The SYT-SSX1 fusion type of synovial sarcoma is associated with increased expression of cyclin A and D1. A link between t(X;18)(pll.2; q11.2) and the cell cycle machinery

A recent large multi-centre study convincingly confirmed previous observations that the SYT-SSX1 fusion type, compared to SYT-SSX2, of synovial sarcoma is associated with a worse clinical outcome. Apart from the clinical impact, this fact also suggests (1) that the SYT-SSX fusion gene may influence molecular mechanisms involved in tumour growth and progression; and (2) that the SYT-SSX1 fusion type has a stronger influence on these mechanisms than SYT-SSX2. The nature of the underlying mechanisms is, however, still unknown. In this study we made use of the SYT-SSX1 vs SYT-SSX2 concept to investigate whether major, tumour relevant, and growth regulatory proteins (e.g. cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases) may be involved. Using Western blotting analysis on 74 fresh, fusion variant-typed, tumour samples from localized synovial sarcoma, we found a significant correlation between SYT-SSX1 and high expression of cyclin A (P=0.003) and D1 (P=0.025). Our data suggest that SYT-SSX may influence the cell cycle machinery, and that the more aggressive phenotype of the SYT-SSX1 variant is due to an accelerated tumour cell proliferation.