Genomic and Transcriptomic Characterization of Protein Kinase C Fusion Melanocytic Neoplasms With Distinctive Hypopigmented Histomorphology: A Single‐Institution Study

Abstract

Background: Genomic fusions involving Protein Kinase C (PKC or PRKC) have been classically identified in a subset of melanocytic neoplasms with heavy melanin pigmentation as described in older series. They were recently reclassified from the pigmented epithelioid melanocytoma (PEM) category to the blue nevus (BN) category in the fifth edition of the World Health Organization (WHO) Classification of Skin Tumors.

Methods: Herein, we report a series of eight mostly hypopigmented PRKC fusion melanocytic tumors with novel comprehensive molecular characterization. Clinical, histopathologic, and immunohistochemical findings were reviewed. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) data on genomic and transcriptomic levels were explored.

Results: Histomorphology showed a biphasic pattern with hypercellular areas and hypocellular areas with dense fibrotic stroma and collagen trapping. The clinical courses were uncomplicated after excisions. NGS revealed three cases of PRKCB fusion and five cases of PRKCA fusions. RNA differential analysis against six blue nevi showed a group of genes with significantly higher transcription levels and strong enrichment in the direct p53 effectors gene set. PRKC fusion tumors also demonstrated significantly stronger p53 IHC staining.

Conclusion: We further expand the morphologic spectrum of PRKC fusion melanocytic tumors and provide insight into their morphologic identification. Our novel transcriptome-level findings provide insight into the nuanced molecular events and new evidence for classification.