13437 results for ""60+mice"+"6+weeks"+diet+study+2014+2017+DOI"

in 33.60 milliseconds.

• GRIDSS, PURPLE, LINX: Unscrambling the tumor genome via integrated analysis of structural variation and copy number

  We have developed a novel, integrated and comprehensive purity, ploidy, structural variant and copy number somatic analysis toolkit for whole genome sequencing data of paired tumor/normal samples. We show that the combination of using GRIDSS for somatic structural variant calling and PURPLE for somatic copy number alteration calling allows highly sensitive, precise and consistent copy number and structural variant determination, as well as providing novel insights for short structural variants and regions of complex local topology. LINX, an interpretation tool, leverages the integrated structural variant and copy number calling to cluster individual structural variants into higher order events and chains them together to predict local derivative chromosome structure. LINX classifies and extensively annotates genomic rearrangements including simple and reciprocal breaks, LINE, viral and pseudogene insertions, and complex events such as chromothripsis. LINX also comprehensively calls genic fusions including chained fusions. Finally, our toolkit provides novel visualisation methods providing insight into complex genomic rearrangements.

  Study EGAS00001004034

• The landscape of chromothripsis across adult cancer types

  Chromothripsis is a recently identified mutational phenomenon, by which a presumably single catastrophic event generates extensive genomic rearrangements of one or a few chromosome(s). Considered as an early event in tumour development, this form of genome instability plays a prominent role in tumour onset. Chromothripsis prevalence might have been underestimated when using low-resolution methods, and pan-cancer studies based on sequencing are rare. We analysed chromothripsis in 28 tumour types covering all major adult cancers (634 tumours, 316 whole-genome and 318 whole-exome sequences). We show that chromothripsis affects a substantial proportion of human cancers, with a prevalence of 49% across all cases. Chromothripsis generates entity-specific genomic alterations driving tumour development, including clinically relevant druggable fusions. Chromothripsis is linked with specific telomere patterns and univocal mutational signatures in distinct tumour entities. Longitudinal analysis of chromothriptic patterns in 24 matched tumour pairs reveals novel insights in the clonal evolution of tumours with chromothripsis. (H021)

  Study EGAS00001004250

• The Genetic Landscape of Ocular Adnexa MALT Lymphoma Reveals Frequent Aberrations in NFAT and MEF2B Signaling Pathways

  A comprehensive constellation of somatic non-silent mutations and copy number (CN) variations in ocular adnexa marginal zone lymphoma (OAMZL) is unknown. By utilizing whole-exome sequencing in 69 tumors we define the genetic landscape of OAMZL. Mutations and CN changes in CABIN1 (30%), RHOA (26%), TBL1XR1 (22%), and CREBBP (17%) and inactivation of TNFAIP3 (26%) were among the most common aberrations. Candidate cancer driver genes cluster in the B-cell receptor (BCR), NFkB, NOTCH and NFAT signaling pathways. One of the most commonly altered genes is CABIN1, a calcineurin inhibitor acting as a negative regulator of the NFAT and MEF2B transcriptional activity. CABIN1 deletions enhance BCR-stimulated NFAT and MEF2B transcriptional activity, while CABIN1 mutations enhance only MEF2B transcriptional activity by impairing binding of mSin3a to CABIN1. Our data provide an unbiased identification of genetically altered genes that may play a role in the molecular pathogenesis of OAMZL and serve as therapeutic targets.

  Study EGAS00001006631

• Multi-omics identify falling LRRC15 as a COVID-19 severity marker and persistent pro-thrombotic signals in convalescence

  Patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) are at high risk of severe COVID-19. Here, we perform longitudinal blood sampling of ESKD haemodialysis patients with COVID-19, collecting samples pre-infection, serially during infection, and after clinical recovery. Using plasma proteomics, and RNA-sequencing and flow cytometry of immune cells, we identify transcriptomic and proteomic signatures of COVID-19 severity, and find distinct temporal molecular profiles in patients with severe disease. Supervised learning reveals that the plasma proteome is a superior indicator of clinical severity than the PBMC transcriptome. We show that a decreasing trajectory of plasma LRRC15, a proposed co-receptor for SARS-CoV-2, is associated with a more severe clinical course. Strikingly, we observe that two months after the acute infection, patients still display dysregulated gene expression related to vascular, platelet and coagulation pathways, including PF4 (platelet factor 4), which may explain the prolonged thrombotic risk following COVID-19.

  Study EGAS00001006778

• Single-cell atlas of multiple myeloma and precursor diseases

  Single cell profiling of small cohorts of myeloma precursor disease patient samples including monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance and smoldering multiple myeloma have shown diverse evolutionary patterns and immune changes that occur early in the disease process. Using scRNAseq and scBCRseq in a large cohort of fifty-three patients with myeloma precursor disease in comparison with myeloma and normal donors we describe the early genomic drivers of malignant transformation and describe their divergent clonal expansion in hyperdiploid compared to non-hyperdiploid samples. We describe intra-patient heterogeneity with potential therapeutic implications as well as the distinct evolution patterns (linear/branching) from myeloma precursor disease to myeloma. Finally, we describe the unique adaptations of the microenvironment as a response to distinct genomic changes in myeloma cells. These results further our knowledge to characterize myeloma precursor disease evolution, inform individual patient progression risk stratification and identify potential biomarkers that could be clinically exploited.

  Study EGAS00001006694

• Malignant progression of an ancestral bone marrow clone harboring a CIC-NUTM2A fusion in isolated myeloid sarcoma

  Myeloid sarcoma is a rare condition consisting of extramedullary myeloid blasts found in association with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) or, in the absence of bone marrow involvement. We identified an infant with isolated myeloid sarcoma whose bone marrow was negative for involvement by flow cytometry. Sequencing revealed the fusion oncogene CIC-NUTM2A and identified the sarcoma to be clonally evolved from the bone marrow which carried the fusion despite the absence of pathology. Murine modeling confirmed the ability of the fusion to transform hematopoietic cells and identified receptor tyrosine kinase signaling activation consistent with disruption of the CIC transcriptional repressor. These findings extend the definition of CIC-rearranged malignancies to include hematologic disease, provide insight into the mechanism of oncogenesis, and demonstrate the importance of molecular analysis and tracking of bone marrow involvement over the course of treatment in myeloid sarcoma, including patients that lack flow cytometric evidence of leukemia at diagnosis.

  Study EGAS00001006833

• Early on-treatment changes in circulating tumor DNA fraction and response to enzalutamide or abiraterone in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer

  On-treatment circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) quantification is touted as a surrogate biomarker for understanding metastatic cancer response to systemic therapy, but there is relatively little supporting data from standardized patient cohorts. Here, in a prospective observational cohort, we demonstrate that 4-week on-treatment changes in plasma ctDNA levels can accurately identify metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer that will progress within 6 months of initiating first-line abiraterone or enzalutamide treatment. On-treatment ctDNA measurements outperformed existing clinical variables for predicting disease response and were also closely associated with differential overall survival. Although optimal timing of blood collections and thresholds for ctDNA detection will require further testing, our data highlights the potential for sequential ctDNA measurements to provide an early and reliable read-out for therapy response. The high accuracy of this information suggests that ctDNA could be useful for guiding clinical trials of therapy changes in initially non-responsive metastatic cancers.

  Study EGAS00001006856

• WGS of MAPKi acquired resistant samples from patients and PDX models

  Blocking cancer genomic instability, which generates diverse variants that enable rapid adaptations, may prevent tumor escape from therapies. We show that, after MAPK inhibitor (MAPKi) therapy in patients and patient-derived xenografts, acquired-resistant genomes of metastatic cutaneous melanoma accumulate amplicons of resistance-driver, non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ), and homologous recombination repair (HRR) genes within complex genomic rearrangements (CGRs) and extrachromosomal circular DNAs (ecDNAs). Also, chromothriptic genomic regions enrich for mutations and may engender ecDNAs and CGRs. Overall, somatic mutations within ecDNA- and CGR-amplicons enrich for HRR signatures, and, in acquired resistance, ecDNA (versus CGR) mutations enrich for APOBEC3 signatures. Breakpoint-sequence analysis suggests NHEJ as critical to double-stranded DNA break repair underlying CGR and ecDNA formation. In vivo, NHEJ-targeting by a DNA-PKCS inhibitor prevented acquired MAPKi-resistance by reducing the size of ecDNAs and CGRs early on combination treatment. Thus, targeting the cause(s), as opposed to the consequences, of genomic instability prevents acquired resistance.

  Study EGAS00001006874

• Multiome_HB

  Hepatoblastoma (HB) cells display strong phenotypic heterogeneity with a major impact on drug response, but the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Here, we use a single-cell multi-omic strategy to unravel the molecular determinants of this plasticity. HB display a continuum of single-cell states between hepatocytic (scH), liver progenitor (scLP) and mesenchymal (scM) differentiation poles, with an intermediate scH/LP population bordering scLP and scH areas in spatial transcriptomics. Chromatin accessibility landscapes reveal the gene regulatory networks of each differentiation pole, and the sequence of transcription factor activation underlying cell state transitions. Single-cell mapping of somatic alterations reveals the clonal architecture of each tumor, showing that each genetic subclone displays its own range of cellular plasticity across differentiation poles. The most scLP subclones, overexpressing stem cell and DNA repair genes, proliferate faster after neo-adjuvant chemotherapy. These results highlight how the interplay of clonal evolution and epigenetic plasticity shapes the potential of HB subclones to respond to chemotherapy.

  Study EGAS00001006932

• Single-cell RNA-seq and spatial transcriptomics data for the sarcoidosis baseline project

  Granulomas are lumps of immune cells that can form in various organs. Most granulomas appear unstructured, yet they have some resemblance to lymphoid organ formation. To better understand granuloma formation, we performed single-cell sequencing and spatial transcriptomics on granulomas from patients with sarcoidosis and bioinformatically reconstructed the underlying gene-regulatory networks. We discovered an immune stimulatory environment in granulomas that repurposed transcriptional programs associated with lymphoid organ development. Granuloma formation followed characteristic spatial patterns and involved genes linked to immunometabolism, cytokine and chemokine signaling, and extracellular matrix remodeling. Three cell types emerged as key players in granuloma formation: metabolically reprogrammed macrophages, cytokine-producing Th17.1 cells, and fibroblasts with inflammatory and tissue remodeling phenotypes. Pharmacological inhibition of one of the identified processes attenuated granuloma formation in a sarcoidosis mouse model. We show that human granulomas adopt characteristic aspects of normal lymphoid organ development in aberrant combinations, indicating that granulomas constitute aberrant lymphoid organs.

  Study EGAS00001006970

• Neuroblastoma heterogeneity

  Neuroblastoma is a pediatric solid tumor characterized by strong clinical heterogeneity. Although certain complex genomic alterations, such as extrachromosomal DNA amplifications (ecDNA), are associated with adverse outcomes and have been recurrently detected in neuroblastomas, the mutational processes involved in their generation remain largely unclear. By examining the topography of complex rearrangements along with mutational signatures derived from all variant classes, we identify previously unrecognized co-occurring mutational footprints, which we termed mutational scenarios. We demonstrate that clinical neuroblastoma heterogeneity is linked to differences in the processes driving these mutational scenarios. Whereas high-risk MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma genomes were characterized by signs of replication slippage and stress, homologous recombination-associated signatures defined high-risk non-MYCN-amplified patients. Non-high-risk neuroblastomas, on the other hand, were marked by footprints of chromosome missegregation and TOP1 mutational activity. This analysis provides a systematic perspective on the repertoire of mutational patterns that contribute to clinical neuroblastoma heterogeneity.

  Study EGAS00001007019

• Epigenetic landscape of mixed phenotype leukemias

  Leukemias with ambiguous lineage comprise a number of loosely defined entities, often without a clear mechanistic basis. Here, we investigated a group of such leukemias with a CpG Island Methylator Phenotype (CIMP), previously identified as CEBPA-silenced AML. Transcriptomics and epigenomics analyses revealed a hybrid myeloid/lymphoid epigenetic landscape, whereas genetic alterations were heterogenous. This suggests that CIMP leukemias are defined by their shared epigenetic profile rather than a common genetic lesion. Gene expression enrichment showed strong similarity with ETP-ALL and an early lymphoid progenitor cell of origin. Accordingly, integration of differential methylation and expression revealed widespread silencing of myeloid transcription factors (TFs), among which CEBPA was key for differentiation arrest. Hypermethylation also resulted in loss of CTCF binding, accompanied by a few changes in chromatin interactions involving critical TFs like KLF4. In conclusion, epigenetic dysregulation, and not genetic lesions, explain the mixed phenotype of a group of CIMP leukemias resembling ETP-ALL.

  Study EGAS00001007094

• Spatial and temporal transcriptomics of medulloblastoma with chromothripsis identifies multiple genetic clones that resist to treatment and lead to relapse

  From all paediatric brain tumours, medulloblastomas with chromothripsis, a form of genome instability leading to massive genome rearrangements, are particularly aggressive. To dissect the complex biology underlying the aggressiveness of chromothriptic medulloblastomas, we applied spatial transcriptomics to i) chromothriptic and non-chromothriptic medulloblastomas from the same molecular subgroup (n=13) and ii) patient-derived xenografts from chromothriptic medulloblastoma, from the minimal residual disease stage to regrown tumours (n=11). Chromothriptic medulloblastomas showed higher spatial intra-tumour heterogeneity, proliferation and stemness, but lower immune infiltration and differentiation, as compared with non-chromothriptic medulloblastomas. Spatial mapping of genetic clones identified phenotypic features such as degree of differentiation, proliferation and immune infiltration enriched in specific clones. Cells from multiple genetic clones resisted treatment and gave rise to relapse in patient-derived xenografts of chromothriptic medulloblastoma. We identified a potential role of tumour microtubes in treatment resistance in chromothriptic medulloblastoma.

  Study EGAS00001007128

• Integrative genomic analyses in adipocytes implicate DNA methylation in human obesity and diabetes

  DNA methylation variations are prevalent in human obesity but evidence of a causative role in disease pathogenesis is limited. Here, we combine epigenome-wide association and integrative genomics to investigate the impact of adipocyte DNA methylation variations in human obesity. We discover extensive DNA methylation changes that are robustly associated with obesity (N=190 samples, 691 loci in subcutaneous and 173 loci in visceral adipocytes, P<1x10-7). We connect obesity-associated methylation variations to transcriptomic changes at >500 target genes, and identify putative methylation-transcription factor interactions. Through Mendelian Randomisation, we infer causal effects of methylation on obesity and obesity-induced metabolic disturbances at 59 independent loci. Targeted methylation sequencing, CRISPR-activation and gene silencing in adipocytes, further identifies regional methylation variations, underlying regulatory elements and novel cellular metabolic effects. Our results indicate DNA methylation is an important determinant of human obesity and its metabolic complications, and reveal mechanisms through which altered methylation may impact adipocyte functions.

  Study EGAS00001007118

• The genetic history of the southern Andes from present-day Mapuche ancestry

  We generate genome-wide data from 64 participants from three Mapuche populations in Southern Chile: Pehuenche, Lafkenche, and Huilliche. Broadly, we describe three main ancestry blocks with a common origin, which characterize the Southern Cone, the Central Andes, and Amazonia. Within the Southern Cone, ancestors of the Mapuche lineages differentiated from those of the Far South during the Middle Holocene, and did not experience further migration waves from the north. We find that the deep genetic split between the Central and Southern Andes is followed by instances of gene flow, which may have accompanied the southward spread of cultural traits from the Central Andes, including crops and loanwords from Quechua into Mapudungun (the language of the Mapuche). Our findings add new perspectives on the genetic (pre)history of South America, from first settlement through to the present-day indigenous presence. Follow-up fieldwork took these results back to the indigenous communities to contextualize the genetic narrative alongside indigenous knowledge and perspectives.

  Study EGAS00001007200

• RNAseq of Colorectal cancer organoid-stroma biobank cohort

  In colorectal cancers (CRC) the tumor microenvironment plays a key role for prognosis and therapy efficacy. Patient-derived tumor organoids (PDTOs) show enormous potential for preclinical testing, however, in purely epithelial cultures features including the ‘consensus molecular subtypes’ (CMS) are largely eradicated. To better reflect cell heterogeneity, we established the CRC organoid-stroma biobank of matched PDTOs and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) from 30 patients. Context-specific phenotyping showed that xenotransplantation or co-culture with CAFs restores the individual transcriptomic status and instructs subtype-specific stromal gene expression. Furthermore, co-culture exposed CMS4-specific resistance to Gefitinib and SN-38 and revealed prognostic gene expression signatures. Chemogenomic library screening identified patient- and therapy-dependent mechanisms of stromal resistance including MET as common target. Our results demonstrate that CRC phenotypes are encrypted in the cancer epithelium in a plastic fashion that strongly depends on the context. Consequently, CAFs are essential for faithful representation of molecular subtypes and therapy responses ex vivo.

  Study EGAS00001007300

• WES of Colorectal cancer organoid-stroma biobank cohort

  In colorectal cancers (CRC) the tumor microenvironment plays a key role for prognosis and therapy efficacy. Patient-derived tumor organoids (PDTOs) show enormous potential for preclinical testing, however, in purely epithelial cultures features including the ‘consensus molecular subtypes’ (CMS) are largely eradicated. To better reflect cell heterogeneity, we established the CRC organoid-stroma biobank of matched PDTOs and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) from 30 patients. Context-specific phenotyping showed that xenotransplantation or co-culture with CAFs restores the individual transcriptomic status and instructs subtype-specific stromal gene expression. Furthermore, co-culture exposed CMS4-specific resistance to Gefitinib and SN-38 and revealed prognostic gene expression signatures. Chemogenomic library screening identified patient- and therapy-dependent mechanisms of stromal resistance including MET as common target. Our results demonstrate that CRC phenotypes are encrypted in the cancer epithelium in a plastic fashion that strongly depends on the context. Consequently, CAFs are essential for faithful representation of molecular subtypes and therapy responses ex vivo.

  Study EGAS00001007301

• A longitudinal single-cell atlas of treatment response in pediatric AML

  Pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (pAML) is a disease characterized by heterogeneous cellular composition, driver alterations and prognosis. Characterization of this heterogeneity and how it affects treatment response remains relatively understudied in pediatric patients. We therefore used single-cell RNA sequencing and single-cell ATAC sequencing to profile 684,031 diagnosis, remission and relapse cells from 28 patients representing different pAML subtypes. Analysis revealed that at diagnosis, cellular compositions differed between distinct subgroups. Upon relapse, cellular hierarchies transitioned towards a more primitive state regardless of subtype. These primitive cells were distinct compared to cells at diagnosis, having underrepresentation of transcriptional programs involved in myeloid differentiation while programs commonly found in other lineages were overrepresented. In a subset of patients, this appeared to accompany the appearance of a B-lymphoid-like hierarchy. Together, our data reveal the emergence of apparent subtype-specific plasticity upon treatment and inform on potential novel therapeutic angles to target these cell populations.

  Study EGAS00001007323

• Serial TERT rearrangement breakpoint quantification in circulating tumor DNA enables minimal residual disease monitoring in patients with neuroblastoma

  Approximately 30% of high-risk neuroblastomas harbor genomic TERT rearrangements at diagnosis, resulting in high TERT transcript levels and active telomerase. Combined with mutations in the RAS/MAPK/ALK signaling transduction network, these patients have a dismal prognosis. Our objective was to establish a liquid biopsy-based monitoring strategy for this particularly vulnerable patient subgroup, for whom no in-time molecular diagnostic tools exist to date. Detection and quantification of TERT rearrangement breakpoints in cell-free tumor DNA circulating in peripheral blood and bone marrow plasma from patients with TERT-driven neuroblastoma improved minimal residual disease monitoring and early relapse detection in individual patients. TERT rearrangement breakpoints, as a single marker or combined with mutations in the RAS/MAPK/ALK signaling transduction network, can be reliably analyzed from 1ng DNA using droplet digital PCR assays fit for clinical routine use. TERT rearrangement breakpoints are reflected in cell-free tumor DNA and can serve as robust biomarkers for disease activity.

  Study EGAS00001007365

• High-resolution, patient-level dissection of IL-23 blockade in cutaneous psoriasis

  Psoriasis vulgaris and other chronic inflammatory diseases improve markedly with therapeutic blockade of IL-23 signaling in T cells, but the genetic mechanisms of response remain poorly understood. We single-cell transcriptomically profiled CD45+ immune cells isolated from lesional psoriatic skin before and after IL-23 blockade. In clinically responsive patients, a psoriatic transcriptional signature in skin-resident memory T cells was sharply attenuated. In contrast, poorly responsive patients were distinguished by enduring T17 cell activation, a mechanism distinct from alternative cytokine signaling or downstream resistance. Spatial transcriptomic analysis suggests that successful IL-23 blockade requires dampening of > 90% of IL-17-induced signaling in lymphocyte-adjacent keratinocytes, an unexpectedly high threshold. We also detected a subset of persistent, disease-specific T17 abnormalities in responsive patients, revealing an irreversible cell identity that may necessitate ongoing IL-23 inhibition. Collectively, our data establishes a patient-level paradigm for dissecting response to immunomodulatory treatments.

  Study EGAS00001007373

• Immune landscape of oncohistone-mutant gliomas reveals diverse myeloid populations and tumor-promoting behavior

  Histone H3-mutant gliomas are deadly brain tumors characterized by a dysregulated epigenome and stalled differentiation. In contrast to the extensive datasets available on tumor cells, limited information exists on their tumor microenvironment (TME), including the immune infiltrate. Here, we characterize the TME of H3.3K27M and G34R/V-mutant gliomas, and multiple H3.3K27M mouse models, using transcriptomic and proteomic, including spatial single-cell approaches. Resolution of immune lineages indicates uniform high-infiltration of H3-mutant gliomas with diverse myeloid populations, high-level expression of immune checkpoints, and scarce lymphoid cells, findings uniformly reproduced in all H3.3K27M models tested. We show these myeloid populations communicate with H3-mutant cells mediating immunosuppression and sustaining tumor formation and maintenance. Dual inhibition of myeloid cells and immune checkpoints showed significant therapeutic benefit in pre-clinical syngeneic models. Our findings provide valuable characterization of the TME of oncohistone-mutant gliomas, and insights into means to modulate the myeloid infiltrate for the benefit of patients.

  Study EGAS00001007510

• A clinically applicable connectivity signature for glioblastoma includes the tumor network driver CHI3L1

  Tumor microtubes (TMs) connect glioma cells to a network with considerable relevance for tumor progression and therapy resistance. The determination of TM-interconnectivity in individual tumors has been challenging and the impact on patient survival unresolved. Here, a connectivity signature from single-cell RNA-sequenced (scRNA-Seq) xenografted primary glioblastoma (GB) cells has been established using a dye uptake methodology, confirmed with recording of cellular calcium epochs and validated with clinical correlations. Astrocyte-like and mesenchymal-like GB cells have the highest connectivity signature scores in scRNA-sequenced patient-derived xenografts and patient samples. In large GB cohorts, network connectivity correlated with the mesenchymal subtype and dismal patient survival. CHI3L1 has been identified and validated as a robust molecular marker of connectivity with functional relevance. The connectivity signature allows novel insights into brain tumor biology, provides a proof-of-principle that tumor cell TM-connectivity is relevant for patients’ prognosis, and serves as a robust prognostic biomarker.

  Study EGAS00001007611

• Unraveling mutagenic processes influencing the tumor mutational patterns of individuals with Constitutional Mismatch Repair Deficiency

  Constitutional mismatch repair deficiency (CMMRD), caused by bi-allelic germline variants in one of the mismatch repair (MMR) genes, is a childhood cancer predisposition syndrome that often results in the development of multiple tumors early in life. A better understanding of mutational processes driving subsequent CMMRD tumors could advance optimal treatment. Therefore, we performed a genomic characterization of 41 tumors from 17 individuals with CMMRD. Mutational patterns in these tumors were found to be influenced by multiple factors, including the affected MMR genes, tumor types and somatic polymerase proofreading mutations. Temozolomide treatment left prominent mutational signatures in two second primary hematologic malignancies. Furthermore, a novel indel signature was found in 54% of the tumors, characterized by one base pair cytosine insertions in cytosine homopolymers. In conclusion, the analysis of sequential tumors in individuals with CMMRD reveals diverse mutational patterns influenced by the underlying mutated MMR gene, tumor type and treatment history.

  Study EGAS00001007660

• Cross-species Comparison Reveals Therapeutic Vulnerabilities Halting Glioblastoma Progression

  The growth of a tumor is tightly linked to the distribution of its cells along a continuum of activation states. Here, we systematically decode the activation state architecture (ASA) in a glioblastoma (GBM) patient cohort through comparison to adult murine neural stem cells. Modelling of these data forecast how tumor cells organize to sustain growth and identifies rate of activation as the main predictor of growth. Accordingly, patients with a higher quiescence fraction exhibit improved outcomes. Further, DNA methylation arrays enable ASA- related patient stratification. Comparison of healthy and malignant gene expression dynamics reveals dysregulation of the Wnt- antagonist SFRP1 at the quiescence to activation transition. SFRP1 overexpression renders GBM quiescent and increases overall survival of tumor-bearing mice. Surprisingly, it does so through reprogramming the tumor’s stem-like methylome into an astrocyte- like one. Our findings offer a framework for patient stratification with prognostic value, biomarker identification, and therapeutic avenues to halt GBM progression.

  Study EGAS00001008155

• Reference epigenomes generated as part of the International Human Epigenomics Consortium (IHEC)

  The Centre for Epigenome Mapping Technologies (CEMT) is an epigenome sequencing platform funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and Genome BC as part of the Canadian Epigenetics, Environment and Health Research Consortium (CEEHRC). CEMT aims to produce 100 human reference epigenomes, each comprising the following datasets: whole genome; whole genome bisulfite and oxidative bisulfite; transcriptome; microRNA; and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-seq for the core chromatin marks (H3K4me1, H3K4me3, H3K9me3, H3K27me3, H3K36me3, and H3K27ac).CEEHRC is a full member of the International Human Epigenomics Consortium (IHEC), which aims to coordinate the production of 1,000 reference maps of human epigenomes for key cellular states relevant to health and diseases. As such, all datasets submitted by the CEMT platform conform to IHEC assay standards and metadata guidelines.

  Study EGAS00001000552

• Single-cell Kinnex sequencing of Alzheimer's disease isoform profile

  Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia, yet its molecular causes remain incompletely understood. RNA diversity in part arising from dysregulated splicing may contribute to AD pathogenesis; however, the ability to interrogate the resulting full-length isoforms in single brain cells has been technologically limited. Here we report the use of PacBio Kinnex long-read sequencing combined with 10X Genomics single-cell preparations to identify both annotated and unannotated RNA isoforms. Eight AD and seven non-diseased post-mortem human brains yielded ~70,000 single nuclei showing diverse, differentially expressed, and switched transcripts in multiple genes. Cell-type-specific isoform expression and variants with intra-exonic junctions associated with reverse transcriptase-mediated somatic gene recombination were also detected. Novel isoforms, including CHI3L1 and SEPTIN4, were altered in AD. Kinnex sequencing of RNA isoforms from single nuclei detected vast isoform diversity amongst brain cell types, representing an under-explored element in AD and other brain disorders.

  Study EGAS50000001476

• Human islet 3D chromatin maps provide insights into type 2 diabetes

  The transcriptional output of each cell type is controlled by thousands of enhancers, many of which contain genetic risk variants for common diseases such as type 2 diabetes (T2D). To gain insight into how enhancer variation influences diabetes risk, we created promoter capture Hi-C maps in human pancreatic islets. This linked diabetes-associated islet enhancers with their target genes, often located hundreds of kilobases away. We identified hubs that show spatial and functional connections between enhancersand target genes related to islet function and diabetes. We demonstrate that genetic variants distributed across hub enhancers have a major impact on T2D heritability, and use this knowledge to identify individuals in whom islet regulatory variation has a prominent role in T2D risk. Our results demonstrate the importance of 3D chromatin architecture for molecular interpretation of T2D genetic association signals, and define genomic spaces that harbor a distinct component of the T2D polygenic burden.

  Study EGAS00001002917

• Motif-directed chromatin repression by BCL11B shapes ectopic targeting and lineage commitment

  BCL11B encodes a critical T-lineage transcription factor that is implicated as both an oncogene and a tumor suppressor in acute leukemia. Despite its central role in development and malignancy, a basic understanding of the sequence determinants of BCL11B activity remains obscure. Here, we define two functionally distinct modes of BCL11B engagement with chromatin: Most detectable BCL11B binding events are determined by pre-existing patterns of chromatin accessibility and RUNX1 occupancy. In contrast, BCL11B directs chromatin closing at genomic regions enriched for DNA motifs containing the core “TGACC” sequence, which are most prevalent in non-T lineages. These BCL11B-closed target sites cannot be identified from conventional BCL11B chromatin profiling approaches yet represent the primary mechanism by which BCL11B regulates gene expression. We provide evidence that cell of origin impacts the ability of BCL11B to repress lineage-inappropriate gene programs, thereby promoting lineage skewing. Together, these findings define a motif-centered determinant of BCL11B repression and explain how BCL11B controls lineage specification.

  Study EGAS50000001719

• Evolving epigenomics of immune cells in type 1 diabetes at single nuclei resolution

  The appearance of diabetes-associated autoantibodies is the first detectable sign of the disease process leading to type 1 diabetes (T1D). Evidence suggests that T1D is a heterogenous disease, where the type of antibodies first formed imply subtypes. Here, we followed 49 children, who subsequently presented with T1D and 49 matched controls, profiling single-cell epigenomics at different time points of disease development. Quantitation of cell and nuclei populations as well as transcriptome and open-chromatin states indicated robust, early, replicable monocyte lineage differences between cases and controls, suggesting heightened pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion early among cases. The order of autoantibody emergence in cases showed variation across lymphoid and myeloid cells, potentially indicating cellular immune response divergence. The strong monocytic lineage representation in peripheral blood immune cells before seroconversion and the weaker differential coordination of these gene networks close to clinical diagnosis emphasizes the importance of early life as a critical phase in T1D development.

  Study EGAS50000000863

• Immune variation leads to diverse outcomes in human malaria (2020-01-15)

  Falciparum malaria is clinically heterogeneous and yet in most cases the risk of life-threatening disease dramatically declines after the first few infections of life because children rapidly acquire disease tolerance (resistance to severe malaria without improved control of parasite burden). Identifying the factors that determine clinical outcome in a malaria-naive host is therefore paramount to reduce malaria mortality. However, the relative contribution of disease-causing variants of the Plasmodium var gene family versus pathogenic inflammatory cytokine cascades remains fiercely debated - we sought to reconcile these conflicting arguments by studying their interaction in vivo. To this end, two human challenge models were used to reveal the parasite-host interactions that underpin variation in falciparum malaria. To capture the diversity of human immune responses, each individual was analysed independently by tracking dynamic changes in their whole blood transcriptome through time. And to uncover evidence of preferential expansion of disease-causing variants, var gene expression was tracked in vivo from the start to end of infection. In this way, we could show that group A var genes are always expressed upon liver egress but in a minority population that does not increase over 10-days of blood cycling; there is no selection of disease-causing variants in the naive host. In fact, parasites do not respond in any way to differences or changes in host environment. On the other hand, host-intrinsic variation determines the intensity of inflammation and progression to clinical malaria. And furthermore, regulation of the interferon signaling network controls host fate. These data emphasise the role of human immune decision-making in shaping course & outcome of infection. 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/ . This dataset contains all the data available for this study on 2020-01-15.

  Dataset EGAD00001005790

• The clinicopathologic spectrum and genomic landscape of de-/trans-differentiated melanoma

  De- and trans-differentiation is a rare and only poorly understood phenomenon in cutaneous melanoma. To study this disease more comprehensively we have retrieved 11 primary cutaneous melanomas from our pathology archives showing biphasic features characterized by a conventional melanoma and additional areas of de-/trans-differentiation as defined by a lack of immunohistochemical expression of all conventional melanocytic markers (S-100 protein, SOX10, Melan-A and HMB-45). The clinical, histologic and immunohistochemical findings were recorded and follow-up was obtained. The patients were mostly elderly (median: 81 years; range: 42-86 years) without significant gender predilection, and the sun-exposed skin of the head and neck area was most commonly affected. The tumors were deeply invasive with a mean tumor thickness of 7 mm (range: 4-80 mm). The dedifferentiated component showed atypical fibroxanthoma-like features in the majority (7), while additional rhabdomyosarcomatous and epithelial transdifferentiation was noted histologically and/or immunohistochemically in two tumors each. The background conventional melanoma component was of desmoplastic (4), superficial spreading (3), nodular (2), lentigo maligna (1) or spindle cell (1) types. For the 7 patients with available follow-up data (median follow-up period of 25 months; range: 8-36 months), 2 died from their disease and 3 developed metastases. Next-generation sequencing of the cohort revealed somatic mutation of established melanoma drivers including mainly NF1 mutations in the conventional component (5 cases), which were also detected in the corresponding de-/trans-differentiated components. In summary, the diagnosis of de-/trans-differentiated melanoma is challenging and depends on the morphologic identification of the conventional melanoma component. Molecular analysis is diagnostically helpful as the mutated gene profile is shared between the conventional and de-/trans-differentiated components. Importantly, de-/trans-differentiation does not appear to confer a more aggressive behavior.

  Dataset EGAD00001007034

• Fetal origins of malignant germ cell tumours

  Germ cell tumours (GCTs) are a collection of benign and malignant neoplasms derived from primordial germ cells (PGCs). They are uniquely able to generate embryonic and extraembryonic tissues, which in malignant GCTs carries prognostic and therapeutic significance. The developmental pathways underpinning GCT initiation and histogenesis are incompletely understood. Here, we studied the phylogenetic and transcriptional diversity of 15 malignant gonadal GCTs and four normal testis biopsies by sequencing 131 whole genomes and 416 transcriptomes from 14 gonadal histologies, excised by laser capture microdissection. Our findings demonstrate that tumours were initiated by whole genome duplication likely in embryogenesis, within ~5-8 cell divisions post-PGC specification, followed by chromosome 12p gains associated with invasive disease. Of note, 12p imbalances were not only generated through GCT-typical isochromosomes, but also through non-isochromosomic configurations. Whilst tumours developed along homogenous phylogenetic pathways, they spawned manifold tissues independent of genetic subclonal diversification. A key feature of GCT tissues was the expression of fetal-specific genes. The transcriptional diversity notwithstanding, we found universal transcriptional elements correlated with hallmark 12p gains. Overall, our study reveals stereotyped phylogenies and transcriptomes underpinning the development of GCT that originate in fetal life and may lend themselves to therapeutic manipulation.

  Dataset EGAD00001007037

• Phylogenetic reconstruction of adult blood cancer reveals early origins and lifelong evolution - WGS

  Mutations in cancer-associated genes drive tumour outgrowth. However, the timing of driver mutations and dynamics of clonal expansion that lead to human cancers are largely unknown. We used 580,133 somatic mutations from whole-genome sequencing of 1013 clonal haematopoietic colonies to reconstruct the phylogeny of haematopoiesis, from embryogenesis to clinical disease, in 12 patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms which are blood cancers more common in older age. JAK2V617F, the pathognomonic mutation driving the majority of these cancers, was acquired in utero or childhood, with upper estimates of age of acquisition from 33 weeks gestation to 10.8 years, in all 5 patients in whom JAK2V617F was either the only or the first driver event.  Driver mutations associated with age-related clonal haematopoiesis occurred prior to or following JAK2V617F,  as independent clonal expansions in JAK2V617F-mutated patients, and as large clonal expansions in JAK2V617F-unmutated patients . These mutations were also acquired in utero or childhood, with DNMT3A mutations occurring by 8 weeks of gestation to 7.6 years across 4 patients, and PPM1D mutation occurring by age 5.8yrs in a patient with MPN lacking phenotypic driver mutations. Sequential driver mutation acquisition was common, separated by decades across life, and often outcompeted ancestral clones. The mean latency between JAK2V617F acquisition and clinical presentation was 30 years (range 11-54 years). Rates of clonal expansion were inferred from phylogenetic trees and varied substantially (3% to 190% expansion/year), were affected by additional driver mutations, and were predictive of latency to clinical presentation. Driver mutations and rates of expansion would have been detectable in blood one to four decades before clinical presentation. This study reveals how driver mutation acquisition early in life with life-long growth and evolution underlie adult myeloproliferative neoplasms, providing opportunities for early detection and intervention and a new paradigm for cancer development.

  Dataset EGAD00001007714

• Phylogenetic reconstruction of adult blood cancer reveals early origins and lifelong evolution - TGS

  Mutations in cancer-associated genes drive tumour outgrowth. However, the timing of driver mutations and dynamics of clonal expansion that lead to human cancers are largely unknown. We used 580,133 somatic mutations from whole-genome sequencing of 1013 clonal haematopoietic colonies to reconstruct the phylogeny of haematopoiesis, from embryogenesis to clinical disease, in 12 patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms which are blood cancers more common in older age. JAK2V617F, the pathognomonic mutation driving the majority of these cancers, was acquired in utero or childhood, with upper estimates of age of acquisition from 33 weeks gestation to 10.8 years, in all 5 patients in whom JAK2V617F was either the only or the first driver event.  Driver mutations associated with age-related clonal haematopoiesis occurred prior to or following JAK2V617F,  as independent clonal expansions in JAK2V617F-mutated patients, and as large clonal expansions in JAK2V617F-unmutated patients . These mutations were also acquired in utero or childhood, with DNMT3A mutations occurring by 8 weeks of gestation to 7.6 years across 4 patients, and PPM1D mutation occurring by age 5.8yrs in a patient with MPN lacking phenotypic driver mutations. Sequential driver mutation acquisition was common, separated by decades across life, and often outcompeted ancestral clones. The mean latency between JAK2V617F acquisition and clinical presentation was 30 years (range 11-54 years). Rates of clonal expansion were inferred from phylogenetic trees and varied substantially (3% to 190% expansion/year), were affected by additional driver mutations, and were predictive of latency to clinical presentation. Driver mutations and rates of expansion would have been detectable in blood one to four decades before clinical presentation. This study reveals how driver mutation acquisition early in life with life-long growth and evolution underlie adult myeloproliferative neoplasms, providing opportunities for early detection and intervention and a new paradigm for cancer development.

  Dataset EGAD00001007715

• 1M-scBloodNL

  Here we present the 1M-scBloodNL study, in which we performed single-cell RNA-seq on 120 individuals of the Northern Netherlands population cohort Lifelines. For each individual peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were sequenced in an unstimulated condition, and after 3 and 24 hour in vitro stimulation with C. albicans (CA), M. tuberculosis (MTB) and P. aeruginosa (PA), totalling approximately 1.3 million cells. scRNA-seq was conducted with the 10X Genomics 3'-end v2 (72 libraries) and v3 (33 libraries) technology. In general, each library contains PBMCs from 8 donors and 2 different stimulation-timepoint combinations. Donors were demultiplexed using a combination of SoupOrCell (https://www.nature.com/articles/s41592-020-0820-1) and genotype information to assign the correct donor to a donor-specific cell cluster.

  Dataset EGAD00001007764

• pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma exomes in study: Pro-immunogenic Impact of MEK inhibition combined with an anti-CD40 immunostimulatory antibody

  This dataset contains 3 pairs of exomes, germline (from whole blood) and patient-derived xenograft (PDX), from human pancreatic durctal adenocarcinoma patients. The data is referred to in the publication: "Pro-immunogenic impact of MEK inhibition synergizes with agonist anti-CD40 immunostimulatory antibodies in tumor therapy" (Nature Communications, 2020) Abstract: Cancer types with lower mutational load and a non-permissive tumor microenvironment are intrinsically resistant to immune checkpoint blockade. While the combination of cytostatic drugs and immunostimulatory antibodies constitutes an attractive concept for overcoming this refractoriness, suppression of immune cell function by cytostatic drugs may limit therapeutic efficacy. Here we show that targeted inhibition of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) kinase (MEK) does not impair dendritic cell-mediated T-cell priming and activation. Accordingly, combining MEK inhibitors (MEKi) with agonist antibodies (Abs) targeting the immunostimulatory CD40 receptor resulted in potent synergistic anti-tumor efficacy. Detailed analysis of the mechanism of action of MEKi GDC-0623 by means of flow cytometric analysis of the tumor immune infiltrate and whole tumor transcriptomics showed that, in addition to its cytostatic impact on tumor cells, this drug exerts multiple pro-immunogenic effects, including the suppression of M2-type macrophages, myeloid derived suppressor cells and CD4+ T-regulatory cells. In addition, MEKi was found to induce tumor-cell intrinsic interferon signaling, which contributed to antigen presentation by tumor cells. Finally, the tumoridical impact of MEKi involves the activation of multiple pro-inflammatory pathways involved in immune cell effector function in the tumor microenvironment. Our data therefore indicate that the combination of MEK inhibition with agonist anti-CD40 Ab is a promising therapeutic concept, especially for the treatment of mutant Kras-driven tumors such as pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

  Dataset EGAD00001005938

• WGS of high grade serous ovarian tumours and matched blood normals

  FASTQ reads for 81 matched tumour-normal WGS pairs for high grade serous ovarian cancer patients. Scottish HGSOC samples were collected via local Bioresource facilities at Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee and Aberdeen and stored in liquid Nitrogen until required. HGSOC patients were determined from pathology records and were included in the study where there was matched tumour and whole blood samples. Tumour samples were divided into two for DNA and RNA extraction and slivers of tissue were taken, fixed in formalin and embedded in paraffin wax (FFPE). Samples were only included if they were confirmed as HGSOC and there was greater than 40% tumour cellularity throughout the tumour, determined using H&E staining of the FFPE sections and pathology review. Somatic DNA was extracted from the tumour and germline DNA was extracted from whole blood. Somatic DNA was extracted using the Qiagen DNeasy Blood and tissue kit (cat no 69504). The tissue was initially homogenised using a Qiagen Bioruptor, followed by the manufacturers recommended protocol (including RNase digestion step). Germline DNA was extracted from 1-3ml whole blood using the Qiagen FlexiGene kit (cat no 51206) following the manufacturers recommended protocol. The resulting DNA underwent quality control as follows: firstly, A260 and A280nm were measured on a Denovix DS-11 Fx to qualitatively illustrate A260/280nm and A260/230nm ratios as surrogate measures of DNA purity. A260/280 had to be 1.8 or greater and A260/230 had to be 2.0 or greater. Then, DNA was quantified using LifeTechnologies Qubit dsDNA BR kit (cat no Q32850) and we required a minimum of 50ul at 25ng/ul for WGS. Thirdly, DNA was diluted to 25ng/ul and a representative sample was loaded onto a 0.8% TAE gel, ran at 100v for 60mins and then imaged using a BioRad ChemiDoc imaging system to visualise the DNA quality.

  Dataset EGAD00001009049

• RaScALL: Rapid (Ra) screening (Sc) of RNA-seq data for prognostically significant genomic alterations in acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL)

  RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) efforts in acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) have identified numerous prognostically significant genomic alterations which can guide diagnostic risk stratification and treatment choices when detected early. However, a full RNA-seq Bioinformatics workflow is time-consuming and costly in a clinical setting where rapid detection and accurate reporting of clinically relevant alterations are essential. To accelerate the identification of ALL-specific alterations (including gene fusions, single nucleotide variants and focal gene deletions), we developed the rapid screening tool RaScALL, capable of identifying more than 100 prognostically significant lesions directly from raw sequencing reads. RaScALL uses the k-mer based targeted detection tool km and known ALL variant information to achieve a high degree of accuracy for reporting subtype defining genomic alterations compared to standard alignment-based pipelines. Gene fusions, including difficult to detect fusions involving EPOR and DUX4, were accurately identified in 98% (164 samples) of reported cases in a 180-patient Australian study cohort and 95% (n=63) of samples in a North American validation cohort. Pathogenic sequence variants were correctly identified in 75% of tested samples, including all cases involving subtype defining variants PAX5 p.P80R (n=12) and IKZF1 p.N159Y (n=4). Accurate detection of intragenic IKZF1 deletions resulting in aberrant transcript isoforms was also detectable with 98% accuracy. Importantly, the median analysis time for detection of all targeted alterations averaged 22 minutes per sample, significantly shorter than standard alignment-based approaches, ensuring accelerated risk-stratification and therapeutic triage.

  Dataset EGAD00001009087

• Identification of the Global miR-130a Targetome Reveals a Novel Role for TBL1XR1 in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Self-Renewal and t(8;21) AML

  In this study, we identified miR-130a as a regulator of HSC self-renewal and differentiation. To characterize gene expression changes following enforced expression of miR-130a OE, we performed RNA-seq in CD34+ cord blood (CB) cells transduced with control and miR-130a OE lentiviruses. To capture miRNA targets in an unbiased, transcriptome-wide manner, we perfomed enhanced CLIPseq procol in 2 replicates of CD34+ CB cells and Kasumi-1 cell line, which represent a model system for t(8;21) AML. We chose this cell line, as we found miR-130a to be highly expressed in this AML subtype where it is critical for maintaining the oncogenic molecular program mediated by AML1-ETO. Chimeric Ago2 eCLIPseq in CD34+ CB cells combined with Mass Spectrometry data analysis identified TBL1XR1 as a principal target of miR-130a. To elucidate gene expression changes associated with TBL1XR1 loss of function, we performed RNA-seq in CD34+CD38- CB cells transduced with control and shRNA targeted against TBL1XR1. To determine the functional significance of high miR-130a expression levels in Kasumi-1 cells on the molecular network controlled by AML1-ETO, we performed CUT&RUN assay and RNA-seq in Kasumi-1 cells following miR-130a knock-down (KD). Collectively, our findings reveal a unique role of miR-130a in regulating normal hematopoietic stem cell self-renewal and how elevated levels of miR-130a in t(8;21) AML contribute to the leukemogenesis of this AML subtype.

  Dataset EGAD00001008412

• Comparison of sequencing assays for sensitive detection of circulating tumour DNA in stage IA-IV breast cancer

  This study compared different assays for the detection of circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) in serial plasma from stage IA-IV breast cancer patients, targeting structural variants (SVs), single nucleotide variants (SNVs) and/or somatic copy-number aberrations (SCNAs). SV-multiplex PCR, SNV-/SV-hybrid capture, and different depths of whole-genome sequencing (WGS) were used to evaluate ctDNA levels, demonstrating concordant results. SNV-hybrid capture targeting 1,347-7,491 mutations was the most sensitive assay, detecting 67% (36/54) of samples down to an allele fraction (AF) of 0.00024%. SV-multiplex PCR, targeting 21-47 mutations, detected 63% (34/54) of samples down to 0.00047% AF and has potential as a clinical assay.

  Dataset EGAD00001008589

• Molecular and clinical diversity in primary central nervous system lymphoma: a LOC network multi-omic PCNSL study

  Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is a distinct extranodal lymphoma presenting with limited stage disease but variable response rates to treatment despite homogenous pathological presentation. The likely underlying molecular heterogeneity and its clinical impact is poorly understood. The present dataset contents paired-ended whole-exome sequencing information (n=115; HyperExome Kapa hyperprep), paired-ended RNA-seq information (n=123; KAPA mRNA HyperPrep Kits), and paired-ended bisulfite sequencing (n=64; TruSeq Methyl Capture EPIC) from fresh-frozen tumor tissue immunocompetent, treatment naïve PCNSL patients. Additionally, the dataset includes single-ended RNA-seq (n=93; QuantSeq 3’ mRNA-Seq Library Prep Kit) from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue of immunocompetent, treatment naïve PCNSL patients. All samples were sequenced in an Illumina NovaSeq 6000 instrument.

  Dataset EGAD00001008706

• WGS of high grade serous ovarian tumours and matched blood normals

  FASTQ reads for 34 matched tumour-normal WGS pairs for high grade serous ovarian cancer patients. Scottish HGSOC samples were collected via local Bioresource facilities at Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee and Aberdeen and stored in liquid Nitrogen until required. HGSOC patients were determined from pathology records and were included in the study where there was matched tumour and whole blood samples. Tumour samples were divided into two for DNA and RNA extraction and slivers of tissue were taken, fixed in formalin and embedded in paraffin wax (FFPE). Samples were only included if they were confirmed as HGSOC and there was greater than 40% tumour cellularity throughout the tumour, determined using H&sE staining of the FFPE sections and pathology review. Somatic DNA was extracted from the tumour and germline DNA was extracted from whole blood. Somatic DNA was extracted using the Qiagen DNeasy Blood and tissue kit (cat no 69504). The tissue was initially homogenised using a Qiagen Bioruptor, followed by the manufacturers recommended protocol (including RNase digestion step). Germline DNA was extracted from 1-3ml whole blood using the Qiagen FlexiGene kit (cat no 51206) following the manufacturers recommended protocol. The resulting DNA underwent quality control as follows: firstly, A260 and A280nm were measured on a Denovix DS-11 Fx to qualitatively illustrate A260/280nm and A260/230nm ratios as surrogate measures of DNA purity. A260/280 had to be 1.8 or greater and A260/230 had to be 2.0 or greater. Then, DNA was quantified using LifeTechnologies Qubit dsDNA BR kit (cat no Q32850) and we required a minimum of 50ul at 25ng/ul for WGS. Thirdly, DNA was diluted to 25ng/ul and a representative sample was loaded onto a 0.8% TAE gel, ran at 100v for 60mins and then imaged using a BioRad ChemiDoc imaging system to visualise the DNA quality.

  Dataset EGAD00001010135

• The clinicopathologic spectrum and genomic landscape of de-/trans-differentiated melanoma

  De- and trans-differentiation is a rare and only poorly understood phenomenon in cutaneous melanoma. To study this disease more comprehensively we have retrieved 11 primary cutaneous melanomas from our pathology archives showing biphasic features characterized by a conventional melanoma and additional areas of de-/trans-differentiation as defined by a lack of immunohistochemical expression of all conventional melanocytic markers (S-100 protein, SOX10, Melan-A and HMB-45). The clinical, histologic and immunohistochemical findings were recorded and follow-up was obtained. The patients were mostly elderly (median: 81 years; range: 42-86 years) without significant gender predilection, and the sun-exposed skin of the head and neck area was most commonly affected. The tumors were deeply invasive with a mean tumor thickness of 7 mm (range: 4-80 mm). The dedifferentiated component showed atypical fibroxanthoma-like features in the majority (7), while additional rhabdomyosarcomatous and epithelial transdifferentiation was noted histologically and/or immunohistochemically in two tumors each. The background conventional melanoma component was of desmoplastic (4), superficial spreading (3), nodular (2), lentigo maligna (1) or spindle cell (1) types. For the 7 patients with available follow-up data (median follow-up period of 25 months; range: 8-36 months), 2 died from their disease and 3 developed metastases. Next-generation sequencing of the cohort revealed somatic mutation of established melanoma drivers including mainly NF1 mutations in the conventional component (5 cases), which were also detected in the corresponding de-/trans-differentiated components. In summary, the diagnosis of de-/trans-differentiated melanoma is challenging and depends on the morphologic identification of the conventional melanoma component. Molecular analysis is diagnostically helpful as the mutated gene profile is shared between the conventional and de-/trans-differentiated components. Importantly, de-/trans-differentiation does not appear to confer a more aggressive behavior.

  Dataset EGAD00001007033

• Somatic mutation and selection at epidemiological scale - TwinsUK_TargetedNanoSeq_Buccal

  Targeted NanoSeq in buccal epithelium obtained longitudinally from a number of donors. A custom-designed panel of ~200 genes will be used to achieve high depth coverage (aiming for ~1000X at panel sites).As we age, many tissues become colonised by microscopic clones carrying somatic driver mutations. Some of these clones represent a first step towards cancer whereas others may contribute to ageing and other diseases. However, our understanding of the clonal landscapes of human tissues, and their impact on cancer risk, ageing and disease, remains limited due to the challenge of detecting somatic mutations present in small numbers of cells. Here, we introduce a new version of nanorate sequencing (NanoSeq), a duplex sequencing method with error rates of less than 55 per billion base pairs, which is compatible with whole-exome and targeted gene sequencing. Deep sequencing of polyclonal samples with single-molecule sensitivity enables the simultaneous detection of mutations in large numbers of clones, yielding accurate somatic mutation rates, mutational signatures and driver mutation frequencies in any tissue. Applying targeted NanoSeq to 1,042 non-invasive samples of oral epithelium and 371 samples of blood from a twin cohort, we found an unprecedentedly rich landscape of selection, with 46 genes under positive selection driving clonal expansions in the oral epithelium, over 62,000 driver mutations, and evidence of negative selection in some genes. The high number of positively selected mutations in multiple genes provides high-resolution maps of selection across coding and non-coding sites, a form of in vivo saturation mutagenesis. Multivariate regression models enable mutational epidemiology studies on how carcinogenic exposures and cancer risk factors, such as age, tobacco or alcohol, alter the acquisition and selection of somatic mutations. Accurate single-molecule sequencing has the potential to unveil the polyclonal landscape of any tissue, providing a powerful tool to study early carcinogenesis, cancer prevention and the role of somatic mutations in ageing and disease.

  Dataset EGAD00001015618

• Somatic mutation and selection at epidemiological scale - TwinsUK_TargetedNanoSeq_Blood

  Utilising Targeted NanoSeq, we hope to explore the driver landscape in unprecedented detail in donors from TwinsUK. These donors have paired buccal swabs and data from this will help contextualise that work. As we age, many tissues become colonised by microscopic clones carrying somatic driver mutations. Some of these clones represent a first step towards cancer whereas others may contribute to ageing and other diseases. However, our understanding of the clonal landscapes of human tissues, and their impact on cancer risk, ageing and disease, remains limited due to the challenge of detecting somatic mutations present in small numbers of cells. Here, we introduce a new version of nanorate sequencing (NanoSeq), a duplex sequencing method with error rates of less than 5 per billion base pairs, which is compatible with whole-exome and targeted gene sequencing. Deep sequencing of polyclonal samples with single-molecule sensitivity enables the simultaneous detection of mutations in large numbers of clones, yielding accurate somatic mutation rates, mutational signatures and driver mutation frequencies in any tissue. Applying targeted NanoSeq to 1,042 non-invasive samples of oral epithelium and 371 samples of blood from a twin cohort, we found an unprecedentedly rich landscape of selection, with 46 genes under positive selection driving clonal expansions in the oral epithelium, over 62,000 driver mutations, and evidence of negative selection in some genes. The high number of positively selected mutations in multiple genes provides high-resolution maps of selection across coding and non-coding sites, a form of in vivo saturation mutagenesis. Multivariate regression models enable mutational epidemiology studies on how carcinogenic exposures and cancer risk factors, such as age, tobacco or alcohol, alter the acquisition and selection of somatic mutations. Accurate single-molecule sequencing has the potential to unveil the polyclonal landscape of any tissue, providing a powerful tool to study early carcinogenesis, cancer prevention and the role of somatic mutations in ageing and disease.

  Dataset EGAD00001015619

• Somatic mutation and selection at epidemiological scale - TwinsUK_ExomeNanoSeq_Buccal

  Exome NanoSeq in buccal swab samples obtained from patients with a wide range of clinical phenotypes. As we age, many tissues become colonised by microscopic clones carrying somatic driver mutations. Some of these clones represent a first step towards cancer whereas others may contribute to ageing and other diseases. However, our understanding of the clonal landscapes of human tissues, and their impact on cancer risk, ageing and disease, remains limited due to the challenge of detecting somatic mutations present in small numbers of cells. Here, we introduce a new version of nanorate sequencing (NanoSeq), a duplex sequencing method with error rates of less than 5 per billion base pairs, which is compatible with whole-exome and targeted gene sequencing. Deep sequencing of polyclonal samples with single-molecule sensitivity enables the simultaneous detection of mutations in large numbers of clones, yielding accurate somatic mutation rates, mutational signatures and driver mutation frequencies in any tissue. Applying targeted NanoSeq to 1,042 non-invasive samples of oral epithelium and 371 samples of blood from a twin cohort, we found an unprecedentedly rich landscape of selection, with 46 genes under positive selection driving clonal expansions in the oral epithelium, over 62,000 driver mutations, and evidence of negative selection in some genes. The high number of positively selected mutations in multiple genes provides high-resolution maps of selection across coding and non-coding sites, a form of in vivo saturation mutagenesis. Multivariate regression models enable mutational epidemiology studies on how carcinogenic exposures and cancer risk factors, such as age, tobacco or alcohol, alter the acquisition and selection of somatic mutations. Accurate single-molecule sequencing has the potential to unveil the polyclonal landscape of any tissue, providing a powerful tool to study early carcinogenesis, cancer prevention and the role of somatic mutations in ageing and disease.

  Dataset EGAD00001015620

• Somatic mutation and selection at epidemiological scale - TwinsUK_TargetedEMSeq_Blood

  Development of a targeted methylation assay to determine the cell-type composition of a sample. As we age, many tissues become colonised by microscopic clones carrying somatic driver mutations. Some of these clones represent a first step towards cancer whereas others may contribute to ageing and other diseases. However, our understanding of the clonal landscapes of human tissues, and their impact on cancer risk, ageing and disease, remains limited due to the challenge of detecting somatic mutations present in small numbers of cells. Here, we introduce a new version of nanorate sequencing (NanoSeq), a duplex sequencing method with error rates of less than 5 per billion base pairs, which is compatible with whole-exome and targeted gene sequencing. Deep sequencing of polyclonal samples with single-molecule sensitivity enables the simultaneous detection of mutations in large numbers of clones, yielding accurate somatic mutation rates, mutational signatures and driver mutation frequencies in any tissue. Applying targeted NanoSeq to 1,042 non-invasive samples of oral epithelium and 371 samples of blood from a twin cohort, we found an unprecedentedly rich landscape of selection, with 46 genes under positive selection driving clonal expansions in the oral epithelium, over 62,000 driver mutations, and evidence of negative selection in some genes. The high number of positively selected mutations in multiple genes provides high-resolution maps of selection across coding and non-coding sites, a form of in vivo saturation mutagenesis. Multivariate regression models enable mutational epidemiology studies on how carcinogenic exposures and cancer risk factors, such as age, tobacco or alcohol, alter the acquisition and selection of somatic mutations. Accurate single-molecule sequencing has the potential to unveil the polyclonal landscape of any tissue, providing a powerful tool to study early carcinogenesis, cancer prevention and the role of somatic mutations in ageing and disease.

  Dataset EGAD00001015623

• Ancestry and somatic profile predict acral melanoma origin and prognosis – WXS

  Acral melanoma, which is not ultraviolet (UV)-associated, is the most common type of melanoma in several low- and middle-income countries including Mexico. Latin American samples are significantly underrepresented in global cancer genomics studies, which directly affects patients in these regions as it is known that cancer risk and incidence may be influenced by ancestry and environmental exposures. To address this, we characterise the genome and transcriptome of 123 acral melanoma tumours from 92 Mexican patients, a population notable because of its genetic admixture. Compared with other studies of melanoma, we found fewer frequent mutations in classical driver genes such as BRAF, NRAS or NF1. While most patients had predominantly Amerindian genetic ancestry, those with higher European ancestry had increased frequency of BRAF mutations and a lower median number of structural variants. The tumours with activating BRAF mutations have a transcriptional profile more similar to cutaneous non-volar melanocytes, suggesting that acral melanomas in these patients may arise from a distinct cell of origin compared to other tumours arising in these locations. KIT mutations were found in a subset of these tumours, and quadruple wild-type samples (non BRAF/NRAS/NF1/KIT) differed from mutated samples in their structural genomic profile and overall and recurrence-free survival patterns. Transcriptional profiling defined three expression clusters; these characteristics were associated with recurrence-free and overall survival. We highlight potential novel low-frequency drivers, such as PTPRJ, NF2 and RDH5. Our study enhances knowledge of this understudied disease and underscores the importance of including samples from diverse ancestries in cancer genomics studies.

  Dataset EGAD00001015755

• Spiradenocarcinoma (2018-10-29)

  Spiradenocarcinoma is a rare cutaneous sweat gland adnexal cancer with potential for aggressive behaviour. They are classified histologically into low- and high-grade tumours, with morphologically low-grade tumours thought to behave more favourably. However, limited information is available, with only 18 published cases. We have collected morphologically low-grade spiroadenocarcinomas (one with a lung metastasis) and high-grade spiroadenocarcinomas, as well as some spiradenomas (benign lesions), cylindromas (another type of malignant cutaneous sweat gland adnexal tumour) and hybrid spiradenoma-cylindromas. H&E-stained sections were reviewed, follow-up was obtained, and immunohistochemistry for Ki-67, p53 and, MYB has been performed. The tumours were solitary, measuring 0.8-7?cm (median: 2.7?cm), with a predilection for the head and neck of elderly patients (median age: 72 years; range 53-92) without gender bias. Histologically, the tumours were multinodular and located in deep dermis and subcutis. A pre-existing spiradenoma was present in all cases. The malignant component was characterized by expansile growth with loss of the dual cell population, up to moderate cytological atypia and increased mitotic activity (median: 10/10 HPF; range 1-28). Additional findings included squamoid differentiation (n=9), necrosis (n=7), and ulceration (n=5). P53 expression was variable and no significant differences were noted in the benign compared with the malignant parts of the tumours. In contrast, in the malignant components the Ki-67 proliferative index was slightly increased, and MYB expression was lost. Follow-up (median: 67 months; range: 13-132) available for 16 patients (84%) revealed a local recurrence rate of 19% but no metastases or disease-related mortality. Here we wish to exome sequence these cases to define the first genomic landscape for this malignancy. This dataset contains all the data available for this study on 2018-10-29.

  Dataset EGAD00001004426

• Molecular diagnosis of albinism (2018-03-14)

  Albinism is genetically heterogeneous rare genetic condition affecting 1:17000 in the Western world (but more frequent in Africa) whose main feature is a profound visual impairment, characterised by foveal hypoplasia, abnormal chiasmatic connections, nystagmus and photofobia. All these features result in severly altered visual acuity (<0,1), absent depth perception and poor night vision. People with albinism are primarily visually handicapped. In addition, for some types of albinism, the visual phenotype can be presented with partial or total hypopigmentation, hence resulting in a secondary phenotype which can lead to skin cancer if skin is not adequately protected. Recently a new syndrome has been described, FHONDA, with the same visual abnormalities of albinism but without pigment alteration. The traditional classification differentiates Oculoculatenous albinism (OCA), where hypopigmentation involves hair, skin and eyes versus Ocular Albinism (OA), where hypopigmentation only affects the eyes. These are non-sydrimic types of albinism. Some syndromic forms (Hermansky-Pudlak=HPS, Chediak-Higashi=CHS) affect cells beyond pigment cells, present in the lungs, immune system, platelets and intestines, resulting in more severe phenotypes that can be fatal. Mutations in at least 19 genes are assocaited with the corresponding types of albinism. Most hospitals will only diagnose the most frequent cases using traditional Sanger, MLPA approaches. Some will use CGH arrays. We aim to diagnose all cases of albinism through the Albinochip proposal, which combines a Sequenom first step of known mutations combined with subsequent NGS approaches. In some cases we fail to find a second mutation, these are good candidates for further full exome analyses. 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/ . This dataset contains all the data available for this study on 2018-03-14.

  Dataset EGAD00001004039