant for patients with ameloblastoma positive for the BRAF V600E mutation.A neoadjuvant treatment regime of dabrafenib was given to a patient with recurrent BRAF-mutant mandibular ameloblastoma. The patient subsequently underwent left mandible composite resection of the tumor and pathologic evaluation of treatment response.The ameloblastoma had a slow but dramatic response with >90% tumor volume reduction. The inner areas of the tumor underwent degeneration and squamous differentiation, and intact ameloblastoma was present in the outer areas associated with bone.Targeted neoadjuvant therapy for ameloblastoma may be useful in certain clinical settings of primary ameloblastoma. These might include tumors of advanced local stage when a neoadjuvant reduction could alter the extent of surgery and instances of local recurrence when surgical options are limited.
View details for DOI 10.1016/j.oooo.2015.12.016
View details for Web of Science ID 000377426600002
View details for PubMedID 27209484
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Developmental origin of lung macrophage diversity
DEVELOPMENT
2016; 143 (8): 1318-1327
Abstract
Macrophages are specialized phagocytic cells, present in all tissues, which engulf and digest pathogens, infected and dying cells, and debris, and can recruit and regulate other immune cells and the inflammatory response and aid in tissue repair. Macrophage subpopulations play distinct roles in these processes and in disease, and are typically recognized by differences in marker expression, immune function, or tissue of residency. Although macrophage subpopulations in the brain have been found to have distinct developmental origins, the extent to which development contributes to macrophage diversity between tissues and within tissues is not well understood. Here, we investigate the development and maintenance of mouse lung macrophages by marker expression patterns, genetic lineage tracing and parabiosis. We show that macrophages populate the lung in three developmental waves, each giving rise to a distinct lineage. These lineages express different markers, reside in different locations, renew in different ways, and show little or no interconversion. Thus, development contributes significantly to lung macrophage diversity and targets each lineage to a different anatomical domain.
View details for DOI 10.1242/dev.129122
View details for Web of Science ID 000385261300010
View details for PubMedID 26952982
View details for PubMedCentralID PMC4852511
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A novel laparoscopic-assisted approach to the repair of pediatric femoral hernias.
Journal of laparoendoscopic & advanced surgical techniques. Part A
2013; 23 (11): 946-948
Abstract
Abstract Background: Femoral hernias in young children are relatively rare and can be difficult to diagnose as they are often mistaken for inguinal hernias. Although a few reports have described laparoscopic techniques, most traditional repair methods still focus on an open approach using either an inguinal or crural incision. Here we describe a laparoscopic-assisted technique that is buttressed by a cigarette of mesh for the repair of this uncommon pediatric entity. Subjects and Methods: We report three consecutive cases of children with femoral hernias repaired with only two small incisions: a 5-mm umbilical incision for a 30° camera and a 1-cm groin incision for dissection and ligation of the hernia sac. After sac ligation, the repair was buttressed with a small mesh cigarette. Results: Using this approach, right femoral hernias were repaired without complication in three children, between 8 and 9 years of age. Two patients had ipsilateral indirect inguinal hernias. No contralateral groin hernias were identified in any of the patients. Operative time averaged 40 minutes, recovery time was quick, and follow-up at 6 months revealed good cosmesis. Conclusions: This laparoscopic-assisted approach to pediatric femoral hernia repair with a small mesh plug is a safe, effective, and efficient technique. Because only two incisions are required, postoperative pain is minimal, and cosmesis is excellent. Nonetheless, more patients and longer follow-up will be required to accurately judge the long-term implications of this novel technique.
View details for DOI 10.1089/lap.2013.0199
View details for PubMedID 24015871
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Heterotaxy and complex structural heart defects in a mutant mouse model of primary ciliary dyskinesia
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION
2007; 117 (12): 3742-3752
Abstract
Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is a genetically heterogeneous disorder associated with ciliary defects and situs inversus totalis, the complete mirror image reversal of internal organ situs (positioning). A variable incidence of heterotaxy, or irregular organ situs, also has been reported in PCD patients, but it is not known whether this is elicited by the PCD-causing genetic lesion. We studied a mouse model of PCD with a recessive mutation in Dnahc5, a dynein gene commonly mutated in PCD. Analysis of homozygous mutant embryos from 18 litters yielded 25% with normal organ situs, 35% with situs inversus totalis, and 40% with heterotaxy. Embryos with heterotaxy had complex structural heart defects that included discordant atrioventricular and ventricular outflow situs and atrial/pulmonary isomerisms. Variable combinations of a distinct set of cardiovascular anomalies were observed, including superior-inferior ventricles, great artery alignment defects, and interrupted inferior vena cava with azygos continuation. The surprisingly high incidence of heterotaxy led us to evaluate the diagnosis of PCD. PCD was confirmed by EM, which revealed missing outer dynein arms in the respiratory cilia. Ciliary dyskinesia was observed by videomicroscopy. These findings show that Dnahc5 is required for the specification of left-right asymmetry and suggest that the PCD-causing Dnahc5 mutation may also be associated with heterotaxy.
View details for DOI 10.1172/JCI33284
View details for Web of Science ID 000251396600023
View details for PubMedID 18037990
View details for PubMedCentralID PMC2082149