3955 results for "*geneti*"

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• Genetics of Eating Disorders

  This genetic study examines Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, and Binge Eating Disorder. We performed whole exome sequencing (WES) on 93 unrelated individuals with eating disorders (38 restricted-eating, 55 binge-eating) to identify novel damaging variants. Using an unbiased, data-driven approach, we prioritized candidate genes with an excessive burden of predicted damaging variants. We then empirically tested one top candidate pathway in a mouse model of binge-like eating. We identified an excess of novel damaging variants in 186 genes in the restricted-eating group and 245 genes in the binge-eating group. The list of genes significantly enriched (OR = 4.6, p

  Study phs001414

• Uncovering Inversion Formation in the Human Genome and its Impact to Disease

  The relevance of inversions for disease causation, speciation and adaptation is broadly recognized, although the prevalence of inversions is unknown. In humans, de novo inversions are associated with congenital anomalies in approximately 9.6% of patients. Yet, despite the biological relevance of inversions, their molecular features, formation mechanism, impact to the genomic structure of carriers, as well as their contribution to clinical phenotypes, have not been further explored. Inversions are typically classified as balanced reciprocal events generated by ectopic recombination, although recent studies reveal a distinct picture whereby inversions originate from mechanisms that concomitantly generate copy number variants (CNVs). Surprisingly, those complex inversions underlie as much as 30% of neurodevelopmental-associated CNVs. The hypothesis of this project are: inversions are often generated de novo by mechanisms other than ectopic recombination a relevant fraction of inversions are associated with complex genomic rearrangements (CGRs), often overlooked in sporadic diseases, and inversions are a "hidden" type of structural variation for which contribution to a clinical phenotypes has been under assessed due to the lack of appropriate detection tools. A combined strategy using multiple genomic tools will be applied to characterize inversions and associated genomic alterations in individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders and controls: whole genome sequencing (WGS) with short-and long-reads; genome mapping; classical cytogenetics; and array CGH. This project will establish common ground to bridge studies of rare and common diseases, human evolution, and population genetics.

  Study phs002999

• Center for Common Disease Genomics [CCDG] Neuropsychiatric: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) – Whole Exomes

  The National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) has funded a collaborative large-scale genome sequencing effort to comprehensively identify rare risk and protective variants contributing to multiple common disease phenotypes. Called the Centers for Common Disease Genomics (CCDG), this initiative will explore a range of diseases with the ultimate goal of 1) undertaking variant discovery for enough different examples of disease architectures and study designs to better understand the general principles of the genomic architecture underlying common, complex inherited diseases, 2) understanding how best to design rare variant studies for common disease, and 3) developing resources, informatics tools, and innovative approaches and technologies for multiple disease research communities and the wider biomedical research community. The initial focus of the CCDGs will be in cardiovascular disease (early-onset coronary artery disease, atrial fibrillation, hemorrhagic stroke), neuropsychiatric disease (epilepsy, autism), and autoimmune/inflammatory disease (type 1 diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease). The Broad Institute is one of four selected CCDG project centers. The goal of the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) program is to work together to utilize dramatic new advances in DNA sequencing technology to reveal the genetic architecture of autism through comprehensive examination of the exotic sequence of all genes.

  Study phs002502

• IMPRESS: Improved Methylation Profiling using Restriction Enzymes and smMIP Sequencing, Combined with New Biomarker Panel, Creating Multi-Cancer Detection Assay

  Study EGAS00001007559

• Harnessing Epigenetic Regulators to improve HSC-based lentiviral gene therapy

  Curative benefits of autologous and allogeneic transplantation of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) have been proven for various diseases. However, the low number of true HSCs that can be collected from patients and subsequently in vitro maintenance and expansion of true HSCs for genetic correction remain challenging. Addressing this issue, we here focused on optimizing culture conditions to improve the ex vivo expansion of true HSCs for gene therapy purposes. In particular, we explore the use of epigenetic regulators to enhance the effectiveness of HSC-based lentiviral (LV) gene therapy. The HDAC inhibitor Quisinostat and the bromodomain inhibitor CPI203 each promote ex vivo expansion of functional HSCs, as validated by xenotransplantation assays and single cell RNA-sequencing analysis. We confirmed the stealth effect of LV transduction on the loss of HSC numbers in commonly used culture protocols, while addition of Quisinostat or CPI203 improved expansion of HSCs in transduction protocols. Of note, we demonstrated that addition of Quisinostat improved LV transduction efficiency of HSCs and early progenitors. Our suggested culture conditions highlight the potential therapeutic effect of epigenetic regulators in hematopoietic stem cell biology and their clinical applications to advance HSC-based gene correction.

  Study EGAS50000000175

• Testicular large B-cell lymphoma is genetically similar to PCNSL and distinct from nodal DLBCL

  Next generation sequencing (NGS) data analyzed in Rivas-Delgado, López, et al. HemaSphere 2024. Single nucleotide variants (SNVs) and short insertions /deletions (indels) were evaluated in 42 samples using a B-cell malignancy-oriented targeted panel covering 115 genes (SureSelectXT, Agilent Technologies and sequenced in a MiSeq instrument (Illumina; 2x150bp; mean coverage of 599x). The NGS data of 39 samples is provided here. The 3 additional samples were previously published. Please, see the original publication for additional details.

  Study EGAS50000000521

• KDM6A Loss Triggers an Epigenetic Switch that Disrupts Urothelial Identity and Drives Cell Proliferation in Bladder Cancer

  Disruption of KDM6A, a histone lysine demethylase, is one of the most common somatic alternations in bladder cancer. How mutations of this chromatin modifier impact the epigenetic landscape to promote carcinogenesis is poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that KDM6A loss triggers an epigenomic switch that disrupts urothelial identity and induces a neoplastic state characterized by increased cell proliferation. In bladder cancer cells with intact KDM6A, FOXA1 binds KDM6A at enhancers to activate genes instructing urothelial differentiation. In KDM6A-deficient cells, we observed simultaneous loss of FOXA1 target binding and genome-wide redistribution of the bZIP transcription factor ATF3, which in turn represses FOXA1 target genes and activates cell-cycle progression genes. Importantly, ATF3 depletion reverses the cell proliferation phenotype. These data establish that KDM6A loss creates an epigenetic state that drives tumor growth in an ATF3-dependent manner, forging a molecular vulnerability that can be targeted by novel therapeutic strategies.

  Study phs002801

• Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus

  Idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) is a neurological disorder of aging that is characterized by enlarged cerebral ventricles, gait difficulty, incontinence and dementia. It is a common disorder that occurs almost exclusively after the age of 60. About 1.3% of patients over the age of 65 and 9-14% of nursing home residents are thought to have iNPH. Unfortunately, more than 90% of these patients remain misdiagnosed or undiagnosed, in part because the symptoms of iNPH resemble the symptoms of other neurodegenerative diseases, and in part because many health care practitioners are unfamiliar with this disorder. The etiology of iNPH is not known. Scattered reports of familial cases of iNPH suggest a genetic origin, but the genes involved are unknown. To investigate this matter, we have used exome sequencing to look for genetic factors associated with iNPH. We find recurrent heterozygous mutations in 10 genes, nearly all of which show increased expression in the ciliated ventricular epithelium and/or choroid plexus. Many have previously been associated with the function of cilia. 

  Study phs002296

• ARDSNet 07-08: Randomized, Blinded, Placebo-Controlled, Multi-Center Trial of Omega-3 Fatty Acid, Gamma-Linolenic Acid, and Antioxidants in Acute Lung Injury or ARDS (OMEGA) (ARDSNet-Omega-BioLINCC)

  Data Access NOTE: Please refer to the “Authorized Access” section below for information about how access to the data from this accession differs from many other dbGaP accessions. Biospecimens: Access to Biospecimens is through the NHLBI Biologic Specimen and Data Repository Information Coordinating Center (BioLINCC). Biospecimens from ARDSNet-Omega include bronchial lavage, plasma, urine, and DNA. Please note that use of biospecimens in genetic research is subject to a tiered consent.Objectives: To determine if dietary supplementation of omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids, γ-linolenic acid and antioxidants to participants with acute lung injury would increase ventilator-free days to study day 28.Background: Early acute lung injury (ALI) is characterized by neutrophilic lung inflammation, permeability, and intravascular and alveolar fibrin deposition. The type and inflammatory activity of eicosanoids liberated during inflammation depends on the membrane phospholipid composition: omega 6 (n-6) fatty acid arachidonate yields highly reactive and inflammatory dienoic prostaglandins and series 4 leukotrienes, whereas omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids favor production of less active and potentially anti-inflammatory trienoic prostaglandins and series 5 leukotrienes. Participants at risk of developing ALI have n-3 levels approximately 25% of normal and those with established ALI have n-3 levels as low as 6% of normal, suggesting a potential role for n-3 dietary supplementation in participants with ALI.Three randomized controlled studies, conducted in participants with ALI or sepsis-induced respiratory failure, demonstrated an association between the administration of an enteral formula enriched in n-3 fatty acids, GLA, and antioxidants and improved oxygenation and respiratory physiology compared with an unenriched, high-fat formula. However, interpretation of these results is limited by the small sample sizes and as-treated analyses of only those participants who tolerated full enteral nutrition. Participants: The total number of participants in the study was 272.Design: Participants were stratified by hospital and the presence of shock at baseline and then randomized to receive either twice-daily enteral supplementation of n-3 fatty acids, GLA, and antioxidants (n-3 supplement) or an isocaloric-isovolemic carbohydrate-rich control. Participants were also simultaneously randomized to a separate ongoing trial (the EDEN study) comparing low- vs full-calorie enteral nutrition in a 2×2 factorial design.The n-3 or control supplement was administered enterally as twice-daily boluses of 120 mL beginning within 6 hours of randomization. Dosing continued until the earliest of 21 days, 48 hours of unassisted breathing, or extubation. The energy provided by the boluses supplemented that provided by each primary physician's choice of standard continuous non–n-3-enriched enteral formula. The rate of continuous enteral feeding was managed by a protocol with an algorithm for gastrointestinal intolerances. The supplement was administered even if enteral nutrition was interrupted, as long as the patient was tolerating enteral medications. Conclusions: The study was stopped by the DSMB for futility at the first interim analysis after 143 participants had been randomized to receive the n-3 supplement and 129 to receive the isocaloric control. Despite an 8-fold increase in plasma eicosapentaenoic acid levels, participants receiving the n-3 supplement had fewer ventilator-free days, intensive care unit–free days, and nonpulmonary organ failure-free days.

  Study phs003744

• NHLBI TOPMed: MESA and MESA Family AA-CAC

  The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) is a study of the characteristics of subclinical cardiovascular disease (disease detected non-invasively before it has produced clinical signs and symptoms) and the risk factors that predict progression to clinically overt cardiovascular disease or progression of the subclinical disease. MESA researchers study a diverse, population-based sample of 6,814 asymptomatic men and women aged 45-84. Thirty-eight percent of the recruited participants are white, 28 percent African-American, 22 percent Hispanic, and 12 percent Asian, predominantly of Chinese descent. Comprehensive phenotypic and pedigree data for MESA study participants are available through dbGaP entry phs000209. MESA Participants were recruited from six field centers across the United States: Wake Forest University, Columbia University, Johns Hopkins University, University of Minnesota, Northwestern University and University of California - Los Angeles. Each participant received an extensive physical exam and determination of coronary calcification, ventricular mass and function, flow-mediated endothelial vasodilation, carotid intimal-medial wall thickness and presence of echogenic lucencies in the carotid artery, lower extremity vascular insufficiency, arterial wave forms, electrocardiographic (ECG) measures, standard coronary risk factors, sociodemographic factors, lifestyle factors, and psychosocial factors. Selected repetition of subclinical disease measures and risk factors at follow-up visits allows study of the progression of disease. Blood samples have been assayed for putative biochemical risk factors and stored for case-control studies. DNA has been extracted and lymphocytes cryopreserved (for possible immortalization) for study of candidate genes and possibly, genome-wide scanning, expression, and other genetic techniques. Participants are being followed for identification and characterization of cardiovascular disease events, including acute myocardial infarction and other forms of coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke, and congestive heart failure; for cardiovascular disease interventions; and for mortality. In addition to the six Field Centers, MESA involves a Coordinating Center, a Central Laboratory, and Central Reading Centers for Computed Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Ultrasound, and Electrocardiography (ECG). Protocol development, staff training, and pilot testing were performed in the first 18 months of the study. The first examination took place over two years, from July 2000 - July 2002. It was followed by five examination periods that were 17-20 months in length. Participants have been contacted every 9 to 12 months throughout the study to assess clinical morbidity and mortality. MESA Family The general goal of the MESA Family Study, an ancillary study to MESA funded by a grant from NHLBI, is to apply modern genetic analysis and genotyping methodologies to delineate the genetic determinants of early atherosclerosis. This is being accomplished by utilizing all the current organizational structures of the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) and Genetic Centers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and University of Virginia. In the MESA Family Study, the goal is to locate and identify genes contributing to the genetic risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD), by looking at the early changes of atherosclerosis within families (mainly siblings). 2128 individuals from 594 families, yielding 3,026 sibpairs divided between African Americans and Hispanic-Americans, were recruited by utilizing the existing framework of MESA. MESA Family studied siblings of index subjects from the MESA study and from new sibpair families (with the same demographic characteristics) and is determining the extent of genetic contribution to the variation in coronary calcium (obtained via CT Scan) and carotid artery wall thickness (B-mode ultrasound) in the two largest non-majority U.S. populations. In a small proportion of subjects, parents of MESA index subjects participating in MESA Family were studied but only to have blood drawn for genotyping. The MESA Family cohort was recruited from the six MESA Field Centers. MESA Family participants underwent the same examination as MESA participants during May 2004 - May 2007. DNA was extracted and lymphocytes immortalized for study of candidate genes, genome-wide linkage scanning, and analyzed for linkage with these subclinical cardiovascular traits. While linkage analysis is the primary approach being used, an additional aspect of the MESA Family Study takes advantage of the existing MESA study population for testing a variety of candidate genes for association with the same subclinical traits. Genotyping and data analysis will occur throughout the study.

  Study phs001416

• Genetic Analysis of Epidermal Inclusion Cysts

  The goal of this study was to identify a potential driver of epidermal inclusion cysts, or epidermoid cysts, (EICs) in human skin. Individuals were recruited at EIC excision appointments made a priori, with no exclusion criteria. Fresh biopsies and saliva were taken from consented patients, and DNA harvested immediately. Whole exome sequencing was performed (150-bp paired end reads) to 200X in tissue and 80X in saliva via Illumina NovaSeq 6000 sequencer. Identification of somatic mutations was performed using GATK best practices. Somatic variants in the NEK9 gene were found in 12/14 cases sequenced, with clustering of variants within the RCC1 and kinase domains of the protein.

  Study phs003776

• Common Fund (CF) Genotype-Tissue Expression Project (GTEx)

  Lay Description The aim of the Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) Project is to increase our understanding of how changes in our genes affect human health and disease with the ultimate goal of improving health care for future generations. GTEx will create a database that researchers can use to study how inherited changes in genes lead to common diseases. GTEx researchers are studying genes in different tissues obtained from many different people. The GTEx project also includes a study of the GTEx donor consent process - this study will help ensure that the consent process and other aspects of the project effectively address the concerns and expectations of participants in the study. GTEx is a pioneering project that uses state-of-the-art protocols for obtaining and storing a large range of organs and tissues, and for testing them in the lab. Until now, no project has analyzed genetic variation and expression in as many tissues from the same person in such a large population as planned for GTEx. Scientific Description Understanding the role of variation in the human genome is crucial to elucidating genetic contributions to human health and disease. Despite the results of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) documenting strong statistical associations between genetic variation and human traits, the functional role for most of these variants is largely unexplained. Nearly 90% of these GWAS-implicated sites lie outside of protein-coding sequences, suggesting that these variants might regulate gene expression. The goal of the Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) project is to establish a resource database and tissue biobank in which to study the relationship between genetic variation and gene expression and other molecular phenotypes in reference/non-diseased tissues. The ultimate resource will include approximately 960 post-mortem donors with several dozen tissues from each, a resource large enough to study both cis- and trans- gene expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs). Some tissue will also be banked for additional molecular analyses. To request biosamples, please see the Biobank page for more information. GTEx was initially funded as a 2-year pilot project by the NIH Common Fund (CF) in 2010, and has been scaled up after demonstration of feasibility. The project will collect and analyze RNA levels in many different human tissues and each donor will be characterized for germline genetic variation through dense genotyping arrays and sequencing of either whole exomes or whole genomes. By treating RNA expression levels as quantitative traits, eQTLs will be identified as sites containing genetic variation that correlate with changes in RNA expression. Such eQTLs have been associated with 4%-12% of expressed human genes, and with common complex human diseases, including obesity, atherosclerosis, type 2 diabetes, Crohn's disease, and asthma. Additionally, few studies have examined the tissue specificity of eQTLs. A subset of banked tissue samples will also be analyzed for other molecular phenotypes, such as DNA methylation, DNaseI hypersensitivity sites, and proteomics. The GTEx project will thus serve as a resource database and tissue bank for many future studies, especially for understanding the functional basis of inherited susceptibility to disease. All GTEx releases since Version 5 follow the NIH Genomic Data Sharing (GDS) Policy whereby there are no restrictions on use or publication after release. Additional information about the GTEx Data Release and Publication policy can be found on the GTEx Data Portal at www.gtexportal.org.

  Study phs000424

• Genome-Wide Association of Type 2 Diabetes in Africans: The AADM Study

  The Africa America Diabetes Mellitus (AADM) study is a genetic epidemiological study of type 2 diabetes in Sub-Saharan Africa. Study participants were enrolled through university medical centers in Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya. Ethical approval for the study was obtained from the Institutional Review Board (IRB) of each participating institution. All subjects provided written informed consent for the collection of samples and subsequent analysis. The case definition of type 2 diabetes was based on the American Diabetes Association (ADA) criteria. After providing informed consent, participants underwent the same enrollment procedures, which included collection of demographic information, medical history, clinical examination and a blood draw. Genome-wide SNP genotyping was done on either the Axiom™ PanAFR SNP array (n=1,808) or the Multi-Ethnic Global Array (MEGA) (n=3,423). After appropriate quality control, in silico imputation was done using the African Genome Resources Haplotype Reference Panel (at the Sanger Imputation Service). Imputed genotypes were filtered for variants with minor allele frequency (MAF)≥ 0.01 and information score (info) ≥ 0.3 for genetic association analysis. Genome-wide association analysis between type 2 diabetes and the imputed genotype dosages was done using a generalized linear mixed model, which adjusted for age, gender, body mass index, the genetic relatedness matrix and the first three principal components (PCs) of the genotypes.Metabolomics profiling of plasma samples of type 2 diabetes (T2D) cases and controls in Nigerians (West Africa) was done in the AADM Study. Plasma metabolites were measured in a total of 580 individuals (N=310 for the discovery phase and N=270 for the replication stage) using the global/untargeted approach on the Metabolon platform and following the manufacturer's standard operation protocols. The analytic methods are described in detail in Doumatey et al. [Genome Med 2024]. The measured metabolites level represented by peak areas are relative values. The peak area data were batch-normalized to remove the instrument batch effects (batch variability) and the batch-normalized data correspond to the median-scaled raw data. For each identified metabolite, the minimum value across all batches in the batch-normalized was imputed for the missing values. The batch-normalized and imputed data are natural log-transformed and consist of 1116 metabolites for the discovery cohort and 1071 metabolites for the replication. Welch's two-sample t-test on the log-transformed data was used to identify metabolites differentially expressed between T2D cases and controls . All other statistical analyses conducted on both the replication and discovery cohorts used the log-transformed data. To merge the discovery and replication, the same quality control samples (bridge samples) were run with each batch of the experimental samples in both cohorts and used to correct for additional variability and uniformize the procedures. The resulting merged data is the QC-normalized and imputed data that contains only metabolites that were common to both cohorts and successfully bridged for all batches (n= 891 metabolites).

  Study phs001844

• CIDR: Molecular Pathological Epidemiology of Colorectal Cancer

  Colorectal cancer, the second most commonly diagnosed cancer is a biologically heterogeneous disease. To characterize the molecular attributes of colorectal tumors, we conducted targeted sequencing at the Center for Inherited Disease Research (CIDR) on 4,518 tumor and matched normal DNA samples from the Genetics and Epidemiology of Colorectal Cancer Consortium (GECCO) and the Colon Cancer Family Registry (CCFR). These consortia are based on cohort and population-based case-control studies.

  Study phs001905

• NHLBI TOPMed: Genomic Activities such as Whole Genome Sequencing and Related Phenotypes in the Framingham Heart Study

  The Framingham Heart Study (FHS) is a prospective cohort study of 3 generations of subjects who have been followed up to 65 years to evaluate risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Its large sample of ~15,000 men and women who have been extensively phenotyped with repeated examinations make it ideal for the study of genetic associations with cardiovascular disease risk factors and outcomes. DNA samples have been collected and immortalized since the mid-1990s and are available on ~8000 study participants in 1037 families. These samples have been used for collection of GWAS array data and exome chip data in nearly all with DNA samples, and for targeted sequencing, deep exome sequencing and light coverage whole genome sequencing in limited numbers. Additionally, mRNA and miRNA expression data, DNA methylation data, metabolomics and other 'omics data are available on a sizable portion of study participants. This project will focus on deep whole genome sequencing (mean 30X coverage) in ~4100 participants and imputed to all with GWAS array data to more fully understand the genetic contributions to cardiovascular, lung, blood and sleep disorders. Also available are aptamer proteomic profiling, RNAseq and 850K array DNA methylation data that predominantly overlap with participants with WGS data. Comprehensive phenotypic and pedigree data for study participants are available through dbGaP phs000007.

  Study phs000974

• Genetic subtyping by Whole Exome Sequencing across Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma and Plasmablastic Lymphoma.

  Whole exome sequencing was performed from 108 Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma samples (99 FFPE tumor tissue derived DNA and 9 circulating tumor DNA) and corresponding germline DNA of 38 controls. A library containing whole exome regions was used to isolate the DNA for sequencing (SureSelect XT Human All Exon V6 (Agilent technologies)). Sequencing on a NovaSeq 6000 instrument (Illumina, paired end, 2x100, mean 566Gb per FlowCell) was performed.

  Dac EGAC50000000261

• Institute for Translational Epigenetics

  Dac EGAC50000000057

• Genetic Basis of Early Onset Bicuspid Aortic Valve Disease

  The study protocol was approved by the Committee for the Protection of Human Subjects at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (HSC-MS-11-0185). Study recruitment began on July 1, 2017, and concluded on March 30, 2022. After written informed consent, we enrolled probands with early onset BAV disease (EBAV), which we defined as individuals with BAV who were under the age of 30 at the time of first clinical event. Clinical events were defined as aortic replacement, aortic valve surgery, aortic dissection, moderate or severe aortic stenosis or aortic regurgitation, large aneurysm (Z > 4.5), or intervention for BAV-related conditions. Those with hypoplastic left heart, known genetic mutations, genetic syndromes, or complex congenital heart disease were excluded. Samples were collected and genotyped as previously reported. For comparison, we analyzed a cohort of older individuals of European ancestry with sporadic BAV disease selected from the International BAV Consortium (BAVGWAS). Phenotypes were derived from record review with confirmation of image data whenever possible [25-26]. The computational pipeline for CNV analysis of Illumina single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array data included three independent CNV detection algorithms.GenomeStudio was used to exclude samples with indeterminate sex or more than 5% missing genotypes, and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with GenTrain = 0. Principal component analysis was used to remove outliers that did not cluster with European ancestry. Prior to CNV analysis, each dataset was trimmed by selecting a common set of 650,000 SNPs that were genotyped on each of the microarrays used in this study.Three independent algorithms (PennCNV, cnvPartition, and QuantiSNP) were used to generate CNV calls and sample-level quality statistics from SNP intensity data. PennCNV and QuantiSNP were run on Unix clusters and cnvPartition data were exported from GenomeStudio. The analysis was run using default configurations. PennCNV was used to generate QC data and remove CNV calls that intersect with polymorphic genomic regions. Samples that met any of the following criteria were excluded, standard deviation of the LogR ratio (obtained from PennCNV) > 0.35 or number of CNVs > 2 standard deviations above the mean for each data set. CNV calls less than 20 Kilobases in length and/or spanned by fewer than 6 probes were excluded. The overlap function for rare CNVs in PLINK was used to construct CNV regions (CNVRs) after adjacent regions were merged using PennCNV. LogR ratio (LRR) and B allele frequency (BAF) data at CNVRs and calls of interest were visualized in GenomeStudio for validation. For segregation analysis, GenomeStudio was used to determine the presence of CNVs in relatives.A total of 22,014 unselected control Illumina Genotypes obtained from the Database of Genotypes and Phenotypes were analyzed using identical methods (S1 Table). The Wisconsin Longitudinal Study (WLS) includes data on a cohort of 10,300 individuals who graduated from Wisconsin high schools in 1957. The Health and Retirement Study (HRS) includes data on 37,000 individuals aged 50 above from 23,000 households across the United States. Principal component analysis was used to select European ancestry genotypes from these datasets for analysis. Datasets were paired for case-control analysis based on the concordance of log-transformed sample-level quality control statistics (number of CNV calls and standard deviation of logR ratios). Chi-squared or Fisher exact tests were used to compare CNV frequencies in cases and controls.Rare CNV functions in PLINK (v1.7) were used to perform permutation-based burden tests or gene set-based enrichment tests. Case control burden tests were restricted to CNVs that were longer than 110 Kb and less than 0.1% in frequency. CNV overlap functions in PLINK were used to identify rare CNVs that intersect between datasets or involve specific BAV or CHD genes . The list of candidate genes included 190 CHD genes that have strong cumulative evidence to cause BAV or related congenital malformations from human or animal model data. Genome Reference Consortium Human Build 37 was used for CNV annotation [34].

  Study phs003705

• Gabriella Miller Kids First Pediatric Research Program in Bladder Exstrophy, Epispadias, Complex (BEEC)

  Urogenital anomalies account for 20-30% of prenatally detected structural defects. Bladder Exstrophy Epispadias Complex (BEEC) describes a subset of anomalies with a spectrum of developmental defects ranging from a mild form of epispadias, to classic bladder exstrophy, to omphalocele, exstrophy, imperforate anus, spinal anomalies (OEIS) complex. Patients with BEEC suffer substantial morbidity and mortality due to impaired genito-urinary dysfunction. The etiology of BEEC is largely unknown. Elucidating the underlying genetic component is critical to gaining a better understanding of the developmental signaling pathways and is likely the first step to developing targeted therapy.

  Study phs002173

• CIDR/NICHD Genetic Basis of Recessive Pediatric Brain Diseases

  The purpose of this study is to identify new genetic causes of recessive forms of pediatric neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) including cerebellar hypoplasia (CBH), lissencephaly (LIS), microcephaly (MIC), corpus callosum hypoplasia (CCH), pontocerebellar hypoplasia (PCH), pontine tegmental cap dysplasia (PTCD), and Aicardi syndrome among many others. Using whole exome sequencing on one or two affected members per family, we are able to identify many pathogenic genes for these families. Using Human SNP Linkage Scans, which takes advantage of the Illumina HumanCore Array, and parametric linkage analysis software (Genehunter, Allegro, and others), we seek to identify pathogenic loci utilizing 60-70 families per year. Through the combination of parametric linkage analysis with exome sequencing and bioinformatics approaches, we will refine our search for superior sensitivity and accuracy when investigating candidate genes and identifying causative mutations for disease.

  Study phs001060

• Establishment of an iPSC Repository Derived from Healthy Volunteers

  Understanding the interaction between genetic variation and epigenetic variation remains a challenge due to the confounding role of environmental factors. We propose that human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are an excellent model to study the relationship between genetic variation and epigenetic variation while controlling for consistent environmental factors. In this study, we have created a comprehensive resource of high-quality genomic, epigenomic, and transcriptomic data of six iPSC lines and three iPS-derived cell types (NSC, Motor Neuron, Monocyte) from three healthy donors. We found that epigenetic variation is most strongly associated with genetic variation at the iPSC stage, and that relationship weakens as epigenetic variation increases in the differentiated cells. Additionally, cell-type is a stronger source of epigenetic variation than genetic variation, highlighting that humans are far more similar than they are different, regardless of genetic background. Further, we have elucidated a utility of studying epigenetic variation in iPSCs and their derivatives for identifying important loci for GWAS studies and the cell-types in which they may be acting.

  Study phs003649

• CIDR NICHD Genetic Basis of Recessive Pediatric Brain Diseases - Group 4

  The purpose of this study is to identify new genetic causes of recessive forms of pediatric neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) including Cerebellar hypoplasia (CBH), Lissencephaly (LIS), Microcephaly (MIC), Corpus callosum hypoplasia (CCH), Pontocerebellar hypoplasia (PCH), Pontine tegmental cap dysplasia (PTCD), and Aicardi syndrome among many others. Using whole exome sequencing (WES) on one or two affected members per family, we are able to identify many pathogenic genes for these families. Using Human SNP Linkage Scans, which takes advantage of the Illumina HumanCore Array, and parametric linkage analysis software (Genehunter, Allegro, and others), we seek to identify pathogenic loci utilizing 60-70 families per year. Through the combination of parametric linkage analysis with exome sequencing and bioinformatics approaches, we will refine our search for superior sensitivity and accuracy when investigating candidate genes and identifying causative mutations for disease.

  Study phs001822

• The Melbourne Urological Research Alliance (MURAL) Collection of Patient-Derived Models of Prostate Cancer

  1. Low-Dose Carboplatin Modifies the Tumor Microenvironment to Augment CAR T Cell Efficacy in Human Prostate Cancer Models.Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) was performed to analyze the transcriptional modifications in the tumor microenvironment of prostate cancer patient-derived xenografts (PDX). The analyzed PDX tumor was PDX-287R from the MURAL collection of PDXs (PMID: 34413304). Mice harboring PDX tumors were treated with the carboplatin chemotherapy, and tumors were harvested 3 weeks later. RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) was used to define immune and non-immune cell populations and anti-tumor innate immune signaling within the tumor microenvironment.To investigate the response of tumor cells to carboplatin treatment in more detail, RNA-Seq was performed on FACs-isolated tumor cells from PDX-287R at one week post-treatment. Gene set enrichment analysis showed an enrichment for apoptotic pathways, with significantly increased expression of the pro-apoptotic genes FAS, BAX, BBC3, IFI6, and JUN. Previously, carboplatin has been shown to activate the cGAS/STING pathway, and here we also found an increase in STING signaling, with an enrichment for the cytosolic DNA sensing pathway and increased expression of STING1, STAT1 and STAT2. There was also a significant increase in the expression of genes involved in T cell chemotaxis, including CXCL10, CXCL11, and CCL20. Collectively, carboplatin-induced cell death in tumor cells likely initiated a pro-inflammatory phenotype in prostate cancer PDXs.2. Co-Targeting BET, CREBBP, and EP300 Inhibits Neuroendocrine Signaling in Androgen Receptor-Null Prostate Cancer.The landscape of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) is characterized by a multitude of phenotypes, among which neuroendocrine disease holds a prominent position, each displaying unique responses to therapeutic interventions. The efficacy of inhibitors targeting BET and CREBBP/EP300 in prostate cancer treatment is widely acknowledged, primarily due to their ability to attenuate androgen receptor (AR) signaling. However, the effectiveness of these inhibitors in prostate cancers devoid of AR remains uncertain.This investigation sought to elucidate the role of BRD4, CREBBP, and EP300, which are co-expressed in both AR-positive and AR-null prostate cancer. Our study revealed that a compound targeting all three proteins, NEO2734, exhibited efficacy in suppressing the growth of organoids from both AR-positive and AR-null tumors, as evidenced by alterations in viability, size, and cellular composition. Furthermore, NEO2734 treatment consistently led to transcriptional downregulation of cell cycle pathways across various models. In the context of neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC), NEO2734 demonstrated notable efficacy. Treatment with NEO2734 resulted in decreased expression of ASCL1 and other neuroendocrine markers (including SYP) , accompanied by a reduction in tumor growth in vivo. These findings collectively underscore the potential of epigenome-targeted inhibitors in impeding the growth of neuroendocrine prostate cancer, by disrupting lineage regulators in a phenotype-dependent manner. Consistent with the NEPC organoids and explants, NKX3-1 was upregulated in NEO2734-treated PDXs.In this study, we examined the impact of NEO2734 treatment on 6 organoids (treated for 24 hrs), 3 explants treated with JQ1 (for 48 hrs) and 2 PDXs (at two time points) using bulk RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq). These results are available through this dbGaP submission. The implications of these results warrant further exploration and development of compounds possessing similar activities for clinical applications. The ability of NEO2734 to mitigate the growth of both AR-positive and AR-null prostate cancer underscores its potential as a versatile therapeutic agent. Moreover, its efficacy in targeting neuroendocrine phenotypes offers promising avenues for addressing a subtype of CRPC that poses significant clinical challenges. In conclusion, this study sheds light on the intricate interplay between epigenetic regulators and prostate cancer phenotypes. The observed effects of NEO2734 on growth inhibition and phenotype-specific disruption highlight the importance of continued research into compounds with similar epigenome-targeting mechanisms for advancing precision medicine approaches in the treatment of prostate cancer.3. Defining Focal Neuroendocrine Differentiation as a Transcriptionally Distinct Form of Prostate Cancer Pathology Characterized by the Expression of Androgen ReceptorsThe study aimed to understand the transcriptional differences among different neuroendocrine pathologies of prostate cancer. The study hypothesized that the diverse neuroendocrine pathology observed in prostate might be attributable to differences in transcriptional level that remain hidden in bulk RNA-Seq data. To investigate, we employed scRNA-seq to generate gene expression profiles of 18,632 individual tumor cells from 9 PDX models representing five distinct neuroendocrine pathologies of prostate cancer. Our analysis identified 3-8 transcriptionally distinct sub-populations per PDX. The expression of key oncogenic signaling pathways and master regulator activity varied across in neuroendocrine pathologies, with each type of pathology displaying a unique set of transcriptional sub-populations. We discovered that, like the amphicrine pathology, focal neuroendocrine differentiation (focal NED) cells maintain androgen receptor (AR) signaling. However, the expression profiles of focal NED cells differed from the other pathologies, indicating it should be considered as a distinct type of neuroendocrine pathology in prostate cancer. Analysis of copy number alterations suggested little clonal divergence between focal NED cells and neighboring adenocarcinoma cells, emphasizing the transcriptional distinctiveness of focal NED.Overall, the findings suggest potential differences in treatment approaches for tumors from prostate cancer patients showing neuroendocrine pathology, especially focal NED.4. Reprogramming of Androgen Receptor Activity in Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer is Shaped by Truncated Variants.Under the influence of treatments that target the androgen receptor (AR) axis, prostate cancer cells undergo various changes to the AR gene. This includes the production of truncated AR variants that lack the ligand binding domain and are constitutively active. However, the exact role of these truncated variants in shaping the AR signaling axis and their importance in therapy resistance is not yet fully understood. By examining the AR cistrome in a group of patient-derived prostate cancer models with different mechanisms of castration resistance, we observed diverse changes in AR activity in metastatic prostate cancer, including castration-resistant models. Specifically, we identified a unique subset of tumors characterized by the expression of ARv567es, a variant resulting from structural rearrangements of the AR gene. Tumors positive for ARv567es showed a distinct AR binding profile and epigenome compared to those without ARv567es, which was linked to an altered transcriptional profile. The presence of ARv567es is associated with poor responses to treatments, such as castration and bipolar androgen therapy (BAT), regardless of the presence of full-length AR. This involves disruption of the autoregulatory loop that controls AR gene transcription and reduced transcriptional responses to treatment. Overall, this study demonstrates that ARv567es can lead to transcriptional reprogramming in advanced prostate cancer and drive therapy resistance. 5. The MURAL Collection of Prostate Cancer Patient-Derived Xenografts Enables Discovery Through Preclinical Models of Uro-Oncology.We created a comprehensive PDX resource for prostate cancer to facilitate the rapid and systematic evaluation of new therapies. This collection includes 59 tumors from 30 patients, gathered between 2012 and 2020, aligning with the availability of abiraterone and enzalutamide in the clinic. The PDXs cover the clinical, pathological, and genomic spectrum of prostate cancer, ranging from treatment-naïve primary tumors to castration-resistant metastases. We characterized heterogeneity in adenocarcinoma and neuroendocrine phenotypes using bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing. Additionally, organoids were cultured from PDXs, enhancing our preclinical study capabilities. Employing a 1x1x1 design, we quickly identified tumors with responses to combination therapies. To manage the distribution of PDXs, we established the Melbourne Urological Research Alliance (MURAL). This PDX collection significantly enhances our ability to test and prioritize effective treatments for future clinical trials in prostate cancer.6. Prostate Cancer Associated Fibroblasts Have Distinct Morpho-Mechanical Features That Are Associated With Patient Outcome.The tumor stroma, including cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), has a crucial role in tumor progression. This study focused on the morphological and mechanical properties of CAFs and normal prostatic fibroblasts. The findings revealed that CAFs had distinct morphological and mechanical characteristics compared to normal fibroblasts, such as differences in nuclear size, shape, F-actin arrangement, cellular volumes, and elasticity. Additionally, the study correlated these biophysical properties with transcriptomic data, identifying pathways and cellular components linked to the observed changes. Overall, high-throughput assessments of biophysical properties in prostate cancer cells and stromal components may serve as predictive tools for patient outcomes and help identify new therapeutic approaches targeting the tumor stroma.

  Study phs003369

• Epigenomics of Prostate Cancer from Cell Free Plasma

  We sought to perform epigenomic characterization of prostate cancers by profiling circulating nucleosomes isolated from patient plasma using cell free chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by sequencing (cfChIP-seq). Our major findings include identification of prostate-cancer specific regulatory elements using a novel statistical method accounting for variable tumor DNA fraction in plasma, inferring transcription factor activity based on binding motif enrichment within regulatory elements, and epigenetically phenotyping patients based on clinical and genomic features. Data available in dbGaP will include cfChIP-seq and targeted sequencing from approximately 50 patients with a known diagnosis of cancer and healthy patient controls.

  Study phs003482

• Targeting Heterochromatin Eliminates Malignant Stem Cells in Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia Through Reactivation of Retroelements and Innate Immune pathways

  Hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) aging involves heterochromatin reorganization. These repressive marks together with DNA methylation are essential for suppressing transposable elements (TEs). In this study we analyze heterochromatin and transcriptomic changes occurring at genes and TEs in HSCs from chronic myelomonocytic leukemia, a severe myeloid malignancy affecting the elderly, compared to age-matched cells, and in the presence or absence of a combination of epidrugs.

  Study EGAS50000000688