4014 results for "*geneti*"

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• UK10K_RARE_SIR

  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 SIR (Severe Insulin Resistance) samples are part of the “rare disease” group, and will undergo exome sequencing. For further information with regard to this cohort please contact Robert Semple (rks16@cam.ac.uk).

  Study EGAS00001000130

• Genetic_factors_underlying_premature_coronary_heart_disease_in_patients_with_normal_coronary_arteries

  The study will analyse by exome sequencing 42 Greek patients with premature MI and no vessel disease to identify genetic factors underlying this condition.

  Study EGAS00001000133

• HipSci_RNASEQ_PID

  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 RNAseq on iPS lines from Platelet and bleeding disorders patients

  Study EGAS00001001990

• HipSci_RNASEQ_Alport

  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 RNAseq on iPS lines from Alport syndrome patients.

  Study EGAS00001001986

• Whole_exome_sequencing_of_rare_autoimmune_related_phenotypes

  We aim to whole-exome sequence DNA samples from 75 individuals with severe forms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease and related autoimmune diseases to identify the rare, highly penetrant, variants that we believe underlie these phenotypes. Case samples will be obtained from both new and existing (UK IBD Genetics Consortium) collaborators to ensure only the most extreme cases are sequenced.

  Study EGAS00001000228

• Genetic determinants of glycated hemoglobin levels in the Greenlandic Inuit population

  We recently showed that a common genetic variant leads to a remarkably increased risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D) in the small and historically isolated Greenlandic population. Motivated by this, we aimed at investigating the genetic determinants for glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C). We found no novel associations but saw that for 10 out of 15 known HbA1C loci that the effects in Greenlandic Inuit were similar to previously reported. One locus, ANK1, showed a significant ancestral population specific effect. Our results shed light on the genetics effects across ethnicites.

  Study EGAS00001002641

• An Unusual Genomic Variant of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma with an Indolent Clinical Course

  We describe a patient with biopsy-proven locally advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) who underwent a modified course of gemcitabine and stereotactic body radiation therapy. Whole exome sequencing of this patient's tumor revealed a simple genome landscape with no evidence of mutations, copy number changes, or structural alterations in genes most commonly associated with PDA, i.e. KRAS, CDKN2A, TP53 or SMAD4. An analysis of germline DNA revealed no pathogenic variants of significance. Whole exome and whole genome sequencing identified a somatic mutation of RNF213 and an inversion/deletion of CTNNA2 as the genetic basis of this PDA. Although PDA is classically characterized by a predictable set of mutations, these data suggest that alternate genetic paths to PDA may exist, which can be associated with a more indolent clinical course.

  Study EGAS00001002192

• Molecular subtypes of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors mutated in MEN1/DAXX/ ATRX explain biological variability

  Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors (PanNETs) most probably arise from the islets of Langerhans, although direct evidence is still lacking. About 40% of non-functioning (NF) PanNETs harbour mutations in MEN1, often in conjunction with alterations in DAXX/ATRX. Despite the homogeneous genetic background, the ADM (mutation in DAXX/ATRX and MEN1) group is heterogeneous regarding molecular features and response to treatment. To explore the molecular and clinical heterogeneity within this group, we integrated transcriptomic and DNA methylation data from 36 and 93 samples, respectively. Using a multi-omic approach we described a two-level hierarchy separating PanNET subtypes mutated in MEN1, DAXX and ATRX. First, DNA methylation discriminates ADM-PanNET from PanNET mutated in MEN1 only (α-like). Compared to α-like, all ADM tumors exhibit DNA methylation changes at enhancer and lowly methylated regions as well as at peri-centromeric and telomeric regions, associated with alternative lengthening of telomeres, increased chromosomal instability, and enhanced proliferative capacity. At a second level, transcriptomic analysis revealed three distinct ADM subtypes: ADM hypoxic, ADM NST (No Special Type), and ADM immunosuppressive. The ADM hypoxic subtype is characterized by strong hypoxia signature, likely regulated epigenetically. The ADM NST subtype appears to be primarily driven by epigenetic changes that promote proliferation. The ADM immunosuppressive is highly enriched in immune component and strong metastasis-like signature. While all the three subtypes are highly associated with liver metastasis formation and invasion, the ADM immunosuppressive are significantly smaller (<2.5 cm p.value=0.023) despite displaying aggressive molecular features. By defining these three novel ADM subtypes, our study provides a refined framework for understanding PanNET heterogeneity. This classification underscores potential diagnostic markers and highlights distinct biological vulnerabilities that may inform the development of subtype-tailored therapeutic strategies.

  Study EGAS00001008272

• UK10K_OBESITY_GS

  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 GS samples are part of the Obesity group and will undergo exome sequencing.

  Study EGAS00001000242

• Measuring the level of relatedness between NGS datasets

  Sequencing technologies are providing increasingly detailed insight in genetic makeup are paving their way into molecular diagnostics. The field will benefit from rigorous and bias-free measures for the quality of sequence data and for the proper representation of the complexity of the original samples. While current methodologies rely on the availability of a well-characterized reference genome, we propose kMer profiling for alignment-free assessment of the quality, comparability, and complexity of sequencing datasets. We show that kMer detects technical artefacts such as high duplication rates, library chimaeras, and differences in library preparation protocols in whole-genome, whole-exome, and RNA sequencing data. Additionally, it successfully captures the complexity and diversity of microbiomes. Thus, kMer allows for a robust evaluation of the quality and complexity of sequencing data without relying on any prior information and opens the way to a more reliable biological reasoning.

  Study EGAS00001000600

• Genomic_profiling_of_B_other_Adult_ALL_WGS

  Adult ALL is an aggressive leukaemia, affecting adults of all ages. It is associated with a rapid onset and poor outcomes. Our understanding of adult ALL genome has been limited to molecular markers first described in paediatric ALL and validated in adult ALL and to date there have been no studies investigating the genomics of Adult ALL. We will perform whole genome sequencing on at least 100 Adult ALL cases. Priority will be given on ALL cases without a known primary lesion by cytogenetic analysis which are categorised as “B-other”. We will also sequence representative cases of each known subtype. This will deliver a comprehensive annotation of the genomic landscape of Adult ALL to include acquired somatic mutations (substitutions, indels, structural variants/fusion genes) and copy number profiles. The focus on B-other Adult ALL is likely to result in new and previously undescribed genomic lesions.

  Study EGAS00001002474

• 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

• Duplex sequencing in NF2-related schwannomatosis

  Background: Schwannomatosis (SWN) is a rare tumor predisposition syndrome caused by pathogenic variants in NF2, SMARCB1, or LZTR1. Mosaicism contributes to up to 30% of de novo NF2-related cases, but its role in SMARCB1- and LZTR1-related SWN remains unclear. Accurate molecular classification is critical for clinical management, yet overlapping phenotypes complicate diagnosis. Because standard diagnostics have limited sensitivity and often require tumor tissue, we evaluated whether ultra-sensitive duplex sequencing of blood-derived DNA improves mosaic variant detection in SWN. Methods: We developed a duplex sequencing assay targeting NF2, SMARCB1, and LZTR1 and analyzed 102 individuals with suspected SWN previously negative for constitutional pathogenic variants, along with 35 controls. Results: Duplex sequencing identified low-level mosaic NF2 pathogenic variants in 11% of cases (11/102), with variant allele frequencies as low as 0.06%. In all patients with available tumor material (8/11), blood and tumor findings were concordant. No mosaic pathogenic variants were detected in SMARCB1 or LZTR1. Controls showed no deleterious variants except one LZTR1 splice-site variant. Conclusions: Duplex sequencing enables robust detection of ultra-low-frequency NF2 variants in SWN and complements existing diagnostic workflows. This approach may reduce dependence on tumor tissue in NF2-related SWN, improve differential diagnosis, and support patient management and genetic counseling.

  Study EGAS00001008298

• HipSci HumanHT 12 Expression BeadChip analysis - Retinitis Pigmentosa

  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 Retinitis Pigmentosa.

  Study EGAS00001002030

• Exome sequencing of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma

  The aim of our project is to decipher the genomic of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma using whole exome sequencing. To this purpose, we aim to compare genetic landscape of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma with early tumor in order to understand the mechanisms of tumor progression. This work will also help to identify new therapeutic targets potentially useful to treat patients at advanced stage. This study contain whole exome sequencing aligned reads for 41 tumor with matched normal samples

  Study EGAS00001003130

• Identifying genetic consequences of Epstein-Barr Virus transformation by comparing an individual’s genomic DNA with that of its lymphoblastoid cell line.

  A detailed analysis of whole genomes can be now achieved with next generation sequencing. Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) transformation is a widely used strategy in clinical research to obtain an unlimited source of a subject’s DNA. Although the mechanism of transformation and immortalization by EBV is relatively well known at the transcriptional and proteomic level, the genetic consequences of EBV transformation are less well understood. A detailed analysis of the genetic alterations introduced by EBV transformation is highly relevant, as it will inform on the usefulness and limitations of this approach. We used whole genome sequencing to assess the genomic signature of a low-passage lymphoblastoid cell line (LCL). Specifically, we sequenced the full genome (40X) of an individual using DNA purified from fresh whole blood as well as DNA from his LCL. A total of 217.33 Gb of sequence were generated from the cell line and 238.95 Gb from the normal genomic DNA. We determined with high confidence that 99.2% of the genomes were identical, with no reproducible changes in structural variation (chromosomal rearrangements and copy number variations) or insertion/deletion polymorphisms (indels). Our results suggest that, at this level of resolution, the LCL is genetically indistinguishable from its genomic counterpart and therefore their use in clinical research is not likely to introduce a significant bias.

  Study EGAS00001000323

• Genetic landscape of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors

  Neurofibromatosis 1 is a hereditary syndrome characterized by the development of numerous benign neurofibromas, a small subset of which progress to malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs). To better understand the genetic basis for MPNSTs, we performed whole genome sequencing on four MPNSTs from patients with neurofibromatosis 1 and found that each of them had a somatic, inactivating mutation of SUZ12, a chromatin modifying gene adjacent to the NF1 gene responsible for the benign neurofibromas in these patients. We then performed targeted sequencing on an additional 46 MPNSTs and found that 12 had somatic mutations in SUZ12. Fifteen of the 17 (88%) mutations in SUZ12 were predicted to inactivate protein function, implicating it as a tumor suppressor gene possibly responsible for the progression from neurofibromas to MPNTs.

  Study EGAS00001000974

• H3Africa - Deciphering Developmental Disorders in Africa

  Developmental disorders are typically rare conditions, causing an impairment in physical, learning, language, or behavioural areas. Genetic heterogeneity and highly variable clinical manifestations make diagnosing developmental disorders particularly challenging. Developmental disorders are increasing in prevalence in low- and middle-income countries, partly due to effective prevention and treatment of infectious diseases leading to a decrease in childhood mortality. New sequencing technologies are used effectively in the diagnosis of rare diseases and results can impact clinical practice significantly. Despite this international trend, very little implementation of these new approaches has taken place in low-resource settings, especially in Africa. The Deciphering Developmental Disorders in Africa (DDD-Africa) study aims to take advantage of an unbiased genotype-driven approach to improve healthcare services for patients. The study aims to recruit and perform detailed clinical phenotyping and exome sequencing (ES) on 500 African patients with a developmental disorder in whom a genetic diagnosis has not been confirmed. Where available, parents are also included in sequencing efforts. The project has two active research sites in Johannesburg (South Africa) and Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of Congo) representing diversity in geography, clinical, socio-economic, genetic and environmental factors.

  Study EGAS00001008319

• Integrated genomic, transcriptional and epigenomic analyses in germinal center-cell lymphomas link the mutation landscape with differential DNA methylation in Burkitt lymphoma

  Biologically and clinically diverse B-cell neoplasms, including Burkitt, follicular and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, show features of germinal center (GC) B-cells. Here we present a comprehensive analysis of the epigenetic landscape of GC-B-cell lymphomas using whole genome bisulfite sequencing paired with genome and transcriptome sequencing from 29 primary tumor samples and four normal GC-B-cell samples. All lymphomas studied showed extensive genome-wide methylation losses as well as intragenic regions where DNA methylation levels were strongly correlated with expression of associated genes. Pathway analysis revealed that these intragenic regions were enriched in signaling networks differentially activated in Burkitt and follicular lymphomas and affected regulatory mechanisms deregulated by recurrent mutations in a large fraction of Burkitt lymphomas (including the ID3/TCF3 complex, the SWI/SNF remodeling complex and the inhibitory GI signaling pathway). Taken together, these results provide a global picture of Burkitt lymphoma pathomechanism and demonstrate a tight connection between epigenetic regulation and other levels of regulatory control in these tumors.

  Study EGAS00001001067

• The mission of the BIOS Consortium is to create a large-scale data infrastructure and to bring together BBMRI researchers focusing on integrative omics studies in Dutch Biobanks.

  The advent of the genome-wide association study (GWAS) led to the successful identification of thousands of variants that are robustly associated with complex disease phenotypes. Dutch biobanks played a substantial role in these discoveries. For most of these variants, however, the mechanisms through which they contribute to these phenotypes remain unknown. The BIOS Consortium applies a functional genomics approach that integrates genome-wide genetic data with data on the epigenome and transcriptome to elucidate these mechanisms. Over 4000 samples from BBMRI-NL biobanks with in-depth information on disease phenotypes and GWAS data are being enriched with RNA-sequencing and genome-wide DNA methylation data. The same is true for samples with whole-genome sequencing data from GoNL. This unique data infrastructure provides a powerful platform to evaluate key questions in integrative omics from establishing comprehensive eQTL and meQTL catalogues to linking molecular pathways across omics levels to phenotypic outcomes.

  Study EGAS00001001077

• Screening_for_abnormal_CGI_methylation_in_primary_colorectal_tumours

  A common hallmark of neoplastic cells is abnormal acquisition of CpG island (CGI) methylation and the silencing of associated gene promoters. To determine the extent and distribution of CGI methylation in colorectal cancer, we solexa sequenced MBD affinity purified DNA prepared from five colorectal tumours and matched colon mucosa from the same individuals.

  Study EGAS00001000076

• Genetic landscape of pediatric Medulloblastoma

  Medulloblastoma is a heterogenous disease made up of at least four distinct subtypes of disease which appear to exploit and disrupt naturally occurring developmental pathways of cellular growth and hindbrain development. To better understand the driver mutations of this disease, we performed whole genome sequencing of 37 medulloblastomas and the corresponding normal DNA of the 37 affected children treated at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. We have found several novel mutations which appear subtype specific. These mutations were checked for frequency in a separate tumor cohort of 56 children with medulloblastoma, also treated on the St. Jude Medulloblastoma 2003 trial, and were tested in several animal models of medulloblastoma for proof of oncogenic potential.

  Study EGAS00001000347

• Resolving_the_Genetic_Architecture_of_Aseptic_Loosening_After_Total_Hip_Replacement

  This is a genome-wide association scan of aseptic loosening after total hip replacement in a Norwegian population. 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 EGAS00001001883

• The molecular landscape of colorectal cancer reveals genetic mutations.

  We performed whole-exome sequencing of tumor samples and adjacent normal mucosae from 46 patients to characterize the genetic alterations in China.

  Study EGAS00001001893

• UCSF Pediatric Bithalamic Glioma Genome Project

  Brain tumors are the most common solid tumors of childhood, and the genetic drivers and optimal therapeutic strategies for many of the different subtypes remain unknown. We performed targeted next-generation sequencing of approximately 500 cancer-associated genes on a cohort of 13 pediatric bithalamic diffuse gliomas, a lethal brain tumor of childhood for which the genetic basis is largely unknown. We identified that bithalamic diffuse gliomas harbor frequent mutations in the EGFR oncogene in the absence of accompanying gene amplification and only rare histone H3 mutation. These EGFR mutations were either small in-frame insertions within exon 20 (intracellular tyrosine kinase domain) or missense mutations within exon 7 (extracellular ligand-binding domain). Accompanying alterations included frequent TP53 mutation, CDK6 amplification or CDKN2C mutation, and BCOR and BCORL1 mutation or deletion.

  Study EGAS00001004033

• Integrated genomic analyses identify ARID1A and ARID1B alterations in the childhood cancer neuroblastoma

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

  Study EGAS00001000369

• RNAseq_Pulldown_

  We propose to definitively characterise the somatic genetics of ER+ve, HER2-ve breast cancer through generation of comprehensive catalogues of somatic mutations in breast cancer cases by high coverage genome sequencing coupled with integrated transcriptomic and methylation analyses. In this experiment cDNA derived form Breast Cancer Cell lines was used in an Agilent whole exome pulldown experiment.

  Study EGAS00001000230

• Whole-genome sequencing analysis of low-grade astrocytomas within the ICGC PedBrain Tumor Project

  In order to investigate the full range of genetic alterations contributing to the tumourigenesis of low-grade astrocytoma, we have conducted a next-generation sequencing-based analysis on a large series of matched tumor-normal pairs. This study, conducted by the International Cancer Genome Consortium PedBrain Tumor Project (ICGC PedBrain, http://www.pedbraintumor.org/), has revealed multiple new insights into the biological basis of this tumor entity.

  Study EGAS00001000381

• Brazilian biorepository to support genome-wide association studies of colorectal, breast, and cervical cancer

  This study established a large-scale Brazilian biorepository to support cancer GWAS, replication studies, and polygenic risk score (PRS) evaluation for colorectal, breast, and cervical cancers. 4,062 participants have been enrolled, including cancer cases and cancer-free controls. Genotyping was performed in 2,844 participants using the Axiom 850K PMDA Array. Genetic ancestry inference confirmed Brazil’s highly admixed genetic background, with predominant European, followed by African, Native American, and Asian contributions. This biorepository provides a scalable resource to enable replication of genetic associations, assess the transferability of polygenic risk scores, and advance precision medicine in underrepresented populations.

  Study EGAS00001008408

• SARS-CoV-2 host genetics and COVID-19 outcomes in admixed Brazilians with extreme phenotypes

  COVID-19 comprises clinical outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 infection and is highly heterogeneous, ranging from asymptomatic individuals to deceased young adults without comorbidities. There is growing evidence that host genetics play an important role in COVID-19 severity, including inborn errors of immunity, age-related inflammation and immunosenescence. This study proposes a strategy of subject’s ascertainment based on phenotypic extremes to take part in genomic studies and elucidate intrinsic risk factors involved in COVID-19 severe outcomes. Different cohorts were collected and submitted to Next-Generation Sequencing (Whole exome and whole genome sequencing).

  Study EGAS00001006376

• Sequencing_probands_and_families_with_severe_insulin_resistance_syndromes

  This is an ongoing project and continuation to all the sequencing we have been doing over the last few years. We have some additional families and probands with syndromes of insulin resistance not previously sequenced within uk10k or other core funded projects. We would like to complete the sequencing in all of the good quality families and probands we have, this would require another ~50 samples to be WES sequenced. This cohort has already proven to be a rich source of interesting findings with papers in Science and Nature genetics.

  Study EGAS00001000488

• Comprehensive analysis of atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumour (ATRT) using genomic, epigenomic and transcriptomic techniques.

  ATRTs (Atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumours) represent one of the most aggressive pediatric brain cancers, but intriguingly exhibit few other recurrently mutated loci except for SMARCB1/hSNF5. We integrated whole genome (n=15), exome, copy number, gene expression and methylation analyses to comprehensively interrogate 64 ATRTs and observed that structural events were relatively frequent in the ATRT genome (~3 tumour). In addition to SMARCB1, which was targeted by structural events in a majority (49/64) of tumours, recurrent structural alterations targeting the LRP1B, CDH13, BCR and MKL1 loci were observed. We observed novel translocation events, including 2 targeting SMARCB1 which were detected only by NGS analyses. Significantly, integration of gene expression and methylation profiles with genomic analyses revealed ATRT comprise two sub-groups with distinct clinical and genetic features. Group 1 tumours were characterized by supra-tentorial brain location, focal intragenic alterations of SMARCB1 and a pro-neural gene expression signature with evidence of NOTCH pathway activation. While Group 2 ATRTs were characterized by infra-tentorial brain location, broad SMARCB1 alterations and an activation of the BMP signalling pathway. Our findings highlight epigenetic mechanisms as important determinants of ATRT tumour phenotypes, and demonstrate for the first time that ATRTs arising in different anatomical compartments comprise distinct molecular and therapeutic sub-groups.

  Study EGAS00001000506

• Epigenetic profiling of acute myeloid leukemia

  To investigate the epigenetic heterogeneity of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), we analyzed a cohort of AML patients using ATAC-seq (n=1563), targeted-capture sequencing (n=1563), and RNA-seq (n=1398). Subsets of cases were also analyzed using EPIC DNA methylation array (n=424), ChIP-seq (for H3K27ac (n=234), H3K27me3 (n=217), SMC1 (n=209), CTCF (n=218), and RPB1 (n=220)), and single-cell RNA- and ATAC-seq (n=36).

  Study EGAS00001008315

• ERG ALTERATIONS DEFINE A NOVEL SUBTYPE OF ACUTE LYMPHOBLASTIC LEUKEMIA

  Structural chromosomal alterations are a hallmark of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) yet many patients lack an identifiable abnormality on conventional cytogenetic analysis. Here, using integrated analysis of genome-wide DNA copy number and gene expression data of 1764 childhood and adult ALL cases, including whole-genome, exome and mRNA-sequencing of 72 cases, we report a novel subtype of B-progenitor ALL (B-ALL) representing 4-13% of B-ALL cases characterized by a distinct gene expression profile, and focal deletions of ERG (ETS related gene) in 56% of cases. These cases are characterized by expression of a ERG transcript that utilizes a novel exon in intron 6 of ERG spliced to the canonical reading frame of ERG exons 7-10, encoding a 27 kDa C-terminal ERG protein that retains the ETS and transactivating domains but lacks the N-terminal pointed and regulatory domains. This protein is a competitive inhibitor of wild-type ERG and is leukemogenic in vivo. ERG-altered ALL cases have a favourable outcome despite the presence of alterations associated with poor prognosis in non-ERG ALL, such as deletions of IKZF1. These findings identify a new subtype of leukemia characterized by a novel mechanism of ETS transcription factor dysregulation in cancer.

  Study EGAS00001000514

• BLUEPRINT DNA methylation profiles of graft donors in allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

  Allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a curative treatment for many hematological conditions. Acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) is a prevalent immune-mediated complication following HSCT. Current diagnostic biomarkers that correlate with aGVHD severity, progression, and therapy response in graft recipients are insufficient. We investigated whether epigenetic marks measured in peripheral blood of healthy graft donors stratify aGVHD severity in HLA-matched sibling recipients prior to HSCT. We measured genome-wide DNA methylation levels in peripheral blood of 91 HSCT donors using Illumina Infinium HumanMethylation450 BeadChips. We showed that epigenetic signatures underlying aGVHD severity in recipients correspond to immune pathways relevant to aGVHD etiology. We identified distinct DNA methylation marks in graft donors that are associated with aGVHD severity status in recipients. Together, our findings suggest that ‘epigenetic matching’ of HSCT donor-recipient pairs in a clinical setting may be used in conjunction with genetic matching to inform both donor selection and transplantation strategy, with the ultimate aim of improving patient outcome.

  Study EGAS00001001287

• Pancreatic cancer organoids recapitulate disease and allow personalized drug screening

  We report derivation of 30 Patient-Derived Organoid lines (PDOs) from tumors arising in the pancreas and distal bile duct. PDOs recapitulate tumor histology and contain genetic alterations typical for pancreatic cancer. In vitro testing of a panel of 76 therapeutic agents revealed sensitivities currently not exploited in the clinic. The PRMT5 inhibitor EZP015556, shown to target MTAP negative tumors, was validated as such, but also appeared to constitute an effective therapy for a subset of MTAP+ tumors. Taken together, the work presented here provides a platform to identify novel therapeutics to target pancreatic tumor cells using PDOs.

  Study EGAS00001003369

• 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

• 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

• 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

• A sequence-based genetic dissection of human immune cell types and implications for immune-related disease.

  The immune system is an intricate biological network mediating interactions with other organisms while preserving the integrity of our tissues. By mounting appropriate responses it protects us from a vast range of pathogens while inadvertent immune system attacks on self result in autoimmune diseases. The project aims to discover whether and to what extent the behaviour of the immune system is genetically regulated and to detect the relationships of diverse immune cells with autoimmunity. The project consists of the genetic analysis using up to ~8.2 Million variants, deriving from high density genotyping data and low pass whole genome sequencing, and quantitative levels of 95 cell types encompassing 272 immune traits, in a cohort of 1,629 individuals from four clustered Sardinian villages belonging to the SardiNIA/ProgeNIA study.

  Study EGAS00001000574

• Genome-wide SNP genotyping of Central African rainforest hunter-gatherers and neighbouring agriculturalists

  The emergence of agriculture in West-Central Africa, ~5,000 years ago, profoundly modified the cultural landscape and mode of subsistence of most sub-Saharan populations. How this major innovation has impacted the genetic history of rainforest hunter-gatherers — historically referred to as “pygmies” — and agriculturalists, however, remains poorly understood. Here, we report genome-wide SNP data from eight of these populations located west-to-east of the equatorial rainforest. We find that hunter-gathering populations present up to 50% of farmer genomic ancestry, and that substantial admixture began only within the last 1,000 years. Furthermore, we show that the historical population sizes characterising these communities already differed before the introduction of agriculture. Our results suggest that the first socio-economic interactions between rainforest hunter-gatherers and farmers introduced by the spread of farming were not accompanied by immediate, extensive genetic exchanges and occurred on a backdrop of two groups already differentiated by their specialisation in two ecotopes with differing carrying capacities.

  Study EGAS00001000605

• Combined genetic and transcriptome analysis of patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)

  A comprehensive profiling of the genomic architecture of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) by combining genetic and transscriptomic analysis by RNA-seq.

  Study EGAS00001003662

• Whole Genomes Define Concordance in Matched Primary, Xenograft, and Organoid Models of Pancreas Cancer

  Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has the worst prognosis of any common solid epithelial tumour. Multiple failed clinical trials necessitate newer approaches to understand the molecular etiology of this disease. Patient-derived xenografts (PDX) and patient-derived organoids (PDO) may serve as pre-clinical disease models; however, characterization remains largely unaddressed at the whole genome level. We conducted a comprehensive assessment of the genetic landscape of tumours and matched PDX and PDO from patients with PDAC. Our data show that PDX and PDO recapitulate PDAC tumourigenesis with respect to simple somatic mutations and copy number changes, and capture major structural variation events.

  Study EGAS00001002597

• Identification_of_rare_variants_associated_with_cardiovascular_traits_in_Cilento_isolates

  The aim of this project is to identify rare genetic variants of large effect implicated in complex diseases by focusing on the study of cardiovascular diseases and related quantitative traits in a well characterized isolated population in Cilento area, Italy.The reference panel has been selected carefully in order to maximize the imputation coverage and quality on the all population samples. The selected individuals should meet three criteria: selected individuals should be chip-genotyped and closely related to the maximum number of chip-genotyped individuals so as to maximize imputation coverage; relatedness between selected individuals should be minimal, so as to minimize redundancy in genetic information of the reference panel.We perform exome sequencing on samples from 250 individuals from the Campora and Gioi-Cardile populations.

  Study EGAS00001000620

• Divergence between high metastatic tumor burden and low circulating tumor DNA concentration in metastasized breast cancer

  Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) was reported to represent a highly sensitive biomarker of metastatic cancer disease directly reflecting tumor burden and dynamics. Here we investigated the role of ctDNA in patients with metastatic breast cancer. In an index patient with more than 100,000 circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in serial blood analyses, whole genome, exome, or targeted deep sequencing of the primary tumor, metastases, and 551 CTCs were consistent with a genetically homogeneous cancer. However, the allele fractions (AFs) of ctDNA were only 2-3% in each analysis, which did neither reflect the tumor burden nor the dynamics of this progressive disease by far. Indeed, plasma analyses of 71 further patients demonstrated highly variable AFs of mutant fragments, which frequently did not correspond to the tumor burden. These results provide insights into mechanisms involved in CTC and ctDNA release into the circulation and have important implications for diagnostic tests based on liquid biopsies.

  Study EGAS00001000625

• A Genomics-Based Classification of Human Lung Tumors

  We characterized genome alterations in 1255 clinically annotated lung tumors of all histological subgroups to identify genetically defined and clinically relevant subtypes. More than 55% of all cases had at least one oncogenic genome alteration potentially amenable to specific therapeutic intervention, including several personalized treatment approaches that are already in clinical evaluation. Marked differences in the pattern of genomic alterations existed between and within histological subtypes, thus challenging the original histomorphological diagnosis. Immunohistochemical studies confirmed many of these reassigned subtypes. The reassignment eliminated almost all cases of large cell carcinomas, some of which had therapeutically relevant alterations. Prospective testing of our genomics-based diagnostic algorithm in 5145 lung cancer patients enabled a genome-based diagnosis in 3863 (75%) patients, confirmed the feasibility of rational reassignments of large cell lung cancer, and led to improvement in overall survival in patients with EGFR-mutant or ALK-rearranged cancers. Thus, our findings provide support for broad implementation of genome-based diagnosis of lung cancer.

  Study EGAS00001000647

• PCGP Ph-like ALL

  Background: BCR-ABL1-like, or Ph-like acute lymphoblastic leukemia is characterized by a gene expression profile similar to BCR-ABL1 positive ALL, genetic alterations of lymphoid transcription factor genes, and poor outcome. Sequencing of small numbers of Ph-like ALL cases has identified genetic alterations activating kinase signaling suggesting Ph-like ALL may be amenable to treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitors. However, the spectrum of genetic alterations in childhood and adult Ph-like ALL is incompletely understood. Methods: We performed genomic profiling of 1736 B-ALL cases and next-generation sequencing for 160 Ph-like cases. We examined the functional effects of chimeric fusion proteins in mouse cell lines. Results: The frequency of Ph-like ALL rose from 11% in children to 26% in young adults, and was associated with very poor outcome. Kinase-activating alterations were identified in 90% of Ph-like cases, most commonly fusions involving 10 kinase or cytokine receptor genes (ABL1, ABL2, CRLF2, CSF1R, EPOR, JAK2, NTRK3, PDGFRB, PTK2B and TYK2), and mutations involving FLT3, IL7R and SH2B3. Expression of ABL1, ABL2, CSF1R and JAK2 fusions resulted in cytokine-independent proliferation of cell lines and activation of pSTAT5. Cells expressing ABL1, ABL2, CSF1R and PDGFRB fusions were sensitive to dasatinib, and JAK2 fusions to ruxolitinib. Conclusions: Ph-like ALL is characterized by a diverse range of genomic alterations that converge on a limited number of kinase signaling pathways amenable to inhibition with currently available tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Trials identifying Ph-like ALL and testing the efficacy of tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy are warranted

  Study EGAS00001000654

• CTCF/cohesin-binding sites are frequently mutated in cancer

  Cohesin is present in almost all active enhancer regions, where it is associated with transcription factors. Cohesin frequently colocalizes with CTCF (CCCTC-binding factor), affecting genomic stability, expression and epigenetic homeostasis. Cohesin subunits are mutated in cancer, but CTCF/cohesin-binding sites (CBSs) in DNA have not been examined for mutations. Here we report frequent mutations at CBSs in cancers displaying a mutational signature where mutations in A•T base pairs predominate. Integration of whole-genome sequencing data from 213 colorectal cancer (CRC) samples and chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-exo) data identified frequent point mutations at CBSs. In contrast, CRCs showing an ultramutator phenotype caused by defects in the exonuclease domain of DNA polymerase ɛ (POLE) displayed significantly fewer mutations at and adjacent to CBSs. Analysis of public data showed that multiple cancer types accumulate CBS mutations. CBSs are a major mutational hotspot in the noncoding cancer genome.

  Study EGAS00001003010

• Biallelic DICER1 mutations in sporadic pleuropulmonary blastoma

  Pleuropulmonary blastoma (PPB) is an extremely rare pediatric malignancy in the lung, whose pathogenesis is poorly understood, except for recent reports of frequent germline heterozygous DICER1 mutations. To investigate the genetic basis of PPB, we performed whole-exome sequencing in 7 representative PPB cases, followed by targeted deep sequencing in 12 cases with PPB. DICER1 mutations were found in 11/12 cases. Biallelic DICER1 mutations were common in PPB, in which RNase IIIb domain mutations were found in all cases with or without nonsense/frameshift mutations and were somatic in all evaluable cases. A majority of cases had mutated DICER1 alleles in germline with or without an additional somatic mutation in the remaining allele, while other cases had exclusively somatic mutations involving the RNase IIIb domain. TP53 deletions/mutations were detected in 8/12 cases. Our results highlight a unique role of the RNase IIIb domain mutations and TP53 inactivation in PPB pathogenesis.

  Study EGAS00001000662

• Study on the consequences of prenatal famine exposure on DNA methylation.

  The potential of the epigenome to undergo environmentally-induced changes during early development is central to its postulated role in human disease. Here, we report a genome-scale view of DNA methylation differences after early gestational malnutrition that was caused by the Dutch Hunger Winter, a severe famine at the end of World War II. We adopted an annotation guided analysis of reduced-representation bisulfite sequencing data generated in 24 middle-aged individuals who had been exposed to famine in utero and 24 unexposed sibling controls. We observed differential DNA methylation primarily at genomic regions with regulatory potential, including enhancers active during early development. In-depth annotation of 181 prenatally-induced differentially methylated regions (P-DMRs) showed that they were predominantly located in gene bodies and co-occurred with histone marks denoting an active state. In line with the early gestational timing of the exposure, the P-DMRs mapped to genes that were enriched for differential expression patterns during blastocyst development and early organogenesis. Validation and further explorative analyses of 6 P-DMRs mapping to SMAD7, CDH23, INSR, RFTN1, CPT1A and KLF13 highlighted the critical role of gestational timing, indicated that differential methylation extended along pathways involved in growth, development and metabolism, and suggested associations with birth weight and serum LDL cholesterol in adulthood and confirmed an enhancer function for the INSR and CPT1A P-DMRs. Our results point toward a link between prenatal malnutrition and epigenetic modulation of growth and lipid metabolism that may underlie the adverse metabolic phenotype of exposed individuals in later life.

  Study EGAS00001000668