4015 results for "*geneti*"

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• Epigenetic memory of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination in monocyte-derived macrophages

  Immune memory is key to effective antimicrobial responses, but the impact of mRNA vaccines on this process is not fully understood. Our research shows that SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines alter the epigenetic profile of human macrophages, specifically enhancing histone acetylation, which is linked to immune training. Significant epigenetic changes, along with increased cytokine release, require two vaccine doses. However, these effects diminish over time but can be restored with a booster dose six months later, maintaining a strong pro-inflammatory response.

  Study EGAS50000000341

• Decoding Human Endogenous Retrovirus Expression in Liver Metastatic Colorectal Cancers: Implications for Diagnosis and Prognosis

  The association between Human Endogenous RetroVirus (HERV) expression and cancer can be considered to both reflect the epigenetic deregulation of cancer and facilitate oncogenesis through its promoter/enhancer action on genes. More than 50% of colorectal cancers develop liver metastases and HERV has never been studied in this setting. We collected 400 RNAseq samples from more than 200 patients with primary and liver metastases from published and unpublished databases. We corroborated our findings with tandem mass spectrometry from primary colorectal cancer and single-cell RNAseq from liver metastatic colorectal cancer (lmCRC). We identified global stability in HERV expression between liver metastases and primary colorectal cancers, suggesting an early oncogenic footprint. Therefore, we proposed a list of seventeen HERV loci for lmCRC characterization with ERV-derived peptides but no expression in normal tissues. Among them, we discovered six prognostic markers after surgical resection of lmCRC. Four of them, HERVH_Xp22.32a, HERVH_20p11.23b, HERVH_13q33.3, HERVH_13q31.3, showed poor prognostic value when expressed (log-rank p-value 0.028, 0.0083, 9e-4, 0.05, respectively). HERVH_Xp22.2c (log-rank p-value 0.032) and HERVH_8q21.3b (only in multivariate models) were associated with better prognosis when expressed. These markers showed a cumulative effect on survival when expressed. Some HERVs were associated with decreased cytotoxic immune cells and most of them correlated with cell cycle pathways. Our findings provide new insights into lmCRC classification and suggest novel prognostic biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets.

  Study EGAS50000000307

• Targeted sequencing of genomic regions of interest in depression and obesity

  This study aimed to further explore the genetic relationship between MD and obesity taking advantage of targeted sequencing strategy. Specifically, we searched for genetic risk variants across the entire frequency spectrum in flanking genomic regions and genes previously associated with MD and obesity, assessed the contribution of those variants to the pathophysiology of comorbid MD and obesity, and provided a general overview of the cellular and molecular pathways mapped by those variants when these complex diseases co-occur.

  Study EGAS50000000330

• Circulating tumor cells for comprehensive and multiregional non-invasive genetic characterization of multiple myeloma

  Study EGAS00001004288

• Toxigenic Clostridium perfringens isolated from at-risk pediatric inflammatory bowel disease patients

  With the goal of studying mucosal-associated bacteria and products detrimental to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients, we directly cultured bacterial communities from mucosal biopsies and examined for detrimental traits. Focusing on red blood cell lysis, a virulence trait, communities from 5 of 9 patients exhibited hemolytic activity. Clostridium perfringens was isolated from each hemolytic community, and whole-genome sequencing confirmed presence of hemolytic toxins – alpha toxin in all 5 strains, perfringolysin O (PFO) in 4 strains, alveolysin in 2 strains – and absence of enterotoxins. In vitro cytotoxicity experiments demonstrated strain supernatants were toxic to various cell types located beneath the intestinal epithelial barrier, including endothelial, neuroblasts, and neutrophils, while impact on epithelial cells was less pronounced. These findings suggest C. perfringens may be damaging particularly when intestinal barrier integrity is compromised, such as in IBD patients. Further characterization using purified toxins and genetic insertion mutants confirmed PFO toxin was sufficient for cell toxicity. C. perfringens supernatants also induced activation of neuroblast and dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neuron cells in vitro, suggesting C. perfringens in inflamed mucosal tissue may directly contribute to abdominal pain, a frequent IBD symptom. Strikingly, C. perfringens was detected in biopsies of 8 of 9 pediatric patients while not in all corresponding stool samples, and in other datasets, C. perfringens was in stool samples of IBD adults (18.7-27.1%) much more frequently versus healthy (5.1%). Our findings showcase C. perfringens may have an important pathogenic impact on IBD patients. Similar to Clostridioides difficile, routine monitoring of C. perfringens and PFO toxins in patients may be beneficial.

  Study EGAS50000000334

• Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) biopsies show heterogeneity in gene expression profiles, genetic subtypes, and in vitro drug sensitivity to kinase inhibitors

  Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is an aggressive large B-cell lymphoma, most often of the activated B cell (ABC) subtype, but with limited tumor biology studies due to small biopsy size and lack of strict cohort definition. Here we examined the genetic heterogeneity of 29 HIV- EBV- PCNSL tumors using whole exome sequencing (WES). We compared these tumors to 5 cell lines comprised of two human PCNSL cell lines (TK and HKBML) and three systemic activated B-cell-like diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (ABC-DLBCL) (OCI-Ly3, TMD-8, HBL-1).

  Study EGAS50000000312

• 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 EGAS50000000367

• CpG methylation changes associated with hyperglycemia in type 1 diabetes occur at angiogenic glomerular and retinal gene loci.

  Retinal and glomerular microangiopathy, and cardiovascular disease, contribute to the morbidity and mortality observed in adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D). While the level and duration of hyperglycemia are primary factors influencing these complications, the underlying molecular mechanisms behind glucose-induced organ damage remain poorly understood. In this study, blood samples from young T1D patients at diagnosis and three years later in average were analyzed for DNA methylation using whole-genome bisulfite sequencing. Significant DNA methylation changes in critical angiogenic gene loci were associated with HbA1c, a direct hallmark of chronic hyperglycemia. This finding may offer novel epigenetic insights for a better understanding of T1D complications.

  Study EGAS50000000370

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

  99 FFPE derived tumor tissue DNA, 9 circulating tumor DNA samples and 38 paired germline DNA were used. 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) at the National Genomic Analysis Center (CNAG, Barcelona, Spain) was performed.

  Study EGAS50000000371

• "BaTwa" populations from Zambia retain ancestry of past hunter-gatherer groups

  We genotyped and analyzed over two million genome-wide SNPs from two BaTwa populations (40 individuals by population), and from three comparative farming populations (10 to 21 individuals by population) in order to: (i) determine if the Zambian BaTwa carry any genetic material linking them to past hunter-gatherer-groups, and (ii) characterize the genetic affinities of past Zambian hunter-gatherer-groups. We found that both BaTwa populations harbor a hunter-gatherer- like genetic component, representing ∼19% (Bangweulu) and ∼31% (Kafue) of their genetic ancestry, while the rest of their ancestry is similar to western Africans.

  Study EGAS50000000378

• Diagnosis of pediatric central nervous system tumors using methylation profiling of cfDNA from cerebrospinal fluid

  In this study, we explore the potential of classifying pediatric brain tumors based on methylation profiling of the cell-free DNA in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). For this proof-of-concept study, we collected 20 cerebrospinal fluid samples of pediatric brain cancer patients via a ventricular drain placed for reasons of increased intracranial pressure. For 11 patients in this study we collected matched tumor DNA. This cohort contains fastQ files of cfRRBS data of these samples.

  Study EGAS50000000377

• Epigenetic landscape reorganization and reactivation of embryonic development genes are associated with malignancy in IDH-mutant astrocytoma

  Accurate grading of IDH-mutant gliomas is crucial for determining patient prognosis and guiding treatment decisions. However, histological grading can be challenging, so we aimed to identify objective molecular markers. To this end, we conducted bulk RNA sequencing on primary IDH-mutant astrocytomas (n=138) from the prospective CATNON trial, which evaluated the prognostic impact of adjuvant and concurrent temozolomide. Using this data, we sought to identify molecular markers linked to increased malignancy in IDH-mutant astrocytomas to establish objective grading criteria.

  Study EGAS50000000381

• RNA-Seq data_MM study cohort (n=73) and human myeloma cell lines

  Multiple myeloma (MM) represents approximately 10 % of all hematological malignancies and patients present with a variety of clinical manifestations and diverse cytogenetic backgrounds While MM patient survival has greatly improved due to novel treatments in the last years, the disease is generally considered incurable with a median survival of approximately 6 years. Therapy resistance remains as a major obstacle, causing almost all patients to eventually relapse, underlining the persisting need to identify novel therapeutic targets and biomarkers associated with disease progression.

  Study EGAS50000000392

• Single nuclei ATAC-Seq data from the human ganglionic eminences

  We performed the single nuclei Assay for Transposase-Accessible Chromatin with Sequencing (snATAC-Seq) to map potential regulatory genomic regions operating in individual cell populations of the human GE, using these to test for enrichment of schizophrenia common genetic variant liability and to functionally annotate non-coding variants associated with the disorder.

  Study EGAS50000000411

• plasma DNA LINE-1 targeted bisulfite sequencing: a new non-invasive multi-cancer detection marker

  The detection of circulating tumor DNA, which allows non-invasive tumor molecular profiling and disease follow-up, promises optimal and individualized management of patients with cancer. However, detecting small fractions of tumor DNA released when the tumor burden is reduced remains a challenge. We developed a PCR-based targeted bisulfite method coupled to deep sequencing to detect methylation patterns of L1PA elements,which we named DIAMOND (for Detection of Long Interspersed Nuclear Element Altered Methylation ON plasma DNA). We used sodium bisulfite chemical conversion to achieve base-pair resolution analysis and designed a multiplexed PCR based on 8 amplicons covering L1PAs .

  Study EGAS50000000446

• DNA methylation database for gynecological cancer detection, classification and assay development

  DNA methylation changes are associated with cancer the best predictor of the presence of cancer. In order to detect and classify gynecological cancer, we performed MeD-seq to generate DNA methylation profiles of vulvar, cervical, endometrial, fallopian tube and ovarian cancers and their associated healthy tissues. DNA methylation profiles were used to find general cancer, regional cancer and specific cancer biomarkers that can be used for cancer detection, classification and treatment monitoring.

  Study EGAS50000000417

• Mind the gap: the relevance of the genome reference to resolve rare and pathogenic inversions

  Chromosomal inversions (INV) are particularly challenging to detect due to their copy-number neutral state and association with repetitive regions. Inversions represent about 1/20 of all balanced structural chromosome aberrations and can lead to disease by gene disruption or altering regulatory regions of dosage sensitive genes in cis. Short-read genome sequencing (srGS) can only resolve ~70% of cytogenetically visible inversions referred to clinical diagnostic laboratories, likely due to breakpoints in repetitive regions. Here we study twelve inversions by srGS (n=3) or long read genome sequencing (lrGS) (n=9)

  Study EGAS50000000436

• Nanopore sequencing of blood, saliva, buccal mucosa samples of patients with inherited retinal disorders

  X-linked genetic disorders typically affect females less severely than males due to the presence of a second X chromosome not carrying the deleterious variant. However, the phenotypic expression in females is highly variable, which may be explained by an allelic skew in X chromosome inactivation. Accurate measurement of X inactivation skew is crucial to understand and predict disease phenotype in carrier females, with prediction especially relevant for degenerative conditions. We propose a novel approach using nanopore sequencing to quantify skewed X inactivation accurately. By phasing sequence variants and methylation patterns, this single assay reveals the disease variant, X inactivation skew, its directionality, and is applicable to all patients and X-linked variants. Enrichment of X-chromosome reads through adaptive sampling enhances cost-efficiency. Our study includes a cohort of 16 X-linked variant carrier females affected by two X-linked inherited retinal diseases: choroideremia and RPGR-associated retinitis pigmentosa. As retinal DNA cannot be readily obtained, we instead determine the skew from peripheral samples (blood, saliva and buccal mucosa), and correlate it to phenotypic outcomes. This revealed a strong correlation between X inactivation skew and disease presentation, confirming the value in performing this assay and its potential as a way to prioritise patients for early intervention, such as gene therapy currently in clinical trials for these conditions. Our method of assessing skewed X inactivation is applicable to all long-read genomic datasets, providing insights into disease risk and severity and aiding in the development of individualised strategies for X-linked variant carrier females.

  Study EGAS50000000440

• Genome-wide SNP data of Fulani populations from the Sahel belt

  This project seeks to uncover the genetic structure and ancestry of the Fulani populations across the Sahel/Savannah Belt. The study includes two datasets (''WGA_Fulani_Database'' and ''Saliva_Fulani_Ddatabase''), and SNP-genotyping data was generated using the Illumina Infinium H3Africa Consortium array (BeadChip type: H3Africa_2019_20037295_B1) in two genotyping batches (TE-2559_201029 and TE-2559_201020). In total, 419 were genotyped for this study and the key results were presented in Fortes-Lima et al. 2024 (doi: 10.1101/2024.06.22.600206).

  Study EGAS50000000451

• ATAC sequencing of Treg cell subsets

  Within the investigator-initiated clinical trial Charact-IL-2 (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03312335), we treated 12 female systemic lupus erythematosus patients with low-dose interleukin-2. From this study we identified four distinct interleukin-2-driven regulatory T (Treg) cell subsets. This study aimed at defining chromatin accessability and predict transcriptional regulation of HLA-DR– CD38– Treg cells, HLA-DR+ CD38– Treg cells, HLA-DR– CD38+ Treg cells, and HLA-DR+ CD38+ Treg cells. Treg cell subsets were isolated from 500ml blood pooled from four healthy donors by flow cytometry sorting.

  Study EGAS50000000457

• cfDNA Methylomes for HCC Detection and Postoperative Monitoring

  To overcome the limitations of current ctDNA-based HCC detection, specifically mutational profiling, we propose quantifying cfDNA methylation levels using cfMeDIP-seq and evaluating its capacity for HCC detection and post-surgery recurrence monitoring. This approach aims to reveal the clonal dynamics of HCC during surgery and upon relapse. Our preliminary data and analyzed results demonstrate that tumor-agnostic cfDNA methylomes can accurately detect HCC and predict recurrence after liver resection or transplantation. This method could have significant implications for the diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of HCC.

  Study EGAS50000000450

• Identifying New Genetic Subtypes in Follicular Lymphoma

  Follicular lymphoma (FL) exhibits considerable variability in biological features and clinical trajectories across patients. To dissect the diversity of FL, we utilized a Bernoulli mixture model to identify genetic subtypes in 713 pre-treatment tumor tissue samples. Our analysis revealed the existence of five subtypes with unique genetic profiles that correlated with clinicopathological characteristics. The clusters were enriched in specific mutations as follows: CS (CREBBP and STAT6), TT (TNFAIP3 and TP53), GM (GNA13 and MEF2B), Q (quiescent, for low mutation burden), and AR (mutations of mTOR pathway-related genes). The subtype Q was enriched for patients with stage I disease and was associated with a lower proliferative history compared to the other subtypes. The AR subtype was unique in its enrichment for IgM-expressing FL cases and was associated with advanced-stage and more than 4 nodal sites. The existence of subtypes was validated in an independent cohort of 418 samples from the GALLIUM trial. Notably, patients assigned to the TT subtype consistently experienced inferior progression-free survival when treated with immunochemotherapy. Collectively, our findings offer insight into core pathways distinctly linked with each FL cluster and are expected to be informative in the era of targeted therapies.

  Study EGAS50000000435

• Mid-pass Whole-genome Sequencing in a Malagasy Cohort Uncovers Body Composition Associations

  The majority of human genomic research studies have been conducted in European-ancestry cohorts, reducing the likelihood of detecting potentially novel and globally impactful findings. Here, we present mid-pass whole-genome sequencing data and a genome-wide association study in a cohort of 264 self-reported Malagasy individuals from three locations on the island of Madagascar. We describe genetic variation in this Malagasy cohort, providing insight into the shared and unique patterns of genetic variation across the island. We observe phenotypic variation by location, and find high rates of hypertension particularly in the Southern Highlands sampling site as well as elevated self-reported malaria prevalence in the West Coast site relative to other sites. After filtering to a subset of 214 minimally-related individuals, we find a number of genetic associations with body composition traits, including many variants that are only observed in African populations or populations with admixed African ancestry from the 1000 Genomes Project. This study highlights the importance of including diverse populations in genomic research for the potential to gain novel insights, even with small cohort sizes. This project was conducted in partnership and consultation with local stakeholders in Madagascar and serves as an example of genomic research that prioritizes community engagement and that has potential impacts on our understanding of human health and disease.

  Study EGAS50000000496

• Single cell chromatin accessibility allows analysis of the transposable element landscape, revealing shared features of immune tissue-residency

  Tissue adaptation is required for regulatory T (Treg) cells to function within organs. Whether this program shares similarities between different tissue-localized immune populations is poorly understood. Here, we addressed this by analyzing single-cell chromatin accessibility data, including the transposable element (TE) landscape, of CD45+ immune cells from different tissues. We identified features of organ-specific tissue adaptation across different immune cells. Focusing on tissue-Treg cells, we found that the Treg tissue adaptation program was conserved in other tissue-localized immune cells, such as amphiregulin-producing Th17 cells. Accessible TEs can act as regulatory elements but their contribution to tissue adaptation is unclear. TE landscape analysis revealed an enrichment of specific transcription factor binding motifs in TE regions within accessible chromatin peaks. TEs, specifically from the LTR family, were located in enhancer regions and associated with tissue adaptation. These findings broaden our understanding of immune tissue-residency, an important step towards organ-specific immune interventions.

  Study EGAS50000000350

• The landscape of Usher syndrome-associated transcript isoforms in the human neural retina

  Usher syndrome is an autosomal recessively inherited disorder characterized by the combination of progressive loss of visual function due to retinitis pigmentosa, sensorineural hearing loss and vestibular dysfunction in a subset of cases. Usher syndrome is clinically and genetically heterogeneous. To date, eleven genes have been identified that are associated with Usher syndrome. It is known that these genes express multiple isoforms, however, for most of the known isoforms their relative importance in the human retina is unknown. To fill this gap, using PacBio long-read mRNA sequencing we aimed to provide an overview of the Usher syndrome transcripts in the human retina.

  Study EGAS50000000504