14662 results for "PLOS+ONE+Pennsylvania+German+ACS+language+code+pdc+open+access+study"

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• Somatic mutation in edited cholangiocyte organoids

  Primary human cells cultured in organoid format have great promise as potential regenerative cellular therapies. However, their immunogenicity and mutagenic profile remain unresolved, impeding effective long-term translation to the clinic. In this study we report, for the first time, the generation of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-I and HLA-II knock-out human expandable primary cholangiocyte organoids (PCOs) using CRISPR-Cas9 as a potential ‘universal’ low-immunogenic therapy for bile duct disorders. HLA-edited PCOs (ePCOs) displayed the same phenotypic and functional characteristics as parental unedited PCOs. Despite minimal off-target edits, duplex sequencing approaches demonstrated that ePCOs and PCOs acquire mutations in culture at similar rates, but without evident selection for cancer-driver mutations. ePCOs induced reduced T cell-mediated immunity and donor-dependent NK cell cytotoxicity in vitro and evaded cytotoxic responses with increased graft survival in humanized mice in vivo. Our findings have important implications for assessment of safety and immunogenicity of primary cell-derived organoid cellular therapies.

  Dataset EGAD00001015455

• Pediatric Patient-Derived-Xenograft development in MAPPYACTS – international pediatric cancer precision medicine trial in relapsed and refractory tumors

  Pediatric patients with recurrent and refractory cancers are in most need for new treatments. This study developed patient-derived-xenograft (PDX) models within the European MAPPYACTS cancer precision medicine trial (NCT02613962). To date, 131 PDX models were established following heterotopical and/or orthotopical implantation in immunocompromised mice: 76 sarcomas, 25 other solid tumors, 12 central nervous system tumors, 15 acute leukemias, and 3 lymphomas. PDX establishment rate was 43%. Histology, whole exome and RNA sequencing revealed a high concordance with the primary patient’s tumor profile, human leukocyte-antigen characteristics and specific metabolic pathway signatures. A detailed patient molecular characterization, including specific mutations prioritized in the clinical molecular tumor boards are provided. Ninety models were shared with the IMI2 ITCC Paediatric Preclinical Proof-of-concept Platform (IMI2 ITCC-P4) for further exploitation. This new PDX biobank of unique recurrent childhood cancers provides an essential support for basic and translational research and new treatments development in advanced pediatric malignancies.

  Dataset EGAD00001011048

• Genomic Advances in Sepsis (GAinS) genotyping

  This cohort comprises a subset of patients enrolled in the Genomic Advances in Sepsis (GAinS) study, an established biobank of adult sepsis patients. Sepsis is defined as life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection. Patients with sepsis due to community acquired pneumonia or faecal peritonitis were recruited from 35 hospitals across the UK from 2005-2018, with samples for functional genomics and detailed clinical information collected over the first five days of ICU admission to investigate how host genetics affects the individual repsonse to sepsis. DNA was extracted from buffy coat or whole blood samples using the Qiagen DNA extraction protocol, the automated Maxwell Blood purification kit (Promega), or the QIAamp Blood Midi kit protocol (Qiagen). Genotyping data were generated using the Illumina HumanOmniExpress BeadChip (295 patients), the Infinium CoreExome BeadChip (655 patients), and the Infinium Global Screening Array BeadChip (307 patients). Genotyping QC and imputation into the Haplotype Reference Consortium was perfomed within each batch. The datasets were combined and following post-imputation filtering data were available on 1168 samples.

  Dataset EGAD00001015369

• Genomics of acral lentiginous melanoma

  Melanoma is the most aggressive type of skin cancer, causing about 75% of dermatological cancer deaths. Acral lentiginous melanoma (ALM) is the most common subtype of melanoma in admixed Latin American populations, but very few tumour genomes and exomes, all from European-descent individuals, have been analysed across several studies. Because of this, the genomic landscape of ALM is mostly unknown. Our aim in this project is to define this landscape and identify driver somatic alterations by whole-exome sequencing a collection of ALM germline/tumour paired FFPE samples from the National Cancer Institute of Mexico. . This dataset contains all the data available for this study on 2023-03-09.

  Dataset EGAD00001010126

• Somatic mutation in edited cholangiocyte organoids

  Primary human cells cultured in organoid format have great promise as potential regenerative cellular therapies. However, their immunogenicity and mutagenic profile remain unresolved, impeding effective long-term translation to the clinic. In this study we report, for the first time, the generation of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-I and HLA-II knock-out human expandable primary cholangiocyte organoids (PCOs) using CRISPR-Cas9 as a potential ‘universal’ low-immunogenic therapy for bile duct disorders. HLA-edited PCOs (ePCOs) displayed the same phenotypic and functional characteristics as parental unedited PCOs. Despite minimal off-target edits, duplex sequencing approaches demonstrated that ePCOs and PCOs acquire mutations in culture at similar rates, but without evident selection for cancer-driver mutations. ePCOs induced reduced T cell-mediated immunity and donor-dependent NK cell cytotoxicity in vitro and evaded cytotoxic responses with increased graft survival in humanized mice in vivo. Our findings have important implications for assessment of safety and immunogenicity of primary cell-derived organoid cellular therapies.

  Dataset EGAD00001015457

• Somatic mutation in edited cholangiocyte organoids

  Primary human cells cultured in organoid format have great promise as potential regenerative cellular therapies. However, their immunogenicity and mutagenic profile remain unresolved, impeding effective long-term translation to the clinic. In this study we report, for the first time, the generation of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-I and HLA-II knock-out human expandable primary cholangiocyte organoids (PCOs) using CRISPR-Cas9 as a potential ‘universal’ low-immunogenic therapy for bile duct disorders. HLA-edited PCOs (ePCOs) displayed the same phenotypic and functional characteristics as parental unedited PCOs. Despite minimal off-target edits, duplex sequencing approaches demonstrated that ePCOs and PCOs acquire mutations in culture at similar rates, but without evident selection for cancer-driver mutations. ePCOs induced reduced T cell-mediated immunity and donor-dependent NK cell cytotoxicity in vitro and evaded cytotoxic responses with increased graft survival in humanized mice in vivo. Our findings have important implications for assessment of safety and immunogenicity of primary cell-derived organoid cellular therapies.

  Dataset EGAD00001015456

• Mapping genetic variants that underlie gene regulation in intestinal cell types to identify novel, validated, Crohn’s disease drug targets

  Biopsies from the terminal ileum and rectum of healthy individuals and terminal ileum and blood from Crohns disease patients are collected and processed single cells and processed for single-cell RNA-sequencing using 10X Genomics 3' v3 and v3.1 and Illumina sequencing. This data is part of a pre-publication release. For information on the proper use of pre-publication data shared by the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute (including details of any publication moratoria), please see http://www.sanger.ac.uk/datasharing/

  Study EGAS00001003647

• Analyzing the expression profiles of genes in ureters with and without indwelling stents using RNAseq 

  The objective of the work is to explore the pathways and mechanisms driving inflammation and fibrosis in stented ureters. In total, 6 pigs underwent cystoscopic unilateral ureteral stent insertion for 14 days. Ureteral tissue was harvested in 3 pigs, while the remaining 3 pigs had their stents removed, and were recovered for 7 days. Three separate pigs served as controls. Stents cause significant inflammation and fibrosis of ureters. Gene set enrichment analysis confirmed fibrotic changes and tissue proliferation and suggests that epithelial-mesenchymal transition is a driver of fibrosis.

  Study EGAS00001006855

• Development and Validation of a Disability Severity Index for Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease (CMT)

  In Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease (CMT) or inherited neuropathy research studies, it is the researcher who has selected what they believe to be important markers of impairment in function in patients. For example, it has been inferred that the wearing of ankle-foot-orthosis (AFOs), the use of walking aids such as canes, or the use of wheelchairs, are appropriate markers for “mild”, “moderate” or “severe” disability, respectively. Whether patients agree with this classification is unknown. By understanding what patients classify as mild, moderate and severe disability in CMT, we will know what our treatments need to target, to have a meaningful impact on the patients' functional status. Primary objective: The purpose of this study is to compare patient and healthcare provider impressions of what constitutes mild, moderate and severe disability in CMT. Target population: 200 patients who have self-registered at the Inherited Neuropathy Consortium Contact Registry, a web-based contact registry developed and supported by the Data Management and Coordinating Center (DMCC) for the Rare Diseases Clinical Research Consortium (RDCRN), located at the University of South Florida, and 200 health care professionals attending conferences about CMT, such as the 4th International CMT Consortium to be held in Potomac, Maryland, June 29-July 1, 2011 and the MDA Clinic Directors meeting in Las Vegas, NV March 4-7, 2012. Methods: A brief, anonymous, 20-item survey, in which we measure what the physician and the patient think are important indicators of disability in CMT, will be distributed by paper to 200 health care professionals, and via an online link to 200 patients self-registered with the RDCRN contact registry. Out of the 200 patients, approximately 25 patients will be requested to take the survey twice in a 2 to 4 week period. Analysis: We will measure the agreement between items in the physician and patient groups, and use items with high agreement in a Disability Severity Index.

  Study phs001295

• National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK): Identification of VUR genes by exome sequencing

  Primary vesicoureteric reflux (PVUR), or non-syndromic VUR, is the most common type of congenital anomaly of the kidney and the urinary tract (CAKUT). PVUR is the single most important risk factor for pyelonephritis and renal parenchymal scarring in the pediatric age group. Renal parenchymal scarring due to PVUR is referred to as reflux nephropathy and is a major cause of end stage kidney disease requiring dialysis and kidney transplantation in children. PVUR shows familial aggregation; however, the specific genetic cause(s) of PVUR is unknown despite a number of linkage studies. Reasons for this include: variable expression of the disease, difficulty with case ascertainment, genetic heterogeneity and lack of large pedigrees that can facilitate locus identification. We have ascertained a large 97 member PVUR kindred spanning five generations. We performed a genome-wide linkage study (GWLS) on this family and obtained a significant genome-wide LOD score of 3.3 on chromosome 6p. We performed exome sequencing on affected individuals in the family and identified mutations in tenascin XB (TNXB) as a cause of familial VUR. The proposed studies have the following specific objectives: a) to define the role of tenascin genes in the etiology of PVUR, and b) to identify new PVUR causative genes. Our specific aims are (1) To perform mutation analysis in TNXB and other tenascins in a cohort of 200 individuals with familial and sporadic PVUR and define genotype/phenotype correlations. (2) To perform sequential genome wide linkage studies (GWLS) and whole exome/targeted sequencing in families with PVUR. Impact on public health: Identification of PVUR genes may provide a novel non-invasive diagnostic tool for a subset of children with PVUR. Furthermore, this research will provide insights into the pathogenesis of PVUR and further elucidate the pathways involved in the development of the kidney and genitourinary tract. Future studies will define the role of the genes in the etiology of other malformations of the kidney and urinary tract and also seek to unravel the mechanisms by which the identified gene causes PVUR and other malformations of the kidney and the urinary tract.

  Study phs000778

• Exome Sequencing of Statin-Induced Myopathy Cases

  Severe myopathic events occur in 0.1-0.5% of patients taking statins. Although genetic association studies have identified some possibly associated gene loci, these have not been reproducible in additional studies with independent patient cohorts. A more reasonable explanation for susceptibility to statin-induced myopathy is the presence of rare pathogenic variants in genes important for skeletal muscle structure and function. In support of this, we have previously reported an increased incidence of pathogenic variants in genes causing metabolic myopathies in patients with statin-induced myopathy (Vladutiu et al.,2006). We also reported a patient with statin myopathy who had an RYR1 variant known to be causative of malignant hyperthermia susceptibility (MHS) (Vladutiu et al., 2011). There are a number of genes associated with metabolic myopathies triggered by various factors such as extreme exercise, fasting, extremes in temperature, viral infection and exposure to volatile anesthetics. In addition, many of the genes causing congenital myopathies, myofibrillar myopathies and muscular dystrophies have overlapping phenotypes with these genes. We propose that statins act as an additional trigger inducing myopathic symptoms and many patients with severe statin-induced myopathy have causative genetic variants within similar genes associated with MHS and congenital myopathy. We have analyzed the resultant data using a disease model in which rare pathogenic variants, possibly within multiple genes, are causative of statin-induced myopathy. In this study, we have identified potentially causative genetic variants in greater than 50% of the statin-induced myopathy cases and in particular, rare and possibly pathogenic in the RYR1 and CACNA1S genes were present in 25% of the patient samples studied. Vladutiu, G. D., Simmons, Z., Isackson, P.J., Tarnopolsky, M., Peltier, W.L., Barboi, A.C., Sripathi, N., Wortmann, R.L., Phillips, P.S., (2006). "Genetic risk factors associated with lipid-lowering drug-induced myopathies." Muscle Nerve 34: 153-162. Vladutiu, G. D., Isackson, P.J., Kaufman, K., Harley, J.B., Cobb, B., Christopher-Stine, L., Wortmann, R.L, (2011). "Genetic risk for malignant hyperthermia in non-anesthesia-induced myopathies." Mol Genet Metab 104: 167-173.

  Study phs001342

• Effect of Breast Feeding on Immunologic Priming in Young Infants

  The mechanisms generating immunoglobulin heavy chain (IgH) biodiversity result in over potentially unique immunoglobulin sequences within an individual. However, over the course of B cell development, B cell receptor (BCR) selection constrains the repertoire significantly. In newborn infants compared to adults, developmental regulation of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) activity in the bone marrow, selective use of V, D and J gene segments in the IgH locus during fetal life, and immaturity of somatic hypermutation (SHM) and class switch recombination (CSR) mechanisms are likely to contribute to a less diverse IgH repertoire, although the extent of repertoire biodiversity in newborns has not been extensively examined. Furthermore, the fetal IgH repertoire is tightly controlled and for the most part independent of environmental antigenic influences. As a result, the neonatal repertoire, in contrast to older children and adults, is less impacted by the selective pressures of the microbiome, pathogen exposure, and environmental antigens. Evidence for developmental differences in TdT activity is seen in shorter CDR3 lengths and decreased junctional diversity in BCR in both term and preterm newborns. Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) is a sensitive approach to evaluate the neonatal IgH repertoire and assess the relative contribution of each aspect of IgH rearrangement and affinity maturation to overall IgH biodiversity prior to and following isotype class switch. NGS and bioinformatics accurately assess biodiversity by determining the number of unique sequences within the IgH repertoire. Combined with novel analytic tools, NGS provides an approach to compare the extent of somatic hypermutation (SHM), N insertions, V/D/J gene segment usage, and CDR3 length between newborns and adults. Taken together, these measures can be used to assess the earliest events in B cell development using the newborn Ig transcriptome to evaluate the IgM, IgG, and IgA IgH repertoires. The goal of this study was to define the extent of IgH biodiversity in newborns and examine the factors that contribute to the generation of biodiversity during early life. Establishment of the bioinformatics pipeline can be applied to examine the immune deficiency, response to vaccine and infection at molecular population level.

  Study phs002073

• Centers for Common Disease Genomics (CCDG) - Whole Genome Sequencing in Type 1 Diabetes (T1DGC)

  The Type 1 Diabetes Genetics Consortium (T1DGC) was established to collect resources (biological samples and data) and conduct research to better understand the genetic basis of type 1 diabetes (T1D). Collection was initiated by ascertaining affected sib-pair families (both parents, two affected siblings and, when available, an unaffected sibling), collected from five geographic regions through four recruitment networks (Asia-Pacific, Europe, North America, United Kingdom). In addition, the T1DGC collected trio families (both parents and affected child) and cases and controls from low-prevalence populations (African-American, with four grandparents self-reporting as African ancestry; Mexican-American, with four grandparents self-reporting as ancestry from Mexico). The T1DGC also served as a repository for contributed collections from other studies, all meeting the broad data-sharing policy of the T1DGC, for inclusion in the genetic studies. These collections include T1D case samples ascertained from the UK Genetic Resource Investigating Diabetes (UK GRID) cohort, SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth (SEARCH), The Genetics of Kidneys in Diabetes (GoKinD), and control samples obtained from the British 1958 Birth Cohort, the UK National Blood Services collection, CLEAR (Consortium for the Longitudinal Evaluation of African-Americans with Early Rheumatoid Arthritis), the New York Cancer Project (NYCP), and other cohorts. For the NHGRI-funded Centers for Common Disease Genomics (CCDG) project, participants with T1D and ancestry-matched controls were identified through the T1DGC, either through direct ascertainment or by contribution from other sources to the T1DGC. As the CCDG has focused initially on non-Caucasian populations for whole genome sequencing, T1DGC participants of African, Mexican and Asian ancestry (targeting ~1200 cases and ~1200 controls in each ancestral group) and a small group of participants of Northern European ancestry (~100 cases, ~100 controls) were to be contributed to the study. Whole genome sequencing of T1DGC samples would be conducted at Washington University McDonnell Genome Institute and based upon matching case-control status within an ancestry group and prioritization by the CCDG.

  Study phs001222

• Genetics and Functional Studies of Autosomal Recessive Neurological Disorders

  Neurological conditions account for over 6% of the global disease burden. There are more than 600 neurological disorders, and cognitive dysfunction, also referred to as intellectual disability (ID), occupies a prominent position in this list. Cognitive dysfunction arises from the failure of neuronal cells to organize into a complex network and remodel this network in response to learning and experience. It is manifested by deficits in adaptive behaviors in everyday social and practical skills. Due to its high prevalence and the lifetime cost of care per individual, in the range of $1-2 million in United Sates (CDC), it presents a significant health burden. Genetic and functional studies of the genes and protein determinants of ID have helped to elucidate the molecular pathways of human brain development in health and disease. However, the identity of a large number of essential molecular and cellular components still remain elusive. The objectives of our study are to expand the genetic repertoire of causal ID genes and characterize their role in neuronal structure and cognitive function. The rationale is that identification and functional elucidation of causative gene variants that lead to cognitive dysfunction will be essential for understanding brain function and for developing improved diagnostic tools and efficacious preventive and therapeutic agents for neurological disorders, including ID. There are 3 aims of our comprehensive research program: 1) Ascertain and clinically phenotype members of extended families segregating autosomal recessive intellectual disability (ARID); 2) identify new ARID genes and gene products; and 3) determine the functions of prioritized novel ARID genes using multifaceted approaches, including analysis of spatiotemporal expression patterns in mouse brain, targeting in cultured rat hippocampal neurons, effects on cell morphology and synapse abundance, synaptic transmission and plasticity in neuronal cells by electrophysiology and live-cell imaging assays. The project will advantageously combine human clinical assessment, genetic and functional analyses relevant to brain development and function. Impact: Execution of the proposed studies will generate new knowledge that is clinically relevant, with high potential to impact ID molecular diagnosis, prognoses, and identify novel therapeutic targets to slow progression, delay onset, and possibly devising precision medicine approaches for ID.

  Study phs003298

• Integrating Genomic and Transcriptomic Data to Identify Breast Cancer Susceptibility Genes

  Genetic factors play an important role in the etiology of both sporadic and familial breast cancer. Since 2007, common genetic variants in ~200 loci have been identified in genome-wide association studies (GWAS) in relation to breast cancer risk. However, it is often difficult to translate GWAS findings to disease prevention and treatment since causal genes in the large majority of GWAS-identified loci are unknown. Furthermore, a large fraction of breast cancer heritability remains unexplained. Recent studies suggest that nearly 80% of disease heritability can be explained by genetic variants regulating gene expression. Herein, we propose three well-powered transcriptome-wide association studies (TWAS) to systematically investigate the association of breast cancer risk with gene expression across the transcriptome of African, Asian and European descendants. In Aim 1, we will perform RNA sequencing and high-density genotyping assays using normal breast tissue samples, and build race-specific gene expression prediction models using data from 1000 women of African, Asian and European descent. These models will be applied to the GWAS data generated from approximately 320,000 breast cancer patients and controls to impute gene expression for association analyses of predicted gene expression with risk of breast cancer overall, and by estrogen receptor and HER2 status. In Aim 2, we will select the top 50 genes identified in Aim 1 for in vitro functional assays to assess their influence on major cell functions related to cancer biology. In Aim 3, we will evaluate whether TWAS-identified genes may express differently in normal breast tissues and breast cancer tissues collected from African, Asian, and European descendants to assess whether these genes may contribute to racial differences in breast cancer risk by molecular subtypes. With strong methodology and a large sample size, we believe that this proposed study should be able to identify and characterize a large number of novel genes related to breast cancer risk. Uncovering breast cancer susceptibility genes will greatly improve the understanding of the genetic and biological basis for breast cancer and accelerate the translation of genetic findings to disease prevention and patient care.

  Study phs003535

• B cell receptor silencing reveals origin and dependencies of high-grade B cell lymphomas with MYC and BCL2 rearrangements

  High-grade B cell lymphomas with MYC and BCL2 rearrangements (HGBCL-DH-BCL2) represent highly aggressive Germinal center (GC) derived B cell malignancies with dismal prognosis and limited therapeutic options. In the present study, we investigated the expression of BCR complex components, including immunoglobulin (IG) heavy (H) and light (L) chains, and CD79A and CD79B signaling subunits in HGBCL-DH-BCL2, scoring 65% of cases with undetectable IGH immunoreactivity (IGHUND). Transcriptomics (bulk RNA-seq) and genetic (whole exome/genome sequencing) analyses indicated that IGHUND and IGH+ HGBCL-DH-BCL2 lymphomas represent distinct biological entities. Specifically, IGHUND HGBCL-DH-BCL2 exhibit a GC DZ-like molecular program, and select subset-specific gene mutations pointing to distinct evolutionary trajectories respect to the IGH+ counterparts. IG profiling revealed that IGHUND HGBCL-DH-BCL2 preserved potentially productive, hypermutated IGH variable (V) gene rearrangements, indicating a selective advantage conferred to the malignant B cells by residual IGH molecules. Accordingly, disruption of the productively rearranged IGHG1 gene in BCRnull HGBCL-DH-BCL2 cell line model confirmed the dependency on IGH expression for optimal fitness. Using transcriptomics and in situ RNA-scope analysis, we reported that IGHUND HGBCL-DH-BCL2 originated from IG-class switched GC B cells, while IGH-expressing tumors were selected for continuous IGM expression. Moreover, while IGH+ HGBCL-DH-BCL2 favor IGM/IG-Kappa expression, IGHUND counterparts complete IG-Lambda light chain rearrangements. Notably, BCR silencing, caused by accelerated IGH turnover and reduced IGH expression, precedes HGBCL-DH-BCL2 onset, inducing RAG1/2-dependent IG light chain editing and eventually facilitating t(8;22)/IGL::MYC translocations. Finally, IGH silencing observed in HGBCL-DH-BCL2 cell models, which leads to intracellular retention/silencing of CD79B, results in reduced sensitivity to the CD79B-targeting antibody-drug conjugate Polatuzumab-vedotin. Collectively, HGBCL-DH-BCL2 originates from isotype-switched t(14;18)+ GC B cells that undergo IG light chain editing fuelling intra-clonal diversification, BCR silencing, and the acquisition of t(8;22) translocation, while preserving IGH dependency.

  Study EGAS50000001047

• Gabriella Miller Kids First Pediatric Research Program in Pediatric T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

  The outcome for patients with relapsed T-ALL is dismal with 3-year event free survival of AALL0434 was a Children's Oncology Group-initiated phase 3 randomized clinical trial comparing Capizzi-style escalating methotrexate plus pegaspargase (CMTX) vs. high dose methotrexate (HDMTX), with/without six 5-day courses of nelarabine. Survival on this study was superior to any prior trial for de novo T-ALL, changing the standard of care. Yet, a substantial minority (~15%) of patients had relapsed or refractory (r/r) disease. Through the TARGET initiative, RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq), DNA copy number analysis, and whole-exome sequencing (WES) were performed on 264 T-ALL patients treated on AALL0434, demonstrating recurrent alterations could be grouped into 10 different potentially targetable functional pathways. This analysis was not powered to examine associations between genetic lesions with outcome, because too few patients with r/r disease were included. This project is dedicated to testing the hypothesis that comprehensive genomic profiling of the entire AALL0434 cohort will identify recurrent genetic alterations that can be segregated into biologically relevant deregulated pathways that can be combined with MRD to identify patients at risk for poor outcomes before they relapse and provide rationale for treatment with alternative therapies. In addition, a number of small recent studies demonstrated that many of the biologically relevant alterations in T-ALL occur in non-coding regions of the genome, but no large studies have performed whole genome sequencing (WGS) in T-ALL. This project also tests the hypothesis that WGS of a large cohort of patients with T-ALL will identify novel lesions in coding and non-coding regions that will be highly impactful in the understanding of T-ALL pathogenesis.These hypotheses are tested by performing comprehensive genomic profiling (WGS, WES, RNA-Seq, and copy number analysis) of the entire AALL0434 cohort with available samples with the following specific aims: (1) identify recurrent genetic alterations that predict poor outcome in T-ALL; (2) identify novel alterations, including non-coding alterations in T-ALL; and (3) identify germline genetic variants that predispose to T-ALL and to increased toxicity to chemotherapy.

  Study phs002276

• Scottish High Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer

  Scottish HGSOC samples were collected via local Bioresource facilities at Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee and Aberdeen and stored in liquid Nitrogen until required. HGSOC patients were determined from pathology records and were included in the study where there was matched tumour and whole blood samples. On receipt of tumour material the tumour was processed as follows: firstly, the tumour sample was divided into two for DNA and RNA extraction. Slivers of tissue were cut from the front and rear faces of the DNA sample, then fixed in formalin and embedded in paraffin wax. Sections from the front and rear tissues from all samples were examined by H&E staining supplemented by WT1/p53 immunohistochemistry if required. Following pathology review, samples were only included if they met the following criteria: they were confirmed as HGSOC and there was greater than 40% tumour cellularity throughout the tumour, determined using the H&E sections. Somatic DNA was extracted using the Qiagen DNeasy Blood and tissue kit (cat no 69504). The tissue was initially homogenised using a Qiagen Bioruptor, followed by the manufacturers recommended protocol (including RNase digestion step). Germline DNA was extracted from 1-3ml whole blood using the Qiagen FlexiGene kit (cat no 51206) following the manufacturers recommended protocol. The resulting DNA underwent quality control as follows: firstly, A260 and A280nm were measured on a Denovix DS-11 Fx to qualitatively illustrate A260/280nm and A260/230nm ratios as surrogate measures of DNA purity. A260/280 had to be 1.8 or greater and A260/230 had to be 2.0 or greater. Then, DNA was quantified using LifeTechnologies Qubit dsDNA BR kit (cat no Q32850) and we required a minimum of 50ul at 25ng/ul for WGS. Thirdly, DNA was diluted to 25ng/ul and a representative sample was loaded onto a 0.8% TAE gel, ran at 100v for 60mins and then imaged using a BioRad ChemiDoc imaging system to visualise the DNA quality. Only when all 4 quality control requirements were satisfied was the DNA sequenced. The DNA was sequenced at the Glasgow Precision Oncology Laboratories.

  Study EGAS00001004410

• Evolution and clinical impact of genetic epistasis within EGFR-mutant lung cancers

  The current understanding of tumorigenesis is largely centered on a monogenic driver oncogene model. This paradigm is incompatible with the prevailing clinical experience in most solid malignancies: monotherapy with a drug directed against an individual oncogenic driver typically results in incomplete clinical responses and eventual tumor progression1-7. By profiling the somatic genetic alterations present in over 2,000 cases of lung cancer, the leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide, we show that combinations of functional genetic alterations, i.e. genetic collectives dominate the landscape of advanced-stage disease. We highlight this polygenic landscape and evolution of advanced-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) through the spatial-temporal genomic profiling of 7 distinct tumor biopsy specimens and 6 plasma specimens obtained from an EGFR-mutant NSCLC patient at (1) initial diagnosis of early-stage disease, (2) metastatic progression, (3) sequential treatment and resistance to 2 EGFR inhibitors, (4) death. The comprehensive genomic analysis of this case, coupled with circulating free (cf) tumor DNA profiling of additional advanced-stage EGFR-mutant NSCLC clinical cohorts with associated treatment responses uncovered features of evolutionary selection for multiple concurrent gene alterations: including the presence of EGFR inhibitor-sensitive (EGFRL858R;EGFRexon19del) or inhibitor-resistant (EGFRT790M;EGFRC797S) forms of oncogenic EGFR along with cell cycle gene alterations (e.g. in CDK4/6, CCNE1, RB1) and activating alterations in WNT/β-catenin and PI3K pathway genes, which our data suggest can cooperatively impart non-redundant functions to limit EGFR targeted therapy response and/or promote tumor progression. Moreover, evidence of an unanticipated parallel evolution of both EGFR T790M and two distinct forms of oncogenic PIK3CA was observed. Our study provides a large-scale clinical and genetic dataset of advanced-stage EGFR-mutant NSCLC, a rationale for specific polytherapy strategies such as EGFR and CDK4/6 inhibitor co-treatment to potentially enhance clinical outcomes, and prompts a re-evaluation of the prevailing paradigm of monogenic-based molecular stratification for targeted therapy. Instead, our findings highlight an alternative model of genetic collectives that operate through epistasis to drive lung cancer progression and therapy resistance.

  Study EGAS00001002604

• Chromatin profiles classify castration-resistant prostate cancers suggesting therapeutic targets

  Untreated prostate cancers rely on androgen receptor (AR) signaling for growth and survival, forming the basis for the initial efficacy of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). Yet, the disease can relapse and progress to a lethal stage termed castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Reactivation of AR signaling represents the most common driver of CRPC growth and next generation AR signaling inhibitors (ARSIs) are now used in combination with ADT as a first line therapy. However, ARSIs can result in selective pressure generating AR-independent tumors. The transition from AR-dependence frequently accompanies a change in phenotype resembling developmental trans-differentiation or ‘lineage plasticity’. Neuroendocrine prostate cancer, which lacks a defined pathologic classification, is the most studied type of lineage plasticity. However, most AR-null tumors do not exhibit neuroendocrine features and are classified as ‘double-negative prostate cancer’, the drivers of which are poorly defined. Lineage plasticity studies in CRPC are limited by the lack of genetically defined patient-derived models that recapitulate the disease spectrum. To address this, we developed a biobank of organoids generated from patient biopsies to study the landscape of metastatic CRPC and allow for functional validation assays. Proteins called transcription factors (TFs) are drivers of tumor lineage plasticity. To identify the key TFs that drive the growth of AR-independent tumors, we integrated epigenetic and transcriptomic data generated from CRPC models. By presenting a map of the chromatin accessibility and transcriptomic landscape of CRPC using a diverse biobank of organoids, PDXs and cell lines that recapitulate the heterogeneity of metastatic prostate cancer, we validate CRPC-AR and CRPC-NE subtypes and reveal two subtypes of AR-negative/low samples as well as their respective masterTFs. Additional analysis revealed a model in which YAP, TAZ, TEAD and AP-1 function together and drive oncogenic growth in CRPC-SCL samples. Overall, we show here how an approach to stratify CRPC patients into four subtypes using their transcriptomic signatures can potentially inform upon appropriate clinical decisions.

  Study EGAS00001006059

• Influence of Genomic Landscape on Cancer Immunotherapy for Newly Diagnosed Ovarian Cancer: Biomarker Analyses from the IMagyn050 Randomized Clinical Trial

  The IMagyn050 trial (NCT03038100), which evaluated the efficacy of Atezo vs placebo (Pla) with carboplatin, paclitaxel and bevacizumab (CPB) in front line ovarian cancer patient (pts), did not meet its co-primary endpoints of PFS in ITT or PD-L1+ (Moore et al. JCO 2021). The aim of this exploratory study was to evaluate whether patients with BRCA1/2-mutated or homologous recombination-deficient (HRD) ovarian cancers benefitted from atezolizumab in the phase III IMagyn050 (NCT03038100) trial. Methods: Patients with newly diagnosed ovarian cancer were randomized to either atezolizumab or placebo with standard chemotherapy and bevacizumab. PD-L1 status of tumor-infiltrating immune cells was determined centrally (VENTANA SP142 assay). Genomic alterations, including deleterious BRCA1/2 alterations, genomic loss of heterozygosity (gLOH), tumor mutation burden (TMB), and microsatellite instability (MSI), were evaluated using the FoundationOne assay. HRD was defined as gLOH ≥16%, regardless of BRCA1/2 mutation status. Potential associations between progression-free survival (PFS) and genomic biomarkers were evaluated using standard correlation analyses and log-rank of Kaplan-Meier estimates. Results Among biomarker-evaluable samples, 22% (234/1050) harbored BRCA1/2 mutations and 46% (446/980) were HRD. Median TMB was low irrespective of BRCA1/2 or HRD. Only 3% (29/1024) had TMB ≥10 mut/Mb and 0.3% (3/1022) were MSI-high. PFS was better in BRCA2-mutated versus BRCA2-non-mutated tumors and in HRD versus proficient tumors. PD-L1 positivity (≥1% expression on immune cells) was associated with HRD but not BRCA1/2 mutations. PFS was not improved by adding atezolizumab in BRCA2-mutated or HRD tumors; there was a trend toward enhanced PFS with atezolizumab in BRCA1-mutated tumors. Conclusion Most ovarian tumors have low TMB despite BRCA1/2 mutations or HRD. Neither BRCA1/2 mutation nor HRD predicted enhanced benefit from atezolizumab. This is the first randomized double-blind trial in ovarian cancer demonstrating that genomic instability triggered by BRCA1/2 mutation or HRD is not associated with improved sensitivity to immune checkpoint inhibitors.

  Study EGAS00001006838

• Multi-omic and functional analysis for classification and treatment of sarcomas with FUS-TFCP2 or EWSR1-TFCP2 fusions(H021/INF)

  Many rare cancers are not well understood, and pathogenesis-directed therapies are often lacking, resulting in poor patient outcomes. Leveraging two (inter)national precision oncology trials that enroll large numbers of rare cancers, we investigated the clinical, histopathologic, molecular, and functional characteristics of rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) with fusions of FUS or EWSR1 to the TFCP2 transcription factor, a recently discovered ultra-rare entity whose classification, pathogenesis, and optimal treatment are unclear. Unusually for fusion-driven sarcomas, most cases had highly rearranged genomes, including chromothripsis, and signs of defective homologous recombination DNA repair. All tumors showed extreme expression of a truncated TERT variant and the ALK receptor tyrosine kinase, which was additionally affected by intragenic deletions and aberrant splicing, resulting in the expression of shortened variants in 58% of cases. Three ALK variants were oncogenic in immortalized cells, and patient-derived tumor cells expressing two variants responded to certain ALK inhibitors. Other recurrent alterations included CDKN2A/MTAP co-deletions and mutations in PAPPA2, encoding an IGFBP5-specific proteinase, in 67% and 25% of cases, respectively. DNA methylation analysis, along with 19 other soft-tissue sarcoma classes, revealed a close relationship with undifferentiated sarcoma but not other RMS subtypes, suggesting that TFCP2-rearranged RMS is a separate entity, possibly arising from a distinct cell of origin. Expression of TFCP2 fusions in immortalized human cells blocked late myogenic differentiation and significantly induced genes that were also highly expressed in patient tumors, including ALK, TERT, and two known regulators of skeletal muscle cells, IGFBP5 and PTH1R. Genome-wide chromatin profiling demonstrated direct binding of FUS-TFCP2 to the ALK and TERT loci outside their regular promoters, which correlated with the expression of alternative transcript variants. Finally, FUS-TFCP2 inhibited the repair of DNA double-strand breaks in immortalized cells, rendering them sensitive to treatment with cisplatin. This study provides insight into the pathogenesis and therapeutic vulnerabilities of a new RMS subtype and illustrates the value of linking comprehensive molecular diagnostics and functional annotation within multicenter consortia to improve the understanding and clinical management of rare cancers.

  Study EGAS00001006939

• ACT-Discover: identifying karyotype heterogeneity in pancreatic cancer evolution using ctDNA

  Background Liquid biopsies, and the dynamic tracking of somatic mutations within circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) can provide insight into the dynamics of cancer evolution and the intra-tumour heterogeneity that fuels treatment resistance. However, identifying and tracking dynamic changes in somatic copy-number alterations (SCNAs), which have been associated with poor outcome and metastasis, using ctDNA is challenging. Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is a disease which has been considered to harbour early punctuated events in its evolution, leading to an early fitness peak, with minimal further subclonal evolution. Methods To interrogate the role of SCNAs in pancreatic adenocarcinoma cancer evolution, we applied whole-exome sequencing of 55 longitudinal cell-free DNA (cfDNA) samples taken from 24 patients (including 8 from whom a patient-derived xenograft (PDX) was derived) with metastatic disease prospectively recruited into a clinical trial. We developed a method, Aneuploidy in Circulating Tumour DNA (ACT-Discover), that leverages haplotype phasing of paired tumour biopsies or PDXs to identify SCNAs in cfDNA with greater sensitivity. Results SCNAs were observed within 28 of 47 evaluable cfDNA samples. Of these events, 30% could only be identified by harnessing the haplotype-aware approach leveraged in ACT-Discover. The exceptional purity of PDX tumours enabled near-complete phasing of genomic regions in allelic imbalance, highlighting an important auxiliary function of PDXs. Finally, although the classical model of pancreatic cancer evolution emphasises the importance of early, homogenous somatic events as a key requirement for cancer development, ACT-Discover identified substantial heterogeneity of SCNAs, including parallel focal and arm-level events, affecting different parental alleles within individual tumours. Indeed, ongoing acquisition of SCNAs was identified within tumours throughout the disease course, including within an untreated metastatic tumour. Conclusions This work demonstrates the power of haplotype phasing to study genomic variation in cfDNA samples and reveals undiscovered intra-tumour heterogeneity with important scientific and clinical implications. Implementation of ACT-Discover could lead to important insights from existing cohorts, or underpin future prospective studies seeking to characterise the landscape of tumour evolution through liquid biopsy.

  Study EGAS00001007077

• Transcriptome of CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells in glioblastoma multiforme

  Patients included in this study were over 18 years of age and had a histology-confirmed diagnosis of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Exclusion criteria were the previous administration of any anti-tumor therapy including radiation therapy. All patients gave written informed consent. The study was approved by the local ethics committee (TUM Medical school) and conducted following the Declaration of Helsinki. During resection of the tumors, tumor tissue and tissue from normal appearing brain within the operative channel was collected. Blood was drawn during the surgical procedure. Single cell suspensions were prepared from the tumor tissue, the normal appearing brain, and the blood. CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells were sorted by flow cytometry. Only patients with a complete set of specimens (CD4+ tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL), CD8+ TIL, CD4+ T cells from normal appearing brain, CD8+ T cells from normal appearing brain, blood-derived CD4+ and CD8+ T cells) containing a minimum of 1000 cells in each sorted sample were further analyzed (n=9). Total RNA was isolated from sorted cell populations using the RNAeasy Plus micro kit (Qiagen, 74034). Quality and integrity of total RNA was controlled on a Bioanalyzer 2100 (Agilent Technologies). Library preparation for bulk-sequencing of poly(A)-RNA was done as described previously (Parekh et al., 2016). Briefly, barcoded cDNA of each sample was generated with a Maxima RT polymerase (ThermoFisher Scientific, EP0742) using oligo-dT primer containing barcodes, unique molecular identifiers (UMIs) and an adaptor. Ends of the cDNAs were extended by a template switch oligo (TSO) and full-length cDNA was amplified with primers binding to the TSO-site and the adaptor. NEB UltraII FS kit was used to fragment cDNA. After end repair and A-tailing, a TruSeq adapter was ligated and 3'-end-fragments were finally amplified using primers with Illumina P5 and P7 overhangs. In comparison to previous descriptions (Parekh et al., 2016), the P5 and P7 sites were exchanged to allow sequencing of the cDNA in read 1 and barcodes and UMIs in read 2 to achieve a better cluster recognition. The library was sequenced on a NextSeq 500 (Illumina) with 59 cycles for the cDNA in read 1 and 16 cycles for the barcodes and UMIs in read 2. Data were processed using the published Drop-seq pipeline (v1.0) to generate sample- and gene-wise UMI tables (Macosko et al., 2015). Reference genome (GRCh38) was used for alignment. Transcript and gene definitions were used according to the Genecode Annotation Version 35.

  Dataset EGAD50000000226

• Alzheimer's Disease Genetics Consortium (ADGC) Genome Wide Association Study -NIA Alzheimer's Disease Centers Cohort

  The National Institute on Aging (NIA) Alzheimer's Disease Centers (ADCs) cohort includes subjects ascertained and evaluated by the clinical and neuropathology cores of the 29 NIA-funded ADCs. Data collection is coordinated by the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center (NACC). NACC coordinates collection of phenotype data from the 29 ADCs, cleans all data, coordinates implementation of definitions of AD cases and controls, and coordinates collection of samples. The ADC cohort consists of autopsy-confirmed and clinically-confirmed AD cases, and cognitively normal elders (CNEs) with complete neuropathology data who were older than 60 years at age of death, and living CNEs evaluated using the Uniform dataset (UDS) protocol who were documented to not have mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and were between 60 and 100 years of age at assessment. ADCs sent frozen tissue from autopsied subjects and DNA samples from some autopsied subjects and from living subjects to the National Cell Repository for Alzheimer's Disease (NCRAD). DNA was prepared by NCRAD for genotyping and sent to the genotyping site at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. ADC samples were genotyped and analyzed in separate batches. [Reprinted from AC Naj et al. Common variants at MS4A4/MS4A6E, CD2AP, CD33 and EPHA1 are associated with late-onset Alzheimer's disease. Nature Genetics 43, 436-441 (2011). doi:10.1038/ng.801. PMID: 21460841.]

  Study phs000372

• Nala TAS-LRS PGx Study

  Pharmacogenomics (PGx) testing improves medication safety and efficacy by identifying genetic variants that affect drug response. However, current technologies often fail to resolve complex loci, detect structural variants, or phase alleles accurately. Here, we present an end-to-end PGx workflow based on Targeted Adaptive Sampling-Long Read Sequencing (TAS-LRS), integrating a streamlined laboratory protocol with a bioinformatics pipeline that includes a novel CYP2D6 caller. Using 1,000 ng of DNA and three-sample multiplexing on a single PromethION flow cell, the assay achieves consistent on-target (25x) and off-target (3x) coverage, enabling accurate, haplotype-resolved testing of 35 pharmacogenes alongside genome-wide genotyping from off-target reads. We further developed the workflow into a clinically ready service and validated its performance across 17 reference and clinical samples. The assay demonstrated high concordance for small variants (99.9%) and structural variants (>95%), with phased diplotypes and metabolizer phenotypes reaching 97.7% and 98.0% concordance, respectively. Improved calls were observed in 12 genes due to enhanced genotyping, phasing, or novel allele detection. In addition, off-target reads supported accurate genome-wide imputation, comparable to short-read sequencing and superior to microarrays. These results establish the feasibility of long-read sequencing for clinical PGx testing and position TAS-LRS as a scalable solution combining both targeted and genome-wide utility.

  Study EGAS50000001116

• Osteosarcoma 3D patient derived cultures to test genome-informed personalized treatment options; a feasibility study

  Background: Improving osteosarcoma treatment beyond conventional (neo)adjuvant chemotherapy and resection remains challenging. An urgent need for novel therapeutic options, particularly personalized and targeted approaches, has emerged due to high inter-patient molecular heterogeneity. A lack of representative in vitro and in vivo models impedes therapeutic development, therefore we aimed to create 3D in vitro long term culture models directly from patient material. Methods: Tumour cells from seven osteosarcoma patients were propagated in monolayer or collagen hydrogels, while whole-exome sequencing of corresponding primary tumour tissue was performed to identify potential drug targets. Established cultures were subsequently used to assess efficacy of the identified personalized treatment options. Results: Three out of seven hydrogel cultures harboured the same genetic alterations as the corresponding primary tumours. Among these, the L6565 patient line exhibited homozygous CDKN2A loss with retained Rb expression, rendering tumour cells sensitive to CDK4/CDK6 inhibition via palbociclib. This patient line was used to evaluate genome-informed therapy and to compare cell culture models of increasing complexity. Our findings demonstrate feasibility of establishing long-term patient-derived osteosarcoma cultures with a success rate of 14%. Tumour heterogeneity was reflected in advanced culture methods producing more variability in treatment response. Conclusion: These results highlight the potential of genome-informed therapies in osteosarcoma and the importance of refining culture techniques to enhance translational research and therapeutic outcomes.

  Study EGAS50000001583

• Novel CNV contribution to schizophrenia from a genome wide study of 41,321 subjects

  Genomic copy number variants (CNVs) have been strongly implicated in the etiology schizophrenia (SCZ). However, apart from a small number of risk variants, elucidation of the CNV contribution to risk has been difficult due to the very low frequencies of risk alleles, all occurring in less than 1% of patients. We sought to address this obstacle through a collaborative effort unprecedented in psychiatry in which we applied a centralized analysis pipeline to a large SCZ cohort of 21,094 cases and 20,227 controls. A global enrichment of CNV burden is observed in SCZ patients (OR=1.11, P=5.7e-15), and persists after excluding loci implicated in previous studies (OR=1.07, P=1.7e-6). CNV Burden is also enriched for genes associated with synaptic function (OR = 1.68, P = 2.8e-11) and neurobehavioral phenotypes in mouse (OR = 1.18, P= 7.3e-05). While only previously implicated loci surpass strict genome-wide testing correction, we identify “novel” CNVs (BH-FDR < 0.05) that confer both protective and risk effects on SCZ and are predominantly mediated by non-allelic homologous recombination (NAHR). Our combined data find genome-wide significant support for eight loci, including 1q21.1, 2p16.3 (NRXN1), 3q29, 7q11.2, 15q13.3, distal 16p11.2, proximal 16p11.2 and 22q11.2.

  Study EGAS00001001960

• PAK4 inhibition improves PD-1 blockade immunotherapy

  Introduction with rationale and aims for study Immune checkpoint blockade therapies have significantly altered the current landscape of cancer treatment. However, this immunotherapy still fails more often than it succeeds. There are now evidences that the lack of tumour infiltration by immune cells is the main mechanism of primary resistance to PD‐1 blockade therapies for cancer. It has been postulated that cancer cell‐intrinsic mechanisms may actively exclude T cells from tumours, suggesting that the finding of actionable molecules that could be inhibited to increase T cell infiltration may synergize with checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy. With the idea of finding potential drivers of immune exclusion, we performed RNA sequencing analysis of biopsies from melanoma patients and compared the transcriptomic differences of samples that where infiltrated with those that did not have immune infiltration. Methods RNAseq analysis of gene expressions on biopsies from melanoma patients treated with checkpoint blockade were analysed. We focused on the variable of "infiltration: yes or no,", e.g. tumors that were well infiltrated by immune cells with those that kept immune cells out. Sequencing revealed a list of genes whose expression differed between the infiltrated and noninfiltrated tumors. The kinase PAK4 stood out as a good candidate for inhibition treatment in the future as it was consistently enriched in the samples without immune infiltration. To test whether immunotherapy would work better if we deleted PAK4, we first knocked out PAK4, using CRISPR‐Cas9, in the ‐resistant melanoma cell line, B16. Then they injected the melanoma cells into mice and observed that PAK4 KO tumours now responded to PD‐1 blockade. In order to elucidate whether pharmacological inhibition of PAK4 could recapitulate the results observed in the B16 PAK4 KO tumours, we obtained the PAK4 inhibitor, KPT-9274, from Karyopharm Therapeutics. Indeed, inhibiting PAK4 in combination with anti‐PD‐1 immunotherapy significantly slowed the growth of the B16 melanomas more than either drug alone. Results and Conclusions Transcriptomic analysis of melanoma tumors that were well infiltrated by immune cells with those that kept immune cells out revealed a list of genes whose expression differed between the infiltrated and non-infiltrated tumours. The result suggests that p21 activated kinase 4 (PAK4) is enriched in non-responding tumour biopsies with low T cell and dendritic cell infiltration. In addition, PAK4 decreased WNT activity, a signalling pathway that has previously been involved in immune exclusion. In mouse models, genetic deletion of PAK4 increased T cell infiltration and reversed resistance to PD‐1 blockade in a CD8 T cell-dependent manner. Furthermore, combination of with the PAK4 inhibitor, KPT-9274, improved anti‐tumour responses compared to anti‐PD‐1 alone. Therefore, high PAK4 expression is correlated with low T cell and dendritic cell infiltration and lack of response to PD‐1 blockade, which could be reversed with PAK4 inhibition. The data establish a rationale for targeting this kinase with inhibitors in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors for patients. Future work and data that we can anticipate for this study Oncogenic signalling pathways and specially the WNT signalling pathway, have been associated with lack of immune infiltration and resistance to PD‐1 blockade therapies. Here, we show that PAK4 overcome resistance to PD‐1 blockade while significantly decreases WNT signalling activity. Therefore, it constitutes the first potential druggable target that is able to reverse oncogenic driven immune cell exclusion. However, the fully mechanism whereby PAK4 sensitizes tumours to immunotherapy remains to be fully elucidated. It is necessary to address whether PAK4 inhibition overcomes resistance through WNT signalling inhibition or if other signalling pathways are involved in the observed phenotype.

  Study phs001919

• Mutation of FOXL2 in granulosa cell tumors of the ovary

  We generated paired-end RNA-Seq data using the Illumina Genome Analyzer II platform for four adult granulosa cell tumours (GCTs) of the ovary (1 primary, 3 recurrent). We screened this data for the presence of GCT specific sequence variants and detected a non-synonymous mutation in the FOXL2 gene that was found to be recurrent in 97% of 89 additional GCTs. To measure genomic stability of the four index cases, we generated Affmetrix SNP 6.0 data and analysed these data for copy number changes. Raw sequence reads as well as Affymetrix CEL files are available to applicants.

  Study EGAS00000000040

• Whole_Exome_Sequencing_for_Characterization_of_Disease_Causing_Mutations_in_two_Pakistani_Families_Suffering_from_Autosomal_Recessive_Ocular_Disorders_

  We propose to use whole exome Agilent solutionprobes and paired end Illumina sequencing to sequence 4 individualsfrom two families suffering from novel autosomal recessive disease[microphthalmia, MOP (OMIM %251600) and non-syndromic persistenthyperplastic primary vitreous, PHPV (OMIM %611311)]. Selectedcandidate variants will subsequently be genotyped in the remainingfamily members in Pakistan with the aim of identifying the rarehomozygous recessive mutations responsible for the disease phenotype. This data is part of a pre-publication release. For information on the proper use of pre-publication data shared by the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute (including details of any publication moratoria), please see http://www.sanger.ac.uk/datasharing/

  Study EGAS00001000026

• Primary plasma cell leukemia (pPCL) samples were sequenced using the Nimblegen MedExome hybridization capture to detect translocations, copy number changes, and mutations in 20 pPCL samples and patient matched controls.

  Primary plasma cell leukemia (pPCL) is a rare malignancy related to multiple myeloma. Here we have assembled 20 patient samples and performed whole exome sequencing to determine the differences between multiple myeloma and pPCL. CD138+ cells were purified from bone marrow aspirates from patients with pPCL. Control cells were obtained from CD34+ stem cell harvests or CD3+ T cells. DNA was extracted and processed using the HyperPlus library prep kit (KAPA Biosystems) and sequenced using 75 bp paired end reads on an Illumina NextSeq500.

  Study EGAS00001003104

• Identification of the underlying causal variant in a multi-generational family with autosomal dominant common variable immunodeficiency

  Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is the most common form of primary immunodeficiency with an estimated incidence of 1:10,000. It has been apparent for many years that CVID has a genetic component, occurs frequently in families and can have both a recessive or dominant mode of inheritance. In recent years, 4 genes underlying CVID have been identified; however, mutations within in them are estimated to account for no more than 10% of all cases of CVID. We have identified a multi-generational family with autosomal dominant CVID. Genome-wide linkage analysis has mapped the locus underlying CVID in this family to an approximately 9.2 Mb interval on chromosome 3q27.3-q29, between the markers D3S3570 and D3S1265. This locus is distinct from any of the previously mapped susceptibility loci suggesting a novel genetic variant is responsible for disease in this family. The aim of this study is to use exome sequencing of affected (n = 4) and unaffected (n = 4) individuals, in tandem with the available genetic mapping data, to identify the causal variant underlying CVID in this family.

  Dataset EGAD00001000363

• Cellular and Molecular Characterization of Renal Cell Carcinoma

  We are performing a comprehensive cellular and molecular characterization of renal cell carcinoma. This work includes an initial cohort of patients whose tumors (and adjacent normal tissue) underwent single cell analysis. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and TCR sequencing (scTCR-seq) analysis of untreated clear cell renal cell carcinoma tumor and adjacent normal tissue was performed across disease stages. This initial cohort includes 13 patients: 4 with early stage disease (stage I/II), 4 with locally advanced disease (stage III), and 5 with advanced/metastatic disease (stage IV). Whole exome sequencing on tumor and normal tissue was also performed. 

  Study phs002252

• Transcriptome Sequencing of Pediatric Neuroblastoma

  Neuroblastoma is the most common extra-cranial solid tumor in children. It represents 8% to 10% of all childhood cancers. Stage 4 Neuroblastoma is characterized by its clinical heterogeneous outcome. The special category, stage 4S tumors (2-5% of all NB) are chemo-sensitive, and the patients show spontaneous regression. On the other hand, MYCN amplification (25-30% of all NB) is associated with poor outcome of neuroblastoma, thus we further categorize stage 4 neuroblastoma into MYCN non-amplified and MYCN amplified group. Here we use transcriptome sequencing to characterize the transcriptome in 29 stage 4 Neuroblastoma samples.

  Study phs000868

• Subtyping Sub-Saharan Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma by Comprehensive Molecular Analysis

  Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) occurs as much as 20x more frequently in sub-Saharan Africa than Western countries. Through the UNC-Malawi project collaboration we obtained whole-exome matched tumor/normal and RNA sequencing of 59 ESCC from Malawi between 2011-2012. DNA analysis revealed similar mutations as other cohorts, while RNA analysis revealed three distinct subtypes. Mutational signature analysis revealed a pattern of mutation not previously reported in other cohorts or more broadly. Taken together this suggests the high prevalence of ESCC in the region is secondary to an as yet identified mutagen.

  Study phs001448

• Whole Genome Sequencing of Skull-Based Chordoma

  Chordoma is a rare bone tumor, which is believed to originate from notochordal remnants. Based on the United States Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) data, the incidence of chordoma varies by gender and race; however, little is known about the etiologic factors that predispose to it. Genomic profiling studies of chordoma are limited, particularly in the Chinese population. We therefore conducted a detailed molecular characterization of paired chordoma tumor/normal tissues using fresh frozen tissues and blood collected from skull-based Chinese chordoma patients. These analyses included whole exome sequencing and RNA sequencing analyses.

  Study phs002301

• High-Throughput RNA Isoform Sequencing using Programmable cDNA Concatenation

  MAS-ISO-seq is a novel technique for programmably concatenating cDNAs into single molecules for optimal long-read sequencing. In practice, this boosts throughput >15 fold to nearly 40 million cDNA reads per run on the PacBio Sequel IIe sequencer. We have validated this method via application to synthetic RNA isoforms and single-cell sequencing of tumor-infiltrating T cells. Results demonstrated a >30 fold boosted discovery of differentially spliced genes and robust cell clustering, as well as canonical PTPRC splicing patterns across T cell subpopulations and the concerted expression of the associated hnRNPLL splicing factor.

  Study phs003200

• Whole Exome Sequencing of Uveal Melanoma

  Uveal melanoma is a rare form of melanoma that occurs in the eye and has no effective treatment once metastatic. To further characterize the genomic events driving uveal melanoma, whole exome sequencing was performed on 61 primary tumors derived from enucleations, 3 liver metasases, and paired normal DNA. Recurrent somatic genetic alterations including point mutations, small insertions and deletions, as well as copy number variations were identified. In addition, RNA sequencing of uveal melanoma cell lines expressing shRNAs was performed from total RNA as well as polysome-associated mRNA in order to identify transcripts regulated by EIF1AX at the level of translation.

  Study phs001370

• Multiregion Sequencing of Localized Prostate Cancer

  Ten patients with treatment-naïve, locally advanced or localized prostate cancer underwent radical prostatectomy. Pathological stage ranged from T2aN0 to T3bN1, and Gleason scores from 3+4 to 4+5. Tumor foci were mapped, and DNA was extracted from multiple (5-9) regions from a single, contiguous index focus. Whole exome sequencing was performed to identify single nucleotide variants and indels, and low coverage whole genome sequencing was performed to estimate copy number variation. Phylogenetic relationships between foci was determined, and alterations associated with advanced disease or response to targeted therapy were identified.

  Study phs001465

• Next Generation Mendelian Genetics: Muscle Hypertrophy

  The NHGRI Next Generation Mendelian Genetics project uses exome resequencing to identify variants in unsolved Mendelian diseases. Samples were collected from a single, multi-generational family with the same phenotype of exaggerated muscular development (muscular hypertrophy) and strength characterized by reduced fat pad thickness under the skin. All family members deny "body building" activities, and are so far negative for known gene mutation that have been identified as associated with excessive muscle development. All family members have examples of demonstrating extraordinary strength occurring both in childhood and old age. No negative associated phenotype traits with the muscle hypertrophy phenotype have been identified.

  Study phs000541

• Transcriptional and Epigenetic Profiles of Male Breast Cancer at Single-Cell Resolution Nominate Salient Cancer Specific Enhancers

  We performed matched single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and single-cell chromatin accessibility sequencing (scATAC-seq) for two fresh human tumors collected from male breast cancer patients. The integration of these datasets revealed the intratumoral heterogeneity in both transcription and chromatin accessibility for each male breast cancer patient and allowed for comparisons to be made between male and female breast cancer. We hope these data will be a useful reference in the field of breast oncology, specifically for the treatment of males, as few studies have explored male breast cancer genetics.

  Study phs003006

• NCI CCSG CCDI Supplement Additional Genomic Submission

  The implementation of targeted therapies for acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) has been challenging because of the complex mutational patterns within and across patients as well as a dearth of pharmacologic agents for most mutational events. This supplement data from the Beat AML program provides Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) and pediatric tumor specimens not previously released. These data include exome and RNA level characterization as well as analyses of ex vivo drug sensitivity. Collectively, this data can be leveraged to address clinical, genomic, transcriptomic and functional analyses of the biology of leukemia in pediatric and AYA populations.

  Study phs002599

• NSD2 E1099K Drives Relapse in Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia by Disrupting 3D Chromatin Organization

  NSD2 p.E1099K (EK) is a mutation shown to be enriched in patients that relapse with pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). This work aims to uncover 3D chromatin architecture-related mechanisms responsible for drug resistance or therapy failure in these patients. We investigated this by performing Hi-C, ATAC-Seq, and RNA-Seq on three B-ALL cell lines heterozygous for EK either expressing a NSD2 targeting small RNA (sRNA) or a non-targeting small hairpin RNAs (shRNA). We also performed RNA-Seq on three matched diagnosis/relapse B-ALL samples with the relapse enriched EK mutation.

  Study phs003195

• Rapid Acceleration of Diagnostics - Digital Health Technologies (RADx-DHT): NIH Digital Health Solutions for COVID-19: Clear2Go - A Digital Identity Wallet for Health Status

  Clear2Go is a solution/app that provides digital, non-refutable cryptographic proof of testing or vaccination that can be used to evaluate risk of allowing individuals to return to normal work, travel, and public life activities. It is a mobile service that maps a person's vetted identity and biometrics to the phone and then cryptographically binds it with their COVID-19 test and vaccination records. The person can then prove their status by utilizing the credentials with a QRCode or NFC tap.DOI: https://rapids.ll.mit.edu/10.57895/b2d6-8060

  Study phs002628

• Single Cell Analysis of Sporadic Human Basal Cell Carcinomas

  To explore tumor heterogeneity in sporadic human basal cell carcinoma tumors, we profiled three individual patient tumors by scRNA-Seq and scATAC-Seq. Basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) are driven by hedgehog signaling with GLI1 representing the key downstream transcription factor that drives tumor growth. GLI1 as such is a readout of active hedgehog signaling. We identified that LY6D can mark squamous populations such as in squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) that are negative for GIL1 and hedgehog signaling. As such, both GLI1 and LY6D can be used as biomarkers of BCCs and SCCs and their related states.

  Study phs003103

• Combined Targeting of CDK4/6 and HER2 Signaling in Orthotopic Patient-Derived Xenografts of HER2-Positive Breast Cancer Brain Metastases

  Patients with metastatic HER2-positive (HER2+) breast cancer will frequently develop brain metastases (BCBMs). Here, we report that p16INK4A, a tumor suppressor, is deficient in the majority of HER2+ BCBMs. Furthermore, p16INK4A deficiency, as measured by protein immunohistochemistry, can be a predictive marker associated with response to combined treatment with tucatinib and abemaciclib in our orthotopic patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) models of HER2+ BCBMs. Our findings provide the rationale for a biomarker-driven clinical trial of combined treatment with CDK4/6- and HER2-targeted agents for patients with HER2+ BCBM.  

  Study phs002482

• NHLBI TOPMed - NHGRI CCDG: The Vanderbilt AF Ablation Registry

  The Vanderbilt Atrial Fibrillation Ablation Registry (VAFAR) was founded in 2011. Patients with AF referred for AF ablation are prospectively enrolled. A detailed clinical history is recorded, along with imaging data (cardiac MRI or CT). Blood samples are obtained for DNA extraction at the time of ablation. Details of the ablation procedure are recorded. Patients are longitudinally followed to monitor for AF recurrence. VAFAR contributed 171 samples submitted to dbGaP for WGS: 115 were from male subjects, of which 113 were white/non-Hispanic and 2 were Hispanic; 56 were from females, of which all 56 were white/non-Hispanic.

  Study phs000997

• Detection of Somatic Mutations In Vitro Aging Cells

  Deep sequencing was performed to analyze the prevalence of somatic mutations during in vitro cell aging. Primary dermal fibroblasts from healthy subjects of young and advanced age, from Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome, and from Xeroderma Pigmentosum complementation group A (XPA) and C (XPC), were first restricted in number and then expanded in vitro. DNA was obtained from cells pre- and post-expansion and sequenced at high depth, over a cumulative 290 kb target region, including the exons of 44 aging-related genes. Allele frequencies of 58 somatic mutations differed between the pre- and post-cell culture expansion passages.

  Study phs001867

• Molecular Features of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Associated with 18F-Fluorocholine PET/CT Imaging Phenotype

  Molecular imaging with 18F-fluorocholine PET/CT reveals two distinct imaging phenotypes for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) as a potential source of non-invasive insight into its molecular heterogeneity. Using gene set enrichment analyses, we found 18F-fluorocholine-avid tumors to be significantly enriched by genes comprising a subset of previously published HCC-related gene signatures. Significant gene sets included those from existing molecular classification systems for HCC as well as gene signatures predictive of clinical outcomes after tumor resection. PET/CT imaging using 18F-fluorocholine might therefore provide surrogate information about tumor molecular characteristics and prognosis in HCC.

  Study phs001784