3930 results for "*geneti*"

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• Single-cell landscapes of primary glioblastomas and matched organoids and cell lines reveal variable retention of inter- and intra-tumor heterogeneity

  Glioblastomas (GBMs) are aggressive primary malignant brain tumors characterized by extensive levels of inter- and intra-tumor genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity. Patient-derived organoids (PDOs) have recently emerged as useful models to study such heterogeneity. Here, we present bulk exome as well as single-cell genome and transcriptome profiles of primary IDH wild type GBMs from ten patients, including two recurrent tumors, as well as PDOs and brain tumor-initiating cell (BTIC) lines derived from these patients. We find that PDOs are genetically similar to and variably retain gene expression characteristics of their parent tumors. At the phenotypic level, PDOs appear to exhibit similar levels of transcriptional heterogeneity as their parent tumors, whereas BTIC lines tend to be enriched for cells in a more uniform transcriptional state. The datasets introduced here will provide a valuable resource to help guide experiments using GBM-derived organoids, especially in the context of studying cellular heterogeneity.

  Study EGAS00001005227

• The aim of this study was to identify underlying hub genes and dysregulated pathways associated with the development of HCC using bioinformatics analysis.

  In the present study, we identified differentially expressed protein-coding genes from RNA transcriptional profiling performed on 11 paired cancer tissues and adjacent non-cancerous tissues. Then, we conducted GO, KEGG, PPI network and centralities analyses to study and identify changes in pathways and hub genes. The aim of this study was to improve understanding of HCC carcinogenesis by providing information concerning the genetic changes that occur during disease progression and to uncover the expression of biomarkers with potential use for clinical diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of disease progression.

  Study EGAS00001002526

• Integrative genomic analysis identifies multiple subtypes and therapeutic targets in acute erythroid leukemia

  Acute erythroid leukemia (AEL) is a high risk leukemia of poorly understood genetic basis, and controversy regarding diagnosis in the spectrum of myelodysplasia and myeloid leukemia. We compared genomic and clinical features of 159 childhood and adult AEL cases to non-AEL myeloid disorders, and identified patterns of mutation that describe 5 age-related subgroups with distinct transcriptional profiles: adult, TP53-mutated; NPM1-mutated; KMT2A-mutated/rearranged; adult, DDX41-mutated; and pediatric, NUP98-rearranged. Mutational spectra were age-dependent and significantly associated with outcome, with NPM1 mutations and high HOXB9 expression being associated with favorable prognosis, and TP53, FLT3 and RB1 alterations associated with poor survival. Targetable signaling mutations were present in 45% of cases, and include recurrent mutations of ALK and NTRK1, the latter of which drive erythroid leukemogenesis sensitive to TRK inhibition. This genomic landscape of AEL provides the framework for accurate diagnosis and risk stratification of this disease, and the rationale for testing targeted therapies in this form of leukemia that has hitherto and dismal outcome.

  Study EGAS00001002537

• Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals cell-type specific eQTLs in peripheral blood mononuclear cells

  This proof-of-concept study shows that single-cell RNA sequencing in ~25,000 peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of 45 donors allows for the identification of cell type-specific cis expression quantitative trait loci effects (cis-eQTLs). Moreover, the significant top-eQTL effects show consistent allelic direction (94%) with previously published whole blood deepSAGE data. These cell type-specific eQTLs may give us additional insight into the downstream consequences of genetic risk factors for immune-mediated diseases.

  Study EGAS00001002560

• The genomic landscape of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia with intrachromosomal amplification of chromosome 21 (iAMP21-ALL)

  Intrachromosomal amplification of chromosome 21 (iAMP21) results from breakage-fusion-bridge cycles and chromothripsis defines a cytogenetic subgroup of childhood B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) cases associated with a poor prognosis. To systematically characterize the mechanism of somatic alternations in iAMP21, we perform integrated genomic, cytogenetic and transcriptomic analysis of 128 cases.

  Study EGAS00001004998

• Genetic history of the Comorian populations.

  At the dawn of the second millennium, the expansion of the Indian Ocean trading network aligned with the emergence of an outward-oriented community along the East African coast to create a cosmopolitan cultural and trading zone known as the Swahili Corridor. Based on analyses of genome-wide genotyping data in 140 individuals from coastal Kenya and the Comoros islands, along with 3,477 individuals from the Indian Ocean rim, we reconstruct historical population dynamics showing that the Swahili Corridor is largely an East Bantu genetic continuum. Within this continuity significant gene flows from the Middle East can be seen in the Swahili and Comorians at dates corresponding to the Islamization of East Africa. However the main external gene flow into insular populations of the Swahili Corridor, such as Comorian and Malagasy groups, came from Island Southeast Asia as early as the 10th century. Remarkably, our results reflect archaeological and linguistic data in suggesting that the Comoros archipelago is the oldest place of contact between Austronesian and African populations in the Swahili Corridor.

  Study EGAS00001002565

• H3Africa - An integrated approach to the identification of genetic determinants of susceptibility to trypanosomiasis

  The objective of the TrypanoGEN project is to discover genetic variants associated with different responses to sleeping sickness infection. The project was designed in two phases:Phase 1) Variant discovery; 222 samples were sequenced to approximately 10X coverage on an Illumina 2500 with 2x150bp reads, at the University of Liverpool Center for Genomic Research. In addition, 77 samples from Cameroon and Zambia were sequenced to approximately 30X Coverage at Baylor College of Medicine. The sequenced reads were mapped onto the 1000 genomes project human_g1k_v37_decoy reference genome using BWA. The SNP calling on all the samples was done using the genome analysis tool kit GATK v3.4. Samples were selected from seven populations where Trypanosomiasis is endemic: Nilo-Saharan speakers from North-West Uganda and Niger-Congo speakers from South-East Uganda, DRC, Ivory Coast, Guinea, Cameroon and Zambia. The samples included 182 controls, 97 cases, 17 latent infections and 3 suspect cases. Phase 2) Variants discovered in Phase 1 will be used in the development of the H3Africa SNP chip. This chip will then be used in a GWAS study to identify variants associated with trypanosomiasis.

  Study EGAS00001002602

• Genetic heterogeneity and dynamics of transcriptional subtypes in matched primary and recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinomas

  To get a better understanding of different HNSCC subtypes, whole-exome (matched tumor-normal paits) and whole transcriptome sequencing to to elucidate underlying molecular processes. Here, we present the matched whole-exome sequencing data from 28 patients (normal tissue, tumor tissue, relapse).

  Study EGAS00001005005

• The Southern African Human Genome Programme

  The Southern African Human Genome Programme (SAHGP) is a national and regional initiative that aims to unlock the unique genetic character of southern African populations. Its vision is to improve quality of life through understanding human genetic diversity. It is timely to advance the SAHGP initiative since global genomic initiatives are increasingly pointing to populations in Africa, more specifically the San and Khoe from southern Africa, as harbouring the most ancient genetic signatures among the living populations of the world. Studies on African populations have already generated a wealth of information upon which the SAHGP can build. This information will be used to promote and support genomic research programmes both nationally and regionally to address critical questions that would benefit the people of our region. The SAHGP aims to make a significant contribution to the understanding of DNA variation among southern Africans and how this impacts on the health of the people of this region. Aims of the SAHGP: To develop capacity for genomic research in southern Africa; To establish sustainable resources for genomic research in the region; and To translate knowledge and information into improvements in human health in the region. The objective is to derive the maximum benefit from the SAHGP, and that the data should be widely shared with the scientific community for the benefit of the people of the sub-continent and beyond.

  Study EGAS00001002639

• Radiation-induced gliomas represent H3-/IDH-wild type pediatric gliomas with recurrent PDGFRA amplification and loss of CDKN2A/B

  Long-term complications such as radiation-induced second malignancies occur in a subset of patients following radiation-therapy, particularly relevant in pediatric patients due to the long follow-up period in case of survival. Radiation-induced gliomas (RIGs) have been reported in patients after treatment with cranial irradiation for various primary malignancies such as acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and medulloblastoma (MB). We perform comprehensive (epi-) genetic and expression profiling of RIGs arising after cranial irradiation for MB (n=23) and ALL (n=9). Our study reveals a unifying molecular signature for the majority of RIGs, with recurrent PDGFRA amplification and loss of CDKN2A/B and an absence of somatic hotspot mutations in genes encoding histone 3 variants or IDH1/2, uncovering diagnostic markers and potentially actionable targets.

  Study EGAS00001005243

• Host genetic determinants of HIV infection

  Broadly, the objectives of the study are to characterize genetic variation in any gene or genomic region in South African populations, in the first place HIV. The purpose is to apply this knowledge to establish assays and gene signatures to test in disease-association studies, and to study underlying mechanisms of disease causation/severity.

  Study EGAS00001005245

• Transcriptomic and epigentic analysis of human peripheral blood NK cell subsets revealing role of Bcl11b in differentiation

  Transcriptomic analysis of seven human peripheral blood NK cell subsets and three T cell subsets purified from healthy cytomeglovirus seropositive donors. Epigenetic analysis including identification of open chromatin and active enhancer elements confirms key regulatory factors defining an NK cell differentiation axis. Chromatin-immunoprecipitation sequencing reveals contribution of key transcription factors associated with NK cell differentiation including Bcl11b.

  Study EGAS00001005025

• 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

• Defective Homologous Recombination DNA Repair as Therapeutic Target in Advanced-Stage Chordoma (HIPO_021)

  HIPO project: HIPO_021 Importance: Chordomas are rare tumors of the axial skeleton and skull base with few therapeutic options and no clinically validated molecular drug targets. The value of comprehensive genomic analyses for guiding medical therapy of patients with advanced-stage chordoma is unknown.Objective: To identify therapeutically tractable genetic lesions in a cohort of chordoma patients within a genomics-guided precision oncology program and to document the outcome of individualized, molecularly targeted chordoma therapy.Design, Setting, and Participants: We performed whole-exome sequencing of tumor and matched germline control samples from seven patients with locally advanced or metastatic chordoma who were enrolled in a cross-institutional molecular stratification registry trial for younger adults with advanced-stage cancer across all histologies and patients with rare tumors. All patients were heavily pretreated and had progressive disease prior to molecular analysis.Interventions: Individualized medical therapy was administered according to the patients’ molecular profiles.Main Outcomes and Measures: Candidate therapeutic targets identified by whole-exome sequencing and response to genotype-directed therapy.Results: All patients harbored alterations of two or more genes known to be involved in DNA repair via homologous recombination (HR), including heterozygous deletions of ERCC6, FANC family members, RAD51L (n = 6), BRCA2 (n = 5), ATR, CHEK2, RAD18, RAD51B, and XRCC3 (n = 4); inactivating PTEN mutations coupled with loss of heterozygosity (n = 2); and pathogenic germline variants in BRCA2 (n = 1), NBN (n = 1), and CHEK2 (n = 1) that were accompanied by somatic deletion of the corresponding wild-type alleles. Consistently, a mutational signature associated with defective HR was enriched in all samples and co-occurred with extensive genomic instability, as evidenced by HR deficiency scores and high numbers of large-scale state transitions. These results prompted off-label treatment with the poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor olaparib in a patient whose tumor was refractory to irradiation and systemic treatment with imatinib, which led to a prolonged response and substantial clinical improvement.Conclusions and Relevance: Advanced-stage chordomas are frequently characterized by genomic imprints of defective HR DNA repair. HR deficiency represents a new therapeutic opportunity in this intractable disease through repositioning of PARP inhibitors that warrants further exploration in clinical trials.

  Study EGAS00001002720

• The_British_Autozygosity_Populations_BioResource

  This data set contains whole exome sequences of individuals with self-stated parental relatedness from the East London Genes & Health cohort. Rare frequency functional variants in these healthy individuals will be studied with respect to the genetic health of the participants and loss-of-function analysis of human genes. 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 EGAS00001002742

• The molecular basis of T-PLL is an actionable perturbation of TCL1/ATM- and epigenetically instructed damage responses

  T-cell prolymphocytic leukemia (T-PLL) is a rare and poor-prognostic mature T-cell malignancy. To address its incomplete molecular concept, we integrated large-scale profiling data of alterations in gene expression, allelic copy number (CN), and nucleotide sequences in 111 well-characterized patients. Besides prominent signatures of T-cell activation and prevalent clonal variants, we also identified novel hot-spots for CN variability, fusion molecules, alternative transcripts, and progression-associated dynamics. The overall lesional spectrum of T-PLL is mainly annotated to axes of DNA damage responses, T-cell receptor/cytokine signaling, and histone modulation. We formulate a multi-dimensional model of T-PLL pathogenesis centered around a unique combination of TCL1 overexpression with damaging ATM aberrations as initiating core lesions. The effects imposed by TCL1 cooperate with compromised ATM towards a leukemogenic phenotype of impaired DNA damage processing. Dysfunctional ATM appears inefficient in alleviating elevated redox burdens and telomere attrition and in evoking a p53-dependent apoptotic response to genotoxic insults. As non-genotoxic strategies, synergistic combinations of p53 reactivators and deacetylase inhibitors reinstate such cell death execution.

  Study EGAS00001002744

• Genomic landscape of inflammatory breast cancer by whole-genome sequencing

  Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is the most aggressive form of breast cancer, characterized by a highly invasive and metastatic phenotype, but little is known about its genetic drivers. Here we report whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of 20 newly diagnosed IBC biopsies to characterize for the first time the entire genomic landscape of this disease.

  Study EGAS00001004117

• Multiple migrations to the Philippines during the last 50,000 years

  A key link to understand human history in Island Southeast Asia is the Philippine archipelago and its poorly investigated genetic diversity. We collected and analyzed the most comprehensive set of population-genomic data for the Philippines, 1028 individuals covering 115 indigenous communities. We demonstrate that the Philippines were populated by at least five waves of human migration. The Cordillerans migrated into the Philippines prior to the arrival of rice agriculture, where some remain to be the least admixed East Asians carrying an ancestry shared by all Austronesian-speaking populations; thereby challenging an exclusive Out-of-Taiwan model of joint farming-language-people dispersal. Altogether, our findings portray Philippines as a crucial gateway, with a multilayered history, that ultimately changed the genetic landscape of the Asia-Pacific region.

  Study EGAS00001005083

• Phylogenetic analysis of treatment-naive metastases using whole exome and genome sequencing data

  Metastases are responsible for the majority of cancer related deaths and are often difficult to treat successfully. Even for metastases that occur subsequent to treatment, we do not know whether such relapsing metastases were originally heterogeneous or if the observed heterogeneity is a consequence of therapy. Given that treatment can influence evolutionary dynamics by selecting resistant clones, imposing bottlenecks on cancer cell populations, and even inducing novel somatic mutations, characterizing the prior standing variation among metastases remains an important goal to predict initial therapeutic response. To quantify the heterogeneity at clinical presentation of advanced disease, we surveyed the literature for patients in which at least two treatment-naïve metastases underwent genome/exome-wide sequencing. Across all cancer types surveyed, only 18 subjects were found to fulfill this requirement. Including previously unpublished data from two subjects, we analyzed data of 74 untreated metastases and inferred cancer phylogenies. Putative driver gene mutations were acquired at a 2-fold higher rate on the trunk of all metastases than on branches. Mutations in driver genes along the trunk were strongly enriched for predicted functional consequences. Using a stochastic mathematical model, we find that driver gene heterogeneity among metastases mostly occurs in slowly growing cancers for highly advantageous driver gene mutations. Seeding efficiency only weakly affects the heterogeneity among metastases. These results explain why functional driver gene heterogeneity is uncommon in advanced disease prior to treatment, thus providing optimism for future therapies that depend on mutations across metastases.

  Study EGAS00001002777

• Whole genome sequencing of 76 tumor and normal samples from 11 SI-NET patients

  We have sampled 11 patients with multifocal SI-NETs. The complete genome sequences of 65 tumor and tissue samples including 42 intestinal lesions, 14 adjacent lymph node metastases, 5 distant metastases, as well as of 4 normal tissue and 11 normal blood samples were determined. This allowed elucidation of phylogenetic relationships between tumors within individual patients.

  Study EGAS00001005096

• Indonesian RNA-seq data

  Transcription data were collected to study patterns of functional variation across the broad geography of Indonesia. The region has extremely diverse populations, with very different demographic histories and multiple genetic ancestries. This dataset reports high-throughput RNA-sequencing data for individuals from three islands spanning this geographical region: Mentawai, Sumba and West Papua.

  Study EGAS00001003671

• Evolutionary predictability of genetic versus non genetic resistance to anticancer drugs in melanoma

  Therapy resistance arises from heterogeneous drug-tolerant persister cells or minimal residual disease (MRD) through genetic and nongenetic mechanisms. A key question is whether specific molecular features of the MRD ecosystem determine which of these two distinct trajectories will eventually prevail. We show that, in melanoma exposed to MAPK therapeutics, emergence of a transient neural crest stem cell (NCSC) population in MRD concurs with the development of nongenetic resistance. This increase relies on a GDNF-dependent signaling cascade, which activates the AKT survival pathway in a focal adhesion kinase (FAK)-dependent manner. Ablation of the NCSC population through FAK inhibition delays relapse in patient-derived tumor xenografts. Strikingly, all tumors that ultimately escape this treatment exhibit resistance-conferring genetic alterations and increased sensitivity to ERK inhibition. These findings identify an approach that abrogates the nongenetic resistance trajectory in melanoma and demonstrate that the cellular composition of MRD deterministically imposes distinct drug resistance evolutionary paths.

  Study EGAS00001005314

• MutWP4__CRUK_Grand_Challenge_Mutographs_of_Cancer__Gastric_Organoids

  The Mutographs project aims to advance our understanding of the causes of cancer through studies of mutational signatures. Led by Mike Stratton, together with Paul Brennan, Ludmil Alexandrov, Allan Balmain, David Phillips and Peter Campbell, this large-scale international research endeavour was awarded a Cancer Research UK Grand Challenge. Different patterns of somatic mutation are generated by the different environmental, lifestyle and genetic factors that cause cancer, many of them are still unknown. Within Mutographs, Kings College London will characterise the mutational signatures induced by putative human carcinogens in order to identify the origins of mutational signatures found in human cancers. To achieve this human organoid cell cultures will be exposed to a representative catalogue of known or suspected human carcinogens and mutagens and, using whole genome sequencing, the patterns of mutations induced by them will be determined. Somatic mutational signatures will be subsequently extracted by non-negative matrix factorisation methods and correlated with exposure data. Through an enhanced understanding of cancer aetiology, Mutographs unprecedented effort is anticipated to outline modifiable risk factors, lead to new approaches to prevent cancer, and provide opportunities to empower early detection, refine high-risk groups and contribute to further therapeutic development.

  Study EGAS00001003151

• DNA hypermethylation and differential gene expression associated with Klinefelter syndrome

  The molecular basis for the phenotypic traits and morbidity in Klinefelter syndrome (KS) are not clarified. As DNA methylation affect gene expression and thereby play a role in disease susceptibility, we performed genome-wide DNA methylation profiling of leucocytes from peripheral blood samples from 67 KS patients, 67 male controls and 33 female controls, in addition to genome-wide RNA-sequencing profiling in a subset of 9 KS patients, 9 control males and 13 female controls. Characterization of the methylome as well as the transcriptome of both coding and non-coding genes identified a unique epigenetic and genetic landscape of both autosomal chromosomes as well as the X chromosome in KS. A subset of genes show significant correlation between methylation values and expression values. Gene set enrichment analysis of differentially methylated positions yielded terms associated with well-known comorbidities seen in KS. In addition, differentially expressed genes revealed enrichment for genes involved in the immune system, wnt-signaling pathway and neuron development. Based on our data we point towards many new candidate genes (AKAP17A, AMOT, APOB, DACT1, DDX58, DOCK7, EIF2S3, FIGNL1, G3BP1, HENMT1, HERC5, IFI44, IFI44L, IFIT1, IFIT3, ISG15, KANK1, LGALS1, NSD1, PEX10, PLSCR1, RSAD2, SHROOM2, SLC25A6, SPEG, SPON2, TXLNG), which may be implicated in the phenotype and further point towards non-coding genes (RP13-216E22.4, RP13-36G14.4, G087825, G088512), which may be involved in X chromosome inactivation in KS and in the regulation of escape genes.

  Study EGAS00001002797

• Whole genome and whole exome sequencing of epilaptic patients

  In this project, we aim to identify genetic changes that predispose to epilepsy and those that predict the response to various anti-epileptic drugs. We sequenced whole genomes and whole exomes of epileptic individuals with different range of response to anti-epileptic drugs, and their relatives.

  Study EGAS00001002825

• MutWP1__CRUK_Grand_Challenge_Mutographs_of_Cancer__Oesophageal_adenocarcinoma

  The Mutographs project aims to advance our understanding of the causes of cancer through studies of mutational signatures. Led by Mike Stratton, together with Paul Brennan, Ludmil Alexandrov, Allan Balmain, David Phillips and Peter Campbell, this large-scale international research endeavour was awarded a Cancer Research UK Grand Challenge. Different patterns of somatic mutation are generated by the different environmental, lifestyle and genetic factors that cause cancer, many of them are still unknown. Within Mutographs, the International Agency for Research on Cancer is coordinating the recruitment of 5000 individuals with cancer (colorectal, renal, pancreatic, oesophageal adenocarcinoma or oesophageal squamous cancers) across 5 continents to explore whether different mutational signatures explain marked variation in incidence. In brief, through an international network of collaborators around the world, biological materials are collected, along with demographic, histological, clinical and questionnaire data. Whole genome sequences of tumour-germline DNA pairs are generated at the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute (40X and 20X depth respectively). Somatic mutational signatures are subsequently extracted by non-negative matrix factorisation methods and correlated with risk factors data. Through an enhanced understanding of cancer aetiology, Mutographs unprecedented effort is anticipated to outline modifiable risk factors, lead to new approaches to prevent cancer, and provide opportunities to empower early detection, refine high-risk groups and contribute to further therapeutic development.

  Study EGAS00001003702

• Whole-exome sequencing of Fanconi anemia-like inherited bone marrow failure syndrome

  We identified three fibroblast cultures derived from aplastic anemia patients in the Japanese Cancer Research Resources Bank (JCRB) Cell Bank that showed high levels of sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs) in PHA-stimulated lymphoblasts. To elucidate the genetic basis of the high SCE, we carried out whole exome sequencing of these samples. Subsequently, germline variants were analysed for these patients.

  Study EGAS00001003809

• Whole-Genome Sequencing of Salivary Gland Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma

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

  Study EGAS00001002812

• Genomic landscape and PD-1 blockade in Natural-killer/T cell lymphoma

  Natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (NKTL) is an aggressive malignancy with a predilection for Asian, Mexican and South American populations. With the exception of Japan, it is the most common mature T-cell lymphoma in Asia. NKTL presents as extranodal disease and mostly affects the upper aerodigestive tract. Neoplastic cells are invariably infected by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and characterized by a cytotoxic phenotype. The genetic landscape of NKTL has been recently unraveled by discoveries describing recurring mutations altering the JAK-STAT pathway, epigenetic modifiers, the DDX3X gene and genetic predisposition in the HLA-DPB1 gene.The genomic landscape of NKTL has been interrogated by whole-exome sequencing, targeted sequencing and single nucleotide polymorphism arrays, but has yet been studied with whole-genome sequencing (WGS). In this study, we will use a combination of WGS, targeted-capture sequencing (TCS) and RNA sequencing data to explore the genetic landscape and its relevance to immunotherapy in NKTL

  Study EGAS00001003828

• New Brain Tumor Entities Emerge from Molecular Classification of CNS-PNETs

  Primitive neuroectodermal tumors of the central nervous system (CNS-PNETs) are highly aggressive, poorly differentiated embryonal tumors occurring predominantly in young children but also affecting adolescents and adults. Herein we demonstrate that a significant proportion of institutionally diagnosed CNS-PNETs display molecular profiles indistinguishable from those of various other well defined CNS tumor entities, facilitating diagnosis and appropriate therapy for patients with these tumors. From the remaining fraction of CNS-PNETs we identify four new CNS tumor entities, each associated with a recurrent genetic alteration and distinct histopathological and clinical features. These new molecular entities, designated “CNS neuroblastoma with FOXR2 activation (CNS NB-FOXR2)”, “CNS Ewing sarcoma family tumor with CIC alteration (CNS EFT-CIC)”, “CNS high grade neuroepithelial tumor with MN1 alteration (CNS HGNET-MN1)”, and “CNS high grade neuroepithelial tumor with BCOR alteration (CNS HGNET-BCOR)”, will enable meaningful clinical trials and the development of therapeutic strategies for patients affected by poorly differentiated CNS tumors.

  Study EGAS00001001632

• Accurate detection and classification of pediatric sarcomas based on cell-free DNA fragmentation patterns

  Sequencing of cell-free DNA in the blood of cancer patients (“liquid biopsy”) provides attractive opportunities not only for early diagnosis, but also for minimally invasive monitoring of treatment response and disease courses. To unlock liquid biopsy analysis for pediatric tumors with few genetic aberrations, we developed an integrated genetic/epigenetic analysis method and applied it to 241 deep whole-genome sequencing profiles of 95 patients with Ewing sarcoma and 31 patients with other pediatric sarcomas. We achieved sensitive detection and classification of circulating tumor DNA in peripheral blood independent of any genetic alterations. We evaluated different metrics for cell-free DNA fragmentation analysis and developed LIQUORICE, a bioinformatic tool for detecting circulating tumor DNA based on tumor-specific chromatin structure. Using machine learning methods, we combined several fragmentation-based metrics into an integrated approach for liquid biopsy analysis tailored to cancers with low mutation rates but widespread epigenetic deregulation. Clinical associations highlighted the potential value of cfDNA fragmentation patterns as prognostic biomarkers in Ewing sarcoma. Additionally, we performed low coverage whole-genome-sequencing on 43 tumor biopsy samples from patients with Ewing sarcoma, in order to compare copy number aberrations detected in cell-free DNA and biopsy samples of the same patients. For validation of the epigenetic signatures inferred from cell-free DNA, we further performed reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS) on 38 matched biopsy samples from patients with Ewing sarcoma. In summary, our study provides a comprehensive analysis of circulating tumor DNA beyond recurrent somatic mutations, and it renders the benefits of liquid biopsy more readily accessible for childhood cancers.

  Study EGAS00001005127

• Neuroblastoma tumor heterogeneity and cell plasticity (from patients)

  Two cell identities, noradrenergic and mesenchymal, have been characterized in neuroblastoma cell lines according to their epigenetic landscapes relying on specific core regulatory circuitries of transcription factors. Yet, their relationship and relative contribution in patient tumors remain to be defined. Here, we document a spontaneous plasticity between the noradrenergic and mesenchymal identities in a subset of cell lines. Strikingly, mesenchymal neuroblastoma cells revert to a noradrenergic phenotype in vivo. Consistently, tumor cells with a mesenchymal identity are detected in single-cell transcriptomic analyses of neuroblastoma tumors and PDX models. Our data also highlight neuroblastoma intra-tumor heterogeneity with the co-existence of distinct tumor populations, including sympathoblast-like and chromaffin-like cells suggesting that neuroblastoma cells arise from a common sympatho-adrenal progenitor.

  Study EGAS00001005322

• Transcriptome profiling of human plucked frontal and occipital hair follicles

  Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is characterized by a progressive and androgen-dependent loss of hair from the frontal and vertex regions of the scalp. Although large-scale genetic analyses have identified >300 genetic risk factors, the underlying causal genes and pathways, and their involvement in core pathophysiological mechanisms, remain unclear. In the present study, systematic profiling of differential mRNA and microRNA expression was performed in human hair follicle samples from frontal and occipital scalp regions. Taken together, the present data improve understanding of the genomic regions, genes, and pathways that are implicated in AGA pathobiology.

  Study EGAS00001002832

• Germline SDHB-inactivating mutation in gastric spindle cell sarcoma (HIPO-021)

  Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most frequent mesenchymal tumors of the gastrointestinal tract. Inactivating mutations or epigenetic deregulation of succinate dehydrogenase complex (SDH) genes are considered defining features of a subset of GIST occurring in the stomach. Based on comprehensive molecular profiling and biochemical analysis within a precision oncology program, we identified hallmarks of SDH deficiency (germline SDHB-inactivating mutation accompanied by somatic loss of heterozygosity, lack of SDHB expression, global DNA hypermethylation, and elevated succinate/fumarate ratio) in a 40-year-old woman with undifferentiated gastric spindle cell sarcoma that did not meet the diagnostic criteria for other mesenchymal tumors of the stomach, including GIST. These data reveal that the loss of SDH function can be involved in the pathogenesis of non-GIST sarcoma of the gastrointestinal tract.

  Study EGAS00001004277

• Egyptref: An integrated personal and population-based Egyptian genome reference

  North African individuals are not represented in current genetic data sets. To address this issue, we generated an integrated personal and population-based Egyptian genome reference called Egyptref. Towards this end, we performed a human de novo assembly of an Egyptian individual using long PacBio reads (99x genome coverage) and polished it using Illumina short reads (90x). Variants were phased using 10x Genomics linked reads (80x). This personal genome was complemented with whole genome sequencing-based variant data of 109 further Egyptians and mitochondrial haplogroups from mtDNA sequencing of 326 further Egyptians (of which 100 individuals from EGAD00001001372/EGAD00001001380) to obtain a population-based genome. We used Egyptref for assessing the impact of genetic variation, e.g. by integration of blood RNA sequencing data of the assembly individual.

  Study EGAS00001004303

• VIKING Health Study - Shetland

  The Viking Health Study – Shetland, together with ORCADES collectively termed VIKING, aims to identify genes influencing risk factors for common diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, glaucoma and stroke. The genetic research cohort study in Shetland was established to identify genetic variants, both common and rare, increasing risk of disease. This isolated population has a number of characteristics, the most important being the very large number of distant relatives, which are favourable for the identification of rare variants influencing disease risk. This study describes PCR-free paired end whole genome sequencing (TruSeq DNA PCR-Free, Illumina) run on a HiSeqX platform at 30X coverage on 500 individuals from VIKING. Unrelated individuals from the largest families were selected first, followed by those from smaller families, until eventually related individuals were selected to best represent the variation in the full cohort.

  Study EGAS00001003872

• Small_molecule_inhibitors_in_melanoma___Kenski___Kong___WES

  Small-molecule inhibitors targeting the most commonly activated pathway in melanoma, MAPK pathway (either alone or in combination) are already given to melanoma patients for few years, and initially reduce tumour burden dramatically, eventually melanomas become resistant and tumours progress while on treatment. Resistance to this treatment occurs by acquisition of additional mutations or other alterations that affect the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway by either direct or indirect signalling. Many resistance mechanisms somehow lead to reactivation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), thereby restoring signalling of the oncogenic BRAF/MEK/ERK pathway. In addition, PI3K pathway activation contributes to resistance to BRAF inhibition. Less frequent but equally important to the phenomenon of targeted drug resistance is the observation that B15–20% of BRAF mutant melanoma patients fail to respond to BRAF inhibition already early on treatment, owing to intrinsic resistance. These patients have little therapeutic options, unless immunotherapy can be given. To better understand the resistance mechanisms in MAPK inhibitor-treated melanoma patients and melanoma biology, our lab generated a big panel of MAPK inhibitor resistant melanoma cell lines by continuous drug exposure. The understanding of the genetic landscape and gene expression as well as cross resistance to other treatment regimens, and other aspects of melanoma biology such as phenotype switch, will allow us to better exploit new therapeutic strategies for melanoma patients.

  Study EGAS00001002863

• Foundation Medicine Genomic Data Used to Identify Prognostic Markers and Fusion Genes in Multiple Myeloma

  The purpose of this study is to identify prognostic markers and treatment targets using a clinically certified sequencing panel in multiple myeloma. Mutational burden was associated with maf and proliferation gene expression groups, and a high-mutational burden was associated with a poor prognosis. We identified homozygous deletions that were present in multiple myeloma within key genes, including CDKN2C, RB1, TRAF3, BIRC3 and TP53, and that bi-allelic inactivation was significantly enriched at relapse. Alterations in CDKN2C, TP53, RB1 and the t(4;14) were associated with poor prognosis. Alterations in RB1 were predominantly homozygous deletions and were associated with relapse and a poor prognosis which was independent of other genetic markers, including t(4;14), after multivariate analysis. Bi-allelic inactivation of key tumor suppressor genes in myeloma was enriched at relapse, especially in RB1, CDKN2C and TP53 where they have prognostic significance. In addition, chromosomal rearrangements that result in oncogenic kinase activation are present in many solid and hematological malignancies, but none have been reported in multiple myeloma (MM). Here we detected fusion genes in 1.5% of patients. These fusion genes were in-frame and the majority of them contained kinase domains from either receptor tyrosine kinases (ALK, ROS1, NTRK3, and FGFR1) or cytoplasmic kinases (BRAF, MAP3K14, and MAPK14) which would result in the activation of MEK/ERK, NF-κB or inflammatory signaling pathways. Fusion genes were present in smoldering MM, newly diagnosed MM and relapse patient samples indicating they are not solely late events. Most fusion genes were subclonal in nature, but one EML4-ALK fusion was clonal indicating it is a driver of disease pathogenesis. Samples with fusions of receptor tyrosine kinases were not found in conjunction with clonal Ras/Raf mutations indicating a parallel mechanism of MEK/ERK pathway activation. Fusion genes involving MAP3K14 (NIK), which regulates the NF-κB pathway, were detected as were t(14;17) rearrangements involving NIK in 2% of MM samples. Activation of kinases in myeloma through rearrangements presents an opportunity to use treatments existing in other cancers.

  Study EGAS00001002874

• This project aims to study human memory capacity, including short-term memory and long-term memory, systematically via genome-wide association studies

  Development of high-throughput genotyping platforms provides an opportunity to identify new genetic elements related to complex cognitive functions. Taking advantage of multi-level genomic analysis, here we studied the genetic basis of human short-term (STM, n=1,620) and long-term (LTM, n=1,526) memory functions. Heritability estimation based on single nucleotide polymorphism showed moderate heritability of short-term memory but very low heritability of long-term memory. In a two-step genome-wide association study, the markers rs13151012 and rs1558360 passed genome-wide significance (p < 5×10-8) in digit-span STM task and for the first principal component shared by two STM tasks; however, none of them survived the replication. In turn, we selected the ten most significant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for replication tests. Among them, a SNP near ZFAT was significantly associated with STM performance in another independent population of 2,789; a polymorphism within BCAT2 was significantly associated with LTM in another independent population of 1,865. Furthermore, we performed a pathway analysis based on the current genomic data and found six pathways significantly associated with STM capacity and one pathway associated with LTM capacity.

  Study EGAS00001002875

• Phylogenetic reconstruction of breast cancer

  The aim of this study was to identify the evolutionary trajectories of metastatic breast cancer. We present whole genome sequencing data (primary tumours, axillary lymph nodes, distant metastasis and matched normal tissues) from 16 breast cancer patients. This work sheds light on the routes on which tumour cells metastasize and their role in disease progression in ER-positive breast cancer.

  Study EGAS00001004356

• EXOME-WIDE ASSOCIATION ANALYSIS OF CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE IN THE KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA POPULATION

  Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) remains the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Mortality rates associated with CAD have shown an exceptional increase particularly in fast developing economies like the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Over the past twenty years, CAD has become the leading cause of death in KSA and has reached epidemic proportions. This rise is undoubtedly caused by fast urbanization that is associated with a life-style that promotes CAD. However, the question remains whether genetics play a significant role and whether genetic susceptibility is increased in KSA compared to the well-studied Western European populations. Therefore, we performed an Exome-wide association study (EWAS) in 832 patients and 1,076 controls of Saudi Arabian origin to test whether population specific, strong genetic risk factors for CAD exist, or whether the polygenic risk score for known genetic risk factors for CAD, lipids, and Type 2 Diabetes show evidence for an enriched genetic burden. Our results do not show significant associations for a single genetic locus. However, the heritability estimate for CAD for this population was high (h2 = 0.53, S.E. = 0.1, p = 4e-12) and we observed a significant association of the polygenic risk score for CAD that demonstrates that the population of KSA, at least in part, shares the genetic risk associated to CAD in Western populations.

  Study EGAS00001001645

• RNA-seq of Liver Cancer

  The French ICGC project on liver tumors is coordinated by Pr Jessica Zucman-Rossi and funded by Inca (French Institute for Cancer). The aim of the present project is to identify the catalog of somatic and germline mutations in liver tumors using whole genome (WGS) and whole exome sequencing (WGS), integrated with DNA methylation and RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) data. The present series corresponds to 161 RNA-seq samples from tumors with matched WES or WGS. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for more than 90% of liver cancers, and is a major health problem. It is the 3rd cause of cancer-related mortality. Advances in genomic analyses have formed a comprehensive understanding of different underlying pathobiological layers resulting in hepatocarcinogenesis. Thus, the development of next-generation sequencing technologies has made it possible to generate more comprehensive catalogues of somatic alteration events (single nucleotide substitutions, structural variations, and epigenetic changes) in liver cancer genome than ever before.

  Study EGAS00001002879

• Genomic DNA of tumor tissues, adjacent normal tissues, and peripheral blood were extracted using QIAamp DNA mini Kit (QIAGEN, cat. #51306)

  Although genomic instability, epigenetic abnormality, and gene expression dysregulation are hallmarks of colorectal cancer, these features have not been simultaneously analyzed at single cell resolution. Using optimized single cell multiomics sequencing together with multiregional sampling of the primary tumor, lymphatic and distant metastases, we provide insights beyond intratumoral heterogeneity. Genome wide DNA methylation levels were relatively consistent within a single genetic sublineage. The genome-wide DNA demethylation patterns of cancer cells were consistent in all 10 sequenced patients. The cancer cells’ DNA demethylation degrees clearly correlated with the densities of the heterochromatin-associated histone modification H3K9me3 of normal tissue, and those of repetitive element Long Interspersed Nuclear Element 1. Our work demonstrates the feasibility of reconstructing genetic lineages, and tracing their epigenomic and transcriptomic dynamics with single cell multiomics sequencing.

  Study EGAS00001003242

• Profiling_heterogeneity_in_Human_derived_IPSC_neurons

  The impact of genetic variants on molecular pathways that give rise to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s is best elucidated in the appropriate cell types and molecular contexts. Existing studies have focused on bulk profiling of mixed cell types, but have ignored assaying genetic effects across development and cell differentiation. At the core of this proposal is the idea to use single-cell assays to study genetic effects during differentiation of dopaminergic and cortical neurons to identify the sequence of molecular events from variants to healthy and diseased cell states in a cell-specific manner. 1) 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 please see http://www.sanger.ac.uk/datasharing/

  Study EGAS00001002885

• Genetic diversity and continuity of the population of the UAE

  With high consanguinity rates on the Arabian Peninsula, it would not have been unexpected if the population of the UAE was shown to be relatively homogenous. However, this study of 1,000 UAE nationals, provided a contrasting perspective, one of a relatively heterogeneous population. Located at the apex of Europe, Asia and Africa, the observed diversity could be explained by a plethora of migration patterns since the first Out-of-Africa movement. A strategy to explore the extent of genetic variation of the population of the UAE is presented. The first step involved a comprehensive population stratification study that was instructive for subsequent Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) of suitable representatives (which is described elsewhere). When this UAE data was compared to previous smaller studies from the region, the findings were consistent with a population that is a diverse and admixed group of people. However, rather than sharp and distinctive clusters, a continuous genotype distribution was observed. The analysis showed a continuous gradient of ancestral populations, suggesting that admixture on the south eastern tip of Arabian Peninsula occurred gradually. When visualized using a unique technique that combined admixture ratios and Principal Component Analysis (PCA), unappreciated diversity was revealed while mitigating projection bias of conventional PCA. The analytical strategy used here highlights the complementary nature of data from genotype array and WGS for anthropological studies. Specifically, genotype array data was instructive to select representative subjects for WGS. Furthermore, from the 2.3 million allele frequencies obtained from genotype arrays, we identified 46,481 loci with allele frequencies that were significantly different with respect to other world populations. This comparison of allele frequencies facilitates variant prioritization in common diseases. In addition, these loci bear great potential as biomarkers in anthropological and forensic studies.

  Study EGAS00001004362

• A whole genome analysis of single fetal human stem cells from the liver and the intestine

  Mutations of embryonic and fetal origin have the potential to affect a large proportion of adult cells and may alter cancer predisposition or lead to genetic disease syndromes. We have recently shown that human adult-stem cells progressively acquire approximately 40 novel tissue-specific mutations per year throughout postnatal life. Prenatal mutation rates are as yet unknown. Here we determined genome-wide mutation patterns of single stem cells in human development by sequencing of clonally expanded intestinal and liver organoid cultures of 2nd trimester human foetuses. Our results show that mutation rates in fetal stem cells are significantly higher than in adult stem cells.

  Study EGAS00001002886

• Whole Genome Sequencing of HCC

  The French ICGC project on liver tumors is coordinated by Pr Jessica Zucman-Rossi and funded by Inca (French Institute for Cancer). The aim of the present project is to identify the catalog of somatic and germline mutations in liver tumors using whole genome (WGS) and whole exome sequencing (WGS), integrated with DNA methylation and RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) data. The present series corresponds to 24 whole genome sequencing (12 Tumoral/Non-tumoral pairs). Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for more than 90% of liver cancers, and is a major health problem. It is the 3rd cause of cancer-related mortality. Advances in genomic analyses have formed a comprehensive understanding of different underlying pathobiological layers resulting in hepatocarcinogenesis. Thus, the development of next-generation sequencing technologies has made it possible to generate more comprehensive catalogues of somatic alteration events (single nucleotide substitutions, structural variations, and epigenetic changes) in liver cancer genome than ever before.

  Study EGAS00001002888

• Exome sequencing demonstrates a dual origin of relapses in retinoic-acid resistant acute promyelocytic leukemia.

  Retinoic acid (RA) and arsenic target the PML/RARA driver of Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APL), their combination now curing over 95% patients. Here we report exome sequencing of 64 matched diagnosis/remission/relapses patients treated with historical RA/chemotherapy protocols. A first subgroup presents a high incidence of oncogenic mutations disrupting key epigenetic or transcriptional regulators (primarily WT1) or activating MAPK signaling at diagnosis. Relapses retain these cooperating oncogenes and exhibit additional oncogenic alterations and/or mutations impeding therapy response (RARA, NT5C2). The second group primarily exhibits FLT3 activation at diagnosis, which is lost upon relapse together with most other passenger mutations, implying that relapses derive from pre-leukemic PML/RARA-expressing cells that survived RA/chemotherapy. Accordingly, clonogenic activity of PML/RARA-immortalized progenitors ex vivo is only transiently affected by RA, but selectively abrogated by arsenic. Our studies stress the role of cooperating oncogenes in direct relapses and suggest that targeting pre-leukemic cells by arsenic contributes to its clinical efficacy.

  Study EGAS00001002893

• Circulating tumor cells Exome sequencing from breast cancer

  Single cell technologies allow interrogating the extent of tumor heterogeneity, providing novel insights into tumor evolution and treatment resistance mechanisms. Here, we investigated the level of genetic heterogeneity among circulating tumor cells (CTCs) at the single nucleotide variation and copy number aberration (CNA) levels and compared it to synchronous matched primary tumor/metastatic lesion from 3 metastatic breast cancer patients with triple-negative (TNBC), HER2-positive (HER2+) and estrogen-receptor-positive (ER+) tumors. Whole exome sequencing was performed on 3 synchronous bulk tumor tissue and 21 single/pooled CTC samples. When comparing bulk tissue with CTCs from the same patient, we found similar CNA profiles and the same patient-specific driver mutations for the HER2+ and TNBC tumors. Different CNA profiles and driver mutations were found for the ER+ tumor, with two distinct clones being identified in the CTCs, one harboring an activating ESR1 mutation, the other one bearing a TP53 mutation. These data suggest that tumor tissue and CTCs provide in a subset of patients complementary clinically relevant information to map tumor heterogeneity and monitor tumor evolution. Further validation is needed.

  Study EGAS00001005228

• Interferon lambda 4 impairs viral antigen presentation and attenuates T cell responses

  Genetic variants of the interferon lambda (IFNL) gene locus are strongly associated with spontaneous and IFN treatment induced clearance of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections. Individuals with the ancestral IFNL4-dG allele are not able to clear HCV in the acute phase and develop chronic hepatitis C (CHC) with more than 90% probability. Paradoxically, the IFNL4-dG allele encodes a fully functional IFNλ4 protein with antiviral activity against HCV and coronavirus. Here we describe a hitherto unknown effect of IFNλ4 on HCV antigen presentation. Only minor amounts of IFNλ4 are secreted, because the protein is largely retained in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) where it induces ER stress. Stressed cells were significantly weaker activators of HCV specific CD8+ T cells. This was not due to reduced MHC I surface presentation or extracellular IFNλ4 effects, since T cell responses could be restored by exogenous loading of MHC with HCV antigens. Rather, IFNλ4 induced ER stress impaired HCV antigen processing and/or loading onto the MHC I complex. Our results provide a potential explanation for the IFNλ4 – HCV paradox.

  Study EGAS00001005396

• The Egyptian Collaborative Cardiac Genomics (ECCO-GEN) Project: Defining a Healthy Volunteer Cohort

  The integration of comprehensive genomic and phenotypic data from diverse ethnic populations offers unprecedented opportunities towards advancements in precision medicine and novel diagnostic technologies. Current reference genomic databases are not representative of the global human population, making variant interpretation challenging, especially in underrepresented populations such as the North African population. To address this, the Egyptian Collaborative Cardiac Genomics (ECCO-GEN) Project launched a study comprising 1000 individuals free of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Here, we present the first 391 Egyptian healthy volunteers (EHVols) recruited to establish a pilot phenotyped control cohort. All individuals underwent detailed clinical investigation, including cardiac MRI, and were sequenced using a targeted panel of 174 genes with reported roles in inherited cardiac conditions (ICC). We identified 1,262 variants in 27 cardiomyopathy genes of which 15.1% were not captured in current global and regional genetic reference databases (here: gnomAD and Great Middle Eastern (GME) Variome). The ECCO-GEN project aims at defining the genetic landscape of an understudied population and providing individual-level genetic and phenotypic data to support future studies in CVD and population genetics.

  Study EGAS00001004434

• Philippine Ayta possess the highest level of Denisovan ancestry in the world

  Multiple lines of evidence show that modern humans interbred with archaic Denisovans. Here, we report an account of shared demographic history between Australasians and Denisovans distinctively in Island Southeast Asia. Our analyses are based on ~2.3 million genotypes from 118 ethnic groups of the Philippines including 25 diverse self-identified Negrito populations, along with high-coverage genomes of AustraloPapuans and Ayta Magbukon Negritos. We show that Ayta Magbukon possess the highest level of Denisovan ancestry in the world – ~30-40% greater than that of Australians and Papuans – consistent with an independent admixture event into Negritos from Denisovans. Together with the recently described Homo luzonensis, we suggest that there were multiple archaic species that inhabited the Philippines prior to the arrival of modern humans, and that these archaic groups may have been genetically related. Altogether, our findings unveil a complex intertwined history of modern and archaic humans in the Asia-Pacific region, where distinct Islander Denisovan populations differentially admixed with incoming Australasians across multiple locations and at various points in time.

  Study EGAS00001005407

• Targeted sequencing CYLD cutaneous syndrome

  Patients with CYLD cutaneous syndrome (CCS; syn. Brooke-Spiegler syndrome) carry germline mutations in the tumor suppressor CYLD and develop multiple skin tumors with diverse histophenotypes. We comprehensively profiled the genomic landscape of 42 benign and malignant tumors across 13 individuals from four multigenerational families. Novel recurrent mutations were found in epigenetic modifiers DNMT3A and BCOR in 29% of benign tumors. Multi-level and microdissected sampling strikingly reveal that many clones with different DNMT3A mutations exist in these benign tumors, suggesting that intra-tumor heterogeneity is common. Integrated genomic, methylation and transcriptomic profiling in selected tumours suggest that isoform specific DNMT3A2 mutations are associated with dysregulated Wnt/ß-catenin pathway signaling. Phylogenetic and mutational signature analyses confirm cylindroma pulmonary metastases from primary skin tumours. These findings add novel dimensions to existing paradigms of cutaneous tumorigenesis and metastasis.

  Study EGAS00001003840

• H3Africa - Collaborative African Genomics Network

  Genomic studies have become one of the potential tools that could aid in the understanding of disease. HIV disease progression and active TB infection have been studied using these genomic methods to interrogate host factors associated with these diseases and their progression. Prior work has focused on adult populations and limited African cohorts. The Collaborative African Genomics Network aims to fill this gap by conducting HIV and TB disease mapping studies in African children to understand how genetic variation impacts disease progression through the use of genomic technologies.

  Study EGAS00001002656

• Genome Asia 100K Project

  The underrepresentation of non-European individuals in human genetic studies so far has limited the diversity of individuals in genomic datasets and led to reduced medical relevance for a large proportion of the world’s population. Population-specific reference genome datasets as well as genome-wide association studies in diverse populations are needed to address this issue. Here we describe the pilot phase of the GenomeAsia 100K Project. This includes a whole-genome sequencing reference dataset from 1,739 individuals of 219 population groups and 64 countries across Asia. We catalogue genetic variation, population structure, disease associations and founder effects. We also explore the use of this dataset in imputation, to facilitate genetic studies in populations across Asia and worldwide.

  Study EGAS00001002921

• Spatial concordance of DNA methylation classification in diffuse glioma

  Background: Intratumoral heterogeneity is a hallmark of diffuse gliomas. DNA methylation profiling is an emerging approach in the clinical classification of brain tumors. The goal of this study is to investigate the effects of intratumoral heterogeneity on classification confidence. Methods: We used neuronavigation to acquire 133 image-guided and spatially-separated stereotactic biopsy samples from 16 adult patients with a diffuse glioma (7 IDH-wildtype and 2 IDH-mutant glioblastoma, 6 diffuse astrocytoma, IDH-mutant and 1 oligodendroglioma, IDH-mutant and 1p19q codeleted), which we characterized using DNA methylation arrays. Samples were obtained from regions with and without abnormalities on contrast enhanced T1 weighted and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery MRI. Methylation profiles were analyzed to devise a three-dimensional reconstruction of (epi)genetic heterogeneity. Tumor purity was assessed from clonal methylation sites. Results: Molecular aberrations indicated that tumor was found outside imaging abnormalities, underlining the infiltrative nature of this tumor and the limitations of current routine imaging modalities. We demonstrate that tumor purity is highly variable between samples and explains a substantial part of apparent epigenetic spatial heterogeneity. We observed that DNA methylation subtypes are often, but not always, conserved in space taking tumor purity and prediction accuracy into account. Conclusion: Our results underscore the infiltrative nature of diffuse gliomas and suggest that DNA methylation subtypes are relatively concordant in this tumor type, although some heterogeneity exists.

  Study EGAS00001005434

• Adult-type Granulosa Cell Tumour of the Ovary

  A recurrent mutation in FOXL2 (c.402C>G; p.C134W) is present in over 95% of adult-type granulosa cell tumours (AGCTs). In contrast, various loss-of-function mutations in FOXL2 lead to the development of blepharophimosis, ptosis and epicanthus inversus syndrome (BPES). BPES is characterized by an eyelid malformation often accompanied with primary ovarian insufficiency but not granulosa cell tumours. Two recent studies suggest that FOXL2 C402G is a gain or change-of-function mutation with altered DNA-binding specificity. Another study proposes that FOXL2 C402G is selectively targeted for degradation inducing somatic haploinsufficiency suggesting its role as a tumour suppressor. The latter study relies on data indicative of an FOXL2 allelic imbalance in AGCTs. Here we present RNA-seq data as genetic evidence that no real allelic imbalance is observed at the transcriptomic level in AGCTs. Additionally, there is no loss of protein expression in tumours harboring the mutated allele. These data and other features of this mutation as compared to other oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes argue strongly against FOXL2 being a tumour suppressor in this context. Given the likelihood that FOXL2 C402G is oncogenic, targeting the variant protein or its downstream consequences is the most viable path forward to identifying an effective treatment for this cancer.

  Study EGAS00001005414

• Whole exome sequencing CYLD cutaneous syndrome

  Patients with CYLD cutaneous syndrome (CCS; syn. Brooke-Spiegler syndrome) carry germline mutations in the tumor suppressor CYLD and develop multiple skin tumors with diverse histophenotypes. We comprehensively profiled the genomic landscape of 42 benign and malignant tumors across 13 individuals from four multigenerational families. Novel recurrent mutations were found in epigenetic modifiers DNMT3A and BCOR in 29% of benign tumors. Multi-level and microdissected sampling strikingly reveal that many clones with different DNMT3A mutations exist in these benign tumors, suggesting that intra-tumor heterogeneity is common. Integrated genomic, methylation and transcriptomic profiling in selected tumours suggest that isoform specific DNMT3A2 mutations are associated with dysregulated Wnt/ß-catenin pathway signaling. Phylogenetic and mutational signature analyses confirm cylindroma pulmonary metastases from primary skin tumours. These findings add novel dimensions to existing paradigms of cutaneous tumorigenesis and metastasis.

  Study EGAS00001003839

• Clonal fitness inferred from timeseries modeling of single cell cancer genomes

  Progress in defining genomic fitness landscapes in cancer by copy number alterations (CNA) has been impeded by lack of single cell and timeseries sampling. We generated 42,000 single cell whole genomes (scWGS) from breast epithelium and primary triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) patient-derived xenografts (PDX) collected during multi-year time series. Using a Wright-Fisher population genetics model, we inferred reproducible CNA-defined clonal fitness dynamics induced by TP53 mutation and cisplatin chemotherapy, with accurate forecasting of experimentally enforced clonal competition dynamics. Drug treatment in three long-term serially passaged TNBC PDX resulted in cisplatin resistant clones that had shown low fitness in the untreated setting. By contrast high fitness clones from treatment naive controls were eradicated reflecting an inversion of the fitness landscape. Upon drug release selective pressure dynamics were reversed indicating a fitness cost of treatment resistance. Taken together, our findings reveal clonal fitness dynamics linked to CNA and therapeutic resistance in polyclonal tumours.

  Study EGAS00001004448

• Khoe-San genomes reveal unique variation and confirm deepest population divergence in Homo sapiens

  The southern African indigenous Khoe-San populations harbor the most divergent lineages of all living peoples. Exploring their genomes is key to understanding deep human history. We sequenced 25 full genomes from five Khoe-San populations, revealing many novel variants, that 25% of variants are unique to the Khoe-San, and that the Khoe-San group harbors the greatest level of diversity across the globe. In line with previous studies, we found several gene-regions with extreme values in genome-wide distributions, potentially caused by natural selection early in the modern human lineage and more recent in time. These gene-regions included immunity-, sperm-, brain-, diet- and muscle-related genes. When accounting for recent admixture, all Khoe-San groups display genetic diversity approaching the levels in other African groups and a reduction in effective population size starting around 100,000 years ago. Hence, all human groups show a reduction in effective population size commencing around the time of the Out-of-Africa migrations, which coincides with changes in the paleoclimate records, changes that potentially impacted all humans at the time.

  Study EGAS00001004459

• Modulation of macrophage inflammatory function through selective inhibition of the epigenetic reader protein SP140

  SP140 is a bromodomain-containing protein expressed predominantly in immune cells. Genetic polymorphisms and epigenetic modifications in the SP140 locus have been linked to Crohn’s disease (CD), suggesting a role in inflammation. We report the development of the first small molecule SP140 inhibitor (GSK761) and utilize this to elucidate SP140 function in macrophages. We show that SP140 is highly expressed in CD68+ CD mucosal macrophages and in in vitro-generated inflammatory macrophages. SP140 inhibition through GSK761 reduced monocyte differentiation into inflammatory macrophages and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory activation. SP140 preferentially occupies transcriptional start sites (TSS) in inflammatory macrophages, with enrichment at gene loci encoding pro-inflammatory cytokines/chemokines and inflammatory pathways. GSK761 specifically reduced SP140 binding and thereby expression of SP140-bound genes. GSK761 inhibited the spontaneous expression of cytokines, including TNF, by CD14+ macrophages isolated from CD intestinal-mucosa. This study identifies SP140 as a druggable epigenetic therapeutic target for CD.

  Study EGAS00001004460

• Collection of Genotypic and Ethnographic Information from Individuals of South African Ethnic Groups

  The hunter-gatherers and pastoralists of South Africa retain the highest genetic diversity of any population. Genetic determinants of light skin pigmentation, reduced stature etc and other basic biomedical phenotypes are unique to samples with Southern African hunter-gatherer and pastoralist ancestry or retain ancestral haplotypes not found in other populations.

  Study EGAS00001004472

• Whole-genome sequencing identifies ADGRG6 enhancer mutations and FRS2 duplications as angiogenesis-related drivers in bladder cancer

  Bladder cancer is one of the most common and highly vascularized cancers. To better understand its genomic structure and underlying etiology, we conducted whole-genome sequencing in 65 urothelial bladder carcinomas (the most common type of bladder cancer) and identified recurrent genetic alterations in a set of angiogenesis genes, facilitating the understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying pathological angiogenesis in this type of cancer.

  Study EGAS00001003388

• Versatile workflow for cell-type resolved transcriptional and epigenetic profiles from cryopreserved human lung

  The complexity of the lung microenvironment and changes in cellular composition during disease progression make it exceptionally hard to understand molecular mechanisms leading to the development of chronic lung diseases. Although recent advances in cell-type resolved and single-cell sequencing approaches hold great promise for studying complex diseases, their implementation relies on local access to fresh tissue, as traditional tissue storage methods do not allow viable cell isolation. To overcome these hurdles, we developed a novel, versatile workflow that allows long-term storage of human lung tissue with high cell viability, permits thorough sample quality check before cell isolation, and is compatible with sequencing-based profiling, including single-cell approaches. We demonstrate that cryopreservation is suitable for the isolation of multiple cell types from human lung and is applicable to both healthy and diseased tissue, including COPD and tumour samples. Basal cells isolated from cryopreserved airways retain the ability to differentiate, indicating that cellular identity is not altered by cryopreservation. Importantly, using RNA sequencing and EPIC Array, we show that genome-wide gene expression and DNA methylation signatures are preserved upon cryopreservation, emphasizing the suitability of our workflow for -omics profiling of human lung cells. In addition, we obtained high-quality single-cell RNA sequencing data of cells isolated from the cryopreserved human lung, demonstrating that cryopreservation empowers single-cell approaches. Overall, thanks to its simplicity, our cryopreservation workflow is well-suited for prospective tissue collection by academic collaborators and biobanks, opening worldwide access to human tissue.

  Study EGAS00001004477

• Multimodal single-cell and bulk glioma analyses

  Glioma intratumoral heterogeneity enables adaptation to challenging microenvironments and contributes to therapeutic resistance. We integrated 914 single-cell DNA methylomes, 55,284 single-cell transcriptomes, and bulk multi-omic profiles across 11 adult IDH-mutant or IDH-wild-type gliomas to delineate sources of intratumoral heterogeneity. We show that local DNA methylation disorder associates with cell-to-cell DNA methylation differences, is elevated in more aggressive tumors, links with transcriptional disruption, and is altered in environmental stress response. Glioma cells under in vitro hypoxic and irradiation stress increased local DNA methylation disorder and shifted cell states. We identified a positive association between genetic and epigenetic instability that was supported in bulk longitudinally collected DNA methylation data. Increased DNA methylation disorder associated with accelerated disease progression, and recurrently selected DNA methylation changes were enriched for environmental stress response pathways. Our work identifies an epigenetically facilitated adaptive stress response process and highlights the importance of epigenetic heterogeneity in shaping therapeutic outcomes.

  Study EGAS00001005300

• COVID19 Host Genetic Initiative

  The COVID-19 host genetics initiative is a bottom-up collaborative effort that has three main goals: 1. Provide an environment to foster the sharing of resources to facilitate COVID-19 host genetics research (e.g. protocols, questionnaires). 2. Organize analytical activities across studies to identify genetic determinants of COVID-19 susceptibility and severity. 3. Provide a platform to share the results from such activities, as well as the individual-level data where possible, to benefit the broader scientific community. Here, we release the harmonized individual-level data for the subset of individuals who participated in COVID-19 HGI. Please refer to this data dictionary: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1whu_MjShXxbdoAJMCYxZ5C-vWOcRivwfWglTcBRNZgQ/edit#gid=470747846 Please cite both Nakanishi, T el al. J Clin Invest 2021 (PMID: 34597274) and COVID-19 Host Genetics Initiative, Nature 2021 (PMID: 34237774) when you use these data for your publications.

  Study EGAS00001005304

• Bulk-tissue RNA-sequencing of anterior cingulate cortex samples derived from Lewy body disease patients

  Parkinson’s disease (PD), Parkinson’s disease with dementia (PDD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) are three clinically, genetically and neuropathologically overlapping neurodegenerative diseases collectively known as the Lewy body diseases (LBDs). A variety of molecular mechanisms have been implicated in PD pathogenesis, but the mechanisms underlying PDD and DLB remain largely unknown, a knowledge gap that presents an impediment to the discovery of disease-modifying therapies. Transcriptomic profiling can contribute to addressing this gap, but remains limited in the LBDs. Here, we applied paired bulk-tissue and single-nucleus RNA-sequencing to anterior cingulate cortex samples derived from 28 individuals, including healthy controls, PD, PDD and DLB cases (n = 7 per group), to transcriptomically profile the LBDs. Using this approach, we (i) found transcriptional alterations in multiple cell types across the LBDs; (ii) discovered evidence for widespread dysregulation of RNA splicing, particularly in PDD and DLB; (iii) identified potential splicing factors, with links to other dementia-related neurodegenerative diseases, coordinating this dysregulation; and (iv) identified transcriptomic commonalities and distinctions between the LBDs that inform understanding of the relationships between these three clinical disorders. Together, these findings have important implications for the design of RNA-targeted therapies for these diseases and highlight a potential molecular “window” of therapeutic opportunity between the initial onset of PD and subsequent development of Lewy body dementia.

  Study EGAS00001005305

• Next Generation Sequencing platform for targeted Personalized Therapy of Leukemia - Acute myeloid leukemia

  The advent of high-throughput next generation sequencing (NGS) technologies that are revolutionizing genomics and transcriptomics by providing a single base resolution tool for a unified deep analysis of diseases complexity allows a fast and cost-efficient fine-scale assessment of the genetic variability hidden within cohorts of patients affected by the same leukemia. That being so, by potentially highlighting inter-individual differences that may play a role in the differential success of diverse therapeutic interventions, they promise to be crucial for selecting the most appropriate medical treatments. The project aims at the identification of novel prognostic biomarkers for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and studied the molecular differences between aneuploid and euploid AML.

  Study EGAS00001005464

• An epigenomics time course analysis of covid19 patients from Quebec, Canada

  Investigating the cellular and epigenetic changes at play in severely ill hospitalized COVID-19 patients at admission and how it evolves with prognosis. Single-cell RNA-seq analysis done on longitudinal samples highlighted changes in the monocytic compartment, which we explored using whole-genome epigenomics methods (ATACseq abd WGBS).

  Study EGAS00001005468

• Targeted sequencing DDR genes in cancer stem cells

  Colorectal cancer stem cells (CSCs) show heterogeneous levels of constitutive replication stress leading distinct dependence on the replication stress response. The aim of the projects was to find genetic, epigenetic, phenotypic factors associated with the resistance of colorectal CSCs to inhibitors of the ATR/CHK1 pathway, which regulates of the replication stress response. Different pairs of colorectal CSCs sensitive and resistant to ATR or CHK1 inhibitors were analyzed

  Study EGAS00001004892

• Colorectal adenomas, NKI-AvL TGO series Stool-Proteomics

  Colorectal cancer (CRC) develops from normal epithelium, through a benign precursor lesion called adenoma, by accumulation of genetic alterations affecting oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes. About 5% of colorectal adenomas are estimated to progress to CRC. However, it is important to identify which adenomas actually are at high-risk of progression, because these should serve as intermediate endpoints for e.g. CRC screening programs. In clinical practice, adenomas with a size of ≥10 mm, villous component and/or high-grade dysplasia, called advanced adenomas, are considered high-risk, although this classification lacks solid evidence. Specific DNA copy number changes are associated with adenoma-to-carcinoma progression.For this tissue dataset, we applied low-pass whole genome sequencing to 98 non-advanced and advanced adenomas. These adenomas were classified as lesions with low-risk or high-risk of progression, according to the presence of specific DNA copy number changes (Carvalho et al, CancerPrevRes, 2018).

  Study EGAS00001002953

• To determine the mutational impact of the in vitro culture, clonal human adult and pluripotent stem cell lines were subjected to a second clonal step after 3 months of culture. These subclones were whole genome sequenced to identify all the mutations that accumulated during the 3 month culture period.

  Genetic changes acquired during culture pose a potential risk for the successful application of stem cells. To assess the risk of in vitro expansion on mutation accumulation we have performed whole genome sequencing of clonally expanded human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells) and adult stem cells (ASCs) to identify all mutations that accumulated over a fixed culture period. We find that ASCs acquire more single nucleotide variants (SNVs) and indels per population doubling than the iPS cells. When compared with ASCs, iPS cells are more vulnerable to mutations in genes and promoters. Mutational analysis revealed a clear in vitro induced mutational signature that is irrespective of stem cell type. This in vitro signature is characterized by C to G transversions that are probably caused by oxidative stress. Additionally, we observed stem cell specific mutational signatures and differences in transcriptional strand bias, indicating differential activity of DNA repair mechanisms between stem cell types in culture. In conclusion, in vitro culture induces mutation accumulation in iPS cells and ASCs. Culture under low-oxygen tension may help to reduce the number of culture-induced mutations.

  Study EGAS00001002955

• WES_of_adult_intellectual_disabilities_with_co_morbid_psychiatric_disorders

  ost adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) do not undergo genetic diagnostic investigation as part of their clinical care and have 'missed the boat' with regard to the WES and WGS genetic testing that is now being provided for children with ID. There is a dramatically increased risk of psychistric disorders in adults with ID, e.g. the risk of psychoses is 10X higher than in the general population. It remains an open question as to how much of adult ID is genetic in origin and how similar the genetic forms of adult ID are to those being diagnosed in children, in part due to survivor bias. There is also the opportunity to identify adults with treatable forms of ID, of which over 80 have been described, thus improving their clinical management. Furthermore, analysis of medical records of adults with genetic forms of ID can help to characterise the 'natural history' of individual disorders, resulting in more accurate prognoses for diagnosed children and identifying opportunities for improved management and possibly therapeutic intervention (e.g. optimal anti-epileptic therapy). Here we propose to exome sequence (to ~50X coverage) 200 adults with ID and co-morbid psychiatric disorders. This cohort has previously been assayed with chromosomal microarrays (Wolfe et al 2017 EJHG, 25, 66–72) identifying a diagnostic yield of ~11% which is comparable to the CNV diagnostic yield in various child ID cohorts (10-15%). The authors observed no substantive biases in diagnostic yield between different psychiatric diagnostic classes. The WES data will be analysed using the diagnostic workflows developed in the DDD study to ensure comparability between child and adult ID datasets. This study is intended as a pilot study to demonstrate the value of WES in adults with ID. 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 EGAS00001002962

• Contribution of allelic imbalance to colorectal cancer

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

  Study EGAS00001002966

• Identification of Therapeutic Targets in Rhabdomyosarcoma Through Integrated Genomic, Epigenomic, and Proteomic Analyses

  Personalized cancer therapy based on the somatic mutations identified in patient tumors is becoming an increasingly emphasized approach to improve outcomes of patients with cancer. There are also examples of therapeutic vulnerabilities in cancer that result from changes in gene expression that are a direct or indirect result of tumor specific epigenetic perturbations. These genomic and epigenomic changes are ultimately manifest in the tumor proteome and phosphoproteome. In this study, we integrated genomic, epigenomic and proteomic data for rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) to identify therapeutic vulnerabilities. RMS was selected for this analysis because RAS pathway mutations in rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) are the most common potentially actionable lesions across pediatric solid tumors. The epigenomic data was useful for identifying deregulated developmental pathways in RMS including the WNT, HH, BMP, adenyl cyclase, p38/MAPK and PI3K pathways. Perturbations in those 6 myogenic signal transduction pathways were also evident in the proteome and phosphoteome data. In addition, the proteomic/phosphoproteomic data revealed that the cell cycle checkpoint, unfolded protein response and RB/E2F pathways were deregulated in RMS relative to normal muscle. Recent success targeting CDK4/6 and MEK in adult cancers with RAS mutations led us to test the value of these targets in RMS tumors. We also targeted the unfolded protein response pathway and cell cycle checkpoint pathway using molecular targeted therapeutics in orthotopic patient derived xenografts. Taken together, these data demonstrate the value of integrating epigenomic and proteomic data to identify tumor vulnerabilities that extend beyond somatic mutations identified in the genome.

  Study EGAS00001002967

• The Molecular Landscape of Asian Breast Cancers Reveals Clinically Relevant Population-Specific Differences

  Molecular profiles of breast cancer have contributed to an improved understanding of the disease, enabled development of molecular prognostic signatures to guide treatment decisions and unveiled new or more accurate therapeutic options for breast cancer patients. However, the extent to which differences in genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors influence molecular profiles in different populations remains poorly characterised, as relatively few large-scale molecular studies of breast tumours in non-Caucasian populations have hitherto been reported. Here, we present the molecular profiles of 560 Asian breast tumours and a comparative analysis of breast cancers arising in Asian and Caucasian women. Compared to the breast tumours in predominantly Caucasian women reported in TCGA and METABRIC, we show an increased prevalence of Her2-enriched molecular subtypes and higher prevalence of TP53 somatic mutations in ER+ Asian breast tumours. Using gene expression and immunohistochemistry, we observed elevated immune scores in Asian breast tumours, suggesting potential clinical response to immune checkpoint inhibitors. Whilst Her2-subtype and enriched immune score are associated with improved survival, presence of TP53 somatic mutations is associated with poorer survival in ER+ tumours. Taken together, these population differences unveil new opportunities to improve the understanding of this disease and lay the foundation for precision medicine in different populations.

  Study EGAS00001004518

• Targeted_sequencing_of_embryonic_variants___Warm_Autopsy

  Targeted sequencing of variants previously identified as embryonic from phylogenetic tree building of LCM WGS of PD28690.

  Study EGAS00001003952

• RNA-Sequencing and Somatic Mutation Status of Adrenocortical Tumors: Novel Pathogenetic Insights

  To investigate the relationship between transcriptome profile and genetic background in a large series of adrenocortical tumors and to identify new potential pathogenetic mechanisms, we performed transcriptome profiling by high-throughput sequencing. We collected snap-frozen tissue from patients with adrenocortical tumors (n = 59) with known genetic background: 26 adenomas with Cushing syndrome, 17 adenomas with mild autonomous cortisol secretion, 9 endocrine-inactive adenomas, 7 adrenocortical carcinomas. Additionally, we sequenced 4 control samples.

  Study EGAS00001004533

• Whole genome sequencing for novel neuromuscular disease gene discovery

  This peripheral neuropathy patient underwent whole genome sequencing to find the cause of their disease. They were undiagnosed by current standard-of-care practice, which is neurogenetic panel screening. This is a paediatric case.

  Study EGAS00001004535

• Single cell exome sequencing of lung adenocarcinoma

  Single cell exome sequencing was performed on 200 single cells isolated from a lung adenocarcinoma, female, non-smoker patient. The cells were derived from two distant tumour sectors and a far normal sector. The single cells were amplified on the Fluidigm C1 machine using the GE Healthcare illustra GenomiPhi V2 DNA Amplification Kit prior to sequencing library preparation. In addition, bulk exome sequencing was also conducted for each tumour sectors. For this study, somatic variations were detected from the single cells and phylogenetic clustering was conducted to elucidate the evolutionary trajectory of lung cancer.

  Study EGAS00001002972

• WGS_of_healhy_mesothelial_cells_and_primary_mesothelima_cell_lines

  Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer associated with previous exposure to asbestos. Currently there are no effective treatments for mesothelioma and majority of patients will die within a year after diagnosis. Although a large number of preclinical and clinical trials assessed the efficacy of various therapuetic modes, none of the tested molecules entered the clinic. Thus, to better understand what drives mesothelioma carcinogenesis and to identify novel targets for therapy, here we aim at performing WGS of heathy mesothelial cells and a panel of mesothelioma cells lines. Primary mesothelial cell lines were established in prof. Marciniak lab from human pleural specimens, while primary mesothelioma cell lines were obtained from MesobanK. Both models constitute low passage cell lines and therefore should closely represent genetics of the original tissue.

  Study EGAS00001005559

• Interethnic comparability in blood pressure GWAS

  We carried out a genome-wide association and replication study for blood pressure in a two-stage approach (max N = 289,038) with a discovery stage sample of 130,777 East Asian individuals, identifying 19 new genetic loci. We found a significant genetic heterogeneity between East Asian and European-descent populations at several blood pressure loci, conforming to “a common ancestry-specific variant association model”. At 6 unique loci, distinct non-rare (or common) ancestry-specific variants co-localized within the same linkage disequilibrium block despite the significantly discordant direction of effects for the proxy shared variants between the ethnic groups. The genome-wide transethnic correlation of causal-variant effect sizes is 0.898 and 0.851 for systolic and diastolic blood pressure, respectively. Some of the ancestry-specific association signals were also influenced by a selective sweep. Our results provide new evidence for the role of common ancestry-specific variants and natural selection in the occurrence of ethnic differences in complex traits such as blood pressure.

  Study EGAS00001002991

• Mitochondrial DNA sequencing of iPSC, parental cells, and iPSC derived cardiomyocytes

  The aim of this work was to analyze to which extent mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variants in human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) originate from their parental cells or from de novo mutagenesis, and whether dynamics in variant heteroplasmy levels during prolonged expansion culture of iPSC are caused by inter- or intra-cellular selection or genetic drift. Hence, mtDNA of 26 early passage iPSC clones from, in total, 10 donors and the corresponding parental cell populations (here endothelial cells) were sequenced. Furthermore, 7 iPSC clones were expanded up to passage 50 and the change in variant heteroplasmy levels was monitored. Lastly, the effect of differentiation on the variant heteroplasmy levels was investigated during directed cardiomyocyte differentiation of 4 iPSC clones.

  Study EGAS00001005560

• The dataset of Southeast Borneo individuals (Banjar and Ngaju ethnic groups) was used as comparative data to determine the Asian parental population of the Malagasy. Our study found strong support for an origin of the Asian ancestry of Malagasy among the Banjar.

  Malagasy genetic diversity results from an exceptional proto-globalisation process that took place over a thousand years ago across the Indian Ocean. Previous efforts to locate the Asian origin of Malagasy have highlighted Borneo broadly as a potential source, but so far no firm source populations have been identified. Here, we have generated genome-wide data from two Southeast Borneo populations, the Banjar and the Ngaju, together with published data compiled from populations across the Indian Ocean region. We find strong support for an origin of the Asian ancestry of Malagasy among the Banjar. This group emerged from the long-standing presence of a Malay Empire trading post in Southeast Borneo, which favoured admixture between the Malay and an autochthonous Borneo group, the Ma’anyan. Reconciling genetic, historical and linguistic data, we show that the Banjar, in Malay-led voyages, were the most probable Asian source among the analysed groups in the founding of the Malagasy gene pool.

  Study EGAS00001001841

• Whole_Genome_Sequencing_of_Human_Organoid_Lines

  The study will use WGS to aid in benchmarking different culture conditions in a set of genetically annotated human organoid lines. The data will be used to assess whether there is any clonal differences introduced when culturing these lines in different conditions.

  Study EGAS00001003538

• Host whole genome variations are associated with neurocognitive outcome in survivors of pediatric medulloblastoma

  Host whole genome analysis is a promising source of predictive information for long-term morbidity in cancer survivors. However, studies on genetic predictors of long-term outcome, particularly neurocognitive function following chemoradiation in pediatric oncology are limited. In the present study, we evaluated variations in host whole genome single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and their association with cognitive outcome. Whole-genome SNP analysis of host peripheral blood was conducted on 22 medulloblastoma long-term survivors, of whom 18 completed neuropsychological testing. First, unsupervised consensus clustering of the most variable SNPs within 409 genes involved in DNA repair was performed. Discrete variant groups were identified, although they were not associated with cognitive outcome, suggesting that variations in genes corresponding to a single functional group may be insufficient to predict long-term outcome alone. In support of this interpretation, unsupervised hierarchical clustering analysis using disease-associated gene variants by cognitive impairment status yielded two distinct variant clusters comprised of 36 variants, 34 of which were in noncoding regions. These findings illustrate for the first time that cognitively impaired survivors have a distinct variant profile compared to other medulloblastoma survivors. Future research in larger cohorts is needed to validate host genome predictors of cognitive impairment that may impact clinical management.

  Study EGAS00001002996

• Next Generation Children project - WGS study of patients in NICU and PICU and their families

  With growing evidence that rare single gene disorders present in the neonatal period, there is a need for rapid, systematic, and comprehensive genomic diagnoses in ICUs to assist acute and long-term clinical decisions. This study aimed to identify genetic conditions in neonatal (NICU) and paediatric (PICU) intensive care populations. Whole genome sequencing data.

  Study EGAS00001003002

• Epigenetic profiling of colorectal cancer initiating cells (CC-ICs) to identify bivalently marked genes (H3K4me3 and H3K27me3 ChIP-seq), and investigation of changes in transcriptome following EZH2 inhibition using RNA-seq.

  Epigenetic regulation of transcription plays a crucial role in lineage commitment of embryonic stem cells. Promoters of key lineage-specific differentiation genes are found in a repressed bivalent state, having both activating H3K4me3 and repressive H3K27me3 histone marks, making them poised for transcription upon loss of H3K27me3 in response to environmental cues. Whether the tumour-initiating, self-renewing, cancer-initiating cells (C-ICs) have similar epigenetic regulatory mechanism that prevent lineage commitment is unknown. In order to investigate bivalently marked and repressed promoters, we used a patient-derived CC-IC enriched model to identify the changes in transcriptome following inhibition of EZH2, the H3K27 methyltransferase. We also performed ChIP-seq for H3K27me3 and H3K4me3 at baseline in order to identify repressed and bivalently marked promoters.

  Study EGAS00001003003

• Germline elongator mutations in sonic hedgehog medulloblastoma

  Cancer genomics has illuminated a wide spectrum of genes and core molecular processes contributing to human malignancy. Still, the genetic and molecular basis of many cancers remains only partially explained. Genetic predisposition accounts for 5-10% of cancer diagnoses and genetic events cooperating with known somatic driver events are poorly understood. Analyzing established cancer predisposition genes in medulloblastoma (MB), a malignant childhood brain tumor, we recently identified pathogenic germline variants that account for 5% of all MB patients. Here, by extending our previous analysis to include all protein-coding genes, we discovered and replicated rare germline loss-of-function (LoF) variants across Elongator Complex Protein 1 (ELP1) on 9q31.3 in 15% of pediatric MBSHH cases, thus implicating ELP1 as the most common MB predisposition gene and increasing genetic predisposition to 40% for pediatric MBSHH. Inheritance was verified based on parent-offspring and pedigree analysis, which identified two families with a history of pediatric MB. ELP1-associated MBs were restricted to the molecular SHHa subtype and were characterized by universal biallelic inactivation of ELP1 due to somatic loss of chromosome 9q. The majority of ELP1-associated MBs exhibited co-occurring somatic PTCH1 (9q22.32) alterations, suggesting that ELP1-deficiency predisposes to tumor development in combination with constitutive activation of SHH signaling. ELP1 is an essential subunit of the evolutionary conserved Elongator complex, whose primary function is to enable efficient translational elongation through tRNAs modifications at the wobble (U34) position. Biochemical, transcriptional, and proteomic analyses revealed that ELP1-associated MBSHH are characterized by a destabilized core Elongator complex, loss of Elongator-dependent tRNA modifications, codon-dependent translational reprogramming, and induction of the unfolded protein response (UPR), consistent with deregulation of protein homeostasis due to Elongator-deficiency in model systems. Our findings suggest that genetic predisposition to proteome instability is a previously underappreciated determinant in the pathogenesis of pediatric brain cancer. These results provide strong rationale for further investigating the role of protein homeostasis in other pediatric and adult cancer types and potential opportunities for novel therapeutic interference.

  Study EGAS00001004126

• Mapping the breast cancer metastatic cascade onto circulating tumour DNA using genetic and epigenetic clonal tracking

  Circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) allows tracking the evolution of human cancers at high resolution, overcoming many limitations of tissue biopsies. However, exploiting ctDNA to determine how a patient’s cancer is evolving in order to aid clinical decisions remains difficult. This is because ctDNA is a mix of fragmented alleles, and the contribution of different cancer cell subpopulations from distinct lesions to ctDNA remains largely unknown. Profiling of ctDNA almost invariably requires prior knowledge of what genomic alterations to track. Here we leverage on a rapid autopsy programme to demonstrate that unbiased genomic characterisation of several metastatic sites and concomitant ctDNA profiling at whole-genome resolution reveals the extent to which ctDNA is representative of widespread disease. We also present a ctDNA methylation profiling method that allows tracking evolutionary changes in the cancer cell population at single-molecule resolution without prior knowledge. These results have critical implications for the use of liquid biopsies to monitor cancer evolution in humans and potentially guide treatment.

  Study EGAS00001004014

• Mutational bias in spermatogonia impacts the anatomy of regulatory sites in the human genome

  Mutation in the germline is the ultimate source of genetic variation, but little is known about the influence of germline chromatin structure on mutational processes. Using ATAC-seq, we profile the open chromatin landscape of human spermatogonia, the most proliferative cell-type of the germline, identifying transcription factor binding sites (TFBSs) and PRDM9-binding sites, a subset of which will initiate meiotic recombination. We observe an increase in rare structural variant (SV) breakpoints at PRDM9-bound sites, implicating meiotic recombination in the generation of structural variation. Many germline TFBSs, such as NRF, are also associated with increased rates of SV breakpoints, apparently independent of recombination. Singleton short insertions (>=5 bp) are highly enriched at TFBSs, particularly at sites bound by testis active TFs, and their rates correlate with those of structural variant breakpoints. Short insertions often duplicate the TFBS motif, leading to clustering of motif sites near regulatory regions in this male-driven evolutionary process. Increased mutation loads at germline TFBSs disproportionately affect neural enhancers with activity in spermatogonia, potentially altering neurodevelopmental regulatory architecture. Local chromatin structure in spermatogonia is thus pervasive in shaping both evolution and disease.

  Study EGAS00001005366

• SG Peranakan Project: Genetic admixture in the culturally unique Peranakan Chinese population in Southeast Asia

  The Peranakan Chinese are culturally unique descendants of immigrants from China who settled in the Malay Archipelago ~300-500 years ago. Today, among large communities in Southeast Asia, the Peranakans have preserved Chinese traditions with strong influence from the local indigenous Malays. Yet, whether or to what extent genetic admixture co-occurred with the cultural mixture has been a topic of ongoing debate. We performed whole-genome sequencing (WGS) on 177 Singapore (SG) Peranakans and analyzed the data jointly with WGS data of Asian and European populations. We estimated that Peranakan Chinese inherited ~5.62% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.75-6.46%) Malay ancestry, much higher than that in SG Chinese (1.08%, 0.69-1.53%), southern Chinese (0.86%, 0.57-1.31%), and northern Chinese (0.25%, 0.18-0.33%). A sex-biased admixture history, in which the Malay ancestry was contributed primarily by females, was supported by X chromosomal variants, and mitochondrial (MT) and Y haplogroups. Finally, we identified an ancient admixture event shared by Peranakan Chinese and SG Chinese ~1,612 (95% CI: 1,345-1,923) years ago, coinciding with the settlement history of Han Chinese in southern China, apart from the recent admixture event with Malays unique to Peranakan Chinese ~190 (159-213) years ago. These findings greatly advance our understanding of the dispersal history of Chinese and their interaction with indigenous populations in Southeast Asia.

  Study EGAS00001005379

• Exome Sequencing of Spanish Patients with rare genetic diseases.

  Whole exome sequencing of Spanish patients suffering from a rare genetic disease. The study was carried out in 2013 as a part of a public call from CNAG (Centro Nacional de Análisis Genómico), where data of eight spanish families were sent to analyse. The study concluded with three solved cases: two of aniridia and one syndromic RP.

  Study EGAS00001004028

• Analysis of RAD51C promoter methylation using targeted bisulfite sequencing (amplicon sequencing) in ovarian cancer pre-clinical models and patient samples.

  In high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSC), deleterious mutations in the DNA repair gene RAD51C are established drivers of defective homologous recombination and are emerging biomarkers of PARP inhibitor (PARPi) sensitivity. RAD51C promoter methylation (meRAD51C) is detected at similar frequencies to mutations, yet its effects on PARPi responses remain unresolved. In this study, three HGSC patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models with methylation at most or all examined CpG sites in the RAD51C promoter show responses to PARPi. Both complete and heterogeneous methylation patterns were associated with RAD51C gene silencing and homologous recombination deficiency (HRD). PDX models lost meRAD51C following treatment with PARPi rucaparib or niraparib, where a single unmethylated copy of RAD51C was sufficient to drive PARPi resistance. Genomic copy number profiling of one of the PDX models using SNP arrays revealed that this resistance was acquired independently in two genetically distinct lineages. In a cohort of 11 patients with RAD51C-methylated HGSC, various patterns of meRAD51C were associated with genomic 'scarring', indicative of HRD history, but exhibited no clear correlations with clinical outcome. Differences in methylation stability under treatment pressure were also observed between patients, where one HGSC was found to maintain meRAD51C after 6 lines of therapy (4 platinum-based), whilst another HGSC sample was found to have heterozygous meRAD51C and elevated RAD51C gene expression (relative to homozygous meRAD51C controls) after only neo-adjuvant chemotherapy. As meRAD51C loss in a single gene copy was sufficient to cause PARPi resistance in PDX, methylation zygosity should be carefully assessed in previously treated patients when considering PARPi therapy.

  Study EGAS00001005395

• Germline RUNX1 Variation and Predisposition to Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic

  Somatic mutations of RUNX1, which encodes the myeloid and lymphoid transcriptional factor RUNX1, are common in both B- and T- acute lymphoid leukemia (ALL) and are associated with poor prognosis of T-ALL. However, there has been no comprehensive investigation of the pattern or prevalence of RUNX1 germline mutation in both B- and T-ALL. Here we report germline RUNX1 variants in 1.23% of B-ALL and 2.11% of T-ALL, identifying 31 unique variants in 62 B-ALL and 18 unique variants in 26 T-ALL children. The majority of frameshift and nonsense variants affected RUNX1 function in transcriptional regulation, hematopoiesis, and cellular proliferation. We identified JAK3 as the most frequent somatic mutation in T-ALL with RUNX1 variants. These results not only identify RUNX1 as a leukemia predisposition gene but also further underline the importance of germline genetic variants to the development of ALL

  Study EGAS00001005403

• Philippine Ayta possess the highest level of Denisovan ancestry in the world

  Multiple lines of evidence show that modern humans interbred with archaic Denisovans. Here, we report an account of shared demographic history between Australasians and Denisovans distinctively in Island Southeast Asia. Our analyses are based on ~2.3 million genotypes from 118 ethnic groups of the Philippines including 25 diverse self-identified Negrito populations, along with high-coverage genomes of AustraloPapuans and Ayta Magbukon Negritos. We show that Ayta Magbukon possess the highest level of Denisovan ancestry in the world – ~30-40% greater than that of Australians and Papuans – consistent with an independent admixture event into Negritos from Denisovans. Together with the recently described Homo luzonensis, we suggest that there were multiple archaic species that inhabited the Philippines prior to the arrival of modern humans, and that these archaic groups may have been genetically related. Altogether, our findings unveil a complex intertwined history of modern and archaic humans in the Asia-Pacific region, where distinct Islander Denisovan populations differentially admixed with incoming Australasians across multiple locations and at various points in time.

  Study EGAS00001005408

• Expression-Based Subtypes Define Pathologic Response to Neoadjuvant Immune-Checkpoint Inhibitors in Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer

  Checkpoint immunotherapy (CPI) has increased survival for some patients with advanced stage bladder cancer (BCa). However, most patients do not respond. Here, we characterized the tumor and immune microenvironment in pre- and post-treatment tumors from the PURE01 neoadjuvant pembrolizumab immunotherapy trial, using a consolidative approach that combined transcriptional and genetic profiling with digital spatial profiling.

  Study EGAS00001005549

• Genetics causes of male infertility in 185 patient-parent trios from Netherlands and UK

  In this, whole exome sequencing was performed on 185 patients suffering from Azoospermia or severe oligozoospermia and on their respective fertile parents in order to investigate de novo and inherited genetic variants likely to be the cause of infertility in these men. After bioinformatic analysis and comprehensive variant interpretation several de novo point mutations and copy number variations were identified as well as multiple homozygous and compound heterozygous mutations in recessive genes that are likely influencing the infertility phenotypes observed in the patients.

  Study EGAS00001005417

• Patient-derived neuroblastoma model system OHC-NB1

  Accurate disease modeling presents a bottleneck against effective translation of novel neuroblastoma therapies into the clinic. Recently, considerable intra-tumor genetic heterogeneity has been observed in neuroblastoma, which calls for preclinical models that reflect this feature. Flexibility in a testing platform is also desirable to support assessment of different endpoints and tumor cell characteristics. We present the novel neuroblastoma model OHC-NB1, propagated from a bone marrow metastasis from a patient with INRG stage M, MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma at first diagnosis. To model different aspects of the disease, several preclinical models were developed from the bone marrow aspirate: a tissue plastic-adherent cell line, a 3-dimensional (3D) spheroid culture, and cell line-derived xenografts that were subcutaneously passaged in mice. Typical aspects of MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma, such as MYCN amplification in double minutes, 1p deletion, 17q gain, and a diploid karyotype, are present in OHC-NB1 and persist in all culture types. Whole exome sequencing revealed intra-tumor heterogeneity in the bone marrow metastasis reflected in the culture models. The set of OHC-NB1 cultures with a genetically heterogeneous MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma background provide a flexible preclinical testing system that recapitulates important features of metastatic neuroblastoma.

  Study EGAS00001003031

• Whole exome sequencing data of germline and two independent primary leukemias of five patients

  The contribution of genetic predisposing factors to the development of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), the most frequently diagnosed cancer in childhood, has not been fully elucidated. Children presenting with multiple de novo leukemias are more likely to suffer from genetic predisposition. Here, we selected five of these patients and analyzed the mutational spectrum of normal and malignant tissues. In two patients, we identified germline mutations in TYK2, a member of the JAK tyrosine kinase family. These mutations were located in two adjacent codons of the pseudokinase domain (p.Pro760Leu and p.Gly761Val). In silico modeling revealed that both mutations affect the conformation of this auto-regulatory domain. Consistent with this notion, both germline mutations promote TYK2 autophosphorylation and activate downstream STAT family members, which could be blocked with the JAK kinase inhibitor I. These data indicate that germline activating TYK2 mutations predispose to the development of ALL.

  Study EGAS00001001889