7411 results for "canc*"

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• Korean Lung Cancer - 36 pair WES data

  This study includes 36 paired samples of Korean Lung Cancer paitients.36 Lung Cnacer samples are paired with each normal(Saliva derived for control) sequencing data.The results of this WES study were analyzed by Mutect and GATK for ranking germline variants and cancer variants to make mutational profile matrix.

  Study EGAS00001002843

• Circulating tumour DNA abundance and potential utility in de novo metastatic prostate cancer

  Several systemic therapeutic options exist for metastatic castration sensitive prostate cancer (mCSPC). Circulating tumour DNA can profile metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer and influence treatment decisions, but remains untested in mCSPC. We set out to determine ctDNA abundance at de novo mCSPC diagnosis and whether ctDNA provides complementary clinically relevant information to a prostate biopsy. We collected and sequenced 77 plasma cell-free DNA samples from 53 newly diagnosed patients with mCSPC. Targeted sequencing was also performed on DNA from 48 diagnostic prostate tissue samples.

  Study EGAS00001003351

• Genomic Profiling of Thyroid Cancer Reveals a Role for Thyroglobulin in Metastasis -Part II

  Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) has a wide geographic variation in incidence, being highest in Saudi Arabia where it is only second to breast cancer as the most common cancer among females. Genomic profiling of PTC from Saudi Arabia has not been attempted previously. We performed whole-exome sequencing of 101 PTC samples and the corresponding genomic DNA to identify genes with recurrent somatic mutations, followed by sequencing of these genes using a next-generation gene panel approach in further 785 samples. In addition to BRAF, N-RAS and H-RAS, which have previously been shown to be recurrently mutated in PTC, our analysis highlights additional genes, including thyroglobulin (TG), which harbored somatic mutations in 3% of the entire cohort. Surprisingly, although TG mutations were not exclusive to mutations in the RAS-MAP kinase pathway, their presence was associated with a significantly worse clinical outcome, which suggests a pathogenic role beyond driving initial oncogenesis. Analysis of metastatic PTC tissue revealed significant enrichment for TG mutations (p<0.001), including events of apparent clonal expansion. Our results suggest a previously unknown role of TG somatic mutations in the pathogenesis of PTC and its malignant evolution.

  Study EGAS00001003357

• Neoadjuvant chemotherapy alters the genomic landscape and immune microenvironment of breast cancers

  To characterize the effects of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) on the genome, transcriptome and tumor infiltrating leukocytes (TILs), we have conducted whole exome and whole transcriptome sequencing of a comprehensive, longitudinal breast cancer cohort consisting of 146 cases and 281 paired tumor samples. In total, 52 (38%) patients achieved pathologic complete response (pCR) while 85 patients (62%) had residual disease with standard chemotherapy regimen. Tumor biopsies were collected for each patient at three time points – pre-treatment, three weeks after the first cycle of anthracycline and cyclophosphamide (AC) and at the time of surgery after 3 more cycles of AC followed by 4 cycles of taxane or taxane plus Herceptin in case of HER2+ subtype.

  Study EGAS00001003354

• Single-cell RNA-seq of immune cells sorted from human melanoma tumors

  Tumor immune cell compositions play a major role in response to immunotherapy but the heterogeneity and dynamics of immune infiltrates in human cancer lesions remain poorly characterized. Here we identify conserved intratumoral CD4 and CD8 T cell behaviors in scRNA-seq data from 25 melanoma patients. We discover a large population of CD8 T cells showing continuous progression from an early effector "transitional" into a dysfunctional T cell state. CD8 T cells that express a complete cytotoxic gene set are rare, and TCR sharing data suggest their independence from the transitional and dysfunctional cell states. Notably, we demonstrate that dysfunctional T cells are the major intratumoral proliferating immune cell compartment and that the intensity of the dysfunctional signature is associated with tumor-reactivity. Our data demonstrate that CD8 T cells previously defined as exhausted, are in fact a highly proliferating, clonal and dynamically differentiating cell population within the human tumor microenvironment.

  Study EGAS00001003363

• Anaplastic_Meningioma_WGS_X10

  Anaplastic meningiomas are a rare, malignant variant of meningioma. At present there is no effective treatment for this cancer. The aim of the study is to identify somatic mutations in anaplastic meningiomas. We plan to sequence a set of 500 known cancer genes in 50 anaplastic meningioma and corresponding peripheral blood DNA samples. Bioinformatics will be used to analyse the results to assess the probability of these mutations being causal and so likely of critical importance for the tumour growth. Identification of these mutations will guide selection of appropriate compounds to effectively treat the disease.

  Study EGAS00001000859

• Integrated genomic characterization of adrenocortical carcinoma

  Adrenocortical carcinomas (ACC) are aggressive cancers originating in the cortex of the adrenal glands. Despite the overall poor prognosis, ACC outcome is heterogeneous. CTNNB1 and TP53 mutations are frequent in these tumors, but the complete spectrum of genetic changes remains undefined. Exome sequencing and SNP array analysis of 45 ACC revealed recurrent alterations in known drivers (CTNNB1, TP53, CDKN2A, RB1, MEN1) and genes not previously reported to be altered in ACC (ZNRF3, DAXX, TERT and MED12), which were validated in an independent cohort of 77 ACC. The cell-surface transmembrane E3 ubiquitin ligase ZNRF36 was the gene the most frequently altered (21%), and appears as a potential novel tumor suppressor gene related to the ß-catenin pathway. Our integrated genomic analyses led to the identification of two distinct molecular subgroups with opposite outcome. The C1A group of poor outcome ACC was characterized by numerous mutations and DNA methylation alterations, whereas the C1B group with good prognosis displayed a specific deregulation of two miRNA clusters. Thus, aggressive and indolent ACC correspond to two distinct molecular entities, driven by different oncogenic alterations.Array based dataset for this study has been made public at:http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/geo/query/acc.cgi?acc=GSE49280.

  Study EGAS00001000665

• Microsatellite unstable colorectal cancers

  Immune escape has been recognised as one of the hallmarks of cancer. Overcoming this immunomodulatory process by tumour cells has become a major therapeutic target. Here we utilize organoid technology to study immune-cancer interactions and assess immunomodulation by colorectal cancer (CRC). Transcriptional profiling and flow cytometry revealed that organoids maintain differential expression of immunomodulatory molecules present in primary tumours. Finally, we established a method to model antigen-specific epithelial cell killing and cancer immunomodulation in vitro using CRC organoids co-cultured with cytotoxic T cells. Our method may serve as a first step to rebuilding the tumor microenvironment in vitro.

  Study EGAS00001003366

• MutWP5__CRUK_Mutographs_of_Cancer__BRCA_Carriers___Exome__Novaseq_

  Cancer is a genetic disease caused by an accumulation of mutations, however many of these mutations have been identified in pathologically normal tissue. We aim to use laser-capture microscopy (LCM) to sample individual clones from breast tissue to identify whether cancer-associated mutations appear in this normal tissue, assess the mutational burden present, and identify the mutational processes causing these mutations. We will sample from a wide age range of individuals (<20 to >60 years old) to determine whether these processes differ in pre- and post-menopausal women. We will also be comparing the tissue from healthy individuals (samples from breast reduction surgery) to those at elevated risk of breast cancer (mastectomy from BRCA1/2 patients) and those who have breast cancer (adjacent normal, distal normal, and tumour tissue from mastectomy). This will allow us to determine how these processes are different between these groups of individuals, and gain insight into the earliest stages of tumor development.

  Study EGAS00001003526

• Chromatin run-on and RNA sequencing of fibrolamellar carcinoma

  Fibrolamellar carcinoma (FLC) is a rare, therapeutically intractable liver cancer that disproportionately affects youth. Here we used chromatin run-on sequencing to characterize the enhancer landscape in FLC and RNA sequencing to identify dysregulated genes in FLC.

  Study EGAS00001004169

• WGS of liver cancer in the Japanese population

  Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cancer-related cause of death and the seventh most common form of cancer worldwide, with an estimate of more than 700,000 new cases each year. The most established risk factors of HCC are chronic HBV and HCV infection. HBV infection is responsible for over 50% of the worldwide attributable risk of HCC, especially in East Asia and Africa, while in Japan and several Western countries HCV infection is the most common risk factor for HCC. To gain insights into the molecular alterations of virus-associated HCC, we performed whole genome sequencing (WGS) of 321 HCC tumors from 159 patients. This work was performed as a part of the ICGC (International Cancer Genome Consortium) project.

  Study EGAS00001000678

• Detection of mutational patterns in cell free DNA (cfDNA) of colorectal cancer by custom amplicon sequencing

  Monitoring the mutational patterns of solid tumors during cancer therapy is a major challenge in oncology. Analysis of mutations in cell free (cf) DNA offers a non-invasive approach to detect mutations that may be prognostic for disease survival or predictive for primary or secondary drug resistance. A main challenge for the application of cfDNA as a diagnostic tool is the diverse mutational landscape of cancer. Here, we developed a flexible end-to-end experimental and bioinformatics workflow to analyze mutations in cfDNA using custom amplicon sequencing. Our approach relies on open software tools to select primers suitable for multiplex PCR using minimal cfDNA as input. In addition, we developed a robust linear model to identify specific genetic alterations from sequencing data of cfDNA. We used our method to design a custom amplicon panel suitable for detection of hotspot mutations relevant for colorectal cancer and analyzed mutations in serial cfDNA samples from 34 patients with advanced colorectal cancer. Our data demonstrates that recurrent and patient-specific mutational patterns can be reliably detected for the majority of patients. Furthermore, we show that the allele frequency of mutations in cfDNA correlates well with disease progression. Finally, we demonstrate that monitoring of cfDNA can outperform the predictive power of currently used tumor markers and reveal mechanisms of resistance to anti-EGFR antibody treatment.

  Study EGAS00001003382

• FFPE_CPA_Accreditation_Study__Part_2

  FFPE CPA accreditation of genome-scale sequencing in routinely collected formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) cancer specimens versus matched fresh-frozen samples using targeted pulldown capture prior to Illumina sequencing.

  Study EGAS00001000692

• HSC_population_dynamics___CB001_samples

  My research project aims to use the clonal dynamics of spontaneously occurring somatic mutations to answer fundamental questions about human haematopoietic stem cell (HSC) biology. The four major questions I will address are: 1. How do age and aging affect normal human HSC dynamics in vivo? 2. How do in vivo perturbations, particularly chemotherapy and increased levels of reactive oxygen species, affect HSC population dynamics? 3. Is response to in vitro perturbation heritable and/or correlated with other features such as age of individual and contribution of the lineage to peripheral blood? 4. How are HSC dynamics altered in people with early driver mutations (clonal haematopoiesis)?

  Study EGAS00001003397

• ESGI_Exome_sequencing_in_Circulating_Tumor_Cells_to_determine_therapy_related_markers_____

  The objectives of this project are the identification of markers related to cancer therapy resistance in the blood of breast cancer patients and to study the genetic changes in cancer cells during this development of resistance. Whole genome amplified DNA from Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs), selected during the course of systemic treatment from blood of metastatic breast cancer patients, will be exome sequenced . The patients selected for this study did not respond to therapy.

  Study EGAS00001000747

• Unraveling metastatic progression of breast cancer

  To reconstruct the trajectories of BC progression, we performed exome sequencing (Illumina HiSeq2000, Truseq DNA sample preparation kit v2 and Exome Enrichment Kit v2; alignement done with BWA, substitutions and indels called with GATK and DINDEL respectively) coupled to validation by Sequenom and deep re-sequencing (ongoing), as well as copy number (CN) analyses (Oncoscan, Affymetrix) on DNA from matched primary (n=1-6/pt), axillary lymph node (ALN, n=1-6 for 4 pts), local recurrence (for 1 pt) and distant metastatic (n=1-5/pt) FFPE samples obtained from an autopsy series of 10 BC pts.

  Study EGAS00001000760

• Multisite_Primary_Breast_Cancer

  DNA extracted from multiple biopsies taken from different areas of primary breast tumours will be subjected to targeted re-sequencing and analysed in order to assess intra-tumour heterogeneity with respect to mutations in a selection of cancer related genes.

  Study EGAS00001000891

• Targeted_sequencing_of_in_vitro_colonies___bulks

  In this study we will perform targeted sequencing on the bulk samples of in vitro colonies

  Study EGAS00001003175

• Moles

  In this project we have sequenced the exome of skin moles (melanocytic naevi) and also normal skin from young and old people. We are interested in looking at the clonality of these lesions and the burden of UV mutations

  Study EGAS00001000789

• Combined MEK and BCL-2/XL inhibition is effective in high-grade serous ovarian cancer patient-derived xenograft models and BIM levels are predictive of responsiveness

  Most patients with late stage high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) initially respond to chemotherapy but inevitably relapse and develop resistance, highlighting the need for novel therapies to improve patient outcomes. The MEK/ERK pathway is activated in a large subset of HGSOC, thus making it an attractive therapeutic target. Here, we systematically evaluated the extent of MEK/ERK pathway activation and efficacy of pathway inhibition in a large panel of well-annotated HGSOC patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models. The vast majority of models were nonresponsive to the MEK inhibitor cobimetinib (GDC-0973) despite effective pathway inhibition. Proteomic analyses of adaptive responses to GDC-0973 revealed that GDC-0973 upregulated the pro-apoptotic protein BIM, thus priming the cells for apoptosis regulated by BCL2-family proteins. Indeed, combination of both MEK inhibitor and dual BCL-2/XL inhibitor (ABT-263) significantly reduced cell number, increased cell death and displayed synergy in vitro in most models. In vivo, the GDC-0973 and ABT-263 combination was well tolerated and resulted in greater tumor growth inhibition than single agents. Detailed proteomic and correlation analyses identified two subsets of responsive models – those with high BIM at baseline that was increased with MEK inhibition and those with low basal Bim and high pERK levels. Models with low BIM and low pERK were non-responsive. Our findings demonstrate that combined MEK and BCL-2/XL inhibition has therapeutic activity in HGSOC models and provide a mechanistic rationale for clinical evaluation of this drug combination as well as the assessment of the extent to which BIM and/or pERK levels predict drug combination effectiveness in chemoresistant HGSOC.

  Study EGAS00001003427

• Stratton__WGS___RCC___Japan

  The Stratton team uses DNA sequencing for somatic mutations to advance understanding of the causes of cancer. In particular, the investigation of “mutational signatures”, which report the mutational processes operative over the lifetime of each individual, to understand whether they are generated by endogenous or exogenous exposures and the extent to which these vary between human populations. Our work brings together global cancer epidemiology and genomics and is particularly characterised by large-scale multinational studies.

  Study EGAS00001008001

• Probabilistic cell type assignment of single-cell transcriptomic data reveals spatiotemporal microenvironment dynamics in human cancers

  Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) has transformed biomedical research, enabling decomposition of complex tissues into disaggregated, functionally distinct cell types. For many applications, investigators wish to identify cell types with known marker genes. Typically, such cell type assignments are performed through unsupervised clustering followed by manual annotation based on these marker genes, or via "mapping" procedures to existing data. However, the manual interpretation required in the former case scales poorly to large datasets, which are also often prone to batch effects, while existing data for purified cell types must be available for the latter. Furthermore, unsupervised clustering can be error-prone, leading to under- and over- clustering of the cell types of interest. To overcome these issues we present CellAssign, a probabilistic model that leverages prior knowledge of cell type marker genes to annotate scRNA-seq data into pre-defined and de novo cell types. CellAssign automates the process of assigning cells in a highly scalable manner across large datasets while simultaneously controlling for batch and patient effects. We demonstrate the analytical advantages of CellAssign through extensive simulations and exemplify real-world utility to profile the spatial dynamics of high-grade serous ovarian cancer and the temporal dynamics of follicular lymphoma. Our analysis reveals subclonal malignant phenotypes and points towards an evolutionary interplay between immune and cancer cell populations with cancer cells escaping immune recognition.

  Study EGAS00001003452

• Longitudinal therapy monitoring of ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer (copy number, cell-free DNA)

  Clinical courses of non-small cell lung cancer patients with ALK rearrangements (ALK+ NSCLC) vary widely. We analyzed 271 longitudinal plasma samples from 73 patients with advanced ALK+ NSCLC treated with ALK tyrosine kinase inhibitors by combined hybrid-capture-based targeted sequencing (average 4,100x coverage) for mutation analysis and shallow whole genome sequencing (0.5x coverage) for global copy number profiling from cfDNA.

  Study EGAS00001004276

• PSCP_bisulphite_analysis_in_hESCs

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

  Study EGAS00001001625

• Whole-Genome and Epigenomic Landscapes of Etiologically Distinct Subtypes of Cholangiocarcinoma

  Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a hepatobiliary malignancy exhibiting high incidence in countries with endemic liver-fluke infection. We analyzed 489 CCAs from 10 countries, combining whole-genome (71 cases), targeted/exome, copy-number, gene expression, and DNA methylation information. Integrative clustering defined 4 CCA clusters-fluke-positive CCAs (clusters 1/2) are enriched in ERBB2 amplifications and TP53 mutations; conversely, fluke-negative CCAs (clusters 3/4) exhibit high copy-number alterations and PD-1/PD-L2 expression, or epigenetic mutations (IDH1/2, BAP1) and FGFR/PRKA-related gene rearrangements. Whole-genome analysis highlighted FGFR2 3' untranslated region deletion as a mechanism of FGFR2 upregulation. Integration of noncoding promoter mutations with protein-DNA binding profiles demonstrates pervasive modulation of H3K27me3-associated sites in CCA. Clusters 1 and 4 exhibit distinct DNA hypermethylation patterns targeting either CpG islands or shores-mutation signature and subclonality analysis suggests that these reflect different mutational pathways. Our results exemplify how genetics, epigenetics, and environmental carcinogens can interplay across different geographies to generate distinct molecular subtypes of cancer.SIGNIFICANCE: Integrated whole-genome and epigenomic analysis of CCA on an international scale identifies new CCA driver genes, noncoding promoter mutations, and structural variants. CCA molecular landscapes differ radically by etiology, underscoring how distinct cancer subtypes in the same organ may arise through different extrinsic and intrinsic carcinogenic processes.

  Study EGAS00001001653

• MutWP1__CRUK_Grand_Challenge_Mutographs_of_Cancer__Colorectal_LCM

  The Mutographs project aims to advance our understanding of the causes of cancer through studies of mutational signatures. Led by Mike Stratton, together with Paul Brennan, Ludmil Alexandrov, Allan Balmain, David Phillips and Peter Campbell, this large-scale international research endeavour was awarded a Cancer Research UK Grand Challenge. Different patterns of somatic mutation are generated by the different environmental, lifestyle and genetic factors that cause cancer, many of them are still unknown. Within Mutographs, the International Agency for Research on Cancer is coordinating the recruitment of 5000 individuals with cancer (colorectal, renal, pancreatic, oesophageal adenocarcinoma or oesophageal squamous cancers) across 5 continents to explore whether different mutational signatures explain marked variation in incidence. In brief, through an international network of collaborators around the world, biological materials are collected, along with demographic, histological, clinical and questionnaire data. Whole genome sequences of tumour-germline DNA pairs are generated at the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute. Somatic mutational signatures are subsequently extracted by non-negative matrix factorisation methods and correlated with risk factors data. Through an enhanced understanding of cancer aetiology, Mutographs unprecedented effort is anticipated to outline modifiable risk factors, lead to new approaches to prevent cancer, and provide opportunities to empower early detection, refine high-risk groups and contribute to further therapeutic development.

  Study EGAS00001003455

• TRACERx 100: RRBS data from a subset of the first 100 TRACERx tumours

  TRACERx (TRAcking Cancer Evolution through therapy (Rx)) is a prospective cohort study designed to investigate intratumor heterogeneity (ITH) in relation to clinical outcome, and to determine the clonal nature of driver events and evolutionary processes in early stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This study looks at multi-region RRBS data from the TRACERx100 cohort selected for quantity of material available and high tumour purity. RRBS data was collected for 122 tumour regions across 36 patients each with matched normal. A subset of this cohort was used in a sister study looking at tumour neo-antigen promoter methylation status in NSCLC (71 tumour regions across 28 patients for a total of 99 samples).

  Study EGAS00001003484

• Spatial and temporal diversity in genomic instability processes define early stage lung cancer evolution.

  Deciphering the complexity of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) evolutionary histories may elucidate the basis for its dismal outcome. We performed multi-region sequencing on 25 regions from seven early-stage NSCLCs. Spatial dissection revealed branched tumor evolution, with driver mutations occurring before and after subclonal diversification. Intra-tumor heterogeneity in DNA copy number alterations, translocations and endogenous APOBEC mutational processes, demonstrates that NSCLC may follow multiple distinct evolutionary trajectories simultaneously. In smokers, despite maintained carcinogen exposure, temporal dissection reveals a proportional decrease in smoking-related mutations during tumor progression, accompanied by an increase in APOBEC-related mutations. We observed genome-doubling events early in tumor development of ex-smokers, suggesting prolonged latency periods before clinical detection. Multi-region sequencing demonstrates the relentless and heterogeneous nature of genomic instability processes in early-stage NSCLCs.

  Study EGAS00001000840

• Integrative_genome_profiling_in_AML

  AML emerges as a consequence of accumulating independent genetic aberrations that direct regulation and/or dysfunction of genes resulting in aberrant activation of signalling pathways, resistance to apoptosis and uncontrolled proliferation. Given the significant heterogeneity of AML genomes, AML patients demonstrate a highly variable response rate and poor median survival in response to current chemotherapy regimens. For the past 4 years we have conducted gene expression profiling on purified bone marrow populations equating to normal haematopoietic stem and progenitor cells from healthy subjects and patients with de novo AML in order to identify AML signatures of aberrantly expressed genes in cancer versus normal. We are now applying a series of bioinformatic methodologies combined with clinical and conventional diagnostic data to establish novel genomics strategies for improved prognostication of AML. Additionally, we use our AML signatures to unravel oncogenic signalling pathway activities in AML patients and test inhibitory drugs for these pathways inn preclinical therapeutic programmes. We consider that superimposing GEP and clinical data for our AML patient cohort with additional data on their mutational status will significantly improve the prognostic power of the study as well as unravel yet unknown mutations associated with aberrant signalling activities of oncogenic pathways.

  Study EGAS00001000858

• Guardians_of_the_genome__protecting_DNA_from_endogenous_sources_of_damage_

  Analysis of mutational signatures caused by DNA repair defects in human induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. A reference human iPS cell line will be used for genetic manipulation to introduce homozygous knockouts of 100 genes known to be involved in or connected to DNA repair or DNA editing. Following a defined period of growth after homozygous knockout of each gene, sub clones will be generated and sequenced. The progenitor “parental” IPS cell line will be used to generate reference sequence data, in order to determine the mutational signature acquired due to the gene knockout. This is a pilot study to investigate the effects of oxygen conditions and growth period on mutations acquired

  Study EGAS00001000874

• 65 prostate cancer cases WGS and transcriptome sequencing project

  We obtained whole-genome and transcriptome sequencing of tumor-benign pairs from 65 Asian prostate cancer (PCa) patients. Taken together with the TCGA PCa cohort, our integration analysis provides the first comprehensive mutational landscape of PCas across major ethnics worldwide and reveals potential novel role of frequent altered chromatin remodeler genes in PCas without androgen receptor (AR) alteration and complex rearrangements derived from Chromoplexy. In addition, we identified 5 putative tumor suppressor genes (TSGs) chains including one on chromosome 13q with novel findings of PCDH9 (deletions in 15/65 tumors) which was implicated in aggressive progression of prostate cancer. Finally, the integrative pathway and co-expression network analysis followed by the functional study indicated the frequent altered genes, particularly focal amplifications of PLXNA1 (11/65), in semaphoring signaling of axon guidance pathway may interact with PI3K/AKT and AR signaling and also contribute to the aggressiveness and progression of prostate cancer.

  Study EGAS00001000888

• SeqControl: Process Control for DNA Sequencing

  As next-generation sequencing (NGS) continues to increase in speed and throughput, routine clinical and industrial application draws steadily closer. These “production” uses of NGS will require enhanced quality-monitoring and quality-control to optimize output and reduce costs. We therefore developed a framework called SeqControl for predicting sequencing quality and coverage using a set of 15 metrics describing overall coverage, coverage distribution, base-wise coverage and base-wise quality. Using whole-genome sequences of 27 prostate cancers and 26 normal references we derive multivariate models that predict sequencing quality and depth. SeqControl robustly predicts how much sequencing is required to reach a given coverage depth (AUC = 0.993), accurately classifies clinically relevant formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples and makes predictions from as little as 1/8 of a lane of sequencing data (AUC = 0.967). These techniques can be immediately incorporated into existing NGS pipelines to monitor data quality in real-time. SeqControl represents a first step towards statistical process-control for NGS.

  Study EGAS00001000899

• A Comparative Analysis of Algorithms for Somatic SNV Detection in Cancer

  Four recently published algorithms for the detection of somatic SNV sites in matched cancer-normal sequencing datasets are VarScan, SomaticSniper, JointSNVMix and Strelka. In this analysis, we apply these four SNV calling algorithms to cancer- normal Illumina exome sequencing of a chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) patient. The candidate SNV sites returned by each algorithm are filtered to remove likely false positives, then characterised and compared to investigate the strengths and weaknesses of each SNV calling algorithm.

  Study EGAS00001000927

• Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome multi-region exome sequencing project from two patients undertaken at Cancer Research UK's London Research Institute

  Multi-region whole exome sequencing of tumours from patients with Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome reveals convergence of mutayional events upon the PI3L-AKT-mTOR signalling pathway.

  Study EGAS00001000907

• Dissociation of solid tumour tissues with cold active protease for single-cell RNA-seq minimizes conserved collagenase-associated stress responses

  Background Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) is a powerful tool for studying complex biological systems, such as tumour heterogeneity and tissue microenvironments. However, the sources of technical and biological variation in primary solid tumour tissues and patient-derived mouse xenografts for scRNAseq, are not well understood. Here, we used low temperature (6°C) protease and collagenase (37°C) to identify the transcriptional signatures associated with tissue dissociation across a diverse scRNAseq dataset comprising 128,481 cells from patient cancer tissues, patient-derived breast cancer xenografts and cancer cell lines.Results We observe substantial variation in standard quality control (QC) metrics of cell viability across conditions and tissues. From FACS sorted populations gated for cell viability, we identify a sub-population of dead cells that would pass standard data filtering practices, and quantify the extent to which their transcriptomes differ from live cells. We identify a further subpopulation of transcriptomically “dying” cells that exhibit up-regulation of MHC class I transcripts, in contrast with live and fully dead cells. From the contrast between tissue protease dissociation at 37°C or 6°C, we observe that collagenase digestion results in a stress response. We derive a core gene set of 512 heat shock and stress response genes, including FOS and JUN, induced by collagenase (37°C), which are minimized by dissociation with a cold active protease (6°C). While induction of these genes was highly conserved across all cell types, cell type-specific responses to collagenase digestion were observed in patient tissues. We observe that the yield of cancer and non-cancer cell types varies between tissues and dissociation methods.Conclusions The method and conditions of tumour dissociation influence cell yield and transcriptome state and are both tissue and cell type dependent. Interpretation of stress pathway expression differences in cancer single cell studies, including components of surface immune recognition such as MHC class I, may be especially confounded. We define a core set of 512 genes that can assist with identification of such effects in dissociated scRNA-seq experiments.

  Study EGAS00001003753

• METABRIC: Data from Batra et al (2021); DNA methylation landscapes of 1538 breast cancers reveal a replication-linked clock, epigenomic instability and cis-regulation

  DNA methylation is aberrant in cancer, but the dynamics, regulatory role and clinical implications of such epigenetic changes are still poorly understood. Here, RRBS-based profiles of 1538 breast tumors and 244 normal breast tissues from the METABRIC cohort are reported, facilitating detailed analysis of DNA methylation within a rich context of genomic, transcriptional, and clinical data. Tumor methylation from immune and stromal signatures are deconvoluted leading to the discovery of a tumor replication-linked clock with genome-wide methylation loss in non-CpG island sites. Unexpectedly, methylation in most tumor CpG islands follows two replication-independent processes of gain (MG) or loss (ML) that we term epigenomic instability. Epigenomic instability is correlated with tumor grade and stage, TP53 mutations and poorer prognosis. After controlling for these global trans-acting trends, as well as for X-linked dosage compensation effects, cis-specific methylation and expression correlations are uncovered at hundreds of promoters and over a thousand distal elements. Some of these targeted known tumor suppressors and oncogenes. In conclusion, the study demonstrates that global epigenetic instability can erode cancer methylomes and expose them to localized methylation aberrations in-cis resulting in transcriptional changes seen in tumors.

  Study EGAS00001004327

• Somatic_mutation_and_clonal_evolution_in_the_human_bladder_WES_NOVASEQ

  n this study, we aim to characterise the landscape of mutation and clonal selection in the human bladder. The study includes targeted sequencing of laser-dissected microbiopsies from the bladder. The samples utilised in this study will include urothelium from transplant donors with no history of bladder cancer and cystectomy specimens from patients with bladder cancer.

  Study EGAS00001003456

• WXS of 147 lung cancer patients treated with immunotherapy

  We first attempted to predict MHC-binding neoantigens at high accuracy with convolutional neural networks. This prediction model outperformed previous methods in > 70% of test cases. Importantly, our method remarkably increased the predictive value of neoantigen load especially in combination with known resistance parameters. We then developed a classifier that can predict resistance from point mutations that are deleterious to protein function. Notably, genes involved in the adaptive immune response, cytokine signaling,and EGFR signaling held high explanatory power. Furthermore, when integrated with our neoantigen profiling, these anti-immunogenic mutations revealed significantly higher predictive power than known resistance factors.

  Study EGAS00001003781

• Dissecting intratumor heterogeneity of nodal B cell lymphoma on the transcriptional, genetic, and drug response level

  Tumor heterogeneity encompasses both the malignant cells and their microenvironment. While heterogeneity between individual patients is well-known to affect the efficacy of anti-cancer, most personalized treatment approaches do not account for intratumor heterogeneity. We addressed this issue by studying the heterogeneity of lymph node-derived B cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-NHL) by single cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) and transcriptome-informed flow cytometry. We identified transcriptionally distinct malignant subclones and compared their drug response and genomic profiles. Malignant subclones of the same patient responded strikingly different to anti-cancer drugs ex vivo, which recapitulated subclone-specific drug sensitivity during in vivo treatment. Tumor infiltrating T cells represented the majority of non-malignant cells, whose gene expression signatures were similar across all donors, whereas the frequencies of T cell subsets varied significantly between the donors. Our data provide new insights into the heterogeneity of B-NHL and highlight the relevance of intratumor heterogeneity for personalized cancer therapies.

  Study EGAS00001004335

• Plasma DNA aberrations in systemic lupus erythematosus revealed by genomic and methylomic sequencing

  We performed a high-resolution analysis of the biological characteristics of plasma DNA in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients using massively parallel genomic and methylomic sequencing. A number of plasma DNA abnormalities were found. First, aberrations in measured genomic representations (MGRs) were identified in the plasma DNA of SLE patients. The extent of the aberrations in MGRs correlated with anti-double–stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) antibody level. Second, the plasma DNA of active SLE patients exhibited skewed molecular size-distribution profiles with a significantly increased proportion of short DNA fragments. The extent of plasma DNA shortening in SLE patients correlated with the SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI) and anti-dsDNA antibody level. Third, the plasma DNA of active SLE patients showed decreased methylation densities. The extent of hypomethylation correlated with SLEDAI and anti-dsDNA antibody level. To explore the impact of anti-dsDNA antibody on plasma DNA in SLE, a column-based protein G capture approach was used to fractionate the IgG-bound and non–IgG-bound DNA in plasma. Compared with healthy individuals, SLE patients had higher concentrations of IgG-bound DNA in plasma. More IgG binding occurs at genomic locations showing increased MGRs. Furthermore, the IgG-bound plasma DNA was shorter in size and more hypomethylated than the non–IgG-bound plasma DNA. These observations have enhanced our understanding of the spectrum of plasma DNA aberrations in SLE and may provide new molecular markers for SLE. Our results also suggest that caution should be exercised when interpreting plasma DNA-based noninvasive prenatal testing and cancer testing conducted for SLE patients.

  Study EGAS00001000962

• Molecular determinants of response to PD-L1 blockade across tumor types

  Immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 axis lead to durable clinical responses in subsets of cancer patients across multiple indications, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), urothelial carcinoma (UC) and renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Herein, we complement PD-L1 immunohistochemistry (IHC) and tumor mutation burden (TMB) with RNA-seq in 366 patients to identify unifying and indication-specific molecular profiles that can predict response to checkpoint blockade across these tumor types. Multiple machine learning approaches failed to identify a baseline transcriptional signature highly predictive of response across these indications. Signatures described previously for immune checkpoint inhibitors also failed to validate. At the pathway level, significant heterogeneity was observed between indications, in particular within the PD-L1+ tumors. mUC and NSCLC were molecularly aligned, with cell cycle and DNA damage repair genes associated with response in PD-L1- tumors. At the gene level, the CDK4/6 inhibitor CDKN2A was identified as a significant transcriptional correlate of response, highlighting the association of non-immune pathways to the outcome of checkpoint blockade. This cross-indication analysis revealed molecular heterogeneity between mUC, NSCLC and RCC tumors, suggesting that indication-specific molecular approaches should be prioritized to formulate treatment strategies.

  Study EGAS00001004343

• Patient-Derived Lung Cancer Organoid

  Lung cancer shows substantial genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity across individuals, driving a need for personalized medicine. Here we report lung cancer organoids and normal bronchial organoids established from patients tissues comprising five histological subtypes of lung cancer and non-neoplastic bronchial mucosa as in vitro models representing individual patient. The lung cancer organoids recapitulate the tissue architecture of the primary lung tumours and maintain the genomic alterations of the original tumours during long-term expansion in vitro. The normal bronchial organoids maintain cellular components of normal bronchial mucosa. Lung cancer organoids respond to drugs based on their genomic alterations: a BRCA2 mutant organoid to olaparib, an EGFR mutant organoid to erlotinib, and an EGFR mutant/MET amplified organoid to crizotinib. Considering the short length of time from organoid establishment to drug testing, our newly developed model may prove useful for predicting patient-specific drug responses through in vitro patient-specific drug trials.

  Study EGAS00001003786

• Comprehensive genomic profiles of small cell lung cancer

  We have sequenced the genomes of 110 small cell lung cancers (SCLC), one of the deadliest human cancers. We found bi-allelic inactivation of TP53 and RB1 in nearly all the tumors analyzed, sometimes by complex genomic rearrangements. Two tumors with wild-type RB1 had evidence of chromothripsis leading to overexpression of Cyclin D1, revealing an alternative mechanism of Rb1 deregulation. Thus, loss of the tumor suppressors TP53 and RB1 is obligatory in SCLC. We further discovered somatic genomic rearrangements of TP73 that create an oncogenic version of this gene, TP73Δex2/3. In few cases, SCLC tumors exhibited kinase gene mutations, providing a possible therapeutic opportunity for individual patients. Finally, we observed inactivating mutations in NOTCH family genes in 25% of human SCLC. Accordingly, activation of Notch signaling in a pre-clinical SCLC mouse model dramatically reduced the number of tumors and extended the survival of the mutant mice. Furthermore, neuroendocrine gene expression was abrogated by Notch activity in SCLC cells. This first comprehensive study of somatic genome alterations in SCLC uncovers several key biological processes and identifies candidate therapeutic targets in this highly lethal form of cancer.

  Study EGAS00001000925

• Therapeutic Resistance to PI3K-alpha Inhibitors

  We have studied the tumor genomic evolution in a patient with metastatic breast cancer bearing an activating PIK3CA mutation. The patient was treated with the PI3Kα inhibitor BYL719 and achieved a lasting clinical response on BYL719, but eventually progressed to treatment and died shortly thereafter. A rapid autopsy was performed and a total of 14 metastatic lesions were collected for further analysis. In order to identify possible genetic determinants of acquired resistance to PI3Kα inhibition, we took a three-step approach. First, we examined both the primary tumor (before BYL719 treatment) and the new lung metastasis by whole genome sequencing (DNA from the spleen was used as a normal control). Then, we analyzed the primary tumor, lung metastasis, and the peri-aortic lesion that remained stable (responding) at the time of progression to BYL719 therapy by whole exome sequencing. Finally, to confirm and expand our findings, we sequenced the primary tumor and all the metastatic lesions to >500-fold coverage using a custom targeted deep-sequencing assay, MSK-IMPACT. Using this 3-step approach, we have demonstrated that patient’s lesion underwent parallel genetic evolution at multiple metastatic sites with different PTEN genomic alterations leading to a convergent PTEN- null phenotype resistant to PI3Kα inhibition. In order to expand our observations, we analyzed paired samples (pre-treatment and at progression) from six additional patients enrolled in the BYL719 trial. Acquired bi-allelic loss of PTEN was found in one additional patient treated with BYL719 whereas in two patients PIK3CA mutations present in the primary tumor were no longer detected at the time of progression. To functionally characterize our findings, inducible PTEN knockdown in sensitive cells resulted in resistance to BYL719, while simultaneous PI3K-p110β blockade reverted this resistance phenotype, both in cell lines and in PTEN-null xenografts derived from our patient. We conclude that parallel genetic evolution of separate sites with different PTEN genomic alterations leads to a convergent PTEN-null phenotype resistant to PI3Kα inhibition.

  Study EGAS00001000991

• Acute_Lymphoblastic_Leukemia_Sequencing

  Agilent whole exome hybridisation capture will be performed on genomic DNA derived from 50 Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia samples and matched normal DNA from the same patients. Three lanes of Illumina GA sequencing will be performed on the resulting 100 exome libraries and mapped build 37 of the human reference genome to facilitate the identification of novel cancer genes. In addition, 500bp, NO_PCR total genomic libraries will be prepared from the same samples and five lanes of Illumina GA sequencing will be analysed to characterise genome wide, somatically acquired structural variation.

  Study EGAS00001000058

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

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

  Study EGAS00001000930

• Ischemic stroke in a Swedish case-control study.

  Background. Genetic risk scores (GRS), summing up the total effect of several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes associated with either coronary risk or cardiovascular risk factors, have been tested for association with ischemic stroke with conflicting results. Recently an association was found between a GRS, based on 29 SNPs discovered by genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and hypertension. The aim of our study was to investigate the possible association of the same GRS with ischemic stroke on top of other “traditional risk factors”, also testing its potential improvement in indices of discrimination and reclassification, in a Swedish case-control study. Methods and results. Twenty-nine SNPs were genotyped in 3,677 stroke cases and 2,415 controls included in the Lund Stroke Register (LSR), the Malmö Diet and Cancer (MDC) study and the Sahlgrenska Academy Study on Ischemic Stroke (SAHLSIS). The analysis was conducted in the entire material, and separately for the three samples. After adjustment for hypertension, diabetes mellitus and smoking habits, the GRS was associated with ischemic stroke in the entire material [OR (95% CI) 1.086 (1.029-1.147) per SD increase in the GRS p=0.003] with similar trends in all three samples; LSR [1.050 (0.967-1.140)]; p=0.25], MDC [1.168 (1.060-1.288); p=0.002] and SAHLSIS [1.124 (0.997-1.267); P=0.055]. Measures of discrimination and reclassification improved marginally using the GRS. Conclusions. A blood pressure GRS is independently associated with ischemic stroke risk in three Swedish case-control studies, however, the effect size is low and adds marginally to prediction of stroke on top of traditional risk factors including hypertension.

  Study EGAS00001000936

• A Unifying Paradigm for Transcriptional Heterogeneity and Squamous Features in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma

  Pancreatic cancer expression profiles largely reflect a classical or basal-like phenotype. The extent to which these profiles vary within a patient is unknown. We integrated evolutionary analysis and expression profiling in multiregion sampled metastatic pancreatic cancers, finding that squamous features are the histologic correlate of an RNA-seq defined basal-like subtype. In patients with coexisting basal/squamous and classical/glandular morphology, phylogenetic studies revealed that squamous morphology represented a subclonal population in an otherwise classical/glandular tumor. Cancers with squamous features were significantly more likely to have clonal mutations in chromatin modifiers, intercellular heterogeneity for MYC amplification, and entosis. These data provide a unifying paradigm for integrating basal-type expression profiles, squamous histology, and somatic mutations in chromatin modifier genes in the context of clonal evolution of pancreatic cancer.  

  Study EGAS00001003974

• RNA-sequencing of Non-muscle Invasive Bladder cancer (NMIBC)

  This RNA-sequencing cohort includes 78 Non-muscle Invasive Bladder cancer (NMIBC) samples and 7 Muscle Invasive Bladder cancer (MIBC) samples.

  Study EGAS00001004358

• Cell_lines_with_telomere_fusion_induced_rearrangements

  Whole-genome somatic rearrangement and point mutation analysis in cell lines with induced telomere fusions.

  Study EGAS00001001059

• The evolutionary steps from primary to metastatic prostate cancer are largely uncharted, and the ability to use DNA present in body fluids as correlates of aggregate metastatic status is under-examined. We reconstructed phylogenies in ten prostate cancer patients with fatal disease using deep targeted sequencing of the prostate, adjacent and distant organs, as well as plasma, serum, and cerebrospinal fluid at various time points. A total of 163 samples are studied.

  The evolutionary steps from primary tumor to metastasis in prostate cancer are largely uncharted, and the ability to use serum, plasma, and cerebrospinal fluid as a correlate of aggregate metastatic tumor genomic status has not been tested. We used deep targeted sequencing to reconstruct tumor evolution in ten prostate cancer patients with fatal disease encompassing examination of the prostate and adjacent and distant organs, as well as plasma, serum, and cerebrospinal fluid at various time points. We show that there is substantial evolution from a common ancestor within the prostate that results in branching to multiple lineages which form an intermixed multi-clonal primary tumor mass. After the occurrence of key driver aberrations, one of these lineages will metastasize to multiple sites in a sequential fashion. These metastatic sites are then susceptible to being populated by cells from other intra-prostatic lineages or from other metastases. Genomic representation of metastases in body fluids is not uniform. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis can detect lineages not detected in circulating DNA, suggesting possible clinical utility.

  Study EGAS00001003848

• Sequencing of an organoid biobank for childhood kidney cancers that captures disease and tissue heterogeneity.

  Kidney tumors are among the most common solid tumors in children, comprising several distinct subtypes differing in many aspects, including cell-of-origin, genetics, and pathology. Pre-clinical cell models capturing the disease heterogeneity are currently lacking. Here, we describe the first pediatric cancer organoid biobank. It contains tumor and matching normal organoids from over 50 children with different subtypes of kidney cancer, including Wilms tumors, malignant rhabdoid tumors, renal cell carcinomas, and congenital mesoblastic nephromas. The malignant rhabdoid tumor organoids represent the first organoid model for tumors of non-epithelial origin. The tumor organoids retain key properties of native tumors, useful for revealing patient specific drug vulnerabilities. We further demonstrate that organoid cultures derived from Wilms tumors consist of multiple different cell types, including epithelial, stromal and blastemal-like. Our organoid biobank captures the cellular heterogeneity of pediatric kidney tumors, providing a representative collection of well-characterized models for basic cancer research, drug-screening, and personalized medicine.

  Study EGAS00001003853

• Mutational signature in colorectal cancer induced by genotoxic pks+ E. coli

  Various species of the intestinal microbiota have been associated with the development of colorectal cancer (CRC), yet a direct role of bacteria in the occurrence of oncogenic mutations has not been established. Escherichia coli can carry the pathogenicity island pks, which encodes a set of enzymes that synthesize colibactin. This compound alkylates DNA on adenine residues and induces double strand breaks in cultured cells. Here, we exposed human intestinal organoids to genotoxic pks+ Escherichia coli by repeated luminal injection over a period of 5 months. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) of clonal organoids before and after this exposure reveals a distinct mutational signature, absent from organoids injected with isogenic pks-mutant bacteria. The same mutational signature is detected in a subset of 3668 human metastatic cancer genomes, predominantly in a subset of CRC cases. Our study describes a distinct mutational signature in CRC and implies that the underlying mutational process directly results from past exposure to bacteria carrying the colibactin-producing pks pathogenicity island.

  Study EGAS00001003934

• Colorectal_organoids_and_tumour_tissue___Whole_Genome_X10

  Whole genome sequencing of single cell derived organoids from normal colon tissue and colorectal cancer.

  Study EGAS00001001100

• DKFZ-HIPO Project H021/NCT MASTER

  Clinical genome and transcriptome sequencing in younger adults with advanced-stage cancer across all histologies: DKFZ-HIPO Project H021 (http://www.hipo-heidelberg.org/hipo2/index.php/menu-item-2/32-021-prospective-genetic-characterization-of-tumors-from-individual-patients-of-special-interest) / NCT MASTER (http://www.nct-heidelberg.de/forschung/nct-master.html)

  Study EGAS00001000948

• Combined hereditary and somatic mutations of replication error repair genes result in rapid onset of ultra-hypermutated cancers

  DNA replication-associated mutations are repaired by two components: polymerase proofreading and mismatch repair. The mutational consequences of disruption to both repair components in humans are not well studied. We sequenced cancer genomes from children with inherited biallelic mismatch repair deficiency (bMMRD). High-grade bMMRD brain tumors exhibited massive numbers of substitution mutations (>250/Mb) – higher than all childhood and most cancers (>7000 analyzed). All ultra-hypermutated bMMRD cancers acquired early somatic driver mutations in DNA polymerases epsilon or delta. The ensuing mutation signatures and numbers are unique and diagnostic of childhood germline bMMRD (p<10e-13). Sequential tumor biopsy analysis revealed that bMMRD/polymerase mutant cancers rapidly amass an excess of simultaneous mutations (~600 mutations/cell division), reaching but not exceeding ~20,000 exonic mutations in <6 months. Thus implying a threshold compatible with cancer cell survival. We suggest a new mechanism of cancer progression in which mutations develop in a rapid burst after ablation of replication repair.

  Study EGAS00001001112

• TGS___Comprehensive_Molecular_Characterization_of_Colorectal_Cancer_Metastases__MOSAIC_

  Systematic next generation sequencing efforts are beginning to define the genomic landscape across a range of primary tumours, but we know very little of the mutational evolution that contributes to disease progression.We therefore propose to obtain a comprehensive description of genomic, transcriptomic and epigenomic changes in a cohort of matched primary and metastatic colorectal cancers, and additionally to explore the extent to which those mutations identified as recurrent in the metastatic setting are able to subvert normal biological processes using both genetically engineered mouse models and established cancer cell lines. This study will enable us to define to what extent primary tumour profiling can capture the biological processes operative in matched metastases as well as the significance of intratumoural heterogeneity.

  Study EGAS00001000958

• Sequencing of cell-free DNA from breast cancer patients

  To assess the utility of high coverage whole genome sequencing analysis of cell-free DNA to detect tumour-specific genomic changes

  Study EGAS00001004960

• CRLF2_sequencing_project_Exomes

  I hope to gain insight into novel genetic aberrations present in these patients that will highlight important pathways that are involved in this subtype of leukaemia. It would be interesting to see if the mutations and pathways that are activated are consistent between the patients, or differences are observed dependent upon whether the patient has the translocation or the PAR1 deletion. Of note is the high association with either numerical gains of chromosome X or numerical/structural abnormalities of chromosome 21 (Down syndrome, iAMP21) in patients with CRLF2 deregulation. I hope to find abnormalities linking chromosomes X and 21 to CRLF2 deregulation in BCP‐ALL. By including the three patients that are normal for CRLF2, but have consistent genetic abnormalities found in the experimental cohort, I expect to find genetic differences between these two groups that will help us to identify novel molecular targets specific to CRLF2 deregulation.

  Study EGAS00001000081

• The Medical Genome Reference Bank: a whole genome data resource of 4,000 healthy elderly individuals.

  Allele frequency data from human reference populations is of increasing value for filtering and assignment of pathogenicity to genetic variants. Aged and healthy populations are more likely to be selectively depleted of pathogenic alleles, and therefore particularly suitable as a reference populations for the major diseases of clinical and public health importance. However, reference studies of the healthy elderly have remained under represented in human genetics. We have developed the Medical Genome Reference Bank (MGRB), a large scale comprehensive whole genome dataset of confirmed healthy elderly individuals, to provide a publicly accessible resource for health related research, and for clinical genetics. It also represents a useful resource for studying the genetics of healthy aging. The MGRB comprises 4,000 healthy, older individuals with no reported history of cancer, cardiovascular disease or dementia, recruited from two Australian community based cohorts. DNA derived from blood samples will be subject to whole genome sequencing. The MGRB will measure genome wide genetic variation in 4,000 individuals, mostly of European decent, aged 60 to 95 years (mean age 75 years). The MGRB has committed to a policy of data sharing, employing a hierarchical data management system to maintain participant privacy and confidentiality, whilst maximizing research and clinical usage of the database. The MGRB will represent a dataset of international significance, broadly accessible to the clinical and genetic research community.

  Study EGAS00001003511

• Bone_Cancer___Rare_Types_Whole_Genome

  We propose to definitively characterise the somatic genetics of a selection of rare bone cancers through generation of comprehensive catalogues of somatic mutations by high coverage genome sequencing.

  Study EGAS00001000501

• Signatures of Aristolochic Acid Mutagenesis in Bladder Cancer

  This study looks at signatures of Aristolochic Acid mutagenesis in bladder cancer, based on exome and whole genome sequencing data. Thirteen bladder tumors and their matched normal DNAs were sequenced on Illumina platforms. Among them eleven were exome sequenced and two were whole genome sequenced.

  Study EGAS00001000975

• SOFT_study___sequencing_premenopausal_breast_cancer

  Our project will examine the role of PIK3CA mutations and their sensitivity to endocrine therapies and its role, with the addition of complete ovarian suppression. We plan to test our hypotheses using tumour samples collected from patients enrolled in the SOFT/IBCSG24-02 clinical study (Suppression of Ovarian Function Trial – (NCT00066690). SOFT is a phase III trial that randomised 3066 premenopausal women to evaluate if adding ovarian suppression to adjuvant endocrine therapy will improve clinical outcomes.

  Study EGAS00001000983

• Bisulphite_MPN_colonies

  Swift kit whole genome bisulphite of MPN colonies

  Study EGAS00001003094

• Leeds_Melanoma_Cohort

  Leeds Melanoma Cohort

  Study EGAS00001001158

• MINCR is a MYC-induced lncRNA able to modulate MYC’s transcriptional network in Burkitt lymphoma cells

  Despite the established role of the transcription factor MYC in cancer, little is known about the involvement of lncRNAs in mediating MYC’s function. Here we have intersected RNA-sequencing data from MYC-inducible cell lines, from a cohort of 91 mature B-cell lymphomas and from sorted germinal-center B-cells. By this approach, we identified 13 lncRNAs differentially expressed in IG-MYC-positive Burkitt lymphoma and regulated by MYC in the model cell lines. Among them we focused on a lncRNA that we named MINCR, showing a strong correlation with MYC expression in MYC-positive lymphomas and in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas. RNAi experiments showed that MINCR controls cellular viability by influencing the expression of MYC-regulated cell cycle genes. Finally we provide evidences that down-regulation of AURKA, AURKB and CTD1 may explain the reduction in cellular proliferation observed upon MINCR knock-down. We therefore suggest that MINCR acts as a modulator of MYC transcriptional control of cell cycle genes.

  Study EGAS00001001199

• Chemotherapy induces canalization of cell state in childhood B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia

  Comparison of intratumor genetic heterogeneity in cancer at diagnosis and relapse suggests that chemotherapy induces bottleneck selection of subclonal genotypes. However, evolutionary events subsequent to chemotherapy could also explain changes in clonal dominance seen at relapse. We therefore investigated the mechanisms of selection in childhood B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (BCP-ALL) during induction chemotherapy where maximal cytoreduction occurs. To distinguish stochastic versus deterministic events, individual leukemias were transplanted into multiple xenografts and chemotherapy administered. Analyses of the immediate post-treatment leukemic residuum at single-cell resolution revealed that chemotherapy has little impact on genetic heterogeneity. Rather, it acts on extensive, previously unappreciated, transcriptional and epigenetic heterogeneity in BCP-ALL, dramatically reducing the spectrum of cell states represented, leaving a genetically polyclonal but phenotypically uniform population, with hallmark signatures relating to developmental stage, cell cycle and metabolism. Hence, canalization of the cell state accounts for a significant component of bottleneck selection during induction chemotherapy.

  Study EGAS00001004407

• Quantification of chromosomal copy number aberrations by shallow whole-genome sequencing

  Detection of DNA copy number aberrations by shallow whole-genome sequencing (WGS) faces many challenges including lack of completion and errors in the human reference genome, repetitive sequences, polymorphisms, variable sample quality, and biases in the sequencing procedures.Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) archival material, the analysis of which is important for studies of cancer, presents particular analytical difficulties due to degradation of the DNA and frequent lack of matched reference samples. We present a robust, cost-effective WGS method for DNA copy number analysis that addresses these challenges more successfully than currently available procedures. In practice very useful profiles can be obtained with 0.1 fold genome coverage. We improve on previous methods by; first, implementing a combined correction for sequence mappability and GC content, and second, applying this procedure to sequence data from the 1000 Genomes Project in order to develop a blacklist of problematic genome regions. A small subset of these blacklisted regions were previously identified by ENCODE, but the vast majority are novel unappreciated problematic regions. Our procedures are implemented in a pipeline called QDNAseq. We have analyzed over 1,000 samples, most of which were obtained from the fixed tissue archives of over 25 institutions.We demonstrate that for most samples our sequencing and analysis procedures yield genome profiles with noise levels near the statistical limit imposed by read counting. The described procedures also provide better correction of artifacts introduced by low DNA quality than prior approaches, and better copy number data than high-resolution microarrays at substantially lower cost.

  Study EGAS00001000642

• Whole-genome plasma sequencing reveals focal amplifications as a driving force in metastatic prostate cancer

  Genomic alterations in metastatic prostate cancer remain incompletely characterized. Here we analyze 493 prostate cancer cases from the TCGA database and perform whole-genome plasma sequencing on 95 plasma samples derived from 43 patients with metastatic prostate cancer. From these samples, we identify established driver aberrations in a cancer-related gene in nearly all cases (97.7%), including driver gene fusions (TMPRSS2:ERG), driver focal deletions (PTEN, RYBP, SHQ1), and driver amplifications (AR, MYC). In serial plasma analyses, we observe changes in focal amplifications in 40% of cases. The mean time interval between new amplifications was 26.4 weeks (range: 5-52 weeks), suggesting that they represent rapid adaptations to selection pressure. An increase in neuron-specific enolase is accompanied by clonal pattern changes in the tumor genome, most consistent with subclonal diversification of the tumor. Our findings suggest a high plasticity of prostate cancer genomes with newly occurring focal amplifications as a driving force in progression

  Study EGAS00001001018

• GEL_WGS_Comparison

  These samples are to be analysed with the CGP Developed cancer panel and the results will be compared with WGS data from 4 different comercial providers.

  Study EGAS00001000649

• GIST_SSGXVIII_trial_targeted_gene_sequencing

  Targeted cancer gene sequencing of samples enrolled in the SSGXVIII trial from Finland.

  Study EGAS00001001054

• Genomic study of an AT-AML

  Ataxia Telangiectasia (A-T) is caused by biallelic mutations in ATM and confers predisposition to cancer, with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) being rarely observed. We investigated an AML arising in an A-T patient for secondary genetic events by performing whole exome sequencing of serial samples over the disease course. AML samples were compared to a reference "germline" sample from a much earlier time point. Goldgraben et al 2020, Pediatric Blood & Cancer

  Study EGAS00001004392

• Exploration of CNV’s and SNV’s in cancers with well-known genetic rearrangements: Identification of additional genetic changes in rearrangements-driven cancer

  Specific cancers are well known to have specific gene rearrangements. Representative cancer is chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) which is famous for BCR/ABL gene rearrangements. By the way, also genetic rearrangements are not infrequently found in acute leukemia, and those include CBFB/MYH11 rearrangements, PML/RARA rearrangements, AML/ETO rearrangements, and BCR/ABL rearrangements. The situation is same is for lung adenocarcinoma of non-smokers and prostate cancers, and ALK and RET gene rearrangements are recently found. However, not all these rearrangements are sufficient to develop cancer, and it is suggested that some genetic aberrations are required for the development and progression of cancer in addition to these genetic rearrangements. In this study, we have a plan to explore the existence of additional genetic changes including single nucleotide variants (SNV’s) and copy number variations (CNV’s) in cancers with specific genetic rearrangements so as to define additional genetic changes that confer full oncogenic potential to cancer cells. So as to look at SNV’s and small indels, we are going to use whole exome sequencing (WES) data. And as for CNV’s, we are going to use array-CGH data. Also, to check the functionality of these genetic changes, we are going to use whole transcriptome data (WTS). In addition, in samples with whole genome sequencing (WGS ) data, we are going to explore genetic changes in intronic regions also. In fact, we sequenced 10 AML samples which are known to have specific genetic rearrangements. Analysis of these WGS, WES and WTS data are under the way. If we have a chance to access WES, array-CGH and WTS data of other cancer samples with specific genetic rearrangements, we would be able to compare additional genetic changes required for oncogenesis in cancer cells with various genetic rearrangements. We hope this result will enlighten our understanding of cancer genetics further.

  Study EGAS00001000673

• genome-wide cfDNA methylation analysis

  To characterise cfDNA methylome in metastatic prostate cancer

  Study EGAS00001003958

• Rapid response of APC/TP53/KRAS mutated stage IV colorectal cancer under FOLFIRI + Bevacizumab detected by liquid biopsy: a case report

  In our non-interventional liquid biopsy study, a male patient in his fifties diagnosed with stage IV colorectal cancer and polytope liver metastases rapidly progressed after completing chemotherapy and deceased 8 months after diagnosis. Retrospective cell free DNA testing showed that the APC/TP53/KRAS major clone responded quickly after 3 cycles of FOLFIRI + Bevacizumab. Retrospective exome sequencing of pre-chemotherapy and post-chemotherapy tissue samples including metastases confirmed that the APC/TP53/KRAS and other major clonal mutations (GPR50, SLC5A, ZIC3, SF3A1 and others) were present in all samples. After the last chemotherapy cycle,

  Study EGAS00001004088

• Capture Hi-C identifies the chromatin interactome of colorectal cancer risk loci

  Multiple regulatory elements distant to their targets on the linear genome can influence the expression of a single gene through chromatin looping. Chromosome conformation capture implemented in Hi-C allows for genome-wide agnostic characterization of chromatin contacts. However, detection of functional enhancer-promoter interactions is precluded by its effective resolution that is determined by both restriction fragmentation and sensitivity of the experiment. Here we have developed a capture Hi-C (cHi-C) approach to allow an agnostic characterisation of these physical interactions on a genome-wide scale. Single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with complex diseases often reside within regulatory elements and exert effects through long-range regulation of gene expression. Applying this cHi-C approach to 14 colorectal cancer risk loci has allowed us to identify key long-range chromatin interactions in cis and trans involving these loci.

  Study EGAS00001001085

• Comparison of structural variations from 10X Genomics linked-reads and conventional Illumina short-reads sequencing

  Structural variations (SVs) are large genomic rearrangements that can drive many diseases. Conventional short-reads whole genome sequencing (cWGS) allows their identification with base-pair resolution, but suffers from high false discovery rate. cWGS taps in short-range information from short-reads while linked-reads sequencing (10XWGS) utilizes long-range information. 10XWGS allows linkage of short-reads originating from the same large DNA molecule with a unique barcode captured in a gel bead in emulsion. This mitigates alignment-based artefacts from cWGS especially in repetitive regions. However, the false discovery rate of this technology is unclear. In this study, we performed a comprehensive analysis of different type and size of SVs predicted from these two technologies. The SVs common between both technologies were found to be highly specific by PCR and Sanger sequencing while validation rate dropped for uncommon events. Further, we propose a novel enrichment approach for filtering out false positive calls from both the technologies independently. To this end, we trained a machine learning model for respective technologies and used it to characterise SVs from MCF7 cell line and a primary breast cancer tumor with high precision. This approach would be valuable in understanding true mechanisms driven by SVs in various diseases.

  Study EGAS00001004093

• 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

• ESGI___Whole_Genome_Sequencing_of_samples_from_the_ORCADES_cohort__X10__

  Deep whole genome sequencing of sampels from the Orkney Complex Disease Study (ORCADES), each with data on up to 300 quantitative traits and other risk factors associated with cardiovascular, metabolic and other complex diseases. The samples are sequenced using the Illumina HiSeq X Ten system.

  Study EGAS00001001125

• 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

• Genentech study of gallbladder cancer

  Genomic characterization of gallbladder cancer using Exome-Seq, RNA-Seq and low pass whole genome sequencing.

  Study EGAS00001003004

• Transposome_Bisulfite_Sequencing

  DNA belonging to 16 tumour/normal samples were treated with bisulfite, then up to 5 different bisulfite PCRs were performed in each one of the samples. Amplicons form the same sample were pooled and submitted to sequencing on a MiSeq platform.

  Study EGAS00001000751

• Frequent somatic transfer of mitochondrial DNA into the nuclear genome of human cancer cells

  Mitochondrial genomes are separated from the nuclear genome for most of the cell cycle by the nuclear double membrane, intervening cytoplasm and the mitochondrial double membrane. Despite these physical barriers we show that somatically acquired mitochondrial-nuclear genome fusion sequences are present in cancer cells. Most occur in conjunction with intranuclear genomic rearrangements and the features of the fusion fragments indicate that non-homologous end joining and/or replication-dependent DNA double strand break repair are the dominant mechanism involved. This study includes 12 pairs of whole-genome sequences (tumour and paired-normal), which present somatic mitochondrial DNA integrations in tumour genomes. Reference: Young Seok Ju et al., Frequent somatic transfer of mitochondrial DNA into the nuclear genome of human cancer cells, Genome Research (2015).

  Study EGAS00001001234

• FWO_project_G_0687_12_X10_WGS

  Profiling subclonal architecture and phylogeny in tumors by whole-genome sequence data mining and single-cell genome sequencing

  Study EGAS00001001145

• Adult granulosa cell tumor WGS data cohort with corresponding reference germline WGS data

  Adult granulosa cell tumors (AGCTs) harbor a somatic FOXL2 c.402C>G mutation in ~95% of cases and are mainly surgically removed due to limited systemic treatment effect. In this study, potentially targetable genomic alterations in AGCTs were investigated by whole genome sequencing on 46 tumor samples and matched normal DNA. Copy number variant (CNV) analysis confirmed gain  of chromosome 12 and 14, and loss of 22. Pathogenic TP53 mutations were identified in three patients with highest tumor mutational burden and mitotic activity, defining a high-grade AGCT subgroup. Within-patient tumor comparisons showed 29-80% unique somatic mutations per sample, suggesting tumor heterogeneity. FOXL2-wildtype AGCTs had DICER1, TERT(C228T) and TP53 mutations and similar CNV profiles as FOXL2-mutant tumors. Our study confirms that absence of the FOXL2 c.402C>G mutation does not exclude AGCT diagnosis. The lack of overlapping variants in targetable cancer genes, indicates the need for personalized treatment for AGCT patients 

  Study EGAS00001004249

• ctDNA monitoring using patient-specific sequencing and integration of variant reads - Lung cohort

  Circulating tumor-derived DNA (ctDNA) can be used to monitor cancer dynamics noninvasively. Detection of ctDNA can be challenging in patients with low-volume or residual disease, where plasma contains very few tumor-derived DNA fragments. We show that sensitivity for ctDNA detection in plasma can be improved by analyzing hundreds to thousands of mutations that are first identified by tumor genotyping. We describe the INtegration of VAriant Reads (INVAR) pipeline, which combines custom error-suppression methods and signal-enrichment approaches based on biological features of ctDNA. With this approach, the detection limit in each sample can be estimated independently based on the number of informative reads sequenced across multiple patient-specific loci. We applied INVAR to custom hybrid-capture sequencing data from 176 plasma samples from 105 patients with melanoma, lung, renal, glioma, and breast cancer across both early and advanced disease. By integrating signal across a median of >105 informative reads, ctDNA was routinely quantified to 1 mutant molecule per 100,000, and in some cases with high tumor mutation burden and/or plasma input material, to individual parts per million. This resulted in median Area Under the Curve (AUC) values of 0.98 in advanced cancers, and 0.80 in early stage and challenging settings for ctDNA detection. We generalized this method to whole-exome and whole-genome sequencing, showing that the INVAR may be applied without requiring personalized sequencing panels, so long as a tumor mutation list is available. As tumor sequencing becomes increasingly performed, such methods for personalized cancer monitoring may enhance the sensitivity of cancer liquid biopsies.

  Study EGAS00001004447

• EORTC RP1335 SPECTA Lung cancer data

  SPECTAlung has recruited patients with thoracic malignancies, collecting FFPE material for molecular analysis. Illumina TST170 NGS panel was used for sequencing. The goal was to identify patients for whom a personalized treatment was possible and build a clinically-annotated molecular database for thoracic patients.

  Study EGAS00001004485

• Clinical outcomes in ctDNA-positive urothelial carcinoma patients treated with adjuvant immunotherapy

  Minimally invasive approaches to detect residual disease after surgery are urgently needed to select patients at highest risk for metastatic relapse for additional therapies. Circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) holds promise as a biomarker for molecular residual disease (MRD) and relapse,1-3 but its clinical value has yet to be demonstrated in a randomised clinical trial. We evaluated outcomes in post-surgical ctDNA-positive (+) patients in a randomised phase III trial of adjuvant atezolizumab versus observation. IMvigor010 enrolled 809 patients with muscle-invasive urothelial carcinoma and did not meet its primary endpoint of disease-free survival (DFS) in the intent-to-treat population. Within the study, an exploratory planned analysis of prospectively collected plasma was performed, which tested the utility of ctDNA to identify patients who may benefit from adjuvant atezolizumab treatment. ctDNA was measured at the start of therapy (cycle 1 day 1; C1D1) and at week 6 (cycle 3 day 1; C3D1), and 581 patients were evaluable for ctDNA. The prevalence of ctDNA positivity at C1D1 was 37% (n=214), and ctDNA positivity identified patients with poor prognosis (observation arm DFS HR= 6.19 (4.29, 8.91), p<0.0001). Here we show that ctDNA(+) patients had improved DFS and overall survival (OS) with atezolizumab versus observation (DFS HR= 0.56 (0.41-0.77); p=0.0003 and OS HR= 0.58 (0.4-0.86); p=0.0063). No difference in DFS or OS between arms was noted for ctDNA-negative patients. The rate of ctDNA clearance was higher with atezolizumab (18%) versus observation (4%) (p=0.0041). Transcriptomic analysis revealed that tumours from ctDNA(+) patients had higher expression of cell cycle and keratin genes. Within the ctDNA(+) patient population in the atezolizumab arm, non-relapsing patients were further enriched in prominent immune response signatures including PD-L1, IFNG, CXCL9, and high tumour mutational burden, whereas relapse was associated with angiogenesis and fibroblast-transforming growth factor-beta signatures (F-TBRS). TCGA molecular subset analysis revealed increased efficacy of atezolizumab in patients with basal-squamous tumours, consistent with underlying tumour-immune contexture. Together these findings suggest that adjuvant atezolizumab may be associated with improved outcomes compared with observation in this high-risk ctDNA(+) population. These findings, if validated in other settings, would shift approaches to post-operative cancer care.

  Study EGAS00001004997

• The transcription factor GABP selectively binds and activates the mutant TERT promoter in cancer

  Reactivation of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) expression enables cells to overcome replicative senescence and escape apoptosis, fundamental steps in the initiation of human cancer. Multiple cancer types, including up to 83% of glioblastomas (GBM), harbor highly recurrent TERT promoter mutations of unknown function but specific to two nucleotide positions. We identify the functional consequence of these mutations in GBM to be recruitment of the multimeric GABP transcription factor specifically to the mutant promoter. Allelic recruitment of GABP is consistently observed across four cancer types, highlighting a shared mechanism underlying TERT reactivation. Tandem flanking native ETS motifs critically cooperate with these mutations to activate TERT, likely by facilitating GABP heterotetramer binding. GABP thus directly links TERT promoter mutations to aberrant expression in multiple cancers.

  Study EGAS00001001242

• V4_Colorectal_panel_test

  Targeted gene screen of cell line tumours for testing the new V4 Colorectal gene panel.

  Study EGAS00001001807

• 2014 chunnam AML analysis

  2014 AML analysis is conducted with samples collected from Chunnam universty. 67 paired samples are belong to this project. The study was designed to examine the molecular abnormalities from leukemic patients at initial diagnosis in comparison with corresponding germ line control (saliva samples). The results of WXS were analyzed by Mutect for ranking cancer variants and creating mutational matrix.

  Study EGAS00001001082

• Molecular subsets in renal cancer determine outcome to checkpoint and angiogenesis blockade

  We conducted integrated multi-omics evaluation of 823 tumors from advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) patients and identified molecular subsets associated with differential clinical outcomes to angiogenesis blockade alone or with a checkpoint inhibitor. Unsupervised transcriptomic analysis revealed six molecular subsets with distinct angiogenesis, immune, cell cycle, metabolism, and stromal programs. While sunitinib was effective in subsets with high angiogenesis, atezolizumab+bevacizumab improved clinical benefit in tumors with high T-effector and/or cell cycle transcription. Somatic mutations in PBRM1 and KDM5C associated with high angiogenesis and AMPK/Fatty acid oxidation gene expression, while CDKN2A/B and TP53 alterations were more prevalent in tumors with increased cell cycle and anabolic metabolism. Sarcomatoid tumors exhibited low prevalence of PBRM1 mutations and angiogenesis markers, frequent CDKN2A/B, BAP1 and TP53 alterations, and increased PD-L1 expression. These findings can be applied to molecularly stratify advanced RCC patients, explain improved outcomes of sarcomatoid tumors to checkpoint blockade, and develop personalized therapies.

  Study EGAS00001004353

• Feasibility and safety of a multi-cancer blood test for screening and intervention

  We evaluated the feasibility and safety of blood testing for cancer in an interventional study of 10,006 women. Positive tests for DNA or protein were independently confirmed and diagnostic PET-CT imaging was used to localize disease. During the study, 26 cancers were first detected by blood testing, 24 more by standard-of-care screening, and 46 by neither approach. Surgicalexcision of the primary tumors was performed on 12 cancers first detected by blood testing.1.0% of participants underwent PET-CT imaging based on false positive blood tests, and 0.22% underwent a futile invasive diagnostic procedure. These data demonstrate that multi-cancer blood testing, when followed by PET-CT localization, can be safely incorporated into routineclinical care, in some cases leading to surgery with intent to cure. Further studies will be required to determine the clinical validity and utility of multi-cancer blood testing.

  Study EGAS00001004372

• MutWP5__CRUK_Mutographs_of_Cancer__Cancer_Mastectomy__WG__Novaseq_

  Sequencing of LCM-derived microbiopsies from 40 women who underwent mastecomies due to breast cancer. LCM and sequencing will be conducted on both normal, unaffected breast, and, where possible, tumour tissue. Goal to assess the mutational burden, spectrum, and clonal dynamics within the tissue, and compare findings between the normal and associated cancer tissues. Whole-genome sequencing will be conducted on samples identified as promising from the initial targeted data. Results from this poriton of the study will be compared to women who had cosmetic breast reduction surgeries and those who are BRCA carriers.

  Study EGAS00001003525

• Reference_DNA_standards_for_GCLP_pipeline

  The use of reference DNA standards generated from cancer cell lines sequenced in the Cancer Genome Project to establish the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy and reproducibility of the WTSI GCLP sequencing pipeline

  Study EGAS00001001173

• Institut Curie Neuroblastoma Whole Genome Sequencing Diagnosis Relapse

  Neuroblastoma, a clinically heterogeneous pediatric cancer, is characterized by distinct genomic profiles but few recurrent mutations. As neuroblastoma is expected to have high degree of genetic heterogeneity, study of neuroblastoma's clonal evolution with deep coverage whole-genome sequencing of diagnosis and relapse samples will lead to a better understanding of the molecular events associated with relapse. Samples were included in this study if sufficient DNA from constitutional, diagnosis and relapse tumors was available for WGS. Whole genome sequencing was performed on trios (constitutional, diagnose and relapse DNA) from eight patients using Illumina Hi-seq2500 leading to paired-ends (PE) 90x90 for 6 of them and 100x100 for two. Expected coverage for sample NB0175 100x100bp was 30X for tumor and constitutional samples. For the seven other patients expected coverage was 80X for tumor samples with PE 100x100, 100X in the other tumor samples and 50X for all constitutional samples (see table 1). Following alignment with BWA (Li et al., Oxford J, 2009 Jul) allowing up to 4% of mismatches, bam files were cleaned up according to the Genome Analysis Toolkit (GATK) recommendations (Van der Auwera et al., Current Protocols in Bioinformatics, 2013, picard-1.45, GenomeAnalysisTK-2.2-16). Variant calling was performed in parallel using 3 variant callers: GenomeAnalysisTK-2.2-16, Samtools-0.1.18 and MuTect-1.1.4 (McKenna et al., Genome Res, 2010; Li et al., Oxford J, 2009 Aug; Cibulskis et al., Nature, 2013). Annovar-v2012-10-23 with cosmic-v64 and dbsnp-v137 were used for the annotation and RefSeq for the structural annotation. For GATK and Samtools, single nucleotide variants (SNVs) with a quality under 30, a depth of coverage under 6 or with less than 2 reads supporting the variant were filter out. MuTect with parameters following GATK and Samtools thresholds have been used to filter our irrelevant variants. .SNVs within and around exons of coding genes overlapping splice sites.. Then,variants reported in more than 1% of the population in the 1000 genomes (1000gAprl_2012) or Exome Sequencing Project (ESP6500) have been discarded in order to filter polymorphisms. Finally, synonymous variants were filtered out. MuTect focuses on somatic by filtering with constitutional sample. Mpileup comparison between constitutional and somatic DNAs allowed us to focus also on tumor specific SNVs with GATK and Samtools. Finally, every SNV called by our pipeline and also supported in any constitutional samples were filtered our in order to prevent putative constitutional DNA coverage deficiency. Then we analyzed CNVs (copy number variants) with HMMcopy-v0.1.1 (Gavin et al., Genome Res, 2012) and control-FREEC-v6.7 (Boeva et al., Bioinformatics 2011) with a respective window of 2000bp and 1000 bp, and auto-correction of normal contamination of tumor samples for Control-FREEC. Finally we explored Structural variants (SVs) including deletions, inversions, tandem duplications and translocations using DELLY-v0.5.5 with standard parameters (Rausch et al., Oxford J, 2012). In tumors, at least 10 supporting reads were required to make a call and 5 supporting reads for the sample NB0175 with a coverage of only 40X (see table 2). To predict SVs in constitutional samples for subsequent somatic filtering, only 2 supporting reads were required in order not to miss one. To identify somatic events, all the SVs in each normal sample were first flanked by 500 bp in both directions and any SVs called in a tumor sample which was in the combined flanked regions of respective normal sample was removed (see graph 1). Deletions with more than 5 genes impacted or larger than 1Mb and inversions or tandem duplications covering more than 4 genes, were removed. We focused on exonic and splicing events for deletions, inversions, and tandem duplications. For translocation, we keep all SVs that occurred in intronic, exonic, 5'UTR, upstream or splicing regions. Bioinformatics detection of variations with Deep sequencing approach Once PE reads merged and adaptors trimmed by SeqPrep with default parameters, merged reads were aligned via the BWA (Li H. and Durbin R. 2009 PMID 19451168) allowing up to 1 differences in the 22-base-long seeds and reporting only unique alignments. Only reads having a mapping quality 20 or more have been further analysed. Variant calling software was not used, since we aimed to predict variations at low frequencies, observed in less than 1% of reads. Such variants require a custom approach. Using DepthOfCoverage functions of the Genome Analysis Toolkit (GATK) v2.13.2 (McKenna A, et al., 2010 Genome Research PMID: 20644199), we focused on high quality coverage of bases A, C, G and T at the targeted variant position. Depth of coverage of each base following a mapping quality higher than 20 and a base quality higher than 10 have been taken into account in order to focus only on high quality data. Aiming to determine the background level of variability at the studied regions, 10 control samples were included in the analysis. The same approach and filtering criteria have been applied as introduced above over the entire amplicons. In order to highlight variants, for each sample the frequencies of each bases at each amplicon position were then compared to those observed in the set of controls. Statistical analyses were performed with the R statistical software (http://www.R-project.org). Fisher’s exact two-sided tests with a Bonferroni correction were performed to compare percentages of bases between the data sets, i.e. for a given base between a case and the controls. Finally, significant variations were filtered-in once (i) a significant increase in the percentage of avariant base and (ii) a significant decrease in the percentage of it's reference base following our p.values criteria was observed (p.val < 0.05).

  Study EGAS00001001184

• Bulk RNAseq gene expression of baseline tumors from metastatic urothelial bladder cancer patients (IMvigor210) and metastatic renal cell carcinoma (IMmotion150)

  We examined tumors from a large cohort of patients with metastatic urothelial bladder cancer (mUC) and metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) treated with an anti-PD-L1 agent (atezolizumab) and found that high tumor IL8 gene expression was associated with worse overall survival (OS). We further identified the tumoral immune presence based on Teff signature. We found that high tumor IL8 expression continued to be associated with worse OS even in inflamed tumors in mUC and mRCC.

  Study EGAS00001004386

• Amplicon_based_sequencing_of_drug_resistant_organoids

  A BRAF V600E colorectal organoid which is sensitive to MAP kinase inhibition was mutagenised with the chemical mutagen ENU and then drug selected using a combination of Trametinib, Dabrafenib and Cetuximab. Single cell derived organoids were then manually picked and expanded in drug. Resistance was confirmed in a 14 day assay and DNA was collected. These then underwent targeted amplicon-based sequencing to confirm candidate resistance effectors from a screen in 2 2D BRAF V600E colorectal cell lines. Pools of resistant clones were also sequenced.

  Study EGAS00001001639

• RNA-seq data from 121 tumor samples with muscle invasive bladder cancer.

  In this study, a total of 300 patients with MIBC receiving chemotherapy were included; 62 received NAC before cystectomy and 245 received first-line chemotherapy upon detection of locally-advanced (T4b) or metastatic disease. Treatment response, defined as pathological downstaging (< pTa,CIS,N0) after NAC or complete or partial response after first-line treatment (RECIST criteria). RNA-seq was performed using the QuantSeq kit FWD HT kit (Lexogen) using 500 ng input RNA from 121 tumor samples. Data provided here consist of 780 fastq files for RNA-seq.

  Study EGAS00001004505

• LINE_luminal_breast_cancer_Neoadjuvant_Chemotherapy_Study

  A targeted gene screen of 365 known cancer genes in luminal breast cancer samples pre-chemotherapy and at resection post-chemotherapy to evalaute clonal expansion of chemotherapy cancer cells.

  Study EGAS00001001223