Das Prodekanat für Forschung würdigt jeden Monat UKE Autorinnen und Autoren einer herausragenden Publikation, die in den vorangegangenen 2 Monaten hochrangig publiziert wurde. Ziel ist es, die am UKE enstandenen Forschungsergebnisse mit ihrer Bedeutung in der Wissenschaft einer größeren Öffentlichkeit am UKE vorzustellen. Der Aufruf zur Teilnahme richtet sich an Wissenschaftlerinnen und Wissenschaftler aller Fachgebiete. Einreichungsfrist für eine Bewerbung um die Auszeichnung des "Paper of the Month" ist jeweils Ende eines Monats (siehe Bewerbungsformular).
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UKE Paper of the Month August 2026
Multi-omics integration unravels four molecular subgroups of corticotroph pituitary neuroendocrine tumours with distinct clinicopathological features
Matthias Dottermusch, Alice Ryba , Antonia Gocke, Temor Rafiq, Celina Soltwedel, Tasja Lempertz, Linus Haberbosch, Simone Schmid, Luis Gustavo Perez-Rivas, Marily Theodoropoulou, Nesrin Uksul, Ulrich J Knappe, Leonille Schweizer, Wolfgang Saeger, Jakob Matschke, Mateusz Bujko, Ulrich Schüller, Markus Glatzel, Jörg Flitsch, Franz L Ricklefs, Julia E Neumann
ABSTRACT:
Corticotroph pituitary neuroendocrine tumours (PitNETs)/adenomas are heterogeneous sellar neoplasms. Currently established histopathological classification approaches are often considered limited in fully capturing the clinical and biological complexity of these tumours. Thus far, a molecular-based classification has not been established in corticotroph PitNETs.We compile molecular data of 270 corticotroph PitNETs (111 internal, 159 external), encompassing epigenome, transcriptome, and proteome profiles. Comprehensive integrative analyses are performed to identify, validate and characterize definitive molecular subgroups.Corticotroph PitNETs separate into four robust and clinicopathologically distinct molecular subgroups, which are broadly distinguishable by microscopy using SSTR1, GATA3 and SSTR5 immunohistochemistry. An integrated stratification model incorporating these molecular subgroups demonstrates significant prognostic utility.Our findings support the establishment of a refined molecular-based corticotroph PitNET classification, the full clinical value of which will require validation in prospective studies. To facilitate future research, we provide an easy-to-use epigenomic classifier for corticotroph PitNETs.
STATEMENT
“This interdisciplinary work opens up new avenues for a modernized, molecular-based pituitary tumor classification framework with improved prognostic utility“.
BACKGROUND:
This work was mainly performed at the Institute of Neuropathology in collaboration with the Department of Neurosurgery. The project was coordinated by Matthias Dottermusch, who is a board-certified neuropathologist and serves as a national reference pathologist for pituitary tumors at the UKE. Matthias Dottermusch is funded by the Mildred Scheel Cancer Career Center HaTriCS4 within the framework of a Clinician Scientist program at the UKE.
Nature Communications, 2026, 17(1):7777
Congratulations to all authors!
Next PoM: To apply, the publication must have been published in August 2026. Applications will be considered in two rounds of the selection process, i.e. two months. Please send your completed PoM application to Dr. Anne Wulf by 30/09/2026