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

in 31.00 milliseconds.

• Wistar PDX Development and Trial Center

  Overall the outcomes of patients with metastatic melanoma have improved dramatically over the last decade due to an improved understanding of the molecular drivers of this disease. In particular, multiple targeted therapy regimens have been approved for patients with a BRAFV600E/K mutation, which are present in ~50% of cutaneous melanomas. These treatments achieve clinical responses in ~80% of patients with a BRAFV600E/K mutation, thus providing proof-of-concept of the therapeutic potential for personalized therapeutic strategies. However, most of the patients will progress within 2 years of starting those therapies. Further, currently there are no targeted therapies that have been shown to be effective in patients with a wild-type BRAF. Thus, there are unmet clinical needs to develop treatments that prevent or overcome resistance to existing therapies for patients with a BRAFV600E/K mutation, and that are effective in patients without a BRAF mutation. In order to facilitate the development of new therapeutic strategies, over the last 5 years we have led a major effort to develop a broad collection of PDX models to reflect the clinical, histological, and genetic heterogeneity of this disease. Our collection of PDX models represents one of the largest collections for any human malignancy, and our initial testing demonstrates that the collection accurately recapitulates the oncogenic drivers and molecular heterogeneity that is observed in patients. This collection also includes a subset of PDX established from patients with acquired resistance to targeted therapies that have been maintained on those agents in vivo to sustain their resistant phenotype. Together these efforts have generated a robust resource to develop, refine, and prioritize new personalized combinatorial therapies for patients. Thus, we propose to establish a multi-disciplinary and multi-institutional PDTC Program focused on the use and continued expansion of our robust melanoma PDX collection to identify new therapeutic approaches that fill important clinical gaps in this disease.

  Study phs002432

• Shanghai Breast Cancer Genetics Study (SBCGS)

  The Shanghai Breast Cancer Genetics Study (SBCGS) includes data from four population-based studies conducted among Chinese women in urban Shanghai: the Shanghai Breast Cancer Study (SBCS), the Shanghai Breast Cancer Survival Study (SBCSS), the Shanghai Women's Health Study (SWHS), and the Shanghai Endometrial Cancer Study (SECS, contributing controls only). Shanghai Breast Cancer Study (SBCS): The SBCS is a population-based, case-control study conducted in urban Shanghai. Subject recruitment in the initial phase of the SBCS (SBCS-I) was conducted between August 1996 and March 1998. The second phase (SBCS-II) of recruitment occurred between April 2002 and February 2005. Breast cancer cases were identified through the population-based Shanghai Cancer Registry and supplemented by a rapid case-ascertainment system. Controls were randomly selected using the Shanghai Resident Registry. Approximately 3500 cases and 3500 controls were recruited in the study. Shanghai Breast Cancer Survival Study (SBCSS) and Shanghai Endometrial Cancer Study (SECS): The SBCSS also used the population-based Shanghai Cancer Registry to identify newly diagnosed breast cancer cases. A total of 5,046 breast cancer patients were recruited. In-person interviews were conducted to collect information on known breast cancer risk factors and anthropometrics by using protocols and questionnaires similar to those used in the SBCS. For genetic studies, controls for the SBCSS cases came from the SECS, which recruited healthy women between January 1997 and December 2003. With the exception of a few questions related specifically to breast or endometrial cancer risk, the questionnaires used in the SECS and the SBCS were very similar. Shanghai Women's Health Study (SWHS): The SWHS is a population-based prospective cohort study of approximately 75,000 adult women who were recruited between 1997 and 2000. The cohort has been followed by a combination of record linkage and active follow-ups. Breast cancer patients identified in the SWHS and non-cases were included in the current study.

  Study phs001088

• Uncovering RNA Signatures of C9orf72-Linked ALS and Related Disorders

  Substantial clinical and pathological variability has been reported in patients carrying an expanded repeat in C9orf72, who are generally diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and/or frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Emerging evidence suggests that C9orf72 expression, RNA foci, and dipeptide-repeat proteins contribute to C9orf72-related diseases; however, the majority of the clinicopathological variability remains unexplained. We hypothesize that RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) might reveal individual genes or groups of highly correlated genes (modules) that could account for this variability, which may help to identify much-needed druggable targets and/or biomarkers. Our preliminary studies performed in the frontal cortex, where we compared C9orf72 expansion carriers to (disease) controls, demonstrated that the top differentially expressed gene was C9orf72 itself. We also noticed that differentially expressed genes were enriched for the endocytosis pathway, which is consistent with the reported function of the C9orf72 protein in vesicle trafficking. Furthermore, we detected a module enriched for vesicular pathways, and additionally, we discovered an association with survival after onset for several promising candidates involved in vesicular transport. To find new therapeutic targets and biomarkers, here we have completed RNA-Seq on an increased number of samples to examine another relevant region: the cerebellum. As such, we performed RNA-Seq on a well-characterized cohort of C9orf72 expansion carriers, patients without this expansion, and control subjects without neurological diseases. We used multivariable linear regression models for gene-level analysis, weighted correlation network analysis for module-level analysis, and leafcutter for splicing analysis. Using the cerebellar RNA-Seq data, we found a large number (>6,000) of differentially expressed genes, with a notable increase in expression of homeobox genes in C9orf72 expansion carriers, as well as many gene modules that were associated with C9orf72 expansion status. Additionally, using leafcutter, we detected over 1,000 differential splicing events and an increase in the number of cryptic splicing events in C9orf72 expansion carriers.

  Study phs003065

• Shanghai Breast Cancer Genetics Study (SBCGS)

  The Shanghai Breast Cancer Genetics Study (SBCGS) includes data from four population-based studies conducted among Chinese women in urban Shanghai: the Shanghai Breast Cancer Study (SBCS), the Shanghai Breast Cancer Survival Study (SBCSS), the Shanghai Women's Health Study (SWHS), and the Shanghai Endometrial Cancer Study (SECS, contributing controls only). Shanghai Breast Cancer Study (SBCS): The SBCS is a population-based, case-control study conducted in urban Shanghai. Subject recruitment in the initial phase of the SBCS (SBCS-I) was conducted between August 1996 and March 1998. The second phase (SBCS-II) of recruitment occurred between April 2002 and February 2005. Breast cancer cases were identified through the population-based Shanghai Cancer Registry and supplemented by a rapid case-ascertainment system. Controls were randomly selected using the Shanghai Resident Registry. Approximately 3500 cases and 3500 controls were recruited in the study. Shanghai Breast Cancer Survival Study (SBCSS) and Shanghai Endometrial Cancer Study (SECS): The SBCSS also used the population-based Shanghai Cancer Registry to identify newly diagnosed breast cancer cases. A total of 5,046 breast cancer patients were recruited. In-person interviews were conducted to collect information on known breast cancer risk factors and anthropometrics by using a protocol and questionnaire similar to those used in the SBCS. For genetic studies, controls for the SBCSS cases came from the SECS, which recruited healthy women between January 1997 and December 2003. With the exception of a few questions related specifically to breast or endometrial cancer risk, the questionnaires used in the SECS and the SBCS were very similar. Shanghai Women's Health Study (SWHS): The SWHS is a population-based prospective cohort study of approximately 75,000 adult women who were recruited between 1997 and 2000. The cohort has been followed by a combination of record linkage and active follow-ups. Breast cancer patients identified in the SWHS and non-cases were included in the current study.

  Study phs000799

• Genomic Basis of Phenotypic Variability of Complex Disorders

  The 520-kbp deletion on chromosome 16p12.1 is associated with multiple neurodevelopmental outcomes, including intellectual disability/developmental delay (ID/DD), schizophrenia, autism, and epilepsy. This variant is inherited in >95% of cases from carrier parents manifesting neuropsychiatric features, while affected children with the deletion were more likely to carry another large Copy Number Variation (CNV) or rare deleterious mutation elsewhere in the genome, or "second-hits", compared to carrier parents. Thus, while the 16p12.1 deletion confers significant risk for a range of disorders, the ultimate phenotypic trajectory is determined by "second-hit" variants in the genetic background. However, outstanding questions remain about the genetic background in these disorders, including the functional effects of "second-hit" variants towards gene expression or developmental phenotypes, the full spectrum of "second-hit" variants, and the mechanisms driving accumulation of these variants.In version 1, we performed deep clinical phenotyping, whole-genome sequencing (WGS), SNP microarray analysis, and RNA-sequencing of lymphoblastoid cell lines of 32 individuals in five large families with the 16p12.1 deletion. We found that specific classes of rare single-nucleotide and structural variants in coding and non-coding regions contributed towards expression changes in affected children based on their inheritance patterns, including a subset of variants that acted synergistically with the deletion to alter expression. We further found that rare variant-mediated expression changes contribute to specific developmental phenotypes in the carrier children, suggesting a potential genetic mechanism for variable expressivity of the deletion.In version 2, we additionally analyzed genetic and phenotypic data from individuals with 16p12.1 deletion and their spouses to assess the role of assortative mating modulating phenotypic outcomes of the 16p12.1 deletion. We identified significant within- and cross- disorder phenotypic correlations between spouses, but observed no significant genetic correlations between spouses, in line with expectations.

  Study phs002450

• Na?ve Treg-specific genomic DNA hypomethylation for autoimmune disease susceptibility

  Naturally occurring regulatory T (Treg) cells, which are specifically expressing the transcription factor FOXP3, CD25 and CTLA-4, are indispensable for the maintenance of immunological self-tolerance and homeostasis. Mutations of the FOXP3, CD25 and CTLA4 genes compromise the function of natural FOXP3+CD25+CD4+ Treg cells and cause severe autoimmune diseases showing Mendelian inheritance. Also, altered Treg-specific epigenetic changes, such as DNA hypomethylation and enhancer activation, impair the expression of these molecules in developing Treg cells, causing autoimmune diseases. It is obscure, however, whether Treg cells significantly contribute to the development of polygenic common autoimmune diseases (such as type 1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis), which afflict ~10% of the population. Recent genome-wide association study (GWAS) of common autoimmune diseases has revealed many autoimmune disease-associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in enhancer regions of immune cells, for example, in non-coding regions of T cell activation-associated genes such as CD25 and CTLA4. These findings, especially the involvement of common T-cell genes in the functions of both Treg cells and effector T cells, prompt one to ask whether autoimmune disease-associated causative SNPs impact on the functions of either disease-causing effector T cells or disease-suppressing Treg cells. Here, we have explored epigenetic profiles of human Treg and conventional T (Tconv) cells in na?ve or activated states, and found that autoimmune disease-associated SNPs are predominantly enriched in Treg-specific CpG demethylated regions (Treg-DRs), which were mostly included in Treg-specific super-enhancers. Treg-DRs are developmentally established in na?ve Treg cells before antigenic stimulation, distinct from activation-induced CpG hypomethylation in Treg or Tconv cells, and highly associated with Treg cell-specific transcriptional and epigenetic changes. Taken together, genetic variants affecting endogenous development of natural Treg cells and their Treg-intrinsic functions are causative of common autoimmune diseases, indicating natural Treg cells as a key target for their treatment and prevention.

  Study JGAS000145

• Whole Genome Sequencing of Asian Lung Cancers: Second Hand Smoke is Not Responsible for Higher Incidence of Lung Cancer Among Asian Never-Smokers

  Background Asian nonsmoking populations have a higher incidence of lung cancer compared to their European counterparts. There is a long-standing hypothesis that the increase of lung cancer in Asian never-smokers is due to environmental factors such as second-hand smoke. Results We analyzed whole-genome sequencing of 30 Asian lung cancers. Unsupervised clustering of mutational signatures separated the patients into two categories: i) all of the never-smokers, and ii) only smokers or ex-smokers. Half of the ex-smokers / smokers were in the never-smoker-like cluster. The overall somatic variant profiles of Asian lung cancers were similar to that of European origin with G.C>T.A being predominant in smokers. We found EGFR and TP53 are the most frequently mutated genes with mutations in 50% and 27% of individuals, respectively. Among these Asian never-smokers, 71% had an EGFR mutation compared to 20% of the smokers in the smoking cluster. Other frequently mutated genes include RYR2, SATB2, C1orf88, FERMT1 and CTNNB1. Somatic alterations occurred in WNT signaling pathway genes, suggesting this pathway plays a role in both Western and Asian lung cancers. Conclusions Asian never-smokers have lung cancer signatures distinct from the smoker signature and their mutation profiles are similar to that of European never-smokers. The profiles of Asian and European smokers are also similar. This suggests that the same mutational mechanisms underlie the etiology for both ethnic groups, and the high incidence of lung cancer in Asian never-smokers might not be due to second hand smoke or other carcinogens that cause oxidative DNA damage. Half of the ex-smokers/smokers have a molecular phenotype similar to never-smokers; of which, 50% had EGFR mutations. This suggests that routine EGFR testing is warranted in the Asian population, regardless of smoking status.

  Study EGAS00001000621

• Neoantigens in bladder cancer

  Detection of spontaneous anti-neoepitope T-cell responses in non-metastatic bladder cancer patients

  Dac EGAC50000000740

• Origination of Ovarian Cancer is Dependent on Specific Aneuploidy Landscape

  Ovarian high-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC), a highly chromosomally instable malignancy, develops through sequential stages of precursors in fallopian tubes including histologically unremarkable but TP53 mutated clones (p53 signature) and serous tubal intraepithelial carcinoma (STIC). Here, we applied RealSeqS to assess aneuploidy in 127 microdissected tubal regions. We found nearly all p53 signatures lost the entire Chr17 chromosome, offering a “two-hit” mechanism of both TP53 and BRCA1 in BRCA1 germline mutation carriers. Proliferatively active STICs harbor gains of 19q12 (CCNE1), 19q13.2, 8q24 (MYCyc), or 8q arm, while proliferatively dormant STICs show 22q loss. Based on aneuploidy patterns in a training set (n= 67), we developed an algorithm, REAL-FAST, to classify NFTE and STICs into 5 clusters. In an independent validation set (n= 72), REAL-FAST was able to detect STIC/HGSC with high sensitivity and specificity. Taken together, REAL-FAST promises a molecular test for diagnosing HGSC precursor lesions based on specific aneuploidy patterns.

  Study EGAS00001007220

• Colon cancer targeted sequencing study contaning WBCs, primary tumor tissue and plasma samples

  In the setting of localized colon cancer (CC), circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) monitoring in plasma has shown potential for detecting minimal residual disease (MRD) and predicting higher risk of recurrence. With the tumor-only sequencing approach, however, germline variants may be misidentified as somatic variations, precluding the possibility of tracking in up to 11% of patients due to a lack of known somatic mutations. In this study comprising 148 prospectively recruited localized CC patients, a custom 29-gene panel was utilized to sequence both tumor tissue and matched white blood cells (WBCs) to enhance the accuracy of sequencing results. Performing targeted sequencing of paired tumor tissue and WBCs samples detected additional somatic mutations and increased the number of patients eligible for MRD tracking in plasma, although MRD detection sensitivity was not increased. Furthermore, the germline testing approach revealed the presence of pathogenic germline variants, thereby helping identify patients at elevated risk of hereditary cancer syndromes.

  Study EGAS50000000059

• Mechanisms of Extreme Genomic Instability at Large Transcribed Genes

  Inhibiting DNA replication leads to copy number variant (CNV) formation throughout the genome, especially at chromosome fragile sites (CFSs). We previously showed that these hotspots for genome instability reside in late-replicating domains associated with large transcribed genes. In this study, we compared aphidicolin (APH)-induced CNV and CFS frequency between wild-type cells and isogenic cells in which FHIT gene transcription was ablated. We further examined the impact of altering RNase H1 expression on CNV or CFS induction frequency and analyzed R-loop formation genome-wide in a human fibroblast cell line. Data sets include Bru-seq nascent RNA transcription, whole genome sequencing for replication timing, SNP microarray analysis, and DRIP-seq. Results suggest that large gene transcription is a determining factor in replication stress-induced genomic instability and that CFSs mainly result from transcription-dependent passage of unreplicated DNA into mitosis with low R-loop levels observed at these loci.

  Study phs002066

• Genetic Effects on Gene Expression and Splicing during Human Neurogenesis

  Interpretation of the function of non-coding risk loci for neuropsychiatric disorders and brain-relevant traits via gene expression and alternative splicing quantitative trait locus (e/sQTL) analyses is generally performed in bulk post-mortem adult tissue. However, genetic risk loci are enriched in regulatory elements active during neocortical differentiation, and regulatory effects of risk variants may be masked by heterogeneity in bulk tissue. Here, we map e/sQTLs, and allele-specific expression in cultured cells representing two major developmental stages, primary human neural progenitors (n=85) and their sorted neuronal progeny (n=74), identifying numerous loci not detected in either bulk developing cortical wall or adult cortex. Using colocalization and genetic imputation via transcriptome-wide association, we uncover cell-type specific regulatory mechanisms underlying risk for brain-relevant traits that are active during neocortical differentiation. Specifically, we identified a progenitor-specific eQTL for CENPW co-localized with common variant associations for cortical surface area and educational attainment.

  Study phs002493

• Cell-Type Specific Effects of Genetic Variation on Chromatin Accessibility During Human Neuronal Differentiation

  Common genetic risk for neuropsychiatric disorders is enriched in regulatory elements active during cortical neurogenesis. However, the mechanisms mediating the effects of genetic variants on gene regulation are poorly understood. To determine the functional impact of common genetic variation on the non-coding genome longitudinally during human cortical development, we performed a chromatin accessibility quantitative trait loci (caQTL) analysis in neural progenitor cells and their differentiated neuronal progeny from 92 donors. We identified significant genetic effects on 988/1,839 neuron/progenitor regulatory elements, with highly cell-type and temporally specific effects. A subset (~30%) of caQTLs were also associated with changes in gene expression. Motif-disrupting alleles of transcriptional activators generally led to decreases in chromatin accessibility, whereas motif-disrupting alleles of repressors led to increases in chromatin accessibility. By integrating cell-type specific caQTLs and brain-relevant genome-wide association data, we were able to fine-map and identify regulatory mechanisms underlying non-coding neuropsychiatric disorder risk loci.

  Study phs001958

• Genome-wide Identification of Variants Affecting Early Human Brain Development

  This is a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of global brain tissue volumes in human infants. The published study for this project includes 561 infants, and 239 parents gave consent for data sharing through dbGaP. An intronic single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in IGFBP7 (rs114518130; GeneID: 3490) met genome-wide significance for gray matter volume (P=4.15x10-10). An intronic SNP in WWOX (rs10514437; GeneID: 51741) neared genome-wide significance for white matter volume (P=1.56x10-8). Additional loci with small P-values include psychiatric GWAS associations and transcription factors expressed in the developing brain. Genetic risk scores for schizophrenia and ASD, and the number of genes affected by rare copy number variants (CNV burden) did not predict global brain tissue volumes. Integrating these results with large-scale GWAS in adolescents [Philadelphia Neurodevelopmental Cohort (PNC)] and adults [Enhancing Neuro Imaging Genetics through Meta-Analysis version 2 (ENIGMA2)] suggested minimal overlap between common variants impacting brain volumes at different ages.

  Study phs001122

• Single-Cell Analysis of Human Adipogenesis

  The data in this study consists of RNA sequencing reads and read counts from single-cell and single-nuclei RNA sequencing experiments performed on two cell lines to investigate the transcriptional landscape of human adipogenesis in both the brown and white adipose tissue lineage. The two cell lines are human preadipocytes collected and isolated from a defined anatomical location in the neck of a single individual. This depot is known to harbor white adipose tissue (WAT) and brown adipose tissue (BAT). These white and brown preadipocytes were immortalized for the purposes of studying human adipogenesis in vitro. In this study we induced differentiation of these two preadipocyte lines and performed RNA sequencing on over 135,000 single cells spanning a 20-day time course from unperturbed preadipocytes to mature adipocytes from both brown and white lineages. Additionally, we performed both single-cell and single-nuclei RNA sequencing to comprehensively compare the advantages and disadvantages of either technique.

  Study phs002461

• A Whole Genome Association Scan for Myopia and Glaucoma Endophenotypes using Twin Studies

  Myopia and glaucoma are highly prevalent ophthalmic disorders worldwide and contribute significantly to ocular morbidity. There is substantial evidence that genetic factors play a significant role in the development of non-syndromic myopia and glaucoma. We propose to perform mapping studies for well-characterized twin populations in the United Kingdom and Australia in order to ultimately identify implicated genes for these disorders and related ocular parameters. This will provide a fundamental molecular understanding of how these disorders develop, and may lead to directed physiologic (i.e. pharmacologic, gene therapy) interventions. Our aim is to dissect the genetic basis of the eye disorders myopia and glaucoma. Instead of limited analyses of the trait/disease in a dichotomous manner, we are using continuous phenotypes of measures of refraction and intermediate phenotypes of glaucoma to analyze quantitative traits in unselected population samples of volunteer twins. Achievement of this goal requires cooperative efforts and large sample sizes. Thus, we have created an international collaboration of large complementary studies.

  Study phs000142

• Sézary Syndrome Originates from Heavily Mutated Hematopoietic Progenitors

  The pathogenesis of cutaneous T cell lymphoma (CTCL) remains unclear. To study the malignant transformation of CTCL, we collected matched hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) extracts from bone marrow, CD4+CD26- malignant T cells, CD4+CD26+ normal T cells, and CD34+ HSCs from apheresis performed on 4 patients. To establish the baseline for calling true mutations without using hematopoietic cells, we also cultured bone marrow fibroblasts from each patient to use as normal controls. Whole exome sequencing (WES) was performed on all samples for somatic mutation calling. We identified >200 mutations in CD34+ HSCs derived from either bone marrow or apheresis. Previously reported key oncodrivers in Sezary Syndrome were identified in autologous HSCs and malignant peripheral cells, but not in progenitor (bone marrow HSCs) cells. Also, we identified specific mutations shared by autologous HSCs and malignant peripheral cells in every patient. WES data of bone marrow HSCs, apheresis HSCs, CD4+CD26- T cells, CD4+CD26+ T cells, and fibroblasts will be available through dbGaP.

  Study phs003158

• Impact of Genetic Polymorphisms on Human Immune Cell Gene Expression

  While many genetic variants have been associated with risk for human diseases, how these variants affect gene expression in various cell types remains largely unknown. To address this gap, the DICE [Database of Immune Cell Expression, Expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) and Epigenomics] project was established. Considering all human immune cell types and conditions studied, we identified cis-eQTLs for a total of 12,254 unique genes, which represent 61% of all protein-coding genes expressed in these cell types. Strikingly, a large fraction (41%) of these genes showed a strong cis-association with genotype only in a single cell type. We also found that biological sex is associated with major differences in immune cell gene expression in a highly cell-specific manner. These datasets will help reveal the effects of disease risk-associated genetic polymorphisms on specific immune cell types, providing mechanistic insights into how they might influence pathogenesis.

  Study phs001703

• NHLBI TOPMed: MWCCS: Sex Differences in the Role of Multi-Omics in HIV-Associated Carotid Artery Atherosclerosis

  The MACS-WIHS Combined Cohort Study (MWCCS) is a multicenter prospective cohort study of men and women in the U.S. that aims to understand and reduce the impact of chronic health conditions, including heart, lung, blood, and sleep (HLBS) disorders that affect people living with HIV. MWCCS, which currently has over 5000 active study participants, is designed to investigate a spectrum of questions relating to the basic science, clinical science, and epidemiology of HIV infection in the U.S., with a focus on comorbidities among men and women living with HIV. The current substudy, nested within the MWCCS, integrates detailed metabolomics and proteomics data, among other "omics" measures, to improve the understanding of the etiology of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease in women and men with HIV, guide mechanistic studies, and provide insights to more efficient intervention strategies. Data on 374 men are included in the current substudy.

  Study phs003651

• Single-cell Analysis of Neoplastic Plasma Cells Identifies Myeloma Pathobiology Mediators and Potential Targets

  Multiple myeloma is a clonal plasma cell (PC) dyscrasia that arises from precursors and has been studied utilizing approaches focused on CD138+ cells. By combining single-cell (sc)RNA- with scB-cell receptor (BCR)-sequencing, we differentiate monoclonal/neoplastic from polyclonal/normal PCs, and find more dysregulated genes, especially in precursor patients, than by analyzing bulk PCs. To determine if this approach can identify oncogenes that contribute to disease pathobiology, MAD2L1 and MAT2A are validated as targets with drug-like molecules that suppress myeloma growth in pre-clinical models. Moreover, functional studies show a role of LAMP5, which is uniquely expressed in neoplastic PCs, in tumor progression and aggressiveness via interactions with c-MYC. Finally, a monoclonal antibody recognizing cell-surface LAMP5 shows efficacy as an antibody-drug conjugate and in a chimeric antigen receptor-guided T-cell format. These studies provide additional insights into myeloma biology and identify potential targeted therapeutic approaches that can be applied to reverse myeloma progression.

  Study EGAS50000000802

• Uncovering Gene Regulatory Differences between Human and Chimpanzee Neural Cells

  A major challenge in human evolutionary biology is to pinpoint the genetic differences that underlie phenotypic changes in the human lineage, such as increased neuron number and a prolonged period of neuronal maturation. Here, we used human-chimpanzee tetraploid cells to distinguish changes in gene expression due to cis-acting sequence variants that change local gene regulation, from trans expression changes due to species differences in the cellular environment, in neural progenitor cells and excitatory neurons using RNA-seq and ATAC-seq. Using a CRISPR inhibition screen with scRNA-seq, transcription factor motif analyses with CUT&Tag, and downstream single-locus studies with RNA-seq, we further characterized cis-acting gene regulatory differences, including changes to FOS, TNIK, FOSL2, and MAZ, that influence neurogenesis and neuronal maturation. This study identifies specific genomic changes that may contribute to human neural specializations and provides a general framework for understanding genetic differences that underlie human traits.

  Study phs004053

• Single cell RNA sequencing of human embryonic forebrain after slice culturing for between four weeks and one month

  With the aim of verifying normal tissue development in our Organotypic Timelapse recording with Transcriptomic Readout (OTTR) live tissue imaging method, we performed single cell RNA sequencing in organotypic slice cultures containing labelled cells from virally delivered ubiquitous Enhanced yellow fluorescent protein (EYFP)-expression. Human fetal cortices of PCW 7.5-10.5 were cut into strips along the dorso-ventral axis and directly placed en face, ventricular side down, on PTFE culturing membranes. To assess tissue health with our culturing method, we performed single cell RNA-seq analysis of the cortical explants (using adjacent slices from the same samples subjected to timelapse imaging). We cultured these control slices for four days in vitro (mimicking the start of a live imaging experiment after lentiviral infection and expression of EYFP), 11 days in vitro (corresponding to the end of one week of live imaging), and for two weeks and one month in vitro.

  Study EGAS50000001185

• Dynamic human admixture histories over the past ~1,300 years at the northern Himalayan frontier

  Archaeological and paleogenomic evidence from the Tibetan Plateau and high-altitude Central Himalayas suggest biocultural connections with each other and with lowland East, Central, and South Asia. However, genetic histories at the northern frontier of the Indian Himalayas, which is geographically more proximal to Central and lowland South Asia, remain underexplored. We analyzed genome-wide data from 7 ancient (~2300 to 100 years old) and 10 present-day individuals from the northern Indian Himalayas and one ~3370-year-old individual from the Central Himalayas in Nepal. Ancient and present-day individuals from the northern Himalayas predominantly have Tibetan-related genetic ancestry, likely the source of high-altitude adaptive variants in these individuals, with substantial Steppe-related genetic ancestry that is observed in all individuals dating between ~1300 years and present day. In addition, some present-day individuals have lowland South Asian admixture. Our analyses reveal a dynamic interplay between genetic admixture and continuity in the northern Himalayas.

  Study EGAS50000001342

• TONIC-Trial-cfDNA-Project

  Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) is an emerging technology to predict and monitor response to cancer treatment, including immune checkpoint blockade (ICB). However, data on cfDNA dynamics during ICB in metastatic triple negative breast cancer (mTNBC) are limited. While most applications of cfDNA involve assays that focus on mutation detection, mTNBC and multiple other cancer types are driven by copy number alterations (CNAs). We evaluate cfDNA-based copy number profile abnormality (CPA) score as a potential biomarker for monitoring ICB response in mTNBC, analyzing data from 87 patients enrolled in stage 1 and stage 2 of the TONIC-trial. We find significant concordance between cfDNA-based and tissue-based CNA profiles. Additionally, responders show a decrease in CPA scores upon ICB at week 6 (3 cycles of nivolumab). These findings underscore the potential of cfDNA-based CNA dynamics as a non-invasive biomarker for ICB early response assessment in patients with mTNBC.

  Study EGAS50000001308

• Common origin and somatic mutation patterns of composite lymphomas and leukemias

  When two lymphomas occur concurrently or sequentially in a patient, it is a major question whether they derive from the same lymphocyte or hematopoietic precursor cell or developed independently. We studied four composite classic Hodgkin lymphomas (HL) and other mature B-cell lymphomas, and two composite mature B- and T-cell neoplasias by whole exome sequencing (WES) and analyzed shared somatic mutations in the lymphomas of these clonally related composite lymphomas, indicating their derivation from a common, pre-malignant precursor. Most identified mutations were restricted to one or the other of these lymphomas, likely explaining how distinct lymphomas developed from a common ancestral B cell. In the two B-cell/T-cell lymphoma cases, and a composite clonally unrelated HL/chronic lymphocytic leukemia, the lymphoma partners did not share any somatic mutations. In three cases, we identified potentially oncogenic variants also in cells serving as constitutional controls.

  Study EGAS50000001017

• Whole genome sequencing data for 10 hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) and matched non-tumor liver tissues + optical mapping data for 4 HCC and 3 matched non-tumor liver tissues.

  Oncogene activation leads to replication stress and promotes genomic instability. Here we combine optical mapping and whole genome sequencing to explore in-depth the nature of structural variants (SVs) induced by replication stress in cyclin-activated hepatocellular carcinomas (CCN-HCC). In addition to classical tandem duplications, CCN-HCC display frequent intra- and inter-chromosomal templated insertion cycles (TIC) likely resulting from template switching events. Template switching preferentially involves active topologically associated domains that are close in the 3D genome organization. Template sizes depend on the type of cyclin activation and are coordinated within each TIC. Replication stress induces continuous accumulation of SVs during CCN-HCC progression, fostering the acquisition of new driver alterations and large-scale copy-number changes at TIC borders. Together, this analysis sheds light on the mechanisms, dynamics and consequences of SV accumulation in tumors with oncogene-induced replication stress.

  Study EGAS00001005629

• Adult granulosa cell tumor WGS data cohort with corresponding reference germline WGS data

  Adult granulosa cell tumors (AGCTs) harbor a somatic FOXL2 c.402C>G mutation in ~95% of cases and are mainly surgically removed due to limited systemic treatment effect. In this study, potentially targetable genomic alterations in AGCTs were investigated by whole genome sequencing on 46 tumor samples and matched normal DNA. Copy number variant (CNV) analysis confirmed gain  of chromosome 12 and 14, and loss of 22. Pathogenic TP53 mutations were identified in three patients with highest tumor mutational burden and mitotic activity, defining a high-grade AGCT subgroup. Within-patient tumor comparisons showed 29-80% unique somatic mutations per sample, suggesting tumor heterogeneity. FOXL2-wildtype AGCTs had DICER1, TERT(C228T) and TP53 mutations and similar CNV profiles as FOXL2-mutant tumors. Our study confirms that absence of the FOXL2 c.402C>G mutation does not exclude AGCT diagnosis. The lack of overlapping variants in targetable cancer genes, indicates the need for personalized treatment for AGCT patients 

  Study EGAS00001004249

• Transcriptomic classes of BCR-ABL1 lymphoblastic leukemia

  In BCR-ABL1 lymphoblastic leukemia, treatment heterogeneity to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), especially in the absence of kinase domain mutations in BCR-ABL1, is poorly understood. Through deep molecular profiling, we uncovered three transcriptomic subtypes of BCR-ABL1 lymphoblastic leukemia, each representing a maturation arrest at a stage of B-cell progenitor differentiation. An earlier arrest was associated with lineage promiscuity, treatment refractoriness, and poor patient outcomes. A later arrest was associated with lineage fidelity, deep and durable leukemia remissions, and improved patient outcomes. Each maturation arrest was marked by specific genomic events that control different transition points in B-cell development. Interestingly, these events were absent in BCR-ABL1+ pre-leukemic stem cells isolated from patients regardless of subtype, which supports that transcriptomic phenotypes are determined downstream of the leukemia-initialing event. Overall, our data indicate that treatment response and TKI-efficacy is an unexpected outcome of the differentiation stage at which this leukemia transforms.

  Study EGAS00001007167

• Next_gen_seq_of_eye_cancers

  Retinoblastoma (RB), the commonest eye cancer in children was the first cancer for which a genetic cause was identified: the Rb1 gene is a tumour suppressor gene that is mutated in RB. The Rb1 gene defect alone does not predict the clinical outcome. We propose to study other possible mechanisms: 1. Stepwise further mutations occur in RB, increasing its carcinogenesis. We will sequence the whole genome in RB tissue, and relate the different genes expressed to the treatments used. 2. Extracellular matric proteins contribute to a tumour permissive environment for RB to continue to grow. This includes Samll Leucine Rich Proteoglycans (SLRP), a family of 15 secreted extracellular matrix proteins involved in eye development. 3. Cancer stem cells (CSC), a subpopulation of treatment resistant cells, drive RB tumours, and whether these stem cells can be manipulated for new therapies. The aim of this study is to assist finding targeted diagnostic techniques and treatments for RB.

  Study EGAS00001002309

• Dynamics of neoantigen landscape during immunotherapy

  Immune checkpoint inhibitors have shown significant therapeutic responses against tumors containing increased mutation-associated neoantigen load. We have examined the evolving landscape of tumor neoantigens during the emergence of acquired resistance in non-small cell lung cancer patients after initial response to immune checkpoint blockade with anti-PD1 or anti-PD-1/anti-CTLA4 antibodies. Analyses of matched pretreatment and resistant tumors identified genomic changes resulting in loss of 7 to 18 putative mutation-associated neoantigens in resistant clones. Peptides generated from the eliminated neoantigens elicited clonal T cell expansion in autologous T cell cultures, suggesting that they generated functional immune responses. Neoantigen loss occurred through elimination of tumor subclones or through deletion of chromosomal regions containing truncal alterations and were associated with changes in T cell receptor clonality. These analyses provide insights into the dynamics of mutational landscapes during immune checkpoint blockade and have implications for development of immune therapies that target tumor neoantigens.

  Study EGAS00001002704

• Genome Landscape of High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer

  Patients with high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSC) have experienced little improvement in overall survival, and standard treatment has not advanced beyond platinum-based combination chemotherapy, during the past 30 years. To understand the drivers of clinical phenotypes better, here we use whole-genome sequencing of tumour and germline DNA samples from 92 patients with primary refractory, resistant, sensitive and matched acquired resistant disease. We show that gene breakage commonly inactivates the tumour suppressors RB1, NF1, RAD51B and PTEN in HGSC, and contributes to acquired chemotherapy resistance. CCNE1 amplification was common in primary resistant and refractory disease. We observed several molecular events associated with acquired resistance, including multiple independent reversions of germline BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations in individual patients, loss of BRCA1 promoter methylation, an alteration in molecular subtype, and recurrent promoter fusion associated with overexpression of the drug efflux pump MDR1.

  Study EGAS00001000397

• Autozygosity_pilot_Born_in_Bradford

  The offspring of first cousin marriages have ~6% of their genome autozygous, i.e. homozygous identical by descent, or even more if there was further consanguinity in their ancestry. In the UK there are large populations with very high first cousin marriage rates of 20-50%. Sequencing the exomes of a sample of these individuals has the potential both to support genetic health programmes in these populations, and to provide genetic research information about rare loss of function mutations. This pilot study based on existing cohort samples from the Born In Bradford study will identify homozygous individuals for almost all variants down to an allele frequency around 1%, plus individuals carrying hundreds of new homozygous rare loss-of-function variants, and will support development of community relations and ethics for a wider study currently being designed. The data deposited in the EGA consist of low coverage whole exome sequencing on these samples.

  Study EGAS00001000462

• Exome sequencing of hepatocellular carcinomas identifies new mutational signatures and potential therapeutic targets

  Genomic analyses promise to improve tumor characterization in order to optimize personalized treatment for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Exome sequencing analysis of 243 liver tumors revealed mutational signatures associated with specific risk factors, mainly combined alcohol/tobacco consumption, aflatoxin B1 and HBV infection. We identified 161 putative driver genes associated with 11 recurrent pathways. Associations of mutations defined 3 groups of genes related to risk factors and centered on CTNNB1 (alcohol), TP53 (HBV) and AXIN1. Analyses according to tumor stage progression revealed TERT promoter mutation as an early event whereas FGF/CCND1 amplification, TP53 and CDKN2A alterations appeared at more advanced stages in aggressive tumors. In 24% of the tumors, we identified genetic alterations potentially targetable by FDA-approved drugs. In conclusion, we identified risk factor–specific mutational signatures and defined the extensive landscape of altered genes and pathways in HCC, which will be useful to design clinical trials for targeted therapy.

  Study EGAS00001001002

• Neuroblastoma relapse trio series from the AMC

  The majority of neuroblastoma patients have tumors that initially respond to chemotherapy, but a large proportion of patients will experience therapy-resistant relapses. The molecular basis of this aggressive phenotype is unknown. Whole genome sequencing of 23 paired diagnostic and relapsed neuroblastomas showed clonal evolution from the diagnostic tumor with a median of 29 somatic mutations unique to the relapse sample. Eighteen of the 23 relapse tumors (78%) showed RAS-MAPK pathway mutations. Seven events were detected only in the relapse tumor while the others showed clonal enrichment. In neuroblastoma cell lines we also detected a high frequency of activating mutations in the RAS-MAPK pathway (11/18, 61%) and these lesions predicted for sensitivity to MEK inhibition in vitro and in vivo. Our findings provide a rationale for genetic characterization of relapse neuroblastoma and show that RAS-MAPK pathway mutations may function as a biomarker for new therapeutic approaches to refractory disease.

  Study EGAS00001001183

• Barcoding reveals complex clonal dynamics of de novo transformed human mammary cells

  Most human breast cancers have already diversified genomically when they first become clinically evident, by which time extensive heterogeneous histopathologies, transcriptomes and growth patterns are also apparent. Accordingly, important initial events and the cellular context in which they occur have been difficult to characterize. Using DNA barcoding, we now demonstrate the high efficiency with which both purified basal and luminal cells isolated directly from normal adult human mammary tissue can be rapidly transformed by a single oncogene (KRASG12D) resulting in the production within 8 weeks in vivo of serially transplantable, polyclonal, invasive ductal carcinomas that are phenotypically heterogeneous and transcriptionally distinct from the initial cells transduced. Barcoding also revealed a consistent dramatic change in the clonal content of passaged tumours. This system thus provides a powerful new platform for examining early events in the genesis, evolution and treatment response of malignant human mammary cells generated using defined mutations.

  Study EGAS00001001310

• Single nucleus and in situ RNA sequencing reveals cell topographies in the human pancreas

  Molecular evidence of cellular heterogeneity in the human exocrine pancreas has not been established, due to the local concentration of hydrolytic enzymes that can rapidly degrade cells and RNA upon resection. Here we innovated single-nucleus RNA sequencing protocols, and profiled more than 120,000 cells from adult and neonatal human donors to create the first comprehensive atlas of human pancreas cells, including epithelial and non-epithelial constituents. Adult and neonatal pancreata shared common features, including the presence of previously undetected acinar subtypes, but also showed marked differences in the composition of the endocrine, endothelial, and immune compartments. Spatial cartography, including cell proximity mapping through in situ sequencing, revealed dynamic developmental cell topographies in the endocrine and exocrine pancreas. Our human pancreas cell atlas can be interrogated to understand pancreatic cell biology, and provides a crucial reference set for future comparisons with diseased tissue samples to map the cellular foundations of pancreatic diseases.

  Study EGAS00001004653

• Comprehensive Genomic and Transcriptomic Analysis of Rare Cancers for Guiding of Therapy (H021)

  Here we analyzed the molecular profiles and clinical outcomes of 1,310 patients (proportion of rare cancers, 75%) enrolled in a prospective observational study by the German Cancer Consortium that applies whole-genome/exome and RNA sequencing to inform the care of adults with incurable cancers. Based on 472 single and six composite biomarkers, a cross-institutional molecular tumor board provided evidence-based management recommendations, including diagnostic reevaluation, genetic counseling, and experimental treatment, in 88% of cases. Recommended therapies were administered in 362 of 1,138 patients (31.8%) and resulted in significantly improved response and disease control rates (23.9% and 55.3%, respectively) compared to previous therapies, translating into a progression-free survival ratio >1.3 in 35.7% of patients.

  Study EGAS00001004813

• Contribution of allelic imbalance to colorectal cancer

  Point mutations in cancer have been extensively studied but chromosomal gains and losses have been more challenging to interpret due to their unspecific nature. Here we examine high-resolution allelic imbalance (AI) landscape in 1699 colorectal cancers, 256 of which have been whole genome sequenced (WGSed). The imbalances pinpoint 38 genes as plausible AI targets based on previous knowledge, and unbiased CRISPR-Cas9 knockout and activation screens identified altogether 79 genes within AI peaks regulating cell growth. Genetic and functional data implicates loss of TP53 as a sufficient driver of AI. The WGS highlights an influence of copy number aberrations on the rate of detected somatic point mutations. Importantly, the data reveal several associations between AI target genes, suggesting a role for a network of lineage-determining transcription factors in colorectal tumorigenesis. Overall, the results unravel the contribution of AI in colorectal cancer and provide a plausible explanation why so few genes are commonly affected by point mutations in cancers.

  Study EGAS00001002966

• Exome sequencing of familial high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma reveals heterogeneity for rare candidate susceptibility genes

  High-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC) has a significant hereditary component, approximately half of which cannot be explained by known genes. To discover genes, we analyse germline exome sequencing data from 516 BRCA1/2-negative women with HGSOC, focusing on genes enriched with rare, protein-coding loss-of-function (LoF) variants. Overall, there is a significant enrichment of rare protein-coding LoF variants in the cases (p < 0.0001, chi-squared test). Only thirty-four (6.6%) have a pathogenic variant in a known or proposed predisposition gene. Few genes have LoF mutations in more than four individuals and the majority are detected in one individual only. Forty-three highly-ranked genes are identified with three or more LoF variants that are enriched by three-fold or more compared to GnomAD. These genes represent diverse functional pathways with relatively few involved in DNA repair, suggesting that much of the remaining heritability is explained by previously under-explored genes and pathways.

  Study EGAS00001004235

• A microRNA-signature that correlates with cognition and is a target against cognitive decline

  While some individuals age without pathological memory impairments, others develop age-associated cognitive diseases. Since changes in cognitive function develop slowly over time in these patients, they are often diagnosed at an advanced stage of molecular pathology, a time point when causative treatments fail. Thus, there is great need for the identification of inexpensive and minimal invasive approaches that could be used for screening with the aim to to identify individuals at risk for cognitive decline that can then undergo further diagnostics and eventually stratified therapies. In this study we use an integrative approach combining the analysis of human data and mechanistic studies in model systems to identify a circulating 3-microRNA signature that reflect key processes linked to neural homeostasis and informs about cognitive status. We furthermore provide evidence that expression changes of this signature represent multiple mechanisms de-regulated in the aging and diseased brain and are a suitable target for RNA therapeutics.

  Study EGAS00001005627

• ENCORAFENIB COMBINED WITH BINIMETINIB FOR BRAFV600E-MUTATED RELAPSED/REFRACTORY MULTIPLE MYELOMA: THE PHASE II GMMG-BIRMA TRIAL (Hipo_K08K)

  Activating BRAF mutations are rare events in multiple myeloma but have been shown to be promising therapeutic targets in small case studies. This multicenter phase II trial assessed the efficacy and safety of the BRAF/MEK inhibitors, encorafenib and binimetinib, in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) carrying an activating BRAFV600E mutation. Twelve RRMM patients with a median of five prior lines of therapy were enrolled. The study met its primary endpoint with 10 patients achieving at least a partial response according to IMWG criteria (overall response rate 83.3%). Responses occurred rapidly within the first cycle and deepened over time. The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 5.6 months and overall survival was 55% at 24 months. Genomic profiling revealed RAS mutations and structural variants involving the BRAF locus to be drivers of resistance to BRAF/MEK inhibition in RRMM. This trial demonstrates the value of translationally driven clinical trials in selected patient populations.

  Study EGAS00001005973

• single cell RNA-seq and ATAC-seq of human fetal forebrain tissue

  Oligodendrogenesis in the human central nervous system has been mainly observed at the second trimester of gestation, a much later developmental stage compared to mouse. Here we characterize the transcriptomic neural diversity in the human forebrain at post conceptual weeks (PCW) 8 to 10, using single-cell RNA-Seq. We find evidence of the emergence of a first wave of oligodendrocyte lineage cells as early as PCW 8, which we also confirm at the epigenomic level with single-cell ATAC-Seq. Using regulatory network inference, we predict key transcriptional events leading to the specification of oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs). Moreover, by profiling the spatial expression of fifty key genes using In Situ Sequencing (ISS), we identify regions in the human ventral fetal forebrain where oligodendrogenesis first occurs. Our results indicate evolutionary conservation of the first wave of oligodendrogenesis between mouse and human and describe regulatory mechanisms involved in human OPC specification.

  Study EGAS00001006136

• Exome sequencing of synchronous colorectal cancers

  Approximately 4% of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients have at least two simultaneous cancers in the colon. Due to the shared environment, these synchronous CRCs (SCRCs) provide a unique setting to study colorectal carcinogenesis. Understanding whether these tumors are genetically similar or distinct is essential when designing therapeutic approaches. We performed exome sequencing of 47 primary cancers and corresponding normal samples from 23 patients. Additionally, we carried out a comprehensive mutational signature analysis to assess whether tumors had undergone similar mutational processes and the first immune cell score analysis (IS) of SCRC to analyze the interplay between immune cell invasion and mutation profile in both lesions of an individual. The tumor pairs shared only few mutations, favoring different mutations in known CRC genes and signaling pathways, and displayed variation in their signature content. Two tumor pairs had discordant mismatch repair statuses. In majority of the pairs, IS varied between primaries. Differences were not explained by any clinicopathological variable or mutation burden.

  Study EGAS00001003474

• Whole Genome Sequencing on OCIAML-22

  Donor_OCIAML22_bulk: The donor (unsorted) that was used to generate OCI-AML22. OCI-AML22_bulk_1month_inVitro: The donor (unsorted) that was used to generate OCI-AML22 was expanded for 1 month in vitro, then sequenced. OCI-AML22_graft_CD34minus_WGS: The donor (unsorted) that was used to generate OCI-AML22 was expanded for 1 month in vitro, then injected in NSG-SGM3 mice. 21 weeks after injection, cells from 5 mice injected with 5 mice injected with 1475 cells per mice and 4 mice injected with 469 cells per mice were sorted. The human CD34- fraction was sequenced (CD45h+CD45m-7aad-annexinV-CD34-) OCI-AML22_graft_CD34positive_WGS: The donor (unsorted) that was used to generate OCI-AML22 was expanded for 1 month in vitro, then injected in NSG-SGM3 mice. 21 weeks after injection, cells from 5 mice injected with 5 mice injected with 1475 cells per mice and 4 mice injected with 469 cells per mice were sorted. The human CD34+ fraction was sequenced (CD45h+CD45m-7aad-annexinV-CD34+)

  Study EGAS00001006513

• Single-cell atlas of multiple myeloma and precursor diseases

  Single cell profiling of small cohorts of myeloma precursor disease patient samples including monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance and smoldering multiple myeloma have shown diverse evolutionary patterns and immune changes that occur early in the disease process. Using scRNAseq and scBCRseq in a large cohort of fifty-three patients with myeloma precursor disease in comparison with myeloma and normal donors we describe the early genomic drivers of malignant transformation and describe their divergent clonal expansion in hyperdiploid compared to non-hyperdiploid samples. We describe intra-patient heterogeneity with potential therapeutic implications as well as the distinct evolution patterns (linear/branching) from myeloma precursor disease to myeloma. Finally, we describe the unique adaptations of the microenvironment as a response to distinct genomic changes in myeloma cells. These results further our knowledge to characterize myeloma precursor disease evolution, inform individual patient progression risk stratification and identify potential biomarkers that could be clinically exploited.

  Study EGAS00001006694

• Single-cell RNA-seq and spatial transcriptomics data for the sarcoidosis baseline project

  Granulomas are lumps of immune cells that can form in various organs. Most granulomas appear unstructured, yet they have some resemblance to lymphoid organ formation. To better understand granuloma formation, we performed single-cell sequencing and spatial transcriptomics on granulomas from patients with sarcoidosis and bioinformatically reconstructed the underlying gene-regulatory networks. We discovered an immune stimulatory environment in granulomas that repurposed transcriptional programs associated with lymphoid organ development. Granuloma formation followed characteristic spatial patterns and involved genes linked to immunometabolism, cytokine and chemokine signaling, and extracellular matrix remodeling. Three cell types emerged as key players in granuloma formation: metabolically reprogrammed macrophages, cytokine-producing Th17.1 cells, and fibroblasts with inflammatory and tissue remodeling phenotypes. Pharmacological inhibition of one of the identified processes attenuated granuloma formation in a sarcoidosis mouse model. We show that human granulomas adopt characteristic aspects of normal lymphoid organ development in aberrant combinations, indicating that granulomas constitute aberrant lymphoid organs.

  Study EGAS00001006970

• Somatic mutation and selection at epidemiological scale - TwinsUK_TargetedNanoSeq_Blood

  Utilising Targeted NanoSeq, we hope to explore the driver landscape in unprecedented detail in donors from TwinsUK. These donors have paired buccal swabs and data from this will help contextualise that work. As we age, many tissues become colonised by microscopic clones carrying somatic driver mutations. Some of these clones represent a first step towards cancer whereas others may contribute to ageing and other diseases. However, our understanding of the clonal landscapes of human tissues, and their impact on cancer risk, ageing and disease, remains limited due to the challenge of detecting somatic mutations present in small numbers of cells. Here, we introduce a new version of nanorate sequencing (NanoSeq), a duplex sequencing method with error rates of less than 5 per billion base pairs, which is compatible with whole-exome and targeted gene sequencing. Deep sequencing of polyclonal samples with single-molecule sensitivity enables the simultaneous detection of mutations in large numbers of clones, yielding accurate somatic mutation rates, mutational signatures and driver mutation frequencies in any tissue. Applying targeted NanoSeq to 1,042 non-invasive samples of oral epithelium and 371 samples of blood from a twin cohort, we found an unprecedentedly rich landscape of selection, with 46 genes under positive selection driving clonal expansions in the oral epithelium, over 62,000 driver mutations, and evidence of negative selection in some genes. The high number of positively selected mutations in multiple genes provides high-resolution maps of selection across coding and non-coding sites, a form of in vivo saturation mutagenesis. Multivariate regression models enable mutational epidemiology studies on how carcinogenic exposures and cancer risk factors, such as age, tobacco or alcohol, alter the acquisition and selection of somatic mutations. Accurate single-molecule sequencing has the potential to unveil the polyclonal landscape of any tissue, providing a powerful tool to study early carcinogenesis, cancer prevention and the role of somatic mutations in ageing and disease.

  Dataset EGAD00001015619

• Accumulation of copy number alterations and clinical progression across advanced prostate cancer

  The burden of copy number alterations positively associated with radiologically-evident distant metastases at diagnosis (P=0.00006) and showed a non-linear relationship with clinical outcome on univariable and multivariable analysis, characterised by a sharp increase in the relative risk of progression (P=0.003) and death (P=0.045) for each unit increase, stabilising into more modest increases with higher burdens. This association between copy number burden and outcome was similar in each of the four metastatic states. Copy number loss occurred significantly more frequently than gain at the lowest copy number burden quartile (q=4.1X10-6). Loss of segments in chromosome 5q21-22 and gains at 8q21-24, respectively including CHD1 and cMYC, occurred more frequently in cases with higher copy number alteration (for either region: Kolmogorov–Smirnov distance, 0.5; adjusted P<0.0001). Copy number alterations showed variability across tumor regions in the same prostate. This variance associated with increased risk of distant metastases (Kruskal-Wallis test P=0.037).

  Study EGAS00001006251

• Pediatric Patient-Derived-Xenograft development in MAPPYACTS – international pediatric cancer precision medicine trial in relapsed and refractory tumors

  Pediatric patients with recurrent and refractory cancers are in most need for new treatments. This study developed patient-derived-xenograft (PDX) models within the European MAPPYACTS cancer precision medicine trial (NCT02613962). To date, 131 PDX models were established following heterotopical and/or orthotopical implantation in immunocompromised mice: 76 sarcomas, 25 other solid tumors, 12 central nervous system tumors, 15 acute leukemias, and 3 lymphomas. PDX establishment rate was 43%. Histology, whole exome and RNA sequencing revealed a high concordance with the primary patient’s tumor profile, human leukocyte-antigen characteristics and specific metabolic pathway signatures. A detailed patient molecular characterization, including specific mutations prioritized in the clinical molecular tumor boards are provided. Ninety models were shared with the IMI2 ITCC Paediatric Preclinical Proof-of-concept Platform (IMI2 ITCC-P4) for further exploitation. This new PDX biobank of unique recurrent childhood cancers provides an essential support for basic and translational research and new treatments development in advanced pediatric malignancies.

  Study EGAS00001007327

• Whole genome analyses of the childhood cancer neuroblastoma

  Neuroblastomas are tumors of peripheral sympathetic neurons and are the most common solid tumor in children. To determine the genetic basis for neuroblastoma we performed whole-genome sequencing (6 cases), exome sequencing (16 cases), genome-wide rearrangement analyses (32 cases), and targeted analyses of specific genomic loci (40 cases) using massively parallel sequencing. On average each tumor had 19 somatic alterations in coding genes (range, 3-70). Among genes not previously known to be involved in neuroblastoma, chromosomal deletions and sequence alterations of chromatin remodeling genes, ARID1A and ARID1B, were identified in 8 of 71 tumors (11%) and were associated with early treatment failure and decreased survival. Using tumor-specific structural alterations, we developed an approach to identify rearranged DNA fragments in sera, providing personalized biomarkers for minimal residual disease detection and monitoring. These results highlight dysregulation of chromatin remodeling in pediatric tumorigenesis and provide new approaches for the management of neuroblastoma patients.

  Dataset EGAD00001000282