8253 results for "canc*"

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• Selective targeting of TBXT with DARPins identifies regulatory networks and therapeutic vulnerabilities in chordoma

  The embryonic transcription factor TBXT (brachyury) drives chordoma, a spinal neoplasm without effective drug therapies. TBXT’s regulatory network is poorly understood, and strategies to disrupt its activity for therapeutic purposes are lacking. We developed designed ankyrin repeat proteins that block TBXT-DNA binding (T-DARPins). In chordoma cells, T-DARPins reduced cell cycle progression, spheroid formation, and tumor growth in mice and induced signs of senescence and differentiation. Transcriptomic and proteomic analyses identified gene networks involved in cell cycle regulation, embryonic cell identity, and interferon response and revealed features of regulome components, such as druggability for future translational studies and the fine-tuning of TBXT downstream effectors through IGFBP3. Finally, we found high interferon signaling in chordoma cell lines and patient tumors, which was promoted by TBXT and associated with sensitivity to JAK2 inhibitors. These findings demonstrate the potential of DARPins for probing nuclear proteins to understand the regulatory networks of transcription factor-driven cancers, including entry points for therapies that warrant testing in patients.

  Study EGAS00001008140

• Single cell TCRseq data fromTIL and non-TIL expanded TRACERx samples in the manuscript Bulk TCRseq from TRACERx samples from 'Subclonal immune evasion in non-small cell lung cancer'

  Immune checkpoint blockade in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) rarely leads to complete tumour remission, suggesting that tumours harbour subpopulations of cancer cells that can escape immune predation. However, while tumours consist of multiple genetically distinct clones, the extent to which separate tumour subclones differ intrinsically in their functional capacity for immune evasion remains largely unexplored. This has been challenging to address due to an inability to isolate and propagate individual tumour subclones from human cancers. Here, we leverage the multi-region TRACERx lung cancer evolution study to generate a patient-derived platform that allows the functional analysis of immune escape at single clone resolution. We generated libraries of >20 separate NSCLC organoid lines per patient by isolating individual (clonal) organoids established from multiple spatially separated tumour regions. Each organoid subline was co-cultured with autologous tumour infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) to evaluate their capacity to elicit a T cell response. Organoid lines derived from separate tumour regions, or from single clones within individual regions, differ vastly in their capacity to elicit a T cell response, showing the coexistence of intrinsically immune evading (‘cold) and non-evading (‘hot) clones in the same primary tumour. Organoid lines escaping T cell recognition represent genetically and transcriptionally unique subclones with a distinct evolutionary history, showing that evolutionary sculpting of subclonal diversity can have functional consequences for anti-tumour immunity. Notably, the identification of immune-evasive subclones would not have been possible using computational approaches alone, highlighting the unique value of functional co-culture platforms. This patient-derived functional co-culture platform reveals that tumour evolution can give rise to distinct cancer clones with intrinsic differences in immune evasion capacity and provides an approach to prospectively identify, isolate and characterise immune evading subclones from patients with cancer.

  Study EGAS00001008161

• Transcriptomic predictors of survival for palbociclib + endocrine therapy vs. capecitabine in aromatase inhibitor-resistant breast cancer from GEICAM/2013-02 PEARL

  We examined transcriptomic tumor features associated with survival from GEICAM/2013-02 PEARL, a phase III trial of palbociclib + ET vs. capecitabine in aromatase inhibitor-resistant HR+/HER2- MBC. PAM50 intrinsic subtype predicted PFS differences between palbociclib + ET and capecitabine, and lower B-cell-associated gene expression predicted longer OS with palbociclib + ET vs. capecitabine. These features may help identify HR+/HER2- tumors resistant to further ET-based treatment with CDK4/6 inhibitors.

  Study EGAS00001008177

• Cold Ischemia Study

  This study aimed to evaluate the impact of cold ischemia time on the expression of cancer-related genes, particularly those involved in hypoxia, apoptosis, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). We performed RNA sequencing on 54 normal colon mucosa samples from nine patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgeries, freezing samples at predefined intervals ranging from 0 to 60 minutes. A total of 44 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) (p < 0.05) were identified when comparing samples frozen immediately (T0) with those frozen after 60 minutes (T5).

  Study EGAS00001008233

• Colorectal Microenvironment Spatial Mapping

  In colorectal cancer (CRC), interactions between tumor and immune cells within the tumor microenvironment are critical drivers of tumorigenesis, immune evasion, prognosis, and therapeutic response. Therefore, a deeper understanding of the spatial organization of cancer and immune cells within the CRC microenvironment is urgently needed. In this study, we aimed to characterize distinct cell populations and patterns of spatial gene expression associated with CRC tumorigenesis and immune infiltration. Spatial transcriptomics (ST) was performed on CRC and adjacent normal tissues to investigate the patterns of gene expression. Integrative ST data and publicly available single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data analysis tools were used for data integration, dimension reduction, clustering, and differential expression analysis. This study identified novel immunosuppressive cell populations and immune regulatory factors in CRC. Further functional validation of these findings will be essential to assess their potential as therapeutic targets.

  Study EGAS00001008254

• Organoid_Derivation_Project___GRCh38___TGS

  Generation of normal and cancer organoids for sequencing as part of the WTSI-CRUK international collaboration with NCI (in HCMI) to generate the next generation of cancer cell lines.

  Study EGAS00001007349

• Endocrine therapy reprogramming of breast cancer facilitates metastatic escape via upregulation of P-Rex1/Rac1 signalling

  The estrogen receptor (ER) drives growth in ~70% of breast cancers, and endocrine therapies prevent recurrence. However, 30% of patients recur, with many fatal cases occurring late (after >5 years), presenting a challenge due to their often non-proliferative nature and limited options. To study this, we generated slow-growing resistant cells that form small primary tumours but readily metastasize. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) revealed that endocrine therapy reprograms these cells, notably upregulating the Rac1 signalling component P-Rex1. We found in clinical cohorts that P-Rex1 in high in ER+ breast cancer. Intravital imaging demonstrated that Rac1 signalling is active in ER+ cells following endocrine therapy. Targeting the Rac1 pathway with small molecule inhibitors (NSC23766, R-ketorolac) reduced survival and motility in resistant cells, inhibited in vivo Rac1 activity, and reduced tumour burden when combined with tamoxifen in a drug-refractory patient-derived xenograft. This work identifies the P-Rex1/Rac1 axis, as a potential therapeutic target for late recurring ER+ breast cancer.

  Study EGAS00001008353

• Single-cell RNA-seq of murine splenocytes from Bcl6tg/+ and Cd70-/-; Bcl6tg/+ diffuse large B-cell lymphoma mouse models and Cd70-/- and wild-type controls.

  Study EGAS00001007570

• Single-cell and spatial transcriptomic profiling of peritoneal metastasis of gastric cancer

  Peritoneal metastasis is associated with disease progression and poor prognosis in gastric cancer. This study uses single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics to characterize the cellular composition, tumor microenvironment heterogeneity, and potential therapeutic vulnerabilities in peritoneal metastasis of gastric cancer. Human peritoneal metastatic samples and humanized mouse models engrafted with human gastric cancer cells were analyzed to investigate tumor and immune microenvironment features.

  Study EGAS50000001875

• Expression genes of metastatic colon cancer

  This study aims to identify anti-cancer drug targets through drug screening using tumor organoids established from patient-derived tumors.

  Study JGAS000876

• Developing therapeutics for ovarian cancer using ovarian cancer organoids

  To identify effective drugs for clear cell ovarian cancer (CCC) and high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSC) through high-throughput drug screening using ovarian cancer organoids and to identify novel therapeutic targets based on the biological characteristics of CCC and HGSC through omics analysis.

  Study JGAS000764

• Development of actionable molecular targets and/or biomarkers for prognostication and patient stratification in gynecological cancer based on whole-exome sequencing and epigenomic analysis

  We collected 92 endometrial hyperplasia lesions (48 non-atypical from 30 cases and 44 atypical from 24 cases) and matched normal tissues/whole blood. The purpose of this study is to develop actionable molecular targets and/or biomarkers for prognostication and patient stratification.

  Study JGAS000642

• Research of factors related to diagnosis, progression, prognosis and treatment of hepato-biliary-pancreatic malignancies

  Advanced cancers with metastasis and/or recurrence are usually resistant and refractory to treatment. In our studies, whole exome sequencing analysis, comprehensive epigenetic analysis and genome-wide expression analysis were performed using cancerous and non-cancerous tissues derived from multicentric cohort study of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aim of the studies is identification of the refractoriness-related deriver genes for application to novel molecular targeted therapy and preventive medicine. The studies are intended for refractory HCC. High frequency of the tumor recurrence even after curative resection is one of the major difficulties in the treatment of HCC. According to our previous studies, not the recurrence itself, but the recurrence pattern has critical effects on prognosis of the patient with HCC. Then, we analyzed the cancerous and non-cancerous tissues of primary HCC on the point of the recurrence patterns in accordance with or without Milan criteria. The materials were obtained from thirty three patients underwent curative hepatectomy for HCC at Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Tokyo Medical and Dental University Hospital. Written informed consent from these patients, as well as the institutional review board approved was obtained. The determination of the refractory HCC group (16 cases) was based on the point of the recurrence patterns in accordance with Milan criteria for the recurrent tumor (solitary <5cm, or up to 3 nodules <3 cm, without major vascular invasion or distant metastasis) that has been proposed as the useful criteria of the liver transplantation for HCC. The cellular DNA was extracted from the cancerous and non-cancerous tissues of primary HCC by the phenol-chloroform method. After SNP certification using Genome-Wide Human SNP Array 6.0 (Affymetrix), whole exome sequencing was performed at the Cancer Institute of JFCR, as the support infrastructure. Exome sequencing was performed using HiSeq 2000 (Illumina), and the obtained reads were mapped to the human reference genome (hg19) using BWA software. GATK software was used for local realignment base call recalibration. Single nucleotide variants (SNVs) and indels were analyzed by MuTect and SomaticIndelDetector, as well as visual confirmation by IGV software.

  Study JGAS000052

• Target sequencing of 11 hereditary breast cancer genes in Japanese

  We performed a case control association study for variants in coding regions of 11 hereditary breast cancer genes in 7,051 female unselected breast cancer patients, 11,241 female controls, 53 male patients, and 12,490 male controls of Japanese ancestry. The 11 genes were ATM, BRCA1, BRCA2, CDH1, CHEK2, NBN, NF1, PALB2, PTEN, STK11, and TP53.

  Study JGAS000140

• exploration of biomarkers in colorectal cancer

  Targeted therapies based on the molecular and histological features of cancer types are becoming standard practice. To understand the molecular basis of colorectal cancer, we performed CAGE (Cap Analysis of Gene Expression) to quantify promoter activities on 45 colorectal cancers.

  Study JGAS000489

• Exploratory novel biomarker and resistance mechanism of milademetan, an MDM2 inhibitor, in MDM2 amplified intimal sarcoma from an open-label phase 1b/2 trial ���NCCH1806/MK004���

  Amplified Murine double minute 2 (MDM2) is found in > 70% of intimal sarcoma, known as one of the ultra-rare sarcomas. Milademetan (DS3032, RAIN-32) is a novel, specific, small-molecule MDM2 inhibitor that disrupts MDM2 and the tumor suppressor protein p53 interactions in tumor cells. We conducted a phase 1b/2 trial (Trial registration No: JMA-IIA00402) in patients with amplified MDM2 wild-type TP53 intimal sarcoma as a sub-study under the nationwide large registry for rare cancers in Japan (MASTERKEY Project). Eleven patients were enrolled, and ten were included in the efficacy analysis. Two (20%) patients had durable responses for > 15 months. Milademetan provided clinical benefits in patients with amplified MDM2 intimal sarcoma. Predictive biomarkers other than amplified MDM2 and acquired resistance mechanisms for milademetan are unknown. Whole-exome and RNA sequencing analyses of pre-treatment tissue samples were conducted to identify determinants of response. Genomic alterations were analyzed for 10 patients, and gene expression was analyzed for 9 patients using their pre-treatment tissue samples. Targeted sequencing of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) samples (liquid biopsy) was also conducted sequentially at three points [before treatment with milademetan (baseline), at Cycle 2 Day1, and at the time of disease progression] to identify determinants of response and resistance. From whole-exome and RNA sequencing analyses of pre-treatment tissue samples, we could not find any molecular pathways associated with the anti-tumor activity of milademetan. Focusing on 8 genes (CDK4, CDKN2A, CDKN2B, EGFR, ERBB3, MDM2, PDGFRA, TP53) known to be frequently affected in intimal sarcoma and 10 genes (AKT1, ATM, BBC3, CDKN1A, CDKN1C, CHEK2, MDM4, PMAIP1, PPM1D, TWIST1) reported to be associated with MDM2 inhibitor responses; we found that anti-tumor activity correlated with amplified TWIST1 (p-value = 0.028) and negatively with CDKN2A loss (p-value = 0.071). Eight of the 10 patients had their cfDNA collected sequentially at baseline, at Cycle 2 Day1 and disease progression; however, one did not consent to the exploratory analysis study using cfDNA, and one had cfDNA collected at baseline but not at disease progression due to ongoing treatment. Of the eight patients, TP53 mutations in cfDNA were detected in one and five patients at baseline and disease progression, respectively. The cfDNA allele frequency of TP53 mutations increased with disease progression. CDKN2A loss and amplified TWIST1 could be associated with the anti-tumor activity of milademetan in patients with MDM2 amplified intimal sarcoma. Acquired TP53 mutations were detected in sequential liquid biopsies as loss-of-function mutations, and these TP53 mutations might compromise the anti-tumor activity.

  Study JGAS000619

• Impact of germline pathogenic variants in 27 cancer-predisposing genes on the risk of lymphoma

  The application of advanced molecular technology has significantly expanded lymphoma classification, allowing risk stratification and treatment optimization. Limited evidence suggests the presence of a genetic predisposition in lymphoma, indicating the potential for better individualized clinical management based on a novel lymphoma classification. Herein, we examined the impact of germline pathogenic variants in 27 cancer-predisposing genes with lymphoma risk and explored the clinical characteristics of pathogenic variant carriers. This study included 2,066 lymphoma patients and 38,153 cancer-free controls from the Japanese population. Following quality control of sequencing data, samples from 1,982 lymphoma patients and 37,592 controls were further analyzed. Sequencing data of controls were obtained from JGAD000721. Germline pathogenic variants in some cancer-predisposing genes were associated with a high risk of lymphoma. Furthermore, germline pathogenic variants in these genes were especially associated with the higher risk of a certain subtype. These results would provide novel insights concerning monogenic form into lymphoma classification. Some lymphoma patients may benefit from surveillance and targeted treatment like other neoplasms.

  Study JGAS000347

• BHD-associated kidney cancer

  Background Birt-Hogg-Dub? (BHD) syndrome is a hereditary kidney cancer syndrome, which predisposes patients to develop kidney cancer, cutaneous fibrofolliculomas and pulmonary cysts. The responsible gene, FLCN is a tumor suppressor for kidney cancer which plays an important role for energy homeostasis through the regulation of mitochondrial oxidative metabolism. However, how FLCN-deficiency leads to renal tumorigenesis is unclear. Results Whole-exome sequencing analysis of BHD-associated kidney cancer revealed that copy number variations (CNV) of BHD-associated kidney cancer are considerably different from those already reported in sporadic cases. Somatic mutation analysis revealed BHD-associated kidney cancer has quite few common mutations in specific genes; however, chromatin remodeling genes in total were frequently mutated in BHD-associated kidney cancer (17/29 tumors, 59%). Metabolite analysis revealed that glycolysis, pentose phosphate pathway and lipid metabolism were upregulated whereas the rate of beta oxydation and TCA cycle is decreased in BHD-associated kidney cancer compared to normal adjacent kidney. Conclusions BHD-associated kidney cancer displays a unique molecular characteristics which is totally different from that of sporadic kidney cancer, providing the mechanistic insight into tumorigenesis under FLCN deficiency as well as the foundation for the development of novel therapeutics for kidney cancer.

  Study JGAS000115

• Common and rare germline variants in Japanese prostate cancer patients

  Study JGAS000487

• Metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses identify metabolic alterations and immune suppression in ovarian cancer

  The objective of this study is to identify metabolic alterations and related phenotypes specific to ovarian cancer by performing metabolomic analysis of plasma and tissue samples. In addition, transcriptomic analysis is conducted to investigate the relationship between metabolic status and immune-related gene expression. By integrating metabolomic and transcriptomic data, this study aims to clarify how metabolic reprogramming contributes to tumor progression and immune suppression, particularly the reduction of natural killer (NK) cell activity, in ovarian cancer.

  Study JGAS000831

• Elucidating the development of cervical cancer and identifying therapeutic targets based on cancer genome analysis.

  The objective of this project is to analyze genomic aberrations and gene expression changes, such as mutations, deletions, and amplifications, in human cervical cancer cells at the somatic cell level, and to contrast these with clinicopathological information to elucidate the molecular mechanisms and characteristics of lcervical cancer development and progression at the genetic level.

  Study JGAS000803

• Targeted sequencing of cell free DNA samples from oligometastatic colorectal cancer patients

  In order to discover specific mutations that correlate with prognosis, target sequencing was performed using cell-free DNA samples from oligometastatic colorectal cancer patients.

  Study JGAS000196

• Comprehensive gene analysis of colorectal cancer cases

  Colorectal cancer is the third most common morbidity and the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the world.To characterize the mutation profiles of colorectal cancer with liver metastasis,we performed both whole-exosome sequencing and RNA sequencing for 12 cases of colorectal cancer with liver metastasis (group A) and 16 cases of colorectal cancer without liver metastasis (group B). As a result of driver mutation search by Mutsig pipeline, PTEN was identified as a significant mutant gene in group A alone.ADAMTS10,NELL1 and RXFP3 were identified as candidate genes for metastasis by MuTect,SID and VarScan pipeline.Furthermore, in all samples, the copy number of chromosomes 1p,4,7,8,13,15, 17p,18,20 and 22q were significantly abnormal. Chromosomes 1p,4,15,18,17p,22q were deleted and chromosomes 7, 8,13 and 20 were amplified by CNV.Pathway analysed revealed Wnt/Ca2+ and PCP pathway was involved in metastasis of cl cancer.9 kinds of fusion genes were identified in deFuse pipeline. Among them, ADAP1 fusion genes were identified in 2 samples, and ADAP1 fusion genes were further identified in 3 samples by our in-house algorithm. It is suggested that new fusion genes present in such multiple samples may be involved in the development of colorectal cancer.

  Study JGAS000128

• Development of Novel Histiocytic Sarcoma Organoid Model for Drug Discovery

  Histiocytic sarcoma is an extremely rare and aggressive hematopoietic malignancy. Its pathogenesis remains poorly understood and effective treatments are lacking. We treated a patient with histiocytic sarcoma of soft tissue in Osaka International Cancer Institute and established an organoid culture from a resected tumor specimen using a modified air���liquid interface method. After serial passaging, the organoid was successfully xenografted into NOD-scid IL2Rgnull (NSG) mice. The established organoid retained key histological features and genetic characteristics of the original tumor. This organoid model offers a novel and reliable platform for studying the biology of histiocytic sarcoma and may contribute to the development of future therapeutic strategies.

  Study JGAS000807

• Prediction of response to preoperative chemoradiotherapy in rectal cancer based on whole-exome sequencing and transcriptomic analysis

  Accumulating evidence suggests that radiotherapeutic success has an immune-associated component. We aimed to investigate the immunogenomic profiles associated with response to preoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer.

  Study JGAS000158

• Development of molecular targeted therapy for small cell lung cancer by comprehensive genome analysis

  Aims: Identifying new therapeutic targets of small cell lung cancer (SCLC), genome-wide mutation analysis has been performed. Methods: Genomic DNA was extracted from formalin-fixed or methanol-fixed tissue samples. 71 Mb of DNA fragments containing whole coding exons were concentrated using SureSelect Human All Exon V4+UTRs Kit (Agilent Technologies) followed by 100-bp paired end sequencing by HiSeq 2000 (Illumina). Participants/Materials: 51 of 1042 cases of pathologically diagnosed small seen lung cancer that were registered to National Cancer Hospital East Lung Cancer Database in 1992-2012, and which surgically resected or biopsy samples were suitable for DNA extraction for further analyses.

  Study JGAS000037

• Genome sequencing of biliary tract cancers

  Biliary tract cancers (BTCs) are clinically and pathologically heterogeneous with poor response to treatments. Genomic profiling can offer a clearer understanding of their carcinogenesis, classification and treatment strategy. We performed genome sequencing analyses for a large scale samples of BTCs to investigate their somatic and germline driver events and characterize their genomic landscape.

  Study JGAS000109

• Establishment of an integrated database for clinical and genomic data in cancer

  In this study, to clarify the genomic varieties of MM in Asian population, we planned to investigate the genomic features in Japanese population, represented as an Asian cohort, and preformed the comprehensive genomic analysis of MM cells with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) by means of targeted capture sequencing (TCS) method. In our TCS assay, MM cells are subjected to the detection of following genomic abnormalities; IG rearrangements, IG associated translocations, CNAs, and somatic mutations from 340 genes related to the pathogenesis and therapeutic agent of MM.

  Study JGAS000206

• Multi-omic profiling of patient-derived pancreatic tumor organoids

  We conducted multi-omic profiling of patient-derived pancreatic cancer organoids and genetically engineered normal pancreas organoids.

  Study JGAS000719

• Comprehensive assay for the molecular profiling of cancer by target enrichment from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded specimens

  Tumor molecular profiling is becoming a standard of care for patients with cancer, but the optimal platform for cancer sequencing remains undetermined. We established a comprehensive assay, the Todai OncoPanel (TOP), which consists of DNA and RNA hybridization capture-based next-generation sequencing panels. A novel method for target enrichment, named the junction capture method, was developed for the RNA panel to accurately and cost-effectively detect 365 fusion genes as well as aberrantly spliced transcripts. The TOP RNA panel can also measure the expression profiles of an additional 109 genes. The TOP DNA panel was developed to detect single nucleotide variants and insertions/deletions for 464 genes, to calculate tumor mutation burden and microsatellite instability status, and to infer chromosomal copy number. Clinically relevant somatic mutations were identified in 32.2% (59/183) of patients by prospective TOP testing, signifying the clinical utility of TOP for providing personalized medicine to cancer patients.

  Study JGAS000164

• Evaluation of novel therapies using primary cultured gynecological cancer cells and search for predictors of efficacy

  The objective of this study is to establish an optimal method to evaluate the anti-tumor efficacy and biological activity of the novel therapies under investigation in our department using cancer tissues and cells derived from patients with gynecological malignancies in vitro and to evaluate them in practice. This research will contribute to the development of new treatments for gynecological cancer.

  Study JGAS000809

• The impact of CCR8+ regulatory T cells on cytotoxic T cell function in human lung cancer

  Regulatory T cells (Tregs) suppress the host immune response and maintain immune homeostasis. Tregs also promote cancer progression and are involved in resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitor treatments. Recent studies identified selective CCR8 expression on tumor-infiltrating Tregs; CCR8+ Tregs have been indicated as a possible new target of cancer immunotherapy. Here, we investigated the features of CCR8+ Tregs in lung cancer patients. CCR8+ Tregs were highly activated and infiltration of CCR8+ Tregs in tumors was associated with poor prognosis in lung cancer patients. We also investigated their immune suppressive function, especially the influence on cytotoxic T lymphocyte cell function. The Cancer Genome Analysis revealed that CD8 T cell activities were suppressed in high CCR8-expressing tumors. Additionally, depletion of CCR8+ cells enhanced CD8 T cell function in an ex vivo culture of lung tumor-infiltrating cells. Moreover, CCR8+ Tregs, but not CCR8��� Tregs, induced from human PBMCs markedly suppressed CD8 T cell cytotoxicity. Finally, we demonstrated the therapeutic effect of targeting CCR8 in a murine model of lung cancer. These findings reveal the significance of CCR8+ Tregs for immunosuppression in lung cancer, especially via cytotoxic T lymphocyte cell suppression, and suggest the potential value of CCR8-targeted therapy for cancer treatment.

  Study JGAS000454

• Single cell RNA seq of breast cancer stem cells

  RNA sequences of breast cancer have been investigated for many patients. Recently it has been shown that there are intra-heterogeneity in tumor tissues. When the tumor cells were sequenced in bulk condition, only the major populations' mRNA will be detected. With respect to breast cancer, it has been also reported that cancer cells can sub-gropued into cancer stem cells and non-cancer stem cells. Although the mRNA expressions' difference between this two groups has been profoundly investigated, whether each group is composed by unique cell or not is yet to be elucidated. Since cancer stem cells are the thought to be the major contributor of metastasis and/or recurrence, we focused on cancer stem cells in this study. We separated cancer cells into cancer stem cells and non-cancer stem cells exploiting cancer stem cell specific surface markers. Thereafter, we sequenced mRNA of cancer stem cells in single cell resolution. From this result, we examined whether these cells can be sub-grouped or not.

  Study JGAS000305

• Durable clinical impacts and mechanisms of action and resistance in histone K27 methylation-targeting epigenetic therapy

  Epigenomes allow the rectification of disordered cancer gene expressions, thereby providing new targets for pharmacological interventions in cancer therapy. The clinical utility of targeting histone H3 lysine tri-methylation (H3K27me3) as an epigenetic hallmark has been demonstrated. However, in actual therapeutic settings, the mechanism by which H3K27me3-targeting therapies exert their effects and the response of tumor cells remain unclear. Here we show the potency and mechanisms of action and resistance of a newly developed EZH1/2 dual inhibitor, valemetostat, in the clinical trials of patients with adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL). Valemetostat administration reduced the tumor size and demonstrated durable clinical benefits. Integrative single-cell analyses of patients before and after the administration of valemetostat showed that valemetostat abolishes the highly condensed chromatin structure formed by the plastic H3K27me3 and neutralizes multiple gene loci, such as tumor suppressor genes. Nevertheless, subsequent long-term treatment encounters the emergence of resistant clones with reconstructed aggregate chromatin that closely resemble the pre-dose state. The acquired mutations at the EZH2???compound interface result in the propagation of the clones with re-increased H3K27me3. In patients free of this mutation, TET2 mutation or elevated DNMT3A expression causes similar chromatin recondensation through de novo DNA methylation at the H3K27me3-associated regions. We identified subpopulations with distinct metabolic and gene translation characteristics implicated in primary susceptibility until the acquisition of the heritable (epi)mutations. Targeting chromatin homeostasis might provide opportunities for further sustained epigenetic cancer therapies.

  Study JGAS000553

• Evaluation of clonal hematopoiesis regarding TP53 mutation status in 140,597 individuals

  The existence of clonal hematopoiesis, in which somatic mutations accumulate in the peripheral blood with age and expand clonally, is becoming clear, and various clinical implications are being suggested. This study analyzed clonal hematopoiesis regarding TP53 mutation status by targeted sequencing in 140,597 individuals, including those with breast cancer, gastric cancer, colorectal cancer, heart failure, stroke, etc. The clinical characteristics of clonal hematopoietic carriers were evaluated.

  Study JGAS000782

• Analysis of mutational and proteomic heterogeneity of gastric cancer to monitor post-treatment tumor burden using circulating tumor DNA

  It remains unclear whether complete spectrum of tumor heterogeneity is reflected in circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA). Here, we performed multi-regional target sequencing of primary tumors from 10 patients who underwent surgical resection for gastric cancer. A total of 126 non-synonymous mutations were identified from 30 samples from 10 tumors. Of these, 16 (12.7%) were likely mutations that occurred early in tumor development (i.e., present in all three regions) and were designated founder mutations. Among those validated with highly sensitive digital PCR (dPCR), 93% of non-founder mutations were found in all three regions. Variant allele frequencies (VAFs) of founder mutations were significantly higher than those of non-founder mutations. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that five of eight tumors (62.5%, excluding two hypermutator) had at least one identifiable truncal/founder mutation. These findings led us to prioritize founder mutations for ctDNA detection with individually-designed primer/probe sets for dPCR. Marked proteomic diversity was present across the tumor regions both within and between patients independent of mutational status. In preoperative plasma, the average ctDNA VAF of founder mutations was significantly higher than that of non-founder mutations (p = 0.039). Our present data demonstrated that high VAF mutations in the tumor likely represent founder or truncal mutations. However, mutation patterns alone appear insufficient to predict protein heterogeneity. These results suggest that, in practice, mutations having high VAF identified without multi-regional sequencing may be useful for ctDNA monitoring but are inadequate to fully predict proteomic heterogeneity of the tumor.

  Study JGAS000231

• Comprehensive analyses of genetic aberrations in cholangiolocarcinoma

  The nature of CLC is still unclear and its pathological classification still remains controversial. To clarify the positioning of CLC among primary liver cancers, and to find characteristics that could distinguish CLC from other liver cancers.

  Study JGAS000597

• Spatial transcroptomic analyses against non-metastatic and metastatic lymph node from breast cancer patients

  We performed spatial transcroptomic analyses against non-metastatic and metastatic lymph node from breast cancer patients to investigate how metastasized breast cancer cells affect gene expression in lymph nodes

  Study JGAS000616

• Comprehensive molecular and clinicopathological profiling of lung adenocarcinoma in Japanese never or light smokers

  Studies have yet to characterize the differences in molecular profiles of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) among divergent ethnic groups. Herein, we conducted comprehensive molecular profiling of LUAD in never or light smokers from Asia in order to discover novel targetable mutations and prognostic biomarkers of this distinct disease entity. Methods: We analyzed 996 cases of Asian LUAD, and performed whole-exome sequencing and/or RNA-seq in 125 cases of Asian LUAD negative for the driver oncogenes defined by conventional laboratory testing. We also investigated the clinical and pathological characteristics among the 996 cases. Results: Driver oncogenes were identified in 88 cases (70.4%) with specific hotspot mutations differing from those in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) study. Clustering based on mRNA expression profiles, but not genetic mutational ones, could predict patient prognosis. The risk score generated by the expression of a three-gene set was a strong prognostic marker for overall survival and progression-free survival in our cohort, and was further validated using TCGA cohort. Among the 996 cases, each driver alteration is distributed across all histological subtypes. Adenocarcinoma in situ was identified to harbor driver mutations, suggesting that these alterations are early events in the pathogenesis of LUAD. This study indicates the value of applying gene expression profiling for predicting the prognosis after a surgical operation, and that the identification of actionable mutations is important for optimizing targeted drugs in Japanese LUAD.

  Study JGAS000215

• Identification of gastric cancer susceptibility genes in Japanese

  We performed whole genome sequencing of 2067 gastric cancer patients registered in BioBank Japan to identify novel susceptibility genes.

  Study JGAS000701

• Identification of therapeutic target molecules for prostate cancer by using next generation sequencer

  Comprehensive transcriptional characterization of cancer tissues can reveal important molecular signatures associated with the disease progression. Long non-coding RNA (LncRNA) has a diversity of functions such as transcription, epigenetic and gene regulation in cancer cells including prostate cancer cells. Here, we performed directional RNA-sequence (RNA-seq) on clinical samples obtained from prostate cancer (PC) and lethal castration-resistant PC (CRPC) patients to identify novel molecular signatures including protein coding genes and non-coding RNAs induced in CRPC tissues.

  Study JGAS000198

• Exploring Genomic Mutations in Gastric Cancer among Japanese Populations

  We conducted a comprehensive analysis of whole-genome and RNA sequences obtained from biopsy samples of 65 patients with advanced gastric cancer prior to chemotherapy treatment.

  Study JGAS000754

• Immunohistochemical and molecular pathological search in gastrointestinal tumors

  Purpose: RSPO fusions are recently identified recurrent genetic alterations in colorectal cancer (CRC), which lead to WNT pathway activation and are potential therapeutic targets. We aimed to investigate the clinicopathological and molecular features of RSPO fusion-positive CRCs. Experimental Design: We screened 1019 CRCs for RSPO fusions using multiplex reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. RSPO fusion-positive tumors were characterized for their clinicopathological features and subjected to whole exome sequencing (WES). Results: Our analysis identified 29 CRCs with RSPO fusions (2.8%), consisting of 5 with an EIF3E-RSPO2 fusion and 24 with PTPRK-RSPO3 fusions. The patients were 17 females and 12 males with the median age of 64 years. Thirteen tumors were located in the right colon, 8 were in the left colon, and 8 were in the rectum. Histologically, most of the tumors (24/29, 83%) were classified as adenocarcinomas, not otherwise specified. However, about half of the tumors (13/29, 45%) had a focal or extensive mucinous component, which is significantly more frequent compared with RSPO fusion-negative tumors (13%; p = 8.1 �� 10-7). Four tumors (14%) were mismatch repair-deficient, three of which were associated with MLH1 promoter methylation. WES identified KRAS, BRAF, and NRAS mutations in a total of 27 cases (93%). In contrast, pathogenic mutations in major WNT pathway genes other than RSPO fusions were virtually absent. The presence of an RSPO fusion tended to show shorter overall and recurrence-free survivals in stage II and III patients although the differences were not significant. Conclusions: RSPO fusion-positive CRCs constitute a rare subgroup of CRCs with several characteristic clinicopathological and genetic features. The mutual exclusivity with other WNT pathway gene alterations supports RSPO fusions as valid therapeutic targets in CRC.

  Study JGAS000538

• Identification of the genes associated with EGFR-mutant lung cancer

  To gain an insight into the genetic factors underlying the carcinogenesis of EGFR-mutant lung adenocarcinoma, we sequenced the exomes in peripheral-blood DNA from the patients.

  Study JGAS000129

• Single nucleus RNA sequencing of squamous cell carcinoma arising from mature teratoma of the ovary

  Squamous cell carcinoma arising from mature teratoma is one of the rare ovarian cancers. Therefore, the detailed molecular background of this disease has not been elucidated. The purpose of this study is to investigate the single-cell transcriptional landscape of this disease.

  Study JGAS000521

• Frequent post-treatment monitoring of colorectal cancer using individualized ctDNA validated by multi-regional molecular profiling

  Purpose: Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) analysis has been proposed as an approach for prediction of post-treatment patient outcomes. However, whether a single platform will provide optimal information in all patients or alternatively a patient-specific monitoring approach based on assessment of mutations in the primary tumor from that patient remains an urgent question. Experimental Design: We conducted multiregional sequencing of 42 specimens of 14 colorectal tumors (Stage III and more) from 12 patients, including two double cancer cases, to identify the full spectrum of mutational heterogeneity and identify aberrations that could be used to develop personalized ctDNA assays. Results: ?Founder? mutations that occur in all regions of the sample were identified in 12/14 (85.7%) tumors. Subsequent phylogenetic analysis of each tumor showed that 12/14 tumors (85.7%) carried at least one ?truncal? mutation. Most founder and truncal mutations exhibited higher variant allele frequency (VAF) than ?non-founder? and ?branch? mutations. In addition, both founder and truncal mutations were more likely to be detected as ctDNA than non-founder and branch mutations. Synchronized ctDNA dynamics of multiple mutations suggested those mutations from the same clonal origin. For 10/12 patients (83.3%) with nearly 1,000 days of post-operative observation, the validity of frequent personalized ctDNA monitoring was confirmed in terms of early relapse prediction, treatment efficacy, and non-relapse corroboration. Conclusions: Personalized ctDNA monitoring based on aberrations with a high VAF in the primary tumor site should be explored in larger prospective clinical trials to determine the full clinical validity.

  Study JGAS000243

• Target sequencing of 8 hereditary prostate cancer genes in Japanese

  We performed a case control association study for variants in coding regions of 8 hereditary prostate cancer genes in 7,636 male unselected prostate cancer patients, 12,366 male controls of Japanese ancestry. The 8 genes were ATM, BRCA1, BRCA2, BRIP1, CHEK2, HOXB13, NBN, and PALB2.

  Study JGAS000203

• Comprehensive molecular profiling of subsequent solid cancers after allogenic hematopoietic cell transplantation

  Subsequent solid cancers after allogenic hematopoietic cell transplantation may have unique genomic profiles compared with de novo cancers. In order to identify such profiles, we applied whole exome sequencing (WES) of subsequent solid cancers after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation as well as de novo cancers.

  Study JGAS000377

• Genomic Profiling Reveals Heterogeneous Populations of Ductal Carcinoma In Situ

  Whole Exome Sequencing(WES) and copy number variation(CNV) analysis were performed using breast samples collected from non-invasive breast cancer patients in order to analysis of somatic mutations related to breast tumor phenotypes.

  Study JGAS000202

• Exploratory Biomarker Analysis Using ctDNA in an Investigator-Initiated Trial of Alectinib for Rare Cancers Harboring ALK Alterations

  We performed targeted sequencing analysis of cfDNA from plasma collected before and after study treatment, together with matched normal DNA from peripheral blood cells, in patients enrolled in an investigator-initiated clinical trial of alectinib for rare cancers harboring ALK alterations. This study aims to identify biomarkers associated with the clinical efficacy of alectinib.

  Study JGAS000958