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

in 60.19 milliseconds.

• A novel recurrent mutation in MITF predisposes to familial and sporadic melanoma

  We conducted whole-genome sequencing of probands from several melanoma families, identifying one individual carrying a novel germline variant (c.G1075A, NM_000248.3; p.E318K, NP_000239.1; rs149617956) in the melanoma lineage-specific oncogene MITF. While the variant cosegregated with melanoma in some, but not all cases in the family, linkage analysis of 31 families subsequently identified to carry the variant generated a LOD score of 2.7 under a dominant model, suggesting E318K as a possible intermediate risk variant. Consistent with this, E318K was significantly associated with melanoma in a large Australian case-control sample, giving an odds ratio (OR) of 2.33, 95% CI 1.21-4.70 (case and control carrier frequency, 0.0165 and 0.0072, respectively; P=0.008). Likewise, it was similarly associated in an independent case-control sample from the United Kingdom (UK P=0.012; combined P=0.0003, OR 2.19, 95% CI 1.41-3.45). In the Australian sample, the variant allele was significantly over-represented in cases with a family history of melanoma (OR 2.95, 95% CI 1.23-6.92), multiple primary melanomas (OR 4.22, 95% CI 1.52-10.91), or both (OR 8.37, 95% CI 2.58-23.80). The variant allele was also associated with increased nevus count (combined P=0.002, OR 2.54, 95% CI 1.42-4.55) and non-blue eye color (combined P=0.008, OR 2.01, 95% CI 1.11-3.81). Functional analysis of E318K showed that MITF encoded by the variant allele had impaired sumoylation and differentially regulated several MITF targets. These data indicate that MITF is a melanoma predisposition gene and highlights the utility of whole-genome sequencing to identify novel rare variants associated with disease susceptibility.

  Study phs000419

• Resistance to Checkpoint Blockade Therapy Through Inactivation of Antigen Presentation

  Although immune checkpoint blockade (CPB) leads to prolonged responses in 15-40% of patients with metastatic melanoma, treatment refractory disease and progression after initial response remain major causes of mortality. While predictors of response have been reported, the common mechanisms of both primary and acquired resistance are poorly understood. To identify mechanisms of resistance and examine the evolving landscape in response to CPB, we performed whole exome sequencing (WES), immunohistochemistry (IHC), and RNA-sequencing (RNAseq) of longitudinal tumor biopsies from 17 metastatic melanoma patients treated with various CPB therapies. We found no significant changes in both mutational and neoantigen loads over time between responders and nonresponders. However, we identified abnormalities in one gene, beta-2-microglobulin (B2M), an essential component of MHC Class I antigen presentation, that were present in samples during disease progression but not regression. In total, we identified B2M aberrations in 29.4% of patients, including multiple early frameshift mutations, loss of heterozygosity (LOH) overlapping B2M, and absence of tumor-specific B2M protein expression. Additional defects in the antigen presentation and IFNγ pathways were identified but were not restricted to progressing lesions in our cohort. In two independent cohorts of 105 and 38 melanoma patients treated with ipilimumab (anti-CTLA4) and pembrolizumab (anti-PD1) respectively, we found that B2M LOH was enriched 3-fold in nonresponders (~30%) vs. responders (~10%) and associated with poorer overall survival (log-rank p=0.01, p=0.006). Loss of both copies of B2M was found only in nonresponders. We also found evidence for association of LOH overlapping IFNGR1 with poorer overall survival exclusively in the anti-PD1 cohort. Thus, B2M loss is likely a common mechanism of primary and acquired resistance to therapies targeting CTLA4 or PD-1.

  Study phs001427

• A Polygenic Score for Acute Vaso-Occlusive Pain in Pediatric Sickle Cell Disease

  Recurrent acute pain, or vaso-occlusive pain crisis (VOP), is the most common complication of sickle cell disease and correlates strongly with increased hospital visits and early mortality (PMID: 1710777). While the genetics of VOP in sickle cell patients has been studied (PMID: 29205277, 27883292, 25102390, 30079801, 22925497, 29531649, 29620434, 19468207, 20172753, 22576309, 30031848, 24136375, 27603703, 29559808), it is not fully understood.Using whole genome sequencing, we interrogated the α-thalassemia deletion -α3.7 and 133 candidate single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) across 66 genes for associations with VOP in 327 SCCRIP participants followed longitudinally over 6 years. Twenty-one SNPs in 9 loci were associated with VOP, including 3 (BCL11A, MYB, and the β-like globin gene cluster) that regulate erythrocyte fetal hemoglobin (HbF) levels and 6 (COMT, TBC1D1, KCNJ6, FAAH, NR3C1, and IL1A) that were associated previously with various pain syndromes. An unweighted PGS integrating all 21 SNPs was associated with the VOP event rate (estimate, 0.35; standard error, 0.04; P = 5.9 × 10−14) and VOP event occurrence (estimate, 0.42; standard error, 0.06; P = 4.1 × 10−13). These associations were stronger than those of any single locus. Our findings provide insights into the genetic modulation of VOP in children with SCD. More generally, we demonstrate the utility of WGS for investigating genetic contributions to the variable expression of SCD-associated morbidities.For publications, written, and/or oral presentations resulting from use of this data, please cite the following information: "The original data description for A Polygenic Score for Acute Vaso-Occlusive Pain in Pediatric Sickle Cell Disease can be found here: (Journal Citation Blood Adv. 2021 Jul 27;5(14):2839-2851) (PMID: 34283174)."

  Study phs002470

• Genotyping NIGMS CEPH Samples from the United States, Venezuela, and France

  The Human Genetic Cell Repository (HGCR) is sponsored by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) with the mission of supplying scientists with the materials for accelerating disease gene discovery and functional studies. The resources available include highly-characterized, contaminant-free fibroblast cell lines, transformed lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs), and DNA samples derived from these cultures. While the Repository has a major emphasis on inherited diseases, it also contains large collections of cell lines gathered from populations around the world that are intended for use in facilitating the understanding of human variation. Prominent among these resources is the CEPH Reference Family collection contributed by the Centre d'Etude du Polymorphisme Humain (CEPH), Foundation Jean Dausset, Paris, France. The CEPH collection includes families collected by R. White (Utah), J. Dausset (French), J. Gusella (Venezuelan), and J. Egeland (Amish). There are a total of 809 individuals accounting for 832 pedigree positions in the reference families. Family relationships for the 61 reference families were verified at Coriell and approved by CEPH. In an effort to enhance the value of this cell culture resource available from the Repository, the Coriell Genotyping and Microarray Center used the Affymetrix Genome-Wide Human SNP Array 6.0 platform to genotype 181 samples from the NIGMS HGCR CEPH collection. Included are thirteen families from the United States (Amish Pedigree 884 and Utah Pedigrees 1331, 1356, 1400, 1416, 1424, 1427, 1477, and 1582), France (Pedigrees 35 and 66), and Venezuela (Pedigrees 102 and 104). Twelve of the families consist of 3 generations and one family consists of 2 generations. Pedigree charts and sample descriptions are available on the Repository catalog website (see below).

  Study phs000268

• Convergent evolution towards CD38 biallelic loss is a recurrent mechanism of resistance to anti-CD38 antibodies in multiple myeloma.

  Monoclonal antibodies directed against CD38 are a therapeutic mainstay in multiple myeloma (MM). While they have contributed to improved outcomes, most patients will still experience disease relapse. Despite their ubiquity, little is known about tumor-intrinsic mechanisms of resistance to these drugs. Antigen escape, whereby tumor cells alter expression of cell surface immunotherapy targets, has been proposed as a potential avenue, and has been seen with other immunotherapies in MM. Yet, it is unknown whether MM cells can develop permanent resistance to anti-CD38 antibodies by acquiring genomic events leading to biallelic disruption of the CD38 gene locus. Here, by using whole genome and whole exome sequencing data from 701 newly diagnosed patients, 72 patients at relapse with naivety to anti-CD38 antibodies, and 52 patients collected at relapse following anti-CD38 antibodies, we report biallelic inactivation of CD38 as a recurrent mechanism of resistance in 6% of patients, often via convergent evolution where distinct subclones are advantaged towards the same selective endpoint within the same patient. Monoallelic loss of the CD38 locus was seen in another 14% post-CD38-directed therapy. Three of the cases with biallelic events on CD38 presented with missense mutations and retained CD38 expression. Functional work demonstrated that two of these mutations decreased binding affinity and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity of commercial antibodies Daratumumab and Isatuximab. However, the third mutation (R140G) provided relative resistance only towards one commercial product. Given that patients are often rechallenged with CD38 antibodies following disease progression, these data support the need for next generation sequencing to guide treatment selection.

  Study EGAS50000000709

• CCR8-targeted specific depletion of clonally expanded Treg cells in tumor tissues evokes potent tumor immunity with long-lasting memory

  Foxp3-expressing CD25+CD4+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) are abundantly infiltrating into tumor tissues, hindering effective anti-tumor immunity. Here, assuming that such tumor Tregs were clonally expanding by recognizing tumor-associated antigens, we attempted to characterize them by their gene expression profiling and T-cell receptor (TCR) clonotyping at the single-cell level. We found that they predominantly expressed the chemokine receptor CCR8: ~40% of tumor Tregs, less than 10% of Tregs in other tissues, and few tumor-infiltrating conventional T cells expressed CCR8 in mice and humans. CCR8+ tumor Tregs were phenotypically highly differentiated and functionally stable. One injection of anti-CCR8 mAb with high antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxic activity was indeed able to specifically deplete clonally expanded tumor Tregs and thereby eradicate established tumors in mice. The depletion predominantly expanded tumor-infiltrating CD8+ effector T cells, which were different in activated or exhausted patterns from those seen after immune checkpoint blockade by anti-PD-1 mAb. The treatment also evoked potent secondary immune responses against the same tumor cell line inoculated several months after tumor eradication, indicating that the anti-CCR8-induced memory-type tumor-reactive effector T cells were, once induced, resistant to recovered Treg suppression. In contrast to such evocation of potent tumor immunity, anti-CCR8 treatment scarcely elicited discernable autoimmunity in mice, contrasting with a similar treatment for systemic whole Treg depletion, which induced histologically and serologically evident autoimmunity. Thus, temporary and specific depletion of clonally expanded Tregs in tumor tissues by cell-depleting anti-CCR8 mAb is sufficient to evoke potent tumor immunity with long-lasting memory and without serious autoimmunity.

  Study JGAS000312

• Systems biology of Colorectal Cancer

  Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers in both males and females, and it is perhaps the best understood of all epithelial tumors in terms of its molecular origin. Yet, despite large amount of work that has concentrated on understanding of colon tumorigenesis, we still do not know the full complement of molecular lesions that are individually necessary – and together sufficient – to cause colorectal cancer. Neither do we understand why some specific mutations that are relatively rare in other tumors (e.g. loss of the APC tumor suppressor) are extremely common in colorectal cancer. We propose here to use the tools of systems biology to develop a quantitative and comprehensive model of colorectal tumorigenesis. The model will include identification of cell-type specific and oncogenic pathways that contribute to colon tumorigenesis, and explain in molecular detail how a genotype of an individual CRC leads to activation of downstream genes that drive uncontrolled cell growth. This model will subsequently be used to find novel therapeutic targets, to guide genetic screening to identify individuals with elevated risk for developing CRC, and to classify patients into molecular subgroups to select the treatment combination that is optimal for each patient (personalized medicine). The specific objectives of the SYSCOL project are: 1. Identify genetic markers for individual risk using genotyping and sequencing of constitutional DNA from sporadic and familial CRC cases and controls 2. Identify genes and regulatory elements that contribute to colorectal cancer cell growth 3. Use data from Aims 1-2 to develop a quantitative model for colorectal tumorigenesis 4. Apply the model for identification of high-risk individuals, for molecular classification of the disease, and for identification of novel molecular treatment targets

  Study EGAS00001000854

• Characterization of a human iPSC-derived endocrine pancreas model

  Directed differentiation of stem cells offers a scalable solution to the need for human cell models recapitulating islet biology and T2D pathogenesis. We profiled mRNA expression at six stages of an induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) model of endocrine pancreas development from two donors, and characterized the distinct transcriptomic profiles associated with each stage. Established regulators of endodermal lineage commitment, such as SOX17 (log2 fold change [FC] compared to iPSCs=14.2, p-value=4.9x10-5) and the pancreatic agenesis gene GATA6 (log2 FC=12.1, p-value=8.6x10-5), showed transcriptional variation consistent with their known developmental roles. However, these analyses highlighted many other genes with stage-specific expression patterns, some of which may be novel drivers or markers of islet development. For example, the leptin receptor gene, LEPR, was most highly expressed in published data from in vivo-matured cells compared to our endocrine pancreas-like cells (log2 FC=5.5, p-value=2.0x10-12), suggesting a role for the leptin pathway in the maturation process. Endocrine pancreas-like cells showed significant stage-selective expression of adult islet genes, including INS, ABCC8, and GLP1R, and enrichment of relevant GO-terms (e.g. "insulin secretion"; odds ratio=4.2, p-value=1.9x10-3): however, principal component analysis indicated that in vitro-differentiated cells were more immature than adult islets. Integration of the stage-specific expression information with genetic data from T2D genome-wide association studies revealed that 46 of 82 T2D-associated loci harbor genes present in at least one developmental stage, facilitating refinement of potential effector transcripts. Together, these data show that expression profiling in an iPSC islet development model can further understanding of islet biology and T2D pathogenesis.

  Study EGAS00001001803

• Spiradenocarcinoma

  • Spiradenocarcinoma is a rare cutaneous sweat gland adnexal cancer with potential for aggressive behaviour. They are classified histologically into low- and high-grade tumours, with morphologically low-grade tumours thought to behave more favourably. However, limited information is available, with only 18 published cases. • We have collected morphologically low-grade spiroadenocarcinomas (one with a lung metastasis) and high-grade spiroadenocarcinomas, as well as some spiradenomas (benign lesions), cylindromas (another type of malignant cutaneous sweat gland adnexal tumour) and hybrid spiradenoma-cylindromas. • H&E-stained sections were reviewed, follow-up was obtained, and immunohistochemistry for Ki-67, p53 and, MYB has been performed. The tumours were solitary, measuring 0.8-7?cm (median: 2.7?cm), with a predilection for the head and neck of elderly patients (median age: 72 years; range 53-92) without gender bias. Histologically, the tumours were multinodular and located in deep dermis and subcutis. A pre-existing spiradenoma was present in all cases. The malignant component was characterized by expansile growth with loss of the dual cell population, up to moderate cytological atypia and increased mitotic activity (median: 10/10 HPF; range 1-28). Additional findings included squamoid differentiation (n=9), necrosis (n=7), and ulceration (n=5). P53 expression was variable and no significant differences were noted in the benign compared with the malignant parts of the tumours. In contrast, in the malignant components the Ki-67 proliferative index was slightly increased, and MYB expression was lost. Follow-up (median: 67 months; range: 13-132) available for 16 patients (84%) revealed a local recurrence rate of 19% but no metastases or disease-related mortality. • Here we wish to exome sequence these cases to define the first genomic landscape for this malignancy.

  Study EGAS00001001799

• The clinical utility of genomics in childhood cancer extends beyond targetable mutations

  Survival of children with relapsed cancer remains unacceptably low. Cancer genomic profiling may identify new therapeutic options, enhance diagnostic accuracy, and improve understanding of tumors’ origins and continued evolution. We deeply sequenced 864 cancer-associated genes and the complete genomes and transcriptomes for 300 pediatric and adolescent/young adult (AYA) patients with poor prognosis or rare tumors. Using integrative somatic-germline analyses, we assessed the clinical utility of cancer genomics in this population. We analyzed tumor mutational signatures and burden to interrogate the relevance of germline variants in DNA repair genes and the impact of therapeutic exposures on tumor evolution. We also evaluated the frequency of changes to tumor drivers and therapeutic targets at relapse in those with serial samples. Integrative analysis yielded clinically actionable variants in a majority of patients. Improved diagnostic accuracy led to modified management in a subset. Therapeutically targetable variants were of unanticipated timing and type, with many of these derived from the germline. Enrichment in corroborating mutational signature 3 (‘BRCAness’) in patients with germline homologous recombination defects suggests they are drivers of pediatric cancers and potential targets for PARP inhibition. We show that mutation burden, which may in part be driven by prior therapeutic exposures, was significantly elevated in a minority of patients. Over one-third of patients with sequential samples analyzed showed a change in therapeutically-targetable drivers. Comprehensive somatic-germline cancer genomic profiling is useful at multiple points in the care trajectory for pediatric/AYA patients, supporting its integration into early clinical management. Re-biopsy at the time of relapse should be considered, and specific attention to mutational burden is indicated. Defective DNA repair genes in the germline may represent important targetable drivers.

  Study EGAS00001006034

• Biomarker Screen for Efficacy of Oncolytic Virotherapy in Patient-derived Pancreatic Cancer Cultures

  Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a tumour entity with unmet medical need. To assess the therapeutic potential of oncolytic virotherapy (OVT) against PDAC, different oncolytic viruses (OVs) are currently investigated in clinical trials. However, systematic comparisons of these different OVs in terms of efficacy against PDAC and biomarkers predicting therapeutic response are lacking. We screened fourteen patient-derived PDAC cultures for their sensitivity to five clinically relevant OVs, namely serotype 5 adenovirus Ad5-hTERT, herpes virus T-VEC, measles vaccine strain MV-NIS, reovirus jin-3, and protoparvovirus H 1PV using live cell analysis, quantification of viral genome/gene expression, cell viability as well as cytotoxicity assays. Sensitivity was correlated with transcriptome profiles to identify potential predictive biomarkers for response to OVT. Patient-derived PDAC cultures showed individual response patterns to OV treatment. Twelve of fourteen cultures were responsive to at least one OV, with no single OV proving superior or inferior across all cultures. Known host factors for distinct viruses were retrieved as potential biomarkers. Compared to the basal-like molecular subtype, the quasi-mesenchymal subtype of PDAC was more sensitive to H-1PV, jin-3, and T-VEC. Expression of viral entry receptors did not correlate with sensitivity to OV treatment. Rather, cellular pathways controlling immunological, metabolic, and proliferative signalling appeared to determine outcome. For instance, high baseline expression of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) correlated with relative resistance to oncolytic measles virus, whereas cGAS expression was associated with exceptional response. Combination treatment of MV-NIS with a cGAS inhibitor improved tumour cell killing in several PDAC cultures.

  Study EGAS00001007001

• Ultra-Fast Patient-Derived Xenografts Identify Functional and Spatial Tumour Heterogeneities that Drive Therapeutic Resistance

  Treatment of patients with advanced cancers increasingly relies on agents targeting specific molecular or cellular aberrations. These expensive therapies often fail because of pre-existing drug resistance. Intra-tumoural molecular and micro-environmental heterogeneity resistance can create resistance in one or more subclones of a tumour, leading to spatio-functional heterogeneity. We created a rapid approach for quantifying tumour functional phenotypes based on tumour-implantation into the chorioallantoic membrane of chick embryos. We apply this technique to 43 separate biopsies from 6 patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) with 36 replicates per biopsy, achieving a 93.6% engraftment rate (1449/1548). Challenging these models with sunitinib, an anti-angiogenic therapy frequently used in RCC allowed us to quantify spatio-functional heterogeneity in individual patients. Prediction of de novo drug resistance in advanced cancer patients would facilitate precision medicine by tailoring systemic therapies and improve clinical trial design outcome measures. We describe a patient-derived xenograft platform where fresh patient tumour samples are implanted into the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) of chick embryos at high engraftment efficiencies, permitting large scale “tumour avatar” studies to guide the selection of drugs and to predict clinical drug resistance outcomes in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) patients. Applying this “tumour avatar” model in a co-clinical trial on RCC patients, we observe intra-tumoural functional heterogeneity with sunitinib treatment, revealing the presence of drug-resistant clones prior to the initiation of therapy. Multi-regional exome Matched DNA sequencing of the primary tumour and metastases revealed DNA mutational signatures associated with sunitinib resistance at baseline and after treatment. These These studies demonstrate a rapid and affordable method of findings confirm the existence of genetic and surveying functional tumour heterogeneities heterogeneity.

  Study EGAS00001002627

• A genome scan for genes underlying adult body size differences between Central African hunter-gatherers and farmers.

  The evolutionary and biological bases of the Central African pygmy phenotype, a characteristic of rainforest huntergatherers defined by reduced body size compared with neighboring farmers, remain largely unknown. Here, we perform a joint investigation in Central African hunter-gatherers and farmers of adult standing height, sitting height, leg length, and body mass index (BMI), considering 358 hunter-gatherers and 169 farmers with genotypes for 153,798 SNPs. In addition to reduced standing heights, hunter-gatherers have shorter sitting heights and leg lengths and higher sitting/standing height ratios than farmers and lower BMI for males. Standing height, sitting height, and leg length are strongly correlated with inferred levels of farmer genetic ancestry, whereas BMI is only weakly correlated, perhaps reflecting greater contributions of non-genetic factors to body weight than to height. Single- and multi-marker association tests identify one region and eight genes associated with hunter-gatherer/farmer status, and 24 genes associated with the height-related traits. Many of these genes have putative functions consistent with roles in determining their associated traits and the pygmy phenotype, and they include three associated with standing height in non-Africans (PRKG1, DSCAM, MAGI2). We find evidence that European height-associated SNPs or variants in linkage disequilibrium with them contribute to standing- and sitting-height determination in Central Africans, but not to the differential status of hunter-gatherers and farmers. These findings provide new insights into the biological basis of the pygmy phenotype, and they highlight the potential of cross-population studies for exploring the genetic basis of phenotypes that vary naturally across populations. Pemberton et al. Human Genetics 2018 https://doi.org/10.1007/s00439-018-1902-3

  Study EGAS00001002975

• Indonesian Genome Diversity Project

  Indonesia, the world’s fourth largest country by population, comprises an archipelago of about 900 permanently inhabited islands in tropical Asia, and hosts an astonishing array of human diversity that remains largely underrepresented in modern biological surveys. The region is unique for its key role in both the early and recent evolution of Homo outside of Africa. It has one of the first traces of anatomically modern humans in Eurasia, and was the focus of extensive interaction between archaic hominins and humans – both in the likely co-existence of H. floresiensis with modern humans, and in the introgression of Denisovans into the ancestors of its present inhabitants. More recently, Indonesia was a center of the spread of Neolithic culture by Austronesian speakers. Advancing maritime technologies allowed farming populations to treat this region as a springboard to reach oceanic islands as remote as Madagascar, Hawaii, Easter Island and New Zealand. Here we present complete human genomes from healthy individuals from multiple key islands in Indonesia and Papua. The genomes were sequenced to high depth (30x). The purpose of this dataset is to address different questions of human evolution in Island Southeast Asia and beyond, including early settlement of the area by anatomically modern humans, population structure, genetic admixture and adaptation, and contacts with archaic hominins. We employed a sampling strategy to capture a broad range of diversity across the region incorporating an average of 12 samples from each of 14 islands spanning Indonesia and Papua, from Sumatra in the west to New Britain in the east. Genomes from this dataset form part of an ongoing project to describe and understand human evolutionary history in Island Southeast Asia and Eurasia in general.

  Study EGAS00001003054

• Persistence of circulating tumor DNA in breast cancer patients during neoadjuvant treatment is a significant predictor of poor tumor response

  Purpose:Accurate assessment of response during neoadjuvant systemic treatment (NST) poses a major clinical challenge. Therefore, a minimally-invasive assessment of tumor response based on cell-free circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) may be beneficial to guide treatment decisions.Experimental Design: We profiled 93 genes in tissue from 193 early breast cancer patients. Patient-specific assays were designed to track ctDNA during NST from 145 patients with available plasma. ctDNA presence and levels were correlated with complete pathological response (pCR) and residual cancer burden (RCB) as well as with clinicopathologic characteristics of the tumor to identify potential proxies for ctDNA release. Moreover, we tested the predictive value of driver events identified in the tumor.Results:At baseline, ctDNA could be detected in 63/145 (43.4%) patients and persisted in 25/63 (39.7%) patients at mid-therapy (MT) and 15/63 (23.8%) patients at the end of treatment. ctDNA detection at MT was significantly associated with higher RCB (OR 0.062, 95% CI 0.01-0.48, P=0.0077). Out of 31 patients with detectable ctDNA at MT, 30 patients (96.8%) were non-responders (RCB II, n=8; RCB III, n=22) and only one patient responded to the treatment (RCB I). Considering all 145 patients with baseline (BL) plasma, none of the patients with RCB 0 and only 6.7% of patients with RCB I had ctDNA detectable at MT, while 30.6% and 29.6% of patients with RCB II/III, respectively, had a positive ctDNA result. Conclusion:Overall, our results demonstrate that the detection and persistence of ctDNA at mid-therapy may have the potential to negatively predict response to neoadjuvant treatment and identify patients who will not achieve pCR or be classified with RCB II/III.

  Study EGAS00001005798

• Combining a Universal Telomerase Based Cancer Vaccine with Ipilimumab in Patients with Metastatic Melanoma - Five-year Follow up of a Phase I/IIa Trial

  Background Ipilimumab improves survival for patients with metastatic malignant melanoma. Combining a therapeutic cancer vaccine with ipilimumab may increase efficacy by providing enhanced anti-tumor immune responses. UV1 consists of three synthetic long peptides from human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT). These peptides comprise epitopes recognized by T cells from cancer patients experiencing long-term survival following treatment with a first-generation hTERT vaccine, and generate long-lasting immune responses in cancer patients when used as monotherapy. The objective of this trial was to investigate the safety and efficacy of combining UV1 with ipilimumab in metastatic melanoma. Patients and methods In this phase I/IIa, single center trial [NCT02275416], patients with metastatic melanoma received repeated UV1 vaccinations, with GM-CSF as an adjuvant, in combination with ipilimumab. Patients were evaluated for safety, efficacy and immune response. Immune responses against vaccine peptides were monitored in peripheral blood by measuring antigen-specific proliferation and IFN-γ production. Results Twelve patients were recruited. Adverse events were mainly diarrhea, injection site reaction, pruritus, rash, nausea and fatigue. Ten patients showed a Th1 immune response to UV1 peptides, occurring early and after few vaccinations. Three patients obtained a partial response and one patient a complete response. Overall survival was 50% at 5 years. Conclusion Treatment was well tolerated. The rapid expansion of UV1-specific Th1 cells in the majority of patients indicates synergy between UV1 vaccine and CTLA-4 blockade. This may have translated into clinical benefit, encouraging the combination of UV1 vaccination with standard of care treatment regimes containing ipilimumab/CTLA-4 blocking antibodies.

  Study EGAS00001005253

• IMCISION DNAseq

  Standard-of-care (SOC) surgery for locoregionally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is intensive and results in 30‒50% five-year overall survival. Anti-PD1 immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) durably improves survival rates in recurrent/metastatic HNSCC. We report on the non-randomized phase Ib/IIa IMCISION trial (NCT03003637) of 32 HNSCC patients treated with two doses neoadjuvant nivolumab (NIVO MONO, n=6, phase Ib arm A) or two doses of nivolumab plus a single dose of ipilimumab (COMBO, n=26, 6 in phase Ib arm B and 20 in phase IIa) prior to surgery and, if indicated, adjuvant radiotherapy. Neoadjuvant ICB was feasible in all phase Ib patients, meeting the phase Ib primary feasibility endpoint. One phase IIa patient had progressive disease precluding surgery. Primary tumor pathological response (phase IIa primary endpoint), defined as the % change in viable tumor cells from baseline biopsy to on-treatment resection, was evaluable in 29 patients. . We observed a major pathological response (MPR, 90‒100% response) in 8/23 (35%) evaluable COMBO and 1/6 (17%) NIVO MONO patients. None of the patients with MPR after NIVO MONO or COMBO developed a tumor relapse after 24.0 months median follow-up. FDG-PET-based total lesion glycolysis identified MPR patients prior to surgery. A baseline AID/APOBEC-associated mutational profile and an on-treatment decrease in hypoxia signature expression were observed in MPR patients. Our data indicate that neoadjuvant NIVO MONO and COMBO are safe in HNSCC, and that particularly COMBO ICB shows encouraging effectivity. IMCISION provides rationales for future HNSCC trials aiming to pre-operatively select patients with a likely MPR after neoadjuvant ICB for de-escalation of SOC.

  Study EGAS00001005466

• Profiling the unique protective properties of intracranial arterial endothelial cells

  Cardiovascular disorders, like atherosclerosis and hypertension, are increasingly known to be associated with vascular cognitive impairment (VCI). In particular, intracranial atherosclerosis is one of the main causes of VCI, although plaque development occurs later in time and is structurally different compared to atherosclerosis in extracranial arteries. Recent data suggest that endothelial cells (ECs) that line the intracranial arteries may exert anti-atherosclerotic effects due to yet unidentified pathways. To gain insights into underlying mechanisms, we isolated post-mortem endothelial cells from both the intracranial basilar artery (BA) and the extracranial common carotid artery (CCA) from the same individual (total of 15 individuals) with laser capture microdissection. RNA sequencing revealed a distinct molecular signature of the two endothelial cell populations of which the most prominent ones were validated by means of qPCR. Our data reveal for the first time that intracranial artery ECs exert an immune quiescent phenotype. Secondly, genes known to be involved in the response of ECs to damage (inflammation, differentiation, adhesion, proliferation, permeability and oxidative stress) are differentially expressed in intracranial ECs compared to extracranial ECs. Finally, Desmoplakin (DSP) and Hop Homeobox (HOPX), two genes expressed at a higher level in intracranial ECs, and Sodium Voltage-Gated Channel Beta Subunit 3 (SCN3B), a gene expressed at a lower level in intracranial ECs compared to extracranial ECs, were shown to be responsive to shear stress and/or hypoxia. With our data we present a set of intracranial-specific endothelial genes that may contribute to its protective phenotype, thereby supporting proper perfusion and consequently may preserve cognitive function. Deciphering the molecular regulation of the vascular bed in the brain may lead to the identification of novel potential intervention strategies to halt vascular associated disorders, such as atherosclerosis and vascular cognitive dysfunction.

  Study EGAS00001004479

• Identification of the dismal subtype of B-ALL with dysregulation of CDX2 and UBTF

  PURPOSE: Advance in the knowledge of genomic basis of B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) has changed the treatment approaches and diagnostic assays and improved their outcome. Despite the recent development of next generation sequencing approaches, there are still some cases that their drivers are unknown. We aimed to define and describe the characteristics of an additional B-ALL subtype by integrating genomic, transcriptomic, and epigenomic approach. METHODS: More than 2,000 B-ALL cases of RNA-seq data from from Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) and the American College of Radiology Imaging Network (ACRIN) (n=764), the Children's Oncology Group (COG), Munich Leukemia Laboratory (MLL) (n=280), and other several collaborators were analyzed to identify the new subtype. Whole genome sequence was performed to detect mutations, stractural variants, and copy number alterations. The tridimentional analysis of chromatin was performed with HiChIP. RESULTS: We identified the new high-risk B-ALL subtype “CDX2/UBTF” that exhibited unique gene expression profiles, which is enriched in female (77.3%), adolescents and young adults (52.6%), and relapse cohort (3.3%). CD10 negativity and IgM positivity are hallmarks of this subtype with NTRK3 expression that can be an effective marker at diagnostic approach and a potential targeted therapy with TRK and mulkinase inbitors, larotrectinib and entrectinib. Genetically, two different alterations define CDX2/UBTF. One is UBTF-ATXN7L3 fusions caused by deletion of 17q21.31, and the other is extopic CDX2 expression through the enhancer hijacking mechanism induced by deletion of 13q12.2. Other genomic features include gain of 1q and PAX5 rearrangement (PAX5-ZCCHC7), might induce upregulation of histone cluster genes and PAX5. CONCLUSION: We described the novel B-ALL subtype “CDX2/UBTF” that has unique clinical and genomic characteristics.

  Study EGAS00001005863

• Genetic mechanisms of resistance to chemotherapy in breast cancer

  Resistance towards chemotherapy is one of the main causes of treatment failure and deathamong breast cancer patients.The main objective of this project is toidentify genetic mechanisms causing some breast cancer patients not torespond to a particluar type of chemotherapy (epirubicin) while otherpatients respond very well to the same treatment. In the project wewill perform genome / exome sequencing of a selection of breast cancerpatients (n=30). These patients are drawn from a cohort where allpatients have recieved treatment with epirubicin monotherapy before surgical removal of alocally advanced breast tumour, and where all patients have beensubjected to objective evaluation of the response to thetherapy. Subsequent to sequencing, we will analyse the data andcompare with the clinical data for each patient (object response totherapy). The main aim being to identify mutations that are associatedwith resistance to epirubicin. Identification of mutations with strongpredictive value, may have a direct impact on cancer treatment sinceit opens the possibility for genetic testing of a tumour, and desicionon which drug is likely to work best, prior to treatment start.

  Dataset EGAD00001000264

• Somatic mutations, clonal architecture and genomic evolution in multiple myeloma

  Multiple myeloma is an incurable plasma cell malignancy whose molecular pathogenesis is incompletely understood. We used whole exome sequencing, copy number profiling and cytogenetic to analyses 84 samples from 67 patients with myeloma. In addition to known myeloma genes, we identify new candidate genes, including truncations of SP140, ROBO1 and FAT3 and clustered missense mutations in EGR1. We find oncogenic mutations in cancer genes not previously implicated in myeloma, including SF3B1, PI3KCA and PTEN. We define diverse processes contributing to the mutational repertoire, including kataegis and somatic hypermutation. Most cases have at least one cluster of subclonal variants, including subclonal driver mutations, implying on-going tumor evolution. Serial samples revealed diverse patterns of clonal evolution, including linear evolution, differential clonal response and branching evolution. Our findings reveal the myeloma genome to be heterogeneous across patients and, within individual patients, to exhibit diversity in clonal admixture and dynamics in response to therapy.

  Dataset EGAD00001000339

• Long read mRNA sequencing of human neural retinal samples - Usher syndrome transcript landscape

  Long-read (PacBio) RNA sequencing dataset of three neural retinal samples. Three PacBio libraries were prepared according the 'standard workflow' optimized for sequencing transcripts centered around 2kb. Additionally one Library (input HNR_S2) was prepared according an optimized 'long workflow' to enrich for larger transcripts up to >10kb. To further enhance the capture of full-length transcripts for USH2A and ADGRV1 (USH2C) genes, we also employed a targeted enrichment approach using the Samplix Xdrop System, followed by PacBio long-read sequencing. USH2A and ADGRV1 enrichment was performed by targeting '5- mid and 3' targets of the respective genes. Finally, we also added ONT (Oxford Nanopore technology) long-read mRNA sequencing of three independent neural retina samples. These data were used for the validation of events observed from the Iso-Seq and Samplix data. The ONT datasets contain sequencing data of the Usher-associated genes. Files are raw BAM, and CRAM format files generated by a Sequel II machine. Additionally, the ccs3 BAM format files are included.

  Dataset EGAD50000000720

• Estonian Microbiome Project second time point dataset

  Out of the 2,509 Estonian Microbiome Project participants, a sub-cohort of over 300 individuals provided an additional stool sample after a median follow-up period of 4.4 years. All participants of the EstMB cohort gave informed consent for the data and samples to be used for scientific purposes. In the second time point, the participants were instructed to send the samples by post immediately after taking the sample and time their sample collection to avoid shipping on the weekends. The median time between sampling and arrival at the freezer in the core facility for the second time point was 53 hours and 1 minute (mean: 59 hours and 22 minutes; minimum: 34 minutes; maximum: 168 hours and 7 minutes [note: additionally, one outlying measurement was 508 hours and 27 minutes. The shotgun metagenomics paired-end sequencing was performed by Novogene Bioinformatics Technology Co., Ltd., using Illumina NovaSeq6000 platform, resulting in 4.62 ± 0.44 Gb of data per sample (insert size 350 bp, read length 2 × 250 bp).

  Dataset EGAD50000001686

• Single-cell RNA sequencing of control and Notch inhibitor treated HCC PDX model

  We generated single-cell RNA-seq data for anti-Notch2 (n=3), anti-JAG1 (n=1) and anti-gD (n=4) treated LIV78 tumors. NCR nude mice bearing similarly sized LIV78 tumors (volumes between 300-900mm3) were injected intravenously with 30mg/kg body weight of either anti-Notch2, anti-Jag1 or anti-gD control antibody 72hrs prior to tumor harvest and tumor cell isolation. Following the depletion of CD45+ and Ter119+ cells, the samples were processed for single-cell RNA-seq (scRNAseq) as described previously (Long et al., 2019) using the Chromium Single Cell 3’ Library and Gel bead kit v2, following the manufacturer’s manual. cDNAs and libraries were prepared following the manufacturer’s manual (10X Genomics). Libraries were profiled by Bioanalyzer High Sensitivity DNA kit (Agilent Technologies) and quantified using Kapa Library Quantification Kit (Kapa Biosystems, Wilmington, MA). Each library was sequenced in one lane of HiSeq 2500 (Illumina) following the manufacturer’s sequencing specification (10X Genomics) to produce the resulting FASTQ files.

  Dataset EGAD50000000738

• Single Cell RNAseq at various stages of HiPSCs differentiating toward definitive endoderm and endoderm derived lineages

  When comparing the differentiation capacities of pluripotent stem cell lines that have different genetic backgrounds, batch to batch experimental variablility poses a significant challenge, especially when trying to identify smaller effects. One way to address this issue is to differentiate several different lines in the same culture dish, thereby elimating experimental variation. In addition, it allows researchers to analyze many more lines with less experiments. Parallel single cell RNA-Seq exploits that individual cells are tagged and hence each cell can be reliably assigned to the donor of origin based on the genetic variants it contains. In addition, analyzing the genetic signature of single cells within a differentiating population can reveal differentation stages that are not easily detected in bulk RNAseq data. 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/

  Dataset EGAD00001005741

• NEOPREDICT-Lung: longitudinal whole exome sequencing of non-small cell lung cancers under immunotherapy

  In 43 patients pretreatment tumor biopsies, resected tumors and normal tissue of sufficient quality and quantity were obtained to longitudinally explore the mutational profiles of a comprehensive set of cancer-related genes. For tumor samples, one to four FFPE sections (10 µm thickness, number depending on sample size) were lysed for genomic DNA isolation. Isolation was performed semi-automatically on the Maxwell purification system (Maxwell RSC DNA FFPE Kit, AS1450, Promega) as specified by the manufacturer. DNA was eluted in 50 µl RNase-free water and quantified fluorescently for library preparation using a Qubit 2.0 fluorometer (Life Technology) with its appertaining DNA broad-range assay. Corresponding normal DNA was isolated from blood or PBMCs using routinely available QIAGEN technology. DNA was stored at -20°C before use. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was performed using the Twist Human Core + RefSeq + Mitochondrial Panel (Twist Bioscience), and 2 x 100 bp fragment sizes were sequenced using a NovaSeq6000 (Illumina). Demultiplexing of sequenced reads was achieved using bcl2fastq (version 2.2).

  Dataset EGAD00001015362

• Myeloid-specific KDM6B inhibition sensitizes Glioblastoma to PD1 blockade

  This data set include FASTQ files for five experiments: Human scRNA-Seq data (6 samples), Human Visium spatial transcriptomic data (3 samples), Mouse scRNA-seq data (4 samples), Mouse scATAC-seq data (2 samples), Mouse ChIP-seq data (8 samples). For the mouse scATAC-seq data (2 samples), there are originally three FASTQ files, R1, R2 and R3 files. The R1 and R2 FASTQ files were merged into one larger file ("R1R2") per sample for submission as paired-end sequencing setting to follow the EGA guidelines. They can be split into individual R1 and R2 files in order to be processed by Cell Ranger software. The files with IC1 suffix are CHIP-seq Input control for anti-KDM6B antibody pull down experiments and the files with IC2 suffix are CHIP-seq Input control for anti-H3K27ME3 antibody pull down experiments in murine model.

  Dataset EGAD00001010073

• Starr County Health Studies' Genetics of Diabetes Study

  An initial observation in the 1970s that Starr County, Texas, had the highest diabetes-specific mortality of any of the 254 Texas counties led to the establishment of a field office in Rio Grande City, Texas (the county seat of Starr County) and the initiation of a series of studies to understand the epidemiology and genetics of type 2 diabetes, its complications and related conditions in this predominantly (97%) Mexican American population. The field office opened in February 1981 and has operated continuously since then. During this time, three systematic surveys of the population have been conducted as well as family and longitudinal studies. Culturally sensitive diabetes education programs have been developed and implemented and also a weight loss intervention. In total, more than 23,000 Mexican American individuals have been examined with more than 200,000 aliquots of biological specimens stored. Collectively, these studies are known as the Starr County Health Studies. The present Genetics of Diabetes Study has the goal of identifying loci/alleles that underlie susceptibility to type 2 diabetes in this high risk population using genome wide markers and association testing. The study makes use of two primary resources that have been developed in order to identify 1,000 type 2 diabetes cases and 1,000 disease free controls. In the first instance we have identified a subset of unrelated cases from the total cases that we have identified. Where multiply affected sibships were available, the youngest onset case with detailed phenotyping (including assessment of diabetic retinopathy) was selected. Controls came from a recent survey to establish a representative sample of the Starr County population. Blocks were randomly selected, households on selected blocks enumerated and one individual randomly selected from each household for a detailed examination. The examination included an oral glucose tolerance test. Those included as controls are those with no prior diagnosis of diabetes and a negative oral glucose tolerance test. This collection of cases and controls provides the opportunity to identify susceptibility loci for type 2 diabetes and its complications, specifically diabetic retinopathy and albuminuria. The data set also allows the examination of impaired fasting glucose and impaired glucose tolerance. The samples are split between those born in the United States and those born in Mexico and this gives a natural contrast for examining genotype and environmental interactions. It is anticipated that the understanding that will come will lead to strategies for delaying and preventing the onset of diabetes and its complications.

  Study phs000143

• Jackson Heart Study (JHS) Cohort

  The Jackson Heart Study (JHS) is a large, community-based, observational study whose participants were recruited from urban and rural areas of the three counties (Hinds, Madison and Rankin) that make up the Jackson, MS metropolitan statistical area (MSA). Participants were enrolled from each of 4 recruitment pools: (1) random, 17%, (2) volunteer, 30%, (3) currently enrolled in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study, 31%, and (4) secondary family members, 22%. The final cohort of 5,306 participants included 6.59% of all African American Jackson MSA residents, aged 35-84, during the baseline exam (N-76,426, US Census 2000). Among these, approximately 3,600 gave consent that allows genetic research and deposition of data into dbGaP. Major components of three clinic examinations (see study history) include medical history, physical examination, blood/urine analytes, and interview questions on areas such as physical activity, stress, coping and spirituality, racism and discrimination, socioeconomic position, and access to health care. Extensive clinical phenotyping includes anthropometrics, electrocardiography, carotid ultrasound, ankle-brachial blood pressure index, echocardiography, CT chest and abdomen for coronary and aortic calcification, liver fat, and subcutaneous and visceral fat measurements, and cardiac MRI. At 12-month intervals after the baseline clinic visit (Exam 1), participants have been contacted by telephone to update information, confirm vital statistics, document interim medical events, hospitalizations and functional status, and obtain additional sociocultural information. Questions about medical events, symptoms of cardiovascular disease and functional status are repeated annually. Ongoing cohort surveillance includes abstraction of medical records and death certificates for relevant International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes and adjudication of nonfatal events and deaths. CMS data are currently being incorporated into the dataset. Note: Regarding date variables warehoused in the Jackson Heart Study (JHS) Cohort on dbGaP, the coordinating center has developed an algorithm that will systematically review and de-identify any of the (nearly 100) date-related variable types stored in the data package. To simultaneously minimize (i) de-identifiability of the data and (ii) impact on analyses utilizing sensitive data elements, a participant-level random number was generated to avoid the necessity of sharing any potentially sensitive data. The coordinating center maintains an archived linkage of these data in their raw form and regularly reviews ad hoc requests to utilize the raw data on a project-by-project basis. The JHS Cohort is utilized in the following dbGaP substudies. To view genotypes, other molecular data, and derived variables collected in these substudies, please click on the following substudies below or in the "Substudies" section of this top-level study page phs000286 JHS Cohort. phs000402 ESP Heart GO JHS phs000498 JHS Allelic Spectrum Seq phs000499 JHS CARephs001069 MI Gen JHS phs001098 T2D GENES Exome Seq phs001356 Exome Chip phs002256 Cardiometabolic Renal Proteomics phs002369 Metabolomics Insulin Resistance

  Study phs000286

• Type 1 Diabetes Genetics Consortium (T1DGC): Multi-Ethnic ImmunoChip Study

  Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is characterized by an autoimmune attack that destroys the insulin-producing pancreatic beta cells and is driven by diverse genetic and environmental factors. Between 8-100 chromosome regions are known to contain variants that alter T1D risk, substantially fewer than many other common diseases. Less is known about the contribution of T1D risk alleles in non-European populations, despite recent increases in T1D diagnoses in multiple non-European ancestry groups. To address these gaps in T1D genetics, we doubled the sample size from the previous largest T1D association study, genotyped ancestrally diverse T1D cases, controls, and affected families with the Illumina ImmunoChip array, and imputed additional variants using a large haplotype reference panel. After quality filtering, a total of 61,427 participants and 140,333 genotyped ImmunoChip variants were included in analysis, providing dense coverage in 188 autosomal regions ("ImmunoChip regions") and sparse genotyping in other regions of the genome. Each participant was assigned to one of five ancestry groups using k-means clustering of ImmunoChip genotype principal components: European (EUR, N = 47,319), African Admixed (AFR, N = 4,290), Finnish (FIN, N = 6,991), East Asian (EAS, N = 588) and Other Admixed (AMR, N = 2,239). In total, 16,159 T1D cases, 25,386 controls (unrelated) and 6,143 trio families (i.e., an affected child and both parents) were genotyped and included in association analyses. Imputation with the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) Trans-Omics for Precision Medicine (TOPMed) multi-ethnic reference panel was used to improve discovery power and fine-mapping resolution. After imputation, the number of variants in ImmunoChip regions with imputation R-squared > 0.8 and MAF > 0.005 in each ancestry group was 322,084 (AFR), 166,274 (EUR), 163,612 (FIN), 137,730 (EAS) and 188,550 (AMR). Imputed genotypes were compared in the same participants who have whole genome sequencing data, resulting in high concordance. Unrelated cases and controls (N = 41,545) were analyzed initially, assuming an additive inheritance model. T1D trio families (N = 6,143 trios, some trio families were multiplex and analyzed as multiple trios) were analyzed separately, with meta-analysis of case-control and trio results used for discovery of regions associated with T1D (p < 5×10-8). Summary-level data at each SNP (genotype and imputed) for type 1 diabetes (outcome) are provided in dbGaP.

  Study phs002468

• Conjunctival fibrosis and the innate barriers to Chlamydia trachomatis intracellular infection: a genome wide association study

  This data comes from a genome-wide association study in 1090 cases of scarring trachoma and 1531 controls from a non-selected multi-ethnic sampling of The Gambia. The data constitutes hard base calls at 1457295 features from the HumanOmni2.5-8 (Omni2.5) BeadChip. Three genotype-calling algorithms were used : Illuminus (Bioinformatics 2007, 23:2741–6), GenCall (Patent US7035740, 2006) and GenoSNP (Bioinformatics 2008, 24:2209–14). Data from each calling algorithm was filtered to retain only SNPs with a call rate ≥ 0.98. To obtain a merged set of SNPs, all genotypes that matched across call-sets were retained, whilst those that mismatched between call-sets were set to missing. Genotypes that were present in one call set and missing in others were also retained. The merged SNP set contained 1467876 SNPs, which were filtered for call rate ≥ 0.99 and Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium P value < 5 x 10-8. The case and control groups were approximately equivalent with respect to gender and ethnicity. 70% of cases and 63% of controls were female. Self-described ethnic composition of the cases was 29% Jola, 27% Mandinka, 21% Wolof, 10% Fula and 13% other/no data. In controls the composition was 25% Jola, 24% Mandinka, 21% Wolof, 8% Fula and 22% other/no data. Median age was 49 (range 32-60) in cases and 37 (range 12-52) in controls (t = -3.6019, P = 0.0003). This data set has substantial levels of population structure, which reflects extensive networks of pairwise kinship between participants. First pass tests of association in EMMAX (Nat Genet 2010, 42:348–54) led to genome-wide deflation of the test statistics (λ = 0.982 SE = 1.74e-05) that could be directly attributed to the differing age and gender distributions between cases and controls. Modelling the phenotype to adjust for age and gender successfully controlled for this and no genome-wide deviation from the null was subsequently observed (λ = 1.001, SE = 8.7 x 10-7). Neither principal components analysis (PCA) nor tests of proportional identity by state (IBS) variance in PLINK identified significant levels of within or between group genetic variance. The phenotypes submitted in the phenotypes file include both uncorrected (case/control status) and corrected (age and gender corrected case/control status) phenotypes, as well as age and self-described ethnicity.

  Study EGAS00001001516

• Human Skin Cancer Atlas, Medical University of Vienna Data Access Policy

  Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play a key role in cancer progression and treatment outcome. Here, we elucidate the yet unresolved intra-tumoral CAF variety in three skin cancer types at molecular and spatial single-cell resolution in a large cohort. We show that two out of three CAF subtypes contribute to tumor immune surveillance with distinct mechanisms. Matrix CAFs (mCAFs) ensheath tumor nests and synthesize extracellular-matrix to prevent T cell invasion. Immunomodulatory CAFs (iCAFs), which express proinflammatory and immunomodulatory factors, are only detected in high abundance in aggressive tumors. Strikingly, iCAFs but not tumor cells are (apart from immune cells) the exclusive cell type producing chemokines and, thus, play a key role in immune cell recruitment and activation. Mechanistically, we show that cancer cells transform adjacent healthy fibroblasts into cytokine-expressing iCAFs, which subsequently recruit immune cells and modulate the immune response. In conclusion, targeting CAF variants holds promise for improved efficacy of immunotherapy.

  Dac EGAC50000000154

• Study on the Genetics of Alcoholism (COGA): African American Family GWAS

  COGA is a family study of alcoholism, in which the subjects have been drawn from the Collaborative Study on the Genetics of Alcoholism (COGA), a large, ongoing family-based study that includes subjects from seven sites around the US. COGA has gathered detailed, standardized data on study participants, including diagnostic and neurophysiological assessments. This project has already proved successful in identifying several genes that influence the risk for alcoholism and neurophysiological endophenotypes, which have been independently replicated. COGA data were included as part of two Genetic Analysis Workshops, and the phenotypes are familiar to the genetics community. Alcoholic probands were recruited from treatment facilities, assessed by personal interview, and after securing permission, other family members were also assessed. A set of comparison families was drawn from the same communities as the families recruited through an alcoholic proband. Assessment involved a detailed personal interview developed for this project, the Semi-Structured Assessment for the Genetics of Alcoholism (SSAGA), which gathers detailed information on alcoholism related symptoms along with other drugs and psychiatric symptoms. Many participants also came to the laboratories for electroencephalographic studies. Neurophysiological features that have been shown to be useful endophenotypes for which we have linkage and in some cases association results are included on a subset of the case-control sample: the beta power of the resting electroencephalogram (EEG), the P3(00) amplitude of the visual event-related potential (ERP), and the theta and delta event-related oscillations (EROs) underlying the P3. As part of COGA, a set of informative African American families were selected to have Genome-Wide Association data obtained within families. Genotyping was performed using the Illumina Omni2.5_080814_1 chip to genotype 3,438 subjects selected from densely affected families. Genotyping was performed at CIDR. This sample complements a set of densely affected European American families previously made available under dbGaP study accession phs000763. In addition, exome sequencing data on a subset of individuals with GWAS were added in version 2.For version 3, a subset had 30X Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) as part of the NIDA Sequencing Initiative. The subset contained two distinct sets: Sibling pairs where one sibling had at least two dependence diagnoses in the set (alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, and opioid), and the other had none, and non-related Case-Control pairs matched for age and ethnicity where the cases had alcohol and at least 2 other dependence diagnoses and controls had none. After sequencing, some sibling pairs are re-classified as half siblings, Three VCF files (small variants, structural variants, and copy number variations) are provided. Additional substance abuse variables are made available in version 3. We note that the full sample data are deposited in four dbGaP submissions and the sequenced samples are split across all four: CIDR: Collaborative Study on the Genetics of Alcoholism Case Control Study (phs000125). GWAS data on cases (primarily probands) and controls drawn from the families. Families with highest density of alcohol dependence and/or extreme event-related oscillation data (phs000763). GWAS data on 119 extended families of European descent are available here, along with extensive documentation. Study on the Genetics of Alcoholism (COGA): African American Family GWAS (phs000976). GWAS data on all available COGA families of African descent are available. COGA: Smokescreen GWAS (phs001208). GWAS data on all remaining COGA DNA samples, primarily of other racial background, were genotyped on the Smoke Screen array. A listing of all sequenced pairs is provided in the documentation to facilitate the merging of these samples.

  Study phs000976

• Capturing the Genetic Diversity of the Himba Population

  The Himba people are a semi-nomadic, Bantu-speaking pastoralist group from the northwestern Kunene region of Namibia. Because of their limited population size, restricted geographic distribution, and endogamy, founder populations represent an ideal system for genetic analyses due to reduction of the confounding environmental and cultural variables. The original study used genotype data and demographic interview data to understand family dynamics and ancestry in a population of Himba pastoralists. HLA allele calls and genome-wide methylation array data were later generated for a subset of the initial dataset for 2 additional studies. These 3 molecular datasets, available through dbGaP, are relevant to broader studies of ancestry, allele frequencies and the relationship of Himba to other ethnic groups in sub-Saharan Africa. The Himba population provides a unique opportunity to study questions regarding extra-pair paternity and mate selection because Himba culture allows both men and women, married and not, to take multiple partners. Previous estimates of extra-pair paternity rates in human populations have been very low, but these estimates lack global and cultural diversity in population representation. Thus, investigating the rate of extra-pair paternity in the Himba greatly aids in understanding the global variation in non-paternity rates among human populations. Saliva samples were collected from parents and children, and were genotyped on Illumina SNP array platforms (MEGAex and H3Africa). In total, 678 individuals' genotype array data are deposited. Paternity results were de-identified and protected by a double blind protocol (no researcher has full knowledge of individual paternity results). Due to the sensitive nature of this study, paternity assertions are not available for access. For a subset of 360 individuals, HLA class 1 (A, B, C) and class 2 (DPA1, DPB1, DQA1, DQB1, DRB1) genes were targeted for DNA sequencing using a probe-based capture method. HLA alleles at the four field resolution were determined from the sequence capture using the consensus calls obtained from two algorithms: NGSengine® 2.10.0 (GenDX, Utrecht, the Netherlands) and HLA Explore™ (Omixon Biocomputing Ltd. Budapest, Hungary). These data were used to investigate evidence for mate selection based on HLA dissimilarity in the Himba. Himba cultural norms permit concurrent arranged marriages and chosen sexual partnerships allowing us to directly test for evidence of disassortative mate selection based on HLA genotype. Due to the sensitive nature of this study, partnership data are not available for access.For a subset of 51 Himba individuals methylation array data was generated from the saliva-derived DNA. These data were generated in order to investigate the accuracy of epigenetic age predictors in this population and to construct population-specific epigenetic age predictors in a subsequent publication. Chronological ages are available for these 51 individuals.

  Study phs001995

• Prader-Willi Syndrome and Early-onset Morbid Obesity Natural History Protocol

  This observational study will involve the comprehensive assessment of the medical, behavioral and nutritional history and the clinical features of individuals with Prader-Willi syndrome and individuals with features of PWS-like/EMO. A blood sample will be obtained from the participants in order to create a DNA and RNA repository. In those PWS participants with a known deletion a blood sample will be collected for DNA in order to perform array comparative genome hybridization (aCGH) microarray or Methylation-Specific Multiplex Ligation-dependent Probe Amplification (MS-MLPA) studies to characterize the extent of the deletion. DNA samples will be sent to the Consortium Center at Baylor College of Medicine for the performance of the aCGH studies and to either Dr. Driscoll or Dr. Butler lab for MS-MLPA analysis. No drugs or treatments will be administered through this protocol. Our goal is to enroll as many participants as possible over a 8 year period. Currently we have enrolled 297 total subjects of which 265 have PWS and 32 EMO. Our original goal was to have enrolled over the first 5 years a clinical database of 200 individuals with PWS and 100 with EMO. We have exceeded expectations in PWS enrollment, but have fallen short in the enrollment of individuals with EMO. Therefore, we would like to reset our goals. We now propose to have an enrollment goal of 400 total subjects of which 350 will have PWS and 50 will have EMO. Eligible participants will be initially enrolled in the natural history study from the 4 clinic sites currently involved with PWS (University of Florida, Kansas University Medical Center, Vanderbilt University and University of California at Irvine). Participants assessed will serve to provide a background of information and a willing cohort for future interventional studies. All participants will have had standard genetic testing at a commercial laboratory prior to entry into the study. The PWS participants will be classified into one of the 3 main molecular classes (deletion, UPD and ID). The EMO participants will have had laboratory testing ruling out PWS and chromosomal aneuploidy (e.g., trisomy 21, Klinefelter syndrome, etc.). Going forward we feel it is important that all newly recruited EMO subjects have an aCGH as part of their evaluation so we can identify those with discrete deletions, duplications or copy number variants (CNV) and compare them to those without aCGH abnormalities. The participants will be assessed annually (0-3 years of age) or biennially (> 3 years) in the Clinical Research Center (or equivalent facility) using standardized protocol including photographs for documentation purposes to compare the evolution of the clinical phenotype.

  Study phs000575

• Kids First and INCLUDE: Down Syndrome, Heart Defects, and Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

  This project is a collaboration with the trans-NIH INvestigation of Co-occurring conditions across the Lifespan to Understand Down syndromE (INCLUDE) Project, which seeks to improve health and quality-of-life for individuals with Down syndrome, and NHLBI's TransOmics for Precision Medicine (TOPMed) program, which seeks to apply omics technologies to improve scientific understanding of the fundamental biological processes that underlie heart, lung, blood, and sleep (HLBS) disorders. The data is also available at the INCLUDE Data Hub. Down syndrome (DS), which occurs due to trisomy 21, is one of the strongest risk factors for both congenital heart disease (CHD) and acute leukemia. For instance, children with DS have a 2000-fold increased risk of atrioventricular septal defects (AVSD) and a 20-fold increased risk of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). An important and innovative aspect of the Kids First program is understanding the overlap between structural birth defects and childhood cancer. Notably, the background of DS predisposes children to both of these phenotypes, however, the genomic architecture of risk remains largely undiscovered. In this joint Kids First/TOPMed/INCLUDE project, we are currently including >2,000 samples for whole-genome sequencing, including: 1) paired germline-tumor samples from children with DS-ALL; and 2) samples from families with DS-CHD. This work will advance our understanding of the developmental pathways that may lead to both structural birth defects and childhood cancer. The objectives of this study are to determine the genetic variants underlying AVSD and ALL risk in children with DS. Therefore, the aims of our study are: 1) compare whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data between children with documented DS-AVSD and children with DS who have structurally normal hearts to identify genetic variants that perturb heart development; and 2) compare WGS data between children with documented DS-ALL and children (from Aim 1) with DS who do not have a known history of ALL. We will also examine associations between germline mutations and somatic genomic features. This study will address the fundamental question of why children with DS have an elevated risk of AVSD and ALL. Insights into the genes that drive DS-AVSD and DS-ALL may have implications for improved genetic counseling, surveillance, clinical management, and treatment strategies for these children. Additionally, our findings may inform targeted therapies or interventions for children without DS who are at risk for structural birth defects and cancer. Additional Pediatric Cardiac Genetics Consortium (PCGC) data from children affected with Down syndrome and congenital heart disease are accessible through two separate dbGaP studies: phs001138 (Kids First) and phs001194 (TOPMed).

  Study phs002330

• PanCuRx Translational Research Initiative

  The goal of the PanCuRx TRI is to seek solutions to the high fatality rate of pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC), the most common type of pancreatic cancer, by generating new knowledge about the genetics and biology of the disease, mechanisms of how tumours grow and tailored treatment options. PDAC is the fourth leading cause of cancer death in Canada and is expected to become the second-leading cause of cancer death within the next decade. The current five-year survival rate of eight per cent is the lowest of all epithelial cancers. There are major clinical challenges to treating the disease, including the fact that PDAC spreads to other parts of the body early so surgical removal of the tumour benefits few patients, that PDAC has proven relatively resistant to systemic therapies such as chemotherapy and that there has been limited benefit from the use of newer molecular targeted agents. The PanCuRx team has created the world’s first resource of tumour-purified PDAC whole genomes; more than 500 PDAC samples, with combined clinical annotation, have been successfully sequenced and analyzed at the Ontario Institute for Cancer research in Toronto. The resulting clinical genomic resource created from this data has led to multiple new findings that have established a framework to better understand PDAC biology and lays the foundation for new genomic approaches to better understanding the disease. The team also launched a clinical trial called COMPASS (Comprehensive Molecular Characterization of Advanced Ductal Pancreas Adenocarcinoma for Better Treatment Selection: A Prospective Study), which is recruiting patients with advanced PDAC (both locally advanced and metastatic) at The Princess Margaret Cancer Centre (PM) in Toronto. The study uses the molecular results from individual patient tumours to guide selection of better second line treatment on a case-by-case basis. The primary objective of the initial study was to assess the feasibility of collecting tumour materials from patients with advanced PDAC and delivering results within 56 days of biopsy. Having achieved this objective, the trial has expanded to other cancer centres across Canada. Pancreatic cancer is one of the most deadly forms of cancer and outcomes have not improved in four decades. The PanCuRx initiative is providing a better understanding of the disease and actively applying new knowledge to cancer patients through clinical trials. This knowledge will help to improve quality of life and prolong survival for pancreatic cancer patients worldwide.

  Study EGAS00001002543

• Phase II trial of targeted immune-depleting chemotherapy and reduced-intensity allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation using 8/8 and 7/8 HLA-matched unrelated donors and utilizing two graft-versus-host disease prophylaxis regimens for the treatment of leukemias, lymphomas, and pre-malignant blood disorders

  Background: Major problems with stem cell transplantation (SCT) for cancer treatment are a lack of suitable donors for patients without an HLA tissue-matched sibling and graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), a serious side effects of immune-suppressing chemotherapy that is given to bring the cancer under control before SCT. In GVHD, the patient's immune system attacks the transplanted donor cells. This study will try to improve the results of SCT from unrelated HLA-matched donors using targeted immune-depleting chemotherapy to bring the cancer under control before transplantation and to lower the chance of graft rejection, followed by reduced-intensity transplant chemotherapy to make the procedure less toxic. Objectives: To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of targeted immune-depleting chemotherapy followed by reduced-intensity transplant chemotherapy in patients with advanced cancers of the blood and immune system. To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of two different drug combinations to prevent GVHD. Both regimens have been successful in preventing GVHD, but they work by different mechanisms and affect the rebuilding of the immune system after the transplant. Eligibility: People 18 to 74 years of age with advanced or high-risk cancers of the blood and immune system who do not have a suitable HLA-matched sibling. Design: All patients receive chemotherapy before transplant to treat the cancer and suppress immune function. All patients receive a conditioning regimen of cyclophosphamide for 4 days and fludarabine for 4 days before SCT to prepare for the transplant. Patients are randomly assigned to one of two combination drug treatments to prevent GHVD as follows: Group 1: Tacrolimus starting 3 days before SCT and continuing for 6 months, plus methotrexate on days 1, 3, 6, and 11 post-SCT, plus sirolimus starting 3 days before the SCT and continuing through day 14 following SCT. Group 2: Alemtuzumab for 4 days starting 8 days before SCT, plus cyclosporine starting 1 day before SCT and continuing for 6 months. Patients receive the donor's stem cells and immune cells 2 days after the conditioning regimen. Patients are followed at the clinic regularly for the first 6 months after SCT, and then less often for at least 5 years. Some visits may include bone marrow aspirates and biopsies, blood draws, and other tests to monitor disease status. A skin biopsy, oral mucosa biopsy, and saliva collection are done to study chronic GVHD.

  Study phs002021

• The Genomics and Randomized Trials Network (GARNET) Vitamin Intervention Stroke Prevention (VISP) Trial

  The VISP trial (PI Jim Toole, M.D., Wake Forest University School of Medicine) was a multi-center, double-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial that enrolled patients aged 35 or older with homocysteine (Hcy) levels above the 25th percentile at screening and a non-disabling cerebral infarction (NDCI) within 120 days of randomization (Toole, 2002, PMID: 12417369). The trial was designed to determine if daily intake of a multivitamin tablet with high dose folic acid, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 reduced recurrent cerebral infarction (primary endpoint), and nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI) or mortality (secondary endpoints). Subjects were randomly assigned to receive daily doses of the high-dose formulation (n=1,827), containing 25mg pyridoxine (B6), 0.4mg cobalamin (B12), and 2.5mg folic acid; or the low-dose formulation (n=1,853), containing 200mcg pyridoxine, 6mcg cobalamin and 20mcg folic acid. Enrollment in VISP began in August 1997, and was completed in December 2001, with 3,680 participants enrolled. Within the trial, 2,164 participants from 46 clinic sites provided DNA and agreed for it to be shared for use in a genetic subset study of VISP. This study is part of Genomics and Randomized Trials Network (GARNET), funded by the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI). The overarching goal is to identify novel genetic factors that contribute to stroke through large-scale genome-wide association studies of treatment response in randomized clinical trials. Genotyping was performed at the Johns Hopkins University Center for Inherited Disease Research (CIDR). Data cleaning and harmonization were performed at the GARNET Coordinating Center at the University of Washington. The data of the VISP trial have been released to dbGaP users in several segments: Version 1 (phs000343.v1.p1), consisted of n=4 phenotype datasets, and all raw, cleaned and imputed genotype data. Version 2 (phs000343.v2.p1) included n=14 additional phenotype datasets (plus pedigree, consent, and sample-mapping data), and increased the available data to a total of n=970 phenotype variables. Version 3 (phs000343.v3.p1) included all n=36 phenotype datasets (plus pedigree, consent, and sample-mapping data), and increased the available data to a total of n=1918 phenotype variables.Version 4 (phs000343.v4.p1), the current release, includes all previous phenotypic datasets, includes one new phenotypic dataset for the untargeted metabolomics data of 50 individuals, includes DNA methylation profiles for n=180 individuals, and sequencing data for n=179 individuals.

  Study phs000343

• Lineage Plasticity and Immune Cell Heterogeneity Are Coordinately Dysregulated Through Changes in FOXA1 Expression in Bladder Cancers with Squamous Differentiation

  We performed whole exome sequencing (WES) of paired, macrodissected regions of urothelial carcinoma (UC), not otherwise specified (NOS-UC) and squamous differentiation (SqD) from 21 bladder tumors in which distinct and separable NOS-UC and SqD regions were present (total 42 exomes, in addition to matched normal exomes). Mean tumor mutational burden (TMB) was higher in the SqD versus the NOS-UC regions. Consistent with the higher TMB, the SqD regions also had a higher neoantigen burden than the patient-matched NOS-UC regions. The SqD regions also exhibited higher karyotypic complexity with a higher median ploidy relative to the paired NOS-UC regions. Phylogenetic analysis of the WES data confirmed that the morphologically distinct regions of all 21 tumors arose from a shared precursor with a median of 68 (range 16 – 852) non-synonymous mutations shared between the NOS-UC and SqD regions, and the overall data were indicative of early branched evolution. As whole exome sequencing did not identify a shared mutational alteration or genomic signature unique to the SqD or NOS-UC components, we therefore performed expression profiling of separable SqD and NOS-UC regions of 12 bladder tumors from the WES cohort with RNA quality sufficient for whole transcriptome RNA-sequencing (RNAseq, total of 24 regions). Based on centroid clustering analysis of expression data, all 12 regions of SqD were basal-squamous subtype based on the TCGA molecular classification schema. Notably, 8 of the NOS-UC regions were also basal-squamous subtype, with only four pairs exhibiting discordant transcriptional subtypes (three NOS-UC regions were luminal-infiltrated, one luminal-papillary). To better quantify differences in the transcriptional profiles of the paired NOS-UC and SqD regions, we used single sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) to assess for enrichment of luminal or basal-squamous gene expression. ssGSEA analysis revealed that the SqD regions expressed higher levels of basal-squamous genes based on the BASE47 gene set and UPK/KRT gene sets; whereas the matched NOS-UC regions expressed higher levels of luminal genes. These differences in the levels of expression of basal and luminal genes were observed even in cases in which both the NOS-UC and SqD regions were basal-squamous subtype based the TCGA molecular classification schema. Exomes from eight patients in this study have previously been deposited in dbGaP: accession number phs001783 as part of the study "Exome Recapture and Sequencing of Prospectively Characterized Clinical Specimens From Cancer Patients".

  Study phs002357

• Heart Failure Network Oral Iron Repletion Effects on Oxygen Uptake in Heart Failure (HFN IRONOUT-BioLINCC)

  ObjectivesTo test the hypothesis that, compared to placebo, oral iron repletion in heart failure patients with iron deficiency improves exercise capacity after 16 weeks of therapy.Background Iron deficiency affects approximately one half of patients with symptomatic heart failure. The presence of iron deficiency in patients with heart failure is associated with reduced functional capacity, poorer quality of life, and increased mortality. Despite growing recognition of the significance of iron deficiency, randomized multicenter trials exploring the utility of oral iron supplementation, a therapy that is inexpensive, readily available, and safe, have not been performed in patients with heart failure. Moreover, patient characteristics and biochemical profiles that may influence responsiveness to oral iron in patients with heart failure have not been defined. Results of intravenous iron repletion trials have been favorable, but regularly treating patients with intravenous iron products is expensive and poses logistical challenges for outpatients. Therefore, the HFN-IRONOUT study was initiated to investigate the efficacy of oral iron in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). ParticipantsA total of 225 participants were enrolled, 111 randomized to receive oral iron and 114 randomized to receive the placebo. Design The HFN-IRONOUT study was a phase 2, double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial that enrolled participants at 23 sites in the United States. Participants were randomly assigned, in a 1:1 ratio, to receive either oral iron polysaccharide or placebo with the use of an automated web-based system. A permuted block randomization method (with 4 participants per block) was stratified by enrolling site and anemia status (defined as hemoglobin At baseline, 8 weeks, and 16 weeks participants underwent studies including history and physical examination, cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET), Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ), and 6-minute walk test. CPETs were performed using a 10 Watt/minute incremental ramp protocol and breath-by-breath measures of oxygen uptake were uniformly analyzed by the CPET Core Lab. Participants also underwent phlebotomy for biomarkers. Iron studies, including iron, total iron binding capacity, and ferritin, were measured at baseline and after 16 weeks to determine the extent to which oral iron led to iron repletion. The primary end point was the change in peak oxygen uptake (peak VO2) after 16 weeks of therapy. Conclusions Among participants with HFrEF with iron deficiency, high-dose oral iron did not improve exercise capacity over 16 weeks.

  Study phs003557

• The NCAA-DoD Concussion Assessment, Research, and Education (CARE) Consortium

  Study Description: Established in 2014, the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) funded the Concussion Assessment, Research and Education (CARE) Consortium to inform science, clinical care and public policy related to concussion and repetitive head impact exposure (HIE) in U.S. Military Service Academy (MSA) cadets and collegiate student-athletes. The primary aims of the initial study were to: (1) establish a multisite research consortium to characterize the effects of concussion and repetitive head impact exposure on brain health, (2) characterize the clinical sequelae and natural history of concussion, (3) characterize the effect of concussion and repetitive head impacts on brain structure and brain function. The 30 member institutions of the CARE Consortium (26 civilian universities/colleges and 4 military service academies) agreed to invite all varsity athletes to undergo multimodal clinical assessments at preseason baseline, and at 5 additional timepoints after concussion diagnosis. At the service academies, non-varsity athlete cadets/midshipmen were also studied. Assessment Categories At Each Time Point Baseline: • Demographics • Personal and Family History • Neurocognitive Assessment • Neurological Status • Postural Stability • Symptoms ACUTE POST-INJURY FOLLOW-UP (CARE 1.0) (24 hrs; 48hrs; Asymptomatic; Unrestricted Return to Play (RTP); 6 mos) • Neurocognitive Assessment • Neurological Status • Postural Stability • Symptoms CUMULATIVE & PERSISTENT EFFECTS. (CARE 2.0) In-Person Exit Visit; Post-grad Online • Demographics • Personal and Family History • Neurocognitive Assessment • Neurological Status • Postural Stability • Symptoms • PROs • MROs (at academies only) LONG-TERM EFFECTS (CARE/SALTOS Integrated (CSI))Annual Online Assessment (at MSAs only); In-Person Research Visits • Demographics • Symptoms • Psychological health • PROs • MROs (at academies only)A subset of athletes at 6 of the CARE institutions underwent additional assessments including multimodal MRI, proteomic and genomic biomarker characterization, and head impact quantification (helmet-based sensors). Assessment time points for the ARC/pARC Neurocognitive and Behavioral Testing was done at Baseline, <48hrs Post-Injury, Cleared for Return to Play Progression (Asymptomatic), Unrestricted Return to Play, 7 days following Return to Play, and at >60 days after final game of junior year until end of collegiate career.Blood biomarker collection was done at Baseline, <48hrs Post-Injury, Cleared for Return to Play Progression (Asymptomatic), 7 days following Return to Play, and at >60 days after final game of junior year until end of collegiate career. Multi-modal MRI studies were done at Baseline, <48hrs Post-Injury, Cleared for Return to Play Progression (Asymptomatic), 7 days following Return to Play, and at >60 days after final game of junior year until end of collegiate career. However, please note that only athletes from one study performance site completed a multi-modal MRI study at baseline.

  Study phs002175

• eMERGE: Northwestern (NUgene) WGS

  The NUgene Project is a biorepository with longitudinal medical information from participating patients at Northwestern Medicine affiliated hospitals and outpatient clinics. Participants' DNA samples are coupled with data from a self-reported questionnaire (2 versions were used, 1 before and 1 after February 2006, both are included) and continuously updated data from our Electronic Medical Record (EMR) representing actual clinical care events. Northwestern has a state-of-the art, comprehensive inpatient and outpatient EMR system of over 3 million patients. NUgene has broad access to participant data for all outpatient visits as well as inpatient data via a consolidated enterprise data warehouse. NUgene participants consent to distribution and use of their coded DNA samples and data for a broad range of genetic research by third-party investigators. The electronic MedicalRecords and Genomics (eMERGE) Network is a consortium of 9 clinical sites with EMR linked DNA biobanks, including Northwestern University and its NUgene biobank, funded by the NHGRI (National Human Genome Research Institute) to investigate the use of electronic medical record systems for genomic research. The goal of eMERGE is to conduct genome-wide association studies in approximately 100,000 individuals using EMR-derived phenotypes and DNA from linked biorepositories. Using electronic phenotyping methods, the consortium has been and is using DNA samples from all participating sites to explore the genetic determinants of approximately 80 phenotypes, including both diseases and traits, for which the electronic phenotyping algorithms have or are being published on PheKB.org. Thus, for the eMERGE network, ~900 NUgene subjects were selected, as described in the study inclusion/exclusion criteria section below, to be genotyped using whole genome sequencing (WGS), for use in the eMERGE network as eMERGE subjects. The criteria used below were selected so that these subjects will likely meet the criteria to be cases and/or controls, of diverse races and/or ethnicities, for at least 1 of the ~80 phenotypes being studied within eMERGE, and could be recontacted for future research if needed.

  Study phs001191

• Hematopoietic Cell Transplant for Sickle Cell Disease (HCT for SCD)

  The Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research (CIBMTR) is a hematopoietic cell transplant registry that was established in 1972 at the Medical College of Wisconsin. The overarching goal of the registry is to study trends in transplantations and to advance the understanding and application of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation for malignant and non-malignant diseases. Included in this dataset are children, adolescents and young adults with severe sickle cell disease who received an allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant in the United States and provided written informed consent for research.Hematopoietic cell transplant for sickle cell disease is curative. Offering this treatment for patients with severe disease is challenging as only about 20-25% of patients expected to benefit have an HLA-matched sibling. Consequently, several transplantations have utilized an HLA-matched or mismatched unrelated adult donor and HLA-mismatched relative. Transplantation strategies have also evolved over time that has included transplant conditioning regimens of varying intensity, grafts other than bone marrow and novel approaches to overcome the donor-recipient histocompatibility barrier and limit graft-versus-host disease. The data that is available for sickle cell disease transplants have been utilized to report on outcomes after transplantation and compare outcomes after transplantation of grafts HLA-matched related, HLA-mismatched related, HLA-matched and HLA-mismatched unrelated donors. Collectively, these data have advanced our knowledge and understanding of hematopoietic cell transplant for this disease. These data can also serve as "contemporaneous controls" for comparison with other more recent curative treatments like gene therapy and gene editing.Data available for request include allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplants for sickle cell disease (Hb SS and Hb Sβ thalassemia) in the United States from 1991 to 2019. Follow-up data through December 2020 are available.Instructions for requesting individual-level data are available on BioData Catalyst at https://biodatacatalyst.nhlbi.nih.gov/resources/data/. Apply for data access in dbGaP. Upon approval, users may begin accessing requested data in BioData Catalyst. For questions about availability, you may contact the BioData Catalyst team at https://biodatacatalyst.nhlbi.nih.gov/contact.

  Study phs002385

• Northwestern NUgene Project: Type 2 Diabetes

  The ability to correlate genetic variation with disease susceptibility and response to drug therapy depends on genotype or sequence analysis of large numbers of richly characterized DNA samples. Eight years agoWe are a part of NHGRI's electronic Medical Records and Genomics (eMERGE) Network, whose goal is to conduct genome-wide association studies in thousands of individuals using EMR-derived phenotypes and DNA from linked biorepositories. For eMERGE, Northwestern University (NU) is studying type 2 diabetes as a phenotype. In addition, in order to explore race differences in the prevalence of type 2 diabetes, NU collaborated with Vanderbilt University to study a mix of both Caucasian and African-Americans. Northwestern University: In 2002, Northwestern committed to the development of a DNA repository to serve as a platform for the identification and validation of genotype-phenotype associations that will impact healthcare. The NUgene Project is a repository with longitudinal medical information from participating patients at affiliated hospitals and outpatient clinics from the Northwestern University Medical Center. Participants' DNA samples are coupled with data from a questionnaire (2 versions were used, 1 before and 1 after February 2006, both are included) and continuously updated data from our Electronic Medical Record (EMR) representing actual clinical care events. Northwestern has a state-of-the art, comprehensive inpatient and outpatient EMR system of over 2 million patients. NUgene has broad access to participant data for all outpatient visits as well as inpatient data via a consolidated data warehouse. NUgene participants consent to distribution and use of their coded DNA samples and data for a broad range of genetic research by third-party investigators. Vanderbilt University: BioVU, Vanderbilt's DNA databank, is an enabling resource for exploration of the relationships among genetic variation, disease susceptibility, and variable drug responses, and represents a key first step in moving the emerging sciences of genomics and pharmacogenomics from research tools to clinical practice. BioVU acquires DNA from discarded blood samples collected from routine patient care. The biobank is linked to de-identified clinical data extracted from Vanderbilt's EMR, which forms the basis for phenotype definitions used in genotype-phenotype correlations.

  Study phs000237

• NextGen Consortium: The iPSCORE (iPSC Collection for Omic Research) Resource for Studying the Impact of Genetic Variation on Molecular Phenotypes

  The iPSC Collection for Omic Research (iPSCORE) Resource was created as part of the Next-Gen Consortium funded by NHLBI. The overarching purpose of the resource is to provide a large collection of human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) for use in studying the impact of genetic variation on molecular and physiological phenotypes. The resource has been used in a number of studies in the Dr. Kelly A. Frazer's Lab examining both the characteristics of human iPSCs and a variety of iPSC-derived cell types including cardiovascular progenitor cells (iPSC-CVPCs), pancreatic precursor cells (iPSC-PPCs), and retina pigment epithelium cells (iPSC-RPEs). We have shown that the iPSCs, CVPCs, and PPCs are suitable surrogate models to identify genetic factors active in early developmental processes because they exhibit fetal-like molecular properties. A total of 273 individuals have participated in the study, of which 222 have had iPSCs generated from fibroblasts. Of the 273 individuals, 181 are part of 55 families that include 24 monozygotic twin pairs and 5 dizygotic twin pairs, allowing for the incorporation of familial relationships into genetic analyses. Germline DNA has been sequenced from blood or fibroblast samples for all 273 individuals (available through dbGaP phs001325) and other genomic data (RNA-seq, DNA methylation, genotype arrays, ATAC-seq, H3K27ac ChIP-seq, HiC-seq) have been generated from the 222 iPSCs as well as derived cell types (available through dbGaP phs000924). QTL analyses were conducted for multiple omics data types and summary statistics are available through dbGaP phs0001325. Important note: Of the 273 individuals, 268 are consented for general research use and 5 are consented for cardiac research only. For detailed information about iPSCORE Collection including samples, methods used to generate the data, and how to access the datasets visit the Frazer lab website.The 222 well characterized iPSC lines that constitute the iPSCORE resource are available, please contact Dr. Kelly A. Frazer (kafrazer@health.ucsd.edu) if you are interested in obtaining the collection.

  Study phs000924

• NextGen Consortium: The iPSCORE (iPSC Collection for Omic Research) Resource for Studying the Impact of Genetic Variation on Molecular and Physiological Phenotypes - Whole Genome Sequence

  The iPSC Collection for Omic Research (iPSCORE) Resource was created as part of the Next-Gen Consortium funded by NHLBI. The overarching purpose of the resource is to provide a large collection of human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) for use in studying the impact of genetic variation on molecular and physiological phenotypes. The resource has been used in a number of studies in the Dr. Kelly A. Frazer's Lab examining both the characteristics of human iPSCs and a variety of iPSC-derived cell types including cardiovascular progenitor cells (iPSC-CVPCs), pancreatic precursor cells (iPSC-PPCs), and retina pigment epithelium cells (iPSC-RPEs). We have shown that the iPSCs, CVPCs, and PPCs are suitable surrogate models to identify genetic factors active in early developmental processes because they exhibit fetal-like molecular properties.A total of 273 individuals have participated in the study, of which 222 have had iPSCs generated from fibroblasts. Of the 273 individuals, 181 are part of 55 families that include 24 monozygotic twin pairs and 5 dizygotic twin pairs, allowing for the incorporation of familial relationships into genetic analyses.Germline DNA has been sequenced from blood or fibroblast samples for all 273 individuals (available through dbGaP phs001325) and other genomic data (RNA-seq, DNA methylation, genotype arrays, ATAC-seq, H3K27ac ChIP-seq, HiC-seq) have been generated from the 222 iPSCs as well as derived cell types (available through dbGaP phs000924).QTL analyses were conducted for multiple omics data types and summary statistics are available through dbGaP phs0001325.Important note: Of the 273 individuals, 268 are consented for general research use and 5 are consented for cardiac research only.For detailed information about iPSCORE Collection including samples, methods used to generate the data, and how to access the datasets visit the Frazer lab website.The 222 well characterized iPSC lines that constitute the iPSCORE resource are available, please contact Dr. Kelly A. Frazer (kafrazer@health.ucsd.edu) if you are interested in obtaining the collection.

  Study phs001325

• Surgical Treatment for Ischemic Heart Failure (STICH-BioLINCC)

  Data Access NOTE: Please refer to the “Authorized Access” section below for information about how access to the data from this accession differs from many other dbGaP accessions. ObjectiveTo compare medical therapy with coronary bypass surgery and/or surgical ventricular reconstruction for patients with congestive heart failure and coronary artery disease.BackgroundCoronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common cause of heart failure, which in turn is a major cause of death and disability globally. Evidence from previous clinical trials supports the use of coronary-artery bypass grafting (CABG) to relieve disabling symptoms of angina, particularly among high-risk subgroups with extensive CAD. However, the studies did not include patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction, and developments in medical therapy have since led to updated guidelines. In addition, the benefits of CABG in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy had still not been clearly established at the time of this study. STICH sought to evaluate the role of CABG in the treatment of patients with CAD and left ventricular systolic dysfunction.Reduced left ventricular function may occur after myocardial infarction, often in conjunction with left ventricular remodeling, including left ventricular enlargement and changes in chamber geometry. Left ventricular remodeling is correlated with progression of heart failure and a poor prognosis. Therefore, a surgical approach to remodeling through left ventricular volume reduction could improve outcomes for patients with CAD and heart failure. Surgical ventricular reconstruction (SVR) has been shown to reduce the left ventricular volume, increase the ejection fraction, and improve ventricular function. There is also evidence that SVR performed with CABG may reduce the rate of hospitalization and improve ventricular function, as compared to CABG alone. As part of a second hypothesis, STICH additionally investigated whether SVR when added to CABG would improve outcomes in patients with heart failure and CAD.ParticipantsA total of 2,136 participants were enrolled in STICH. 1,212 were enrolled in the hypothesis 1 component of the trial, with 602 participants assigned to receive medical therapy alone, and 610 participants assigned to receive medical therapy plus CABG. 1,000 were enrolled in the hypothesis 2 component, with 499 participants assigned to receive medical therapy plus CABG, and 501 participants assigned to receive medical therapy plus CABG and SVR. 76 participants that were assigned to the CABG with medical therapy treatment were enrolled in both hypothesis components.DesignAfter initial determination of overall eligibility, participants were evaluated to determine which component of the STICH program was appropriate for them on the basis of suitable therapeutic options. All participants underwent cardiac imaging for assessment of left ventricular function and wall motion. Participants in the hypothesis 1 component were randomly assigned to receive either medical therapy alone or medical therapy plus CABG. Participants in the hypothesis 2 component were randomly assigned to receive either medical therapy plus CABG or medical therapy plus CABG and SVR.At baseline, demographic factors and clinical characteristics were assessed, including current medications and prior diagnostic and other cardiovascular procedures, and a physical examination was performed. Guideline-based recommendations for drug and device use were emphasized for all participants. All participants underwent follow-up evaluations at the time of discharge or at 30 days for participants still hospitalized, every 4 months for the first year, and every 6 months thereafter. The median length of follow-up was 56 months for hypothesis 1 and 48 months for hypothesis 2.For participants receiving CABG, arterial grafting for stenosis of the left anterior descending coronary artery was required for all participants without specific contraindications. The use of additional arterial conduits supplemented by vein grafts was recommended for revascularization of all major vessels with clinically significant stenoses. Concurrent mitral-valve surgery for regurgitation was performed at the discretion of the surgeon. For participants receiving SVR, the operation was most commonly performed during a single period of cardioplegic arrest after construction of bypass grafts. However, the procedure could also be performed with the heart beating in order to facilitate identification of the noncontractile zone of scarring. After an anterior left ventriculotomy was centered in the zone of anterior asynergy, a suture was placed in the interior of the ventricle to encircle the scar at the boundary between the akinetic and viable tissue. Visual inspection and palpation facilitated the judgment of whether a patch was needed to optimize the chamber size without deforming the left ventricle during closure of the ventriculotomy.The primary outcome for hypothesis 1 was the rate of death from any cause. The primary outcome for hypothesis two was a composite of death from any cause and hospitalization for cardiac causes.ConclusionsThere was no significant difference between medical therapy alone and medical therapy plus CABG for death from any cause, though participants that underwent CABG had lower rates of death from cardiovascular causes, death from any cause, or hospitalization for cardiovascular causes. Adding SVR to CABG reduced the left ventricular volume, as compared with CABG alone. However, this anatomical change was not associated with a greater improvement in symptoms or exercise tolerance, or with a reduction in the rate of death or hospitalization for cardiac causes.

  Study phs003493

• cfDNA analysis reveals relation of POLR1D amplification to bevacizumab resistance in colorectal cancer patients

  Bevacizumab is an approved anti-angiogenic drug for patients with metastasized colorectal cancer (mCRC) targeting VEGF. The survival benefit of anti-VEGF therapy in mCRC patients is limited to a few months and acquired resistance mechanisms are greatly unknown. Using plasma DNA, we studied the evolution of tumor genomes in a cohort of patients with mCRC (n=150) and observed a recurrent focal amplification (8.7% of cases) on chromosome 13q12.2. Analysis of TCGA data (n=619) suggested an association with later stages, which we confirmed by longitudinal plasma analyses. We defined the minimally amplified region and studied the mechanistic consequences of copy number gain of the involved genes. The amplification of one gene, POLR1D, impacted cell proliferation, resulting in upregulation of VEGFA, an important regulator of angiogenesis which has been implicated in the resistance to bevacizumab. In several patients, we observed the emergence of this 13q12.2 amplicon under bevacizumab treatment, which was invariably associated with evolution of therapy resistance. Hence, we describe a novel resistance mechanism against a widely applied treatment in mCRC patients which will impact clinical management .

  Dataset EGAD00001005761

• Single cell sequencing of a post-PD-1 inhibitor metastatic melanoma mass

  Three technical replicates of FACS-sorted T cells (CD45+CD3+) and one replicate of FACS-sorted tumor cells (MCSP+) were loaded to a targeted 10,000 cells per lane on the 10X Genomics Chromium Controler with the single cell 5’ Immune Repertoire and Gene Expression profiling kit. In total, we loaded ~30,000 individual tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and ~10,000 melanoma cells on the 10X platform (10X Genomics, CA, USA). Reverse transcription, TCR enrichment, and library preparations were performed according to the 10X Genomics 5’ V(D)J protocol revision C. Transcriptome libraries were pooled and sequenced on the Illumina NovaSeq 6000 S2 flow cell with 26 R1, 8 i7, and 91 R2 cycles respectively. The TCR libraries were pooled and sequenced on the Illumina MiSeq V2 150 cycles paired-end. Single cell transcriptomic and TCR data was processed with the 10X Genomics Cell Ranger Pipeline version 2.2.0 with the software-provided GRCh38 reference transcriptomes. After quality control, there was RNAseq profile data available from 6267 immune and 4303 melanoma cells. Downstream processing and visualization was encompassed through Seurat and tSNE plots.

  Dataset EGAD00001006013

• Nanopore sequencing from liquid biopsy: analysis of copy number variations from cell-free DNA of lung cancer patients

  Molecular cancer paper (https://doi.org/10.1186/s12943-021-01327-5): This dataset contain shallow whole-genome sequencing (sWGS) of plasma cell-free DNA from cancer patients and healthy subjects, obtained with both Nanopore and Illumina technology. A total of 6 cancer patients and 5 healthy subjects have been sequenced with Nanopore; 4 of the cancer patients have been also sequenced with Illumina. In addition, genomic DNA from white blood cells of one healthy subjects, genomic and 160bp DNA from HEK cells have been sequenced with Nanopore. Genome Biology paper: 3 additional healthy samples have been sequenced (HU), two different bioinformatic pipeline were applied. 2019: Fastqs from the molecular cancer paper were re-demultiplexed and adapter-trimmed (using guppy for multiplex samples, and porechop for singleplex) preserving 5' ends to allow fragmentomics analysis. HAC: All the samples were basecalled with the same updated High Accuracy model (the latest at the time of the analysis) and post-processed as the 2019 dataset. Raw FAST5 are currently available upon request, but will be uploaded soon.

  Dataset EGAD00001006888

• Single-cell gene expression data from CD8+ T cells from two Austrian COVID19 patients stimulated with wildtype and mutant SARS-Cov-2 peptides

  The data contains single-cell gene sequencing data (10x Genomics) from FACS-purified CD8 T lymphocytes from two Austrian patients. The cells were stimulated with one MHC class I peptides obtained from a common (wild type) variant and an emerging mutant variant of the SARS-Cov-2 virus. Then the samples were multiplexed using hashtag oligos. We provide the raw and aligned sequence data for: i. The single-cell experiments ii. The PCR-amplified samples for enrichment of the hashtag oligo multiplexing barcodes iii. The PCR-amplified samples for enrichment of the T Cell Receptor (TCR) VDJ region for immuno-profiling. The samples and libraries were processed and obtained in collaboration between St. Anna Children's Cancer Research Institute (CCRI), CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, and the Medical University of Vienna. The cell barcodes and processed data has been submitted to the GEO database with GEO accession GSE166651.

  Dataset EGAD00001006995

• RAG mediated recombination is the predominant driver of oncogenic rearrangement in ETV6-RUNX1 Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (Whole_Genome_sequencing_data)

  The ETV6-RUNX1 fusion gene, found in 25% of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), is acquired in utero but requires additional somatic mutations for overt leukemia. We used exome and low-coverage whole-genome sequencing to characterize the critical secondary events associated with leukemic transformation. RAG-mediated deletions emerge as the dominant mutational process, accounting for at least 43% of genomic rearrangements and characterized by the presence of recombination signal sequence motifs near the breakpoints; incorporation of non-templated sequence at the junction and a ten-fold enrichment at promoters and enhancers of genes actively transcribed in early B-lineage development. Single-cell tracking shows that this mechanism is not restricted to one founder cell but is rather active throughout leukemic evolution. Integration of point mutation and rearrangement data identifies recurrent inactivation of ATF7IP and MGA as two new tumor suppressor genes.Thus, a remarkably parsimonious mutational process transforms ETV6-RUNX1 lymphoblasts, striking promoters and enhancers of the genes that normally control B-cell differentiation.

  Dataset EGAD00001000634

• RAG mediated recombination is the predominant driver of oncogenic rearrangement in ETV6-RUNX1 Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (Rearrangement_sequencing_data)

  The ETV6-RUNX1 fusion gene, found in 25% of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), is acquired in utero but requires additional somatic mutations for overt leukemia. We used exome and low-coverage whole-genome sequencing to characterize the critical secondary events associated with leukemic transformation. RAG-mediated deletions emerge as the dominant mutational process, accounting for at least 43% of genomic rearrangements and characterized by the presence of recombination signal sequence motifs near the breakpoints; incorporation of non-templated sequence at the junction and a ten-fold enrichment at promoters and enhancers of genes actively transcribed in early B-lineage development. Single-cell tracking shows that this mechanism is not restricted to one founder cell but is rather active throughout leukemic evolution. Integration of point mutation and rearrangement data identifies recurrent inactivation of ATF7IP and MGA as two new tumor suppressor genes.Thus, a remarkably parsimonious mutational process transforms ETV6-RUNX1 lymphoblasts, striking promoters and enhancers of the genes that normally control B-cell differentiation.

  Dataset EGAD00001000635

• RAG mediated recombination is the predominant driver of oncogenic rearrangement in ETV6-RUNX1 Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (Whole_exome_sequencing_data)

  The ETV6-RUNX1 fusion gene, found in 25% of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), is acquired in utero but requires additional somatic mutations for overt leukemia. We used exome and low-coverage whole-genome sequencing to characterize the critical secondary events associated with leukemic transformation. RAG-mediated deletions emerge as the dominant mutational process, accounting for at least 43% of genomic rearrangements and characterized by the presence of recombination signal sequence motifs near the breakpoints; incorporation of non-templated sequence at the junction and a ten-fold enrichment at promoters and enhancers of genes actively transcribed in early B-lineage development. Single-cell tracking shows that this mechanism is not restricted to one founder cell but is rather active throughout leukemic evolution. Integration of point mutation and rearrangement data identifies recurrent inactivation of ATF7IP and MGA as two new tumor suppressor genes.Thus, a remarkably parsimonious mutational process transforms ETV6-RUNX1 lymphoblasts, striking promoters and enhancers of the genes that normally control B-cell differentiation.

  Dataset EGAD00001000636

• Gene Expression and Regulatory Networks in Human Leukocytes - Immunological Variation Consortium

  Profiling of gene expression with microarrays holds great potential for human health, for illuminating disease pathways or providing biomarkers to monitor disease or its resolution. Using high-throughput approaches for genotyping, immunophenotyping and gene expression analysis, the project will examine the basis for the control of gene expression in human immune cells, and how it is influenced by natural genetic variation or aging. In practice, the project will combine several cross-informative approaches: 1) Building on the established sample/data pipelines and robust protocols of the Immunological Genome (ImmGen) project, and on established cohorts of ethnically diverse healthy volunteers at hand, microarray techniques will be used to generate whole-genome expression profiles from purified naive CD4+ lymphocytes and monocytes from 600 healthy volunteers. A dense genetic map will be established for all donors. The results will elucidate how variation in the human genome affects the expression of immune genes, of key importance in understanding gene variants that bring susceptibility to immune or inflammatory disease. Computational analysis of these rich data will allow the reconstruction of regulatory connections between genes, helping to establish general modules and those specific of a given immune cell type. These data will be complemented by an orthogonal data group, generated from a restricted subset of 10 individuals, in which we will profile a larger set of 28 carefully delineated cell populations that exist in human blood. This work will also benefit from powerful interspecies comparison with similar experiments being performed in mice by ImmGen. 2) In addition, RNA from the same set of 28 defined cell populations will be probed with microarrays that explore other aspects of the transcriptome: i) microRNAs and other non-coding RNAs; ii) exon or splice junction arrays that will establish a map of differential splicing in human blood leukocyte. 3) The composition and reactivity of blood cells from the same donors will be established at the time of sample collection using high-throughput flow cytometry, correlating immune phenotypes with gene expression and genetic variation. 4) Genetic variability conditions the baseline levels of gene expression, but also the responsiveness to activating challenges. With samples from the same donors, NanoString technology for transcript counting will be used to analyze the transcriptional response of defined gene sets, representing response signatures of T or dendritic cells, for a fine-grained dissection of responses to different triggers (different bacterial ligands for dendritic cells, different cytokine environment for T cells). In keeping with the resource aspect of this project, all data and interpretations will be made publicly available rapidly upon curation, allowing public querying and browsing of the data, by using and evolving the existing web architectures of the ImmGen project, of the Broad Institute, and of international repositories. RELEVANCE: Exploration with DNA chips of the genome's expression microarrays holds great potential for human health, to better understand disease and to serve as diagnostic tools. Using a combination of high-throughput genomic techniques and computational biology, we will perform a broad exploration of gene expression in human blood cells across groups of African-American, Asian and European ancestry, asking how these profiles are affected by genetic variation or by age. These results will provide an invaluable reference benchmark for the interpretation of genetic and immunological studies. Additionally, over 90% of genetic variants associated with complex human traits map to non-coding regions, but little is understood about how they modulate gene regulation in health and disease. One possible mechanism is that genetic variants affect the activity of one or more cis-regulatory elements leading to gene expression variation in specific cell types. To identify such cases, in a second study we analyzed ATAC-seq and RNA-seq profiles from stimulated primary CD4+ T cells in up to 105 healthy donors. We found regions of accessible chromatin (ATAC-peaks) are co-accessible at kilobase and megabase resolution. 15% of genetic variants located within ATAC-peaks affected the accessibility of the corresponding peak (ATAC-QTLs). ATAC-QTLs have the largest effects on co-accessible peaks, are associated with gene expression, and are enriched for autoimmune disease variants. Our results provide insights into how natural genetic variants modulate cis-regulatory elements, in isolation or in concert, to influence gene expression. In another study we analyzed RNA-seq profiles from primary CD4+ T cells of two healthy donors at six time points from 0 to 72 hours after stimulation with bead-bound antibodies against CD3 and CD28.

  Study phs000815

• CSER: South-Seq: DNA Sequencing for Newborn Nurseries in the South

  SouthSeq, part of the Clinical Sequencing Evidence-Generating Research (CSER2) effort, aims to perform genome sequencing for infants in nurseries at hospitals in Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Kentucky. SouthSeq aims to sequence 600 newborn babies presenting with congenital anomalies, or other signs of a rare genetic disorder. The primary goals of SouthSeq are to provide early diagnoses to children with rare genetic conditions, to demonstrate the utility of genome sequencing as a frontline test with potential to improve intermediate and long-term clinical outcomes, and to equip non-genetics providers to deliver test results in order to facilitate the conduction of genome sequencing outside of major medical centers where patients may not have access to a genetics provider. SouthSeq also aims to ensure that genomic testing is applied across diverse communities; recruitment efforts focus on patients from rural and minority populations that have been historically under-represented in both medicine and genomics research. Sequencing and analysis for SouthSeq are being conducted at the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology in Huntsville, Alabama (https://www.hudsonalpha.org/). Enrollment of infants with signs of genetic disease is approved at five clinical sites, including nurseries at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, the University of Mississippi Medical Center, Woman's Hospital in Baton Rouge, Children's Hospital in New Orleans, and the University of Louisville. Both biological parents are enrolled when available so that follow-up testing can be performed to determine inheritance. Further, participant families may choose to opt-into return of secondary findings identified in the proband, which focus on pathogenic and likely pathogenic variation identified within ACMG SFv3.0 genes.

  Study phs002307

• Chromatin Landscape of BET Inhibitor-Treated CD8+ T-cells from Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Patients

  The pan-BET (bromodomain and extra-terminal) inhibitor, OPN-51107 (OPN5) was found to alleviate features of T-cell exhaustion in models of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). To evaluate if OPN5 treatment could relieve fixed chromatin states associated with terminal T-cell dysfunction, ATAC-sequencing was performed on CLL patient T-cells. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 4 treatment-naïve CLL patients were treated ex vivo with 0.5 μM OPN5 or equivalent vehicle (DMSO) in the presence of T-cell activating stimuli (10 μg/mL anti-CD3 and 5 μg/mL anti-CD28) for 16 hours. Live CD8+ T-cells were then isolated via fluorescence-activated cell sorting, and approximately 100,000 viable CD8+ T-cells were subjected to ATAC-sequencing. Libraries were prepared using the Active Motif ATAC-seq kit and underwent paired-end sequencing (2 x 50 bp, 100 cycles) on an Illumina NovaSeq 6000 SP sequencer. Analysis of this data revealed that OPN5 treatment induces a unique chromatin landscape in CLL patient T-cells that is less like that of terminally exhausted T-cells and more like that of effector and memory T-cells. In particular, OPN5 treatment reduced chromatin accessibility at promoter regions of terminal exhaustion-associated genes (e.g., CD101, CCR5, LAG3, BATF3) and increased chromatin accessibility at promoter regions of genes associated with progenitor T-cell function (e.g., TCF7, IL2, CXCR5, IFNG). Individual raw sequencing (fastq) files and processed bigwig files (aligned to the hg38 human reference genome), as well as bigwig files for grouped OPN5- and vehicle-treated samples (aggregate of all 4 patient samples per treatment group) are available via authorized access request through dbGaP.

  Study phs003613

• Resolving the Full Spectrum of Human Genome Variation using Linked-Reads

  Large-scale population based analyses coupled with advances in technology have demonstrated that the human genome is more diverse than originally thought. Standard short-read approaches, used primarily due to accuracy, throughput and costs, fail to give a complete picture of a genome. They struggle to identify large, balanced structural events, cannot access repetitive regions of the genome and fail to resolve the human genome into its two haplotypes. Here we describe an approach that retains long range information while harnessing the power of short reads. Starting from only 1ng of DNA, we produce barcoded short read libraries. The use of novel informatic approaches allows for the barcoded short reads to be associated with the long molecules of origin producing a novel datatype known as 'Linked-Reads'. This approach allows for simultaneous detection of small and large variants from a single Linked-Read library. We have previously demonstrated the utility of whole genome Linked-Reads (lrWGS) for performing diploid, de novo assembly of individual genomes. In this manuscript, we show the utility of reference based analysis using a single Linked-Read library for full spectrum genome analysis. We demonstrate the ability of Linked-Reads to reconstruct megabase scale haplotypes and to recover parts of the genome that are typically inaccessible to short reads, including phenotypically important genes such as STRC, SMN1 and SMN2. We demonstrate the ability of both lrWGS and Linked-Read Whole Exome Sequencing (lrWES) to identify complex structural variations, including balanced events, single exon deletions, and single exon duplications. The data presented here show that Linked-Reads provide a scalable approach for comprehensive genome analysis that is not possible using short reads alone.

  Study EGAS00001003121

• HBCC Postmortem Psychiatric Molecular Studies

  This postmortem study examines molecular, genetic and epigenetic signatures in the brains of hundreds of subjects with or without mental disorders conducted by the DIRP NIMH Human Brain Collection Core (HBCC). The brain tissues are obtained under protocols approved by the CNS IRB (NCT00001260), with the permission of the next-of-kin (NOK) through the Offices of the Chief Medical Examiners (MEOs) in the District of Columbia, Northern Virginia and Central Virginia. Additional samples were obtained from the University of Maryland Brain and Tissue Bank (contracts NO1-HD-4-3368 and NO1-HD-4-3383) (http://www.medschool.umaryland.edu/btbank/ and the Stanley Medical Research Institute: http://www.stanleyresearch.org/brain-research/). Clinical characterization, neuropathological screening, toxicological analyses, and dissections of various brain regions were performed as previously described (Lipska et al. 2006; PMID: 16997002). All patients met DSM-IV criteria for a lifetime Axis I diagnosis of psychiatric disorders including schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder and major depression. Controls had no history of psychiatric diagnoses or addictions. SNP array: Array-based genotyping was performed on most samples published in this collection. The number of SNPs assayed via Illumina chips varied between 650,000 and 5 Million. Cerebellar tissue was generally used for genotyping studies. # Diagnosis SNP Array 1 Anxiety Disorder 1 2 Autism Spectrum Disorder 13 3 Bipolar Disorder 114 4 Control 387 5 Eating Disorder (ED) 2 6 Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) 186 7 Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) 5 8 Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) 0 9 Schizophrenia 220 10 Other 7 11 Tic Disorder 3 12 Undetermined 1 13 Williams Syndrome 2 Table: Numbers of samples in each diagnostic category. DNA extraction: 45-80 mg of cerebellar tissue was pulverized for DNA extractions. The QIAamp DNA mini Kit (Qiagen) method was employed for tissue DNA extraction. The tissue was initially lysed using Tissue Lyser (Qiagen) and extractions were accomplished according to manufacturer's protocol. The DNA was captured in 500uL elution buffer. The concentrations were measured using Thermo Scientific's NanoDrop 1000/NanoDrop ONE. The mean yield was 128.85 uG (+/- 79.48), the mean ratio of 260/280 was 1.87 (+/- 0.105), and the mean ratio of 260/230 was 2.48 (+/-1.75). Genotyping methods: Three types of Illumina Beadarray chips were used: HumanHap650Y, Human1M-Duo, and HumanOmni5M-Quad (San Diego, California). The genotyping was done according to the manufacturer's protocol (Illumina Proprietary, Catalog # WG-901-5003, Part # 15025910 Rev.A, June 2011). Approximately, 400ng DNA was used and each DNA sample was QC tested for 260/280 ratio by nanodrop and DNA band intactness on 2% agarose gel. Briefly, the samples were whole-genome amplified, fragmented, precipitated and resuspended in appropriate hybridization buffer. Denatured samples were hybridized on prepared Bead Array Chips. After hybridization, the Bead Chip oligonucleotides were extended by a single fluorescent labeled base, which was detected by fluorescence imaging with an Illumina Bead Array Reader, iScan. Normalized bead intensity data obtained for each sample were loaded into the Illumina Genome Studio (Illumina, v.2.0.3) with cluster position files provided by Illumina, and fluorescence intensities were converted into SNP genotypes. Microarray: We generated RNA expression data using array technology for psychiatric subjects compared to non-psychiatric subjects as controls. We used tissues from three different brain regions i.e. hippocampus, dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), and dura mater for a large cohort of individuals (total number 552 subjects for hippocampus, 800 for DLPFC and 146 for dura). Total RNA was extracted from ~100 mg of tissue using the RNeasy kit (Qiagen) according to the manufacturer's protocol. RNA quality and quantity were examined using the Bioanalyzer (Agilent, Inc) and NanoDrop (Thermo Scientific, Inc), respectively. Samples with RNA integrity number (RIN) # Diagnosis DLPFC Hippo Dura 1 Anxiety Disorder 1 0 0 2 Autism Spectrum Disorder 14 6 0 3 Bipolar Disorder 90 49 0 4 Control 336 270 75 5 Eating Disorder (ED) 2 1 0 6 Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) 144 87 0 7 Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) 5 3 0 8 Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) 6 0 0 9 Schizophrenia 192 125 71 10 Other 5 6 0 11 Tic Disorder 3 3 0 12 Undetermined 1 1 0 13 Williams Syndrome 2 1 0 Table: Numbers of samples in each diagnostic category. RNA-Seq of Dorso-lateral prefrontal cortex: All brains were collected and the dorsolateral prefrontal cortical (DLPFC) samples dissected at the HBCC, DIRP, NIMH. Dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) specimens were dissected from right or left hemisphere of frozen coronal slabs. The study was funded by the DIRP, NIMH under contract (#HHSN 271201400099C) with Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai,1106402 One Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 3500, New York NY 10029-6574. RNA extraction, library preparation and sequencing were performed under contract at Icahn School of Medicine. The Common Mind Consortium (CMC) provided project management support. RNA isolation: Total RNA from 468 HBCC samples was isolated from approximately 100 mg homogenized tissue from each sample by TRIzol/chloroform extraction and purification with the Qiagen RNeasy kit (Cat#74106) according to manufacturer's protocol. Samples were processed in randomized batches of 12. The order of extraction for schizophrenia, bipolar, and MDD disorders and control samples was assigned randomly with respect to diagnosis and all other sample characteristics. The mean total RNA yield was 24.2 ug (+/- 9.0). The RNA Integrity Number (RIN) was determined by 4200 Agilent TapeStation System. Samples with RIN DLPFC RNA-Seq quantified expression data are provided for 364 samples. Data were generated, QC'd, processed and quantified as follows: RNA library preparation and sequencing: All samples submitted to the New York Genome Center for RNAseq were prepared for sequencing in randomized batches of 94. The sequencing libraries were prepared using the KAPA Stranded RNAseq Kit with RiboErase (KAPA Biosystems). rRNA was depleted from 1ug of RNA using the KAPA RiboErase protocol that is integrated into the KAPA Stranded RNAseq Kit. The insert size and DNA concentration of the sequencing library was determined on Fragment Analyzer Automated CE System (Advanced Analytical) and Quant-iT PicoGreen (ThermoFisher) respectively. Schizophrenia Bipolar Control 89 65 210 Table: Numbers of samples in each diagnostic category. RNA-Seq of subgenual anterior cingulate cortex (sgACC): All the 200 post-mortem brain samples (61 controls; 39 bipolar disorder; 46 schizophrenia; 54 major depressive disorder) were collected by the HBCC, DIRP, NIMH. RNA Extraction and Quality Assessment: Tissue from sgACC was pulverized and stored at -80°C. Total RNA was extracted from 50-80 mg of the tissue using QIAGEN RNeasy Lipid Tissue Mini Kit (QIAGEN, Cat. # 74804) with DNase treatment (QIAGEN, Cat. # 79254). The RNA Integrity Number (RIN) for each sample was assessed with high-resolution capillary electrophoresis on the Agilent Bioanalyzer 2100 (Agilent Technologies, Palo Alto, California). The concentration of RNA and their 260/280 ratio (2.1+/- 0.032 SD) were determined with NanoDrop (Thermo Scientific). RNA sequencing: Stranded RNA-Seq libraries were constructed after rRNA depletion using Ribo-Zero GOLD (Illumina). RNA sequencing was performed at National Institute of Health Intramural Sequencing Center (NISC). Schizophrenia Bipolar Control MDD 46 39 61 54 Table: Numbers of samples in each diagnostic category. Whole Genome Sequencing: All brains were collected and dissected at the HBCC, DIRP, NIMH. This study generates whole genome sequencing data using sequencing of DNA in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) or cerebellum of 443 individuals with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder and non-psychiatric controls. The study was funded by the DIRP, NIMH under contract (#HHSN 271201400099C) with Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai,1106402 One Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 3500, New York NY 10029-6574. DNA extraction, library preparation and sequencing were performed under contract at Icahn School of Medicine. The Common Mind Consortium (CMC) provided project management support. All specimens were dissected from right or left hemisphere of frozen coronal slabs. DNA Library Preparation and Sequencing: All samples submitted to the New York Genome Center for WGS were prepared for sequencing in randomized batches of 95. The sequencing libraries were prepared using the Illumina PCR-free DNA sample preparation Kit. The insert size and DNA concentration of the sequencing library was determined on Fragment Analyzer Automated CE System (Advanced Analytical) and Quant-iT PicoGreen (ThermoFisher) respectively. A quantitative PCR assay (KAPA), with primers specific to the adapter sequence, was used to determine the yield and efficiency of the adaptor ligation process. Performed on the Illumina HiSeqX with 30X coverage. Schizophrenia Bipolar Control 115 78 230 Table: Numbers of samples in each diagnostic category. ChIP-Seq: All brains were collected and the dorsolateral prefrontal cortical (DLPFC) samples dissected at the HBCC, DIRP, NIMH. This study generates epigenetic data using sequencing of DNA after chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP-Seq) for marks H3K4me3 and H3K27ac in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). Dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) specimens were dissected from right or left hemisphere of frozen coronal slabs. The study was funded by the DIRP, NIMH under contract (#HHSN 271201400099C) with Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai,1106402 One Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 3500, New York NY 10029,6574. Chromatin precipitation, library preparation and sequencing were performed under contract at Icahn School of Medicine. The Common Mind Consortium (CMC) provided project management support. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays for histone marks H3K4me3 and H3K27ac were carried out using Native ChIP. Micrococcal Nuclease (MNase) (Sigma, N3755) treatment was used to digest chromatin into mononucleosomes. The following antibodies were used for chromatin pull-down: anti-H3K4me3 (Cell Signaling, Cat# 9751BC, lot 7) and anti-H3K27ac (Active Motif, Cat# 39133, Lot # 31814008). Histone modification-enriched genomic DNA fragments were recovered using Protein A/G magnetic beads (Thermo Scientific, 88803-88938 or Millipore 16-663), and then washed, eluted, and treated with RNAse A and proteinase K. Final ChIP DNA products were isolated using phenol-chloroform extraction followed by ethanol precipitation. The efficiency of each ChIP assay was validated using Qubit concentration measurement and qPCR for positive (GRIN2B, DARPP32) and negative (HBB) control genomic regions. Only ChIP assays that passed quality control were further processed for library preparation and sequencing; this included ChIP DNA that was not detectable on Qubit but showed a good signal and expected enrichment patterns in qPCR. HISTONE_MARK H3K27ac H3K4me3 Input Bipolar 56 4 7 Control 158 11 24 Schizophrenia 79 11 12 Table: Numbers of individuals in each assay grouped by histone mark or input.Long-Read Whole-Genome Sequencing (WGS) Cohort Description: Brain specimens were obtained from the Human Brain Collection Core (HBCC), part of the NIH NeuroBioBank. Samples were collected under protocols approved by the NIH CNS Institutional Review Board (IRB) (NCT03092687), with informed consent from next-of-kin (NOK). Collection was coordinated through the Offices of the Chief Medical Examiners (MEOs) in Washington, D.C., Northern Virginia, and Central Virginia. Clinical metadata and documentation are publicly available via the NIMH Data Archive (NDA) (Collection #3151) https://nda.nih.gov/edit_collection.html?id=3151 Eligibility Criteria No clinical diagnosis of major neuropsychiatric or neurodegenerative diseaseNo diagnosis of cognitive impairment during life All individuals were confirmed to be neurologically normal at time of deathDemographics Initial cohort size: 155 individuals Ancestry: All individuals self-identified as African or African-admixed Mean age at death: 44.2 years (range: 18–85 years) Sex distribution: 36.4% femaleSample Processing: Frozen frontal cortex tissue was dissected and processed according to the public protocol: https://www.protocols.io/view/processing-human-frontal-cortex-brain-tissue-for-p-kxygxzmmov8j/v2. High-molecular-weight DNA was extracted and libraries were prepared using the Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) LSK-114 kit. Sequencing was performed using ONT PromethION flow cells (R10.4.1 chemistry) Data Processing and Quality Control: Basecalling: Conducted using Guppy v6.38 Read Alignment: Reads were aligned to the GRCh38 reference genome using minimap2 Sample Identity Verification: Sample identity was validated by comparing ONT-derived SNP calls with matched short-read WGS genotypes to ensure concordance and prevent sample swaps Variant Calling and Phasing: Reads were base-called with Guppy v6.38. Reads were aligned to GRCh38 using minimap2. We verified sample identity by cross-checking ONT SNV calls with the existing short-read WGS genotypes, confirming no sample switches. The napu pipeline (https://github.com/nanoporegenomics/napu_wf) produced; haplotype-resolved assemblies, joint small-variant (SNV/indel) calls, and multi-caller structural-variant sets, all reported on GRCh38 and phased where possible. Raw signal data were basecalled to obtain 5-methyl-cytosine (5mC) status; methylation tags were added to the phased BAM files. Genome-wide methylation summaries are provided in BED format.Dataset Filtering and Exclusions: All 155 samples underwent sequencing and SNP-based ancestry inference 8 samples were excluded due to ancestry inconsistent with African or African-admixed background 1 sample was excluded due to insufficient sequencing quality Final Sample Set: 146 high-quality samples from individuals of African or African-admixed ancestry were retained for downstream analyses See PMID: 39764002 for further analysis detailsDiagnosis#SamplesControl155Table: Diagnostic Summary.Note: The data derived from HBCC resources were removed from dbGAP and are now available in the NIMH Data Archive (NDA). They include genotypes, short read whole genome sequencing (WGS), epigenetics (DNA methylation, ChIP-seq for histones), RNA expression (qPCR, microarray, RNA-seq, single nucleus RNA-seq) of various brain regions in cases with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression, substance use disorders and normative controls. Please access our NDA collection (https://nda.nih.gov/edit_collection.html?id=3151) for further detail.

  Study phs000979

• Procardis study on novel susceptibility genes for coronary artery disease (CAD)

  An increased level of Lp(a) lipoprotein has been identified as a risk factor for coronary artery disease that is highly heritable. The genetic determinants of the Lp(a) lipoprotein level and their relevance for the risk of coronary disease are incompletely understood. METHODS: We used a novel gene chip containing 48,742 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 2100 candidate genes to test for associations in 3145 case subjects with coronary disease and 3352 control subjects. Replication was tested in three independent populations involving 4846 additional case subjects with coronary disease and 4594 control subjects. RESULTS: Three chromosomal regions (6q26-27, 9p21, and 1p13) were strongly associated with the risk of coronary disease. The LPA locus on 6q26-27 encoding Lp(a) lipoprotein had the strongest association. We identified a common variant (rs10455872) at the LPA locus with an odds ratio for coronary disease of 1.70 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.49 to 1.95) and another independent variant (rs3798220) with an odds ratio of 1.92 (95% CI, 1.48 to 2.49). Both variants were strongly associated with an increased level of Lp(a) lipoprotein, a reduced copy number in LPA (which determines the number of kringle IV-type 2 repeats), and a small Lp(a) lipoprotein size. Replication studies confirmed the effects of both variants on the Lp(a) lipoprotein level and the risk of coronary disease. A meta-analysis showed that with a genotype score involving both LPA SNPs, the odds ratios for coronary disease were 1.51 (95% CI, 1.38 to 1.66) for one variant and 2.57 (95% CI, 1.80 to 3.67) for two or more variants. After adjustment for the Lp(a) lipoprotein level, the association between the LPA genotype score and the risk of coronary disease was abolished. CONCLUSIONS: We identified two LPA variants that were strongly associated with both an increased level of Lp(a) lipoprotein and an increased risk of coronary disease. Our findings provide support for a causal role of Lp(a) lipoprotein in coronary disease.

  Study EGAS00000000055

• Genome-Wide Association Study of Genetic Susceptibility for Graft-vs-Host Disease Cohort 1

  Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (Allo-HSCT) is the only curative therapy for many advanced hematologic malignancies. Allo-HSCT is associated with significant morbidities and mortality, mainly because of the graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) caused by donor T cells recognizing antigens present in recipient tissues, and initiating an alloimmune response resulting in damage to many organs including the skin, gastrointestinal (GI) tract, and liver in recipient. More than half of all Allo-HSCT recipients develop different degrees of GVHD (grades I-IV). About 20% of recipients develop severe GVHD (grades III-IV) that is associated with a very high morbidity and mortality. The most important factor determining the severity of GVHD is the genetic disparities between donors and recipients, as is reflected in human leukocyte antigen (HLA) haplotypes that are routinely checked for donor selection. Even when donors and recipients are HLA-identical, many recipients develop severe GVHD. As a result, non-HLA antigens are important determinants of acute GVHD. An interesting and unique aspect of GVHD is that it is the consequence of an interaction between antigens present in one individual with the immune system of another individual. As a result, genotypes of both donor and recipient, and their interactions affect the pathogenesis of GVHD. To determine the genetic risk factors for GVHD, in the first aim (discovery phase), we will conduct Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) in 3,000 patients who underwent Allo-HSCT and in their respective donors (6000 DNA samples) that are provided to us by the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research (CIBMTR), a research collaboration between the NMDP and Medical College of Wisconsin. In the second aim, we will validate the association between high risk genotypes detected in the first aim and severe GVHD in 1,750 donors and 1,750 recipients of Allo-HSCT, and perform the joint analysis with the discovery samples. In the third aim, we will investigate the functional effect of SNPs detected and validated to be significantly correlated with the severity of acute GVHD in mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR), as an ex vivo surrogate for an alloimmune response.

  Study phs002185

• Foregut Microbiome in Development of Esophageal Adenocarcinoma

  The distal esophagus is an important anatomical area where gastric acid reflux can cause reflux esophagitis (RE), Barrett's esophagus (BE) (intestinal metaplasia), and esophageal adenocarcinoma (EA). The incidence of EA has increased 6-fold in the U.S. since the 1970s, parallel to a significant increase in the prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux diseases (GERD). Although specific host factors might predispose one to disease risk, such a rapid increase in incidence must be predominantly environmental. The cause remains unknown. Our hypothesis is that changes in the foregut microbiome are associated with EA and its precursors, RE and BE in the GERD sequence. We will conduct a case control study to characterize the microbiome in every stage of the GERD sequence as well as analyze the trend in changes in the microbiome along disease progression toward EA. Specific Aim 1. To conduct a comprehensive population survey of the foregut microbiome and demonstrate its association with GERD sequence, by a 16S rRNA gene survey. We will analyze samples of the foregut microbiome at three anatomic loci: mouth, distal esophagus, and gastric corpus. Changes of the microbiota in the distal esophagus will be correlated with the phenotypes. Spatial relationship between the esophageal microbiota and upstream (mouth) and downstream (stomach) foregut microbiotas as well as temporal stability of the microbiome-disease association will also be examined. Specific Aim 2. To define distal esophageal metagenome and demonstrate its association with GERD sequence, by shotgun metagenomic analysis. We will first classify samples of the metagenome into metagenotypes by between-sample k-mer distance and correlate the metagenotypes with the four phenotypes. Subsequent detailed analyses will include pathway-disease and gene-disease associations. DNA viruses and fungi, if identified, also will be correlated with the phenotypes. A significant association between the foregut microbiome composition and GERD sequence, if demonstrated, will be the first step for eventually testing the causal hypothesis that an abnormal microbiome is required for the development of the sequence of phenotypic changes toward EA. If EA and its precursors represent a microbial ecological disease, treating the cause of GERD might become possible, for example, by normalizing the microbiome through use of antibiotics, probiotics, or prebiotics. Causative therapy for GERD could prevent its progression and reverse the current trend of increasing incidence of EA.

  Study phs000260

• Molecular_characterization_of_invasive_lobular_carcinoma

  Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) is the second most common histological subtype of breast cancer accounting for 10-15% of cases. ILC differs from invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC)with respect to epidemiology, histology, and clinical presentation. Moreover, ILC is lesssensitive to chemotherapy, more frequently bilateral, and more prone to form gastrointestinal, peritoneal, and ovarian metastases than IDCs. In contrast to IDC, the prognostic value ofhistological grade (HG) in ILC is controversial. One of the three major components of histological grading (tubule formation) is missing in ILC which hinders the process of gradingin this histological subtype and results in the classification of approximately two thirds of ILC as HG 2.Over the last decade, a number of gene expression signatures have shed light onto breast cancer classification, allowing breast cancer care to become more personalized. Withrespect to the management of estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer, several gene expression signatures provide prognostic and/or predictive information beyond what is possible with current classical clinico-pathological parameters alone. Nevertheless, most studies using gene expression signature have not considered different histologic subtypesseparately. Recently, a comprehensive research program has elucidated some of the biological underpinnings of invasive lobular carcinoma. Genetic material extracted from 200 ILC tumor samples were studied using gene expression profiling and identified ILCmolecular subtypes. These proliferation-driven gene signatures of ILC appear to have prognostic significance. In particular, the Genomic Grade (GG) gene signature improved upon HG in ILC and added prognostic value to classic clinico-pathologic factors. In addition this study demonstrated that most ILC are molecularly characterized as luminal-A (~75%)followed by luminal-B (~20%) and HER2-positve tumors (~5%). Moreover, we investigated the prognostic value of known gene signatures/ gene modules in the same cohort of ILC. As a second step within the scope of this project, we aim to investigate the interactionsbetween somatic ILC tumor mutations to observed transcriptome findings. To this end, we aim to perform somatic mutation analysis for the ILC tumors for which Affymetrix gene expression profiling is available. To this end, we will use a gene screen assay, which specifically interrogates the mutational status of a few hundreds of cancer genes. We believe that this pioneering effort will be fundamental for a tailored treatment of ILC withimprovement in patients' outcome.

  Study EGAS00001000292

• eMERGE Network Genome-Wide Association Study of Red Cell Indices, White Blood Count (WBC) Differential, Diabetic Retinopathy, Height, Serum Lipid Levels, Specifically Total Cholesterol, HDL (High Density Lipoprotein), LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein), and Triglycerides, and Autoimmune Hypothyroidism.

  The electronic Medical Records and Genomics (eMERGE) Network is a consortium of five participating sites (Group Health Seattle, Marshfield Clinic, Mayo Clinic, Northwestern University, and Vanderbilt University) funded by the NHGRI to investigate the use of electronic medical record systems for genomic research. The goal of eMERGE is to conduct genome-wide association studies in approximately 19,000 individuals using EMR-derived phenotypes and DNA from linked Biorepositories. Using electronic phenotyping methods, the consortium used DNA samples from all participating sites to explore the genetic determinants of red cell indices, white blood count (WBC) differential, diabetic retinopathy, height, serum lipid levels, specifically total cholesterol, HDL (high density lipoprotein), LDL (low density lipoprotein), and triglycerides, and autoimmune hypothyroidism as well as using the phenome-wide association study (PheWAS) paradigm to replicate and discover relationships between targeted genotypes with multiple phenotypes. eMERGE led studies for which original genotyping was performed and are included in this merged set: Genome-Wide Association Study on Cataract and HDL in the Personalized Medicine Research Project Cohort, phs000170 Development and Use of Network Infrastructure for High-Throughput GWA Studies, phs000234 Vanderbilt Genome-Electronic Records (VGER) Project: QRS Duration, phs000188 Northwestern NUgene Project: Type 2 Diabetes, phs000237 A Genome-Wide Association Study of Peripheral Arterial Disease, phs000203 Sites and participants include: Vanderbilt University: BioVU, Vanderbilt's DNA databank, is an enabling resource for exploration of the relationships among genetic variation, disease susceptibility, and variable drug responses, and represents a key first step in moving the emerging sciences of genomics and pharmacogenomics from research tools to clinical practice. BioVU acquires DNA from discarded blood samples collected from routine patient care. The biobank is linked to de-identified clinical data extracted from Vanderbilt's EMR, which forms the basis for phenotype definitions used in genotype-phenotype correlations. Marshfield Clinic: The Marshfield Clinic Personalized Medicine Research Project is a population-based biobank in central Wisconsin with more than 20,000 adult subjects who provided written, informed consent to access their medical records and provided a blood sample from which DNA was extracted and plasma and serum stored. In addition to an average of 30 years of medical history data, a questionnaire about environmental exposures, including a detailed food frequency questionnaire, is available to facilitate gene/environment studies. Northwestern University: The NUgene Project is a repository with longitudinal medical information from participating patients at affiliated hospitals and outpatient clinics from the Northwestern University Medical Center. Participants' DNA samples are coupled with data from a self-reported questionnaire and continuously updated data from our Electronic Medical Record (EMR) representing actual clinical care events. Northwestern has a state-of-the art, comprehensive inpatient and outpatient EMR system of over 2 million patients. NUgene has broad access to participant data for all outpatient visits as well as inpatient data via a consolidated data warehouse. NUgene participants consent to distribution and use of their coded DNA samples and data for a broad range of genetic research by third-party investigators. Group Health(GH)/University of Washington (UW): Aging and Dementia eMERGE study biorepository leverages rich population-based longitudinal data from both electronic medical records and in-depth research data to explore genome wide associations. Participants include Seattle-area members of GH (a large integrated health care system in Washington State) consented and enrolled in 1) the UW Alzheimer's Disease Patient Registry (ADPR) and 2) the Adult Changes in Thought (ACT) study. The ADPR (PI: Eric B. Larson; NIH/NIA U01 AG 006781) is a population-based registry of incident dementia cases designed to identify all new Alzheimer's Disease cases within GH from 1987 to 1996. Medical history, physical, laboratory testing, and neuropsychological testing were performed on all consenting potential cases for determination of dementia status by a consensus conference. The study base of the ADPR population was stable with an attrition rate of less than 1%/year. The ACT study (PI: Eric B. Larson; NIH/NIA U01 AG 006781) is an ongoing community-based cohort study of aging and dementia. The original cohort of 2,581 randomly selected dementia-free members age 65 and older was enrolled in 1994-1996 and expanded by 811 in 2000-2002. Continuous enrollment to maintain a cohort of 2,000 dementia free persons began in 2005. Participants receive biennial assessment including cognitive status determination. The ACT sub-sample is stable; for the original cohort, median enrollment in GH was 19 years prior to joining the ACT study, and 85% of the cohort has ≥10 years of GH enrollment. DNA for the ADPR participants were obtained through a companion study, Genetic Differences in Cases and Controls (PI: Walter Kukull; NIH/NIA R01 AG007584). DNA obtained through both studies were extracted from blood using Gentra Systems Puregene methods. DNA concentration is determined by UV optical density. All samples are checked for quality by 260/280 ratio. For long-term storage, samples are aliquoted and stored at -70°C. Mayo Clinic: The Mayo biobank is a disease-specific biobank for vascular diseases including peripheral arterial disease (PAD). PAD patients were identified from individuals referred to the non-invasive vascular laboratory for lower extremity arterial evaluation. Since 1997, laboratory findings have been recorded into an electronic database employing an in-house software package for data archiving and retrieval; this data becomes part of the Mayo EMR. Patients referred to the center with suspected PAD undergo a comprehensive non-invasive evaluation including the ankle-brachial index (ABI) - the ratio of blood pressure measured in the upper arms divided by blood pressure measured at the ankles. Controls subjects are identified from patients referred to the Cardiovascular Health Clinic for stress ECG. The prevalence of PAD in patients with normal exercise capacity who do not have inducible ischemia on the stress ECG, was <1%. Data regarding risk factors for atherosclerosis such as diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and smoking are ascertained from the EMR.

  Study phs000360

• Angelman, Rett, Prader-Willi Syndrome Consortium (ARP) Rett Syndrome Natural History Protocol

  This observational study will involve the comprehensive assessment of the clinical features of Rett syndrome with this Rare Diseases Clinical Research Network. A clinical database of 1350 individuals with Rett syndrome including MECP2 mutation status for the purpose of elaborating phenotype-genotype correlations will be established. Eligible participants will be enrolled in the natural history study for 11 years from the 4 clinic sites currently involved with Rett syndrome (BCM, GGC, and UAB, CHB) as well as from the several thousand registrants in the International Rett Syndrome Foundation registry who will be invited to the nearest consortium site involved in Rett syndrome. Potential participants are expected to have had determination of their MECP2 mutation status, but will not be excluded should no mutation be present. All individuals who meet criteria and are currently receiving care from study sites will be invited to participate (N>600). Additional participants will be invited through the assistance of the International Rett Syndrome Foundation (IRSF). All individuals with RS registered with IRSF will be invited to participate in this study via the IRSF website and the IRSF newsletter. Potential participants will be apprised of the participating study sites and invited to contact one of the sites based on feasibility of travel. Inasmuch as the enrollment goal of 1350 participants is 40% of the current IRSF registry, we believe this will be a representative sampling. Bias can certainly occur based on travel requirements, level of interest, and other factors. However, inclusion of such a large sample should minimize sampling bias. No travel expenses will be covered, so it is likely that participants will be those with geographic proximity to Houston, Greenwood, Birmingham, or Boston. From the sample pool described above, the aim is to conduct the observational longitudinal (natural history) study on up to 1350 participants with classic Rett syndrome and variant forms of Rett syndrome, that is, participants who fully meet the established clinical criteria for Rett syndrome and those who meet some but not all of these criteria. All participants expressing MECP2 mutations irrespective of phenotype will be eligible for enrollment. For each of the eight common genetic mutations as well as those with large scale deletions, the prevalence of the following RS characteristics will be estimated for each age category and overall: seizure presence and frequency, ambulation status, scoliosis, ECG abnormality, breathing irregularities while awake, feeding difficulties, growth as measured in percentiles from NCHS standards curves, the presence of osteopenia as evidenced by bone fracture, and the presence of gallbladder disease. Both incidence and prevalence estimates will be made using a combination of data obtained at the regularly scheduled clinical visits and that obtained from the medical history. Incidence estimates will be calculated using time-to-event analyses (e.g., Kaplan-Meier survival curves) with appropriate calculations of standard errors and 95% confidence intervals. Cox proportional hazard regression models will be used to allow control for other factors, and t-tests will be calculated on the coefficients themselves. Appropriate transformations on explanatory variables will be used as deemed necessary in Cox models. Prevalence estimates will be calculated from estimates of proportions with exact confidence intervals. For a sample size of 275, the standard error of the estimate will not exceed 0.03 (3%) and for a sample size of 60, the standard error of the estimate will not exceed 0.06 (6%).

  Study phs000574

• eMERGE Network Study of the Genetic Determinants of Resistant Hypertension

  The electronic Medical Records and Genomics (eMERGE) Network is a consortium of five participating sites (Group Health Seattle, Marshfield Clinic, Mayo Clinic, Northwestern University, and Vanderbilt University) funded by the NHGRI to investigate the use of electronic medical record systems for genomic research. The goal of eMERGE is to conduct genome-wide association studies in approximately 19,000 individuals using EMR-derived phenotypes and DNA from linked Biorepositories. Using electronic phenotyping methods, the consortium used DNA samples from all participating sites to explore the genetic determinants of resistant hypertension. Treatment resistant hypertension is a common health problem in the clinical setting. A basic definition of resistant hypertension included subjects with uncontrolled blood pressure despite use of three antihypertensive medications or subjects requiring four or more medications to maintain control. Other conditions, such as secondary causes of hypertension, were exclusions. Site and participants include: Vanderbilt University: BioVU, Vanderbilt's DNA databank, is an enabling resource for exploration of the relationships among genetic variation, disease susceptibility, and variable drug responses, and represents a key first step in moving the emerging sciences of genomics and pharmacogenomics from research tools to clinical practice. BioVU acquires DNA from discarded blood samples collected from routine patient care. The biobank is linked to de-identified clinical data extracted from Vanderbilt's EMR, which forms the basis for phenotype definitions used in genotype-phenotype correlations. Marshfield Clinic: The Marshfield Clinic Personalized Medicine Research Project is a population-based biobank in central Wisconsin with more than 20,000 adult subjects who provided written, informed consent to access their medical records and provided a blood sample from which DNA was extracted and plasma and serum stored. In addition to an average of 30 years of medical history data, a questionnaire about environmental exposures, including a detailed food frequency questionnaire, is available to facilitate gene/environment studies. Northwestern University: The NUgene Project is a repository with longitudinal medical information from participating patients at affiliated hospitals and outpatient clinics from the Northwestern University Medical Center. Participants' DNA samples are coupled with data from a self-reported questionnaire and continuously updated data from our Electronic Medical Record (EMR) representing actual clinical care events. Northwestern has a state-of-the art, comprehensive inpatient and outpatient EMR system of over 2 million patients. NUgene has broad access to participant data for all outpatient visits as well as inpatient data via a consolidated data warehouse. NUgene participants consent to distribution and use of their coded DNA samples and data for a broad range of genetic research by third-party investigators. Group Health(GH)/University of Washington (UW): Aging and Dementia eMERGE study biorepository leverages rich population-based longitudinal data from both electronic medical records and in-depth research data to explore genome wide associations. Participants include Seattle-area members of GH (a large integrated health care system in Washington State) consented and enrolled in 1) the UW Alzheimer's Disease Patient Registry (ADPR) and 2) the Adult Changes in Thought (ACT) study. The ADPR (PI: Eric B. Larson; NIH/NIA U01 AG 006781) is a population-based registry of incident dementia cases designed to identify all new Alzheimer's Disease cases within GH from 1987 to 1996. Medical history, physical, laboratory testing, and neuropsychological testing were performed on all consenting potential cases for determination of dementia status by a consensus conference. The study base of the ADPR population was stable with an attrition rate of less than 1%/year. The ACT study (PI: Eric B. Larson; NIH/NIA U01 AG 006781) is an ongoing community-based cohort study of aging and dementia. The original cohort of 2,581 randomly selected dementia-free members age 65 and older was enrolled in 1994-1996 and expanded by 811 in 2000-2002. Continuous enrollment to maintain a cohort of 2,000 dementia free persons began in 2005. Participants receive biennial assessment including cognitive status determination. The ACT sub-sample is stable; for the original cohort, median enrollment in GH was 19 years prior to joining the ACT study, and 85% of the cohort has ≥ 10 years of GH enrollment. DNA for the ADPR participants were obtained through a companion study, Genetic Differences in Cases and Controls (PI: Walter Kukull; NIH/NIA R01 AG007584). DNA obtained through both studies were extracted from blood using Gentra Systems Puregene methods. DNA concentration is determined by UV optical density. All samples are checked for quality by 260/280 ratio. For long-term storage, samples are aliquoted and stored at -70°C. Mayo Clinic: The Mayo biobank is a disease-specific biobank for vascular diseases including peripheral arterial disease (PAD). PAD patients were identified from individuals referred to the non-invasive vascular laboratory for lower extremity arterial evaluation. Since 1997, laboratory findings have been recorded into an electronic database employing an in-house software package for data archiving and retrieval; this data becomes part of the Mayo EMR. Patients referred to the center with suspected PAD undergo a comprehensive non-invasive evaluation including the ankle-brachial index (ABI) - the ratio of blood pressure measured in the upper arms divided by blood pressure measured at the ankles. Controls subjects are identified from patients referred to the Cardiovascular Health Clinic for stress ECG. The prevalence of PAD in patients with normal exercise capacity who do not have inducible ischemia on the stress ECG, was <1%. Data regarding risk factors for atherosclerosis such as diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and smoking are ascertained from the EMR.

  Study phs000297

• Phylogenetic reconstruction of adult blood cancer reveals early origins and lifelong evolution - TGS

  Mutations in cancer-associated genes drive tumour outgrowth. However, the timing of driver mutations and dynamics of clonal expansion that lead to human cancers are largely unknown. We used 580,133 somatic mutations from whole-genome sequencing of 1013 clonal haematopoietic colonies to reconstruct the phylogeny of haematopoiesis, from embryogenesis to clinical disease, in 12 patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms which are blood cancers more common in older age. JAK2V617F, the pathognomonic mutation driving the majority of these cancers, was acquired in utero or childhood, with upper estimates of age of acquisition from 33 weeks gestation to 10.8 years, in all 5 patients in whom JAK2V617F was either the only or the first driver event.  Driver mutations associated with age-related clonal haematopoiesis occurred prior to or following JAK2V617F,  as independent clonal expansions in JAK2V617F-mutated patients, and as large clonal expansions in JAK2V617F-unmutated patients . These mutations were also acquired in utero or childhood, with DNMT3A mutations occurring by 8 weeks of gestation to 7.6 years across 4 patients, and PPM1D mutation occurring by age 5.8yrs in a patient with MPN lacking phenotypic driver mutations. Sequential driver mutation acquisition was common, separated by decades across life, and often outcompeted ancestral clones. The mean latency between JAK2V617F acquisition and clinical presentation was 30 years (range 11-54 years). Rates of clonal expansion were inferred from phylogenetic trees and varied substantially (3% to 190% expansion/year), were affected by additional driver mutations, and were predictive of latency to clinical presentation. Driver mutations and rates of expansion would have been detectable in blood one to four decades before clinical presentation. This study reveals how driver mutation acquisition early in life with life-long growth and evolution underlie adult myeloproliferative neoplasms, providing opportunities for early detection and intervention and a new paradigm for cancer development.

  Dataset EGAD00001007715

• Phylogenetic reconstruction of adult blood cancer reveals early origins and lifelong evolution - WGS

  Mutations in cancer-associated genes drive tumour outgrowth. However, the timing of driver mutations and dynamics of clonal expansion that lead to human cancers are largely unknown. We used 580,133 somatic mutations from whole-genome sequencing of 1013 clonal haematopoietic colonies to reconstruct the phylogeny of haematopoiesis, from embryogenesis to clinical disease, in 12 patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms which are blood cancers more common in older age. JAK2V617F, the pathognomonic mutation driving the majority of these cancers, was acquired in utero or childhood, with upper estimates of age of acquisition from 33 weeks gestation to 10.8 years, in all 5 patients in whom JAK2V617F was either the only or the first driver event.  Driver mutations associated with age-related clonal haematopoiesis occurred prior to or following JAK2V617F,  as independent clonal expansions in JAK2V617F-mutated patients, and as large clonal expansions in JAK2V617F-unmutated patients . These mutations were also acquired in utero or childhood, with DNMT3A mutations occurring by 8 weeks of gestation to 7.6 years across 4 patients, and PPM1D mutation occurring by age 5.8yrs in a patient with MPN lacking phenotypic driver mutations. Sequential driver mutation acquisition was common, separated by decades across life, and often outcompeted ancestral clones. The mean latency between JAK2V617F acquisition and clinical presentation was 30 years (range 11-54 years). Rates of clonal expansion were inferred from phylogenetic trees and varied substantially (3% to 190% expansion/year), were affected by additional driver mutations, and were predictive of latency to clinical presentation. Driver mutations and rates of expansion would have been detectable in blood one to four decades before clinical presentation. This study reveals how driver mutation acquisition early in life with life-long growth and evolution underlie adult myeloproliferative neoplasms, providing opportunities for early detection and intervention and a new paradigm for cancer development.

  Dataset EGAD00001007714

• Spiradenocarcinoma (2018-10-29)

  Spiradenocarcinoma is a rare cutaneous sweat gland adnexal cancer with potential for aggressive behaviour. They are classified histologically into low- and high-grade tumours, with morphologically low-grade tumours thought to behave more favourably. However, limited information is available, with only 18 published cases. We have collected morphologically low-grade spiroadenocarcinomas (one with a lung metastasis) and high-grade spiroadenocarcinomas, as well as some spiradenomas (benign lesions), cylindromas (another type of malignant cutaneous sweat gland adnexal tumour) and hybrid spiradenoma-cylindromas. H&E-stained sections were reviewed, follow-up was obtained, and immunohistochemistry for Ki-67, p53 and, MYB has been performed. The tumours were solitary, measuring 0.8-7?cm (median: 2.7?cm), with a predilection for the head and neck of elderly patients (median age: 72 years; range 53-92) without gender bias. Histologically, the tumours were multinodular and located in deep dermis and subcutis. A pre-existing spiradenoma was present in all cases. The malignant component was characterized by expansile growth with loss of the dual cell population, up to moderate cytological atypia and increased mitotic activity (median: 10/10 HPF; range 1-28). Additional findings included squamoid differentiation (n=9), necrosis (n=7), and ulceration (n=5). P53 expression was variable and no significant differences were noted in the benign compared with the malignant parts of the tumours. In contrast, in the malignant components the Ki-67 proliferative index was slightly increased, and MYB expression was lost. Follow-up (median: 67 months; range: 13-132) available for 16 patients (84%) revealed a local recurrence rate of 19% but no metastases or disease-related mortality. Here we wish to exome sequence these cases to define the first genomic landscape for this malignancy. This dataset contains all the data available for this study on 2018-10-29.

  Dataset EGAD00001004426

• Resource for Genetic Epidemiology Research on Adult Health and Aging (GERA)

  The Resource for Genetic Epidemiology Research on Aging (GERA) Cohort was created by a RC2 "Grand Opportunity" grant that was awarded to the Kaiser Permanente Research Program on Genes, Environment, and Health (RPGEH) and the UCSF Institute for Human Genetics (AG036607; Schaefer/Risch, PIs). The RC2 project enabled genome-wide SNP genotyping (GWAS) to be conducted on a cohort of over 100,000 adults who are members of the Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Plan, Northern California Region (KPNC), and participating in its RPGEH. The purpose of the RPGEH is to facilitate research on the genetic and environmental factors that affect health and disease by linking together clinical data from electronic health records, survey data on demographic and behavioral factors, and environmental data from various sources, with genetic data derived from biospecimens collected from participants. At the time of the award of the RC2 project in late 2009, the RPGEH had established a cohort of about 140,000 individuals who had answered a detailed survey, provided saliva samples for extraction of DNA, and given broad consent for the use of their data in studies of health and disease. To maximize the diversity of the resulting sample, the GERA cohort was formed by including all racial and ethnic minority participants with saliva samples (N = 20,925; 19%); the remaining participants were drawn sequentially and randomly from white non-Hispanic participants (89,341; 81%). A total of 110,266 participant samples were included to ensure that at least 100,000 were successfully assayed. The resulting GERA cohort is 42% male, 58% female, and ranges in age from 18 to over 100 years old with an average age of 63 years at the time of the RPGEH survey (2007). The sample is ethnically diverse, generally well-educated with above average income. Approximately 69% of the participants are married or living with a partner. Length of membership in KPNC averages 23.5 years. UCSF and RPGEH investigators worked with the genomics company Affymetrix to design four custom microarrays for genotyping each of the four major race-ethnicity groups included in the GERA Cohort, described in detail in Hoffmann et al., 2011a and 2011b. Following genotyping and quality control procedures, and after removal of invalid, discordant, or withdrawn samples, about 103,000 participants were successfully genotyped. The resulting genotypic data were linked to survey data and data abstracted from the electronic medical records. As described below, all RPGEH participants were mailed new consent forms with explicit discussion of the placement of data in the NIH-maintained dbGaP. About 77% of participants returned completed consent forms, resulting in a final sample size of 78,486 participants in the GERA Cohort with data for deposit into dbGaP. Origins of the RPGEH GERA Cohort The goal in creating the RPGEH GERA cohort was to create a large, multiethnic, and comprehensive population-based resource for research into the genetic and environmental basis of common age-related diseases and their treatment, and factors influencing healthy aging and longevity. The GERA Cohort consists of a diverse cohort of more than 100,000 adults who are members of the Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Plan, Northern California Region (KPNC), and participating in its Research Program on Genes, Environment and Health (RPGEH). KPNC is an integrated health care delivery system with a population of about 3.3 million people in northern California. The membership of KPNC is representative of the general population in the 14 county area in which facilities are located, although the membership is underrepresented for the extremes of income at both ends of the spectrum. The RPGEH utilizes the longitudinal electronic health records (EHR) of KPNC to obtain clinical, laboratory, imaging and pharmacy information on all cohort members, to which personal demographic, behavioral and health characteristics have been added through member surveys. The GERA Cohort comprises a subsample of the RPGEH participant cohort, and was created through the RC2 award from the NIA, NIMH, and NIH Common Fund as described above. GERA Study Design The GERA Cohort is a subsample, as described above, of the longitudinal cohort enrolled in the Kaiser Permanente RPGEH. The RPGEH cohort includes about 400,000 survey participants of whom about 200,000 have provided broad consent and a sample of saliva or blood for use in studies of genetic and environmental factors in health and disease. The GERA Cohort was developed from a mailed survey sent to all adult members of KPNC who had been members for two years or more in 2007. All survey respondents were contacted and asked to complete a consent form; those who completed consent forms were asked to provide a saliva sample. Additional male participants were added to the RPGEH through inclusion of the Northern California sample of the California Men's Health Study (CMHS) cohort of about 40,000 men from KPNC, ages 45-69 years old at the time of the CMHS survey in 2002-2003. The CMHS participants contributed about 15,400 saliva samples to the RPGEH and were eligible for inclusion in the GERA Cohort. CMHS participants were included according to the same sampling design as for the RPGEH cohort as a whole. Specifically, all minority participants were selected for inclusion in order to maximize representation of minorities in the GERA Cohort, and Non-Hispanic White participants were selected at random to complete the sample of 110,266 GERA Cohort participants. GERA Genotypic Data High-density genotyping was conducted at UCSF using custom designed Affymetrix Axiom arrays, as described in Hoffmann et al. (2011a; 2011b). To maximize genome-wide coverage of common and less common variants, four specific arrays were designed for individuals of Non-Hispanic White (EUR), East Asian (EAS), African-American (AFR), and Latino (LAT) race/ethnicity. There was broad overlap among the SNPs on the arrays, which were designed using a hybrid greedy imputation algorithm (Hoffmann et al., 2011b) applied to genotype information validated by Affymetrix from the 1000 Genomes Project. However, in order to capture low frequency variants specific to particular race-ethnicity groups, SNP content varies between arrays. A more detailed description of the process of genotyping and results is included in Genotyping of DNA Samples. Description of the analyses of population structure and development of principal components for adjustment of population structure is included in Population Structure Analysis. GERA Phenotypic Data RPGEH and CMHS Survey Data. The sources of data on demographic and behavioral factors deposited in dbGaP for the GERA Cohort are the RPGEH and CMHS surveys. Data on common demographic factors such as gender, race/ethnicity, marital status, and education and on behavioral factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and body mass index, have been cleaned, edited, reconciled between the two surveys, and compiled into summary indices, where appropriate, for deposition into dbGaP. A more complete description of the survey variables is included in Survey Variables Documentation. Please note that the terms of use of the GERA Cohort Data, as specified in the Data Use Certification (DUC), prohibit the use of survey variables as outcomes in analyses. For example, a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of education or smoking is not permitted as specified by the DUC. Only health conditions can be used as outcome variables in analyses. Health Conditions derived from Kaiser Permanente Electronic Medical Records. Data on the occurrence of health conditions in participants in the GERA Cohort have been derived from summarizing ICD-9 coded diagnoses in Kaiser Permanente's electronic medical records. An algorithm that aggregates specific ICD-9 codes into appropriate diagnostic groups for selected conditions is applied to outpatient and inpatient databases; see Disease and Conditions Definitions Documentation for details. The criterion for including a condition as "present" for a participant is the occurrence of two or more diagnoses within a diagnostic category occurring on separate days. Two or more is used as the criterion in order to reduce false positives due to mistakes or rule-out diagnoses. When compared with validated disease registries, the criterion of 2+ diagnoses yields high specificity and good sensitivity. ICD-9 codes in the electronic records are specified in several ways. For outpatient visits occurring during the period 1995 to 2006, diagnoses were assigned by the treating physician who endorsed specific diagnoses on an optically scanned list that varied by specialty. Beginning in 2006 with the advent of an integrated, fully electronic medical record, outpatient diagnoses are made by physicians/ providers using a pull down menu. Discharge diagnoses from inpatient stays are specified by physicians and coded by specially trained coders. Databases of ICD-9 codes for diagnoses assigned at outpatient visits, or as one of the discharge diagnoses following inpatient stays, are complete and available for all KPNC members dating back to 1995. Although the average length of KPNC membership among GERA cohort members is 23.5 years in 2007, not all have been members since 1995, so the history for some conditions, such as those that are not chronic or recurrent, may not be complete for all cohort members. The year of first membership in KPNC is included as a variable in the list of survey variables, enabling investigators to estimate the number of years of observation of each Cohort member. RPGEH Access and Collaborations Website and Procedures The RPGEH maintains a web portal for inquiries and applications for collaboration and access to data. The url is: https://rpgehportal.kaiser.org/. RPGEH has an application process and an Access Review Committee that reviews applications for collaboration and use. For more details, please contact RPGEH through the website.

  Study phs000674

• Wistar PDX Development and Trial Center

  Overall the outcomes of patients with metastatic melanoma have improved dramatically over the last decade due to an improved understanding of the molecular drivers of this disease. In particular, multiple targeted therapy regimens have been approved for patients with a BRAFV600E/K mutation, which are present in ~50% of cutaneous melanomas. These treatments achieve clinical responses in ~80% of patients with a BRAFV600E/K mutation, thus providing proof-of-concept of the therapeutic potential for personalized therapeutic strategies. However, most of the patients will progress within 2 years of starting those therapies. Further, currently there are no targeted therapies that have been shown to be effective in patients with a wild-type BRAF. Thus, there are unmet clinical needs to develop treatments that prevent or overcome resistance to existing therapies for patients with a BRAFV600E/K mutation, and that are effective in patients without a BRAF mutation. In order to facilitate the development of new therapeutic strategies, over the last 5 years we have led a major effort to develop a broad collection of PDX models to reflect the clinical, histological, and genetic heterogeneity of this disease. Our collection of PDX models represents one of the largest collections for any human malignancy, and our initial testing demonstrates that the collection accurately recapitulates the oncogenic drivers and molecular heterogeneity that is observed in patients. This collection also includes a subset of PDX established from patients with acquired resistance to targeted therapies that have been maintained on those agents in vivo to sustain their resistant phenotype. Together these efforts have generated a robust resource to develop, refine, and prioritize new personalized combinatorial therapies for patients. Thus, we propose to establish a multi-disciplinary and multi-institutional PDTC Program focused on the use and continued expansion of our robust melanoma PDX collection to identify new therapeutic approaches that fill important clinical gaps in this disease.

  Study phs002432

• Whole Exome Sequencing of Calcitonin Producing Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Neoplasms (CT-pNENs) Indicates a Unique Molecular Signature

  Calcitonin-producing pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (CT-pNENs), which can mimic clinical and laboratory features of medullary thyroid carcinoma, are an extremely rare clinical entity with approximately 60 cases reported worldwide. The molecular profile of CT-pNENs is not yet known. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was performed on tumor and corresponding serum samples of five patients with increased calcitonin serum levels and histologically proven calcitonin-positive CT-pNENs. cBioPortal analysis and gene enrichment analysis with DAVID were performed to validate candidate genes. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect protein expression of MUC4 and MUC16 in CT-pNEN specimens. Common somatic mutations of pNENs like MEN1, ATRX and PIK3CA were identified in cases of CT-pNENs. New somatic SNVs in ATP4A, HES4, and CAV3 have not yet been described in CT-pNENs. Pathogenic germline mutations in FGFR4 and DPYD were found in three of five cases. Mutations of CALCA (calcitonin) and the corresponding receptor CALCAR were found in all five tumor samples, but none of them resulted in clinical or protein sequelae. All five tumor cases showed single nucleotide variations (SNVs) in MUC4, and four cases showed SNVs in MUC16, both of which were membrane-bound mucins. Immunohistochemistry showed protein expression of MUC4 and MUC16 in one case each, and the liver metastasis of a third case was double positive for MUC4 and MUC16. The homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) score of all tumors was low.CT-pNENs have a unique molecular signature compared to other pNEN subtypes, specifically involving the FGFR4, DPYD, MUC4, MUC16 and the KRT family genes. However, these WES data from only five cases must be interpreted with caution because causal interpretation of the mutational landscape in CT-pNENs is difficult. Further research is needed to explain differences in pathogenesis compared with other pNENs. In particular, multi-omics data such as RNASeq, methylation, and whole genome sequencing could be informative.

  Study phs003060

• Whole Genome Sequencing of a Triple Negative Breast Cancer Patient: Matched Primary Tumor, Normal, Metastasis and Xenograft samples

  Breast Cancer Subject Participant ID 700064 (Source Sample names: 6888 and 206). We used massively parallel DNA sequencing technologies to screen entire genomes, in an unbiased manner, for genetic changes associated with tumor growth and metastasis. We describe the complete genome sequence analysis of four DNA samples from a 44-year old African-American patient with basal-like breast cancer: peripheral blood, the primary tumor, a brain metastasis that developed within a year of initial therapy, and a first-passage xenograft derived from the primary tumor. A total of 50 validated mutations were discovered within coding, RNA, or splice site sequences. Of these, 20 mutations were abundantly present in all three tumors, including mutations in CSMD1 and JAK2. These two genes subsequently were found to be mutated in other breast tumors. The metastasis contained two de novo mutations not present in the primary tumor, and was significantly enriched for 20 shared mutations, suggesting that they may be involved in the metastatic process. The xenograft contained no unique coding, RNA, or splice site mutations and retained all primary tumor mutations, albeit at different frequencies. However, a significant increase in copy number alterations was observed in the xenograft as compared to the primary tumor. We validated 28 large deletions and six inversions, as well as seven translocations in at least one of the three tumor samples. Among them, a 26 kb deletion in MECR was solely identified, assembled, and validated in the brain metastasis and two overlapping large deletions on chromosome 5 encompassing CTNNA1, a potential tumor suppressor gene, were identified in all three tumors. The differential mutation frequencies and structural variation patterns between primary and metastatic tumors suggest that metastatic tumors may arise from minor subpopulations of cells within the primary. Namely, the metastatic and xenografting processes apparently select for cells harboring a distinct subset of the primary tumor mutation repertoire.

  Study phs000245

• Genetic Epidemiology Network of Arteriopathy (GENOA)

  The Genetic Epidemiology Network of Arteriopathy (GENOA): GENOA is one of four research networks that form the NHLBI Family Blood Pressure Program (FBPP). From its inception in 1995, GENOA's long-term objective was to elucidate the genetics of hypertension and its arteriosclerotic target-organ damage, including both atherosclerotic (macrovascular) and arteriolosclerotic (microvascular) complications involving the heart, brain, kidneys, and peripheral arteries. Two GENOA cohorts were originally ascertained (1995-2000) through sibships in which at least 2 siblings had essential hypertension diagnosed prior to age 60 years. All siblings in the sibship were invited to participate, both normotensive and hypertensive. These include non-Hispanic White Americans from Rochester, MN (n =1583 at the 1st exam) and African Americans from Jackson, MS (N=1854 at the 1st exam). During the second exam (2000-2005), approximately 80% of participants were re-recruited. The GENOA data consists of biological samples (DNA, serum, urine) as well as demographic, anthropometric, environmental, clinical, biochemical, physiological, and genetic data for understanding the genetic predictors of diseases of the heart, brain, kidney, and peripheral arteries. Family Blood Pressure Program (FBPP): GENOA's parent program, the FBPP, is an unprecedented collaboration to identify genes influencing blood pressure (BP) levels, hypertension, and its target-organ damage. This program has conducted over 21,000 physical examinations, assembled a shared database of several hundred BP and hypertension-related phenotypic measurements, completed genome-wide linkage analyses for BP, hypertension, and hypertension associated risk factors and complications, and published over 130 manuscripts on program findings. The FBPP emerged from what was initially funded as four independent networks of investigators (HyperGEN, GenNet, SAPPHIRe and GENOA) competing to identify genetic determinants of hypertension in multiple ethnic groups. Realizing the greater likelihood of success through collaboration, the investigators began working together during the first funding cycle (1995-2000) and formalized this arrangement in the second cycle (2000-2005), creating a single confederation with program-wide and network-specific goals.

  Study phs000379

• Heart Failure Network - Effectiveness of Ultrafiltration in Treating People with Acute Decompensated Heart Failure and Cardiorenal Syndrome (HFN CARRESS - BioLINCC)

  ObjectiveThe CARRESS trial examined the effectiveness of ultrafiltration compared with a strategy of diuretic-based stepped pharmacologic therapy on renal function and weight loss in patients with heart failure who have worsening renal function and persistent congestion.BackgroundAcute cardiorenal syndrome is defined as worsening renal function in patients with acute decompensated heart failure. It occurs in 25 to 33% of patients and is associated with poor outcomes. Current heart failure treatments focus on removing excess fluid buildup, however administration of intravenous diuretics may contribute to worsening renal function. Venovenous ultrafiltration is one alternative therapy that may be effective in patients with acute decompensated heart failure complicated by acute cardiorenal syndrome and persistent congestionSubjectsA total of 188 patients were randomized.DesignHospitalized subjects were randomly assigned to receive either ultrafiltration therapy or pharmacologic therapy. Ultrafiltration was performed at a fluid-removal rate of 200 ml per hour and loop diuretics were discontinued for the duration of the intervention. The addition of intravenous vasodilators or positive inotropic agents was prohibited, unless they were deemed to be necessary as rescue therapy. Patients assigned to stepped pharmacologic therapy received intravenous diuretics to manage congestion and maintain a urine output of 3 to 5 liters per day. In both groups, the assigned treatment strategy was to be continued until the signs and symptoms of congestion in the patient were reduced as much as possible. The primary end points were baseline changes in serum creatinine and weight as assessed at 96 hours after treatment assignment.ConclusionsThe use of a stepped pharmacologic-therapy algorithm was superior to a strategy of ultrafiltration for the preservation of renal function, and there was a similar amount of weight loss between the two groups. Ultrafiltration was associated with a higher rate of adverse events (Bart, et al., 2012, PMID: 23131078).

  Study phs003510

• Genomic Profiling of Pediatric Tumors by Cell Free DNA Sequencing

  BACKGROUND Analysis of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) from peripheral blood has been studied extensively for detection and monitoring therapy response in adult cancers, but utility in pediatric tumors is unclear. METHODS We studied 233 children with hematologic, solid and brain tumors. cfDNA was extracted from 1 mL of plasma collected at diagnosis. Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in cfDNA was quantified and diverse classes of somatic genomic variants were detected using PeCan-Seq. PeCan-Seq findings were compared with matched tumor whole-genome and whole-exome sequencing data. Minimal residual disease (MRD) status was evaluated by cfDNA PeCan-Seq in 14 patients with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. RESULTS Plasma cfDNA yields at diagnosis were higher for hematologic malignancies than for solid and brain tumors. Patients with hematologic malignancy were 100% ctDNA-positive, the median ctDNA fraction in cfDNA was 0.77. We detected 97% variants that were present in tumors and covered by the capture panel, and 50 subclonal variants that were present in cfDNA only. Our approach enabled detection of sequence and structural variants in B-ALL ctDNA at varying levels of MRD. Nineteen of 38 patients with solid tumors were ctDNA-positive, with high prevalence in Ewing Sarcoma, liver tumors and osteosarcoma. One of 19 brain tumor patients was ct-DNA positive, indicating lack of utility for plasma-derived cfDNA in this disease. Notably, cfDNA analysis of a single plasma sample identified genomic features in ctDNA derived from B-ALL, concurrent primary neuroblastoma, and a later neuroblastoma relapse, indicating that genomic variations from multiple tumors could be detected simultaneously. CONCLUSIONS Pediatric patients with hematologic malignancy had an abundance of plasma ctDNA at diagnosis. Plasma ctDNA levels varied between different solid tumor types, more studies are needed to determine utility. Panel-based cfDNA sequencing could serve as a non-invasive approach for pediatric cancer diagnosis and disease monitoring.

  Study EGAS50000000072

• Gene expression signatures associated with chronic endometritis revealed by RNA sequencing

  Chronic endometritis (CE) is a persistent inflammatory condition of the endometrium characterized by the infiltration of plasma cells. CD138 immunohistochemistry is considered to improve the CE diagnosis rate. Using the number of CD138-positive cells equal or greater than five as a diagnostic criterion for CE, we identified 24 CE and 33 non-CE cases among women with infertility. We conducted RNA-sequencing analysis for these 57 cases in total as an attempt to elucidate the molecular pathogenesis of CE and to search for new biomarkers for CE. By comparing CE and non-CE groups, we identified 20 genes upregulated in the endometria of CE patients, including 12 immunoglobulin-related genes and eight non-immunoglobulin genes as differentially expressed genes. The eight genes were MUC5AC, LTF, CAPN9, MESP1, ACSM1, TVP23A, ALOX15, and MZB1. By analyzing samples in the proliferative and secretory phases of the menstrual cycle separately, we also identified four additional non-immunoglobulin genes upregulated in CE endometria: CCDC13 by comparing the samples in the proliferative phase, and OVGP1, MTUS2, and CLIC6 by comparing the samples in the secretory phase. Although the genes upregulated in CE may serve as novel diagnostic markers of CE, many of them were upregulated only in a limited number of CE cases showing an extremely high number of CD138-positive cells near or over one hundred. Exceptionally, TVP23A was upregulated in the majority of CE cases regardless of the number of CD138-positive cells. The upregulation of TVP23A in the endometria of CE cases may reflect the pathophysiology of a cell-type or cell-types intrinsic to the endometrium rather than the accumulation of plasma cells. Our data, consisting of clinical and transcriptomic information for CE and non-CE cases, helped us identify gene expression signatures associated with CE.

  Study JGAS000621

• Population Structure and Genetic Diversity in Argentinean populations

  Argentina was one of the last places peopled when humans entered the Americas. Its earliest archeological sites are dated from 13,000 years BP, and throughout its history the region has exhibited broad cultural diversity, involving both hunter-gatherer and agro-pastoral societies, different linguistic families, the Southern expansion of the Inca Empire, the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors and slave trade from Africa. More recently, Argentina has had the highest proportion of influx of transoceanic migration between 1850 and 1940 of any Latin American country. Furthermore, the geographical distribution of immigrants was oriented towards the Pampa region of central-eastern Argentina and the Northeast, so different patterns of mixed ancestry throughout the country are expected. In this present work we aim to describe the history and structure of the Argentinean population. Thus far, we have collected DNA samples from 2904 participants from 15 dispersed regions in Argentina, from the Andean populations in the Northwest to the river lands of the Northeast. Our preliminary data includes genome-scale Illumina Exome Array 250K genotypes, plus next-generation sequencing data from uniformly spaced genomic regions targeted with a genotype-by- sequencing strategy (which covers 1.5% of the genome), for 375 participants from 9 of the 15 populations. We will identify proportions and patterns of European, African and Indigenous American ancestry in the Argentinean cohort via local ancestry inference. The first series of analyses will focus on genomic tracts of Indigenous American ancestry for fine-scale examination of sub-continental structure by comparing to a panel of 493 samples from 52 Indigenous American populations from throughout the Americas. Furthermore, this work will serve as a test of different low-cost strategies (exome genotype array vs. genotype-by-sequencing) for accurate inference of population structure in extant populations.

  Study EGAS00001001663

• Intra-tumor heterogeneity of localized lung adenocarcinomas defined by multi-region sequencing

  Background: Intra-tumor heterogeneity (ITH) may have profound impacts on biopsy strategy, characterization of actionable targets, treatment planning, and drug resistance. ITH of lung cancers has not been well studied. Methods: We performed multi-region whole exome sequencing (average sequencing depth 277x) on 48 tumor regions from 11 resected lung adenocarcinomas (8 stage I, 2 stage II and one stage III tumors) followed by deep sequencing validation (average sequencing depth 863x). Results: All tumors showed clear evidence of spatial ITH. On average, 76% of all mutations and 20/21 known cancer gene mutations were present in all regions of individual tumors (trunk mutations). Copy number analysis did not show substantial difference in large-scale chromosome aberrations. A canonical KRAS p.G12C mutation was detected in only 1 of 4 tumor regions (branch mutations) at exome depth but detected in all four tumor regions (trunk mutations) at increased sequencing depth. In addition, many heterogeneous branch mutations defined by exome sequencing were detectable in all regions of individual tumors with increasing sequencing depth. Significant differences in mutational spectrum were observed in 6 tumors indicating that specific mutational processes were likely operative at different times during development of these tumors. With a median follow up of 21 months post surgery, 3 patients have relapsed and all 3 patients presented with significantly larger fractions of subclonal mutations in their primary tumors. Conclusions: Although multi-region sampling is still required to fully assess ITH complexity, single biopsy analysis at appropriate depth might be sufficient to identify the majority of known cancer gene mutations in localized lung adenocarcinomas. Larger subclonal mutation fractions may be associated with increased likelihood of postsurgical relapse in patients with localized lung adenocarcinomas. Studies on larger cohort, ideally with comprehensive clinical annotation and repeat biopsy at relapse are needed to fully understand the clinical impact of ITH.

  Study EGAS00001000930

• Bulk-RNA Sequencing of high-grade pancreatic and non-pancreatic Neuroendocrine Neoplasms

  Therapeutic decisions in oncology depend on a precise pathological classification of individual neoplasms. Recent years have seen an intensification of research activities aimed at the extraction of clinically relevant information from patient-derived 'omics' data based on Machine-Learning models. However, a comprehensive training of Machine-Learning models requires sufficiently large numbers of training samples, which are usually not available for rare cancer types. The problem is worsened when individual tissues segregate into different cancer subtypes, as their discrimination would require even more training samples. Methods: Here, we report on a new data-augmentation technique to support the training of Machine-Learning models on ‘omics’ data from pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (panNEN). PanNENs display all properties described above: Only about 2-3% of all pancreatic neoplasms are neuroendocrine and they fall into different subtypes with distinctly different prognosis, which makes the precise classification of such samples both difficult and important for therapy decisions. The approach reconstructs a given transcriptome based on healthy pancreatic cell type signatures and creates a Machine-Learning model that integrates the observed reconstruction error and predicted cell type proportions as features. Results: A benchmark of the deconvolution model predictions with the ground-truth found that the model could efficiently predict the sample grading, disease-related patient survival time, and differentiate between different subtypes in four panNEN and one mixed panNEN and non-pancreatic NENs dataset. We compared the predictive performance of the deconvolution-trained model to that of a model trained directly on the transcriptomic data, under inclusion of the Ki-67 classification gold standard biomarker, and found the performances to be comparable. Conclusion: Our approach serves as a data-augmentation technique to facilitate the training of Machine Learning models for rare cancer types via utilization of data from healthy origin. Additionally, the deconvolution results were clinically interpretable and further research can render the deconvolution approach an effective complementary asset for the clinical classification of neoplasms.

  Study EGAS00001004861

• Reduced Representation Bisulfite Sequencing (RRBS) in various tissues to discover DNA methylation markers for the diagnosis of breast and ovarian cancer.

  Despite a myriad of attempts in the last three decades to diagnose ovarian cancer (OC) earlier, this clinical aim still remains a significant challenge. In addition, monitoring treatment and early detection of fatal breast cancer (BC) remains a major unmet need. Aberrant methylation patterns of linked CpGs analyzed in DNA fragments shed by cancers into the bloodstream (i.e. cell-free DNA) can provide highly specific signals indicating cancer presence.In order to discover the most relevant CpG regions, we used RRBS and analysed several tissue samples: 11 prospectively collected invasive epithelial ovarian cancer samples (high grade serous n=8, low grade serous n=1, endometrioid n=1, mucinous n=1, mean age = 54.7 years), 8 prospectively collected invasive ductal breast cancer samples (2/8 triple negative; mean age = 56.6 years), one benign tumor (papillary serous cystadenoma, age = 86 years), 18 non-neoplastic tissue samples (breast n=7 and adnexal n=11, mean age = 60.2 years), two non-neoplastic endometrial tissues (mean age = 68 years) and twenty three white blood cell samples (mean age = 57.8 years) were assessed by RRBS. Genome wide methylation analysis was performed by Reduced Representation Bisulfite Sequencing (RRBS) at GATC Biotech. DNA was digested with MspI followed by size selection of the library, providing enhanced coverage for the CpG-rich regions. The digested DNA was adapter ligated, bisulfite modified and PCR amplified. The libraries were sequenced on Illumina’s HiSeq 2500. Analysis of the first samples sequenced with 100bp paired-end mode showed that the library insert size was small. Therefore, the remaining samples were sequenced with 50 bp paired-end mode. Using Genedata Expressionist® for Genomic Profiling v9.1, we established a bioinformatics pipeline for the detection of cancer specific differentially methylated regions (DMRs). The most promising DMRs were taken forward for the development and validation of serum based clinical assays.

  Study EGAS00001002609

• The Human Virome in Children and its Relationship to Febrile Illness

  Definition of the human microbiome is an important scientific priority. This study will expand the scope of the investigation to include viruses, which account for a substantial proportion of infectious disease morbidity and mortality, especially in children. The long-term goal of this project is to describe the human virome in children and to investigate its relevance to febrile illnesses in children. The project will also seek to understand the relationship of the immune system to the composition of the virome. Thus, the project's specific aims are 1) To elucidate the spectrum of viruses that can be detected using non-biased, high throughput sequencing on samples of blood, respiratory, and gastrointestinal secretions from healthy children and to use this information as a basis for understanding the role of viruses in acute febrile illnesses without an obvious source, and 2) to investigate the effect of various forms of immunosuppression on the spectrum of viruses detected in children, and to use this information as a basis for understanding the role of viruses in acute febrile illnesses occurring in these children. Our preliminary studies show that diverse viruses can be detected in children having undiagnosed fever. To carry out the specific aims, well children will be enrolled prior to having elective surgery, and febrile otherwise well children will be enrolled from the Emergency Department at St. Louis Children's Hospital. Immunocompromised children will be recruited from hematopoietic stem cell and solid organ transplant clinics, the HIV/AIDS clinic, and the rheumatology/immunology clinic from the same hospital. Children with fever will have samples obtained at the time of the febrile illness and at 1 and 6-month follow-up visits. Selected samples from each study group will be analyzed at the Genome Center at Washington University (GCWU) using next generation 454 high throughput sequencing to detect and sequence all viral sequences present. We anticipate detecting and sequencing a broad range of viruses, including previously unrecognized agents. A variety of techniques will be used to investigate the significance of viruses detected. Virus-specific PCR assays will be used to determine the frequency and extent of viruses detected by sequencing, using the full range of samples collected. Host response to the detected viruses will be investigated using serologic analysis, cytokine profiling, and microarrays to characterize host gene expression. These studies will take advantage of follow-up samples to compare the acute response with the response in the convalescent period. This study will draw upon the expertise and technological assets of one of the world's most powerful sequencing centers to provide the research community with a comprehensive sequence data base of the viruses that are present in children, which can be used to improve our understanding of the causes of febrile illnesses in young children, many of which are currently undiagnosed.

  Study phs000264

• Thymic epithelial transplantation for complete DiGeorge syndrome: RNA (2025-07-22)

  Single cell transcriptomics study of thymic transplant biopsies Allogeneic thymus transplantation is the only curative therapy for complete DiGeorge Syndrome (cDGS), a rare severe primary immunodeficiency characterised by athymia. GOSH is one of only two centres worldwide to offer this treatment. Despite a lack of major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-matching between donor and host, transplanted thymus becomes repopulated by recipient bone marrow derived precursor cells and supports development of functional T-cells. The mechanisms underlying thymopoiesis in this context are poorly understood, but over time we observe reconstitution of T-cell immunity, with the ability to produce host naïve T-cells showing a broad T-cell receptor (TCR) repertoire and to generate MHC-restricted T-cell proliferative responses. Although lifesaving, the achieved immunological reconstitution is typically not complete with circulating T-cell numbers usually remaining below the age related normal ranges. Additionally, we observe persistence of donor-derived T-cells of unknown clinical significance. To gain more insight into the mechanisms by which MHC-mismatched transplanted thymus supports T-cell development with self-tolerance, as well as into the basis of suboptimal T-cell immunity, we now aim to investigate immune reconstitution after thymus transplantation in further detail by using single-cell transcriptomics, applied to thymic transplant biopsies and peripheral blood samples collected during standard post-transplant patient care. By identifying which lineages of host- derived cells repopulate the thymic tissue after transplantation, we will be able to address the role of MHC in positive and negative T-cell selection during T-cell differentiation. We will also be able to clarify the exact ontogeny of the persistent donor T-cells, as well as their possible role. Understanding the mechanisms of action of HLA-mismatched transplanted thymus will contribute to treatment optimisation. Additionally, our research provides a unique opportunity to further investigate key immunological concepts, such as tolerance and autoimmunity, challenging existing paradigms in thymus immunology. 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 2025-07-22.

  Dataset EGAD00001015648

• Kids First: Genomic Studies of Orofacial Cleft Birth Defects

  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). Both childhood cancers and structural birth defects are critical and costly conditions associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Elucidating the underlying genetic etiology of these diseases has the potential to profoundly improve preventative measures, diagnostics, and therapeutic interventions. WGS and phenotypic data from this study are accessible through dbGaP and kidsfirstdrc.org, where other Kids First datasets can also be accessed. The Kids First study of nonsyndromic orofacial cleft birth defects (OFCs) is a whole genome sequencing study of 415 White parent-case trios drawn from ongoing collaborations led by Dr. Mary L. Marazita of the University of Pittsburgh Center for Craniofacial and Dental Genetics, including collaborations with Dr. George Wehby of the University of Iowa, Dr. Jacqueline Hecht of the University of Texas, and Dr. Terri Beaty of Johns Hopkins University. Sequencing was done by the Washington University McDonell Genome Institute. The case in each of the Kids First trios has cleft lip (CL, Figure A), cleft palate (CP, Figure B), or both (CL+CP, Figure C): OFCs are genetically complex structural birth defects caused by genetic factors, environmental exposures, and their interactions. OFCs are the most common craniofacial anomalies in humans, affecting approximately 1 in 700 newborns, and are one of the most common structural birth defects worldwide. On average a child with an OFC initially faces feeding difficulties, undergoes 6 surgeries, spends 30 days in hospital, receives 5 years of orthodontic treatment, and participates in ongoing speech therapy, leading to an estimated total lifetime treatment cost of about $200,000. Further, individuals born with an OFC have higher infant mortality, higher mortality rates at all other stages of life, increased incidence of mental health problems, and higher risk for other disorders (notably including breast, brain, and colon cancers). Prior genome-wide linkage and association studies have now identified at least 18 genomic regions likely to contribute to the risk for nonsyndromic OFCs. Despite this substantial progress, the functional/pathogenic variants at OFC-associated regions are mostly still unknown. Because previous OFC genomic studies (genome-wide linkage, genome-wide association studies (GWAS), and targeted sequencing) are based on relatively sparse genotyping data, they cannot distinguish between causal variants and variants in linkage disequilibrium with unobserved causal variants. Moreover, it is unknown whether the association or linkage signals are due to single common variants, haplotypes of multiple common variants, clusters of multiple rare variants, or some combination. Finally, we cannot yet attribute specific genetic risk to individual cases and case families. Therefore, the goal of the current study is to identify specific OFC risk variants in Whites by performing whole genome sequencing of parent-case trios.

  Study phs001168

• Long-Term Outcome in Offspring and Mothers of Dexamethasone-Treated Pregnancies at Risk for Classical Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia Owing to 21-Hydroxylase Deficiency

  Summary The purpose of this study is to perform the first long-term follow up study both of adolescents and young adults with a history of prenatal treatment with dexamethasone and of their mothers and to test for adverse medical or behavioral side effects. The emphasis will be on the outcome of this prenatal treatment in those fetuses who are not affected with steroid 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21OHD) form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) and are either heterozygotes or homozygote-unaffected. Prenatal treatment of 46,XX fetuses with 21OHD (via administration of dexamethasone to the pregnant mother) has been shown to reduce the masculinization of the genitalia and, thereby, the later need for 'corrective' feminizing genital surgery and potential impairment of sexual functioning. Along with the suppression of excess prenatal androgen production and reduction of prenatal masculinization of the genitalia in 46,XX fetuses with 21OHD, prenatal dexamethasone treatment may reduce the behavioral masculinization that is well documented in untreated 46, XX patients with 21OHD. Those fetuses who are partially treated until diagnosis of an unaffected status (heterozygous or homozygous-unaffected) will be studied as well. This latter group is of importance because these fetuses are being unnecessarily treated, but we have no way of diagnosing the unaffected status before the 8th week of gestation when treatment must begin for the female fetus who is affected. As treatment is necessary only until term in the female fetus affected with classical CAH, male fetuses and unaffected or heterozygous female fetuses do not require treatment. Thus, only one out of eight fetuses will require prenatal treatment until term. Findings of adverse effects of glucocorticoid treatment in non-human mammals [1, 2] have raised concerns among other clinicians and investigators about potential adverse side effects of such treatment on the developing human. Thus, this study will address this concern and investigate the potential adverse side effects of prenatal treatment. Detailed Description Females with classical CAH owing to 21-hydroxylase deficiency are born with ambiguous genitalia due to the production of excess androgens in utero. Prenatal treatment with dexamethasone was inaugurated in 1978 by Maguelone Forest and has been the standard of practice in the United States since 1986. Dexamethasone, which crosses the placental barrier, suppresses the fetal adrenal gland production of androgens, thus preventing ambiguous genitalia in the affected female. Children of both sexes are prenatally treated as soon as pregnancies at risk are confirmed. Treatment in females with 21OHD continues to term, but is discontinued in males and unaffected females. To date, 685 pregnancies have been diagnosed, of which 366 fetuses were treated. These investigators will study prenatally treated adolescents and adults 12 years and older with respect to medical and behavioral outcomes (see Table 5). In addition, mothers of children prenatally treated for varying periods of time for suspected 21OHD will be studied for long-term side effects of dexamethasone treatment administered during pregnancy. The long-term outcome in these children and their mothers has never before been studied.

  Study phs001317

• INCLUDE: The Epidemiology of Transient Leukemia in Newborns with Down Syndrome

  The INCLUDE (INvestigation of Co-occurring conditions across the Lifespan to Understand Down syndromE) Project is an NIH-wide collaboration that seeks to improve health and quality-of-life for people with Down syndrome. The INCLUDE Project Data Coordinating Center and partners created the INCLUDE Data Hub, a centralized data resource that allows access to large-scale clinical and multi-omics datasets specific to Down syndrome and supports collaborative, cloud-based analysis to accelerate scientific discoveries related to Down syndrome and its co-occurring conditions.Down syndrome (DS) is associated with a remarkably high risk of childhood acute myeloid leukemia (AML), with an approximately 500-fold increased risk of the rare subtype acute megakaryoblastic leukemia. Though largely treatable, a proportion of myeloid leukemia in DS (ML-DS) patients relapse with dismal survival. ML-DS is preceded by a preleukemia, transient abnormal myelopoiesis (TAM), which presents clinically at birth and is driven by somatic truncating mutations in the erythro-megakaryocytic transcription factor gene GATA1. Up to 15% of DS newborns have TAM, and this can be fatal in up to 20% of cases. A further 10-15% of newborns with DS harbor subclonal GATA1 mutations with clinically silent disease (i.e., Silent TAM). Of the DS newborns with either TAM or Silent TAM (i.e., transient leukemia), up to 15% will acquire additional somatic mutations and progress to ML-DS. We predict that germline variation modifies the risk of developing somatic truncating GATA1 mutations, the first step towards ML-DS, however this has yet to be examined. To address this, the main aim of this X01 study is to perform the first genetic association study of GATA1 mutations in DS, through whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of 470 DS newborns in the Oxford Down Syndrome Cohort Study (ODSCS). Targeted sequencing of GATA1 has already been performed in the 470 DS newborns in the ODSCS, with 130 (28%) confirmed to harbor a somatic truncating GATA1 mutation. We will perform a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of GATA1 mutations to assess genetic variation genome-wide, in particular focusing on variants in candidate genes on the trisomic chromosome 21, RUNX1, ERG, ETS2, and DYRK1A, which have previously been associated with upregulation of GATA1. We will also carry out a chromosome X-wide association study (XWAS) to investigate genetic variation at the GATA1 gene, which resides on chromosome X. WGS data will also enable us to assess the potential role of copy number variation in the risk of transient leukemia in DS. Discovering genetic risk factors for GATA1 mutations in DS may reveal targets for new targeted therapies for TAM, and also inform the etiology of ML-DS as well as AML in the non-DS population. Finally, the ODSCS includes rich phenotypic data for the 470 DS newborns, including clinical diagnosis of TAM and other hematologic complications, complete blood counts, maternal pregnancy complications, and information on congenital heart disease and other birth defects. Thus, whole genome sequencing data in DS newborns from the ODSCS will provide a rich resource for the DS research community.

  Study phs002982

• The EGA joins EUCAIM, the European project powering AI and imaging in cancer research

  EUCAIM (EUropean Federation for CAncer IMages) is the cornerstone of the European Cancer Imaging Initiative, one of the flagships of the Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan (EBCP). The European Genome-Phenome Archive (EGA), as member of the EUCAIM consortium, attended the kick-off meeting organized this week in Brussels for the launch of the Initiative. The EGA will contribute to the project with the experience gained in the deployment of our federated network, the Federated EGA (FEGA), and the experience gained as partners of EuCanImage (AI4HI initiative) contributing to the definition of common data models, ontologies and data standards. The ultimate goal of the project is to unlock the power of imaging and Artificial Intelligence for the benefit of cancer patients, clinicians and researchers. The consortium will deploy a pan-European digital federated infrastructure hosting cancer-related images, and associated pathology, molecular and laboratory data from Real-World. This endeavour will provide a comprehensive dashboard for imaging data discovery, federated search, metadata harvesting, annotation and distributed data processing. EUCAIM joins 76 partners, gathering the experience and previous effort made by the different repositories of the AI4HI initiative, European Research Infrastructures and national/regional repositories. Find out more information about the EUCAIM launch here

  Blog the-ega-joins-eucaim

• Development, maturation and maintenance of human prostate inferred from somatic mutations

  Stem cells within prostate epithelium frequently undergo malignant transformation, but there is limited information on their clonal dynamics and mutation burden in healthy human prostates. We sequenced whole genomes from 409 microdissections of prostate epithelium across 8 donors, using phylogenetic reconstruction with spatial mapping in a 59-year-old man’s prostate to provide high-resolution reconstruction of tissue dynamics across the lifespan. Somatic mutation burden increases linearly with age, at ~16 mutations/year/clone, and is higher in peripheral than peri-urethral regions. The 24-30 independent glandular subunits are established as rudimentary ductal structures during fetal development by 5-10 embryonic cells each. Puberty induces formation of further side branches and terminal acini by local stem cells disseminated through the rudimentary ducts during development. During adult tissue maintenance, clonal expansions are small, with limited geographic scope and minimal migration. Driver mutations are rare in normal ageing prostate epithelium, but the one canonical driver we did observe generated a sizable intraepithelial clonal expansion. By resolving unbiased, continuously occurring lineage-marking mutations, we define stem cell dynamics through embryogenesis, puberty and ageing, with relevance for prostate cancer.

  Dataset EGAD00001006591

• Ethiopia Genome Project (high coverage)

  The Ethiopian area stands among the most ancient ones ever occupied by human populations and their ancestors. Particularly, according to archaeological evidences, it is possible to trace back the presence of Hominids up to at least 3 million years ago. Furthermore, the present day human populations show a great cultural, linguistic and historic diversity which makes them essential candidate to investigate a considerable part of the African variability. Following the typing of 300 Ethiopian samples on Illumina Omni 1M (see Human Variability in Ethiopia project, previously approved by the Genotyping committee) we now have a clearer idea on which populations living in the area include the most of the diversity. This project therefore aims to sequence the whole genome of 300 individuals at low (4-8x) depth belonging to the six most representative populations of the Ethiopian area to produce a unique catalogue of variants peculiar of the North East Africa. Furthermore 6 samples (one from each population) will also be sequenced at high (30x) depth to ensure full coverage of the diversity spectrum. The retrieved variants will be of great help in evaluating the demographic dynamics of those populations as well as shedding light on the migrations out of Africa.

  Dataset EGAD00001000696

• P647 Targeted resequencing project

  In collaboration with Dr Robert Semple we have identified a family harbouring an autosomal dominant variant, which leads to severe insulin resistance (SIR), short stature and facial dysmorphism. This family is unique within the SIR cohort in having normal lipid profiles, preserved adiponectin and normal INSR expression and phosphorylation. DNA is available for 7 affected and 7 unaffected family members across 3 generations. All 14 samples have been genotyped using microsatellites and the Affymetrix 6.0 SNP chip. Linkage analysis identified an 18.8Mb haplotype on chromosome 19 as a possible location of the causative variant. However, Exome sequencing of 3 affected and 1 unaffected family members has not identified the causative variant suggesting the possibility of an intronic or intergenic variant in this region or elsewhere in the genome. We propose to conduct whole genome sequencing of 5 members of the pedigree at a depth of 20X. The chosen samples are two sets of parents plus one member of an unaffected branch of the pedigree who shares the risk haplotype on chromosome 19. Sequencing of the two sets of parents will be used along with the genome-wide SNP data to impute 4 affected children giving an effect sample size of 6 affected individuals.

  Dataset EGAD00001000383

• Partner independent fusion gene detection by multiplexed CRISPR Cas9 enrichment and long read Nanopore sequencing (FUDGE)

  Targeted long-read nanopore sequencing. Abstract: Fusion genes are hallmarks of various cancer types and important determinants for diagnosis, prognosis and treatment. Fusion gene partner choice and breakpoint-position promiscuity restricts diagnostic detection, even for known and recurrent configurations. To accurately and impartially identify fusions, we developed FUDGE: FUsion Detection from Gene Enrichment. FUDGE couples target-selected and strand-specific CRISPR/Cas9 activity for fusion gene driver enrichment - without prior knowledge of fusion partner or breakpoint-location – to long-read Nanopore sequencing with the bioinformatics pipeline NanoFG. FUDGE has flexible target-loci choices and enables multiplexed enrichment for simultaneous analysis of several genes in multiple samples in one sequencing run. We observe on-average 665 fold breakpoint-site enrichment and identify nucleotide resolution fusion breakpoints - within two days. The assay identifies cancer cell line and tumor sample fusions irrespective of partner gene or breakpoint-position. FUDGE is a rapid and versatile fusion detection assay, providing unparalleled opportunity for diagnostic pan-cancer fusion detection.

  Dataset EGAD00001006111

• Ethiopia Genome Project (low coverage)

  The Ethiopian area stands among the most ancient ones ever occupied by human populations and their ancestors. Particularly, according to archaeological evidences, it is possible to trace back the presence of Hominids up to at least 3 million years ago. Furthermore, the present day human populations show a great cultural, linguistic and historic diversity which makes them essential candidate to investigate a considerable part of the African variability. Following the typing of 300 Ethiopian samples on Illumina Omni 1M (see Human Variability in Ethiopia project, previously approved by the Genotyping committee) we now have a clearer idea on which populations living in the area include the most of the diversity.This project therefore aims to sequence the whole genome of 300 individuals at low (4-8x) depth belonging to the six most representative populations of the Ethiopian area to produce a unique catalogue of variants peculiar of the North East Africa. Furthermore 6 samples (one from each population) will also be sequenced at high (30x) depth to ensure full coverage of the diversity spectrum.The retrieved variants will be of great help in evaluating the demographic dynamics of those populations as well as shedding light on the migrations out of Africa.

  Dataset EGAD00001000598

• The Genomic Landscape of Mongolian Hepatocellular Carcinoma

  Background and Hypotheses: Mongolia has the highest reported incidence of - and mortality from - hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the world, which is between three and seven times higher than that observed in other high-incidence populations, such as South Korea, Thailand, and China. Although its causative factors and underlying tumor biology remain unknown, risk factors such as chronic hepatitis B virus and/or hepatitis C virus infection are highly prevalent. Moreover, Mongolia has an extraordinarily high prevalence of hepatitis delta virus (HDV), more than ten times above the global estimate, which we hypothesize as a major driver of Mongolian hepatocarcinogenesis. By performing a comprehensive and integrative genomic characterization, we aimed to identify robust molecular subclasses and driver features informative of the etiology and progression of the disease. This study, the first one of this nature ever to be conducted on a Mongolian cohort, identifies similarities to previous studies performed on other populations (which reflect general characteristics of liver carcinogenesis) as well as unique features of Mongolian HCC. Study Design and Methods: Clinical information and paired tumor/non-tumor liver tissue samples were obtained from 76 HCC patients undergoing surgery at the National Cancer Center of Mongolia. Transcriptome sequencing and whole exome sequencing were performed on all tumor and non-tumor samples, followed by bioinformatics processing and quality control. Consensus clustering and regularized Cox regression analyses were performed on transcriptome data. Driver mutations and mutational signatures were assessed. These results were compared to those from 373 HCC patients of different races and ethnicities and diverse etiologies. Furthermore, molecular subclass gene signatures from multiple previous studies were assessed for validation. Results and Conclusions: Using a transcriptomics-based unsupervised approach, we identified four molecular subclasses among Mongolian HCC cases, which were associated with different patient survival outcomes. These molecular subclasses were mapped to signatures reported in other HCC cohorts, showing significant associations consistent with survival outcomes. A supervised analysis determined risk scores strongly associated with survival, consistent with the four molecular subclasses. Mutational signature analysis using recently published COSMIC and Environmental Agents Compendia identified signatures with distinct prevalence among HDV+ and HVD- groups. Signatures differentially associated with HDV+ include mutational patterns linked to alkylating agents (such as temozolomide), tobacco chewing and exposures to 1,8-Dinitropyrene and furan, whereas HDV- appeared differentially associated with aristolochic acid II. In addition to common driver mutations (TP53, CTNNB1) frequently found in pan-cancer analysis, Mongolian HCC exhibits several unique drivers (most notably GTF2IRD2B, PNRC2, and SPTA1), the latter of which may be linked to HDV infection. These results suggest the existence of new molecular mechanisms at play in Mongolian hepatocarcinogenesis.

  Study phs002000

• DKFZ-HIPO Data Access Committee of Heidelberg Center for Personalized Oncology

  Dac EGAC00001000452

• Epidemiological study comparing rates and risk factors for dementia in African Americans in Indianapolis and Yoruba living in Ibadan, Nigeria

  In 1991 collaboration between researchers at Indiana University School of Medicine and the University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria established the Indianapolis-Ibadan Dementia Project. It is a longitudinal, prospective population-based comparative epidemiological study of the prevalence and incidence rates and risk factors of Alzheimer's disease and other age associated dementias. The project compares samples of community-dwelling elderly (age > 70 years) African Americans living in Indianapolis to Yoruba living in Ibadan, Nigeria, employing the same research design, methods, and investigators. It initially reported significantly lower prevalence rates of disorders in the Yoruba compared to the African Americans. In subsequent waves of the study (1994-1995, 1997-1998) incidence rates, rates of newly diagnosed cases, were also found to be significantly lower in the Yoruba. In genetic studies, the frequency of the APOE 4 allele was about the same in the two groups. APOE 4 was a significant risk factor for Alzheimer's disease and dementia in the Americans, while no association was found for the Yoruba. The APOE 2 allele appears to be protective in the Americans, but not the Yoruba. A constellation of factors often associated with vascular risk including a history of hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol levels is less common in the Yoruba than in the American group. An interaction was observed between cholesterol, APOE genotype and Alzheimer's disease in both study groups. In 2001-2002 survivors of the original cohort were once again evaluated (N~800 in each site) and 2,000 additional individuals age 70 years and older were enrolled in each site. Blood samples were collected from approximately 1,500 study participants in each site for genetic studies and analysis of biochemical risk factors for vascular disease. Subsequent waves of field work were conducted in 2004, 2007, 2009, and 2011. This fieldwork followed the classic two-stage study design. The study design involves an in-home screening interview with the study participant, which includes a cognitive assessment, medical history and current medications, brief neurological examination, height and weight, blood pressure measurement and assessment of social involvement. There is also a screening interview with a close relative of the study participant to assess activities of daily living, personality change, and medical history of the study participant. On the basis of the screening interview a sample of study participants (N~500 in each site) is selected for a full clinical diagnostic dementia work up which includes a neurological test battery, extensive interview with a family member and examination by a clinician. Diagnoses are made in a consensus diagnosis conference using the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Revised Third Edition (DSM-III R) and International Classification of Diseases 10th Revision (ICD-10) for dementia. The criteria of the National Institute for Neurological and Communicative Disease and Stroke-Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Association were used to diagnose possible and probable Alzheimer's disease. The focus of the study is risk factors for dementia and Alzheimer's disease, but also of particular importance is the question of mild cognitive impairment. This refers to the condition of having some decline in cognition but the decline is not sufficient to meet the criteria for dementia. We have studied this over the course of this project. In follow up studies of individuals who have this diagnosis about one third of them are better at follow up, about a third are about the same, and about a third decline more to meet the criteria for dementia. This is a very important issue for researchers because the ultimate goal of the research is to figure out how to identify the individuals who will definitely progress to dementia. If there are clear identifiers, it would be possible to make interventions, while individuals still function well, and possibly prevent the development of dementia altogether or delay the onset significantly. This is crucial because at the moment individuals usually do not enter into the medical care system until the dementia symptoms are quite severe, and the pathological damage to the brain cannot be undone.

  Study phs000378

• Population Architecture using Genomics and Epidemiology (PAGE)

  PAGE II (2013-2017) seeks to expand understanding gained during PAGE I and similar studies of how ancestry-specific differences in allele frequencies and LD may explain differences in risks of common traits and conditions. Recent studies have identified rare genetic variants that are likely to contribute to common diseases and traits and observed that rare variants likely to be functional, such as those in coding and regulatory regions, tend to be population-specific. PAGE II has genotyped over 50,000 samples using MEGA, an Illumina high density custom exomechip array. The MEGA data is being imputed in PAGE to the 1000 Genomes panel. PAGE also sequenced 1,000 samples representative of 21 populations from the Americas. PAGE has harmonized phenotype data for ~300 trait variables. These datasets will be analyzed to continue emphasis on characterizing population-level disease risks in non-European-descent individuals. Cohorts in PAGE II are: CALiCo (Causal Variants Across the Life Course, a consortium of ARIC, CARDIA, HCHS/SOL, Strong Heart Studies), ISMMS (Mount Sinai BioMe Biobank), MEC (Multiethnic Cohort), WHI (Women's Health Initiative), and Stanford University (PAGE Global Reference Panel). Genotyping services were provided by the Center for Inherited Disease Research (CIDR) and sequence data were provided by the McDonnell Genome Institute at Washington University School of Medicine. PAGE I (2008-2013): The first phase of PAGE examined putative causal genetic variants across approximately 100,000 African Americans, Asian Americans, American Indians, European Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Native Hawaiians from four groups representing nine large U.S.-based cohorts. Two genotyping approaches were employed - targeted genotyping of selected SNPs identified in genome-wide association studies of common disease, and a large-scale effort focused on the Metabochip array, which facilitated trans-ethnic fine mapping of several diseases of public health importance. Cohorts in PAGE I were: CALiCo (Causal Variants Across the Life Course, a consortium of ARIC, CARDIA, CHS, HCHS/SOL, Strong Heart Cohort Study, Strong Heart Family Study), EAGLE (Epidemiologic Architecture for Genes Linked to Environment, based on 3 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES)), MEC (Multiethnic Cohort) and WHI (Women's Health Initiative). Logistical and scientific support is provided by the PAGE Coordinating Center and the NHGRI Division of Genomic Medicine. PAGE II is funded by the NHGRI and the NIMHD. To access PAGE studies currently available in dbGaP, please click on the links below.Please note that some PAGE studies belong to larger cohorts and have been included as PAGE substudies. For those studies, there is an additional link to the parent study. phs000223 PAGE-ARIC and phs000280 ARIC Cohort phs000236 PAGE-CARDIA and phs000285 CARDIA Cohort phs000301 PAGE-CHS and phs000287 CHS Cohort phs000559 PAGE-EAGLE-BioVu phs000208 PAGE-EAGLE-NHANES phs000555 PAGE-HCHS/SOL and phs000810 HCHS/SOL Cohort phs000220 PAGE-MEC phs000580 PAGE-SHS and SHFS phs001033 PAGE Global Reference Panel phs000227 PAGE-WHI and phs000200 WHI Cohort

  Study phs000356

• A Study to Assess the Cardiovascular, Cognitive, and Subjective Effects of Atomoxetine in Combination with Intravenous Methamphetamine

  The Study to Assess the Cardiovascular, Cognitive, and Subjective Effects of Atomoxetine in Combination with Intravenous Methamphetamine started in 2007 and ended in 2011. It was a small pilot study that included methamphetamine abusing individuals and healthy control participants aged 18-50 years. Participants who qualified over the telephone were scheduled to visit the London Laboratory at the UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior for the In-Person Screening Phase. The screening procedures, usually scheduled over two visits, determined if participants were eligible to complete the subsequent study visits. Both groups completed identical screening procedures, including a SCID diagnostic interview to rule out any major psychiatric disorders. Methamphetamine users also answered questionnaires specific to their drug use. Urine toxicology for marijuana, opiates, cocaine, methamphetamine, and benzodiazepines were monitored at the beginning and throughout the study. Additionally, participants had blood samples to test for Rapid Plasma Reagin (exposure to syphilis), purified protein derivative (PPD), HIV and Hepatitis-C (HCV). Positive test results were relayed by a study physician and resulted in termination from continuing in the study. The inpatient portion of the study lasted a total of 24 days. To confirm compliance with abstinence from illicit and prescription drug use for the duration of the study, urine and breath alcohol testing was performed for both inpatient (methamphetamine users) and outpatient (healthy control) groups. Each subject was randomized to receive either atomoxetine (80 mg daily) or placebo. During inpatient days of the study, a study physician oversaw research subjects daily and experimental procedures were conducted in the General Clinical Research Center (GCRC). During drug administration sessions, heart rate and blood pressure were assessed at frequent intervals. Experimental sessions lasted around three hours and were conducted at approximately the same time of day for a given participant. Lunch was provided to participants at 11:30am with the prohibition of caffeine on study days involving methamphetamine administration. Participants were provided with smoke breaks as needed to assure that acute nicotine withdrawal did not negatively impact performance on cognitive testing. The following outlines the day to day procedures for a methamphetamine inpatient: Phase I Inpatient Study (15 days total) Days 1-3: On the day of admission, participants received blood tests and an EKG in order to determine that they had no occult medical conditions which would make their participation in the study medically contraindicated. A three day washout period was provided at the beginning of the study to establish an appropriate methamphetamine-free baseline for testing. Days 4-6: Participants completed cognitive test batteries to assess inhibitory control including self-report measures and cognitive testing, as well as up to three MRI scanning sessions. Day 7: On day 7, at 9AM and 1PM, participants received methamphetamine in a single-blinded condition. It was administered as two IV infusions of 15mg separated by a 60min break. The total dose of IV methamphetamine was 30mg. Participants were clinically evaluated by continuous cardiac telemetry, serial EKG and measurement of vital signs, during and after infusions, in order to determine the medical safety of methamphetamine infusion in the absence of study medication. Day 8: On day 8 we evaluated the safety and residual effects of the methamphetamine administered on the previous day. Days 9-10: After demonstrating medical and psychiatric stability of the initial methamphetamine infusion, participants were then randomized to receive placebo or atomoxetine (0 or 40mg) under double-blind conditions, which would be given at 8AM on both study days. Days 11-12: On days 11 and 12, participants remained in the GCRC and took two doses of test compound atomoxetine (0 or 40mg) at 8AM and 8PM. On the morning of day 12, participants completed a series of cognitive testing. Day 13: On day 13, participants remained in the GCRC, and took two doses of the test compound atomoxetine (0 or 40mg) at 8AM and 8PM. At 9AM and noon, they received methamphetamine under double-blind conditions administered non-contingently as two infusions of 0 or 15mg by IV (intravenously), with each infusion separated by 60min. The total dose of IV methamphetamine that each participant received was 30mg. As before, participants were clinically evaluated by continuous cardiac telemetry, serial EKG and measurement of vital signs, during and after infusions, in order to determine the medical safety of methamphetamine infusion in those participants receiving study medication. Day 14: On day 14 at 8AM, participants received their final dosing of the first test compound (atomoxetine 0 or 40mg). At 9AM and 1PM, participants selected between methamphetamine infusion or money using double-blind conditions in a multiple-choice self-administration paradigm. Participants were able to take up to two infusions of 0 or 15mg of methamphetamine, separated by 60min. The total dose of IV methamphetamine that each participant received on day 14 was 30mg. Participants were clinically evaluated by continuous cardiac telemetry, serial EKG and measurement of vital signs, during and after infusions, in order to determine the medical safety of methamphetamine infusion in those participants receiving study medication. At 5pm on day 14 discharge laboratory studies were drawn. Day 15: On day 15, a final EKG was performed as well as a review of discharge laboratory studies, including review of the EKG and continued medical and psychiatric stability. Upon clearance from a physician, participants were discharged on day 15. Participants spent at least 2 weeks (14 days) out of the hospital prior to returning to the UCLA GCRC for inpatient Phase II. Phase II Inpatient Study (9 days total) Day 1-2: On the day of re-admission, participants received blood tests and an EKG. A two day washout period was provided at the beginning of the study to establish an appropriate methamphetamine free condition for safe administration of the second test compound condition. Days 3-4: On days 3 and 4, given medical stability, participants were then switched to the opposite test compound (atomoxetine 0 or 40mg) under double-blind conditions, in the same manner as in Days 9-10 in Phase I. Days 5-6: Same procedure as in Days 11-12 in Phase I but with opposite medication condition. Day 7: Same procedure as in Day13 in Phase I but with opposite medication condition. Day 8: Same procedure as in Day14 in Phase I but with opposite medication condition. Day 9: Same procedure as in Day14 in Phase I but with opposite medication condition. For healthy control participants, the study consisted of 30 days or fewer of out-patient testing. Healthy control participants had an extensive screening, including a history and physical exam performed by a study physician, an EKG, and laboratory studies performed to assess for medical or psychiatric conditions. Control participants meeting criteria were invited back to UCLA to undergo cognitive testing, and some participants received fMRI scans. Participants were required to refrain from illicit and prescription drug use for the duration of the study, which was confirmed with urine toxicology and breath alcohol level testing on examination days. Caffeine was restricted on study days for least 2 hours prior to cognitive testing and MRI scans. Participants were permitted to drink their normal daily intake of caffeine, given the caveat above. On study days, cigarette smoking was permitted to match conditions used with methamphetamine users. The incorporation of smoke breaks during the test day assured that acute nicotine withdrawal did not negatively impact performance on cognitive tests or neuroimaging. The following outlines procedures for healthy control participants: For normal controls, participation involved one day of outpatient screening, and one day of baseline cognitive testing and possible MRI scans. After these procedures were completed, participants were randomized to the first test compound (atomoxetine 40mg or placebo), to be taken once daily in the morning for 2 days. It was then increased to twice daily for the next 3 days, followed by a final dose (40mg or placebo) on the sixth day of study medication. Participants were also asked to bring their pill packages to assess compliance with the study medication. Additionally, control participants completed a series of repeated-measures cognitive testing (on placebo or atomoxetine, respectively) and possibly two fMRI sessions (separated by a short break). After at least a four-day washout period, control participants were instructed to start the opposite test compound (atomoxetine 40mg or placebo), again to be taken once daily in the morning for two days, then twice daily for 3 days, reaching the final dose (40mg or placebo) of the second test compound in the morning. Participants were again asked to bring their pill packages to assess compliance and had blood drawn to assess atomoxetine levels. Control participants then completed another series of cognitive testing and fMRI testing sessions. They were subsequently discharged from the study. Normal control participants returned two weeks after completion of both study phases in order to complete assessments to their physical and psychological status following treatment.

  Study phs001195

• Successful Clinical Response in Pneumonia Therapy (SCRIPT)

  The goal of this study is to iteratively identify, validate and refine biomarkers to predict clinical failure, and identify novel targets for therapy, beyond traditional antibiotics, for patients with severe pneumonia requiring intubation, including severe community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), hospital-acquired pneumonia, and ventilator-associated pneumonia (HAP/VAP). We hypothesize that factors within the alveolar microenvironment in many patients with pneumonia prevent the active process of pneumonia resolution.The major emphasis will be on HAP. Mechanically ventilated CAP patients are a very high-risk group for subsequent VAP, and therefore CAP samples will be included to determine baseline bacteria, microbiome, and host defense patterns for those that do or do not develop HAP/VAP. Hospital-acquired pneumonia is the leading cause of death from nosocomial infections. Even in patients receiving pathogen-appropriate therapy, reported clinical failure rates are increasing, approaching 50% in recent clinical trials. Current approaches to improve outcomes in patients with pneumonia almost exclusively focus on the development of antibiotics to address the problem of resistance. However, the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant pathogens is insufficient to explain the high rates of clinical failure. Instead, we hypothesize that factors within the alveolar microenvironment in many patients with pneumonia prevent the active process of pneumonia resolution. These factors include pathogen-specific adaptations to the injured lung that modulate the innate and adaptive immune response, as well as changes to the alveolar microbiome, driven by selective pressure within our modern intensive care units. Understanding this complex adaptive system requires the integration of clinical information with unbiased measures of the host, pathogen, and microbiome changes within the alveolar microenvironment. These measures must be repeated over time to identify factors that distinguish successful from failed therapy for pneumonia sufficiently early during the clinical course to allow for effective interventions. To address this challenge, we have assembled a talented group of investigators in the Successful Clinical Response In Pneumonia Therapy (SCRIPT) Systems Biology Center. We will leverage our routine clinical practice of safe alveolar sampling in mechanically ventilated patients with pneumonia with repeated non-bronchoscopic bronchoalveolar lavage (NBBAL) sampling over the course of pneumonia. From this fluid, we will combine flow cytometry with multi-omic technologies (cell population-specific transcriptomics, epigenomics, shotgun microbiome sequencing, and pathogen-specific sequencing). Our systems scientists will integrate these genomic data with robust clinical -omics with the goal of identifying biomarkers that can be prospectively tested in patients and causally evaluated in humanized mouse models.The addition of a pooled sample artificially increases the number of automatically computed subjects by one.

  Study phs002300

• Mucociliary Clearance Consortium (MCC) Rare Genetic Disorders of the Airways: Cross-section Comparison of Clinical Features, and Development of Novel Screening and Genetic Test

  We have established a consortium of 7 geographically-dispersed clinical research sites that are designed to study rare diseases of the airways, which involve defects in clearance of mucus secretions from the airways (defective "mucociliary clearance"). These sites will collaborate in diagnostic, genetic, and other studies in patients with impairments of mucociliary clearance, including primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD), variant cystic fibrosis (CF), and pseudohypoaldosteronism (PHA). These disorders reflect genetic defects in airway host-defense, and typically result in chronic infection of the airways. Patients with these disorders of the conducting airways and sinuses have delayed (or incorrect) diagnoses, because diagnostic tests are not readily available. These patients may also have sub-optimal management of their clinical disease, because the cause of these disorders is not well-defined, and treatment regimens are usually not driven by evidence-based medicine. This current protocol is designed to employ a systematic approach to the diagnostic evaluation of these patients with chronic airways disease, which will yield precise diagnoses in individual patients, and will be associated with development of better diagnostic techniques, including genetic testing. In addition, we will compare/contrast clinical features (phenotype) across these disorders. A rigorous cross-sectional comparison of the clinical features will provide better understanding of the clinical disease of these disorders; in turn, this will lead not only to a better standard of clinical care, but will also assist in the identification of novel therapeutic approaches. The patient population for these studies includes individuals carrying a tentative diagnosis of the three disorders (PCD, variant CF or PHA), plus individuals suspected to have one of these disorders, but with inadequate or inconclusive diagnostic tests. Individuals in this latter category must have a preliminary clinical evaluation to evaluate for other more common disorders that may have similar manifestations including classical CF, immunodeficiency, asthma, and severe gastroesophageal reflux. We have an informal agreement with a network of pulmonologists across the United States to perform clinically-indicated (not research) preliminary clinical testing, if not directly available to patients who inquire about these studies. Blood will be collected for DNA to test for genetic mutations. The blood samples will be processed to establish a cell line (lymphocyte transformation) for a source of DNA for future genetic studies, in participants with disease. For participants unable to provide a blood sample, a buccal sample will be obtained for DNA.

  Study phs000595