4748 results for "*oma"

in 55.83 milliseconds.

• Prognostic relevance of microenvironmental factors CD163 and CD8 combined with EZH2 and chromosome 18 gain in a validation cohort of follicular lymphoma patients of the Lunenburg Lymphoma Biomarker Consortium

  Background: In follicular lymphoma (FL), studies addressing the prognostic value of microenvironment-related immunohistochemical (IHC) markers and tumor cell-related genetic markers have yielded conflicting results, precluding implementation in practice. Therefore, the Lunenburg Lymphoma Biomarker Consortium (LLBC) performed a validation study for published markers. Methods: To maximize sensitivity, an end-of-spectrum design was applied for 122 uniformly immunochemotherapy-treated FL patients retrieved from international trials and registries; early failure (EF): progression or lymphoma-related death <2 years versus long remission: response duration of >5 years. IHC staining for T-cells and macrophages was performed on tissue microarrays from initial biopsy and scored with a validated computer-assisted protocol. Shallow whole-genome and deep targeted sequencing was performed on the same samples. Results: 96/122 cases with complete molecular and immunohistochemical data were included in the analysis. EZH2 wild-type (p=0.006), gain of chromosome 18 (p=0.002), low percentages of CD8+ cells (p=0.011) and CD163+ areas (p=0.038) were associated with EF. No significant differences in other markers were observed, thereby refuting previous claims on their prognostic significance. Conclusion: Using an optimized study design, this LLBC study validates wild-type EZH2 status, gain of chromosome 18, low percentages of CD8+ cells and CD163+ area as predictors of EF to immunochemotherapy in FL.

  Study EGAS00001002049

• Immune profiling reveals enrichment of distinct immune signatures in high-risk oral potentially malignant disorders

  Oral epithelial dysplasia (OED) associates with an increased risk of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Changes in the immune landscape of OED that accompany transformation remain understudied. We evaluated gene co-expression in benign lesions (fibroepithelial polyps; FEP), high-risk OED (mod-sev OED) and early stage OSCC. We demonstrate that transcripts indicating immune responses are enriched in high-risk OED. In particular, immune signatures representing high lymphocyte infiltration and cytotoxic responses are prominent, indicating active immunosurveillance. Expression of immune checkpoint molecules was enriched in high-risk OED and further increased in early stage OSCC. Seventy percent of high-risk OED displayed a T cell-inflamed phenotype histology suggesting that they might be responsive to anti-PD-1 immunoprevention. Other immunoprevention strategies are required for the 30% of high-risk OED are not immune-enriched. Overall, our data point the way for new approaches to non-surgical management of OED.

  Study EGAS00001005520

• Melanoma_brain_metastases

  This is a whole exome study of brain metastases in melanoma. We are studying the genomic evolution of primary cutaneous melanoma to brain met in patients with brain-only metastatic disease. We are also looking at the genomic heterogeneity in patients with temporally, anatomically and regionally separated brian metastases.

  Study EGAS00001002107

• Single-cell RNA-seq data of the tumor microenvironment of lymphocyte-rich Hodgkin lymphoma and other Hodgkin lymphoma subtypes

  Lymphocyte-rich classic Hodgkin lymphoma (LR-CHL) is a rare subtype of Hodgkin lymphoma. Recent technical advances have allowed for the characterization of specific crosstalk mechanisms between malignant Hodgkin Reed-Sternberg (HRS) cells and different normal immune cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) of CHL. However, the TME of LR-CHL has not yet been characterized at single cell resolution. Here, using single cell RNA sequencing, we examined the immune cell profile of 8 cell suspension samples of LR-CHL in comparison to 20 samples of the mixed cellularity (9 cases) and nodular sclerosis (11 cases) subtypes of CHL, as well as 5 reactive lymph node controls.

  Study EGAS00001005541

• Genomic characterization of retinoblastoma (targeted sequencing)

  Retinoblastoma is the most frequent intraocular malignancy in children, originating from a maturing cone precursor in the developing retina. Little is known on the molecular basis underlying the biological and clinical behavior of this cancer. Here, using multi-omics data, we demonstrate the existence of two retinoblastoma subtypes. Subtype 1, of earlier onset, includes most of the heritable forms. It harbors few genetic alterations other than the initiating RB1 inactivation and corresponds to differentiated tumors expressing mature cone markers. By contrast, subtype 2 tumors harbor frequent recurrent genetic alterations including MYCN-amplification. They express markers of less differentiated cone together with neuronal/ganglion cell markers with marked inter- and intra-tumor heterogeneity. The cone dedifferentiation in subtype 2 is associated with stemness features including low immune and interferon response, E2F and MYC/MYCN activation and a higher propensity for metastasis. The recognition of these two subtypes, one maintaining a cone-differentiated state, and the other, more aggressive, associated with cone dedifferentiation and expression of neuronal markers, opens up important biological and clinical perspectives for retinoblastomas. In this study, we performed targeted sequencing of the exonic regions of RB1, BCOR and ARID1A on 37 samples from the series of 102 retinoblastomas. Among them, 23 samples were not subjected to whole-exome sequencing, and 14 samples have the whole-exome sequencing data (deposited in EGAS00001005248).

  Study EGAS00001005550

• RNA sequencing CYLD cutaneous syndrome

  Patients with CYLD cutaneous syndrome (CCS; syn. Brooke-Spiegler syndrome) carry germline mutations in the tumor suppressor CYLD and develop multiple skin tumors with diverse histophenotypes. We comprehensively profiled the genomic landscape of 42 benign and malignant tumors across 13 individuals from four multigenerational families. Novel recurrent mutations were found in epigenetic modifiers DNMT3A and BCOR in 29% of benign tumors. Multi-level and microdissected sampling strikingly reveal that many clones with different DNMT3A mutations exist in these benign tumors, suggesting that intra-tumor heterogeneity is common. Integrated genomic, methylation and transcriptomic profiling in selected tumours suggest that isoform specific DNMT3A2 mutations are associated with dysregulated Wnt/ß-catenin pathway signaling. Phylogenetic and mutational signature analyses confirm cylindroma pulmonary metastases from primary skin tumours. These findings add novel dimensions to existing paradigms of cutaneous tumorigenesis and metastasis.

  Study EGAS00001003841

• RNA-seq on neuroblastoma PDX model COG-N-519 treated with control miR-1283 and test miR-99b-5p mimics

  COG-N-519 primary neuroblastoma cells were innoculated by subcutaneous injection into NSG mice. When tumours reached a size of 100-200mm3 miRNAs conjugated to nanoparticles were injected intratumourally every 2 days for 1 week. 24 hr after the last injection, snap frozen tumour tissue was harvested for RNA extraction and RNA-seq analysis.

  Study EGAS00001005581

• Genome and transcriptome sequence data from a osteosarcoma tumor patient

  Genome and transcriptome sequence data from a osteosarcoma patient, generated as part of the BC Cancer Agency's Pediatric Personalized Onco-Genomics study

  Dataset EGAD00001015293

• A single-cell atlas of human glioma

  Although tumor-propagating cells can be derived from glioblastomas (GBMs) of the proneural and mesenchymal subtypes, a glioma stem-like cell (GSC) of the classical subtype has not been identified. It is unclear if mesenchymal GSCs (mGSCs) and/or proneural GSCs (pGSCs) alone are sufficient to generate the spectrum of cellular heterogeneity observed in GBM. This study sheds light on a long-standing debate regarding lineage relationships among GSCs.

  Study EGAS00001003845

• 46 patients primary malignant glioma cohort in Chinese population

  We recruited 46 Chinese patients with primary malignant glioma. All the patients were analyzed with whole-exome sequencing (WES) and 27 of them were analyzed with RNA-seq. We compared the molecular features between patients in different WHO grades. We used six-month progression-free survival (PFS6) status to group glioblastoma (GBM) patients to a good and a poor survival compared two groups genomic profiles.

  Study EGAS00001005583

• Single cell phenotypic profiling of 27 DLBCL cases reveals marked inter- and intra-tumoral heterogeneity

  Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common histologic subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma and is notorious for its clinical heterogeneity. Patient outcomes can be predicted by cell-of-origin (COO) classification, demonstrating that the underlying transcriptional signature of malignant B-cells informs biological behavior in the context of standard combination chemotherapy regimens. In the current study, we used mass cytometry (CyTOF) to examine tumor phenotypes at the protein level with single cell resolution in a collection of 27 diagnostic DLBCL biopsy specimens from treatment naïve patients. We found that malignant B-cells from each patient occupied unique regions in 37-dimensional phenotypic space with no apparent clustering of samples into discrete subtypes. Interestingly, variable MHC class II expression was found to be the greatest contributor to phenotypic diversity. Within individual tumors, a subset of cases showed multiple phenotypic subpopulations, and in one case we were able to demonstrate direct correspondence between protein-level phenotypic subsets and DNA mutation-defined subclones. In summary, CyTOF analysis can resolve both inter- and intra-tumoral heterogeneity among primary samples, and reveals that each case of DLBCL is unique and may be comprised of multiple, genetically distinct subclones.

  Study EGAS00001003860

• Neuroblastoma sequencing data

  This study shares tumor and normal DNA for a patient with neuroblastoma

  Study EGAS00001005602

• Genome and transcriptome sequence data from a neuroblastoma tumor patient

  Genome and transcriptome sequence data from a neuroblastoma patient, generated as part of the BC Cancer Agency's Pediatric Personalized Onco-Genomics study

  Dataset EGAD00001015294

• Whole-transcriptome sequencing of hepatocellular carcinoma biopsies (TACE study)

  We performed a transcriptomic analysis of hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) and paired non-tumor biopsies to identify predictive biomarkers for response to transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). We identified several transcripts which are predictive of response to TACE.

  Study EGAS00001005558

• A GWAS in uveal melanoma identifies risk polymorphisms in the CLPTM1L locus.

  Uveal melanoma, a rare malignant tumor of the eye, is predominantly observed in populations of European ancestry. A genome-wide association study of 259 uveal melanoma patients compared to 401 controls all of European ancestry revealed a candidate locus at chromosome 5p15.33 (region rs421284: OR = 1.7, CI 1.43-2.05). This locus was replicated in an independent set of 276 cases and 184 controls. In addition, risk variants from this region were positively associated with higher expression of CLPTM1L. In conclusion, the CLPTM1L region contains risk alleles for uveal melanoma susceptibility, suggesting that CLPTM1L could play a role in uveal melanoma oncogenesis.

  Study EGAS00001002334

• Genome and transcriptome sequence data from a metastatic alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma tumor patient

  Genome and transcriptome sequence data from a metastatic alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma patient, generated as part of the BC Cancer Agency's Pediatric Personalized Onco-Genomics study

  Dataset EGAD00001015295

• UK renal cancer samples genotyped on Illumina OmniExpress BeadChip

  Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) cases comprised adult patients with histologically proven RCC were collected through two sources within the UK. First, 856 cases from SORCE, a MRC collection of surgically treated RCC cases ascertained through UK clinical oncology centres. Second, 189 RCC cases collected through the ICR and Royal Marsden NHS Hospitals Trust. Cases included 590 clear cell carcinomas (CCCs), 42 papillary carcinomas (PCs), 33 chromophobe carcinomas (CCs) and 19 mixed or other histological subtypes. DNA was extracted from EDTA-venous blood samples using the conventional methods and quantified using PicoGreen (Invitrogen). Cases were genotyped using the Human OmniExpress-12 BeadChip according to the manufacturer's recommendations (Illumina Inc, San Diego, CA, USA). After strict QC, 944 cases were retained. Data provided in plink format. Controls used were data from the Wellcome Trust Case Control Consortium 2 (WTCCC2) 1958 birth cohort and the UK Blood Service Control Group (available as EGAS00000000028).

  Study EGAS00001002336

• Pre-neoplastic somatic mutations including MYD88L265P in lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma

  Normal-cell counterparts of solid and myeloid tumors accumulate mutations years before disease onset; whether this occurs in B-lymphocytes prior to lymphoma remains uncertain. In this study, we sequenced multiple stages of the B-lineage in elderly individuals and patients with lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma, a singular disease for studying lymphomagenesis because of high-prevalence of mutated MYD88.

  Study EGAS00001005656

• Whole genome and exome sequencing data of invasive micropapillary carcinoma of breast

  This study contains whole genome sequencing data, whole exon sequencing data and mutation files of IMPC tumor and normal tissue sample.

  Study EGAS00001005902

• WGS of T-cell and NK-cell lymphoma for ICGC (NKTL-SG)

  Lymphomas are malignancies originating from the lymphatic system and there is a worldwide significant increase in incidences of this cancer. Lymphomas can be further classified into 2 categories namely Hodgkin’s (HL), and Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL). The latter can be divided further into B, T and NK cell NHL. Peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) and Natural Killer/ T-cell lymphoma (NKTL) arise from mature T lymphocytes and NK cells. The more common subtypes include NKTL, PTCL not-otherwise-specified (PTCL-NOS), systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL), follicular PTCL (F-PTCL), angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL) and enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma (EATL). Whole genome analyses on T-cell and NK-cell lymphoma samples from various countries to gain a better understanding of the pathogenesis and biology of these tumors. The comprehensive profiling and comparison among patients from various countries with different etiopathogenesis will hopefully facilitate the elucidation of key pathways and underlying molecular mechanisms driving these cancers, opening up novel therapeutic strategies in the future.

  Study EGAS00001002398

• Epigenome wide DNA methylation assay of gingivo-buccal oral squamous cell carcinoma using single base resolution high throughput array

  Gingivo-buccal oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC-GB) is the most common cancer among men in India and is associated with high mortality. Although OSCC-GB is known to be quite different from tongue cancer in its genomic presentation and its clinical behavior, it is treated identically as tongue cancer. Predictive markers of prognosis and therapy that are specific to OSCC-GB are, therefore, required. To achieve this, we have carried out epigenomic (n=87) profiling of paired tumor-normal tissues collected from OSCC-GB patients from India and genome-wide DNA methylation assays were performed. DNA was isolated using DNeasy Blood and Tissue Kit (Qiagen). The purity and concentration was estimated using NanoDrop 2000 (Thermo Fisher Scientific). Approximately 500 ng genomic DNA from each sample was used for sodium bisulfite conversion using the EZ DNA methylation Gold Kit (Zymo Research, USA). Genome-wide DNA methylation was assayed using iScan (Illumina), for paired tumour and adjacent normal samples of 25 patients using the Infinium Human Methylation450 BeadChip and of 62 patients using the Infinium MethylationEPIC BeadChip.

  Study EGAS00001003896

• Exome sequencing of pseudomyxoma peritonei

  Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) is a subtype of mucinous adenocarcinoma mainly restricted to the peritoneal cavity and most commonly originating from the appendix. In this study, we sequenced whole coding genome of nine PMP tumors and paired normal tissues in order to identify commonly mutated genes and signaling pathways affected in PMP.

  Study EGAS00001002418

• The genomic landscape of germinal center derived B-cell lymphomas other than follicular, diffuse-large B-cell and Burkitt lymphom

  As part of the ICGC, the ICGC MMML-Seq project performed whole genome sequencing and RNA sequencing of germinal center derived B-cell lymphoma. Analyses were performed in concordance with the guidelines of the ICGC.

  Study EGAS00001002422

• Cell fate mapping of human glioblastoma reveals an invariant stem cell hierarchy pre- and post-treatment

  Human glioblastomas (GBMs) are thought to harbour a subpopulation of glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs) that initiate tumour formation and regrowth following treatment. However, the origin of their proliferative heterogeneity during tumour growth pre- and post-treatment remains poorly understood. Here we study the clonal evolution of DNA barcoded GBMs following their serial propagation in xenograft mouse models to define the fate behaviour of individual GBM cells. Through quantitative analysis of clone sizes scored across multiple passages, we show that the growth of GBM clones in vivo are consistent with a remarkably neutral process resulting from a conserved proliferative hierarchy. In this model, slow-cycling stem-like cells give rise to a more rapidly cycling progenitor population with extensive self-maintenance capacity, that in turn generates short-lived cells that lack proliferative ability. We also identify rare "outlier" clones that deviate from these dynamics, and further show that chemotherapy reproducibly facilitates the selective expansion of pre-existing drug-resistant GBM lineages. Finally, we show that coexisting, functionally distinct GSCs may be targeted separately with epigenetic compounds. These findings show that, independent of an evolving mutational signature, the clonal dynamics of human GBM can be surprisingly robust, with intratumoural heterogeneity derived primarily from the defined stochastic fate behaviour of tumour cells within a conserved proliferative hierarchy.

  Study EGAS00001002424

• MM samples for epigenomic translocation of H3K4me3 broad domains following super-enhancer hijacking

  Chromosomal translocations are important drivers of haematological malignancies whereby proto-oncogenes are activated by juxtaposition with super-enhancers, often called enhancer hijacking. To examine this phenomenon we used ChipSeq based on a combination of six histone modifications as follows: H3K4me1, H3K4me3, H3K9me3, H3K27me3, H3K27Ac and H3K36me3. Samples are patient-derived xenografts generated by passaging primary patient CD138+ selected cells through the SCID-rab myeloma mouse model.

  Study EGAS00001005684

• A combined circulating tumor DNA and protein biomarker-based liquid biopsy for the earlier detection of pancreatic cancer

  The earlier diagnosis of cancer is one of the keys to reducing future cancer deaths. Here we describe our efforts to develop a non-invasive, blood test for the detection of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. We combined blood tests for KRAS gene mutations with carefully thresholded protein biomarkers to determine whether the combination of these markers was superior to any single marker. The cohort tested included 221 patients with resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and 185 control patients without known cancers. KRAS mutations were detected in the plasma of 66 patients (30%) and every mutation found in the plasma was identical to that subsequently found in the patients' primary tumor (100% concordance). The use of KRAS in conjunction with two thresholded protein biomarkers (CA19-9 and prolactin) increased the sensitivity to 67%. Only one of the 185 plasma samples from the control cohort were positive for any of the three markers (99.5% specificity). This combinatorial approach may prove useful for the earlier detection of many cancer types.

  Study EGAS00001002444

• Mutational signatures of aflatoxin

  Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a mutagen and IARC (International Agency for Research on Cancer) Group 1 carcinogen that causes hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Here we present the first whole genome data on the mutational signatures of AFB1 exposure from a total of > 40,000 mutations in four experimental systems: two different human cell lines, and in liver tumors in wild-type mice and in mice that carried a hepatitis B surface antigen transgene – this to model the multiplicative effects of aflatoxin exposure and hepatitis B in causing HCC. AFB1 mutational signatures from all four experimental systems were remarkably similar. We integrated the experimental mutational signatures with data from newly-sequenced HCCs from Qidong County, China, a region of well-studied aflatoxin exposure. This indicated that COSMIC mutational signature 24, previously hypothesized to stem from aflatoxin exposure, indeed likely represents AFB1 exposure, possibly combined with other exposures. Among published somatic mutation data, we found evidence of AFB1 exposure in 0.7% of HCCs treated in North America, 1% of HCCs from Japan, but 16% of HCCs from Hong Kong. Thus, aflatoxin exposure apparently remains a substantial public health issue in some areas. This aspect of our study exemplifies the promise of future widespread resequencing of tumor genomes in providing new insights into the contribution of mutagenic exposures to cancer incidence.

  Study EGAS00001002490

• Genomic Profiling Reveals Spatial Intra-tumour Heterogeneity in Follicular Lymphoma

  Follicular lymphoma (FL) is an incurable indolent non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) that behaves heterogeneously and is synonymous with the reciprocal translocation t(14;18)(q32;q21), leading to aberrant constitutive over-expression of BCL2 [ref]. High risk groups with poor overall survival include patients that transform to a high grade lymphoma, most commonly diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) or progress early (within 2 years) of receiving treatment. Recently several studies have shed light on the diverse genomic landscape of FL, with frequently mutated genes including those involved in chromatin remodelling, (CREBBP, KMT2D, EZH2, EP300), immune modulation (TNFRSF14), JAK-STAT (STAT6, SOCS1), NF-ĸB (CARD11, MYD88, TNFAIP3) and mTORC1 signalling (RRAGC) [ref]. To date, the majority of these studies have either focussed on inter-patient genetic heterogeneity or established the extent of clonal heterogeneity as a patient’s tumour evolves over time. Furthermore, these temporal studies have alluded to the existence of a tumour-repopulating population (referred to as the common progenitor cell (CPC)) that evades treatment and acts as a reservoir, seeding each subsequent relapse and transformation event. Although these previous studies have illuminated the longitudinal clonal dynamics that occur in FL, our understanding of the degree of spatial or intra-tumour heterogeneity (ITH) that exists within an individual patient thus far remains limited. Earlier studies have predominantly focused on differences in cytological grade and immunophenotype between spatially separated lymph nodes and bone marrow, the most common site of extra-nodal involvement in FL, with genomic profiling restricted to examining somatic hypermutation patterns in IgVH genes [ref]. In contrast next generation sequencing has been increasingly utilised in solid organ malignancies to derive comprehensive genomic profiles from spatially separated sites. The seminal study by Gerlinger et al revealed profound differences in the genetic make-up between individual primary and metastatic sites of renal cell carcinoma [ref]. Significant heterogeneity has since been demonstrated both between and within lesions in the same patient in lung, pancreas and breast cancer with presumed driver mutations distributed within the “branches” of the evolutionary phylogenetic tree, suggesting that a single biopsy is incapable of capturing the full genomic heterogeneity of an individual’s malignancy [ref]. This geographical heterogeneity not only adds to the diverse pool of tumour subclones that may contribute to drug resistance mechanisms but importantly, presents a major obstacle for precision-based approaches focussed on targeting specific lesions within a single biopsy. In FL, the exponential increase in clinical trials using novel agents such as EZH2, PI3K and BTK inhibitors reflects this shift in cancer care and along with the development of molecular prognostic scores such as the m7-FLIPI highlights the clinical need to accurately define genomic alterations with clinical relevance. As the majority of FL patients manifest disseminated tumour involvement, we sought to uncover the extent and clinical importance of spatial heterogeneity in FL by comprehensively genetically profiling 22 synchronously removed spatially separated biopsies from 9 patients. Using a combination of whole exome and targeted deep sequencing, our results inferred the complex subclonal architecture within these tumours and the mutational differences between anatomical sites, demonstrating cases with significant intrinsic genetic diversity.

  Study EGAS00001002492

• 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

• Transcriptome sequencing of intravenous leiomyomatosis and uterine myoma

  Up to now, there are two hypothesis about the pathogenesis of the relationship of intravenous leiomyomatosis and uterine myoma. One theory suggests that the IVL comes from the smooth muscle cell in the vessel wall.The other theory indicates that the IVL derives from the uterine myometrium. However, limited to the technology, few studies have been deeply explore the underlying relation. In this study, we employ the RNA sequencing to explore the molecule relationship between IVL and uterus myoma. In order to identify the molecule relationship between IVl and uterine myoma we conducted transcriptome sequencing and bioinformaitc analysis

  Study EGAS00001002504

• ATRX mutant neuroblastoma is sensitive to EZH2 inhibition via modulation of neuronal differentiation.

  Mutations and structural alterations of the SWI/SNF-like chromatin remodeler ATRX have been reported at high frequency in a number of adult and pediatric tumors1. However, the consequences of ATRX (Alpha Thalassemia/Mental Retardation, X-linked) mutations in cancer and their underlying epigenetic sensitivities remain ill defined. Particularly intriguing are the large N-terminal deletions of ATRX in neuroblastoma that generate in-frame fusion (IFF) proteins1–3 devoid of key chromatin interaction domains. Here we demonstrate that neuroblastoma cells harbouring ATRX IFFs have distinct gene expression programs compared to neuroblastoma cells that are wild type for ATRX. This is due in part to H3K27me3-mediated silencing of REST (RE1 Silencing Transcription Factor) target genes involved in neuronal differentiation. In turn, we find that ATRX IFF cells display exquisite sensitivity to EZH2 inhibition in both adherent and tumorsphere conditions, due in part to derepression of neurogenesis genes, including REST targets. Examination of the epigenomic landscape of a pediatric neuroblastoma tumor harboring an ATRX IFF revealed that H3K27me3 occupies a subset of REST target genes that are transcriptionally silenced, and are sensitive to EZH2 inhibition in our cell-based assays. Thus, our study greatly advances our understanding of indolent neuroblastoma and identifies EZH2 inhibition as a potential therapy for patients with ATRX mutant disease. Further, these studies may be applicable to other ATRX mutant pediatric malignancies, particularly those carrying similar structural alterations of ATRX.

  Study EGAS00001002507

• Distinct genomic profile and specific targeted drug responses in adult cerebellar glioblastoma

  Only a few studies have reported the molecular characteristics of adult cerebellar glioblastoma (C-GBM), a subtype comprising 1% of glioblastoma cases located within the infratentorial brain region due to the rarity. By identifying genomic profiles from 19 adult C-GBM samples, we revealed the genetic intertumoral heterogeneity in C-GBM as well as distinct genomic characteristics from those of supratentorial glioblastomas (S-GBMs), emphasizing the need of individualized therapies for C-GBM patients.

  Study EGAS00001002517

• Genomes of Relapsing Neuroblastoma

  Neuroblastoma is a malignancy of the developing sympathetic nervous system that is often lethal when relapse occurs, but the molecular mechanisms behind this process are poorly defined. We here used whole-exome sequencing, mRNA expression, array CGH and DNA methylation analysis to holistically characterize 16 paired samples from neuroblastoma patients at diagnosis and relapse. The mutational burden significantly increased in relapsing tumors accompanied by altered mutational signatures and reduced subclonal heterogeneity. Global allele frequencies at relapse indicated clonal mutation selection during disease progression. Promoter methylation patterns were consistent over disease course and patient-specific. Recurrent alterations at relapse included mutations in the putative CHD5 neuroblastoma tumor suppressor, chromosome 9p losses, DOCK8 mutations, inactivating mutations in PTPN14 and a relapse-specific activity pattern for the PTPN14 target gene, YAP. Recurrent new mutations in HRAS, KRAS, DOCK8 and genes mediating cell-cell interaction in 13/16 relapse tumors also indicate disturbances in signaling pathways mediating mesenchymal transition. Our data shed first light on genetic alteration frequency, identity and evolution in neuroblastoma.

  Study EGAS00001001387

• SCC tumor sequencing

  In this study we have sequenced the tumor of 28 Squamous Cell Carcinoma patients.

  Study EGAS00001003988

• Genome-wide cell-free DNA termini in patients with cancer

  The structure, fragmentation pattern, length and terminal sequence of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) is under the influence of nucleases present in the blood. We hypothesized that differences in the diversity of bases at the end of cfDNA fragments can be leveraged on a genome-wide scale to enhance the sensitivity for detecting the presence of tumor signals in plasma. We surveyed the cfDNA termini in 72 plasma samples from 319 patients with 18 different cancer types using low-coverage whole genome sequencing. The fragment-end sequence and diversity were altered in all cancer types in comparison to 76 healthy controls. We converted the fragment end sequences into a quantitative metric and observed that this correlates with circulating tumor DNA tumor fraction (R = 0.58, p < 0.001, Spearman). Using these metrics, we were able to classify cancer samples from control at a low tumor content (AUROC of 91% at 1% tumor fraction) and shallow sequencing coverage (mean AUROC = 0.99 at >1M fragments). Combining fragment-end sequences and diversity using machine learning, we classified cancer from healthy controls (mean AUROC = 0.99, SD = 0.01). Using unsupervised clustering we showed that early-stage lung cancer can be classified from control or later stages based on fragment-end sequences. We observed that fragment-end sequences can be used for prognostication (hazard ratio: 0.49) and residual disease detection inresectable esophageal adenocarcinoma patients, moving fragmentomics toward a greater clinical implementation.

  Study EGAS00001005738

• MYO5B mutations in Pheochromocytoma/Paraganglioma promote cancer progression

  Identification of additional cancer-associated genes and secondary mutations driving the metastatic progression in pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma (PPGL) is important. We recently reported novel recurrent nonsynonymous mutations in the MYO5B gene in metastatic PPGL. Here, we explored the functional impact of these MYO5B mutations, and analyzed MYO5B expression in primary PPGL tumor cases in relation to mutation status.Immunohistochemistry and mRNA expression analysis in 30 primary PPGL tumors revealed an increased MYO5B expression in metastatic compared to non-metastatic tumor cases. In addition, subcellular localization of MYO5B protein was altered from cytoplasmatic to membranous in some metastatic tumors, and the strongest and most abnormal expression pattern was observed in a PGL case harboring a MYO5B:p.G1611S mutation. Mutation analysis of additional PPGL tumors revealed additional, and hence recurrent, mutations in the paralog MYO5A. Three missense mutations in MYO5B were functionally studied using site directed mutagenesis and stable transfection into human neuroblastoma cells (SK-N-AS) and embryonic kidney cells (HEK293 cell line). Functional analysis of the mutants verified a significant increased proliferation rate in all MYO5B mutated clones (p.L587P, p.G1611S, and p.R1641C). The two somatically derived mutations p.L587P and p.G1611S were also found to increase the migration rate, and all three mutants affected intracellular transport by increased transferrin uptake. Downstream expression analysis of MYO5B mutants demonstrated a transcriptional activation of genes involved in glucose metabolism, proliferation, homeostasis, and migration. Our study validates the functional role of novel MYO5B mutations in proliferation and migration, and suggest the MYO5-pathway to be involved the malignant progression of PPGL tumors.

  Study EGAS00001003991

• Whole-genome bisulfite sequencing analysis of low-grade astrocytomas in the ICGC PedBrain Tumor Project

  Pilocytic Astrocytoma (PA) is the most common pediatric brain tumor. While genome and transcriptome landscapes are well-studied, data of the complete methylome, tumor cell composition and immune infiltration are scarce. We generated whole genome bisulfite sequence data (WGBS) of nine PAs to find evidence for a link of focal methylation differences and differential gene expression to immune infiltration.

  Study EGAS00001004019

• Genome-wide cell-free DNA termini in patients with cancer

  The structure, fragmentation pattern, length and terminal sequence of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) is under the influence of nucleases present in the blood. We hypothesized that differences in the diversity of bases at the end of cfDNA fragments can be leveraged on a genome-wide scale to enhance the sensitivity for detecting the presence of tumor signals in plasma. We surveyed the cfDNA termini in 72 plasma samples from 319 patients with 18 different cancer types using low-coverage whole genome sequencing. The fragment-end sequence and diversity were altered in all cancer types in comparison to 76 healthy controls. We converted the fragment end sequences into a quantitative metric and observed that this correlates with circulating tumor DNA tumor fraction (R = 0.58, p < 0.001, Spearman). Using these metrics, we were able to classify cancer samples from control at a low tumor content (AUROC of 91% at 1% tumor fraction) and shallow sequencing coverage (mean AUROC = 0.99 at >1M fragments). Combining fragment-end sequences and diversity using machine learning, we classified cancer from healthy controls (mean AUROC = 0.99, SD = 0.01). Using unsupervised clustering we showed that early-stage lung cancer can be classified from control or later stages based on fragment-end sequences. We observed that fragment-end sequences can be used for prognostication (hazard ratio: 0.49) and residual disease detection inresectable esophageal adenocarcinoma patients, moving fragmentomics toward a greater clinical implementation.

  Study EGAS00001005747

• Comparative genomics research for Chinese colorectal cancer

  In order to clarify the mechanisms of genesis and development of colorectal carcinoma, in this study, we performed comparative genomics research in Chinese colorectal cancer at various clinical stage via whole exon sequencing or whole genome sequencing. Comparative bioinformatical analysis was perform to find the difference on somatic single-nucleotide variants, short insert/deletion variants, genomic structural variants, and copy number variants between cancer tissue and normal tissue, or among cancer tissues at various clinical stages.

  Study EGAS00001002607

• Somatic_mutation_and_clonal_evolution_in_the_human_pancreas___WGS

  In this study we aim to characterise the landscape of mutation and clonal selection in the human pancreas. The study combines targeted sequencing and whole-genome sequencing of microbiopsies from the pancreas. The range of patients studied will include healthy individuals, both smokers and non-smokers, and patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

  Study EGAS00001002626

• 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

• HDAC inhibitors in synovial sarcoma cells

  Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibition has been shown in previous studies to disrupt the synovial sarcoma oncoprotein complex, resulting in apoptosis. To understand the molecular effects of HDAC inhibition, RNA-Seq transcriptome analysis was undertaken in six human synovial sarcoma cell lines. HDAC inhibition induced pathways of cell cycle arrest, neuronal differentiation and response to oxygen-containing species, effects also observed in other cancers treated with this class of drugs. More specific to synovial sarcoma, polycomb-group targets were reactivated including tumor suppressor CDKN2A, and pro-apoptotic transcriptional patterns were induced. Functional analyses revealed that ROS-mediated FOXO activation and pro-apoptotic factors BIK, BIM and BMF were important to apoptosis induction following HDAC-inhibition in synovial sarcoma

  Study EGAS00001002637

• 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

• 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

• Alternative splicing isoforms in patient-derived hepatocellular carcinoma cells

  The aim of this study was to obtain a landscape of alternative splicing (AS) in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We applied hybrid sequencing by integrating Pacbio long-read and Illumina short-read RNA sequencing data from 8 patient-derived HCC cell lines, and used an immortalized hepatocyte cell line as reference. This study revealed features of annotated and novel splice variants in HCC cells, including transcript length, AS type and protein changes. We also identified novel isoforms and tumor specific isoforms, which may represent potential biomarkers and targets for therapeutic development.

  Study EGAS00001002697

• Clonal relationships of ductal carcinoma in situ and recurrent invasive breast cancers defined by genomic analysis

  Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS) is the most common form of pre-invasive breast cancer and despite treatment a small fraction (5-10%) of DCIS patients present with invasive disease many years later. A fundamental biologic question is whether the invasive disease recurring in the same breast is established by tumor cells in the initial DCIS or represents new unrelated disease. To address this question, we performed genomic analyses on the initial pure DCIS lesion and paired invasive recurrent tumors in 95 patients together with single cell DNA sequencing in a subset of cases. Our data shows that in 75% the invasive recurrence was clonally related to the initial DCIS, suggesting that the tumor cells were not eliminated during the initial treatment with surgery +/- radiotherapy. Surprisingly however, 18% were clonally unrelated to the DCIS, representing new independent lineages, and 7% of cases were ambiguous. Our findings show that although DCIS is often the precursor of invasive recurrence, a significant fraction of invasive recurrences are unrelated to the initial DCIS. This knowledge is essential for accurate risk evaluation of DCIS treatment de-escalation strategies and the identification of predictive biomarkers.

  Study EGAS00001005784

• Extensive three-dimensional intratumor proteomic heterogeneity revealed by multiregion sampling in high-grade serous ovarian tumor specimens

  Enriched tumor epithelium, tumor-associated stroma, and whole tissue were collected by laser microdissection from thin sections across spatially separated levels of ten high-grade serous ovarian carcinomas (HGSOCs) and analyzed by mass spectrometry, reverse phase protein arrays, and RNA sequencing. Unsupervised analyses of protein abundance data revealed independent clustering of an enriched stroma and enriched tumor epithelium, with whole tumor tissue clustering driven by overall tumor “purity.” Comparing these data to previously defined prognostic HGSOC molecular subtypes revealed protein and transcript expression from tumor epithelium correlated with the differentiated subtype, whereas stromal proteins (and transcripts) correlated with the mesenchymal subtype. Protein and transcript abundance in the tumor epithelium and stroma exhibited decreased correlation in samples collected just hundreds of microns apart. These data reveal substantial tumor microenvironment protein heterogeneity that directly bears on prognostic signatures, biomarker discovery, and cancer pathophysiology and underscore the need to enrich cellular subpopulations for expression profiling. (Companion proteomic data is available in the ProteomeXchange Consortium, PRIDE: PXD026570).

  Study EGAS00001005786

• Brain_Disease_Wellcome_Leap_Delta_Tissue_DNA

  Investigating how the tumour microenvironment regulates glioblastoma cell states using genomic analysis.

  Study EGAS00001005799

• Brain_Disease_Wellcome_Leap_Delta_Tissue_RNA

  Utilising Single-Nucleus sequencing to investigate how the tumour microenvironment regulates glioblastoma cell states.

  Study EGAS00001005800

• Brain_Disease_Wellcome_Leap_Delta_Tissue_Spatial

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

  Study EGAS00001005801

• Defective Homologous Recombination DNA Repair as Therapeutic Target in Advanced-Stage Chordoma (HIPO_021)

  HIPO project: HIPO_021 Importance: Chordomas are rare tumors of the axial skeleton and skull base with few therapeutic options and no clinically validated molecular drug targets. The value of comprehensive genomic analyses for guiding medical therapy of patients with advanced-stage chordoma is unknown.Objective: To identify therapeutically tractable genetic lesions in a cohort of chordoma patients within a genomics-guided precision oncology program and to document the outcome of individualized, molecularly targeted chordoma therapy.Design, Setting, and Participants: We performed whole-exome sequencing of tumor and matched germline control samples from seven patients with locally advanced or metastatic chordoma who were enrolled in a cross-institutional molecular stratification registry trial for younger adults with advanced-stage cancer across all histologies and patients with rare tumors. All patients were heavily pretreated and had progressive disease prior to molecular analysis.Interventions: Individualized medical therapy was administered according to the patients’ molecular profiles.Main Outcomes and Measures: Candidate therapeutic targets identified by whole-exome sequencing and response to genotype-directed therapy.Results: All patients harbored alterations of two or more genes known to be involved in DNA repair via homologous recombination (HR), including heterozygous deletions of ERCC6, FANC family members, RAD51L (n = 6), BRCA2 (n = 5), ATR, CHEK2, RAD18, RAD51B, and XRCC3 (n = 4); inactivating PTEN mutations coupled with loss of heterozygosity (n = 2); and pathogenic germline variants in BRCA2 (n = 1), NBN (n = 1), and CHEK2 (n = 1) that were accompanied by somatic deletion of the corresponding wild-type alleles. Consistently, a mutational signature associated with defective HR was enriched in all samples and co-occurred with extensive genomic instability, as evidenced by HR deficiency scores and high numbers of large-scale state transitions. These results prompted off-label treatment with the poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor olaparib in a patient whose tumor was refractory to irradiation and systemic treatment with imatinib, which led to a prolonged response and substantial clinical improvement.Conclusions and Relevance: Advanced-stage chordomas are frequently characterized by genomic imprints of defective HR DNA repair. HR deficiency represents a new therapeutic opportunity in this intractable disease through repositioning of PARP inhibitors that warrants further exploration in clinical trials.

  Study EGAS00001002720

• Whole exome sequencing for primary lung adenocarcinoma samples

  We performed whole exome sequencing (WES) of 11 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded lung tumour tissues and paired blood samples.

  Study EGAS00001003680

• Single-cell RNA sequencing of 22 Hodgkin lymphoma tumors and 5 reactive lymph nodes

  Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is characterized by an extensively dominant tumor microenvironment (TME) composed of different types of non-cancerous immune cells with rare malignant cells. Characterization of the cellular components and their spatial relationship is crucial to understanding crosstalk and therapeutic targeting in the TME. We performed single-cell RNA sequencing of more than 127,000 cells from 22 HL tissue specimens and 5 reactive lymph nodes, profiling for the first time the phenotype of the HL-specific immune microenvironment at single-cell resolution. Library preparation was performed using the 10x Genomics Chromium system, and Illumina sequencing was used to generate 3' gene expression data for every cell. Downstream analysis was performed in R to identify HL-specific microenvironment patterns and identify novel cell populations.

  Study EGAS00001004085

• Exon4-mutations in KRAS Affect MEK-ERK and Pi3K-AKT Signaling in Multiple Myeloma

  Approximately 40% of MM cases harbor a point mutation in either KRAS or NRAS. However, it is still unclear whether RAS-mutations are associated with disease outcome. Specifically, no information exists whether KRAS-mutations have an impact on survival in MM patients at diagnosis that were treated with novel agents (e.g. bortezomib, lenalidomide). Targeting KRAS directly for therapeutic purposes is still impossible, but recently the first covalent mutant-specific inhibitor targeting KRASG12C made it into clinical trials. However, other KRAS-hotspot-mutations exist in MM patients, including the less common exon4-mutations. Within the current study, the coding regions of KRAS in 80 MM patients at diagnosis, uniformly treated with bortezomib and high-dose chemotherapy, were deep-sequenced. Moreover, the functional impact of KRASG12A as well as the two exon4-mutations A146T (AMO1) and A146V (MM patient) on different survival pathways was investigated. Specifically, an siRNA-mediated knockdown in AMO1 was performed and KRASWT, KRASG12A, KRAS146T and KRAS146V were overexpressed in the KRASWT cell lines JJN3 and OPM2 using lentiviral transduction and the transposase based Sleeping Beauty system. KRAS-mutations were not associated with survival. Yet, the expression of all KRAS-mutants had an impact on MEK/ERK-signaling in two independent MM cell lines and on AKT/PI3K-signaling in one MM cell line.

  Study EGAS00001004110

• Gene expression-based prediction of pazopanib efficacy in sarcoma (HIPO, H021)

  The multi-receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) inhibitor pazopanib is approved for the treatment of advanced non-adipocytic soft-tissue sarcoma and has also shown activity in other sarcoma subtypes. However, its clinical efficacy is highly variable, and no reliable predictors exist to date to select patients who are most likely to benefit from this drug. We analyzed the molecular profiles and clinical outcomes of pazopanib-treated sarcoma patients enrolled in a prospective observational study by the German Cancer Consortium, DKTK MASTER, that employs whole-genome/exome sequencing (WGS/WES) and transcriptome sequencing to inform the care of adults with advanced cancer across histologies who are younger than 51 and patients with rare tumors, including rare subtypes of more common entities, regardless of age.​ Among a total of 109 patients with available WGS/WES data, there was no correlation between clinical parameters, specific genetic alterations, or mutational signatures and clinical outcome. In contrast, analysis of a subcohort of 62 patients who underwent molecular analysis before pazopanib treatment and had transcriptome sequencing data available showed that mRNA levels of NTRK3 (hazard ratio [HR]=0.53, p=0.021), IGF1R (HR=1.82, p=0.027), and KDR (HR=0.50, p=0.011) were independently associated with progression-free survival (PFS). Based on the expression of these RTK genes, i.e., the features NTRK3-high, IGF1R-low, and KDR-high, we developed a pazopanib efficacy predictor (PEP) that stratified patients into three groups with significantly different PFS (p<0.0001). Application of the PEP to an independent cohort of pazopanib-treated sarcoma patients from DKTK MASTER (n=43) confirmed its potential to separate patient groups with significantly different PFS (p=0.02), whereas no such association was observed in sarcoma patients from DKTK MASTER (n=77) or The Cancer Genome Atlas sarcoma cohort (n=256) who were not treated with pazopanib. A score based on the combined expression of NTRK3, IGF1R, and KDR allows identification of sarcoma patients with good, intermediate, and poor outcome following pazopanib therapy and warrants investigation as a predictive tool in prospective studies to optimize the use of this drug in the clinic.

  Study EGAS00001005836

• Single-nuclei gene-expression analysis of pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma links tumor subtypes with tumor microenvironment

  Pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PCPG) are rare neuroendocrine tumors associated with autonomic nerves. We used single nuclei-RNA-seq (snRNA-seq) for analysis of 30 PCPG representing 13 known driver genes, plus two normal adrenal medullas to dissect cell composition, refine PCPG subtypes and compare PCPG and normal tissue expression. Incorporating bulk-tissue and snRNA-seq data we identified seven PCPG gene-expression subtypes with genotype and cell type associations. The tumor microenvironment reflected HIF pathway activation and neovascularization by detection of abundant tip-like endothelial cells and pericytes concordant with VEGFA expression in neoplastic cells with mutations in VHL, genes encoding SDH subunits and MAML3-fusions. Macrophages were abundant in PCPG with distinct tumor-associated features. Schwann-cell-like cells were also enriched in some subtypes. The transcriptional profile of neoplastic PCPG cells resembled normal chromaffin cells but early chromaffin and neuroblast cell markers were expressed in some subtypes including GPR139, a putative therapeutic target for a subset of pseudohypoxic PCPG.

  Study EGAS00001005861

• Aberrant ERBB4-SRC Signaling as a Hallmark of Group 4 Medulloblastoma Revealed by Integrative Phosphoproteomic Profiling

  The four main medulloblastoma subgroups are characterized by distinct biology, clinicopathological features and clinical outcomes. While the WNT and SHH subgroups are characterized by clearly defined aberrant signaling of developmental pathways, the underlying biology of Group 3 and 4 remains poorly understood. Here, we delineate distinct post-translational regulation orchestrating active oncogenic signaling networks in Groups 3 and 4. Specifically, aberrant ERBB4-SRC signaling constitutes a novel hallmark feature of Group 4, with great promise as a novel oncogenic mechanism and potential vulnerability for therapeutic intervention in the most common subgroup. Altogether, this novel integrative proteogenomic landscape demonstrates the added value of proteomics and phosphoproteomics analysis to discover and exploit unexpected oncogenic mechanisms in medulloblastoma and beyond.

  Study EGAS00001002757

• Origins and timing of emerging lesions in advanced renal cell carcinoma

  Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) with venous tumor thrombus (VTT) arising from the primary tumor occurs in ~10% of cases and is thought to represent more advanced disease. RCC with VTT and distant metastasis provides unique opportunities to examine the origins and relative timing of tumor lesion emergence and to identify molecular correlates with disease state. We performed multi-region exome and RNA sequencing analysis of a clinical cohort of 16 RCC patients with VTT, with eight patients also having sequenced metastasis, to examine which genomic alterations, biological pathways, and evolutionary processes contribute to VTT and metastasis, and to ask whether metastasis typically arises directly from VTT or is independent of VTT.

  Study EGAS00001005897

• An integrated molecular study of 20 hepatoblastoma pairs using whole genome sequencing and RNA sequencing

  Hepatoblastoma is an uncommon malignant liver cancer occurring in infants and children. The mutant background of hepatoblastoma has not been fully demonstrated. The aim of this study is to genomically depict the mutational landscape of hepatoblastoma through an integrative analysis of whole genome sequencing and RNA sequencing of 20 hepatoblastomas from Chinese individuals.

  Study EGAS00001002772

• TRACERx Renal 100

  Evolutionary dynamics of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) have not been studied prospectively or across all disease stages. Through the multi-centre prospective cohort study, Renal TRACERx Renal, we analysed 1209 primary tumour regions from 101 patients with ccRCC. We detect up to 30 driver events in a single tumour, and show that subclonal diversification is associated with known clinical parameters. Defining driver event co-occurrence, mutual exclusivity and timing at clone level, we reveal deterministic patterns of clonal evolution and disease progression. We find that ccRCC can be grouped into seven distinct evolutionary subtypes, ranging from tumours characterised by early fixation of multiple mutational and copy number driver events that can disseminate widely and rapidly; to highly branched tumours with >10 subclonal drivers and extensive parallel evolution presenting with oligometastatic disease. We identify either heterogeneity or chromosome instability, or both, as determinants of patient outcome. Our insights reconcile the variable clinical behaviour of ccRCC and the benefit of surgical intervention in early and late-stage disease; and offer potential biomarker opportunities to maximise the benefit of both surgery and active surveillance.

  Study EGAS00001002793

• MutWP1__CRUK_Grand_Challenge_Mutographs_of_Cancer__Oesophageal_adenocarcinoma

  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 (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 EGAS00001003702

• Whole-Genome Sequencing of Salivary Gland Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma

  Adenoid cystic carcinomas (ACCs) of the salivary glands are challenging to understand, treat, and cure. To better understand the genetic alterations underlying the pathogenesis of these tumors, we performed comprehensive genome analyses of 25 fresh-frozen tumors, including whole genome sequencing, expression and pathway analyses. In addition to the well-described MYB-NFIB fusion which was found in 11 tumors (44%), we observed five different rearrangements involving the NFIB transcription factor gene in seven tumors (28%). Taken together, NFIB translocations occurred in 15 of 25 samples (60%, 95%CI=41–77%). In addition, mRNA expression analysis of 17 tumors revealed overexpression of NFIB in ACC tumors compared with normal tissues (p=0.002). There was no difference in NFIB mRNA expression in tumors with NFIB fusions compared to those without. We also report somatic mutations of genes involved in the axonal guidance and Rho family signaling pathways. Finally, we confirm previously described alterations in genes related to chromatin regulation and Notch signaling. Our findings suggest a separate role for NFIB in ACC oncogenesis and highlight important signaling pathways for future functional characterization and potential therapeutic targeting.

  Study EGAS00001002812

• THE GENOMIC LANDSCAPE OF ACTINIC KERATOSIS

  Actinic keratoses (AK) are lesions of epidermal keratinocyte dysplasia and are pre-cursor lesions to invasive cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC). Identifying the specific genomic alterations driving the progression of normal skin to AK and invasive cSCC is challenging due to the massive, ultraviolet radiation-induced mutational burden characteristic to these lesions. Here, we present the largest whole exome sequencing study to date on AK with matched cSCC and demonstrate that AK and cSCC are almost indistinguishable at the genomic level, in terms of mutational burden, patterns of driver gene mutations and copy number alterations. We identified 44 significantly mutated AK driver genes through our established bioinformatics pipeline and demonstrate these genes are similarly mutated in cSCC. We also identified mutational signature-32 exclusively in AK from patients exposed to azathioprine, providing further, compelling evidence for this drug’s role in keratinocyte carcinogenesis, likely through its blocking of transcription coupled repair. We demonstrated that cSCC had higher levels of intra-sample heterogeneity than AK and that several signaling pathways, including immune-related signaling and TGF-beta signaling were significantly more mutated in cSCC. Integrating our findings with independent gene expression data confirms that dysregulated TGF-beta signaling may represent the critical pathway in the progression from AK to cSCC.

  Study EGAS00001004243

• Genomic landscape and PD-1 blockade in Natural-killer/T cell lymphoma

  Natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (NKTL) is an aggressive malignancy with a predilection for Asian, Mexican and South American populations. With the exception of Japan, it is the most common mature T-cell lymphoma in Asia. NKTL presents as extranodal disease and mostly affects the upper aerodigestive tract. Neoplastic cells are invariably infected by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and characterized by a cytotoxic phenotype. The genetic landscape of NKTL has been recently unraveled by discoveries describing recurring mutations altering the JAK-STAT pathway, epigenetic modifiers, the DDX3X gene and genetic predisposition in the HLA-DPB1 gene.The genomic landscape of NKTL has been interrogated by whole-exome sequencing, targeted sequencing and single nucleotide polymorphism arrays, but has yet been studied with whole-genome sequencing (WGS). In this study, we will use a combination of WGS, targeted-capture sequencing (TCS) and RNA sequencing data to explore the genetic landscape and its relevance to immunotherapy in NKTL

  Study EGAS00001003828

• New Brain Tumor Entities Emerge from Molecular Classification of CNS-PNETs

  Primitive neuroectodermal tumors of the central nervous system (CNS-PNETs) are highly aggressive, poorly differentiated embryonal tumors occurring predominantly in young children but also affecting adolescents and adults. Herein we demonstrate that a significant proportion of institutionally diagnosed CNS-PNETs display molecular profiles indistinguishable from those of various other well defined CNS tumor entities, facilitating diagnosis and appropriate therapy for patients with these tumors. From the remaining fraction of CNS-PNETs we identify four new CNS tumor entities, each associated with a recurrent genetic alteration and distinct histopathological and clinical features. These new molecular entities, designated “CNS neuroblastoma with FOXR2 activation (CNS NB-FOXR2)”, “CNS Ewing sarcoma family tumor with CIC alteration (CNS EFT-CIC)”, “CNS high grade neuroepithelial tumor with MN1 alteration (CNS HGNET-MN1)”, and “CNS high grade neuroepithelial tumor with BCOR alteration (CNS HGNET-BCOR)”, will enable meaningful clinical trials and the development of therapeutic strategies for patients affected by poorly differentiated CNS tumors.

  Study EGAS00001001632

• Sequencing of an organoid biobank for childhood soft tissue sarcoma.

  Rhabdomyosarcomas are diverse tumors of mesenchymal origin and the most common childhood soft tissue sarcoma. Patients receive intense treatment with a nevertheless poor prognosis for high-risk patients. New therapy would benefit from additional preclinical models and their rapid establishment. Tumor organoid models (tumoroids) have so far only been established from epithelial cancers. Here, we describe generation and characterization of a collection of pediatric RMS tumoroids comprising all major subtypes.

  Study EGAS00001005912

• Germline SDHB-inactivating mutation in gastric spindle cell sarcoma (HIPO-021)

  Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most frequent mesenchymal tumors of the gastrointestinal tract. Inactivating mutations or epigenetic deregulation of succinate dehydrogenase complex (SDH) genes are considered defining features of a subset of GIST occurring in the stomach. Based on comprehensive molecular profiling and biochemical analysis within a precision oncology program, we identified hallmarks of SDH deficiency (germline SDHB-inactivating mutation accompanied by somatic loss of heterozygosity, lack of SDHB expression, global DNA hypermethylation, and elevated succinate/fumarate ratio) in a 40-year-old woman with undifferentiated gastric spindle cell sarcoma that did not meet the diagnostic criteria for other mesenchymal tumors of the stomach, including GIST. These data reveal that the loss of SDH function can be involved in the pathogenesis of non-GIST sarcoma of the gastrointestinal tract.

  Study EGAS00001004277

• Interplay of somatic alterations and immune infiltration modulates response to PD-1 blockade in advanced clear cell RCC -- CA209-010

  Immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting the PD-1 pathway have transformed the management of many advanced malignancies, including clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), but the drivers and resistors of PD-1 response remain incompletely elucidated. Here, we analyzed 592 tumors collected from advanced ccRCC patients enrolled in prospective clinical trials of treatment with PD-1 blockade (or mTOR inhibition as control arm) by whole-exome and RNA-sequencing, integrated with immunofluorescence analysis, to define the somatic alteration landscape of late-stage ccRCC and to uncover the immunogenomic determinants of therapeutic response. While conventional genomic markers (tumor mutation burden, neoantigen load) and degree of CD8+ T cell infiltration were not associated with clinical response, we discovered numerous chromosomal alterations in advanced ccRCC associated with response or resistance to PD-1 blockade. These advanced tumors were highly CD8+ T cell infiltrated, with only 22% and 5% with an immune desert and immune excluded phenotype, respectively. Our analysis revealed that CD8+ infiltrated tumors are depleted of favorable PBRM1 mutations and are enriched for unfavorable chromosomal losses of 9p21.3 when compared to non-infiltrated tumors. These data demonstrate how the interplay of somatic alterations and immunophenotypes impacts therapeutic efficacy.

  Study EGAS00001004291

• Molecular profiling of metastatic uveal melanoma

  Metastatic uveal melanoma is less well understood than its primary counterpart, has a distinct biology compared to skin melanoma and lacks effective treatments. Here we genomically profile metastatic tumors and infiltrating lymphocytes. BAP1 alterations were overrepresented and occurred in 29/32 of cases. An outlier tumor had high mutational burden associated with UV-damage. CDKN2A deletions also occurred, which are rarely present in primaries. We profiled recurrent copy number alterations associated with metastasis and performed a focused knockdown screen on overexpressed targets. We investigated the role of BAP1 by reintroducing a functional allele into a deficient patient-derived cell line, revealing a broad shift towards a transcriptomic subtype associated with better prognosis. Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes were in several cases tumor-reactive, but expression of the immune checkpoint receptors TIM-3, TIGIT and LAG3 was abundant. This study represents the largest whole-genome analysis of uveal melanoma to date and presents an updated view of the metastatic disease.

  Study EGAS00001004296

• H3.3G34R/V-transformed interneuron progenitors co-opt PDGFRA for gliomagenesis

  Histone H3.3 glycine 34 to arginine/valine (H3.3G34R/V) mutations occur in deadly hemispheric high-grade gliomas. These tumors show exquisite regional and temporal specificity, suggesting a developmental context permissive to the effects of G34R/V mutations. Here we present the molecular landscape of G34R/V gliomas (n=85) and show that 50% bear activating mutations in PDGFRA, with strong selection pressure for PDGFRAMUT clones at recurrence. We show that G34R/V tumors arise in interneuron progenitors of the foetal ventral forebrain expressing GSX2 and the DLX family of homeobox transcription factors, where terminal neuronal differentiation is impaired through aberrant G34R/V-mediated H3K27me3. Frequent co-occurrence of G34R/V & PDGFRAMUT is facilitated in this interneuron lineage-of-origin as PDGFRA forms an aberrant chromatin loop with the adjacent GSX2, hijacking its active chromatin conformation. At the single-cell level, G34R/V tumours entirely lack oligodendroglial transcriptional programs prominent in other glioma entities, and instead harbour dual neuronal and astroglial compartments. CRISPR-removal of H3.3G34R/V does not impact tumorigenicity suggesting this mutation becomes dispensable, while PDGFRAMUT are potently oncogenic regardless of G34 mutation. Collectively, our results suggest that G34R/V gliomas arise in foetal interneuron progenitors unable to undergo terminal differentiation, enabling co-option of PDGFRA through inappropriate expression and activating mutations to promote gliogenesis and oncogenicity. Reliance on PDGFRA for oncogenesis may be of therapeutic opportunity in G34R/V glioma.

  Study EGAS00001004301

• WES of melanoma tumors treated with combined immune checkpoint blockade

  This study of pre-treatment melanoma tumor samples from patients subsequently treated with combined anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD-1 checkpoint blockade sought to identify genomic biomarkers of response to therapy. A total of 26 tumor and matched normal samples underwent whole exome sequencing.

  Study EGAS00001003857

• Small_molecule_inhibitors_in_melanoma___Kenski___Kong___WES

  Small-molecule inhibitors targeting the most commonly activated pathway in melanoma, MAPK pathway (either alone or in combination) are already given to melanoma patients for few years, and initially reduce tumour burden dramatically, eventually melanomas become resistant and tumours progress while on treatment. Resistance to this treatment occurs by acquisition of additional mutations or other alterations that affect the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway by either direct or indirect signalling. Many resistance mechanisms somehow lead to reactivation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), thereby restoring signalling of the oncogenic BRAF/MEK/ERK pathway. In addition, PI3K pathway activation contributes to resistance to BRAF inhibition. Less frequent but equally important to the phenomenon of targeted drug resistance is the observation that B15–20% of BRAF mutant melanoma patients fail to respond to BRAF inhibition already early on treatment, owing to intrinsic resistance. These patients have little therapeutic options, unless immunotherapy can be given. To better understand the resistance mechanisms in MAPK inhibitor-treated melanoma patients and melanoma biology, our lab generated a big panel of MAPK inhibitor resistant melanoma cell lines by continuous drug exposure. The understanding of the genetic landscape and gene expression as well as cross resistance to other treatment regimens, and other aspects of melanoma biology such as phenotype switch, will allow us to better exploit new therapeutic strategies for melanoma patients.

  Study EGAS00001002863

• VIKING Health Study - Shetland

  The Viking Health Study – Shetland, together with ORCADES collectively termed VIKING, aims to identify genes influencing risk factors for common diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, glaucoma and stroke. The genetic research cohort study in Shetland was established to identify genetic variants, both common and rare, increasing risk of disease. This isolated population has a number of characteristics, the most important being the very large number of distant relatives, which are favourable for the identification of rare variants influencing disease risk. This study describes PCR-free paired end whole genome sequencing (TruSeq DNA PCR-Free, Illumina) run on a HiSeqX platform at 30X coverage on 500 individuals from VIKING. Unrelated individuals from the largest families were selected first, followed by those from smaller families, until eventually related individuals were selected to best represent the variation in the full cohort.

  Study EGAS00001003872

• Multi-omics profiling of paired primary and recurrent glioblastoma patient tissues

  Despite maximal therapy with surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) patients have a median survival of only 15 months. Almost all patients inevitably experience symptomatic tumor recurrence. A hallmark of this tumor type is the large heterogeneity between patients and within tumors itself which relate to failure of standardized tumor treatment. In this study, tissue samples of paired primary and recurrent GBM tumors were investigated to identify individual factors related to tumor progression.

  Study EGAS00001004345

• Whole genome bisulfite sequencing on 10 multiple myeloma cases

  Data quality control and adaptor-trimmed were performed with the Trimomatic tool. Paired-reads were mapped to the hg19 human reference with methylCtools aligner.

  Study EGAS00001004346

• Foundation Medicine Genomic Data Used to Identify Prognostic Markers and Fusion Genes in Multiple Myeloma

  The purpose of this study is to identify prognostic markers and treatment targets using a clinically certified sequencing panel in multiple myeloma. Mutational burden was associated with maf and proliferation gene expression groups, and a high-mutational burden was associated with a poor prognosis. We identified homozygous deletions that were present in multiple myeloma within key genes, including CDKN2C, RB1, TRAF3, BIRC3 and TP53, and that bi-allelic inactivation was significantly enriched at relapse. Alterations in CDKN2C, TP53, RB1 and the t(4;14) were associated with poor prognosis. Alterations in RB1 were predominantly homozygous deletions and were associated with relapse and a poor prognosis which was independent of other genetic markers, including t(4;14), after multivariate analysis. Bi-allelic inactivation of key tumor suppressor genes in myeloma was enriched at relapse, especially in RB1, CDKN2C and TP53 where they have prognostic significance. In addition, chromosomal rearrangements that result in oncogenic kinase activation are present in many solid and hematological malignancies, but none have been reported in multiple myeloma (MM). Here we detected fusion genes in 1.5% of patients. These fusion genes were in-frame and the majority of them contained kinase domains from either receptor tyrosine kinases (ALK, ROS1, NTRK3, and FGFR1) or cytoplasmic kinases (BRAF, MAP3K14, and MAPK14) which would result in the activation of MEK/ERK, NF-κB or inflammatory signaling pathways. Fusion genes were present in smoldering MM, newly diagnosed MM and relapse patient samples indicating they are not solely late events. Most fusion genes were subclonal in nature, but one EML4-ALK fusion was clonal indicating it is a driver of disease pathogenesis. Samples with fusions of receptor tyrosine kinases were not found in conjunction with clonal Ras/Raf mutations indicating a parallel mechanism of MEK/ERK pathway activation. Fusion genes involving MAP3K14 (NIK), which regulates the NF-κB pathway, were detected as were t(14;17) rearrangements involving NIK in 2% of MM samples. Activation of kinases in myeloma through rearrangements presents an opportunity to use treatments existing in other cancers.

  Study EGAS00001002874

• RNA-seq of Liver Cancer

  The French ICGC project on liver tumors is coordinated by Pr Jessica Zucman-Rossi and funded by Inca (French Institute for Cancer). The aim of the present project is to identify the catalog of somatic and germline mutations in liver tumors using whole genome (WGS) and whole exome sequencing (WGS), integrated with DNA methylation and RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) data. The present series corresponds to 161 RNA-seq samples from tumors with matched WES or WGS. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for more than 90% of liver cancers, and is a major health problem. It is the 3rd cause of cancer-related mortality. Advances in genomic analyses have formed a comprehensive understanding of different underlying pathobiological layers resulting in hepatocarcinogenesis. Thus, the development of next-generation sequencing technologies has made it possible to generate more comprehensive catalogues of somatic alteration events (single nucleotide substitutions, structural variations, and epigenetic changes) in liver cancer genome than ever before.

  Study EGAS00001002879

• Glioblastoma epigenome profiling identifies SOX10 as a master regulator of molecular tumour subtype

  Glioblastoma in adult patients are classified into four subtypes, IDH, MES, RTK I, and RTK II, based on DNA methylation and RNA expression data. Tumour subtype transitions commonly occur during the treatment of glioblastoma patients, and transitions to the mesenchymal (MES) subtype have been associated with therapy resistance and adverse prognosis. Here, we generate DNA methylome and histone modification data of glioblastoma primary tumours and show that glioblastoma subtypes differ by their enhancer landscapes. Using Core Regulatory Circuitry analysis of H3K27ac data, and independent analysis of RNA-derived gene regulatory networks, we identified 38 subtype master regulators whose cell type-specific activities we mapped in single-cell RNA sequencing data. These analyses identified the chromatin modifier SRY-Box 10 (SOX10) as a master regulator in tumours of the RTK I subtype. In functional studies we demonstrate that SOX10 loss causes a transition of RTK I tumour cells to a mesenchymal cellular state by altering the accessibility of enhancer-rich chromatin regions and their occupancy by Bromodomain Containing 4 (BRD4), a dynamic constituent of super-enhancers. Treatment with the BRD4 inhibitor JQ1 blocked this transition. These data demonstrate the fundamental role of enhancer chromatin remodelling and master regulator activity in the establishment, maintenance and plasticity of glioblastoma cellular states. We also make our data publically browsable at https://dkfz-b060.github.io/gb_browse/

  Study EGAS00001003953

• Whole Genome Sequencing of HCC

  The French ICGC project on liver tumors is coordinated by Pr Jessica Zucman-Rossi and funded by Inca (French Institute for Cancer). The aim of the present project is to identify the catalog of somatic and germline mutations in liver tumors using whole genome (WGS) and whole exome sequencing (WGS), integrated with DNA methylation and RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) data. The present series corresponds to 24 whole genome sequencing (12 Tumoral/Non-tumoral pairs). Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for more than 90% of liver cancers, and is a major health problem. It is the 3rd cause of cancer-related mortality. Advances in genomic analyses have formed a comprehensive understanding of different underlying pathobiological layers resulting in hepatocarcinogenesis. Thus, the development of next-generation sequencing technologies has made it possible to generate more comprehensive catalogues of somatic alteration events (single nucleotide substitutions, structural variations, and epigenetic changes) in liver cancer genome than ever before.

  Study EGAS00001002888

• SCC ctDNA sequencing

  In this study we have sequenced the ctDNA of 28 Squamous Cell Carcinoma patients in the TP53 gene, each sample has been sequenced twice.

  Study EGAS00001003987

• Molecular programs of melanoma brain metastases (MBM)

  We performed paired-end whole transcriptome sequencing of fresh frozen or intraoperative brain metastases of therapeutically treated stage IV melanoma patients. In addition, we analysed the epigenetic landscape of tumors usind Illumina 850k bead chip technology.

  Study EGAS00001005976

• Rare SNPs in receptor tyrosine kinases are negative outcome predictors in multiple myeloma

  Multiple myeloma (MM) is a plasma cell disorder that is characterized by a great genetic heterogeneity. Recent next generation sequencing studies revealed an accumulation of tumor-associated mutations in receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) which may also contribute to the activation of survival pathways in MM. To investigate the clinical role of RTK-mutations in MM, we deep-sequenced the coding DNA-sequence of EGFR, EPHA2, ERBB3, IGF1R, NTRK1 and NTRK2 which were previously found to be mutated in MM, in 75 uniformly treated MM patients of the "Deutsche Studiengruppe Multiples Myelom". Subsequently, we correlated the detected mutations with common cytogenetic alterations and clinical parameters. We identified 11 novel non-synonymous SNVs or rare patient-specific SNPs, not listed in the SNP databases 1000 genomes and dbSNP, in 10 primary MM cases. The mutations predominantly affected the tyrosine-kinase and ligand-binding domains and no correlation with cytogenetic parameters was found. Interestingly, however, patients with RTK-mutations, specifically those with rare patient-specific SNPs, showed a significant lower overall, event-free and progression-free survival. This indicates that RTK SNVs and rare patient-specific RTK SNPs are of prognostic relevance and suggests that MM patients with RTK-mutations could potentially profit from treatment with RTK-inhibitors.

  Study EGAS00001001665

• Mutational landscape of high-grade B-cell lymphoma with MYC-, BCL2 and/or BCL6 rearrangements characterized by whole-exome sequencing

  To inform on oncogenic drivers, mutational signatures and perturbed pathways in HGBL-DH/TH in comparison with diffuse large-B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and Burkitt lymphoma (BL), we performed whole-exome sequencing and confirmatory deep panel NGS of 47 clinically annotated cases. Coupled germline DNA was analyzed when available.

  Study EGAS00001005420

• Whole Exome Sequences from Iberian Roma samples

  Study of high-depth Roma whole exomes to analyse the impact of complex demography on the functional genomic variation. This study also includes genome-wide array data of Iberian Roma individuals

  Study EGAS00001004599

• A Protein Neddylation Inhibitor MLN4924 Suppresses Patient-Derived Glioblastoma Cells via Inhibition of ERK and AKT Signaling

  Glioblastoma is a highly aggressive and lethal brain tumor, with limited treatment options. Abnormal activation of the neddylation pathway is observed in glioblastoma, and the NEDD8-activating enzyme (NAE) inhibitor, MLN4924 was previously shown to be effective in glioblastoma cell line models. However, its effect has not been tested in patient-derived glioblastoma stem cells. Immunohistochemistry and public data were analyzed to determine whether NEDD8 pathway proteins are important in glioblastoma development and patient survival. The effects of MLN4924 were evaluated in 4 glioblastoma cell lines and 15 patient-derived glioblastoma stem cells using high content analysis. Immunoblot analysis assessed the NEDD8 pathway proteins and biomarkers. Whole transcriptome analysis identified pathways associated with MLN4924 sensitivity. NAE1 and UBA3 levels increased in glioblastoma patients; high NEDD8 levels were associated with poor clinical outcomes. Glioblastoma cell lines and patient-derived stem cells were highly susceptible to MLN4924, while normal human astrocytes were resistant. Genomic analyses indicated that MLN4924 sensitive cells exhibited enrichment of ERK and AKT signaling. We verified that MLN4924 inhibits ERK and AKT phosphorylation in MLN4924 sensitive cells. Our findings suggest that patient-derived glioblastoma stem cells in the context of ERK and AKT activation are sensitive and highly regulated by neddylation inhibition.

  Study EGAS00001004018

• Longitudinal profiling of circulating tumour DNA for tracking tumour dynamics in pancreatic cancer

  The utility of circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) for longitudinal tumour monitoring in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has not been explored beyond mutations in the KRAS proto-oncogene. We aim to characterise and track patient-specific somatic ctDNA variants, to assess longitudinal changes in disease burden and explore the landscape of actionable alterations.

  Study EGAS00001005981

• Therapeutic vulnerabilities in the DNA damage response for the treatment of ATRX mutant neuroblastoma

  Whole genome sequencing of ATRX / TP53 knockdown clones of the neuroblastoma cell line SK-N-SH

  Study EGAS00001004550

• SS18-SSX-mediated hijacking of BAF complexes drives synovial sarcoma

  Synovial sarcoma (SS) is defined by a recurrent t(x;18) chromosomal translocation, which produces the hallmark SS18-SSX oncogenic fusion. Incorporation of SS18-SSX into BAF complexes renders BAF complexes aberrant in two distinct manners: the addition of 78aa of SSX onto SS18, and concomitant loss of BAF47 assembly. However, the importance and functional contributions of each of these perturbations on BAF complex targeting and gene expression regulation remain unclear. Here we use an integrative set of genomic approaches in human cancer cell lines and primary tumor samples to define the mechanistic consequences of the SS18-SSX fusion oncoprotein. We find that SS18-SSX hijacks BAF complexes to broad polycomb domains to activate bivalent genes, driving a unique gene expression program distinct from other loss-of-function BAF complex malignancies. Importantly, restoration of BAF47 rescues enhancer activation but is dispensable for proliferative arrest in cell lines. These results demonstrate that gain-of-function SS18-SSX-mediated BAF complex targeting and gene activation is the driving event in SS, and present a mechanism by which distinct functions of BAF complexes can be co-opted to drive oncogenesis.

  Study EGAS00001002920

• Leeds Melanoma Cohort (LMC) gene expression study

  Array-based profiling (whole genome DASL HT12.4, Illumina Inc) in over 700 FFPE tumour blocks from the population-based Leeds Melanoma cohort recruited in the North of England, with a long follow up. Data used in tumour immune micro-environment investigation (Nsengimana et al 2018, J Clin Invest doi: 10.1172/JCI95351).

  Study EGAS00001002922

• RNA-seq of Ewing sarcoma tumors (ICGC)

  Ewing sarcoma (ES) is a primary bone tumor initiated by an EWSR1-ETS gene fusion. To characterize the transcriptome of Ewing sarcoma, RNA-seq was performed.

  Study EGAS00001003333

• Sequence Data from the phase 2 PrE0505 trial of Durvalumab with First Line Platinum-Pemetrexed for Unresectable Pleural Mesothelioma

  Mesothelioma is a rare and fatal cancer with limited therapeutic options until the recent approval of combination immune checkpoint blockade. We report the results of the phase 2 PrE0505 trial (NCT02899195) of the anti-PD-L1 antibody, durvalumab, plus platinum-based and pemetrexed chemotherapy for patients with previously untreated unresectable pleural mesothelioma. The primary endpoint was overall survival compared to historic control with cisplatin and pemetrexed chemotherapy. The combination of durvalumab with chemotherapy met the pre-specified primary endpoint reaching a median survival of 20.4 months vs. 12.1 months with historic control. Treatment emergent adverse events were consistent with known side effects of chemotherapy and all adverse events due to immunotherapy were grade ≤2. Integrated genomic and immune cell repertoire analyses revealed that a higher immunogenic mutation burden coupled with a more diverse T cell repertoire were linked with favorable clinical outcome. Structural genome-wide analyses demonstrated a higher degree of genomic instability in responding tumors of epithelioid histology. Patients with germline alterations in cancer predisposing genes, especially those involved in DNA repair, were more likely to attain long term survival. Our findings indicate that concurrent durvalumab with platinum-based chemotherapy has promising clinical activity and that responses are driven by the complex genomic background of malignant pleural mesothelioma.

  Study EGAS00001005426

• Combination of ribociclib and gemcitabine for the treatment of medulloblastoma

  Group 3 (G3) medulloblastoma (MB) is one of the deadliest forms of the disease for which novel treatment is desperately needed. Here we evaluate ribociclib, a highly selective CDK4/6 inhibitor, with gemcitabine in mouse and human G3 MBs. Ribociclib CNS penetration was assessed by in vivo microdialysis and by immunohistochemistry and gene expression studies. Survival studies to determine the efficacy of ribociclib and gemcitabine combination were performed on mice orthotopically implanted with luciferase labelled mouse and human G3 MB. Pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic outcomes and univariable survival models were analyzed to estimate survival. Gene activity inference using NetBID and tumor differentiation analysis investigated the effects of the combination after short and long-term treatments. Tumors from mice treated with oral ribociclib displayed inhibited RB phosphorylation, downregulated E2F target genes, and decreased proliferation. Treatment of mice with the combination of ribociclib and gemcitabine was well tolerated, slowed tumor progression and metastatic spread, and increased survival. Molecular analysis of treated versus untreated tumors showed a significant decrease in the activity and expression of genes involved in cell cycle progression and DNA damage response, and an increase in activity and expression of genes implicated in neuronal identity and neuronal differentiation. Ribociclib is CNS-penetrant. When administered/combined with gemcitabine in orthotopic G3 MB models resulted in improved survival. Our findings, with both mouse and human patient-derived-orthotopic xenograft models, suggest that this combination therapy has promise for children with G3 MB and may represent an effective treatment strategy for other CNS malignancies.

  Study EGAS00001006001

• Whole exome sequencing CYLD cutaneous syndrome

  Patients with CYLD cutaneous syndrome (CCS; syn. Brooke-Spiegler syndrome) carry germline mutations in the tumor suppressor CYLD and develop multiple skin tumors with diverse histophenotypes. We comprehensively profiled the genomic landscape of 42 benign and malignant tumors across 13 individuals from four multigenerational families. Novel recurrent mutations were found in epigenetic modifiers DNMT3A and BCOR in 29% of benign tumors. Multi-level and microdissected sampling strikingly reveal that many clones with different DNMT3A mutations exist in these benign tumors, suggesting that intra-tumor heterogeneity is common. Integrated genomic, methylation and transcriptomic profiling in selected tumours suggest that isoform specific DNMT3A2 mutations are associated with dysregulated Wnt/ß-catenin pathway signaling. Phylogenetic and mutational signature analyses confirm cylindroma pulmonary metastases from primary skin tumours. These findings add novel dimensions to existing paradigms of cutaneous tumorigenesis and metastasis.

  Study EGAS00001003839

• Targeted sequencing CYLD cutaneous syndrome

  Patients with CYLD cutaneous syndrome (CCS; syn. Brooke-Spiegler syndrome) carry germline mutations in the tumor suppressor CYLD and develop multiple skin tumors with diverse histophenotypes. We comprehensively profiled the genomic landscape of 42 benign and malignant tumors across 13 individuals from four multigenerational families. Novel recurrent mutations were found in epigenetic modifiers DNMT3A and BCOR in 29% of benign tumors. Multi-level and microdissected sampling strikingly reveal that many clones with different DNMT3A mutations exist in these benign tumors, suggesting that intra-tumor heterogeneity is common. Integrated genomic, methylation and transcriptomic profiling in selected tumours suggest that isoform specific DNMT3A2 mutations are associated with dysregulated Wnt/ß-catenin pathway signaling. Phylogenetic and mutational signature analyses confirm cylindroma pulmonary metastases from primary skin tumours. These findings add novel dimensions to existing paradigms of cutaneous tumorigenesis and metastasis.

  Study EGAS00001003840

• Osteosarcoma mate-pair and RNA-sequencing

  DNA mate pair and RNA sequencing data of conventional osteosarcomas. Mate pair libraries, with average insert sizes of 2-4 kb, were prepared for sequencing using the Nextera Mate Pair Library Preparation Kit. Paired-end 76 base pair reads were generated using an Illumina NextSeq 500 sequencing instrument. Total RNA was enriched for polyadenylated RNA using magnetic oligo(dT) beads. Enriched RNA was prepared for sequencing using the TruSeq RNA Sample Preparation Kit v2 and paired-end 151 base pair reads were generated from the cDNA libraries using an Illumina NextSeq 500 instrument.

  Study EGAS00001003842

• Genome-wide discovery of somatic coding and regulatory variants in Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma

  Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is an aggressive cancer originating from mature B-cells. Prognosis is strongly associated with molecular subgroup, although the driver mutations that distinguish the two main subgroups remain poorly defined. Through an integrative analysis of whole genomes, exomes, and transcriptomes, we have uncovered genes and non-coding loci that are commonly mutated in DLBCL. Our analysis has identified novel cis-regulatory sites, and implicates recurrent mutations in the 3'UTR of NFKBIZ as a novel mechanism of oncogene deregulation and NFκB pathway activation in the activated B-cell (ABC) subgroup. Small amplifications associated with over-expression of FCGR2B (the Fcγ receptor protein IIB), primarily in the germinal centre B-cell (GCB) subgroup, correlate with poor patient outcomes suggestive of a novel oncogene. These results expand the list of subgroup driver mutations that may facilitate implementation of improved diagnostic assays and could offer new avenues for the development of targeted therapeutics.

  Study EGAS00001002936

• Whole-exome sequencing and microRNA profiling predicted relapse risk of stage I lung adenocarcinomas

  Despite the advance in precision therapy, about 20% of stage I non-small cell lung cancer patients suffer a relapse after surgical resection. To develop molecular signatures for relapse prediction of stage I lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), we conduct comprehensive analyses of multiplatform molecular profiling from 113 treatment-naïve stage I Taiwanese LUAD patients. We identify 16 nonsynonymous non-sporadic point mutations (NSPOPMs) harbored at EGFR, KRAS, TP53, CTNNB1 and 6 other genes, and find that the Non-EGFR NSPOPMs were associated with early relapse in a dose-dependent manner via variant allele fraction (VAF). We define a score, maxVAF, to aggregate the VAFs of these NSPOPMs by the maximum value. MicroRNA expression analysis shows a strong correlation between miR-31 and maxVAF. Combining maxVAF with miR-31 led to a powerful risk prediction for surgically resected stage I patients (hazard ratio = 8.65, P = 0.001). Our study opens up more options for precision management of stage I LUAD patients.

  Study EGAS00001004461

• A Single-Cell Atlas of the Multicellular Ecosystem of Primary and Metastatic Hepatocellular Carcinoma

  Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents a paradigm of the relation between tumor microenvironment (TME) and tumor development. Here, we generated a single-cell atlas of the multicellular ecosystem of HCCs from four relevant sites. Antitumor central memory T (TCM) cells were found in tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs). Chronic HBV/HCV infection increases infiltration of CD8+ T cells in tumors but aggravates T cell exhaustion. We identified CD11b+ macrophages to be terminally differentiated tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and two distinct differentiation trajectories contribute to their accumulation. We further demonstrated CD11b+ TAMs promote HCC cells invasion and migration, and angiogenesis. We characterized the heterogeneous subpopulations of malignant hepatocytes and their multifaceted roles in shaping the immune microenvironment. Finally, we identified seven TME subtypes that can predict patient prognosis. Collectively, this large-scale atlas deepens our understanding of the ecosystem in primary and metastatic HCCs, might facilitating the development of new immune therapy strategies for this malignancy.

  Study EGAS00001004468

• Mutational Landscape of Grey Zone Lymphoma

  The mutational landscape of grey zone lymphoma (GZL) has not yet been established and differences to related entities are mostly unknown. Here, we studied coding sequence mutations of 50 EBV-negative GZL and 20 polymorphic EBV-positive DLBCL NOS (poly-EBV-L) in comparison to classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL), primary mediastinal B cell lymphoma (PMBCL), and diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Paired exomes of 21 GZL and 7 poly-EBV-L cases were analyzed as a discovery cohort followed by targeted sequencing of 217 genes in an extension cohort of 29 GZL and 13 poly-EBV-L cases. GZL cases with thymic niche involvement displayed a mutation profile closely resembling cHL and PMBCL, with SOCS1 (45%), B2M (45%), TNFAIP3 (35%), GNA13 (35%) and NFKBIA (29%) being the most recurrently mutated genes. In contrast, GZL cases without thymic niche involvement (N=18) had a significantly distinct pattern, enriched in mutations related to apoptosis defects (TP53 (39%), BCL2 (28%), BIRC6 (22%)) and depleted in GNA13, XPO1 or NFKB signaling pathway mutations (TNFAIP3, NFKBIE, IKBKB, NFKBIA). Poly-EBV-L cases presented a distinct mutational profile including STAT3, PRKDC mutations and a significantly lower coding-mutation load in comparison to EBV-negative GZL. Our study highlights characteristic mutational patterns in GZL associated with presentation in the thymic niche suggesting a common cell of origin and disease evolution with related anterior mediastinal lymphomas.

  Study EGAS00001004482

• The genomic landscape of lung adenocarcinoma in East Asians

  We performed exome sequencing of 210 and transcriptome sequencing of 181 LUADs of Chinese patients. For more details, please see publication "Genomic landscape of lung adenocarcinoma in East Asians" by Chen J. et. al. in Nature Genetics 2020. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41588-019-0569-6.

  Study EGAS00001002941