13390 results for ""60+mice"+"6+weeks"+diet+study+2014+2017+DOI"

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• Genetic analysis of Hirschsprung disease

  Hirschsprung disease (HSCR) is a birth defect resulting from the absence of nerve (ganglion) cells in the gastrointestinal tract. Hirschsprung disease has a population incidence of 1/5,000 live births and most often occurs as an isolated condition. However, approximately 30% of HSCR cases are associated with other birth defects such as Down syndrome, deafness, hypopigmentation, and Congenital Central Hypoventilation syndrome (CCHS). Hirschsprung disease is a genetic condition with autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, and multigenic patterns of inheritance described. The goal of the research study is to identify genes harboring causative HSCR mutations and to better understand the complex inheritance of HSCR in families using whole genome mapping and sequencing studies with functional follow-up of candidate genes and variants. We intend to ascertain the frequency with which mutations in any human gene lead to familial and isolated forms of HSCR. Clinical information is collected to allow investigation of possible genotype - phenotype correlations. The subject population consists of individuals diagnosed with HSCR and their unaffected relatives. Individuals/families are ascertained through support groups, web-based listings of research studies and genetic testing services, an educational study website, and referrals from genetic counselors and physicians. Blood, or tissue, samples are requested from affected individuals and their unaffected relatives.

  Study phs000497

• Mapping Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Heterogeneity at the Single Cell Level

  Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) display a complex blood transcriptome whose cellular origin is poorly resolved. Using single-cell RNA-seq, we profiled ~276,000 PBMCs from 33 children with SLE (cSLE) with different degrees of disease activity (DA) and 11 matched controls. Increased expression of Interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) distinguished cSLE from healthy control cells. The high-ISG expression signature (ISGhi) derived from a small number of transcriptionally defined subpopulations within major cell types, including monocytes, CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, NK cells, cDCs, pDCs, B cells and especially plasma cells. Expansion of unique subpopulations enriched in ISGs and/or in monogenic Lupus-associated genes classified patients with the highest DA. Profiling of ~82,000 single PBMCs from adult SLE patients confirmed the expansion of similar subpopulations in patients with the highest DA. This study lays the groundwork for resolving the origin of the SLE transcriptional signatures and the disease heterogeneity towards precision medicine applications. Patient demographics, clinical and laboratory data and treatment are summarized and available. The genomic data for participant aHD2 will not be included in the dataset The study description is reprinted from Nehar-Belaid et. al. Nature Immunology, 2020, with permission from Nature Immunology Group

  Study phs002048

• Genome-Wide Analysis for Addiction Susceptibility Genes

  Genome wide analysis for addiction susceptibility genes is an affected sibling pair linkage study using subjects who were patients in methadone replacement treatment programs (MMTP). Such patients are highly addicted to opioids and usually to other addicting substances as well. For entry into the programs, patients had to be at least 18 years of age and had to satisfy DSM-IV criteria for opioid dependence. Despite their common substance use disorder diagnosis, patients enrolled in MMTPs generally have a heterogeneous mix of co-morbid psychiatric disorders including anti-social personality disorder, major depression and anxiety disorders, and often satisfy DSM-IV criteria of substance use disorders other than opioid dependence. Genetic analysis was carried out using genotyping data obtained from a 10K SNP array, and non-parametric linkage was assessed using MERLIN. This resulted in the identification of a linkage peak on 14q that overlapped the NRXN3 gene (neurexin 3), which was previously identified as a potential candidate gene for addiction, and subsequently identified as a target gene in other addiction studies and autism. In version 2 of this study, a text file containing 7704 SNPs with large allele frequency discrepancy as compared to 1000 Genomes is included. Users have the option to exlude these 7704 SNPs.

  Study phs001266

• Transcriptomic Profiling of Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

  The study is a retrospective transcriptomic profiling of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. The pathologic database was queried for squamous cell carcinoma tumors originating from the anatomic oropharynx (tonsil or tongue base) with available samples from surgical archives. This retrospective RNA sequencing cohort included cases dating prior to the routine implementation of p16 immunohistochemistry (IHC) testing at our institution, therefore, p16 status was not required for inclusion in this study. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue samples were sent to the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center (LCCC) Translational Genomics Lab (TGL) for RNA isolation using the Maxwell 16 MDx Instrument (Promega AS3000) and the Maxwell 16 LEV RNA FFPE Kit (Promega AS1260) following the manufacturer's protocol (Promega 9FB167). After a pathology review of a hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stained slides to identify tumor area, RNA was extracted from unstained slides using macrodissection. Total RNA quality was measured using a NanoDrop spectrophotometer (Thermo Scientific ND-2000C) and a TapeStation 4200 (Agilent G2991AA). Total RNA concentration was quantified using a Qubit 3.0 fluorometer (Life Technologies Q33216). Libraries were prepared with Illumina TruSeq Stranded Total RNA with Ribo-Zero protocol. Libraries were sequenced on an Illumina HiSeq2500 sequencer. Paired end read data, with read lengths of 75 were collected.

  Study phs002935

• A Large Data Resource of Genomic Copy Number Variation across Neurodevelopmental Disorders

  This study presents the first genome-wide copy number variation (CNV) analysis across autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), schizophrenia (SCZ), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). A total of 2,691 subjects diagnosed with a neurodevelopmental disorder (NDD), and a total of 1,769 unaffected family members from Ontario, Canada were assayed using the Affymetrix CytoScan HD array. We identified rare CNVs, (< 0.1% frequency in 10,851 population control samples), and found clinically relevant CNVs in 10.5% of total subjects. Among all NDD subjects, we identified 17 (0.63%) with aneuploidies and 115 (4.3%) with known genomic disorder variants. We searched further for genes impacted by different CNVs in multiple disorders. Examples of NDD-associated genes linked across more than one disorder (listed in order of occurrence) are NRXN1, SEH1L, LDLRAD4, GNAL, GNG13, MKRN1, DCTN2, KNDC1, PCMTD2, KIF5A, SYNM, and long non-coding RNAs: AK127244, NRON, and PTCHD1-AS. We demonstrated that identical CNVs or genes could potentially contribute to the etiology of multiple NDDs. The CNVs identified will serve as a useful resource for both research and diagnostic laboratories for prioritization of variants and clinical interpretations.CNV data from this study are available through dbVar at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/dbvar/studies/nstd173/.

  Study phs001881

• Genomic Wide Scans for Female Osteoporosis Genes

  Osteoporosis is a condition of excessive skeletal fragility which results in high risk to low trauma fractures. It is the most prevalent metabolic bone disease and is a major public health problem which may result in devastating morbidity and mortality. The most powerful, measurable determinant of fracture risk is bone mineral density (BMD). More than 60% of BMD variation is attributable to genetic factors. There are gender differences in BMD that contribute to a substantially higher fracture risk among women than men. Genetic studies demonstrate that some osteoporosis risk genes/genomic regions are gender specific. However, specific such genes contributing to female BMD and to the sex differences of BMD are largely unknown. Recent rapid progresses in SNP genotyping technology, in our knowledge about human genome diversity and linkage disequilibrium (LD) patterns in the human genome as revealed have made it feasible and timely to pursue a powerful whole genome-wide association study (GWAS) to identify genes for BMD. The major goal of this project is to perform a powerful GWAS study in a large sample of US Caucasian subjects. Gender specific effects of the genetic variants will be examined. The significant genetic variants discovered will be used to design diagnostic DNA chips for prognosis for potential health problems of osteoporosis later in life.

  Study phs000390

• Experimental and Clinical Studies of Presbycusis

  This study aimed to investigate genes and variants associated with adult-onset progressive hearing loss, a common and complex disease with a strong genetic component.Participants enrolled in an ongoing longitudinal study of age-related hearing loss at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), dating from 1987. Pure tone thresholds at 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 6.0 and 8.0 kHz were obtained for each ear of each person, along with questionnaire responses concerning noise exposure history. Based on the audiometry, participants were classified into 5 groups as "Older-Normal", "Metabolic", "Sensory", "Unclassified" and "Unselected" by their hearing loss.Exome sequencing was carried out using the Agilent SureSelect X2 Target Enrichment System (version 5) and the Agilent SureSelect Human All Exon V5 kit, which included 5' and 3' UTRs. DNA was sheared using the Covaris S220 focused ultrasonicator. Libraries were sequenced on the Illumina HiSeq 2500. Variant loads per gene were calculated and compared between groups. Individual variants affecting hearing thresholds were also identified. Analyses were followed up in a second cohort. Several genes and variants were identified as novel candidates associated with both better and worse hearing. Data available through dbGaP include whole exome sequencing (WES) files and audiometric phenotyping.

  Study phs003327

• Genetic Predictors of Ibrutinib-Related Cardiovascular Side Effects in Patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

  The goal of this study was to identify genetic polymorphisms associated with ibrutinib-related cardiovascular side effects (CVSEs). This is an observational non-interventional pharmacogenomic study of 50 patients with newly diagnosed or relapsed refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (NDCLL or RRCLL) receiving ibrutinib 420 mg for at least six months. The ibrutinib-related CVSEs included atrial fibrillation and hypertension, which occurred in 20% of patients. DNA obtained from buccal swabs was genotyped for 40 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in GATA4, SGK1, KCNQ1, KCNA5, NPPA, and SCN5A using a customized next generation sequencing panel. It was found that GATA4 rs804280 AA (P =.043), KCNQ1 rs163182 GG (P =.036) and KCNQ1 rs2237895 AA (P =.023) were associated with the ibrutinib-related CVSEs. Patients with a high-risk score had at least two of the three significant risk genotypes identified in univariate analysis for GATA4 rs804280 A>C, KCNQ1 rs162182 G>C and KCNQ1 rs2237895 A>C, and patients with a low-risk score had either one or none of these genotypes. In multivariate analysis, 18 patients with at least two of the three high-risk genotypes had an 11.5-fold higher odds of CVSEs (P =.019; 1.79-119.73 at 95% CI).

  Study phs003370

• Gene Expression and Biomarker Utility in Post-Mortem Samples

  The FAA Functional Genomics Team examined the feasibility of analyzing gene expression profiles using post-mortem brain, lung, muscle, and blood samples collected from aviation accident fatalities, with the goal of validating post-mortem extracted RNA for use in RNA sequencing. We compared the RNA sequencing results obtained from THC-positive and THC-negative samples to determine whether RNA sequencing on samples collected from aviation accident fatalities was possible and if any differences in gene expression associated with THC consumption were detectable post-mortem. The study population included 57 males of indeterminant age who perished in general aviation accidents and for whom post-mortem toxicological testing identified delta-9-THC or its primary or secondary metabolites, as well as negative controls. We determined that RNA sequencing on post-mortem aviation accident fatality samples is possible, and further identified genes showing differential expression in lung and muscle between THC-positive and THC-negative samples. We conclude that post-mortem tissue samples collected from aviation accident fatalities are suitable for gene expression profiling, but caution researchers that such samples have low RNA integrity numbers and some degree of microbial contamination is both probable and to be expected. Raw sequencing files (.fastq) from this study are available in dbGaP.

  Study phs003546

• Molecular Characterization of Prostate Cancer Specimens by Bulk and Single Cell Analysis

  Version 1: We performed single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) of fresh biopsies from metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer. Additionally, where available, we performed matched bulk whole exome sequencing (WXS; tumor and normal paired) and whole transcriptome sequencing for the same individuals. We also performed bulk whole exome (WXS) and RNA-sequencing (RNA-Seq) from FFPE pre-treatment biopsies from patients with clinically localized high-risk prostate cancer.Version 2: We added data from a randomized phase 2 trial of radium-223 with or without pembrolizumab in patients with Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer (mCRPC) to bone. After enrollment, study participants underwent bone biopsy and were randomized 2:1 to receive radium-223 at 55 kBq/kg every 4 weeks + pembrolizumab at 200 mg every 3 weeks (Arm A, R223+P) or radium-223 at 55 kBq/kg every 4 weeks alone (Arm B, R223). Stratification factors were alkaline phosphatase ≥220 vs. Data generated includes bulk whole exome sequencing (WXS), ultra-low pass whole genome sequencing (WGS) at 0.1X coverage, and targeted-capture sequencing. The ultra-low pass sequencing was used as part of the selection criteria for the target capture sequencing. Note: Two subjects in this study are linked to phs001577 and phs000915 respectively.

  Study phs001988

• NHLBI TOPMed - NHGRI CCDG: Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC)

  Participants from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study, a large population-based longitudinal cohort study, have been included in this Project and whole genome sequencing will be performed to contribute to analyses of early-onset atrial fibrillation and venous thromboembolism. Additional phenotype and genotype data are available for these individuals on dbGaP and can be accessed through the parent ARIC Cohort accession (phs000280). The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) Trans-Omics for Precision Medicine (TOPMed) program is designed to generate scientific resources to enhance understanding of fundamental biological processes that underlie heart, lung, blood and sleep disorders (HLBS). It is part of a broader Precision Medicine Initiative, which aims to provide disease treatments that are tailored to an individual's unique genes and environment. TOPMed will contribute to this initiative through the integration of whole genome sequencing (WGS) and other -omics (e.g., metabolic profiles, protein and RNA expression patterns) data with molecular, behavioral, imaging, environmental, and clinical data. In doing so, this program seeks to uncover factors that increase or decrease the risk of disease, identify subtypes of disease, and develop more targeted and personalized treatments. The Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) Project is part of NHLBI's TOPMed program and serves as an initial step for the larger initiative.

  Study phs001211

• snRNA: A Cultured Leukemia Stem Cell Model Enables Validation of CDK6 as a Stemness Target Against Acute Myeloid Leukemia

  Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) represents a group of aggressive hematological malignancies, the clinical management of which is made challenging due to the persistence of rare and therapy resistant leukemia stem cells (LSCs) which serve as a source of disease relapse and poor outcomes. There are currently a paucity of methods to reliably enrich and study LSCs, hindering the development of therapies that specifically target LSCs. In this study, we deeply characterize the OCI-AML8227 culture model, which maintains a functional stemness hierarchy originating from its highly primitive CD34⁺CD38⁻ cells, to elucidate LSC biology and uncover LSC-specific therapeutic vulnerabilities. We analyzed both bulk and single-cell proteomics, transcriptomics, and epigenomics to generate a LSC protein-protein interaction network, which was then integrated with an LSC-focused small molecule screen using this model. From these findings, CDK6 was discovered as a therapeutic vulnerability specific to LSCs, which was validated in findings from the BEAT-AML cohort and a patient-derived xenograft (PDX) panel of AML samples through palbociclib treatment. Taken together, our studies validate CDK6 as a druggable vulnerability in LSCs, and authenticate OCI-AML8227 cells as a LSC target discovery engine.

  Study EGAS50000000786

• bulk ATACseq: A Cultured Leukemia Stem Cell Model Enables Validation of CDK6 as a Stemness Target Against Acute Myeloid Leukemia

  Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) represents a group of aggressive hematological malignancies, the clinical management of which is made challenging due to the persistence of rare and therapy resistant leukemia stem cells (LSCs) which serve as a source of disease relapse and poor outcomes. There are currently a paucity of methods to reliably enrich and study LSCs, hindering the development of therapies that specifically target LSCs. In this study, we deeply characterize the OCI-AML8227 culture model, which maintains a functional stemness hierarchy originating from its highly primitive CD34⁺CD38⁻ cells, to elucidate LSC biology and uncover LSC-specific therapeutic vulnerabilities. We analyzed both bulk and single-cell proteomics, transcriptomics, and epigenomics to generate a LSC protein-protein interaction network, which was then integrated with an LSC-focused small molecule screen using this model. From these findings, CDK6 was discovered as a therapeutic vulnerability specific to LSCs, which was validated in findings from the BEAT-AML cohort and a patient-derived xenograft (PDX) panel of AML samples through palbociclib treatment. Taken together, our studies validate CDK6 as a druggable vulnerability in LSCs, and authenticate OCI-AML8227 cells as a LSC target discovery engine.

  Study EGAS50000000787

• scATAC: A Cultured Leukemia Stem Cell Model Enables Validation of CDK6 as a Stemness Target Against Acute Myeloid Leukemia

  Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) represents a group of aggressive hematological malignancies, the clinical management of which is made challenging due to the persistence of rare and therapy resistant leukemia stem cells (LSCs) which serve as a source of disease relapse and poor outcomes. There are currently a paucity of methods to reliably enrich and study LSCs, hindering the development of therapies that specifically target LSCs. In this study, we deeply characterize the OCI-AML8227 culture model, which maintains a functional stemness hierarchy originating from its highly primitive CD34⁺CD38⁻ cells, to elucidate LSC biology and uncover LSC-specific therapeutic vulnerabilities. We analyzed both bulk and single-cell proteomics, transcriptomics, and epigenomics to generate a LSC protein-protein interaction network, which was then integrated with an LSC-focused small molecule screen using this model. From these findings, CDK6 was discovered as a therapeutic vulnerability specific to LSCs, which was validated in findings from the BEAT-AML cohort and a patient-derived xenograft (PDX) panel of AML samples through palbociclib treatment. Taken together, our studies validate CDK6 as a druggable vulnerability in LSCs, and authenticate OCI-AML8227 cells as a LSC target discovery engine.

  Study EGAS50000000788

• bulk RNA-seq: A Cultured Leukemia Stem Cell Model Enables Validation of CDK6 as a Stemness Target Against Acute Myeloid Leukemia

  Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) represents a group of aggressive hematological malignancies, the clinical management of which is made challenging due to the persistence of rare and therapy resistant leukemia stem cells (LSCs) which serve as a source of disease relapse and poor outcomes. There are currently a paucity of methods to reliably enrich and study LSCs, hindering the development of therapies that specifically target LSCs. In this study, we deeply characterize the OCI-AML8227 culture model, which maintains a functional stemness hierarchy originating from its highly primitive CD34⁺CD38⁻ cells, to elucidate LSC biology and uncover LSC-specific therapeutic vulnerabilities. We analyzed both bulk and single-cell proteomics, transcriptomics, and epigenomics to generate a LSC protein-protein interaction network, which was then integrated with an LSC-focused small molecule screen using this model. From these findings, CDK6 was discovered as a therapeutic vulnerability specific to LSCs, which was validated in findings from the BEAT-AML cohort and a patient-derived xenograft (PDX) panel of AML samples through palbociclib treatment. Taken together, our studies validate CDK6 as a druggable vulnerability in LSCs, and authenticate OCI-AML8227 cells as a LSC target discovery engine.

  Study EGAS50000000789

• JAK Inhibitor Withdrawal Causes a Transient Proinflammatory Cascade: A Potential Mechanism for Major Adverse Cardiac Events

  This is a study of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) from salivary glands. The salivary glands were derived from participants who had dry eye or dry mouth symptoms but did not have evidence of systemic autoimmune disease (sicca controls). The aim of the study was to determine the effects of Type I and Type II Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors (JAKinibs) withdrawal on these cells in vitro. The MSCs were treated in vitro with a) IFN-gamma (10 ng/mL) for the entire duration, b) IFN-gamma (10 ng/mL) and withdrawal of ruxolitinib (1 µM), c) IFN-gamma (10 ng/mL) and withdrawal CHZ-868 (1 µM), and d) IFN-gamma (10 ng/mL) and ruxolitinib (1 µM) for the entire duration. For the drug (CHZ-868 and ruxolitinib) conditions, after IFN-gamma treatment for 48 hours, we washed the cells with PBS and treated them with standard growth media with 0.01% DMSO, 10 ng/mL IFN-gamma + 0.01% DMSO, or 10 ng/mL IFN-gamma + JAKinib for 48 hours. For withdrawal conditions, we washed the cells twice and then treated them with standard growth media with either 0.01% DMSO or with 10 ng/mL IFN-gamma + 0.01% DMSO for 24 hours before harvest.

  Study phs003915

• Spatial transcriptomics elucidates medulla niche supporting germinal center response in myasthenia gravis thymoma

  Myasthenia gravis (MG) is known to be epidemiologically associated with abnormalities of the thymus, an organ that maintains central tolerance. However, due to the complexity of the thymus, specific characteristics related to the pathogenesis of MG remain elusive. In our study, we attempted to narrow down the features associated with MG using spatial transcriptome analysis of thymoma and thymic hyperplasia samples. We found that the majority of thymomas were constituted by the cortical region, whereas the medullary region was localized in comparatively restricted areas. Moreover, the medullary region contained polygenic enrichment, MG-specific germinal center structures, and a supporting immune microenvironment. Additionally, neuromuscular medullary thymic epithelial cells (nmTECs), previously identified as MG-specific autoantigen-producing cells, were situated at the cortico-medullary junction. The immune microenvironment in the medulla was characterized by a specific chemokine pattern and specific immune cells, such as CCR7+ migratory dendritic cells (migDCs) and effector regulatory T (Treg) cells. Furthermore, similar germinal center structures and immune microenvironments were observed in the medulla during thymic hyperplasia. This study indicates that the medulla and junction areas are related to the pathology of MG, suggesting that these areas should be the focus of future studies on MG pathogenesis and drug targeting.

  Study JGAS000672

• Novel genes for Intellectual Disability identified using whole genome sequence and pathway analysis

  Intellectual Disability (ID) is one of the most common global disorders. However for ~30% of patients with ID no cause is identified, despite a clinical diagnostic odyssey that includes genome wide clinical microarray (CMA). We carefully selected 8 trios, each composed of a child with ID and brain structural defect, and both normal parents for whole genome sequencing (WGS). We conducted WGS on the trio and filtered out de novo single nucleotide variants (SNVs) and then used a pathway-based refinement to select candidates. We confirmed a de novo pathogenic SNV in ARID1B, and likely pathogenic SNVs in CACNB3, SPRY4, PHF6, SQSTM1 and UPF1 in 5 of the 8 children. All genes except ARID1B and PHF6 are previously unreported for ID. We analysed our WGS data using 4 independent algorthims for copy number and structural variation including using de novo whole genome assembly. We confirmed one likely contributory 165kb de novo CNV (missed by CMA). We conducted a validation study of over 2000 exomes for our novel candidate genes and also present a strategy to analyze the non-coding sequence space. This study provides an extensive analysis of WGS in the context of ID and yielded causative variants in >60% of cases.

  Study EGAS00001001386

• Mapping_gene_environment_interactions_in_macrophages

  Immune cells sense and respond to external stimuli such as pathogens and initiate an inflammatory response. Genetic variants altering the behaviour and responses of immune cells may inform the results of disease association studies and provide an insight into the regulation of immune response. Studies mapping quantitative trait loci (QTL) are usually performed in quiescent or naïve cells and therefore any variants with a condition-specific manner (e.g. those with an effect only detectable in a specific time-point after cell stimulation) are likely to remain undiscovered. So far, only a handful of studies have attempted to study QTL in multiple states and even on those studies the number of states has remained relatively low (<5). Only very recently Horst and colleagues published the largest study to date investigating the effect of host variable (e.g. age, sex, contraceptive use etc.) on protein levels in macrophages stimulated with 19 different conditions (Horst et al, 2016). This project aims to develop a high-throughput experimental platform to detect QTL in a large number of states using iPSC derived macrophages. This data is part of a pre-publication release. For information on the proper use of pre-publication data shared by the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute (including details of any publication moratoria), please see http://www.sanger.ac.uk/datasharing/

  Study EGAS00001002268

• Exploring the role of mtDNA variation in Multiple Sclerosis in a large cohort of discordant monozygotic twins

  Several lines of evidence indicate that mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variants might predispose to multiple sclerosis (MS). We examined this in 49 monozygotic (MZ) twin pairs clinically discordant for MS at study entry. Since the nuclear DNA of MZ twins is identical, our study provides a unique setting to functionally associate unique mtDNA variants and skewed heteroplasmy with MS development. In order to identify mtDNA variants in the twin cohort, we deeply sequenced the mitochondrial genome in blood of all 49 MZ twin pairs using next generation sequencing (Illumina, HiSeq or MiSeq) with an average coverage depth of ~25,000 sequences per base. Heteroplasmic variants were validated using targeted deep sequencing (TDS) (Illumina, MiSeq) in DNA isolated from blood and buccal swabs. In addition, whole blood was also available of 5 additional MS-affected or healthy siblings and 1 dizygotic twin pair discordant for MS, comprising in total 6 non-identical sib pairs. Moreover, all cases were screened for pathogenic mtDNA polymerase gamma (POLG) mutations. The data provides valuable insights in the possible involvement of mtDNA variants in the pathogenesis of MS, and gives information on the segregation of heteroplasmic variants within MZ twins and non-identical siblings and across different tissues.

  Study EGAS00001001240

• The Prediction and Prevention of Preeclampsia

  The Prediction and Prevention of Preeclampsia (PREDO) is a prospective birth cohort study of Finnish women who were pregnant between 2005 and 2010 and their children. The PREDO study cohort was set up to identify novel risk factors and biomarkers in pregnant women associated with the development of preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Two groups of pregnant women were enrolled during the first trimester of their pregnancy: first, pregnant women with a known clinical risk factor status for preeclampsia and IUGR (N=1079; 969 of these women had at least one and 110 had none of the known risk factors for preeclampsia and IUGR), and second, pregnant women who volunteered to participate regardless of their risk factor status for preeclampsia and IUGR (N=3698). Both samples were monitored during pregnancy with four clinical visits and bi-weekly self-reports. The post-delivery follow-up has taken place at approximately 2 weeks, 6 months, and 3.5 years after the delivery. The most recent follow-up started in 2016 and is ongoing. In the high-risk sample, cord blood samples were collected and genome-wide genotyping has been conducted with Illumina OmniExpressExome 1.2 and genome-wide methylation status has been analysed with Illumina 450k HM array.

  Study EGAS00001001898

• Adult-type Granulosa Cell Tumour of the Ovary

  A recurrent mutation in FOXL2 (c.402C>G; p.C134W) is present in over 95% of adult-type granulosa cell tumours (AGCTs). In contrast, various loss-of-function mutations in FOXL2 lead to the development of blepharophimosis, ptosis and epicanthus inversus syndrome (BPES). BPES is characterized by an eyelid malformation often accompanied with primary ovarian insufficiency but not granulosa cell tumours. Two recent studies suggest that FOXL2 C402G is a gain or change-of-function mutation with altered DNA-binding specificity. Another study proposes that FOXL2 C402G is selectively targeted for degradation inducing somatic haploinsufficiency suggesting its role as a tumour suppressor. The latter study relies on data indicative of an FOXL2 allelic imbalance in AGCTs. Here we present RNA-seq data as genetic evidence that no real allelic imbalance is observed at the transcriptomic level in AGCTs. Additionally, there is no loss of protein expression in tumours harboring the mutated allele. These data and other features of this mutation as compared to other oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes argue strongly against FOXL2 being a tumour suppressor in this context. Given the likelihood that FOXL2 C402G is oncogenic, targeting the variant protein or its downstream consequences is the most viable path forward to identifying an effective treatment for this cancer.

  Study EGAS00001005414

• Detection of cancers three years prior to diagnosis using plasma cell-free DNA

  A major goal of early cancer detection is to identify subclinical disease when the tumor burden is low, so that treatments are more effective. But how early can cancers be detected prior to clinical signs or symptoms? This question can be answered only through the evaluation of participants whose clinical course has not been altered by the study itself. We here describe such an evaluation, performed on prospectively collected plasma samples from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study, including 26 participants diagnosed with cancer and 26 matched controls. At the index time point, eight of these 52 participants scored positively with a multicancer early detection (MCED) blood test. All eight of these participants were diagnosed with cancer within 4 months after blood collection. In six of these 8 participants, we were able to assess an earlier plasma sample collected 3.1 to 3.5 years prior to clinical diagnosis. In four of these six participants, the same mutations detected by the MCED test could be identified, but at 8.6 to 79-fold lower levels. These results demonstrate that it is possible to detect circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) more than three years prior to clinical diagnosis, and provide benchmark sensitivities required for the success of ctDNA-based tests for this purpose.

  Study EGAS00001008068

• RNA-Seq of vocal fold fibroblasts in Reinke’s edema and control subjects

  The voice disorder Reinke’s edema (RE) is a smoking- and voice-abuse associated benign lesion of the vocal folds, defined by an edema of the Reinke space, accompanied with pathological microvasculature changes and immune cell infiltration. Vocal fold fibroblasts (VFF) are the main cell type of the lamina propria and play a key role in the disease progression. Current therapy is restricted to symptomatic treatment. Hence, there is an urgent need for a better understanding of the molecular causes of the disease. In the present study, we investigated differential expression profiles of RE and control VFF by means of RNA sequencing. In addition, fast gene set enrichment analysis (FGSEA) was performed in order to obtain involved biological processes, mRNA and protein levels of targets of interest were further evaluated. We identified 74 differentially regulated genes in total, 19 of which were upregulated and 55 downregulated. Differential expression analysis and FGSEA revealed upregulated genes and pathways involved in extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, inflammation and fibrosis. Downregulated genes and pathways were involved in ECM degradation, cell cycle control and proliferation. The current study addressed for the first time a direct comparison of VFF from RE to control and evaluated immediate functional consequences.

  Study EGAS00001005130

• Genome-Wide Association Study of Sporadic and Familial Testicular Germ Cell Tumors

  Case-Control Study:Testicular germ cell cancer has been increasing among men during most of the 20th century. Despite this increase, the etiology of testicular cancer is poorly understood. To better understand the molecular epidemiology of testicular cancer, the National Cancer Institute and the Department of Defense are conducting a case-control study of testicular cancer among military servicemen. The project includes obtaining biosamples and questionnaire data from all participants. Pre-diagnostic serum samples are available from the approximately 1,000 cases and 1,000 controls enrolled in the study. Multiple-Case Family Study:In a parallel project, we are also studying families in which 2 or more testicular cancers have occurred. Among those men diagnosed with testicular cancer, about 1-3 percent report a family history of the disease (FTGCT). Brothers of affected individuals are 8 to 10 times more likely to develop testicular cancer, and men whose fathers had testicular cancer are four times more likely to develop testicular cancer, when compared with the relatives of men who have never had testicular cancer. Large-scale genetic linkage studies have failed to identify one or more rare, highly-penetrant testicular susceptibility genes. Rather, it appears that these familial clusters are due to the combined effects of multiple more common genes with low penetrance (so-called "polygenic inheritance"). Our cohort of FTGCT families was assembled to characterize this syndrome's clinical phenotype, and to discover the full range of cancer susceptibility loci that influence TGCT pathogenesis.

  Study phs001303