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• Smoking and the Vaginal Microbiome

  The focus of this study was to better understand the effects of cigarette smoking on the vaginal microbiome. There were two phases of the study, cross-sectional and longitudinal, conducted at the Center for Health Behavior Research at the University of Maryland School of Public Health. In the cross-sectional phase, 20 smokers and 20 non-smokers collected mid-vaginal swabs, measured their vaginal pH, prepared a vaginal smear on a slide for Nugent Gram stain analysis, and completed questionnaires about demographics, tobacco use, and reproductive and sexual health history. Smoking status was confirmed through self-report, carbon monoxide exhalation and saliva cotinine measures. Secretions from the mid-vaginal swabs were tested for presence/absence of HPV strains and GC-MS was used to quantify the levels of over 600 metabolites. In the longitudinal phase, 7 participants who were current smokers and motivated to quit smoking were recruited and followed for up to 12 weeks. On a daily basis, participants collected mid-vaginal swabs, measured their vaginal pH, and prepared a mid-vaginal smear on a slide for Nugent Gram stain analysis, and completed daily diaries on tobacco use and reproductive health. Carbon monoxide exhalation and saliva cotinine measures were collected at weekly clinical visits. In addition, participants had weekly behavioral counseling sessions about smoking cessation and used Nicoderm CQ patches to aid in quitting smoking. The self-collected vaginal swabs were used for DNA extractions,16s rRNA sequencing and measurement of metabolites in vaginal fluid.

  Study phs001386

• Tumor Mutation Burden, Expressed Neoantigen and Immune Microenvironment in Diffuse Gliomas

  A consistent correlation between tumor mutation burden (TMB) and tumor immune microenvironment has not been observed in gliomas as in other cancers. Driver germline and somatic mutations, TMB, neoantigen, and immune cell signatures were analyzed using whole exome sequencing (WES) and transcriptome sequencing of tumor and WES of matched germline DNA in a cohort of 66 glioma samples (44 IDH-mutant and 22 IDH-wildtype). Fourteen samples revealed a hypermutator phenotype (HMP). Eight pathogenic (P) or likely pathogenic (LP) germline variants were detected in 9 (19%) patients. Six of these 8 genes were DNA damage repair genes. P/LP germline variants were found in 22% of IDH-mutant gliomas and 12.5%of IDH-wildtype gliomas (p= 0.7). TMB was correlated with expressed neoantigen but showed an inverse correlation with immune score (R =−0.46, p= 0.03) in IDH-wildtype tumors and no correlation in IDH-mutant tumors. Antigen Processing and Presentation (APP) score correlates with immune score. The APP is higher in non-hypermutator phenotype (NHMP) samples versus HMP samples in the IDH-wildtype gliomas, but higher in HMP samples versus NHMP samples in the IDH-mutant gliomas. Conclusion: TMB was inversely correlated with the immune score in the IDH-wildtype gliomas, and showed no correlation in the IDH-mutant tumors. The APP was correlated with the immune score, and may be further investigated as a biomarker for response to immunotherapy in gliomas. Studies of germline variants in a large glioma cohort are warranted.

  Study phs002653

• Exome Sequencing of Esophageal Adenocarcinoma

  The incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) has risen 600% over the last 30 years. When coupled to the five-year survival rate of only 15% for this disease, identification of new therapeutic targets for EAC is of great importance. Here, we analyze the mutational spectra identified from the whole genome sequencing of 16 EACs and complete exome sequencing of 149 EAC tumors and matched germline samples. We identify a novel mutation signature marked by high prevalence of A to C transversions at AA*(N) trinucleotides. Notably, the development of EAC is preceded by pathologic intestinal metaplasia of the lower esophagus, Barrett's esophagus, itself a response to injury from gastric-esophageal reflux disease (GERD). Thus, we hypothesize to represent these AA*(N) mutations to a novel signature of GERD-induced mutagenesis. Analysis of the exome data identified 26 genes subject to statistically significant recurrent mutation. Of these 26 genes, only TP53, CDKN2A, SMAD4, and PIK3CA had been previously implicated in EAC. Novel mutations include those targeting chromatin modifying factors and novel candidate contributors to EAC: SPG20, TLR4, ELMO1 and DOCK2. Of these, ELMO1 and DOCK2 are notably direct dimerization partners that act to activate Rac1 to enhance cellular invasiveness, thus generating new hypotheses about the potential for the Rac1 pathway to be a novel target for therapy of EAC. "Reprinted from 'Unraveling the mutational complexity of esophageal adenocarcinoma', with permission from Nature Genetics."

  Study phs000598

• Region-Specific Neural Stem Cell Lineages Revealed by Single-Cell RNA-Sequences from Human Embryonic Stem Cells

  During development of the human brain, multiple cell types with diverse regional identities are generated. Here we report a system to generate early human brain forebrain and mid/hindbrain cell types from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), and infer and experimentally confirm a lineage tree for the generation of these types based on single-cell RNA-Seq analysis. We engineered SOX2Cit/+ and DCXCit/Y hESC lines to target progenitors and neurons throughout neural differentiation for single-cell transcriptomic profiling, then identified discrete cell types consisting of both rostral (cortical) and caudal (mid/hindbrain) identities. Direct comparison of the cell types were made to primary tissues using gene expression atlases and fetal human brain single-cell gene expression data, and this established that the cell types resembled early human brain cell types, including preplate cells. From the single-cell transcriptomic data a Bayesian algorithm generated a unified lineage tree, and predicted novel regulatory transcription factors. The lineage tree highlighted a prominent bifurcation between cortical and mid/hindbrain cell types, confirmed by clonal analysis experiments. We demonstrated that cell types from either branch could preferentially be generated by manipulation of the canonical Wnt/beta-catenin pathway. In summary, we present an experimentally validated lineage tree that encompasses multiple brain regions, and our work sheds light on the molecular regulation of region-specific neural lineages during human brain development.

  Study phs001205

• Cell Type-Specific and Disease-Associated eQTL in the Human Lung

  This study was conducted to investigate the genetic control of gene expression in a cell-type and context-specific manner in the human lung. We performed single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) of lung tissue from 66 Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) cases and 48 unaffected donors. Employing a pseudo-bulk approach, we mapped expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) across 38 cell types. The scRNA-seq data presented here include previously published (PMID 34262047) and unpublished samples. ILD tissue samples were obtained from lungs removed at the time of lung transplantation at either Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) or the Norton Thoracic Institute (NTI). Control tissue samples were obtained from lungs declined for organ donation either at the Donor Network of Arizona (DNA) or VUMC. The self-reported ethnicities of donors were 66.7% European, 9.6% African American, 17.5% not available (N/A), and 6.1% other. The smoking history includes 46.5% ever smoker, 29.8% never smoker, 23.7% N/A. For genotyping, flash-frozen tissue in DNA/RNA shield was homogenized via a bullet blender. Genomic DNA was extracted using Zymo Quick DNA/RNA microprep plus kit. Library preparation and low-pass Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) were carried out at TGen or by Gencove Inc. At TGen, libraries were prepared using PCR-free Watchmaker kits (Watchmaker Genomics) with 200 ng input. Genomes were sequenced on NovaSeq at low coverage (typically 0.4–1x). The resulting sequence data were processed and imputed using Gencove's imputation platform.

  Study phs003521

• LCLF1.0 Data

  In this study, we investigated ad libitum food intake of 20 healthy adult volunteers who each completed a 4-week stay at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). During their stay, they consumed a low-carbohydrate, high-fat (LCHF) diet and a low-fat, high-carbohydrate (LFHC) diet for 2 weeks each, in random order. We collected information about energy intake and metabolic changes in response to the two test diets. The test diets were presented to subjects in amounts exceeding their daily energy requirements, and subjects were instructed to eat as much or as little of each diet as desired. This study implemented 7-day rotating menus for each test diet. The diets were matched for presented calories and protein, but the LCHF diet was low in carbohydrate (~10% of calories) and high in fat (~75% of calories) whereas the LFHC diet was high in carbohydrates (~75% of calories) and low in fat (~10% of calories). The two test diets had a common foundation of vegetables with low amounts of digestible carbohydrates such as lettuce, spinach, kale, cabbage, cauliflower, zucchini, tomato, asparagus, broccoli, peppers, brussels sprouts, and green beans. The LCHF diet included meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy, and nuts. The LFHC diet included legumes, rice, root vegetables, soy products, corn, lentils, peas, whole grains, bread, and fruit. The test diets were designed using a standard computerized nutrition database, and blood samples were collected from the subjects.

  Study phs003187

• Single Cell Genotypic and Phenotypic Analysis of Measurable Residual Disease in Acute Myeloid Leukemia

  Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a group of blood cancers with high mortality. Even though complete remission is often achieved, majority of the AML patients still relapse. Measurable residual disease (MRD), defined as the population of cancer cells which persists following chemotherapy, is responsible for AML relapse. Understanding the biology enabling MRD clones to resist therapy is necessary to guide the development of curative treatments more effectively. Discriminating residual leukemic clones, preleukemic clones, and normal precursors remains a challenge with current MRD tools. We developed a single cell MRD (scMRD) assay by combining flow cytometric enrichment of the targeted precursor/blast population with integrated single cell DNA sequencing (scDNA-seq) and immunophenotyping (Tapestri, Missionbio). The platform utilizes a custom amplicon panel covering 109 amplicons across 31 genes frequently mutated in AML and a panel of 42 oligo-conjugated antibodies against surface makers. We applied our scMRD assay to sequence 30 MRD samples (multiplexed into 6) from 29 AML patients to study the clonal architecture and protein correlation. In addition, 2 MRD samples were sequenced with scDNA+protein sequencing technology without enrichment or multiplexing. Five patients with AML at diagnosis were also sequenced with scDNA+protein sequencing technology without enrichment or multiplexing. In order to establish the sensitivity of our scMRD assay, we spiked AML cells into normal bone marrow cells. We sequenced 12 such spiked samples after multiplexing.

  Study phs003233

• Comprehensive Genomic Characterization of Translocation Renal Cell Carcinoma

  Xp11 translocation renal cell carcinoma (tRCC) is a rare, female-predominant cancer driven by a fusion between the TFE3 gene on chromosome Xp11.2 and a partner gene on either chrX or an autosome. It remains unknown what types of rearrangements underlie TFE3 fusions, whether fusions can arise from both the active (chrXa) and inactive X (chrXi) chromosomes, and whether TFE3 fusions from chrXi translocations account for the female predominance of tRCC. To address these questions, we performed haplotype-specific analyses of chrX rearrangements in tRCC whole genomes. We show that TFE3 fusions universally arise as reciprocal translocations and that oncogenic TFE3 fusions can arise from chrXi:autosomal translocations. Female-specific chrXi:autosomal translocations result in a 2:1 female-to-male ratio of TFE3 fusions involving autosomal partner genes and account for the female predominance of tRCC. Our results highlight how X chromosome genetics uniquely constrains somatic chrX alterations and underlies cancer sex differences.This version of the dbGaP study provides a comprehensive set of whole genome data and tables with clinical information collected for the 16 patients (15 pateints as tRCC and 1 patient as ccRCC) in the study cohort. The data also contains 12 RNA-seq samples used in the study and analyses. We anticipate that this data will considerably advance our molecular and genetic understanding of oncogenic translocations in TFE3-tRCC involving inactive chromosome X and its role in cancer sex bias.

  Study phs003008

• Uncovering Inversion Formation in the Human Genome and its Impact to Disease

  The relevance of inversions for disease causation, speciation and adaptation is broadly recognized, although the prevalence of inversions is unknown. In humans, de novo inversions are associated with congenital anomalies in approximately 9.6% of patients. Yet, despite the biological relevance of inversions, their molecular features, formation mechanism, impact to the genomic structure of carriers, as well as their contribution to clinical phenotypes, have not been further explored. Inversions are typically classified as balanced reciprocal events generated by ectopic recombination, although recent studies reveal a distinct picture whereby inversions originate from mechanisms that concomitantly generate copy number variants (CNVs). Surprisingly, those complex inversions underlie as much as 30% of neurodevelopmental-associated CNVs. The hypothesis of this project are: inversions are often generated de novo by mechanisms other than ectopic recombination a relevant fraction of inversions are associated with complex genomic rearrangements (CGRs), often overlooked in sporadic diseases, and inversions are a "hidden" type of structural variation for which contribution to a clinical phenotypes has been under assessed due to the lack of appropriate detection tools. A combined strategy using multiple genomic tools will be applied to characterize inversions and associated genomic alterations in individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders and controls: whole genome sequencing (WGS) with short-and long-reads; genome mapping; classical cytogenetics; and array CGH. This project will establish common ground to bridge studies of rare and common diseases, human evolution, and population genetics.

  Study phs002999

• Risk Factors for Asymptomatic Diverticulosis

  Data for this analysis came from a prospective study of colonic diverticulosis at the University of North Carolina Hospital in Chapel Hill, North Carolina (NIH R01DK094738). This is a case-control genetic and transcriptomic study to identify the genetic and cellular determinants underlying colonic diverticulosis and the relationship with other gastrointestinal disorders. The study inclusion and exclusion are described below. DNA and RNA sequencing were performed on colonic tissue from 404 patients with (N=172) and without (N=232) diverticulosis. We assessed variation in the transcriptome associated with diverticulosis and integrated this variation with human intestine single-cell RNA-seq data. We integrated our expression quantitative trait loci with GWAS using Mendelian Randomization. A polygenic risk score analysis examined associations between severity of diverticulosis and other gastrointestinal disorders. We identified 38 genes with differential expression and 17 genes with varied transcript usage linked to diverticulosis. Our results suggest tissue remodeling as a primary mechanism for diverticula formation. The presence of diverticulosis was linked to stromal and epithelial cells in the colon including endothelial cells, myofibroblasts, fibroblasts, goblet, tuft, enterocytes, neurons, and glia. MR highlighted five genes including CCN3, CRISPLD2, ENTPD7, PHGR1, and TNFSF13. In diverticulosis cases, ENTPD7 upregulation was confirmed. A greater burden of diverticula was positively correlated with genetic predisposition to diverticulitis. The data related to the study including total RNA-Seq, SNP array and imputed genotypes will be available through dbGaP.

  Study phs003556

• Multi-omics bulk and single-cell profiling of epithelioid sarcoma

  Epithelioid sarcoma (EpS) is an aggressive sarcoma, characterized by the loss of SMARCB1 expression. EpS is traditionally classified as distal or proximal according to clinicopathological features, but its molecular characteristics remain largely unknown. To establish an EpS molecular classification and uncover determinants of inter- and intra-patient heterogeneity in EpS, we used multi-omics profiling and integrated the genomic, transcriptional and methylome landscapes with single-cell RNA sequencing on fresh samples as well as spatial transcriptomics. We identified two molecular subtypes of EpS: “distal-like” and “proximal-like”, which were distinct from the histological subtypes. Distal-like tumors include all morphological distal subtypes and a subset of proximal and hybrid EpS. They express a specific molecular single-cell derived epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition signature, which associates with improved patient survival and includes Desmoglein 2 (DSG2), which we identify as a potential routine immunohistochemical biomarker to improve diagnosis. Distal-like EpS also display increased peri-tumoral CD8+ T cell infiltrates and specific tumor-immune cell interactions. Conversely, proximal-like EpS harbor a higher inter-tumoral molecular heterogeneity with some cases resembling other SMARCB1-deficient tumors by DNA methylation profiling, and increased intra-tumoral pro-tumoral macrophage infiltrates. Our study introduces a novel molecular classification of EpS with prognostic value, associated diagnostic biomarkers and distinct tumor immune microenvironments, which extends beyond traditional clinicopathological classification. This paves the way for precision medicine-based therapeutic strategies for patients with EpS.

  Study EGAS50000000973

• Alpha1-Antitrypsin Deficiency Registry (AADR-BioLINCC)

  Data Access NOTE: Please refer to the “Authorized Access” section below for information about how access to the data from this accession differs from many other dbGaP accessions. Objectives: To characterize the clinical and laboratory course of patients with severe alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency whether or not the patient is undergoing long-term augmentation therapy.Background: A hereditary disorder, patients with low serum levels of alpha-1-antitrypsin are at an increased risk for the early onset of emphysema. The only approved treatment for alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency is augmentation therapy using a purified preparation of human alpha-1-antitryspin. Sample sizes for a randomized controlled clinical trial of augmentation therapy were determined to be infeasible; therefore, a multi-center registry was initiated in 1988 to explore the natural history of the disease and the relative efficacy of augmentation therapy in patients with a severe deficiency of alpha-1-antitrypsin.Participants: Eligible participants included individuals 18 years of age or greater for whom the Central Laboratory confirmed that the serum alpha 1-antitrypsin level is Conclusions: Participants receiving augmentation therapy had decreased mortality risk during follow-up. FEV1 decline among all participants did not differ by augmentation therapy; however, among participants with FEV1 35-49% predicted, FEV1 decline was significantly slower for participants on augmentation therapy than for those not receiving therapy. (Am J Respir Crit Care Med, 1998; 158:49-59)

  Study phs004187

• Whole exome sequencing data for paired non-serous endometrial and ovarian carcinomas from 27 patients with concurrent tumours.

  Introduction: Concurrent non-serous endometrial and ovarian tumours are often managed clinically as two separate primary tumours, but almost all exhibit evidence of a genomic relationship. Methodology: This study investigates the extent of relatedness using whole exome sequencing, which was performed on paired non-serous endometrial and ovarian carcinomas from 27 patients with concurrent tumours in a cohort with detailed clinicopathological annotation. Four whole exome sequencing-derived parameters (mutation, mutational burden, mutational signatures and mutant allele tumour heterogeneity scores) were used to develop a novel unsupervised model for the assessment of genomic similarity to infer genomic relatedness of paired tumours. Results: This novel model demonstrated genomic relatedness across all four parameters in all tumour pairs. Mutations in PTEN, ARID1A, CTNNB1, KMT2D and PIK3CA occurred most frequently and 24 of 27 (89 %) tumour pairs shared identical mutations in at least one of these genes, with all pairs sharing mutations in a number of other genes. Ovarian endometriosis, CTNNB1 exon 3 mutation, and progression and death from disease were present across the similarity ranking. Mismatch repair deficiency was associated with less genomically similar pairs. Discussion: Although there was diversity across the cohort, the presence of genomic similarity in all paired tumours supports the hypothesis that concurrent non-serous endometrial and ovarian carcinomas are genomically related and may have arisen from a common origin. Keywords: Co-existing; Concurrent; Endometrial carcinoma; Genomics; Mutation; Ovarian carcinoma; Paired tumours; Tumour mutational burden.

  Study EGAS00001008259

• Evolution of the African pygmy phenotype

  The evolutionary history of the human ‘pygmy’ phenotype (small body size), a characteristic of African and Southeast Asian rainforest hunter-gatherers, is largely unknown. Here we use a genome-wide admixture mapping analysis to identify 16 genomic regions that are significantly associated with the pygmy phenotype in the Batwa, a rainforest hunter-gatherer population from Uganda (East Central Africa). The identified genomic regions have multiple attributes that provide supporting evidence of genuine association with the pygmy phenotype, including enrichments for SNPs previously associated with stature variation in Europeans and for genes with growth hormone receptor and regulation functions. To test adaptive evolutionary hypotheses we computed the haplotype-based iHS statistic and the level of population differentiation (FST) between the Batwa and their agricultural neighbors, the Bakiga, for each SNP. Both |iHS| and FST values were significantly higher for SNPs within the Batwa pygmy phenotype-associated regions than the remainder of the genome, a signature of polygenic adaptation. In contrast, when we expanded our analysis to include Baka rainforest hunter-gatherers from Cameroon and Gabon (West Central Africa) and Nzebi and Nzime neighboring agriculturalists, we did not observe elevated |iHS| or FST values in these genomic regions. Together, these results suggest adaptive and at least partially convergent origins of the pygmy phenotype even within Africa, supporting the hypothesis that small body size confers a selective advantage for tropical rainforest hunter-gatherers but raising questions about the antiquity of this behavior.

  Study EGAS00001000908

• Targets of MEK inhibition in DIPG

  The survival of children with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) remains dismal, with new treatments desperately needed. In the era of precision medicine, targeted therapies represent an exciting treatment opportunity, yet resistance can rapidly emerge, playing an important role in treatment failure. In a prospective biopsy-stratified clinical trial, we combined detailed molecular profiling (methylation BeadArray, exome, RNAseq, phospho-proteomics) linked to drug screening in newly-established patient-derived models of DIPG in vitro and in vivo. We identified a high degree of in vitro sensitivity to the MEK inhibitor trametinib in samples which harboured genetic alterations targeting the MAPK pathway, including the non-canonical BRAF_G469V mutation, and those affecting PIK3R1 and NF1. However, treatment of PDX models and of a patient with trametinib at relapse failed to elicit a significant response. We generated trametinib-resistant clones in the BRAF_G469V model through continuous drug exposure, and identified acquired mutations in MEK1/2 (MEK1_K57N, MEK1_I141S and MEK2_I115N) with sustained pathway up-regulation. These cells showed the hallmarks of mesenchymal transition, and expression signatures overlapping with inherently trametinib-insensitive primary patient-derived cells that predicted an observed sensitivity to dasatinib. Combinations of trametinib with dasatinib and the downstream ERK inhibitor ulixertinib showed highly synergistic effects in vitro. These data highlight the MAPK pathway as a therapeutic target in DIPG, and show the importance of parallel resistance modelling and rational combinatorial treatments likely to be required for meaningful clinical translation.

  Study EGAS00001004495

• Platelet RNAseq data for SLFN14 K219N patients

  Pathogenic missense variants in SLFN14, which encodes an RNA endoribonuclease protein that regulates rRNA degradation, are known to cause inherited thrombocytopenia with impaired platelet aggregation and ATP secretion. Despite rather mild laboratory defects, these patients display an obvious bleeding phenotype. The function of SLFN14 in megakaryocyte (MK) and platelet biology is unknown. This study aims to characterize the platelet transcriptome in patients with a SLFN14 K219N variant and model the disease in the immortalized megakaryocyte cell line imMKCL. Total platelet RNA was sequenced for two patients and 19 healthy controls. Differential gene expression analysis yielded a total of 2999 and 2888 significantly (|log2FC|>1, FDR<0.05) up- and downregulated genes, respectively. Remarkably, these downregulated genes were not enriched for any biological pathway while upregulated genes were enriched for pathways involved in (mitochondrial) translation and transcription with a significant upregulation of 134 ribosomal protein genes (RPG). Heterozygous and homozygous SLFN14 K219N imMKCL showed a defect in MK differentiation that aggravated during cell passaging of undifferentiated cells and in proplatelet formation. SLFN14 defective platelets and MK showed signs of rRNA degradation while this was absent in undifferentiated imMKCL cells. Upregulation of RPG through increased mTOR signaling in SLFN14 K219N MK seems to be a compensatory response for rRNA degradation. Indeed, mTOR inhibition with rapamycin resulted in further enhanced rRNA degradation in SLFN14 K219N MK. Taken together, our study indicates dysregulation of mTOR-regulated ribosomal biogenesis as the disease mechanism for SLFN14-related thrombocytopenia.

  Study EGAS00001006339

• RB1 Gene Inactivation by Chromothripsis in Human Retinoblastoma

  Retinoblastoma is a rare childhood cancer of the developing retina. Most retinoblastomas initiate with biallelic inactivation of the RB1 gene through diverse mechanisms including point mutations, nucleotide insertions, deletions, loss of heterozygosity and promoter hypermethylation. Recently, a novel mechanism of retinoblastoma initiation was proposed. Gallie and colleagues discovered that a small proportion of retinoblastomas lack RB1 mutations and had MYCN amplification [1]. In this study, we identified recurrent chromosomal, regional and focal genomic lesions in 94 primary retinoblastomas with their matched normal DNA using SNP 6.0 chips. We also analyzed the RB1 gene mutations and compared the mechanism of RB1 inactivation to the recurrent copy number variations in the retinoblastoma genome. In addition to the previously described focal amplification of MYCN and deletions in RB1 and BCOR, we also identified recurrent focal amplification of OTX2, a transcription factor required for retinal photoreceptor development. We identified 10 retinoblastomas in our cohort that lacked RB1 point mutations or indels. We performed whole genome sequencing on those 10 tumors and their corresponding germline DNA. In one of the tumors, the RB1 gene was unaltered, the MYCN gene was amplified and RB1 protein was expressed in the nuclei of the tumor cells. In addition, several tumors had complex patterns of structural variations and we identified 3 tumors with chromothripsis at the RB1 locus. This is the first report of chromothripsis as a mechanism for RB1 gene inactivation in cancer.

  Study EGAS00001000598

• Bacterial SNPs in the human gut microbiome associate with host BMI

  Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have revolutionized the field of genetics, providing numerous associations between human SNPs and health traits. Likewise, metagenome-wide association studies (MWAS) between bacterial SNPs and human traits can suggest mechanistic links between the microbiota and its host. However, very few such studies have been done to date, in part due to the large number of samples required to address the variable coverage of bacteria across samples and the fact that most bacteria are present in only a subset of the population. Here, we devised an MWAS framework to detect SNPs and associate them with host phenotypes systematically. We recruited and obtained gut metagenomic samples from a cohort of 7,190 healthy individuals and discovered 1,358 statistically significant associations between a bacterial SNP and host body mass index (BMI). To address the possible effects of population structure and linkage disequilibrium, we applied a clumping procedure, and found 40 independent associations between SNPs and host BMI. We uncovered BMI-associated SNPs in the genomes of 27 bacterial species, even though the relative abundance of 12 of these species was not associated with the phenotype. We separated genome-wide sub-species variations from local associations in individual SNPs, and demonstrated how this framework can highlight specific bacterial functions of interest. Our results demonstrate the importance of considering nucleotide-level diversity in microbiome studies and pave the way toward a better understanding of interpersonal gut microbiome differences and their health implications.

  Study EGAS00001007204

• Molecular Attributes Underlying Central Nervous System and Systemic Relapse in Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma

  Central nervous system (CNS) relapse in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma remains a significant conundrum. While clinical risk scores and biomarkers allow the identification of patients with higher risk of CNS relapse, their predictive ability is low. Herein, we report findings from a comprehensive study examining gene expression changes, mutations and clonal evolution. Firstly, considering diagnostic samples from patients with CNS relapse, systemic relapse or no relapse, we found a striking enrichment of gene expression changes reflecting protein biosynthesis in patients who experienced CNS or systemic relapse. Furthermore, diagnostic specimens of relapsing cases were characterized by low immune infiltrates. The most discriminative gene feature in our analysis was SLAMF1, high expression of which was associated with favourable outcomes. Next, we assessed whether specific gene mutations were associated with subsequent CNS or systemic relapse. Activated B-cell-like genes such as PIM1, CD79B and PRDM1 were more frequently mutated in cases with CNS relapse, whereas TP53, BCL2 and FOXO1 mutations were associated with systemic relapse. Lastly, we performed tumor evolution analysis in five patients, identifying significant clonal divergence that accompanied CNS relapse. In summary, we identified both common biology underlying both CNS and systemic relapse, independent of cell-of-origin (COO), and specific COO-enriched gene mutations that conferred a higher risk of either CNS or systemic relapse. Moreover, we identified a pattern of clonal evolution that can explain difficulties in both predicting and treating CNS relapse.

  Study EGAS00001004057

• UK10K_RARE_HYPERCHOL

  In the UK10K project we propose a series of complementary genetic approaches to find new low frequency/rare variants contributing to disease phenotypes. These will be based on obtaining the genome wide sequence of 4000 samples from the TwinsUK and ALSPAC cohorts (at 6x sequence coverage), and the exome sequence (protein coding regions and related conserved sequence) of 6000 samples selected for extreme phenotypes. Our studies will focus primarily on cardiovascular-related quantitative traits, obesity and related metabolic traits, neurodevelopmental disorders and a limited number of extreme clinical phenotypes that will provide proof-of-concept for future familial trait sequencing. We will analyse directly quantitative traits in the cohorts and the selected traits in the extreme samples, and also use imputation down to 0.1% allele frequency to extend the analyses to further sample sets with genome wide genotype data. In each case we will investigate indels and larger structural variants as well as SNPs, and use statistical methods that combine rare variants in a locus or pathway as well as single-variant approaches.Familial Hypercholesterolemia is a condition where the affected person has a consistently high level of LDL which can lead to early clogging of the coronary arteries. All patients selected for this study will have been found not to carry the common APOB and PCSK9 mutations, and to have no detectable LDLR mutations by testing for 18 common mutations. For further information with regard to this cohort please contact Steve Humphries(steve.humphries@ucl.ac.uk).

  Study EGAS00001000129

• Preclinical Pediatric Molecular Analysis for Therapy Choice (MATCH)

  Purpose: Pediatric solid tumors arise from diverse tissues during development and exhibit a wide range of molecular, cellular and genetic features. This diversity, combined with the low incidence of pediatric cancer makes it increasingly difficult to personalize therapy for individual patients based on the unique features of their tumors. Therefore, well-credentialed preclinical models that capture the diversity and heterogeneity of pediatric solid tumors are essential for identifying molecular targeted therapeutics for precision medicine. Experimental Design: Here, we report 281 orthotopic patient derived xenografts (O-PDXs) from 224 patients representing 24 different types of pediatric solid tumors. We have performed genomic characterization of the O-PDXs and compared them to their corresponding patient tumors. To demonstrate the feasibility and utility of using such a diverse collection of O-PDXs in preclinical studies, we performed a preclinical pediatric precision medicine trial based on the NCI-COG Pediatric MATCH trial enrollment criteria. We also tested molecular targeted therapy for a novel oncogenic fusion recently reported in pediatric melanoma and precision drug delivery using nano-liposomal irinotecan. Results: In the preclinical match study, we identified one specific single agent response to LY3023414 in an osteosarcoma model with a TSC2 variant of unknown significance. Combinations of nano-liposomal irinotecan were effective in treating both Ewing sarcoma and rhabdomyosarcoma xenografts. Conclusion: Our studies demonstrate the value of large, well-credentialed preclinical models for future precision medicine in pediatric oncology using single agents, drug combinations and novel drug formulations.

  Study EGAS00001008011

• Genetic and epigenetic characterization of adenoid cystic carcinoma

  Translocation events are frequent in cancer and may create chimeric fusions or regulatory rearrangements that drive oncogene overexpression. Although regulatory rearrangements are increasingly recognized in hematopoietic and even solid tumors, the underlying mechanisms remain obscure. Here we identify super-enhancer translocations that drive overexpression of the oncogenic transcription factor MYB as a unifying theme in adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC). Whole genome sequencing data and chromatin state maps for 13 primary tumors and xenografts reveal distinct chromosomal rearrangements that juxtapose super-enhancer clusters to the MYB locus. Chromosome conformation capture confirms that the translocated enhancers physically interact with the MYB promoter. Remarkably, the MYB product itself binds to the translocated enhancers, thus creating a positive feedback loop that sustains its own expression. MYB also binds a large number of active enhancers that drive opposing regulatory programs in alternate cell lineages in ACC. MYB cooperates with the transcription factor TP63 in the myoepithelial component of the tumors, but promotes a Notch program in the luminal epithelial component. Bromodomain inhibitors, which disrupt enhancer function, slow tumor growth in ACC primagraft models in vivo, but are ineffective against high grade tumors that harbor activating mutations in the Notch pathway. Thus, our study identifies super-enhancer translocations as a unifying feature of ACC, and provides insight into the mechanism by which sustained MYB overexpression drives alternate cell fates in this disease.Processed ChIP-seq data is available on GEO under accession number GSE76465.

  Study EGAS00001001457

• Whole genome study of Hurthle cell thyroid carcinoma

  Oncocytic thyroid carcinoma, also known as Hürthle cell thyroid carcinoma, accounts for only a small percentage of all thyroid cancers. However, this malignancy often presents at an advanced stage and poses unique challenges to patients and clinicians. Surgical resection of the tumor accompanied in some cases by radioactive iodine treatment, radiation and chemotherapy are the established modes of therapy. Knowledge of the perturbed oncogenic pathways can provide better understanding of the mechanism of disease and thus opportunities for more effective clinical management. Initially, two oncocytic thyroid carcinomas and their matched normal tissues were profiled using whole genome sequencing. Subsequently, 72 oncocytic thyroid carcinomas, one cell line and 5 Hürthle cell adenomas were examined by targeted sequencing for the presence of mutations in multiple endocrine neoplasia I (MEN1) gene. We report the identification of MEN1 loss-of-function mutations in approximately 7% of patients diagnosed with oncocytic thyroid carcinoma. Whole genome sequence data also revealed large regions of copy number variation encompassing nearly the entire genomes of these tumours. Menin, a ubiquitously expressed nuclear protein, is a well-characterized tumor suppressor whose loss is the cause of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 syndrome. Menin is involved in several major cellular pathways such as regulation of transcription, control of cell cycle, apoptosis and DNA damage repair pathways. Mutations of this gene in a subset of Hürthle cell tumors point to a potential role for this protein and its associated pathways in thyroid tumorigenesis.

  Study EGAS00001000940

• Whole Tumor spatial heterogeneity in metastatic melanoma

  Heterogeneous inter-tumoral responses, sustained periods of apparent clinical benefit despite lack of objective response to various therapies, and even spontaneous remission are well known within a subpopulation of advanced melanoma patients. The molecular and cellular dynamics facilitating long-term survival remain poorly defined, particularly in the current era ofexposure to multiple potentially active therapies. We studied an exceptional case of long-term survival in a patient with non-responding metastatic melanoma in order to characterize the clonal and microenvironmental factors.We performed immunogenomic analysis of 3 metachronous tumors, and of 67 intratumor sub-regions of one metastatic lesion, usingwhole exome sequencing, RNA-sequencing, immunohistochemistry, and T cell receptor sequencing. Longitudinal analysesidentified mutations in severalknownresistance genes affecting distinctmetastases. Intra-tumoral immune signatures revealed spatially-distinct pockets of immune activation and suppression throughout the metastasis. A specific T cell VBeta CDR3 rearrangement was identified as both dominant and recurrent not only across multiple spatial points within a single tumor mass, but also across metachronous tumors spanning the patient’s disease course. Immunophenotyping of this T cell population with single-cell sequencingsuggestedrepeatedT-cell priming events leading to the persistence of both activated and exhausted T cells bearing this same TCR-Beta at any given time.Our findings highlight genomic and immune heterogeneityin metastatic disease, extending to the intra-tumoral leveland provide a rationale for integrative spatiotemporal analysis of metastatic lesions in the context of immune checkpoint blockade.

  Study EGAS00001003292

• Atypical 3q26/MECOM rearrangements genocopy inv(3)/t(3;3) in acute myeloid leukemia

  Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with inv(3)/t(3;3)(q21q26) is a distinct WHO recognized entity, characterized by its aggressive course and poor prognosis. In this subtype of AML, the translocation of a GATA2 enhancer (3q21) to MECOM (3q26) results in overexpression of the MECOM isoform EVI1 and monoallelic expression of GATA2 from the unaffected allele. The full-length MECOM transcript, MDS1-EVI1, is not expressed as the result of the 3q26 rearrangement. Besides the classical inv(3)/t(3;3), a number of other 3q26/MECOM rearrangements with poor treatment response have been reported in AML. Here we demonstrate, in a group of 33 AML patients with atypical 3q26 rearrangements, MECOM involvement with EVI1 overexpression, but no or low MDS1-EVI1 levels. Moreover, the 3q26 translocations in these AML patients often involve super-enhancers of genes active in myeloid development (e.g. CD164, PROM1, CDK6 or MYC). In more than 50% of these cases allele specific GATA2 expression was observed, either by copy number loss or by an unexplained allelic imbalance. Altogether, atypical 3q26 recapitulate the main leukemic mechanism of inv(3)/t(3;3) AML, namely EVI1 overexpression driven by enhancer hijacking, absent MDS1-EVI1 expression and potential GATA2 involvement. Therefore, we conclude that both atypical 3q26/MECOM and inv(3)/t(3;3) can be classified as a single entity of 3q26-rearranged AMLs. Routine analyses determining MECOM rearrangements, EVI1 and MDS1-EVI1 expression are required to recognize 3q-rearranged AML cases.

  Study EGAS00001004325

• Partner-independent fusion gene detection by multiplexed CRISPR/Cas9 enrichment and long-read Nanopore sequencing

  Fusion genes are hallmarks of various cancer types and important determinants for diagnosis, prognosis and treatment possibilities. The promiscuity of fusion genes with respect to partner choice and exact breakpoint-positions restricts their detection in the diagnostic setting, even for known and recurrent fusion gene configurations. To accurately identify these gene fusions in an unbiased manner, we developed FUDGE: a FUsion gene Detection assay from Gene Enrichment. FUDGE couples target-selected and strand-specific CRISPR/Cas9 activity for enrichment and detection of fusion gene drivers (e.g. BRAF, EWSR1, KMT2A/MLL) - without prior knowledge of fusion partner or breakpoint-location - to long-read Nanopore sequencing. FUDGE encompasses a dedicated bioinformatics approach (NanoFG) to detect fusion genes from Nanopore sequencing data. Our strategy is flexible with respect to target choice and enables multiplexed enrichment for simultaneous analysis of several genes in multiple samples in a single sequencing run. We observe on average a 508-fold on-target enrichment and identify fusion breakpoints at nucleotide resolution - all within two days. We demonstrate that FUDGE effectively identifies fusion genes in cancer cell lines, tumor samples and on whole genome amplified DNA irrespective of partner gene or breakpoint-position in 100% of cases. Furthermore, we show that FUDGE is superior to routine diagnostic methods for fusion gene detection. In summary, we have developed a rapid and versatile fusion gene detection assay, providing an unparalleled opportunity for pan-cancer detection of fusion genes in routine diagnostics.

  Study EGAS00001003964

• Whole transcriptome profiling of liquid biopsies from tumour xenografted mouse models: validation cohort

  While cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in liquid biopsies is widely being used and investigated, free circulating RNA (extracellular RNA, exRNA) has the potential to improve therapy response monitoring and cancer detection due to its dynamic nature. A fundamental open question hampering the initiation of large-scale liquid biopsy collections for tumour exRNA analysis is that it remains unclear in which blood subcompartment tumour-derived exRNAs primarily reside. We set out to develop a host-xenograft deconvolution framework, exRNAxeno, with cDNA mapping strategies to either a combined human-mouse reference genome or both species genomes in parallel, that can be applied to exRNA sequencing data from liquid biopsies of human xenograft mouse models, enabling to distinguish (human) tumoural RNA from (murine) host RNA, and as such to specifically analyse tumour-derived exRNA. Subsequently, the preferred exRNAxeno combination pipeline was applied to total exRNA sequencing data from blood platelets and three plasma fractions from a breast cancer patient-derived and neuroblastoma cell line-derived xenograft mouse model. We show that tumoural exRNA concentrations are not determined by plasma platelet levels, while host exRNA concentrations increase with platelet content. Furthermore, a large variability in exRNA levels and gene content across individual mice is observed. In general, the tumoural gene detectability in plasma is correlated with the RNA expression levels in the tumour tissue or cancer cell line. Our results unravel new aspects of tumour-derived exRNA biology in xenograft mouse models.

  Study EGAS00001006582

• Differentially methylated CpGs in response to growth hormone administration in children with idiopathic short stature

  Background: Recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) has shown a great growth-promoting potential in children with idiopathic short stature (ISS). However, the response to rhGH differs across individuals, largely due to genetic and epigenetic heterogeneity. Since epigenetic marks on the methylome can be dynamically influenced by GH, we performed a comprehensive pharmaco-epigenomics analysis of DNA methylation changes associated with long-term rhGH administration in children with ISS. Results: We measured DNA methylation profiles before and after GH treatment (with a duration of ~18 months in average) on 47 healthy children using customized methylC-seq capture sequencing. Their changes were compared and associated with changes in plasma IGF1 by adjusting sex, age, treatment duration, and estimated blood proportions. We observed a considerable inter-individual heterogeneity of DNA methylation changes responding to GH treatment. We identified 267 response-associated differentially methylated cytosines (DMC) that were enriched in promoter regions, CpG islands and blood cell-type specific regulatory elements. Furthermore, the genes associated with these DMCs were enriched in the biology process of "cell development", "neuron differentiation" and "developmental growth", and in the TGF-beta signaling pathway, PPAR Alpha pathway, endoderm differentiation pathway, adipocytokine signaling pathway as well as PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, and cAMP signaling pathway. Conclusion: Our study provides a first insight in DNA methylation changes associated with rhGH administration, which may help understand mechanisms of epigenetic regulation on GH-responsive genes.

  Study EGAS00001006115

• Non-muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer Molecular Subtypes Predict Differential Response to Intravesical Bacillus Calmette-Guérin

  The recommended treatment for patients with high-risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (HR-NMIBC) is tumor resection followed by adjuvant Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) bladder instillations. However, only 50% of patients benefit from this therapy. In case of progression to advanced disease, patients must undergo a radical cystectomy with significant morbidity and have a poor clinical outcome. Identifying tumors least likely to respond to BCG can translate into alternative treatments, such as early radical cystectomy or novel targeted or immunotherapies. Here we present molecular profiling of 132 BCG-naive, HR-NMIBC patients, and 44 post-BCG recurrences (34 matched), which uncovered three distinct BCG Response Subtypes (BRS1-3). Patients with BRS3 tumors have reduced recurrence and progression-free survival compared to BRS1-2. BRS3 tumors expressed high EMT-basal markers and had an immunosuppresive profile, which was confirmed with spatial proteomics. Tumors which recurred post-BCG were enriched for BRS3. BRS stratification was validated in a second cohort of 151 BCG-naive HR-NMIBC patients and the molecular subtypes outperformed guideline recommended risk stratification based on clinicopathological variables. For clinical application, we validated that a commercially approved assay was able to accurately predict BRS3 tumors (AUROC 0.86). Our findings provide a potential clinical tool for improved identification of HR-NMIBC patients at the highest risk of progression, which can be used to select patients for early radical cystectomy or novel subtype-directed therapies.

  Study EGAS00001006879

• DNA Double Strand Breaks in KMT2A-Rearranged AML patients

  DNA breakage at specific rearrangement-participating genes, which are more sensitive to a range of environmental and chemotherapeutic agents than other regions of the human genome, contributes to the generation of leukemia-causing rearrangements, and can be used as a predictor of susceptibility to cancer caused by gene rearrangements. As a direct proof-of-principle regarding the feasibility of employing fragile site breakage to identify and monitor high-risk populations to allow personalized treatments, genome-wide DNA break mapping/sequencing was used to determine whether preferential DNA breaks are generated at the major breakpoint regions of KMT2A in AML remission patients with previously diagnosed KMT2A rearrangement. We are submitting break mapping data from three patients with KMT2A rearrangements and three non-fusion patients, with and without etoposide treatments.

  Study phs002804

• Genome wide association study for early onset coronary disease and related phenotypes (ADVANCE)

  ADVANCE (Atherosclerotic Disease, VAscular functioN, and genetiC Epidemiology) is a large epidemiological study of genetic and non-genetic determinants of coronary artery disease (CAD) that started in 2000 as a collaborative effort between researchers at Stanford University and Kaiser Permanente of Northern California. The overarching goal of the study is to improve our ability to prevent, diagnose and treat CAD. The initial study included recruitment of over 3600 subjects (including 1873 subjects with incident clinically significant coronary disease and 1745 control subjects) from multiple race/ethnic backgrounds. A subset of ~ 500 subjects with very early onset coronary disease (men < 45 and women < 55) and ~ 500 similar aged controls were genotyped using the Illumina 550K platform as part of an NIH funded effort within the STAMPEED consortium.

  Study phs000423

• Rapid Acceleration of Diagnostics - Digital Health Technologies (RADx-DHT): Large Scale Flu Surveillance Study (LSFS)

  The purpose of this study was to better understand behavioral and physiological functioning in relation to recent self-reported influenza and influenza-like-illness (ILI), including coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Over 65,000 Achievement members responded to a weekly one-click survey asking if they had experienced ILI within the previous 7-day period. If they responded no, they were given the option to complete a survey about their risk factors and behavior. If they responded yes, they were given the option to complete a survey asking about the specifics of the incident. Participants were also asked to sync their wearable activity trackers and health apps in order for researchers to better understand changes in behavioral and physiological outcomes related to self-reported ILI experiences.DOI: https://rapids.ll.mit.edu/10.57895/fkth-d352

  Study phs002539

• Genetic Epidemiology of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

  Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a subtype of B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders (LPD), and is the most common form of adult leukemia in Caucasians in the United States. Small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) is also a B-cell LPD and is typically considered to be the same disease as CLL, based on pathology. We consider CLL and SLL as the same disease entity, and hereafter refer to both simply as "CLL". Using genealogical databases and cancer records, the familial clustering for CLL is one of the strongest for all cancer sites, strongly implicating germline genetic risk. We ascertained CLL cases and controls for a genomewide association study (GWAS) that was undertaken as part of the International Lymphoma Epidemiology (InterLymph) consortium GWAS. Some CLL cases are also part of extended high-risk CLLpedigrees.

  Study phs001568

• HNPCC-Sys: Molecular Characterization of Lynch Syndromes

  Lynch Syndrome (LS) tumors are characterized by constitutional mutations in DNA mismatch-repair genes. Colorectal cancers (CRCs) are the predominant tumor type in patients with LS. Here, we have used whole-genome and transcriptome sequencing of LS- CRC to find similarities and differences of mutation and gene expression characteristics between LS-CRC and sporadic CRC (data provided by TCGA via dbGaP). Furthermore, we were interested in the molecular heterogeneity of LS-CRC. We have performed a molecular characterization of LS-tumors and of matched tumor-distant reference colonic mucosa based on whole-genome DNA- and RNA-sequencing analyses. Our data indicates the existence of two subgroups of LS-CRCs, G1 and G2, where G1 tumors show a higher number of somatic mutations, higher microsatellite slippage and a different mutation spectrum.

  Study phs001407

• HuBMAP: Single-Cell Data from Human Tissues

  The small bowel and colon are organs critical for maintaining homeostasis of the human body by mediating nutritional absorption upon the ingestion of food. Though both organs are extensive in length, there are known differences in function and cellular heterogeneity within different portions of each. Also, a cross section anywhere in the bowel reveals a complex layering of components involved in absorption and secretion, motility of gut contents, circulation, and immunity. We are mapping the complexity of the the small bowel and colon with cell-to-cell resolution in histologic sections, both along their lengths and across multiple individuals. Our molecular data consist of single cell ATAC-seq and RNA-seq. These profiles are spatially mapped to histologic sections using CO-Detection by indEXing (CODEX), a highly multiplexed system of antibody-tagged target epitopes.

  Study phs002272

• Evolution of Resistance in ER+ Breast Cancer

  While the combination of endocrine therapy and CDK4/CDK6 inhibitors has been shown to be effective in the metastatic ER+ breast cancer setting, to test whether it is effective in an earlier stage neoadjuvant setting, the FELINE trial (NCT02712723) was established to test the efficacy of letrozole and ribociclib in a ER-positive, HER2-negative patients in a randomized, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial. Patients were randomized to one of three arms: those in Arm A received letrozole and placebo, Arm B letrozole and intermittent ribociclib, and Arm C letrozole and continuous ribociclib. Samples were collected at screening (Day 0), Cycle 1 (Day 14), and end of trial (Day 180). Samples from 24 patients, where cancer cells were present at Day 0 and one additional time point, were subjected to whole-exome sequencing profiling.

  Study phs002287

• Transcriptomic and Clonal Characterization of T Cells in the Human Central Nervous System

  The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is thought to be a main route for immune surveillance in the central nervous system (CNS). Understanding the composition and state of CSF in healthy individuals may provide insight into perturbations present during neuroinflammation. Here, we have used single-cell RNA and TCR sequencing to profile CSF and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from healthy individuals and patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic autoimmmune disease. In addition, with the goal of understanding how transcriptional artefacts are introduced in transcriptomics experiments, we have performed single-cell and TCR sequencing to profile PBMCs from a healthy individual that were processed with the same enzymatic digestion used for tissues (such as the brain) in the presence or absence of transcription inhibitors. 

  Study phs002222

• Hereditary Cancer Predisposition Syndromes and Uveal Melanoma

  Uveal melanoma (UM) is a subtype of melanoma characterized by the strong contribution of genetic rather than environmental factors in the pathogenesis of the disease, making it an ideal model disease to study the genetic basis of cancer. The long-term goal of our laboratory is to determine the genes and mechanisms responsible for hereditary cancer predisposition associated with UM. BAP1 has been identified as a candidate gene with definitive association with predisposition to UM. However, pathogenic variants in BAP1 are detected in only a small subset of UM patients even those with strong personal and family history of cancer suggesting the existence of other candidate genes. The goal of this project is to identify novel candidate genes contributing to hereditary predisposition to UM in patients with no detectable germline pathogenic variant in BAP1.

  Study phs001943

• Somatic Mutations in Epilepsy: Whole Genome Sequence Analysis of Single Neurons

  Low-coverage whole-genome sequencing was performed on single-cells from resected brain tissues obtained from an individual with hemimegalencephaly (HMG) along with a somatic copy number variant (sCNV) of chromosome 1q in order to characterize the sCNV at the single cell level. Single neuronal nuclei and non-neuronal nuclei were isolated by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) using NeuN immunoreactivity to identify neurons. 46 neurons and 30 non-neuronal cells, as well as a batch of 10 and a batch of 100 cells from each group, were genome amplified using multiple displacement amplification (MDA) and sequenced on an Illumina HiSeq 2000 sequencer. Thirty-two samples were multiplexed into each HiSeq lane for single-end 50 bp runs, obtaining ~5 million pass-filter reads per sample.

  Study phs002615

• Clinical relevance of TCGA subtypes for gastric cancer patients

  There is a clinical need for the availability of molecular biomarkers in the tratment of gastric cancer (GC), since survival rates remain poor with a 5-year survival rate of only ~`40% for patients with resectable disease. These markers will elad to a more tailored approach in the treatment of GC, which enhances efficacy and reduces toxicity. Recently, The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) classified GC patients into four molecular subgroups: Epstein Barr Virus positive (EBV+), genomically stable (GS), microsatellite instable (MSI), and chromosomal instable (CIN). For this purpose we aim to collect tumor tissue blocks from patients who participated in the Dutch D1/D2 or the CRITICS trial and who gave informed consent for translational studies. Associations between TCGA subtypes and outcomes to these different therapeutic options will be analyzed.

  Study EGAS50000000779

• 10x genomics single cell RNA-seq and ATAC-seq from 10 pre-menopausal patients fimbriae and ampullary part of the fallopian tube

  The fallopian tube, connecting the uterus with the ovary, is a dynamic organ that undergoes cyclical changes and is the site of several diseases, including serous cancer. Here, we use single-cell technologies to construct a comprehensive cell map of healthy pre-menopausal fallopian tubes, capturing the impact of the menstrual cycle and menopause on different fallopian tube cells at the molecular level. The comparative analysis between pre- and post-menopausal fallopian tubes reveals substantial shifts in cellular abundance and gene expression patterns, highlighting the physiological changes associated with menopause. Further investigations into menstrual cycle phases illuminate distinct molecular states in secretory epithelial cells caused by hormonal fluctuations. The markers we identified characterizing secretory epithelial cells provide a valuable tool for classifying ovarian cancer subtypes.

  Study EGAS50000000628

• Transcriptomic profiling of circulating regulatory T cells from follicular lymphoma patients before and after Lenalidomide treatment

  Lenalidomide has demonstrated a favorable efficacy profile in follicular lymphoma (FL) in combination with anti-CD20 antibodies. However, in vivo administration of Lenalidomide in FL patients triggers a proliferation of functional regulatory T cells (Tregs), and a high percentage of Tregs before and along the course of treatment with Lenalidomide/anti-CD20 combination is of poor prognosis. In this study, we evaluated the impact of Lenalidomide on circulating Treg in 3 FL patients using single cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq). For this purpose, we took advantage of the GALEN clinical trial (NCT01582776), where Lenalidomide was initiated one week before starting the anti-CD20 antibody Obinutuzumab, allowing us to compare the transcriptomic profile of immune cells before (D0) and at day 7 (D7) of treatment by Lenalidomide alone.

  Study EGAS50000001048

• The Oral Microbiome and Head and Neck Cancer

  Oral microbiota may influence head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) development, potentially related to carcinogen metabolism. The human oral cavity hosts a diverse microbiota, including bacteria and fungi. We performed shotgun sequencing and ITS1 sequencing on 236 HNSCC case participants who developed HNSCC during a mean follow-up of 5.1 years and 458 matched controls who remained HNSCC-free. Oral samples were obtained from a prospective nested case-control study within three epidemiological cohorts: the American Cancer Society Cancer Prevention Study II Nutrition Cohort (ACS CPS-II), the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial (PLCO), and the Southern Community Cohort Study (SCCS). Control participants were selected using 2:1 frequency matching based on cohort, age, sex, race and ethnicity, and time since oral sample collection.

  Study phs004018

• Single-Cell Atlas of Human Liver and Blood Immune Cells Across Fatty Liver Disease Stages

  The goal of the study was to investigate immunological correlates of human fatty liver disease progression. We generated a single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq) atlas of immune cells from liver fine needle aspirates (FNAs) and paired peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from a full-spectrum Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD)/Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis (MASH) human cohort, using the 3' 10X Genomics platform. Using computational analyses to assess changes in cellular frequencies and function, we found heightened immunoregulatory programs with profibrotic potential alongside a shift from antigen-specific to natural killer cytotoxic functions in the liver with MASH progression. Available data include raw single-cell transcriptomic data (FASTQ files) for each sample type (PBMC, FNA) per patient alongside clinical and histological measurements of fatty liver disease.

  Study phs004044

• Smoking-dependent expression alterations in nasal epithelium reveal immune impairment linked to germline variation and lung cancer risk.

  Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in the world. In contrast to many other cancers, a direct connection to lifestyle risk in the form of cigarette smoke has long been established. More than 50% of all smoking-related lung cancers occur in former smokers, often many years after smoking cessation. Despite extensive research, the molecular processes for persistent lung cancer risk are unclear. CT screening of current and former smokers has been shown to reduce lung cancer mortality by up to 26%. To examine whether clinical risk stratification can be improved upon by the addition of genetic data, and to explore the mechanisms of the persisting risk in former smokers, we have analyzed transcriptomic data from accessible airway tissues of 487 subjects. We developed a model to assess smoking associated gene expression changes and their reversibility after smoking is stopped, in both healthy subjects and clinic patients. We find persistent smoking associated immune alterations to be a hallmark of the clinic patients. Integrating previous GWAS data using a transcriptional network approach, we demonstrate that the same immune and interferon related pathways are strongly enriched for genes linked to known genetic risk factors, demonstrating a causal relationship between immune alteration and lung cancer risk. Finally, we used accessible airway transcriptomic data to derive a non-invasive lung cancer risk classifier. Our results provide initial evidence for germline-mediated personalised smoke injury response and risk in the general population, with potential implications for managing long-term lung cancer incidence and mortality.

  Dac EGAC50000000169

• exploration of biomarkers discriminating squamous cell carcinoma from other lung cancers

  Targeted therapies based on the molecular and histological features of cancer types are becoming standard practice. The most effective regimen in lung cancers is different between squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and adenocarcinoma (AD). Therefore a precise diagnosis is crucial, but this has been difficult, particularly for poorly differentiated SCC (PDSCC) and AD without a lepidic growth component (non-lepidic AD). Biomarkers enabling a precise diagnosis are therefore urgently needed. To achieve this goal, we initially performed CAGE (Cap Analysis of Gene Expression) to quantify promoter activities on 97 frozen tissues from surgically resected lung cancers (22 SCC and 75 AD). We furhter expanded the transcriptome profiling to cover additional 48 malignant neoplasm of bronchus and lung, including mesothelioma and metastatic lung cancers derived from other tissues.

  Study JGAS000488

• ECM-free patient-derived organoids preserve diverse prostate cancer lineages and uncover in vitro-enriched cell types

  Patient-derived organoids (PDOs) hold promise for modeling various cancers, yet their application in prostate cancer (PCa) has been limited due to low culture success and the predominance of non-tumor-like cells. Using 164 PCa samples and optimizing culture conditions, we demonstrate that an extracellular matrix (ECM)-free culture method improves PDO take-rates, fostering cell populations with luminal and PCa-specific characteristics. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) reveals that these ECM-free PDOs closely mirror their original tumors at the transcriptomic level and maintain a diverse array of tumor cell types, unlike traditional Matrigel-based cultures which predominantly yield benign-like cells. This study introduces a PCa PDO single-cell atlas, providing a valuable resource for advancing prostate cancer research.

  Study EGAS50000000807

• Germline Aberrations of PAX5 Cause Susceptibility to pre-B cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

  A novel heterozygous germline variant, c.547G>A (p.Gly183Ser), in the paired box protein encoding gene, PAX5, was found to segregate with disease in two unrelated kindreds with autosomal dominant pre-B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Leukemic cells from both families exhibited 9p deletion, with loss-of-heterozygosity and retention of the mutant PAX5 allele at 9p13 . Two additional sporadic ALL cases with 9p loss demonstrated PAX5 Gly183 substitution in the leukemic cells. Functional analysis of the PAX5 germline variants demonstrated reduced transcriptional activity, as well as decreased interaction with Groucho-4. These data extend the role of PAX5 alterations in the pathogenesis of pre-B ALL, and implicate PAX5 in a novel syndrome of germline susceptibility to pre-B cell neoplasia.

  Study EGAS00001000447

• Whole-exome sequencing of breast cancer metastasis and corresponding blood samples

  This study included samples from metastatic breast cancer patients who underwent a biopsy in the context of SAFIR01 (NCT01414933), SAFIR02 (NCT02299999), SHIVA (NCT01771458) and MOSCATO (NCT01566019) prospective trials. These French multicentre trials used high throughput genome analysis on fresh frozen tumor biopsies as a therapeutic decision tool for metastatic cancer patients, with solid cancers (SHIVA, MOSCATO) or specifically with breast cancer (SAFIR01, SAFIR02). All patients gave their informed consent for translational research and genetic analyses of their somatic DNA. Overall, whole-exome sequencing for a total of 216 pairs of metastatic tumor and unmutated DNA derived from corresponding blood samples was performed using Illumina technology. The results of the analysis of the mutational profile of metastatic breast cancer was reported in Lefebvre et al. (PMID:28027327).

  Study EGAS00001001695

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

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

  Study EGAS00001003160