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• Spatial transcriptomics elucidates medulla niche supporting germinal center response in myasthenia gravis thymoma

  Myasthenia gravis (MG) is known to be epidemiologically associated with abnormalities of the thymus, an organ that maintains central tolerance. However, due to the complexity of the thymus, specific characteristics related to the pathogenesis of MG remain elusive. In our study, we attempted to narrow down the features associated with MG using spatial transcriptome analysis of thymoma and thymic hyperplasia samples. We found that the majority of thymomas were constituted by the cortical region, whereas the medullary region was localized in comparatively restricted areas. Moreover, the medullary region contained polygenic enrichment, MG-specific germinal center structures, and a supporting immune microenvironment. Additionally, neuromuscular medullary thymic epithelial cells (nmTECs), previously identified as MG-specific autoantigen-producing cells, were situated at the cortico-medullary junction. The immune microenvironment in the medulla was characterized by a specific chemokine pattern and specific immune cells, such as CCR7+ migratory dendritic cells (migDCs) and effector regulatory T (Treg) cells. Furthermore, similar germinal center structures and immune microenvironments were observed in the medulla during thymic hyperplasia. This study indicates that the medulla and junction areas are related to the pathology of MG, suggesting that these areas should be the focus of future studies on MG pathogenesis and drug targeting.

  Study JGAS000672

• The last addition to the list of clonal evolution studies in the EGA

  Tumours of different types may arise from a single cell with at least one malignant mutation. Accumulation of subsequent hits generates lineages of cells with different cancer transformation power; thus, every clone follows an autonomous evolution, and several clones may co-exist into the same solid or liquid tumour. Clonal evolution studies are not new: the conceptual power of this approach has been recognized since the early ’80, especially in leukaemia patients. Nonetheless, these studies greatly benefit from recent technological improvements -machineries and protocols-, which enable ever-increasing sequencing depth, allowing the detection of low frequency variants and consequently more tumour clones. Note: the figure belongs to the original paper and is owned by the authors. Researchers at the University of Kyoto in Japan, have indeed used state of the art knowledge to investigate the clonal evolution of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in a large panel of patients. CML progresses from a majoritarian benign chronic phase into an often fatal blast crisis phase. It is nowadays known that blast crisis are triggered by genetic instability and disrupted DNA repair, which lead to accumulation of DNA mutations. The use of thyrosine kinase inhibitors targeting the Philadelphia chromosome have enormously improved the treatment of blast crisis, nonetheless resistant patients are still a medical challenge. Yotaro Ochi and collegues used Whole Exome Sequencing of paired chronic phase and blast crisis samples to depict the genetic landscape of progression from the first to the second stage of the disease (as illustrated in their figure). Their results were published in Nature Communication on this May 2021. They used a dataset previously deposited at the EGA (EGAS00001003071) and their new generated data have been made available under accession number EGAS00001005075. Their analysis of the occurring mutations contribute to understanding the mechanisms of CML evolution and therefore develop a protocol for early management of patients with a TKI resistance signature. Up to date, the EGA hosts 99 clonal evolution studies, developed in several cancer types, including myeloma, renal carcinomas and ovarian cancer, in addition to various leukaemia subtypes, where this approach has been more widely applied and produced important results and seminal papers. From a pan-cancer point of view, the definition of tumour architecture through clonal evolution studies is instrumental to unravel the mechanisms of disease progression and treatment-resistance insource. At the EGA, we are honoured to contribute to exciting and important science advances with our service!

  Blog the-last-addition-to-the-list-of-clonal-evolution-studies-in-the-ega

• Characterizing microbiome-directed fibre snacks in gnotobiotic mice and humans

  Knowledge of the interrelationships between what we eat and the configurations of our gut microbial communities is providing important insights into how food components that are not directly metabolized by human enzymes are linked to our physiology and health status. Changing food preferences brought about by Westernization that have deleterious health effects1,2, plus rapid population expansion, ongoing challenges to sustainable agriculture, and other forces contributing to increased food insecurity, are catalyzing efforts to identify more nutritious and affordable foods3. The gut microbial community is complex, dynamic, and exhibits considerable intra- and interpersonal variation in its composition and functions. The massive number of potential interactions between its components makes it challenging to define the mechanisms by which food ingredients affect community properties. There is also a paucity of information about the ‘bioactive’ ingredients of foods that influence the fitness and expressed functions of community members. Here, plant fibres, from different sustainable sources and targeting distinct features of obese human gut microbiomes in gnotobiotic mice, were formulated into snack prototypes and used to supplement controlled diets consumed by overweight and obese adults; the results revealed fibre-specific changes in their microbiomes that were linked to changes in their plasma proteomes indicative of altered physiologic state.

  Study EGAS00001005268

• Single-cell level characterization of B cell depletion and repopulation following rituximab in systemic lupus erythematosus

  Rituximab, a CD20+ B cell depletion therapy, is frequently used in the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, variability in patient response highlights the need for a deeper understanding of the underlying immune cell dynamics of B cell depletion and repopulation. In this study, we conducted longitudinal single-cell profiling of nine SLE patients treated with rituximab from pretreatment to up to 15 months post-treatment. These were compared to eight healthy controls. We profiled PBMCs via 10X Genomics single-cell RNA, surface protein (CITE-seq), B cell receptor (BCR), and T cell receptor (TCR) sequencing and sequenced bulk BCR repertoires in parallel. For single cell sequencing, 10 pools were created with an equal number of cells from 4 samples each. Samples collected at different timepoints from the same patient were distributed across different pools to allow demultiplexing of individuals using genotypes captured from the scRNA-seq data. Libraries were pooled using a ratio of GEX:CITE:TCR:BCR=9:2:1:1 and were sequenced across two lanes of the NovaSeq 6000. For bulk BCR sequencing, individual samples were demultiplexed using primer barcodes and paired-end BCR amplicon reads were merged prior to submission; data are provided as unmapped single-end reads.

  Study EGAS00001006798

• RNA-seq analysis of transcriptome variation with human ESC subclones

  Many studies over the past 10 years, culminating in the recent report of the International Stem Cell Initiative (ISCI, 2011) have shown that hPSC acquire genetic and epigenetic changes during their time in culture. Many of the genetic changes are non-random and recurrent, probably because they provide a selective growth advantage to the undifferentiated cells. Some are shared by embryonal carcinoma cells, the malignant counterparts of ES cells. The origins of these growth advantages are poorly understood, but may come from altered cell cycle dynamics, resistance to apoptosis or altered patterns of differentiation. Less is known about the nature and consequences of epigenetic changes, but it is likely that these similarly affect hPSC behaviour; e.g., enhanced expression of DLK1, an imprinted gene, is associated with altered hPSC growth (Enver et al 2005). Inevitably, these genetic and epigenetic changes will impact on our ability to use hPSC for regenerative medicine, either because malignant transformation of the undifferentiated cells or their differentiated derivatives to be used for transplantation compromises safety, or because they impede the function of those differentiated derivatives, or because they affect the efficiency with which the undifferentiated cells can be expanded and differentiated into desired cell types. Focusing initially upon the existing clinical grade hESC lines, later moving to iPSC, we will Consolidate and extend knowledge of the rate, type and functional impact of the genetic variations that occur during hPSC culture. We will use whole genome and exome sequencing as well as SNP arrays, together with clonal analysis and other cytogenetics techniques. Common changes will be compared with those found in the normal human population, at low frequency in the original cell population or observed during iPSC generation in the HIPSCI project currently based at the WTSI. These studies will provide a better understanding of the range of genetic changes that occur in hPSC beyond the CNVs already identified. In conjunction with cancer genome resources and expertise at WTSI, bioinformatic analyses of these hPSC data will allow us to assess potential impact on hPSC behaviour pertinent to applications in regenerative medicine, notably the likelihood that specific changes arising in undifferentiated PSC cultures may be associated with potential malignant transformation of differentiated progeny 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/ .

  Dataset EGAD00001004266

• Population Architecture using Genomics and Epidemiology (PAGE): Causal Variants Across the Life Course (CALiCo): Strong Heart Study (SHS) and Strong Heart Family Study (SHFS)

  The SHS is a study of cardiovascular disease and its risk factors among American Indian men and women. Using standardized methodology, it was designed to estimate cardiovascular disease mortality and morbidity and the prevalence of known and suspected cardiovascular disease risk factors and to assess the significance of these risk factors in a longitudinal analysis. The study included 13 American Indian tribes and communities in three geographic areas: an area near Phoenix, Arizona, the southwestern area of Oklahoma, and western and central North and South Dakota. The SHS included three components: The first was a survey to determine cardiovascular disease mortality rates from 1984 to 1994 among tribal members aged 35-74 years of age residing in the 3 study areas (the community mortality study). The second was the clinical examination of 4,500 tribal members aged 45-74. The SHS has completed three clinical examinations of the original Cohort (Phase I: 1989-1991; Phase II: 1993-1995; Phase III: 1998- 1999, respectively). The third component is the morbidity and mortality (M&M) surveillance of these 4,500 participants. Yearly SHS surveillance has only 0.2% loss to follow-up. All deaths and all nonfatal CVD events are classified by standardized criteria, including details of stroke and HF. The Strong Heart Family Study (SHFS) is a genetic epidemiological study designed to investigate the heritability of CVD and its risk factors and to localize genes that contribute to CVD risk in American Indians. SHFS participants include 3,838 family members that were >/=15 years old, and ascertained through sibships of the original SHS, from 94 extended (large, multigenerational) families. Exams have occurred in a pilot Phase III (1998-1999, 900 SHFS participants), in Phase IV (2001-2003), and Phase V (2006-2009). SHFS morbidity and mortality surveillance has occurred throughout the study phases, with 0.3% lost to follow-up. Genetic data includes complete pedigree information, DNA samples from all family members, a 10cM-spaced microsatellite map used for IBD estimation and to perform linkage analysis, genotypes for more than 12,000 SNPs in candidate regions, and genotypes from commercially available SNP assays.

  Study phs000580

• Northwestern NUgene Project: Type 2 Diabetes

  The ability to correlate genetic variation with disease susceptibility and response to drug therapy depends on genotype or sequence analysis of large numbers of richly characterized DNA samples. Eight years agoWe are a part of NHGRI's electronic Medical Records and Genomics (eMERGE) Network, whose goal is to conduct genome-wide association studies in thousands of individuals using EMR-derived phenotypes and DNA from linked biorepositories. For eMERGE, Northwestern University (NU) is studying type 2 diabetes as a phenotype. In addition, in order to explore race differences in the prevalence of type 2 diabetes, NU collaborated with Vanderbilt University to study a mix of both Caucasian and African-Americans. Northwestern University: In 2002, Northwestern committed to the development of a DNA repository to serve as a platform for the identification and validation of genotype-phenotype associations that will impact healthcare. The NUgene Project is a repository with longitudinal medical information from participating patients at affiliated hospitals and outpatient clinics from the Northwestern University Medical Center. Participants' DNA samples are coupled with data from a questionnaire (2 versions were used, 1 before and 1 after February 2006, both are included) and continuously updated data from our Electronic Medical Record (EMR) representing actual clinical care events. Northwestern has a state-of-the art, comprehensive inpatient and outpatient EMR system of over 2 million patients. NUgene has broad access to participant data for all outpatient visits as well as inpatient data via a consolidated data warehouse. NUgene participants consent to distribution and use of their coded DNA samples and data for a broad range of genetic research by third-party investigators. Vanderbilt University: BioVU, Vanderbilt's DNA databank, is an enabling resource for exploration of the relationships among genetic variation, disease susceptibility, and variable drug responses, and represents a key first step in moving the emerging sciences of genomics and pharmacogenomics from research tools to clinical practice. BioVU acquires DNA from discarded blood samples collected from routine patient care. The biobank is linked to de-identified clinical data extracted from Vanderbilt's EMR, which forms the basis for phenotype definitions used in genotype-phenotype correlations.

  Study phs000237

• The Familial Intracranial Aneurysm Linkage Study (FIA)

  Our long-term objective is to identify susceptibility genes that are related to the formation of intracranial aneurysms (IA). Rupture of IAs occurs in 16,000 to 17,000 persons in the U.S. annually and nearly half of affected persons are dead within the first 30 days. An additional 6,000 to 7,000 persons with unruptured IAs are identified each year. Accumulated evidence indicates that a genetic component plays an important role in the development of IAs, but specific loci affecting the risk of IA have not been identified. The primary hypothesis of this study is that there are specific human chromosomal regions that are associated with an increased risk of IAs. Specific Aims of are: Recruitment of 400 (475) families with multiple individuals who have an IA through 23 (25) referral centers throughout North America, Australia, and New Zealand that represent 35 (40) recruitment sites. Ascertainment of interviews and blood samples from all affected family members as well as their first-degree relatives. White blood cells from living persons with an IA will be cryopreserved at Coriell Institute for Medical Research for future immortalization of cells lines as indicated. Identification of unruptured IAs by obtaining MRAs in selected asymptomatic siblings (of affected individuals). Completion of a 10 cM genome series in persons with IAs as well as the spouses and children of persons with an IA who are deceased. We will perform finer mapping of chromosomal regions with suggestive evidence of linkage in the genome screen. Performance of a nonparametric (allele sharing) linkage analysis, including relevant environmental factors such as smoking, to identify chromosomal regions linked to IA. Reconstruction of the genotypes of deceased affected family members will be performed. Identification of individuals who are genetically at high risk for the development of IAs would enable targeted and effective screening/prevention/treatment strategies to reduce the substantial mortality and morbidity associated with this devastating type of stroke. Only a multidisciplinary, collaborative effort to identify, accrue, and genotype FIA families will be successful in identifying sufficient high-risk families to characterize the genetic underpinnings of IA.

  Study phs000293

• Childhood Cancer Data Initiative (CCDI): Molecular Characterization across Pediatric Brain Tumors and Other Solid and Hematologic Malignancies for Research, Diagnostic, and Precision Medicine

  This study contains tumor and germline WGS, RNA-Seq, Clinical Panel Sequencing, and other omics and molecular data for patients with pediatric brain tumors and other solid and hematologic malignancies. This data has been collected from multiple organizations including the multi-institute Children's Brain Tumor Network (CBTN), the Pacific Pediatric Neuro-Oncology Consortium (PNOC), and the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Division for Genomic Diagnostics (CHOP DGD). In addition to being available pre-publication and without embargo via dbGaP and the NCI Cancer Research Data Commons, this data is made available via Cavatica, PedcBioPortal and the Kids First Data Resource Portal. Collectively, this availability strives to accelerate the research process and enable members of the scientific and patient communities to partner and make discoveries faster than ever before.In 2019, the CBTN launched the Pediatric Brain Tumor Atlas, which now comprises the largest collection of childhood brain tumor data in the world. This resource is helping accelerate not only brain tumor research, but is also empowering discovery for other rare childhood conditions. Brain tumors are the most common form of cancer in children aged 0-19 in the United States, and are the largest cause of cancer-related deaths. The estimated number of new cases in 2019 is nearly 3,800, and thus brain tumors are a rare disease. Despite their relative rarity, the years of potential life lost due to brain tumors in 2009 was estimated at 47,631 years for children and adolescents aged 0-19 in the United States; this is a disproportionate amount of life lost compared to adult cancers and represents an unrecognized societal threat. There is an urgent need to improve therapies for these children. This sequencing cohort defines the largest, clinically annotated pediatric brain tumor cohort study to date and seeks to define the intersection of germline and somatic underpinnings of pediatric brain tumors across a shared developmental context of cancer and structural birth defects.

  Study phs002517

• Bacterial Vaginosis, Cervical Immune Cells and HIV Susceptibility

  This was a cross-sectional study to characterize cervical immune cell composition and activation status in the presence versus absence of bacterial vaginosis (BV) using bulk messenger RNA sequencing (mRNA-Seq). Women enrolled in a longitudinal, open cohort study and engaged in a sex work in Mombasa, Kenya, were eligible. On the day of enrollment, participants self-collected vaginal swabs for generation of Gram-stained slide. The slides were scored from 0-10 using the method of Nugent and Hillier; in this system, women with scores of 0-3 are considered to have normal vaginal flora, those with scores of 4-6 are considered to have intermediate flora, and those with scores of 7-10 are considered to have BV. For this study, only women with normal flora (Nugent scores 0-3) or BV (Nugent scores 7-10) were eligible. Participants underwent speculum-assisted pelvic examination and collection of cervical biopsy specimens using Tischler forceps. Biopsies were placed immediately in ice cold medium and transferred to the laboratory where they were weighed and transferred to freezing medium (10% DMSO + fetal bovine serum) and cooled slowly overnight. Samples were shipped from Kenya to the United States in liquid nitrogen dry shippers, collagenase digested into single cell suspensions, and sorted on a FACS aria to enrich for a population of live, CD45+ cells. Sorted samples (N=17 with BV and N=13 without BV) were immediately lysed and processed using the Takara SMART-Seq v4 Ultra Low Input RNA Kit for sequencing. Library generation was completed using the manufacturer's instructions and sequencing performed on an Illumina NextSeq500 platform using Illumina NextSeq 500/550 High Output v2.5 (150 Cycles). The FASTQ files generated and BV status (N=9 with BV and N=12 without BV that passed quality control) of the donor sample will be available on dbGaP. We identified over 1000 differentially expressed genes between women with versus without BV at an adjusted p-value of <0.05 (listed under "gene names" below).

  Study phs002329