Multiple FGFR1 mutations modulate tumorigenic mechanisms in glioneuronal tumors

FGFR1 genetic alterations are associated with human diseases, including brain tumors. We reported multiple FGFR1 mutations in familial and sporadic cases of low-grade glioneuronal tumors, suggesting intrinsic mechanisms of selective pressure toward FGFR1 multiple events arising in the context of a quiet genome. To decipher the molecular mechanisms triggered by multiple FGFR1 mutations, we have mapped the proximal interactome of wild-type, single-and double-mutant FGFR1 proteins through a BioID-MS approach. Our data reveals novel oncogenic functionality for the two hotspots N546K and K656E, linked to evasion of lysosomal degradation. We identified a modulatory role played by the susceptibility variant R661P, which hampers the oncogenic potential of both hotspot mutations by rescuing receptor degradation and reducing N546K affinity for the downstream effector PLCγ. The R661P variant alone abolished the self-renewal capacity of oligodendroglioma cells and showed downregulation of genes involved in neurodevelopment and neuro-glial cell fate decisions, both aspects overcome in the double mutants. This study sheds light on the oncogenic effects associated with FGFR1 alterations and their recurrence in low-mutation burden and therapy naïve tumors.