12227 results for "buy fc coins instant delivery Visit Buyfc26coins.com for latest FC 26 coins news..OaV2"

in 32.12 milliseconds.

• Genome-Wide Association Study of HIV-1 Host Genetics Among Injection Drug Users

  The overarching goal of this project is to identify and characterize genetic determinants of HIV 1 susceptibility and resistance in samples of African American (AA) and European American (EA) injection drug users (IDUs) by conducting (1) a case/control genome-wide association (GWA) study of HIV 1 infection (positive/negative); (2) a case-only GWA study of viral load among HIV+ IDUs. The study uses existing samples and data from Urban Health Study (UHS) (PI: Alex Kral), which was the longest-running study of street-recruited IDUs in North America, from 1986-2005. UHS was a serial, cross-sectional sero-epidemiological study. Data were collected every 6 months in communities with a high prevalence of injection drug use in the San Francisco Bay Area. It used targeted sampling in neighborhoods at easily accessible community field sites, such as churches, single room occupancy hotels, and community centers. Eligibility criteria for initial entry to the study were (1) injection drug use in past 30 days; (2) ability to provide informed consent; and (3) age 18 or older. The UHS cohort includes over 9,000 African American and European American IDUs whose serum samples have been stored and data are available on HIV antibody status, HIV risk behaviors, drug abuse and demographics. The current study includes 985 HIV+ cases and 5,222 HIV- controls. Approximately six HIV- controls per case were frequency matched on: (1) self-reported ancestry; (2) sex; (3) age; (4) year of ascertainment; and (5) HIV risk class. This GWAS (DA026141) was funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA; PI: Eric O. Johnson). Funding support for genotyping, which was performed at the Johns Hopkins University Center for Inherited Disease Research (CIDR), was provided by NIDA and the NIH contract "High throughput genotyping for studying the genetic contributions to human disease"(HHSN268200782096C).

  Study phs000454

• Advancing Precision Oncology in a Humanized, Fully Autologous Mouse Model

  Progress in the early detection and treatment of cancer requires accurate model systems to further evaluate new, promising discoveries. Small animal and, in particular, mouse model systems are attractive to researchers for numerous reasons, including their ease of use and well-described platforms. The ability to grow human tumors in immune-deficient mice (so-called patient-derived xenografts, or PDXs) allows researchers to work directly with human cancer tissue in a controlled setting. However, PDX models are limited by their lack of an intact immune system. Immunotherapy has revolutionized clinical oncology, but lacks pre-clinical models of the human immune system and human cancer to investigate new modalities and limitations/toxicities of treatment regimens. The broad objective of this study is to validate an in vivo model to evaluate human tumors in the context of a complete and intact human immune system in a completely personalized and autologous fashion to study cancer immunotherapy. Herein, we will: (1) validate the ability of our humanized system to serve as a model for cancer immunotherapy treatment response and toxicity in patients with melanoma, including immunotherapy checkpoint blockade and vaccine strategies, and (2) extend our current work in melanoma by validating the ability to establish humanized mice and evaluate tumor growth and leukocyte development in autologous human pancreatic and colorectal tumors established in humanized mice. In each of these areas, we will leverage our multi-institutional team's individual expertise along with our institutional infrastructure to maximize the success of the experimental aims. The results from this project will be widely available to the general research community for future, hypothesis-driven research. Taken together, our study will meet multiple goals and address several unmet needs in cancer immunotherapy, thus significantly enhancing the applicability of a fully autologous and immunocompetent precision model system for use in translational oncology research.

  Study phs003090

• Childhood Cancer Data Initiative (CCDI): Enhancement of Data Sharing in Pediatric, Adolescent and Young Adult Cancers

  NCI's Childhood Cancer Data Initiative (CCDI) is building a community centered around childhood cancer care and research data. Through enhanced data sharing, we can improve our understanding of cancer biology to improve preventive measures, treatment, quality of life, and survivorship, as well as ensure that researchers learn from every child with cancer. While childhood cancers represent the leading cause of death in children over the age of 1, they are collectively rare, comprising approximately 1%‒3% of cancers diagnosed annually in the United States. Information on diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes is often stored at the hospital or institution where a child is treated, making it difficult to answer scientific questions about childhood cancer. Sharing clinical care and research data generated by children's hospitals, clinics, or networks broadly with the community can help us learn faster and, on a scale much larger than any single institution caring for children can learn on its own. To exploit the rapid advances in high-throughput DNA sequencing technologies and realize the goals of precision cancer medicine, the UMICH Cancer Center established the Michigan Oncology Sequencing Center (MI-ONCOSEQ). This UMICH Cancer Center provisions genomic data derived from the Michigan Oncology Sequencing Center (MI-ONCOSEQ) clinical sequencing assay for patients that fall within the inclusion criteria of the CCDI data sharing initiative. An "integrative sequencing approach" carried out in a CLIA-certified laboratory is utilized to provide a comprehensive landscape of the genetic alterations in individual tumor specimens for the purpose of identifying informative and/or actionable mutations. Using a number of computational pipelines that we have developed in-house or have adapted from the public domain, candidate molecular aberrations are nominated and then analyzed by scientists for clinical significance and/or relevance. This approach enables the detection of point mutations, insertions/deletions, gene fusions and rearrangements, amplifications/deletions, and outlier expressed genes. Furthermore, we can identify certain germline alterations that may also be relevant.

  Study phs002431

• Precision High Intensity Training Through Epigenetics (PHITE)

  Exercising regularly promotes health, but these benefits are complicated by acute inflammation induced by exercise. A potential source of exercise-induced inflammation is cell-free DNA (cfDNA), yet the cellular origins, molecular causes, and immune system interactions of exercise-induced cfDNA are unclear. To study these, 10 healthy individuals were randomized to a 12-week exercise program of either high-intensity tactical training (HITT) or traditional moderate-intensity training (TRAD). Blood plasma was collected pre- and post exercise at weeks 0 and 12 and after 4 week of detraining upon program completion. Whole-genome enzymatic methylation sequencing (EM-seq) with cell-type proportion deconvolution was applied to cfDNA obtained from the 50 plasma samples and paired to concentration measurements for 90 circulating cytokines. Acute exercise increased the release of cfDNA from neutrophils, dendritic cells (DCs), and macrophages proportional to exercise intensity (HITT > TRAD). Exercise training reduced cfDNA released in HITT participants but not TRAD and from DCs and macrophages but not neutrophils. For most participants, training lowered mitochondrial cfDNA at rest, even after detraining. Using a sequencing analysis approach we developed, we concluded that rapid extracellular traps (ETosis) was the likely source of cfDNA, demonstrated by enrichment of nuclear DNA. Further, several cytokines were induced by acute exercise, such as IL-6, IL-10, and IL-16, and training attenuated the induction of only IL-6 and IL-17F. Cytokine levels were not associated with cfDNA induction, suggesting that these cytokines are not the main cause of exercise-induced cfDNA. Overall, exercise intensity and training modulated cfDNA release and cytokine responses, contributing to the anti-inflammatory effects of regular exercise. One additional subject was also used in the methyl-seq data as a control for comparing bisulfite-sequencing to enzymatic methyl sequencing. DNA methylation for MPO gene was found to be significantly different as well, in line with interpretation that neutrophils are primarily undergoing ETosis.

  Study phs003873

• POU4F3 mutation screening in Japanese hearing loss patients.

  A variant in a transcription factor gene, POU4F3, is responsible for autosomal dominant nonsyndromic hereditary hearing loss, DFNA15. To date, 14 variants, including a whole deletion of POU4F3, have been reported to cause HL in various ethnic groups. In the present study, genetic screening for POU4F3 variants was carried out for a large series of Japanese hearing loss (HL) patients to clarify the prevalence and clinical characteristics of DFNA15 in the Japanese population. Massively parallel DNA sequencing of 68 target candidate genes was utilized in 2,549 unrelated Japanese HL patients (probands) to identify genomic variations responsible for HL. The detailed clinical features in patients with POU4F3 variants were collected from medical charts and analyzed. Novel 12 POU4F3 likely pathogenic variants (six missense variants, three frameshift variants, and three nonsense variants) were successfully identified in 15 probands (2.5%) among 602 families exhibiting autosomal dominant HL, whereas no variants were detected in the other 1,947 probands with autosomal recessive or inheritance pattern unknown HL. To obtain the audiovestibular configuration of the patients harboring POU4F3 variants, we collected audiograms and vestibular symptoms of the probands and their affected family members. Audiovestibular phenotypes in a total of 24 individuals from the 15 families possessing variants were characterized by progressive HL, with a large variation in the onset age and severity with or without vestibular symptoms observed. Pure-tone audiograms indicated the most prevalent configuration as mid-frequency HL type followed by high-frequency HL type, with asymmetry observed in approximately 20% of affected individuals. Analysis of the relationship between age and pure-tone average suggested that individuals with truncating variants showed earlier onset and slower progression of HL than did those with non-truncating variants. The present study showed that variants in POU4F3 were a common cause of autosomal dominant HL.

  Study JGAS000093

• Molecular analysis of diffuse cerebellar gliomas

  Among diffuse gliomas, oligodendrogliomas show relatively better prognosis, respond well to radiotherapy and chemotherapy, and seldom progress to very aggressive tumors. To elucidate the genetic and epigenetic background for such behavior and tumor evolution during tumor relapse, we comparatively analyzed 12 pairs of primary and recurrent oligodendrogliomas with 1p/19q-codeletion. Initial treatment for these patients was mostly chemotherapy alone. Temozolomide was used for 3, and procarbazine, nimustine and vincristine (PAV chemotherapy) were used for 7 patients. World Health Organization histological grade at recurrence was mostly stable; it was increased in 2, the same in 9, and decreased in 1 cases. Whole-exome sequencing demonstrated that the rate of shared mutation between the primary and recurrent tumors was relatively low, ranging from 3.2-57.9% (average, 33.3%), indicating a branched evolutionary pattern. The trunk alterations that existed throughout the course were restricted to IDH1 mutation, 1p/19q-codeletion, and TERT promoter mutation, and mutation of the known candidate tumor suppressor genes CIC and FUBP1 were not consistently observed between primary and recurrent tumors. Multiple sampling from different regions within a tumor showed marked intratumoral heterogeneity. Notably, in general, the number of mutations was not significantly different after recurrence, remaining under 100, and no hypermutator phenotype was observed. FUBP1 mutation, loss of chr. 9p21, and TCF12 mutation were among a few recurrent de novo alterations that were found at recurrence, indicating that these events were clonally selected at recurrence but were not enough to enhance malignancy. Genome-wide methylation status, measured by Illumina 450 K arrays, was stable between recurrence and the primary tumor. In summary, although oligodendroglioma displays marked mutational heterogeneity, histological malignant transformation accompanying events such as considerable increase in mutation number and epigenetic profile change were not observed at recurrence, indicating that noticeable temporal and spatial genetic heterogeneity in oligodendrogliomas does not result in rapid tumor progression.

  Study JGAS000106

• Assessing the impact of low frequency coding variants on disease risk using the Exomechip

  Following several rounds of Genome Wide Association (GWA) scans and subsequent meta-analyses of results multiple risk loci have been identified for many common diseases. However, in most instances the implicated common variants identified so far explain only a modest fraction of the genetic risk. In parallel to our efforts to identify the causative variants in the known loci it is necessary to assess the full spectrum of sequence variants for disease risk and in particular low frequency and rare variants that have not been tested in a comprehensive way so far. To this end an international effort by investigators who have performed whole exome sequencing in circa 12,000 individuals have assembled a set of ~250,000 exonic variants of low frequency – defined as seen in at least two studies and a minimum of three individuals (non-sysnonymous) or two individuals for SNPs altering splice sites / stop codons. The SNP content from the exome studies was complemented with additional interesting SNP sets totalling 25,000 markers (GWA tag SNPs, grid of common variants, HLA, Mitochondrial, Y-chromosome etc) and were used to generate a custom iSELECT array, the exome chip. Adequately powered association studies to test low frequency variants for association to disease risk are still very expensive if conducted by whole exome sequencing. The exome chip provides a cost efficient way to undertake such an experiment and the Wellcome Trust Cases Control Consortium will be applying this approach to eight diseases, type 1 and type 2 diabetes, coronary artery disease, hypertension, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, bipolar, and ankylosing spondylitis. The first objective will be to generate a large set of at least 10,000 common UK controls as analysis of lower frequency variants will require large sample sizes. This includes ~6000 samples from the 1958 Birth Cohort.

  Study EGAS00001000584

• UK10K_NEURO_ASD_FI

  In the UK10K project we propose a series of complementary genetic approaches to find new low frequency/rare variants contributing to disease phenotypes. These will be based on obtaining the genome wide sequence of 4000 samples from the TwinsUK and ALSPAC cohorts (at 6x sequence coverage), and the exome sequence (protein coding regions and related conserved sequence) of 6000 samples selected for extreme phenotypes. Our studies will focus primarily on cardiovascular-related quantitative traits, obesity and related metabolic traits, neurodevelopmental disorders and a limited number of extreme clinical phenotypes that will provide proof-of-concept for future familial trait sequencing. We will analyse directly quantitative traits in the cohorts and the selected traits in the extreme samples, and also use imputation down to 0.1% allele frequency to extend the analyses to further sample sets with genome wide genotype data. In each case we will investigate indels and larger structural variants as well as SNPs, and use statistical methods that combine rare variants in a locus or pathway as well as single-variant approaches.These samples are a subset of a nationwide collection of Finnish autism spectrum disorder (ASD) samples. The samples have been collected from Central Hospitals across Finland in collaboration with the University of Helsinki. The samples consist of 93 individuals with a diagnosis of autistic disorder or Asperger syndrome from 36 families with at least two affected individuals. Of these individuals, 16 can be genealogically connected to form two large pedigrees originating from Central Finland, suggesting possible genetic risk factors shared identical by descent within the pedigrees. All diagnoses are based on ICD-10 and DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for ASDs. Additional phenotypic data is available for a subset of the individuals.For further information with regard to this cohort please contact Aarno Palotie (Aarno.palotie@helsinki.fi).

  Study EGAS00001000110

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

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

  Study EGAS00001004861

• Same-day genomic and epigenomic diagnosis of brain tumors using realtime nanopore sequencing

  Molecular classification of cancer has entered clinical routine to inform diagnosis, prognosis and treatment decisions. At the same time, new tumor entities have been identified that cannot be defined histologically. For central nervous systems tumors, the current World Health Organization classification explicitly demands molecular testing, e.g. for 1p/19q- codeletion or IDH mutations, to make an integrated histomolecular diagnosis. However, a plethora of sophisticated technologies is currently needed to assess different genomic and epigenomic alterations and turnaround times are in the range of weeks, which makes standardized and widespread implementation difficult and hinders timely decision making. Here, we explored the potential of a pocket-size nanopore sequencing device for multimodal and rapid molecular diagnostics of cancer. Low-pass whole genome sequencing was used to simultaneously generate copy number (CN) and methylation profiles from native tumor DNA in the same sequencing run. Single nucleotide variants in IDH1, IDH2, TP53, H3F3A and the TERT promoter region were identified using deep amplicon sequencing. Nanopore sequencing yielded ~0.1X genome coverage within six hours and resulting CN and epigenetic profiles correlated well with matched microarray data. Diagnostically relevant alterations, such as 1p/19q codeletion, and focal amplifications could be recapitulated. Using ad hoc random forests, we could perform supervised pan-cancer classification to distinguish gliomas, medulloblastomas and brain metastases of different primary sites. Single nucleotide variants in IDH1, IDH2 and H3F3A were identified using deep amplicon sequencing within minutes of sequencing. Detection of TP53 and TERT promoter mutations shows that sequencing of entire genes and GC-rich regions is feasible. Nanopore sequencing allows same-day detection of structural variants, point mutations and methylation profiling using a single device with negligible capital cost. It outperforms hybridization-based and current sequencing technologies with respect to time-to diagnosis and required laboratory equipment and expertise, aiming to make precision medicine possible for every cancer patient, even in resource restricted settings.

  Study EGAS00001002213

• WES_of_adult_intellectual_disabilities_with_co_morbid_psychiatric_disorders

  ost adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) do not undergo genetic diagnostic investigation as part of their clinical care and have 'missed the boat' with regard to the WES and WGS genetic testing that is now being provided for children with ID. There is a dramatically increased risk of psychistric disorders in adults with ID, e.g. the risk of psychoses is 10X higher than in the general population. It remains an open question as to how much of adult ID is genetic in origin and how similar the genetic forms of adult ID are to those being diagnosed in children, in part due to survivor bias. There is also the opportunity to identify adults with treatable forms of ID, of which over 80 have been described, thus improving their clinical management. Furthermore, analysis of medical records of adults with genetic forms of ID can help to characterise the 'natural history' of individual disorders, resulting in more accurate prognoses for diagnosed children and identifying opportunities for improved management and possibly therapeutic intervention (e.g. optimal anti-epileptic therapy). Here we propose to exome sequence (to ~50X coverage) 200 adults with ID and co-morbid psychiatric disorders. This cohort has previously been assayed with chromosomal microarrays (Wolfe et al 2017 EJHG, 25, 66–72) identifying a diagnostic yield of ~11% which is comparable to the CNV diagnostic yield in various child ID cohorts (10-15%). The authors observed no substantive biases in diagnostic yield between different psychiatric diagnostic classes. The WES data will be analysed using the diagnostic workflows developed in the DDD study to ensure comparability between child and adult ID datasets. This study is intended as a pilot study to demonstrate the value of WES in adults with ID. 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 EGAS00001002962

• High-throughput telomere length measurement at nucleotide resolution using the PacBio high fidelity sequencing platform

  Telomeres are specialized nucleoprotein structures at the ends of linear chromosomes that are essential for the stability as well as the complete replication of the human genome. The progressive shortening of steady-state telomere length in normal human somatic cells is a promising biomarker for age-associated diseases. However, there remain substantial challenges in quantifying telomere length in clinics and research laboratories due to the lack of accurate and high-throughput telomere length measurement method. Here, we describe a novel workflow to capture and analyze telomeres accurately at the single-nucleotide resolution. By using newly designed telobaits that are complementary to the single-stranded G-rich 3’ telomeric overhangs, we can specifically and efficiently capture full-length telomeres and subject them to single-molecule real-time (SMRT) sequencing. We show that the telomere length can be measured at nucleotide resolution using the PacBio high fidelity (HiFi) sequencing platform, which provides the necessary accuracy and throughput to uncover the steady-state telomere length distribution in human culture cell lines as well as clinical patient samples. This new method is a valuable tool not only in population-wide epidemiology studies but also for the longitudinal assessment of telomere attrition in individuals. Our results also reveal the extreme heterogeneity of telomeric variant sequences (TVSs) that is dispersed throughout the telomere repeat region. Importantly, the unique distribution pattern and sequence of TVSs in individuals may be used as a fingerprint for sample identification. In addition, the presence of TVSs disrupts the continuity of the canonical (5’-TTAGGG-3’)n telomere repeats, which could affect the binding of shelterin complexes at the chromosomal ends. Therefore, TVSs may act as a form of genetic polymorphisms that impairs telomere protection. Together with the absolute telomere length in each individual, TVSs may have profound implications in human aging and diseases.

  Study EGAS00001006103

• The G2 gene expression signature and MYC overexpression are independent poor prognostic factors in childhood high-grade osteosarcoma

  Purpose In high-grade osteosarcoma, prognostic factors at diagnosis are insufficient for stratifying patients into relevant subgroups. Recently, a transcriptomic study developed the G1/G2 gene expression signature, in which the G2 signature was associated with unfavorable survival. An orthogonal study identified MYC amplification as an unfavorable prognostic factor using targeted next-generation sequencing. The purpose of this study was to validate the independent prognostic value and to investigate the combined prognostic value of the G1/G2 signature with, MYC amplification and/or MYC expression for survival prediction. Material and methods This study included pediatric and adolescent patients with high-grade osteosarcoma. RNA sequencing was performed in 48 patients. Whole-exome sequencing was performed in 40 patients. Gene expression signature scores, MYC amplification (defined as > 7 copies) and MYC expression levels were calculated. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards analysis was performed for event-free survival (EFS) (primary endpoint) and overall survival (OS) (secondary endpoint). Results In the full cohort, the 3-year event-free survival rate was 37%. In multivariable Cox regression analysis with metastatic disease stage (n=21, 44%) as covariate, the G2 signature and MYC expression were independently associated with worse outcomes in terms of EFS (Hazard ratio (HR) 3.32, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.34-8.21 and HR 3.38, 95%-CI 1.71-6.66, respectively) and OS (HR 4.07, 95%-CI 1.19-13.9 and HR 2.88, 95%-CI 1.22-6.76, respectively). MYC amplification was not associated with EFS or OS in univariable analysis (HR 1.88, 95% -CI 0.74-4.77 and HR 0.79, 95%-CI 0.21-3.05, respectively). Conclusion The G2 gene expression signature and MYC expression were independently associated with unfavorable outcomes in a pediatric cohort of patients with high-grade osteosarcoma. The combined prognostic value warrants further prospective validation and could potentially serve as a stratification marker for future osteosarcoma treatment protocols.

  Study EGAS00001008073

• High-throughput telomere length measurement at nucleotide resolution using the PacBio high fidelity sequencing platform, P49-P104 and run1 replicates

  Telomeres are specialized nucleoprotein structures at the ends of linear chromosomes that are essential for the stability as well as the complete replication of the human genome. The progressive shortening of steady-state telomere length in normal human somatic cells is a promising biomarker for age-associated diseases. However, there remain substantial challenges in quantifying telomere length in clinics and research laboratories due to the lack of accurate and high-throughput telomere length measurement method. Here, we describe a novel workflow to capture and analyze telomeres accurately at the single-nucleotide resolution. By using newly designed telobaits that are complementary to the single-stranded G-rich 3’ telomeric overhangs, we can specifically and efficiently capture full-length telomeres and subject them to single-molecule real-time (SMRT) sequencing. We show that the telomere length can be measured at nucleotide resolution using the PacBio high fidelity (HiFi) sequencing platform, which provides the necessary accuracy and throughput to uncover the steady-state telomere length distribution in human culture cell lines as well as clinical patient samples. This new method is a valuable tool not only in population-wide epidemiology studies but also for the longitudinal assessment of telomere attrition in individuals. Our results also reveal the extreme heterogeneity of telomeric variant sequences (TVSs) that is dispersed throughout the telomere repeat region. Importantly, the unique distribution pattern and sequence of TVSs in individuals may be used as a fingerprint for sample identification. In addition, the presence of TVSs disrupts the continuity of the canonical (5’-TTAGGG-3’)n telomere repeats, which could affect the binding of shelterin complexes at the chromosomal ends. Therefore, TVSs may act as a form of genetic polymorphisms that impairs telomere protection. Together with the absolute telomere length in each individual, TVSs may have profound implications in human aging and diseases.

  Study EGAS00001006595

• Whole genome and whole exome sequencing of serial biopsies of relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

  Purpose: Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is cured in more than 60% of patients, but outcomes remain poor for patients experiencing disease progression or relapse (refractory or relapsed DLBCL [rrDLBCL]), particularly if these events occur early. Although previous studies examining cohorts of rrDLBCL have identified features that are enriched at relapse, few have directly compared serial biopsies to uncover biological and evolutionary dynamics driving rrDLBCL. Here, we sought to confirm the relationship between relapse timing and outcomes after second-line (immuno)chemotherapy and determine the evolutionary dynamics that underpin that relationship. Patients and methods: Outcomes were examined in a population-based cohort of 221 patients with DLBCL who experienced progression/relapse after frontline treatment and were treated with second-line (immuno)chemotherapy with an intention-to-treat with autologous stem-cell transplantation (ASCT). Serial DLBCL biopsies from a partially overlapping cohort of 129 patients underwent molecular characterization, including whole-genome or whole-exome sequencing in 73 patients. Results: Outcomes to second-line therapy and ASCT are superior for late relapse (>2 years postdiagnosis) versus primary refractory (<9 months) or early relapse (9-24 months). Diagnostic and relapse biopsies were mostly concordant for cell-of-origin classification and genetics-based subgroup. Despite this concordance, the number of mutations exclusive to each biopsy increased with time since diagnosis, and late relapses shared few mutations with their diagnostic counterpart, demonstrating a branching evolution pattern. In patients with highly divergent tumors, many of the same genes acquired new mutations independently in each tumor, suggesting that the earliest mutations in a shared precursor cell constrain tumor evolution toward the same genetics-based subgroups at both diagnosis and relapse. Conclusion: These results suggest that late relapses commonly represent genetically distinct and chemotherapy-naïve disease and have implications for optimal patient management.

  Study EGAS00001007053

• Center for Craniofacial and Dental Genetics (CCDG): Genetics of Orofacial Clefts and Related Phenotypes

  The purpose of this study is to investigate the genetics of orofacial clefts (OFCs) in a large study population, and importantly, to incorporate subclinical phenotypic features into these studies. Orofacial clefts (OFCs) comprise a significant fraction of human birth defects (about 1/700 live births (Rahimov et al. 2012) and represent a major public health challenge, as individuals with these anomalies require surgical, nutritional, dental, speech, medical and behavioral interventions, thus imposing a substantial economic and personal burden (Berk and Marazita 2002*). The most common forms include OFCs of the lip alone (CL, Figure 1A), CL plus cleft palate (CL+CP, Figure 1B) or of the palate only (CP, Figure 1C). Individuals born with OFC may have their first surgical repair at age 3 months, but this initial surgery is just the beginning of a lifetime of health burdens. An individual born with an OFC has a hospital use rate increased for most ages (up to 233% increase for children ages 0-10 years and 16% for middle aged adults (Wehby et al. 2012). Healthcare costs for children with OFCs are estimated to be 800% greater compared with their unaffected peers (Boulet et al. 2009). Data from Denmark show that people born with CL with or without CP (CL/P) have an increased mortality up to age 55, which may be attributed to an increased risk of suicide and/or certain cancers (Christensen et al. 2004). The focus of most OFC genetic research has been CL and/or CP. Furthermore, the majority of OFC, i.e. about 70% of CL/P and 50% of CP is considered "nonsyndromic" (Jones 1988), i.e. isolated anomalies with no other apparent cognitive or structural abnormalities. Figure 1 Sample OFC Types A: Bilateral Cleft Lip; B:Cleft Lip plus Cleft Palate; C:Cleft Palate Alone The factors leading to the majority of nonsyndromic OFCs are still unclear, particularly at an individual family level. As is true for many complex traits, substantial progress in gene identification has occurred in the OFC field in the last two years (Dixon et al. 2011; Marazita 2012). Genome Wide Association Studies (GWAS) and sequencing studies to date by our research team and others have focused on genetic risk factors for overt CL/P and CPO-and have been very successful. A major finding from this work is that OFCs exhibit significant genetic heterogeneity, i.e., multiple genetic regions have been implicated (Beaty et al. 2010; Ludwig et al. 2012). Thus, approaches are needed to understand this genetic heterogeneity. Are there GxG interactions at work? Are there subsets of families, each due to a different gene? Our research group has shown that a promising approach to dissect the etiology of OFC is to focus on subclinical phenotypic features within entire cleft families (not just in affected cases, but also in their non-cleft relatives). These subtle features are believed to represent mild manifestations of the same underlying genetic susceptibility responsible for OFCs; as such, their inclusion in case-control and family-based genetic studies can help to clarify and refine the relationship between genotype and phenotype. The study population comprises a large number of families and individuals (~12,000 individuals) from multiple populations worldwide (Caucasians from the US and Europe, Asians from China and the Philippines, Mixed Native American/Caucasians from South America, and Africans from Nigeria and Ethiopia). There are cases, case families (nuclear families and extended kindreds), as well as controls with no history of OFC nor other developmental defects. *Berk NW, Marazita ML (2002) Costs of Cleft lip and Palate: Personal and Societal Implications. In: Wyszynski DF (ed) Cleft Lip and Palate: From Origin to Treatment. Oxford University Press, Inc., New York, pp 458-467.

  Study phs000774

• Population Genetic Testing and SERPINA1 Sequencing Identifies Unidentified Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency Alleles and Gene-Environment Interaction with Hepatitis C Infection

  Design and aims: Data were available through an institutional effort to combine de-identified electronic health records (EHR) data with genomic information from a DNA biobank. The design of this work was a retrospective cohort study in which we investigated the rates of liver transplantation and hepatitis C infection as it relates to genotype risk for alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD). We used regression analysis to look for relationships between these risks and outcomes. This led to further investigation of environmental exposures and phenotypes as it related to the underlying genotypic risk. Population information: The cohort consisted of 72,027 individuals of European ancestry for whom genotype and EHR data were available. Molecular technologies employed: Genome-wide genotyping was previously performed using the Illumina Infinium Expanded Multi-Ethnic Genotyping Array plus custom content (referred to as the Vanderbilt University Medical Center BioVU MEGAEX). Individuals' AATD-related alleles were inferred from the genotyping data. Principal findings of the study: Liver transplantation was associated with presence of the Z AATD allele and with hepatitis C infection. There was a significant interaction between AATD genotype groups and hepatitis C infection as it related to liver transplantation. Data available through dbGaP: Inferred AATD genotype status, sex, age, length of EHR in years, presence/absence of AATD clinical diagnosis, liver transplant status, and hepatitis C infection status.

  Study phs003297

• Aurora US Metastatic Breast Cancer Retrospective Project

  The AURORA US Metastatic Breast Cancer project is funded by the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) Evelyn H. Lauder Founder's Fund for Metastatic Breast Cancer Research. This multi-center effort conducted within the Translational Breast Cancer Research Consortium (TBCRC) and cancer researchers to better understand the metastatic process through the study of both the primary and metastatic tissue. In the retrospective phase, TBCRC sites submitted matched primary and metastatic tissues and blood from previous collections for piloting the process. Samples were profiled using whole genome DNA sequencing, whole exome DNA sequencing, DNA methylation arrays, and RNA sequencing. The final freeze set for samples with successful nucleic acid extraction and molecular assays included 55 patients with 31 primary tissues and 102 metastases. Twenty patients had tissue collected at autopsy and included 19 with more than one metastasis. Metastases were from 20 different tissue locations with the most common sites being liver, lung, lymph node, and brain. The median age at primary diagnosis was 49 years. The clinical subtypes of the primary tumors were 34% Triple Negative, 30% ER+HER2-, 11% ER+HER2+, and 7% ER-HER2+. Patients received an average of 3 lines of therapy in the metastatic setting. The median overall survival from primary diagnosis was 4.5 years and overall survival from metastatic diagnosis was 2 years.

  Study phs002622

• Osteosarcoma Genomics

  In this study we attempt to elucidate the genomic characteristics of osteosarcoma. Clinical characteristics 58 tumor / normal pairs from 58 patients were included in the study. Median age at diagnosis was 12 years. 49% of the patients were male and 47% had metastases at diagnosis. 5 year overall survival was 49% for the entire population, 33% for patients with metastatic disease and 64% for patients with localized disease. Patients with metastatic disease at diagnosis had a significantly worse overall survival. All cases except 2 were sporadic and no patients had stigmata of Rothmund-Thomson, Bloom's or Werner's syndromes or Paget's disease. Two familial cases were affected siblings from a family in which there were 2 unaffected parents and 2 unaffected siblings. None of the patients had known Li Fraumeni or hereditary retinoblastoma. Sample Selection and Clinical Data Samples were contributed by hospitals in Brazil, Spain, Mexico and the United States. All patients had histopathology confirmed to be osteosarcoma by a pathologist at the local institution. All but 5 tumor specimens sequenced were obtained pre-chemotherapy from the primary tumor at the time of diagnosis. 2 tumor specimens were obtained pre-chemotherapy from a metastatic tumor at the time of diagnosis. 3 tumor specimens were obtained post-chemotherapy from a metastatic tumor.

  Study phs000699

• Genomics of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

  Despite the growing incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) due to increased hepatitis C virus infection and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis in Western populations, the genetic determinants of this cancer have yet to be established. A minority (15-20%) of HCC occurs in livers without cirrhosis or other chronic disease. Because the liver is functionally preserved in these patients and surgical resection of the tumor may be performed safely, and because of the scarcity of livers available for transplantation, non-cirrhotic patients undergo surgical resection for HCC treatment. These resected tumors present investigatory opportunities in two ways: First, they provide tumor specimen which have not been treated with chemotherapy and embolization. Second, the absence of cirrhosis may provide an unconfounded background from which to investigate the genetic tumorigenesis of HCC. In livers with cirrhosis, genetic instability is prevalent as assessed by assays for microsatellite instability, loss of heterozygosity and aberrant DNA methylation. In contrast, in livers without cirrhosis, the non-tumor tissue surrounding HCC have been found to have fewer genetic aberrations. It has been postulated that the pathologic process of cirrhosis may result in the accumulation of many "passenger"; as well as "driver" mutations, and that the examination of the HCC cancer genome may be facilitated in non-cirrhotic livers because of the absence of an accumulated background noise of mutations.

  Study phs001106

• Whole exome and transcriptome analysis of UV-exposed epidermis and carcinoma in situ reveals early drivers of carcinogenesis

  Squamous cell carcinoma in situ (SCCIS) is a prevalent precancerous lesion that can progress to cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC). Although SCCIS is common, its pathogenesis remains poorly understood. To better understand SCCIS development, we performed laser-captured microdissection of human SCCIS and adjacent epidermis to isolate genomic DNA and RNA for next generation sequencing. Whole exome sequencing (WES) identified UV-signature mutations in multiple genes including Notch 1-3 (GeneID:4851, GeneID:4853, GeneID:4854) in the epidermis and SCCIS and oncogenic TP53 (GeneID:7157) mutations in SCCIS. Novel gene families, including SCHLAFEN genes, contained UV/oxidative-signature disruptive (UVD) epidermal mutations that manifested positive selection in SCCIS. The frequency and distribution of NOTCH and TP53 mutations indicate that NOTCH mutations may precede TP53 mutations. RNA sequencing identified 1166 differentially expressed genes; the top 5 enriched GO biological processes included: 1) immune response, 2) epidermal development, 3) protein phosphorylation, 4) regulation of catalytic activity, and 5) cytoskeletal regulation. The NEURL1 ubiquitin ligase, which targets Notch ligands for degradation, was upregulated in SCCIS. Neuralized 1 protein was found to be elevated in SCCIS suggesting that increased levels could represent a novel mechanism for downregulating Notch during UV-induced carcinogenesis. The data from DNA and RNA sequencing of epidermis and SCCIS provide insights regarding SCCIS formation.

  Study phs002019

• The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) Genetics of Genetic Epidemiology of Metabolic Syndrome in an Island Population

  The major objective of this study was to conduct a systematic genetic study of metabolic traits involved in metabolic syndrome through collection and analysis of epidemiological, demographic, environmental, and relevant biological and clinical data from a relatively isolated island population of the eastern Adriatic coast of Croatia. The population was chosen for the following reasons: 1) in spite of practicing a largely traditional life style and dietary habits, high rates of obesity, arterial hypertension, dyslipidemia and related metabolic abnormalities were found in previous studies; 2) the population was established by a relatively small number of founders, predominantly of Slavic descent from the mainland during 15th to 18th century AD, a genetically homogeneous population living in a homogeneous environment; 3) sharing a common European ancestry, a relevant population for study in the context of the general US population; 4) Croatian collaborators have been conducting anthropological and genetic studies in these communities for over three decades. There were two major aims of the study: 1) to recruit ~1200 adult participants and collect blood samples together with demographic, anthropometric, environmental and clinical data from the island of Hvar; to perform biochemical tests to measure glucose, insulin, uric acid and lipid levels; 2) conduct a genome-wide association analysis of metabolic traits and phenotypes using genome-wide SNP arrays (Affymetrix Genome-Wide Human SNP Array 5.0).

  Study phs000737

• NHLBI TOPMed: Genome-Wide Association Study of Adiposity in Samoans

  The individuals sequenced here represent a small subset of the parent study (described below) and were carefully selected for the purpose of creating a Samoan-specific reference panel for imputation back into the parent study. The INFOSTIP algorithm of Gusev et. al. (2012) (PMID: 22135348) was used to optimally choose the individuals for sequencing. The research goal of the parent study (dbGaP ID phs000914) is to identify genetic variation that increases susceptibility to obesity and cardiometabolic phenotypes among adult Samoans using genome-wide association (GWAS) methods. DNA from peripheral blood and phenotypic information were collected from 3,119 adult Samoans, 23 to 70 years of age. The participants reside throughout the independent nation of Samoa, which is experiencing economic development and the nutrition transition. Genotyping was performed with the Affymetrix Genome-Wide Human SNP 6.0 Array using a panel of approximately 900,000 SNPs. Anthropometric, fasting blood biomarkers and detailed dietary, physical activity, health and socio-demographic variables were collected. We are replicating the GWAS findings in an independent sample of 2,500 Samoans from earlier studies. After replication of genomic regions and informative SNPs in those regions, we will determine sequences of the important genes, and determine the specific genetic variants in the sequenced genes that are associated with adiposity and related cardiometabolic conditions. We will also identify gene by environment interactions, focusing on dietary intake patterns and nutrients.

  Study phs000972

• ApoA-1 and Atherosclerosis in Psoriasis

  Apolipoprotein A-1 is a protein localized to high-density lipoprotein that functions to remove cholesterol from tissues for transport back to the liver. Psoriasis is a systemic inflammatory disease associated with poor high-density lipoprotein function and accelerated non-calcified burden by coronary computed tomographic angiography. In this study, 310 psoriasis patients from The Psoriasis, Atherosclerosis, and Cardiometabolic Disease Initiative (PACI) were studied at baseline to determine if levels of circulating apolipoprotein A-1 predict early onset coronary artery disease in inflammatory conditions. Of the 310 participants, 124 were followed for four years to determine if apolipoprotein A-1 predicts non-calcified coronary burden over time. The primary outcome of this study was non-calcified coronary burden by coronary computed tomography angiography. To assess non-calcified coronary burden, participants underwent coronary computed tomography angiography using the same scanner (320-detector row Aquilion ONE ViSION, Toshiba, Japan). For ApoA-1 quantification, fasting blood draw was performed the same day as the coronary computed tomography angiography. The 400MHz proton Vantera Clinical Analyzer was used to quantify Plasma apolipoprotein A-1. The study determined that low levels of apolipoprotein A-1 are associated with increased coronary artery burden and that this relationship persists over time. The data are available through dbGaP and the dataset includes all variables reported in the manuscript.

  Study phs003231

• NHLBI TOPMed: Evaluation of COPD Longitudinally to Identify Predictive Surrogate Endpoints (ECLIPSE)

  ECLIPSE was a longitudinal observational study of 2164 COPD subjects and a smaller number of smoking controls (337) and nonsmoking controls (245) followed regularly for three years, with three chest CT scans (at baseline, one year, and three years) (Vestbo et al., 2008, PMID: 18216052). Subjects were enrolled at clinical centers in the US, Canada, Europe, and New Zealand. Inclusion criteria included subjects ages 40-75, at least 10 pack-years of smoking, and spirometry in GOLD grades 2-4 (COPD cases) or normal spirometry with post-bronchodilator FEV1 >85% (predicted) and FEV1/FVC>0.7 (controls). Study visits were performed at enrollment, three months, and every six months thereafter with spirometry, questionnaires, and other clinical evaluations. The ECLIPSE CT scans have been analyzed with the VIDA software for emphysema and airway phenotypes. ECLIPSE has provided key insights into the clinical epidemiology of COPD, including COPD exacerbations (Hurst, et. al., 2010, PMID: 20843247) and lung function decline in COPD (Vestbo, et. al., 2011, PMID: 21991892). ECLIPSE has been used in a number of genetic studies of COPD susceptibility and protein biomarkers (Faner, et. al., 2014, PMID: 24310110). Genome-wide gene expression microarray data are available in 147 induced sputum samples from COPD subjects and 248 peripheral blood samples from COPD and control subjects. Phenotype data for ECLIPSE subjects is available through dbGaP phs001252.

  Study phs001472

• Clinical Study of Intermittent Positive Pressure Breathing (IPPB-BioLINCC)

  Data Access NOTE: Please refer to the “Authorized Access” section below for information about how access to the data from this accession differs from many other dbGaP accessions. Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy of long-term intermittent positive pressure breathing (IPPB) treatment when used as an adjunct to the overall care of ambulatory outpatients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The evaluation compared the use of IPPB with use of a powered nebulizer.Participants: A total of 3218 participants were enrolled.Design: Multicenter randomized controlled clinical trial. Conclusions: Compliance with treatment, lung function, and quality of life were evaluated at regular intervals during follow-up, and records were kept of hospitalizations and vital status. Treatment compliance was less than optimal; only half of the participants used their devices for the prescribed amount of time or 10 minutes at least three times a day. Although this was disappointing, it was probably the best compliance that could be attained. There was no statistically significant difference between the treatment groups in mortality, rate and duration of hospitalizations, or change in lung function or life quality with time, overall or for clinically relevant subgroups. The trial group saw no advantage of IPPB over compressor nebulizer therapy and concluded that, if an advantage existed, it must be marginal.

  Study phs004010

• National Institute on Aging Genetics of Alzheimer's Disease Data Storage Site (NIAGADS)

  NIAGADS is an NIH controlled-access data repository that collaborates with researchers around the world to facilitate data access and sharing for genomic and associated omics data related to Alzheimer's Disease (AD), Alzheimer's Disease Related Dementias (ADRD), as well as healthy aging. Serving as the data coordinating center for the Alzheimer's Disease Sequencing Project (ADSP), NIAGADS hosts all ADSP-generated whole-exome, whole-genome and associated phenotypes. Other data types hosted by NIAGADS include genotype SNP arrays, functional omics, fluid biomarkers, aggregated imaging data (such as volumetric data for brain regions of interest), and summary statistics. In adherence with NIH security best practices and genome data sharing policies, NIAGADS supports data access requests through review by an NIH-appointed and registered Data Access Committee. Data stored within NIAGADS cannot be requested via dbGaP. Data requests must go through the NIAGADS Data Sharing Service (DSS) via the following NIAGADS url: https://dss.niagads.org/. Questions related to the request of data should be directed to the NIAGADS admin team at: niagads@pennmedicine.upenn.edu. DSS is a FISMA certified platform built by a team of data scientists at the University of Pennsylvania to support the request and access of AD/ADRD data by qualified researchers internationally. Questions related to the use of data hosted in the DSS should be directed to the Portal admin team at: help@niagads.org.

  Study phs004180

• The Haplotype-Resolved Genome and Epigenome of the Aneuploid HeLa Cancer Cell Line

  The genomic architecture of HeLa remains largely unexplored beyond its karyotype, partly because like many cancers, its extensive aneuploidy renders such analyses challenging. We carried out haplotype-resolved whole-genome sequencing of the HeLa CCL-2 strain, examined point- and indel-mutation variations, mapped copy-number variations and loss of heterozygosity regions, and phased variants across full chromosome arms. We also investigated variation and copy-number profiles for HeLa S3 and eight additional strains. We find that HeLa is relatively stable in terms of point variation, with few new mutations accumulating after early passaging. Haplotype resolution facilitated reconstruction of an amplified, highly rearranged region of chromosome 8q24.21 at which integration of the human papilloma virus type 18 (HPV-18) genome occurred and that is likely to be the event that initiated tumorigenesis. We combined these maps with RNA-seq and ENCODE Project data sets to phase the HeLa epigenome. This revealed strong, haplotype specific activation of the proto-oncogene MYC by the integrated HPV-18 genome approximately 500 kilobases upstream, and enabled global analyses of the relationship between gene dosage and expression. These data provide an extensively phased, high-quality reference genome for past and future experiments relying on HeLa, and demonstrate the value of haplotype resolution for characterizing cancer genomes and epigenomes. Reprinted from Adey et. al. 2013, Nature, with permission from Nature Publishing Group.

  Study phs000642

• Identification of RNA biomarkers in Parkinson's disease iPSC-derived neuronal cells

  Parkinson?s disease (PD) is an age-related, chronic and progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by a loss of multifocal neurons and subsequent motor symptoms. These overt motor symptoms are often preceded by prodromal non-motor symptoms. Though a number of genetic and environmental factors have been identified to play a role in PD, more exact methods for both diagnosing and assessing prognosis are yet to be discovered. Probing the transcriptomes of control and PD cells can give some interesting insight into changes caused by the disease (in both coding and non-coding gene expression), highlighting potential RNA biomarkers that may be used for PD diagnosis and as new drug targets. The study consists of two main sources of data: matched neural stem cell (NSC) and fully differentiated dopaminergic neurons derived from iPS cells. Both sets of data are made up of three samples from a control cell line, and five samples carrying a mutation in one of several genes known to be linked to heritable PD: PARK2, PARK22 or PARK9. All transcriptome libraries were synthesized and sequenced using no-amplification non-tagging cap analysis of gene expression (nAnT-iCAGE) on the Illumina HiSeq 2500 platform. Resulting data was mapped to the human genome annotation (hg38) and processed CAGE tags were clustered ready for differential expression analyses. The 16 samples here described were sequenced across two lanes.

  Study JGAS000142

• Identification of RNA biomarkers in Parkinson's disease iPSC-derived neuronal cells

  Parkinson���s disease (PD) is an age-related, chronic and progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by a loss of multifocal neurons and subsequent motor symptoms. These overt motor symptoms are often preceded by prodromal non-motor symptoms. Though a number of genetic and environmental factors have been identified to play a role in PD, more exact methods for both diagnosing and assessing prognosis are yet to be discovered. Probing the transcriptomes of control and PD cells can give some interesting insight into changes caused by the disease (in both coding and non-coding gene expression), highlighting potential RNA biomarkers that may be used for PD diagnosis and as new drug targets. The study consists of two main sources of data: matched neural stem cell (NSC) and fully differentiated dopaminergic neurons derived from iPS cells. Both sets of data are made up of three samples from a control cell line, and five samples carrying a mutation in one of several genes known to be linked to heritable PD: PARK2, PARK22 or PARK9. All transcriptome libraries were synthesized and sequenced using no-amplification non-tagging cap analysis of gene expression (nAnT-iCAGE) on the Illumina HiSeq 2500 platform. Resulting data was mapped to the human genome annotation (hg38) and processed CAGE tags were clustered ready for differential expression analyses. The 16 samples here described were sequenced across two lanes.

  Study JGAS000318

• WES of 2 human osteosarcoma and corresponding cell lines

  Progress in the systemic control of osteosarcoma has been limited over the past decades thus indicating the urgent clinical need for the development of novel treatment strategies. Therefore, we have recently developed new preclinical models to study promising novel agents for the treatment of pediatric osteosarcoma. The checkpoint kinase (chk) inhibitor prexasertib (LY2606368) and its salt form (LSN2940930) have recently been shown to be active in adult and pediatric malignancies, including sarcoma. We have now tested the potency of prexasertib in clonogenic survival assays in two new lines of primary patient-derived osteosarcoma cells and in two established osteosarcoma cell lines as a single agent and in combination with cisplatin and the poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitor talazoparib. Prexasertib alone results in strongly reduced clonogenic survival at low nanomolar concentrations and acts by affecting cell cycle progression, induction of apoptosis and induction of double-stranded DNA breakage at concentrations that are well below clinically tolerable and safe plasma concentrations. In combination with cisplatin and talazoparib, prexasertib acts in a synergistic fashion. Chk1 inhibition by prexasertib and its combination with the DNA damaging agent cisplatin and the PARP-inhibitor talazoparib thus emerges as a potential new treatment option for pediatric osteosarcoma which will now have to be tested in preclinical primary patient derived in vivo models and clinical studies.

  Study EGAS00001003923

• Exome and RNA sequencing of relapsed TCF3-PBX1 t(1;19) acute lymphoblastic leukemia

  TCF3-PBX1 (E2A-PBX1) is a recurrent gene fusion in B-cell precursor lymphoblastic leukemia (BCP-ALL), which is caused by the translocation t(1;19)(q23;p13). TCF3-PBX1 BCP-ALL patients typically benefit from chemotherapy; however, many relapse and subsequently develop resistant disease with few effective treatment options. Mechanisms driving disease progression and therapy resistance have not been studied in TCF3-PBX1 BCP-ALL. Here, we aimed to identify novel treatment options for TCF3-PBX1 BCP-ALL by profiling leukemia cells from a relapsed patient, and determine molecular mechanisms underlying disease pathogenesis and progression. By drug sensitivity testing of leukemic blasts from the index patient, control samples and TCF3-PBX1 positive and negative BCP-ALL cell lines, we identified the phosphatidylinositide 3-kinase delta (p110δ) inhibitor idelalisib as an effective treatment for TCF3-PBX1 BCP-ALL. This was further supported by evidence showing TCF3-PBX1 directly regulates expression of PIK3CD, the gene encoding p110δ. Other somatic mutations to TP53 and MTOR, as well as aberrant expression of CXCR4, may influence additional drug sensitivities specific to the index patient and accompanied progression of the disease. Our results suggest that idelalisib is a promising treatment option for patients with TCF3-PBX1 BCP-ALL while other drugs could be useful depending on the genetic context of individual patients.

  Study EGAS00001001876

• Identification_of_cardiovascular_biomarkers_through_an_integrative_omics_approach

  Recent GWAS studies have made extensive use of large eQTL data sets to functionallyannotate index SNPs. With a large number of association signals located outside codingregions there has been an intense search among sequence variants affecting geneexpression at the transcriptional level. However, little progress has been made in mappingregulatory variants that affect protein levels at the translational or post-translational level. It isnow possible to undertake a protein QTL scan for focused sets of e.g. oxidized proteins bymass spectrometry. We have established a collaboration with a longitudinal, family-basedstudy in France, the Stanislas cohort, which comprises circa 1000 nuclear families (4,295individuals) and has follow up data for 10 years (three visits). We have undertaken a pilotstudy in a focus set of 257 subjects from 79 families with the aim to integrate GWAS,transcriptomic and DNA methylation data with proteomic data on a set of 100 proteinsmeasured in PBMCs. We have already generated GWAS data using Illumina's core-exomechip as well as DNA methylation profiles with the 450K array. We propose to use RNA seq togenerate transcriptomic data of the corresponding PBMCs.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 EGAS00001000711

• Using_genetics_to_identify_cell_types_and_mechanisms_underlying_susceptibility_to_primary_sclerosing_cholangitis

  Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a T-cell mediated, chronic inflammatory condition of the biliary tree that is strongly associated with inflammatory bowel disease. Genome-wide association studies have identified 22 non-HLA genetic risk variants associated PSC. Identifying the genes impacted by these variants has proven difficult as the majority lie in non-coding regions of the genome. Knowledge of the genes and biological pathways these non-coding variants are perturbing is vital to understanding the disease biology. One means of assessing the impact of non-coding variants within disease associated loci upon genes is via colocalisation with eQTL. Many eQTL are cell-type specific, requiring the analysis of disease relevant cell types to detect colocalisation. We have collected PSC-relevant T-cell-subtypes from the peripheral blood of PSC patients via fluorescence activated cell sorting in preparation for RNA sequencing and mapping of eQTL. Samples were collected at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hopital, for which local ethical approval has been granted. Lysed cell samples will be transferred to WTSI and DNA/RNA will be extracted from lysed cell samples by T143 before genotyping (DNA) and custom library preparation and sequencing (RNA). 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 EGAS00001002643

• mFAST-SeqS

  Recent progress in the analysis of cell-free DNA fragments (cell-free circulating tumor DNA, ctDNA) now allows monitoring of tumor genomes by non-invasive means. However, previous studies with plasma DNA from patients with cancer demonstrated highly variable allele frequencies of ctDNA. The comprehensive analysis of tumor genomes is greatly facilitated when plasma DNA has increased amounts of ctDNA. Therefore, a fast and cost-effective pre-screening method to identify such plasma samples without previous knowledge about alterations in the respective tumor genome could assist in the selection of samples suitable for further extensive qualitative analysis. To address this, we adapted the recently described FAST-SeqS method, which was originally established as a simple and effective, non-invasive screening method for fetal aneuploidy from maternal blood. We show that our modified FAST-SeqS method (mFAST-SeqS) can be used as a pre-screening tool for an estimation of the ctDNA percentage. Using a combined evaluation of genome-wide and chromosome-arm specific z-scores from dilution series with cell line DNA and by comparisons of plasma-Seq profiles with data from mFAST-SeqS, we established a detection limit of 10% or more of mutant alleles. Plasma samples with an mFAST-SeqS z-score above 5 showed highly concordant results compared to copy number profiles obtained from our previously described plasma-Seq approach.

  Study EGAS00001001133

• Using_genetics_to_identify_cell_types_and_mechanisms_underlying_susceptibility_to_primary_sclerosing_cholangitis

  Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a T-cell mediated, chronic inflammatory condition of the biliary tree that is strongly associated with inflammatory bowel disease. Genome-wide association studies have identified 22 non-HLA genetic risk variants associated PSC. Identifying the genes impacted by these variants has proven difficult as the majority lie in non-coding regions of the genome. Knowledge of the genes and biological pathways these non-coding variants are perturbing is vital to understanding the disease biology. One means of assessing the impact of non-coding variants within disease associated loci upon genes is via colocalisation with eQTL. Many eQTL are cell-type specific, requiring the analysis of disease relevant cell types to detect colocalisation. We have collected PSC-relevant T-cell-subtypes from the peripheral blood of PSC patients via fluorescence activated cell sorting in preparation for RNA sequencing and mapping of eQTL. Samples were collected at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hopital, for which local ethical approval has been granted. Lysed cell samples will be transferred to WTSI and DNA/RNA will be extracted from lysed cell samples by T143 before genotyping (DNA) and custom library preparation and sequencing (RNA). 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 EGAS00001002642

• Bulk-tissue RNA-sequencing of anterior cingulate cortex samples derived from Lewy body disease patients

  Parkinson’s disease (PD), Parkinson’s disease with dementia (PDD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) are three clinically, genetically and neuropathologically overlapping neurodegenerative diseases collectively known as the Lewy body diseases (LBDs). A variety of molecular mechanisms have been implicated in PD pathogenesis, but the mechanisms underlying PDD and DLB remain largely unknown, a knowledge gap that presents an impediment to the discovery of disease-modifying therapies. Transcriptomic profiling can contribute to addressing this gap, but remains limited in the LBDs. Here, we applied paired bulk-tissue and single-nucleus RNA-sequencing to anterior cingulate cortex samples derived from 28 individuals, including healthy controls, PD, PDD and DLB cases (n = 7 per group), to transcriptomically profile the LBDs. Using this approach, we (i) found transcriptional alterations in multiple cell types across the LBDs; (ii) discovered evidence for widespread dysregulation of RNA splicing, particularly in PDD and DLB; (iii) identified potential splicing factors, with links to other dementia-related neurodegenerative diseases, coordinating this dysregulation; and (iv) identified transcriptomic commonalities and distinctions between the LBDs that inform understanding of the relationships between these three clinical disorders. Together, these findings have important implications for the design of RNA-targeted therapies for these diseases and highlight a potential molecular “window” of therapeutic opportunity between the initial onset of PD and subsequent development of Lewy body dementia.

  Study EGAS00001005305

• Single cell transcriptomics of hESC-derived midbrain dopaminergic neurons generated by a new human development-based protocol

  Recent advances in stem cell technologies provide new opportunities for regenerative medicine and Parkinson’s disease modelling. However, the precise composition and quality of human embryonic stem cell (hESC)-derived preparations at the single cell level, compared to endogenous brain standards, remains to be determined. In addition, multiple developmental pathways important for midbrain dopaminergic (mDA) neuron development remain to be implemented in hESCs. Here we use mouse developmental knowledge and human single cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) data to generate a new development-based protocol to differentiate hESCs into mDA neurons. We found that Laminin 511, dual WNT activation with CHIR99021 and WNT5A, together with FGF8b, improved different aspects of midbrain patterning. Moreover, mDA neurogenesis and differentiation were enhanced by activation of liver X receptors and inhibition of fibroblast growth factor signaling. Analysis of hESC-derived midbrain cultures by scRNA-seq revealed multiple hESC-derived clusters, which resembled those in the endogenous human ventral midbrain. Moreover, high quality mDA neurons were detected and found to progressively acquire functionality in vitro. Thus, we hereby provide a hESC differentiation protocol that recapitulates several aspects of endogenous mDA neuron development, and a strategy to determine cell composition and quality of hESC-derived preparations that can be useful for disease modeling and cell therapy.

  Study EGAS00001006313

• Prognostic relevance of microenvironmental factors CD163 and CD8 combined with EZH2 and chromosome 18 gain in a validation cohort of follicular lymphoma patients of the Lunenburg Lymphoma Biomarker Consortium

  Background: In follicular lymphoma (FL), studies addressing the prognostic value of microenvironment-related immunohistochemical (IHC) markers and tumor cell-related genetic markers have yielded conflicting results, precluding implementation in practice. Therefore, the Lunenburg Lymphoma Biomarker Consortium (LLBC) performed a validation study for published markers. Methods: To maximize sensitivity, an end-of-spectrum design was applied for 122 uniformly immunochemotherapy-treated FL patients retrieved from international trials and registries; early failure (EF): progression or lymphoma-related death <2 years versus long remission: response duration of >5 years. IHC staining for T-cells and macrophages was performed on tissue microarrays from initial biopsy and scored with a validated computer-assisted protocol. Shallow whole-genome and deep targeted sequencing was performed on the same samples. Results: 96/122 cases with complete molecular and immunohistochemical data were included in the analysis. EZH2 wild-type (p=0.006), gain of chromosome 18 (p=0.002), low percentages of CD8+ cells (p=0.011) and CD163+ areas (p=0.038) were associated with EF. No significant differences in other markers were observed, thereby refuting previous claims on their prognostic significance. Conclusion: Using an optimized study design, this LLBC study validates wild-type EZH2 status, gain of chromosome 18, low percentages of CD8+ cells and CD163+ area as predictors of EF to immunochemotherapy in FL.

  Study EGAS00001002049

• A Randomized, Double-Blind, Crossover Study of Sodium Phenylbutyrate (Buphenyl) and Low-Dose Arginine (100 mg/kg/day) Compared to High-Dose Arginine (500 mg/kg/day) Alone on Liver Function, Ureagenesis and Subsequent Nitric Oxide Production in Patients with Argininosuccinic Aciduria (ASA)

  Individuals with Urea Cycle Disorders (UCD) cannot remove ammonia, a waste product, from the blood. At present there is little information on the use of sodium phenylbutyrate (Buphenyl™) in children with argininosuccinic aciduria (ASA). It is hoped that this drug may help lower ammonia and argininosuccinic acid levels in patients with ASA. Through this study we hope to learn whether the use of sodium phenylbutyrate (Buphenyl™) in patients with ASA, in addition to diet and arginine therapy, will decrease liver damage and the number of periods during which ammonia levels are high. The primary study objective is to determine if the treatment of ASA patients with sodium phenylbutyrate (Buphenyl™) in conjunction with lowered doses of arginine improves liver function as measured by short-term assessment of synthetic activity and the use of stable isotope tracers to assess ureagenesis and nitric oxide production. Twelve patients with ASA will be studied using a randomized, cross-over design. Medical records will be reviewed to confirm the diagnosis prior to enrollment. Patients will be on the each arm of the study for one week each preceded by a three day washout period. Patients will come to the Baylor College of Medicine General Clinical Research Center in Texas Children's Hospital for an inpatient hospitalization. This hospitalization is for diet control, clinical evaluation, and stable isotope infusions for measurement of in vivo rates of ureagenesis and nitric oxide production. During the washout periods Buphenyl™ or other alternative route medications, e.g., benzoate, will be discontinued and arginine will be administered at the standard therapeutic dose of 500 mg/kg/day or 10 grams/m2. Following randomization, subjects will be maintained on either high-dose arginine (500 mg/kg/day or 10 grams/m2) alone, or the alternative of low-dose arginine (100 mg/kg/d or 2 grams/m2) along with sodium phenylbutyrate (500 mg/kg/day or 10 grams/m2). For the second week they will be crossed over to the other arm of the study preceded by another three day washout. Previous medications and dietary protein intake (0.6 g/kg/day or current metabolic diet) will be continued during both arms of the study. The two arms may be performed as separate ten-day admissions. The decision to design the study with two arms, high-dose arginine and low-dose arginine/Buphenyl™, was reached after weighing several considerations. First, the current accepted practice for treatment of ASA is high-dose arginine. Based on metabolic flux studies, we have quantified the effects of this dose of arginine as compared to standard doses of Buphenyl™/phenylacetate on ureagenesis. Since the study is not designed or intended to address the independent effects of Buphenyl™ as compared to arginine alone, Buphenyl™ was added for safety reasons to accommodate loss of clearance of nitrogen by decreasing the arginine dose. Moreover, based on our experience with recruiting for previous versions of this study, most ASA patients with liver dysfunction are on an alternative route ammonia scavenger medication in addition to arginine. We found that this has in fact become an accepted practice. Hence, when considering study design from both a safety and recruitment perspective, it was most reasonable to design the study to investigate specifically the hypothesis that the production and presence of argininosuccinic acid leads to liver dysfunction. Since both low-dose arginine with Buphenyl™ and high-dose arginine alone lead to a decreased production of argininosuccinic acid, and both are currently accepted therapies in ASA and UCDs in general, the need to address their effects distinctly is not being investigated at this time. Sodium phenylbutyrate dosage will be 500 mg/kg/day in patients weighing less than 20kg and 10 g/m2/day in larger patients. Daily dosage will be given in equally divided doses 4 times per day. In order to ensure that the study remains double-blind to investigators, study staff and subjects, the Investigational Pharmacy Service at Texas Children's Hospital will dispense both the Buphenyl™ and arginine in powder form which is compounded into capsules or will be mixed with syrpalta (up to 5 grams will dissolve in 10cc liquid) and administered orally or through nasogastric or gastrostomy tube. No nasogastric tube should be placed or gastrostomy performed solely for the purpose of inclusion in this study. Because the reported adverse effects of sodium phenylbutyrate include gastritis, participants will be started on a standard dose of ranitidine (Zantac™), or comparable drug, during both arms of the study.

  Study phs001305

• Neurodevelopmental Genomics: Trajectories of Complex Phenotypes

  This study is a collaboration between the Center for Applied Genomics (CAG) at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and the Brain Behavior Laboratory at the University of Pennsylvania (Penn). The cohort consists of youths aged 8-21 years who consulted the CHOP network and volunteered to participate in genomic studies of complex pediatric disorders. All participants underwent clinical assessment, including a neuropsychiatric structured interview and review of electronic medical records. They were also administered a neuroscience based computerized neurocognitive battery (CNB) and a subsample underwent neuroimaging. These are described separately below. Clinical Testing: GOASSESS, a computerized, structured screener developed from a modified version of the Kiddie-Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia (K-SADS, Kaufman et al. 1997, PMID: 9204677). Components of the interview include a timeline of life events, demographics and medical history, Global Assessment of Functioning, and Interviewer Observations. A psychopathology symptom and criterion-related assessment of mood disorders (depression, mania/hypomania), anxiety disorders (overanxious/generalized-, separation-, social-anxiety, specific phobia, panic disorder, agoraphobia, obsessive compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder), behavioral disorders (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, conduct disorder), psychosis spectrum (psychosis and prodromal symptoms), eating disorders, suicidal thinking and behavior, and treatment history. This is also based on K-SADS. An abbreviated Family Interview for Genetics Studies (FIGS) to assess major domains of psychopathology in the proband's first-degree relatives. Computerized Neurocognitive Battery: The CNB, developed for large-scale studies, yields measures of accuracy and speed for domains of executive-control functions (abstraction, attention, working memory), episodic memory (verbal, facial, spatial), complex cognitive processing (language reasoning, nonverbal reasoning, spatial processing), social cognition (emotion identification, emotion intensity differentiation, age differentiation) and sensorimotor and motor speed. The following neurobehavioral domains were assessed: Penn Conditional Exclusion Test is a measure of abstraction and concept formation. Participants decide which of 4 objects does not belong with the other 3, based on one of three sorting principles, which change. Feedback is used. Attention: The Penn Continuous Performance Test. Participants respond to a set of 7-segment displays whenever they form a digit or letter. Working Memory: The Letter N-back Test displays sequences of uppercase letters with a stimulus duration of 500 ms (ISI 2,500 ms.) In the 0-back condition, participants respond to a single target (i.e., X). In the 1-back condition they respond if the letter is identical to that preceding it. In the 2-back condition, they respond if the letter is identical to that presented two trials back. Verbal Memory: The Penn Word Memory Test presents 20 target words that are then mixed with 20 distracters equated for frequency, length, concreteness and low imageability. A 20 min delayed recall procedure is also administered. Face Memory: The Penn Face Memory Test presents 20 digitized faces that are then mixed with 20 distracters equated for age, gender and ethnicity. The procedure is repeated at 20 min delay. Spatial Memory: The Visual Object Learning Test uses Euclidean shapes as stimuli with the same paradigm as the word and face. Language and Analogical Reasoning: The Penn Verbal Reasoning consists of verbal analogy problems. Spatial Processing: Penn Line Orientation Test presents two lines at an angle, and participants click on a button that makes one line rotate until it has the same angle as the other. Emotion Processing: Facial displays of 4 emotions (Happy, Sad, Anger, Fear) and Neutral faces, 8 each, are presented and the subject identifies the emotion in a multiple-choice format. The facial stimuli are balanced for gender, age, and ethnicity. Sensory-motor Processing Speed: The task requires moving the mouse and clicking on a green square that disappears after the click. The square gets increasingly small and appears in unpredictable locations. Neuroimaging Protocol: Studies were performed at Penn using a Siemens Trio (Erlangen, Germany) 3T scanner equipped with 40mT/m gradients and 200 mT/m/s slew-rates. RF transmission utilized a quadrature body-coil, and reception a 12-channel head coil optimized for parallel imaging. Total image acquisition time was about 45 min. Structural Imaging: The T1-weighted protocol utilized a 3D, inversion-recovery, and magnetization-prepared rapid acquisition gradient echo. Relevant imaging procedures include: Structural magnetic imaging Diffusion tensor imaging ASL perfusion BOLD fMRI Neuroimaging tasks: Fractal N-Back Task of Spatial Working Memory Face Emotion Identification Task Neuroimages: The current data release includes over 9700 MRI images that may be downloaded through Authorized Access.

  Study phs000607

• Ludwig Center for Cancer Genetics and Therapeutics at Johns Hopkins

  Dac EGAC00001000507

• Data access committee for study - The subclonal architecture of metastatic breast cancer: Results from a prospective community-based rapid autopsy program "CASCADE".

  Dac EGAC00001000574

• Data Access Commitee for Dietrich and Wendisch et al., SARS-CoV-2 infection triggers profibrotic macrophage responses and lung fibrosis (Submitted)

  Dac EGAC00001001884

• Data Access Commitee for Dietrich and Wendisch et al., SARS-CoV-2 infection triggers profibrotic macrophage responses and lung fibrosis (Submitted)

  Dac EGAC00001002335

• OICR-DAC, Ontario Institute for Cancer Research

  Dac EGAC00001000591

• OICR-DAC, Ontario Institute for Cancer Research

  Dac EGAC00001000710

• Genome-wide array data from Eivissa and Menorca

  DAC for the Genome-wide array data from 22 Eivissan and 20 Menorcan individuals.

  Dac EGAC50000000297

• DAC anti-MPO BCR sequences

  DAC for the requests of access to data of anti-MPO BCR sequences in the EGA repository,

  Dac EGAC50000000446

• UMCG Immunogenetics DAC

  DAC for the data generated in the Immunogenetics group in the genetics department of the University Medical Center Groningen

  Dac EGAC50000000785