3855 results for "*geneti*"

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• C-MACH reduced-representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS)

  Umbilical cord blood (CB) has been commonly used as an epigenetic surrogate of fetuses. Here, we propose umbilical cord tissue (UC) as an alternative surrogate for epigenetic studies on fetuses. To explore the feasibility to examine UC epigenome by deep sequencing, we determined CpG methylation profiles of human postnatal UC by reduced representation bisulfite sequencing. We compared DNA methylomes between UC and CB. To investigate the effect of folate during pregnancy on fetal DNA methylation, we compared fetal UC DNA methylation between low and high levels of maternal plasma folate. Our study suggests that UC is useful as an alternative surrogate for studying environmental effects on DNA methylation in human fetuses, compensating CB by providing additional information about epigenetic regulation of genes.

  Study JGAS000171

• Genetic and transcriptional landscape of plasma cells in POEMS syndrome

  POEMS syndrome is a rare paraneoplastic disease, associated with monoclonal plasma cells whose pathogenic importance remains unclear. We performed comprehensive genetic analyses of plasma cells in 20 patients with POEMS syndrome. Whole exome sequencing and targeted sequencing identified 7 recurrently mutated genes: KLHL6, LTB, EHD1, EML4, HEPHL1, HIPK1, and PCDH10. None of the driver gene mutations frequently found in multiple myeloma (MM) such as NRAS, KRAS, BRAF, and TP53 was detected. Copy number analysis showed chromosomal abnormalities shared with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). RNA sequencing revealed a transcription profile specific to POEMS syndrome, especially in terms of tumorigenesis. Unexpectedly, disease-specific VEGFA expression was not increased in POEMS syndrome. Our study illustrates that the genetic and transcriptional profiles of plasma cells in POEMS syndrome are distinct from MM and MGUS, indicating its unique pathogenesis.

  Study JGAS000150

• comprehensive genetic analysis and database construction for head and neck cancer

  The main purpose is to conduct comprehensive genetic analysis of head and neck malignant tumor tissue and patient-derived blood, and to construct a database for it. By analyzing these databases, we aim to clinically identify recurrence and metastasis prediction markers and establish new molecular target therapies.

  Study JGAS000214

• Target resequencing of LQTS-related 100 genes in Japanese patients

  Some of the fatal familial arrhythmias cause sudden death in seemingly healthy individuals. It is not easy to make a pre-symptomatic diagnosis of these diseases using only clinical examinations such as an electrocardiogram. The purpose of this study is to elucidate the cause of lethal arrhythmia and/or the genetic factors that influence its susceptibility, thereby enabling early diagnosis and selection of effective treatment methods, and preventing sudden death. The most important purpose of this study is to identify the sites of genetic abnormalities and disease-related genes in pre-symptomatic cases. If a genetic abnormality is found, it is expected that the functional abnormality can be evaluated and appropriate measures to prevent sudden death can be taken.

  Study JGAS000579

• Identification of therapeutic target molecules for prostate cancer by using next generation sequencer

  Comprehensive transcriptional characterization of cancer tissues can reveal important molecular signatures associated with the disease progression. Long non-coding RNA (LncRNA) has a diversity of functions such as transcription, epigenetic and gene regulation in cancer cells including prostate cancer cells. Here, we performed directional RNA-sequence (RNA-seq) on clinical samples obtained from prostate cancer (PC) and lethal castration-resistant PC (CRPC) patients to identify novel molecular signatures including protein coding genes and non-coding RNAs induced in CRPC tissues.

  Study JGAS000198

• Analysis of genomic alterations in dedifferentiated liposarcoma

  Multiomics analysis of rare cancers to identify genetic alterations related with pathogenesis and prognosis. To identification of genetics alterations of Dedifferentiated liposarcoma, DNAs and RNAs were extracted from dedifferentiated liposarcoma and paired non-cancer (normal) tissues. NGS libaraies were prepared by using Agilent SureSelect XT Human All Exon V5 + IncRNA kit for whole exome sequencing (WES) and TruSeq Stranded mRNA Prep kit or TruSeq RNA Access Library Prep kit (RNA seq). Sequencing was perfomred by Illumina HiSeq 2500.

  Study JGAS000182

• Development of the prevention and therapy of CRC using patient derived culture tissues.

  Tumor tissues consist of functionally heterogeneous cells including those with high clonogenic potential called cancer stem cells (CSCs) which produce differentiated non-tumorigenic progenies. Transplantation assays have been performed to identify cell surface markers in solid tumors including colorectal cancers, which identified several CSC markers such as CD133 and CD44. In addition to the transplantation, the lineage tracing of genetically labelling cells in animal models of cancer qhas been employed to explore the cellular heterogeneity of tumors by identifying the CSCs and its progenies. This approach is particularly useful to investigate solid tumors, where cellular proliferation and differentiation are controlled by niche factors and cell-cell contact with adjacent cells. Lineage tracing of mouse model of cancer unravel the mode of growth of autochthonous tumor in their native environment. In this study, we used patient derived organoids (PDO) established from surgically resected CRC patients to identify the CSC. Single cell RNA-seq analysis identified potential CRC markers, which may exhibit self-renewal activity and produce progenitors

  Study JGAS000139

• Induction of fetal meiotic oocytes from embryonic stem cells in cynomolgus monkeys

  Human in vitro oogenesis provides a framework for clarifying the mechanism of human oogenesis. To create its benchmark, it is vital to promote in vitro oogenesis using a model physiologically close to humans. Here, we establish a foundation for in vitro oogenesis in cynomolgus (cy) monkeys: cy female embryonic stem cells harboring one active and one inactive X chromosome (Xa and Xi, respectively) differentiate robustly into primordial germ cell-like cells, which in xenogeneic reconstituted ovaries develop efficiently into oogonia and, remarkably, further into meiotic oocytes at the zygotene stage. This differentiation entails a comprehensive epigenetic reprogramming, including Xi reprogramming, yet, as partly observed in vivo, Xa and Xi remain epigenetically asymmetric with incomplete Xi reactivation. In humans and monkeys, the Xi epigenome in pluripotent stem cells functions as an Xi-reprogramming determinant. We further show that developmental-pathway over-activations with suboptimal up-regulation of relevant meiotic genes impede in vitro meiotic progression. Cy in vitro oogenesis exhibits critical homology with the human system, including with respect to bottlenecks, providing a salient model for advancing human in vitro oogenesis.

  Study JGAS000573

• Genomic and Genetic Analysis of Brain Tumors and Analysis of Their Clinicopathological Significance

  The treatment outcome of glioma patients remains disappointing, and more studies are needed to improve therapeutic strategies. In particular, it is crucial to understand the mechanisms underlying resistance to treatment and malignant transformation, as well as the intratumoral heterogeneity and interaction of tumor cells and host immunity. Recent advances in omics analysis techniques, such as next-generation sequencing (NGS), have enabled us to obtain omics data more easily and accelerated our ability to integrate this information and precisely characterize cases. In our project, we have already collected more than 100 pairs of human glioma/normal tissue samples, of which some are multiple specimens collected from initial and recurrent tumors, and some include multiple specimens collected from different regions within a single tumor. We used our in-house algorithms, composed of alignment and variant calling programs, to analyze omics data from multiple platforms, such as whole-exome sequencing (WES), RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), and methylation array, with our original cohort of glioma patients. Using several informatics tools, the information about genetic and epigenetic status and expression signatures were analyzed. Those data are expected to provide key information for investigating the mechanisms discussed above. Through this project, we hope to improve strategies for personalized therapy based on comprehensive omics data.

  Study JGAS000004

• Comprehensive molecular and clinicopathological profiling of lung adenocarcinoma in Japanese never or light smokers

  Studies have yet to characterize the differences in molecular profiles of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) among divergent ethnic groups. Herein, we conducted comprehensive molecular profiling of LUAD in never or light smokers from Asia in order to discover novel targetable mutations and prognostic biomarkers of this distinct disease entity. Methods: We analyzed 996 cases of Asian LUAD, and performed whole-exome sequencing and/or RNA-seq in 125 cases of Asian LUAD negative for the driver oncogenes defined by conventional laboratory testing. We also investigated the clinical and pathological characteristics among the 996 cases. Results: Driver oncogenes were identified in 88 cases (70.4%) with specific hotspot mutations differing from those in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) study. Clustering based on mRNA expression profiles, but not genetic mutational ones, could predict patient prognosis. The risk score generated by the expression of a three-gene set was a strong prognostic marker for overall survival and progression-free survival in our cohort, and was further validated using TCGA cohort. Among the 996 cases, each driver alteration is distributed across all histological subtypes. Adenocarcinoma in situ was identified to harbor driver mutations, suggesting that these alterations are early events in the pathogenesis of LUAD. This study indicates the value of applying gene expression profiling for predicting the prognosis after a surgical operation, and that the identification of actionable mutations is important for optimizing targeted drugs in Japanese LUAD.

  Study JGAS000215

• Target sequencing of 27 cancer-predisposing genes in Japanese pancreatic cancer patients

  Background: National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) recently recommended germline genetic testing for all pancreatic cancer patients. However, the genes targeted by genetic testing and the feasibility of selecting patients likely to carry pathogenic variants have not been sufficiently verified. The purpose of this study was to genetically characterize Japanese patients and examine whether the current guideline is applicable in this population. Methods: Using targeted sequencing, we analyzed the coding regions of 27 cancer-predisposing genes in 1,005 pancreatic cancer patients and 23,705 controls in Japan. We compared the pathogenic variant frequency between cases and controls and documented the demographic and clinical characteristics of carrier patients. We then examined if it was possible to use machine learning to predict carrier status based on those characteristics. Findings: We identified 205 pathogenic variants across the 27 genes. Pathogenic variants in BRCA2, ATM, and BRCA1 were significantly associated with pancreatic cancer. Characteristics associated with carrier status were inconsistent with previous investigations. Machine learning classifiers had a low performance in determining the carrier status of pancreatic cancer patients, while the same classifiers, when applied to breast cancer data as a positive control, had a higher performance that was comparable to that of the NCCN guideline. Interpretation: Our findings support the clinical significance of multigene panel testing for pancreatic cancer and indicate that at least 3.4% of Japanese patients may respond to poly (ADP ribose) polymerase inhibitor treatments. The difficulty in predicting carrier status suggests that offering germline genetic testing for all pancreatic cancer patients is reasonable.

  Study JGAS000327

• Defined Lifestyle and Germline Factors Predispose Asian Populations to Gastric Cancer

  Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the leading causes of cancer mortality throughout the world, with the highest incidence in east-Asia. Although the somatic genetics of GC has extensively been characterized by recent advances in cancer genome sequencing, the germline and environmental effects on GC and their ethnic differences have poorly been understood. Here, we performed genomic scale trans-ethnic analysis of 531 GC cases (319 Asian and 212 non-Asians), by integrating east-Asian and public GC datasets. There is one distinct GC subclass with clear alcohol-associated mutation signature and strong Asian specificity, and almost all the cases in the subclass are attributable to alcohol intake behavior, smoking habit, and Asian-specific ALDH2 defective allele. Alcohol-related GCs have low mutation burden and a characteristic immune profile of increased B-cell infiltration into the tumor area in relation to cancer cell-intrinsic CXCL13 chemokine expression. In addition to germline variants of genes involved in BRCA pathways, we found frequent (7.4%) germline CDH1 variants among Japanese GCs. Most of them were attributed to a few recurrent SNVs shared by both Japanese and Koreans, suggesting the existence of common ancestral events and widespread distributions of these pathogenic variants among east-Asian populations. Specifically, approximately one-fifth of diffuse-type GCs were attributable to the combination of alcohol intake and defective-ALDH2 allele or to germline CDH1 variants. These results revealed uncharacterized impacts of germline variants and their interplays with lifestyles in the high incidence areas.

  Study JGAS000228

• Analysis of mutational and proteomic heterogeneity of gastric cancer to monitor post-treatment tumor burden using circulating tumor DNA

  It remains unclear whether complete spectrum of tumor heterogeneity is reflected in circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA). Here, we performed multi-regional target sequencing of primary tumors from 10 patients who underwent surgical resection for gastric cancer. A total of 126 non-synonymous mutations were identified from 30 samples from 10 tumors. Of these, 16 (12.7%) were likely mutations that occurred early in tumor development (i.e., present in all three regions) and were designated founder mutations. Among those validated with highly sensitive digital PCR (dPCR), 93% of non-founder mutations were found in all three regions. Variant allele frequencies (VAFs) of founder mutations were significantly higher than those of non-founder mutations. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that five of eight tumors (62.5%, excluding two hypermutator) had at least one identifiable truncal/founder mutation. These findings led us to prioritize founder mutations for ctDNA detection with individually-designed primer/probe sets for dPCR. Marked proteomic diversity was present across the tumor regions both within and between patients independent of mutational status. In preoperative plasma, the average ctDNA VAF of founder mutations was significantly higher than that of non-founder mutations (p = 0.039). Our present data demonstrated that high VAF mutations in the tumor likely represent founder or truncal mutations. However, mutation patterns alone appear insufficient to predict protein heterogeneity. These results suggest that, in practice, mutations having high VAF identified without multi-regional sequencing may be useful for ctDNA monitoring but are inadequate to fully predict proteomic heterogeneity of the tumor.

  Study JGAS000231

• Identification of genetic mutations characteristic for recurrence and metastasis of colon and rectal cancer.

  We collected the cancerous tissues of the primary and recurrence tumors from the same patient with recurrent / metastatic colorectal cancer, and the purpose of this study is to find the characteristics of recurrent / metastatic colorectal cancers by carrying out a "molecular profiling", mainly the exome sequence analysis of these tissues.

  Study JGAS000091

• Molecular analysis of diffuse cerebellar gliomas

  Among diffuse gliomas, oligodendrogliomas show relatively better prognosis, respond well to radiotherapy and chemotherapy, and seldom progress to very aggressive tumors. To elucidate the genetic and epigenetic background for such behavior and tumor evolution during tumor relapse, we comparatively analyzed 12 pairs of primary and recurrent oligodendrogliomas with 1p/19q-codeletion. Initial treatment for these patients was mostly chemotherapy alone. Temozolomide was used for 3, and procarbazine, nimustine and vincristine (PAV chemotherapy) were used for 7 patients. World Health Organization histological grade at recurrence was mostly stable; it was increased in 2, the same in 9, and decreased in 1 cases. Whole-exome sequencing demonstrated that the rate of shared mutation between the primary and recurrent tumors was relatively low, ranging from 3.2-57.9% (average, 33.3%), indicating a branched evolutionary pattern. The trunk alterations that existed throughout the course were restricted to IDH1 mutation, 1p/19q-codeletion, and TERT promoter mutation, and mutation of the known candidate tumor suppressor genes CIC and FUBP1 were not consistently observed between primary and recurrent tumors. Multiple sampling from different regions within a tumor showed marked intratumoral heterogeneity. Notably, in general, the number of mutations was not significantly different after recurrence, remaining under 100, and no hypermutator phenotype was observed. FUBP1 mutation, loss of chr. 9p21, and TCF12 mutation were among a few recurrent de novo alterations that were found at recurrence, indicating that these events were clonally selected at recurrence but were not enough to enhance malignancy. Genome-wide methylation status, measured by Illumina 450 K arrays, was stable between recurrence and the primary tumor. In summary, although oligodendroglioma displays marked mutational heterogeneity, histological malignant transformation accompanying events such as considerable increase in mutation number and epigenetic profile change were not observed at recurrence, indicating that noticeable temporal and spatial genetic heterogeneity in oligodendrogliomas does not result in rapid tumor progression.

  Study JGAS000106

• Identification of genetic mutations characteristic for recurrence and metastasis of gastric cancer.

  We collected the cancerous tissues of the primary and recurrence tumors from the same patient with recurrent / metastatic gastric cancer, and the purpose of this study is to find the characteristics of recurrent / metastatic gastric cancers by carrying out a "molecular profiling", mainly the exome sequence analysis of these tissues.

  Study JGAS000086

• Identification of genetic mutations characteristic for recurrence of serous ovarian cancer.

  Establishment of novel therapeutic strategy to overcome intractable cancer by molecular profiling of serous ovarian cancer

  Study JGAS000104

• Genome and gene analysis of gastrointestinal cancer and elucidation of its clinicopathological significance

  Cancer develops through the accumulation of genetic and epigenetic aberrations. To identify sequential molecular alterations that occur during the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), we molecularly compared 52 early and 108 overt HCC samples by genome sequencing. Gene mutations in the p53/RB1 pathway, WNT pathway, MLLs, SWI/SNF complexes, and AKT/PI3K pathway were common in HCC. In the early phase of all entities, TERT was the most frequently upregulated gene owing to diverse mechanisms. Despite frequent somatic mutations in driver genes, including CTNNB1 and TP53, early HCC was a separate molecular entity from overt HCC as each had a distinct expression profile. Notably, WNT target genes were not activated in early HCC, regardless of CTNNB1 mutation status, because ?-catenin did not translocate into the nucleus due to the E-Cadherin/?-catenin complex at the membrane. Conversely, WNT targets were definitively upregulated in overt HCC with CTNNB1 mutation associated with downregulation of CDH1 and hypomethylation of CpG islands in the target genes. Similarly, cell cycle genes downstream of the p53/RB pathway were upregulated only in overt HCC with TP53 and/or RB1 gene mutations associated with chromosomal deletion of 4q and/or 16q. Differing from the expression profile, HCC was epigenetically distinguished into four subclasses: normal-like methylation, global-hypomethylation (favorable prognosis), stem-like methylation (poor prognosis), and CpG island methylation. These methylation statuses were globally maintained through HCC progression. Taken together, additional molecular events besides driver gene mutations cooperatively contribute to transcriptional activation of downstream targets as HCC progresses, according to the methylation status of the associated genes.

  Study JGAS000233

• Cancer genomics for elucidation of molecular mechanisms of carcinogenecis and progression in lung cancer

  The objective of this project is to analyze genomic aberrations and gene expression changes such as mutations, deletions, amplifications, and hypermethylation in human lung cancer cells at the somatic cell level, and to contrast these with clinicopathological information to elucidate the molecular mechanisms and characteristics of lung cancer development and progression at the genetic level.

  Study JGAS000756

• DNA demethylation is associated with malignant progression of low-grade gliomas

  To elucidate the mechanisms of tumor progression is key to discovering strategies for treating patients with lower-grade glioma. Thus to characterize the changes in the molecular profile during malignant progression, we performed methylation array analysis (122 tumors), whole-exome sequencing (36 tumors and matched normal samples), and RNA sequencing (31 tumors). This cohort included 24 matched pairs of initial lower-grade gliomas and recurrent tumors, most of which showed malignant progression when they recurred. Nearly half of IDH-mutant glioblastomas that had progressed from lower-grade gliomas exhibited characteristic partial DNA demethylation in previously methylated genomic regions of their corresponding initial tumors, which had the glioma CpG island methylator phenotype (G-CIMP). In these glioblastomas, cell cycle-related genes were upregulated, RB and PI3K-AKT pathway genes were frequently altered. Notably, bioinformatics analysis revealed that late-replicating domain was significantly enriched in the demethylated regions that were mostly located in non-regulatory regions, suggesting that the loss of DNA methylation during malignant transformation may involve mainly passive demethylation due to a delay in maintenance of methylation during accelerated cell division. Nonetheless, a limited number of genes including IGF2BP3, which potentially drives cell proliferation, were presumed to be upregulated due to demethylation of their promoter. Thus, cell proliferation was further promoted by passive demethylation in the promoter region of these oncogenic genes. Our data indicated that demethylation of the G-CIMP profile found in a subset of recurrent gliomas reflects accelerated cell divisions accompanied by malignant transformation. Oncogenic genes activated by such epigenetic change represent potential therapeutic targets.

  Study JGAS000146

• Expression profiling of Gorlin iPSCs in the osteoblast induction culture

  In this study, we utilized human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-based models of the two diseases, named Gorlin syndrome and McCune Albright synfrome, to understand the roles of Hh signaling in osteogenesis, especially in mineralization. To examine which signaling pathways and genetic networks were affected by Gorlin syndrome-associated PTCH1 mutation in human osteoblastogenesis, we performed RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis in the osteoblast induction culture of WT and Gorlin iPSCs.

  Study JGAS000218

• Gene expression of human Th17 cells before and after activation

  Although gene expression of human Th17 clones has been studies, to date, molecular mechanisms for human Th17 development remain unclear. We have analyzed gene expression of human Th17 cells before and after activation. Th17-cell clones from peripheral blood CD4 T cells cultured with LPS-stimulated dendritic cells derived from monocytes stimulated by TNF were established by a limited dilution method. One of the Th17 clones was proliferated significantly, and high percentages (>70%) of Th17 cells in the cultured cells were maintained by addition of monocytes, IL-1b, and IL-15. CD161+CXCR3- cells (CD161+Th17) in the cultures were sorted and purified up to approximately 97% of IL-17-producing cells after treatment with PMA/ionomycin. Furthermore, these cells were treated with TCR-stimuli, IL-1b, and IL-23 for 2 days, and IL-17-producing Th17 cells (active-Th17) detected by IL-17-catch-up antibodies were sorted. Total RNA sampled from 1x 106 CD161+Th17, active-Th17, na?ve CD4 T cells, or CXCR3+ Th1 cells from combined CD4 T and dendritic cell cultures was used for SAGE. SAGE was performed by using SOLID TM SAGETM kit with barcoding adaptor molecules (Applied Biosystems). DNA sequence was analyzed by using AB5500 Genetic Analyzer (Applied Biosystems), and gene expression was analyzed by using SOLID? SAGETM software (Applied Biosystems). Our data shows high levels of IL-17A-mRNA expression by active-Th17; however, but only slight expression by CD161+Th17. Therefore, the data could provide alteration of gene expression by Th17 cells before and after stimulation.

  Study JGAS000005

• Na?ve Treg-specific genomic DNA hypomethylation for autoimmune disease susceptibility

  Naturally occurring regulatory T (Treg) cells, which are specifically expressing the transcription factor FOXP3, CD25 and CTLA-4, are indispensable for the maintenance of immunological self-tolerance and homeostasis. Mutations of the FOXP3, CD25 and CTLA4 genes compromise the function of natural FOXP3+CD25+CD4+ Treg cells and cause severe autoimmune diseases showing Mendelian inheritance. Also, altered Treg-specific epigenetic changes, such as DNA hypomethylation and enhancer activation, impair the expression of these molecules in developing Treg cells, causing autoimmune diseases. It is obscure, however, whether Treg cells significantly contribute to the development of polygenic common autoimmune diseases (such as type 1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis), which afflict ~10% of the population. Recent genome-wide association study (GWAS) of common autoimmune diseases has revealed many autoimmune disease-associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in enhancer regions of immune cells, for example, in non-coding regions of T cell activation-associated genes such as CD25 and CTLA4. These findings, especially the involvement of common T-cell genes in the functions of both Treg cells and effector T cells, prompt one to ask whether autoimmune disease-associated causative SNPs impact on the functions of either disease-causing effector T cells or disease-suppressing Treg cells. Here, we have explored epigenetic profiles of human Treg and conventional T (Tconv) cells in na?ve or activated states, and found that autoimmune disease-associated SNPs are predominantly enriched in Treg-specific CpG demethylated regions (Treg-DRs), which were mostly included in Treg-specific super-enhancers. Treg-DRs are developmentally established in na?ve Treg cells before antigenic stimulation, distinct from activation-induced CpG hypomethylation in Treg or Tconv cells, and highly associated with Treg cell-specific transcriptional and epigenetic changes. Taken together, genetic variants affecting endogenous development of natural Treg cells and their Treg-intrinsic functions are causative of common autoimmune diseases, indicating natural Treg cells as a key target for their treatment and prevention.

  Study JGAS000145

• Response to Hepatitis B vaccine

  Approximately 5-10% of individuals, who are vaccinated with a hepatitis B (HB) vaccine designed based on the HBV genotype C, fail to acquire protective levels of antibodies. Host genetic factors behind low immune response to the HB vaccine were investigated by GWAS and HLA association tests. GWAS and HLA association tests were carried out using a total of 1,193 Japanese individuals including 107 low responders (HBsAb ?10 mIU/mL), 351 intermediate responders (10 mIU/mL< HBsAb <100 mIU/mL), and 735 high responders (HBsAb ?100 mIU/mL). Classical HLA class II alleles were statistically imputed using the genome-wide SNP typing data. GWAS identified independent associations of HLA-DRB1-DQB1 haplotypes, HLA-DPB1 alleles and BTNL2 gene with immune response to the HB vaccine designed based on the HBV genotype C. Five HLA-DRB1-DQB1 haplotypes and two DPB1 alleles showed significant associations with response to the HB vaccine in a comparison of three groups of 1,193 HB vaccinated individuals. When frequencies of DRB1-DQB1 haplotypes and DPB1 alleles were compared between low immune responders and HBV patients, significant associations were identified for three DRB1-DQB1 haplotypes, and no association was identified for any of DPB1 alleles. In contrast, no association for DRB1-DQB1 haplotypes and DPB1 alleles was identified in a comparison between high immune responders and healthy individuals. The findings in this study clearly show the importance of HLA-DR-DQ (i.e. recognition of a HB vaccine related HBsAg by specific DR-DQ haplotypes) and BTNL2 molecules (i.e. high immune response to the HB vaccine) for response to a HB vaccine designed based on the HBV genotype C.

  Study JGAS000341

• Phylogenetic analysis of paired breast carcinomas identifies genetic events associated with clonal recurrence and invasive progression

  Development of ipsilateral breast carcinoma following diagnosis of breast ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) has been assumed to represent recurrence of the primary tumour. However, this may not be the case and it is important to know how often recurrences are new tumours. Ipsilateral primary-recurrence pairs (n=78) were sequenced to test their clonal relatedness. Shared genetic events were identified from whole exome sequencing (n=54 pairs) using haplotype-specific copy number and phylogenetic analysis. The remaining pairs were sequenced by a targeted panel or low-coverage whole genome sequencing. We included 32 non-recurrent DCIS to compare recurrent and non-recurrent disease. We found that 7% of DCIS recurrences were non-clonal by whole exome sequencing, indicative of a new breast carcinoma. Lower resolution methods detected a higher non-clonality rate (29%). Comparing primary DCIS with their recurrences found that evolution of DCIS to invasive disease was associated with increased ploidy and copy number events. TP53 mutations were enriched in DCIS with clonal recurrence compared with non-recurrent DCIS. Our results verify that de novo “recurrent tumours” of independent origin occur in patients who may be at high risk. (https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.05.19.594731v2.full)

  Study EGAS50000001298