12419 results for ""non-traditional+communal+storytelling+approach"+novel+segment+noted+in+critical+commentary"

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• MYCN Amplification and ATRX Mutations are Incompatible in Neuroblastoma

  Age and stage of disease at diagnosis is associated with outcome in neuroblastoma. A previous study identified ATRX point mutations and in-frame deletions in older patients with stage 4 disease. To validate the frequency of ATRX mutations and assess the relation of mutations and known prognostic variables, we collaborated with the Children’s Oncology Group and sequenced the entire ATRX genomic locus in 475 neuroblastoma tumor samples to validate the frequency of ATRX mutations and assess the relation of mutations and known prognostic variables. Older age at diagnosis, stage 4 disease, and unfavorable histology were significantly associated with mutations in the ATRX gene; MYCN amplification was mutually exclusive from ATRX mutations. To directly test if ATRX mutations and MYCN amplification are incompatible in neuroblastoma, we mutated the ATRX gene in MYCN amplified neuroblastoma cell lines and ectopically expressed MYCN in ATRX mutant neuroblastoma cell lines. Both approaches showed that ATRX and MYCN amplification are incompatible in neuroblastoma in culture and in vivo. To gain a better understanding of the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms of this incompatibility, we performed a series of experiments including telomere analysis, epigenetic profiling, electron microscopic analysis and metabolic profiling. We discovered that induction of MYCN expression in ATRX mutant neuroblastomas cells leads to metabolic reprogramming, mitochondrial dysfunction, increased reactive oxygen species and replicative stress. We propose that this leads to synthetic lethality in ATRX mutant neuroblastomas because of the underlying replicative stress in those cells as a result of dysfunction of this essential histone chaperone.

  Study EGAS00001003257

• Detection of ctDNA in Plasma of Patients with Clinically Localised Prostate Cancer is Associated with Rapid Disease Progression

  Purpose: DNA originating from degenerate tumour cells can be detected in the circulation in many tumour types, where it can be used as a marker of disease burden as well as to monitor treatment response. Although circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) measurement has prognostic/predictive value in metastatic prostate cancer, its utility in localised disease is unknown. Patients and Methods: We performed whole genome sequencing of tumour-normal pairs in eight patients with clinically localised disease undergoing prostatectomy, identifying high confidence genomic aberrations. A bespoke DNA capture and amplification panel against the highest prevalence, highest confidence aberrations for each individual was designed and used to interrogate ctDNA isolated from plasma prospectively obtained pre- and post- (24 hours and 6 weeks) surgery. In a separate cohort (n=189) we identified the presence of ctDNA TP53 mutations in pre-operative plasma in a retrospective cohort, and determined its association with biochemical- and metastasis-free survival. Results: Tumour variants in ctDNA were positively identified pre-treatment in two of eight patients, which in both cases remained detectable postoperatively. Patients with tumour variants in ctDNA had extremely rapid disease recurrence and progression compared to those where variants could not be detected. In terms of aberrations targeted, single nucleotide and structural variants outperformed indels and copy number aberrations. Detection of ctDNA TP53 mutations was associated with a significantly shorter metastasis-free survival (6.2 vs. 9.5 years (HR 2.4; 95% CIs 1.2-4.8, p = 0.014)). Conclusions: CtDNA is uncommonly detected in localised prostate cancer but its presence portends more rapidly progressive disease.

  Study EGAS00001004636

• MDS 5q exomes

  This project aimed to study the somatic alterations present in myelodysplastic syndromes patient with isolated chromosome 5q deletion. It was emphasized in analysing TP53 alterations, including mutations and copy number alterations affecting chromosome 17. Exome data from five patients that were included in this project are shared in this submission.

  Study EGAS50000000649

• Primary_DIPG_expression_profiles

  In this study, we used RNA-sequencing gene expression profiling in order to characterize specific phenotypic traits in DIPG. Seventeen primary tumor samples stereotactically biopsied at diagnosis by neurosurgeons in the Necker-Enfants Malades hospital (Paris, France) and snap-frozen for RNA extraction and subsequent poly-A mRNA purification.

  Study EGAS00001007181

• Assessment of Complex Chromosomal Changes in De-Identified Cell Lines

  In this study, we obtained DNA from the Coriell Repository from individuals with complex chromosomal changes. The database ("Chromosome Abnormalities") of these de-identified samples contains 1,366 individuals as per https://www.coriell.org/1/NIGMS. We started with 16 individuals in this pilot study that we will hopefully expand out in a potential large NIH grant using information derived in this pilot study. De-identified samples were sequenced using internal funding from Washington University in St. Louis. A description of the sequencing we did on these individuals is provided in our medRxiv preprint at https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.03.28.25324850v1.

  Study phs004000

• Natural variation of circulating RNAs in human serum

  Non-coding RNA (ncRNA) molecules have fundamental roles in cells and many are also stable in body fluids as extracellular RNAs. In these studies, we used RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) to investigate the profile of small non-coding RNA (sncRNA) in human serum. We analyzed more than 10 billion Illumina reads from more than 500 serum samples, included in the Norwegian population-based Janus Serum Bank (JSB). Our results suggest that many circulating RNAs in serum can be potential biomarkers and they are associated with different traits including age, sex, smoking, body size etc.

  Study EGAS00001002814

• Transcriptome analysis of iPSC-derived hepatocytes from Wilson's Disease patients and healthy controls

  To identify the differences in global gene expression patterns in WD-specific hepatocytes, we performed RNA-seq analysis. Six WD-specific hepatocytes and 6 healthy-donor (HD) hepatocytes were compared in total. The data suggested that our RNA-seq data were partially validated in the context of ATP7B deficiency and that these overlapped genes might be regulated by ATP7B deficiency among mammalian species in common.

  Study JGAS000382

• Whole-Genome Sequencing of Salivary Gland Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma

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

  Study EGAS00001002812

• Resequencing (MIPS) of candidate genes for Keratoconus (2020)

  In this study, we selected 34 candidate genes for KC based on previous Whole Exome Sequencing (WES) and the literature, and resequenced them in 745 KC patients and 810 ethnically matched controls. Data analysis was performed using the single variant association test as well as gene-based mutation burden and variance components tests. In our study, we detected enrichment of genetic variation across multiple gene-based tests for the genes COL2A1, COL5A1, TNXB, ZEB1 and ZNF469. The top hit in the Fisher’s exact test was obtained for a common variant in the COL12A1 gene. Interestingly, COL5A1, TNXB, ZNF469 and COL12A1 are all known Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) genes. Though the co-occurrence of KC and EDS has been reported previously, this study is the first to demonstrate a consistent role of genetic variants in EDS genes in the etiology of KC. In conclusion, our data show a shared genetic etiology between KC and EDS, and clearly confirm the currently disputed role of ZNF469 in disease susceptibility for KC. Besides the role for EDS genes, we also confirm the previously reported involvement of genetic variation in ZEB1 in KC.

  Study EGAS00001004267

• National Cancer Institute - Population Structure and Natural Selection in the Epidemiology of Burkitt Lymphoma in East African Children and Minors (EMBLEM) study in Uganda

  A genome-wide analysis of genetic structure, gene flow, and natural selection was conducted in populations in the endemic Burkitt lymphoma (eBL) belt in Ghana and Northern Uganda, both subject to a high incidence of falciparum malaria and eBL. These populations have different ethnolinguistic ancestries and are located 2400 miles apart in sub-Saharan Africa. We characterized genetic composition of these populations in the context of 22 additional African populations and present evidence for gene flow events that occurred in the last 3000 years, possibly related to regional migrations in Western Africa and major migrations involving Nilotic, Cushitic, and Bantu groups. The Ugandan population was comprised of 758 children (mean age ~7 years) from 17 Western Nilo-Saharan tribes. The current dataset includes 561 healthy children and 197 children with eBL from northern Uganda.

  Study phs001705

• Highly prevalent NF-kappa B signaling pathway-activating somatic mutations in intracranial aneurysms

  Intracranial aneurysms (IAs) are a high-risk factor for life-threatening subarachnoid hemorrhage. Their etiology, however, remains mostly unknown. We conducted screening for somatic mutations in 65 IA tissues and identified 16 genes that were mutated with a high prevalence (92%). In particular, six genes, including PDGFRB, were mutated commonly in fusiform and saccular IAs and are linked to the NF-kappa B signaling pathway. Mutant PDGFRBs constitutively activate NF-kappa B signaling and induce inflammation-related gene expression in vitro. Spatial transcriptomics also detected similar changes in IA tissues. Virus-mediated expression of a mutant PDGFRB induces a fusiform-like dilatation of the basilar artery in mice. This study reveals a high prevalence of somatic mutations in NF-kappa B signaling genes in IAs and opens a new avenue of research toward development of its pharmacological interventions.

  Study JGAS000591

• Whole Exome Sequencing of a Lung Adenocarcinoma Patient Across Three Time Points

  A 65-year-old female patient with a significant smoking history (40 pack-years) was first diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) in the left lung in May 2020 (L1-T1). One year later, in May 2021, the patient progressed with a new LUAD in the right lung (L1-T2) and in May 2024, another LUAD emerged in the right lung (L1-T3). Whole Exome Sequencing (WES) analysis was conducted on three tumor biopsies obtained at different time points from the same patient to investigate clonal trajectories.

  Study EGAS50000000812

• Mutations of whole genome sequencing in single cells in normal esophageal epithelium

  In order to obtain insight into the mutations in normal esophageal epithelium, we performed whole genome sequencing of 13 single cell-derived colonies isolated from 7 cases.

  Study EGAS00001003281

• Truncated FOS impairs osteogenic differentiation and induces prostaglandin and NFkB signalling in an in vitro cell-of-origin model for osteoid osteoma and osteoblastoma

  The effect of FOS truncation on osteogenic differentiation and proliferation was investigated in an in vitro model for osteoid osteoma and osteoblastoma. In this model, truncated FOS (FOSΔ) was overexpressed in human foetal mesenchymal stem cells through a lentiviral vector. Osteogenic differentiation - assessed by measuring mineralization, ALPL expression and ALP activity - and proliferation rate were reduced in cells overexpressing FOSΔ compared to mesenchymal stem cells with an empty lentiviral vector (pLV). Transcriptome-sequencing and differential gene expression analysis revealed decreased gene expression of genes in pathways involving cell cycling and mitosis, and osteogenic differentiation, including WNT signalling, extracellular matrix (ECM) organization and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), in FOSΔ as compared to empty vector cells, indicating decreased proliferation and osteogenesis.

  Study EGAS50000001291

• Comprehensive analyses of genetic aberrations in gastroenterological tumors

  Intestinal metaplasia (IM) is a risk factor of gastric cancer in gastric mucosa with Helicobacter pylori infection. To explore the susceptibility to the cancer development in pure gastric IM, we investigated landscape of genetic alterations in gastric single-glands with IM.

  Study JGAS000269

• Interactions between the tumor and the systemic response of breast cancer patients

  Breast cancer (BC) research has largely focused on the molecular properties of the tumor proper. However, to understand how cancer progresses and ultimately modulates patient outcome, we also require an understanding of the molecular changes in the patient systemic response (SR). Toward this end, we generated and analyzed RNA profiles from tumor and matched blood samples in 173 BC patients. We designed a system (MIxT) to explore and link tightly co-expressed gene sets (modules) across matched tissues. The gene composition of modules, and their expression, largely vary across tissues. Distinct patterns of expression in the SR are predominantly detected in highly immunogenic BC subtypes. We also find that the expression pattern of a module in one tissue is correlated to the expression pattern of a module in the other tissue in a fashion that depends on subtype. For example, systemic immunosuppression is detected in basalL patients in a fashion that is proportional to the level of expression of several tumor modules highlighting immune evasion mechanisms active in these particular cancers.

  Study EGAS00001001804

• Defective homologous recombination in HCC

  Backgrounds and Aims: We performed an in-depth examination of pathogenic germline (PGVs) and somatic variants in DNA damage response (DDR) genes in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) to explore their clinical and genomic impacts. Approach and Results: We used a merged whole exome or RNA sequencing dataset derived from in-house (n=230) and TCGA (n=362) databases of multiethnic HCC samples.

  Study EGAS00001006599

• Molecular Phenotype of Constitutional TET2 Haploinsufficiency in Humans

  In this study, we observed the effects of constitutional heterozygous TET2 loss on blood DNA methylation, chromatin activity and gene expression in carriers of truncating TET2 germline mutations. To provide additional context to findings in TET2 mutation carriers, we analysed DNA methylation in four DNMT3A germline mutation carriers and their age-matched controls.

  Study EGAS00001003454

• Genetic variants of the COL4A3, COL4A4, and COL4A5 genes contribute to thinned glomerular basement membrane lesions in sporadic IgA nephropathy patients

  Contribution of pathogenic COL4A3/COL4A4/COL4A5 variants to sporadic IgAN is still unclear. Whole exome sequencing was performed in sporadic IgAN patients with thinned glomerular basement membrane lesions and variations in COL4A3/COL4A4/COL4A5 genes were screened and evaluated. 37 different diagnostic variants in COL4A3/COL4A4/COL4A5 gene in 38 patients (31.1%) were identified.

  Study EGAS00001006519

• Pharmacogenomics of Mercaptopurine Intolerance in Children with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (AALL03N1)

  Mercaptopurine (MP) is the mainstay of curative therapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). We performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) to comprehensively identify the genetic basis of MP intolerance in children with ALL in AALL03N1. MP dose intensity was defined as prescribed dose divided by the planned protocol dose during maintenance therapy.  Germline variants in NUDT15 and TPMT were found to be strongly associated with MP intolerance in childhood ALL, which may have implications for treatment individualization in this disease.

  Study phs002846

• Investigation of BK Polyomavirus (BKPyV) and Molecular Signatures in UC specimens from Taiwan

  Urothelial carcinoma (UC) is the most prevalent cancer of kidney transplant recipients in some regions. The integration of BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) genome into the human genome is observed in some cases of UC. The prevalence of aristolochic acid (AA) mutational signatures in urothelial carcinoma is high in the general population of Taiwan. To better understand the mechanisms of UC carcinogenesis in kidney transplant recipients, 19 UC specimens were analyzed by whole genome sequencing (WGS) and Hybrid Sequencing.

  Study EGAS50000001063

• Chromosome contacts in activated T cells identify autoimmune disease-candidate genes

  Autoimmune disease-associated DNA variants are preferentially found in regions with putative regulatory function in immune cells, particularly CD4+ T cells. Linking such regulatory elements to gene promoters in disease-relevant cells and contexts is essential to identify disease candidate genes. Here we show that the activation of CD4+ T cells invokes changes in the activity of regulatory elements and transcription of RNAs that correspond to changes in the expression of their interacting genes identified by promoter capture Hi-C (PCHi-C).

  Study EGAS00001001961

• Sequence analysis of colorectal serrated lesions

  Recent studies have shown that colorectal serrated lesions, which include sessile serrated adenomas (SSAs) and traditional serrated adenomas (TSAs), are precursors of colorectal cancer. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the carcinogenesis, particularly in TSAs, remain largely uncharacterized. To clarify their molecular and clinicopathological characteristics, we performed mutation and methylation analyses of cancer-associated genes in 78 serrated lesions, including TSAs, SSAs and microvesicular hyperplastic polyps. Target exon sequence analysis was performed with 39 genes, including genes known to be frequently mutated in colorectal cancers and/or serrated lesions. We also used bisulfite pyrosequencing to assess the methylation status of various cancer-associated genes and marker genes of the CpG island methylator phenotype (CIMP). The prevalence of mutations in genes associated with Wnt signaling was significantly higher in TSAs than SSAs (65% vs. 28%, p < 0.01). Among those, RNF43 mutations were observed in 38% of TSAs and 17% of SSAs. In immunohistochemical studies of 39 serrated lesions, the prevalence of abnormal nuclear ?-catenin accumulation was significantly higher in TSAs (57%) than SSAs (8%) (P = 0.01). SMOC1 methylation was detected in 54% of TSAs but in no SSAs (p < 0.01). Additionally, SMOC1 methylation was more prevalent among TSAs with KRAS mutation (82%) than with BRAF mutation (38%, p = 0.03). Lesions with CIMP-high or RNF43 mutations were detected only in TSAs with BRAF mutation, suggesting two distinct carcinogenic pathways in TSAs. Mutations in genes associated with Wnt signaling play a greater role in the carcinogenesis of TSAs than SSAs.

  Study JGAS000217

• Butyrate producers as potential next-generation probiotics: safety assessment of the administration of Butyricicoccus pullicaecorum to healthy volunteers

  Advances in gut microbiota research have triggered interest in developing colon butyrate producers as niche-specific next-generation probiotics, targeted at increasing colon butyrate production and countering disease-associated microbiota alterations. Crucial steps in the development of next-generation probiotics are the design of formulations with a reasonable shelf life as well as the safety demonstration of an intervention in healthy volunteers. One such potential next-generation butyrate-producing probiotic is Butyricicoccus pullicaecorum 25-3T, with demonstrated safety in in vitro as well as in animal models. Here, we examined the strain's safety, tolerability, and impact on microbiota composition and metabolic activity in healthy volunteers in a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study in 30 healthy volunteers. Study design consisted of two four-week intervention periods (108 CFU B. pullicaecorum [treatment] or maltodextrin [placebo] per day) with a three-week washout in between. We assessed adverse events, blood parameters (primary endpoints), and fecal microbiota composition and metabolite profiles (secondary endpoints).The number of reported adverse events during the B. pullicaecorum treatment was similar to placebo intervention, as were observed changes in blood chemistry parameters, bowel habits, and fecal calprotectin concentrations. Administration of the strain did not induce any disruptive effect in microbiota composition or metabolic activity. In this first human intervention trial with a butyrate-producing Clostridium cluster IV isolate, we demonstrated B. pullicaecorum 25-3T administration to be both safe and well tolerated by healthy participants. This safety study paves the way for the further development of the strain as a next-generation probiotic.

  Study EGAS00001003276

• Colorectal cancer study

  Matrix metalloproteinase-11 (MMP11) is an enzyme with proteolytic activity against matrix and non-matrix proteins. Although most MMPs are secreted as inactive proenzymes and they are later activated extracellularly, MMP11 is activated intracellularly by furin within the constitutive secretory pathway. It is a key factor in physiological tissue remodeling and its alteration may play an important role in the progression of epithelial malignancies and other diseases. TCGA colon and colorectal adenocarcinoma data showed that upregulation of MMP11 expression correlates with tumorigenesis and malignancy. Here, we provide evidence that a germline variant in the MMP11 gene (NM_005940: c.232C&gt;T; p.(Pro78Ser)), identified by whole exome sequencing, can increase the tumorigenic properties of colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. P78S is located in the prodomain region, which is responsible for blocking MMP11’s protease activity. This variant was detected in the proband and all the cancer-affected family members analyzed, while it was not detected in healthy relatives. In silico analyses predict that P78S could have an impact on the activation of the enzyme. Furthermore, our in vitro analyses show that the expression of P78S in HCT116 cells increases tumor cell invasion and proliferation. In summary, our results show that this variant could modify the structure of the MMP11 prodomain, producing a premature or uncontrolled activation of the enzyme that may contribute to an early CRC onset in these patients. The study of this gene in other CRC cases will provide further information about its role in CRC development, which might improve patient treatment in the future.

  Study EGAS00001006489