5522 results for "*oma"

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• ICGC PedBrain DNA methylation sequencing

  DNA methylation profiling of 107 medulloblastoma and 8 control samples by high-coverage whole-genome bisulfite (WBGS) sequencing and Illumina Infinium HumanMethylation450k array.

  Study EGAS00001000561

• Leeds_Melanoma_Cohort

  Leeds Melanoma Cohort

  Study EGAS00001001158

• MINCR is a MYC-induced lncRNA able to modulate MYC’s transcriptional network in Burkitt lymphoma cells

  Despite the established role of the transcription factor MYC in cancer, little is known about the involvement of lncRNAs in mediating MYC’s function. Here we have intersected RNA-sequencing data from MYC-inducible cell lines, from a cohort of 91 mature B-cell lymphomas and from sorted germinal-center B-cells. By this approach, we identified 13 lncRNAs differentially expressed in IG-MYC-positive Burkitt lymphoma and regulated by MYC in the model cell lines. Among them we focused on a lncRNA that we named MINCR, showing a strong correlation with MYC expression in MYC-positive lymphomas and in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas. RNAi experiments showed that MINCR controls cellular viability by influencing the expression of MYC-regulated cell cycle genes. Finally we provide evidences that down-regulation of AURKA, AURKB and CTD1 may explain the reduction in cellular proliferation observed upon MINCR knock-down. We therefore suggest that MINCR acts as a modulator of MYC transcriptional control of cell cycle genes.

  Study EGAS00001001199

• Exome sequencing of hepatocellular carcinomas identifies new mutational signatures and potential therapeutic targets

  Genomic analyses promise to improve tumor characterization in order to optimize personalized treatment for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Exome sequencing analysis of 243 liver tumors revealed mutational signatures associated with specific risk factors, mainly combined alcohol/tobacco consumption, aflatoxin B1 and HBV infection. We identified 161 putative driver genes associated with 11 recurrent pathways. Associations of mutations defined 3 groups of genes related to risk factors and centered on CTNNB1 (alcohol), TP53 (HBV) and AXIN1. Analyses according to tumor stage progression revealed TERT promoter mutation as an early event whereas FGF/CCND1 amplification, TP53 and CDKN2A alterations appeared at more advanced stages in aggressive tumors. In 24% of the tumors, we identified genetic alterations potentially targetable by FDA-approved drugs. In conclusion, we identified risk factor–specific mutational signatures and defined the extensive landscape of altered genes and pathways in HCC, which will be useful to design clinical trials for targeted therapy.

  Study EGAS00001001002

• Spatial heterogeneity in medulloblastoma

  Spatial heterogeneity of transcriptional and genetic markers between physically isolated biopsies of a single tumor poses major barriers to the identification of biomarkers and the development of targeted therapies that will be effective against the entire tumor. We analyzed the spatial heterogeneity of multiregional biopsies from 35 patients, using a combination of transcriptomic and genomic profiles. Medulloblastomas (MBs), but not high-grade gliomas (HGGs), demonstrated spatially homogeneous transcriptomes, which allowed for accurate subgrouping of tumors from a single biopsy. Conversely, somatic mutations that affect genes suitable for targeted therapeutics demonstrated high levels of spatial heterogeneity in MB, malignant glioma, and renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Actionable targets found in a single MB biopsy were seldom clonal across the entire tumor,which brings the efficacy of monotherapies against a single target into question. Clinical trials of targeted therapies for MB should first ensure the spatially ubiquitous nature of the target mutation.

  Study EGAS00001001014

• 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

• 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

• Blueprint RNAseq profile of purified plasma cells from multiple myeloma patients and tonsils of healthy donors

  In the context of an epigenomic study of multiple myeloma, a have generated RNAseq profiles of purified plasma cells from 11 multiple myeloma patients and tonsils of 4 healthy donors

  Study EGAS00001001110

• Paired whole exome sequence of subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma.

  Subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma (SPTCL) is a rare subtype of peripheral T-cell lymphoma affecting younger cases and associated with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. To clarify molecular pathogenesis of SPTCL, we analyzed paired tumor and germline DNAs from 13 patients by whole exome sequencing.

  Study EGAS00001003282

• Single cell sequencing of endoscopic biopsies from Barrett's oesophagus and proximal tissue from the normal GI tract

  Barrett’s oesophagus is a precursor of oesophageal adenocarcinoma. In this common condition, squamous epithelium in the oesophagus is replaced by columnar epithelium in response to acid reflux. Barrett’s oesophagus is highly heterogeneous and its relationships to normal tissues are unclear. We investigated the cellular complexity of Barrett’s oesophagus and the upper gastrointestinal tract using RNA-sequencing of single cells from multiple biopsies from six patients with Barrett’s oesophagus and two patients without oesophageal pathology.

  Study EGAS00001003144

• Comprehensive investigation of genome architecture of gastric adenocarcinoma with whole-genome sequencing in the Chinese population.

  In this study, we performed whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of 214 paired GC tumors and adjacent normal tissues to identify novel potential biomarkers. We extracted mutational signatures which induce somatic mutations and classified GC tumors into four groups with significantly different prognosis. Moreover, we observed copy number changes and structural variations frequently occurring in some cancer related genes. Our study covers a comprehensive genetic framework that can be used in clinical trials and treatment modalities in GC.

  Study EGAS00001002404

• Targeted resequencing of ribosomal proteins in multiple myeloma patient samples.

  We studied 38 multiple myeloma samples to discover mutations in ribosomal proteins. To this end, we ran a specifically designed targeted resequencing study to resequence the coding regions of all ribosomal proteins.

  Study EGAS00001002405

• Genome-wide expression profiles to compare array-based, RNAseq and NanoString technologies in patients with resected pancreatic ductal carcinoma.

  Using formalin-fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissues collected prospectively in patients with resected pancreatic ductal carcinoma (PDC) we generated genome-wide expression profiles to compare array-based, RNAseq and NanoString technologies. Samples included in the study were collected 17 patients. After careful selection by the pathologist of 17 malignant cells-enriched, 7 stroma-enriched, and 6 normal (normal pancreas in 4 cases and normal duodenum in 2 cases) regions, sections were macrodissected, and total RNA extracted. Two additional FFPE-frozen matched-paired PDAC from our local Biobank were included. Our study represents the most extensive work comparing three technologies to generate gene expression profiles from FFPE samples, and provides technical guidance for future biomarker studies in samples collected prospectively in the context of clinical trials.

  Study EGAS00001002501

• Brain_Disease_Wellcome_Leap_Delta_Tissue_Spatial

  Utilising Spatial Transcriptomics to investigate how the tumour microenvironment regulates glioblastoma cell states.

  Study EGAS00001005801

• Neuroblastoma relapse trio series from the AMC

  The majority of neuroblastoma patients have tumors that initially respond to chemotherapy, but a large proportion of patients will experience therapy-resistant relapses. The molecular basis of this aggressive phenotype is unknown. Whole genome sequencing of 23 paired diagnostic and relapsed neuroblastomas showed clonal evolution from the diagnostic tumor with a median of 29 somatic mutations unique to the relapse sample. Eighteen of the 23 relapse tumors (78%) showed RAS-MAPK pathway mutations. Seven events were detected only in the relapse tumor while the others showed clonal enrichment. In neuroblastoma cell lines we also detected a high frequency of activating mutations in the RAS-MAPK pathway (11/18, 61%) and these lesions predicted for sensitivity to MEK inhibition in vitro and in vivo. Our findings provide a rationale for genetic characterization of relapse neuroblastoma and show that RAS-MAPK pathway mutations may function as a biomarker for new therapeutic approaches to refractory disease.

  Study EGAS00001001183

• Gut microbiome sequencing in patients receiving combination immune checkpoint blockade

  This dataset contains 16S and WMS data for gut (fecal) microbiome samples taken from patients treated with combined anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD-1 checkpoint blockade for advanced melanoma.

  Study EGAS00001004885

• Recurrent mTORC1-activating RRAGC mutations in follicular lymphoma

  Follicular lymphoma (FL) is an incurable B-cell malignancy characterized by the t(14;18) and mutations in one or more components of the epigenome. Whilst frequent gene mutations in signaling pathways, including JAK-STAT, NOTCH and NF-κB, have also been defined, the spectrum of these mutations typically overlap with the closely-related diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL). A combination of discovery exome and extended targeted sequencing revealed recurrent somatic mutations in RRAGC uniquely enriched in FL patients (17%). More than half of the mutations preferentially co-occurred with ATP6V1B2 and ATP6AP1 mutations, components of the vacuolar H+-adenosine triphosphate ATPase (v-ATPase) known to be necessary for amino acid-dependent mTORC1 activation. RagC mutants increased raptor binding whilst rendering mTORC1 signaling resistant to amino acid deprivation through nucleotide-independent mechanisms. Collectively, the activating nature of the RRAGC mutations, their existence within the dominant clone and stability during disease progression supports their potential as an excellent candidate to be therapeutically exploited.

  Study EGAS00001001190

• Study of non-clear cell renal cell carcinoma

  Study of non-clear cell renal cell carcinoma

  Study EGAS00001000926

• Successful immune checkpoint blockade in a patient with advanced stage microsatellite unstable biliary tract cancer (H021)

  Cancers acquire multiple somatic mutations that can lead to the generation of immunogenic mutation-induced neoantigens. These neoantigens can be recognized by the host’s immune system. However, continuous stimulation of immune cells against tumor antigens can lead to immune cell exhaustion, which allows uncontrolled outgrowth of tumor cells. Recently, immune checkpoint inhibitors have emerged as a novel approach to overcome immune cell exhaustion and re-activate anti-tumor immune responses. In particular, antibodies blocking the exhaustion-mediating programmed death receptor (PD-1)/PD-L1 pathway have shown clinical efficacy. The effects were particularly pronounced in tumors with DNA mismatch repair deficiency and a high mutational load, which typically occur in the colon and endometrium. Here, we report on a 24-year old woman diagnosed with extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma who showed strong and durable response to the immune checkpoint inhibitor pembrolizumab, although treatment was initiated at an advanced stage of disease. The patient’s tumor displayed DNA mismatch repair deficiency and microsatellite instability (MSI), but lacked other features commonly discussed as predictors of response towards checkpoint blockade, such as PD-L1 expression or dense infiltration with cytotoxic T cells. Notably, high levels of HLA class I and II antigen expression were detected in the tumor, suggesting a potential causal relation between functionality of the tumor’s antigen presentation machinery and the success of immune checkpoint blockade. We suggest determining MSI status in combination with HLA class I and II antigen expression in tumors potentially eligible for immune checkpoint blockade even in the absence of conventional markers predictive for anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy and in entities not commonly linked to MSI phenotype. Further studies are required to determine the value of these markers for predicting the success of immune checkpoint blockade. (H021)

  Study EGAS00001002441

• CCND1-negative MCL

  A subset of CCND1-negative mantle cell lymphoma MCL (CCND1- MCL) has been recognized, and around half of them harbor CCND2 translocations. To identify other potential mechanisms driving MCL pathogenesis we investigated CCND1− MCL by by whole genome/exome sequencing. We identified a cryptic insertion of IGK and IGL enhancer regions near the CCND3 gene in three cases. Specific FISH probes detected 10 additional cryptic IGK juxtapositions to CCND3 (6 cases) and CCND2 (4 cases). In conclusion, virtually all CCND1-/SOX11+ MCL carry CCND2/CCND3 rearrangement with IG genes, including cryptic IGK/L enhancer regions not detected with currently used FISH probes.

  Study EGAS00001003060

• Clinical outcomes in ctDNA-positive urothelial carcinoma patients treated with adjuvant immunotherapy

  Minimally invasive approaches to detect residual disease after surgery are urgently needed to select patients at highest risk for metastatic relapse for additional therapies. Circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) holds promise as a biomarker for molecular residual disease (MRD) and relapse,1-3 but its clinical value has yet to be demonstrated in a randomised clinical trial. We evaluated outcomes in post-surgical ctDNA-positive (+) patients in a randomised phase III trial of adjuvant atezolizumab versus observation. IMvigor010 enrolled 809 patients with muscle-invasive urothelial carcinoma and did not meet its primary endpoint of disease-free survival (DFS) in the intent-to-treat population. Within the study, an exploratory planned analysis of prospectively collected plasma was performed, which tested the utility of ctDNA to identify patients who may benefit from adjuvant atezolizumab treatment. ctDNA was measured at the start of therapy (cycle 1 day 1; C1D1) and at week 6 (cycle 3 day 1; C3D1), and 581 patients were evaluable for ctDNA. The prevalence of ctDNA positivity at C1D1 was 37% (n=214), and ctDNA positivity identified patients with poor prognosis (observation arm DFS HR= 6.19 (4.29, 8.91), p<0.0001). Here we show that ctDNA(+) patients had improved DFS and overall survival (OS) with atezolizumab versus observation (DFS HR= 0.56 (0.41-0.77); p=0.0003 and OS HR= 0.58 (0.4-0.86); p=0.0063). No difference in DFS or OS between arms was noted for ctDNA-negative patients. The rate of ctDNA clearance was higher with atezolizumab (18%) versus observation (4%) (p=0.0041). Transcriptomic analysis revealed that tumours from ctDNA(+) patients had higher expression of cell cycle and keratin genes. Within the ctDNA(+) patient population in the atezolizumab arm, non-relapsing patients were further enriched in prominent immune response signatures including PD-L1, IFNG, CXCL9, and high tumour mutational burden, whereas relapse was associated with angiogenesis and fibroblast-transforming growth factor-beta signatures (F-TBRS). TCGA molecular subset analysis revealed increased efficacy of atezolizumab in patients with basal-squamous tumours, consistent with underlying tumour-immune contexture. Together these findings suggest that adjuvant atezolizumab may be associated with improved outcomes compared with observation in this high-risk ctDNA(+) population. These findings, if validated in other settings, would shift approaches to post-operative cancer care.

  Study EGAS00001004997

• Comprehensive Transcriptional Analysis of Early Stage Urothelial Carcinoma using whole transcriptome sequencing

  The expression profile and sequence variants of 476 early stage urothelial carcinoma were studied using whole transcriptome sequencing. RNA-Seq libraries were prepared by Ribo-Zero treatment of total-RNA followed by library preparation using ScriptSeq (both Epicentre/Illumina). RNA-Seq libraries were paired-end sequenced (2x 101 bp) on Illumina HiSeq 2000 and the resulting fastq files were processed using tools from the Genome Analysis Toolkit (GATK and from the Tuxedo suite. Access to the sequence data (mapped and un-mapped bam and vcf files), containing person identifying information, needs signature on a controlled access form, and can be accessed at The European Genome-phenome Archive (EGA) following request. An expression matrice of FPKM values are available without restriction at ArrayExpress (E-MTAB-4321).

  Study EGAS00001001236

• Structure and evolution of double minutes in diagnosis and relapse brain tumors

  Double minute chromosomes are extrachromosomal circular DNA fragments frequently found in brain tumors. To understand their evolution, we characterized the double minutes in paired diagnosis and relapse tumors from a pediatric high-grade glioma and four adult glioblastoma patients. We determined the full structures of the major double minutes using a novel approach combining multiple types of supporting genomic evidence. Among the double minutes identified in the pediatric tumor, only one carrying EGFR was maintained at high abundance in both samples, whereas two others were resent in only trace amounts at diagnosis but abundant at relapse, and the rest were found either in the relapse sample only or in the diagnosis sample only. For the EGFR-carrying double minutes, we found a secondary somatic deletion in all copies at relapse, after erlotinib treatment, but this was rare at diagnosis, suggesting potential resistance to the EGFR inhibitor. This mutation caused an in-frame RNA transcript to skip exon 16, a novel transcript absent in EST database and in about 700 brain tumors that we reviewed. We observed similar patterns involving longitudinal copy number shift of double minutes in another four pairs (diagnosis / relapse) of adult glioblastoma. Overall, in three of five paired tumor samples, we found that although the same oncogenes were amplified at diagnosis and relapse, they were amplified on different double minutes. Our results suggest that double minutes readily evolve, increasing tumor heterogeneity rapidly. Understanding patterns of double minute evolution can shed light on future therapeutic solutions to brain tumors carrying such variants.

  Study EGAS00001003212

• Orthotopic Patient-Derived Xenografts of Pediatric Solid Tumors

  Pediatric solid tumors arise from endodermal, ectodermal, or mesodermal lineages. Although the overall survival of children with solid tumors is 75%-80%, that of children with recurrent disease is below 30%. To capture the complexity and diversity of pediatric solid tumors and establish new models of recurrent disease, we developed a protocol to produce orthotopic patient-derived xenografts (O-PDXs) at diagnosis, recurrence, and autopsy. Tumor specimens were received from 168 patients, and 64 O-PDXs were established for 12 types of pediatric solid tumors. The origins of the O-PDX tumors were reflected in their gene-expression profiles and epigenomes. Genomic profiling of the tumors, including detailed clonal analysis, was performed to determine whether the clonal population in the xenograft recapitulated the patient’s tumor. We identified several drug vulnerabilities and showed that the combination of a WEE1 inhibitor (AZD1775), irinotecan, and vincristine can lead to complete response in multiple rhabdomyosarcoma O-PDX tumors in vivo.

  Study EGAS00001002528

• Ewings Sarcoma RNA-Seq

  Sarcomas are cancers of the bone and soft tissue often defined by their gene fusions. However, the timing, context, and processes by which these pathogenic fusions arise are unknown. We explored this in Ewing sarcoma, a cancer driven by EWSR1-ETS fusions, with very few cooperating mutations. Combining whole-genome sequencing with enhanced informatics, we found that the EWSR1-ETS fusion arose from striking rearrangement clusters in 42% of cases (52/124). Notably, these were organized in loops that universally contained the fusion at their center, while also weaving up to 18 genes together with it. We found the same pattern of rearrangements in three additional types of sarcoma. From these data, we define a new signature for sarcoma fusions that precedes other somatic changes, in the earliest replicating DNA of the genome. This dramatic, sudden process impinges on many genes – generating multiple coding changes that profoundly affect the transcriptome, with the disease-defining gene fusion at its core. These rearrangement loops emerge in an early ES clone from which both the primary tumor and the lethal relapse emerged, and then evolved in parallel until clinically detected.

  Study EGAS00001003062

• Intratumoural Heterogeneity Underlies Distinct Therapy Responses and Treatment Resistance in Glioblastoma

  Glioblastomas are the most common and lethal neoplasms of the central nervous system. Neighbouring glioma cells maintain extreme degrees of genetic and phenotypic variation that forms intratumoural heterogeneity. This genetic diversity allows the most adaptive tumour clones to show treatment resistance and conserve the tumour bulk. We aimed to model this phenomenon and test the effectiveness of several targeted therapeutic interventions to overcome therapy resistance. Heterogenic tumour masses were first deconstructed into single tumour cells, which were expanded independently as single-cell clones. SNP arrays, whole-genome and RNA sequencing, and CpG methylation analysis validated the unique molecular profile of each tumour clone, which displayed distinct pathologic features, including cell morphology, growth rate, and resistance to temozolomide and ionizing radiation. We also identified variable sensitivities to AURK, CDK, and EGFR inhibitors, consistent with the heterogenic molecular alterations that each clone harboured. These targeted therapies effectively eliminated the temozolomide- and/or irradiation-resistant clones and also parental polyclonal cells. Our findings indicate that polyclonal tumours create a dynamic environment that consists of diverse tumour elements and treatment responses. Designing targeted therapies based on a range of molecular profiles can be a more effective strategy to eradicate treatment resistance, recurrence, and metastasis.

  Study EGAS00001003438

• DNA methylation and somatic mutations converge on cell cycle and define similar evolutionary histories in brain tumors

  The evolutionary history of tumor cell populations can be reconstructed from patterns of genetic alterations. In contrast to the stability of genetic events, epigenetic states are reversible and sensitive to the microenvironment, prompting the question whether epigenetics can be similarly used to discover tumor phylogeny. We examined the spatial and temporal dynamics of DNA methylation in a cohort of low-grade gliomas and their patient-matched recurrences. Genes upregulated through promoter hypomethylation during malignant progression to high-grade glioblastoma were enriched in cell cycle function, evolving in parallel with genetic alterations that deregulate the G1/S cell cycle checkpoint. Moreover, phyloepigenetic relationships robustly recapitulated phylogenetic patterns inferred from somatic mutations. These findings highlight widespread co-dependency of genetic and epigenetic events throughout brain tumor evolution.

  Study EGAS00001001255

• 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

• Sampling of multi-centric lower grade glioma influences management and provides insight into gliomagenesis

  Rare multicentric lower-grade gliomas (LGG) represent a unique opportunity to study the heterogeneity between distinct tumor foci in a single patient, and to infer their origins and parallel patterns of evolution. In this study, we integrate clinical features, histology and immunohistochemistry for 4 patients with multicentric LGG, arising both synchronously and metachronously. For 3 patients we analyze the phylogeny of the lesions using exome sequencing, including one case with a total of 8 samples from the two lesions. We show that each tumor in multicentric LGG cases may arise independently or may diverge very early in their development, presenting as genetically and histologically distinct tumors suggesting that comprehensive sampling of these lesions can significantly alter diagnosis and management.

  Study EGAS00001002495

• Genomic characterization of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma reveals critical genes underlying tumorigenesis and poor prognosis

  The genetic mechanisms underlying the poor prognosis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) are not well understood. In this study, we comprehensively characterized somatic mutations, copy number alterations (SCNAs)/structural variants (SVs) found in ESCC from sequencing 10 whole-genome and 57 whole-exome matched tumor-normal pairs. We identified multiple somatic mutations seen previously in known cancer pathways and identified candidate genes for ESCC including VANGL1 and MIR4707. A survival analysis based on the expression profiles of 321 ESCC individuals indicated that the somatically altered genes we found were significantly associated with ESCC poorer survival. Subsequently, we performed functional studies to validate the roles of the altered genes in tumor proliferation and metastasis.

  Study EGAS00001001723

• NLG-LBC-05 ctDNA

  Correlative analysis of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in aggressive large B-cell lymphoma patients treated in NLG-LBC-05 phase II trial. Whole genome and targeted sequencing was applied to longitudinal plasma cell-free DNA and diagnostic tumor tissues.

  Study EGAS00001005835

• Queensland Melanoma Genomic Biomarker Study

  There is a clinical need to identify melanoma patients not likely to benefit from current targeted and immuno-therapy and identify biomarkers that can predict patient outcome. Genomic biomarkers are not yet part of staging but show promising results. The aim of this study was to determine genomic and image-based biomarkers as adverse prognostic factors in stage III/IV melanoma patients with resected disease. We found combining genomic and PET/CT derived biomarkers with current clinical assessment may offer additional prognostic tools to stratify patients in the clinic.

  Study EGAS00001004619

• Fibroblast heterogeneity and immunosuppressive environment in Human breast cancer

  Carcinoma-associated fibroblasts (CAF) are key players in the tumor microenvironment. Here, by combining 6 well-known stromal markers, we identify four CAF subsets (CAF-S1 to CAF-S4) in human breast cancer (BC) that exhibit distinct activation patterns and accumulate differently in BC subtypes.

  Study EGAS00001002508

• Growth Hormone (GH) -secreting Pituitary Adenoma

  Data from 12 fresh-frozen somatotropinomas and their corresponding blood samples. Details are given in Valimaki et al. Whole-genome sequencing of Growth Hormone (GH) -secreting Pituitary Adenoma. Provisionally accepted, 2015.

  Study EGAS00001001293

• RNAseq of Follicular Lymphoma

  RNAseq analysis of 28 Follicular Lymphoma (FL) criopreserved samples was performed using ribosomal-depleted total RNA to analyze long non-coding RNA and coding transcript expression profiles comparing two different histological groups of FL tumors (FL1-3A versus FL3B/DLBCL). These comparisons were performed either in a subset of tumor purified cell samples (N=12) as in unpurified tumor samples including normal cells for the lymph node microenvironment (N=16).

  Study EGAS00001002980

• Integrated molecular analysis of adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma

  This study is an integrated molecular study of adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma which includes whole-exome (n = 81), whole-genome (n = 48), and transcriptome sequencing data (n = 57) as well as methylation (n = 109) and SNP array data (n = 426)

  Study EGAS00001001296

• Clonal selection and double hit events involving tumor suppressor genes underlie relapse from total therapy

  In order to gain insights into the mechanisms of disease progression in multiple myeloma (MM) patients treated with multi-agent and high-dose chemotherapy we have performed a longitudinal study of 33 patients entered into Total Therapy protocols using gene expression profiling, high resolution copy number analyses and whole exome sequencing. The results of this study show the importance of acquired mutations in MM driver genes, bi-allelic events affecting tumor suppressor genes and increased proliferation rates in driving relapse, which is enhanced by intra-clonal heterogeneity and Darwinian type clonal evolution. Branching was the most frequent evolution pattern, characterized by clonal loss and appearance of new clones. We found a higher number of lost and acquired copy number aberrations and an excess of bi-allelic inactivation of tumor suppressor genes in GEP70 high risk (HiR) cases, consistent with genomic instability being a key feature of HiR MM. In conclusion, our study further stresses the impact of known prognostic markers and driver genes on the fitness level of MM cells to survive multi-agent chemotherapy. The frequent bi-allelic loss of tumor suppressor genes in HiR cases and the potentially resulting failure of treatment with DNA damaging agents highlight the need for new therapies for HiR MM.

  Study EGAS00001001810

• High-resolution structural genomics reveals new therapeutic vulnerabilities in glioblastoma

  We investigated the role of 3D genome architecture in instructing functional properties of glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs) by generating the highest-resolution 3D genome maps to-date for this cancer. Integration of DNA contact maps with chromatin and transcriptional profiles identified specific mechanisms of gene regulation, including individual physical interactions between regulatory regions and their target genes. Residing in structurally conserved regions in GSCs was CD276, a gene known to play a role in immuno-modulation. We show that, unexpectedly, CD276 is part of a stemness network in GSCs and can be targeted with an antibody-drug conjugate to curb self-renewal, a key stemness property. Our results demonstrate that integrated structural genomics datasets can be employed to rationally identify therapeutic vulnerabilities in self-renewing cells.

  Study EGAS00001003493

• Genomic profiling of paediatric glioma cell lines

  Although paediatric gliomas resemble their adult counterparts in many ways, there appear to be distinct clinical and biological differences. One important factor hampering the development of new targeted therapies is the relative lack of cell lines derived from childhood glioma patients, as it is unclear whether the well-established adult lines commonly used are representative of the underlying molecular genetics of childhood tumours. We have carried out a detailed molecular profiling of paediatric glioma cell lines KNS42, SF188, UW479, RES259 and RES186.

  Study EGAS00001003006

• Exome-wide somatic mutation characterization of small bowel adenocarcinoma

  Small intestinal adenocarcinoma (SIA) is a rare and aggressive form of cancer with limited treatment options. To further characterize the somatic mutation landscape of this tumor type, exome sequencing was conducted on a population-based set of SIA samples from all three parts of the small intestine. Archival tissue from 106 tumors with comprehensive clinical patient information entered exome sequencing from a patient series consisting of SIA cases diagnosed in Finland between the years 2003-2011. Paired-end exome sequencing was performed using Illumina HiSeq 4000, and OncodriveFML was used to identify significantly mutated genes from the exome data. Also mutational signature and pathway enrichment analyses were performed.

  Study EGAS00001002559

• ENCORAFENIB COMBINED WITH BINIMETINIB FOR BRAFV600E-MUTATED RELAPSED/REFRACTORY MULTIPLE MYELOMA: THE PHASE II GMMG-BIRMA TRIAL (Hipo_K08K)

  Activating BRAF mutations are rare events in multiple myeloma but have been shown to be promising therapeutic targets in small case studies. This multicenter phase II trial assessed the efficacy and safety of the BRAF/MEK inhibitors, encorafenib and binimetinib, in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) carrying an activating BRAFV600E mutation. Twelve RRMM patients with a median of five prior lines of therapy were enrolled. The study met its primary endpoint with 10 patients achieving at least a partial response according to IMWG criteria (overall response rate 83.3%). Responses occurred rapidly within the first cycle and deepened over time. The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 5.6 months and overall survival was 55% at 24 months. Genomic profiling revealed RAS mutations and structural variants involving the BRAF locus to be drivers of resistance to BRAF/MEK inhibition in RRMM. This trial demonstrates the value of translationally driven clinical trials in selected patient populations.

  Study EGAS00001005973

• RNA-sequencing of adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma samples

  Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL) is a highly aggressive hematological malignancy derived from mature CD4+ T-lymphocytes. In this study, we performed RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis for ATL samples including 9 primary tumors and 1 ATL cell line to clarify gene expression profiles in this disease.

  Study EGAS00001003575

• Whole Genomes Define Concordance in Matched Primary, Xenograft, and Organoid Models of Pancreas Cancer

  Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has the worst prognosis of any common solid epithelial tumour. Multiple failed clinical trials necessitate newer approaches to understand the molecular etiology of this disease. Patient-derived xenografts (PDX) and patient-derived organoids (PDO) may serve as pre-clinical disease models; however, characterization remains largely unaddressed at the whole genome level. We conducted a comprehensive assessment of the genetic landscape of tumours and matched PDX and PDO from patients with PDAC. Our data show that PDX and PDO recapitulate PDAC tumourigenesis with respect to simple somatic mutations and copy number changes, and capture major structural variation events.

  Study EGAS00001002597

• The genomic landscape of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma from immunosuppressed and immunocompetent patients reveals common drivers and a novel mutational signature associated with chronic azathioprine exposure

  Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) has a high tumour mutational burden (50 mutations per megabase DNA pair). Combining whole exome analyses from 40 primary cSCC tumours, comprising 20 well differentiated and 20 moderately/poorly differentiated tumours, with accompanying clinical data from a longitudinal study of immunosuppressed and immunocompetent patients, coupled with integration of independent gene expression studies has allowed the identification of commonly mutated genes and altered pathways and processes. Mutational signature analysis revealed the presence of a novel signature (signature 32), which was found exclusively in the tumours from immunosuppressed patients who had been exposed to azathioprine. Characterisation of a panel of 15 keratinocyte cancer cell lines derived from tumours from immunocompetent and immunosuppressed patients reveals that they accurately reflect the mutational signatures and genomic alterations of primary tumours and provide a resource for the validation of tumour drivers and therapeutic targets.

  Study EGAS00001002612

• Ultra-Fast Patient-Derived Xenografts Identify Functional and Spatial Tumour Heterogeneities that Drive Therapeutic Resistance

  Treatment of patients with advanced cancers increasingly relies on agents targeting specific molecular or cellular aberrations. These expensive therapies often fail because of pre-existing drug resistance. Intra-tumoural molecular and micro-environmental heterogeneity resistance can create resistance in one or more subclones of a tumour, leading to spatio-functional heterogeneity. We created a rapid approach for quantifying tumour functional phenotypes based on tumour-implantation into the chorioallantoic membrane of chick embryos. We apply this technique to 43 separate biopsies from 6 patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) with 36 replicates per biopsy, achieving a 93.6% engraftment rate (1449/1548). Challenging these models with sunitinib, an anti-angiogenic therapy frequently used in RCC allowed us to quantify spatio-functional heterogeneity in individual patients. Prediction of de novo drug resistance in advanced cancer patients would facilitate precision medicine by tailoring systemic therapies and improve clinical trial design outcome measures. We describe a patient-derived xenograft platform where fresh patient tumour samples are implanted into the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) of chick embryos at high engraftment efficiencies, permitting large scale “tumour avatar” studies to guide the selection of drugs and to predict clinical drug resistance outcomes in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) patients. Applying this “tumour avatar” model in a co-clinical trial on RCC patients, we observe intra-tumoural functional heterogeneity with sunitinib treatment, revealing the presence of drug-resistant clones prior to the initiation of therapy. Multi-regional exome Matched DNA sequencing of the primary tumour and metastases revealed DNA mutational signatures associated with sunitinib resistance at baseline and after treatment. These These studies demonstrate a rapid and affordable method of findings confirm the existence of genetic and surveying functional tumour heterogeneities heterogeneity.

  Study EGAS00001002627

• The identification of genetic vulnerabilities in head and neck cancers for the development of novel treatments.

  The global cancer burden is expected to double by the year 2030 and this will disproportionately affect the Asian continent. Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is endemic in Asia. It is the sixth most common cancer worldwide and the second most common in Malaysia, with approximately 600,000 new cases per year globally. Longterm survival remains less than 50%, underscoring the need for better therapeutic strategies. In this proposal we aim to bring new technological advancements in the identification of critical genes in HNSCC and the identification of compounds for the development of new therapies in HNSCC. We propose to genomically characterise 16 unique Asian H&N cancer cell lines, to classify sub groups where identification of essential genes that can be targeted for tumor control can be applied in a more rational way. Further, we propose to use zebrafish, an established drug discovery platform to identify promising pathway-specific compounds that could be further studied using CRISPR/Cas9 lethality screens and biological models to better identify novel therapeutic strategies to combat this major health problem in Asia.

  Study EGAS00001002682

• Tumor-associated preferred end coordinates and somatic variants as signatures of circulating tumor DNA

  Cell-free DNA fragmentation is a nonrandom process. We showed that cell-free DNA fragments with ends at certain genomic coordinates had higher likelihoods of being derived from hepatocellular carcinoma. Other coordinates were associated with cell-free DNA molecules originating from the liver. Quantitative assessment of cell-free DNA molecules bearing these respective groups of end signatures correlated with the amounts of tumor-derived or liver-derived DNA in plasma. There were millions of tumor-associated plasma DNA end coordinates across the genome. Due to their high prevalence, they were more readily detectable than somatic mutations as a cancer signature in plasma. Hence, detection of tumor-associated plasma DNA ends may offer a cost-effective means of capturing evidence for the presence of cancer through liquid biopsy assessment.

  Study EGAS00001003160

• MutWP1__CRUK_Grand_Challenge_Mutographs_of_Cancer__pancreas

  The Mutographs project aims to advance our understanding of the causes of cancer through studies of mutational signatures. Led by Mike Stratton, together with Paul Brennan, Ludmil Alexandrov, Allan Balmain, David Phillips and Peter Campbell, this large-scale international research endeavour was awarded a Cancer Research UK Grand Challenge. Different patterns of somatic mutation are generated by the different environmental, lifestyle and genetic factors that cause cancer, many of them are still unknown. Within Mutographs, the International Agency for Research on Cancer is coordinating the recruitment of 5000 individuals with cancer (colorectal, renal, pancreatic, oesophageal adenocarcinoma or oesophageal squamous cancers) across 5 continents to explore whether different mutational signatures explain marked variation in incidence. In brief, through an international network of collaborators around the world, biological materials are collected, along with demographic, histological, clinical and questionnaire data. Whole genome sequences of tumour-germline DNA pairs are generated at the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute (Illumina HiSeqX, 40X and 20X depth respectively). Somatic mutational signatures are subsequently extracted by non-negative matrix factorisation methods and correlated with risk factors data. Through an enhanced understanding of cancer aetiology, Mutographs unprecedented effort is anticipated to outline modifiable risk factors, lead to new approaches to prevent cancer, and provide opportunities to empower early detection, refine high-risk groups and contribute to further therapeutic development.

  Study EGAS00001002726

• We describe a method to culture organoids from adult human kidney tissue and describe applications for the culture system.

  Adult Stem Cell (ASC)-derived organoids are 3D epithelial structures that recapitulate essential aspects of their organ of origin. We have developed conditions for the long-term growth of primary kidney epithelial organoids. Cultures can be established from mouse and human kidney tissue, as well as from urine and can be expanded for at least 20 passages (> 6 months). Chromosome numbers remain normal. Human organoids represent proximal as well as distal nephron segments, as evidenced by gene expression, immunofluorescence and tubular functional analyses. BK virus infection of organoids recapitulates in vivo phenomena. Organoids can be established from Wilms nephroblastoma. Kidney organoids from Cystic Fibrosis (CF) patient’s urine allowed ex vivo assessment of treatment efficacy. Finally, organoids cultured on microfluidic organ-on-a-chip plates adopt a tubular conformation and display active transport function. Adult kidney-derived organoids allow studies of hereditary, infectious and malignant kidney disease in a personalized fashion.

  Study EGAS00001002729

• Targeted Gene Panel for 171 PTCLs

  Mature T-cell lymphomas, including peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) and extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma (NKTL), represent a heterogeneous group of non-Hodgkin lymphomas with dismal outcomes and limited treatment options. To determine the extent of involvement of the JAK/STAT pathway in this malignancy, we performed targeted capture sequencing of 188 genes in this pathway in 171 PTCL and NKTL cases. A total of 272 nonsynonymous somatic mutations in 101 genes were identified in 73% of the samples, including 258 single-nucleotide variants and 14 insertions or deletions. Recurrent mutations were most frequently located in STAT3 and TP53 (15%), followed by JAK3 and JAK1 (6%) and SOCS1 (4%). A high prevalence of STAT3 mutation (21%) was observed specifically in NKTL. Novel STAT3 mutations (p.D427H, E616G, p.E616K, and p.E696K) were shown to increase STAT3 phosphorylation and transcriptional activity of STAT3 in the absence of cytokine, in which p.E616K induced programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression by robust binding of activated STAT3 to the PD-L1 gene promoter. Consistent with these findings, PD-L1 was overexpressed in NKTL cell lines harboring hotspot STAT3 mutations, and similar findings were observed by the overexpression of p.E616K and p.E616G in the STAT3 wild-type NKTL cell line. Conversely, STAT3 silencing and inhibition decreased PD-L1 expression in STAT3 mutant NKTL cell lines. In NKTL tumors, STAT3 activation correlated significantly with PD-L1 expression. We demonstrated that STAT3 activation confers high PD-L1 expression, which may promote tumor immune evasion. The combination of PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies and STAT3 inhibitors might be a promising therapeutic approach for NKTL, and possibly PTCL.

  Study EGAS00001002740

• A somatic reference standard for cancer genome sequencing with COLO829

  Identification of somatic alterations in cancer has become feasible with the massive adoption of next generation sequencing. However, due to variability in sequencing and informatics pipelines, a common somatic reference is needed. We thus performed paired whole genome sequencing of a metastatic melanoma cell line (COLO829) and a matched lymphoblastoid line (COLO829BL) across three institutions (TGen, Illumina, Genome Sciences Centre at the British Columbia Cancer Agency). We performed a meta-analysis of all data, in combination with the originally reported analysis of these cell lines by Pleasance et al (PMID: 20016485), and report a somatic reference standard based on consensus events. DNA extractions, library preparation, sequencing, and analysis were separately performed at each site. Results were compiled with sequence data previously generated for the cell lines to identify true positive variants, collectively representing a somatic reference standard. Overall, common somatic events include point mutations, small insertion/deletions, and genes affected by concurrent copy number changes. We additionally show divergence of somatic mutations in COLO829 associated with differences in cell line lineage. We present this reference to the community as a standard for enabling interpretation and identification of somatic mutations across institutions and analytical pipelines.

  Study EGAS00001001385

• MGMT genomic rearrangements contribute to chemotherapy resistance in gliomas

  Temozolomide (TMZ) is an oral alkylating agent used for the treatment of glioblastoma and is now becoming a chemotherapeutic option in patients diagnosed with high-risk low-grade gliomas1. The O-6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) is responsible for the direct repair of the main TMZ-induced toxic DNA adduct, the O6-Methylguanine lesion. MGMT promoter hypermethylation is currently the only known biomarker for TMZ response in glioblastoma patients2. Here we show that a subset of recurrent gliomas carry MGMT genomic rearrangements that lead to MGMT overexpression, independently from changes in its promoter methylation. By leveraging the CRISPR/Cas9 technology we generated some of these MGMT rearrangements in glioma cells and demonstrated that they lead to TMZ resistance both in vitro and in vivo. Lastly we showed that such fusions can be detected in tumor-derived exosomes and could potentially represent an early detection marker of tumor recurrence in a subset of patients treated with TMZ.

  Study EGAS00001004544

• Integrated genomic characterization of IDH1 mutant Glioma malignant progression

  Gliomas represent approximately 30% of all central nervous system tumors, and 80% of malignant brain tumors. To understand the molecular mechanisms underlying the malignant progression of low-grade Isocitrate Dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) mutant gliomas, we studied paired tumor samples from 41 patients, comparing higher-grade, progressed samples to their lower-grade counterparts. Integrated genomic analyses, including whole-exome sequencing, copy number, gene expression and DNA methylation profiling, demonstrated non-linear clonal expansion of the original tumors and identified oncogenic pathways driving progression. These include activation of the MYC and RTK-RAS-PI3K pathways, up-regulation of the FOXM1- and E2F2-mediated cell cycle transition genes, as well as epigenetic silencing of developmental transcriptional factors bound by Polycomb repressive complex 2 in human embryonic stem cells. Our results not only provide mechanistic insight into the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms driving glioma progression but also identify inhibition of the bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) family as a potential therapeutic approach.

  Study EGAS00001001588

• Whole genome sequencing of Ewings Sarcoma

  Sarcomas are cancers of the bone and soft tissue often defined by their gene fusions. However, the timing, context, and processes by which these pathogenic fusions arise are unknown. We explored this in Ewing sarcoma, a cancer driven by EWSR1-ETS fusions, with very few cooperating mutations. Combining whole-genome sequencing with enhanced informatics, we found that the EWSR1-ETS fusion arose from striking rearrangement clusters in 42% of cases (52/124). Notably, these were organized in loops that universally contained the fusion at their center, while also weaving up to 18 genes together with it. We found the same pattern of rearrangements in three additional types of sarcoma. From these data, we define a new signature for sarcoma fusions that precedes other somatic changes, in the earliest replicating DNA of the genome. This dramatic, sudden process impinges on many genes – generating multiple coding changes that profoundly affect the transcriptome, with the disease-defining gene fusion at its core. These rearrangement loops emerge in an early ES clone from which both the primary tumor and the lethal relapse emerged, and then evolved in parallel until clinically detected.

  Study EGAS00001003385

• Glioblastoma_CRISPR_Screen

  This is an in vitro genome-wide CRISPR/cas9 screen in human glioblastoma stem cells, screening for genes essential for survival of these cells. These cells express cas9 and have been transfected with a guide RNA library causing gene knockouts. We will analyse the sequencing data for depletion of guide RNAs.

  Study EGAS00001001519

• Detection of clinically relevant genetic and transcriptomic landscape in DLBCL uniformly treated by R-CHOP

  Recent studies using next-generation sequencing strategies have described the landscape of genetic alterations in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). However, little is known about the clinical relevance of recurrent mutations and copy number alterations and their transcriptional footprints. This study examines the frequency, interaction and clinical impact of recurrent genetic aberrations in DLBCL using high-resolution technologies in a large population-based cohort.

  Study EGAS00001002657

• Mutational spectrum of highly differentiated, fusion-negative rhabdomyosarcoma (set 2).

  Pediatric PAX-FOXO1 fusion-negative rhabdomyosarcoma represents a diverse spectrum of tumors. In this study, the mutational spectrum of 22 fusion-negative rhabdomyosarcomas with high, rhabdomyoma-like levels of differentiation was evaluated using OncoPanel v.2 (OPv2), an Agilent SureSelect custom designed bait set consisting of the coding regions of 504 cancer-relevant genes. Corresponding normal tissue was not available. Discarded normal human skeletal muscle, obtained from 7 donors without tumor history, were also included in the sequencing run.

  Study EGAS00001002771

• A comprehensive assessment of somatic mutation detection in cancer using whole genome sequencing

  As whole genome sequencing for cancer genome analysis becomes a clinical tool, a full understanding of the variables affecting sequencing analysis output is required. Using tumor-normal sample pairs from two different types of cancer, chronic lymphocytic leukemia and medulloblastoma, we conducted a benchmarking exercise within the context of the International Cancer Genome Consortium. We compare sequencing methods, analysis pipelines, and even validation methods. Here we show that using PCR-free methods and increasing sequencing depth to ~100x showed benefits, as long as the tumor:control coverage ratio remains balanced. We observe widely varying mutation call rates and low concordance among analysis pipelines, reflecting the artifact-prone nature of the raw data and lack of standards for dealing with the artifacts. However, armed with the benchmark mutation set we have created, we show that many issues are in fact easy to remedy and have an immediate positive impact on mutation detection accuracy.

  Study EGAS00001001539

• Alternative splicing in Shh-MB

  We analyzed alternative splicing with Shh medulloblastoma. This dataset contains bam files of whole genome sequencing from 4 cases. Genomic DNA was isolated from both tumor and matched control specimens. We performed whole genome sequence on Illumina Hiseq.

  Study EGAS00001003220

• Whole genome sequencing of primary and metastatic Melanoma cases in an Australian cohort.

  Melanoma is the fourth most common cancer in Australia and the leading cause of cancer death in young adults. The Australian Melanoma Genome Project (AMGP) is analysing whole genomes from melanomas. We include the results of whole genome sequencing (WGS) for a number of datasets that include cutaneous, acral and mucosal melanoma subtypes.

  Study EGAS00001001552

• We performed whole-exome sequencing of 20 samples (10 actinic keratosis and 10 cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma) to investigate a potential relationship between DNA methylation-based subtypes and genetic mutation patterns (Rodriguez-Paredes et al., Nat Commun 2017)

  Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is the second most common skin cancer type and arises from keratinocytes. Most cSCC progress from a UV-induced precancerous lesion termed actinic keratosis (AK). Despite various efforts to characterize these lesions molecularly, the etiology of AK and its progression to cSCC remain only partially understood. Here we have used Infinium MethylationEPIC BeadChips to interrogate the DNA methylation status of about 850.000 CpGs in epidermal preparations from healthy skin, AK and cSCC. Importantly, we found that the premalignant AK samples displayed classical features of cancer methylomes and were highly similar to cSCC methylomes. Further analysis identified typical features of stem cell methylomes, such as a reduced DNA methylation age, non-CpG methylation and stem cell-related keratin and enhancer methylation patterns. Interestingly, this signature was detected only in one half of the AK and cSCC samples, while the other half showed keratin and enhancer methylation patterns that were more closely related to the control epidermis. These findings suggest the existence of two distinct subclasses of AK and cSCC that originate from distinct keratinocyte differentiation stages.

  Study EGAS00001002670

• PSCP_mutation_analysis_in_hESCs

  Many studies over the past 10 years, culminating in the recent report of the International Stem Cell Initiative (ISCI, 2011) have shown that hPSC acquire genetic and epigenetic changes during their time in culture. Many of the genetic changes are non-random and recurrent, probably because they provide a selective growth advantage to the undifferentiated cells. Some are shared by embryonal carcinoma cells, the malignant counterparts of ES cells. The origins of these growth advantages are poorly understood, but may come from altered cell cycle dynamics, resistance to apoptosis or altered patterns of differentiation. Less is known about the nature and consequences of epigenetic changes, but it is likely that these similarly affect hPSC behaviour; e.g., enhanced expression of DLK1, an imprinted gene, is associated with altered hPSC growth (Enver et al 2005). Inevitably, these genetic and epigenetic changes will impact on our ability to use hPSC for regenerative medicine, either because malignant transformation of the undifferentiated cells or their differentiated derivatives to be used for transplantation compromises safety, or because they impede the function of those differentiated derivatives, or because they affect the efficiency with which the undifferentiated cells can be expanded and differentiated into desired cell types. Focusing initially upon the existing clinical grade hESC lines, later moving to iPSC, we will Consolidate and extend knowledge of the rate, type and functional impact of the genetic variations that occur during hPSC culture. We will use whole genome and exome sequencing as well as SNP arrays, together with clonal analysis and other cytogenetics techniques. Common changes will be compared with those found in the normal human population, at low frequency in the original cell population or observed during iPSC generation in the HIPSCI project currently based at the WTSI. These studies will provide a better understanding of the range of genetic changes that occur in hPSC beyond the CNVs already identified. In conjunction with cancer genome resources and expertise at WTSI, bioinformatic analyses of these hPSC data will allow us to assess potential impact on hPSC behaviour pertinent to applications in regenerative medicine, notably the likelihood that specific changes arising in undifferentiated PSC cultures may be associated with potential malignant transformation of differentiated progeny. This data is part of a pre-publication release. For information on the proper use of pre-publication data shred by the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute (including details of any publication moratoria), please see http://www.sanger.ac.uk/datasharing/

  Study EGAS00001001561

• Single cell transcriptomic and genomic profiling of carcinogenesis in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis

  Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP) is characterized by hundreds to thousands of adenocarcinomas at different evolutional stages in the colon and rectum. Much effort has been made to illuminate the key genomic alterations that facilitate the transition from adenoma to carcinoma. However, the strong heterogeneity of the tumors may hamper these efforts. Here, by sequencing matched adjacent normal tissues, adenomas at different stages and carcinomas from the same patient, we precisely traced the process of colorectal carcinogenesis. Our study offers an accurate genomic landscape during the initiation and progression of carcinogenesis, especially for the transition between adenomas and carcinomas.

  Study EGAS00001003598

• Detection of cell-free DNA fragmentation and copy number alterations in cerebrospinal fluid from glioma patients

  Glioma is difficult to detect or characterise using current liquid biopsy approaches. Detection of cell-free tumor DNA (cftDNA) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) has been proposed as an alternative to detection in plasma. We used shallow whole-genome sequencing (sWGS, at a coverage of < 0.4x) of cell-free DNA from the CSF of 13 patients with primary glioma to determine somatic copy number alterations and DNA fragmentation patterns. This allowed us to determine the presence of cftDNA in CSF without any prior knowledge of point mutations present in the tumor. We also showed that the fragmentation pattern of cell-free DNA in CSF is different from that in plasma. This low-cost screening method provides information on the tumor genome and can be used to target those patients with high levels of cftDNA for further larger-scale sequencing, such as by whole-exome and whole-genome sequencing.

  Study EGAS00001003255

• Malignant pheochromocytomas/paragangliomas harbor mutations in transport and cell adhesion genes

  One out of ten patients with pheochromocytoma (PCC) and paraganglioma (PGL) develop malignant disease. Today there are no reliable pathological methods to predict malignancy at the time of diagnosis. Tumors harboring mutations in the succinate dehydrogenase subunit B (SDHB) gene often metastasize but the sequential genetic events resulting in malignant progression are not fully understood. The aim of this study was to identify somatic mutations that contribute to the malignant transformation of PCC/PGL. We performed pair-wise (tumor-normal) whole-exome sequencing to analyze the somatic mutational landscape in five malignant and four benign primary PCC/sympathetic PGL (sPGL), including two biological replicates from each specimen. In total, 225 unique somatic mutations were identified in 215 genes, with an average mutation rate of 0.54 mutations/megabase. Malignant tumors had a significantly higher number of mutations compared to benign tumors (p<0.001). Three novel genes were identified as recurrently mutated; MYCN, MYO5B and VCL, and mutations in these genes were exclusively found in malignant sPGL tumors. Mutations in the MYO5B gene could be verified in two publicly available data sets. A gene ontology analysis of mutated genes showed enrichment of cellular functions related to cytoskeletal protein binding, myosin complex, and motor activity, many of which had functions in Rab and Rac/Rho GTPase pathways. Conclusively, we have identified recurrent mutations in genes related to intracellular transport and cell adhesion, and we have confirmed recurrent mutations of MYO5B in PCC/PGL cases with malignant potential. Our study suggests that deregulated Rab and Rac/Rho pathways may be important in PCC/PGL tumorigenesis.

  Study EGAS00001001601

• 2014_Lung_sq_WES

  Purpose Lung squamous cell carcinoma (SqCC) is the second most prevalent type of lung cancer. Currently, no targeted-therapeutics are approved for treatment of this cancer, largely due to lack of systematic understanding of the molecular parthenogenesis of the disease. To identify therapeutic targets and comparatively analyze them in lung SqCC, we probed somatic alterations of Korean lung SqCC. Patients and Methods We performed massively parallel whole-exome sequencing of 104 Korean lung SqCC patients’ samples with matched normal samples. In addition, copy number analysis and transcriptome analysis were conducted for a subset of these samples. Clinical association with cancer-specific somatic alterations was investigated.

  Study EGAS00001002844

• A genomic approach towards an understanding of clonal evolution and disease progression in multiple myeloma

  Multiple Myeloma (MM) is a largely incurable haematological malignancy defined by the clonal proliferation of malignant plasma cells within the bone marrow. Clonal heterogeneity has recently been established as a feature in MM, however, the subclonal evolution associated with disease progression has not been described. We used whole exome sequencing to analyse 10 paired patient samples, providing new insights into the progression from Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance (MGUS) and Smouldering MM (SMM), to symptomatic MM. We confirm that clonal heterogeneity is a common feature at diagnosis and that the driving events involved in disease progression are more complex than previously reported. While we observe some previously identified known “drivers” of MM, we find that the driving events involved in progression are complex and not limited to the known SNVs or CNVs. The RAS/MAPK pathway was found to be the most frequently deregulated pathway, with recurrent mutations in KRAS and NRAS observed in patients at both MGUS/SMM and MM stages. We reveal that MM evolution is mainly characterised by the phenomenon of clonal stability, where the subclonal plasma cell populations identified at MM progression are already present in the asymptomatic MGUS/SMM stages. These subclonal populations could be amenable to therapeutic intervention to arrest transformation to MM.

  Study EGAS00001002850

• Whole exome sequencing of cell-free DNA reveals temporo-spatial heterogeneity and identifies treatment-resistant clones in neuroblastoma

  Background: Neuroblastoma (NB) displays important clinical and genetic heterogeneity, with emergence of new mutations at tumor progression. Patients and Methods: To study clonal evolution during treatment and follow-up, an innovative method based on circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) analysis by whole exome sequencing (WES) paired with target sequencing was realized in sequential liquid biopsy samples of 19 NB patients. Results: WES of the primary tumor and cfDNA at diagnosis showed overlap of Single Nucleotide Variants (SNVs) and Copy Number Alterations (CNAs), with 41% and 93% of all detected alterations common to the primary NB and cfDNA. CfDNA WES at a second time point indicated a mean of 22 new SNVs for patients with progressive disease. Relapse-specific alterations included genes of the MAPK pathway and targeted the protein kinase A signaling pathway. Deep coverage target sequencing of intermediate timepoints during treatment and follow-up identified distinct subclones. For 17 seemingly relapse-specific SNVs detected by sequencing detected these alterations in minor subclones, with relapse-emerging SNVs targeting genes of neuritogenesis and cell cycle. Furthermore a persisting, resistant clone with concomitant disappearance of other clones was identified by a mutation in the ubiquitin protein ligase HERC2. Conclusion: Modelisation of mutated allele fractions in cfDNA indicated distinct patterns of clonal evolution, with either a minor, treatment-resistant clone expanding to a major clone at relapse, or minor clones collaborating towards tumor progression. Identification of treatment-resistant clones will enable development of more efficient treatment strategies.cfDNA WES at relapse but not tumor or cfDNA WES at diagnosis, deep coverage target.

  Study EGAS00001002705

• Exome sequencing of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma

  The aim of our project is to decipher the genomic of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma using whole exome sequencing. To this purpose, we aim to compare genetic landscape of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma with early tumor in order to understand the mechanisms of tumor progression. This work will also help to identify new therapeutic targets potentially useful to treat patients at advanced stage. This study contain whole exome sequencing aligned reads for 41 tumor with matched normal samples

  Study EGAS00001003130

• Whole exome sequencing of small cell neuroendocrine cancer of the cervix

  In order to improve treatment selection for high grade neuroendocrine carcinomas of the cervix (NECC), we performed a comparative genomic analysis between this rare tumor type and other cervical cancer types, as well as extra-cervical neuroendocrine small cell carcinomas of the lung and bladder. We performed whole exome sequencing on fresh-frozen tissue from 15 NECCs and matched normal tissue. We then identified mutations and copy number variants using standard analysis pipelines. Published mutation tables from cervical cancers and extra-cervical small cell carcinomas were used for comparative analysis. Descriptive statistical methods were used and a two-sided threshold of P < .05 was used for significance. In the NECC cohort, we detected a median of 1.7 somatic mutations per megabase (range 1.0-20.9). PIK3CA p.E545K mutations were the most frequency observed oncogenic mutation (4/15 tumors, 27%). Activating MAPK pathway mutations in KRAS (p.G12D) and GNAS (p.R201C) co-occurred in two tumors (13%). In total we identified PI3-kinase or MAPK pathway activating mutations in 67% of NECC. When compared to NECC, lung and bladder small cell carcinomas exhibited a statistically significant higher rate of coding mutations (P < .001 for lung; P = .001 for bladder). Mutation of TP53 was uncommon in NECC (13%) and was more frequent in both lung (103 of 110 tumors [94%], P < .001) and bladder (18 of 19 tumors [95%], P < .001) small cell carcinoma. These comparative genomics data suggest that NECC may be genetically more similar to common cervical cancer subtypes than to extra-cervical small cell neuroendocrine carcinomas of the lung and bladder. These results may have implications for the selection of cytotoxic and targeted therapy regimens for this rare disease.

  Study EGAS00001003142

• BLUEPRINT DNA Methylation 450K data of mantle cell lymphoma

  We have applied an analytic strategy to decipher the DNA methylome of 86 mantle cell lymphomas (MCL) in light of the methylome of the entire B-cell lineage. In this way, we first identified two MCL subgroups that respectively carry epigenetic imprints of pre- and post-germinal center B cells. Secondly, we observed that pure tumor-specific changes are rare, as most (89-99%) DNA methylation alterations in MCL are within or in close proximity of those regions showing dynamic methylation in normal B cells. Several thousand of these differentially methylated regions in MCL show concurrent changes in enhancer-associated histone modifications, including a region located 650 Kb away from the MCL oncogene SOX11. At the clinical level, epigenetic and genetic changes co-evolve during MCL progression and the magnitude of epigenetic changes is associated with overall survival of the patients.

  Study EGAS00001001637

• Spatial and Temporal Homogeneity of Driver Mutations in Diffuse Intrinsic Pointine Glioma

  Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Gliomas (DIPG) are deadly pediatric brain tumors where needle biopsies help guide diagnosis and targeted therapies. To address spatial heterogeneity, we analyzed 134 specimens from various neuroanatomical structures of whole autopsy brains from nine DIPG patients. Evolutionary reconstruction indicates histone 3 (H3)K27M – including novel H3.2K27M - mutations potentially arise first and are invariably associated with specific, high-fidelity obligate partners throughout the tumor and its spread, from diagnosis to end-stage disease, suggesting mutual need for tumorigenesis. These H3K27M ubiquitously-associated mutations involve alterations in TP53 cell-cycle (TP53/PPM1D) or specific growth factor pathways (ACVR1/PIK3R1). Later oncogenic alterations arise in sub-clones and often affect the PI3K pathway. Our findings are consistent with early tumor spread outside the brainstem including the cerebrum. The spatial and temporal homogeneity of driver mutations in DIPG implies they will be captured by limited biopsies and emphasizes the need to develop therapies specifically targeting obligate oncohistone partnerships.

  Study EGAS00001001654

• Identifying_Novel_Fusion_Genes_in_Myeloma

  To identify novel fusion genes in Myeloma samples

  Study EGAS00001000220

• Adeno-associated virus in the liver: natural history and consequences in tumor development

  Adeno-associated virus (AAV) is a defective mono-stranded DNA virus, endemic in human population (40-80%). AAV infection has long been considered as non-pathogenic1, however few years ago we reported for the first time recurrent clonal AAV2 insertion in the pathogenesis of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) developed on normal liver. These clonal viral insertions target cancer driver genes, including CCNA2, CCNE1, TERT, TNFSF10 and MLL4, leading to their overexpression. The viral inserted sequences involved in almost all the cases the 3’ inverse tandem repeat (ITR) of AAV2, which is important for virus integration in host DNA and exhibits a promoter/enhancer activity. Here, we used RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) to investigate their functional impact on the tissue, such as fusion transcript generation events.

  Study EGAS00001003310

• Single-cell RNA sequencing on 5063 single T cells isolated from peripheral blood, tumour and adjacent normal tissues from six hepatocellular carcinoma patients.

  Single-cell RNA sequencing on 5063 single T cells isolated from peripheral blood, tumour and adjacent normal tissues from six hepatocellular carcinoma patients. The transcriptional properties of these individual cells, coupled with the assembled T cell receptor (TCR) sequences, were used to delineate the molecular subtypes, lineage, and functional properties of each T cell group. For five HCC patient, the exome-seq data of matched normal/tumor and bulk RNA-seq data of tumor are also available.

  Study EGAS00001002072

• UAMS Smoldering Myeloma Myeloma Sequencing

  Identifying high risk smoldering myeloma patients and progression mechanism is a prerequisite to implement effective inception strategies and curve myeloma related morbidity and mortality. We hypothesize that genomics may help identify determinants of progression that may help predict outcome and offer effective chemo preventive targets. Eighty-two patients underwent a custom targeted panel sequencing with an additional capture for the translocation loci. These results were compared to 223 newly diagnosed patients (EGAS00001003223 and EGAD00001004117) and 17 MGUS and 10 early myeloma patients. DNA was obtained from either CD138+ cells from the bone marrow of multiple myeloma patients (tumor) or from stem cell harvests or peripheral blood cells from the same patient (control). 100 ng of DNA was fragmented, end-repaired, and adapters ligated using the HyperPlus kit (KAPA Biosystems). After PCR amplification the libraries were hybridized with probes against either a targeted panel consisting of 140 genes and chromosomal regions (Nimblegen) using SeqCap reagents (Nimblegen). Hybridized libraries underwent further amplification before being sequenced on a NextSeq500 (Illumina) using 75 bp paired end reads. Overall, these data highlight the importance of dysregulation of the MAPK pathway in the progression to MM.

  Study EGAS00001003629

• Personalized RNA mutanome vaccines mobilize poly-specific therapeutic immunity against cancer

  The goal of the sequencing study was to determine the neoantigen profile of melanoma patients. We performed whole exome sequening of the tumor and respective patien matched PBMC samples (2x50nt) and RNA-sqeuencing of the tumor samples. The was analyzed for somatic point mutaions, using the RNA-Seq data to determine mutation expression. This study contains the exome seq data.

  Study EGAS00001003306

• The molecular landscape of glioma in patients with Neurofibromatosis 1.

  Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a common tumor predisposition syndrome in which glioma is one of the most prominent tumor type. Gliomagenesis in NF1 results in heterogeneous spectrum of tumors, from low grade to high grade glioma, occurring during the entire patient lifespan. In this study, we present the molecular landscape of low- and high-grade glioma in children and adults affected by NF1 (NF1-glioma). 59 tumor samples from 56 NF1-glioma patients with 43 matched normal were profiled with Whole Exome Sequencing, DNA Methylation array (31 tumors) and RNA sequencing (29 tumors).

  Study EGAS00001003186

• Germline HAVCR2 mutations altering TIM-3 characterize subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphomas with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytic syndrome

  Sub-cutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphomas (SPTCL), a non-Hodgkin lymphoma, can be associated with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), a life-threatening immune activation which adversely impacts survival1,2. T-cell-immunoglobulin mucin-3 (TIM-3) is a modulator of immune responses expressed on subgroups of T- and innate immune cells. We identify in ~60% of SPTCL cases germline, loss-of-function, missense variants in highly conserved residues of TIM-3, c.245A>G(p.Y82C) and c.291A>G(p.I97M), each with specific geographic distribution. Y82C-TIM-3 occurs on a potential founder chromosome in patients with East Asian and Polynesian ancestry, while I97M-TIM-3 occurs in Caucasians. Both variants induce protein misfolding and abrogate TIM-3’s plasma-membrane expression leading to persistent immune activation, increased production of inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α and IL-1β, promoting HLH and SPTCL. Our findings highlight HLH/SPTCL as a new genetic entity and showcase TIM-3 mutations as the first causative genetic defect in SPTCL. While TIM-3-mutant HLH/SPTCL benefit from immunomodulation, therapeutic repression of the TIM-3 checkpoint may have adverse consequences.

  Study EGAS00001002765

• Targeted sequencing of follicular lymphoma tumour samples from the UK's Haematological Malignancy Research Network

  Follicular lymphoma displays morphological and clinical heterogeneity, underpinned by shared molecular pathogenesis. Mutations in epigenetic regulators alongside t(14;18) have been identified as disease initiating events. Additional mutational diversity suggests disease heterogeneity. Whether this resolves into mechanistically distinct subsets remains an open question. Targeted sequencing was applied to an unselected population-based FL cohort (n=548) diagnosed in a catchment population of ~4 million (14 centers), with full clinical follow-up (n=538) that included 96 DLBCL transformations. We investigated whether molecular subclusters of FL can be identified, and whether mutational data provide predictive information relating to transformation.

  Study EGAS00001005238

• Evolutionary Genome Analysis of Transformation into Small Cell Carcinomas from Lung Adenocarcinomas

  Anecdotal case have been reported lung adenocarcinoma could occasionally transform into small cell carcinoma. Most of the reported cases were EGFR-mutant lung adenocarcinomas that transform into small cell carcinoma during EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor treatment. However, some cases also indicate lung adenocarcinomas without EGFR mutation could also transform into small cell carcinomas. Here we investigate this transformation process by whole genome sequencing of transformed small cell carcinomas as well as serially acquired samples of lung adenocarcinoma into small cell carcinomas.

  Study EGAS00001001757

• Integrative multi-omic analyses of malignant pleural mesothelioma

  Multi-omic data (whole-genome sequencing, RNA-seq, EPIC 850K methylation arrays) for 123 samples from the MESOMICS project, the French project of molecular characterization of malignant pleural mesothelioma

  Study EGAS00001004812

• Genomic analysis Nasopharyngeal cancer through whole exome sequencing and whole genomic sequencing.

  Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a squamous-cell carcinoma and has remarkable ethnic and geographic distribution, with a high prevalence in southern China, southeast Asia, northern Africa and Alaska. Although there are previous studies implicated NF-κB pathway play an important role in NPC. Newer research also found several important cellular processes and pathways in NPC, including chromatin modification, ERBB-PI3K signaling and autophagy machinery. Put these studies together, although, NPC is still poorly understood at the genetic level. Here we determined the mutational landscape of 553 cases with NPC using whole-genomic and whole-exome sequencing. These approaches revealed a distinct mutational signature and significantly mutated genes.

  Study EGAS00001002788

• HYPERMUTATION AND MALIGNANT PROGRESSION IN LOW-GRADE GLIOMA PATIENTS

  While patients with primary glioblastoma (GBM) have benefited from increased overall survival due to treatment with the alkylating chemotherapy temozolomide (TMZ), the benefit ofTMZ for patients with diffuse low-grade gliomas (LGG) remains unknown. To further explore the relationships among TMZ treatment, hypermutation and malignant progression, we studied tumor evolution in an expanded cohort of untreated and TMZ-treated patients by exome-sequencing of paired IDH1/2-mutant LGGs and their post-TMZ recurrences. Together, these findings further our understanding of the molecular features and clinical behavior of hypermutated clones.

  Study EGAS00001002368

• Genetic landscape of pediatric Adrenocortical Tumor

  Paediatric adrenocortical carcinoma is a rare malignancy with poor prognosis. Here we analyse 37 adrenocortical tumours (ACTs) by whole-genome, whole-exome and/or transcriptome sequencing. Collectively, these findings demonstrate the nature, timing and potential prognostic significance of key genetic alterations in paediatric ACT and outline a hypothetical model of paediatric adrenocortical tumorigenesis.

  Study EGAS00001000257

• Evolution of GBM through therapy

  Primary glioblastoma (GBM) tumours recur following treatment. This is likely due to intratumour heterogeneity (ITH), which reduces the effectiveness of cancer therapies by enabling therapy-driven tumour evolution: Darwinian selection of genotypically and/or phenotypically distinct cells (subclones) that resist treatment to seed regrowth of an even less treatable recurrence. To investigate this we sequenced a pilot cohort of nine paired primary and locally recurrent GBM tumours, alongside matched blood samples, in order to begin characterising therapy resistant cells and thereby infer the mechanisms by which they evaded treatment. These data were included in the first data release from the Glioma Longitudinal AnalySiS (GLASS) consortium.

  Study EGAS00001003546

• ChIP Seq data of multiple myeloma and plasma cell leukaemia cell lines

  ChIP-seq data (H3K4Me1, H3K4Me3, H3K27Ac histone modifications) on multiple myeloma cell line KMS11 and plasma cell leukaemia cell lines L363 and JJN3

  Study EGAS00001002414

• Somatic IL4R Hotspot Mutations in Primary Mediastinal Large B-cell lymphoma lead to constitutive JAK-STAT activation

  Primary mediastinal large B cell lymphoma (PMBCL) is a distinct subtype of diffuse large B cell lymphoma thought to arise from thymic medullary B cells. Gene mutations underlying the molecular pathogenesis of the disease are incompletely characterized. Here, we describe novel somatic IL4R mutations in 15 out of 62 primary cases of PMBCL (24.2%) and in all PMBCL-derived cell lines tested. The majority of mutations (11/21; 52%) were hotspot single nucleotide variants in exon 8 leading to an I242N amino acid change in the transmembrane domain. Functional analyses establish this mutation as gain-of-function leading to constitutive activation of the JAK-STAT pathway and upregulation of downstream cytokine expression profiles and B cell specific antigens. Moreover, expression of I242N mutant IL4R in a mouse xenotransplantation model conferred growth advantage in vivo. The pattern of concurrent mutations within the JAK-STAT signaling pathway suggests additive/synergistic effects of these gene mutations contributing to lymphomagenesis. Our data establish IL4R mutations as novel driver alterations and provide a strong preclinical rationale for therapeutic targeting of JAK-STAT signaling in PMBCL.

  Study EGAS00001002796

• Pilot study for Illumina TST170 NGS panel on cutaneous T cell lymphoma samples

  A number of genomic studies using next generation sequencing (NGS) techniques have attempted to understand the underlying genetic basis of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma and found alterations in genes that are involved in T-cell activation, NF-kB and JAK-signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathways. 8 diagnostic skin biopsy samples (2xplaque, 6xtumour) on FFPE blocks were selected from 8 MF patients (stage IB:n=1, IIB:n=6, IVA2:n=1). An H&E was performed in order to assess percentage of tumor cells, viable cells, necrosis and immune infiltration, to determine the number of slides required for NGS. Freshly cut unstained slides were manually macrodissected prior to DNA and RNA extraction. Targeted deep sequencing was performed using panel of 170 genes associated with common solid tumours (Illumina TruSight Tumour 170 NGS panel). VCF files generated via the Illumina’s Basespace platform.

  Study EGAS00001002567

• Genomic Profiling of Thyroid Cancer Reveals a Role for Thyroglobulin in Metastasis

  Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) has a wide geographic variation in incidence, being highest in Saudi Arabia where it is only second to breast cancer as the most common cancer among females. Genomic profiling of PTC from Saudi Arabia has not been attempted previously. We performed whole-exome sequencing of 101 PTC samples and the corresponding genomic DNA to identify genes with recurrent somatic mutations, followed by sequencing of these genes using a next-generation gene panel approach in further 785 samples. In addition to BRAF, N-RAS and H-RAS, which have previously been shown to be recurrently mutated in PTC, our analysis highlights additional genes, including thyroglobulin (TG), which harbored somatic mutations in 3% of the entire cohort. Surprisingly, although TG mutations were not exclusive to mutations in the RAS-MAP kinase pathway, their presence was associated with a significantly worse clinical outcome, which suggests a pathogenic role beyond driving initial oncogenesis. Analysis of metastatic PTC tissue revealed significant enrichment for TG mutations (p<0.001), including events of apparent clonal expansion. Our results suggest a previously unknown role of TG somatic mutations in the pathogenesis of PTC and its malignant evolution.

  Study EGAS00001001788

• Analysis of tumor periphery and center-specific mutations in renal cell carcinoma

  Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a genomically heterogeneous tumor. In the present project, the question whether intratumoral heterogeneity follows a zonal pattern indicating spatial niches was addressed. Whole exome sequencing of 16 paired samples from tumor periphery and center revealed a number of region-specific functional SNVs and Indels. Therefore, RCCs are not composed of evenly admixed tumor cells but show topological differences in their clonal composition.

  Study EGAS00001001784

• RRBS MDACC Lung PreCancer

  To study the evolution of DNA methylation at genome level and methylation intra-tumor heterogeneity (ITH) during early lung carcinogenesis, we performed multiregional reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS) of 62 resected lung nodules from 39 patients including atypical adenomatous hyperplasia (AAH, n=14), adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS, n=15), minimally invasive adenocarcinoma (MIA, n=22), and invasive adenocarcinoma (ADC, n=11).

  Study EGAS00001004610

• Biallelic tumor suppressor loss and DNA repair defects in de novo small cell prostate cancer

  Small cell prostatic carcinoma (SCPC) is an aggressive pathology that is managed similar to small cell lung cancer. SCPC can evolve from prostatic adenocarcinoma in response to androgen deprivation therapy but in rare cases is present at initial cancer diagnosis. The molecular etiology of de novo SCPC is incompletely understood due to the scarcity of tumor tissue and the brief life expectancy of patients. Through a retrospective search of our regional oncology pharmacy database, we identified 18 patients diagnosed with de novo SCPC between 2004 and 2017. Ten patients had pure SCPC pathology and the remainder had some admixed adenocarcinoma foci, but all were treated with first line platinum-based chemotherapy. Median overall survival was 28 months. We performed targeted DNA sequencing, whole exome sequencing and mRNA profiling on formalin-fixed paraffin embedded archival tumor tissue. We observed frequent biallelic deletion and/or mutation of tumor suppressors TP53, RB1 and PTEN, similar to treatment related SCPC. Indeed, at the RNA level pure de novo SCPC closely resembled treatment-related SCPC. However, five patients had biallelic loss of DNA repair genes including BRCA1, BRCA2, ATM and MSH2/6: potentially underlying the high genomic instability of this rare disease variant. Two patients with pure de novo SCPC harbored ETS gene rearrangements to androgen-driven promoters, consistent with evolution of de novo SCPC from an androgen-driven ancestor. Overall, our results reveal a highly aggressive molecular landscape underlies this unusual pathologic variant, and propose opportunities for targeted therapy strategies in a disease with few treatment options.

  Study EGAS00001003007

• Combined targeting of BRD4-associated Promoter Activation and NFKB Immunomodulation in ARID1A-mutated Gastric Adenocarcinoma

  Gastric cancer (GC) a leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide, with ARID1A identified as the second most frequently mutated driver gene in GC. This study involves comprehensive genomic profiling of a Singaporean cohort of over 200 GC patients to characterize the mutational signatures associated with ARID1A inactivation across various molecular subtypes of GC. The findings highlight a potential therapeutic approach for ARID1A-mutated GCs, targeting both tumor-intrinsic mechanisms (BRD4-associated promoter activation) and extrinsic immunomodulatory pathways (NFKB signaling).

  Study EGAS00001006397

• Recapitulation of genetic predisposition to medulloblastoma in human neuroepithelial stem cells

  Human neural stem cell cultures provide progenitor cells that are potential cells of origin for brain cancers. However, the extent to which genetic predisposition to tumor formation can be faithfully captured in stem cell lines is uncertain. Here we evaluated neuroepithelial stem (NES) cells, representative of cerebellar progenitors. We transduced NES cells with MYCN, observing medulloblastoma upon orthotopic implantation in mice. Significantly, transcriptomes and patterns of DNA methylation from xenograft tumors were globally more representative of human medulloblastoma compared to a MYCN-driven genetically engineered mouse model. Orthotopic transplantation of NES cells generated from Gorlin syndrome, patients predisposed to medulloblastoma due to germline mutated PTCH1, also generated medulloblastoma. We engineered candidate cooperating mutations in Gorlin NES cells, with mutation of DDX3X or loss of GSE1 both accelerating tumorigenesis. These findings demonstrate that human NES cells provide a potent experimental resource for dissecting genetic causation in medulloblastoma.

  Study EGAS00001003620

• Single cell RNA sequencing of lung adenocarcinoma.

  We performed single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) for 208,506 cells derived from 58 lung adenocarcinomas from 44 patients, which covers primary tumour, lymph node and brain metastases, and pleural effusion in addition to normal lung tissues and lymph nodes.

  Study EGAS00001003681

• Genomic Heterogeneity and the Small Renal Mass

  Tumor heterogeneity is believed to represent a barrier to pre-operative genomic characterization in kidney cancer. Previous studies of heterogeneity in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) evaluated only large and metastatic tumors. In small renal tumors in which multiple biopsies are not feasible, the extent of heterogeneity remains unknown. In this study, we evaluated how the extent of genomic heterogeneity in small and large ccRCC. A total of 23 small (<4cm ) and 24 large (>7cm ) ccRCC had 3 regions sampled for evaluation of copy number, clear-cell A/clear-cell B (ccA/ccB) classification, and cell cycle progression (CCP) score. Small tumors have less genomic complexity and significantly fewer subclonal events. Pre-treatment genomic characterization based on a single biopsy in small ccRCC can provide insight into biologic potential to make clinical decisions.

  Study EGAS00001002919

• MGA-NUTM1 fusion in high grade spindle cell sarcoma

  NUT carcinoma (NC) with mesenchymal differentiation have rarely been described in the literature. In this report, we describe the characterization of two cases of high grade spindle cell sarcoma harboring a novel MGA-NUTM1 fusion. Whole genome sequencing identified the presence of complex rearrangements resulting in a MGA-NUTM1 fusion gene in the absence of other significant somatic mutations. The fusion protein was predicted to retain nearly the entire protein sequence of both MGA (exons 1-22) and NUTM1 (exons 3-8). In contrast to typical cases of NC, these cases were successfully treated with aggressive local control measures (surgery and radiation) and both patients remain alive without disease. These cases describe a new subtype of NUTM1-rearranged tumors warranting expansion of diagnostic testing to evaluate for the presence of MGA-NUTM1 or alternative NUTM1 gene fusions in the diagnostic workup of high grade spindle cell sarcomas or small round blue cell tumors of ambiguous lineage.

  Study EGAS00001003341

• Robust detection of translocations in lymphoma FFPE samples using Targeted Locus Capture-based sequencing - NGS targeted capture control cohort

  In routine diagnostic pathology, cancer biopsies are preserved by Formalin-Fixed, Paraffin-Embedding (FFPE) procedures for examination of (intra-) cellular morphology. Such procedures inadvertently induce DNA fragmentation, which compromises sequencing-based analyses of chromosomal rearrangements. Yet, rearrangements drive many types of hematolymphoid malignancies and solid tumors, and their manifestation is instructive for diagnosis, prognosis and treatment. Here, we present FFPE-Targeted Locus Capture (FFPE-TLC) for targeted sequencing of proximity-ligation products formed in FFPE tissue blocks, and PLIER, a computational framework that allows automated identification and characterization of rearrangements involving selected, clinically-relevant, loci. FFPE-TLC, blindly applied to 149 lymphoma and control FFPE samples, identifies the known and novel rearrangement partners. It outperforms fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) in sensitivity and specificity, and shows clear advantages over standard capture-NGS methods, finding rearrangements involving repetitive sequences which they typically miss. FFPE-TLC is therefore a powerful clinical diagnostics tool for accurate targeted rearrangement detection in FFPE specimens.

  Study EGAS00001005325

• WGS and WES of pediatric osteosarcoma

  Despite being the most common childhood bone tumor, the genomic characterization of osteosarcoma remains incomplete. Very few metastatic cases have been sequenced to date, a required step to better understand the progression and evolution of this tumor. Here, we present an integrative analysis of whole genome and whole exome sequencing (WGS and WES) of a cohort of primary and metastatic pediatric osteosarcoma, in order to identify recurrent genomic alterations between and within patients.

  Study EGAS00001003342