Search Results - EGA European Genome-Phenome Archive

Whole genome sequence of Primary-recurrent HCC study

This dataset contains whole genome sequence data from 24 samples, including 16 tumors and 8 normal samples. All the experiments were performed on Illumina HiSeq 2000 platform with raw reads stored in fastq format.

Dataset EGAD00001005451

Phylogenetic development of childhood tumours

The aim of this study is to reconstruct the phylogenetic development of childhood tumours

Dataset EGAD00001005770

PFA ependymoma study -RNA-seq data

RNA-seq fastq files for the 16 samples used in Michealraj et al. Cell 2020. The samples include PFA and ST ependymoma tissues, normal pediatric brain as control and PFA ependymoma lines.

Dataset EGAD00001006046

Segmental Cherry Angioma case

Cherry angiomas are common benign blood vessel growths on the skin. In this study we characterise mutational profile of a cherry angioma and adjacent skin biopsied from a patient with multiple lesions with segmental presentation.

Dataset EGAD00001015641

Genome-Wide Association Study of Breast Cancer in the African Diaspora - the ROOT study

The paucity of data on the genetic epidemiology of breast cancer for racial/ethnic groups other than those of European ancestry hinders the development of innovative interventions to reduce health disparities. Women in the African Diaspora experience a disproportionate burden of pre-menopausal breast cancer in comparison to all other races for reasons that remain unknown and understudied. This higher proportion of early-onset breast cancer might suggest a stronger genetic component in these populations. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have revealed several genetic loci that confer risk of breast cancer. Because all GWAS started the discovery stage in women of European ancestry and replicated mainly in women of European ancestry, we propose a novel approach for a GWAS in indigenous African women to identify alleles associated with breast cancer risk which will then be replicated in other populations. This innovative design builds on our current understanding of the etiologic heterogeneity in breast cancer and the distribution of breast cancer molecular subtypes which differ between women of African ancestry and women of European ancestry. The major objective of the proposed studies is to get to the "root" causes of breast cancer by identifying breast cancer risk alleles in a pooled sample of women of African ancestry and to replicate our findings in other populations. To achieve this objective, we conducted a case control study of breast cancer in women of African ancestry, including Africans living in Nigeria, African Americans and African Barbadians. We will genotype ~3800 individuals using the Illumina HumanOmni2.5-Quad platform. We will conduct both standard and novel genetic analyses of the data to map genes associated with breast cancer susceptibility, verify genotyping and carry out fine-mapping studies in genes or regions showing association with breast cancer risk, and replicate in other African American and non-African American populations. By pooling unique resources from studies throughout the African Diaspora, this study has the potential to identify risk alleles in several genes that contribute to increased breast cancer risk and may have implications for early detection, prognosis and treatment of breast cancer in ALL women. This should ultimately lead to improved outcomes for those who suffer a disproportionate burden of early-onset breast cancer.

Study phs000383

Genomics of Opioid Pharmacogenomics and Acute/Chronic Postsurgical Pain after Major Surgery in Children

Pain management after surgery is not optimal, partly due to great interindividual variability in pain perception and coping. This can lead to persistent pain beyond the healing period and disability. Up to two-thirds of the inter-individual variability results from genetic variations in pain perception as well as response to the pain medicine. The investigators aim to identify genomic (genetic/epigenetic), psychological and drug profiles contributing to this variability. Opioids are the mainstay for treatment of postoperative pain in children. Experience dictates that opioids have narrow therapeutic indices and large inter-patient variability in response. This leads to serious side effects like respiratory depression in up to 50% of children undergoing invasive surgery, which can be fatal. It is evident that there are particular children who are more susceptible to suffering side effects and having inadequate pain relief from opioids.It is hypothesized that much of the genetic variability can be explained by gene function which is modulated by a) Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes that encode proteins involved in pain perception, opioid transport/metabolism (pharmacokinetics), and opioid receptor signaling (pharmacodynamics); b) epigenetics which modify gene expression without structural changes to the DNA, and c) genes that influence psychological factors.The purpose of this research study is to identify factors and genes that may be associated with acute and chronic post-surgical pain, and to develop pharmacometric models for response to opioids, like morphine and hydromorphone. While children undergoing different surgeries will be recruited for acute outcomes, children undergoing spine fusion will be followed for 10-12 months for evaluation of psychological and genomic factors affecting chronic post-surgical pain, with a goal of identifying genetic and epigenetic risk models for prediction of acute and chronic post-surgical pain. Although opioids are used every day, some children have bad reactions from their use, like breathing problems, sedation, etc. The investigators want to study factors that may be associated with pain sensitivity, opioid requirements after surgery, their metabolism, efficacy and their side-effects. The investigators expect that the information obtained in this research study will help to develop effective, safer, and tailored treatment options in the future.

Study phs002105

Pharmacogenomic Evaluation of Antihypertensive Responses (PEAR and PEAR-2)

The primary aim of the Pharmacogenomic Evaluation of Antihypertensive Responses grant (funded by NIH Pharmacogenomic Research Network grant U01 GM074492) was to identify genetic determinants of blood pressure response and adverse events after antihypertensive treatments. Two different clinical trials with genomic information available were included: PEAR-1 and PEAR-2 studies. The PEAR-1 study (clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT00246519) was a randomized controlled clinical trial evaluating genetic determinants of BP responses and adverse metabolic responses to atenolol and hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) monotherapy and in combination (PMID: 19249413). Briefly, PEAR-1 recruited 768 hypertension individuals with uncomplicated hypertension who were randomized to either monotherapy of atenolol 50 mg daily or HCTZ 12.5 mg daily for 3 weeks, followed by dose titration to 100 mg and 25 mg daily, then the combination therapy. BP and metabolic responses to monotherapy and combination therapy were assessed after an average of 9 weeks of antihypertensive treatment. BP was measured using three different methods: home, office and ambulatory. For the BP analysis, a composite weighted average of the office, home, ambulatory daytime and nighttime BP responses was calculated based on the row sums of the inverse of the inter-method covariance matrices. Genomic DNA from PEAR-1 participants was genotyped using the Illumina Human Omni1MQuad BeadChip (Illumina, San Diego, CA, USA). The PEAR-2 study was a multicenter sequential monotherapy clinical trial (clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT01203852) evaluating genetic determinants of BP response to metoprolol monotherapy and chlorthalidone monotherapy. After a washout period (if necessary), eligible hypertensive patients with uncomplicated hypertension received metoprolol tartrate 50 mg twice daily for 3 weeks and the dose was increased to 100 mg twice daily for an additional six weeks if an inadequate response was observed (>120/70 mm Hg and heart rate >55 beats/min). After second washout period, patients received chlorthalidone monotherapy. Home and office BP measurements were collected in PEAR-2 study. We have previously demonstrated that home BP is the more informative single BP measurement compared to the office BP measurement. Therefore, home BP is the phenotype used for the genome-wide association analysis for PEAR-2. PEAR-2 samples were genotyped using the Illumina Human Omni2.5S Beadchip (Illumina, San Diego, CA, USA).

Study phs000649

Center for Common Disease Genomics [CCDG] - Cardiovascular: Cardiology Biobanking for Biomarker Discovery

This study is a part of NHGRI's Center for Common Disease Genomics, which is a collaborative large-scale genome sequencing effort to comprehensively identify rare risk and protective variants contributing to multiple common disease phenotypes. Current estimates anticipate that the CCDG program will sequence approximately 140K whole genomes and 225K whole exomes during the life of the project. The Cardiovascular Disease working group of the CCDG considered five diseases: early-onset coronary artery disease (EOCAD), stroke, atrial fibrillation, congestive heart failure and type 2 diabetes. Atrial fibrillation will affect between 6-12 million individuals in the US by 2050. AF also is associated with increased risks of stroke, dementia, heart failure, death, and high health care costs. Many risk factors for AF have been identified, including advancing age, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and CVD risk factors. However, there is little knowledge how to prevent AF. Furthermore, therapies for AF are only partially effective, and are themselves associated with substantial morbidity. Previously, heritable forms of AF have been considered rare; yet in the last decade, it has been established that AF, and in particular early-onset forms of AF, are heritable. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) provide a powerful tool to identify common variants underlying disease risk. The AFGen Consortium currently consists of investigators from more than 25 studies with >20,000 individuals with AF and >100,000 without AF. In the latest analyses, 14 loci have been identified for AF1. Broadly, the loci implicate genes related to cardiopulmonary development, cardiac-expressed ion channels, and cell signaling molecules.Source: https://ccdg.rutgers.edu/sites/default/files/CCDG_CVD_EOAF_FINAL_w_link.pdfThe BioHEART study is a multi-center, prospective, observational cohort study to identify new biomarkers in stable coronary artery disease (CAD) and acute myocardial infarction (MI) (ACTRN12618001322224). Participants are recruited at time of clinically indicated computed tomography (CT) coronary angiogram (CTCA). 1,950 of 5,000 planned participants have been recruited and serum/plasma/erythrocytes/monocytes stored, with follow-up ongoing. CTCA imaging studies provides volumetric quantification of total calcified and non-calcified plaque, which is assessed using established and novel scoring systems. Comprehensive molecular phenotyping is performed on blood samples using state-of-the-art genomic, transcriptomic, proteomics, metabolomic, lipidomic, and immunophenotyping. Outcome data will be used to build improved risk models for CAD.Reference: http://www.anzctr.org.au/ - ACTRN12618001322224

Study phs002726

Rare Genetic Steroid Disease Consortium (GSD) Apparent Mineralocorticoid Excess (AME) Syndrome Natural History Clinical Protocol

The objective of this project is to observe the natural history of apparent mineralocorticoid excess (AME). AME is a rare monogenic hypertensive disease first described by the Principal Investigator, Dr. Maria I. New, in 1977 [1], for which the first mutation in the causative HSD11B2 gene was reported by her group in 1995. [2] Little is known about the progression of this rare hypertensive disorder, which is defined by the presence of hypertension in conjunction with low renin, low to absent levels of the mineralocorticoid aldosterone, elevated urinary cortisol/cortisone metabolite ratio 5β-tetrahydrocortisol (THF) + allo-THF/ tetrahydrocortisone (THE) (i.e., THF+αTHF/THE) and the presence of mutations in the HSD11B2 gene on both alleles. The range of symptoms reflecting progressive end-organ damage is wide in the small number of affected individuals studied to date. It is important to develop accurate information on the longitudinal pattern of progression (natural history) of AME not only because it may improve the care of affected individuals, but also because it may serve as a platform for understanding the role of mineralocorticoid excess in other forms of low-renin hypertension, which constitute 40% of all forms of hypertension. In this study, we will recruit as widely as possible through the Rare Diseases Clinical Research Network (RDCRN) to identify individuals with the triad of low renin, low aldosterone, and elevated urinary THF+αTHF/THE and confirm their disorder as AME by molecular genetic testing of the HSD11B2 gene. We will gather clinical and biochemical data yearly for the duration of the grant. We will describe phenotype and genotype at diagnosis and follow the progression or regression of symptoms over time under standard treatment, with rigorous review of end organs potentially damaged by chronic hypertension. Finally, we will study the natural history of the carriers of HSD11B2 mutations, i.e., the heterozygote relatives of the probands, in order to ascertain evidence of existing or developing hypertension and resulting end-organ damage. This will be the first rigorous study of AME heterozygotes. The participant accrual for AME-affected patients and the carriers of HSD11B2 mutations will be at least two years, but as long as seven years.

Study phs000603

Changes in Oral and Gut Microbiota and Incidence and Severity of Patient-Reported Symptoms in Pre- and Post-Kidney Transplant Patients

This novel prospective cohort explores the relationships between oral and fecal microbiome features (alpha and beta diversity, differential relative abundances of bacterial taxa, and functional genes) and the incidence and severity of psychoneurological symptoms (e.g., pain, fatigue, depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbance) before and after patients receive a kidney transplant from a live donor. Thirty-five subjects provided fecal and saliva specimens for shotgun metagenomic sequencing of gut and oral microbiomes at 3 timepoints: 1) within 4 weeks prior to the transplant surgery (at end-stage kidney disease), 2) 1-3 weeks after the transplant surgery, and 3) at 3 months after the transplant (after restoration of kidney function). Subjects were enrolled between October, 2018, to November, 2021, and all study visits were completed by March, 2022. Data collected includes: Demographic (age, biological sex at birth, race/ethnicity, marital status); clinical data (body mass index, dialysis status, type of dialysis, high vs. low risk immune-suppression protocol, antibiotics during study period); laboratory data (serum creatinine; estimated glomerular filtration rate; serum blood urea nitrogen; immunosuppression trough levels), and outcome data (symptoms such as pain interference, pain intensity, fatigue, anxiety, depression, sleep disturbance, acute rejection, delayed graft failure, graft loss, post-transplant infections, and health-related quality of life). Incidence and severity of symptoms, including pain interference, pain intensity, fatigue, sleep dysfunction, and anxiety/depression-like symptoms, were measured using the Patient Reported Outcome Measurement Systems (PROMIS) 57 v2.1. Health related quality of life was assessed using the Kidney Disease Quality of Life Short Form (KDQOL-SF v1.3). The objective of this longitudinal study is to characterize changes in microbial features at baseline, before restoration of kidney function, and over time, after restoration of kidney function via kidney transplantation, and to identify relationships between microbiome features and transplant outcomes (rejection, infection, delayed graft function, graft failure), symptom burden, and health-related quality of life. Shotgun metagenomic sequencing of the oral and gut microbiomes will allow a higher-resolution examination of the gut microbiome compared to 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, and will provide direct evidence of metabolic capabilities of the microbiota. This approach will allow us to explore the dynamic nature of symptom burden, and the effects of demographic and clinical variables on the oral and gut microbiomes before and after restoration of kidney function.

Study phs002199

Plasma MicroRNA Signatures of Aging

Background. MicroRNAs are small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally and show differential expression in various tissues with aging phenotypes. Detectable in circulation, extracellular microRNAs reflect (patho)physiological processes and hold promise as biomarkers for healthy aging and age-related diseases. This study aimed to explore plasma extracellular microRNAs as biological aging indicator and their associations with health outcomes using population-level data. Methods. We quantified plasma expression levels of 2,083 extracellular microRNAs using targeted RNA-sequencing in 2,684 participants from the population-based Rotterdam Study cohort. The training and test sets included 1,930 participants from the advanced-aged initial and second subcohort (RS-I/RS-II; median age: 70.6), while the validation set comprised 754 participants from the middle-aged fourth subcohort (RS-IV; median age: 53.5). Based on 591 microRNAs well-expressed in plasma, we examined differential expression of microRNAs with chronological age, PhenoAge –a composite score of age and nine multi-system blood biomarkers–, the frailty index, and mortality. Next, elastic net models were employed to construct composite microRNA-based aging biomarkers predicting chronological age (mirAge), PhenoAge (mirPA), frailty index (mirFI), and mortality (mirMort). The association of these aging biomarkers with different age-related health outcomes was assessed using Cox Proportional Hazard, linear regression, and logistic regression models in the test and validation sets. Results. We identified 188 microRNAs differentially expressed with chronological age within the RS-I/RS-II advanced-aged population (ntraining=1158, ntest=772), of which 177 microRNAs (94.1%) were replicated in the middle-aged RS-IV subcohort (nvalidation=754). Moreover, 227 miRNAs showed robust associations with PhenoAge, 61 with FI, and 16 with ten-year mortality independent of chronological age. Subsequently, we constructed four plasma microRNA-based aging biomarkers: mirAge with 108, mirPA with 153, mirFI with 81, and mirMort with 50 miRNAs. Elevated scores on these microRNA-based aging biomarkers were associated with unfavorable health outcomes, including lower subjective physical functioning and self-reported health and increased mortality and frailty risk, but not with first- or multi-morbidity. Overall, larger effect estimates were observed for mirPA, mirFI, and mirMort compared to mirAge. Conclusions. This study describes distinct plasma microRNA-aging signatures and introduces four microRNA-based aging biomarkers with potential to identify accelerated aging and age-related decline, providing insights into the intricate process of human aging.

Study EGAS00001008117

Circulating tumor DNA dynamics reveal KRAS G12C mutation heterogeneity and response to treatment with the KRAS G12C inhibitor divarasib in solid tumors

Purpose: To inform prognosis, treatment response, disease biology, and KRAS G12C mutation heterogeneity, we conducted exploratory circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) profiling on 134 patients with solid tumors harboring a KRAS G12C mutation treated with single-agent divarasib (GDC-6036) in a phase 1 study. Experimental design: Plasma samples were collected for serial ctDNA profiling at baseline (Cycle 1 Day 1 prior to treatment) and multiple on-treatment time points (Cycle 1 Day 15 and Cycle 3 Day 1). Results: KRAS G12C ctDNA was detectable from plasma samples in 72.9% (43/59) and 92.6% (50/54) of patients with non-small cell lung cancer and colorectal cancer, respectively, the majority of whom were eligible for study participation based on a local test detecting the KRAS G12C mutation in tumor tissue. Baseline ctDNA tumor fraction was associated with tumor type, disease burden, and metastatic sites. A decline in ctDNA level was observed as early as Cycle 1 Day 15. Serial assessment showed a decline in ctDNA tumor fraction associated with response and progression-free survival. Except for a few cases of KRAS G12C sub-clonality, on-treatment changes in KRAS G12C variant allele frequency mirrored changes in the overall ctDNA tumor fraction. Conclusion: Across tumor types, the KRAS G12C mutation likely represents a truncal mutation in the majority of patients. Rapid and deep decline in ctDNA tumor fraction was observed in patients responding to divarasib treatment. Early on-treatment dynamics of ctDNA were associated with patient outcomes and tumor response to divarasib treatment.

Study EGAS50000000315

Target sequencing of 27 cancer-predisposing genes and 13 renal cell carcinoma-related genes in Japanese renal cell carcinoma patients

Identifying causative genes via genetic testing is useful for the screening, prevention, and treatment of cancer. Several hereditary syndromes are known to occur in renal cell carcinoma (RCC). However, these evidences came from the European population; it remains unclear how the RCC-related genes and other cancer-predisposing genes contribute to the development RCC in the Japanese population. A case-control study of 14 RCC-related genes and 26 cancer-predisposing genes was performed using 1,563 Japanese patients with RCC and 6,016 controls. Patients were divided into two major histological subtypes of clear cell RCC (ccRCC) or non-clear cell RCC (nccRCC). Gene-based analysis of germline pathogenic variants in patients with each subtype and cancer-free subjects was performed. Following quality control, 1,532 patients with RCC and 5,996 controls were further analyzed. For ccRCC, 52 of 1,283 (4.05%) patients carried pathogenic variants mainly in the cancer-predisposing genes such as TP53 (P = 1.73 �� 10-4; OR, 5.8; 95% CI, 2.2��15.7). Approximately 80% of patients with pathogenic variants in TP53 had p.Ala189Val that was specific in East Asian population. For nccRCC, 14 of 249 (5.62%) patients carried pathogenic variants mainly in the RCC-related genes such as BAP1 (P = 6.27 �� 10-5; OR, Inf; 95% CI, 10.0��Inf), and FH (P = 6.27 �� 10-5; OR, Inf; 95% CI, 10.0��Inf). Our study showed different and population-specific contributions of risk genes between ccRCC and nccRCC in Japanese for better-personalized medicine.

Study JGAS000414

Sequencing-based counting and size profiling of plasma Epstein-Barr virus DNA enhance population screening of nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Circulating tumor-derived DNA testing for cancer screening has recently been demonstrated in a prospective study on identification of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) among 20,174 asymptomatic individuals. Plasma EBV DNA, a marker for NPC, was detected using real-time PCR. While plasma EBV DNA was persistently detectable in 97.1% of the NPCs identified, ∼5% of the general population had transiently detectable plasma EBV DNA. We hypothesized that EBV DNA in plasma of subjects with or without NPC may have different molecular characteristics. We performed target-capture sequencing of plasma EBV DNA and identified differences in the abundance and size profiles of EBV DNA molecules within plasma of NPC and non-NPC subjects. NPC patients had significantly higher amounts of plasma EBV DNA, which showed longer fragment lengths. Cutoff values were established from an exploratory dataset and tested in a validation sample set. Adopting an algorithm that required a sample to concurrently pass cutoffs for EBV DNA counting and size measurements, NPCs were detected at a positive predictive value (PPV) of 19.6%. This represented superior performance compared with the PPV of 11.0% in the prospective screening study, which required participants with an initially detectable plasma EBV DNA result to be retested within 4 weeks. The observed differences in the molecular nature of EBV DNA molecules in plasma of subjects with or without NPC were successfully translated into a sequencing-based test that had a high PPV for NPC screening and achievable through single time-point testing.

Study EGAS00001002707

Transcriptome_human_nasal_epithelium

1. Odors are detected, firstly, by olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) in the olfactory epithelium of the nose. This neurons then project directly to the olfactory bulb in the brain. Olfaction depends on cellular regeneration of the OE, olfactory bulb and hippocampus, and on their continual re-wiring. The olfactory neural pathway includes regions of the frontal, temporal and limbic brain, which in turn overlap with brain areas involved in brain disorders. OSNs are the only aspect of the human brain exposed to the external environment. This not only makes them vulnerable to environmental changes, but also accessible for biomedical studies.We have already sequenced and developed a protocol for analyzing the transcriptome of mouse main olfactory epithelium and single OSNs. We propose here to perform a similar study for samples from the human olfactory epithelium. We have developed a minimally invasive method for obtaining human OSNs, among other cells from the nasal epithelium. In this experiment, we have obtained cell samples from the olfactory epithelium, including OSN, from healthy volunteers. We would like to further characterize them by RNA sequencing. This will give us valuable insight into human olfaction. It will also provide a first step into a new avenue to study, and find biomarkers for, brain diseases though the analysis of these easily available neurons. This data is part of a pre-publication release. For information on the proper use of pre-publication data shared by the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute (including details of any publication moratoria), please see http://www.sanger.ac.uk/datasharing/

Study EGAS00001001294

Detection and characterization of lung cancer using cell-free DNA fragmentomes

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death world-wide, largely due to its late diagnosis. Non-invasive approaches for assessment of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) provide an opportunity for detection and intervention that may have broader accessibility than current imaging approaches. Using a machine learning model for detecting tumor-derived cfDNA through genome-wide analyses of cfDNA fragmentation, we examined a prospective study of 365 individuals at risk for lung cancer (Lung Cancer Diagnostic Study, LUCAS), including 129 individuals ultimately diagnosed with lung cancer and 236 individuals determined to not have lung cancer. We externally validated the cancer detection model using an independent cohort of 385 non-cancer individuals and 46 predominantly early stage lung cancer patients. Combining fragmentation features with clinical risk factors and CEA levels followed by CT imaging detected 94% of patients with cancer across stages and subtypes, including 91% of stage I/II and 96% of stage III/IV, at 80% specificity. Genome-wide fragmentation profiles across ~13,000 ASCL1 transcription factor binding sites could be used to distinguish individuals with small cell lung cancer (SCLC) from those with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with high accuracy (AUC=0.98). Among individuals with lung cancer, a higher cfDNA fragmentation score was associated with tumor size and invasion, and represented an independent prognostic indicator of survival. These studies provide a facile approach for non-invasive detection of lung cancer and clinical management of this disease.

Study EGAS00001005340

A novel breast cancer cell line derived from a metastatic bone lesion of a breast cancer patient

Purpose: We sought to generate and characterize a novel cell line from a breast cancer bone metastasis in order to better study the progression of the disease.Methods: The cell line, P7731, was derived from a metastatic bone lesion of a breast cancer patient and assessed for marker expression. P7731 was analyzed for DNA copy number variation, somatic mutations and gene expression and compared to the primary tumor. Results: P7731 cells are negative for estrogen receptor alpha (ERα), progesterone receptor (PR) and HER2 (triple-negative), strongly express vimentin (100% of cells positive) and also express cytokeratins 8/18 and 19 but at lower frequencies. Flow cytometry indicates P7731 cells are predominantly CD44+/CD49f+/EpCAM-, consistent with a primitive, mesenchymal-like phenotype. The cell line is tumorigenic in immunocompromised mice. Exome sequencing identified a total of 45 and 76 somatic mutations in the primary tumor and cell line respectively, of which 32 were identified in both samples and included mutations in known driver genes PIK3CA, TP53 and ARID1A. P7731 retains the DNA copy number alterations present in the matching primary tumor. Homozygous deletions detected in the cell line and in the primary tumor were found in regions containing three known (CDKN2A, CDKN2B and CDKN1B) and 23 putative tumor suppressor genes. Cell line specific gene amplification coupled with mRNA expression analysis revealed genes and pathways with potential pro-metastatic functions.Conclusion: This novel human breast cancer-bone metastasis cell line will be a useful model to study aspects of breast cancer biology, particularly metastasis-related changes from breast to bone.

Study EGAS00001002840

A higher ctDNA fraction decreases survival in regorafenib-treated metastatic colorectal cancer patients

The predictive effect of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in colorectal cancer (CRC) treatment is still highly discussed. The primary objective of this study was to investigate a possible prognostic/predictive value of ctDNA under regorafenib treatment. This prospective multicenter translational biomarker phase II pilot study enrolled 30 metastatic CRC patients (67% men, 33% women) treated with regorafenib. ctDNA was assessed in plasma before treatment start and at defined time points during administration. Measurement of tumor fraction as well as mutation and copy number analysis of CRC driver genes were performed by next generation sequencing approaches. Multivariate analyses for survival and treatment efficacy were adjusted to age, gender and ECOG. Disease control rate was 30%. Median tumor fraction at baseline was 18.5% (0-49.9). Mutations in CRC driver genes or genes involved in angiogenesis were identified in 25 patients (83.3%). KRAS mutations were detected in 13 out of 14 KRAS positive tumors, in three patients without KRAS mutation in the respective tumor acquired mutations as a consequence of prior anti-EGFR treatment were detected. In a subset of patients, novel occurring mutations or focal amplifications were detected. A tumor fraction of 5% and higher at baseline was significantly associated with a decreased OS (p=0.022; HHR 3.110 (95%CI: 1.2-8.2). ctDNA is detectable in a high proportion of mCRC patients. Higher ctDNA levels are associated with survival among regorafenib treatment. Moreover, our data highlight the benefit of a combined evaluation of mutations and somatic copy number alterations (SCNA) in advanced cancer patients.

Study EGAS00001004491

A Machine Learning Tool Integrating Circulating Cell-Free DNA Methylation with Clinical Variables for Non-Invasive Diagnosis of Liver Graft Pathology

Liver Transplant Recipients (LTRs) with elevated liver enzymes can develop graft injury due to various etiologies, such as T-cell mediated rejection (TCMR) and NASH (NASH-LT). While liver biopsy is the gold standard method for diagnosis of graft pathology, it is invasive and is associated with risks. The goal of our study was to develop a Machine Learning (ML) tool integrating clinical variables with methylation patterns on circulating DNA in plasma as a non-invasive diagnostic tool of graft injury. We generated methylation profiles of circulating DNA in a pilot study of 43 LTRs (11 NASH-LT, 19 TCMR, and 13 Control-LT), and developed an L2 multinomial logistic regression ML approach across 101 bootstrapped models to distinguish between the graft conditions. NASH was associated with distinctive methylation patterns on genes involved in fatty acid metabolism, while methylation of platelet-derived growth factors was identified in patients with TCMR. Our ML model achieved a mean multi-classification accuracy of 0.91, with mean specificity and sensitivity of 0.94 and 0.91, respectively. The model was found to be particularly adept at detecting TCMR and Control-LT, with true positive rates (TPRs) of 95% and 90%, and areas under the curve (AUROC) of 0.992 and 0.985, respectively. For NASH-LT, the models achieved a performance with a TPR of 82% and an AUROC of 0.991. These preliminary results suggest that our newly developed ML tool, leveraging cell-free DNA methylation and clinical variables, is a promising non-invasive classifier of graft pathology.

Study EGAS00001007171

Clinical and genetic factors associated with tumor response to neoadjuvant (chemo)radiotherapy, survival and recurrence risk in rectal cancer

Rectal cancer poses challenges in preoperative treatment response, with up to 30% achieving a complete response (CR). Personalized treatment relies on accurate identification of responders at diagnosis. This study aimed to unravel CR determinants, overall survival (OS), and time to recurrence (TTR) using clinical and targeted sequencing data. Analyzing 402 patients undergoing preoperative treatment, tumor stage, size, and treatment emerged as robust response predictors. CR rates were higher in smaller, early-stage, and intensively treated tumors. Targeted sequencing analyzed 216 cases, while 120 patients provided hotspot mutation data. KRAS mutation dramatically reduced CR odds by over 50% (odds ratio [OR]=0.3 in the targeted sequencing and OR=0.4 hotspot cohorts, respectively). In contrast, SMAD4 and SYNE1 mutations were associated with higher CR rates (OR=6.0 and 6.8, respectively). Favorable OS was linked to younger age, CR, and low baseline carcinoembryonic antigen levels. Notably, CR and an APC mutation increased TTR, while a BRAF mutation negatively affected TTR. Beyond tumor burden, SMAD4 and SYNE1 mutations significantly influenced CR. KRAS mutations independently correlated with radiotherapy resistance, and BRAF mutations heightened recurrence risk. Intriguingly, nonresponding tumors with initially small sizes carried a higher risk of recurrence. These findings offer insights into rectal cancer treatment response, guiding personalized therapeutic strategies. By uncovering factors impacting CR, OS, and TTR, this study underscores the importance of tailored approaches for rectal cancer patients. These findings, based on extensive analysis and mutation data, pave the way for personalized interventions, optimizing outcomes in the challenges of rectal cancer preoperative treatment.

Study EGAS00001007501

Benchmarking for alignment and variant calling

Background: Lung cancer is a heterogeneous disease and the primary cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Somatic mutations, including large structural variants, are important biomarkers in lung cancer for selecting targeted therapy. Genomic studies in lung cancer have been conducted using short-read sequencing. Emerging long-read sequencing technologies are a promising alternative to study somatic structural variants, however there is no current consensus on how to process data and call somatic events. In this study, we preformed whole genome sequencing of lung cancer and matched non-tumour samples using long and short read sequencing to comprehensively benchmark three sequence aligners and six structural variant callers comprised of four generic callers (Sniffles2, cuteSV, SVIM and DELLY in generic mode) and two somatic callers (nanomonsv and DELLY in somatic modes). Results: Different combinations of aligners and variant callers influenced somatic structural variant detection. The choice of caller had a significant influence on somatic structural variant detection in terms of variant type, size, sensitivity, and accuracy. The performance of each variant caller was assessed by comparing to somatic structural variants identified by short read sequencing. When compared to somatic structural variants detected with short read sequencing, more events were detected with long read sequencing. The mean recall of somatic variant events identified by short read sequencing was higher for the somatic callers (64%) than generic callers (52%), with nanomonsv (69%) showing the best performance. Conclusion: Long read sequencing can identify somatic structural variants. The longer reads have the potential to improve our understanding of cancer development and inform personalized cancer treatment.

Study EGAS00001007819

Genotyping NIGMS Chromosomal Aberration and Inherited Disorder Samples

As part of an effort to correlate molecular copy number variation determinations with state of the art karyotype analyses, 716 samples derived from 697 individuals from the Chromosomal Aberrations and Inherited Disorders collections of the NIGMS Human Genetic Cell Repository were genotyped and analyzed for CNV determination by the Microarray Center at the Coriell Institute for Medical Research. Karyotyping is performed on all cell cultures in the Repository with reported chromosome abnormalities. The samples chosen for genotyping in this study are intended to represent a diverse set of copy number variants, but the selection was also weighted to over-sample commonly manifested types of aberrations. When available, the ISCN description of the sample based on G-banding and FISH analysis is included in the phenotypic data. Karyotypes for these cells can be viewed in the online Repository catalog (http://ccr.coriell.org/Sections/Collections/NIGMS/?SsId=8).

Study phs000269

Genetic analysis of patients with Inherited Retinal Dystrophies (IRDs) using next generation sequencing to identify the causative variants

Genetic analysis of patients with Inherited Retinal Dystrophies (IRDs) was carried out by performing Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS). The main purpose of this study is to identify simple and complex mutations responsible for IRD in patients. WGS was performed on selected affected and unaffected individuals using the Illumina HiSeqX10. The reads were aligned to human genome 19 (hg19) and variant calling was performed using Genome Analysis Toolkit (GATK). The genotyping quality of single nucleotide variants (SNVs) and indels was assessed using the variant quality score recalibration approach implemented in GATK. Copy number variations (CNVs) were called using Genome STRiP and SpeedSeq. This large set of whole genome sequencing data from different ethnicity can be stored and shared through dbGaP. This data could serve as a source for checking frequencies of variants or the pathogenicity of selected variants in different ethnicities.

Study phs001619

Genomic Analysis of Low Grade B-Cell Lymphoma

We included tumors from 64 newly diagnosed or untreated Low Grade B-Cell Lymphoma (LGBCL) patients, consisting of SMZL (n = 48), NMZL (n = 6), EMZL (n = 2), LPL (n = 5), and B-NOS (n = 3) in this study. Samples were selected from cases consented to the Molecular Epidemiology Resource (MER) of the University of Iowa and Mayo Clinic Lymphoma Specialized Program of Research Excellence (SPORE). RNA or DNA were extracted from 64 frozen LGBCLs tumors (with available matched germline DNA for N=61. For RNA sequencing, library preparation was done using the Illumina TruSeq RNA Exome Kit and sequenced with 100 nucleotide paired-end reads using the HiSeq 4000. For WES, library preparation was done using the Agilent SureSelect XT kit and sequenced with 100 nucleotide paired-end reads using the Illumina HiSeq 4000.

Study phs002552

RNA-Seq studies of Gene Expression in Cells and Networks in FI and ACC in Autism

RNA-Seq studies of Gene Expression in Cells and Networks in FI (fronto-insular) and AC (anterior cingulate) cortex in Autism. We seek to understand the cellular bases of autism by using a new technology, RNA-Seq, to determine differences in gene expression in autopsy brains of subjects with well described autism versus age and sex matched neurotypical individuals. We have investigated two specific cortical areas involved in self-awareness and social reciprocity which are abnormal in autism and have found increased expression in a network of genes related to inflammation in autism group A, whereas the remaining cases, autism group B, have increased expression in a network of genes related to synapses. The current dbGaP study release includes RNA sequencing and phenotype data of n=27 subjects of African - American, Caucasian, or Hispanic origin.

Study phs000609

Notch Signaling and Efficacy PD-1/PD-L1 Blockade in Relapsed Small Cell Lung Cancer

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a highly aggressive neuroendocrine (NE) cancer that accounts for approximately 15% of all lung cancer, with an annual incidence of more than 34,000 in the United States alone. SCLC is characterized by loss of function of p53 and RB and high tumor mutational burden, which suggests that these tumors could be immunogenic and respond to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB). However, the benefit from ICB in an unselected SCLC population is modest. In this study, we evaluated the genomic features associated with clinical outcomes in relapsed SCLC to gain insight into the underlying mechanisms of ICB response. Exome, RNA and TCR sequencing data from a prospective clinical trial of relapsed SCLC treated with durvalumab and olaparib and RNA-sequencing data for second cohort of relapsed SCLC cohort treated with nivolumab are included.   

Study phs002176

Female Infertility: Primary Ovarian Insufficiency

Premature ovarian failure, or primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) is a phenotype of diminished or absent ovarian function occurring in 1-2% of reproductive aged women. Most cases occur spontaneously. Evaluation of the gametes in women with POI is difficult and invasive. Practitioners must often rely on indirect biomarkers of ovarian function and oocyte health, making it difficult to identify patients who may benefit from therapies allowing them to achieve pregnancy utilizing their own oocytes. This study will generate exome sequences from POI patients in an effort to elucidate the causes of unexplained POI and to better understand the normal processes of ovarian aging. A better understanding of the genetics of ovarian function may lead to new non-invasive tools for managing women's reproductive health, and direct better use of existing biomarkers in diagnosis, screening and predicting clinical outcomes.

Study phs001174

Detection and phasing of single base de novo mutations in biopsies from human in vitro fertilized embryos by advanced whole-genome sequencing

Current methods available for pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) of in vitro fertilized (IVF) embryos do not detect de novo. Detection of these types of mutations requires whole genome sequencing (WGS). In this study advanced massively parallel WGS was performed on three 5-10 cell biopsies from two blastocyst-stage embryos. Overall, greater than 95% of each genome was called and experimentally derived haplotypes and barcoded read data were used to detect and phase up to 82% of de novo single base mutations with a false positive rate of ~1 error per Gb. These results suggest that phased WGS using barcoded DNA could be used in the future as part of the PGD process to maximize comprehensiveness in detecting disease causing mutations and reduce the incidence of genetic diseases.

Study phs000858

Breast Cancer Susceptibility

Genetic factors account for a large fraction of breast cancer risk and it is estimated that up to 30% of breast cancers have a heritable component. Inherited cancer susceptibility is associated with early-onset of malignancies in general. Although 20% of young women with breast cancer have germline mutations in the best understood breast cancer susceptibility genes, BRCA1, BRCA2 and TP53, in the remaining 80% of women with early-onset breast cancer, the genetic factors contributing to disease remain unexplained. By studying the extreme phenotype of women diagnosed at an early age there is enrichment for genetic factors that contribute to breast cancer. This study contains the whole exome sequence of 384 women diagnosed with invasive breast cancer prior to 40 years of age. Each of the subjects reported a family history of breast cancer and lacked mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2.

Study phs001017

Genomic Factors Involved in Chromosome Rearrangements

Approximately 15-20% of children referred for chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) testing have a clinically relevant CNV that in many cases explains their phenotype. The goal of this study is to discover the genomic factors that mediate chromosome rearrangements and the phenotypic effects of chromosome rearrangements. We hypothesize that particular DNA sequences are susceptible to breakage and rearrangement. To this end, we fine-map chromosome breakage sites and analyze the DNA motifs that underlie double-strand breaks (DSBs). Our studies will also capture the genomic structure of breakpoint junctions, which will allow us to determine the mechanisms of DNA repair that shape different types of chromosome rearrangements. We also correlate chromosome rearrangements with clinical features to establish genotype-phenotype correlations. Defining critical regions of deletion or duplication is the first step to identifying candidate genes responsible for particular phenotypes.

Study phs000845

Deciphering Maternal-Fetal Crosstalk in the Human Placenta During Parturition Using Single-Cell RNA-Sequencing

Labor is a complex physiological process requiring a well-orchestrated dialogue between the mother and fetus. However, the cellular contributions and communications that facilitate maternal-fetal crosstalk in labor have not been fully elucidated. In this latest version (#5), scRNA-seq was applied to decipher maternal-fetal signaling in the human placenta and chorioamniotic membranes during term labor. Samples were obtained from women who underwent spontaneous labor (n = 24) or who were delivered in the absence of spontaneous labor (n = 18) at term. Samples from previous versions (#1-3) of this study include the placental villous tree, basal plate, and chorioamniotic membranes of women across a range of pregnancy physiologic and pathologic conditions, including the processes of labor (term labor and preterm labor), and COVID-19 (version #3). Version #4 includes samples from the human myometrium during spontaneous term labor.

Study phs001886

Accurate Immune Repertoire Sequencing Reveals Malaria Infection Driven Antibody Lineage Diversification in Young Children

This study describes a novel Immune Repertoire Sequencing technique, termed Molecular Identifier Clustering-based Immune Repertoire Sequencing (MIDCIRS), to reduce sequencing error while maintaining extremely high coverage and applies this technique to investigate the differential immune response to malaria between infants and toddlers. Despite a lower somatic hypermutation load, we found an unexpectedly high level of competency within the infant antibody repertoire, particularly the ability to diversify B cell clonal lineages upon acute infection. Detailed clonal lineage analysis encompassing lineages containing sequences from both pre- and acute malaria timepoints revealed an increase in somatic hypermutations upon acute infection. Further analysis on pre-malaria memory B cell containing lineages in toddlers who had previously been exposed to malaria provides evidence for the capacity of memory B cells to continue to mutate and isotype switch.

Study phs001209

Genomic Correlates of Response and Resistance to Immune Checkpoint Blockade in Solid Tumors

Immune checkpoint inhibitors yield clinical benefit in many cancer types, but molecular predictors of response have not yet been robustly characterized. In this study, we pursued whole exome sequencing (WES) of pre-treatment tumors from patients treated with immune checkpoint therapies - including monoclonal antibodies targeting programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein-4 (CTLA-4). Using these data, we aim to apply computational pipelines for mutation-calling, neoantigen prediction, and other analyses to validate pre-existing hypotheses regarding response to immune checkpoint therapies and discover new relationships with greater power. Further, by pursuing genomic characterization of tumors from patients with a variety of cancer types, we hope to describe molecular features of intrinsically sensitive or resistant tumors that are both context-specific and shared across cancer types.

Study phs001565

Transcriptome of 2-Hydroxypropyl-Beta-Cyclodextrin Treatment in Niemann-Pick Disease Type C1

Niemann-Pick type C (NPC) disease is a rare and fatal lysosomal storage disorder. Classically, children with NPC demonstrate neurological dysfunction with cerebellar ataxia, dysarthria, seizures, vertical gaze palsy, motor impairment, dysphagia, psychotic episodes, and progressive dementia. In general, adolescent and adult onset forms have a more insidious onset and slower progression. As part of a multi-omics approach to address the genetic architecture of NPC1 disease, we have recently completed a transcriptome analysis using 43 primary NPC1 patient-derived fibroblasts from an NIH-cohort study (NCT00344331) where extensive clinical data has been obtained regarding the natural history of the disease. Initial transcriptome analysis of this dataset demonstrated a set of 485 genes that are significantly upregulated in patient samples and subsequently downregulated in response to 2-hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin treatment. 

Study phs002392

University of Texas at Austin (UTA) Histone Modification and Gene Expression Profiling in 9 Primary Glioblastoma Multiforme, 2 Anaplastic Astrocytomas and Two Meningiomas

The primary goal of this study was to collect and analyze genomic data from primary glioblastoma multiforme tumors. Our collaborators at St David's Medical Center (SDMC) obtained informed consent from patients undergoing surgery to remove a tumor in the brain. After consent was obtained, specimens were removed from the operating suite and flash frozen in liquid nitrogen. Tumors were analyzed if they were a grade III (anaplastic astrocytoma) or grade IV glioma (glioblastoma multiforme). Tumors were transported from SDMC to UT Austin, then weighed and homogenized. Chromatin immunoprecipitation was performed for 7 proteins in each tumor (histone modifications H3K4me3, H3K4me1, H3K9ac, H3K9me3, H3K27ac, H3K27me3, and the multifunctional insulator binding protein CTCF) and no-antibody input was also sequenced. An aliquot of tumor material was set aside for isolation of total RNA.

Study phs001389

Somatic L1 Retrotransposition in Colorectal Tumors

The purpose of this study is to ascertain the locations of somatic LINE-1 retrotransposition events in human colon tumor samples by pooling multiple tumor samples from different patients and performing a targeted resequencing assay (Ewing and Kazazian, Genome Research 2010) to sequence the 3' flanking regions of all insertions in the pooled sample. The result is compared to the result of applying the same method to pooled normal samples from the same patients as were used in the pooled tumor sample and selecting sites that show an insertion in the tumor but not in the normaltissue and do not correspond to any known non-reference LINE-1 insertion allele. The selected sites are then validated by site-specific PCR and capillary sequencing to confirm that they represent LINE-1 insertions and to obtain breakpoint sequences.

Study phs000536

Genomic Predictors of Response to Immune Checkpoint Therapy

Immune checkpoint therapies, including monoclonal antibodies to programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) and cytotoxic % lymphocyte associated protein-4 (CTLA-4), yield durable clinical responses across many tumor types, including metastatic melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and renal cell carcinoma (RCC). However, predictors of response to these therapies in RCC are still unknown. Genomic characterization of large clinical cohorts of patients treated with anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD-1 agents in melanoma and NSCLC have suggested that high mutational burden, high neoantigen burden, and high expression of certain genes in pre-treatment tumors may be associated with patient response to these therapies. In this study, we sought to investigate genomic predictors of response to anti-PD1 therapy in metastatic RCC in two independent clinical cohorts using whole exome and whole transcriptome sequencing.

Study phs001493

MP2PRT: Identification of Genetic Changes Associated with Relapse and/or Adaptive Resistance in Patients Registered as Favorable Histology Wilms Tumor on AREN03B2

The Molecular Profiling to Predict Response to Treatment (MP2PRT) program is part of the NCI's Cancer Moonshot Initiative. The aim of this program is the retrospective characterization and analysis of biospecimens collected from completed NCI-sponsored trials of the National Clinical Trials Network and the NCI Community Oncology Research Program. This study, titled "Identification of Genetic Changes Associated with Relapse and/or Adaptive Resistance in Patients Registered as Favorable Histology Wilms Tumor on AREN03B2", performs genomic characterization (WGS 30X, Total RNAseq, miRNAseq) on a discovery set of 70 trio cases (normal tissue, tumor tissue at time of diagnosis, tumor tissue at time of relapse) from patients who relapsed with Favorable Histology Wilms Tumor. Prioritized findings from the discovery set will be validated using Targeted Sequencing in an independent validation set of 47 relapse samples.

Study phs001965

Sex Chromosome Aneuploidy Effects on Human Gene Expression

Sex chromosome aneuploidy (SCA) syndromes are defined by the presence of a sex chromosome complement other than the typical XX for females and XY for males. SCAs are collectively common and increase risks for diverse immune, metabolic, and neuropsychiatric illnesses. Understanding genome-wide transcriptomic changes in SCAs is critical for clarifying the biological underpinnings of their clinical phenotypes. Assessments of sex chromosome dosage (SCD) effects on gene expression in humans have often been confined to the use of a few SCA subtypes (e.g., XO or XXY) - precluding analysis of the same SCD change in different contexts. Our study used RNA-seq data from lymphoblastoid cell lines in 197 individuals representing diverse SCA karyotypes (49 XX, 24 XXX, 39 XY, 39 XXY, 23 XXYY, 23 XYY) to assess expression changes for 25,075 genes in multiple pairwise SCD group comparisons. The paper reporting our findings has been cited below.

Study phs003278

Gabriella Miller Kids First Pediatric Research Program in Genetics at the Intersection of Childhood Cancer and 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). All of the WGS and phenotypic data from this study are accessible through dbGaP and kidsfirstdrc.org, where other Kids First datasets can also be accessed. Birth defects and childhood cancer share biological pathways that are important for cell growth and division. We propose that sequencing pediatric patients suffering both conditions will allow us to discover the underlying genes and in turn advance our understanding of the causes of these devastating diseases.

Study phs001846

Childhood Cancer Data Initiative (CCDI): OncoKids - NGS Panel for Pediatric Malignancies

This study aimed to systematically collect clinical, registry and genomic data on pediatric cancer patients, and to contribute to the CCDI Pediatric Data Ecosystem. Clinical, treatment and outcome data on 1,039 pediatric cancer patients whose molecular profile was characterized on OncoKids gene panel at Children's Hospital Los Angeles was abstracted and harmonized for submission to the NCI’s Cancer Data Service. The OncoKids panel was designed to detect DNA mutations and amplification in almost 200 oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, a limited number of pharmacogenomic targets and 1,700 disease-associated gene fusions at the RNA level. The panel encompasses the vast majority of FDA’s relevant pediatric molecular target list, as well as additional genes associated with ultra-rare pediatric tumors. The final data elements included DNA/RNA sequence data, OncoKids test results, clinical data on demographics, diagnosis, comorbidity and adverse events and treatment data.

Study phs002518

A Multimodal Atlas of Human Brain Cell Types

"A multimodal atlas of human brain cell types" includes sample data targeting two cell types that show species differences between mouse and human. First, it includes a detailed transcriptomic, morphological, and electrophysiological characterization of cell types in layer 1 of human middle temporal gyrus, focusing primarily on different inhibitory cell types. This project also includes gene expression data collected from nuclei in layer 5 of human fronto-insula, with a goal of identifying transcriptomic signatures of Von Economo neurons. Control samples collected as part of the same experiment are also included in the data set. This study was conducted as part of a collaboration between the Allen Institute for Brain Science, the University of Szeged, and the J. Craig Venter Institute. Collaborators request that publications resulting from these data cite their original publication: Transcriptomic and morphophysiological evidence for a specialized human cortical GABAergic cell type (PMID: 30150662).

Study phs001791

National Institutes of Health H3Africa African Collaborative Center for Microbiome and Genomics Research (ACCME)

The African Collaborative Center for Microbiome and Genomics Research is a multi-institutional collaborative research project. The objectives of the project are to collaborate and implement high impact integrative epidemiology and genomics research into discovery of biomarkers associated with cervical carcinogenesis. Specifically ACCME links and leverages existing funded research and program activities at the collaborating institutions to study the interaction between vaginal microbiome, host genetic factors and molecular variants of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) to determine correlates of viral persistence in the causal pathway of cervical cancer, a major cause of preventable mortality in Nigeria and other parts of sub-Saharan Africa. This research offers several opportunities to advance understanding of cervical carcinogenesis, viral oncogenesis, new biomarker discovery and risk stratification by genotype in a cohort of African women. Sponsorship: This project is sponsored by the National Institutes of Health (NIH)

Study phs001945

OncoArray: Oral and Pharynx Cancer

Genetic factors play an important role in susceptibility to head and neck cancer and could also explain differences in response to treatment and outcome. The goal of this project is to investigate genetic variation involved in oral and oropharyngeal cancer susceptibility by performing the largest GWAS on these diseases, using a novel genotyping tool specifically designed for cancer studies by the OncoArray Network. This project encompasses data from approximately 6000 oral and pharynx cancer cases and 4000 controls derived from 12 epidemiological studies most of case-control design. The genotyping was centralized at the Center for Inherited Disease Research (CIDR), and the epidemiological data harmonization and analysis were completed at the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). This study was supported by National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) with direct funding to CIDR.

Study phs001202

A Single Cell Atlas of MMRd and MMRp Colorectal Cancer

Immune responses to cancer vary across cancer types and patients. Colorectal cancer tumors with mismatch repair-deficiency (MMRd) show an elevated immune cell activity as compared to mismatch repair proficient (MMRp) tumors. To understand the immune response patterns in these two types of colorectal cancer, we transcriptionally profiled 371,223 tumor and adjacent normal cells from 28 MMRp and 34 MMRd patients. Unsupervised analysis identified 88 cell subsets, from 7 distinct cell clusters (that contain epithelial, malignant, stromal and immune cell lineages), and an associated compendium of 204 gene expression programs. Examination of these cell subsets and programs revealed extensive transcriptional and spatial remodeling of malignant, stromal and immune cells in MMRd and MMRp tumors. This dataset was generated as part of a published study (Pelka, Hofree, Chen, et al., Cell 2021 Sep 2;184(18):4734-4752; PMID: 34450029).

Study phs002407

The Epilepsy Phenome/Genome Project

The Epilepsy Phenome/Genome Project (EPGP) is a large-scale, international, multi-institutional, collaborative research project, sponsored by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, designed to understand the genes that cause common and rare epilepsies. The overall goal of EPGP is to collect detailed, high quality phenotypic (i.e., characteristics of individuals, from the molecular level to the whole person) information on persons with epilepsy and to compare the phenotypic information with genomic information. 27 clinical centers enrolled more than 4,100 participants of families with epilepsy. EPGP will provide a resource that may lead to many discoveries related to the diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy, including the eventual development of new therapies based on a better understanding of causes of the disorder. Documents and questionnaires that provide context to the variables and measurements available through the current study, are available for download from EPGP: Download EPGP Forms.

Study phs000742

Consortium on Asthma among African-ancestry Populations in the Americas (CAAPA)

Asthma is a complex disease where the interplay between genetic factors and environmental exposures influences susceptibility and disease prognosis. Asthmatics of African descent tend to have more severe asthma and more severe clinical symptoms than individuals of European ancestry. Advances in genetic and genomic technologies have revolutionized gene discovery for several complex diseases, but going to the next step in gene discovery for asthma among populations of African descent requires considering unique characteristics of this ethnic group, including adequate sample sizes and population stratification due to (European and African) admixture. Thus far, coverage of common genetic markers both in public databases and commercially available SNP chips has been inadequate to detect and measure genetic associations among African admixed populations. The aim of this study was therefore to catalog genetic diversity in populations of African descent, especially those whose ancestry reflects the African Diaspora in the Americas.

Study phs001123

Location and Function of NSun2-Mediated Cytosine-5 Methylation in RNA and its Effect on Translation

Mutations in the cytosine-5 RNA methyltransferase NSun2 can cause neurodevelopmental disorders and symptoms commonly found in patients with Dubowitz-like syndrome. Some tRNAs are known to be methylated NSun2, however the occurrence of cytosine-5 methylation (m5C) in other RNA biotypes is still under debate. Location in RNA and function of m5C has not been studied yet. This study is aimed at identifying new m5C methylated RNA biotypes, as well as the location at specific structures or sequences and the ultimate biological function. The impact of the loss of NSun2-mediated methylation is also determined by comparing gene expression data with the global cytosine-5 RNA methylome in Dubowitz-like syndrome patients. We also use ribosomal profiling to assess the impact of the loss and rescue of Nsun2-mediated cytosine-5 RNA methylation on translation rates and ribosome occupancy.

Study phs000645

The Role of ZEB2 during Human Neural Crest Cell Formation

This study examined the role of ZEB2 during human neural crest cell formation. Human neural crest cells were differentiated from WiCell H1 human embryonic stem cells (WA01). Genome-wide transcriptional analysis (RNA-seq) was performed at day-3 and day-5 of human neural crest cell formation following siRNA knockdown of ZEB2 and using an N-terminal ZEB2 mutant H1 human embryonic stem cell line generated using CRISPR genome editing. RNA-seq was also performed on edited and unedited H1 human embryonic stem cells. ATAC-seq analysis was performed at day-3 and day-5 human neural crest differentiated from the N-terminal ZEB2 mutant embryonic stem cell line. Together, these data reveal the regulatory role of ZEB2 in the human neural crest gene regulatory network. We provide raw sequencing files for all RNA-seq and ATAC-seq samples.

Study phs002701

Characterization of Macrophage-Tropic HIV Infection of Central Nervous System Cells and the Influence of Inflammation

In this study, we utilize macrophage-tropic and T cell-tropic HIV-1 Env proteins to establish accurate infection profiles for multiple CNS cells under basal and interferon alpha (IFN-α) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory states. We found that macrophage-tropic viruses confer entry advantages in primary myeloid cells, including monocyte-derived macrophages, microglia, and induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived microglia. Following 24-h IFN-α or LPS treatments, total RNA was harvested from 100,000 to 200,000 cells using an RNeasy RNA isolation kit (Qiagen, 74004). RNA was quantified using a NanoDrop spectrophotometer and TapeStation electrophoresis prior to library preparation. cDNA libraries were prepared using the KAPA RNA HyperPrep kit (Roche, 08098115702). Paired-end RNA sequencing was performed on a NovaSeq S4 platform at a read length of 100 bp, resulting in approximately 60 million reads per sample.

Study phs003306

Efficacy of Ustekinumab Followed by Abatacept for the Treatment of Psoriasis Vulgaris (PAUSE)

Psoriasis is a chronic immune disease of the skin and joints that affects about 2% of the population. The most common form of psoriasis is plaque psoriasis, also called psoriasis vulgaris. A variety of drugs, including biologics, are available for treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis. When biologic agents are stopped, psoriasis can return (relapse) and often requires the biologic to be restarted and continued. No treatment program has been identified to prevent relapse of psoriasis. The study design has a lead-in period of weight-based ustekinumab treatment, with all participants receiving either 45 mg ustekinumab ( 100 kg) administered subcutaneously at weeks 0 and 4. At week 12, participants will be assessed for a Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) 75 response to ustekinumab. Participants who do not achieve a PASI 75 score will be discontinued from the investigation and permitted to seek standard therapy.

Study phs003395

Transfer Learning Associates CAFs with EMT and Inflammation in Tumor Cells in Human Tumors and Organoid Co-Culture in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma

This study examined the transcriptional changes induced by cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma patient-derived tumor organoids. We hypothesized that cancer associated fibroblasts impacted tumor cell transcription to promote tumorigenic behavior. Using patient-matched cells from 3 patients, we compared the transcriptional profiles of patient-derived organoids in monoculture to patient-derived organoids co-cultured with CAFs. Similarly, we looked at the transcriptional changes in matched patient-derived cancer associated fibroblasts grown in monoculture or co-cultured with patient-derived organoids. With a focus on intercellular crosstalk, we identified crosstalk between cancer associated fibroblasts and patient-derived organoids through VEGFA and NRP1. This was identified by bulk RNA sequencing and examined dynamically in organoid-CAF co-culture. This dbGaP deposit is the bulk RNA sequencing data for these 3 patients.

Study phs003563

Methylation-Based Immune Deconvolution in Prostate Cancer Patients Before and After Radical Prostatectomy

To explore whether surgical treatment for prostate cancer leads to long-term immune changes, we conducted a pilot study of n=11 prostate cancer patients treated with radical prostatectomy. We also included n=8 patients managed with active surveillance as a comparison group. We examined intra-individual changes in circulating immune cell subsets using serial blood samples collected pre- and approximately 6-months post-prostatectomy, and from matched time points for the patients managed on active surveillance. Immune cell subsets were deconvoluted using genome-wide methylation data. We observed no meaningful changes in circulating immune cell subsets in either patient group, suggesting that any surgery-induced immune changes to the circulating immune profile may not be long-lasting. The genome-wide methylation data from the two time points will be made available through dbGaP.

Study phs003660

Long-Read Sequencing to Identify Inherited Mutations Predisposing to Breast Cancer

We aimed to detect deeply intronic mutations within genes linked to breast/ovarian cancer that are potentially under-reported in clinical testing due to technical limitations. Current DNA and RNA tests typically exclude these regions, which harbor many variants within complex repetitive sequences that short-read sequencing cannot align. By employing targeted long read sequencing together with recent in silico prediction tools, we assessed the implications of rare deep intronic variants in severely affected patients with breast, ovarian, and/or metastatic prostate cancer, who had previously tested negative using standard genomic or cDNA methods. Through this approach, we identified participants who carried deep intronic mutations in tumor suppressor genes, resulting in abnormal transcripts causing premature truncations and loss of gene function. This study underscores the potential of long read DNA and cDNA sequencing in enhancing mutation discovery efforts.

Study phs003638

Genetic and Genomic Analysis of Primary Human Chondrocytes

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common, degenerative joint disease characterized by the gradual breakdown of the cartilage in the joints. Despite osteoarthritis affecting over 500 million individuals, the lack of a comprehensive mechanistic understanding of the disease has greatly hindered the development of adequate treatment options. To address this, we generated RNA-seq, Hi-C, and ATAC-seq data in primary human chondrocytes treated with either PBS as resting or a fibronectin fragment (FN-f) to model the OA chondrocyte phenotype. We mapped expression quantitative trait loci and splicing quantitative trait loci, and performed colocalization with OA GWAS data to identify putative OA risk genes. Integration of ATAC-seq and Hi-C data provided insights into the regulatory mechanisms. This study revealed both expression-based and splicing-based OA risk genes, several of which had not been previously identified in chondrocyte studies.

Study phs003581

Randomized Phase II 2 x 2 Factorial Trial of the Addition of Carboplatin +/- Bevacizumab to Neoadjuvant Weekly Paclitaxel Followed by Dose-Dense AC in Hormone Receptor-Poor/HER2-Negative Resectable Breast Cancer: DNA Sequencing

This randomized phase II trial studies how well paclitaxel with or without carboplatin and/or bevacizumab followed by doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide works in treating patients with breast cancer that can be removed by surgery. Drugs used in chemotherapy, such as paclitaxel, carboplatin, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide, work in different ways to stop the growth of tumor cells, either by killing the cells or by stopping them from dividing. Bevacizumab may stop the growth of tumor cells by blocking blood flow to the tumor. Giving chemotherapy together with bevacizumab before surgery may make the tumor smaller and reduce the amount of normal tissue that needs to be removed. All participants in this study were female. RNA sequencing data from the same patients were published under phs001863. Subject aliases are the same in the two datasets.

Study phs003801

Immune Determinants of Resistance to PD-1 Blockade in Renal Cell Carcinoma

We performed an integrated bulk and single-cell transcriptomic analysis of tumors from 102 advanced renal cell carcinoma patients enrolled in a phase II clinical trial of frontline nivolumab (NCT03117309) to investigate determinants of response to anti-PD1 monotherapy. The present study includes 112 archival or pre-treatment tumors of clear cell and non-clear cell histologies from 90 patients that underwent bulk RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). For 76 patients, 74 of whom had matched RNA-seq, whole exome sequencing (WES) was also performed on tumor samples as well as matched peripheral blood. Additionally, 19 fresh tumor samples from 17 patients, including pre and post-treatment samples and mixed histologies, were locally cryopreserved and centrally processed for single cell RNA (scRNA-seq) and TCR (scTCR-seq) sequencing. 7 patients had matched scRNA/scTCRseq, RNAseq, and WES.

Study phs003618

Platinum Pedigree Consortium Long-Read Sequencing

Platinum Pedigree Consortium includes whole genome sequencing of blood-derived DNA using five technologies on a 4-generation family. This is the CEPH-Utah (CEU) family 1463 and includes 4 grandparents from 1st generation, 2 parents from 2nd generation, 5 children from 3rd generation, 9 individuals from the 4th generation representing 2 branches of the 3rd generation, and their 2 additional parents. Family was not selected for disease, rather large size to study genetic transmission and human variation.Data available through dbGaP include raw sequence data: PacBio HiFi reads in unaligned BAM formats, Ultra-Long Oxford Nanopore (ONT) reads in FASTQ formats, Illumina sequencing, strand-seq and Element sequencing data in FASTQ format. Additionally, alignment files for HiFi reads mapped to the GRCh38 and CHM13v2.0 reference genomes, as well as de novo genome assemblies generated for this project are included.

Study phs003793

The Prostate, Lung, Colon, Ovary Screening Trial (PLCO)

The Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian (PLCO) Cancer Screening Trial is a large population-based randomized trial designed and sponsored by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) to determine the effects of screening on cancer-related mortality and secondary endpoints in over 150,000 men and women aged 55 to 74. The screening component of the trial was completed in 2006. However, participants have been under follow-up for cancer incidence and mortality since that time. In addition, PLCO included a large biological sample biorepository which has served as a unique resource for cancer research, particularly for etiologic and early-marker studies. As part of these efforts, PLCO has been used for a large number of genome-wide association and exome sequencing studies for different types of cancer. Recently, a blood DNA methylation analysis was conducted in annexes case-controls study of breast cancer.

Study phs001286

RNA Ligation Precedes U6 snRNA/LINE-1 Retrotransposition

Long Interspersed Element-1 (L1) retrotransposons make up approximately 17% of the human genome. L1 moves throughout the genome via a copy-and-paste mechanism termed retrotransposition. L1 retrotransposition also mobilizes other cellular RNAs such as SINES, U6 snRNA and, mRNA, which for the latter results in the formation of processed pseudogenes. In this study we demonstrate that the RNA ligase RtcB can create chimeric RNAs by joining U6 snRNAs to 5'-truncated L1 or other cellular RNAs. We also show that the retrotransposition of U6/L1 chimeric RNA leads to U6/L1 pseudogene formation. In sum, our data suggests that U6 snRNA and RtcB may have biological roles in addition to their essential functions in mRNA and tRNA splicing, and that the retrotransposition of chimeric RNAs could be a mechanism to create novel genes.

Study phs001671

The Emirati T2T-level Pangenome: A complete Diploid Graph of 58 Genomes

This study presents a comprehensive Emirati telomere-to-telomere level (T2T) pangenome, constructed from 116 haplotype-resolved assemblies generated from 58 individuals, including 28 trio-based and 30 single-sample assemblies. The assemblies exhibit high contiguity (median 150 Mb) and high consensus accuracy (median QV 59), with 71.9% of chromosomes reaching T2T-level scaffold status. The resulting pangenome graph captures both globally shared and regionally enriched genetic variation, including sequences in complex regions that are inaccessible to less complete assemblies. Comparisons indicate diversity levels comparable to those of the Human Pangenome Reference Consortium, while highlighting unique Emirati genomic features. This reference forms a key resource for human pangenomics and precision medicine in the UAE. This work provides a foundational resource to improve variant discovery and genome annotation, contributing vital diversity data to global pangenomics efforts and enabling precision medicine in the region.

Study EGAS50000001232

Genetics of gene expression in primary human immune cells

The purpose of this study was to identify cell specific expression quantitative trait loci in freshly isolated highly purified primary B-cells and monocytes from healthy subjects of European ancestry. Cells were purified from Ficoll gradient prepared peripheral blood mononuclear cell fractions using positive selection via magnetic bead labelling of the B-cell marker CD19 and monocyte marker CD14. RNA was extracted from 287 B-cell samples and 288 monocyte samples. RNA was then hybridised to HumanHT-12 v4 BeadChips whole genome expression arrays (Illumina). Individuals were genotyped on HumanOmniExpress-12v1.0 BeadChips (Illumina) at 733202 genetic markers. Data presented include the raw expression values and Robust Spline Normalised values (RSN) for expression for each cell type per individual. Additional genotype data per individual is available on request.

Study EGAS00000000109

The Multiomics Blueprint of the Individual with the Most Extreme Lifespan

Although centenarians are becoming more common in the demography of human populations, the so-called supercentenarians (over 110 years old) are still a rarity. In Catalonia, the historic nation where the subject lived, the life-expectancy for women is 86 years old, so she exceeded more than 30 years the mean statistical value. In a similar manner that premature aging syndromes, such as Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria and Werner syndrome, can provide relevant clues about the mechanisms of aging; the study of supercentenarians might also shed light in the pathways involved in lifespan. To unfold the biological properties that exhibited such a remarkable human being, we developed a comprehensive multiomics analysis in different tissues of her genomic, transcriptomic, metabolomic, epigenomic and microbiomic landscapes , comparing the results with those observed in non-supercentenarian populations.

Study EGAS50000000884

Highly prevalent NF-kappa B signaling pathway-activating somatic mutations in intracranial aneurysms

Intracranial aneurysms (IAs) are a high-risk factor for life-threatening subarachnoid hemorrhage. Their etiology, however, remains mostly unknown. We conducted screening for somatic mutations in 65 IA tissues and identified 16 genes that were mutated with a high prevalence (92%). In particular, six genes, including PDGFRB, were mutated commonly in fusiform and saccular IAs and are linked to the NF-kappa B signaling pathway. Mutant PDGFRBs constitutively activate NF-kappa B signaling and induce inflammation-related gene expression in vitro. Spatial transcriptomics also detected similar changes in IA tissues. Virus-mediated expression of a mutant PDGFRB induces a fusiform-like dilatation of the basilar artery in mice. This study reveals a high prevalence of somatic mutations in NF-kappa B signaling genes in IAs and opens a new avenue of research toward development of its pharmacological interventions.

Study JGAS000591

Genetic and transcriptional landscape of plasma cells in POEMS syndrome

POEMS syndrome is a rare paraneoplastic disease, associated with monoclonal plasma cells whose pathogenic importance remains unclear. We performed comprehensive genetic analyses of plasma cells in 20 patients with POEMS syndrome. Whole exome sequencing and targeted sequencing identified 7 recurrently mutated genes: KLHL6, LTB, EHD1, EML4, HEPHL1, HIPK1, and PCDH10. None of the driver gene mutations frequently found in multiple myeloma (MM) such as NRAS, KRAS, BRAF, and TP53 was detected. Copy number analysis showed chromosomal abnormalities shared with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). RNA sequencing revealed a transcription profile specific to POEMS syndrome, especially in terms of tumorigenesis. Unexpectedly, disease-specific VEGFA expression was not increased in POEMS syndrome. Our study illustrates that the genetic and transcriptional profiles of plasma cells in POEMS syndrome are distinct from MM and MGUS, indicating its unique pathogenesis.

Study JGAS000150

Establishment of xenogfafts and cultured cell lines from clinical samples

The purpose of the present study was to clarify the presence or absence of alterations in the molecular properties of patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) with up to eight passages in endometrial carcinomas. Alterations in the proportion of immunohistochemically positive/negative cells for PAX8, estrogen receptor, PAX2, and PTEN were observed in established PDXs of endometrioid carcinomas and carcinosarcomas, whereas proportions of cells with AE1/AE3, TP53, ARID1A PMS2, and MSH6 were maintained. Variants of cancer-associated genes in PDX compared to those in the parental tumors were examined in two cases, a frameshift deletion in BRCA1 was observed in the parental tumor tissue, and additional genomic alterations were found in the PDXs of this case. Genomic and phenotypic alterations in endometrial carcinoma PDXs relative to the parental tumors were observed and were partly associated with endometrial cancer-specific characteristics in cellular differentiation and gene mutations.

Study JGAS000585

Clonal Evolution and Transcriptional Plasticity Shape Metastatic Dissemination Routes in Prostate Cancer

This study provides comprehensive insights into the genetic and transcriptomic landscape of prostate cancer, highlighting significant clonal heterogeneity, transcriptional plasticity, and metastatic spread patterns. We examined the clonal evolution and metastatic dissemination of prostate cancer by integrating single-nuclei RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) and low-pass whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data from 43 spatially distinct tumour samples in five patients with locally advanced disease. By reconstructing the evolutionary trajectories of each tumour, we identified distinct patterns of tumour evolution, including both monophyletic and polyphyletic metastatic dissemination, as well as ongoing primary tumour clonal evolution after metastatic spread. We observed converging changes leading to metastatic potential, such as androgen receptor independence and increased activity in the estrogen, WNT, and JAK/STAT pathways in identified seeding areas. These findings enhance our understanding of the disease's progression and may inform future therapeutic strategies.

Study EGAS50000000927

MYC Inhibition By Omomyc Causes DNA Damage And Overcomes PARPi Resistance In Breast Cancer.

This study investigates the role of MYC dysregulation in DNA damage response (DDR) and PARP inhibitor (PARPi) resistance in breast cancer. Using Omomyc, a direct MYC inhibitor, we demonstrate that MYC inhibition shuts down DDR genes in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), causing DNA repair defects and inducing DNA damage that synergizes with PARPi treatment. Through patient-derived models and clinical samples from metastatic HR-altered breast cancer patients treated with PARPi, we identify MYC transcriptional activity as a predictive biomarker of PARPi resistance. Digital spatial profiling (DSP) analysis of pre-treatment tumor biopsies reveals that patients with progressive disease have significantly elevated MYC signatures compared to responders. These findings support the therapeutic strategy of combining MYC inhibition with PARPi in PARPi-resistant breast cancers where high MYC activity predicts poor response to therapy.

Study EGAS50000001347

Combination_Immune_Checkpoint_Inhibition_in_Australian_Rare_Cancers_WES

Combination immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) with anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD-1 blockade has demonstrated significant clinical activity across tumour types. Rare cancer patients have limited treatment options due to the scarcity of studies of novel treatment options, so they are often offered chemotherapies untested in their disease. ONJ2016-001/CA209-538 is a prospective, multicentre clinical trial of combination ICI (ipilimumab and nivolumab) in patients with advanced rare cancers, including biliary tract, adrenocortical, rare gynaecological and neuroendocrine cancers (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02923934). The primary endpoint is clinical benefit rate (complete response + partial response + stable disease >3 months) by RECIST 1.1. This study involves generation and analysis of pre-treatment formalin fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) tumour DNA sequencing data, paired with germline DNA sequencing data, to potentially identify genomic biomarkers that may associate with clinical benefit or other clinical efficacy / toxicity metrics.

Study EGAS00001005709

Assessment_of_genetic_and_epigenetic_variation_in_human_IPS_cells_RNA

In order to progress human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) towards the clinic, several outstanding questions must be addressed. It is possible to reprogram different somatic cell types into hiPSCs and from studies in the mouse, it appears that an epigenetic memory of the starting cell type is carried over to hiPSCs. However a comprehensive comparative study of the characteristics of these hiPSCs has been missing from the literature. Importantly studies which aimed to address these aspects of hiPSCs have used cells from different patients. In order to avoid this important confounding variable and to keep the genetic background constant, tissue samples were procured from the patients and reprogrammed to iPS cells. The transcriptomes of these iPS cells will be compared. Protocol: primary cultures of cells were reprogrammed to iPS cells. RNA was extracted using a standard column extraction kit.

Study EGAS00001000367

Spatial atlas of clonal copy number alterations in co-existing benign and malignant tissue

Defining the transition from benign to malignant tissue is fundamental to improve early diagnosis of cancer. Here, we use a systematic approach to study spatial genome integrity in situ and describe previously unidentified clonal relationships. We employed spatially resolved transcriptomics to infer spatial copy number variations in >120,000 regions across multiple organs, in benign and malignant tissues. We demonstrate that genome-wide copy number variation reveals distinct clonal patterns within tumours and in nearby benign tissue using an organ-wide approach focused on the prostate. Our results suggest a model for how genomic instability arises in histologically benign tissue that may represent early events in cancer evolution. We highlight the power of capturing the molecular and spatial continuums in a tissue context and challenge the rationale for treatment paradigms, including focal therapy.

Study EGAS00001006124

Molecular dissection of germline chromothripsis in a developmental context

Complex germline genomic rearrangements can affect many genes and regulatory elements, but the precise mechanisms that caused the phenotype of patients with such rearrangements are often unknown. To dissect the impact of germline chromothripsis in a relevant developmental context, we performed trio-based RNA expression analysis on blood cells,induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells and iPS-cell derived neuronal cells from a patient with de novo germline chromothripsis and both healthy parents. In addition, we performed Hi-C on iPS cell-derived neural progenitors of the patient and the father to study the effects of the chromothripsis rearrangements on the architecture of the derivative chromosomes. We demonstrate that a combination of patient-derived iPS cell differentiation and trio-based molecular profiling is a powerful approach to improve the interpretation of pathogenic complex genomic rearrangements.

Study EGAS00001001896

COPD and neutrophils

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major respiratory disease characterized by small airway inflammation, emphysema and severe breathing difficulties. Low-grade systemic inflammation is an established hallmark of severe disease, however, the molecular changes in peripheral immune cells remain far from understood. We combined multi-color flow cytometry with single-cell RNA sequencing and showed that blood neutrophil numbers are significantly increased in COPD and they are a heterogeneous population. A transcriptomic state that expressed interferon response genes correlated with alveolar damage and acute exacerbations. Furthermore, bronchoalveolar neutrophils expressed gene signatures corresponding to certain blood neutrophil states. Last, our data in a murine model of cigarette smoke exposure demonstrated that bone marrow neutrophil progenitors are expanded in smoke-treated animals and display signs of immune activation. Our study provides evidence that COPD systemic inflammation may derive from an activated haematopoietic precursor compartment.

Study EGAS00001006281

Oncogenic chimeric transcription factors drive tumor-specific transcription, processing, and translation of silent genomic regions

Many cancers are characterized by gene fusions encoding oncogenic chimeric transcription factors (TFs) such as EWS::FLI1 in Ewing sarcoma (EwS). Here, we find that EWS::FLI1 induces the robust expression of a specific set of novel spliced and polyadenylated transcripts within otherwise transcriptionally silent regions of the genome. These neogenes (NGs) are virtually undetectable in large collections of normal tissues or non-EwS tumors and can be silenced by CRISPR interference at regulatory EWS::FLI1-bound microsatellites. Ribosome profiling and proteomics further show that some NGs are translated into highly EwS-specific peptides. More generally, we show that hundreds of NGs can be detected in diverse cancers characterized by chimeric TFs. Altogether, this study identifies the transcription, processing, and translation of novel, specific, highly expressed multi-exonic transcripts from otherwise silent regions of the genome as a new activity of aberrant TFs in cancer.

Study EGAS00001006293

COPD and neutrophils sc rhapsody

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major respiratory disease characterized by small airway inflammation, emphysema and severe breathing difficulties. Low-grade systemic inflammation is an established hallmark of severe disease, however, the molecular changes in peripheral immune cells remain far from understood. We combined multi-color flow cytometry with single-cell RNA sequencing and showed that blood neutrophil numbers are significantly increased in COPD and they are a heterogeneous population. A transcriptomic state that expressed interferon response genes correlated with alveolar damage and acute exacerbations. Furthermore, bronchoalveolar neutrophils expressed gene signatures corresponding to certain blood neutrophil states. Last, our data in a murine model of cigarette smoke exposure demonstrated that bone marrow neutrophil progenitors are expanded in smoke-treated animals and display signs of immune activation. Our study provides evidence that COPD systemic inflammation may derive from an activated haematopoietic precursor compartment.

Study EGAS00001006323

Effects of busulfan, fludarabine and clofarabine treatment on human small intestinal organoids generated from healthy donors

The intestine is vulnerable to chemotherapy-induced toxicity due to its high epithelial proliferative rate, making gut toxicity an off-target effect in several cancer treatments, including conditioning regimens for allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HSCT). In HSCT, intestinal damage is an important factor in the development of Graft-versus-Host Disease (GVHD), an immune complication in which donor immune cells attack the recipient's tissues. Here, we developed a novel human intestinal organoid-based 3D model system to study the effects of chemotherapy-induced intestinal epithelial damage at the RNA level. We show that chemotherapy conditioning specifically reprograms the intestinal epithelial transcriptome after treatment with either busulfan (3.5μM), fludarabine (15μM) or clofarabine (0.5μM) for 24h. This knowledge can potentially enable us to understand which changes undergo in healthy tissues upon conditioning and how those are related with immune activation typical in GVHD.

Study EGAS00001007550

Whole genome characterisation of lung cancer organoids and tissue

Organoids are self-organizing 3D structures grown from stem cells that recapitulate essential aspects of organ structure and function. Here we describe a method to establish long-term expanding human airway organoids from broncho-alveolar biopsies or lavage material. The pseudostratified airway organoid epithelium consists of basal cells, functional multi-ciliated cells, mucus-producing goblet cells, and CC10-secreting club cells. Airway organoids derived from cystic fibrosis (CF) patients allow assessment of CFTR function in an organoid swelling assay. Organoid culture conditions also allow gene editing as well as the derivation of various types of lung cancer organoids. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection recapitulated central disease features and dramatically increases organoid cell motility, found to be driven by the non-structural viral NS2 protein. We conclude that human airway organoids represent versatile models for the in vitro study of hereditary, malignant, and infectious pulmonary disease.

Study EGAS00001002899

Quantitative microbiome profiling disentangles inflammation- and bile duct obstruction-associated microbiota alterations across IBD/PSC diagnoses

Disease-association microbiome dataset comprising 106 primary sclerosing cholangitis and/or inflammatory bowel disease (PSC/IBD) patients. Assessing quantitative taxon abundances, we study microbiome alterations beyond symptomatic stool moisture variation. We observe a high prevalence of a low cell count Bacteroides2 enterotype across patient groups when compared to healthy controls, with microbial loads correlating inversely with intestinal and systemic inflammation markers. Quantitative analyses allow us to differentiate between taxa associated to either intestinal inflammation severity (Fusobacterium) or cholangitis/biliary obstruction (Enterococcus) among previously suggested PSC marker genera. We identify and validate a near-exclusion pattern between the inflammation-associated Fusobacterium and Veillonella genera, with Fusobacterium detection being restricted to Crohn’s disease (CD) and PSC-CD patients. Overall, through absolute quantification and confounder control, we single out clear-cut microbiome markers associated to pathophysiological manifestations and disease diagnosis.

Study EGAS00001003600

Genotyping_of_additional_Inflammatory_Bowel_Disease_cases___2014

Both internal and external funding has enabled 5000 inflammatory bowel disease cases to be whole genome sequenced (CD @4X, UC @2X). The Anderson and Barrett groups are currently generating genotypes across these samples for comparison to 4000 population controls sequenced as part of UK10K. The UK10K project has shown that imputing sequenced genetic variation into previously GWASed samples greatly increases power to detect association. Given that our study has been designed to detect association to low frequency variation (0.5% and above) these gains in power are especially important. Overall, the UKIBDGC has GWAS data for around 1800 CD samples (Affy 500K) and 3000 UC samples (Affy6), though some of these samples have also been whole genome sequenced. Here, we apply to get all remaining non-GWAS and non-WGS IBD cases in the UKIBDGC (N=X) genotyped genotyped on the Illumina Core Exome Array

Study EGAS00001000924

ALK_inhibitors_in_the_context_of_ALK_dependent_cancer_cell_lines

Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) has recently been found to be a critical cancer gene in cases of lung cancer, neuroblastomas and lymphomas. ALK inhibitors have recently shown significant activity in lung cancer patients with tumours that harbour the EML4-ALK gene rearrangement, but already drug-resistance is emerging. We have taken a lung cancer cell line H3122 (with the EML4-ALK rearrangement) and generated clones resistant to a small molecule inhibitor of ALK by serial exposure to the drug over 8 weeks. We now wish to characterise at the exome level whether the acquisiton of resistance has been accompanied by the development of new mutations that we can take forward for further study as the potential mechansims underlying the resistance. We therefore propose to exome sequence the parental NCI-H3122 cell line as well as drug-resistant clones.

Study EGAS00001000082

CD49f single-cell methylomes

Single-cell DNA methylation has emerged as a powerful tool to study molecular heterogeneity within cellular populations. We report the development of a bisulfite based whole genome protocol suitable for use on single index sorted primary mammalian cells. Application of this protocol to human hematopoietic stem cells provided quantitative DNA methylation measurements of up to 5.7 million CpGs in a single cell. Analysis of cis CpG methylation states in single cells revealed a loss of concordance beyond 2kb, which supported the development of a new analytical framework (PDclust) for single-cell DNA methylation datasets that considers heterogeneity of methylation states at single CpG resolution. PDclust identified epigenetically distinct subpopulations within highly purified and functionally defined human stem cell populations. In silico merging of the methylation states from the single cells allowed us to ascribe function to these epigenetically distinct subpopulations on the basis of their epigenetic states.

Study EGAS00001002789

BLUEPRINT DNase accessibility of Epigenetic programming during monocyte to macrophage differentiation and trained innate immunity

Monocyte differentiation into macrophages represents a cornerstone process for host defense. Concomitantly, immunological imprinting of either tolerance or trained immunity determines the functional fate of macrophages and susceptibility to secondary infections. Transcriptomes and epigenomes in four primary cell types: monocytes, in vitro differentiated naïve, tolerized and trained macrophages were characterized. Inflammatory and metabolic pathways were modulated in macrophages, including decreased inflammasome activation, and pathways functionally implicated in trained immunity were identified. Strikingly, β-glucan training elicits an exclusive epigenetic signature, revealing a complex network of enhancers and promoters. Analysis of transcription factor motifs in DNase I hypersensitive sites at cell-type specific epigenetic loci unveiled differentiation and treatment specific repertoires. Altogether, this study provides a resource to understand the epigenetic changes that underlie innate immunity in humans.

Study EGAS00001000954

BLUEPRINT RNA-seq of Epigenetic programming during monocyte to macrophage differentiation and trained innate immunity

Monocyte differentiation into macrophages represents a cornerstone process for host defense. Concomitantly, immunological imprinting of either tolerance or trained immunity determines the functional fate of macrophages and susceptibility to secondary infections. Transcriptomes and epigenomes in four primary cell types: monocytes, in vitro differentiated naïve, tolerized and trained macrophages were characterized. Inflammatory and metabolic pathways were modulated in macrophages, including decreased inflammasome activation, and pathways functionally implicated in trained immunity were identified. Strikingly, β-glucan training elicits an exclusive epigenetic signature, revealing a complex network of enhancers and promoters. Analysis of transcription factor motifs in DNase I hypersensitive sites at cell-type specific epigenetic loci unveiled differentiation and treatment specific repertoires. Altogether, this study provides a resource to understand the epigenetic changes that underlie innate immunity in humans.

Study EGAS00001000953

Germline variants in the SEMA4A gene predispose to familial colorectal cancer type X

Familial colorectal cancer type X (FCCTX) is characterized by clinical features of hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer with a yet undefined genetic background. Here, using an integrative genomics strategy, we identify the SEMA4A p.Val78Met germline mutation in an Austrian kindred with FCCTX. Compared with wild-type protein, SEMA4AV78M demonstrates significantly increased MAPK/Erk and PI3K/Akt signaling as well as cell cycle progression of SEMA4A deficient HCT-116 colorectal cancer cells. In a cohort of 53 patients with FCCTX we depict two further SEMA4A mutations, p.Gly484Ala and p.Ser326Phe, and the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) p.Pro682Ser. This SNP is highly associated with the FCCTX phenotype exhibiting increased risk for colorectal cancer (OR 6.79, 95% CI 2.63 to 17.52). Our study shows previously unidentified germline variants in SEMA4A predisposing to FCCTX which has implications for surveillance strategies of patients and their families.

Study EGAS00001000957

Genomic Heterogeneity and the Small Renal Mass

Tumor heterogeneity is believed to represent a barrier to pre-operative genomic characterization in kidney cancer. Previous studies of heterogeneity in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) evaluated only large and metastatic tumors. In small renal tumors in which multiple biopsies are not feasible, the extent of heterogeneity remains unknown. In this study, we evaluated how the extent of genomic heterogeneity in small and large ccRCC. A total of 23 small (<4cm ) and 24 large (>7cm ) ccRCC had 3 regions sampled for evaluation of copy number, clear-cell A/clear-cell B (ccA/ccB) classification, and cell cycle progression (CCP) score. Small tumors have less genomic complexity and significantly fewer subclonal events. Pre-treatment genomic characterization based on a single biopsy in small ccRCC can provide insight into biologic potential to make clinical decisions.

Study EGAS00001002919

Molecular Signature of Saudi Thyroid Cancer Using whole exome sequencing

In Saudi Arabia, thyroid cancer ranked second only to breast cancer among females, eleventh among males and this increased incidence is prevalent in other Gulf Council Countries also. Differentiated thyroid cancer, which includes papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) and follicular subtypes, accounts for 90% of all thyroid malignancies. Currently, there are no clinical or molecular diagnostic tools to predict recurrence and aggressiveness of a subset of PTC. With the goal of better understanding the pathobiology of thyroid carcinogenesis we will use Whole Exome Sequencing to decipher the molecular and genetic signature of Saudi PTC based on International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) Guidelines. The study will provide a better understanding of PTC and should have important clinical implications in the development of new and better strategies for targeted therapeutic intervention for the treatment of Saudi Arabian PTC

Study EGAS00001000680

ICGC Oesophageal adenocarcinoma - normal samples

The oesophageal project will focus on adenocarcinoma which is increasing in incidence in the UK and other developed countries and has a very poor outcome. The primary aims of this project are to deeply sequence tumour and normal genomic DNA (including the precursor condition Barrett’s oesophagus when material is available) to provide a comprehensive catalogue of somatic mutations. This will be achieved through a UK-wide network of hospitals involved in a research collaboration called the OCCAMS consortium. The goal of this project is to use high quality clinical material with accurately annotated clinic-pathological, treatment and outcome data. - This study contains the Normal tissue samples.

Study EGAS00001000723

Whole Genome Sequencing to track subclonal heterogeneity in 18 samples from 3 Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia patients subjected to repeated cycles of therapy.

This study took 18 samples from three patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. The 3 CLL patients received multiple different treatments sequentially for a period of up to 7 years. Peripheral blood samples were taken at 5 specific time points during disease progression together with 1 matched buccal swab per patient. All the selected patients had unmutated IgVH status reflecting poor prognosis. However, none of the patients had complex genomic aberrations associated with aggressive disease. Peripheral blood samples and buccal smears were obtained from patients, who had given informed consent for sequential sample collection and analysis. Tumour samples were obtained before treatment, after treatment and at relapse and subjected to Ficoll separation. Lymphocyte cell purity was assessed by full blood count enumeration. Buccal smears were obtained and processed using Isohelix.

Study EGAS00001000885

Whole exome sequencing reveals the mutational spectrum of testicular germ cell tumours

Testicular germ cell tumours (TGCTs) are the most common cancer in young men. Here we perform whole exome sequencing of 42 TGCTs to comprehensively study the mutational profile of TGCT. The mutation rate is uniformly low in all of the tumours (mean 0.5 mutations per megabase [Mb]) as compared to the common cancers, consistent with the embryological origin of TGCT. In addition to expected copy number gain of chromosome 12p and mutation of KIT we identify recurrent mutations in the tumour suppressor gene CDC27 (11.9%). Copy number analysis reveals recurring amplification of the spermatocyte development gene FSIP2 (15.3%) and a 0.4Mb region at Xq28 (15.3%). Two treatment-refractory patients are shown to harbour XRCC2 mutations, a gene strongly implicated in defining cisplatin resistance. Our findings provide further insights into genes involved in the development and progression of TGCT.

Study EGAS00001001084

G&T-seq: parallel sequencing of the genomes and transcriptomes of single cells

The ability to simultaneously sequence the genome and transcriptome of the same single cell offersa powerful means to dissect functional genetic heterogeneity at the cellular level. Here we describeG&T-seq, a method for separating and sequencing genomic DNA and full-length mRNA from singlecells. By applying G&T-seq to over 220 single cells we reveal cellular properties that cannot beinferred from DNA or RNA sequencing alone, including associations between DNA copy numbervariation and gene expression dosage. We further demonstrate the detection of coding interchromosomalfusions and single nucleotide variants in both the genomes and transcriptomes ofindividual cells. G&T-seq enables the study of genotype-phenotype associations in single cells, andthe investigation of DNA cell lineage trees of healthy and diseased tissues with transcriptome inferredcell types and states.

Study EGAS00001001204

Papuan_Genotyping

By array based genotyping of indigenous individuals from different areas of Papua New Guinea, this project aims to provide the most comprehensive overview thus far of population structure and history in this part of the world. Papuans represent a key component in the current understanding of human history outside of Africa. Additionally, PNG harbours enormous cultural and linguistic diversity. Genotyping of diverse individuals, combined with previously generated whole-genome sequencing data, will allow the study of general patterns of population structure, the degree of genetic differentiation between groups, the extent of external gene flow into PNG and the genetic relationships to Australian Aboriginals.This data is part of a pre-publication release. For information on the proper use of pre-publication data shared by the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute (including details of any publication moratoria), please see http://www.sanger.ac.uk/datasharing/

Study EGAS00001001587

Splicing patterns in SF3B1 mutated uveal melanoma generate shared immunogenic tumor-specific neo-epitopes

Disruption of splicing patterns due to mutations of genes coding splicing factors in tumors represents a potential source of tumor neo-antigens, which would be both public (shared between patients) and tumor-specific (not expressed in normal tissues). In this study, we show that mutations of the splicing factor SF3B1 in uveal melanoma (UM) generate such immunogenic neo-antigens. Memory CD8+ T cells specific for these neo-antigens are preferentially found in 20% of UM patients bearing SF3B1 mutated tumors. Single cell analyses of neo-epitope specific T cells from the blood identified large clonal T cell expansions, with distinct effector transcription patterns. Some of these expanded TCRs are also present in the corresponding tumors. CD8+ T cell clones specific for the neo-epitopes specifically recognize and kill SF3B1-mutated tumor cells, supporting the use of this new family of neo-antigens as therapeutic targets.

Study EGAS00001005226

BLUEPRINT ChIP-seq of Epigenetic programming during monocyte to macrophage differentiation and trained innate immunity

Monocyte differentiation into macrophages represents a cornerstone process for host defense. Concomitantly, immunological imprinting of either tolerance or trained immunity determines the functional fate of macrophages and susceptibility to secondary infections. Transcriptomes and epigenomes in four primary cell types: monocytes, in vitro differentiated naïve, tolerized and trained macrophages were characterized. Inflammatory and metabolic pathways were modulated in macrophages, including decreased inflammasome activation, and pathways functionally implicated in trained immunity were identified. Strikingly, β-glucan training elicits an exclusive epigenetic signature, revealing a complex network of enhancers and promoters. Analysis of transcription factor motifs in DNase I hypersensitive sites at cell-type specific epigenetic loci unveiled differentiation and treatment specific repertoires. Altogether, this study provides a resource to understand the epigenetic changes that underlie innate immunity in humans.

Study EGAS00001000951

Molecular patterns of response and treatment failure after frontline venetoclax combinations in older patients with AML

This study assessed molecular determinants of response in a cohort of patients with AML that were treated with venetoclax in combination with either DNA methyltransferase inhibitors or low dose cytarabine. RNA sequencing was performed on 31 patients from three different response classes [10 Group A - Durable remission (n=10), Group B - Relapsed (n=10) and Group C - Refractory (n=11)]. Library preparation and sequencing was performed at the Australian Genome Research Facility, using the Truseq Stranded mRNA library kit. Technical and batch replicate samples are included, and these replicates are designated in the sample name. Gene count data are provided with the original publication. The use of the sequencing data is subject to a data transfer agreement and is restricted to ethically approved research into blood cell malignancies and cannot be used to assess germline variants.

Study EGAS00001003820

Profiling_molecular_heterogeneity_in_human_primary_microglia

In the brain the cells that control inflammation are called a type of white blood cell called microglia. Microglia are located throughout the brain and spinal cord and account for 10–15% of all cells found within the brain. As the resident white blood cells, they are the main active immune defence in the central nervous system (CNS). Microglia are part of an important class of cells known as macrophages that have two main states: M1 and M2. M1 cells are pro- inflammatory, leading to more inflammation, while M2 are anti-inflammatory, and drive wound healing. In this study, we will collect primary microglia from surgical biospies of 100 individuals. This data is part of a pre-publication release. For information on the proper use of pre-publication data shared by the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute (including details of any publication moratoria), please see http://www.sanger.ac.uk/datasharing/

Study EGAS00001002494

The genomic and radiomic complexity of multifocal prostate cancer

Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) and molecular prognostic tests are emerging to guide screening and prostate cancer (PCa) diagnosis, however their efficacy and cross validation requires further assessment in the context of intraprostatic heterogeneity and patient prognosis. To evaluate the molecular features that make prostate tumors visible to mpMRI, we established an mpMRI-blind multicore collection and performed low pass whole genome, exome, transcriptome and methylation profiling of 14 lesions and 23 representative cores from 6 PCa patients. Our results show that diagnosis based on mpMRI does not capture the genomic complexity of tumors, and reveal that commercial prognostic signature results based on single-biopsy assessments are insufficient to define risk of progression. Altogether, our study supports the use of a multi-biopsy assessment in both mpMRI visible and non-visible areas in order to provide a truly personalised diagnosis

Study EGAS00001002767

Single-cell analysis reveals fibroblast clusters linked to immunotherapy resistance in cancer

A subset of Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts (CAF-S1) mediates immunosuppression in breast cancers (BC), but its heterogeneity and its impact on immunotherapy response remain unknown. Here, we identify 8 CAF-S1 clusters by analyzing more than 18000 single CAF-S1 fibroblasts from BC. We validate the 5 most abundant clusters by flow cytometry and in silico analyses in other cancer types, highlighting their relevance. Myofibroblasts from clusters 0 and 3, characterized by extra-cellular matrix proteins and TGF signaling respectively, are indicative of primary resistance to immunotherapies. Cluster 0 up-regulates PD-1 and CTLA-4 protein levels in regulatory T lymphocytes (Tregs), which in turn increases CAF-S1 cluster 3 cellular content. Thus, our study highlights a positive feedback loop between specific CAF-S1 clusters and Tregs and uncovers their role in immunotherapy resistance.

Study EGAS00001004030

COPD and neutrophils sc

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major respiratory disease characterized by small airway inflammation, emphysema and severe breathing difficulties. Low-grade systemic inflammation is an established hallmark of severe disease, however, the molecular changes in peripheral immune cells remain far from understood. We combined multi-color flow cytometry with single-cell RNA sequencing and showed that blood neutrophil numbers are significantly increased in COPD and they are a heterogeneous population. A transcriptomic state that expressed interferon response genes correlated with alveolar damage and acute exacerbations. Furthermore, bronchoalveolar neutrophils expressed gene signatures corresponding to certain blood neutrophil states. Last, our data in a murine model of cigarette smoke exposure demonstrated that bone marrow neutrophil progenitors are expanded in smoke-treated animals and display signs of immune activation. Our study provides evidence that COPD systemic inflammation may derive from an activated haematopoietic precursor compartment.

Study EGAS00001006322

An exome sequencing approach to defining the genetic risk factors for Achilles tendinopathy

Musculoskeletal soft tissue injuries are complex phenotypes. Case control association studies using the candidate gene approach have predominantly been used to identify risk loci for these injuries. However, the ability to identify all risk conferring variants using this approach alone is unlikely. Therefore, this study aimed to define the genetic profile of these injuries using whole exome sequencing and a customized analysis pipeline. The exomes of ten exemplar asymptomatic controls and ten exemplar cases with Achilles tendinopathy were individually sequenced using a platform that included the coverage of the untranslated regions and miRBase miRNA genes. These results provide a proof of concept for the use of a customized pipeline for the exploration of a larger genomic dataset. This approach, using previous research to guide a targeted analysis of the data has generated new genetic signatures in the biology of musculoskeletal soft tissue injuries.

Study EGAS00001003234

Novel mutations in TOP2A in gliomas

High grade gliomas (HGGs) are aggressive, primary brain tumors with poor clinical outcomes. To better understand glioma pathobiology and find potential therapeutic susceptibilities, we designed a custom- panel 664 cancer- and epigenetics-related genes and employed targeted next generation sequencing to study the genomic landscape of somatic and germline variants in 182 glioma samples of different malignancy grades. Besides known alterations in TP53, IDH1, ATRX, EGFR genes, we found several novel variants that can be potential drivers in gliomas. In four patients from the Polish glioma cohort, we identified a novel recurrent mutation in the TOP2A gene coding for Topoisomerase 2A in glioblastomas (GBM, WHO grade IV gliomas). The mutation results in a substitution of glutamic acid (E) 948 to glutamine (Q) of TOP2 A and we predicted this E948Q substitution may affect DNA binding and a TOP2A enzymatic activity.

Study EGAS00001004556

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