Search Results - EGA European Genome-Phenome Archive

Risk and modifying factors in Frontotemporal Dementia

Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is essential for the development of successful therapies. Here, we present Phase 1 of a multi-omics, multi-model data resource for FTD research which will allows in-depth molecular research into these mechanisms. We have integrated and analysed data from the frontal lobe of FTD patients with mutations in MAPT, GRN and C9orf72 and detected common and distinct dysregulated cellular pathways. Our results highlight that excitatory neurons are the most vulnerable neuronal cell type and that vascular aberrations are a common hallmark in FTD. Via integration of multi-omics data, we detected several transcription factors and pathways which regulate the strong neuroinflammation observed in FTD-GRN. Finally, using small RNA-seq data and verification experiments in cellular models, we identified several up-regulated miRNAs that inhibit cellular trafficking pathways in FTD and lead to microglial activation. In this work we shed light on novel mechanistic and pathophysiological hallmarks of FTD. In addition, we believe that this comprehensive, multi-omics data resource will further mechanistic FTD research by the community.

Study EGAS00001004895

Epigenome wide DNA methylation assay of gingivo-buccal oral squamous cell carcinoma using single base resolution high throughput array

Gingivo-buccal oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC-GB) is the most common cancer among men in India and is associated with high mortality. Although OSCC-GB is known to be quite different from tongue cancer in its genomic presentation and its clinical behavior, it is treated identically as tongue cancer. Predictive markers of prognosis and therapy that are specific to OSCC-GB are, therefore, required. To achieve this, we have carried out epigenomic (n=87) profiling of paired tumor-normal tissues collected from OSCC-GB patients from India and genome-wide DNA methylation assays were performed. DNA was isolated using DNeasy Blood and Tissue Kit (Qiagen). The purity and concentration was estimated using NanoDrop 2000 (Thermo Fisher Scientific). Approximately 500 ng genomic DNA from each sample was used for sodium bisulfite conversion using the EZ DNA methylation Gold Kit (Zymo Research, USA). Genome-wide DNA methylation was assayed using iScan (Illumina), for paired tumour and adjacent normal samples of 25 patients using the Infinium Human Methylation450 BeadChip and of 62 patients using the Infinium MethylationEPIC BeadChip.

Study EGAS00001003896

We performed whole-exome sequencing of 20 samples (10 actinic keratosis and 10 cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma) to investigate a potential relationship between DNA methylation-based subtypes and genetic mutation patterns (Rodriguez-Paredes et al., Nat Commun 2017)

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is the second most common skin cancer type and arises from keratinocytes. Most cSCC progress from a UV-induced precancerous lesion termed actinic keratosis (AK). Despite various efforts to characterize these lesions molecularly, the etiology of AK and its progression to cSCC remain only partially understood. Here we have used Infinium MethylationEPIC BeadChips to interrogate the DNA methylation status of about 850.000 CpGs in epidermal preparations from healthy skin, AK and cSCC. Importantly, we found that the premalignant AK samples displayed classical features of cancer methylomes and were highly similar to cSCC methylomes. Further analysis identified typical features of stem cell methylomes, such as a reduced DNA methylation age, non-CpG methylation and stem cell-related keratin and enhancer methylation patterns. Interestingly, this signature was detected only in one half of the AK and cSCC samples, while the other half showed keratin and enhancer methylation patterns that were more closely related to the control epidermis. These findings suggest the existence of two distinct subclasses of AK and cSCC that originate from distinct keratinocyte differentiation stages.

Study EGAS00001002670

The molecular basis of T-PLL is an actionable perturbation of TCL1/ATM- and epigenetically instructed damage responses

T-cell prolymphocytic leukemia (T-PLL) is a rare and poor-prognostic mature T-cell malignancy. To address its incomplete molecular concept, we integrated large-scale profiling data of alterations in gene expression, allelic copy number (CN), and nucleotide sequences in 111 well-characterized patients. Besides prominent signatures of T-cell activation and prevalent clonal variants, we also identified novel hot-spots for CN variability, fusion molecules, alternative transcripts, and progression-associated dynamics. The overall lesional spectrum of T-PLL is mainly annotated to axes of DNA damage responses, T-cell receptor/cytokine signaling, and histone modulation. We formulate a multi-dimensional model of T-PLL pathogenesis centered around a unique combination of TCL1 overexpression with damaging ATM aberrations as initiating core lesions. The effects imposed by TCL1 cooperate with compromised ATM towards a leukemogenic phenotype of impaired DNA damage processing. Dysfunctional ATM appears inefficient in alleviating elevated redox burdens and telomere attrition and in evoking a p53-dependent apoptotic response to genotoxic insults. As non-genotoxic strategies, synergistic combinations of p53 reactivators and deacetylase inhibitors reinstate such cell death execution.

Study EGAS00001002744

MutWP4__CRUK_Grand_Challenge_Mutographs_of_Cancer__Gastric_Organoids

The Mutographs project aims to advance our understanding of the causes of cancer through studies of mutational signatures. Led by Mike Stratton, together with Paul Brennan, Ludmil Alexandrov, Allan Balmain, David Phillips and Peter Campbell, this large-scale international research endeavour was awarded a Cancer Research UK Grand Challenge. Different patterns of somatic mutation are generated by the different environmental, lifestyle and genetic factors that cause cancer, many of them are still unknown. Within Mutographs, Kings College London will characterise the mutational signatures induced by putative human carcinogens in order to identify the origins of mutational signatures found in human cancers. To achieve this human organoid cell cultures will be exposed to a representative catalogue of known or suspected human carcinogens and mutagens and, using whole genome sequencing, the patterns of mutations induced by them will be determined. Somatic mutational signatures will be subsequently extracted by non-negative matrix factorisation methods and correlated with exposure data. Through an enhanced understanding of cancer aetiology, Mutographs unprecedented effort is anticipated to outline modifiable risk factors, lead to new approaches to prevent cancer, and provide opportunities to empower early detection, refine high-risk groups and contribute to further therapeutic development.

Study EGAS00001003151

Whole-Genome Sequencing of Salivary Gland Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma

Adenoid cystic carcinomas (ACCs) of the salivary glands are challenging to understand, treat, and cure. To better understand the genetic alterations underlying the pathogenesis of these tumors, we performed comprehensive genome analyses of 25 fresh-frozen tumors, including whole genome sequencing, expression and pathway analyses. In addition to the well-described MYB-NFIB fusion which was found in 11 tumors (44%), we observed five different rearrangements involving the NFIB transcription factor gene in seven tumors (28%). Taken together, NFIB translocations occurred in 15 of 25 samples (60%, 95%CI=41–77%). In addition, mRNA expression analysis of 17 tumors revealed overexpression of NFIB in ACC tumors compared with normal tissues (p=0.002). There was no difference in NFIB mRNA expression in tumors with NFIB fusions compared to those without. We also report somatic mutations of genes involved in the axonal guidance and Rho family signaling pathways. Finally, we confirm previously described alterations in genes related to chromatin regulation and Notch signaling. Our findings suggest a separate role for NFIB in ACC oncogenesis and highlight important signaling pathways for future functional characterization and potential therapeutic targeting.

Study EGAS00001002812

Whole genome sequence and RNA-seq data from paired tumour and germline samples from mesothelioma patients.

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) has a poor overall survival with few treatment options. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) combined with RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis of the immune features of MPM offers the prospect of identifying changes that could inform future clinical trials. We analysed somatic mutation and RNA-seq data from 229 MPM samples, including 58 MPM samples that had undergone WGS from our own institutions, together with other published data. This combined analysis identified somatic driver genes, including newly identified candidate genes. Whole genome doubling was a frequent event that correlated with shorter survival. Mutational signature analysis revealed dominant signatures and showed that defects in homologous recombination repair were infrequent in our cohort. Within the tumour immune environment we identified high M2 macrophage infiltrate linked with MMP2, MMP14, TGFB1 and CCL2 expression, representing an immunosuppressive environment. A small subset of samples had a higher proportion of CD8 T cells and a high cytolytic score, suggesting a ‘hot’ immune environment which is independent of the somatic mutations. We propose that our findings on genomic changes and subtypes of immune microenvironments may influence therapeutic planning in the future.

Study EGAS00001005196

Cell-free DNA analysis reveals POLR1D-mediated resistance to bevacizumab in colorectal cancer

Bevacizumab is an approved anti-angiogenic drug for patients with metastasized colorectal cancer (mCRC) targeting VEGF. The survival benefit of anti-VEGF therapy in mCRC patients is limited to a few months and acquired resistance mechanisms are greatly unknown. Using plasma DNA, we studied the evolution of tumor genomes in a cohort of patients with mCRC (n=150) and observed a recurrent focal amplification (8.7% of cases) on chromosome 13q12.2. Analysis of TCGA data (n=619) suggested an association with later stages, which we confirmed by longitudinal plasma analyses. We defined the minimally amplified region and studied the mechanistic consequences of copy number gain of the involved genes. The amplification of one gene, POLR1D, impacted cell proliferation, resulting in upregulation of VEGFA, an important regulator of angiogenesis which has been implicated in the resistance to bevacizumab. In several patients, we observed the emergence of this 13q12.2 amplicon under bevacizumab treatment, which was invariably associated with evolution of therapy resistance. Hence, we describe a novel resistance mechanism against a widely applied treatment in mCRC patients which will impact clinical management

Study EGAS00001003791

Circulating tumor cells Exome sequencing from breast cancer

Single cell technologies allow interrogating the extent of tumor heterogeneity, providing novel insights into tumor evolution and treatment resistance mechanisms. Here, we investigated the level of genetic heterogeneity among circulating tumor cells (CTCs) at the single nucleotide variation and copy number aberration (CNA) levels and compared it to synchronous matched primary tumor/metastatic lesion from 3 metastatic breast cancer patients with triple-negative (TNBC), HER2-positive (HER2+) and estrogen-receptor-positive (ER+) tumors. Whole exome sequencing was performed on 3 synchronous bulk tumor tissue and 21 single/pooled CTC samples. When comparing bulk tissue with CTCs from the same patient, we found similar CNA profiles and the same patient-specific driver mutations for the HER2+ and TNBC tumors. Different CNA profiles and driver mutations were found for the ER+ tumor, with two distinct clones being identified in the CTCs, one harboring an activating ESR1 mutation, the other one bearing a TP53 mutation. These data suggest that tumor tissue and CTCs provide in a subset of patients complementary clinically relevant information to map tumor heterogeneity and monitor tumor evolution. Further validation is needed.

Study EGAS00001005228

SS18-SSX-mediated hijacking of BAF complexes drives synovial sarcoma

Synovial sarcoma (SS) is defined by a recurrent t(x;18) chromosomal translocation, which produces the hallmark SS18-SSX oncogenic fusion. Incorporation of SS18-SSX into BAF complexes renders BAF complexes aberrant in two distinct manners: the addition of 78aa of SSX onto SS18, and concomitant loss of BAF47 assembly. However, the importance and functional contributions of each of these perturbations on BAF complex targeting and gene expression regulation remain unclear. Here we use an integrative set of genomic approaches in human cancer cell lines and primary tumor samples to define the mechanistic consequences of the SS18-SSX fusion oncoprotein. We find that SS18-SSX hijacks BAF complexes to broad polycomb domains to activate bivalent genes, driving a unique gene expression program distinct from other loss-of-function BAF complex malignancies. Importantly, restoration of BAF47 rescues enhancer activation but is dispensable for proliferative arrest in cell lines. These results demonstrate that gain-of-function SS18-SSX-mediated BAF complex targeting and gene activation is the driving event in SS, and present a mechanism by which distinct functions of BAF complexes can be co-opted to drive oncogenesis.

Study EGAS00001002920

Khoe-San genomes reveal unique variation and confirm deepest population divergence in Homo sapiens

The southern African indigenous Khoe-San populations harbor the most divergent lineages of all living peoples. Exploring their genomes is key to understanding deep human history. We sequenced 25 full genomes from five Khoe-San populations, revealing many novel variants, that 25% of variants are unique to the Khoe-San, and that the Khoe-San group harbors the greatest level of diversity across the globe. In line with previous studies, we found several gene-regions with extreme values in genome-wide distributions, potentially caused by natural selection early in the modern human lineage and more recent in time. These gene-regions included immunity-, sperm-, brain-, diet- and muscle-related genes. When accounting for recent admixture, all Khoe-San groups display genetic diversity approaching the levels in other African groups and a reduction in effective population size starting around 100,000 years ago. Hence, all human groups show a reduction in effective population size commencing around the time of the Out-of-Africa migrations, which coincides with changes in the paleoclimate records, changes that potentially impacted all humans at the time.

Study EGAS00001004459

Patient-derived neuroblastoma model system OHC-NB1

Accurate disease modeling presents a bottleneck against effective translation of novel neuroblastoma therapies into the clinic. Recently, considerable intra-tumor genetic heterogeneity has been observed in neuroblastoma, which calls for preclinical models that reflect this feature. Flexibility in a testing platform is also desirable to support assessment of different endpoints and tumor cell characteristics. We present the novel neuroblastoma model OHC-NB1, propagated from a bone marrow metastasis from a patient with INRG stage M, MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma at first diagnosis. To model different aspects of the disease, several preclinical models were developed from the bone marrow aspirate: a tissue plastic-adherent cell line, a 3-dimensional (3D) spheroid culture, and cell line-derived xenografts that were subcutaneously passaged in mice. Typical aspects of MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma, such as MYCN amplification in double minutes, 1p deletion, 17q gain, and a diploid karyotype, are present in OHC-NB1 and persist in all culture types. Whole exome sequencing revealed intra-tumor heterogeneity in the bone marrow metastasis reflected in the culture models. The set of OHC-NB1 cultures with a genetically heterogeneous MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma background provide a flexible preclinical testing system that recapitulates important features of metastatic neuroblastoma.

Study EGAS00001003031

A Single-cell Atlas of Progressive TKI Resistance in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia

High-dimensional scRNA seq and CyTOF were used to identify features predictive of treatment outcome at diagnosis. An optimal TKI response was characterised by erythroid lineage skewing of the CD34+ HSPC compartment. While TKI-resistant CP was reminiscent of a BC-like state, where HSPCs were enriched for inflammation, stemness and quiescence. We designed a machine-learning approach which assessed the prognostic potential of all 32 sub-populations of our scRNA seq dataset. LSCs and NK populations harboured the highest prognostic power at diagnosis. Within the LSCs, erythroid lineage priming and MYC activation were features of an optimal and poor TKI responses, respectively. With the NK cell compartment, apart from a higher abundance of NK cells in TKI optimal responders, a memory-like HLA-DR+ adaptive NK and KLRC1+ NK populations were hallmarks of an optimal and poor TKI responses, respectively. Mechanistically, both cell intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms contributed towards the higher sensitivity of EPs to TKI therapy. In summary, our high-dimensional single-cell atlas of TKI resistance highlights pivotal transcriptional features associated with TKI-resistance disease, some of which have the potential to be exploited as biomarkers.

Study EGAS00001005509

Transcriptomes of human CD4+ T lymphocytes - Metabolic project

Human CD4+ T cells are essential mediators of immune responses. By altering the mitochondrial and metabolic states, we defined metabolic requirements of human CD4+ T cells for in vitro activation, expansion, and effector function. T cell activation and proliferation were reduced by inhibiting oxidative phosphorylation, while early cytokine production was maintained by either OXPHOS or glycolytic activity. Glucose deprivation in the presence of mild mitochondrial stress markedly reduced all three T cell functions, contrasting the exposure to resveratrol, an antioxidant and sirtuin-1 activator, which specifically inhibited cytokine production and T cell proliferation, but not T cell activation. Conditions that inhibited T cell activation were associated with the downregulation of 2′,5′-oligoadenylate synthetase genes via interferon response pathways. Our findings indicate that T cell function is grossly impaired by stressors combined with nutrient deprivation, suggesting that correcting nutrient availability, metabolic stress and/or the function of T cells in these conditions will improve the efficacy of T cell-based therapies.

Study EGAS00001005565

B cell receptor repertoire kinetics after SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination

B cells play a central role in the immune response to both SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination, but the development of the B cell receptor (BCR) repertoire in both contexts has not been defined nor compared. We analysed serial samples from 171 SARS-CoV-2-infected individuals with a range of disease severities together with 63 vaccine recipients, and found marked differences in the global BCR repertoire after natural infection compared to vaccination. Following infection, the proportion of BCRs bearing IgG1/3 and IgA1 isotypes increased, somatic hypermutation (SHM) was markedly decreased and, in patients with severe disease, expansion of IgM and IgA clones was observed. In contrast, after vaccination the proportion of BCRs bearing IgD/M isotypes increased, SHM was unchanged and expansion of IgG clones was prominent. Infection generated a broad distribution of SARS-CoV-2-specific clones predicted to target the spike protein whilst vaccination produced a more focused response mainly targeting the spike’s receptor-binding domain. These findings offer insights into how different immune exposure to SARS-CoV-2 impacts upon BCR repertoire development, potentially informing vaccine strategies.

Study EGAS00001005816

Target gene sequencing for human normal endometrial glands

To elucidate the timing and mechanism of the clonal expansion of somatic mutations in cancer-associated genes in the normal endometrium, we conducted target sequencing of 112 genes for 1,298 endometrial glands and matched blood samples from 36 women. By collecting endometrial glands from different parts of the endometrium, we showed that multiple glands with the same somatic mutations occupied substantial areas of the endometrium. The 112 genes are as follows: ABCC1, ACRC, ANK3, ARHGAP35, ARID1A, ARID5B, ATCAY, ATM, ATR, BARD1, BCOR, BRCA1, BRCA2, BRD4, BRIP1, CAMTA1, CDC23, CDYL, CFAP54, CHD4, CHEK1, CHEK2, CTCF, CTNNB1, CUX1, DGKA, DISP2, DYNC2H1, EMSY, FAAP24, FAM135B, FAM175A, FAM65C, FANCA, FANCB, FANCC, FANCD2, FANCE, FANCF, FANCG, FANCI, FANCL, FANCM, FAT1, FAT3, FBN2, FBXW7, FGFR2, FRG1, GPR50, HEATR1, HIST1H4B, HNRNPCL1, HOOK3, KIAA1109, KIF26A, KMT2B, KMT2C, KRAS, LAMA2, LRP1B, MLH1, MON2, MRE11A, MSH2, MSH6, MTOR, NBN, PALB2, PHEX, PIK3CA, PIK3R1, PLXNB2, PLXND1, PMS2, POLE, POLR3B, PPP2R1A, PTEN, PTPN13, RAD50, RAD51, RAD51B, RAD51C, RAD51D, RAD52, RAD54B, RAD54L, RICTOR, SACS, SIGLEC9, SLC19A1, SLX4, SPEG, STT3A, TAF1, TAF2, TAS2R31, TFAP2C, TNC, TONSL, TP53, TTC6, UBA7, VNN1, WT1, XIRP2, ZBED6, ZC3H13, ZFHX3, ZFHX4, ZMYM4.

Study EGAS00001005914

Identification of Germline Monoallelic Mutations in IKZF2 in Patients with Immune Dysregulation.

Helios, encoded by IKZF2, is a member of the Ikaros family of transcription factors with pivotal roles in T-follicular helper, NK- and T-regulatory cell physiology. Somatic IKZF2 mutations are frequently found in lymphoid malignancies. Although germline mutations in IKZF1 and IKZF3, encoding Ikaros and Aiolos, have recently been identified in patients with phenotypically similar immunodeficiency syndromes, the effect of germline mutations in IKZF2 on human hematopoiesis and immunity remains enigmatic. We identified germline IKZF2 mutations (one nonsense (p.R291X)- and 4 distinct missense variants) in six patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, immune thrombocytopenia or EBV-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. Patients exhibited hypogammaglobulinemia, decreased number of T-follicular helper and NKcells. Single-cell RNA sequencing of PBMCs from the patient carrying the R291X variant revealed upregulation of pro-inflammatory genes associated with T-cell receptor activation and T-cell exhaustion. Functional assays revealed the inability of HeliosR291X to homodimerize and bind target DNA as dimers. Moreover, proteomic analysis by proximity-dependent Biotin Identification revealed aberrant interaction of 3/5 Helios mutants with core components of the NuRD complex conveying HELIOS mediated epigenetic and transcriptional dysregulation.

Study EGAS00001005874

Patient-tailored design for selective co-inhibition of leukemic cell subpopulations

The extensive primary and secondary drug resistance in many cancer types requires rational approaches to design personalized and selective combinatorial therapies that do not only show synergistic effect in overall cancer cell killing but also result in minimal toxic side effects on non-malignant cells. To address the combinatorial explosion in the number of relevant combinations, we implemented a machine learning approach that prioritizes patient-customized drug combinations with a desired synergy-efficacy-toxicity balance by combining single-cell RNA-sequencing with ex vivo single-agent testing in scarce patient-derived primary cells. When applied to two diagnostic and two refractory AML patient cases, each with a different genetic background, our integrated approach accurately predicted patient-specific combinations that were shown to result not only in synergistic cancer cell co-inhibition but were also capable of targeting specific AML cell subpopulations that emerge in differing stages of disease pathogenesis or treatment regimens. Our data-driven approach provides an unbiased means for systematic identification of personalized combinatorial regimens that selectively co-inhibit leukemic cells while avoiding inhibition of non-malignant cells, and highlight the relevance of considering cell heterogeneity for personalized cancer therapy.

Study EGAS00001004614

Allele-specific expression of GATA2 due to epigenetic dysregulation in double mutated CEBPA AML

Transcriptional deregulation is a central event in the development of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). To identify potential disturbances in gene regulation, we conducted an unbiased screen of allele-specific expression (ASE) in 209 AML cases. The gene encoding GATA binding protein 2 (GATA2) displayed ASE more often than any other myeloid or cancer-related gene. GATA2 ASE was strongly associated with CEBPA double mutations (CEBPA DM), with 95% of cases presenting GATA2 ASE. In CEBPA DM AML with GATA2 mutations, the mutated allele was preferentially expressed. We found that GATA2 ASE is a somatic event lost in complete remission, supporting the notion that it plays a role in CEBPA DM AML. Acquisition of GATA2 ASE involved silencing of one allele via promoter methylation, compensated by overactivation of the other allele, thereby preserving expression levels. Notably, promoter methylation was also lost in remission together with GATA2 ASE. In summary, we propose that GATA2 ASE is acquired by epigenetic mechanisms and is a prerequisite for the development of AML with CEBPA DM. This finding constitutes a novel example of an epigenetic hit cooperating with a genetic hit in the pathogenesis of AML.

Study EGAS00001004684

Genomics-based personalized oncology in cancer of unknown primary (CUP, project H021)

To perform a comprehensive genomic characterization of 70 patients suffering from cancer of unknown primary (CUP) we used whole-exome, whole-genome, transcriptome and methylome analysis. We detected a substantial mutational heterogeneity with genes most commonly affected by SNVs, indels and fusions being TP53, TTN, MUC16, ABCA13, COL6A3, KRAS, LRP1B, XIRP2 and CSMD3. The most common fusion involved FGFR2, the most common focal deletion affected CDKN2A. A molecular tumor board recommended genomics-based therapies in 56/70 (80%) patients which were applied in 20/56 (35.7%) cases. Entity predictions based on transcriptome and methylome data could be made in up to 62/70 (88.6%) cases but were conclusive in only 16/48 (33.3%) cases. Germline analysis revealed 6 (likely) pathogenic mutations in 5 patients. Recommended therapies translated into a mean PFS2/1 ratio of 3.61 (median=2.25) with a median PFS1 of 89 days (n=17) compared to a median PFS2 of 182.5 days (n=20). Our data emphasize the clinical benefit of comprehensive genetic approaches in diagnostic and therapeutic management and underline the need for innovative, mechanism-based clinical trials in this heterogeneous group of diseases.

Study EGAS00001004786

Accurate detection of tumor-specific fusion genes reveals strongly immunogenic personal neo-antigens

Fusion genes arising from cancer-associated somatic mutations are a potential rich source for highly immunogenic neo-antigens. However, their exploitation as targets for personalized cancer immunotherapy is currently limited by the lack of computational tools allowing transcriptome-wide identification of unique fusion genes in an accurate and sensitive manner. Here, we present EasyFuse, a computational pipeline, to detect individual and cancer-specific fusion genes in next-generation-sequencing transcriptome data obtained from human cancer samples. Using machine learning, EasyFuse predicts personal fusion genes with high precision and sensitivity and outperforms previously described approaches as qualified by an unprecedented ground-truth dataset of >1500 verification experiments in relevant patient samples. By testing immunogenicity with autologous blood lymphocytes from cancer patients we detected pre-established CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses for 10 of 21 (48%), and for 1 of 30 (3%) of identified fusion genes, respectively. In conclusion, we demonstrate accurate detection of cancer-specific fusion genes. The high frequency of T cell responses detected in cancer patients support the relevance of private fusion genes as neo-antigens for personalized immunotherapies, especially for tumors with low point mutation burdens.

Study EGAS00001004877

Heat selection enables highly scalable methylome profiling in cell-free DNA for noninvasive monitoring of cancer patients

Genome-wide analysis of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) methylation profile has been recognized as a promising approach for sensitive and specific detection of many cancers. However, scaling such genome-wide assays for clinical translation is impractical due to the high cost of whole genome bisulfite sequencing. We have shown that the small fraction of GC-rich genome is highly enriched in CpG sites and disproportionately harbors the majority of cancer-specific methylation signature. Here, we report on the simple but effective Heat enrichment of CpG-rich regions for Bisulfite Sequencing (Heatrich-BS) platform that allows for focused methylation profiling in these highly informative regions. Our novel method and bioinformatics algorithm enable accurate tumor burden estimation with high sensitivity and quantitative tracking of colorectal cancer patient’s response to treatment, at much reduced sequencing cost suitable for frequent monitoring. We also show, for the first time, tumor epigenetic subtyping from cfDNA using Heatrich-BS, which could enable patient stratification from non-invasive liquid biopsy. As such, Heatrich-BS holds great potential for highly scalable screening and regular monitoring of cancer using liquid biopsy.

Study EGAS00001006198

Clonal somatic copy number altered driver events inform drug sensitivity in high-grade serous ovarian cancer

Chromosomal instability is a major challenge to patient stratification and targeted drug development for high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC). Here we show that somatic copy number alterations (SCNAs) in frequently amplified HGSOC cancer genes significantly correlate with gene expression and methylation status. We identified five prevalent clonal driver SCNAs (chromosomal amplifications encompassing MYC, PIK3CA, CCNE1, KRAS and TERT) from multi-regional HGSOC data and reasoned that their strong selection should prioritise them as key biomarkers for targeted therapies. We used primary HGSOC spheroid models to test interactions between in vitro targeted therapy and SCNAs. MYC chromosomal copy number was associated with in-vitro and clinical response to paclitaxel and in-vitro response to mTORC1/2 inhibition. Activation of the mTOR survival pathway in the context of MYC-amplified HGSOC was statistically associated with increased prevalence of SCNAs in genes from the PI3K pathway. Co-occurrence of amplifications in MYC and genes from the PI3K pathway was independently observed in squamous lung cancer and triple negative breast cancer. These results suggest that identifying co-occurrence of clonal driver SCNA genes could be used to tailor therapeutics for precision medicine.

Study EGAS00001006200

MutWP4__CRUK_Grand_Challenge_Mutographs_of_Cancer__Pancreatic_Organoids

The Mutographs project aims to advance our understanding of the causes of cancer through studies of mutational signatures. Led by Mike Stratton, together with Paul Brennan, Ludmil Alexandrov, Allan Balmain, David Phillips and Peter Campbell, this large-scale international research endeavour was awarded a Cancer Research UK Grand Challenge. Different patterns of somatic mutation are generated by the different environmental, lifestyle and genetic factors that cause cancer, many of them are still unknown. Within Mutographs, Kings College London will characterise the mutational signatures induced by putative human carcinogens in order to identify the origins of mutational signatures found in human cancers. To achieve this human organoid cell cultures will be exposed to a representative catalogue of known or suspected human carcinogens and mutagens and, using whole genome sequencing, the patterns of mutations induced by them will be determined. Somatic mutational signatures will be subsequently extracted by non-negative matrix factorisation methods and correlated with exposure data. Through an enhanced understanding of cancer aetiology, Mutographs unprecedented effort is anticipated to outline modifiable risk factors, lead to new approaches to prevent cancer, and provide opportunities to empower early detection, refine high-risk groups and contribute to further therapeutic development.

Study EGAS00001003520

MGP Panel: a comprehensive targeted genomics panel for molecular profiling of multiple myeloma patients

We designed a comprehensive multiple myeloma (MM) targeted sequencing panel to identify common genomic abnormalities in a single assay and validated it against known standards. The panel comprised 228 genes/exons for mutations, 6 regions for translocations, and 56 regions for copy number abnormalities (CNAs). Toward panel validation, targeted sequencing was conducted on 233 patient samples and further validated using clinical fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) (translocations), multiplex ligation probe analysis (MLPA) (CNAs), whole genome sequencing (WGS) (CNAs, mutations, translocations) or droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) of known standards (mutations). Canonical IgH translocations were detected in 43.2% of patients by sequencing, and aligned with FISH except for one patient. CNAs determined by sequencing and MLPA for 22 regions were comparable in 103 samples and concordance between platforms was R2=0.969. VAFs for 74 mutations were compared between sequencing and ddPCR with concordance of R2=0.9849. In summary, we have developed a targeted sequencing panel that is as robust or superior to FISH and WGS. This molecular panel is cost effective, comprehensive, clinically actionable and can be routinely deployed to assist risk stratification at diagnosis or post-treatment to guide sequencing of therapies.

Study EGAS00001006222

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