4075 results for "*geneti*"

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• Therapeutic Targeting of Ependymoma as Informed by Oncogenic Enhancer Profiling

  Genomic sequencing has driven precision-based oncology therapy; however, genetic drivers remain unknown or non-targetable for many malignancies, demanding alternative approaches to identify therapeutic leads. Ependymomas are chemotherapy-resistant brain tumours, which, despite genomic sequencing, lack effective molecular targets. Here, we mapped active chromatin landscapes in 42 primary ependymomas in two non-overlapping primary ependymoma cohorts. Enhancer regions revealed novel oncogenes, molecular targets, and pathways, which when subjected to small molecule inhibitor or shRNA treatment, increased survival and slowed proliferation in mouse and neurosphere patient-derived models of ependymomas. This study represents one of the largest enhancer mapping study of any cancer type to date, and provides a framework for target and drug discovery for other cancers recalcitrant to therapeutic development because of their lack of known genetic drivers.

  Study EGAS00001002696

• Engineering of a promoterless anti-viral RNAi hairpin into an endogenous miRNA locus

  Short hairpin RNA (shRNA) expression strategies that allow safe and persistent target mRNA knockdown are key to the success of many in vitro or in vivo RNAi applications. Here, we propose a novel solution which is expression of a promoterless miRNA-adapted shRNA (shmiRNA) from an engineered genomic miRNA locus. For proof-of-concept, we genetically “vaccinated” liver cells against a human pathogen, by using TALEns or CRISPR to integrate an anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) shmiRNA into the liver-specific miR-122/hcr gene. Reporter assays and qRT-PCR confirmed anti-HCV shmiRNA expression as well as miR-122 integrity and functionality. Specificity and safety of shmiRNA integration were validated via PCR, cDNA and miRNA profiling, and whole genome sequencing. A subgenomic HCV replicon and a full-length reporter virus, but not a Dengue virus control, were significantly impaired in the modified cells. Our original combination of DNA engineering and RNAi expression technologies should benefit numerous applications, from basic miRNA research, to human cell and gene therapy.

  Study EGAS00001001252

• HipSci HumanExome BeadChip analysis - monogenic diabetes

  The HipSci project brings together diverse constituents in genomics, proteomics, cell biology and clinical genetics to create a UK national iPS cell resource and use it to carry out cellular genetic studies. In this sub-study we performed Genotyping analysis using the Infinium HumanExome BeadChip on iPS cells generated from skin biopsies or blood samples from rare disease patients diagnosed with monogenic diabetes.

  Study EGAS00001001273

• Understanding_the_development_of_resident_memory_T_cells__Trm__in_the_human_small_intestine_using_integrative_multiomic_approaches__Adult_RNA

  Animal studies have demonstrated that resident memory T (Trm) cells provide enhanced protective responses to a broad array of tissue-tropic pathogens, thus making Trm cells promising targets for novel vaccination strategies. However, the biological pathways that enable the long-term survival of Trm cells are poorly understood in humans. Here, we will employ a unique human intestinal transplantation setting that allows us to study the retention of persistent T cells in the grafts and the temporal development of resident T-cell populations from recruited recipient T cells. We will integrate high resolution transcriptomics, epigenetics, proteomics and immune repertoire single-cell data from purified intestinal T cells. These single-cell multiomics approaches will uncover the diversity and differentiation of the T cell populations in the human intestine, allowing us to temporally resolve the generation and maintenance of gut resident T cells.

  Study EGAS00001008257

• The Druze analysis group

  To comprehensively characterize the genetic structure of the Druze population, we recruited and genotyped 40 parent-offspring trios from the Upper Galilee in Israel and the Golan Heights, attempting to capture different extended families (clans) across various geographical locations.

  Study EGAS00001000963

• Whole-exome sequencing of breast cancer metastasis and corresponding blood samples

  This study included samples from metastatic breast cancer patients who underwent a biopsy in the context of SAFIR01 (NCT01414933), SAFIR02 (NCT02299999), SHIVA (NCT01771458) and MOSCATO (NCT01566019) prospective trials. These French multicentre trials used high throughput genome analysis on fresh frozen tumor biopsies as a therapeutic decision tool for metastatic cancer patients, with solid cancers (SHIVA, MOSCATO) or specifically with breast cancer (SAFIR01, SAFIR02). All patients gave their informed consent for translational research and genetic analyses of their somatic DNA. Overall, whole-exome sequencing for a total of 216 pairs of metastatic tumor and unmutated DNA derived from corresponding blood samples was performed using Illumina technology. The results of the analysis of the mutational profile of metastatic breast cancer was reported in Lefebvre et al. (PMID:28027327).

  Study EGAS00001001695

• The demographic history and mutational load of African hunter-gatherers and farmers

  The distribution of deleterious genetic variation across human populations is a key issue in evolutionary biology and medical genetics. However, the impact of different modes of subsistence on recent changes in population size, patterns of gene flow, and deleterious mutational load remains unclear. Here, we report high-coverage exomes from various populations of rainforest hunter-gatherers and farmers from central Africa. We find that the recent demographic histories of hunter-gatherers and farmers differed considerably, with population collapses for hunter-gatherers and expansions for farmers, accompanied by increased gene flow. We show that purifying selection against newly arising deleterious alleles is of similar efficiency across African populations, in contrast with Europeans where we detect weaker purifying selection. Furthermore, the per-individual mutation load of rainforest hunter-gatherers is similar to that of farmers, under both additive and recessive models. Our results indicate that differences in the cultural practices and demographic regimes of African populations have not resulted in large differences in mutational burden, and highlight the beneficial role of gene flow in reshaping the distribution of deleterious genetic variation across human populations.

  Study EGAS00001002457

• Osteosarcoma_RNAseq

  We propose to definitively characterise the somatic genetics of Osteosarcoma cancer through generation of comprehensive catalogues of somatic mutations by high coverage genome and transcriptome sequencing.

  Study EGAS00001000615

• The Genomic Landscape of Response to EGFR Blockade in Colorectal Cancer

  Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer world-wide with 1.2 million patients diagnosed yearly. In late stage CRC, the most commonly used targeted therapies are monoclonal antibodies cetuximab and panitumumab, which inactivate EGFR. Recent studies have identified alterations in KRAS and other genes as likely mechanisms of primary and secondary resistance to anti-EGFR antibody therapy. Despite these efforts, additional mechanisms of resistance to EGFR blockade are thought to be present in CRC and little is known about determinants of sensitivity to this therapy. To examine the effect of somatic genetic changes in CRC on response to anti-EGFR antibody therapy, we performed complete exome sequence and copy number analyses of 129 patient-derived tumorgrafts and targeted genomic analyses of 55 patient tumors, all of which were KRAS wild-type. We analyzed the response of tumors to anti-EGFR antibody blockade in tumorgraft models or in clinical settings. In addition to previously identified genes, we detected mutations in ERBB2, EGFR, FGFR1, PDGFRA, and MAP2K1 as potential mechanisms of primary resistance to this therapy. Novel alterations in the ectodomain of EGFR were identified in patients with acquired resistance to EGFR blockade. Amplifications and sequence changes in the tyrosine kinase receptor adaptor gene IRS2 were identified in tumors with increased sensitivity to anti-EGFR therapy. Therapeutic resistance to EGFR blockade could be overcome in tumorgraft models through combinatorial therapies targeting actionable genes. These analyses provide a systematic approach to evaluate response to targeted therapies in human cancer, highlight new mechanisms of responsiveness to anti-EGFR therapies, and provide new avenues for intervention in the management of CRC.

  Study EGAS00001001305

• Comparison of HCC cell lines and primary HCCs

  There are concerns about whether cancer cell lines could faithfully represent the matched primary cancer cells. Comparison of the HCC cell lines and primary HCCs demonstrated that, during long-term in vitro culture, cell lines retain the genetic landscape of the matched primary HCCs.

  Study EGAS00001001678

• Telomerase activation by genomic rearrangements in high-risk neuroblastoma

  Neuroblastoma is a malignant pediatric tumor of the sympathetic nervous system1. Roughly half of these tumors regress spontaneously or are cured by limited therapy. By contrast, high-risk neuroblastomas have an unfavorable clinical course despite intensive multimodal treatment, and their molecular basis has remained largely elusive2-4. We have performed whole-genome sequencing of 56 neuroblastomas (high-risk, n=39; low-risk, n=17) and discovered recurrent genomic rearrangements affecting a chromosomal region (5p15.22) proximal of the telomerase reverse transcriptase gene (TERT). These rearrangements occurred only in high-risk neuroblastomas (12/39, 31%) in mutually exclusive fashion with MYCN amplifications and ATRX mutations, which are known genetic events in this tumor type1,2,5. In an extended case series (n=217), TERT rearrangements defined a subgroup of high-risk tumors with particularly poor outcome. Despite the large diversity of these rearrangements, they all induced massive transcriptional upregulation of TERT. In the remaining high-risk tumors, TERT expression was also elevated in MYCN-amplified tumors, whereas alternative lengthening of telomeres was present in neuroblastomas without TERT or MYCN alterations, suggesting that telomere lengthening represents a central mechanism defining this subtype. The 5p15.22 rearrangements juxtapose the TERT coding sequence to strong enhancer elements, resulting in massive chromatin remodeling and DNA methylation of the affected region. Supporting a functional role of TERT, neuroblastoma cells bearing rearrangements or amplified MYCN exhibited both upregulated TERT expression and enzymatic telomerase activity. In summary, our findings show that remodeling of the genomic context abrogates transcriptional silencing of TERT in high-risk neuroblastoma and places telomerase activation in the center of transformation in a large fraction of these tumors.

  Study EGAS00001001308

• Immunodeficiency syndrome caused by LCP1 mutations

  Severe congenital neutropenia (SCN) is characterized by neutropenia, recurrent infections and an increased leukemia risk. Multiple genetic defects underlying SCN have been identified, but a genetic diagnosis is still lacking in a significant proportion of patients. Here, we report three independent pedigrees with autosomal dominant variants in LCP1. Variants c.740-1G>T and c.740-20_744del resulted in the same alternatively spliced RNA product, causing an in-frame deletion (p.A247_E254del). Variant c.509C>T in the third pedigree resulted in p.S170L. Variant carriers suffer from neutropenia, poor or complete lack of response to G-CSF treatment, and variable degrees of lymphopenia. Patients with A247_E254del presented with tetraploid cells in the bone marrow, indicative of disturbed cytokinesis. In one of these kindreds, two individuals developed acute leukemia. G-CSF non-responsiveness and defective cell cycling were repaired upon correction of the LCP1 A247_E254del variant in patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells, supporting the monogenic origin of the disease. Indicative of their gain-of-function, both A247_E254del and S170L variants increased F-actin bundling and formation of abnormal protrusions. Single-cell transcriptome analysis of A247_E254del bone marrow-derived hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) showed deregulation of signaling pathways controlling mitosis in multi-lineage and lymphoid-primed HSPC subsets. We conclude that activating LCP1 variants cause a new autosomal dominant hematopoietic disorder. Depending on the consequences of the LCP1 variants for protein structure, patients may suffer from G-CSF refractory severe neutropenia, lymphopenia, defective cytokinesis and predisposition to leukemia.

  Study EGAS00001008293

• Chromatin profiles classify castration-resistant prostate cancers suggesting therapeutic targets

  Untreated prostate cancers rely on androgen receptor (AR) signaling for growth and survival, forming the basis for the initial efficacy of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). Yet, the disease can relapse and progress to a lethal stage termed castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Reactivation of AR signaling represents the most common driver of CRPC growth and next generation AR signaling inhibitors (ARSIs) are now used in combination with ADT as a first line therapy. However, ARSIs can result in selective pressure generating AR-independent tumors. The transition from AR-dependence frequently accompanies a change in phenotype resembling developmental trans-differentiation or ‘lineage plasticity’. Neuroendocrine prostate cancer, which lacks a defined pathologic classification, is the most studied type of lineage plasticity. However, most AR-null tumors do not exhibit neuroendocrine features and are classified as ‘double-negative prostate cancer’, the drivers of which are poorly defined. Lineage plasticity studies in CRPC are limited by the lack of genetically defined patient-derived models that recapitulate the disease spectrum. To address this, we developed a biobank of organoids generated from patient biopsies to study the landscape of metastatic CRPC and allow for functional validation assays. Proteins called transcription factors (TFs) are drivers of tumor lineage plasticity. To identify the key TFs that drive the growth of AR-independent tumors, we integrated epigenetic and transcriptomic data generated from CRPC models. By presenting a map of the chromatin accessibility and transcriptomic landscape of CRPC using a diverse biobank of organoids, PDXs and cell lines that recapitulate the heterogeneity of metastatic prostate cancer, we validate CRPC-AR and CRPC-NE subtypes and reveal two subtypes of AR-negative/low samples as well as their respective masterTFs. Additional analysis revealed a model in which YAP, TAZ, TEAD and AP-1 function together and drive oncogenic growth in CRPC-SCL samples. Overall, we show here how an approach to stratify CRPC patients into four subtypes using their transcriptomic signatures can potentially inform upon appropriate clinical decisions.

  Study EGAS00001006059

• High-throughput telomere length measurement at nucleotide resolution using the PacBio high fidelity sequencing platform

  Telomeres are specialized nucleoprotein structures at the ends of linear chromosomes that are essential for the stability as well as the complete replication of the human genome. The progressive shortening of steady-state telomere length in normal human somatic cells is a promising biomarker for age-associated diseases. However, there remain substantial challenges in quantifying telomere length in clinics and research laboratories due to the lack of accurate and high-throughput telomere length measurement method. Here, we describe a novel workflow to capture and analyze telomeres accurately at the single-nucleotide resolution. By using newly designed telobaits that are complementary to the single-stranded G-rich 3’ telomeric overhangs, we can specifically and efficiently capture full-length telomeres and subject them to single-molecule real-time (SMRT) sequencing. We show that the telomere length can be measured at nucleotide resolution using the PacBio high fidelity (HiFi) sequencing platform, which provides the necessary accuracy and throughput to uncover the steady-state telomere length distribution in human culture cell lines as well as clinical patient samples. This new method is a valuable tool not only in population-wide epidemiology studies but also for the longitudinal assessment of telomere attrition in individuals. Our results also reveal the extreme heterogeneity of telomeric variant sequences (TVSs) that is dispersed throughout the telomere repeat region. Importantly, the unique distribution pattern and sequence of TVSs in individuals may be used as a fingerprint for sample identification. In addition, the presence of TVSs disrupts the continuity of the canonical (5’-TTAGGG-3’)n telomere repeats, which could affect the binding of shelterin complexes at the chromosomal ends. Therefore, TVSs may act as a form of genetic polymorphisms that impairs telomere protection. Together with the absolute telomere length in each individual, TVSs may have profound implications in human aging and diseases.

  Study EGAS00001006103

• Microsatellite data show recent demographic expansions in sedentary but not in nomadic human populations in Africa and Eurasia.

  The transition from hunting and gathering to plant and animal domestication was one of the most important cultural and technological revolutions in human history. According to archeologists and paleoanthropologists, this transition triggered major demographic expansions. However, few genetic studies have found traces of Neolithic expansions in the current repartition of genetic polymorphism, pointing rather toward Paleolithic expansions. Here, we used microsatellite autosomal data to investigate the past demographic history of 87 African and Eurasian human populations with contrasted lifestyles (nomadic hunter-gatherers, semi-nomadic herders and sedentary farmers). Likely due to the combination of a higher mutation rate and the possibility to analyze several loci as independent replicates of the coalescent process, the analysis of microsatellite data allowed us to infer more recent expansions than previous genetic studies, potentially resulting from the Neolithic transition. Despite the variability in their location and environment, we found consistent expansions for all sedentary farmers, while we inferred constant population sizes for all hunter-gatherers and most herders, which could result from constraints linked to a nomadic or semi-nomadic lifestyle and/or competition for land between herders and farmers. As an exception, we inferred expansions for Central Asian herders. This might be linked with the arid environment of this area, which may have been more favorable to nomadic herders than to sedentary farmers. Alternatively, current Central Asian herders may descent from populations who have first experienced a transition from hunter-gathering to sedentary agropastoralism, and then a second transition to nomadic herding.

  Study EGAS00001000652

• Metastatic_Breast_Cancer_Whole_Genome

  We propose to definitively characterise the somatic genetics of Metastatic breast cancer through generation of comprehensive catalogues of somatic mutations in Metastatic breast cancer cases by high coverage genome sequencing coupled with integrated transcriptomic and methylation analyses.

  Study EGAS00001000902

• Independent development of lymphoid and histiocytic malignancies from a shared early precursor

  Recent reports have described lineage flexibility in patients with recurrent hematologic malignancies. We encountered a boy with T-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia, non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis and histiocytic sarcoma. All tumors showed identical T-cell receptor rearrangements, but SNP arrays and whole exome sequencing revealed unique aberrations in each tumor. From the genetic data we conclude that the tumors were derived from a precursor cell with lineage plasticity for both lymphoid and myeloid development. From this precursor cell, the tumors evolved with independent genetic progression in a non-linear manner.

  Study EGAS00001001353

• Genetics and transcriptomes of pediatric B cell precursor leukemia with gain of chromosome 21

  Down syndrome (DS, constitutive trisomy 21) children have a 27-fold increased risk of developing B-ALL (DS-ALL), face a worse outcome due to treatment-related morbidities, and an increased rate of relapses compared to other children. This highlights the need to better understand the mechanisms of DS-associated leukemogenesis to develop more adapted treatment. In this study, we characterized the genetic and transcriptomic landscapes of DS-ALL and found a high incidence of somatic mutations leading to RAS/MAPK pathway activation in DS-ALL, as seen in other pediatric B-ALL presenting somatic gains of the chromosome 21 (B-ALL+21).

  Study EGAS00001003760

• Molecular_QTLs_of_Human_umbilical_vein_endothelial_cells__HUVECs_

  We aim to characterise the range of phenotypic variation in gene expression, epigenetic regulation and intermediate functional phenotypes and its underlying genetic determinants in primary Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) samples We will measure gene expression by RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), genome functionality by ATAC-sequencing (ATAC-seq, to determine which regions are in an open chromatin state) and by determining H3 lysine 27acetylation (H3K27ac), a marker of active transcriptional enhancers, localisation genome wide by chromatin immunoprecipitation coupled with sequencing (ChIP-seq).

  Study EGAS00001006208

• Exome Sequencing to Define the Landscape of Plasma Cells in Systemic Light chain Amyloidosis

  Systemic light chain amyloidosis (AL) is characterized by the deposition of immunoglobulin light chains as amyloid fibrils in different organs, where they form toxic protein aggregates. The underlying disease is a plasma cell disorder, but limited whole exome data are available. We report the findings of an exome sequencing study in AL to define a plasma cell signature and compare this to monoclonal gammopathy of undefined significance (MGUS) and myeloma (MM). Twenty-four samples from unselected newly diagnosed untreated AL patients were analysed. CD138+ cells were isolated from bone marrow cells using MACSorting (Miltenyi Biotech, Bisley, UK). Cells were lysed in RLT+ buffer and DNA/RNA extracted using the AllPrep kit (Qiagen, Manchester, UK). Peripheral blood was isolated from patients, white blood cells purified by Ficoll-Pacque and DNA extracted using the QIAamp DNA mini kit (Qiagen). There were a median of 47 acquired nonsynonymous variants (range 4-253) per patient. Thirty percent of patients yielded a mutation in a myeloma driver gene. These mutations were either clonal or sub-clonal. There was evidence of MAPK activation with NRAS mutations, NF-κB activation and DNA repair pathway alterations. Exome data were used to determine the cytogenetic groups of AL samples and identified hyperdiploidy in 33% of cases and t(11;14) in 33% of cases. All translocations were generated via class switch recombination and breakpoints on chromosome 11 fell into the expected regions. A novel translocation, unlikely to be driving disease progression was identified involving RCC1. Finally, further analysis of the APCS gene encoding for the SAP protein did not show any biased genotype in the AL population in comparison to the general population. We conclude that exome sequencing identifies a genetic make-up of AL that is similar to other plasma cell disorders such as MM and MGUS. This not only includes copy number abnormalities and translocations but also nonsynonymous mutations.

  Study EGAS00001001418

• Trans-ethnic genome-wide association study identifies 12 genetic loci influencing blood pressure and implicates a role for DNA methylation

  We carried out a trans-ethnic genome-wide association and replication study of blood pressure phenotypes amongst up to 320,251 individuals of East Asian, European and South Asian ancestry. We find genetic variants at 12 novel loci to be associated with blood pressure (P=3.9x10-11 to P=5.0x10-21). The sentinel blood pressure SNPs are enriched for association with DNA methylation at multiple nearby CpG sites, suggesting that at some of the loci identified DNA methylation may lie on the regulatory pathway linking sequence variation to blood pressure. The sentinel SNPs at the 12 novel loci point to genes involved in vascular smooth muscle (IGFBP3, KCNK3, PDE3A and PRDM6) and renal (ARHGAP24, OSR1, SLC22A7, TBX2) function. The novel and known genetic variants predict increased left ventricular mass, circulating levels of NT-proBNP, cardiovascular and all-cause mortality (P=0.04 to 8.6x10-6). Our results provide new evidence for the role of DNA methylation in blood pressure regulation.

  Study EGAS00001001427

• Spatial Omics Resolves Adrenergic and Mesenchymal Cell States in Neuroblastoma

  Neuroblastoma is a pediatric cancer arising from the developing sympathoadrenal lineage. Although cell lines derived from neuroblastoma patients have features of either adrenergic (ADRN) or mesenchymal (MES) cells, identifying MES cells in patient tumors is challenging and controversial. Here, to characterize intra- and inter-patient cellular heterogeneity, we analyze 54 neuroblastoma tumors spanning broad clinical, genetic, and histologic features using single-cell/single-nucleus RNA-sequencing (sc/snRNA-seq), bulk RNA-sequencing, spatial transcriptomics, and spatial proteomics. We show that tumor cells occupy distinct cellular neighborhoods separated from nonmalignant immune and stromal cells, yet established cell line-derived gene expression signatures fail to identify MES neuroblastoma cells. We therefore develop ADRN/MES signatures from early passage orthotopic patient-derived xenografts, enabling identification of MES tumor cells, validated by transcriptomic, epigenomic, proteomic, ultrastructural and functional assays. In patients, high MES gene expression correlates with worse event-free and overall survival. Together, this study provides a framework for defining clinically relevant neuroblastoma cell states.

  Study EGAS00001008537

• CD8+ T-cell exhaustion induced by leukemic cells drives progression in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

  In order to shed light on mechanisms that lead to CLL progression, we investigated longitudinal changes in both the genetic and immunological landscapes. For that, we analyzed paired samples obtained from CLL patients at diagnosis and progression before front-line treatment or at diagnosis and long-term asymptomatic follow-up. By whole-exome sequencing (WES), we found that CLL cells displayed limited genetic evolution at progression. Conversely, T cells from progressing patients showed significant immunophenotypical and transcriptional changes over time not observed in patients that did not progress. Specifically, we found that CD8+ T cells at progression were characterized by an increasing terminally exhausted effector phenotype (T-betdim/- Eomeshi PD1hi) with high co-expression of inhibitory receptors (PD1, CD244 and CD160). This exhausted status in CD8+ T cells was induced by progressing leukemic cells mainly through a mechanism dependent on soluble factors, including IL-10. Thus, we demonstrate that immunological changes are of paramount importance for CLL clinical progression, thereby providing a rationale for the use of early immunotherapeutic intervention in this disease.

  Study EGAS00001004116

• GoT2D: Genetics of Type 2 Diabetes, a study of the the genetic architecture of type 2 diabetes using low pass whole genome sequencing and high density SNP genotyping in 2,657 individuals.

  The Genetics of Type 2 Diabetes Consortium (GoT2D) is a collaboration between the University of Michigan, the Broad Institute and the Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics. The overall aim is to extend upon recent efforts, such as genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and large scale meta-analyses. While they have proved successful at mapping genomic loci that influence human diseases, like type 2 diabetes, much of the heritability remains unexplained. In this study, we use next generation sequencing and genotyping technologies to query for lower frequency variants in the human genome. Thereby, allowing a deeper characterization of the spectrum of alleles associated with type 2 diabetes risk, and a better assessment of the genes that play a role in the etiology of type 2 diabetes development. We studied 1,326 T2D cases and 1,331 normoglycemic controls from Northern and Central Europe (Sweden, Finland, UK, and Germany). To efficiently characterize the entire genome sequence of each individual, we performed low-coverage (~5x) whole-genome sequencing, augmented by deep coverage (~100x) sequencing of the exome, and dense (2.5M) single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping using the HumanOmni2.5 array. The data deposited in EGA will include all the Swedish, Finnish, UK, and German samples.

  Study EGAS00001001459

• Inherited damaging mutations in immune-related genes favour the development of genetically heterogeneous synchronous colorectal cancer.

  Synchronous colorectal cancers are physically separated tumours that develop simultaneously in the intestine. To understand how common genetic and environmental backgrounds influence the development of multiple tumours, we conduct a genome-wide comparative analysis of somatic alterations of 20 syCRCs from 10 patients. We show that syCRCs have independent genetic origins, acquire discordant somatic alterations, and follow different clonal developments.

  Study EGAS00001001461

• Succession Of Transiently Active Tumour-Initiating Cell Clones inHuman Pancreatic Cancer

  To elucidate whether newly acquired genetic alterations during serial transplantation of patient derived primary pancreatic cancer cultures contribute to the observed clonal dynamics in vivo, all coding genes of two patient derived primary cultures and derived genetically marked serial xenografts (1°/2°/3°) were sequenced.

  Study EGAS00001000882

• Cystic fibrosis multi-omics study

  Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disorder affecting approximately 1 in 2,500 people in the UK. Here, we generated a number of high-throughput sequence data sets for monocytes and neutrophils from CF patients and matched healthy volunteers (HV); including ChIP-Seq (H3K27Ac), chromatin accessibility (ATAC-Seq), and transcript/gene expression (RNA-Seq) data. Analysis of gene expression and epigenetic profiles demonstrates a robust innate immune gene expression profile that distinguishes CF and HV during periods of disease exacerbation. Upregulation of pathways responsible for the production of proinflammatory cytokines is described.

  Study EGAS00001006421

• Molecular_QTLs_of_Human_umbilical_vein_endothelial_cells__HUVECs__

  We aim to characterise the range of phenotypic variation in gene expression, epigenetic regulation and intermediate functional phenotypes and its underlying genetic determinants in primary Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) samples We will measure gene expression by RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), genome functionality by ATAC-sequencing (ATAC-seq, to determine which regions are in an open chromatin state) and by determining H3 lysine 27acetylation (H3K27ac), a marker of active transcriptional enhancers, localisation genome wide by chromatin immunoprecipitation coupled with sequencing (ChIP-seq).

  Study EGAS00001006476

• 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

• Chromatin_accessability_in_cytokine_induced_immune_cell_states

  We isolated T cells and monocotyes from healthy platelet donors and cultured them in resting and stimulated conditions with addition of a range of cytokines. We performed ATAC sequencing to assess the chromatin accessability in different cytokines treated cells. These cellular profiles were used to map risk variants to the cytokine-induced cell states relevant for autoimmune diseases.

  Study EGAS00001003501

• HipSci - Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Initiative

  Human induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells can be generated from adult tissues and differentiated into a range of specific cell types (Yamanaka and Blau, 2010). They therefore provide unprecedented opportunities for investigating disease mechanisms and understanding the phenotypic consequences of genetic variation within the normal population. HipSci brings together diverse constitutents in genomics, proteomics, cell biology and clinical genetics to create a UK national iPS cell resource and use it to carry out cellular genetic studies. Between 2013 and 2016 we aim to generate iPS cells from over 500 healthy individuals and 500 individuals with genetic disease. We will then use these cells to discover how genomic variation impacts on cellular phenotype and identify new disease mechanisms. Strong links with NHS investigators will ensure that studies on the disease-associated cell lines will be linked to extensive clinical information. Further key features of the project are an open access model of data sharing; engagement of the wider clinical genetics community in selecting patient samples; and provision of dedicated laboratory space for collaborative cell phenotyping and differentiation.

  Study EGAS00001001465

• Whole_genome_sequencing_in_a_multiplex_Crohn_s_disease_family

  In 2009 we identified a four-generation family with over 700 members and 41 affected with Crohn's disease (CD). At the time we sequenced the exome of 6 affected individuals but did not identify any coding variants which appear to explain the high prevalence of disease. Since then we have collected DNA from a large number of additional family members, genotyped linkage arrays on the entire family to refine genomic regions shared by identity by descent and genotyped affected and unaffected members at known CD risk loci identified by Genome Wide Association Studies (GWAS). These analyses have confirmed that a significant unexplained excess of disease remains after accounting for all known genetic factors, and that several regions of the genome are shared by a large fraction of affected individuals. We therefore perform whole genomes sequencing from 8 individuals which will allow us to impute the complete sequence of nearly all the members of the two largest and most severely affected branches of the family.

  Study EGAS00001000060

• Long-read sequencing of diagnosis and post-therapy medulloblastoma reveals complex rearrangement patterns and epigenetic signatures

  Cancer genomes harbor a broad spectrum of structural variants (SV) driving tumorigenesis, a relevant subset of which are likely to escape discovery in short reads. We employed Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) sequencing in a paired diagnostic and post-therapy medulloblastoma to unravel the haplotype-resolved somatic genetic and epigenetic landscape. We assemble complex rearrangements and such associated with telomeric sequences, including a 1.55 Megabasepair chromothripsis event. We uncover a complex SV pattern termed "templated insertion thread", characterized by short (mostly less than 1kb) insertions showing prevalent self-concatenation into highly amplified structures of up to 50kbp in size. Templated insertion threads occur in 3% of cancers, with a prevalence ranging to 74% in liposarcoma, and frequent colocalization with chromothripsis. We also perform long-read based methylome profiling and discover allele-specific methylation (ASM) effects, complex rearrangements exhibiting differential methylation, and differential promoter methylation in seven cancer-driver genes. Our study shows the potential of long-read sequencing in cancer.

  Study EGAS00001006576

• Whole genome sequencing (bam files) of 5 samples of myxofibrosarcoma and 5 matched pairs

  Myxofibrosarcoma (MFS) is a rare subtype of sarcomas in the elderly, whose genetic basis is poorly understood. To elucidate it, the whole genome sequence was performed.

  Study EGAS00001005444

• HipSci Illumina 450K Methylation analysis-Rare_BBS

  The HipSci project brings together diverse constituents in genomics, proteomics, cell biology and clinical genetics to create a UK national iPS cell resource and use it to carry out cellular genetic studies. In this sub-study we performed Methylation analysis using the Infinium HumanMethylation450 BeadChip on iPS cells generated from skin biopsies or blood samples from rare disease patients diagnosed with Bardet-Biedl syndrome.

  Study EGAS00001001274

• HipSci HumanHT 12v4 Expression BeadChip analysis-Rare_BBS

  The HipSci project brings together diverse constituents in genomics, proteomics, cell biology and clinical genetics to create a UK national iPS cell resource and use it to carry out cellular genetic studies. In this sub-study we performed Expression analysis using the Illumina HumanHT -12 Expression BeadChip on iPS cells generated from skin biopsies or blood samples from rare disease patients diagnosed with Bardet-Biedl syndrome.

  Study EGAS00001001276

• Genetic characterization patients affected by Cancer of Unknown Primary

  The genetic changes sustaining the development of human Cancers of Unknown Primary (CUP) remain elusive. Here we report the genomic profiling of 14 rigorously selected CUP samples. Although no specific recurring mutation in known driver genes was found, a comparison of the mutational landscape of CUPs with that of most other human tumor types revealed a consistent change in diverse genes belonging to the axon guidance KEGG pathway.

  Study EGAS00001006621

• Capturing sex-specific and infertility-linked effects of assisted reproductive technologies on the cord blood DNA methylome

  Background: Children conceived through assisted reproduction are at an increased risk for growth and genomic imprinting disorders, often linked to DNA methylation defects. It has been suggested that assisted reproductive technologies (ART) and the underlying parental infertility can induce epigenetic instability, specifically interfering with DNA methylation reprogramming events during germ cell and preimplantation development. To date, human studies exploring the association between ART and DNA methylation defects report inconsistent or inconclusive results, likely due to population heterogeneity and the use of technologies with limited coverage of the epigenome. In our study, we explore the epigenetic risk of ART by comprehensively profiling the DNA methylome of 73 human cord blood samples from singleton pregnancies (n=36 control group, n=37 ART/infertility group) from a human prospective longitudinal birth cohort, the Design, Develop, Discover (3D) Study using a high resolution sequencing based custom capture panel that interrogates over 2.4 million autosomal CpGs in the genome. Results: the main findings We identified striking sex-specific effects of ART on cord blood DNA methylation patterning both genome-wide and for imprinted genes. When compared to less invasive procedures such as in utero insemination, more invasive ARTs (IVF, ICSI, embryo culture) resulted in more marked and distinct effects on the cord blood DNA methylome, including targeting of loci involved in development. Background: Children conceived through assisted reproduction are at an increased risk for growth and genomic imprinting disorders, often linked to DNA methylation defects. It has been suggested that assisted reproductive technologies (ART) and the underlying parental infertility can induce epigenetic instability, specifically interfering with DNA methylation reprogramming events during germ cell and preimplantation development. To date, human studies exploring the association between ART and DNA methylation defects report inconsistent or inconclusive results, likely due to population heterogeneity and the use of technologies with limited coverage of the epigenome. In our study, we explore the epigenetic risk of ART by comprehensively profiling the DNA methylome of 73 human cord blood samples from singleton pregnancies (n=36 control group, n=37 ART/infertility group) from a human prospective longitudinal birth cohort, the Design, Develop, Discover (3D) Study, using a high resolution sequencing based custom capture panel that interrogates over 2.4 million autosomal CpGs in the genome. Results: We identified striking sex-specific effects of ART on cord blood DNA methylation patterning both genome-wide and for imprinted genes. When compared to less invasive procedures such as in utero insemination, more invasive ARTs (in vitro fertilization (IVF), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), embryo culture) resulted in more marked and distinct effects on the cord blood DNA methylome, including targeting of loci involved in development. Conclusions: Our study highlights the ability of a sensitive, targeted, sequencing based approach to uncover DNA methylation perturbations in cord blood associated with infertility and ART and influenced by offspring sex and ART technique invasiveness.

  Study EGAS00001006643

• Revealing active mutational processes in tumours using DigiPico/MutLX at unprecedented accuracy

  Active mutational processes in a tumor result in genetic micro-heterogeneity that can determine the tumor’s evolutionary trajectory. Identification of these processes by studying micro-heterogeneity can unveil novel aspects of tumor evolution with potential therapeutic implications. Such studies, however, are inherently problematic because of the discovery of excessive false positive mutations. Here we report the optimization and validation of a robust whole genome sequencing and analysis pipeline (DigiPico/MutLX) that virtually eliminates false positive results. Using our method, we identified, for the first time, a sub-clonal local hyper-mutation (kataegis) event in a recurrent ovarian carcinoma, which was unidentifiable from the bulk WGS data of the same tumor. Overall, we propose DigiPico/MutLX method as a powerful framework for the reliable study of genetic micro-heterogeneity in tumor and normal tissues.

  Study EGAS00001003555

• UK10K COHORT ALSPAC

  The UK10K project proposes a series of complementary genetic approaches to find new low-frequency/rare variants contributing to disease phenotypes. These will be based on obtaining the genome-wide sequence of 4000 samples from the TwinsUK and ALSPAC cohorts (at 6x sequence coverage), and the exome sequence (protein-coding regions and related conserved sequence) of 6000 samples selected for extreme phenotypes. Our studies will focus primarily on cardiovascular-related quantitative traits, obesity and related metabolic traits, neurodevelopmental disorders and a limited number of extreme clinical phenotypes that will provide proof-of-concept for future familial trait sequencing. We will directly analyse quantitative traits in the cohorts and the selected traits in the extreme samples, and also use imputation down to 0.1% allele frequency to extend the analyses to further sample sets with genome wide genotype data. In each case we will investigate indels and larger structural variants as well as SNPs, and use statistical methods that combine rare variants in a locus or pathway as well as single-variant approaches. The Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) is a two-generation prospective study. Pregnant women living in one of three health districts in the former county of Avon with an expected delivery date between April 1991 and December 1992 were eligible to be enrolled in the study, and this formed the initial point of contact for the development of a large, family based resource. Information has been collected on the children and the mothers through retrieval of biological materials (e.g. antenatal blood samples, placentas), biological sampling (e.g. collection of cord blood, umbilical cord, milk teeth, hair, toenails, blood and urine), self-administered questionnaires, data extraction from medical notes, linkage to routine information systems and at repeat research clinics.

  Study EGAS00001000090

• Data containing genome-wide SNP data from Northwestern Amazonia

  Provide new insights about the population history of NWA and identify the impact of intense population contact on patterns of genetic variation

  Study EGAS00001006767

• DERMATLAS__SG_basal_cell_adenoma_and_adenocarcinoma_RNAseq

  Virtually no other tumour type is associated with so many different forms as skin cancer. Histologically, tumours of the skin may arise from epithelium, including epidermis, hair follicle, sebaceous or sweat gland, melanocytes, dermal-associated mesenchymal structures or tissue resident immune cells, making for a diversity of clinical presentations. Importantly, many skin tumour types have an extremely poor prognosis. Many skin tumour subtypes have never undergone molecular profiling, or if they have, targeted sequencing has been used and the number of cases analyzed has been so limited that deriving firm conclusions about the profile of driver genes, DNA mutational signatures and germline alleles has not been possible For 70 key skin tumour subtypes defined by the World Health Organization, that have not undergone extensive genetic analysis previoulsy, we propose to perform whole exome and transcriptome sequencing, from a range of body sites, to build a genomic atlas of dermatological tumours, including detailed maps of SNVs, copy number alterations, genome-wide methylation and expression profiles. The cases in this cohort are SG basal cell adenomas and adenocarcinomas.

  Study EGAS00001007746

• Exome_sequencing_of_a_Novel_Primary_T_Cell_Immunodeficiency_Kindred

  Primary T cell immunodeficiency disorders are genetically heterogenous. Mutations in genes required for specific stages of T cell development within the thymus can lead to reduced numbers of circulating T cells. On the hand, T cells may not egress from the thymus normally leading to profound T cell lymphopenia. As a result, patients with these disorders succumb to a range of severe opportunisitic infections unless allogeneic transplantation is performed. We wish to whole exome sequence a Caucasian family in which the index case shows features of impaired T cell egress from the thymus. Importantly, known genes implicated in T cell immunodeficiency including CORO1A have been seqeuenced and found to normal in this individual.

  Study EGAS00001000099

• UK10K NEURO ASD SKUSE

  In the UK10K project we propose a series of complementary genetic approaches to find new low frequency/rare variants contributing to disease phenotypes. These will be based on obtaining the genome wide sequence of 4000 samples from the TwinsUK and ALSPAC cohorts (at 6x sequence coverage), and the exome sequence (protein coding regions and related conserved sequence) of 6000 samples selected for extreme phenotypes. Our studies will focus primarily on cardiovascular-related quantitative traits, obesity and related metabolic traits, neurodevelopmental disorders and a limited number of extreme clinical phenotypes that will provide proof-of-concept for future familial trait sequencing. We will analyse directly quantitative traits in the cohorts and the selected traits in the extreme samples, and also use imputation down to 0.1% allele frequency to extend the analyses to further sample sets with genome wide genotype data. In each case we will investigate indels and larger structural variants as well as SNPs, and use statistical methods that combine rare variants in a locus or pathway as well as single-variant approaches. This sample set of UK origin consists of clinically identified subjects with Autism Spectrum Disorders, mostly without intellectual disability (ie. Verbal IQs >70). The subjects represent children and adults with Autism, Asperger syndrome or Atypical Autism, identified according to standardized research criteria (ADI-algorithm, ADOS). A minority has identified comorbid neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g. ADHD). Family histories are available, with measures of broader phenotype in first-degree relatives.For further information on this cohort please contact David Skuse (d.skuse@ucl.ac.uk).

  Study EGAS00001000114

• HipSci RNA sequencing for embryonic stem cell control lines

  The HipSci project brings together diverse constituents in genomics, proteomics, cell biology and clinical genetics to create a UK national iPS cell resource and use it to carry out cellular genetic studies. In this sub-study we perform RNA sequencing on commercially available embryonic stem cell lines as control samples against which to compare HipSci's iPS cell lines.

  Study EGAS00001001727

• Genomic analysis reveals novel secondary drivers and progression pathways in skin basal cell carcinoma

  Basal cell carcinoma of the skin (BCC) is the most common malignant neoplasm in humans. BCC is primarily driven by the aberrant activation of the Sonic Hedgehog (Hh) pathway. However, its extensive phenotypical variation remains to be explained. The genetic profiling of 293 BCCs revealed the highest mutation rate observed in cancer (65 Mutations/Mb), with strong prevalence of UV-light signature mutations. 85% of BCCs harbored mutations in Hh pathway genes: mutually exclusive PTCH1 (73%) and SMO (20%) (P=6.6x10-8), SUFU (8%), and in TP53 (61%). 85% of BCCs also harbored secondary driver mutations in other genes implicated in BCC tumorigenesis. Recurrent secondary driver mutations were observed in MYCN (30%), PPP6C (15%), STK19 (10%), LATS1 (8%), ERBB2 (4%), PIK3CA (2%), RAC1 (1%) and N/K/H-RAS (2%). Loss of function (LoF) and deleterious missense mutations were observed in PTPN14 (23%), RB1 (8%) and FBXW7 (5%). In line with the mutational profiles detected by RNAseq, we observed activation of the Hh pathway as well as upregulation of target genes of the Hippo-YAP pathway and activation of MYCN target genes. The functional analysis of the novel tumorigenic driver mutations in MYCN, PTPN14 and LATS1 demonstrates their relevance in BCC tumorigenesis and provides an expanded molecular understanding of BCC.

  Study EGAS00001001540

• APCDR Uganda GWAS: Genome-wide sequence variation and susceptibility loci for cardiometabolic traits in a sub-Saharan African population (UGWAS component)

  Genomic studies in African populations provide unique opportunities to understand disease aetiology, human genetic diversity and population history in a regional and a global context. To leverage the relative benefits of different strategies, we undertook a combined approach of genotyping and whole-genome sequencing (WGS) in a population-based study of 6,400 individuals from a geographically defined rural community in South-West Uganda. We present data from 4,778 individuals with genotypes for ~2.2 million SNPs from the Uganda GWAS resource (UGWAS), and sequence data on up to 1,978 individuals spanning 41.5M SNPs and 4.5M indels (UG2G); 343 individuals overlap between the two datasets. We highlight the value of the largest sequence panel from Africa to date as a global resource for variant discovery, imputation and understanding the mutational spectrum and its clinical relevance in African populations. Alongside phenotype data, we provide a rich new genomic resource for researchers in Africa and globally.

  Study EGAS00001001558

• Prenatal lead exposure is associated with decreased cord blood DNA methylation of the glycoprotein VI gene involved in platelet activation and thrombus formation

  Early-life lead exposure impairs neurodevelopment and later exposure affects the cardiovascular system. Lead has been associated with reduced global 5-methylcytosine DNA methylation, suggesting that lead toxicity acts through epigenetic mechanisms. The objective of this study is to clarify how early life lead exposure alters DNA methylation of specific genes, using an epigenomic approach. We measured lead concentrations in urine (gestational week, GW, 8) and erythrocytes (GW 14), using ICP-MS, for 127 pregnant mothers recruited in the MINIMat food and supplementation cohort in rural Bangladesh. Cord blood DNA methylation was analyzed with the Infinium HumanMethylation450K BeadChip and top sites were validated by methylation-sensitive high-resolution melt curve analysis. Maternal urinary lead concentrations (divided into quartiles) showed significant (after adjustment for FDR) inverse associations with methylation at nine CpGs. Three of these sites were in the 5’ end, including the promoter, of glycoprotein IV (GP6); cg18355337 (q=0.029, β=-0.30), cg25818583 (q=0.041, β=-0.18) and cg23796967 (q=0.047, β=-0.17). The methylation in another CpG site in GP6 was close to significant (cg05374025, q=0.057, β=-0.23). The erythrocyte lead concentrations (divided into quartiles) were also inversely associated with CpG methylation in GP6, although this was not statistically significant after FDR-adjustments. Eight CpG sites in GP6 constituted a differentially methylated region in relation to urinary lead (p=0.005, q=0.48) and erythrocyte lead (p=0.007, q=0.46). In conclusion, we found that moderate prenatal lead exposure appear to epigenetically affect GP6, a key component of platelet aggregation and thrombus formation, suggesting a novel link between early lead exposure and cardiovascular disease later in life.

  Study EGAS00001001575

• UK10K_RARE_CILIOPATHIES

  In the UK10K project we propose a series of complementary genetic approaches to find new low frequency/rare variants contributing to disease phenotypes. These will be based on obtaining the genome wide sequence of 4000 samples from the TwinsUK and ALSPAC cohorts (at 6x sequence coverage), and the exome sequence (protein coding regions and related conserved sequence) of 6000 samples selected for extreme phenotypes. Our studies will focus primarily on cardiovascular-related quantitative traits, obesity and related metabolic traits, neurodevelopmental disorders and a limited number of extreme clinical phenotypes that will provide proof-of-concept for future familial trait sequencing. We will analyse directly quantitative traits in the cohorts and the selected traits in the extreme samples, and also use imputation down to 0.1% allele frequency to extend the analyses to further sample sets with genome wide genotype data. In each case we will investigate indels and larger structural variants as well as SNPs, and use statistical methods that combine rare variants in a locus or pathway as well as single-variant approaches. The Ciliopathies samples will be part of the rare disease group, and will undergo exome sequencing. For further information with regard to this cohort please contact Phil Beales (p.beales@ich.ucl.ac.uk).

  Study EGAS00001000126

• DNA methylation atlas of normal human cell types

  DNA methylation is a fundamental epigenetic mark that governs chromatin organization, cell identity, and gene expression. Here we describe a human methylome atlas, based on deep whole-genome bisulfite sequencing allowing fragment-level analysis across thousands of unique markers for 39 cell types sorted from 205 healthy tissue samples. Replicates of the same cell-type are >99.5% identical, demonstrating robustness of cell identity programs to genetic variation and environmental perturbation. Unsupervised clustering of the atlas recapitulates key elements of tissue ontogeny, and identifies methylation patterns retained since gastrulation. Loci uniquely unmethylated in an individual cell type often reside in transcriptional enhancers and contain DNA binding sites for tissue-specific transcriptional regulators. Uniquely hyper-methylated loci are rare and are enriched for CpG islands, polycomb targets, and CTCF binding sites, suggesting a novel role in shaping cell type-specific chromatin looping. The atlas provides an essential resource for interpretation of disease-associated genetic variants, and a wealth of potential tissue-specific biomarkers for use in liquid biopsies.

  Study EGAS00001006791