The genomic landscape of acute lymphoblastic leukemia with intrachromosomal amplification of chromosome 21

Intrachromosomal amplification of chromosome 21 defines a subtype of high-risk childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (iAMP21-ALL) characterized by copy number changes and complex rearrangements of chromosome 21. The genomic basis of iAMP21-ALL and the pathogenic role of the region of amplification of chromosome 21 to leukemogenesis remain incompletely understood. Here, using integrated whole genome and transcriptome sequencing of 124 iAMP21-ALL patients, including rare cases arising in the context of constitutional chromosomal aberrations, we identified subgroups of iAMP21-ALL according to patterns of copy number alteration and structural variation. This large dataset enabled formal delineation of a 7.8 Mb common region of amplification harboring 71 genes, 43 of which are differentially expressed compared to non-iAMP21-ALL cases, and including multiple genes implicated in the pathogenesis of acute leukemia: CHAF1B, DYRK1A, ERG, HMGN1 and RUNX1. Using multimodal single cell genomic profiling, including single cell whole genome sequencing of two cases, we documented clonal heterogeneity and genomic evolution, formally demonstrating that acquisition of the iAMP21-chromosome is an early event that may undergo progressive amplification during disease ontogeny. We show that UV mutational signatures and high mutation load are characteristic secondary genetic features. Although the genomic alterations of chromosome 21 are variable, these integrated genomic analyses and demonstration of an extended common minimal region of amplification broaden the definition of iAMP21-ALL for more precise diagnosis using cytogenetic or genomic methods to inform clinical management.