12405 results for ""non-traditional+communal+storytelling+approach"+novel+segment+noted+in+critical+commentary"

in 42.97 milliseconds.

• Successful immune checkpoint blockade in a patient with advanced stage microsatellite unstable biliary tract cancer (H021)

  Cancers acquire multiple somatic mutations that can lead to the generation of immunogenic mutation-induced neoantigens. These neoantigens can be recognized by the host’s immune system. However, continuous stimulation of immune cells against tumor antigens can lead to immune cell exhaustion, which allows uncontrolled outgrowth of tumor cells. Recently, immune checkpoint inhibitors have emerged as a novel approach to overcome immune cell exhaustion and re-activate anti-tumor immune responses. In particular, antibodies blocking the exhaustion-mediating programmed death receptor (PD-1)/PD-L1 pathway have shown clinical efficacy. The effects were particularly pronounced in tumors with DNA mismatch repair deficiency and a high mutational load, which typically occur in the colon and endometrium. Here, we report on a 24-year old woman diagnosed with extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma who showed strong and durable response to the immune checkpoint inhibitor pembrolizumab, although treatment was initiated at an advanced stage of disease. The patient’s tumor displayed DNA mismatch repair deficiency and microsatellite instability (MSI), but lacked other features commonly discussed as predictors of response towards checkpoint blockade, such as PD-L1 expression or dense infiltration with cytotoxic T cells. Notably, high levels of HLA class I and II antigen expression were detected in the tumor, suggesting a potential causal relation between functionality of the tumor’s antigen presentation machinery and the success of immune checkpoint blockade. We suggest determining MSI status in combination with HLA class I and II antigen expression in tumors potentially eligible for immune checkpoint blockade even in the absence of conventional markers predictive for anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy and in entities not commonly linked to MSI phenotype. Further studies are required to determine the value of these markers for predicting the success of immune checkpoint blockade. (H021)

  Study EGAS00001002441

• BLUE CORAL: Biology and Longitudinal Epidemiology of PETAL COVID-19 Observational Study

  Data Access NOTE: Please refer to the “Authorized Access” section below for information about how access to the data from this accession differs from many other dbGaP accessions.Available Data: Long Term Follow-up data has been added with version 2. Biospecimens: Access to Biospecimens is through the NHLBI Biologic Specimen and Data Repository Information Coordinating Center (BioLINCC). Biospecimens from PETAL BLUE CORAL include: Bronchial Lavage, Plasma, Tracheal Aspirate, Urine, Whole Blood Buffy Coat, DNA, Plasma, Serum, Urine, and Whole Blood. Please note that use of biospecimens is tiered for both non-genetic and genetic research.Objectives: To measure the incidence and changes over time in symptoms, disability, and financial status after COVID-19–related hospitalization.Background: For many individuals, the effects of COVID-19 persist after the acute phase and result in prolonged symptoms and disability. This has led to widespread efforts to characterize the epidemiologic characteristics of such post-COVID-19 sequelae. However, accurate data were limited, hindering the ability to counsel patients, caregivers, and policy makers and to plan relevant recovery-focused clinical research. Thus, the BLUE CORAL study was intended to address the knowledge gaps and provide critical data to help guide clinical care, public health, and scientific efforts.Participants: A total of 1376 COVID-19 patents were enrolled, with 825 (444 male, and 379 female) that completed at least one follow-up survey.A subset of the BLUE CORAL adult participants were enrolled in the extension study, FIRE CORAL. FIRE CORAL was a multicenter prospective cohort study of participants recovering from COVID-19 disease after discharge from the hospital. Design: BLUE CORAL was a prospective cohort study. Participants were enrolled between August 24, 2020, and July 20, 2021, with follow-up occurring through March 30, 2022. Posthospital surveys were administered by trained interviewers in English or Spanish to patients or their proxies at 1, 3, and 6 months after enrollment. Cardiopulmonary symptoms were assessed using the Airways Questionnaire 20, the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire, and the Seattle Angina Questionnaire. Fatigue was assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Disability was assessed by self-report of limitations in activities of daily living (ADLs) or instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs). Financial problems were assessed using the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 question and questions regarding job changes, time off work, and insurance coverage developed with the Mi-COVID-19 study using qualitative interviews. Quality of life was measured using the European Quality of Life 5-dimension 5-level instrument.The primary outcomes were new or worsened cardiopulmonary symptoms, financial problems, functional impairments, perceived return to baseline health, and quality of life. Symptoms that were not present before hospitalization or specifically reported as increased in severity were counted as new or worsened. Conclusions: The findings of this cohort study of people discharged after COVID-19 hospitalization suggest that recovery in symptoms, functional status, and fatigue was limited at 6 months, and some participants reported new problems 6 months after hospital discharge.

  Study phs003419

• Genome Studies in Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia

  Next-generation sequencing technology is opening up new opportunities to rethink the way we identify disease causing genetic variation. An early application, whole exome sequencing, has now been established by a small number of research labs, including ours. Exome sequencing allows obtaining a near complete set of protein coding genomic variation in single individuals for less than $5,000. Promising targets for exome sequencing studies are Mendelian diseases, such as hereditary spastic paraplegias (HSP). HSP comprise a genetically very heterogeneous set of neurological disorders with currently 39 different HSP chromosomal loci being reported; yet, the identified genes explain only 60% of the genetic effect at best. Traditional methods of gene identification require linkage analysis of large families, but face increasing difficulties to identify such extended pedigrees for rare HSP forms. However, the innovative approach described in this application will overcome some of these limitations and utilize relatively small pedigrees for highly effective gene identification. We will apply exome sequencing, which will characterize all coding changes and flanking exonic variation in two individuals of a family. We have developed a multi-tiered strategy to reduce the number of identified novel variants to the very causative change in an individual family. We propose to study at least 60 HSP families, which are too small to yield conclusive results with linkage analysis. If the developing technology permits we will consider a larger sample or perform whole genome sequencing. Beyond the important benefit to genetics of HSP, this study will allow us to further establish this new method, which will benefit a large range of additional disease studies.

  Study phs001080

• Novel Factors for Unexplained Phenotypes of Subclinical Carotid Atherosclerosis

  The overall goal for this study was to determine the genetic factors associated with extreme phenotypes of subclinical atherosclerosis (protective and deleterious). Study participants were selected from the Northern Manhattan Study (NOMAS), a population based cohort study investigating stroke and stroke risk factors in Northern Manhattan. Cases and controls were individuals at the extreme ends of the distribution for carotid intima-media thickness and carotid plaque, with cases defined as individuals with subclinical atherosclerosis that could not be explained by traditional vascular risk factors (USAth) and controls defined as individuals with unexplained protection against atherosclerosis (UPAth).

  Study phs001560

• An Integrated Approach to Patient Stratification and Therapy Selection in Acute Myeloid Leukemia

  As more clinically-relevant genomic features of myeloid malignancies are revealed, it has become clear that targeted clinical genetic testing is inadequate for risk stratification. Here, we developed and validated a clinical transcriptome-based assay for stratification of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Comparison of RNA-Seq to whole genome and exome sequencing revealed that as a standalone assay, RNA-Seq offered the greatest diagnostic return, enabling identification of expressed gene fusions, single nucleotide and short insertion/deletion variants, and whole-transcriptome expression information. Expression data were used to develop a novel risk score which, when combined with molecular risk guidelines, allowed for the re-stratification of 22.1 to 25.3% of AML patients from three independent cohorts into correct risk groups. Within the adverse-risk subgroup, we identified a subset of patients characterized by dysregulated integrin signaling and RUNX1 or TP53 mutation. We show that these patients may benefit from therapy with inhibitors of focal adhesion kinase (PTK2), demonstrating additional utility of transcriptome-based testing for therapy selection in myeloid malignancy.

  Dataset EGAD00001006701

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

  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 EGAD00001015756

• Combined MEK and BCL-2/XL inhibition is effective in high-grade serous ovarian cancer patient-derived xenograft models and BIM levels are predictive of responsiveness

  Most patients with late stage high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) initially respond to chemotherapy but inevitably relapse and develop resistance, highlighting the need for novel therapies to improve patient outcomes. The MEK/ERK pathway is activated in a large subset of HGSOC, thus making it an attractive therapeutic target. Here, we systematically evaluated the extent of MEK/ERK pathway activation and efficacy of pathway inhibition in a large panel of well-annotated HGSOC patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models. The vast majority of models were nonresponsive to the MEK inhibitor cobimetinib (GDC-0973) despite effective pathway inhibition. Proteomic analyses of adaptive responses to GDC-0973 revealed that GDC-0973 upregulated the pro-apoptotic protein BIM, thus priming the cells for apoptosis regulated by BCL2-family proteins. Indeed, combination of both MEK inhibitor and dual BCL-2/XL inhibitor (ABT-263) significantly reduced cell number, increased cell death and displayed synergy in vitro in most models. In vivo, the GDC-0973 and ABT-263 combination was well tolerated and resulted in greater tumor growth inhibition than single agents. Detailed proteomic and correlation analyses identified two subsets of responsive models – those with high BIM at baseline that was increased with MEK inhibition and those with low basal Bim and high pERK levels. Models with low BIM and low pERK were non-responsive. Our findings demonstrate that combined MEK and BCL-2/XL inhibition has therapeutic activity in HGSOC models and provide a mechanistic rationale for clinical evaluation of this drug combination as well as the assessment of the extent to which BIM and/or pERK levels predict drug combination effectiveness in chemoresistant HGSOC.

  Dataset EGAD00001005111

• Access to "A Spatially Resolved Single-Cell Atlas of the Human Fetal Olfactory System"

  The human nasal region arises from neural crest and placodal lineages, yet its early development remains poorly understood owing to limited fetal tissue access and structural complexity. Here we present an integrated single-nucleus and spatial transcriptomic atlas of the human fetal nasal region, generated from 10 fetuses (males and females) between 7 and 12 post-conceptional weeks. Single-nucleus RNA sequencing resolved 32 distinct cell types, while integration with multiplexed error-robust fluorescence in situ hybridization (MERFISH) enabled spatial and temporal mapping of gene expression dynamics across the olfactory epithelium (OE) and adjacent tissues. We identify novel markers of olfactory sensory neuron differentiation and pathways governing epithelial patterning and OE morphogenesis. Notably, spatially organized expression of 169 olfactory receptor genes reveals molecular evidence for the “one neuron-one receptor” principle during the first trimester. Together, this work establishes the first molecular and spatial framework of early human olfactory development and provides a foundational resource for studies of sensory neurogenesis and congenital disorders.

  Dac EGAC50000000688

• Transcriptomic Analysis of HIV-Infected Cells

  Defining the attributes of rare CD4 T cells that harbor latent HIV under therapy with anti-retroviral agents has been challenging due to difficulties in identifying and isolating these cells. These cells represent an important barrier to cure, and characterizing them would aid the design and development of novel HIV cure strategies. In this study, we addressed this challenge using a custom microfluidic technology named Focused Interrogation of cells by Nucleic acid Detection and Sequencing (FIND-seq) that isolates HIV-infected cell transcriptomes, based on HIV DNA detection. We applied this method to HIV DNA+ memory CD4 T cells isolated from blood from five persons with HIV who were receiving anti-retroviral agents. After curating samples based on data quality, we proceeded with bioinformatics analysis from three persons. This analysis identified six transcriptomic pathways that were inhibited in HIV DNA+ cells compared to HIV DNA- cells. These included death receptor signaling, necroptosis signaling, and anti-proliferative G-alpha12/13 signaling. Furthermore, we identified two gene clusters, including 60 and 85 genes, that were significantly associated with HIV DNA+ cells identified by co-expression network analysis. These genes included negative regulators of HIV transcription that were higher in HIV DNA+ cells, positive regulators of HIV transcription that were lower in HIV DNA+ cells, and other genes involved in the negative regulation of mRNA translation, additional RNA processing functions, and the regulation of cellular state and fate. We further examined these signatures in transcriptomic data from CD4 T cell subsets sorted by flow cytometry from nine persons with HIV. We found a partial similarity between the smaller cluster of genes and the signature of CCR6- peripheral TFH cells. Raw sequencing data from all eleven human participant samples included in the study are available. These include samples from two participants who were studied only by FIND-seq, three participants who were studied by both FIND-seq and flow cytometry and six participants who were studied only by flow cytometry.

  Study phs003095

• Genome-wide association study for Bladder Cancer Risk

  This study funded by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) involves conducting a genome-wide association study of common genetic variants to identify markers of susceptibility to bladder cancer. This bladder GWAS has led to the discovery of three novel regions in the genome associated with bladder cancer risk. Cases were defined as individuals having histologically confirmed primary carcinoma of the urinary bladder, including carcinoma in situ (ICD-0-2 topography codes C67.0-C67.9 or ICD9 codes 188.1-188.9). Scan data were obtained from two case-control studies carried out in Spain and the United States (specifically, those in the Maine and Vermont components of the New England Bladder Cancer Study) and three prospective cohort studies in Finland and the United States (specifically Alpha-Tocopherol, Beta-Carotene Cancer Prevention Study, Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial, and The American Cancer Society Cancer Prevention Study II Nutrition Cohort). We used data from 591,637 single nucleotide polymorphisms 3,532 affected individuals (cases) and 5,119 controls of European descent and replication including 8382 cases and 48275 controls from 16 studies. In a combined analysis, we identified three new regions associated with bladder cancer on chromosomes 22q13.1, 19q12 and 2q37.1: rs1014971, (P ≈ 8 x 10-12) maps to a non-genic region of chromosome 22q13.1, rs8102137 (P = 2 x 10-11) on maps to CCNE1 and rs11892031 (P = 1 x 10-7) maps to the UGT1A cluster on 2q37.1. We confirmed four previously identified genome-wide associations on chromosomes 3q28, 4p16.3, 8q24.21 and 8q24.3 (Rothman N et al., Nature Genetics, 2010, PMID: 20972438). Through meta-analysis with the MD Anderson Texas Bladder Cancer Study (TXBCS), we also identified a novel susceptibility locus that mapped to a region of 18q12.3, marked by rs7238033 (P = 8.7 x 10(-9); allelic odds ratio 1.20 with 95% CI: 1.13-1.28) and two highly correlated SNPs, rs10775480/rs10853535 (r(2)= 1.00; P = 8.9 x 10(-9); allelic odds ratio 1.16 with 95% CI: 1.10-1.22) (Garcia-Closas M et al, Human Molecular Genetics, 2011) For NCI-GWAS2, we performed genotyping on cases and controls for the New Hampshire component of the New England Bladder Cancer Study (NEBCS-NH). For the majority of new bladder cancer cases, we genotyped only cases from four case-control studies, the Los Angeles Bladder Cancer Study (LABCS), the French Center for Research on Prostate Diseases (CeRePP), the French Bladder Study (FBCS) and the Brescia Bladder Cancer Study (BBCS). We used existing control data from four cohort studies already genotyped and subjected to rigorous quality control metrics: the European Prospective Investigation Into Cancer and Nutrition Study (EPIC), Womens Health Initiative (WHI), Health Professionals Follow-up Study (HPFS), Nurses Health Study (NHS), which have been a part of Cancer Genetic Markers of Susceptibility (CGEMS). Meta-analysis of NCI-GWAS1, NCI-GWAS2 and a previously reported GWAS TXBCS-GWAS along with taqman replication, identified two new loci: rs10936599 on 3q26.2 (P = 4.53 x 10(-9)) and rs907611 on 11p15.5 (P = 4.11 x 10(-8)). Two notable loci were also identified that approached genome-wide statistical significance: rs6104690 on 20p12.2 (P = 7.13 x 10(-7)) and rs4510656 on 6p22.3 (P = 6.98 X 10(-7)); these require further studies for confirmation (Figueroa J et al, Human Molecular Genetics, 2013).

  Study phs000346

• Prevention and Early Treatment of Acute Lung Injury (PETAL) Network - Functional, Imaging, and Respiratory Evaluation in CORAL (PETAL FIRE CORAL-BioLINCC)

  Data Access NOTE: Please refer to the “Authorized Access” section below for information about how access to the data from this accession differs from many other dbGaP accessions.Biospecimens: Access to Biospecimens is through the NHLBI Biologic Specimen and Data Repository Information Coordinating Center (BioLINCC). Biospecimens from PETAL FIRE CORAL include plasma and whole blood. Please note that use of biospecimens in genetic research is subject to a tiered consent and biospecimens may not be used to produce commercial products.Objectives: To examine the recovery from COVID-19 disease following acute hospitalization with an emphasis on functional, imaging, and respiratory evaluation, and assess the feasibility of conducting a larger study to evaluate variables associated with differential recovery.Background: The BLUE CORAL study, dbGaP phs003419, was intended to address the knowledge gaps and provide critical data to help guide clinical care, public health, and scientific efforts regarding SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) recovery. The understanding and treatment of long-term sequelae of COVID-19, referred to variously as post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC), post-acute COVID, long COVID, or long-haul COVID, is fundamental to patient recovery. These long-term consequences are common and increasingly recognized, although heterogeneous in manifestation, and can result in a failure to return to baseline level of health. At the time of the FIRE CORAL study, there were limited studies that collected objective assessments following hospital discharge for a wide spectrum of patients surviving COVID-19.Participants: FIRE CORAL enrolled adult participants as a subset of those enrolled in the BLUE CORAL study with a recent COVID-19 hospitalization and that completed the 1- or 3-month post-hospital telephone long-term outcomes assessment. The target enrollment for this pilot study cohort was 80 participants.Design: FIRE CORAL was a multicenter prospective cohort study of participants recovering from COVID-19 disease with in-person follow-up, as an extension of the BLUE CORAL study. The study consisted of a battery of assessments objectively measuring pulmonary function, abnormalities on lung imaging, and functional status. Participants were to attend and perform initial in-person testing at 3 to 9 months after hospital discharge. Participants with abnormal findings on pulmonary function testing or chest imaging during their initial assessment or those with persistent respiratory symptoms were eligible to repeat study procedures 3 months later with a subsequent visit at 12 months. All participants were invited to return for in-person follow up at 12 months after hospital discharge. Assessments included high-resolution chest CT scan without contrast, spirometry, lung volume assessment, diffusing capacity measured by single breath measurement, Six Minute Walk Test, Short Physical Performance Battery, St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire, and Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue scale. Demographic and hospitalization data are available as part of the BLUE CORAL study.The primary aim of the FIRE CORAL study was to examine the feasibility of conducting rigorous in-person follow-up testing of participants discharged from the hospital following COVID-19 illness to assist with planning for a larger study to evaluate variables associated with differential recovery. The secondary aim was to describe the pulmonary, imaging, and functional recovery following COVID-19 hospitalization in a diverse population of patients.

  Study phs004130

• Sequencing data of tumor tissue obtained from GANNET53 study patients

  The GANNET53 clinical trial evaulated novel treatment options for ovarian cancer patients with platinum-resistant relapse. Archival fresh-frozen paraffin embedded tissue was available from 131 of the 133 enrolled patients. NGS sequencing aimed at assessing the mutational spectrum of key ovarian cancer genes (with a focus on TP53), and their relevance for therapy resistance. From available FFPE samples, DNA was extracted and NGS sequenced using the SureSeq™ Ovarian Cancer Panel and the NGS Library Preparation kit covering all exons of 7 key ovarian cancer genes BRCA1, BRCA2,TP53, PTEN, ATM, ATR, NF1 for single nucleotide variants (SNV) and indels. Finally, sequence data from 118 individual FFPE tumor tissue samples were generated.

  Study EGAS50000000935

• NHLBI TOPMed: Defining the Time-Dependent Genetic and Transcriptomic Responses to Cardiac Injury Among Patients with Arrhythmias

  The UMMS miRhythm Study is an ongoing study of adult patients undergoing an elective electrophysiology study or arrhythmia ablation procedure for a supraventricular or ventricular arrhythmia, including atrial fibrillation (AF). Atrial fibrillation is a major clinical and public health problem that is related to atrial pathologic remodeling. Few tools are available to quantify the activity or extent of this remodeling, rendering it difficult to identify individuals at risk for AF. Previous studies have suggested an important role for miRNA in cardiovascular disease through gene expression regulation, making this a promising avenue for studying AF mechanisms. The aim of the study is to determine the time-dependent changes to key circulating miRNAs in a model of planned atrial injury and remodeling via ablation. Such knowledge might provide additional insight into the biology and activity of the acute atrial injury response, and furthermore, inform new targets for development of preventative interventions or allow for better AF risk stratification. To assess pathways regulating atrial pathological remodeling, patient blood samples are collected prior to their ablation procedures and also at a regularly scheduled 1-month follow-up appointment. Plasma expression of miRNA is measured using high-throughput quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), providing novel insights into the regulatory processes underlying AF, as well as acute atrial injury in vivo. Additionally, data collected from whole-genome sequencing (WGS) is used to supplement miRNA analyses and further explore new relations between genes and abnormal heart rhythm.

  Study phs001434

• Breast Cancer Family Registry

  The Breast Cancer Family Registry (BCFR) is a multi-center prospective cohort, comprised of over 30,000 women and men from nearly 12,000 families from the United States, Canada, and Australia. Our BCFR resource has been used, and continues to be used, by breast cancer researchers around the world in order to find new ways to prevent, diagnose, and treat cancer. The BCFR provides an extensive and diverse range of resources, expertise, and specialized skills, and has several unique strengths: 1) the collection of a large number of individuals and families across a wide spectrum of breast cancer risk, including both affected and unaffected individuals; 2) the large collection of families with early-onset breast cancer; 3) the large collection of racial/ethnic minority families not replicated elsewhere; 4) the extensive molecular characterization performed to date; and 5) active follow-up of both probands and family members. Thus, the BCFR comprises a unique cohort of probands and family members at familial/genetic risk of breast cancer that will continue to facilitate a wide range of research studies, such as gene discovery, examination of cancer-related outcomes and risk factors in high-risk subjects, investigation of novel behavioral interventions, and cancer prevention trials among at-risk family members. Consequently, the BCFR Cohort, as one of the few cohorts available worldwide with biospecimens and extensive molecular and genetic characterization, combined with epidemiologic data and long-term follow up, will be an invaluable resource for translational research in the genetic epidemiology of breast cancer.

  Study phs002835

• Prediction and quantification of splice events from RNA-seq data

  Analysis of splice variants from short read RNA-seq data remains a challenging problem. Here we present a novel method for the genome-guided prediction and quantification of splice events from RNA-seq data, which enables the analysis of unannotated and complex splice events. Splice junctions and exons are predicted from reads mapped to a reference genome and are assembled into a genome-wide splice graph. Splice events are identified recursively from the graph and are quantified locally based on reads extending across the start or end of each splice variant. We assess prediction accuracy based on simulated and real RNA-seq data, and illustrate how different read aligners (GSNAP, HISAT2, STAR, TopHat2) affect prediction results. We validate our approach for quantification based on simulated data, and compare local estimates of relative splice variant usage with those from other methods (MISO, Cufflinks) based on simulated and real RNA-seq data. In a proof-of-concept study of splice variants in 16 normal human tissues (Illumina Body Map 2.0) we identify 249 internal exons that belong to known genes but are not related to annotated exons. Using independent RNA samples from 14 matched normal human tissues, we validate 9/9 of these exons by RT-PCR and 216/249 by paired-end RNA-seq (2 x 250 bp). These results indicate that de novo prediction of splice variants remains beneficial even in well-studied systems. An implementation of our method is freely available as an R/Bioconductor package SGSeq.

  Study EGAS00001001026

• Versatile workflow for cell-type resolved transcriptional and epigenetic profiles from cryopreserved human lung

  The complexity of the lung microenvironment and changes in cellular composition during disease progression make it exceptionally hard to understand molecular mechanisms leading to the development of chronic lung diseases. Although recent advances in cell-type resolved and single-cell sequencing approaches hold great promise for studying complex diseases, their implementation relies on local access to fresh tissue, as traditional tissue storage methods do not allow viable cell isolation. To overcome these hurdles, we developed a novel, versatile workflow that allows long-term storage of human lung tissue with high cell viability, permits thorough sample quality check before cell isolation, and is compatible with sequencing-based profiling, including single-cell approaches. We demonstrate that cryopreservation is suitable for the isolation of multiple cell types from human lung and is applicable to both healthy and diseased tissue, including COPD and tumour samples. Basal cells isolated from cryopreserved airways retain the ability to differentiate, indicating that cellular identity is not altered by cryopreservation. Importantly, using RNA sequencing and EPIC Array, we show that genome-wide gene expression and DNA methylation signatures are preserved upon cryopreservation, emphasizing the suitability of our workflow for -omics profiling of human lung cells. In addition, we obtained high-quality single-cell RNA sequencing data of cells isolated from the cryopreserved human lung, demonstrating that cryopreservation empowers single-cell approaches. Overall, thanks to its simplicity, our cryopreservation workflow is well-suited for prospective tissue collection by academic collaborators and biobanks, opening worldwide access to human tissue.

  Study EGAS00001004477

• Kids First: Whole Genome Sequencing in Recessive Structural Brain Defects

  Almost 5% of all live births in the US (1:20 births) display an inborn defect, including both structural and functional/metabolic abnormalities. These are among the most common causes of Infant mortality in the developed world and underlie nearly half of hospitalizations in the first 3 years of life. Of the 35 major defects observable at birth from the International Clearinghouse for Birth Defects Surveillance Program (www.icbdsr.org, external link), about half involve the nervous system. Many of these result in lifelong neurodevelopmental disorders. Structural Brain Defects (SBDs) result from errors in development of the central nervous system, including defects in the forebrain, midbrain and hindbrain. Many SBDs arise as the consequence of a single gene bi-allelic mutation, and for this reason, occur more commonly in populations or communities with elevated consanguinity.Our lab has identified dozens of novel SBD genes using WES/WGS in consanguineous SBD families. Importantly, the genes that we and others have identified in these unique families are then used to advance diagnosis in pediatric SBDs around the world. We have built an enormous cohort of SBD families, including newly recruited families not yet studied genetically, and previous families that were negative for cause following WES analysis. Here we propose to collaborate with the Gabriella Miller Kids First Pediatric Research Program (X01) to have sequencing performed in individuals from a total of 200 families with genetically undiagnosed SBDs. The Gleeson Lab team of researchers is dedicated to the field of SBDs, with an outstanding track record of high-impact science, and a collaborative approach to discovery. We have 150 newly recruited families that we propose to study by WES by sequencing blood-derived DNA from two affected patients, or the parents and one affected patient. We also have 50 families in which WES was negative, which we propose to study in a multi-omics approach combining WGS from blood-derived DNA. We anticipate that this study will lead to the identification of many new molecular causes of SBDs, as well as uncover new genotype-phenotype correlations and new disease mechanisms, paving the way for future breakthroughs in detection, treatment and prevention.

  Study phs002590

• Molecular Etiology of Early-Onset Dystonia

  Primary torsin dystonias (PTD) are a group of movement disorders characterized by twisting muscle contractures, where dystonia is the only clinical sign (except for tremor) and there is no evidence of neuronal degeneration or an acquired cause. Eleven genes have been mapped for primary dystonia including DYT1 (TOR1A), DYT2, DYT4 (TUBB4A), DYT6 (THAP1), DYT7, DYT13,, DYT17, DYT21, CIZ1, DYT24 (ANO3), and DYT25 (GNAL); however, only 3 genes (TOR1A, THAP1, and GNAL) have mutations in early onset dystonia patients. Each is inherited as an autosomal dominant trait but with reduced penetrance, meaning that individuals can carry the mutation but do not show clinical symptoms. The most common form of PTD is adult onset focal accounting for about 90% of all cases of dystonia with a prevalence estimated at 30/100,000 in the general population. A small percentage of focal cases are due to mutations in CIZ1, ANO3, THAP1, TUBB4A, and GNAL, but the vast majority is unaccounted for and is most likely multigenic or multifactorial. In this grant, focusing on early onset PTD, we will uncover genes that influence the penetrance of DYT1 (TOR1A) dystonia through GWAS and exome sequencing studies. We will identify other genes for early onset PTD using exome sequencing and determine whether variants within the identified early onset PTD genes or the pathways associated with these genes contribute to susceptibility in the most prevalent form of PTD, focal dystonia, using a case:control association study. The proposed research will identify novel PTD risk factors and genes, which in turn should reveal shared and intersecting pathways leading to a better understanding of the molecular basis of PTD and provide the underpinnings for developing new treatments. Additionally, insight into the factors that modulate disease penetrance would be a first step in determine whether these could be modified leading to a reduced incidence of the disease.

  Study phs001733

• Integrated genetic and epigenetic analysis defines novel molecular clusters in rhabdomyosarcoma

  Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most common soft tissue sarcoma in childhood. To unravel the genetic/epigenetic basis of RMS, we studied 60 RMS cases using whole exome/transcriptome sequencing, copy number (CN) profiling, and DNA methylome analysis. Based on DNA methylation patterns, RMS was clustered into 4 distinct subtypes, which exhibited remarkable correlation with mutation/CN profiles, histological phenotypes, and clinical behaviors. A1 and A2 subtypes, especially A1, largely corresponded to alveolar histology with frequent PAX3/7 fusions and alterations in cell cycle regulators. In contrast, mostly showing embryonal histology, both E1 and E2 subtypes were characterized by high frequency of CN alterations and/or allelic imbalances, FGFR4/RAS/AKT pathway mutations and PTEN mutations/methylation and in E2, also by p53 inactivation. Despite generally poor prognosis in RMS, patients in E1 cluster exceptionally showed excellent prognosis. Our results highlight the close relationship between DNA methylation status and gene mutations and biological behavior in RMS.

  Study EGAS00001000884

• Center for Common Disease Genomics [CCDG] - Cardiovascular: TexGen

  Cardiovascular disease (CVD), especially coronary heart disease, heart failure and cerebrovascular disease remain the leading causes of death in men and women across all race groups in the United States. Substantial evidence exists for genetic factors underlying CVD risk, and their discovery offers an opportunity to enhance understanding of disease mechanisms, to provide specific diagnostic and prognostic indicators, and to identify novel therapeutic targets. The Centers for Common Disease Genomics (CCDG) are a large-scale genome sequencing effort undertaken as a collaboration to identify rare risk and protective alleles for common chronic diseases, with a current focus on early onset heart disease, hemorrhagic stroke, and autism. In this study, whole genome sequencing (WGS) was performed in 6,146 individuals with any personal or family history of CVD from the TexGen study who were recruited from several institutions in the Texas Medical Center located in Houston, Texas. The participants included patients who were admitted with a variety of diagnoses including acute coronary syndromes, strokes, and transient ischemic attacks, or who underwent percutaneous coronary interventions or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) (Virani SS et al. Am J Cardiology 107:1504-1509, 2011). Patients in the TexGen cohort with a confirmed diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) or CABG when discharged from the hospital between 2001-2008 were eligible for a follow-up study of recurrent myocardial infarction (Virani SS et al. Circulation J 76:950-956, 2012), while those presenting with ACS beginning in 2007 were recruited for an investigation of the role of depressive symptoms in the risk of major adverse coronary events (Sanner J et al. Biol Res Nurs 20:168-176, 2018). In addition, the initial criterion for enrollment in a third TexGen sub-study undertaken between 2007 and 2013 was the occurrence of premature acute myocardial infarction in men ≤ 50 years and women ≤ 55 years in order to establish a blood sample collection resource with the intention of localizing genes that contribute to disease risk. This definition was later expanded to include individuals with a clinical history of premature coronary heart disease such as CABG or percutaneous coronary interventions.

  Study phs003010

• In this study, blood-brain barrier (BBB)-forming brain endothelial-like cells were generated from apolipoprotein E gene allele E4 (APOE4, high AD risk) and allele E3 (APOE3, lower AD risk) carrying patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Cells were subsequently exposed to focused ultrasound and microbubbles (FUS+MB) to induce BBB opening and their transcriptome analysed. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) results demonstrated minimal changes in the gene expression following FUS+MB suggesting safety of FUS+MB application in the clinical setting.

  The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a major impediment to therapeutic intracranial drug delivery for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Focused ultrasound applied together with microbubbles (FUS+MB) is a novel technique to transiently open the BBB and increase drug delivery. Evidence suggests that FUS+MB is safe, however the effects of FUS+MB on human BBB cells, especially in relation to AD, remain sparsely investigated. Here we developed a human sporadic AD BBB cell platform to investigate the effects of FUS+MB on BBB cells and screen for the delivery of two potentially therapeutic AD antibodies. We generated BBB cells from apolipoprotein E gene allele E4 (APOE4, high AD risk) and allele E3 (APOE3, lower AD risk) carrying patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). We utilized this robust and reproducible platform to demonstrate increased delivery of potentially therapeutic antibodies across the BBB, including an analogue of Aducanumab (AduhelmTM) following FUS+MB treatment. Our results also demonstrate the safety of FUS+MB indicated by minimal changes in the cell transcriptome as well as little or no changes in cell viability and inflammatory responses within first 24 h post FUS+MB, with potentially important implications in a clinical setting. Finally, we report a more physiologically relevant hydrogel-based 2.5D BBB model as a key development for FUS+MB-mediated drug delivery screening, with potentially higher translational utility. Our results provide an important advancement for identifying FUS+MB-deliverable drugs and screening for cell- and patient-specific effects of FUS+MB, accelerating its use as a therapy in AD.

  Study EGAS00001005944

• REDS-IV-P Epidemiology, Surveillance and Preparedness of the Novel SARS-CoV-2 Epidemic (RESPONSE)

  Leveraging access to the blood supply and blood donors, the REDS-IV-P program began conducting the RESPONSE study (REDS-IV-P Epidemiology, Surveillance and Preparedness of the Novel SARS-CoV-2 Epidemic) in early 2020 in order to 1) evaluate if SARS-CoV-2 RNA was found in blood donations in the U.S. using an assay that could potentially be used to screen the blood supply if evidence of SARS-CoV-2 transfusion-transmission became apparent 2) conduct serosurveys using optimized assays/algorithms to monitor antibody reactivity in blood donor populations over time, 3) enroll SARS-CoV-2 positive donors and others into a longitudinal cohort study to answer fundamental questions about the evolution of viremia and immune responses, and 4) establish a sharable biorepository that includes specimens collected early on in the infection and potentially large volumes of plasma from infected/convalescent donors.Screening for SARS-CoV-2 RNAemia was completed using a SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid test (NAT) performed on retained blood donor minipool samples from six geographic regions in the US. The study also included serosurveillance (i.e. testing for antibody directed against the SARS-CoV2 spike protein) of donations from the same six regions to document accruing seroincidence in blood donor populations and to project these rates in the general population. To enrich for donors with acute SARS-CoV-2 infection, another part of the study focused on donors reporting post-donation information (PDI) consistent with COVID-19 by testing plasma from all available PDI donations for SARS-CoV-2 RNA by NAT. Subjects who were diagnosed with COVID-19 based on PDI reports or who tested positive by SARS-CoV-2 NAT on index donation plasma were enrolled into a longitudinal follow-up study which collected multiple samples for up to one-year post-infection. The longitudinal follow-up study also enrolled community members who reported a new positive SARS-CoV-2 NAT test in the prior 7-14 days. The specific aims of the RESPONSE study were to: Establish the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 RNAemia in blood donations from the American Red Cross (ARC) regions in Los Angeles, Boston, and Minneapolis metropolitan areas, Bloodworks Northwest (BWNW), New York Blood Center (NYBC), and Vitalant San Francisco Bay Area, monthly between March and September of 2020 Conduct serosurveys to study antibody reactivity in same six areas as above monthly for March to August 2020 Document rates of Post Donation Information (PDI) reports to determine PDI rates relevant to SARS-CoV-2 clinical disease and test index donation plasma from PDI donors for SARS-CoV-2 RNA Enroll SARS-CoV-2 infected subjects into a longitudinal cohort study to answer fundamental questions on the evolution of viremia, early immune responses and waning of immunity over 3-12 months of follow-up Establish a sharable biorepository of samples from all of the above Aims for future research The data from Aims 3 and 4 above is being made available in BioData Catalyst.Biospecimens for these Aims are managed by Vitalant Research Institute (VRI). More information on biospecimens is available.

  Study phs003578

• A Single-Cell and Spatial Atlas of Early Human Olfactory Development

  The human nasal region is a complex structure derived from neural crest and placodal lineages, but its development remains poorly understood due to limited fetal tissue access and its intricate architecture. To address this, we created a single-nucleus and spatial transcriptomic atlas of the human fetal nasal region using tissue from 10 fetuses between 7 and 12 post-conceptional weeks. Single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) revealed 34 distinct cell types, including epithelial, cartilaginous, immune, neuronal, glial, muscular, and vascular cells. By integrating snRNA-seq with multiplexed error-robust fluorescence in situ hybridization (MERFISH), we tracked dynamic changes in cell composition and gene expression over time in the olfactory epithelium (OE) and surrounding nasal regions. We identified novel markers of olfactory sensory neuron development and key pathways regulating epithelial patterning and OE morphogenesis. Notably, we observed early molecular signatures consistent with the "one neuron-one receptor" model, with spatially organized expression of 171 olfactory receptor genes. Together, this study presents the first integrated molecular and spatial framework of early human nasal development. It offers an unprecedented molecular blueprint of olfactory system formation and serves as a foundational resource for embryologists and developmental biologists studying sensory neurogenesis, epithelial patterning, and congenital disorders.

  Dataset EGAD50000001712

• Extreme phenotypes define epigenetic and metabolic signatures in cardiovascular diseases

  Improving the understanding of cardiometabolic syndrome pathophysiology and its relationship with thrombosis are ongoing healthcare challenges. Using plasma biomarkers analysis coupled with the transcriptional and epigenetic characterisation of cell types involved in thrombosis, obtained from two extreme phenotype groups (obese and lipodystrophy) and comparing these to lean individuals and blood donors, the present study identifies the molecular mechanisms at play, highlighting patterns of abnormal activation in innate immune phagocytic cells and shows that extreme phenotype groups could be distinguished from lean individuals, and from each other, across all data layers. The characterisation of the same obese group, six months after bariatric surgery shows the loss of the patterns of abnormal activation of innate immune cells previously observed. However, rather than reverting to the gene expression landscape of lean individuals, this occurs via the establishment of novel gene expression landscapes. Netosis and its control mechanisms emerge amongst the pathways that show an improvement after surgical intervention. Taken together, by integrating across data layers, the observed molecular and metabolic differences form a disease signature that is able to discriminate, amongst the blood donors, those individuals with a higher likelihood of having cardiometabolic syndrome, even when not presenting with the classic features.

  Dataset EGAD00001005197

• Integrating Genomic and Transcriptomic Data to Identify Breast Cancer Susceptibility Genes

  Genetic factors play an important role in the etiology of both sporadic and familial breast cancer. Since 2007, common genetic variants in ~200 loci have been identified in genome-wide association studies (GWAS) in relation to breast cancer risk. However, it is often difficult to translate GWAS findings to disease prevention and treatment since causal genes in the large majority of GWAS-identified loci are unknown. Furthermore, a large fraction of breast cancer heritability remains unexplained. Recent studies suggest that nearly 80% of disease heritability can be explained by genetic variants regulating gene expression. Herein, we propose three well-powered transcriptome-wide association studies (TWAS) to systematically investigate the association of breast cancer risk with gene expression across the transcriptome of African, Asian and European descendants. In Aim 1, we will perform RNA sequencing and high-density genotyping assays using normal breast tissue samples, and build race-specific gene expression prediction models using data from 1000 women of African, Asian and European descent. These models will be applied to the GWAS data generated from approximately 320,000 breast cancer patients and controls to impute gene expression for association analyses of predicted gene expression with risk of breast cancer overall, and by estrogen receptor and HER2 status. In Aim 2, we will select the top 50 genes identified in Aim 1 for in vitro functional assays to assess their influence on major cell functions related to cancer biology. In Aim 3, we will evaluate whether TWAS-identified genes may express differently in normal breast tissues and breast cancer tissues collected from African, Asian, and European descendants to assess whether these genes may contribute to racial differences in breast cancer risk by molecular subtypes. With strong methodology and a large sample size, we believe that this proposed study should be able to identify and characterize a large number of novel genes related to breast cancer risk. Uncovering breast cancer susceptibility genes will greatly improve the understanding of the genetic and biological basis for breast cancer and accelerate the translation of genetic findings to disease prevention and patient care.

  Study phs003535

• Columbia-Yale-Bilkent Study: Genetics Study of Essential Tremor

  This is a research development/planning grant application to initiate collaborative studies with investigators at Bilkent University in Turkey to study the genetics of Essential Tremor (ET). ET is one of the most common neurological diseases, with an estimated 7 million affected individuals in the United States. The most characteristic clinical feature of ET is a kinetic tremor in the hands or arms, which is mild early in the disease process. As the disease progresses, tremor becomes more severe and more anatomically widespread (e.g., head, trunk). Aside from tremor, patients with ET may also present with other motor features including gait ataxia. Non-motor features can include psychiatric manifestations, cognitive decline and dementia. Despite its extraordinarily high prevalence, the genetic causes of ET are largely unknown. We propose to develop a genetic study of ET focusing on consanguineous families in Turkey. Turkey with a population of about 70 million has a high rate of consanguineous marriages. The rate of consanguinity is estimated to be as much as 20-25% with approximately 70% of all consanguineous marriages involving first cousins. Studying the genetics of ET in the Turkish population, particularly in large consanguineous families, may identify novel genetic causes of ET that are also relevant to ET populations in the United States and worldwide. The proposed research has a high probability of success with our collaborators Drs Ozcelik and Tekinay's expertise in human genetics and functional studies together with an established resource of large consanguineous ET families. The specific aims of this planning grant are to: (1) further develop and solidify collaborations with the team in Bilkent and define the scope of the research that will be the focus of an R01 application, (2) assess the Bilkent team's resources and needs in order to successfully conduct the research, (3) implement cross-training between the United States and Turkish groups in the areas of human genetics, genetic epidemiology and risk factor assessment, genomics, clinical diagnosis, functional studies and personalized genomic medicine, and (4) conduct pilot studies to generate preliminary data necessary for an R01 application.

  Study phs001507

• Characterisation of the genomic landscape of CRLF2-d ALL

  To determine the clinical and genetic landscape of CRLF2 deregulated acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (CRLF2-d ALL). We identified 172 patients with a CRLF2 rearrangement treated on either the UKALL2003 trial for children and adolescents (1-24 years) or the UKALLXII trial for adolescents and adults (15-59 years). Genomic technologies from conventional karyotyping, and FISH through to whole genome and exome sequencing were used to characterise the genomes of patients with CRLF2-d ALL. This is the largest study to date to investigate the genomic landscape of CRLF2-d ALL and define CRLF2-d as a unique subgroup of B-other ALL. We have confirmed the high incidence of CRLF2-d in Down syndrome-ALL and demonstrated the co-existence of CRLF2-d with other primary chromosomal rearrangements, suggesting that in these patients CRLF2-d can be a secondary genetic abnormality. Other defining features included enrichment of IKZF1, BTG1 and ADD3 deletions in IGH-CRLF2 patients and specific chromosomal gains seen at much higher frequencies than B-other ALL . We report recurrent established and new co-operating abnormalities and the novel involvement of USP9X and DDX3X in CRLF2-d ALL. It is clear from these data that CRLF2-d ALL is heterogenoeus, requiring a combination of genetic abnormalities in functionally relevent genes, to work alongside the deregulated expression of CRLF2 in order to initiate and drive leukaemogenesis in this subtype. Although the functional relevance of many of the abnormalities presented here are currently unknown, many are likely to activate alternate pathways or sensitize patients to current therapies.

  Dataset EGAD00001002007

• Characterisation of the genomic landscape of CRLF2-d ALL

  To determine the clinical and genetic landscape of CRLF2 deregulated acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (CRLF2-d ALL). We identified 172 patients with a CRLF2 rearrangement treated on either the UKALL2003 trial for children and adolescents (1-24 years) or the UKALLXII trial for adolescents and adults (15-59 years). Genomic technologies from conventional karyotyping, and FISH through to whole genome and exome sequencing were used to characterise the genomes of patients with CRLF2-d ALL. This is the largest study to date to investigate the genomic landscape of CRLF2-d ALL and define CRLF2-d as a unique subgroup of B-other ALL. We have confirmed the high incidence of CRLF2-d in Down syndrome-ALL and demonstrated the co-existence of CRLF2-d with other primary chromosomal rearrangements, suggesting that in these patients CRLF2-d can be a secondary genetic abnormality. Other defining features included enrichment of IKZF1, BTG1 and ADD3 deletions in IGH-CRLF2 patients and specific chromosomal gains seen at much higher frequencies than B-other ALL . We report recurrent established and new co-operating abnormalities and the novel involvement of USP9X and DDX3X in CRLF2-d ALL. It is clear from these data that CRLF2-d ALL is heterogenoeus, requiring a combination of genetic abnormalities in functionally relevent genes, to work alongside the deregulated expression of CRLF2 in order to initiate and drive leukaemogenesis in this subtype. Although the functional relevance of many of the abnormalities presented here are currently unknown, many are likely to activate alternate pathways or sensitize patients to current therapies.

  Dataset EGAD00001002008

• MILK-Omics: Systems Biology of Human Milk and Its Links to Maternal and Infant Health

  The primary objective of the project is to generate a systems-level view of human milk in the context of healthy mothers and their term infants. The study uses biospecimens and clinical data from the Mothers and Infants LinKed for Healthy Growth Study (MILk Study), a prospective observational cohort of approximately 500 exclusively breastfeeding women and their infants who are followed to 6 months of age. The project focuses on mature milk samples collected at 1 month postpartum and infant gut microbiome samples collected at 1 and 6 months of age. Specific Aim 1 is to identify maternal genetic and clinical factors that shape human milk gene expression. Using bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing of the milk cell pellet and genotypes from maternal DNA, we will identify novel genetic determinants of the milk transcriptome and assess potential modification of these genetic associations by gestational weight gain, diet, and other clinical factors. Specific Aim 2 is to describe key features of the normative human milk biosystem and their interactions with one another. Specifically, machine learning techniques will be used to characterize interaction networks and correlational structures among the following features of human milk: transcriptomics, microbiomes, oligosaccharides, metabolomics, lipidomics, and milk macronutrient composition. Specific Aim 3 is to establish how the milk biosystem is related to variation in infant gut microbiomes and health. dbGaP will house the maternal genotype and milk transcriptomics data.The infant microbiome sequence data are associated with BioProject PRJNA1019702.

  Study phs003408

• Ultra-long sequencing for contiguous haplotype resolution of the human immunoglobulin heavy chain locus

  Genetic diversity within the human immunoglobulin heavy chain (IGH) locus influences the expressed antibody repertoire and susceptibility to infectious and autoimmune diseases. However, repetitive sequences and complex structural variation pose significant challenges for large-scale characterization. Here, we introduce a method that combines Oxford Nanopore ultra-long sequencing and adaptive sampling with a bioinformatic pipeline to produce haplotype-resolved, annotated IGH assemblies. Notably, our strategy overcomes prior limitations in phasing resolution, enabling single-contig haplotype assemblies that span the entire IGH locus. We applied this method to four individuals and validated the accuracy of the IGH assemblies using Pacific Biosciences HiFi reads, demonstrating near-complete sequence congruence, detecting only indels with a high degree of confidence. Moreover, when applied to the reference material HG002, our pipeline revealed no base differences and a limited number of indels compared with the Telomere-to-Telomere genome benchmark across the IGH region. Importantly, in the four individuals, our approach uncovered 30 novel alleles and previously uncharacterized large structural variants, including a 120 kb duplication spanning IGHE to IGHA1 and an expanded seven-copy IGHV3-23 gene haplotype. These findings underscore the power of our method to resolve the full complexity of the IGH locus and uncover previously unrecognized variants that may affect immune function and disease susceptibility. Thus, our method provides a strong basis for future immunological research and translational applications.

  Study EGAS50000001042

• RNAseq and ATACseq data, derived from HGSC cell lines pre- and post- treatment with an epigenetic compound

  These data consist of transcriptome and chromatin accessibility data (RNAseq and ATACseq respectively) derived from five High-Grade Serous Ovarian Carcinoma (HGSC) cell lines. HGSC lines included PEO1, PEO4, PEA2, OVCAR5 and OVCAR8. Samples were taken pre- and post-treatment with a novel epigenetic compound, HKMTi-1-005, which targets the activity of two histone methyltransferases, EZH2 and G9a.

  Dataset EGAD50000000064

• Adult Eosinophilic Esophagitis Registry Atlas

  Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) arises in the setting of type 2 cytokine-driven inflammation, is characterized by the infiltration of eosinophils in the esophageal mucosa, and is associated with dysphagia and fibrostenotic complications. Disease development and progression involve complex interactions between epithelial cells, stromal cells and immune cells. Indeed, increased epithelial permeability is consistently found in EoE, potentially leading to increased antigen exposure and inflammation. Persistent inflammation can in turn lead to fibroblast activation and fibrosis, which, together with the mediators produced by eosinophils and mast cells, leads to dysmotility. To decipher the interactions between these cell types across distinct disease states, we obtained biopsies from 7 healthy controls and 15 EoE subjects, including both active disease and clinical remission, to perform single cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq).Each biopsy sample was enzymatically digested within 3 hours of collection with collagenase/dispase to generate a single cell suspension. Suspensions were then loaded on a 10x Chromium controller, and libraries were generated with the 3' Chemistry pipeline (v2 or v3) before sequencing on an Illumina sequencer. The resulting sequence data was demultiplexed and analyzed with the CellRanger pipeline to generate raw fastq files and processed gene-count matrices for each sample. Altogether, our study generated transcriptomic profiles from 421,312 individual cells after quality control and filtering.Our analyses reveal 60 cell subsets and functional alterations in cell states, compositions, and interactions that highlight previously unknown features of EoE. Active disease displayed enrichment of ALOX15+ macrophages, novel PRDM16+ dendritic cells expressing the EoE risk gene ATP10A, and cycling mast cells, with concomitant reduction of TH17 cells. Receptor–ligand expression uncovered eosinophil recruitment programs, increased fibroblast interactions in disease, and IL-9+IL-4+IL-13+TH2 and endothelial cells as potential mast cell interactors. Resolution of inflammation-associated signatures included mast and CD4+ Tissue-resident memory T (TRM) cell contraction and cell type-specific downregulation of eosinophil chemoattractant, growth, and survival factors.

  Study phs003574

• Genomic profiling of paediatric high grade gliomas from the HERBY clinical trial

  The HERBY trial was a phase-II open-label, randomised, multicentre trial evaluating bevacizumab in patients with newly-diagnosed non-brainstem high grade glioma (HGG) between the ages of 3-18yrs. 121 patients were randomised with 1yr event-free survival as the primary end-point. Confirmation of HGG diagnosis by reference pathology was mandatory before randomisation, followed by review with five independent expert neuropathologists. We collected specimens from 89 patients consenting to translational research, and performed Sanger sequencing for H3F3A, Illumina 450K BeadArray methylation profiling, and whole exome sequencing and RNA sequencing where possible. 7/89 patients (8%) harboured H3F3A G34R/V mutations, whilst 24/89 (27%) harboured H3F3A K27M, the latter reflecting a high proportion of the novel entity recognised in the 2016 WHO classification of diffuse midline glioma with H3K27M mutation. Both histone mutations conferred a significantly shorter progression-free (p=0.0104) and overall survival (p=0.00159). 450K methylation subtyping additionally identified a number of subgroups in histone wild-type cases. These included infrequent (4/86, 4.6%) cases with IDH1 mutation in older children, further categorised into astrocytic ATRX-mutant (n=3) or 1p19q co-deleted with TERT promoter mutation (n=1). 9/74, (12%) of cases were classified as biologically resembling pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma (PXA) by methylation profiling, with 5/9 harbouring BRAF V600E mutations and epithelioid histology, and 3/9 NF1 mutation and giant cell features. Three cases had methylation profiles more closely resembling low grade gliomas, though were morphologically high grade, and harboured MAPK dysregulation in two cases, with the third part of an additional infant (<3yrs) cohort. Finally, four cases had a mutational burden several orders of magnitude higher than the rest, with (2197-5332) somatic coding variants/sample reflecting a hypermutator phenotype. These data provide an important insight into the wide biological diversity of ‘HGG’ found in the paediatric age group and allow for a profound refinement of clinical trial interpretation.

  Study EGAS00001002328

• NHLBI GO-ESP: Family Studies (Mendelian Lipid Disorders)

  The NHLBI "Grand Opportunity" Exome Sequencing Project (GO-ESP), a signature project of the NHLBI Recovery Act investment, was designed to identify genetic variants in coding regions (exons) of the human genome (the "exome") that are associated with heart, lung and blood diseases. These and related diseases that are of high impact to public health and individuals from diverse racial and ethnic groups will be studied. These data may help researchers understand the causes of disease, contributing to better ways to prevent, diagnose, and treat diseases, as well as determine whether to tailor prevention and treatments to specific populations. This could lead to more effective treatments and reduce the likelihood of side effects. GO-ESP is comprised of five collaborative components: 3 cohort consortia - HeartGO, LungGO, and WHISP - and 2 sequencing centers - BroadGO and SeattleGO. In this study, we seek to identify the genetic cause of two monogenic lipid disorders-severe hypercholesterolemia and familial hypoalphalipoproteinemia. Monogenic severe hypercholesterolemia is clinically characterized by elevated total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels in plasma. Elevated LDL-cholesterol levels lead to excessive deposition of cholesterol in arterial walls, which eventually results in accelerated atherosclerosis and premature cardiovascular disease (CVD). Monogenic hypercholesterolemia has a prevalence of approximately one in 500 individuals, making it one of the most common inherited disorders. To date, mutations in the LDL receptor (LDLR) ligand-binding domains of APOB and PCSK9 have been shown to cause hypercholesterolemia. While mutations in these genes can explain a large percentage of clinically diagnosed patients, the underlying molecular determinant in a substantial fraction of patients remains unknown. Familial hypoalphalipoproteinemia (low HDL-C) is defined by an HDL-C below the age- and sex- specific 10th percentile. ABCA1, LCAT, and APOA1 are known to cause familial hypoalphalipoproteinemia. We hypothesize that: (1) additional novel genes responsible for Mendelian forms of low HDL-C exist; and (2) the causal gene and mutation(s) in each family may be discovered with exome analysis of just a few affected individuals in each pedigree.

  Study phs000587

• Aberrant RNA-splicing (neojunctions) offers a new source for targets, and our neoantigen discovery platform (SNIPP) characterizes a novel class of clonally-expressed splicing-derived neoantigens that elicit a CD8+ T-cell-mediated tumor killing response.

  RESULTS: Our pipeline identified 789 public neojunctions, with 32 neojunctions concurrently identified in transcriptomic and proteomic glioma data and predicted to be presented by HLA-A*02:01 with high confidence. IVS and subsequent 10x VDJ scRNA-seq identified TCR clonotypes reactive against neojunctions in RPL22 (n=7) and GNAS (n=1), the latter being highly intratumorally-conserved (detected in > 90% of spatially-mapped biopsies across 17/56 patients (26.78%)). TCR-transduced T-cells demonstrated recognition and immunogenic activation against endogenously processed and presented neoantigens in multiple GBM PDX cell lines. Furthermore, IDH1-mutant oligodendroglioma samples demonstrated significantly elevated expression of neojunctions over IDH1-mutant astrocytoma and IDH1wt subtypes. Differential gene expression (DESeq2) identified decreased expression of splicing factors due to oligodendroglioma-specific co-deletion of Chromosomes 1p/19q. siRNA knockdown of these splicing factors (e.g. SF3A3, SNRPD2) in IDH1wt glioma cells resulted in significantly increased expression of corresponding neojunctions.

  Study EGAS00001007986

• Study of Melanoma Risk in Australia and the United Kingdom

  The results from a small number of melanoma GWAS have been published. Initial studies identified several pigmentation- and nevus-associated loci that mediate an effect on melanoma risk, however, these studies were somewhat limited in that sample number (hence power) was low, they used first-generation low density SNP arrays, or used pools of DNA samples. Subsequently, additional melanoma GWAS have been completed, including a "Phase 2" study by the International Melanoma Genetics Consortium (GenoMEL), a full GWAS of the Australian sample resource previously used in a pooled-DNA GWAS, and study conducted through the MD Anderson Cancer Center and the Brigham and Women's Hospital. The groups who performed these studies have recently shared data and replicated a number of new melanoma susceptibility loci. Aside from the identification of novel loci, there are two additional notable outcomes of these studies. Firstly, an examination of the observed versus expected test statistics (Q-Q plot) from the Australian study, even after removing data from SNPs within known replicated susceptibility loci, reveals that there remains an excess of positive results. Similarly, the latest GenoMEL study finds almost three times as many SNPs reaching p-values between 10-4 and 10-5 as would be expected by chance. In the light of other studies of complex traits [1], these data suggest that studies based on additional melanoma samples from the same population are likely to identify an even larger "polygenic tail" and should prove invaluable in identifying and characterizing the underlying loci. A second observation, is that the effect size for replicated associations differs very little between GWAS. Given the strong effect of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) on risk of melanoma this might be expected to affect penetrance, particularly in the Australian and English samples, which are ethnically similar, but have very different sun exposures. We hypothesize that those SNPs whose effects are strongly mediated by UVR exposure may have smaller marginal effects on risk and are therefore harder to detect initially, suggesting a whole category of genetic effects that are unexplored.Indeed, most melanoma GWAS performed to date used samples from both European and Australian populations in discovery and or replication, and thus, existing studies have been poorly powered to detect associations with a wide difference in effect between these low- and high-UVR populations. Here, we wish to pursue this hypothesis further and plan to genotype additional cases drawn from the English and Australian populations. This will serve two complementary objectives: firstly, it will greatly increase our collective power to detect additional new melanoma risk alleles; secondly, it will highlight associations that are stronger specifically within the context of either low-UVR or high-UVR exposure environments. We posit that these data will be invaluable, not just for identifying novel melanoma-associated loci, but also for addressing gene-environment interactions. We have available a collection of valuable resources to help fulfill our aims. These include a considerable number of well-characterized and ungenotyped Australian and UK melanoma cases, as well as existing genotype data from sets of Australian and UK cases and population-based controls. We propose the following Specific Aims: To extend our current collective melanoma GWAS by genotyping a large number of additional UK and Australian cases. To jointly analyze these data and identify new melanoma risk loci. To determine whether pre-existing and new melanoma risk alleles show different degrees of association between the English and Australian populations, and assess whether these differences might be due to differences in sunlight exposure.

  Study phs000519

• Gabriella Miller Kids First (GMKF) Pediatric Research Program in Susceptibility to Ewing Sarcoma Based on Germline Risk and Familial History of Cancer

  Ewing sarcoma (EWS) is a deadly bone cancer that occurs in children and adolescents. Mounting evidence suggests that a genetic predisposition exists for this pediatric cancer, although the specific genetic contribution has yet to be identified. EWS has never been linked to a specific cancer predisposition syndrome, although several case reports have been published that describe siblings and cousins with EWS. Furthermore, neuroectodermal tumors appear to occur more commonly in families with EWS. The two consistent epidemiology findings in EWS include a very strong Caucasian predilection and increased rates of hernia in EWS patients and their family members. Finally, the role of genetic microsatellite repeats in EWS tumorigenesis has been recently described, and these GGAA microsatellites are polymorphic in repeat size and location across the genome. The study goals of this Kids First project include (1) To identify cancer predisposition genes in EWS trios increasing disease risk, (2) To identify genome-wide GGAA microsatellite repeats in EWS trios increasing disease risk, and (3) To identity de novo mutation and structural variant rates in EWS trios reflecting underlying DNA repair defects that increase disease risk. As part of the Kids First Common Fund initiative, this study proposal will further elucidate the genetic contribution to pediatric cancer development. Around 375 of these trios were selected for whole genome sequencing as part of the Gabriella Miller Kids First fund. The EWS trios have been collected as part of the Children's Oncology Group's AEPI10N5 Study ("Genetic Epidemiology of Ewing Sarcoma"), and each trio has associated phenotypic data including a detailed family history. We will interrogate the sequence data using our genomic analysis pipeline at the University of Utah and the Utah Science Technology and Research initiative's (USTAR) Center for Genetic Discovery. We will look for the genetic contribution to EWS and the sequence data with be shared in a repository designated by the Kids First Common Fund. The WGS of these ~375 EWS trios will help us to understand the genetic origins of a deadly childhood cancer and may lead to novel strategies for prevention and treatment.

  Study phs001228

• A Phase II Neoadjuvant Study of Palbociclib in Combination with Letrozole and Trastuzumab as Neoadjuvant Treatment of Stage II-III ER+ HER2+ Breast Cancer (PALTAN)

  Women with early stage ER+/HER2+ breast cancer (BC) are less likely to achieve pathological complete response (pCR) after chemotherapy with standard of care dual HER2 blockade than patients with ER-/HER2+ BC. Additionally, the toxicity burden of standard systemic therapy is high. Thus, this single arm phase 2 clinical trial investigated a novel de-escalation regimen with trastuzumab, letrozole, and palbociclib in those with early stage ER+/HER2+ BC. The aim was to determine if this treatment regimen will achieve similar pCR rates as conventional treatment and spare women the toxicity burden of regular treatments. The primary endpoint was pCR after 16 weeks of treatment with trastuzumab, letrozole, and palbociclib. Patients with newly diagnosed ER+ HER2+ invasive BC with clinical stages II and III were eligible for this protocol. Research biopsies were performed during the treatment course for whole exome and RNA sequencing, PAM50 molecular subtyping, and Ki67 assessment using immunohistochemistry for complete cell cycle arrest (CCCA: Ki67 ≤2.7%). Results showed a pCR of 7.7% and a rate of residual cancer burden at 0 or I of 38.5%. CCCA was observed in 85% at Cycle 1 day 15 post palbociclib, trastuzumab, and letrozole treatment (C1D15), compared to 27% at surgery after palbociclib was discontinued. PAM50 subtyping identified 31.2% HER2-E, 43.8% Luminal B, 25% Luminal A. 161 genes were differentially expressed comparing C1D15 to baseline. Whole exome and RNA sequencing data will be available through dbGaP.

  Study phs003147

• The Cancer Dependency Map (DepMap)

  The Cancer Dependency Map (DepMap) aims to accelerate precision cancer medicine by creating a comprehensive map of tumor vulnerabilities. The DepMap project genomically profiles a wide range of cancer models and characterizes them for their sensitivity to genetic and compound perturbations. The data is computationally analyzed to create a systematic overview of the genetic dependencies and compound sensitivities of cancer types and the predictive biomarkers that point to patient populations most likely to benefit from targeting of these vulnerabilities. The DepMap public portal has become a comprehensive resource to identify cancer vulnerabilities by providing datasets at scale, cutting-edge computational tools, and sophisticated visualization tools that together have accelerated the discovery of novel targets and biomarkers. Please visit Depmap.org to access the public portal.

  Study phs003444

• RNAseq data of polyA+ RNA from Leukocytes from 624 individuals of the SardiNIA cohort.

  We sequenced the polyA+ of the RNA of the leukocytes from 624 sardinian individuals with RNAseq (Illumina 2000, an average of round 60M reads per sample, 51 + 51 nt). Combining the genotype information of the same individuals (already available from the ProgeNIA project) with the transcriptome data we identified 21,183 independent expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) and 6,768 independent splicing quantitative trait loci (sQTLs), including 619 novel QTLs that exhibit population-specific trait associations. Using family relationships, we identified 809 segregating expression outliers and provide a new approach to study large effect regulatory variants and their relevance to traits. Our results provide insight into the effects of regulatory variants and their relationship to population history and individual genetic risk.

  Study EGAS00001002105

• National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK): Identification of VUR genes by exome sequencing

  Primary vesicoureteric reflux (PVUR), or non-syndromic VUR, is the most common type of congenital anomaly of the kidney and the urinary tract (CAKUT). PVUR is the single most important risk factor for pyelonephritis and renal parenchymal scarring in the pediatric age group. Renal parenchymal scarring due to PVUR is referred to as reflux nephropathy and is a major cause of end stage kidney disease requiring dialysis and kidney transplantation in children. PVUR shows familial aggregation; however, the specific genetic cause(s) of PVUR is unknown despite a number of linkage studies. Reasons for this include: variable expression of the disease, difficulty with case ascertainment, genetic heterogeneity and lack of large pedigrees that can facilitate locus identification. We have ascertained a large 97 member PVUR kindred spanning five generations. We performed a genome-wide linkage study (GWLS) on this family and obtained a significant genome-wide LOD score of 3.3 on chromosome 6p. We performed exome sequencing on affected individuals in the family and identified mutations in tenascin XB (TNXB) as a cause of familial VUR. The proposed studies have the following specific objectives: a) to define the role of tenascin genes in the etiology of PVUR, and b) to identify new PVUR causative genes. Our specific aims are (1) To perform mutation analysis in TNXB and other tenascins in a cohort of 200 individuals with familial and sporadic PVUR and define genotype/phenotype correlations. (2) To perform sequential genome wide linkage studies (GWLS) and whole exome/targeted sequencing in families with PVUR. Impact on public health: Identification of PVUR genes may provide a novel non-invasive diagnostic tool for a subset of children with PVUR. Furthermore, this research will provide insights into the pathogenesis of PVUR and further elucidate the pathways involved in the development of the kidney and genitourinary tract. Future studies will define the role of the genes in the etiology of other malformations of the kidney and urinary tract and also seek to unravel the mechanisms by which the identified gene causes PVUR and other malformations of the kidney and the urinary tract.

  Study phs000778

• Expression profiling of a human endocrine pancreas iPSC model

  Directed differentiation of stem cells offers a scalable solution to the need for human cell models recapitulating islet biology and T2D pathogenesis. We profiled mRNA expression at six stages of an induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) model of endocrine pancreas development from two donors, and characterized the distinct transcriptomic profiles associated with each stage. Established regulators of endodermal lineage commitment, such as SOX17 (log2 fold change [FC] compared to iPSCs=14.2, p-value=4.9x10-5) and the pancreatic agenesis gene GATA6 (log2 FC=12.1, p-value=8.6x10-5), showed transcriptional variation consistent with their known developmental roles. However, these analyses highlighted many other genes with stage-specific expression patterns, some of which may be novel drivers or markers of islet development. For example, the leptin receptor gene, LEPR, was most highly expressed in published data from in vivo-matured cells compared to the endocrine pancreas-like cells (log2 FC=5.5, p-value=2.0x10-12), suggesting a role for the leptin pathway in the maturation process. Endocrine pancreas-like cells showed significant stage-selective expression of adult islet genes, including INS, ABCC8, and GLP1R, and enrichment of relevant GO-terms (e.g. “insulin secretion”; odds ratio=4.2, p-value=1.9x10-3): however, principal component analysis indicated that in vitro-differentiated cells were more immature than adult islets. Integration of the stage-specific expression information with genetic data from T2D genome-wide association studies revealed that 46 of 82 T2D-associated loci harbor genes present in at least one developmental stage, facilitating refinement of potential effector transcripts. Together, these data show that expression profiling in an iPSC islet development model can further understanding of islet biology and T2D pathogenesis.

  Dataset EGAD00001002148

• DNA Methylation Analysis of Prostate Cancer Cell Lines and Tissues Using Next Generation Sequencing

  Aberrant DNA methylation changes are known to occur during prostate cancer progression beginning with precursor lesions. Utilizing fifty nanograms of genomic DNA in Methylplex-Next Generation Sequencing (M-NGS) we mapped the global DNA methylation patterns in prostate tissues (n=17) and cells (n=2). Peaks were located from mapped reads obtained in each sequencing run using a Hidden Markov Model (HMM)-based algorithm previously used for Chip-Seq data analysis(http://www.sph.umich.edu/csg/qin/HPeak). The total methylation events in intergenic/intronic regions between benign adjacent and cancer tissues were comparable. Promoter CGI methylation gradually increased from -12.6% in benign samples to 19.3% and 21.8% in localized and metastatic cancer tissues and approximately 20% of all CpG islands (CGIs) (68,508) were methylated in tissues. We observed distinct patterns in promoter methylation around transcription start sites, where methylation occurred directly on the CGIs, flanking regions and on CGI sparse promoters. Among the 6,691 methylated promoters in prostate tissues, 2481 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) are cancer specific and several previously studied targets were among them. A novel cancer specific DMR in WFDC2 promoter showed 77% methylation in cancer (17/22), 100% methylation in transformed prostate cell lines (6/6), none in the benign tissues (0/10) and normal PrEC cells. Integration of LNCaP DNA methylation and H3K4me3 data suggested a role for DNA methylation in alternate transcription start site utilization. While methylated promoters containing CGIs had mutually exclusive H3K4me3 modification, the histone mark was absent in CGI sparse promoters. Finally, we observed difference in methylation of LINE-1 elements between transcription factor ERG positive and negative cancers. The comprehensive methylome map presented here will further our understanding of epigenetic regulation of the prostate cancer genome. Overall Design: We mapped the global DNA methylation patterns in prostate tissues (n=17) and cells (n=2) from fifty nanograms of genomic DNA using Methylplex-Next Generation Sequencing (M-NGS). For replicate analysis in cell lines, a total of 4 runs were completed for PrEC prostate normal cell line, and 5 runs were completed for LNCaP prostate cancer cell line. For tissue samples, 2 benign prostate samples were sequenced twice on Illumina next generation sequencing platform to access overall repeatability of M-NGS.

  Study phs000597

• NHGRI GREGoR Consortium: Genomics Research to Elucidate the Genetics of Rare Disease

  The NHGRI GREGoR (Genomics Research to Elucidate the Genetics of Rare Disease) Consortium was established in June 2021 with the goal of developing novel tools and approaches to advance the discovery of the genetic basis of rare conditions. Numerous types of molecular data are generated in GREGoR and available on the AnVIL cloud platform via dbGaP application, including short- and long-read genome and exome sequencing, transcriptomics, metabolomics, methylomics, and proteomics. De-identified clinical and demographic data is obtained, with a focus on standardized ontologies.Visit the GREGoR Consortium data webpage for summary information about the GREGoR Dataset, including numbers of participants and data types, methods documentation, and Release Notes. The Consortium comprises five Research Centers (RCs - see below), a Data Coordinating Center (DCC), and various partner members and external collaborators.Baylor College of Medicine Research Center (BCM-GREGoR) The Baylor College of Medicine GREGoR program, which is part of the GREGoR consortium, enrolls individuals, families, and cohorts with suspected rare disease across a range of syndromic and non-syndromic phenotypes. Subjects are enrolled from national and international collaborating physician referrals. Subjects provide written informed consent for future re-contact. Data generated and shared include family structure, detailed phenotypes, exome or short-read genome data, and in some cases long-read genome or RNA-sequencing, and these are shared upon completion of standard quality control checks and annotation. Broad Institute (Broad) The Broad Center for Mendelian Genomics, part of the GREGoR consortium uses next-generation sequencing (exome, genome, transcriptome, and long read sequencing), computational approaches, and functional studies to discover the variants and genes that underlie Mendelian conditions with a particularly focus on neuromuscular, neurodevelopmental, and syndromic phenotypes. Samples come from collaborators and direct enrollment through the Rare Genomes Project and we are committed to rapid data sharing without an embargo period. University of California, Irvine (UCI-GREGoR) To accelerate the pace of Mendelian disease gene discovery and clinical implementation, we propose a Mendelian Genomics Research Center, part of the GREGoR Consortium, leveraging the broad pediatric and adult clinical and research expertise at Children's National Hospital and University of California, Irvine. Our goal is to develop best practices to increase the diagnostic yield of rare diseases, engage the community to reduce health disparities for complex diagnoses, while creating a dataset accessible to all. Our Center will unite world class experts combining basic and translational research with innovative approaches to phenotyping, variant identification and functional investigation of both coding and non-coding sequence changes with the goals of discovering novel Mendelian gene variations and identifying variants not detected on current sequencing pipelines, disambiguating uncertain variants into disease-causing versus benign categorizations, and sharing information by working collaboratively with the GREGoR community.GREGoR Stanford Site (GSS) The goal of the GREGoR Stanford Site (GSS) is to provide a platform for functional genomics research and validation to improve diagnosis in Mendelian disease. Participants included individuals with undiagnosed suspected Mendelian disease who had non-diagnostic exome sequencing and their immediate family members. Participants and their family members provided written, informed consent and biological samples from which DNA, RNA, plasma, fibroblasts, PBMCs and other cell types were generated and stored. Samples from research participants and their immediate family members may have undergone short and long-read genome sequencing, transcriptome sequencing, metabolomics and/or lipidomics profiling, methyl-capture-sequencing and ATAC-sequencing. De-identified clinical data extracted from participant medical records are linked to the samples. University of Washington Center for Rare Disease Research (UW-CRDR) The goals of the University of Washington Center for Rare Disease Research are to: (1) maximize novel gene discovery for Mendelian conditions by recruitment, short- and long-read whole genome sequencing, transcriptome sequencing and analysis of families with rare conditions for which the gene is either unknown or the gene is known but no pathogenic variant can be identified via clinical testing; (2) develop new strategies for gene discovery for Mendelian conditions caused by variants that are difficult to detect using conventional testing strategies, variants of unknown function effect (e.g., regulatory, structural variants) or have unusual modes of inheritance; and (3) implement high-throughput screening and targeted follow-up functional studies to prioritize and validate candidate non-coding variants. De-identified data and phenotypic information are shared via MyGene2, ClinVar, and AnVIL.

  Study phs003047

• A novel subset of human CD33+ haematopoietic stem cells characterized at single-cell resolution

  Elucidation of the identity and diversity of mechanisms that sustain long-term human blood cell production remains an important challenge. Previous studies indicate that, in adult mice, this property is ultimately vested in cells uniquely identified by their ability to clonally regenerate detectable levels of mature blood cells in serially transplanted recipients. We now present a combined multi-parameter analysis of the molecular features of very primitive human cord blood cells that display different cell output activities in vitro and in vivo. These analyses identified a new, prospectively separable, but still functionally heterogeneous, subset of long-term human blood-forming cells. Single-cell measurements of their transcriptional, DNA methylation and 40-protein content and of closely related phenotypes revealed numerous subtle, but consistent differences both within and between each subset analyzed. These results suggest that multiple regulatory mechanisms underlie the functional heterogeneity exhibited by clonally tracked human blood cell precursors with long-term output abilities.

  Study EGAS00001002826

• Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (GDNF) Polymorphisms and Anxiety, Depression

  GDNF gene variants were studied as possible risk factors of depression or anxiety on a young sample. The association study involved eight (rs1981844, rs3812047, rs3096140, rs2973041, rs2910702, rs1549250, rs2973050 and rs11111) GDNF single nucleotide polymorphisms and anxiety and depression scores measured by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) on 708 Caucasian young adults with no psychiatric history. Results provided significant effects of two single nucleotide polymorphisms on anxiety scores following the Bonferroni correction for multiple testing (p=0.00070 and p=0.00138 for rs3812047 and rs3096140, respectively). Haplotype analysis confirmed the role of these SNPs (p=0.00029). A significant sex-gene interaction was also observed since the effect of the rs3812047 A allele as a risk factor of anxiety was more pronounced in males. This is the first demonstration of a significant association between the GDNF gene and mood characteristics demonstrated by the association of two SNPs of the GDNF gene (rs3812047 and rs3096140) and individual variability of anxiety using self-report data from a non-clinical sample. Reprinted from Kotyuk et. al., 2013 (Kotyuk, E., Keszler, G., Nemeth, N., Ronai, Z., Sasvari-Szekely, M., and Szekely, A. (2013). Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (GDNF) as a Novel Candidate Gene of Anxiety. PLoS One,8, (12) PMID: 24324616), with permission from Publisher (All content of articles published in PLOS journals is open access. You can read about our open access license here: http://www.plos.org/about/open-access/. To summarize, this license allows you to download, reuse, reprint, modify, distribute, and/or copy articles or images in PLOS journals, so long as the original creators are credited (e.g., including the article's citation and/or the image credit); Laura Perry; Staff EO;PLOS ONE)

  Study phs000713

• Blood Transcriptome Profiling Following Seizures

  The retrospective diagnosis or confirmation of a seizure, after the event, is very challenging. Many times clinicians can only use a patient's self-reported history. To further complicate the diagnosis, it is known that 20-30% of patients reporting a seizure actually suffer from psychogenic non-epileptic seizure (PNES). The patient has the behavior of a seizure, but does not suffer from brain seizure activity. Considerable time and resources are used to monitor PNES, and many patients undergo unnecessary therapy with anti-epileptic drugs. These resources could be more effectively used if we could confirm a seizure after the event (retrospective diagnosis). Here we propose a novel approach to distinguish seizures from PNES after the seizure event has happened.We have developed an accurate blood biomarker technology to diagnose acute brain injury, and assess chronic progression following brain injury. Previous studies support the premise that seizures affect blood RNA expression; here we assess temporal RNA expression pattern changes following seizure. We present preliminary preclinical data showing the discrimination of electric-stimulation evoked animal seizures. Here, we validate this maturing technology to assist with the discrimination of epileptic seizures from psychogenic non-epileptic seizures. We will analyze blood samples from patients undergoing video EEG monitoring in an epilepsy monitoring unit (Emory University Hospital, Atlanta GA). We expect 20% of these patients will have PNES. Once a patient has an EEG verified seizure, we will collect blood at various time points and identify biomarker RNA molecules in the blood. Blood samples will be collected from patients with non-verified seizures as control. These RNA expression values will be used to develop a predictive test for the occurrence of seizures. A biomarker gene panel will be developed from this exploratory project for validation in a larger patient population.

  Study phs003460

• Gene Environment Association Studies (GENEVA): Genetics of Early Onset Stroke (GEOS) Study

  The Genetics of Early Onset Stroke (GEOS) Study is a population-based case-control study designed to identify genes associated with early-onset ischemic stroke and to characterize interactions of identified stroke genes and/or SNPs with environmental risk factors such as smoking and oral contraceptive use. The GEOS study consists of 921 ischemic stroke cases with age of first stroke 16-50 years and a similar number of controls, identified from the Baltimore-Washington area. Cases and controls were recruited in 3 different time periods: Stroke Prevention in Young Women-1 (SPYW-1) conducted from 1992-1996, Stroke Prevention in Young Women-2 (SPYW-2) conducted from 2001-2003, and Stroke Prevention in Young Men (SPYM) conducted from 2003-2007. The overall GEOS sample includes 477 cases who self-reported their race as "white" and 396 cases who self-reported their race as "African American." Traditional stroke risk factors and other study variables, including age, ethnicity, and history of hypertension, diabetes, myocardial infarction (MI), current smoking status, and current oral contraceptive use (both defined as use within one month prior to event for cases and at a comparable reference time for controls), were also collected during standardized interview and were included as covariates in our analyses. This study is part of the Gene Environment Association Studies initiative (GENEVA, http://www.genevastudy.org) funded by the trans-NIH Genes, Environment, and Health Initiative (GEI). The overarching goal is to identify novel genetic factors that contribute to early-onset ischemic stroke through large-scale genome-wide association studies of cases and controls of European and African descent from the Baltimore-Washington area. Genotyping was performed at the Johns Hopkins University Center for Inherited Disease Research (CIDR). Data cleaning and harmonization were done at the GEI-funded GENEVA Coordinating Center at the University of Washington.

  Study phs000292

• A Scalable, GMP-Compatible, Autologous Organotypic Cell Therapy for Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa

  Gene editing in induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells has been hailed for enabling new cell therapies for various monogenetic diseases including dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB). However, manufacturing, efficacy, and safety roadblocks have limited the development of genetically corrected, autologous iPS cell-based therapies. Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa Cell Therapy (DEBCT), is a new generation, Good Manufacturing Practice-compatible (cGMP), reproducible, and scalable platform to produce autologous clinical-grade iPS cell-derived organotypic induced skin composite (iSC) grafts to treat incurable wounds of patients lacking type VII collagen (C7). DEBCT uses a single step, combined, high-efficiency reprogramming, and CRISPR-based genetic correction to generate genome scar-free, COL7A1 corrected clonal iPS cells from primary patient fibroblasts. Validated iPS cells are converted into epidermal, dermal, and melanocyte progenitors with a novel 2D organoid differentiation protocol, followed by CD49f enrichment and expansion to minimize maturation heterogeneity. iSC product characterization by single cell transcriptomics was followed by mouse xenografting for disease correcting activity at 1 month and toxicology analysis at 1-6 months. Culture-acquired mutations, potential CRISPR-off target effects, and cancer-driver variants were evaluated by targeted and whole genome sequencing. iPS cell-derived iSC grafts were reproducibly generated from four recessive DEB patients with different pathogenic mutations. Organotypic iSC grafts onto immune-compromised mice developed into stable stratified skin with functional C7 restoration. Single cell transcriptomic characterization of iSCs revealed prominent holoclone stem cell signatures in keratinocytes and the recently described Gibbin-dependent signature in dermal fibroblasts. The latter correlated with enhanced graftability. Multiple orthogonal sequencing and subsequent computational approaches identified random and non-oncogenic mutations introduced by the manufacturing process. Toxicology revealed no detectable tumors after 3-6 months in DEBCT-treated mice. In conclusion, DEBCT successfully overcomes previous roadblocks and establishes a robust, scalable, and safe cGMP manufacturing platform for the production of a CRISPR-corrected autologous organotypic skin graft to heal DEB patient wounds.

  Study phs003271

• Separation of chronic myeloid leukemia stem cells from normal hematopoietic stem cells at single-cell resolution

  Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a clonal disease, initiated and sustained by a subpopulation of CML stem cells (CML-SC) containing the BCR::ABL1 oncogene. Genetic markers that enrich for CML-SC have been identified, including CD26 being most specific. Genome sequencing analysis remain yet to be performed at single cell level in order to determine differences and heterogeneity in the genetic profile of CML-SC versus normal hematopoietic stem cells (HSC). Here we show that CD26 and CD33 separate CML-SC from normal HSC in freshly isolated bone marrow samples from newly diagnosed CML patients. DNA sequencing confirms that single CML-SC derived colonies are positive for BCR::ABL1 and harbor a recurrent set of patient-specific clonal somatic mutations across different CML-SC derived colonies. In contrast, marker-negative (CD26-CD33-) HSC from the same patients are negative for the BCR::ABL1 oncogene and do not carry recurrent, clonal mutation across different colonies. These results support the concept that CD26/CD33 expression separates genetically defined, clonal mutant CML-SC from normal HSC that carry individual sets of random mutations in CML patients. We provide whole exome DNA sequencing data for 23 clinical samples of CML-SC plus two buccal swipes derived normal samples. CML samples are comprised of 4 to 8 replicates from two patients, at diagnosis and after treatment. Single CML stem cells before treatment and single non-transformed HSC at remission were selected from bone marrow samples by FACS, according to genetic markers CD33+CD26+ at diagnosis and CD33+CD26-/CD33-CD26- at remission. WES libraries of colony forming assays derived CML-SC and HSC populations were prepared using Agilent SureSelect Human All Exon V6 kit and sequenced running 150 cycles (2x 75bp paired-end) on an Illumina NextSeq 500 platform. Following GATK best practices for somatic mutation calling, novel CML variants and random mutation events during remission phase were obtained.

  Study EGAS00001006904