12277 results for ""statistically+reactive"+taxa+in+microbial+community"

in 37.46 milliseconds.

• Chracterising_cellur_pathways_underlying_CD3_CD28_activation_of_human_CD4__cells

  We devised an approach to disentangle the TCR and CD28 pathways upon stimulation in naive and memory primary human CD4+ T cells (Tcons) in response to defined stimulatory signals. Sorted Tcons were activated using a titration of anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 in combination as well as individually. As a control we cultured cells in the same conditions but without the stimuli. In total, we defined seven conditions from four individuals for sequencing. This data is part of a pre-publication release. For information on the proper use of pre-publication data shared by the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute (including details of any publication moratoria), please see http://www.sanger.ac.uk/datasharing/

  Study EGAS00001002438

• RNA-seq of uncultured CD112high and CD112low long-term(LT) human hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) and cultured and lentiviral transduced (CTRL, INKA1-OE) LT- and short-term HSC from umbilical cord blood

  We performed RNA-sequencing to elucidate the biological pathways (1) altered by INKA1 overexpression in LT-HSC and ST-HSC that may contribute to the induced transient restraint in generating proliferative hematopoietic output in vivo and in vitro; and (2) that underlie the differential in vitro priming and regeneration phenotypes of CD112high and CD112low LT-HSC. Therefore, we prospectively isolated indicated subpopulations from 3 independent human umbilical cord blood pools and subjected them either to RNA-sequencing directly or following culture, lentiviral transduction and purification of the transduced cell fractions.

  Study EGAS00001004768

• The mutational landscape and its longitudinal dynamics in relapsed and refractory Hodgkin lymphoma

  In classical Hodgkin-lymphoma (cHL), only a few cases recur, and only a limited fraction of patients is primary-refractory to standard-polychemotherapy. Underlying genomic features of unfavorable clinical courses remain sparsely characterized. Here, we investigated the genomic characteristics of primary-refractory/relapsed cHL in contrast with long-term-responders (LTR). In total, data from 84 samples were submitted.

  Study EGAS50000000149

• Novel Gene-Environment Regulatory Circuit in Chamber-Specific Growth of Perinatal Heart

  We report a case of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and lactic acidosis in a 3-year-old female. Cardiac and skeletal muscle biopsies exhibited mitochondrial hyperplasia with decreased complex VI activity. Whole exome sequencing identified compound heterozygous variants, p.Arg333Trp and p.Val119Leu, in TSFM, a nuclear gene that encodes a mitochondrial translation elongation factor, resulting in impaired oxidative phosphorylation and juvenile hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

  Study phs002725

• Single Cell Omics Resolves Transcriptional Alterations in Sjogren's Syndrome

  Single cell omics resolves transcriptional alterations in Sjogren's Syndrome. This data compares the single cell transcriptional profiles of the minor salivary glands between Sjogren’s Syndrome patients and non-Sjogren’s Syndrome subjects. Portions of this data were reported in two separate publications: Huang & Perez, et al., 2021 Nature Medicine and Yin, et al., 2021, Frontiers in Immunology . 

  Study phs002446

• GWA Study of Oral Cavity, Pharynx and Larynx Cancers in European, and North and South American Populations - CIDR

  There is striking geographical variation in head and neck cancer (HNC) incidence globally. Some of the highest incidence rates have been observed in Southern and Eastern Europe and South America. The goal of this project is to assess susceptibility loci across and within ancestral backgrounds, using the All of Us array. Ten studies have come together in this initiative.

  Study phs002503

• RNA-Seq analysis of cocaine use disorder in Brodmann Area 9

  We aimed to identify cocaine use disorder associated changes in gene expression in the Brodmann Area 9 subregion of the human prefrontal cortex. RNA-sequencing was performed in N=13 individuals with and N=12 individuals without CUD. The individuals are originating from a cohort of N=42 individuals where DNA methylation (DNAm) levels were previously analyzed using the EPIC array.

  Study EGAS50000000150

• Detection of causative structural variants using long read whole genome sequencing in patients with non-syndromic autism spectrum disorder

  This study involved performing long read whole genome sequencing using Oxford Nanopore Technology platform on to detect causative structural variants in patients with non-syndromic autism spectrum disorder. This study was performed on 23 such children in whom prior karyotyping, Fragile-X analysis (in males), chromosomal microarray and whole exome sequencing did not identify a causative variant.

  Study EGAS50000000842

• Bevacizumab plus erlotinib in advanced solid cancers with Krebs cycle gene mutations: A multicenter phase II study

  Targeting aberrant metabolism in tumors with alterations in genes encoding Krebs cycle enzymes, a central component of glucose metabolism, is a promising therapeutic strategy. These tumors rely on aerobic glycolysis and promote VEGF-dependent angiogenesis; furthermore, EGFR signaling enhances aerobic glycolysis. This phase 2 trial evaluated bevacizumab and erlotinib in patients with solid tumors harboring Krebs cycle gene mutations.

  Study EGAS50000001243

• SCLC ctDNA sequencing

  In this study we have sequenced the ctDNA of 28 Small Cell Lung Cancer patients in the TP53 gene, each sample has been sequenced twice.

  Study EGAS00001003984

• SCC ctDNA sequencing

  In this study we have sequenced the ctDNA of 28 Squamous Cell Carcinoma patients in the TP53 gene, each sample has been sequenced twice.

  Study EGAS00001003987

• National Cancer Institute (NCI) Adding Hispanics to Ongoing GWAS in Colorectal Cancer

  Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of colorectal cancer (CRC) have been instrumental in identifying a number of common susceptibility loci in Non Hispanic (NH)-White populations, and a NCI priority is to extend GWAS findings to other populations to address racial/ethnic disparities in cancer susceptibility. Currently, GWA studies of CRC in NH-Whites, Japanese and African-Americans are ongoing. We propose a complementary study to address this critical research area in Hispanics. Hispanics represent the fastest growing ethnic population in the U.S. and have been largely understudied in terms of genetic susceptibility to cancer. There are noted differences in incidence, survival and mortality in CRC by ethnic/racial groups. Hispanics often present with CRC at a younger age and have a significantly greater incidence of stage IV tumors or metastatic disease compared to NH-Whites. We propose to conduct a large, cost-efficient, population-based GWAS in Hispanics by building upon existing NIH-funded resources, the Colon Cancer Family Registry (Colon CFR) and the Multiethnic Cohort Study (MEC). We plan to recruit 2,500 Hispanic men and women diagnosed with CRC between 01/2008 to present using cancer registries in California, physican referrals and familial referrals. Risk factor/diet questionnaires, pathology reports, Oragene saliva samples (for genotyping), optional blood samples (for genotyping and biometric analysis) and tumor blocks (for MSI testing) will be collected using methodologies developed in the Colon CFR/MEC. Cases of CRC in the MEC (currently 473; anticipated 600 at end) will also be included. Population-based Hispanic individuals without a diagnosis of CRC participating in other GWA studies in the MEC (n=3,900, U01HG004726, Haiman) will be used as controls. We will genotype all 3,100 cases using the Illumina 1M array and use available genotype and epidemiologic data collected on 3,900 controls. Our statistical analyses will include: single-SNP and haplotype effects, gene-environment interactions and heterogeneity by MSI, tumor subtype and family history of CRC. We will replicate findings in a second-stage using CRC cases and controls from Mexico (1,000 cases and 1,000 controls, EU FP7 funding, CHIBCHA, Carvajal-Carmona/Tomlinson). We will also examine heterogeneity of the risk estimates by ethnicity/race by leveraging GWA data on NH-Whites (2,142 cases, 1,909 controls, U01 CA122839, Casey), (4,000 cases, 6,000 NH-White controls, UK-CHIBCHA, Tomlinson), Colombians (2,000 cases and 2,000 controls, CHIBCHA), Japanese (1,000 cases and 1,000 controls) and African-Americans (1,500 cases and 1,500 controls, R01CA126895, Le Marchand). We will genotype replicated significant SNPs in our main and combined analysis in several Hispanic populations (note: studies funded by EU or NIH for data collection but not GWAS), including 800 Puerto Ricans, 2,000 Brazilians, 2,000 Argentineans and 3,000 Spanish/Portuguese, to assess generalizability of findings. We will examine the differences in inflammatory gene transcription dynamics in leukocytes (from blood sample collection) by fatigue level (as assessed from study questionnaire data). This study will have a high impact by addressing the key question of racial/ethnic disparities related to genetic susceptibility to CRC, will provide translational guidelines on biological mechanisms during the cancer survivorship period to increase quality of life among cancer survivors, and will enable further growth and investment into research among Hispanics by providing a resource of genetic data and biospecimens, which is lacking.

  Study phs001193

• MicroRNAs, Hypertension and End Organ Damage in Humans

  Study 1) Profiling of microRNAs in plasma of patients with hypertension complicated or not by metabolic syndrome or chronic kidney disease Hypertension (HTN) or high blood pressure is associated with subclinical target organ damage such as cardiac, vascular and kidney injury, which may lead to complications and death. In this study, we investigated circulating microRNAs as biomarkers of target organ damage in HTN patients. We profiled circulating microRNAs by RNA sequencing in platelet-poor plasma of normotensive subjects and patients with HTN complicated or not by metabolic syndrome (MetS) or chronic kidney disease (CKD) (n=15 each group). Differentially expressed microRNAs were identified with a threshold of false discovery rate <0.1. Differentially expressed microRNAs were identified uniquely to associate with HTN (8), MetS (1) or CKD (13), and 8 were similarly differentially expressed in different groups. This study identified the association of differentially expressed circulating microRNAs with target organ damage in HTN patients, which could have some pathophysiological and therapeutic implications. Study 2) Profiling of microRNAs in gluteal subcutaneous small arteries of patients with hypertension complicated or not by chronic kidney disease Hypertension (HTN) is associated with vascular damage characterized by endothelial dysfunction and vascular remodeling and stiffening, which contributes to kidney injury leading to chronic kidney disease (CKD). MicroRNAs are short non-coding RNAs which repress/degrade target mRNAs. The microRNA role in vascular injury in HTN remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to identify differentially expressed microRNAs in small arteries of patients with HTN associated or not with CKD, in order to shed light on the pathophysiological molecular mechanisms. Normotensive subjects and HTN patients associated or not with CKD grades 3-4 were studied (n=15-16). Small arteries were isolated from subcutaneous gluteal biopsies, RNAs were extracted, and small and total RNA sequencing was performed by Illumina HiSeq-2500. Differentially expressed genes were identified with a P<0.05 and fold change (FC) >1.3. Differentially expressed microRNAs and mRNAs were identified uniquely to associate with HTN (microRNAs: 10, mRNAs: 68), CKD (microRNAs: 68, mRNAs: 395), and both groups (microRNAs: 2, mRNAs: 32). This study identified differentially expressed microRNAs and mRNAs in small arteries with target organ damage in HTN, which could have some pathophysiological and therapeutic implications.

  Study phs002389

• Standard epigenome mapping in human epithelial cells of the digestive and urogenital organs [ ChIP-Seq ]

  The aim of this study is to participate in International Human Epigenome Consortium (http://ihec-epigenomes.org/), through disclosure of quality reference epigenome profiles in normal and diseased cells obtained from multiple Japanese people.

  Study JGAS000165

• Standard epigenome mapping in human epithelial cells of the digestive and urogenital organs [RNA-Seq ]

  The aim of this study is to participate in International Human Epigenome Consortium (http://ihec-epigenomes.org/), through disclosure of quality reference epigenome profiles in normal and diseased cells obtained from multiple Japanese people.

  Study JGAS000080

• Standard epigenome mapping in human epithelial cells of the digestive and urogenital organs [BS-Seq ]

  The aim of this study is to participate in International Human Epigenome Consortium (http://ihec-epigenomes.org/), through disclosure of quality reference epigenome profiles in normal and diseased cells obtained from multiple Japanese people.

  Study JGAS000082

• Standard epigenome mapping in human epithelial cells of the digestive and urogenital organs [ ChIP-Seq ]

  The aim of this study is to participate in International Human Epigenome Consortium (http://ihec-epigenomes.org/), through disclosure of quality reference epigenome profiles in normal and diseased cells obtained from multiple Japanese people.

  Study JGAS000079

• Standard epigenome mapping in human epithelial cells of the digestive and urogenital organs [BS-Seq ]

  The aim of this study is to participate in International Human Epigenome Consortium (http://ihec-epigenomes.org/), through disclosure of quality reference epigenome profiles in normal and diseased cells obtained from multiple Japanese people.

  Study JGAS000078

• Standard epigenome mapping in human epithelial cells of the digestive and urogenital organs [RNA-Seq ]

  The aim of this study is to participate in International Human Epigenome Consortium (http://ihec-epigenomes.org/), through disclosure of quality reference epigenome profiles in normal and diseased cells obtained from multiple Japanese people.

  Study JGAS000081

• G3BP2-KIT drives leukemia amenable to kinase inhibition in Ph-like ALL

  We describe a patient with Ph-like ALL, in which leukemic cells harbored an in-frame fusion between the GTPase-activating protein (SH3 domain)-binding protein 2 (G3BP2) and the KIT proto-oncogene.

  Study EGAS00001005181

• PCCRC versus prevalent CRC

  To analyse genome wide DNA copy number changes in combination with mutation status of CRC-related genes, CIMP and MSI, in order to explore the biology of PCCRCs. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded samples from 122 PCCRCs and 98 prevalent CRCs collected in 3 different hospitals in the region of South Limburg, the Netherlands, were used in this study. DNA was extracted for molecular analysis. Labels have been updated.

  Dataset EGAD00001006987

• Biological Determinants of Peritoneal Dialysis Outcomes

  Peritoneal Dialysis (PD) is a technique for treating kidney failure where fluid is instilled into the body's peritoneal cavity. Fluid and solutes travel across the peritoneum, and this is critical to successful PD. Studies have shown that certain demographic and clinical variables explain a small part of the variability in baseline peritoneal solute transfer rate and water transfer function across the peritoneum. This study sought to identify the common genetic variants associated with the baseline peritoneal function in patients starting treatment with PD and change in function upon treatment with PD. This study has two specific aims: Aim 1: To identify and validate genetic loci that influence the peritoneal solute transfer rate (PSTR) at start of PD. Aim 2: To identify and validate genetic loci in pre-specified biologic pathways with change in peritoneal ultrafiltration capacity. This study incorporates data from participants' peritoneal solute transfer rate in their first ever peritoneal equilibrium test (PET) and changes in the transfer of water across the peritoneal membrane over time in a sub-group of participants, demographic information, and results from laboratory analysis of DNA, blood, and dialysate. This study comprises patient populations from pre-existing biorepositories in Europe, and prospectively enrolled participants in United States, Canada, United Kingdom, and Australia. Clinical data related to the participants' peritoneal solute transfer rate from their first ever Peritoneal Equilibrium Test (PET), demographic information, and change in ultrafiltration capacity over time, are correlated with various genetic markers of interest. For individuals enrolled prospectively, blood and dialysate were collected at the first study visit. Annually, subjects either underwent a PET as standard of care or perform an additional 4-hour dwell as part of the study. These subsequent measures were utilized to determine change in ultrafiltration capacity over time. Inclusion criteria included adults over the age of 20 who are able to provide consent and had a record of a PET within 6 months of starting PD. Subjects with missing outcome data and that did not pass genotyping QC were excluded. Genotyping was performed in two batches using the Illumina InfiniumOmni2-5-8v1-3_A1 array with 2,372,784 single nucleotide variants (SNVs) in the first batch (n=1957). The second genotyping batch (n=1053) was on the InfiniumOmni2-5-8v1-4_A1 array with 2,382,209 SNVs. Imputation was performed using the Michigan Imputation Server and the HRC1.1 genotype reference. The Institutional Review Board of the University of Washington has “dbGaP-certified” the consent forms used to enroll participants in Australia, Canada, and United States and the genotype-phenotype data from the participants (n=827) deposited in the public repository. Furthermore, it has been determined that under the EU-GDPR regulations, depositing data of participants enrolled in UK, Belgium, and Sweden (n=2,023) into dbGaP “serves no lawful purpose” as the consent form used for enrolling participants did not obtain explicit permission for depositing data in a public repository.

  Study phs002996

• The Genetic Landscape of Metastasis and Recurrence in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

  Recurrence and/or metastasis occur in more than half of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and pose the greatest threats to long-term survival. The genetic alterations underlying recurrent/metastatic HNSCC are unknown. This study represents the first whole exome sequencing (WES) cohort study of patient-matched tumor pairs in recurrent or metastatic HNSCC. Synchronous lymph node metastases are genetically more similar to their paired index primary tumors than metachronous recurrent tumors are. Newly arisen mutations in recurrent or metastatic tumors, may have therapeutic implications. Several genes were found to be mutated in multiple metastatic or recurrent tumors, but not in their respective primaries, including C17orf104, ITPR3, and DDR2. DDR2 mutations have been shown to confer enhanced sensitivity to Src-family kinase (SFK) inhibitors in other malignancies. Similarly, we found HNSCC cell lines harboring endogenous and engineered DDR2 mutations to be more sensitive to the SFK inhibitor dasatinib, than those with WT DDR2. This study outlines the first compendium of somatic mutations in primary, metastatic and/or recurrent HNSCC cancers that arise in individual patients; and demonstrates how such data can be used to interrogate potential predictive/prognostic biomarkers to inform and guide personalized therapy.

  Study phs001007

• Discovery of Non-ETS Gene Fusions in Human Prostate Cancer using Next Generation RNA Sequencing

  Half of prostate cancers harbor gene fusions between TMPRSS2 and members of the ETS transcription factor family. To date little is known about the presence of non-ETS fusion events in prostate cancer. We employed next-generation transcriptome sequencing (RNA-Seq) in order to explore the whole transcriptome of 25 human prostate cancer samples for the presence of chimeric fusion transcripts. We generated more than 1 billion sequence reads and used a novel computational approach (FusionSeq) in order to identify novel gene fusion candidates with high confidence. In total, we discovered and characterized seven new cancer-specific gene fusions, two involving the ETS genes ETV1 and ERG, and five involving non-ETS genes such as CDKN1A (p21), CD9 and IKBKB (IKK-beta), genes known to exhibit key biological roles in cellular homeostasis or assumed to be critical in tumorigenesis of other tumor entities, as well as the oncogene PIGU and the tumor suppressor gene RSRC2. The novel gene fusions are found to be of low frequency but interestingly, the non-ETS fusions were all present in prostate cancer harboring the TMPRSS2-ERG gene fusion. Future work will focus on determining if the ETS rearrangements in prostate cancer are associated or directly predispose to a rearrangement prone phenotype.

  Study phs000310

• Epigenetic Changes in Immune Response and Oncogenesis Related Genes Caused by Heavy Metal Long-Term Exposure

  Our study investigated methylation changes in CpG islands located in immune response and oncogenesis related genes in humans induced by long-term environmental heavy metal exposure. We assessed the methylation levels of 654 CpG sites located on NFKB1, CDKN2A, ESR1, APOA5 and IGF2/H19 genes by targeted bisulfite sequencing (target enrichment by 48.48 Access Array Integrated Fluidic Circuit (Fluidigm, USA) in a cohort of 40 subjects living near a metal mining area (the Kapan mining region, Armenia) and 40 unexposed subjects. We performed linear regression on our data to find differentially methylated positions with adjustment for gender, age, BMI class, smoking, and plasma concentrations of 21 essential and non-essential metals detected by ICP-MS. Our study showed hypomethylation of five CpG sites in the NFKB1 promoter region in the exposed group. According to our findings, the methylation changes of CpG sites in NFKB1, CDKN2A, IGF2 and ESR1 genes are associated with multiple and specific metal exposures. Targeted bisulfite sequencing data obtained for 80 subjects who participated in this study are available through dbGaP. The tables contain information about age, sex, BMI, smoking and exposure status, as well as race and ethnicity of the study participants.

  Study phs003392

• The impact of CCR8+ regulatory T cells on cytotoxic T cell function in human lung cancer

  Regulatory T cells (Tregs) suppress the host immune response and maintain immune homeostasis. Tregs also promote cancer progression and are involved in resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitor treatments. Recent studies identified selective CCR8 expression on tumor-infiltrating Tregs; CCR8+ Tregs have been indicated as a possible new target of cancer immunotherapy. Here, we investigated the features of CCR8+ Tregs in lung cancer patients. CCR8+ Tregs were highly activated and infiltration of CCR8+ Tregs in tumors was associated with poor prognosis in lung cancer patients. We also investigated their immune suppressive function, especially the influence on cytotoxic T lymphocyte cell function. The Cancer Genome Analysis revealed that CD8 T cell activities were suppressed in high CCR8-expressing tumors. Additionally, depletion of CCR8+ cells enhanced CD8 T cell function in an ex vivo culture of lung tumor-infiltrating cells. Moreover, CCR8+ Tregs, but not CCR8��� Tregs, induced from human PBMCs markedly suppressed CD8 T cell cytotoxicity. Finally, we demonstrated the therapeutic effect of targeting CCR8 in a murine model of lung cancer. These findings reveal the significance of CCR8+ Tregs for immunosuppression in lung cancer, especially via cytotoxic T lymphocyte cell suppression, and suggest the potential value of CCR8-targeted therapy for cancer treatment.

  Study JGAS000454

• The PEMDAC phase 2 study of pembrolizumab and entinostat in patients with metastatic uveal melanoma

  Patients with metastatic uveal melanoma (UM) have an abysmal prognosis. Preclinical studies have suggested that epigenetic therapy could enhance immunogenicity of cancer cells. Here we test if epigenetic therapy would enhance PD-1 immunotherapy in patients with metastatic UM. We report the results of the PEMDAC phase 2 clinical trial (n=29; NCT02697630) where the HDAC inhibitor entinostat was combined with the PD-1 inhibitor pembrolizumab in patients with metastatic UM. The primary endpoint was objective response rate (ORR), and was met with an ORR of 14%. The clinical benefit rate at 18 weeks was 28%, median progression free survival was 2.1 months and the median overall survival was 13.4 months. Toxicities were manageable, and there were no treatment-related deaths. Extensive genomics studies were performed using DNA/RNA and single cell sequencing and flow cytometry. Objective responses and prolonged survival were seen in three patients with BAP1 wildtype tumors, and in one patient with an iris melanoma that exhibited a UV signature. Longer survival also correlated with low baseline ctDNA levels or LDH. In conclusion, HDAC inhibition and anti-PD1 immunotherapy results in durable responses in a subset of patients with metastatic UM. Further exploration of combined immunotherapy and epigenetic therapy in metastatic UM is warranted.

  Study EGAS00001005478

• Inhibiton of the GABPB1L-containing GABP tetramer is sufficient to reverse replicative immortality in TERT promoter mutant glioblastoma cells.

  Over 50 types of cancer acquire TERT promoter mutations. These single point mutations reactivate telomerase, allowing for indefinite maintenance of telomere length and enabling cellular immortalization. The transcription factor binding site created by the point mutations specifically recruit the ETS factor GABP, a multimeric transcription factor composed of the GABPα and GABPβ subunits. GABP can form two functionally independent transcription factor species – a dimer or a tetramer – depending on which of the structurally distinct GABPβ isoforms is incorporated into the complex. In this study, we show that genetic disruption of GABPβ1L, a tetramer forming isoform of GABPβ that is dispensable in normal development, results in TERT silencing in a TERT promoter mutation dependent manner. Failure to activate TERT expression by GABPβ1L culminates in telomere dysfunction, DNA damage, and mitotic cell death exclusively in TERT promoter mutant cells. Furthermore, exogenous expression of TERT is sufficient to prevent telomere degradation and loss of cell viability in GABPβ1L-reduced lines bearing the mutant TERT promoter. Orthotopic injection of tetramer-deficient mutant TERT promoter GBM cells rendered lower tumor burden and prolonged the overall survival of the tumor-bearing mice. These results highlight the potentially widespread role of GABPB1L in enabling replicative immortality of TERT promoter cancers.

  Study EGAS00001002582

• Sex chromosome aneuploidies give rise to changes in the circular RNA profile

  Purpose The landscape of circular RNAs (circRNAs), an important class of non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression, has never been described in human disorders of sex chromosome aneuploidies. We profiled circRNAs in Turner syndrome females (45,X;TS) and Klinefelter syndrome males (47,XXY; KS) to investigate how circRNAs respond to a missing or an extra X chromosome. Methods Samples of blood, muscle and fat were collected from individuals with TS (n = 33) and KS (n = 22) and from male (n = 16) and female (n = 44) controls. CircRNAs were identified using a combination of circRNA identification pipelines (CIRI2, CIRCexplorer2 and circRNA_finder). Results Differential expression of circRNAs was observed throughout the genome in TS and KS, in all tissues. The host-genes from which several of these circRNAs were derived, were associated with known phenotypic traits. Furthermore, several differentially expressed circRNAs had the potential to capture micro RNAs that targeted protein-coding genes with altered expression in TS and KS. Conclusion Sex chromosome aneuploidies introduce pervasive changes in the circRNA transcriptome, demonstrating that the genomic changes in these syndromes are more complex than hitherto thought. CircRNAs may help explain some of the genomic and phenotypic traits observed in these syndromes.

  Study EGAS00001006404

• National Eye Institute (NEI) Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 (AREDS2)

  The Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 (AREDS2) was a multi-center, randomized Phase III clinical trial designed to assess the effects of oral supplementation of high doses of lutein, zeaxanthin, and omega-3 fatty acids (docosahexaenoic acid [DHA] and eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA]) in reducing the risk of progression to late age-related macular degeneration (AMD), progression to cataract surgery, and/or progression to moderate vision loss in high-risk participants. The effect of the study supplements on cardiovascular outcomes and cognitive function were also examined. Other study goals included evaluation of eliminating beta-carotene and/or reducing zinc in the original AREDS formulation on the progression and development of late AMD. AREDS2 sought to validate the AREDS AMD scale developed from the photographic data obtained from AREDS, (Study Accession: phs000001).Eighty-two clinical sites across the United States enrolled 4,203 participants aged 50 to 85 (mean age 74 years) between October 2006 and September 2008. Enrollment was restricted to people at high risk of progression to late AMD with either bilateral large drusen or large drusen in 1 eye and late AMD in the fellow eye. Follow-up assessments in the clinic occurred on an annual basis for an average of 5 years, with telephone calls every six months during each year. Blood or saliva samples were also collected from 2,000+ AREDS2 participants for genetic research. Of these, samples from 1,800+ AREDS2 participants were included in the International Age-Related Macular Degeneration Genomics Consortium - Exome Chip Experiment, and have exome chip data available in the dbGaP (Study Accession: phs001039). In addition, samples from 1300+ AREDS2 participants were included in the International Age-Related Macular Degeneration Genomics Consortium - Whole Genome Sequencing Study in the dbGaP (Study Accession: TBD). Of 1363 AREDS2 participants with whole genome sequencing, 488 previously participated in AREDS.Please see "The Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 (AREDS2) Research Group" document for a full list of AREDS2 study contributors.

  Study phs002015

• Whole Genome Sequencing of a Triple Negative Breast Cancer Patient: Matched Primary Tumor, Normal, Metastasis and Xenograft samples

  Breast Cancer Subject Participant ID 700064 (Source Sample names: 6888 and 206). We used massively parallel DNA sequencing technologies to screen entire genomes, in an unbiased manner, for genetic changes associated with tumor growth and metastasis. We describe the complete genome sequence analysis of four DNA samples from a 44-year old African-American patient with basal-like breast cancer: peripheral blood, the primary tumor, a brain metastasis that developed within a year of initial therapy, and a first-passage xenograft derived from the primary tumor. A total of 50 validated mutations were discovered within coding, RNA, or splice site sequences. Of these, 20 mutations were abundantly present in all three tumors, including mutations in CSMD1 and JAK2. These two genes subsequently were found to be mutated in other breast tumors. The metastasis contained two de novo mutations not present in the primary tumor, and was significantly enriched for 20 shared mutations, suggesting that they may be involved in the metastatic process. The xenograft contained no unique coding, RNA, or splice site mutations and retained all primary tumor mutations, albeit at different frequencies. However, a significant increase in copy number alterations was observed in the xenograft as compared to the primary tumor. We validated 28 large deletions and six inversions, as well as seven translocations in at least one of the three tumor samples. Among them, a 26 kb deletion in MECR was solely identified, assembled, and validated in the brain metastasis and two overlapping large deletions on chromosome 5 encompassing CTNNA1, a potential tumor suppressor gene, were identified in all three tumors. The differential mutation frequencies and structural variation patterns between primary and metastatic tumors suggest that metastatic tumors may arise from minor subpopulations of cells within the primary. Namely, the metastatic and xenografting processes apparently select for cells harboring a distinct subset of the primary tumor mutation repertoire.

  Study phs000245

• Whole Exome Sequencing of Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma

  We performed massively parallel whole exome sequencing of 55 primary tumor samples from patients with diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and matched normal tissue. We identified recurrent mutations in genes that are well known to be functionally relevant in DLBCL, as well as in genes for which a functional role in DLBCL has not been previously suspected. Significantly mutated genes include MYD88, CARD11, EZH2, CREBBP, as well as MEF2B, MLL2, BTG1, GNA13, ACTB, P2RY8, PCLO and TNFRSF14. Analysis of somatic mutations in patients with DLBCL also revealed that BCL2 mutations commonly occur in patients with BCL2/IgH rearrangements as a result of somatic hypermutation normally occurring at the IgH locus. The BCL2 point mutations are primarily synonymous, likely caused by activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID)-mediated somatic hypermutation, and those non-synonymous mutations that are observed tend to be found outside of the functionally important BH domains of the protein, suggesting that strong negative selection against BCL2 loss-of-function mutations is at play. We further identified genes with mutations that are likely to be functionally relevant despite being mutated at a low rate. These genes include KRAS, BRAF and NOTCH1 as likely drivers of DLBCL pathogenesis in some patients.In order to facilitate additional in vitro and in vivo analyses of the discrete molecular clusters and associated targeted therapies in preclinical models, we also performed our subtyping analysis on 28 Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) cell lines. We performed whole exome sequencing (WES) on these cell lines to capture structural variants (SVs), from which we obtained full genetic characterization and segregation of these cell lines into our previously defined molecular clusters by DLBclass assignment. These analyses are available in an interactive DLBclass portal available to the public. Our data provide an unbiased view of the landscape of mutations in DLBCL. These data may point towards new targets for the treatment of DLBCL.

  Study phs000450

• Chondrosarcoma_Targeted_Sequencing_Study

  This Study uses a focused bait pull down library method to target findings of Chondrosarcoma whole genome and whole exome sequencing studies in order to validate findings. This method will also be used on a larger set of tumour only samples in order to find precedence of these finding in a larger set of patients.

  Study EGAS00001000277

• Study of biomarkers implicated in radio-immunotherapy response in metastatic cancer

  Immuno-radiotherapy may improve outcomes for patients with advanced solid tumors, although optimized combination modalities remain unclear. Here, we report the analysis from the SABR-PDL1 (NCT02992912) trial that evaluated the PD-L1 inhibitor atezolizumab in combination with stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) in patients with advanced cancer.

  Study EGAS50000000681

• Study of biomarkers implicated in radio-immunotherapy response in metastatic cancer

  Immuno-radiotherapy may improve outcomes for patients with advanced solid tumors, although optimized combination modalities remain unclear. Here, we report the analysis from the SABR-PDL1 (NCT02992912) trial that evaluated the PD-L1 inhibitor atezolizumab in combination with stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) in patients with advanced cancer.

  Study EGAS50000001149

• T-cell receptor repertoire profiling (PBMC)

  This study assessed the TCR repertoire in peripheral blood from patients before, during and after neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy. TCR beta chain sequences in RNA from peripheral blood were amplified with the OncomineTM long read assay, templated and sequenced. TCR metrics such as clonality, evenness and diversity were assessed in relation with response metrics.

  Study EGAS50000001137

• T-cell receptor repertoire profiling (FFPE tissue)

  This study assessed the TCR repertoire in tumor tissue from NSCLC patients before, during and after neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy. TCR beta chain sequences in RNA from FFPE tissue were amplified with the OncomineTM short read assay, templated and sequenced. TCR metrics such as clonality, evenness and diversity were assessed in relation with response metrics.

  Study EGAS50000001138

• Investigation of 3D chromatin structure in clear cell renal cell carcinoma

  In order to investigation the 3D chromatin structure in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), we performed ultra high-resolution chromatin capture using MNase (Micro-C) in 786-O, A-498, UM-RC-2 ccRCC cell lines, as well as HK-2 normal renal epithelium cell line, cultured under normoxic (20% O2) and hypoxic (0.05% O2) conditions. Data are provided in raw fastq and the chromatin interactions in hic format. Data were processed using the Juicer pipeline.

  Dataset EGAD50000001884

• Single-cell RNA sequencing of metastatic colorectal cancer patient-derived xenografts treated with cetuximab

  Single-cell RNA sequencing was performed on a cetuximab-sensitive metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patient-derived xenograft (PDX) model. The objective of this analysis was to assess whether the transcriptional patterns identified in the single-cell RNA-seq data of matched organoids were preserved in the in vivo context.

  Study EGAS50000001459

• Somatic_mutation_and_clonal_evolution_in_the_human_testes

  In this study we aim to characterise the landscape of Pathogenic variants and clonal dynamics in normal and cancerous testes and their role in cancer predisposition. The study combines targeted sequencing and whole-genome sequencing of microbiopsies from testes. The range of patients studied will include healthy individuals, and patients with testicular cancer.

  Study EGAS00001003021

• Single-cell RNA-seq data from metastatic ovarian cancer for quality control study

  Quality control is a crucial preliminary step in any single-cell RNAseq experiment, where hard thresholds are commonly used. In order to develop a methodology for a more precise cell filtering in the early steps of a scRNAseq data analysis, we collected tissue samples before chemotherapy from 4 patients.

  Study EGAS00001005066

• Exome sequencing of pseudomyxoma peritonei

  Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) is a subtype of mucinous adenocarcinoma mainly restricted to the peritoneal cavity and most commonly originating from the appendix. In this study, we sequenced whole coding genome of nine PMP tumors and paired normal tissues in order to identify commonly mutated genes and signaling pathways affected in PMP.

  Study EGAS00001002418

• Somatic_mutation_and_clonal_evolution_in_the_human_bladder_TGS

  In this study, we aim to characterise the landscape of mutation and clonal selection in the human bladder. The study includes targeted sequencing of laser-dissected microbiopsies from the bladder. The samples utilised in this study will include urothelium from transplant donors with no history of bladder cancer and cystectomy specimens from patients with bladder cancer.

  Study EGAS00001002659

• Somatic_mutation_and_clonal_evolution_in_the_human_testes___WES

  In this study we aim to characterise the landscape of Pathogenic variants and clonal dynamics in normal and cancerous testes and their role in cancer predisposition. The study combines targeted sequencing and whole-genome sequencing of microbiopsies from testes. The range of patients studied will include healthy individuals, and patients with testicular cancer.

  Study EGAS00001003023

• Natural Genetic Variation in the Human Genome

  In this study, we used existing whole genome sequencing data from the TOPMed Amish and Jackson Heart Study, as well as the GTEx study, to identify mobile element insertions in the genomes of these individuals.  A total of 1112 TOPMed Amish, 3331 TOPMed Jackson Heart Study, and 698 GTEx individuals were examined.  We used the Mobile Element Locator Tool (MELT) developed previously by our lab, along with a Cloud-based version of MELT (CloudMELT), to discover non-reference mobile element insertions (MEIs) in these genomes.  We discovered Alu, L1, SVA, and HERV-K MEIs and produced genotypes in individual genomes.  Build hg19 bams were used for the TOPMed samples, and build GRCh37 bams were used for the GTEx samples in this study.

  Study phs002463

• Analysis of Recurrently Protected Genomic Regions in Urine Cell-Free DNA

  This study investigated fragmentation patterns in urine and plasma cell-free DNA and evaluated the relevance of such analysis for cancer diagnostics using urine samples. Specifically, we performed whole-genome sequencing at variable depths and evaluated genome-wide coverage in urine and plasma samples, relative to known genome annotation features. Tumor/germline exome sequencing data included was used to identify genome-wide copy number changes and their effect on cfDNA fragmentation in corresponding genomic regions in urine samples. Data included in this submission is whole-genome sequencing of urine and/or plasma cell-free DNA from healthy volunteers and/or cancer patients, and whole-exome sequencing of tumor DNA and germline DNA (peripheral blood cells) from cancer patients. 

  Study phs002273

• APOBEC Mutagenesis, Kataegis, Chromothripsis in EGFR-Mutant Osimertinib-Resistant Lung Adenocarcinomas

  Expanding on studies investigating apolipoprotein B mRNA-editing enzyme, catalytic polypeptide-like (APOBEC) mutagenesis in histological transformation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutant lung cancers, it has been hypothesized that mutational signature analysis may help better understand acquired resistance to targeted therapies. Using mutational signature analysis in Receptor Tyrosine Kinase (RTK) driven lung adenocarcinomas, more specifically EGFR mutant lung cancer, APOBEC dominant mutational signatures were noted more frequently in subclonal post Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor (TKI) treatment biospecimen samples and in the presence of large-scale genomic rearrangements. This is hypothesized to be due to the pressure of treatment with TKIs; a fact that should be further explored and can be potentially manipulated in order to overcome drug resistance.

  Study phs003812

• Clinical validity of post-surgery circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in stage III colon cancer patients treated with adjuvant chemotherapy: the PROVENC3 study

  The PROVENC3 study aimed to determine the clinical validity of post-surgery ctDNA testing in patients with stage III colon cancer treated with adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT). Blood was collected pre-surgery, post-surgery and post-adjuvant chemotherapy. Tumor-informed plasma ctDNA detection was performed through integrated whole genome sequencing (WGS) analyses of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tumor tissue DNA (80x), white blood cell germline DNA (40x) and plasma cell-free DNA (30x). These raw WGS data for 209 patients are shared in .cram format in this EGA submission. For 196/209 of these patients there is overlapping FFPE tumor RNA sequencing data available, shared in .fastq format in this EGA submission.

  Study EGAS50000000804

• A Genomic Atlas of Systemic Interindividual Epigenetic Variation in Humans (GTEx)

  Methylation of cytosines in CpG dinucleotides is an epigenetic mechanism with essential roles in mammalian development. To explore its functions in cellular differentiation, unbiased analysis of CpG methylation by whole genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) has been used to characterize epigenetic differences among different human tissues and cell types. Meanwhile, human interindividual variation in DNA methylation that is not cell-type specific has attracted relatively little attention. Systemic interindividual epigenetic variation is important, however, because like genetic variation it is a potential determinant of phenotypic variation and can be assessed in any easily obtainable DNA sample. Since systemic epigenetic variants originate in the preimplantation embryo, their establishment can be influenced by periconceptional environment, and potentially provide information about lifetime risks relevant to global health, obesity, and cancer. We elucidated systemic interindividual variation in CpG methylation in the human genome. We studied brain, heart, and thyroid tissues (representing all three germ layer lineages) from each of 10 donors in the NIH Gene-Tissue Expression (GTEx) project. We performed deep whole genome bisulfite sequencing for these 30 samples, achieving a sequencing depth of over 50x coverage per sample. We identified 9,926 correlated regions of systemic interindividual variation (CoRSIVs). These regions, comprising just 0.1% of the human genome, often correlate with one another over long genomic distances, are associated with transposable elements and subtelomeric regions, conserved across various human ethnic groups, and particularly sensitive to periconceptional environment. While genetic variation appears to influence methylation at most CoRSIVs, many show no evidence of genetic influence, suggestive of 'pure' epigenetic variation. At CoRSIVs, interindividual variation in DNA methylation in an easily biopsied tissue predicts expression in other tissues, and genes associated with these loci are implicated in a range of human disorders. In addition to charting a previously unrecognized molecular level of human individuality, this atlas of human CoRSIVs provides a resource for future population-based investigations into how interindividual epigenetic variation modulates risk of disease.Version 2 now also includes Target Capture Sequencing of CoRSIVs in 808 tissues (188 GTEx Donors). Focusing on the CoRSIVs identified by analyzing WGBS data, a Target Capture Bisulfite sequencing assay was developed. Using the genotype data of 188 GTEx donors, we assessed mQTL by capturing a 1MB region at each CoRSIV and quantifying methylation by Bisulfite-seq. The Target Capture Bisulfite sequencing data will be available to download via the AnVIL project.

  Study phs001746

• Plasma DNA profile in DNASE1L3 deficiency-Mouse AAV samples

  Plasma DNA profile in DNASE1L3 deficiency-Mouse AAV

  Study EGAS00001004409

• Genomics of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

  Despite the growing incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) due to increased hepatitis C virus infection and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis in Western populations, the genetic determinants of this cancer have yet to be established. A minority (15-20%) of HCC occurs in livers without cirrhosis or other chronic disease. Because the liver is functionally preserved in these patients and surgical resection of the tumor may be performed safely, and because of the scarcity of livers available for transplantation, non-cirrhotic patients undergo surgical resection for HCC treatment. These resected tumors present investigatory opportunities in two ways: First, they provide tumor specimen which have not been treated with chemotherapy and embolization. Second, the absence of cirrhosis may provide an unconfounded background from which to investigate the genetic tumorigenesis of HCC. In livers with cirrhosis, genetic instability is prevalent as assessed by assays for microsatellite instability, loss of heterozygosity and aberrant DNA methylation. In contrast, in livers without cirrhosis, the non-tumor tissue surrounding HCC have been found to have fewer genetic aberrations. It has been postulated that the pathologic process of cirrhosis may result in the accumulation of many "passenger"; as well as "driver" mutations, and that the examination of the HCC cancer genome may be facilitated in non-cirrhotic livers because of the absence of an accumulated background noise of mutations.

  Study phs001106

• RBMX functional retrocopy safeguards brain development

  Retrotransposition has generated thousands of intronless gene copies in mammalian genomes, yet their contribution to brain development and evolution remains largely unexplored. We investigated the role for RBMX retrocopy in shaping neurodevelopment and modulating disease. First, we reported 8 distinct pathogenic variants in RBMX, an X-linked splicing regulator, in 11 males presenting with intellectual disability, microcephaly, and cortical malformations. Then, we combined transcriptomic profiling, protein–protein and protein–RNA interaction studies both in human cellular models and mouse embryonic cortices to assess the functional redundancy between RBMX and its retrocopy RBMXL1. Finally, we use mouse genetics to dissect RBMX function and its compensation by RBMXL1 in corticogenesis. We show that RBMX pathogenic variants disrupt cortical development through both loss- and gain-of-function mechanisms. Surprisingly, despite severe phenotypes in humans, Rbmx-deficient mice display only mild cortical abnormalities, a discrepancy likely due to compensation by Rbmxl1, a retrocopy that arose independently in mice and humans. We demonstrate that RBMX and RBMXL1 share protein and RNA partners and act redundantly in brain development, with RBMXL1 buffering the impact of RBMX deficiency. Together, these findings establish that RBMXL1 functions as a functional paralog of RBMX safeguarding neurodevelopment by buffering deleterious variation. More broadly, these results identify retrocopies as active contributors to neurodevelopmental robustness and suggest that functional retrocopies may have facilitated the evolutionary diversification of the mammalian brain.

  Study EGAS50000001650

• GENETIC HISTORY OF ITALY

  Recent scientific literature has highlighted the relevance of population genetic studies both for disease association-mapping in admixed populations and for understanding the history of human migrations. Deeper insight into the history of Italian population is critical for understanding the peopling of Europe. Because of its crucial position at the centre of the Mediterranean basin, the Italian peninsula has experienced a complex history of colonization and migration, whose genetic signatures are still present in contemporary Italians. In this study, we investigated genomic variation in the Italian population using 2.5 million single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in a sample of more than 300 unrelated Italian subjects with well-defined geographical origins. We combined several analytical approaches to interpret genome-wide data on 1,272 individuals from European, Middle Eastern, and North African populations. We detected three major ancestral components contributing different proportions across the Italian peninsula, and signatures of continuous gene flow within Italy, which has produced remarkable genetic variability among contemporary Italians. In addition, we have extracted novel details about the Italian population’s ancestry: we identified genetic signatures of major historical events in Europe and the Mediterranean basin from the Neolithic (e.g., peopling of Sardinia) to recent times (e.g., ‘barbarian invasion’ of Northern and Central Italy). These results are valuable for further genetic, epidemiological and forensic studies in Italy and in Europe.

  Study EGAS00001001458

• Coding and small non-coding transcriptional landscape of tuberous sclerosis complex cortical tubers: implications for pathophysiology and treatment

  Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC) is a rare genetic disorder that results from a mutation in the TSC1 or TSC2 genes leading to constitutive activation of the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1). TSC is associated with autism, intellectual disability and severe epilepsy. Cortical tubers are believed to represent the neuropathological substrates of these disabling manifestations in TSC. In the presented study we used high-throughput RNA sequencing in combination with systems-based computational approaches to investigate the complexity of the TSC molecular network. Overall we detected 438 differentially expressed genes and 991 differentially expressed small non-coding RNAs in cortical tubers compared to autopsy control brain tissue. We observed increased expression of genes associated with inflammatory, innate and adaptive immune responses. In contrast, we observed a down-regulation of genes associated with neurogenesis and glutamate receptor signaling. MicroRNAs represented the largest class of over-expressed small non-coding RNA species in tubers. In particular, our analysis revealed that the miR-34 family (including miR-34a, miR-34b and miR-34c) was significantly over-expressed. Functional studies demonstrated the ability of miR-34b to modulate neurite outgrowth in mouse primary hippocampal neuronal cultures. This study provides new insights into the TSC transcriptomic network along with the identification of potential new treatment targets.

  Study EGAS00001002485

• Mutational signatures of aflatoxin

  Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a mutagen and IARC (International Agency for Research on Cancer) Group 1 carcinogen that causes hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Here we present the first whole genome data on the mutational signatures of AFB1 exposure from a total of > 40,000 mutations in four experimental systems: two different human cell lines, and in liver tumors in wild-type mice and in mice that carried a hepatitis B surface antigen transgene – this to model the multiplicative effects of aflatoxin exposure and hepatitis B in causing HCC. AFB1 mutational signatures from all four experimental systems were remarkably similar. We integrated the experimental mutational signatures with data from newly-sequenced HCCs from Qidong County, China, a region of well-studied aflatoxin exposure. This indicated that COSMIC mutational signature 24, previously hypothesized to stem from aflatoxin exposure, indeed likely represents AFB1 exposure, possibly combined with other exposures. Among published somatic mutation data, we found evidence of AFB1 exposure in 0.7% of HCCs treated in North America, 1% of HCCs from Japan, but 16% of HCCs from Hong Kong. Thus, aflatoxin exposure apparently remains a substantial public health issue in some areas. This aspect of our study exemplifies the promise of future widespread resequencing of tumor genomes in providing new insights into the contribution of mutagenic exposures to cancer incidence.

  Study EGAS00001002490

• Exon4-mutations in KRAS Affect MEK-ERK and Pi3K-AKT Signaling in Multiple Myeloma

  Approximately 40% of MM cases harbor a point mutation in either KRAS or NRAS. However, it is still unclear whether RAS-mutations are associated with disease outcome. Specifically, no information exists whether KRAS-mutations have an impact on survival in MM patients at diagnosis that were treated with novel agents (e.g. bortezomib, lenalidomide). Targeting KRAS directly for therapeutic purposes is still impossible, but recently the first covalent mutant-specific inhibitor targeting KRASG12C made it into clinical trials. However, other KRAS-hotspot-mutations exist in MM patients, including the less common exon4-mutations. Within the current study, the coding regions of KRAS in 80 MM patients at diagnosis, uniformly treated with bortezomib and high-dose chemotherapy, were deep-sequenced. Moreover, the functional impact of KRASG12A as well as the two exon4-mutations A146T (AMO1) and A146V (MM patient) on different survival pathways was investigated. Specifically, an siRNA-mediated knockdown in AMO1 was performed and KRASWT, KRASG12A, KRAS146T and KRAS146V were overexpressed in the KRASWT cell lines JJN3 and OPM2 using lentiviral transduction and the transposase based Sleeping Beauty system. KRAS-mutations were not associated with survival. Yet, the expression of all KRAS-mutants had an impact on MEK/ERK-signaling in two independent MM cell lines and on AKT/PI3K-signaling in one MM cell line.

  Study EGAS00001004110

• Coding and non-coding drivers of mantle cell lymphoma identified through exome and genome sequencing

  Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is an uncommon B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) that is incurable with standard therapies. The genetic drivers of this cancer have not been firmly established and the features that contribute to differences in clinical course remain limited. To extend our understanding of the biological pathways involved in this malignancy, we performed a large-scale genomic analysis of MCL using data from 51 exomes and 34 genomes alongside previously published exome cohorts. To confirm our findings, we re-sequenced the genes identified in the exome cohort in 191 MCL tumors, each having clinical follow-up data. We confirmed the prognostic association of TP53 and NOTCH1 mutations. Our sequencing revealed novel recurrent non-coding mutations surrounding a single exon of the HNRNPH1 gene. In RNA-seq data from 103 of these cases, MCL tumors with these mutations had a distinct imbalance of HNRNPH1 isoforms. This altered splicing of HNRNPH1 was associated with inferior outcomes in MCL and showed a significant increase in protein expression by immunohistochemistry. We describe a functional role for these recurrent non-coding mutations in disrupting an auto-regulatory feedback mechanism, thereby deregulating HNRNPH1 protein expression. Taken together, these data strongly implicate a role for aberrant regulation of mRNA processing in MCL pathobiology.

  Study EGAS00001004289

• NHLBI TOPMed: Partners HealthCare Biobank

  The Atrial Fibrillation Genetics Consortium (AFGen) was organized to identify common and rare genetic variation associated with atrial fibrillation risk. In the current study, we have performed whole genome sequencing in cases with early-onset atrial fibrillation. Samples in this study were enrolled as a part of the Partners HealthCare Biobank. Cases with early-onset atrial fibrillation were identified from the Biobank (defined as atrial fibrillation onset prior to 61 years and in the absence of structural heart disease).

  Study phs001024

• Genetic Study of Present-Day Populations of Northern Kenya

  Human populations in Africa are the most genetically diverse in the world, having a rich history, and yet are severely understudied. The purpose of this study is to understand the population history of the Turkana. This study aims to measure the extent of genetic variation using whole genome and whole exome sequencing in this population, with the goal to better understand the broader evolutionary history of these populations and to add to the current knowledge of population genetics in Africa.

  Study phs002219

• Enrichment of PTPRT and JAK2 mutations in lung cancer from African Americans and evidence for increased GI and HRD in LUSC

  The goal of this study is to compare the somatic mutation landscape between European Americans and African Americans. It includes various histological forms of lung cancer. In LUAD, we find increased prevalence of PTPRT and JAK2 mutations among African Americans. These proteins function in the same pathway and as such, this may be a new actionable target for lung cancer. We have also examined the landscape of copy number profiles in African Americans and European Americans.

  Study phs001895

• Oncogenomics of Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumors

  Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) are a group of highly aggressive soft tissue sarcomas that may occur sporadically, in association with neurofibromatosis type I (NF1-associated), or after radiotherapy (RT-associated). We utilized comprehensive genomic approaches and identified recurrent loss-of-function somatic alterations in the Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) core components EED or SUZ12. Genetic loss of either of these two genes results in complete loss of H3K27me3 and aberrant transcriptional programming in the affected tumors.

  Study phs000792

• Characterization of copy number quiet oral cancer

  Copy number quiet head and neck squamous cell carcinoma are a distinct subset with relatively good prognosis. Previous work has indicated this subset is most commonly found in the oral cavity and is highly enriched for HRAS and CASP8 mutations. TP53 mutations are much less common than in CNA-quiet oral cancers. In this study we corroborate the validity of CNA-quiet tumors as a distinct subset in a large OSCC cohort and further chart clinical, genomic, and immunological characteristics of this subset.

  Study EGAS50000000558

• ATAC-seq iPSC cells or smNPC cells for allelic imbalance

  In order to confirm the predicted impact of the PD-associated allele of rs144814361 on BAG3 promoter, we proceeded with genome editing of the TH-REP1 cell line by using prime editing to insert the “T” allele at the position chr10:119651405 in the BAG3 promoter. 3 replicates for each condition: 1) iPSC Wild Type 2) SNP-BAG3 variant in iPSC 3) SNP-BAG3 variant in smNPC. Allelic imbalance is further assessed using read counting at this specific position.

  Study EGAS50000001579

• Exome_sequencing_of_Congenital_Heart_Disease_families_Leuven

  This project aims to study at least 90 exomes from families with congenital heart disease. The samples have been selected in Leuven in collaboration with Koen Devriendt. Ethic approval has been sought for in Leuven, Belgium and a HDMMC agreement for submitting these samples is in place at the WTSI. The phenotype we wil primarily focus our analysis is severe Left Ventricular Outflow Tract Obstructions (LVOTO) and Atrioventricular Septal Defect (AVSD). The indexed Agilent whole exome pulldown libraries will be sequenced on 75bp PE HiSeq (Illumina).

  Study EGAS00001000185

• Exome_Sequencing__to_Identify_Causes_of_Leukaemia_Predisposing_Congenital_Neutropenias

  The objective of this study is to identify the causative genes in two unrelated congenital neutropenia families. We aim to whole exome sequence the affected individuals, unaffected siblings and parents in both cases in an effort to idenitfy the causative genetic mutation. Exome capture will be performed using Agilent SureSelect system. Subsequently, exome libraries will sequenced using the Illumina HiSeq platform. Sequence variant calling will be done in house and common variants excluded using public databases and data from unaffected family members.

  Study EGAS00001000100

• Assessment_of_genetic_and_epigenetic_variation_in_human_IPS_cells

  In order to progress human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) towards the clinic, several outstanding questions must be addressed. It is possible to reprogram different somatic cell types into hiPSCs but it is unclear whether some cell types carry through fewer mutations through reprogramming (either due to mutations present in the primary cells, or mutations accumulated during reprogramming). Through in depth analysis of hiPSCs generated from different somatic cells, it will be possible to assess the variation in genetic stability of different cell types.

  Study EGAS00001000231

• Assessment_of_genetic_and_epigenetic_variation_in_human_IPS_cells

  In order to progress human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) towards the clinic, several outstanding questions must be addressed. It is possible to reprogram different somatic cell types into hiPSCs but it is unlcear whether some cell types carry through fewer mutations through reprogramming (either due to mutations present in the primary cells, or mutations accumulated during reprogramming). Through in depth analysis of hiPSCs generated from different somatic cells, it will be possible to assess the variation in genetic stability of different cell types.

  Study EGAS00001000492

• Boson HCV infected liver bulk RNASeq study

  ACE2 is a receptor for the SARS-CoV-2 and differences in its expression may affect susceptibility to infection. In a genome-wide eQTL analysis using hepatitis C virus-infected liver tissue, we discovered that polymorphism in a type III interferon gene (IFNL4), which eliminates IFN-lambda-4 production, is associated with a two-fold increase in ACE2 RNA expression. Conversely, among genes negatively correlated with ACE2 expression, IFN-signalling pathways were highly enriched and ACE2 was downregulated after IFN-alpha treatment.

  Study EGAS00001004996

• Relapse series of two Pediatric ALL patients

  In this proof of principle study, we performed whole genome sequencing of two cases with multiple relapses in order to investigate whether groups of mutations separated in time show distinct mutational signatures. In patient 1, who experienced two relapses, the analysis unraveled a continuous interplay of aberrant AID/APOBEC-associated activities. Patient 2 had three relapses. We identified episodic mutational processes at diagnosis and first relapse leading to mutations resembling UV light-driven DNA damage, and thiopurine-associated damage at first relapse.

  Study EGAS00001005001

• Mutational_burden_in_human_hair_follicles

  We would like to dissect human hair follicles and assess the mutations found in diffferent parts of the follicle eg bulge, root etc. We can also compare this with mutations found in the surrounding epidermis of the same patients (this is done under a different study). This may provide insights into the origin of PTCH1 mutants frequently seen in basal cell carcinoma but so far not located in our whole epidermis work as well as defining the clonality of the hair follicle

  Study EGAS00001004462

• DGCR8 and the six hit, three-step model of schwannomatosis

  In our manuscript, we report the second case of a patient with peripheral schwannomatosis and thyroid alterations cause by the germline pathogenic variant E518K in DGCR8 and analyzed a total of 13 schwannomas from patients in the two kindreds identified up to date. Our analyses revealed how path to tumorigenesis prompted by DGCR8 requires the loss of the wild type allele of Chrm22q and in more than two thirds of the tumors a complete inactivation of NF2.

  Study EGAS00001005665

• Using Genomics to Reduce Breast Cancer Disparities in the African Diaspora

  Differences in breast cancer incidence and mortality rates between North American Caucasian and African American women are well-described and transcend socioeconomic issues. Black women are diagnosed with breast cancer at a younger median age; have more clinically aggressive disease and stage-for-stage; and have higher mortality rates than age-matched Caucasian women. Black women in West Africa, the origin of the slave trade in the US in the 19th century and thus the founder population for most African Americans, have even higher rates of early-onset, poor-prognosis breast cancer than African American women. Racial difference in the distribution of intrinsic molecular subtypes has been well characterized in the US and throughout the African Diaspora as well. Despite the large efforts on characterizing racial/ethnic differences, however, the reasons women of African ancestry are disproportionately affected by breast cancer incidence and mortality remain poorly understood - largely due to paucity of data on inherent genomic differences that contribute to the disparities in incidence and progression of breast cancer across populations. West Africa Breast Cancer Study (WABCS) is an initiative that aims to comprehensively understand the genetic architecture of breast cancer in West Africans, the founder population of a large proportion of black women in the United States. The objective of the study was to provide a better understanding of the molecular genetic factors that influence prognosis in Nigerian breast cancer patients, and determine which of these alterations may be amenable to available therapy. To that end, we examined the molecular features of breast cancers of indigenous African women using a combination of whole-genome, whole-exome, and transcriptome sequencing (WGS, WES, and RNA-seq) on 194 tumors from Nigerian patients. The goal of this project was to obtain answers to two related research questions using an unscreened population without genetic admixture in Nigeria: 1) why are women of African ancestry more likely to develop aggressive young onset breast cancer? 2) What are the associated genomic and non-genomic risk factors? We hypothesize that the genomic determinants of breast cancer molecular subtypes in women of African ancestry are also molecular drivers of tumor progression and represent targets for interventions to improve clinical outcomes and close the mortality gap. By identifying causal links between genetic variants that promote aggressive tumor progression in Nigerian women in comparison to women from different population found in TCGA and ICGC, the present dataset will have significant public health impact on millions of women in the African Diaspora. The potential to identify novel pathways for interventions to reduce the increasing mortality gap between women of African and European ancestry is huge

  Study phs001687

• Efficacy of a Therapeutic Treatment Trial in Angelman Syndrome

  This study has been designed to evaluate the possible therapeutic benefits of L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate (Metafolin), vitamin B12, creatine and betaine in children with Angelman Syndrome (AS). This study is based on the hypotheses 1) that dietary manipulation may increase global DNA methylation; 2) that increased methylation of the paternal chromosome in AS participants may increase expression of the Angelman gene causing clinical benefit; and 3) that dietary interventions with Metafolin in conjunction with creatine, betaine, and vitamin B12 would represent little risk, but some chance for benefit. The dietary regimen is felt to be quite benign and safe. The clinical response will be measured by recording: changes in seizure activity, changes in communication skills, changes in developmental skills and changes in behavioral patterns as indicated by formal developmental assessments and clinical evaluations. We will assess the progress of the participants by monitoring their changes from baseline throughout their participation in the study and measure their improvement in particular in the developmental parameters. As a secondary aim, we plan to measure the biochemical response to these compounds by obtaining levels of homocysteine, methionine, S-adenosyl-methionine (SAM), and S-adenosyl-homocysteine (SAH). The molecular response will be measured by global DNA methylation analysis. As an exploratory aim, we hope to use control data we have previously obtained from a double blind placebo-controlled trial done in the past using betaine and folic acid to compare the development of those children who have and those who have not received medications. More specifically, we wish to compare differences in the rate of development for those children who have never received study medications (from the first trial) with those who have received medications from the present trial. Developmental parameters used in the previous trial will be consistent with those used in the present trial in order to permit these comparisons. The previous trial was conducted at Baylor College of Medicine, Rady San Diego Children's Hospital and Boston Children's Hospital whereas a group of AS participants received folic acid and betaine or placebo in a randomized double-blind basis. All the participants for the study will include patients who have a documented molecular diagnosis of AS. The participants will be seen at Baylor College of Medicine, Rady Children's Hospital of San Diego, Boston Children's Hospital and the Greenwood Genetics Center at 0 months and at 12 months for follow-up. Clinical and relevant historical data will be collected during the clinical visit and examination and also by reviewing medical and laboratory records. This information will then be entered into a HIPAA compliant clinical research database.

  Study phs000701

• Asian Indian Diabetic Heart Study (AIDHS) /Sikh Diabetes Study (SDS)

  The Punjabi Sikh population is a well-defined, carefully collected homogeneous sample from northern India and the US. It has unique characteristics, which are ideal for genetic studies. Sikhs are strictly a non-smoking population and about 50% of participants are life-long vegetarians. All subjects included in the genome-wide association studies (GWAS) were recruited from one geographical location. Our population demonstrates a strong familial clustering of type 2 diabetes and related cardio-metabolic disorders that may be genetic and we believe that the contribution of alleles at specific loci are likely to be unique to Punjabi Asians compared to Europeans. Our group first showed that the association of a common variant at rs9939609 in the FTO (fat mass and obesity) gene in South Asians was independent of BMI (PMID:18598350) in contrast to Europeans where the association of same variant with T2D is mediated through obesity (PMID:17434869). These findings were later confirmed in an independent sample of South Indians (PMID:19005641), Pakistanis (PMID:21294771), and even East and South Asians in a large meta-analyses study comprising 96,551 individuals (PMID: 22109280). Earlier reported association of MTNR1B with fasting glucose concentrations and type 2 diabetes in European GWAS could not be confirmed in our Sikh cohort. On the other hand, our study revealed, for the first time, a significant protective association of another less common variant in MTNR1B with fasting glucose levels that was modulated by obesity. Ours was the first report that suggested that the low CETP activity was associated with higher CAD risk (PMID:22143414) in South Asians and that the genetic effects are significantly modulated by environmental factors (alcohol consumption). Our recent GWAS on type 2 diabetes has identified a novel locus at chromosome 13q12 in the SGCG gene (p=1.82x10-8) associated with type 2 diabetes (PMID:23300278) in Punjabi Sikhs. From these findings, we are optimistic that our resource will provide new insights to gene functions in the diabetic pathway and better help researchers to understand and translate these insights to novel therapeutic treatment and early prevention to T2D that may be important beyond Indians.

  Study phs000583

• Center for Common Disease Genomics [CCDG] - Cardiovascular: TexGen

  Cardiovascular disease (CVD), especially coronary heart disease, heart failure and cerebrovascular disease remain the leading causes of death in men and women across all race groups in the United States. Substantial evidence exists for genetic factors underlying CVD risk, and their discovery offers an opportunity to enhance understanding of disease mechanisms, to provide specific diagnostic and prognostic indicators, and to identify novel therapeutic targets. The Centers for Common Disease Genomics (CCDG) are a large-scale genome sequencing effort undertaken as a collaboration to identify rare risk and protective alleles for common chronic diseases, with a current focus on early onset heart disease, hemorrhagic stroke, and autism. In this study, whole genome sequencing (WGS) was performed in 6,146 individuals with any personal or family history of CVD from the TexGen study who were recruited from several institutions in the Texas Medical Center located in Houston, Texas. The participants included patients who were admitted with a variety of diagnoses including acute coronary syndromes, strokes, and transient ischemic attacks, or who underwent percutaneous coronary interventions or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) (Virani SS et al. Am J Cardiology 107:1504-1509, 2011). Patients in the TexGen cohort with a confirmed diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) or CABG when discharged from the hospital between 2001-2008 were eligible for a follow-up study of recurrent myocardial infarction (Virani SS et al. Circulation J 76:950-956, 2012), while those presenting with ACS beginning in 2007 were recruited for an investigation of the role of depressive symptoms in the risk of major adverse coronary events (Sanner J et al. Biol Res Nurs 20:168-176, 2018). In addition, the initial criterion for enrollment in a third TexGen sub-study undertaken between 2007 and 2013 was the occurrence of premature acute myocardial infarction in men ≤ 50 years and women ≤ 55 years in order to establish a blood sample collection resource with the intention of localizing genes that contribute to disease risk. This definition was later expanded to include individuals with a clinical history of premature coronary heart disease such as CABG or percutaneous coronary interventions.

  Study phs003010

• Genome-Wide Association Study of Genetic Susceptibility for Graft-vs-Host Disease Cohort 1

  Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (Allo-HSCT) is the only curative therapy for many advanced hematologic malignancies. Allo-HSCT is associated with significant morbidities and mortality, mainly because of the graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) caused by donor T cells recognizing antigens present in recipient tissues, and initiating an alloimmune response resulting in damage to many organs including the skin, gastrointestinal (GI) tract, and liver in recipient. More than half of all Allo-HSCT recipients develop different degrees of GVHD (grades I-IV). About 20% of recipients develop severe GVHD (grades III-IV) that is associated with a very high morbidity and mortality. The most important factor determining the severity of GVHD is the genetic disparities between donors and recipients, as is reflected in human leukocyte antigen (HLA) haplotypes that are routinely checked for donor selection. Even when donors and recipients are HLA-identical, many recipients develop severe GVHD. As a result, non-HLA antigens are important determinants of acute GVHD. An interesting and unique aspect of GVHD is that it is the consequence of an interaction between antigens present in one individual with the immune system of another individual. As a result, genotypes of both donor and recipient, and their interactions affect the pathogenesis of GVHD. To determine the genetic risk factors for GVHD, in the first aim (discovery phase), we will conduct Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) in 3,000 patients who underwent Allo-HSCT and in their respective donors (6000 DNA samples) that are provided to us by the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research (CIBMTR), a research collaboration between the NMDP and Medical College of Wisconsin. In the second aim, we will validate the association between high risk genotypes detected in the first aim and severe GVHD in 1,750 donors and 1,750 recipients of Allo-HSCT, and perform the joint analysis with the discovery samples. In the third aim, we will investigate the functional effect of SNPs detected and validated to be significantly correlated with the severity of acute GVHD in mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR), as an ex vivo surrogate for an alloimmune response.

  Study phs002185

• National Cancer Institute (NCI) Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS) of Renal Cell Carcinoma in African Americans

  The NCI GWAS of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in African Americans was undertaken to provide insight into genetic loci affecting susceptibility to this malignancy in a racial group known to be at elevated risk. We genotyped 1,136,723 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) among 255 cases and 375 controls of African ancestry from the NCI Kidney Cancer Study, and further investigated 16 SNPs in a replication set consisting of 140 cases and 543 controls from a case-control study conducted at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. The variant rs10771279 located on 12p11, 77kb from a European-ancestry RCC risk marker, was associated with RCC risk in the GWAS (P=1.2 x 10-7) but did not replicate (P=0.99). The variant 7105934 on 11q13.3, previously associated with RCC in a GWAS using European-ancestry samples, was associated with risk in both studies [meta-analysis odds ratio (OR)=0.76, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.64-0.91; P=0.0022]. The frequency of this allele was higher than that observed in the European-ancestry GWAS (0.56 and 0.07 respectively among controls). The rs7105934 association was stronger for clear cell RCC (ccRCC: OR=0.56; P=7.4 x 10-7) and absent for cases of other or unknown histology (OR=1.02; P=0.86). In conclusion, this study provides evidence that rs7105934 is a susceptibility locus for RCC, and clear-cell RCC in particular, among African Americans.

  Study phs000863

• Systems genetics in human endothelial cells identifies non-coding variants modifying enhancers, expression, and complex disease traits

  Identification of causal variants and mechanisms underlying complex disease traits in humans requires strategies to locate and fine-map functional regulatory variants in disease-relevant cell types. To discover functional regulatory variants in primary aortic endothelial cells (ECs) from humans, we collected genetic, transcriptomic, and four epigenomic phenotypes in a population of 153 human donors representing individuals of both sexes and three major ancestries. We found thousands of EC eQTLs that were not present in GTEx at all ranges of effect sizes, indicating novel functional variants not observable from tissue data. We performed several epigenetic assays across 53 donors' EC to enable molecular QTL mapping, which included chromatin accessibility, histone modification, and transcription factor binding of proteins ERG and NF-kB/p65 in two activation states. We discovered over 3000 regulatory elements where cis-regulatory variants associated to significant differences in epigenetic marks. Co-localization with our eQTLs, TF motif mutations, and 3D confirmation capture data in ECs enabled our discovery of hundreds of high-confidence functional regulatory elements that perturb endothelial molecular phenotypes. Furthermore, this set of variants is enriched at GWAS loci for Coronary Artery disease and other disease traits, with some SNPs demonstrating pleiotropic effects. Together, our dataset and analytical approach provide the genetics and vascular biology communities with specific variants affecting EC biology and serves as a proof-of-principle for how to detect functional regulatory variants in human cells with relevance to complex traits.

  Study phs002057

• CRISPR screening in human trophoblast stem cells reveals both shared and distinct aspects of human and mouse placental development

  The placenta serves as the interface between the mother and fetus, facilitating the exchange of gases and nutrients between their separate blood circulation systems. Trophoblasts in the placenta play a central role in this process. Our current understanding of mammalian trophoblast development relies largely on mouse models. However, given the diversification of mammalian placentas, findings from the mouse placenta cannot be readily extrapolated to other mammalian species, including humans. To fill this knowledge gap, we performed CRISPR knockout (KO) screening in human trophoblast stem cells (hTSCs). We targeted genes essential for mouse placental development and identified more than 100 genes as critical regulators in both human hTSCs and mouse placentas. Among them, we further characterized in detail two transcription factors, DLX3 and GCM1, and revealed their essential roles in hTSC differentiation. Moreover, a gene function-based comparison between human and mouse trophoblast subtypes suggests that their relationship may differ significantly from previous assumptions based on tissue localization or cellular function. Notably, our data reveal that hTSCs may not be analogous to mouse TSCs or the extraembryonic ectoderm (ExE) in which in vivo TSCs reside. Instead, hTSCs may be analogous to progenitor cells in the mouse ectoplacental cone and chorion. This finding is consistent with the absence of ExE-like structures during human placental development. Our data not only deepen our understanding of human trophoblast development but also facilitate cross-species comparison of mammalian placentas.

  Study JGAS000659

• Genetic variability in exon 1 of the glucocorticoid receptor gene NR3C1 is associated with postoperative complications

  Patients having major surgery experience inflammation post-operatively, which may contribute to post-operative morbidity. Endogenous glucocorticoids (GCs) are an essential part of the stress response, but this response varies between individuals, which may in turn affect clinical outcome in general, and post-operative inflammation, specifically. Exon 1 of the NR3C1 gene, encoding the glucocorticoid receptor, contains an established region of differential regulation. DNA methylation patterns in this region have been found to differ between individuals. We investigated the methylation status and genotype in the Cytosine-phosphate-Guanine (CpG) island in exon 1 of NR3C1 in 24 patients who underwent major abdominal surgery and correlated it with post-operative complications. DNA was extracted from peripheral blood leukocytes and underwent targeted bisulfite sequencing of the CpG island. Complications were graded according to the Clavien-Dindo classification and 14 out of 24 had post-operative complications. Multifactorial and partial least square methods were used to analyse the data. A homogenous demethylated pattern was observed in all patients and no single CpG methylation was associated with post-operative complications. Four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were significantly correlated with higher Clavien-Dindo scores. Genetic variability in the chr5:143,402,505-143,405,805 region of exon 1 of the glucocorticoid receptor gene NR3C1, but not DNA methylation, was associated with more severe post-operative complications in patients having major abdominal surgery. This indicates that the response to GCs may be of clinical importance for inflammatory conditions.

  Study EGAS00001005737

• Defining the metastasome in colorectal cancer: Implications for hypotheses on metastasis evolution and personalized therapy (HIPO-032)

  Personalized cancer therapy aims at individual genetic changes characterizing primary cancers. Still, however, metastasis is the major clinically unmet problem, also due to an incomplete understanding of its molecular evolution.This study is the first to define the metastasis-specific whole genome landscape of human colorectal primary vs. matched metastatic lesions.Protein coding, ncRNA genes and 3’UTRs harbored about a third each of single nucleotide variations (SNVs)/indels, 19% of them being metastasis-specific. We found novel mutational hills among ncRNAs and 3’UTRs, copy number changes able to explain changes in microRNA expression in metastases, and novel metastasis-specific mutations in the 3’UTRs on important cancer signalling genes. Some metastatic lesions showed targetable mutations not detected in the primaries. Analysis of mutual exclusivity patterns supported a model that has progressive alterations in important colorectal cancer genes and revealed new partners. Metastatic lesions were enriched in SNVs, specific structural variations, and alterations in genes affecting cell adhesion and extracellular matrix interaction.Furthermore, a hepatic stellate activation cascade was enriched in metastases, suggesting genetic programs for site-specific colonization. Allele frequency distribution and mutational signature analysis suggests a common ancestor clone to both the primary tumor and the metastasis, with additional mutagenesis ongoing in both sites independently. Taken together, our results significantly add to hypothesis generation on metastasis evolution, and suggest novel metastasis-specific genomic changes which would be missed by current personalized therapy concepts. (HIPO-032)

  Study EGAS00001002717

• Genomic Predictors of Response to Immune Checkpoint Therapy

  Immune checkpoint therapies, including monoclonal antibodies to programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) and cytotoxic % lymphocyte associated protein-4 (CTLA-4), yield durable clinical responses across many tumor types, including metastatic melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and renal cell carcinoma (RCC). However, predictors of response to these therapies in RCC are still unknown. Genomic characterization of large clinical cohorts of patients treated with anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD-1 agents in melanoma and NSCLC have suggested that high mutational burden, high neoantigen burden, and high expression of certain genes in pre-treatment tumors may be associated with patient response to these therapies. In this study, we sought to investigate genomic predictors of response to anti-PD1 therapy in metastatic RCC in two independent clinical cohorts using whole exome and whole transcriptome sequencing.

  Study phs001493

• Admixture Mapping of Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia

  In this study, we used admixture mapping to test the hypothesis that genomic variations with different frequencies in European and African ancestral genomes influence susceptibility to Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (SAB) in a sample of African Americans. A total of 565 adult African Americans were genotyped for admixture mapping. Cases were unique African American adult inpatients with monomicrobial SAB (N=390) and controls are age-matched adult African American inpatients with no current or past S. aureus infection (N=175). After empirical multiplicity adjustment, one region on chromosome 6 (52 SNPs, P = 4.56e-05) in the HLA class II region was found to exhibit a genome-wide statistically significant increase in European ancestry. This region encodes genes involved in HLA-mediated immune response and these results provide additional evidence for genetic variation influencing HLA-mediated immunity, modulating susceptibility to SAB.

  Study phs001441

• The genomic complexity of sporadic and inherited retinoblastoma with a matched orthotopic xenograft

  Retinoblastoma is a pediatric cancer of the developing retina. All retinoblastomas are believed to initiate with biallelic inactivation of the RB1 gene. To identify subsequent genetic lesions in retinoblastoma, we performed whole genome sequencing of tumor and normal DNA of 4 children with retinoblastoma and one matched orthotopic xenograft. Both alleles of RB1 were inactivated in the tumor samples. 3 of the patients had sporadic retinoblastoma and one patient had inherited retinoblastoma. Overall, there were few single nucleotide changes in coding regions of the genome and some of the tumors had few chromosomal lesions. There were very few new genetic lesions in the xenograft compared to the primary tumor. These data suggest that the genome in retinoblastoma is more stable than previously believed and there are relatively few recurrent genetic lesions in known cancer pathways other than the RB1 pathway.

  Study phs000352

• DAC of the STIC project

  Ovarian high-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC) originates in the fallopian tube, with secretory cells carrying a TP53 mutation, known as ‘p53 signatures’, identified as potential precursors. p53 signatures evolve into serous tubal intraepithelial carcinomas (STIC) lesions, which, in turn, progress into invasive HGSC that readily spread to the ovary and disseminate around the peritoneal cavity. We recently investigated the genomic landscape of early- and late-stage HGSC and found higher ploidy in late-stage (median 3.1) than early-stage (median 2.0) samples. Here, to explore whether the high ploidy and possible whole genome duplication observed in late-stage disease are determined early in the evolution of HGSC, we analysed archival formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples (FFPE) from five HGSC patients. p53 signatures and STIC lesions were laser-capture microdissected and sequenced using shallow whole genome sequencing (sWGS), while invasive ovarian/fallopian tube and metastatic carcinoma samples underwent macrodissection and were profiled using both sWGS and targeted next generation sequencing. Results showed highly similar patterns of global copy number change between STIC lesions and invasive carcinoma samples within each patient. Ploidy changes were evident in STIC lesions, but not p53 signatures, and there was strong correlation between ploidy in STIC lesions and invasive ovarian/fallopian tube and metastatic samples in each patient. The reconstruction of sample phylogeny for each patient from relative copy number indicated that high ploidy, when present, occurred early in the evolution of HGSC, which was further validated by copy number signatures in ovarian and metastatic tumours. These findings suggest that aberrant ploidy, suggestive of whole genome duplication, arises early in HGSC, and is detected in STIC lesions, implying that the trajectory of HGSC may be determined at the earliest stages of tumour development.

  Dac EGAC50000000227

• Long-Read Sequencing to Identify Inherited Mutations Predisposing to Breast Cancer

  We aimed to detect deeply intronic mutations within genes linked to breast/ovarian cancer that are potentially under-reported in clinical testing due to technical limitations. Current DNA and RNA tests typically exclude these regions, which harbor many variants within complex repetitive sequences that short-read sequencing cannot align. By employing targeted long read sequencing together with recent in silico prediction tools, we assessed the implications of rare deep intronic variants in severely affected patients with breast, ovarian, and/or metastatic prostate cancer, who had previously tested negative using standard genomic or cDNA methods. Through this approach, we identified participants who carried deep intronic mutations in tumor suppressor genes, resulting in abnormal transcripts causing premature truncations and loss of gene function. This study underscores the potential of long read DNA and cDNA sequencing in enhancing mutation discovery efforts.

  Study phs003638

• Investigation of respiratory chain integrity in skeletal muscle in Parkinson's disease

  The aim of this study is to investigate mitochondrial dysfunction in skeletal muscle as a potential biomarker for identifying a distinct subtype of Parkinson’s disease (PD) characterized by mitochondrial complex I (CI) deficiency (CI-PD). Based on previous post-mortem findings, the study hypothesizes that widespread CI deficiency is present in a subset of PD patients and could be detectable in clinically accessible muscle samples. By analyzing mitochondrial function in muscle biopsies from individuals with PD and healthy controls, the study seeks to explore the extent of mitochondrial dysfunction in PD and identify a stratification marker for future diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. This study is part of the STRAT-PARK initiative, a longitudinal cohort study that aims to stratify neurodegenerative parkinsonisms into biological subtypes using a biomarker-based approach (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pneurobio.2024.102603).

  Study EGAS50000000671

• Tissue-specificity and co-expression analyses identify human long non-coding RNAs related to inherited retinal disease genes

  The role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in biological and pathological processes is still poorly understood. In this study, we aimed to identify lncRNAs that potentially contribute to retinal biology and Inherited Retinal Disease (IRD) by using two complementary strategies, tissue-specificity and location in topologically associating domains (TADs) containing IRD genes on one hand, and co-expression analyses on the other, applied to human retinal omics datasets. This combined approach resulted in the selection of 11 Retina Enriched IRD-gene Related (REIR) lncRNAs, one of which is novel. In-depth in silico and experimental characterization of REIRs identified novel REIR isoforms and confirmed retina-predominant (often photoreceptor-specific) expression as well as predicted functional association with visual function. Long-read direct cDNA sequencing (ONT) of three post-mortem human retina samples was used to delineate the novel REIR isoforms.

  Study EGAS50000000963

• Single Cell DNA Methylation Analysis for Forensic Epigenetics

  As part of the Epigenetic CHaracterization and Observation (ECHO) program, the Genomic Analysis Laboratory at the Salk Institute generated the DNA methylation profiles of certain PBMC cell types to determine the change in methylation levels before, during or after exposure to certain biological or chemical agents. Samples from individuals who either handled anthrax in controlled environments or who tested positive to MRSA, MSSA, HIV, COVID-19 or exposed to Flu virus or organophosphates, or control samples were used in single-nucleus methylation (snmC-seq) assays to quantify DNA methylation levels of cytosine residues of the DNA. Around 5-10% cytosine sites were sampled in the assay. Using computational analyses, regions in the genome differentially methylated in response to the exposure were identified. This information can be used to develop diagnostic tools to predict the type of infection or time since exposure.

  Study phs003204

• Detection of brain cancer using genome-wide cell-free DNA fragmentomes

  Diagnostic delays in patients with brain cancer are common and can impact patient outcome. Development of a blood-based assay for detection of brain cancers could accelerate brain cancer detection. In this study, we analyzed genome-wide cell-free (cfDNA) fragmentomes, including fragmentation profiles and repeat landscapes, from the plasma of individuals with (n=148) and without (n=357) brain cancer. Machine learning analyses of cfDNA fragmentome features detected brain cancer across all grade gliomas (AUC=0.90, 95% CI: 0.87-0.93) and these results were validated in an independent prospectively collected cohort. cfDNA fragmentome changes in patients with gliomas represented a combination of fragmentation profiles from glioma cells and altered white blood cell populations in the circulation. These analyses reveal the properties of cfDNA in patients with brain cancer and open new avenues for noninvasive detection of these individuals.

  Study EGAS50000000986

• Genetic landscape of pediatric Retinoblastoma

  Retinoblastoma is a pediatric cancer of the developing retina. All retinoblastomas are believed to initiate with biallelic inactivation of the RB1 gene. To identify subsequent genetic lesions in retinoblastoma, we performed whole genome sequencing of tumor and normal DNA of 4 children with retinoblastoma and one matched orthotopic xenograft. Both alleles of RB1 were inactivated in the tumor samples. 3 of the patients had sporadic retinoblastoma and one patient had inherited retinoblastoma. Overall, there were few single nucleotide changes in coding regions of the genome and some of the tumors had few chromosomal lesions. There were very few new genetic lesions in the xenograft compared to the primary tumor. These data suggest that the genome in retinoblastoma is more stable than previously believed and there are relatively few recurrent genetic lesions in known cancer pathways other than the RB1 pathway.

  Study EGAS00001000346

• Combination_therapies_for_personalized_cancer_medicine

  It is the ambition of the team formed by members of the Netherlands Cancer Institute (NKI) and the Cancer Genome Project at the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute (WTSI) to unravel the genomic and phenotypic complexity of human cancers in order to identify optimal drug combinations for personalized cancer therapy. Our integrated approach will entail (i) deep sequencing of human tumours and cognate mouse tumours; (ii) drug screens in a 1000+ fully characterized tumour cell line panel; (iii) high-throughput in vitro and in vivo shRNA and cDNA drug resistance and enhancement screens; (iv) computational analysis of the acquired data, leading to significant response predictions; (v) rigorous validation of these predictions in genetically engineered mouse models and patient-derived xenografts. This integrated effort is expected to yield a number of combination therapies and companion-diagnostics biomarkers that will be further explored in our existing clinical trial networks.

  Study EGAS00001000655

• TRACERx: TRAcking non-small cell lung Cancer Evolution through therapy (Rx). Pilot Study. Multi-region sequencing of early-stage NSCLCs.

  Deciphering the complexity of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) evolutionary histories may elucidate the basis for its dismal outcome. We performed multi-region sequencing of early-stage NSCLCs. Spatial dissection revealed branched tumor evolution, with driver mutations occurring before and after subclonal diversification. Intra-tumor heterogeneity in DNA copy number alterations, translocations and endogenous APOBEC mutational processes demonstrates that NSCLC may follow multiple distinct evolutionary trajectories simultaneously. In smokers, despite maintained carcinogen exposure, temporal dissection reveals a relative decrease in smoking-related mutations during tumor progression, accompanied by an increase in APOBEC-related mutations. In the tumors from ex-smokers, genome-doubling occurred before subclonal diversification, suggesting prolonged latency before clinical detection. Multi-region sequencing demonstrates the relentless and heterogeneous nature of genomic instability processes in early-stage NSCLCs.

  Study EGAS00001000809

• Whole-genome sequencing in 14 cases and whole-exome sequencing in 90 cases of Chinese ESCC

  Esophageal cancer is one of the most aggressive cancers and the sixth leading cause of cancer death worldwide1. Approximately 70% of the global esophageal cancers occur in China and over 90% histopathological forms of this disease are esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC)2-3. Currently, there are limited clinical approaches for early diagnosis and treatment for ESCC, resulting in a 10% 5-year survival rate for the patients. Meanwhile, the full repertoire of genomic events leading to the pathogenesis of ESCC remains unclear. Here we show a comprehensive genomic analysis in 158 ESCC cases, as part of the International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) Research Projects (http://icgc.org/icgc/cgp/72/371/1001734). We conducted whole-genome sequencing in 14 ESCC cases and whole-exome sequencing in 90 cases.

  Study EGAS00001001487

• BLUEPRINT DNase accessibility of Epigenetic programming during monocyte to macrophage differentiation and trained innate immunity

  Monocyte differentiation into macrophages represents a cornerstone process for host defense. Concomitantly, immunological imprinting of either tolerance or trained immunity determines the functional fate of macrophages and susceptibility to secondary infections. Transcriptomes and epigenomes in four primary cell types: monocytes, in vitro differentiated naïve, tolerized and trained macrophages were characterized. Inflammatory and metabolic pathways were modulated in macrophages, including decreased inflammasome activation, and pathways functionally implicated in trained immunity were identified. Strikingly, β-glucan training elicits an exclusive epigenetic signature, revealing a complex network of enhancers and promoters. Analysis of transcription factor motifs in DNase I hypersensitive sites at cell-type specific epigenetic loci unveiled differentiation and treatment specific repertoires. Altogether, this study provides a resource to understand the epigenetic changes that underlie innate immunity in humans.

  Study EGAS00001000954

• Investigation_of_mutational_signatures_associated_with_DNMT3A_deficiency_

  Mutational signatures have been shown to be attributable to specific genetic contexts, such as mutations in DNA repair genes. DNMT3A is a DNA methyltransferase that helps maintain the DNA methylation pattern in a site-specific manner and may participate in DNA repair or the stress response. We have identified an adult individual who is a germline mosaic for a DNMT3A mutation. We have obtained clonal lymphoblastoid cells (LCLs) from the subject representing both WT and mutant lines grown in the same individual for >50 years. These clones represent a unique opportunity to examine the mutational impact of the DNMT3A mutation in a well-controlled setting. Our goal is to perform WGS on whole blood, representing the pool, as well as several WT and several mutant clones, in order to investigate the contribution of DNMT3A to mutation rates and signatures.

  Study EGAS00001002329

• BLUEPRINT RNA-seq of Epigenetic programming during monocyte to macrophage differentiation and trained innate immunity

  Monocyte differentiation into macrophages represents a cornerstone process for host defense. Concomitantly, immunological imprinting of either tolerance or trained immunity determines the functional fate of macrophages and susceptibility to secondary infections. Transcriptomes and epigenomes in four primary cell types: monocytes, in vitro differentiated naïve, tolerized and trained macrophages were characterized. Inflammatory and metabolic pathways were modulated in macrophages, including decreased inflammasome activation, and pathways functionally implicated in trained immunity were identified. Strikingly, β-glucan training elicits an exclusive epigenetic signature, revealing a complex network of enhancers and promoters. Analysis of transcription factor motifs in DNase I hypersensitive sites at cell-type specific epigenetic loci unveiled differentiation and treatment specific repertoires. Altogether, this study provides a resource to understand the epigenetic changes that underlie innate immunity in humans.

  Study EGAS00001000953

• Study the differences at the trascriptome level between iNKT and T cells

  Chimeric antigen receptor anti-CD19 (CAR19)-T cell immunotherapy-induced clinical remissions in CD19+ B cell lymphomas are often short-lived. We tested whether CAR19-engineering of the CD1d-restricted invariant NKT (iNKT) cells would result in enhanced anti-lymphoma activity. CAR19-iNKT cells co-operatively activated by CD1d- and CAR19-CD19-dependent interactions are more effective than CAR19-T cells against CD1d-expressing lymphomas in vitro and in vivo. The swifter in vivo anti-lymphoma activity of CAR19-iNKT cells and their enhanced ability to eradicate brain lymphomas underpinned an improved tumor-free and overall survival. CD1d transcriptional de-repression by all-trans retinoic acid results in further enhanced cytotoxicity of CAR19-iNKT cells against CD19+ chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells. Thus, iNKT cells are a highly efficient platform for CAR-based immunotherapy of lymphomas and possibly other CD1d-expressing cancers.

  Study EGAS00001003176

• Whole exome sequencing reveals the mutational spectrum of testicular germ cell tumours

  Testicular germ cell tumours (TGCTs) are the most common cancer in young men. Here we perform whole exome sequencing of 42 TGCTs to comprehensively study the mutational profile of TGCT. The mutation rate is uniformly low in all of the tumours (mean 0.5 mutations per megabase [Mb]) as compared to the common cancers, consistent with the embryological origin of TGCT. In addition to expected copy number gain of chromosome 12p and mutation of KIT we identify recurrent mutations in the tumour suppressor gene CDC27 (11.9%). Copy number analysis reveals recurring amplification of the spermatocyte development gene FSIP2 (15.3%) and a 0.4Mb region at Xq28 (15.3%). Two treatment-refractory patients are shown to harbour XRCC2 mutations, a gene strongly implicated in defining cisplatin resistance. Our findings provide further insights into genes involved in the development and progression of TGCT.

  Study EGAS00001001084

• BLUEPRINT ChIP-seq of Epigenetic programming during monocyte to macrophage differentiation and trained innate immunity

  Monocyte differentiation into macrophages represents a cornerstone process for host defense. Concomitantly, immunological imprinting of either tolerance or trained immunity determines the functional fate of macrophages and susceptibility to secondary infections. Transcriptomes and epigenomes in four primary cell types: monocytes, in vitro differentiated naïve, tolerized and trained macrophages were characterized. Inflammatory and metabolic pathways were modulated in macrophages, including decreased inflammasome activation, and pathways functionally implicated in trained immunity were identified. Strikingly, β-glucan training elicits an exclusive epigenetic signature, revealing a complex network of enhancers and promoters. Analysis of transcription factor motifs in DNase I hypersensitive sites at cell-type specific epigenetic loci unveiled differentiation and treatment specific repertoires. Altogether, this study provides a resource to understand the epigenetic changes that underlie innate immunity in humans.

  Study EGAS00001000951