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

in 22.16 milliseconds.

• Establishment of xenogfafts and cultured cell lines from clinical samples

  The purpose of the present study was to clarify the presence or absence of alterations in the molecular properties of patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) with up to eight passages in endometrial carcinomas. Alterations in the proportion of immunohistochemically positive/negative cells for PAX8, estrogen receptor, PAX2, and PTEN were observed in established PDXs of endometrioid carcinomas and carcinosarcomas, whereas proportions of cells with AE1/AE3, TP53, ARID1A PMS2, and MSH6 were maintained. Variants of cancer-associated genes in PDX compared to those in the parental tumors were examined in two cases, a frameshift deletion in BRCA1 was observed in the parental tumor tissue, and additional genomic alterations were found in the PDXs of this case. Genomic and phenotypic alterations in endometrial carcinoma PDXs relative to the parental tumors were observed and were partly associated with endometrial cancer-specific characteristics in cellular differentiation and gene mutations.

  Study JGAS000585

• RNA-Seq studies of Gene Expression in Cells and Networks in FI and ACC in Autism

  RNA-Seq studies of Gene Expression in Cells and Networks in FI (fronto-insular) and AC (anterior cingulate) cortex in Autism. We seek to understand the cellular bases of autism by using a new technology, RNA-Seq, to determine differences in gene expression in autopsy brains of subjects with well described autism versus age and sex matched neurotypical individuals. We have investigated two specific cortical areas involved in self-awareness and social reciprocity which are abnormal in autism and have found increased expression in a network of genes related to inflammation in autism group A, whereas the remaining cases, autism group B, have increased expression in a network of genes related to synapses. The current dbGaP study release includes RNA sequencing and phenotype data of n=27 subjects of African - American, Caucasian, or Hispanic origin.

  Study phs000609

• Nuclease deficiencies alter plasma cell-free DNA methylationprofiles (mouse)

  The effects of DNASE1L3 or DNASE1 deficiency on cfDNA methylation was explored in plasma of mice deficient in these nucleases and in DNASE1L3-deficient humans. Compared to wildtype cfDNA, cfDNA in Dnase1l3-deficient mice was significantly hypomethylated, while cfDNA in Dnase1-deficient mice was hypermethylated. The cfDNA hypomethylation in Dnase1l3-deficient mice was due to increased fragmentation and representation from open chromatin regions (OCRs) and CpG islands (CGIs). These findings were absent in Dnase1-deficient mice.

  Study EGAS00001004696

• Nuclease deficiencies alter plasma cell-free DNA methylationprofiles (Human)

  The effects of DNASE1L3 or DNASE1 deficiency on cfDNA methylation was explored in plasma of mice deficient in these nucleases and in DNASE1L3-deficient humans. Compared to wildtype cfDNA, cfDNA in Dnase1l3-deficient mice was significantly hypomethylated, while cfDNA in Dnase1-deficient mice was hypermethylated. The cfDNA hypomethylation in Dnase1l3-deficient mice was due to increased fragmentation and representation from open chromatin regions (OCRs) and CpG islands (CGIs). These findings were absent in Dnase1-deficient mice.

  Study EGAS00001004897

• Biallelic DICER1 mutations in sporadic pleuropulmonary blastoma

  Pleuropulmonary blastoma (PPB) is an extremely rare pediatric malignancy in the lung, whose pathogenesis is poorly understood, except for recent reports of frequent germline heterozygous DICER1 mutations. To investigate the genetic basis of PPB, we performed whole-exome sequencing in 7 representative PPB cases, followed by targeted deep sequencing in 12 cases with PPB. DICER1 mutations were found in 11/12 cases. Biallelic DICER1 mutations were common in PPB, in which RNase IIIb domain mutations were found in all cases with or without nonsense/frameshift mutations and were somatic in all evaluable cases. A majority of cases had mutated DICER1 alleles in germline with or without an additional somatic mutation in the remaining allele, while other cases had exclusively somatic mutations involving the RNase IIIb domain. TP53 deletions/mutations were detected in 8/12 cases. Our results highlight a unique role of the RNase IIIb domain mutations and TP53 inactivation in PPB pathogenesis.

  Study EGAS00001000662

• Blood transcriptome profiling links immunity to disease severity in myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1).

  The blood transcriptome was examined in relation to disease severity in type I myotonic dystrophy (DM1) patients who participated in the Observational Prolonged Trial In DM1 to Improve QoL- Standards (OPTIMISTIC) study. This sought to a) ascertain if transcriptome changes were associated with increasing disease severity, as measured by the muscle impairment rating scale (MIRS) and b) es-tablish if these changes in mRNA expression and associated biological pathways were also observed in the Dystrophia Myotonica Biomarker Discovery Initiative (DMBDI) microarray dataset in blood (with equivalent MIRS/DMPK repeat length). The changes in gene expression were compared using a number of complementary pathways, gene ontology and upstream regulator analyses, which suggested that symptom severity in DM1 was linked to transcriptomic alterations in innate and adaptive im-munity associated with muscle wasting. Future studies should explore the role of immunity in DM1 in more detail to assess its relevance to DM1.

  Study EGAS00001006926

• Whole Exome Sequencing Study of TGFΒ Pathway Genes in HCV Liver Fibrosis

  Despite the astonishing progress in treating chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection with direct-acting antiviral agents, liver fibrosis remains a major health concern in HCV infected patients, in particular due to the treatment cost and insufficient HCV screening in many countries. Only a fraction of patients with chronic HCV infection develop liver fibrosis. While there is evidence that host genetic factors are involved in the development of liver fibrosis, the common variants identified so far, in particular by genome-wide association studies, were found to have limited effects. Here, we conducted an exome association study in 88 highly selected HCV-infected patients with and without fibrosis. A strategy focusing on TGF-β pathway genes revealed an enrichment in rare variants of the endoglin gene (ENG) in fibrosis patients. Replication studies in additional cohorts (617 patients) identified one specific ENG variant, Thr5Met, with an overall odds ratio for fibrosis development in carriers of 3.04 (1.39-6.69). Our results suggest that endoglin, a key player in TGF-β signaling, is involved in HCV-related liver fibrogenesis.

  Study phs001902

• Nasal Polyp RNAsequencing, Skaraborg Sweden

  Whole-transcriptome sequencing (RNAseq) in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) and controls. Differential expression patterns in genes involved in cilia, viral defense and NKT-cell specific pathways, suggesting a role of viral immunity in combination with cilia functionality in CRSwNP.

  Study EGAS00001007088

• Exome sequencing identifies mutation of the ribosome in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia

  Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common pediatric malignancy and responds well to therapy in children, but not in adults. We used exome sequencing of 67 T-cell ALL (T- ALL) samples to gain insight in the mutational spectrum and age related differences of these leukemias. We detected protein-altering mutations in 508 genes, with an average of 8.2 mutations in pediatric and 21.0 in adult T-ALL. Based on stringent filtering, we predict 15 of these genes to be drivers, including 7 genes that were not previously implicated in T-ALL. We identify CNOT3 as a new tumor suppressor, as it is mutated in 12.2 % of adult T-ALLs and its knock-down causes de novo tumors in a sensitized drosophila eye tumor model. In addition, we identify mutations in RPL5 and RPL10, proteins of the 60S ribosomal complex2, in 18.2 % of pediatric T-ALLs. Mutation of arginine 98 in the X-linked RPL10 gene was most frequent. Yeast cells expressing the Rpl10 R98S mutant showed a clear ribosome biogenesis defect, excluding that this mutation is a passenger mutation. Our data provide insights in the mutational landscape of pediatric and adult T-ALL and identify the ribosome as a potential oncogenic factor in cancer.

  Study EGAS00001000296

• Presence of rare potential pathogenic variants in subjects under 65 years old with very severe or fatal COVID‑19

  Rare variants affecting host defense against pathogens could be involved in COVID‑19 severity and may help explain fatal outcomes in young and middle‑aged patients. Our aim was to report the presence of rare genetic variants in certain genes, by using whole exome sequencing, in a selected group of COVID‑19 patients under 65 years who required intubation or resulting in death (n = 44). To this end, different etiopathogenic mechanisms were explored using gene prioritization‑based analysis in which genes involved in immune response, immunodeficiencies or blood coagulation were studied. We detected 44 different variants of interest, in 29 different patients (66%). Some of these variants were previously described as pathogenic and were located in genes mainly involved in immune response. A network analysis, including the 42 genes with candidate variants, showed three main components, consisting of 25 highly interconnected genes related to immune response and two additional networks composed by genes enriched in carbohydrate metabolism and in DNA metabolism and repair processes. In conclusion, we have detected candidate variants that may potentially influence COVID‑19 outcome in our cohort of patients. Further studies are needed to confirm the ultimate role of the genetic variants described in the present study on COVID‑19 severity.

  Study EGAS00001006372

• Gene Expression between PMD and Control LCLs at Baseline, E2, and E2 Withdrawal

  In this study, lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs) derived from women with past perimenopausal depression (PMD) (n = 8) and asymptomatic controls (n = 9) were compared via poly(A)-selected transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq). LCLs were cultured in three experimental conditions: at vehicle baseline (ovarian steroid-free), during estradiol (E2) treatment, and following E2-withdrawal. Transcriptomic analysis revealed significant differences in transcript expression in PMD LCLs compared to controls in all experimental conditions, and significant overlap in genes that were changed in PMD regardless of experimental condition. Among these, chemokine CXCL10 was upregulated in women with PMD, but most so after E2-WD and CYP7B1, an enzyme intrinsic to DHEA metabolism, was upregulated in PMD across experimental conditions. Finally, this in vitro model identified gene networks dysregulated in PMD which included inflammatory response, early/late E2-response, and cholesterol homeostasis. Data available will include the normalized counts for each subject in the study.

  Study phs003003

• A CCG expansion in ABCD3 causes oculopharyngodistal myopathy in individuals of European ancestry

  In this study we describe the identification of CCG expansions in ABCD3 in affected individuals across eight unrelated OPDM families of European ancestry. In two large Australian OPDM families, using a combination of linkage studies, short-read WGS and targeted ONT sequencing, we identified CCG expansions in the 5’UTR of ABCD3. Independently, the ABCD3 CCG expansion was identified through the 100,000 Genomics England Genome Project in three individuals from two unrelated UK families diagnosed with OPDM.

  Study EGAS50000000298

• Location specific ACVR1, FGFR1 and TP53 mutations in pediatric glioblastomas in conjunction with H3.3 K27M.

  Recurrent somatic H3 K27M mutations characterize midline pediatric high-grade astrocytomas (pHGAs). In 40 treatment-naïve midline pHGAs we find additional somatic mutations specific to tumor location. Gain-of-function mutations in ACVR1 occur in tumors of the pons in conjunction with H3.1K27M, while FGFR1 mutations/fusions occur in thalamic tumors in conjunction with H3.3 K27M. Genetic profiles of pHGA show actionable targets, suggesting that pre-treatment biopsy could effectively orient therapeutic efforts.

  Study EGAS00001000720

• Rare coding variants in lupus risk genes

  Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is the prototypic systemic autoimmune disease. It is thought that many common variant gene loci of weak effect act additively to predispose to common autoimmune diseases, while the contribution of rare variants remains unclear. Here we describe that rare coding variants in lupus-risk genes are present in most SLE patients and healthy controls. We demonstrate the functional consequences of rare and low frequency missense variants in the interacting proteins BLK and BANK1, which are present alone, or in combination, in a substantial proportion of lupus patients. The rare variants found in patients, but not those found exclusively in controls, impair suppression of IRF5 and type-I IFN in human B cell lines and increase pathogenic lymphocytes in lupus-prone mice. Thus, rare gene variants are common in SLE and likely contribute to genetic risk.

  Study EGAS00001003548

• Genomic analyses of gynecologic carcinosarcomas reveal frequent mutations in chromatin remodeling genes

  Malignant Mixed Müllerian Tumors, also known as carcinosarcomas, are rare tumors of gynecological origin. Here we perform whole exome analyses of 22 tumors using massively parallel sequencing to determine the mutational landscape of this tumor type. On average, we identify 43 mutations per tumor, excluding four cases with a mutator phenotype that harbored inactivating mutations in mismatch repair genes. In addition to mutations in TP53 and KRAS, we identify genetic alterations in chromatin remodeling genes, ARID1A and ARID1B, in histone methyltransferase MLL3, in histone deacetylase modifier SPOP, and in chromatin assembly factor BAZ1A, in nearly two thirds of cases. Alterations in genes with potential clinical utility are observed in more than three quarters of the cases and included members of the PI 3-kinase and homologous DNA repair pathways. These findings highlight the importance of the dysregulation of chromatin remodeling in carcinosarcoma tumorigenesis and suggest new avenues for personalized therapy.

  Study EGAS00001000941

• An instructive role for IL7RA in the development of human B-cell precursor leukemia

  Kinase signaling fuels growth of B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (BCP-ALL). Yet its role in leukemia initiation is unclear and has not been shown in primary human hematopoietic cells. We previously described activating mutations in interleukin-7 receptor alpha (IL7RA) in poor-prognosis “ph-like” BCP-ALL. Here we show that expression of activated mutant IL7RA in human CD34+ hematopoietic cells creates a preleukemic state in transplanted NOD/LtSz-scid IL2Rγnull mice, characterized by persistence of self-renewing Pro-B cells with non-productive V(D)J gene rearrangements. Preleukemic CD34+CD10highCD19+ cells evolved to a BCP-ALL with spontaneously acquired CDKN2A deletions as commonly observed in primary human BCP-ALL. CRISPR mediated silencing of CDKN2A in primary human CD34+ cells transduced with activated IL7RA resulted in robust development of BCP-ALLs in-vivo. Thus, we demonstrate for the first time that constitutive activation of IL7RA can initiate preleukemia in primary human hematopoietic progenitors and cooperates with CDKN2A silencing in progression into BCP-ALL.

  Study EGAS00001005347

• ERBB2/HER2 transmembrane and juxtamembrane domain mutations in cancer

  In this study, we identified several recurrent activating HER2 somatic mutations in transmembrane and juxtamembrane domain in multiple cancers and demonstrate that patients carryingthese mutations are candidates for anti-HER2 therapy. We have also identified a germline mutation in HER2 transmembrane domain.

  Study EGAS00001003213

• Efficacy of CDK4/6i in preclinical models of malignant pleural mesothelioma

  Assessment of antitumor activity of CDK4/6 inhibitors using in vitro and in vivo preclinical models of MPM using RNA-sequencing. We also include the genomic characterization (whole exome sequencing) of patient-derived cell lines used in the in vitro experiments.

  Study EGAS00001005352

• Collaborative Cohort of Cohorts for COVID-19 Research (C4R): Mediators of Atherosclerosis in South Asians Living in America Study (MASALA)

  Cohort Description The Mediators of Atherosclerosis in South Asians Living in America (MASALA) study is a prospective cohort of South Asians that aims to identify risk factors for heart disease in a large, growing Asian American subgroup. MASALA enrolled 906 South Asians in 2010-2013 and then added a new wave of 258 South Asian participants from 2017-2018, for a full cohort size of 1,164. Data Being Submitted Wave 1 questionnaire data includes 3967 variables for up to 431 MASALA participants in C4R. Wave 2 questionnaire data includes 448 variables for up to 313 MASALA participants in C4R. Dried Blood Spot/Serosurvey data includes 7 variables for up to 248 MASALA participants in C4R. Derived data includes 43 variables for up to 528 MASALA participants in C4R. Phenotype data includes 113 variables for up to 429 MASALA participants in C4R.

  Study phs002980

• Genetic Diseases of Immune Homeostasis and Autoimmunity Caused by GIMAP Deficiency

  We investigated 17 affected individuals in 9 kindreds with lymphopenia, splenomegaly, liver disease, thrombocytopenia, lymphadenopathy, severe recurrent lung infections, skin diseases, and lymphoma. Whole-exome sequencing of the cohort revealed mutations in GIMAP5. We also found another patient from one kindred with a unique mutation in the gene GIMAP6, discovered by whole-exome sequencing. A comprehensive investigation of this gene mutation through in vivo and in vitro experiments revealed that GIMAP6 deficiency results in defects in autophagy in patient T cells and interruption of GIMAP7 and GABARAPL2 interactions. GIMAP6 deficiency leads to affected patients to present with clinical phenotypes such as recurrent infections, lymphoproliferation, autoimmunity, and inflammation.

  Study phs002816

• Whole Genome Sequencing to Discover Familial Myeloma Risk Genes

  We identified germline KDM1A truncating mutations in patients with multiple myeloma (MM), and loss of heterozygosity (LOH) in tumors. KDM1A mutation burden is higher in sporadic MM patients than in controls, and mRNA levels are lower in MM compared with normal plasma cells. KDM1A pharmacological inhibition in vitro promotes myeloma cell proliferation, and in mice promotes plasma cell expansion, enhanced secondary immune response to T cell dependent antigens, and upregulation of MYC oncogene transcriptional targets. Our findings provide important new insights into the role of KDM1A to suppress B cell malignancies.

  Study phs001819

• Sporadic and endemic Burkitt lymphoma have frequent FOXO1 mutations but distinct hotspots in the AKT recognition motif

  FOXO1 has an oncogenic role in adult germinal center derived lymphomas, in which mutations, predominately within the AKT recognition motif, cause nuclear retention of FOXO1 resulting in increased cell proliferation. To determine the prevalence and distribution of FOXO1 mutations in pediatric Burkitt lymphoma (BL), we sequenced a large number of sporadic and endemic BL patient samples. We report a high frequency of FOXO1 mutations in both sporadic and endemic BL at diagnosis, occurring in 23/78 (29%) and 48/89 (54%) samples respectively, as well as 8/16 (50%) cases at relapse. Mutations of T24 were the most common in sporadic BL but were rare in endemic cases, in which mutations of residue S22, also within the AKT recognition motif, were the most frequent. FOXO1 mutations were almost always present in the major tumor cell clone but were not associated with outcome. Analysis of other recurrent mutations reported in BL revealed that FOXO1 mutations were associated with mutations of DDX3X and ARID1A, but not MYC, TCF3/ID3 or members of the phosphatidylinositol 3’ OH kinase (PI3K) signaling pathway. We further show common nuclear retention of the FOXO1 protein, irrespective of mutation status, suggesting alternative unknown mechanisms for maintaining FOXO1 transcriptional activity in BL. CRISPR/Cas9 knockout of FOXO1 in an endemic cell line produced a significant decrease in cell proliferation, supporting an oncogenic role for FOXO1 in endemic BL. Thus, FOXO1 is frequently mutated in both sporadic and endemic BL and may offer a potential therapeutic target for pediatric BL patients worldwide.

  Study EGAS00001003719

• Small cell carcinoma of the ovary, hypercalcemic type, displays frequent inactivating germline and somatic mutations in SMARCA4

  Small cell carcinoma of the ovary of hypercalcemic type (SCCOHT) is an extremely rare, aggressive cancer affecting children and young women. We identified germline and somatic inactivating mutations in the SWI/SNF chromatin-remodeling gene SMARCA4 in 75% (9/12) of SCCOHT patients in addition to SMARCA4 protein loss in 82% (14/17) of SCCOHT tumors, but in only 0.4% (2/485) of other primary ovarian tumors. These data implicate SMARCA4 in SCCOHT oncogenesis.

  Study EGAS00001000714

• Tumor Mutation Burden, Expressed Neoantigen and Immune Microenvironment in Diffuse Gliomas

  A consistent correlation between tumor mutation burden (TMB) and tumor immune microenvironment has not been observed in gliomas as in other cancers. Driver germline and somatic mutations, TMB, neoantigen, and immune cell signatures were analyzed using whole exome sequencing (WES) and transcriptome sequencing of tumor and WES of matched germline DNA in a cohort of 66 glioma samples (44 IDH-mutant and 22 IDH-wildtype). Fourteen samples revealed a hypermutator phenotype (HMP). Eight pathogenic (P) or likely pathogenic (LP) germline variants were detected in 9 (19%) patients. Six of these 8 genes were DNA damage repair genes. P/LP germline variants were found in 22% of IDH-mutant gliomas and 12.5%of IDH-wildtype gliomas (p= 0.7). TMB was correlated with expressed neoantigen but showed an inverse correlation with immune score (R =−0.46, p= 0.03) in IDH-wildtype tumors and no correlation in IDH-mutant tumors. Antigen Processing and Presentation (APP) score correlates with immune score. The APP is higher in non-hypermutator phenotype (NHMP) samples versus HMP samples in the IDH-wildtype gliomas, but higher in HMP samples versus NHMP samples in the IDH-mutant gliomas. Conclusion: TMB was inversely correlated with the immune score in the IDH-wildtype gliomas, and showed no correlation in the IDH-mutant tumors. The APP was correlated with the immune score, and may be further investigated as a biomarker for response to immunotherapy in gliomas. Studies of germline variants in a large glioma cohort are warranted.

  Study phs002653

• Cell-free DNA fragmentation patterns and personalized sequencing reveal circulating tumor DNA in urine and plasma of glioma patients

  Glioma-derived cell-free DNA (cfDNA) is challenging to detect using liquid biopsy as levels in body fluids are low. We determined the glioma-derived DNA fractions in tumor biopsies, in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), plasma and urine samples, using deep sequencing of personalized capture panels. By sequencing cfDNA across thousands of mutations identified individually in each patient’s matched tumor we detected tumor-derived DNA in plasma (10/12) and urine samples (8/11). The median tumor fraction was 6.4x10-3 in CSF, 3.1x10-5 in plasma and 4.7x10-5 in urine. We identified a shift in the size distribution for mutant cfDNA fragments in these body fluids. Next, we analyzed cfDNA fragment sizes with paired-end shallow whole genome sequencing (WGS) in urine samples from 35 patients with gliomas, 8 individuals with non-malignant brain disorders, and 26 controls (n=69 individuals, 96 samples). cfDNA in urine of glioma patients was significantly more fragmented compared to urine from patients with non-malignant brain disorders (t-test, p=1.7x10-2) and compared to urine of controls (t-test, p=5.2x10-9). The proportion of DNA fragments <60 bp was higher in glioma patients urine and could be used for classification (AUC=0.93). Machine learning models integrating fragment lengths could identify urine samples from glioma patients (AUC=0.97 in cross-validation).

  Study EGAS00001004355

• Total RNAseq in the sporadic ALS and healthy control motor cortex

  Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by the degeneration of upper and lower motor neurons leading to progressive muscle weakness, wasting and paralysis that result in death within a few years from disease onset. In order to characterize RNA alterations in ALS, total RNAseq was performed in the ALS motor cortex, which is an early and vulnerable region in ALS.

  Study EGAS00001004286

• Increased mutation accumulation during fetal development in Down syndrome

  Children with Down syndrome (DS) show a high incidence of leukemia, which is preceded by transient myeloproliferative disorder (TMD) in neonates. TMD is characterized by mutations in GATA1 that accumulate during fetal development, indicating that additional mutagenesis is required for leukemogenesis. Abnormalities in chromosome numbers can result in a mutator phenotype. However, it is unknown whether a trisomy of chromosome 21 (T21) results in enhanced mutation accumulation during human development. Here, we determined the mutational consequences of a constitutive T21 in DS fetuses compared to disomy 21 cells (D21) of D21 fetuses. We found that D21 fetal HPSCs had a higher somatic mutation rate compared to healthy adults HSPCs. Moreover, we observed an increase in somatic mutation load in T21 cells of DS fetuses, which was already apparent during the first cell divisions of embryogenesis. The mutation load could be explained by processes that are active during normal fetal development and were similar to those observed in TMD blast cells. Our study shows that T21 causes an increase in somatic load in fetal cells of DS fetuses, which may contribute to leukemia development early in life.

  Study EGAS00001003982

• H3Africa - Deciphering Developmental Disorders in Africa

  Developmental disorders are typically rare conditions, causing an impairment in physical, learning, language, or behavioural areas. Genetic heterogeneity and highly variable clinical manifestations make diagnosing developmental disorders particularly challenging. Developmental disorders are increasing in prevalence in low- and middle-income countries, partly due to effective prevention and treatment of infectious diseases leading to a decrease in childhood mortality. New sequencing technologies are used effectively in the diagnosis of rare diseases and results can impact clinical practice significantly. Despite this international trend, very little implementation of these new approaches has taken place in low-resource settings, especially in Africa. The Deciphering Developmental Disorders in Africa (DDD-Africa) study aims to take advantage of an unbiased genotype-driven approach to improve healthcare services for patients. The study aims to recruit and perform detailed clinical phenotyping and exome sequencing (ES) on 500 African patients with a developmental disorder in whom a genetic diagnosis has not been confirmed. Where available, parents are also included in sequencing efforts. The project has two active research sites in Johannesburg (South Africa) and Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of Congo) representing diversity in geography, clinical, socio-economic, genetic and environmental factors.

  Study EGAS00001008319

• Diagnostic yield and clinical utility of whole-exome sequencing in pediatric patients with rare and undiagnosed diseases in the Czech Republic

  In our single-center study, we have launched a pilot program for pediatric patients with undiagnosed diseases in the second-largest university hospital in the Czech Republic. WES was implemented as a first-line test after inclusion in the study as part of the diagnostic workflow.

  Study EGAS50000000442

• Genetic analysis in monozygotic twins discordant for bipolar disorder

  To identify genes relevant to bipolar disorder, an exome sequence analysis was conducted in 3 pairs of healthy monozygotic twins as control twins in this study. In addition to this data set, an exome sequence analysis was also conducted in several monozygotic twins discordant for bipolar disorder.

  Study JGAS000014

• THAP11 mutations in a patient with a cblX-like phenotype implicates THAP11 in the regulation of cobalamin metabolism and early vertebrate development

  Mutations in HCFC1 are associated with cblX (MIM309541), an X-linked recessive disorder, characterized by defects in cobalamin metabolism and other developmental defects. HCFC1 is a transcriptional co-regulator, which interacts with transcription factors to regulate the expression of a myriad of genes. Notably, HCFC1 regulates cobalamin metabolism via the regulation of MMACHC expression through its interaction with THAP11, a THAP domain-containing transcription factor. In addition, the HCFC1/THAP11 complex potentially regulates genes involved in diverse cellular functions including cell cycle, proliferation, and transcription. Thus, it is likely that mutations in THAP11 may also result in biochemical and other phenotypes similar to those observed in patients with cblX. We report a patient who presented with phenotypic features that overlap cblX, but did not have any mutations in either MMACHC or HCFC1. We sequenced THAP11 by Sanger sequencing and discovered a potentially pathogenic, homozygous variant in THAP11, c.240C>G (p.Phe80Leu). Functional analysis in the developing zebrafish embryo, demonstrate that both THAP11 and HCFC1 regulate the proliferation and differentiation of neural precursors, suggesting important roles in normal brain development. Further, the loss of THAP11 in zebrafish embryos, results in craniofacial abnormalities including the complete loss of Meckel’s cartilage, the ceratohyal, and all of the ceratobranchial cartilages. These data are consistent with our previous work which demonstrated a role for HCFC1 in vertebrate craniofacial development. Furthermore, our high throughput RNA-sequencing analysis reveals several overlapping gene targets of HCFC1 and THAP11 that likely contribute to the phenotypes associated with cblX and related disorders. Thus, both HCFC1 and THAP11 play important roles in the regulation of cobalamin metabolism as well as other pathways involved in early vertebrate development.

  Study EGAS00001002201

• Longitudinal Single-Cell Profiling Reveals Molecular Heterogeneity and Tumor-Immune Evolution in Refractory Mantle Cell Lymphoma

  The mechanisms driving therapeutic resistance and poor outcomes of mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) are incompletely understood. We characterize the cellular and molecular heterogeneity within and across patients and delineate the dynamic evolution of tumor and immune cell compartments at single cell resolution in longitudinal specimens from ibrutinib-sensitive patients and non-responders. Temporal activation of multiple cancer hallmark pathways and acquisition of 17q are observed in a refractory MCL. Multi-platform validation is performed at genomic and cellular levels in PDX models and larger patient cohorts. We demonstrate that the molecular targeting of BIRC5/survivin, locates at 17q and upregulates in resistant MCL tumor cells, results in marked tumor inhibition in preclinical models. In addition, we discovere notable differences in the tumor microenvironment including progressive dampening of CD8+ T cells and aberrant cell-to-cell communication networks in refractory MCLs. This study reveales diverse and dynamic tumor and immune programs underlying therapy resistance in MCL.

  Study EGAS00001005019

• Ultrasensitive Profiling of UV Mutations in Facial Tumors in TSC

  In this study we searched for mutations in the TSC2 and TP53 genes in sample sets from individuals with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC) and from subjects without TSC. The study was focused on the analysis of TSC facial angiofibroma.

  Study phs002914

• Combination of CDK4/6 with BET-bromodomain and PI3K/mTOR inhibitors in medulloblastoma in vitro and in vivo

  Despite improvement in the treatment of medulloblastoma (MB) over the last years, numerous patients with MYC- and MYCN-driven tumors still fail the current therapeutic regimen. The retinoblastoma (RB) pathway is often compromised in MB with RB remaining intact suggesting that CDK4/6 inhibition might represent a therapeutic strategy for which drug combination remains understudied. Using tumor lines grown in stem cell conditions referred as tumorspheres as well as tumor cells freshly dissociated from the brain of mice harboring intracranial patient-derived xenografts (PDX) of Group3 (G3) and Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) MB, we conducted high throughput drug combination screens using the CDK4/6 inhibitor (CDK4/6i) ribociclib as an anchor and 87 oncology drugs approved by FDA or currently in clinical trials. Bromodomain and extra terminal (BET) and PI3K/mTOR inhibitors potentiated ribociclib’s inhibition of proliferation in G3 and SHH MB. A reverse combination screen using BET inhibitor JQ1 as the anchor, revealed the three FDA approved CDK4/6i as the most potentiating drugs. Those synergistic combinations were tested in vivo in mice intracranially implanted with G3 and SHH MB tumor cells. Ribociclib showed single agent activity in several in vivo MB models. However, despite in vitro synergy, combinations of ribociclib with JQ1 and ribociclib with the PI3K/mTOR inhibitor paxalisib failed to improve the survival of MB bearing mice compared to ribociclib alone. Our data illustrates the difficulty in translating in vitro findings to in vivo for brain tumors partly due to insufficient free brain concentration and altered signaling pathways activation in vitro compared to in vivo.

  Study EGAS00001006286

• Whole-genome variant calling of individuals from the study of allergic diseases in the Canary Islands

  Research study of genetic susceptibility and analyses of polygenic risk scores in allergic diseases. The historic influences in the Canary Islanders have resulted in an admixture of European, North Africans and Sub-saharan African genetic ancestries. Genetic risks linked to any of these ancestries could underlie disease peculiarities in the current inhabitants. To leverage genectic ancestry to identify and assess genetic risks in allergic diseases in the Canary Islands, we combine different genomic technologies in case-control studies and reference samples from the three parental populations to characterize and identify genetic risks factors and the intersection with ancestry.

  Study EGAS50000000299

• Inter and intra - tumor heterogeneity in Colorectal Cancer

  We used high depth massive parallel sequencing analyses to study 27 CRC (colorectal cancer) patients, with a total of 97 tumors (both primary and matched metastases) in addition to healthy control samples. We found inter-tumor concordance for coding mutations; in contrast, gene copy numbers were found to be highly discordant between primary tumors and metastases as validated by fluorescent in-situ hybridization. in a further step, we dissected a single tumor into 68 spatially defined samples and sequenced them separately. Here we identify evenly distributed coding mutations in APC and TP53 in all tumor areas, yet highly variable gene copy numbers in numerous genes.

  Study EGAS00001002150

• Identification of Therapeutic Targets in Rhabdomyosarcoma Through Integrated Genomic, Epigenomic, and Proteomic Analyses

  Personalized cancer therapy based on the somatic mutations identified in patient tumors is becoming an increasingly emphasized approach to improve outcomes of patients with cancer. There are also examples of therapeutic vulnerabilities in cancer that result from changes in gene expression that are a direct or indirect result of tumor specific epigenetic perturbations. These genomic and epigenomic changes are ultimately manifest in the tumor proteome and phosphoproteome. In this study, we integrated genomic, epigenomic and proteomic data for rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) to identify therapeutic vulnerabilities. RMS was selected for this analysis because RAS pathway mutations in rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) are the most common potentially actionable lesions across pediatric solid tumors. The epigenomic data was useful for identifying deregulated developmental pathways in RMS including the WNT, HH, BMP, adenyl cyclase, p38/MAPK and PI3K pathways. Perturbations in those 6 myogenic signal transduction pathways were also evident in the proteome and phosphoteome data. In addition, the proteomic/phosphoproteomic data revealed that the cell cycle checkpoint, unfolded protein response and RB/E2F pathways were deregulated in RMS relative to normal muscle. Recent success targeting CDK4/6 and MEK in adult cancers with RAS mutations led us to test the value of these targets in RMS tumors. We also targeted the unfolded protein response pathway and cell cycle checkpoint pathway using molecular targeted therapeutics in orthotopic patient derived xenografts. Taken together, these data demonstrate the value of integrating epigenomic and proteomic data to identify tumor vulnerabilities that extend beyond somatic mutations identified in the genome.

  Study EGAS00001002967

• Bulk and single-cell RNA-sequencing data from five lines of human iPSC-derived (hiPSC-derived) astrocytes (3 in-house and 2 commercial lines), both alone and in co-culture with neurons, to define the molecular response of astrocytes to misfolded alpha-synuclein

  RNA editing is a post transcriptional mechanism that targets changes in RNA transcripts to modulate innate immune responses. We report the role of astrocyte specific, ADAR1 mediated RNA editing in neuroinflammation in Parkinson’s disease. We generated hiPSC-derived astrocytes, neurons and co-cultures and exposed them to small soluble alpha-synuclein aggregates. Oligomeric alpha-synuclein triggered an inflammatory glial state associated with TLR activation, viral responses, and cytokine secretion. This reactive state resulted in loss of neurosupportive functions, and the induction of neuronal toxicity. Notably, interferon response pathways were activated leading to upregulation, and isoform switching of the RNA deaminase enzyme, ADAR1. ADAR1 mediates A-to-I RNA editing, and increases in RNA editing were observed in inflammatory pathways in cells, as well as in post-mortem human PD brain. Aberrant, or dysregulated, ADAR1 responses and RNA editing may lead to sustained inflammatory reactive states in astrocytes triggered by alpha-synuclein aggregation, and this may drive the neuroinflammatory cascade in Parkinson’s.

  Study EGAS50000000751

• A Heterozygous Missense Mutation in the Coiled-Coil Domain of STAT5B is Associated with Leukocytosis, Lymphadenopathy, Splenomegaly, Necrotizing Granulomas, Hyper-IgM and Thrombocytopenia

  We describe one patient with a heterozygous missense mutation in the coiled-coil domain of STAT5B. This patient presented with leukocytosis, lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly, necrotizing granulomas, hyper-IgM and autoimmune thrombocytopenia. Mutant STAT5B protein was shown to dominantly-interfere with IL2-induced transcriptional activity resulting in global downregulation of STAT5-regulated genes in patient T cells. The patient exhibited an increase in CD4+ T effector memory cells in the peripheral blood and these cells were resistant to restimulation-induced cell death in vitro.

  Study phs001479

• A Genome-Wide Association Study for Post-bronchodilator Lung Function in Children with Asthma

  In this study, we conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of post-bronchodilator (BD) FEV1 (forced expiratory volume in 1 second) and FEV1/FVC (forced vital capacity) in Puerto Rican children with asthma. From September 2003 to June 2010, we recruited 618 Puerto Rican children with asthma, which was defined as physician diagnosed asthma and at least one episode of wheezing in the previous year. The recruited children include 267 from public schools in Hartford, Connecticut and 351 from randomly selected households in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

  Study phs001216

• Establishing multiple omics baselines for three Southeast Asian populations in the Singapore Integrative Omics Study

  In this study, we established population reference measurements across multiple omic technologies and investigated the inter-population variations in each omic and phenotypic measurements in three major populations in Singapore. The measurements include genome-wide SNPs, gene probesets expression, lipid species and circulating miRNAs.

  Study EGAS00001002527

• Application of short-RNA-seq in post-mortem human hippocampi from the Calgary Brain Bank (CBB) to assess transcriptome-wide deregulation in processing of SINE Alu RNAs in Alzheimer’s disease

  Here, we investigate through short-RNA_seq in human hippocampi from the Calgary Brain Bank (CBB) whether Alu RNAs are processed in human brains, and whether their processing ratio is deregulated in brains of AD patients compared to healthy aging individuals.

  Study EGAS00001004973

• Fgl2 Regulates FcγRIIB+ CD8+ T Cell Responses during Infection

  While the inhibitory receptor FcγRIIB has been shown to be upregulated on activated CD8+ T cells in both mice and humans, its impact on T cell fate during infection has not been fully elucidated. We identified an increase in FcγRIIB-expressing CD8+ T cells in COVID patients relative to healthy controls, and in mouse models of viral infection. Despite its well-known role as an Fc receptor, FcγRIIB also ligates the immunosuppressive cytokine Fgl2, resulting in CD8+ T cell apoptosis. Both chronic LCMV infection in mice and COVID in humans resulted in a significant increase in plasma Fgl2. Further, plasma Fgl2 was directly proportional to CD8+ T cell lymphopenia in COVID patients. To further understand the association of Fgl2 and CD8+ T cell lymphopenia following COVID infection, we assessed the transcriptomic profiles of PBMCs with high (≥ 9.153 ng/ml) vs low (defined as

  Study phs003870

• The genomic landscape of relapsed infant and childhood KMT2A-rearranged acute leukemia

  To study the mechanisms of relapse in KMT2A-rearranged (KMT2A-r) acute lymphoblastic (ALL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML), we performed whole-genome and exome sequencing of infants and children with relapsed ALL/AML (n=36), and longitudinal deep-sequencing of 257 samples in 30 patients. Somatic alterations in drug-response genes, most commonly in TP53 and IKZF1 (64%), were highly enriched in early relapse ALL (79%, 9-36 months after diagnosis), but rare in very early relapse ALL (<9 months, 9%). A marked chemotherapy-exposure signature was detected for mutations in early relapse ALL but not in very early ALL or AML relapse, in line with different mechanisms of relapse. Longitudinal analyses could track residual leukemia cells, clonal drug responses, and the upcoming relapse. These results highlight that KMT2A-r ALL and AML evade therapy differently and provide new insights into the mechanisms of relapse in this highly lethal form of pediatric acute leukemia.

  Study EGAS00001008197

• Genetic Study of Northern Kenya Pastoral Populations

  Human populations in Africa are the most genetically diverse in the world, having a rich history, and yet are severely understudied. The purpose of this study is to understand the population history of four ethnolinguistic groups in northern Kenya - the Turkana, Samburu, Rendille, and Borana. This study aims to measure the extent of variation among several genetic systems in these populations, with the goal to better understand the broader population history in northern Kenya and to add to the current knowledge of population genetics in Africa.

  Study phs002654

• Evaluation of whole genome sequencing utility in identifying driver alterations in cancer genome

  This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of whole genome sequencing (WGS) compared to whole exome sequencing (WES) in identifying driver alterations in cancer genomes. Out of 177 cases with no driver alterations detected by WES, WGS identified driver alterations in 68.4% and likely driver alterations in 22.6% of cases. The most common alterations found were oncogene amplifications, tumor suppressor gene deletions, and small variants outside coding regions. WGS proved valuable in uncovering genomic changes associated with cancer development.

  Study JGAS000715

• Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Cohort

  The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study, sponsored by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI), is a prospective epidemiologic study conducted in four U.S. communities. The four communities are Forsyth County, NC; Jackson, MS; the northwest suburbs of Minneapolis, MN; and Washington County, MD. ARIC is designed to investigate the etiology and natural history of atherosclerosis, the etiology of clinical atherosclerotic diseases, and variation in cardiovascular risk factors, medical care and disease by race, gender, location, and date. ARIC includes two parts: the Cohort Component and the Community Surveillance Component. The Cohort Component began in 1987, and each ARIC field center randomly selected and recruited a cohort sample of approximately 4,000 individuals aged 45-64 from a defined population in their community. A total of 15,792 participants received an extensive examination, including medical, social, and demographic data. These participants were examined with the baseline visit occurring in 1987-89, the second visit in 1990-92, the third visit in 1993-95, the fourth visit in 1996-98, the fifth visit in 2011-13, the sixth visit 2016-17 and the seventh visit 2018-19. Follow-up occurs yearly by telephone to maintain contact with participants and to assess health status of the cohort. In the Community Surveillance Component, these four communities were investigated to determine the community-wide occurrence of hospitalized myocardial infarction and coronary heart disease deaths in men and women aged 35-84 years. Hospitalized stroke is investigated in cohort participants only. Starting in 2006, the study conducted community surveillance of inpatient (ages 55 years and older) and outpatient heart failure (ages 65 years and older) for heart failure events beginning in 2005. Community Surveillance for non-cohorts ended in event year 2014. ARIC is currently funded through 2028. The ARIC Cohort is utilized in the following dbGaP sub-studies. To view genotypes, other molecular data, and derived variables collected in these sub-studies, please click on the following sub-studies below or in the "Sub-studies" section of this top-level study page phs000280 ARIC Cohort. phs000557 ARIC_CARe phs000090 GENEVA_ARIC phs000223 PAGE_CALiCo_ARIC phs000398 GO-ESP: HeartGo_ARIC phs000668 CHARGE_ARIC phs000860 MICORTEX phs001536 CCDG_ARIC

  Study phs000280

• Foundation Medicine Genomic Data Used to Identify Prognostic Markers and Fusion Genes in Multiple Myeloma

  The purpose of this study is to identify prognostic markers and treatment targets using a clinically certified sequencing panel in multiple myeloma. Mutational burden was associated with maf and proliferation gene expression groups, and a high-mutational burden was associated with a poor prognosis. We identified homozygous deletions that were present in multiple myeloma within key genes, including CDKN2C, RB1, TRAF3, BIRC3 and TP53, and that bi-allelic inactivation was significantly enriched at relapse. Alterations in CDKN2C, TP53, RB1 and the t(4;14) were associated with poor prognosis. Alterations in RB1 were predominantly homozygous deletions and were associated with relapse and a poor prognosis which was independent of other genetic markers, including t(4;14), after multivariate analysis. Bi-allelic inactivation of key tumor suppressor genes in myeloma was enriched at relapse, especially in RB1, CDKN2C and TP53 where they have prognostic significance. In addition, chromosomal rearrangements that result in oncogenic kinase activation are present in many solid and hematological malignancies, but none have been reported in multiple myeloma (MM). Here we detected fusion genes in 1.5% of patients. These fusion genes were in-frame and the majority of them contained kinase domains from either receptor tyrosine kinases (ALK, ROS1, NTRK3, and FGFR1) or cytoplasmic kinases (BRAF, MAP3K14, and MAPK14) which would result in the activation of MEK/ERK, NF-κB or inflammatory signaling pathways. Fusion genes were present in smoldering MM, newly diagnosed MM and relapse patient samples indicating they are not solely late events. Most fusion genes were subclonal in nature, but one EML4-ALK fusion was clonal indicating it is a driver of disease pathogenesis. Samples with fusions of receptor tyrosine kinases were not found in conjunction with clonal Ras/Raf mutations indicating a parallel mechanism of MEK/ERK pathway activation. Fusion genes involving MAP3K14 (NIK), which regulates the NF-κB pathway, were detected as were t(14;17) rearrangements involving NIK in 2% of MM samples. Activation of kinases in myeloma through rearrangements presents an opportunity to use treatments existing in other cancers.

  Study EGAS00001002874

• Using RNA-sequencing to characterize the resistance to lirafugratinib

  In addition to Exome-sequencing, we used RNA-sequencing to also characterize resistance to lirafugratinib with whole exome sequencing in patients with FGFR2-driven cancers, treated in the phase 1/2 ReFocus trial (NCT04526106) and enrolled in the UNLOCK program at Gustave Roussy

  Study EGAS50000001370

• Whole genome sequencing delineates regulatory, structural, and cryptic splice variants in early onset cardiomyopathy

  Cardiomyopathy (CMP) is a heritable disorder. Over 50% cases are gene-elusive on clinical gene panel testing. The contribution of variants in non-coding DNA elements that result in cryptic splicing and regulate gene expression has not been explored. We analyzed whole genome sequencing (WGS) data in a discovery cohort of 209 pediatric CMP patients and 1,953 independent replication genomes and exomes. We searched for protein-coding variants, and non-coding variants predicted to affect the function or expression of genes. Thirty-nine % cases harbored pathogenic coding variants in known CMP genes, and 5% harbored high-risk loss-of-function (LoF) variants in additional candidate CMP genes. Fifteen % harbored high-risk regulatory variants in promoters and enhancers of CMP genes (Odds ratio 2.25, p=6.70×10-7 versus controls). Genes involved in α-dystroglycan glycosylation (FKTN, DTNA) and desmosomal signaling (DSC2, DSG2) were most highly enriched for regulatory variants (Odds ratio 6.7-58.1). Functional effects were confirmed in patient myocardium and reporter assays in human cardiomyocytes, and in zebrafish CRISPR knockouts. We provide strong evidence for the genomic contribution of functionally active variants in new genes and in regulatory elements of known CMP genes to early-onset CMP.

  Study EGAS00001004929