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• Hematopoietic Tet2 inactivation enhances the response to checkpoint blockade immunotherapy

  Somatic mutations inactivating TET2 are among the most common drivers of clonal hematopoiesis (CH). While TET2 inactivation is associated with monocyte-derived inflammation and improved chimeric antigen-receptor-T cell function, its impact on immunotherapy response is unknown. In murine models, hematopoietic Tet2 mutation enhanced the immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) response via the combined presence of phagocytes, CD4 and CD8 T cells. This effect was lost with myeloid- or T-cell restricted Tet2 inactivation, or in mice with 20% Tet2-mutant hematopoiesis. Mechanistically, in Tet2-mutant tumor-infiltrating leukocytes (TILs), ICB preferentially restricted cell states linked to tumor progression while inducing anti-tumor states. Tet2-mutant monocytes activated costimulatory programs, while Tet2-mutant T cells showed enhanced T cell memory signatures, alongside decreased exhaustion and regulatory phenotypes. This murine data was clinically relevant, since tumors from colorectal cancer and melanoma patients with TET2 driver mutation-CH (TET2-CH) showed enhanced immune infiltration, inflammation, and T cell activation. In melanoma patients treated with ICB, TET2-CH was associated with 6-fold greater odds of clinical benefit. Collectively, we demonstrate that hematopoietic Tet2 inactivation primes leukocytes for anti-tumor states associated with immunotherapy response and provides a potential biomarker for personalized therapy.

  Study EGAS50000001191

• CancerLocator: Non-Invasive Cancer Diagnosis and Tissue-of-Origin Prediction Using Methylation Profiles of Cell-Free DNA

  Background: The detection and characterization of cell-free DNA in plasma is one of the most promising new areas in cancer diagnosis. Liquid biopsy, unlike traditional tissue biopsy, has the potential to diagnose a variety of different malignancies. Results: Here we propose a probabilistic method, CancerLocator, which exploits the diagnostic potential of cell-free DNA by determining not only the presence but also the location of tumors. CancerLocator simultaneously infers the proportions and the tissue-of-origin of tumor-derived cell-free DNA in a blood sample using genome-wide DNA methylation data. We comprehensively evaluate CancerLocator with simulations and real data, and compare its performance with that of two established multi-class classification methods. We show that the predicted tumor burdens are highly consistent with the true values. In addition, when the proportion of tumor-derived DNAs in the cell-free DNAs is low, the two popular machine learning methods completely fail for cancer diagnosis, while CancerLocator successfully overcomes the challenge. CancerLocator also achieves promising results on patient plasma samples, despite the fact that the DNA methylation data from these samples has very low sequencing coverage. Conclusions: CfDNA methylation may be developed as an important approach for non-invasive early cancer diagnosis.

  Study EGAS00001002211

• Host whole genome variations are associated with neurocognitive outcome in survivors of pediatric medulloblastoma

  Host whole genome analysis is a promising source of predictive information for long-term morbidity in cancer survivors. However, studies on genetic predictors of long-term outcome, particularly neurocognitive function following chemoradiation in pediatric oncology are limited. In the present study, we evaluated variations in host whole genome single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and their association with cognitive outcome. Whole-genome SNP analysis of host peripheral blood was conducted on 22 medulloblastoma long-term survivors, of whom 18 completed neuropsychological testing. First, unsupervised consensus clustering of the most variable SNPs within 409 genes involved in DNA repair was performed. Discrete variant groups were identified, although they were not associated with cognitive outcome, suggesting that variations in genes corresponding to a single functional group may be insufficient to predict long-term outcome alone. In support of this interpretation, unsupervised hierarchical clustering analysis using disease-associated gene variants by cognitive impairment status yielded two distinct variant clusters comprised of 36 variants, 34 of which were in noncoding regions. These findings illustrate for the first time that cognitively impaired survivors have a distinct variant profile compared to other medulloblastoma survivors. Future research in larger cohorts is needed to validate host genome predictors of cognitive impairment that may impact clinical management.

  Study EGAS00001002996

• PSCP_bisulphite analysis in hESCs (2018-08-13)

  Many studies over the past 10 years, culminating in the recent report of the International Stem Cell Initiative (ISCI, 2011) have shown that hPSC acquire genetic and epigenetic changes during their time in culture. Many of the genetic changes are non-random and recurrent, probably because they provide a selective growth advantage to the undifferentiated cells. Some are shared by embryonal carcinoma cells, the malignant counterparts of ES cells. The origins of these growth advantages are poorly understood, but may come from altered cell cycle dynamics, resistance to apoptosis or altered patterns of differentiation. Less is known about the nature and consequences of epigenetic changes, but it is likely that these similarly affect hPSC behaviour; e.g., enhanced expression of DLK1, an imprinted gene, is associated with altered hPSC growth (Enver et al 2005). Inevitably, these genetic and epigenetic changes will impact on our ability to use hPSC for regenerative medicine, either because malignant transformation of the undifferentiated cells or their differentiated derivatives to be used for transplantation compromises safety, or because they impede the function of those differentiated derivatives, or because they affect the efficiency with which the undifferentiated cells can be expanded and differentiated into desired cell types. Focusing initially upon the existing clinical grade hESC lines, later moving to iPSC, we will Consolidate and extend knowledge of the rate, type and functional impact of the genetic variations that occur during hPSC culture. We will use whole genome and exome sequencing as well as SNP arrays, together with clonal analysis and other cytogenetics techniques. Common changes will be compared with those found in the normal human population, at low frequency in the original cell population or observed during iPSC generation in the HIPSCI project currently based at the WTSI. These studies will provide a better understanding of the range of genetic changes that occur in hPSC beyond the CNVs already identified. In conjunction with cancer genome resources and expertise at WTSI, bioinformatic analyses of these hPSC data will allow us to assess potential impact on hPSC behaviour pertinent to applications in regenerative medicine, notably the likelihood that specific changes arising in undifferentiated PSC cultures may be associated with potential malignant transformation of differentiated progeny. This data is part of a pre-publication release. For information on the proper use of pre-publication data shared by the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute (including details of any publication moratoria), please see http://www.sanger.ac.uk/datasharing/ . This dataset contains all the data available for this study on 2018-08-13.

  Dataset EGAD00001004295

• Residual ANTXR1+ myofibroblasts after chemotherapy inhibit anti-tumor immunity via YAP1 signaling pathway

  Although cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF) heterogeneity is well-established, the impact of chemotherapy on CAF populations remains poorly understood. We address this question in high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC), in which we previously identified 4 CAF populations. While the global content in stroma increases in HGSOC after chemotherapy, the proportion of FAP+ CAF (also called CAF-S1) decreases. Still, maintenance of high residual CAF-S1 content after chemotherapy is associated with reduced CD8+ T lymphocyte density and poor patient prognosis, emphasizing the importance of CAF-S1 reduction upon treatment. Single cell analysis, spatial transcriptomics and immunohistochemistry reveal that the content in the ECM-producing ANTXR1+ CAF-S1 cluster (ECM-myCAF) is the most affected by chemotherapy. Moreover, functional assays demonstrate that ECM-myCAF isolated from HGSOC reduce CD8+ T-cell cytotoxicity through a Yes Associated Protein 1 (YAP1)-dependent mechanism. Thus, efficient inhibition after treatment of YAP1-signaling pathway in the ECM-myCAF cluster is required to enhance CD8+ T-cell cytotoxicity. Altogether, these data pave the way for novel therapy targeting YAP1 in ECM-myCAF in HGSOC.

  Study EGAS50000000136

• An APOBEC Cytidine Deaminase Mutagenesis in Human Cancers

  Reprinted from Roberts et al. "An APOBEC cytidine deaminase mutagenesis pattern is widespread in human cancers", Nature Genetics, 45:970-976, 2013, with permission of Nature Publishing Group: Recent studies indicate that a subclass of APOBEC cytidine deaminases, which convert cytosine to uracil during RNA editing and retrovirus or retrotransposon restriction, may induce mutation clusters in human tumors. We show here that throughout cancer genomes APOBEC-mediated mutagenesis is pervasive and correlates with APOBEC mRNA levels. Mutation clusters in whole-genome and exome data sets conformed to the stringent criteria indicative of an APOBEC mutation pattern. Applying these criteria to 954,247 mutations in 2,680 exomes from 14 cancer types, mostly from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), showed a significant presence of the APOBEC mutation pattern in bladder, cervical, breast, head and neck, and lung cancers, reaching 68% of all mutations in some samples. Within breast cancer, the HER2-enriched subtype was clearly enriched for tumors with the APOBEC mutation pattern, suggesting that this type of mutagenesis is functionally linked with cancer development. The APOBEC mutation pattern also extended to cancer-associated genes, implying that ubiquitous APOBEC-mediated mutagenesis is carcinogenic.

  Study phs000677

• Kids First: Whole Genome Sequencing of Nonsyndromic Craniosynostosis

  The Gabriella Miller Kids First Pediatric Research Program (Kids First) is a trans-NIH effort initiated in response to the 2014 Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act and supported by the NIH Common Fund. This program focuses on gene discovery in pediatric cancers and structural birth defects and the development of the Gabriella Miller Kids First Pediatric Data Resource (Kids First Data Resource). All of the WGS and phenotypic data from this study are accessible through dbGaP and kidsfirstdrc.org, where other Kids First datasets can also be accessed. Nonsyndromic craniosynostosis (NCS) is a common, major structural birth defect - due to the premature fusion of one or more cranial sutures - that requires extensive surgical correction and is associated with considerable ongoing medical problems and health care costs. Because little is known about the causes of NCS, whole genome sequencing will help advance knowledge of genetic factors contributing to the etiology of NCS. Data from this project will lead to a better understanding of biological processes involved in the etiology of NCS and provide critical insights for development of early diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies.

  Study phs001806

• Increased mutation accumulation during fetal development in Down syndrome

  Children with Down syndrome (DS) show a high incidence of leukemia, which is preceded by transient myeloproliferative disorder (TMD) in neonates. TMD is characterized by mutations in GATA1 that accumulate during fetal development, indicating that additional mutagenesis is required for leukemogenesis. Abnormalities in chromosome numbers can result in a mutator phenotype. However, it is unknown whether a trisomy of chromosome 21 (T21) results in enhanced mutation accumulation during human development. Here, we determined the mutational consequences of a constitutive T21 in DS fetuses compared to disomy 21 cells (D21) of D21 fetuses. We found that D21 fetal HPSCs had a higher somatic mutation rate compared to healthy adults HSPCs. Moreover, we observed an increase in somatic mutation load in T21 cells of DS fetuses, which was already apparent during the first cell divisions of embryogenesis. The mutation load could be explained by processes that are active during normal fetal development and were similar to those observed in TMD blast cells. Our study shows that T21 causes an increase in somatic load in fetal cells of DS fetuses, which may contribute to leukemia development early in life.

  Study EGAS00001003982

• Allele-specific expression of GATA2 due to epigenetic dysregulation in double mutated CEBPA AML

  Transcriptional deregulation is a central event in the development of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). To identify potential disturbances in gene regulation, we conducted an unbiased screen of allele-specific expression (ASE) in 209 AML cases. The gene encoding GATA binding protein 2 (GATA2) displayed ASE more often than any other myeloid or cancer-related gene. GATA2 ASE was strongly associated with CEBPA double mutations (CEBPA DM), with 95% of cases presenting GATA2 ASE. In CEBPA DM AML with GATA2 mutations, the mutated allele was preferentially expressed. We found that GATA2 ASE is a somatic event lost in complete remission, supporting the notion that it plays a role in CEBPA DM AML. Acquisition of GATA2 ASE involved silencing of one allele via promoter methylation, compensated by overactivation of the other allele, thereby preserving expression levels. Notably, promoter methylation was also lost in remission together with GATA2 ASE. In summary, we propose that GATA2 ASE is acquired by epigenetic mechanisms and is a prerequisite for the development of AML with CEBPA DM. This finding constitutes a novel example of an epigenetic hit cooperating with a genetic hit in the pathogenesis of AML.

  Study EGAS00001004684

• Retinoblastoma Aqueous Humor Liquid Biopsy Repository

  This study involves the use of the aqueous humor (AH, the clear fluid in the front of the eye) as an organ specific liquid biopsy for retinoblastoma. This relatively new liquid biopsy platform was started at CHLA/USC and was developed to overcome the lack of tumor tissue -- due to contraindication to biopsy -- for this cancer. We have demonstrated that the aqueous humor is an enriched source of tumor DNA. Previously tumoral information was only available after the eye was removed for treatment failure. Due to the AH liquid biopsy, we are now able to assay tumor derived molecular information from these eyes at diagnosis and longitudinally during treatment -- as opposed to only eyes that have failed therapy. We have demonstrated that using the platform we can identify the specific mutations in the RB1 gene that initiate tumorigenesis in this cancer as well as the secondary chromosomal alterations the drive further tumor growth. This database will provide sequencing information as well as associated clinical information and globe salvage outcomes.

  Study phs003077

• Copy number variations and fragmentation features in cell-free DNA predict response in advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients under anti-PD-(L)1 therapy

  Anti-PD-(L)1 therapy is routinely used in metastatic NSCLC. However, response rates vary and biomarkers predicting treatment efficacy are lacking. Liquid biopsies allow monitoring of residual disease during therapy. Residual circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) after therapy represents a predictive marker for adverse outcome. Here, we assessed copy number variations (CNVs) in serial plasma samples of NSCLC patients receiving PD-(L)1 blockade. We profiled CNV and fragmentation features in 118 plasma samples of advanced NSCLC patients by low-coverage whole genome sequencing taken at baseline, after four therapy cycles and at disease progression. CNVs and fragment features (i.e., fragment length, end motifs, position) were significantly altered in patients compared to healthy donors. Furthermore, fragment length changes at baseline and residual CNVs after four therapy cycles correlated with short progression-free survival. Our results highlight the suitability of plasma-based CNV and fragment analysis for disease monitoring and as a predictive marker for response duration in NSCLC patients under anti-PD-(L)1 therapy.

  Study EGAS50000000441

• Systemic Inflammation and Lymphocyte Activation Precede Rheumatoid Arthritis

  The Allen Institute for Immunology-University of California, San Diego-University of Colorado Transition to Rheumatoid Arthritis (ALTRA) project is a prospective longitudinal cohort study to understand the pre-clinical development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We performed cross-sectional and longitudinal multi-omics analyses of peripheral immunity in the anti-citrullinated protein autoantibody-positive (ACPA+) at-risk for RA period. We provide FASTQ files from (1) single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) of ACPA+ at-risk (n=45), ACPA+ early RA (n=11), and site-matched ACPA- controls (n=38); (2) scRNA-seq of longitudinal samples from ACPA+ at-risk who developed clinically active RA during our study (n=16 participants, n=75 samples) and ACPA- controls (n=29 subjects, n=89 samples); (3) trimodal TEA-seq of a subset of ACPA+ at-risk (n=7) and ACPA- controls (n=5). Using these data, we characterize pathogenesis prior to clinical RA diagnosis and suggest the at-risk state exhibits substantial immune alterations that could potentially be targeted for early intervention to delay or prevent autoimmunity.

  Study phs003944

• Analysis of four key cell types (epithelial, fbroblast, myeloid and T cells)

  Alterations of the normal prostate epithelial cell genome trigger the emergence of carcinoma, however cancer-only analyses of genomic aberrations have resulted in little clinical translation. A deep understanding of the tumor microenvironment is likely to inform on key drivers of disease progression and novel therapeutic opportunities. We investigated the role of key cell types along disease progression, profiling the RNA abundance of 52 samples from 13 patients enriched for one of four key cell types, spanning a wide CAPRA-S risk score range. Using a novel differential transcription Bayes method, TABI, we avoided a priori patient stratification, and mapped transcriptional alteration events to specific risk scores. The developmental and cell-type resolution yielded a landscape of concurrent transcriptional alterations from the tumour microenvironment, including key hallmarks. These transcriptional signatures permitted the identification of a “high survival” patient cluster in an independent prostate cancer dataset. Most importantly, together with our integrated transcriptional analysis, differential tissue composition analysis provided evidence for a key role for monocytes and macrophages in prostate cancer progression and disease recurrence.

  Study EGAS00001003579

• Scalable whole-genome single-cell library preparation without pre-amplification

  Single-cell genomics is critical for understanding cellular heterogeneity in cancer, but existing library preparation methods are expensive, require sample preamplification and introduce coverage bias. Here we describe direct library preparation (DLP), a robust, scalable, and high-fidelity method that uses nanoliter-volume transposition reactions for single-cell whole-genome library preparation without preamplification. We examined 782 cells from cell lines and triple-negative breast xenograft tumors. Low-depth sequencing, compared with existing methods, revealed greater coverage uniformity and more reliable detection of copy-number alterations. Using phylogenetic analysis, we found minor xenograft subpopulations that were undetectable by bulk sequencing, as well as dynamic clonal expansion and diversification between passages. Merging single-cell genomes in silico, we generated "bulk-equivalent" genomes with high depth and uniform coverage. Thus, low-depth sequencing of DLP libraries may provide an attractive replacement for conventional bulk sequencing methods, permitting analysis of copy number at the cell level and of other genomic variants at the population level.

  Study EGAS00001002170

• Epigenomic priming of immune genes implicates oligodendroglia in multiple sclerosissusceptibility

  Multiple sclerosis (MS) is characterized by a targeted attack on oligodendroglia (OLG)and associated myelin by immune cells, which are thought to be the main drivers of MS susceptibility. Assessing chromatin accessibility and the transcriptome simultaneously at the single cell level, we found that immune genes exhibit a primedchromatin state in mouse and human OLG in a non-disease context, compatible withrapid transitions to immune-competent states in MS. We identified transcription factors as BACH1 and STAT1 involved in immune gene regulation in oligodendrocyteprecursor cells (OPCs). A subset of immune genes present bivalency of H3K4me3/H3K27me3 in OPCs, with Polycomb inhibition leading to their increased activation upon interferon-gamma (IFNg) treatment. Some MS susceptibility single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) overlap with these regulatory regions in mouse andhuman OLG, and treatment of mouse OPCs with IFNg leads to chromatin architecture remodeling at these loci and altered expression of interacting genes. Our data indicates that susceptibility for MS may involve OLG, which therefore constitute novel targets for immunological-based therapies for MS.

  Study EGAS00001005911

• Whole-exome sequencing of glioblastomas with long-term relapse interval

  Treatment options for GBM patients have not changed over the last 15 years, and the success of targeted therapy or immunotherapy has been disappointinglimited. Thus, the standard of care for GBM patients remains surgical resection followed by concomitant DNA alkylating agent therapy with temozolomide (TMZ) and radiation therapy (RT). However, the time to relapse is generally short (6.9 months on average) owing to the tumor’s ability to infiltrate normal parenchyma and its intrinsic resistance to radio-chemotherapy. Due to the lack of alternative treatment options, elucidating underlying resistance mechanism has come into major focus of research, with the hope for opening new ways of therapeutic intervention overcoming resistance. To explore therapy resistance driving events, we performed a study using a single-centric collective of matched pairs of therapy-naïve and post-therapeuticc tissue from GBM patients, selected based on a maximally long interval between resections of the initial and the recurrent tumors. This rare collective was analyzed by whole exome sequencing (WES), mRNA expression and miRNA expression profiling.

  Study EGAS00001006022

• Metformin for Oral Cancer Prevention

  The M4OC-PREVENT clinical trial addressed whether metformin has utility in the prevention of oral cancer. It is a phase IIa clinical trial of metformin ER 2,000 mg per day given for 12-14 weeks to individuals with oral premalignant lesions, either oral leukoplakia or erythroplakia (which are precursors to oral cancer). The goal was to determine if metformin decreases the size of oral leukoplakia (clinical response). Additionally, effects on biomarkers of cancer risk and metformin effect were ascertained. The clinical trial was performed at the University of California San Diego Moores Cancer Center, the University of Minnesota, and the British Columbia Cancer Agency, with monitoring and oversight provided by the University of Arizona.

  Study phs002437

• Illumina Omni5 SNP chip genotyping of MacTel cases and unaffected controls for a genome-wide association study

  Macular telangiectasia type 2 (MacTel) is a rare neurovascular degenerative retinal disease. To identify genetic susceptibility loci for MacTel, we performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS). We genotyped 704 samples, of which 678 have consented to be available here. These samples mainly include MacTel cases but also some unaffected controls (often spouses). The samples were collected through the MacTel Project (funded by the Lowy Medical Research Institute), which includes a registry and extensive clinical analysis to confirm the presence of MacTel in affected individuals. Additional controls were obtained from dbGap [phs000429.v1.p1]. After QC steps, the GWAS utilised 476 cases and 1733 controls of European ancestry.

  Study EGAS00001002249

• Cell-type eQTLs for single-cell Mendelian Randomisation

  The following study mapped eQTLs in the post-mortem human brain from snRNA-seq generated on 391 individuals. Following eQTL discovery and identification of state-specific eQTLs (dynamic associations interacting with disease), colocalisation and MR was performed integrating GWAS from 42 traits, for the identification of putatively causal genes with cell-type specific context. This study contains raw sequencing data and genotype for two datasets used in this work; - The MRC 60 dataset, which contains snRNA-seq generated on post-mortem brain from 60 control individuals (104 samples total, split across prefrontal cortex and hippocampus). Samples were pooled into 27 distinct pools, each of which was split across 4 lanes. Following sequencing and mapping using cellranger, demultiplexing was done using Demuxlet using the pool-specific genotype data (which contain sample IDs). - The Roche PD dataset, which is 10X multiome data generated on on 70 PD and 22 control individuals.

  Study EGAS50000000687

• A clinically applicable connectivity signature for glioblastoma includes the tumor network driver CHI3L1

  Tumor microtubes (TMs) connect glioma cells to a network with considerable relevance for tumor progression and therapy resistance. The determination of TM-interconnectivity in individual tumors has been challenging and the impact on patient survival unresolved. Here, a connectivity signature from single-cell RNA-sequenced (scRNA-Seq) xenografted primary glioblastoma (GB) cells has been established using a dye uptake methodology, confirmed with recording of cellular calcium epochs and validated with clinical correlations. Astrocyte-like and mesenchymal-like GB cells have the highest connectivity signature scores in scRNA-sequenced patient-derived xenografts and patient samples. In large GB cohorts, network connectivity correlated with the mesenchymal subtype and dismal patient survival. CHI3L1 has been identified and validated as a robust molecular marker of connectivity with functional relevance. The connectivity signature allows novel insights into brain tumor biology, provides a proof-of-principle that tumor cell TM-connectivity is relevant for patients’ prognosis, and serves as a robust prognostic biomarker.

  Study EGAS00001007611

• Chromatin accessibility maps of chronic lymphocytic leukemia identify subtype-specific epigenome signatures and transcription regulatory networks

  Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is characterized by substantial clinical heterogeneity, despite relatively few genetic alterations. To provide a basis for studying epigenome deregulation in CLL, we established genome-wide chromatin accessibility maps for 88 CLL samples from 55 patients using the ATAC-seq assay, and we also performed ChIPmentation and RNA-seq profiling for ten representative samples. Based on the resulting dataset, we devised and applied a bioinformatic method that links chromatin profiles to clinical annotations. Our analysis identified sample-specific variation on top of a shared core of CLL regulatory regions. IGHV mutation status – which distinguishes the two major subtypes of CLL – was accurately predicted by the chromatin profiles, and gene regulatory networks inferred for IGHV-mutated vs. IGHV-unmutated samples identified characteristic differences between these two disease subtypes. In summary, we discovered widespread heterogeneity in the chromatin landscape of CLL, established a community resource for studying epigenome deregulation in leukemia, and demonstrated the feasibility of chromatin accessibility mapping in cancer cohorts and clinical research.

  Dataset EGAD00001002110

• 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

• Genetic Underpinnings of Ethnic Disparities in Bone Toxicities Between Hispanic and Non-Hispanic Children Treated for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

  Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common malignancy among children and young adolescents. More than 90% of children are cured with a combination of multiple chemotherapeutic drugs. Some may suffer from debilitating toxicities due to the cytotoxic drugs, necessitating pharmacogenetic research to search for genetic markers predictive of treatment toxicities, so that treatment can be better tailored based on patients' genetic makeup. Bone toxicities, including osteonecrosis and fractures, most often due to glucocorticoids, are the most common complications in ALL, which have long-lasting detrimental impact on the still developing skeletons in children. In DFCI ALL Consortium Protocol 05-001, a multi-center clinical trial for childhood ALL conducted in Canada and the US, we found that Hispanic children had less drug toxicities to their bones than non-Hispanic children. Although reasons for the observed ethnic differences are largely unknown, patients' inherited genetic background may be at play. This study seeks to perform a novel pharmacogenomic study based on multi-site clinical trials DFCI ALL Consortium Protocol 05-001 and 11-001 to identify genetic underpinnings of ethnic disparities in bone toxicities.

  Study phs002317

• Final results and ctDNA analyses from the randomized phase 3 IMpassion031 trial evaluating peri-operative atezolizumab for early-stage triple-negative breast cancer

  In IMpassion031, adding atezolizumab to neoadjuvant chemotherapy significantly improved pathologic complete response (pCR) rate (primary endpoint) for stage II/III triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Patients with stage II/III TNBC were randomized 1:1 to neoadjuvant chemotherapy plus peri-operative atezolizumab or pre-operative placebo. Descriptive secondary endpoints included event-free, disease-free, and overall survival. Long-term outcomes favored the atezolizumab group (event-free survival HR 0.76, 95% CI: 0.47–1.21). Among patients without pCR, 14/70 (20%) atezolizumab-treated and 33/99 (33%) placebo-treated patients received additional adjuvant therapy, frequently capecitabine. In exploratory analyses, pCR was prognostic for long-term outcome. Patients with baseline ctDNA-negative status (6%) had excellent long-term outcomes. Most patients (87%) had cleared ctDNA at surgery. ctDNA-positive status at surgery identified a subset of non-pCR patients with poorest prognosis. Long-term safety was consistent with primary results. Adding atezolizumab to chemotherapy for stage II/III TNBC is associated with more favorable long-term outcomes. ctDNA dynamics provide prognostic value beyond pCR. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03197935

  Study EGAS50000000974

• Subpopulations and Intermediate Outcome Measures in COPD Study (SPIROMICS)

  Subpopulations and Intermediate Outcome Measures in COPD Study Description Subpopulations and intermediate outcome measures in COPD study (SPIROMICS) supports the prospective collection and analysis of phenotypic, biomarker, genetic, genomic, and clinical data from subjects with COPD for the purpose of identifying subpopulations and intermediate outcome measures. It is funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and is coordinated by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Molecular fingerprinting and extensive subject phenotyping will be performed to identify disease subpopulations and to identify and validate surrogate markers of disease severity which will be useful as intermediate outcome measures for future clinical trials. Secondary aims are to clarify the natural history of COPD, to develop bioinformatic resources that will enable the utilization and sharing of data in studies of COPD and related diseases, and to create a collection of clinical, biomarker, radiographic, and genetic data that can be used by external investigators for other studies of COPD. Participating Institutions: Research participants for SPIROMICS will be enrolled, phenotyped, and followed at twelve SPIROMICS Clinical Centers: Columbia University, Temple University, Johns Hopkins University, Wake Forest University, University of Michigan, University of Illinois at Chicago, University of Iowa, University of Utah, National Jewish Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, University of California at San Francisco, and University of California at Los Angeles. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill serves as the Genomics and Informatics Center. The Radiology Reading Center is based at the University of Iowa. The PFT Reading Center is based at the University of California at Los Angeles. Study Design: SPIROMICS is a prospective cohort study that enrolled approximately 2,981 participants at twelve clinical centers over five years. Participants are distributed across four enrollment strata (i.e., Never-smokers, Smokers without COPD, Mild/Moderate COPD, and Severe COPD). Study Visits: Participants have up to four in-person visits (Baseline and Annual Clinic Visits at years 1, 2, 3 after Baseline). Study questionnaires and spirometry are completed at all main study visits. Blood and urine samples are collected at visits 1, 2, and 4. Sputum samples are collected at Visit 1. The CT scans are completed and Baseline and Visit 2. Participants also receive quarterly follow-up calls to assess health status and determine if an exacerbation has occurred. Substudies A. Bronchoscopy and Immunophenotyping Substudy The Bronchoscopy Substudy enrolled a total of 251 participants. These participants will be recruited across all four study strata. This substudy includes two study visits. During the first visit sputum samples are collected for Immunophenotyping analysis at the Immunophenotyping Core Lab based at the University of Michigan. Participants then return for a second visit during which samples are collected via bronchoscopy, including bronchoalveolar lavage, epithelial brushings and bronchial biopsies. Immunophenotyping analysis is also conducted on BAL and blood collected during the bronchoscopy study visit. B. Repeatability Substudy The entire baseline clinic visit was repeated on 98 volunteers to determine reliability of measurement procedures. All baseline study-related procedures and questionnaires, including the CT scan, was re-administered and new samples of blood, urine, saliva, and sputum was collected. Field center staff processed these biospecimen samples according to the same protocol. C. Exacerbation Substudy The Exacerbation Substudy is a prospective, longitudinal observational study of 204 participants, which will allow the assessment of participant driven health care utilization (HCU) events and symptom-defined exacerbation events over time. HCU driven events are defined by change in medical treatment in response to a perceived COPD Exacerbation. Symptom-based events will be defined by using EXACT-PRO (EXacerbations of Chronic Pulmonary Disease Tool - Patient Reported Outcome) a daily symptom diary developed to measure the frequency, severity, and duration of exacerbations in clinical trials. All participants are provided with a PDA on which to complete the diary. Participants reporting a possible COPD exacerbation will be brought into the study clinic for a study visit to collect biological specimens and questionnaire data. The overall objectives of the exacerbation substudy are to: Obtain clinical data and specimens on SPIROMICS participants before and during an acute COPD exacerbation defined by: Health care utilization triggered by the subject, or Symptomatic change (triggered by an EXACT defined threshold) Describe symptomatic changes occurring around HCU and symptom-defined (EXACT) events and their relationship to clinical and specimen data Characterize the non-exacerbation "stable" state in COPD using the EXACT, including: Symptom variability (EXACT), Clinical data and specimen parameters during a stable state (baseline), The relationship between clinical and specimen data and symptom severity and variability. Explore the characteristics of stable patients, defined as those who do not experience HCU or symptom-defined (EXACT) events during the sub-study period, using baseline clinical data and specimens and compare these characteristics with patients who experience HCU and/or symptom-defined events. Examine the relationship between HCU and symptom-defined exacerbation frequency during the first one-year period of follow-up for exacerbations and health outcomes, including 12-month change in lung function and COPD health status, and longer term morbidity and mortality, with the latter derived from long-term data from the larger SPIROMICS study.

  Study phs001119