3855 results for "*geneti*"

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• PCGP Ph-like ALL

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

  Study EGAS00001000654

• 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

• Chromosomal copy number heterogeneity predicts survival rates across cancers

  Survival rates of cancer patients vary widely within and between malignancies. While genetic aberrations are at the root of all cancers, individual genomic features cannot explain these distinct disease outcomes. In contrast, intra-tumour heterogeneity (ITH) has the potential to elucidate pan-cancer survival rates and the biology that drives cancer prognosis1,2. Unfortunately, a comprehensive and effective framework to measure ITH across cancers is missing3. Here, we introduce a scalable measure of chromosomal copy number heterogeneity that predicts patient survival across cancers. We show that the level of ITH can be derived from a single-sample copy number profile. Using gene-expression data we demonstrate that ongoing chromosomal instability underlies the observed heterogeneity. Analysing 11,534 primary cancer samples from 35 different malignancies, we find that copy number heterogeneity can be accurately deduced and predicts cancer survival across tissues of origin and stages of disease. Our results provide a unifying molecular explanation for the different survival rates observed between cancer types.

  Study EGAS00001004702

• 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

• 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

• 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 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

• whole genome sequence data of multifocal hepatocellular carcinoma

  Background & Aims: The differentiation of distinct multifocal hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC): multicentric disease vs. intrahepatic metastases, in which the management and prognosis varies substantively, remains problematic. We aim to stratify multifocal HCC and identify novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers by performing whole genome and transcriptome sequencing, as part of a multi-omics strategy Methods: A complete collection of tumour and somatic specimens (intrahepatic HCC lesions, matched non-cancerous liver tissue and blood) were obtained from representative patientswith multifocal HCC exhibiting two distinct postsurgical courses. Whole-genome and transcriptome sequencing with genotyping were performed for each tissue specimen to con-trast genomic alterations, including hepatitis B virus integrations, somatic mutations, copy number variations, and structural variations. We then constructed a phylogenetic tree to visualise individual tumour evolution and performed functional enrichment analyses on select differentially expressed genes to elucidate biological processes involved in multifocal HCC development. Multi-omics data were integrated with detailed clinicopathological information to identify HCC biomarkers, which were further validated using a large cohort of HCC patients (n = 174).Results: The multi-omics pro?ling and tumour biomarkers could successfully distinguish the two multifocal HCC types, while accurately predicting clonality and aggressiveness. The dual speci?city protein kinase TTK, which is a key mitotic checkpoint regulator with links to p53 signaling, was further shown to be a promising overall prognostic marker for HCC in the large patient cohort.Conclusions: Comprehensive multi-omics characterisation of multifocal tumour evolution may improve clinical decision-making, facilitate personalised medicine, and expedite identi?cation of novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets in HCC.

  Study EGAS00001002338

• In this study, we performed exon sequencing (WXS) of 80 paired Brain cancer tumors and adjacent normal tissues to identify novel potential biomarkers. We extracted mutational signatures which induce somatic mutations . Our study covers a comprehensive genetic framework that can be used in clinical trials and treatment modalities in Brain cancer.

  In this study, we performed exon sequencing (WXS) of 80 paired Brain cancer tumors and adjacent normal tissues to identify novel potential biomarkers. We extracted mutational signatures which induce somatic mutations . Our study covers a comprehensive genetic framework that can be used in clinical trials and treatment modalities in Brain cancer.

  Study EGAS00001002352

• CEHM

  Study of the genetic and epigenetic clonal evolution of blood cancers.

  Study EGAS00001002366

• 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

• 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

• Mutational Landscape and Tumor Burden Assessed by Cell-Free DNA in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma: a Population-based Study

  Purpose: We analyzed the utility of cfDNA in a prospective population-based cohort to determine the mutational profile, assess tumor burden, and estimate its impact in response rate and outcome in patients with DLBCL. Experimental Design: One-hundred patients were diagnosed with DLBCL during the study period. Mutational status of 112 genes was studied in cfDNA by targeted next-generation sequencing. Paired formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples and volumetric PET/CT were assessed when available. Results: Appropriate cfDNA to perform the analyses was obtained in 79/100 cases. At least one mutation could be detected in 69/79 cases (87%). The sensitivity of cfDNA to detect the mutations was 68% (95% CI: 56.2-78.7). The mutational landscape found in cfDNA samples was highly consistent with that shown in the tissue and allowed genetic classification in 43% of the cases. A higher amount of ctDNA significantly correlated with clinical parameters related to tumor burden (elevated LDH and β2-microglobulin serum levels, advanced stage, and high-risk IPI) and total metabolic tumor volume assessed by PET/CT. In patients treated with curative intent, high ctDNA levels (>2.5 log hGE/mL) were associated with lower complete response (65% vs. 96%, P<0.004), shorter progression-free survival (65% vs. 85%, P=0.038) and overall survival (73% vs. 100%, P=0.007) at 2 years, although it did not maintain prognostic value in multivariate analyses. Conclusions: In a population-based prospective DLBCL series, cfDNA resulted an alternative source to estimate tumor burden and to determine the tumor mutational profile and genetic classification, which have prognostic implications and may contribute to a future tailored

  Study EGAS00001004733

• DIPG RNA and exome sequencing

  DIPG is a paediatric high-grade glioma that diffusely infiltrates the brainstem and is the leading cause of paediatric brain tumour death. Here we performed RNA and whole exome sequencing on DIPG and control samples to analyse transcriptomic and genetic alterations associated with this devastating disease, and to understand the relationship between them.

  Study EGAS00001004749

• Genetic ancestry contributes to somatic mutations in lung cancers from admixed Latin American populations

  Inherited lung cancer risk, particularly in non-smokers, is poorly understood. Genomic and ancestry analysis of 1,153 lung cancers from Latin America revealed striking associations between Native American ancestry and their somatic landscape, including tumor mutational burden (TMB), and specific driver mutations in EGFR, KRAS, and STK11. A local Native American ancestry risk score predicted EGFR and KRAS mutation frequency more strongly than global ancestry, suggesting that germline genetics (rather than environmental exposure) underlie these disparities.

  Study EGAS00001004752

• Botswana 15 autosomal unlinked microsatellites

  Population structure was investigated in 990 Botswana individuals according to ethno-linguistics, Bantu and Khoisan, and geography (the nine administrative districts) using the AmpFLSTR Identifiler autosomal microsatellite markers. Genetic diversity and forensic parameters were calculated for the overall population, and according to ethno-linguistics and geography. The overall combined power of exclusion (CPE) was 0.9999965412 and the combined match probability 6,28 x 10-19. CPE was highest for the Khoisan Tuu ethnolinguistic group and the Northeast District at 0.9999582029 and 0.9999922652 respectively. CMP ranged from 6.28 x 10-19 (Khoisan Tuu) to 1,02 x 10-18 (Northwest district). Using pairwise genetic distances (FST), analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA), factorial correspondence analysis (FCA), and the unsupervised Bayesian clustering method found in STRUCTURE and landscape genetics software TESS, ethno-linguistics were found to have a greater influence on population structure than geography. FCA showed clustering between Bantu and Khoisan, and within the Bantu. This Bantu sub-structuring was not seen with STRUCTURE and TESS, which detected clustering only between Bantu and Khoisan. The patterns of population structure revealed highlight the need for regional reference databases that include ethno-linguistic and geographic location information. These markers have important potential for bio-anthropological studies as well as for forensic applications.

  Study EGAS00001002380

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

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

  Study EGAS00001001067

• Familial psychosis associated with a missense mutation at MACF1 gene combined with the rare duplications DUP3p26.3 and DUP16p23.3, affecting the CNTN6 and CDH13 genes

  Psychosis is a highly heritable and heterogeneous psychiatric condition. Its genetic architecture is thought to be the result of the joint effect of common and rare variants. Families with high prevalence are an interesting approach to shed light on the rare variant's contribution without the need of collecting large cohorts. To unravel the genomic architecture of a family enriched for psychosis, with four affected individuals, we applied a system genomic approach based on karyotyping, genotyping by whole-exome sequencing to search for rare single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and SNP array to search for copy-number variants (CNVs). We identified a rare non-synonymous variant, g.39914279 C>G, in the MACF1 gene, segregating with psychosis. Rare variants in the MACF1 gene have been previously detected in SCZ patients. Besides, two rare CNVs, DUP3p26.3 and DUP16p23.3, were also identified in the family affecting relevant genes (CNTN6 and CDH13, respectively). We hypothesize that the co-segregation of these duplications with the rare variant g.39914279 C>G of MACF1 gene precipitated with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder.

  Study EGAS00001004791

• TRACERx 100: metastatic samples

  Whole exome sequencing of 10 metastatic biopsies from four TRACERx100 patients (see EGA dataset EGAS00001002247), collected either after relapse or death. The data from these samples are initially published with Abbosh, C. et al. Phylogenetic ctDNA analysis depicts early stage lung cancer evolution. Nature http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/nature22364 (2017). Abstract: Earlier detection of relapse following primary surgery for non-small cell lung cancer and the characterization of emerging subclones seeding metastatic sites might offer new therapeutic approaches to limit tumor recurrence. The potential to non-invasively track tumor evolutionary dynamics in ctDNA of early-stage lung cancer is not established. Here we conduct a patient-specific approach to ctDNA profiling in the first 100 lung TRACERx (TRAcking Cancer Evolution through therapy (Rx)) study participants, including one patient co-recruited to the PEACE (Posthumous Evaluation of Advanced Cancer Environment) post-mortem study. We identify independent predictors of ctDNA release in early-stage non-small cell lung cancer and perform tumor volume limit of detection analyses. Through blinded profiling of post-operative plasma, we observe evidence of adjuvant chemotherapy resistance and identify patients destined to experience recurrence of their lung cancer. Finally, we show that phylogenetic ctDNA profiling tracks the subclonal nature of lung cancer relapse and metastases, providing a new approach for ctDNA driven therapeutic studies.

  Study EGAS00001002415

• The genetic structure of Norway

  The aim of the present study was to describe the genetic structure of the Norwegian population using genotypes from 6369 unrelated individuals with detailed information about places of residence. Using standard single marker- and haplotype-based approaches, we report evidence of two regions with distinctive patterns of genetic variation, one in the far northeast, and another in the south of Norway, as indicated by fixation indices, haplotype sharing, homozygosity and effective population size. We detect and quantify a component of Uralic Sami ancestry that is enriched in the North. On a finer scale, we find that rates of migration have been affected by topography like mountain ridges. In the broader Scandinavian context, we detect elevated relatedness between the mid- and northern border areas towards Sweden. The main finding of this study is that despite Norway’s long maritime history and as a former Danish territory, the region closest to mainland Europe in the south appears to have been the most isolated region in Norway, highlighting the open sea as a barrier to gene flow into Norway.

  Study EGAS00001004826

• Comprehensive Genomic and Transcriptomic Analysis of Rare Cancers for Guiding of Therapy (H021)

  Here we analyzed the molecular profiles and clinical outcomes of 1,310 patients (proportion of rare cancers, 75%) enrolled in a prospective observational study by the German Cancer Consortium that applies whole-genome/exome and RNA sequencing to inform the care of adults with incurable cancers. Based on 472 single and six composite biomarkers, a cross-institutional molecular tumor board provided evidence-based management recommendations, including diagnostic reevaluation, genetic counseling, and experimental treatment, in 88% of cases. Recommended therapies were administered in 362 of 1,138 patients (31.8%) and resulted in significantly improved response and disease control rates (23.9% and 55.3%, respectively) compared to previous therapies, translating into a progression-free survival ratio >1.3 in 35.7% of patients.

  Study EGAS00001004813

• First genome-wide association study in an Australian Aboriginal population provides insights into genetic risk factors for Body Mass Index and Type 2 Diabetes

  A body mass index (BMI) >22kg/m2 is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes (T2D) in Aboriginal Australians. To identify loci associated with BMI and T2D we undertook a genome-wide association study using 1,355,133 quality-controlled single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) genotyped (Illumina 2.5M Duo Beadchip) in 402 individuals in extended pedigrees from a Western Australian Aboriginal community. Imputation using the thousand genomes (1000G) reference panel extended the analysis to 6,724,284 post quality-control autosomal SNPs. No associations achieved genome-wide significance, commonly accepted as P<5x10-8. Nevertheless, genes/pathways in common with other ethnicities were identified despite the arrival of Aboriginal people in Australia >45,000 years ago. The top hit (rs10868204 Pgenotyped=1.50x10-6; rs11140653 Pimputed_1000G=2.90x10-7) for BMI lies 5’ of NTRK2, the type 2 neurotrophic tyrosine kinase receptor for brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) that regulates energy balance downstream of melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R). PIK3C2G (rs12816270 Pgenotyped=8.06x10-6; rs10841048 Pimputed_1000G=6.28x10-7) was associated with BMI, but not with T2D as reported elsewhere. BMI also associated with CNTNAP2 (rs6960319 Pgenotyped=4.65x10-5; rs13225016 Pimputed_1000G=6.57x10-5), previously identified as the strongest gene-by-environment interaction for BMI in African-Americans. The top hit (rs11240074 Pgenotyped=5.59x10-6, Pimputed_1000G=5.73x10-6) for T2D lies 5’ of BCL9 that, along with TCFL2, promotes beta-catenin’s transcriptional activity in the WNT signaling pathway. Additional hits occurred in genes affecting pancreatic (KCNJ6, KCNA1) and/or GABA (GABRR1, KCNA1) functions. Notable associations observed for genes previously identified at genome-wide significance in other populations included MC4R (Pgenotyped=4.49x10-4) for BMI and IGF2BP2 Pimputed_1000G=2.55x10-6) for T2D. Our results may provide novel functional leads in understanding disease pathogenesis in this Australian Aboriginal population.

  Study EGAS00001001004

• Reconstruction of human phylogenetic trees using single-cell genome sequencing

  The trillions of cells that constitute the human body are developed from a fertilized egg through embryogenesis. However, cellular dynamics and developmental outcomes of embryonic cells remain to be largely unknown due to the technical and ethical challenges. Here we sequenced whole-genomes single-cell-derived clones and various bulk tissues dissected from entire human bodies. Using the discovered somatic mutations as an intrinsic barcode, we reconstructed cellular phylogenetic trees that provide novel insights into early human embryogenesis.

  Study EGAS00001004824