Search Results - EGA European Genome-Phenome Archive

Lineage-specific genome architecture links disease variants to target genes

Long-range interactions between DNA regulatory elements and their target genes play major roles in gene regulation. The vast majority of interactions are uncharted, constituting a major missing link in understanding genome control. Here we use promoter capture Hi-C to identify interacting regions of 31,253 promoters in 17 human primary haematopoietic cell types. We show that long-range promoter interactions are highly cell-type specific, preferentially linking active promoters and enhancers. Patterns of promoter interactions reflect cell lineage relationships of the hematopoietic tree, consistent with dynamic remodeling of nuclear architecture during differentiation. Interacting regions are enriched for expression quantitative trait loci with effects on their interacting target genes. We exploit this rich resource of interactome maps to connect non-coding disease variants to their target promoters, identifying thousands of new disease-candidate genes, and implicating a number of gene pathways in disease susceptibility. Our results demonstrate the power of promoter interactomes from primary cells to reveal insights into genomic regulatory mechanisms underlying common diseases.

Study EGAS00001001911

Mutational analysis reveals the origin and therapy-driven evolution of recurrent glioma

Tumor recurrence is a leading cause of cancer mortality. Therapies for recurrent disease may fail, at least in part, because the genomic alterations driving the growth of recurrences are distinct from those in the initial tumor. To explore this hypothesis, we sequenced the exomes of 23 initial low-grade gliomas and recurrent tumors resected from the same patients. In 43% of cases, at least half of the mutations in the initial tumor were undetected at recurrence, including driver mutations inTP53, ATRX, SMARCA4, and BRAF; this suggests that recurrent tumors are often seeded by cells derived from the initial tumor at a very early stage of their evolution. Notably, tumors from 6 of 10 patients treated with the chemotherapeutic drug temozolomide (TMZ) followed an alternative evolutionary path to high-grade glioma. At recurrence, these tumors were hypermutated and harbored driver mutations in the RB (retinoblastoma) and Akt-mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) pathways that bore the signature of TMZ-induced mutagenesis.

Study EGAS00001000579

CPC-GENE Prostate Cancer Heterogeneity Study

Herein we describe a molecular portrait of potentially curable, Gleason 7 and intermediate risk prostate cancer based on genome-wide CNV profiles of 96 patients, and subsequent whole-genome sequencing of 28 tumours from 10 patients, using DNA quantities that are achievable in diagnostic biopsies (50 ng). We show that Gleason 7 cancer is highly heterogeneous at the SNV, CNV, and intra-chromosomal translocation levels, and is characterized by a very low number of recurrent SNVs but significant structural variation. We identified a novel recurrent MYCL1 amplification, which was strongly associated with TP53 deletion and prognostic for biochemical recurrence in this cohort. Moreover, we identified clear evidence of divergent tumour evolution in multi focal cancer and, in 2/5 cases evaluated, multiple tumours of independent clonal origin. Taken together, these data represent the first systematic evaluation of the differential genomics of potentially curable prostate cancer, and strongly suggest that a more robust understanding of the relationship between genetic heterogeneity and clinical outcomes is required to effectively develop biomarkers of prognosis based on tumour genomics.

Study EGAS00001000549

Sequencing_Acute_Myeloid_Leukaemia_

This project will aim at sequencing and analysing three samples from a patient with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) with t(15;17) translocation (acute promyelocytic leukaemia). The patient was treated with standard chemotherapy and samples (blood and bone marrow) taken for minimal residual disease measured during and after chemotherapy. 2-3years later the patient presented a second AML containing inv (16).In this project we will sequence both AML and normal genomes to find associated mutations This will allow unprecedented insights into the dynamics of appearance of secondary AML, since we will be able to use the MRD samples to track the emergence of the inv(16) leukaemia. We will also be able to distinguish whether the 2 leukaemias are clonally related or not. This project will entail sequencing and analysis of three samples (whole genome 30x coverage) using Hi-Seq. The funds from this grant will cover the cost of sequencing 9 lanes from the AML t(15;17) sample, 9 lanes from AML inv(16) sample and 8 lanes from the normal genome.

Study EGAS00001000035

Immunogenomics of colorectal cancer response to immune checkpoint blockade

Molecular and cellular determinants of response to immune checkpoint inhibitors are mostly unknown. Here we use whole exome, RNA and T cell receptor sequencing, imaging mass cytometry, immunohistochemistry and PD1-PDL1 interaction detection to profile 543 regions from 16 colorectal cancers (CRCs) subsequently treated with Pembrolizumab or Nivolumab. Independent of treatment response, CRCs express low levels of PD1 and PDL1 proteins and form less PD1-PDL1 complex than other cancers. Non hypermutated CRCs have no benefit from treatment, show WNT activation and low T cell infiltrates. Among hypermutated CRCs, those with durable benefit have clonal immunogenic alterations, clonally expanded T cells and potential for immune escape through dysfunctional antigen presentation. Responsive tumours are enriched in PD1-expressing cytotoxic and proliferating CD8 T cells and PDL1-expressing antigen presenting macrophages, which form high-density clusters of interacting cells. Our study shows that immune checkpoint inhibitors are most effective in highly infiltrated CRCs where they may release the interactions between macrophages and CD8 T cells thus promoting their priming and expansion in intra-tumour niches.

Study EGAS00001004438

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

The UK’s Haematological Malignancy Research Network (www.HMRN.org) was established in 2004 to provide robust generalizable data to inform clinical practice and research. HMRN is a collaboration between researchers in the Epidemiology &amp; Statistics Group (ECSG) at the University of York, a unified Clinical Network operating across 14 hospitals, and an integrated Haematological Malignancy Diagnostic Service (HMDS) in Leeds. Covering a population of around 4 million, HMRN collects detailed information about all patients diagnosed with a haematological malignancy within the HMRN region, accruing around 2,400 new diagnoses each year. The population has a similar socio-demographic profile to the country as a whole, and HMRN’s maturing data present an increasingly valuable resource to address real questions of concern to haematologists, commissioners and health service researchers – locally, nationally and internationally. This study forms part of a larger project employing targeted exome sequencing on tumour samples from patients diagnosed with a variety of both lymphoid and myeloid malignancies. The results for samples collected from 39 Burkitt lymphoma patients, diagnosed within HMRN from 2005 to 2012, are provided.

Study EGAS00001004649

Engineering of a promoterless anti-viral RNAi hairpin into an endogenous miRNA locus

Short hairpin RNA (shRNA) expression strategies that allow safe and persistent target mRNA knockdown are key to the success of many in vitro or in vivo RNAi applications. Here, we propose a novel solution which is expression of a promoterless miRNA-adapted shRNA (shmiRNA) from an engineered genomic miRNA locus. For proof-of-concept, we genetically “vaccinated” liver cells against a human pathogen, by using TALEns or CRISPR to integrate an anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) shmiRNA into the liver-specific miR-122/hcr gene. Reporter assays and qRT-PCR confirmed anti-HCV shmiRNA expression as well as miR-122 integrity and functionality. Specificity and safety of shmiRNA integration were validated via PCR, cDNA and miRNA profiling, and whole genome sequencing. A subgenomic HCV replicon and a full-length reporter virus, but not a Dengue virus control, were significantly impaired in the modified cells. Our original combination of DNA engineering and RNAi expression technologies should benefit numerous applications, from basic miRNA research, to human cell and gene therapy.

Study EGAS00001001252

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

Drug screening and whole genome sequencing of primary cells and cell lines from ovarian cancer patients to associate genomic aberrations with in vitro drug sensitivities

Identifying drugs for cancers with poor prognosis like ovarian cancer (OC) is hindered by inappropriate cell models and the limitations of current viability assays. We developed an automated confocal microscopy-based live cell assay (DeathPro) that robustly de-convolves cell death and proliferation over time by employing a specific image processing strategy. Using DeathPro, we screened nine OC patient-derived cell lines and one normal cell line (HOSEpiC) with 22 drugs or combinations. Whole genome was performed to analyze if the cell lines harbor OC-typical genomic aberrations and to relate genomic features to drug sensitivities. Commonly observed alterations in OC patients like TP53 mutations and MYC or PI3KCA amplifications were absent in the normal cell line but frequently detected in the OC cell lines. Moreover, genome-derived homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) scores of the OC cell lines correlated with their responses to carboplatin, olaparib and DNA demethylation drugs. Overall, we propose an imaging-based platform to guide drug development and genome-drug sensitivity analysis.

Study EGAS00001002239

METABRIC: Data from Pereira et al (2016), The somatic mutation profiles of 2433 breast cancers refine their genomic and transcriptomic landscapes. Nat Comms 7.

The genomic landscape of breast cancer is complex, and inter- and intra-tumour heterogeneity are important challenges in treating the disease. In this study, we sequence 173 genes in 2433 primary breast tumours that have copy number aberration (CNA), gene expression, and long-term clinical follow-up data. We identify 40 mutation-driver (Mut-driver) genes, and determine associations between mutations, driver CNA profiles, clinical-pathological parameters, and survival. We assess the clonal states of Mut-driver mutations, and estimate levels of intratumour heterogeneity using mutant allele fractions. Associations between PIK3CA mutations and reduced survival are identified in three subgroups of ER-positive cancer (defined by amplification of 17q23, 11q13-14 or 8q24). High levels of intratumour heterogeneity are in general associated with worse outcome, but highly aggressive tumours with 11q13-14 amplification have low levels of intratumour heterogeneity. These results emphasise the importance of genome-based stratification of breast cancer, and have important implications for designing therapeutic strategies.

Study EGAS00001001753

Assessment_of_epigenetic_variation_in_human_iPS_cells_Medip

n order to progress human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) towards the clinic, several outstanding questions must be addressed. It is possible to reprogram different somatic cell types into hiPSCs and from studies in the mouse, it appears that an epigenetic memory of the starting cell type is carried over to hiPSCs. However a comprehensive comparative study of the characteristics of these hiPSCs has been missing from the literature. Importantly studies which aimed to address these aspects of hiPSCs have used cells from different patients. In order to avoid this important confounding variable and to keep the genetic background constant, tissue samples were procured from the patients and reprogrammed to iPS cells. The methylation status of these iPS cells will be compared.Protocol:Primary cell cultures were generated and reprogrammed to iPS cells. DNA was extracted and immunoprecipitated using anti-methyl cytosine and anti-hydroxymethyl cytosine antibodies.This data is part of a pre-publication release. For information on the proper use of pre-publication data shared by the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute (including details of any publication moratoria), please see http://www.sanger.ac.uk/datasharing/

Study EGAS00001000741

BLUEPRINT DNA methylation profiles of graft donors in allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a curative treatment for many hematological conditions. Acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) is a prevalent immune-mediated complication following HSCT. Current diagnostic biomarkers that correlate with aGVHD severity, progression, and therapy response in graft recipients are insufficient. We investigated whether epigenetic marks measured in peripheral blood of healthy graft donors stratify aGVHD severity in HLA-matched sibling recipients prior to HSCT. We measured genome-wide DNA methylation levels in peripheral blood of 91 HSCT donors using Illumina Infinium HumanMethylation450 BeadChips. We showed that epigenetic signatures underlying aGVHD severity in recipients correspond to immune pathways relevant to aGVHD etiology. We identified distinct DNA methylation marks in graft donors that are associated with aGVHD severity status in recipients. Together, our findings suggest that ‘epigenetic matching’ of HSCT donor-recipient pairs in a clinical setting may be used in conjunction with genetic matching to inform both donor selection and transplantation strategy, with the ultimate aim of improving patient outcome.

Study EGAS00001001287

reChIP-seq reveals widespread bivalency of H3K4me3 and H3K27me3 in CD4+ memory T-Cells

Identification of genomic loci exhibiting the physical co-localization of two distinct DNA-associated proteins remains a technical challenge. To tackle this challenge we have developed a novel reChIP-seq approach that enriches for two distinct DNA-associated proteins in an unbiased and genome-wide manner. We illustrate the utility of our approach by identifying nucleosomes bivalently modified by H3K4me3 and H3K27me3 in primary human CD4+ central memory T-cells (TCMs). We unravel widespread bivalency of many unmethylated CpG-rich regions in TCMs overlapping with transcriptional start sites of developmental regulators. Furthermore, reChIP-seq uncovers two yet unobserved classes of bivalency, where either H3K4me3 or H3K27me3 is mixed with low but detectable bivalency. We provide evidence that bivalency is established by an interplay between genome and epigenome and thus attains stability. Our described reChIP-seq approach augments conventional ChIP-seq and is broadly applicable in the study of co-localization of DNA-associated proteins to unravel the intricate possibilities of combinatorial action.

Study EGAS00001001568

Interactions between the tumor and the systemic response of breast cancer patients

Breast cancer (BC) research has largely focused on the molecular properties of the tumor proper. However, to understand how cancer progresses and ultimately modulates patient outcome, we also require an understanding of the molecular changes in the patient systemic response (SR). Toward this end, we generated and analyzed RNA profiles from tumor and matched blood samples in 173 BC patients. We designed a system (MIxT) to explore and link tightly co-expressed gene sets (modules) across matched tissues. The gene composition of modules, and their expression, largely vary across tissues. Distinct patterns of expression in the SR are predominantly detected in highly immunogenic BC subtypes. We also find that the expression pattern of a module in one tissue is correlated to the expression pattern of a module in the other tissue in a fashion that depends on subtype. For example, systemic immunosuppression is detected in basalL patients in a fashion that is proportional to the level of expression of several tumor modules highlighting immune evasion mechanisms active in these particular cancers.

Study EGAS00001001804

Whole Genome Sequencing of Gingivo-buccal Cancer: ICGC-India Project_YR03

As a part of the ICGC, India has undertaken genomic studies on gingivobuccal cancer of the oral cavity, which is the most prevalent form of cancer among men in India. There are various known environmental (life-style) correlates of this cancer, the most important of which are tobacco chewing and HPV infection. Whole genome sequencing of paired DNA samples – isolated from the tumor tissue and from the blood of twenty five patients – have been performed to catalog germline and somatic mutations. Association between each observed genomic alteration and exposure to environmental risk factors is being explored. Detailed clinical characterization of the patients, collection of data on demographic and environmental exposures, and isolation of DNA samples from blood and tumor tissues collected from each patient are being done at the Advanced Centre for Research, Treatment and Education on Cancer, Mumbai. Whole genome sequencing is being performed at the National Institute of Biomedical Genomics, Kalyani. We have completed whole genome sequencing of paired blood and tumor DNA samples using Illumina HiSeq-2000 and 2500.

Study EGAS00001001901

Genomic Analyses Identify Recurrent MEF2D Fusions in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Chromosomal rearrangements are initiating events in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Here, using RNA-sequencing (RNAseq) of 560 ALL cases, we identify rearrangements between MEF2D (myocyte enhancer factor 2D) and five genes (BCL9, CSF1R, DAZAP1, HNRNPUL1 and SS18) in 22 B progenitor ALL (B-ALL) cases with a distinct gene expression profile, the most common of which is MEF2D-BCL9. Examination of an extended cohort of 1164 B-ALL cases identified 30 cases with MEF2D rearrangements which include an additional fusion partner, FOXJ2, thus MEF2D-rearranged cases comprise 5.3% of cases lacking recurring alterations. MEF2D-rearranged ALL is characterized by a distinct immunophenotype, DNA copy number alterations at the rearrangement sites, older diagnosis age, and poor outcome. The rearrangements result in enhanced MEF2D transcriptional activity, lymphoid transformation, activation of HDAC9 expression and sensitive to histone deacetylase inhibitors treatment. Thus, MEF2D-rearranged ALL represents a distinct form of high-risk leukemia, for which new therapeutic approaches should be considered.

Study EGAS00001001952

The_genetics_of_thinness_compared_to_obesity

The variation in weight within a shared environment is largely attributable to genetic factors. Whilst many genes/loci confer susceptibility to obesity, little is known about the genetic architecture of thinness. In this study we performed a genome-wide association study of 1,622 persistently thin healthy individuals (STILTS), 1,985 severe childhood onset obesity cases (SCOOP) and 10,433 population based individuals (UKHLS) used as a common set of controls. All participants were genotyped on the Illumina Core Exome array, including 551,839 markers and imputed to the combined UK10K and 1000G (phase3) reference panel. We contrast the genetic architecture of thinness with that of severe early onset obesity and explore whether the genetic loci influencing thinness are the same as those influencing obesity pr whether there are important genetic differences between them. This data is part of a pre-publication release. For information on the proper use of pre-publication data shared by the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute (including details of any publication moratoria), please see http://www.sanger.ac.uk/datasharing

Study EGAS00001002624

Gene fusion and transcriptomic landscapes of sarcomas

Sarcoma represents a highly heterogeneous group of tumors. We report here the first unbiased and systematic search for gene fusions and analysis of transcriptomic profiles in 100 monomorphic sarcomas cases using RNA-sequencing profiling. Fusion genes were detected in two thirds of samples. Similarly to fusion genes such as PAX3/7-FOXO1, EWSR1/FUS-ETS, SS18-SSX, BRD3/4-NUTM1 or EWSR1/FUS/TAF15-NR4A3 characterizing well-defined entities, we show that all sarcomas displaying CIC fusions- whatever their fusion partner (being DUX4, NUTM1 or FOXO4) - form a transcriptionally homogeneous group of tumors. Likewise, tumors with either a BCOR fusion (with CCNB3, MAML3 or ZC3H7B partners) or with a BCOR internal duplication form a single biological entity. We also found that EML4-ALK fusions also characterize a homogeneous infantile fibrosarcoma subgroup. In contrast, fusions like VGLL2-NCOA2/CITED2, TMP3/TRP-NTRK1 or ETV6-NTRK3 are observed in more heterogeneous tumors. Finally, we also describe a new group of bone sarcomas characterized by EWSR1- or FUS-TFCP2 fusions.

Study EGAS00001002189

Comprehensive analyses of somatic TP53 mutation in tumors with variable mutant allele frequency

Somatic mutation of the tumor suppressor gene TP53 is reported in at least 50% of human malignancies. Most high-grade serous ovarian cancers (HGSC) have a mutant TP53 allele. Accurate detection of these mutants in heterogeneous tumor tissue is paramount as therapies emerge to target mutant p53. We used a Fluidigm Access Array™ System with Massively Parallel Sequencing (MPS) to analyze DNA extracted from 76 serous ovarian tumors. This dataset has been made available to researchers through the European Genome-phenome Archive (EGA). Herein, we present detailed analyses of this dataset using HaplotypeCaller and MuTect2 through the Broad Institute’s Genome Analysis Toolkit (GATK). We also present comparisons of the ability to detect TP53 mutation by MPS and Sanger sequencing in these tumors. We anticipate that this TP53 mutation dataset will be useful to researchers developing and testing new software to accurately determine high and low frequency variant alleles in heterogeneous aneuploid tumor tissue. Further, the analysis pipeline we present provides a valuable framework for determining somatic variants more broadly in tumor tissue.

Study EGAS00001002200

This study explored and validated the clinical application of targeted NGS of circulating tumor DNA in identifying tumor-specific mutations and uncovering clinical actionable targets in a variety of solid tumors in large patient cohorts.

Cancer is a disease of genetic alterations. Comprehensive genetic diagnosis is needed to match each patient to appropriate cancer therapy. However, acquisition of representative tumor samples is invasive and often infeasible. Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is a promising non-invasive biomarker for cancer mutational profiling. Here we implemented targeted next generation sequencing (NGS) with a customized pan-cancer gene panel on 605 clinical ctDNA samples in multiple cancer types. Overall, tumor-specific mutations were identified in 87% of ctDNA samples, with mutation spectra highly concordant with their matched tumor tissues. 71% of patients have at least one clinical actionable mutation with 76% of which have suggested drugs approved or in clinical trials. In particular, our study reveals a unique mutation spectrum in Chinese lung cancer patients, which could be used to guide treatment decision and monitor the appearance of drug-resistant mutations. Taken together, our study demonstrated the clinical utility of target NGS-based ctDNA mutational profiling to guide cancer treatment decision.

Study EGAS00001002251

Whole-Exome Sequencing of Salivary Gland Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) is the most common salivary gland malignancy. To explore the genetic origins of MEC, we performed systematic genomic analyses of these tumors.Experimental DesignWhole-exome sequencing and gene copy number analyses were performed for 18 primary cancers with matched normal tissue. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was used to determine the presence or absence of the MECT1-MAML2 translocation in 17 tumors.ResultsTP53 was the most commonly mutated gene in MEC (28%), and mutations were found only in intermediate- and high-grade tumors. Tumors with TP53 mutations had more mutations overall than tumors without TP53 mutations (p=0.006). POU6F2 was the second most frequently mutated gene, found in three low-grade MECs with the same in-frame deletion. Somatic alterations in IRAK1, MAP3K9, ITGAL, ERBB4, OTOGL, KMT2C, and OBSCN were identified in at least two of the 18 tumors sequenced. FISH analysis confirmed the presence of the MECT1-MAML2 translocation in 15 of 17 tumors (88%).ConclusionsThrough these integrated genomic analyses, MECT1-MAML2 translocation and somatic TP53 and POU6F2 mutations appear to be the main drivers of mucoepidermoid carcinoma.

Study EGAS00001002811

Genomic landscape of human diversity across Madagascar

Although situated ~400 km from the east coast of Africa, Madagascar exhibits cultural, linguistic, and genetic traits from both Southeast Asia and Eastern Africa. The settlement history remains contentious; we therefore used a grid-based approach to sample at high-resolution the genomic diversity (including maternal lineages, paternal lineages, and genome-wide data) across 257 villages and 2704 Malagasy individuals. We find a common Bantu and Austronesian descent for all Malagasy individuals with a limited paternal contribution from Europe and the Middle East. Admixture and demographic growth happened recently, suggesting a rapid settlement of Madagascar during the last millennium. However, the distribution of African and Asian ancestry across the island reveals that the admixture was sex biased and happened heterogeneously across Madagascar, suggesting independent colonization of Madagascar from Africa and Asia rather than settlement by an already-admixed population. In addition, there are geographic influences on the present genomic diversity, independent of the admixture, showing that a few centuries is sufficient to produce detectable genetic structure in human populations.

Study EGAS00001002549

Integration of human pancreatic islet genomic data refines regulatory mechanisms at Type 2 Diabetes susceptibility loci

Human genetic studies have emphasised the dominant contribution of pancreatic islet dysfunction to development of Type 2 Diabetes (T2D). However, limited annotation of the islet epigenome has constrained efforts to define the molecular mechanisms mediating the, largely regulatory, signals revealed by Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS). We characterised patterns of chromatin accessibility (ATAC-seq, n=17) and DNA methylation (whole-genome bisulphite sequencing, n=10) in human islets, generating high-resolution chromatin state maps through integration with established ChIP-seq marks. We found enrichment of GWAS signals for T2D and fasting glucose was concentrated in subsets of islet enhancers characterised by open chromatin and hypomethylation, with the former annotation predominant. At several loci (including CDC123, ADCY5, KLHDC5) the combination of fine-mapping genetic data and chromatin state enrichment maps, supplemented by allelic imbalance in chromatin accessibility pinpointed likely causal variants. The combination of increasingly-precise genetic and islet epigenomic information accelerates definition of causal mechanisms implicated in T2D pathogenesis.

Study EGAS00001002592

Sequencing_component_for_the_whole_genome_methylation_analysis_in_PBMCs_and_cell_subsets__pilot_study_

DNA methylation has been shown to play a major role in determining cellular phenotype by regulating gene expression. Moreover, dysregulation of differentially methylated genes has been implicated in disease pathogenesis of various conditions including cancer development as well as autoimmune diseases such as systemic Lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis. Evidence is rapidly accumulating for a role of DNA methylation in regulating immune responses in health and disease. However, the exact mechanisms remain unknown. The overall aim of the project is to investigate the role of epigenetic mechanisms in regulating immunity and their impact on autoimmune disease pathogenesis.The aim of this pilot study is to perform whole genome methylation analysis in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and cell subsets (CD4, CD8, CD14, CD19, CD16 and whole PBMCs) obtained from 6 healthy volunteers. Whole genome methylation analysis will be performed using two methodological approaches, the Infinium Methylation Bead Array K450 (Illumina) and MeDIP-seq. mRNA expression arrays will also be performed in order to correlate DNA methylation with gene expression as well as genotyping on the Illumina OmniExpress chip

Study EGAS00001000490

The whole blood of female volunteers and sperm from the male volunteer were used to extract genomic DNA to do whole genome sequencing. Distinguished SNPs between parental genomes were retained to analyze parental allele-specific DNA methylation and chromatin accessibility in scCOOL-seq data.

DNA methylation, chromatin states, and their interrelationships represent critical epigenetic information, but those are largely unknown in human early embryos. Here, we apply scCOOL-seq (Chromatin Overall Omic-scale Landscape Sequencing) to generate a genome-wide map of DNA methylation and chromatin accessibility at single-cell resolution during human preimplantation development. Unlike in mice, the chromatin of paternal genome is already more open than that of maternal genome at the mid-zygote stage in humans, and this state is maintained until the 4-cell stage. After fertilization, genes with high variations in DNA methylation and those with high variations in chromatin accessibility tend to be two different sets. Furthermore, 1,797 (35%) out of 5,155 widely open chromatin regions in promoters closed when transcription activity was inhibited, indicating a feedback mechanism between transcription and open chromatin maintenance. Our work paves the way for dissecting the complex, yet highly coordinated, epigenetic reprogramming during human preimplantation development.

Study EGAS00001002987

Whole exome sequencing of longitudinal samples from a melanoma patient receiving MEK plus CDK4/6 inhibitor therapy.

Combined MEK and CDK4/6 inhibition (MEKi+CDK4i) has shown promising clinical outcomes in NRAS mutant melanoma patients. Here, we interrogated longitudinal biopsies from a patient who initially responded to MEKi+CDK4i therapy but subsequently developed resistance. Whole exome sequencing and functional validation identified an acquired PIK3CAE545K mutation as conferring drug resistance. We demonstrate that PIK3CAE545K pre-existed in a rare subpopulation that was missed by both clinical and research testing, but was revealed upon multi-region sampling due to PIK3CAE545K being non-uniformly distributed. This resistant population rapidly expanded after the initiation of MEKi+CDK4i therapy and persisted in all successive samples even after immune checkpoint therapy and distant metastasis. Functional studies identified activated S6K1 as both a key marker and specific therapeutic vulnerability downstream of PIK3CAE545K-induced resistance. These results demonstrate that comprehensive analysis of pre-treatment samples can reveal rare pre-existing resistant subpopulations and also posit S6K1 as a common downstream therapeutic nexus for the MAPK, CDK4/6, and PI3K pathways.

Study EGAS00001002846

Somatic mutations reveal lineage relationships and age-related mutagenesis in human hematopoiesis

Mutation accumulation during human life can contribute to hematopoietic dysfunction; however, the underlying dynamics are unknown. Somatic mutations in blood progenitors can provide insight into the rate and processes underlying this accumulation, as well as the developmental lineage tree and stem cell division numbers. Here, we catalogue somatic mutations in the genomes of human bone marrow-derived and cord blood-derived hematopoietic stem and multipotent progenitor cells (HSPCs) and find that base substitutions accumulate with approximately 17 base substitutions per year in both populations, while insertions and deletions occur sporadically and at low numbers. The majority of mutations in adult HSPCs were acquired after birth and could be explained by the constant activity of various endogenous processes, which also explains the mutation load in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). We construct a developmental lineage tree revealing a polyclonal architecture of the hematopoietic progenitor compartment and providing evidence that developmental clones exhibit multipotency, though lineage biases can be detected. Our approach highlights novel features of human native hematopoiesis and its implications for leukemogenesis.

Study EGAS00001003068

Genetic_mechanisms_of_resistance_to_chemotherapy_in_breast_cancer

Resistance towards chemotherapy is one of the main causes of treatment failure and deathamong breast cancer patients.The main objective of this project is to identify genetic mechanisms causing some breastcancer patients not to respond to a particluar type of chemotherapy (epirubicin) while otherpatients respond very well to the same treatment.In the project we will perform genome / exome sequencing of a selection of breast cancerpatients (n=30). These patients are drawn from a cohort where all patients have recievedtreatment with epirubicin monotherapy before surgical removal of a locally advanced breasttumour, and where all patients have been subjected to objective evaluation of the response tothe therapy.Subsequent to sequencing, we will analyse the data and compare with the clinical data foreach patient (object response to therapy). The main aim being to identify mutations that areassociated with resistance to epirubicin.Identification of mutations with strong predictive value, may have a direct impact on cancertreatment since it opens the possibility for genetic testing of a tumour, and desicion on whichdrug is likely to work best, prior to treatment start.

Study EGAS00001000276

Population_dynamics_in_abnormal_haematopoiesis

Background: Our recent study has made direct insight into the clonal dynamics of blood cell production in an unperturbed setting in a human. Using whole genome sequencing to track acquired somatic mutations, we were able to construct a phylogenetic tree of different stem and progenitor cells and used this tree to determine the dynamics of mature blood cell production in longitudinal samples. These data set the baseline for understanding population dynamics in abnormal haematopoiesis, and how malignant clones outcompete their normal counterparts to drive haematological malignancies. Aim: This study will measure population dynamics in abnormal human haematopoiesis in patients with clonal blood stem cell disorders. Methods: From patient bone marrow or peripheral blood, we have isolated colonies grown from single blood stem cells/progenitors. Colony DNA will be analysed by whole-genome sequencing to build (or populate) a phylogenetic tree to determine clonal relationships and track stem cell contribution to mature blood cell production. These data will also reveal disease-associated genomic features (mutational burden and mutational signatures) in haematopoietic cells.

Study EGAS00001003181

Analysis of translatome, truncating mutations, lncRNA, circRNA and microproteins of 80 human DCM cases and controls

The regulation of gene expression in healthy and diseased human tissues is incompletely understood and has primarily been studied on the transcriptional level. Here, we quantify the impact of translation on gene expression and annotate novel translational events in 80 human hearts. These include 65 tissues from patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) - the most common cause of heart transplantation – and 15 unaffected controls. We show that translational regulation modulates disease-associated molecular processes. Further, we evaluate ribosome dynamics at protein truncating variants revealing incomplete termination of translation at titin-truncating variants (TTNtv) that commonly cause DCM. Finally, we identify dozens of unknown microproteins translated from lncRNAs and circRNAs and link these to mitochondrial processes. Several microproteins are expressed from lncRNAs with previously demonstrated function, suggesting a dual coding and noncoding role. This resource will stimulate novel functional investigations into cardiac biology in health and disease and may serve as a blueprint for characterizing the translational landscape of other human tissues.

Study EGAS00001003263

SNP array files, IDAT files, from 34 members of a Family with a high prevalence of psychosis

We investigated the genetic causes of major mental disorders (MMDs) including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder I, major depressive disorder, and attention deficit hyperactive disorder, in a large family pedigree from Alpujarras, South of Spain, a region with a high prevalence of psychotic disorders. We applied a systematic genomic approach based on karyotyping (N=4), genotyping by genome-wide SNP array (N=33), whole-exome sequencing (N=4), and whole-genome sequencing (N=12). We performed genome-wide linkage analysis, family-based association analysis, and polygenic risk score estimates. Significant linkage was obtained at chromosome 9 (9q33.1-33.2, LOD score= 4.11), a suggestive region that contains five candidate genes ASTN2, BRINP1, C5, TLR4, and TRIM32, previously associated to MMDs. Comprehensive analysis associated the MMD phenotype with genes of the immune system with dual brain functions. Moreover, the psychotic phenotype was enriched for genes involved in synapsis. These results should be considered once studying the genetics of psychiatric disorders in other families, especially the ones from the same region, since founder effects may be related to the high prevalence.

Study EGAS00001004592

Hypertension delays viral clearance and exacerbates airway hyperinflammation in patients with COVID-19

In coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), hypertension and cardiovascular diseases are major risk factors for critical disease progression. However, the underlying causes and the effects of the main anti-hypertensive therapies-angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs)-remain unclear. Combining clinical data (n = 144) and single-cell sequencing data of airway samples (n = 48) with in vitro experiments, we observed a distinct inflammatory predisposition of immune cells in patients with hypertension that correlated with critical COVID-19 progression. ACEI treatment was associated with dampened COVID-19-related hyperinflammation and with increased cell intrinsic antiviral responses, whereas ARB treatment related to enhanced epithelial-immune cell interactions. Macrophages and neutrophils of patients with hypertension, in particular under ARB treatment, exhibited higher expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines CCL3 and CCL4 and the chemokine receptor CCR1. Although the limited size of our cohort does not allow us to establish clinical efficacy, our data suggest that the clinical benefits of ACEI treatment in patients with COVID-19 who have hypertension warrant further investigation.

Study EGAS00001004772

HCA_Placental_Infection_Atlas

HCA Placental Infection Atlas Self-renewing human trophoblast stem cells (hTSC) can give rise to major trophoblast lineages, including syncytiotrophoblast (SCT) and extravillous trophoblast (EVT). hTSC has facilitated the study of placental development and function in vitro. Here, we aim to utilise the hTSC line (HMDMC 20/0005) to study human placental infection and inflammation. This study will provide the opportunity to better understand the pathogenesis of human placenta in the event of infection and inflammation. In brief, differentiated hTSC will be infected with relevant pathogens and stimulated with a panel of inflammatory cytokines. We will use single-cell genomic and spatial approaches to characterise cellular heterogeneity in response to infection or cytokines stimulus. In parallel, we will investigate the interaction between iPSC-derived macrophages with different trophoblast lineages during the course of infection using single-cell genomic and spatial methods. This data is part of a pre-publication release. For information on the proper use of pre-publication data shared by the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute (including details of any publication moratoria), please see http://www.sanger.ac.uk/datasharing/

Study EGAS00001004722

Clonal expansion and epigenetic reprogramming following deletion or amplification of mutant IDH1

IDH1 mutation is the earliest genetic alteration in low-grade gliomas (LGGs), but its role in tumor recurrence is unclear. Mutant IDH1 drives overproduction of the oncometabolite D-2-hydroxyglutarate (2HG) and a CpG island (CGI) hypermethylation phenotype (G-CIMP). To investigate the role of mutant IDH1 at recurrence, we performed a longitudinal analysis of 50 IDH1 mutant LGGs. We discovered six cases with copy number alterations (CNAs) at the IDH1 locus at recurrence. Deletion or amplification of IDH1 was followed by clonal expansion and recurrence at a higher grade. Successful cultures derived from IDH1 mutant, but not IDH1 wild-type, gliomas systematically deleted IDH1 in vitro and in vivo, further suggestive of selection against the heterozygous mutant state as tumors progress. Tumors and cultures with IDH1 CNA had decreased 2HG, maintenance of G-CIMP, and DNA methylation reprogramming outside CGI. Thus, while IDH1 mutation initiates gliomagenesis, in some patients, mutant IDH1 and 2HG are not required for later clonal expansions.

Study EGAS00001001854

The ICGC-TCGA DREAM Somatic Mutation Calling - Tumour Heterogeneity Challenge

Tumors are composed of many different cell types, ranging from the normal tissue micro-environment, infiltrating immune cells and tumour cells. This group of tumour cells is itself intrinsically highly heterogeneous, driven by the rapid mutation rate of cancer cells to become a mixture of different sub-populations. These different types of cells, called subclones, have different sets of mutations in their DNA. Because some subclones evolve from others, many subclones share mutations. While it is increasingly easy to determine what mutations are present in the tumor, it remains very difficult to determine which subclones have which mutations. The task of assigning mutations to subclones is called subclonal reconstruction.The ICGC-TCGA DREAM Somatic Mutation Calling - Tumour Heterogeneity Challenge (SMC-Het) is an international effort to improve standard methods for subclonal reconstruction: to quantify and genotype each individual cell population present within a tumor. The goal of this challenge is to identify the best subclonal reconstruction algorithms and to identify the conditions that affect their performance.

Study EGAS00001002092

Description and determinants of the faecal resistome and microbiome of farmers and slaughterhouse workers: a metagenome-wide cross-sectional study.

Within this study, we extracted DNA of 194 stool samples of persons living or working on pig and broiler farms (54 pig farmers, 24 broiler farmers), 70 pig slaughterhouse workers and 46 control subjects (Lifelines population living in the Northern parts of the Netherlands, and without recent antimicrobial use and occupational livestock contact). Total DNA was sequenced and metagenomic analysis was performed. Subsequently, the faecal resistomes and microbiomes were described and analysed (doi: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.105939). Highlights study: • Food chain workers are exposed to antimicrobial resistant (AMR) bacteria in livestock. • We describe faecal resistomes and microbiomes of farmers and slaughterhouse workers. • Faecal AMR gene loads in pork exposed workers exceed those in broiler farmers/controls. • Resistome and microbiome differences are shown between and within occupational groups. • On-farm working hours and working/living on a pig farm determine the faecal resistome. • Contact with livestock may be a determinant for human AMR gene carriage. This study is part of the EFFORT project: http://www.effort-against-amr.eu/.

Study EGAS00001003944

HCA_Female_Reporductive_Adult_WSSS_RNA

Cell atlas of the human placenta The Human Cell Atlas initiative is an ambitious global research effort which aims to describe every cell in the human body across all developmental stages to generate a reference map to accelerate progress in science and medicine particularly relating to human development and disease. The initiative is led by investigators based at the Wellcome Sanger Institute and the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard and funding support from the Wellcome and NIH. This specific project will assess human development. We aim to interrogate the cellular composition and molecular regulators underpinning development and maturation through single cell RNA-sequencing/spatial transcriptomics and computational algorithms to predict cellular developmental trajectories and cell-cell interactions. We will subsequent validate these findings in situ using allied imaging technologies e.g. immunohistochemistry and RNAscope and in vitro culture of human intestinal organoids (HIOs). This data is part of a pre-publication release. For information on the proper use of pre-publication data shared by the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute (including details of any publication moratoria), please see http://www.sanger.ac.uk/datasharing/

Study EGAS00001004210

Mapping the breast cancer metastatic cascade onto circulating tumour DNA using genetic and epigenetic clonal tracking

Circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) allows tracking the evolution of human cancers at high resolution, overcoming many limitations of tissue biopsies. However, exploiting ctDNA to determine how a patient’s cancer is evolving in order to aid clinical decisions remains difficult. This is because ctDNA is a mix of fragmented alleles, and the contribution of different cancer cell subpopulations from distinct lesions to ctDNA remains largely unknown. Profiling of ctDNA almost invariably requires prior knowledge of what genomic alterations to track. Here we leverage on a rapid autopsy programme to demonstrate that unbiased genomic characterisation of several metastatic sites and concomitant ctDNA profiling at whole-genome resolution reveals the extent to which ctDNA is representative of widespread disease. We also present a ctDNA methylation profiling method that allows tracking evolutionary changes in the cancer cell population at single-molecule resolution without prior knowledge. These results have critical implications for the use of liquid biopsies to monitor cancer evolution in humans and potentially guide treatment.

Study EGAS00001004014

HCA_Placenta_Adult_Vento_RNA

The Human Cell Atlas initiative is an ambitious global research effort which aims to describe every cell in the human body across all developmental stages to generate a reference map to accelerate progress in science and medicine particularly relating to human development and disease. The initiative is led by investigators based at the Wellcome Sanger Institute and the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard and funding support from the Wellcome and NIH. This specific project will assess human development. We aim to interrogate the cellular composition and molecular regulators underpinning development and maturation through single cell RNA-sequencing/spatial transcriptomics and computational algorithms to predict cellular developmental trajectories and cell-cell interactions. We will subsequent validate these findings in situ using allied imaging technologies e.g. immunohistochemistry and RNAscope and in vitro culture of human intestinal organoids (HIOs). This data is part of a pre-publication release. For information on the proper use of pre-publication data shared by the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute (including details of any publication moratoria), please see http://www.sanger.ac.uk/datasharing/

Study EGAS00001004069

MethCORR: DNA Methylation-based Characterization, Classification and Prognostication of Colorectal Cancer using Archival Formalin-fixed, Paraffin-embedded Tissue

Transcriptional characterization and classification has potential to resolve the inter-tumor heterogeneity of colorectal cancer (CRC) and improve patient management. Yet, robust transcriptional profiling is difficult using formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples, which complicates testing in clinical and archival material. We present MethCORR, an approach that allows uniform molecular characterization and classification of fresh-frozen and FFPE samples. MethCORR identifies genome-wide correlations between RNA expression and DNA methylation in fresh-frozen samples. This information is used to infer gene expression information in FFPE samples from their DNA methylation profiles. MethCORR was applied to methylation profiles from 877 fresh-frozen and FFPE samples and comparative analysis identified the same two major subtypes in four independent cohorts. Furthermore, subtype-specific prognostic biomarkers that better predicted relapse-free survival (HR=2.66, 95% CI [1.67-4.22], P<0.001) than TNM staging and MSI status were identified and validated using DNA methylation-specific PCR assays. The MethCORR approach is general, and may be similarly successful for other cancer types.

Study EGAS00001004293

Infiltrative and drug-resistant slow-cycling cells support metabolic heterogeneity in glioblastoma

Metabolic reprogramming has been described in rapidly growing tumors, which are thought to mostly contain fast-cycling cells (FCCs) that have impaired mitochondrial function and rely on aerobic glycolysis. Here, we characterize the metabolic landscape of glioblastoma (GBM) and explore metabolic specificities as targetable vulnerabilities. Our studies highlight the metabolic heterogeneity in GBM, in which FCCs harness aerobic glycolysis, and slow-cycling cells (SCCs) preferentially utilize mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation for their functions. SCCs display enhanced invasion and chemoresistance, suggesting their important role in tumor recurrence. SCCs also demonstrate increased lipid contents that are specifically metabolized under glucose-deprived conditions. Increased fatty acid transport in SCCs is targetable by pharmacological inhibition or genomic deletion of FABP7, both of which sensitize SCCs to metabolic stress. Furthermore, FABP7 inhibition, whether alone or in combination with glycolysis inhibition, leads to overall increased survival. Our studies reveal the existence of GBM cell subpopulations with distinct metabolic requirements and suggest that FABP7 is central to lipid metabolism in SCCs and that targeting FABP7-related metabolic pathways is a viable therapeutic strategy.

Study EGAS00001003251

Functional screening on patient-derived organoids identifies a therapeutic bispecific antibody that triggers EGFR degradation in LGR5+ tumor cells

Patient-derived organoids (PDOs) have demonstrated predictive value in prospective clinical trials supporting selection of personalized treatments. Because PDOs retain the organization and physiological functions of their source tissue, PDO biobanks could also be an ideal substrate to screen for novel therapeutic interventions. Here we describe a large-scale functional screen of dual targeting bispecific antibodies (bAbs) on a colorectal cancer (CRC) PDO biobank to target their dependency on cancer stem cells. A novel drug discovery pipeline was assembled where therapeutic bAb panels generated against WNT and receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK) targets were functionally evaluated by high content imaging to capture the complexity of PDO responses across a wide range of different CRCs and paired normal colonic mucosa samples. Our strategy resulted in a bAb that specifically triggers EGFR degradation in LGR5+ CSCs and that exhibits unique therapeutic properties such as potent growth inhibition of KRAS mutant CRCs, blockade of metastasis initiation in preclinical models and minimal toxicity towards normal LGR5+ colon stem cells.

Study EGAS00001004584

RNA-seq of M-CSF differentiated human peripheral monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) - Validation macIDR

Macrophages represent multifunctional leukocytes defined by their stimulus-specific transcriptional reprogramming. As in vivo macrophages are often difficult to obtain, in vitro macrophage models are often used. We aggregated public expression data to define consensus expression profiles for eight commonly-used in vitro macrophage models and built the classifier macIDR, capable of distinguishing macrophage subsets with high accuracy (>0.95). Classification of in vivo macrophages suggested that alveolar macrophages resembled interleukin-10 activated macrophages in general whereas chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients displayed decreased similarity to interferon-γ stimulated macrophages. Adipose tissue-derived macrophages were classified as unstimulated macrophages, but would resemble LPS-stimulated macrophages more in diabetic-obese patients. Rheumatoid arthritic synovial macrophages were similar to macrophages stimulated with interleukin-10 or interferon-γ. Altogether, our results suggest that macIDR is capable of identifying in vitro macrophages. By projecting in vivo macrophages onto the in vitro macrophages, we were capable of elucidating macrophage-specific changes as a result of tissue and disease.

Study EGAS00001003451

Understanding_Self__Organising_Capacity_of_Stem_Cells_during_Implantation_and_Early_Post_implantation_Development_in_vitro_and_in_vivo__Implications_for_Human_Development_

The aim of this project is to differentiate human embryonic stem cells to an extra-embryonic fate, specifically the hypoblast. This is of uttermost importance given the current lack of human hypoblast stem cells. We hypothesized that the pluripotent characteristics of the starting human embryonic stem cell population may dictate the competency for extra-embryonic cell fate specification. Based on this hypothesis and using human embryonic stem cells maintained in different naïve-like culture regimes, we have now developed conditions that allow the differentiation of human embryonic stem cells to a stable GATA6+ SOX2- population. This suggests that these cells may be putative human hypoblast stem cells. To validate this finding here we propose to perform RNA sequencing experiments of the differentiated human embryonic stem cells. By comparing their RNA expression profile to the single cell sequencing data of the human embryo that we are currently generating, we will be able to determine the identity of our GATA6+ SOX2- cells, and establish whether they represent the in vivo human hypoblast.

Study EGAS00001003571

The Precision Medicine in Liver Cancer across an Asia-pacific NETwork (PLANET) - Intratumoural immune heterogeneity

The clinical relevance of immune landscape intratumoural heterogeneity (immune-ITH) and its role in tumour evolution remain largely unexplored. Here, we uncover significant spatial and phenotypic immune–ITH from multiple tumour sectors and decipher its relationship with tumour evolution and disease progression in hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC). Immune–ITH is associated with tumour transcriptomic-ITH, mutational burden, and distinct immune microenvironments. Tumours with low immune–ITH experience higher immunoselective pressure and escape via loss of heterozygosity in human leukocyte antigens and immunoediting. Instead, the tumours with high immune-ITH evolve to a more immunosuppressive/exhausted microenvironment. This gradient of immune pressure along with immune-ITH represents a hallmark of tumour evolution, which is closely linked to the transcriptome-immune networks that contributes to disease progression and immune inactivation. Remarkably, high immune-ITH and its transcriptomic signature are predictive for worse clinical outcome in HCC patients. This in-depth investigation of ITH provides evidence on tumour-immune co-evolution along HCC progression.

Study EGAS00001003814

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

Clonal hematopoiesis is associated with adverse outcomes in patients with COVID-19

Clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP) is defined as the occurrence of an expanded proportion of mature blood cells derived from a mutant hematopoietic precursor without evidence of hematological malignancies. The principle behind this is that the somatic mutation confers a fitness advantage to the cell in which it arose. Different clinical consequences are linked with this expansion. Early evidence of an association with higher mortality risk was provided. This was not related to higher rates of cancer but was associated in particular with increased cardiovascular mortality. Mechanistically, inflammatory processes are not only related to the development of clonal hematopoiesis, but in turn it is also a driver of inflammation. Besides pulmonary symptoms, COVID-19 evokes complex extra-pulmonary manifestations driving the pathophysiology. Among them, both inflammatory and cardiac-associated mechanisms have been deciphered. With the aim of assessing the impact of clonal hematopoiesis on the pathophysiology of COVID-19, hospitalized patients with severe or critical course were evaluated for the presence of CHIP driver mutations and, more importantly, the association with the clinical picture.

Study EGAS00001006218

Multiple Myeloma follow-up sequencing study

A total of 40 Multiple Myeloma (MM) patients at clinical relapse who progressed during Proteasome Inhibitors (PIs) or Immunomodulating Drugs (IMiDs)-based therapies and who are assigned to antiCD38-based salvage treatments, will be enrolled. We will collect bone marrow (BM) and peripheral blood (PB) samples from patients at specific timepoints: baseline (BM, PB and buccal swab) every 3 month (PB) achievement of response (≥ Very Good Partial Response (VGPR)) (BM and PB) relapse or refractory status to antiCD38-based treatments (BM and PB) Samples will be processed and stored in the "Hematological Laboratory" located in the University of Turin (Italy) for various proposed analyses: at specific time-points CD138+ (Plasma Cells-PCs) awill be immunomagnetically enriched from the BM mononuclear cells and frozen as viable cells in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO); PB mononuclear cells (PBMCs) will be isolated from whole blood by density-gradient centrifugation, and frozen as above; plasma fraction from PB and BM will be obtained by centrifugation and stored frozen; Neutrophils will be obtained at the time of enrollment as a source of control germline DNA and stored frozen.

Study EGAS00001007092

atrial appendage RNA-seq in non-, paroxysmal and persistent atrial fibrillation

Understanding the interconnectedness of structural remodelling processes atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients could identify targets for future therapies. These data include transcriptome sequencing of atrial tissues of patients without AF, with paroxysmal AF and persistent AF (total n=64). In AF patients, epicardial cell gene expression decreased, contrasting with an upregulation of epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) and mesenchymal cell gene expression. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated thickening of the epicardium and an increased proportion of (myo)fibroblast-like cells in the myocardium, supporting enhanced EMT in AF. We furthermore report an upregulation of endothelial cell proliferation, angiogenesis and endothelial signalling. EMT and endothelial cell proliferation concurred with increased interstitial (myo)fibroblast-like cells and extracellular matrix gene expression including enhanced tenascin-c, thrombospondins, biglycan and versican. Morphological analysis discovered increased and redistributed glycosaminoglycans and collagens in the atria of AF patients. Signalling pathways, including cell-matrix interactions, PI3K-AKT and Notch signalling, that could regulate mesenchymal cell activation, were upregulated. These dynamic processes may provide targets to prevent or reverse structural remodelling.

Study EGAS00001005295

Primary prostate Hi-C

Prostate cancer is a heterogeneous disease whose progression is linked to genome instability. Despite large-scale tumour sequencing efforts, the impact of mutations on the genetic architecture in cancer remains ill-defined due to limited integration of genomics data across dimensions. We addressed this limitation by assessing the impact of structural variants on the chromatin states and the three-dimensional organization across benign and malignant primary prostate genomes. We find high concordance in the three-dimensional genome organization between malignant and benign prostate tissues, arguing for constraints to the three-dimensional genome of prostate tumours. Moreover, we identify structural variants as effectors of changes to focal chromatin interactions, guiding cis-regulatory element hijacking that imposes opposing expression changes on genes found at antipodes of a rearrangement. This leads to the repression of tumour suppressor gene expression and up-regulation of oncogenes, such as at the TMPRSS2-ERG and PMEPA1-ZNF156 loci. Collectively, our results argue that cis-regulatory element hijacking by structural variants overshadows large-scale topological changes to alter gene regulation and promote oncogenesis.

Study EGAS00001005014

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