12517 results for ""non-traditional+communal+storytelling+approach"+novel+segment+noted+in+critical+commentary"

in 182.63 milliseconds.

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

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

  Study EGAS50000000863

• Identification of driver oncogenes in scirrhous-type gastric cancer cell lines

  Scirrhous type gastric cancer (SGC) is one of the most intractable cancer subtypes in human, and its therapeutic targets have been rarely identified to date. Exploration of somatic mutations in the SGC genome with the next generation sequencers has been hampered by low tumor contents by the markedly increased fibrous tissues. Thus, SGC cell lines may be useful resources to search for novel oncogenes in. Here we have conducted whole exome sequencing and RNA sequencing on two SGC cell lines, OCUM-8 and OCUM-9. Interestingly, most of the mutations thus identified have not been reported. In OCUM-8 cells, a novel CD44-IGF1R fusion gene is discovered, the protein product of which ligates the amino-terminus of CD44 to the transmembrane and the tyrosine-kinase domains of IGF1R. Further, both of CD44 and IGF1R are markedly amplified in the OCUM-8 genome and abundantly expressed. CD44-IGF1R has a transforming ability, and the suppression of its kinase activity leads to rapid cell death of OCUM-8. On the other hand, OCUM-9 seems to possess multiple oncogenic events in its genome. The MET gene is highly amplified, and the treatment of OCUM-9 with crizotinib, a MET inhibitor, results in cell death. Further, a novel BORCS5-ETV6 fusion gene is identified in the OCUM-9 genome. BORCS5-ETV6 possesses oncogenic activity, and suppression of its message partially inhibits cell growth. Prevalence of these novel fusion genes among SGC awaits further investigation, but we validate the significance of cell lines as appropriate reagents for detailed genomic analyses of SGC.

  Study JGAS000179

• ERG ALTERATIONS DEFINE A NOVEL SUBTYPE OF ACUTE LYMPHOBLASTIC LEUKEMIA

  Structural chromosomal alterations are a hallmark of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) yet many patients lack an identifiable abnormality on conventional cytogenetic analysis. Here, using integrated analysis of genome-wide DNA copy number and gene expression data of 1764 childhood and adult ALL cases, including whole-genome, exome and mRNA-sequencing of 72 cases, we report a novel subtype of B-progenitor ALL (B-ALL) representing 4-13% of B-ALL cases characterized by a distinct gene expression profile, and focal deletions of ERG (ETS related gene) in 56% of cases. These cases are characterized by expression of a ERG transcript that utilizes a novel exon in intron 6 of ERG spliced to the canonical reading frame of ERG exons 7-10, encoding a 27 kDa C-terminal ERG protein that retains the ETS and transactivating domains but lacks the N-terminal pointed and regulatory domains. This protein is a competitive inhibitor of wild-type ERG and is leukemogenic in vivo. ERG-altered ALL cases have a favourable outcome despite the presence of alterations associated with poor prognosis in non-ERG ALL, such as deletions of IKZF1. These findings identify a new subtype of leukemia characterized by a novel mechanism of ETS transcription factor dysregulation in cancer.

  Study EGAS00001000514

• Characterization of a novel MEF2D-BCL9 fusion positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia cell line RNA-Seq

  A novel in-house-made pediatric MEF2D-BCL9 fusion positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia cell line was characterized

  Dataset EGAD00001009759

• Long-read single-cell RNA-seq in COVID-19

  We report the first application of long-read single-cell RNA sequencing on nasopharyngeal swabs from COVID-19 patients and healthy controls to resolve transcript-level changes across cell types. Samples were collected from three patients with moderate COVID-19, six patients with critical COVID-19, and three healthy controls. Single-cell libraries were generated using the 10x Genomics Chromium 3' protocol, producing unfragmented cDNA. Libraries were sequenced on the Oxford Nanopore Technologies PromethION platform. Basecalling was performed with Guppy (v1.6), generating a single FASTQ file per sample.

  Dataset EGAD50000001836

• Persistent STAG2 mutation in recurrent pediatric glioblastoma

  Similar to their adult counterparts, the prognosis for pediatric patients with high-grade gliomas remains poor. At time of recurrence, treatment options are limited and remain without consensus. This report describes the genetic findings, obtained from whole exome sequencing of a pediatric patient with glioblastoma who underwent multiple surgical resections and treatment with standard chemoradiation, as well as a novel recombinant poliovirus vaccine therapy. Strikingly, despite the variety of treatments, there was persistence of a tumor clone, characterized by a deleterious STAG2 mutation, whose deficiency in pre-clinical studies can cause aneuploidy and aberrant mitotic progression, but remains understudied in the clinical setting. There was near elimination of an EGFR mutated and amplified tumor clone after gross total resection, standard chemoradiation, and poliovirus therapy, followed by the emergence of a persistently STAG2 mutated clone, with rare mutations in PTPN11 and BRAF, the latter composed of a novel deleterious mutation previously not reported in pediatric glioblastoma (p.D594G). This was accompanied by a mutation signature shift towards one characterized by increased DNA damage repair defects, consistent with the known underlying STAG2 deficiency. As such, this case represents a novel report following the clinical and genetic progression of a STAG2 mutated glioblastoma, including treatment with a novel and emerging immunotherapy. Although STAG2 deficiency comprises only a small subset of gliomas, this case adds clinical evidence to existing pre-clinical data supporting a role for STAG2 mutations in tumor formation and resistance to standard therapies.

  Study EGAS00001004340

• Offspring Sex Impacts DNA Methylation and Gene Expression in Placentae from Women with Diabetes during Pregnancy

  Exposure to diabetes in utero is known to increase the offspring's likelihood of developing metabolic disease in adulthood, but the mechanisms involved are unknown. It has been proposed that early exposure to hyperglycemia and elevated insulin levels may lead to malprogramming of the fetus leading to the subsequent development of diabetes and obesity. Epigenetic modifications of the genome including DNA methylation, provide a plausible mechanism that allows for permanent propagation of gene activity states from one generation of cells to the next. The placenta, a fetal tissue easily accessible for study, is a complex organ that is essential in regulating fetal growth. The changes in placental nutrient transport associated with diabetes during pregnancy (DDP) have significant effects on the developing fetus, indicating that the placenta plays a critical role in fetal programming. The aim of our study was to investigate whether exposure to DDP alters genome-wide DNA methylation in the placenta obtained from term pregnancies resulting in differentially methylated loci of metabolically relevant genes and downstream changes in RNA and protein expression.

  Study phs001535

• DAC for "Transcriptome analysis of human iPSC-derived microglia in a novel human 3D cortical tissue model"

  scRNA-seq analysis of human iPSC-derived microglia in a novel, human in vitro 3D cortical tissue model. Samples include three distinct conditions (each as biological duplicates): wild-type microglia extracted from cultures after 1 month (WT_1mo) and 3 months (WT_3mo) of culturing, as well as knock-in microglia extracted from cultures carrying three familial AD mutations in the APP gene (Swedish, Iberian, Arctic; introduced by CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knock-in) after 3 months of culturing (KI_3mo).

  Dac EGAC50000000303

• ALPI deficiency causes refractory Inflammation Bowel Disease

  Herein, we report the first identification of biallelic-inherited mutations in ALPI as a Mendelian cause of inflammatory bowel disease in two unrelated patients. ALPI encodes for intestinal phosphatase alkaline, a brush border metalloenzyme that hydrolyses phosphate from the lipid A moiety of lipopolysaccharides and thereby drastically reduces Toll-like receptor 4 agonist activity. Prediction tools and structural modelling indicate that all mutations affect critical residues or inter-subunit interactions, and heterologous expression in HEK293T cells demonstrated that all ALPI mutations were loss of function. ALPI mutations impaired either stability or catalytic activity of ALPI and rendered it unable to detoxify lipopolysaccharide-dependent signalling. Furthermore, ALPI expression was reduced in patients' biopsies, and ALPI activity was undetectable in ALPI-deficient patient's stool. Our findings highlight the crucial role of ALPI in regulating host-microbiota interactions and restraining host inflammatory responses. These results indicate that ALPI mutations should be included in screening for monogenic causes of inflammatory bowel diseases and lay the groundwork for ALPI-based treatments in intestinal inflammatory disorders.

  Study EGAS00001003350

• South African Blood Regulatory (SABR) Resource

  Functional genomics resources are critical for interpreting human genetic studies, however they are predominantly from European-ancestry individuals. Here we present the South African Blood Regulatory (SABR) resource, a map of blood regulatory variation that includes three South Eastern Bantu-speaking groups. Using paired whole genome and blood transcriptome data from over 600 individuals, we map the genetic architecture of 40 blood cell traits derived from deconvolution analysis, as well as expression, splice, and cell type interaction quantitative trait loci (QTL).

  Study EGAS50000001008

• Genomic Factors Involved in Chromosome Rearrangements

  Approximately 15-20% of children referred for chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) testing have a clinically relevant CNV that in many cases explains their phenotype. The goal of this study is to discover the genomic factors that mediate chromosome rearrangements and the phenotypic effects of chromosome rearrangements. We hypothesize that particular DNA sequences are susceptible to breakage and rearrangement. To this end, we fine-map chromosome breakage sites and analyze the DNA motifs that underlie double-strand breaks (DSBs). Our studies will also capture the genomic structure of breakpoint junctions, which will allow us to determine the mechanisms of DNA repair that shape different types of chromosome rearrangements. We also correlate chromosome rearrangements with clinical features to establish genotype-phenotype correlations. Defining critical regions of deletion or duplication is the first step to identifying candidate genes responsible for particular phenotypes.

  Study phs000845

• Project for Development of Innovative Research on Cancer Therapeutics; Identifiying the predictive factors for response to chemoherapy in ovarian cancer

  To identify novel predictive biomarkers of response to chemotherapy for clear cell carcinoma of the ovary

  Study JGAS000076

• Single_cell_analysis_T_cell_activation

  We isolated naïve and memory T cells from healthy donors and cultured them in resting and stimulated conditions. We performed scRNA sequencing to assess T cell actiavtaion and perform sceQTL analysis. Major challenges for translating GWAS variants to function include identification of the disease relevant cell types in which the associated variants function. We have shown that immune-disease variants are functional in CD4+ T cell activation, and understanding how GWAS variants affect the activation efficiency is critical for development of new therapies. To perform sceQTL analysis of naïve and memory T cell activation, here we stimulated T cells and profiled single cell transcriptome at different time points following stimulation. We mapped sceQTLs affecting cell activation. This data is part of a pre-publication release. For information on the proper use of pre-publication data shared by the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute (including details of any publication moratoria), please see http://www.sanger.ac.uk/datasharing/

  Study EGAS00001003479

• Genetic and immune landscape evolution defines subtypes of MMR deficient colorectal cancer

  Mismatch repair deficient colorectal cancers have high mutation loads and many respond to immune checkpoint-inhibitors. We investigated how genetic and immune landscapes co-evolve in these tumors. All cases had high truncal mutation loads. Driver aberrations showed a clear hierarchy despite pervasive intratumor heterogeneity: Those in WNT/βCatenin, mitogen-activated protein kinase and TGFβ receptor family genes were almost always truncal. Immune evasion drivers were predominantly subclonal and showed parallel evolution. Pan-tumor evolution, subclonal evolution, and evolutionary stasis of genetic immune evasion drivers defined three MMRd CRC subtypes with distinct T-cell infiltrates. These immune evasion drivers have been implicated in checkpoint-inhibitor resistance. Clonality and subtype assessments are hence critical for predictive immunotherapy biomarker development. Cancer cell PD-L1 expression was conditional on loss of the intestinal homeobox transcription factor CDX2. This explains infrequent PD-L1 expression by cancer cells and likely contributes to the high recurrence risk of MMRd CRCs with impaired CDX2 expression.

  Study EGAS00001005769

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

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

  Study EGAS00001006874

• Epigenetic landscape of mixed phenotype leukemias

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

  Study EGAS00001007094

• ARHGAP11A Maintains Cortical Progenitor Identity Through RHOA–ROCK Signalling During Human Brain Development

  Mammalian brain development involves coordinated progenitor amplification, migration, and differentiation. Apical progenitors (APs) establish the ventricular zone (VZ) and are key determinants of brain size and complexity. Rho-family guanosine triphosphatases (Rho GTPases) regulate cytoskeletal dynamics and AP behaviour, but how specific Rho GTPase-activating proteins (Rho GAPs) influence progenitor identity and VZ architecture remains unclear. Using human forebrain organoids, we investigated the Rho GAP ARHGAP11A in human corticogenesis. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated ARHGAP11A knockout revealed its essential role in maintaining VZ integrity. Loss of ARHGAP11A impaired neuroepithelial organisation and randomised mitotic cleavage plane orientation via the RHOA–ROCK–actin axis. This led to premature AP delamination, AP depletion, and reduced cell density and glial numbers. Pharmacological inhibition of RHOA or ROCK rescued these defects, highlighting ARHGAP11A’s role in cytoskeletal remodelling to maintain cortical progenitors. Our findings establish ARHGAP11A as a critical regulator of AP identity and VZ integrity, with broad implications for human corticogenesis.

  Study EGAS00001008322

• Genomic Sequencing of Cervical Cancers

  Cervical cancer is responsible for 10-15% of cancer related deaths in women worldwide. The etiological role of infection with high-risk human papilloma viruses (HPV) in carcinomas of the cervix is well established. In general, the development of cervical carcinomas follows a progression from persistent HPV infection through precancerous lesions to invasive cancer. Previous studies have implicated somatic mutations in PIK3CA, PTEN, TP53, STK11 and KRAS as well as chromosome-arm level copy number alterations in the pathogenesis of cervical carcinomas. Here, we report whole exome sequencing analysis of 118 cervical carcinoma-normal paired samples from patients in Norway and Mexico, as well as transcriptome sequencing of 80 cases and whole genome sequencing of 13 tumor-normal pairs. Novel somatic mutations include recurrent E322K substitutions in the MAPK1 gene encoding the ERK2 kinase and inactivating mutations in the HLA-B gene. In addition, recurrent somatic mutations in FBXW7, EP300, and NFE2L2 are novel in the context of primary cervical carcinomas. Analysis of HPV integration sites revealed recurrent integration into the RAD51B locus as well as co-occurrence of HPV genome integration and copy number gains within several genomic loci. These findings shed new light on the pathogenesis of cervical carcinomas and suggest potential novel therapeutic targets.

  Study phs000600

• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) Hepatocellular Carcinoma Study by Exome Sequencing (HCCSES)

  Genetic alterations in specific driver genes lead to disruption of cellular pathways and are critical events in the instigation and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma. As a prerequisite for individualized cancer treatment, we sought to characterize the landscape of recurrent somatic mutations in hepatocellular carcinoma. We performed whole exome sequencing on 87 hepatocellular carcinomas and matched normal adjacent tissues to an average coverage of 59x. The overall mutation rate was roughly 2 mutations per Mb, with a median of 45 non-synonymous mutations that altered the amino acid sequence (range 2 to 381). We found recurrent mutations in several genes with high transcript levels: TP53 (18%), CTNNB1 (10%), KEAP1 (8%), C16orf62 (8%), MLL4 (7%) and RAC2 (5%). Significantly affected gene families include the nucleotide-binding domain and leucine rich repeat containing family, calcium channel subunits, and histone methyltransferases. In particular, the MLL family methyltransferases for histone H3 lysine 4 were mutated in 20% of tumors. Conclusion: The NFE2L2-KEAP1 and MLL pathways are recurrently mutated in multiple cohorts of hepatocellular carcinoma.

  Study phs000627

• The whole blood of female volunteers and sperm from the male volunteer were used to extract genomic DNA to do whole genome sequencing. Distinguished SNPs between parental genomes were retained to analyze parental allele-specific DNA methylation and chromatin accessibility in scCOOL-seq data.

  DNA methylation, chromatin states, and their interrelationships represent critical epigenetic information, but those are largely unknown in human early embryos. Here, we apply scCOOL-seq (Chromatin Overall Omic-scale Landscape Sequencing) to generate a genome-wide map of DNA methylation and chromatin accessibility at single-cell resolution during human preimplantation development. Unlike in mice, the chromatin of paternal genome is already more open than that of maternal genome at the mid-zygote stage in humans, and this state is maintained until the 4-cell stage. After fertilization, genes with high variations in DNA methylation and those with high variations in chromatin accessibility tend to be two different sets. Furthermore, 1,797 (35%) out of 5,155 widely open chromatin regions in promoters closed when transcription activity was inhibited, indicating a feedback mechanism between transcription and open chromatin maintenance. Our work paves the way for dissecting the complex, yet highly coordinated, epigenetic reprogramming during human preimplantation development.

  Study EGAS00001002987

• Case Report: Precision medicine target revealed by in-vitro modelling of relapsed, refractory ALL from a child with neurofibromatosis

  Children with neurofibromatosis have a higher risk of developing juvenile myelomonocytic leukaemia and acute myeloid leukaemia, but rarely develop B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (B-ALL). Through in-vitro modelling, a novel NF1 p.L2467 frameshift (fs) mutation identified in a relapsed/refractory Ph-like B-ALL patient with neurofibromatosis demonstrated cytokine independence and increased RAS signalling, indicative of leukaemic transformation. Furthermore, these cells were sensitive to the MEK inhibitors trametinib and mirdametinib. Bi-allelic NF1 loss of function may be a contributing factor to relapse and with sensitivity to MEK inhibitors, suggests a novel precision medicine target in the setting of neurofibromatosis patients with B-ALL.

  Study EGAS00001006187

• RNA-Seq data_MM study cohort (n=73) and human myeloma cell lines

  Multiple myeloma (MM) represents approximately 10 % of all hematological malignancies and patients present with a variety of clinical manifestations and diverse cytogenetic backgrounds While MM patient survival has greatly improved due to novel treatments in the last years, the disease is generally considered incurable with a median survival of approximately 6 years. Therapy resistance remains as a major obstacle, causing almost all patients to eventually relapse, underlining the persisting need to identify novel therapeutic targets and biomarkers associated with disease progression.

  Study EGAS50000000392

• Targeted sequencing of vascular malformations tissues and paired blood samples

  In recent years, it has been clarified that various vascular malformations are caused by gene mutations. However, there remain vascular malformations of unknown etiology. In the present study, we investigated somatic mutations of three types of vascular malformations to identify novel gene mutations involved in their pathogenesis.

  Study JGAS000325

• Transcriptome analysis of human iPSC-derived microglia in a novel human 3D cortical tissue model

  scRNA-seq analysis of human iPSC-derived microglia in a novel, human in vitro 3D cortical tissue model. Samples include three distinct conditions (each as biological duplicates): wild-type microglia extracted from cultures after 1 month (WT_1mo) and 3 months (WT_3mo) of culturing, as well as knock-in microglia extracted from cultures carrying three familial AD mutations in the APP gene (Swedish, Iberian, Arctic; introduced by CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knock-in) after 3 months of culturing (KI_3mo).

  Dataset EGAD50000000677

• MDS Sequencing Project_Cancer Cell

  Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are uncommon entities, heterogeneous clinically and cytogenetically. The aim of the present study is to determine genetic alteration in this subset of patients. Expected results: Identification of new aberrations and genetic markers in order to detect novel genes involved in MDS 5q-response to Lenalidomide's treatment.

  Study EGAS00001001011

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

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

  Dataset EGAD00001007034

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

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

  Dataset EGAD00001007033

• Scywalker: scalable end-to-end data analysis workflow for nanopore single-cell transcriptome sequencing

  Existing nanopore single-cell data analysis tools showed severe limitations in handling current data sizes. We developed novel scalable methods for cell barcode demultiplexing and single-cell isoform calling and quantification and incorporated these in an easily deployable package called scywalker.

  Study EGAS50000000537

• Whole exome sequencing of trio with primary immunodeficiency (IL2RB)

  A novel homozygous mutation in human IL2RB results in decreased IL-2RB protein expression and dysregulated IL-2/15 signaling. This hypomorphic mutation leads to decreased regulatory T cell frequency and abnormal NK cell compartment, with clinical manifestations of autoimmunity and susceptibility to CMV.

  Study EGAS00001003599

• Zostavax vaccination-induced changes in the T cell receptor repertoire to varicella zoster virus

  Diversity and size of the antigen-specific T cell receptor (TCR) repertoire are two critical determinants for successful control of chronic infection. Varicella zoster virus (VZV) that establishes latency during childhood is able to escape control mechanisms, in particular with increasing age. We examined the TCR diversity of VZV-specific CD4 T cells in individuals older than 50 years by studying three identical twin pairs and three unrelated individuals before and after vaccination with live attenuated VZV. While all individuals had a small number of dominant T cell clones, the breadth of the VZV-specific repertoire differed markedly among different individuals. A genetic influence was seen for the sharing of individual TCR sequences from antigen-specific cells, but not for repertoire richness or the selection of clonal dominance. VZV vaccination favored the expansion of infrequent VZV-specific TCRs including those from naïve T cells while leaving dominant T cell clones mostly unaffected.

  Study phs001082

• GWAS for atrial fibrillation in the Japanese population

  We performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) that utilized 8,180 atrial fibrillation cases and 28,612 controls and followed up in an additional 3,120 cases and 125,064 controls in the Japanese population. We replicated previously reported loci and identified six novel loci. Five of the six novel loci were specifically associated with atrial fibrillation in the Japanese population after comparing our data to individuals of European ancestry, suggesting there might be different susceptibility genetic factors across ancestries. Our study has discovered variants in genes HAND2, KCND3 and NEBL that are relevant to atrial fibrillation susceptibility. The involvement of PPFIA4 and SH3PXD2A in axon guidance also suggested its role in the disease pathogenesis. Our findings may contribute to a better understanding of atrial fibrillation susceptibility and pathogenesis.

  Study JGAS000101

• Sequence Analysis of Mutations and Translocations Across Breast Cancer Subtypes

  This study combined whole exome (103 samples) and whole genome (22 samples) sequencing over a total of 108 breast tumors and matched normal DNA to identify novel mutations and translocations. Samples were subjected to paired-end Illumina sequencing with goal of 30x coverage of tumor/normal for whole genomes and 100x tumor/normal coverage for whole exomes. From these sequences, we used various computational techniques to identify somatic point mutations, insertion/deletions and structural rearrangements in these tumors. From these data, we identified new insights into the rates of background mutations in these cancers, novel recurrent mutated genes, and multiple gene rearrangements. One of these rearrangements appears to be a recurrent event in breast cancer.

  Study phs000369

• NextGen Consortium: Globin Gene Expression in Sickle Cell Genotype-Specific iPS Cells

  Implement an efficient, highly reproducible and 'scalable' system for the production of large numbers of sickle cell anemia-specific iPS cells (iPSC). Derive and characterize a novel, in vitro system for the production of an unlimited supply of erythroid lineage cells from the directed differentiation of 'clinical grade' transgene-free iPS cells; use this system to recapitulate erythroid-lineage ontogeny in vitro with the sequential development of primitive and definitive erythropoiesis, accompanied by the appropriate expression of stage-specific globin genes. Identify developmental gene expression profile differences between erythroid precursors that produce primarily HbF and those that produce primarily HbA or HbS. Determine the effects of the three known HbF major quantitative trait loci (QTL) on globin gene expression in disease-specific iPS cells during in vitro erythropoiesis. Search for novel HbF genetic modifiers associated with markedly elevated HbF levels found in sickle cell anemia patients naturally, or in response to hydroxyurea treatment, by examining gene expression profiles and mRNA sequence of their iPSC-derived erythroid cells. Develop and use a CRISPR-based gene editing platform to study the effect of novel HbF genetic modifiers, explore globin switching, and correct the HbS mutation in sickle iPSC lines.

  Study phs001212

• Changes in alternative splicing and associated neo-antigens due to therapy

  Recent studies have identified alternative splicing (AS) as a novel source of neoantigens for immunotherapy. Surprisingly little is known about the AS milieu in recurrent glioblastoma (GBM), despite this being the venue for most clinical trials. We profiled 29 primary-recurrent paired human GBM specimens via RNA sequencing and re-analyzed RNA-sequencing data from non-malignant human brain tissues. From these data, we reconstructed the landscape of AS in GBM through recurrence and contrasted that to isoforms observed in non-malignant brain. The AS events we identified were cross-referenced with single-cell GBM atlases to determine cell-type specific splicing patterns. From this we identified novel splicing events in cell-surface proteins that are suitable targets for engineered T-cell therapies. We found recurrent-specific isoforms of mitogen-activated kinase pathway genes which are expressed exclusively by GBM stem-like cells that enhance invasiveness. These studies shed light on the effect of therapy on AS and identify novel targets for emerging immunotherapies.

  Study EGAS00001004524

• Trans-ethnic genome-wide association study identifies 12 genetic loci influencing blood pressure and implicates a role for DNA methylation

  We carried out a trans-ethnic genome-wide association and replication study of blood pressure phenotypes amongst up to 320,251 individuals of East Asian, European and South Asian ancestry. We find genetic variants at 12 novel loci to be associated with blood pressure (P=3.9x10-11 to P=5.0x10-21). The sentinel blood pressure SNPs are enriched for association with DNA methylation at multiple nearby CpG sites, suggesting that at some of the loci identified DNA methylation may lie on the regulatory pathway linking sequence variation to blood pressure. The sentinel SNPs at the 12 novel loci point to genes involved in vascular smooth muscle (IGFBP3, KCNK3, PDE3A and PRDM6) and renal (ARHGAP24, OSR1, SLC22A7, TBX2) function. The novel and known genetic variants predict increased left ventricular mass, circulating levels of NT-proBNP, cardiovascular and all-cause mortality (P=0.04 to 8.6x10-6). Our results provide new evidence for the role of DNA methylation in blood pressure regulation.

  Study EGAS00001001427

• Study of pediatric hepatocellular carcinoma caused by bile salt export pump deficiency

  Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is almost invariably associated with an underlying inflammatory state, whose direct contribution to the acquisition of critical genomic changes is unclear. We mapped the acquired genomic alterations in human and mouse HCCs induced by defects in hepatocyte biliary transporters, which expose hepatocytes to bile salts and cause the onset of chronic inflammation that develops into cancer. In both human and mouse cancer genomes we found few somatic point mutations with no impairment of cancer genes, but instead massive gene amplification and rearrangements. This genomic landscape differs greatly from that of virus- and alcohol-associated liver cancer. Copy number gains preferentially occurred at late stages of cancer development and frequently targeted the MAPK signaling pathway, and in particular direct regulators of JNK. The pharmacological inhibition of JNK retarded cancer progression in the mouse. Our study demonstrates that intrahepatic cholestasis leading to hepatocyte exposure to bile acids and inflammation promotes cancer through genomic modifications that can be clearly distinguished from those determined by other etiological factors.

  Study EGAS00001000749

• Cell motility and migration as determinants of stem cell efficacy

  Limited stem cell migration capacities and undirected homing hamper their therapeutic efficacy. We report here the novel technology to isolate stem cell subpopulations with high migration potential. Hereby, we identified podoplanin-dependent stem cell mobility as important mechanism for their in vivo homing capacities and therapeutic efficacy as validated in preclinical models of Alzheimer´s disease and mouse glioma. In vivo applications of highly migrating stem cells resulted in remarkable improvement of targeted homing and engraftment rates. Moreover, animals receiving highly migrating stem cells showed higher recovery rates compared to unselected stem cells. This novel technology provides useful tool to improve therapeutic efficacy of stem cells and give insights into stem cell subpopulations heterogeneity with the potential of general applicability for cellular therapies.

  Study EGAS00001002478

• CONSERTING: integrating copy number analysis with structural variation detection

  We developed Copy Number Segmentation by Regression Tree in Next Generation Sequencing (CONSERTING), a novel algorithm for detecting somatic copy number alteration (CNA) using whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data. CONSERTING performs iterative analysis of segmentation by read depth change and localized structural variation detection to achieve high accuracy and sensitivity. Analysis of 43 pediatric and adult cancer genomes revealed novel oncogenic CNAs, complex re-arrangements and subclonal CNAs missed by alternative approaches. This study contains all data for "CONSERTING: an accurate method for detecting somatic DNA copy number alterations in whole genome sequencing data", which was previously split between EGAS00001001202 and EGAS00001001050.

  Study EGAS00001001202

• Aberrant Oligoclonal Hematopoiesis in Remission AML and Relapse from Rare Cells Genomically Resembling Leukemic Blasts

  Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) is a hematological malignancy that often responds well to initial treatment in which patients achieve a complete remission (CR). Nevertheless, most patients will relapse after achieving a CR, which is often fatal. This minimal residual disease (MRD) that remains after CR is likely the source of relapse and so improved measurement and characterization of these residual cells is critical. Employing droplet digital PCR (ddPCR), we were able to measure mutated alleles of many recurrently mutated genes in bone marrow samples acquired during CR from AML patients at levels as low as 0.002% variant allele frequency. Most of these gene mutations persisted in CR but at very variable and gene-dependent levels. Most AML cases involved residual aberrant oligoclonal hematopoiesis, and rare cell populations (as few as 1 in 15,000) were detected that were genomically similar to the AML blast populations at that dominated at diagnosis and were fully clonally represented at relapse. From a clinical perspective, the mutant allele frequency correlated closely with relapse-free and overall survival.

  Study phs001408

• RNA-Seq of novel miR (nmiR-1 and nmiR-2) overexpression and knockdown in BL

  After overexpression and knockdown of both described novel miRs nmiR-1 and nmiR-2 in BL cell lines (SU-DHL4 for nmiR-1 and Raji for nmiR-2), we performed regular RNA-Seq (including Mock controls for all cell lines) to identify their direct and indirect downstream mRNA targets.

  Dataset EGAD00001001612

• Spiradenocarcinoma (2018-10-29)

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

  Dataset EGAD00001004426

• Germline Aberrations of PAX5 Cause Susceptibility to pre-B cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

  A novel heterozygous germline variant, c.547G>A (p.Gly183Ser), in the paired box protein encoding gene, PAX5, was found to segregate with disease in two unrelated kindreds with autosomal dominant pre-B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Leukemic cells from both families exhibited 9p deletion, with loss-of-heterozygosity and retention of the mutant PAX5 allele at 9p13 . Two additional sporadic ALL cases with 9p loss demonstrated PAX5 Gly183 substitution in the leukemic cells. Functional analysis of the PAX5 germline variants demonstrated reduced transcriptional activity, as well as decreased interaction with Groucho-4. These data extend the role of PAX5 alterations in the pathogenesis of pre-B ALL, and implicate PAX5 in a novel syndrome of germline susceptibility to pre-B cell neoplasia.

  Study EGAS00001000447

• Induction of fetal meiotic oocytes from embryonic stem cells in cynomolgus monkeys

  Human in vitro oogenesis provides a framework for clarifying the mechanism of human oogenesis. To create its benchmark, it is vital to promote in vitro oogenesis using a model physiologically close to humans. Here, we establish a foundation for in vitro oogenesis in cynomolgus (cy) monkeys: cy female embryonic stem cells harboring one active and one inactive X chromosome (Xa and Xi, respectively) differentiate robustly into primordial germ cell-like cells, which in xenogeneic reconstituted ovaries develop efficiently into oogonia and, remarkably, further into meiotic oocytes at the zygotene stage. This differentiation entails a comprehensive epigenetic reprogramming, including Xi reprogramming, yet, as partly observed in vivo, Xa and Xi remain epigenetically asymmetric with incomplete Xi reactivation. In humans and monkeys, the Xi epigenome in pluripotent stem cells functions as an Xi-reprogramming determinant. We further show that developmental-pathway over-activations with suboptimal up-regulation of relevant meiotic genes impede in vitro meiotic progression. Cy in vitro oogenesis exhibits critical homology with the human system, including with respect to bottlenecks, providing a salient model for advancing human in vitro oogenesis.

  Study JGAS000573

• RNA-sequencing data from 195 B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemias and mate pair whole genome sequencing data from 15 B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemias

  Fusion genes are potent driver mutations in cancer. In this study, we delineate the fusion gene landscape in a consecutive series of 195 pediatric B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (BCP ALL). Using RNA-sequencing, we find in-frame fusion genes in 127 (65%) cases, including 27 novel fusions. We describe a new subtype characterized by recurrent IGH-DUX4 or ERG-DUX4 fusions, representing 4% of cases, leading to overexpression of DUX4 and frequently co-occurring with intragenic ERG deletions. Furthermore, we identify a subtype characterized by an ETV6-RUNX1-like gene expression profile and coexisting ETV6 and IKZF1 alterations. Taken together, this study provides a detailed overview of fusion genes in pediatric BCP ALL and adds new pathogenetic insights, which may improve risk stratification and provide novel therapeutic options in this disease.

  Study EGAS00001001795

• Genomic Profiling of Sequentially Acquired Metastatic Sites from an "Exceptional Responder" Lung Adenocarcinoma Patient Reveals Extensive Genomic Heterogeneity and Novel Somatic Variants

  We employed next-generation sequencing to identify somatic alterations in multiple metastatic sites from an "exceptional responder" lung adenocarcinoma patient during his seven year course of ERBB2-directed therapies. The degree of heterogeneity was unprecedented, with ~1% similarity between somatic alterations of the lung and lymph nodes. One novel translocation, PLAG1-ACTA2, present in both sites, up-regulated ACTA2 expression. ERBB2, the predominant driver oncogene, was amplified in both sites, more pronounced in the lung, and harbored an L869R mutation in the lymph node. Functional studies demonstrated increased proliferation, migration, metastasis, and resistance to ERBB2-directed therapy due to L869R mutation and increased migration due to ACTA2 overexpression. Within the lung, a nonfunctional CDK12, due to a novel G879V mutation, correlated with down-regulation of DNA damage response genes, causing genomic instability, and sensitivity to chemotherapy. We propose a model whereby a sub-clone metastasized early from the primary site and evolved independently in lymph nodes.

  Study phs001159

• Timing and trajectory of BCR-ABL1 driven chronic myeloid leukaemia

  Mutation of some genes provide fitness advantages that drive uncontrolled cell proliferation, leading to clinical manifestations of cancer. The discovery of the Philadelphia chromosome in chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) provided the very first such genetic link to cancer and the hypothesis that this lesion provided an abnormal growth advantage to cells. However, little is known about the trajectory to CML, the rate of BCR::ABL1 driven clonal expansion, and how this impacts on disease presentation. Here, using whole-genome sequencing of 1013 single-cell-derived colonies from patients with CML, we reconstruct phylogenetic trees of haematopoiesis in 9 patients aged 22 to 81 years at diagnosis. The expected intronic breaks in BCR and ABL1 were not always observed, and out-of-frame exonic breakpoints in BCR, requiring exon skipping to derive BCR::ABL1 fusion transcripts, were noted in several patients. Apart from ASXL1 and RUNX1 mutations, additional somatic mutations in myeloid genes were generally present only in wild-type cells and did not contribute to the CML clone. Using phylogenetic analysis, we infer sustained explosive growth attributed to BCR::ABL1 fusion, with clonal expansions beginning 3-14 years (Cl 2-16 years) before diagnosis and annual growth rates exceeding 70,000% per year in some young patients with the most recent and rapid clonal expansions. Mutation rate was higher in BCR::ABL1-positive cells than in wild-type counterparts, together with markedly shorter telomere lengths, reflecting their excessive cell division history. Clonal expansion rates inferred from phylogenetic trees were in line with mutational signature patterns and telomere attrition, and inversely correlated with the time to diagnosis. Whole genome sequencing of advanced phase CML was characterised by genomic evolution within BCR::ABL1-positive cells. Our findings highlight the oncogenic potency of a single BCR::ABL1 fusion and its capacity to drive fast clonal outgrowth to cancer. These data contrast with the early-in-life, slow, and sequential clonal trajectories typical of most cancers, such as Philadelphia-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms, solid organ malignancies, and patterns of clonal expansion in healthy tissue ageing.

  Dataset EGAD00001015473

• Clinical outcomes in ctDNA-positive urothelial carcinoma patients treated with adjuvant immunotherapy

  Minimally invasive approaches to detect residual disease after surgery are urgently needed to select patients at highest risk for metastatic relapse for additional therapies. Circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) holds promise as a biomarker for molecular residual disease (MRD) and relapse,1-3 but its clinical value has yet to be demonstrated in a randomised clinical trial. We evaluated outcomes in post-surgical ctDNA-positive (+) patients in a randomised phase III trial of adjuvant atezolizumab versus observation. IMvigor010 enrolled 809 patients with muscle-invasive urothelial carcinoma and did not meet its primary endpoint of disease-free survival (DFS) in the intent-to-treat population. Within the study, an exploratory planned analysis of prospectively collected plasma was performed, which tested the utility of ctDNA to identify patients who may benefit from adjuvant atezolizumab treatment. ctDNA was measured at the start of therapy (cycle 1 day 1; C1D1) and at week 6 (cycle 3 day 1; C3D1), and 581 patients were evaluable for ctDNA. The prevalence of ctDNA positivity at C1D1 was 37% (n=214), and ctDNA positivity identified patients with poor prognosis (observation arm DFS HR= 6.19 (4.29, 8.91), p<0.0001). Here we show that ctDNA(+) patients had improved DFS and overall survival (OS) with atezolizumab versus observation (DFS HR= 0.56 (0.41-0.77); p=0.0003 and OS HR= 0.58 (0.4-0.86); p=0.0063). No difference in DFS or OS between arms was noted for ctDNA-negative patients. The rate of ctDNA clearance was higher with atezolizumab (18%) versus observation (4%) (p=0.0041). Transcriptomic analysis revealed that tumours from ctDNA(+) patients had higher expression of cell cycle and keratin genes. Within the ctDNA(+) patient population in the atezolizumab arm, non-relapsing patients were further enriched in prominent immune response signatures including PD-L1, IFNG, CXCL9, and high tumour mutational burden, whereas relapse was associated with angiogenesis and fibroblast-transforming growth factor-beta signatures (F-TBRS). TCGA molecular subset analysis revealed increased efficacy of atezolizumab in patients with basal-squamous tumours, consistent with underlying tumour-immune contexture. Together these findings suggest that adjuvant atezolizumab may be associated with improved outcomes compared with observation in this high-risk ctDNA(+) population. These findings, if validated in other settings, would shift approaches to post-operative cancer care.

  Study EGAS00001004997

• Mid-frequency hearing loss is a characteristic clinical feature of OTOA-associated hearing loss

  In this study, we performed NGS analysis of a large Japanese hearing loss cohort, and identified 7 patients with OTOA-associated hearing loss. As novel clinical features identified in this study, the audiometric configurations of OTOA-associated hearing loss patients was found to be mid-frequency.

  Study JGAS000200

• Clinical and genetic analysis of a rare syndrome associated with neoteny

  We describe a novel syndrome in six patients with extreme developmental delay and the defining characteristic of neoteny. In an effort to discover any genetic causes of this syndrome whole genome sequence (WGS) analysis of the patients and their families was performed on Complete Genomics’ nanoarray platform.

  Study EGAS00001002419

• Genetic and epigenetic variation at regulatory regions contribute to cancer evolution under endocrine treatment

  Comprehensive profiling of hormone-dependent breast cancer (HDBC) has identified hundreds of protein-coding alterations contributing to cancer initiation, but only a handful have been linked to endocrine therapy resistance, potentially contributing to 40% of relapses. If other mechanisms underlie the evolution of HDBC under adjuvant therapy is currently unknown. In this work, we employ integrative functional genomics to dissect the contribution of cis-regulatory elements (CREs) to cancer evolution by focusing on 12 megabases of non-coding DNA, including clonal enhancers, gene promoters, and boundaries of topologically associating domains. Massive parallel perturbation in vitro reveals context-dependent roles for many of these CREs, with a specific impact on dormancy entrance and endocrine therapy resistance9. Profiling of CRE somatic alterations in a unique, longitudinal cohort of patients treated with endocrine therapies identifies non-coding changes involved in therapy resistance. Overall, our data uncover actionable transient transcriptional programs critical for dormant persister cells and unveil new regulatory nodes driving evolutionary trajectories towards disease progression.

  Study EGAS00001006340