4051 results for "*geneti*"

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• Overrepresentation of genetic variation in the AnkyrinG interactome is related to a range of neurological disorders

  Upon the discovery of numerous genes involved in the pathogenesis of neurodevelopmental disorders, several studies showed that a significant proportion of these genes converge on common pathways and protein networks. Here, we used a reversed approach, by screening the well-characterized AnkyrinG protein-protein interaction network, implicated in a variety of neurodevelopmental disorders, for genetic variation in a large cohort of 1009 cases with neurodevelopmental disorder. We identified a significant enrichment of de novo potentially disease-causing variants in this network, confirming that this protein network plays an important role in the emergence of several neurodevelopmental disorders.

  Study EGAS00001004326

• METABRIC: Data from Batra et al (2021); DNA methylation landscapes of 1538 breast cancers reveal a replication-linked clock, epigenomic instability and cis-regulation

  DNA methylation is aberrant in cancer, but the dynamics, regulatory role and clinical implications of such epigenetic changes are still poorly understood. Here, RRBS-based profiles of 1538 breast tumors and 244 normal breast tissues from the METABRIC cohort are reported, facilitating detailed analysis of DNA methylation within a rich context of genomic, transcriptional, and clinical data. Tumor methylation from immune and stromal signatures are deconvoluted leading to the discovery of a tumor replication-linked clock with genome-wide methylation loss in non-CpG island sites. Unexpectedly, methylation in most tumor CpG islands follows two replication-independent processes of gain (MG) or loss (ML) that we term epigenomic instability. Epigenomic instability is correlated with tumor grade and stage, TP53 mutations and poorer prognosis. After controlling for these global trans-acting trends, as well as for X-linked dosage compensation effects, cis-specific methylation and expression correlations are uncovered at hundreds of promoters and over a thousand distal elements. Some of these targeted known tumor suppressors and oncogenes. In conclusion, the study demonstrates that global epigenetic instability can erode cancer methylomes and expose them to localized methylation aberrations in-cis resulting in transcriptional changes seen in tumors.

  Study EGAS00001004327

• Dissecting intratumor heterogeneity of nodal B cell lymphoma on the transcriptional, genetic, and drug response level

  Tumor heterogeneity encompasses both the malignant cells and their microenvironment. While heterogeneity between individual patients is well-known to affect the efficacy of anti-cancer, most personalized treatment approaches do not account for intratumor heterogeneity. We addressed this issue by studying the heterogeneity of lymph node-derived B cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-NHL) by single cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) and transcriptome-informed flow cytometry. We identified transcriptionally distinct malignant subclones and compared their drug response and genomic profiles. Malignant subclones of the same patient responded strikingly different to anti-cancer drugs ex vivo, which recapitulated subclone-specific drug sensitivity during in vivo treatment. Tumor infiltrating T cells represented the majority of non-malignant cells, whose gene expression signatures were similar across all donors, whereas the frequencies of T cell subsets varied significantly between the donors. Our data provide new insights into the heterogeneity of B-NHL and highlight the relevance of intratumor heterogeneity for personalized cancer therapies.

  Study EGAS00001004335

• Persistent STAG2 mutation in recurrent pediatric glioblastoma

  Similar to their adult counterparts, the prognosis for pediatric patients with high-grade gliomas remains poor. At time of recurrence, treatment options are limited and remain without consensus. This report describes the genetic findings, obtained from whole exome sequencing of a pediatric patient with glioblastoma who underwent multiple surgical resections and treatment with standard chemoradiation, as well as a novel recombinant poliovirus vaccine therapy. Strikingly, despite the variety of treatments, there was persistence of a tumor clone, characterized by a deleterious STAG2 mutation, whose deficiency in pre-clinical studies can cause aneuploidy and aberrant mitotic progression, but remains understudied in the clinical setting. There was near elimination of an EGFR mutated and amplified tumor clone after gross total resection, standard chemoradiation, and poliovirus therapy, followed by the emergence of a persistently STAG2 mutated clone, with rare mutations in PTPN11 and BRAF, the latter composed of a novel deleterious mutation previously not reported in pediatric glioblastoma (p.D594G). This was accompanied by a mutation signature shift towards one characterized by increased DNA damage repair defects, consistent with the known underlying STAG2 deficiency. As such, this case represents a novel report following the clinical and genetic progression of a STAG2 mutated glioblastoma, including treatment with a novel and emerging immunotherapy. Although STAG2 deficiency comprises only a small subset of gliomas, this case adds clinical evidence to existing pre-clinical data supporting a role for STAG2 mutations in tumor formation and resistance to standard therapies.

  Study EGAS00001004340

• Comprehensive molecular characterization of brainstem glioma

  Brainstem gliomas are the most devastating and lethal tumors. Survival rates are among the lowest in all cancers and options for intervention are likewise low. Due to anatomical delicacy of these areas, resection of tumors is particularly difficult and attempted resections have high perioperative mortality rates. Genomic and epigenetic studies often provide a gateway to functional studies of specific classifications of tumors that can lead to major breakthroughs in diagnosis and treatment options.

  Study EGAS00001004341

• Phylogenetic reconstruction of breast cancer

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

  Study EGAS00001004356

• Whole-exome sequencing of extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma

  Extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma (ENKTCL) is an aggressive Epstein-Barr virus-associated T/NK neoplasm that predominantly affects Asians. To explore the causative somatic events, we conducted a comprehensive genetic analysis of 19 ENKTCL patients including whole-exome sequencing (N = 16). Commonly deregulated gene pathways in ENKTCL included epigenetic modifiers followed by human leukocyte antigen (HLA) and related genes and JAK-STAT pathway.

  Study EGAS00001004357

• Sequencing of an adolescent patient with germline RET mutant alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma

  An adolescent patient presented with an alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma made more unique by the presence of a germline RET mutation ordinarily associated with and a known driver of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A (MEN2A) cancer. To better understand the role of this germline RET mutation in the genetics and phenotypic response of this unique alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, we performed DNA and RNA sequencing of the patients in addition to functional studies on patient-derived cultures and genetically similar similar cell models.

  Study EGAS00001004359

• Genetic diversity and continuity of the population of the UAE

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

  Study EGAS00001004362

• Comprehensive Genomic Characterization of Refractory Multiple Myeloma Reveals a Complex Mutational and Structural Landscape Associated with Drug Resistance (H067)

  Outcome of patients with multiple myeloma (MM) refractory to immunomodulatory agents (IMiDs) and proteasome inhibitors (PIs) is still very poor. To elucidate the genetic landscape of relapsed/refractory MM (RRMM) we performed whole genome and transcriptome sequencing of 39 heavily pretreated RRMM patients with at least double refractoriness revealing complex structural changes and a high mutational load (H067/K08K). We found a median of 67 structural variants and 116 nonsynonymous exonic mutations per patient. Assessment of oncogenic drivers showed NRAS, BRAF, TP53, KRAS, SLC4A7, FAM46C, DIS3, RB1, KMT2C, MLLT4, EWSR1, HCFC2, and COPS3 as significantly mutated. We found multiple genomic regions with bi-allelic events affecting known tumor suppressor genes, most frequently TP53, RB1, and TRAF3. Supervised analysis of mutational signatures showed a major contribution of Cosmic signature 6 associated with deficiency in DNA mismatch repair and the ‘BRCAness’ signature which coincided with mutations in genes known to confer PARP inhibitor sensitivity. Recurrently mutated gene networks included genes with relevance for PI and IMiD activity, the latter including in particular members of the Cereblon and the COP9 signalosome complex. In conclusion, this comprehensive genomic characterization revealed a complex mutational and structural landscape in RRMM and highlights potential implications for therapeutic strategies.

  Study EGAS00001004363

• Whole-genome sequencing of rare disease patients in a national healthcare system

  Most patients with rare diseases do not receive a molecular diagnosis and the aetiologicalvariants and mediating genes for more than half such disorders remain to be discovered. Weimplemented whole-genome sequencing (WGS) in a national healthcare system to streamlinediagnosis and to discover unknown aetiological variants, in the coding and non-coding regionsof the genome. In a pilot study for the 100,000 Genomes Project, we generated WGS data for13,037 participants, of whom 9,802 had a rare disease, and provided a genetic diagnosis to1,138 of the 7,065 patients with detailed phenotypic data. We identified 95 Mendelianassociations between genes and rare diseases, of which 11 have been discovered since 2015and at least 79 are confirmed aetiological. Using WGS of UK Biobank1, we showed that rarealleles can explain the presence of some individuals in the tails of a quantitative red blood cell(RBC) trait. Finally, we reported 4 novel non-coding variants which cause disease through thedisruption of transcription of ARPC1B, GATA1, LRBA and MPL. Our study demonstrates asynergy by using WGS for diagnosis and aetiological discovery in routine healthcare.

  Study EGAS00001004364

• Epigenetic analyses of methylation and nucleosome occupancy in cell-free DNA (cfNOMe)

  Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) has become essential in cancer diagnostics and prenatal testing. We investigate enzymatic cytosine conversion for epigenetic analyses of cfDNA and find that it reliably measures cytosine methylation and nucleosome occupancy. Whereas previously, separate experiments had to be performed to study either epigenetic marking, this approach delivers reliable results for both, enabling more comprehensive and inexpensive epigenetic profiling of cfDNA.

  Study EGAS00001004370

• Whole exome sequencing identifies clinically relevant mutational signatures in resected hepatocellular carcinoma

  We conducted a multicentre pilot study on patients with localized HCC following complete radiological response to surgical resection. Patients received 250 mg oral gefitinib once daily as adjuvant therapy, up to a maximum of 6 months. The clinical endpoints included recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS), and correlative genetic analyses were conducted from whole exome sequencing data (n=33). All statistical analyses were carried out on an intention-to-treat basis. The study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT00282100).

  Study EGAS00001004371

• Genomic study of an AT-AML

  Ataxia Telangiectasia (A-T) is caused by biallelic mutations in ATM and confers predisposition to cancer, with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) being rarely observed. We investigated an AML arising in an A-T patient for secondary genetic events by performing whole exome sequencing of serial samples over the disease course. AML samples were compared to a reference "germline" sample from a much earlier time point. Goldgraben et al 2020, Pediatric Blood & Cancer

  Study EGAS00001004392

• Search for genetic variants influencing gestational weight gain in type 1 diabetes patients by genome wide association method

  Clinical data suggest that BMI and gestational weight gain (GWG) are strongly interconnected phenotypes, however the genetic basis of the latter is rather unclear. Here we aim to investigate the genetic factors associated with GWG from the perspective of the genetics of obesity.

  Study EGAS00001004408

• Personalised Mapping of Tumour Development in Synchronous Colorectal Cancer Patients

  We performed an in-depth characterisation of 12 tumours from 3 syCRC patients by analysing histopathological, whole genome sequencing and RNA-sequencing data. We assessed the extent of genetic overlap between synchronous tumours and examined associations between clinicopathological information and the molecular, microbial and immune features of each tumour genome.

  Study EGAS00001004413

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

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

  Study EGAS00001004434

• Immunogenomic landscape of hematological malignancies

  We integrated over 8,000 transcriptomes and over 2,000 samples with multilevel genomic data of hematological cancers to investigate how immunological features are linked to cancer subtypes, genetic and epigenetic alterations, and patient survival. For more detailed follow-up analyses in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), single-cell RNA sequencing was performed on 8 AML bone marrow samples at diagnosis to profile the phenotypes of blasts and infiltrating immune cells in different disease subtypes.

  Study EGAS00001004444

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

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

  Study EGAS00001004448

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

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

  Study EGAS00001004459

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

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

  Study EGAS00001004460

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

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

  Study EGAS00001004472

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

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

  Study EGAS00001004477

• Identifying the role of ID3 in DNA repair and maintenance of genome integrity

  The inhibitor of DNA-binding 3 (ID3) is a transcriptional repressor protein that limits the binding of basic helix­loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factors to DNA. Preliminary results from our lab confirm that cellular depletion of ID3 is associated with an impaired DNA damage response. we hypothesize that ID3 has the potential to epigenetically affect DNA repair. This is based on our observation that upon cellular ID3 knockdown, a reduction of chromatin-bound H4K16ac and H3K36me3.

  Study EGAS00001004478

• Fine-Scale Genomic Analyses Of Admixed Individuals Reveal Unrecognized Genetic Ancestry Components In Argentina

  Study the sub-continental origins of African, European and Native American genetic ancestries of Argentinean populations.

  Study EGAS00001004492

• Targets of MEK inhibition in DIPG

  The survival of children with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) remains dismal, with new treatments desperately needed. In the era of precision medicine, targeted therapies represent an exciting treatment opportunity, yet resistance can rapidly emerge, playing an important role in treatment failure. In a prospective biopsy-stratified clinical trial, we combined detailed molecular profiling (methylation BeadArray, exome, RNAseq, phospho-proteomics) linked to drug screening in newly-established patient-derived models of DIPG in vitro and in vivo. We identified a high degree of in vitro sensitivity to the MEK inhibitor trametinib in samples which harboured genetic alterations targeting the MAPK pathway, including the non-canonical BRAF_G469V mutation, and those affecting PIK3R1 and NF1. However, treatment of PDX models and of a patient with trametinib at relapse failed to elicit a significant response. We generated trametinib-resistant clones in the BRAF_G469V model through continuous drug exposure, and identified acquired mutations in MEK1/2 (MEK1_K57N, MEK1_I141S and MEK2_I115N) with sustained pathway up-regulation. These cells showed the hallmarks of mesenchymal transition, and expression signatures overlapping with inherently trametinib-insensitive primary patient-derived cells that predicted an observed sensitivity to dasatinib. Combinations of trametinib with dasatinib and the downstream ERK inhibitor ulixertinib showed highly synergistic effects in vitro. These data highlight the MAPK pathway as a therapeutic target in DIPG, and show the importance of parallel resistance modelling and rational combinatorial treatments likely to be required for meaningful clinical translation.

  Study EGAS00001004495

• Uterine leiomyoma: DNA methylation, chromatin activity and gene expression

  In this study, we observed the effects of different uterine leiomyoma driver mutations to tumor DNA methylation, chromatin activity and gene expression, to form a comprehensive view on the epigenetic consequences of the mutations.

  Study EGAS00001004499

• Mutator phenotype and specific mutational signature explain an increased risk of hematological malignancies in patients with Xeroderma Pigmentosum

  In this study we report for the first time the unique collection of 6 leukemias and two sarcomas from XP-C. Comprehensive WGS-based mutational analysis provides genetic explanation for the increased incidence of leukemia in XP-C and describes an unique mutational process in internal tumors associated with NER deficiency.

  Study EGAS00001004511

• A reference map of potential determinants for the human serum metabolome

  The collection of metabolites circulating in the human blood, termed the serum metabolome, contains a plethora of biomarkers and causative agents. Although the origin of specific compounds is known, we have a poor understanding of the key determinants of most metabolites. Here, we measured the levels of 1251 circulating metabolites in serum samples from a healthy human cohort of 491 individuals, and devised machine learning algorithms to predict their levels in held-out subjects based on a comprehensive profile consisting of host genetics, gut microbiome, clinical parameters, diet, lifestyle, anthropometric measurements and medication data. Notably, we obtained statistically significant predictions for over 76% of the profiled metabolites. Despite using the strict out-of-sample prediction metric, which is a lower bound for the explained variance, diet and microbiome each explained hundreds of metabolites, with over 50% of the variance explained in some metabolites. We further validated the robustness of the microbiome related associations by showing a high replication rate in two geographically independent cohorts that were not available to us when developing the algorithms. We also demonstrate that some of these interactions are causal, as some metabolites we predicted to be positively associated with bread increased in level following a randomized clinical trial of bread intervention. Microbiome-explained metabolites were enriched with unnamed metabolites, and we devised an algorithm that accurately predicts their biological pathway, finding that they mainly include food components, aromatic amino acids and secondary bile acid derivatives. Overall, our results unravel potential determinants of over 800 metabolites, paving the way towards mechanistic understanding of alterations in metabolites under different conditions and to designing interventions for manipulating circulating metabolite levels.

  Study EGAS00001004512

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

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

  Study EGAS00001004518

• An epigenetic single-cell atlas of IDH-mutant glioma reveals the role of ATRX in shaping tumor composition

  Recent single-cell RNA-sequencing studies have identified a hierarchy of cell types that is common to all isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) -mutant gliomas. This finding is somewhat paradoxical since the genetic differences between IDH-mutant astrocytomas and IDH-mutant oligodendrogliomas are prognostic, predictive of therapeutic response, and correlated with differences in immune infiltrates. To integrate these disparate findings, we constructed a single-cell atlas of 22 human IDH-mutant primary untreated grade-II/III gliomas.

  Study EGAS00001004523

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

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

  Study EGAS00001004533

• Whole genome sequencing for novel neuromuscular disease gene discovery

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

  Study EGAS00001004535

• Whole Genome Sequencing of 317 individuals from the Pacific region

  Although genetic studies of modern Oceanians have revealed varying levels of admixture with populations of East Asian ancestry, attributed to the Austronesian expansion, the early peopling history of Oceania remains poorly characterized. Additionally, it is currently unknown whether and how the settlement of the Pacific was accompanied by genetic adaptation to island environments, and if archaic introgression facilitated this process in Oceanians, who present the highest worldwide levels of combined Neanderthal and Denisovan ancestry. This study reports the first whole genome-based survey that addresses a wide range of questions related to the demographic and adaptive history of Pacific populations.

  Study EGAS00001004540

• Survival Benefit and Genetic Profile of Pemetrexed as Initial Chemotherapy in Selected Chinese Patients with Advanced Lung Adenocarcinoma

  We retrospectively collected patients (n=1047) enrolled in the Chinese Patient Assistance Program from multiple centers who received pemetrexed alone or combined with platinum as initial chemotherapy and continued pemetrexed maintenance therapy for advanced lung adenocarcinoma from November 2014 to June 2017. The outcomes were duration of treatment (DOT) and overall survival (OS). Clinical features were analyzed for their influence on the treatment effect and prognosis. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) was performed to identify genetic biomarkers associated with the efficacy of pemetrexed. The median DOT was 9.1 months (95% CI: 8.5-9.8), and the median OS was 26.2 months (95% CI: 24.2-28.1). OS was positively correlated with DOT (r=0.403, P<0.001). Multivariable analysis showed that smoking status and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status (PS) were independently associated with DOT; smoking status, ECOG PS, targeted therapy, and EGFR/ALK/ROS1 status were independently associated with OS. NGS in 22 patients with available samples showed genes with high mutation rates were: TP53 (54.5%), EGFR (50.0%), MYC (18.2%), PIK3CA (13.6%). When grouped based on progression-free survival (PFS) reported in the PARAMOUNT study, the DOT >6.9 months set was associated with PIK3CA, ALK, BRINP3, CDKN2A, CSMD3, EPHA3, KRAS, and RB1 mutations, while ERBB2 mutation was observed only in the DOT ≤6.9 months set. This study shows that initial chemotherapy with pemetrexed is an effective regimen for advanced lung adenocarcinoma in selected Chinese patients. There is no specific genetic profile predicting the benefit of pemetrexed found by NGS. Biomarkers predicting the efficacy of pemetrexed need further exploration.

  Study EGAS00001004546

• Super enhancers define regulatory subtypes and cell identity in neuroblastoma

  Half of the children diagnosed with neuroblastoma have high-risk disease, disproportionately contributing to overall childhood cancer-related deaths. In addition to recurrent gene mutations, there is increasing evidence supporting the role of epigenetic deregulation in disease pathogenesis. Yet, comprehensive cis-regulatory network descriptions from neuroblastoma tissues are lacking. Here, using genome-wide H3K27ac profiles across 60 neuroblastomas, covering the different clinical and molecular subtypes, we identified four major super enhancer-driven epigenetic subtypes and their underlying master regulatory networks. Three of these subtypes recapitulated known clinical groups, namely MYCN amplified, MYCN non-amplified high-risk and MYCN non-amplified low-risk neuroblastomas. The fourth subtype, exhibiting mesenchymal characteristics, shared features with multipotent Schwann cell precursors, was induced by RAS activation and enriched in relapsed disease. Notably, CCND1, a disease essential gene, was regulated by both mesenchymal and adrenergic regulatory networks converging on distinct super-enhancer modules. Together, this reveals subtype-specific super-enhancer regulation in neuroblastoma.

  Study EGAS00001004551

• Super enhancers define regulatory subtypes and cell identity in neuroblastoma - RNA-seq

  Half of the children diagnosed with neuroblastoma have high-risk disease, disproportionately contributing to overall childhood cancer-related deaths. In addition to recurrent gene mutations, there is increasing evidence supporting the role of epigenetic deregulation in disease pathogenesis. Yet, comprehensive cis-regulatory network descriptions from neuroblastoma tissues are lacking. Here, using genome-wide H3K27ac profiles across 60 neuroblastomas, covering the different clinical and molecular subtypes, we identified four major super enhancer-driven epigenetic subtypes and their underlying master regulatory networks. Three of these subtypes recapitulated known clinical groups, namely MYCN amplified, MYCN non-amplified high-risk and MYCN non-amplified low-risk neuroblastomas. The fourth subtype, exhibiting mesenchymal characteristics, shared features with multipotent Schwann cell precursors, was induced by RAS activation and enriched in relapsed disease. Notably, CCND1, a disease essential gene, was regulated by both mesenchymal and adrenergic regulatory networks converging on distinct super-enhancer modules. Together, this reveals subtype-specific super-enhancer regulation in neuroblastoma.

  Study EGAS00001004552

• Novel mutations in TOP2A in gliomas

  High grade gliomas (HGGs) are aggressive, primary brain tumors with poor clinical outcomes. To better understand glioma pathobiology and find potential therapeutic susceptibilities, we designed a custom- panel 664 cancer- and epigenetics-related genes and employed targeted next generation sequencing to study the genomic landscape of somatic and germline variants in 182 glioma samples of different malignancy grades. Besides known alterations in TP53, IDH1, ATRX, EGFR genes, we found several novel variants that can be potential drivers in gliomas. In four patients from the Polish glioma cohort, we identified a novel recurrent mutation in the TOP2A gene coding for Topoisomerase 2A in glioblastomas (GBM, WHO grade IV gliomas). The mutation results in a substitution of glutamic acid (E) 948 to glutamine (Q) of TOP2 A and we predicted this E948Q substitution may affect DNA binding and a TOP2A enzymatic activity.

  Study EGAS00001004556

• Measurable residual disease in elderly acute myeloid leukemia: results from the PETHEMA-FLUGAZA phase III clinical trial

  The value of measurable residual disease (MRD) in elderly patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is inconsistent between those treated with intensive vs hypomethylating drugs, and unknown after semi-intensive therapy. We investigated the role of MRD in refining complete remission (CR) and treatment duration in the phase III PETHEMA-FLUGAZA clinical trial, that randomized 283 elderly AML patients to induction and consolidation with fludarabine plus cytarabine or induction and consolidation with 5-azacitidine. After consolidation, patients continued treatment if MRD≥0.01% or stopped if MRD<0.01%, assessed by multidimensional flow cytometry (MFC). On multivariate analysis including genetic risk and treatment arm, MRD status in patients achieving CR (N=72) was the only independent prognostic factor for cumulative-incidence of relapse (HR:2.95;P=.002) and relapse-free survival (HR:3.45;P=.002). A trend for longer overall survival was observed in patients with undetectable MRD (N=13/72). Although leukemic cells from most elderly AML patients display phenotypic aberrancies vs their normal counterpart (N=258/265), CD34 progenitors from cases with undetectable MRD by MFC displayed extensive genetic abnormalities identified by whole-exome sequencing. This study supports MRD assessment to refine CR after semi-intensive therapy or hypomethylating agents, but unveils that improved sensitivity is warranted to individualize treatment and prolong survival of elderly AML patients achieving undetectable MRD.

  Study EGAS00001004574

• Exome and transcriptome sequencing of Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Sarcoma

  To conduct exome and transcriptome profiling to identify secondary recurrent mutations, multi-site phylogenetic analyse and immune characterization of Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Sarcoma.

  Study EGAS00001004575

• SNP array files, IDAT files, from 34 members of a Family with a high prevalence of psychosis

  We investigated the genetic causes of major mental disorders (MMDs) including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder I, major depressive disorder, and attention deficit hyperactive disorder, in a large family pedigree from Alpujarras, South of Spain, a region with a high prevalence of psychotic disorders. We applied a systematic genomic approach based on karyotyping (N=4), genotyping by genome-wide SNP array (N=33), whole-exome sequencing (N=4), and whole-genome sequencing (N=12). We performed genome-wide linkage analysis, family-based association analysis, and polygenic risk score estimates. Significant linkage was obtained at chromosome 9 (9q33.1-33.2, LOD score= 4.11), a suggestive region that contains five candidate genes ASTN2, BRINP1, C5, TLR4, and TRIM32, previously associated to MMDs. Comprehensive analysis associated the MMD phenotype with genes of the immune system with dual brain functions. Moreover, the psychotic phenotype was enriched for genes involved in synapsis. These results should be considered once studying the genetics of psychiatric disorders in other families, especially the ones from the same region, since founder effects may be related to the high prevalence.

  Study EGAS00001004592

• A GWAS for cutaneous leishmaniasis in Brazil

  Our goal was to identify genetic risk factors for cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) caused by Leishmania braziliensis. Genotyping 2066 CL cases and 2046 controls using Illumina HumanCoreExomeBeadChips provided data for 4,498,586 imputed single nucleotide variants (SNVs). Genome-wide association testing using linear mixed models took account of genetic diversity/ethnicity/admixture. Post-GWAS positional, expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL), and chromatin interaction mapping was performed in FUMA. Transcriptional data were compared between lesions and normal skin, and cytokines measured using flow cytometry and Bioplex assay.

  Study EGAS00001004596

• A Universal Gut Metagenomic-Derived Signature Predicts Cirrhosis

  Dysregulation of the gut microbiome has been implicated in the progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) to advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis. To determine the diagnostic capacity of this association, stool microbiomes were compared across 163 well-characterized participants encompassing non-NAFLD controls, NAFLD-cirrhosis patients and their first-degree relatives. Interrogation of shotgun metagenomic and untargeted metabolomic profiles using the Random Forest machine learning algorithm and differential abundance analysis identified discrete metagenomic and metabolomic signatures that were similarly effective in detecting cirrhosis (diagnostic accuracy 0.91, AUC). Combining the metagenomic signature with age and serum albumin levels accurately distinguished cirrhosis in etiologically and genetically distinct cohorts from geographically separated regions. Additional inclusion of serum aspartate aminotransferase levels, which are increased in cirrhosis patients, enabled discrimination of cirrhosis from earlier stages of fibrosis. These findings demonstrate that a core set of gut microbiome species may offer universal utility as a non-invasive diagnostic test for cirrhosis.

  Study EGAS00001004600

• The endometrial transcription landscape of MRKH syndrome

  The Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome (OMIM 277000) is characterized by agenesis of the uterus and upper part of the vagina in females with normal ovarian function. While genetic causes have been identified for a small subset of patients and epigenetic mechanisms presumably contribute to the pathogenic unfolding, too, the etiology of the syndrome has remained largely enigmatic. A comprehensive understanding of gene activity in the context of the disease is crucial to identify etiological components and their potential interplay. So far, this understanding is lacking, primarily due to the scarcity of samples and suitable tissue. In order to close this gap, we profiled endometrial tissue of uterus rudiments in a large cohort of MRKH patients using RNA-seq and thereby provide a genome-wide view on the altered transcription landscape of the MRKH syndrome.

  Study EGAS00001004601

• Prime editing for functional repair in patient-derived disease models

  Prime editing is a novel genome editing technology using fusion proteins of Cas9-nickase and reverse transcriptase, that holds promise to correct a wide variety of genetic defects. We succeeded in efficient prime editing and functional recovery of disease-causing mutations in patient-derived liver and intestinal stem cell organoids. Whole genome sequencing of did not detect off-target mutations or a mutational signature induced by prime editing.

  Study EGAS00001004611

• Patient-tailored design for selective co-inhibition of leukemic cell subpopulations

  The extensive primary and secondary drug resistance in many cancer types requires rational approaches to design personalized and selective combinatorial therapies that do not only show synergistic effect in overall cancer cell killing but also result in minimal toxic side effects on non-malignant cells. To address the combinatorial explosion in the number of relevant combinations, we implemented a machine learning approach that prioritizes patient-customized drug combinations with a desired synergy-efficacy-toxicity balance by combining single-cell RNA-sequencing with ex vivo single-agent testing in scarce patient-derived primary cells. When applied to two diagnostic and two refractory AML patient cases, each with a different genetic background, our integrated approach accurately predicted patient-specific combinations that were shown to result not only in synergistic cancer cell co-inhibition but were also capable of targeting specific AML cell subpopulations that emerge in differing stages of disease pathogenesis or treatment regimens. Our data-driven approach provides an unbiased means for systematic identification of personalized combinatorial regimens that selectively co-inhibit leukemic cells while avoiding inhibition of non-malignant cells, and highlight the relevance of considering cell heterogeneity for personalized cancer therapy.

  Study EGAS00001004614

• Understanding_hematopoietic_stem_cell_mobilization_and_engraftment_

  This study looks at patients undergoing gene therapy for genetic blood and immune disorders, in particular sickle cell disease. From each patient, single blood HSPC colonies are grown from patient blood mononuclear cells, bone marrow mononuclear cells, or CD34+ at multiple time points: pre gene transduction, post-transduction, and post-infusion (at several time points). Whole-genome sequencing will be performed on DNA from these colonies and somatically-acquired mutations will be called. Using these mutations, a phylogeny of these cells can be inferred and further inferences can be made about the gene therapy transduction and engraftment steps.

  Study EGAS00001004620

• Molecular classification improves risk assessment in adult B-lineage ALL: Patients on the international UKALLXII-ECOG2993 trial.

  Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in adults is a rare disease with outcomes that remain significantly inferior to those of children with ALL. While genomic classification of pediatric B-lineage ALL (B-ALL) has led to improved risk assignment and therapeutic paradigms, similar advances in adults have been lacking. The international UKALLXII/E2993 (NCT00002514) trial accrued over 2000 adult (17-64 years old) patients over 13 years, including 1229 BCR/ABL negative B-ALLs. While 93% of B-ALL achieved a remission, 41% relapsed at a median time of 13 months (Range) and overall survival (OS) at 5 years was 42% (CI). Older age and higher white blood cell (WBC) count at presentation negatively affected OS. Patients with a sibling donor assigned to allogeneic transplantation had superior OS compared to patients without donor. Randomization of patients without a donor showed an advantage of chemotherapy over autologous transplantation in first remission. Transcriptome sequencing of 94% of E2993 patients enabled genomic subtyping. We found that one-third of patients belonged to favorable genotypes (DUX4-rearranged, ETV6-RUNX1, TCF3-PBX1, PAX5 P80R, high hyperdiploidy). Of 63.4% of patients classified as high-risk based age and WBC count at diagnosis, almost 40% harbored subtype-defining genetic associations associated with favorable- or intermediate outcomes. These patients did significantly better than expected from their protocol-defined risk assignment. Our data in a large adult B-ALL cohort treated on a single international trial show the important prognostic value of genomic analysis and the potential benefit for many of the novel genotypes.

  Study EGAS00001004638

• The proliferative history shapes the DNA methylome of B-cell tumor and predicts clinical outcome

  Here, we provide access to CLL and DLBCL DNA methylation and gene expression data in the context of a systematic analysis of the DNA methylation variability in 1,595 samples of normal cell subpopulations and 14 tumor subtypes spanning the entire human B-cell lineage. This approach showed that differential methylation among tumor entities relates to differences in cellular origin and to de novo epigenetic alterations, which allowed us to build an accurate machine learning-based diagnostic algorithm. We identify extensive patient-specific methylation variability in silenced chromatin associated with the proliferative history of normal and neoplastic B cells. Mitotic activity generally leaves both hyper- and hypomethylation imprints, but some B-cell neoplasms preferentially gain or lose DNA methylation. Subsequently, we construct a DNA methylation-based mitotic clock called epiCMIT, whose lapse magnitude represents a strong independent prognostic variable in B-cell tumors and is associated with particular driver genetic alterations. Our findings reveal DNA methylation as a holistic tracer of B-cell tumor developmental history, with implications in the differential diagnosis and prediction of clinical outcome.

  Study EGAS00001004640

• Genomewide detection of cytosine methylation by single molecule real-time sequencing

  5-methylcytosine (5mC) is an important type of epigenetic modification. In this study, we enhanced 5mC detection using SMRT sequencing by holistically analyzing kinetic signals of a DNA polymerase and sequence context for every base within a measurement window. We employed a convolutional neural network to train a methylation classification model. This methodology has provided a system for simultaneous genome-wide genetic and epigenetic analyses. 

  Study EGAS00001004642