15038 results for "cancer studies using rna-seq"

in 54.04 milliseconds.

• The Formation and Propagation of Human Robertsonian Chromosomes

  Robertsonian chromosomes are a type of variant chromosome found commonly in nature. Present in one in 800 humans, these chromosomes can underlie infertility, trisomies, and increased cancer incidence. Recognized cytogenetically for more than a century, their origins have remained mysterious. Recent advances in genomics have allowed us to assemble three human Robertsonian chromosomes completely. We identify a common breakpoint and epigenetic changes in centromeres that provide insight into the formation and propagation of common Robertsonian translocations. Further investigation of the assembled genomes of chimpanzee and bonobo highlights the structural features of the human genome that uniquely enable the specific crossover event that creates these chromosomes. Resolving the structure and epigenetic features of human Robertsonian chromosomes at a molecular level will pave the way to understanding how chromosomal structural variation occurs more generally, and how chromosomes evolve.

  Study phs003920

• RNAseq_of_healthy_mesothelial_cells_and_primary_mesothelioma_cell_lines

  Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer associated with previous exposure to asbestos. Currently there are no effective treatments for mesothelioma and majority of patients will die within a year after diagnosis. Although a large number of preclinical and clinical trials assessed the efficacy of various therapuetic modes, including anti-angiogenic therapies, immunotherapy, antibody-drug conjugates and oncolytic viruses, none of the tested molecules entered the clinic. Thus, to better understand what drives mesothelioma carcinogenesis and to identify novel targets for therapy, in this project we aim at performing a comprehensive transcriptomic analysis of heathy mesothelial cells and a panel of mesothelioma cells lines. Primary mesothelial cell lines were established in prof. Marciniak lab from human pleural specimens, while primary mesothelioma cell lines were obtained from MesobanK. Both models constitute low passage cell lines and therefore should closely represent genetics of the original tissue.

  Study EGAS00001005728

• Frequent mutations in chromatin-remodelling genes in pulmonary carcinoids

  Pulmonary carcinoids are rare neuroendocrine tumours of the lung. The molecular alterations underlying the pathogenesis of these tumours have not been systematically studied so far. Here we perform gene copy number analysis (n¼54), genome/exome (n¼44) and transcriptome (n¼69) sequencing of pulmonary carcinoids and observe frequent mutations in chromatin-remodelling genes. Covalent histone modifiers and subunits of the SWI/SNF complex are mutated in 40 and 22.2% of the cases, respectively, with MEN1, PSIP1 and ARID1A being recurrently affected. In contrast to small-cell lung cancer and large-cell neuroendocrine tumours, TP53 and RB1 mutations are rare events, suggesting that pulmonary carcinoids are not early progenitor lesions of the highly aggressive lung neuroendocrine tumors but arise through independent cellular mechanisms. These data also suggest that inactivation of chromatinremodelling genes is sufficient to drive transformation in pulmonary carcinoids.

  Study EGAS00001000650

• Therapeutic Targeting of Ependymoma as Informed by Oncogenic Enhancer Profiling

  Genomic sequencing has driven precision-based oncology therapy; however, genetic drivers remain unknown or non-targetable for many malignancies, demanding alternative approaches to identify therapeutic leads. Ependymomas are chemotherapy-resistant brain tumours, which, despite genomic sequencing, lack effective molecular targets. Here, we mapped active chromatin landscapes in 42 primary ependymomas in two non-overlapping primary ependymoma cohorts. Enhancer regions revealed novel oncogenes, molecular targets, and pathways, which when subjected to small molecule inhibitor or shRNA treatment, increased survival and slowed proliferation in mouse and neurosphere patient-derived models of ependymomas. This study represents one of the largest enhancer mapping study of any cancer type to date, and provides a framework for target and drug discovery for other cancers recalcitrant to therapeutic development because of their lack of known genetic drivers.

  Study EGAS00001002696

• 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

• multi-OMICs study of a pair of infant monozygotic twins with concordant B-cell ALL

  B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-cell ALL) is the most common cancer in childhood. Studying identical twins with B-cell ALL provides a unique and tractable model for deciphering the developmental timing of pre- and post-natal mutations contributing to clonal evolution. To date, this has mainly focused on major cytogenetic subgroups of childhood B-cell ALL, including MLL fusions, ETV6-RUNX1, hyperdiploidy, and BCR-ABL1. However, formal demonstration of the prenatal origin and “backtracking” the natural history of the leukemia remains understudied in “B-other”/Normal Karyotype (NK) B-cell ALL. To characterize the genetic and the epigenetic landscape of this particular leukemia subtype, we performed whole genome DNA-, B-cell receptor (BCR)-, and DNA bisulfite-sequencing on a pair of 8-month-old monozygotic twins diagnosed with concordant “B-other”/NK B-cell ALL.

  Study EGAS00001003651

• Transcriptional_Consequences_of_Copy_Number_Changes_MY_HDBR_200531

  Every normal human cell has two copies of each non-sex chromosome. The gain or loss of an extra copy underlies many health conditions, including developmental syndromes and cancer. Ultimately, it is the patterns of genes that are turned on and off that determines which proteins a cell produces and its biological function. Despite the importance of changes in chromosome number (known as aneuploidy or copy number changes), little is known about how these changes impact patterns of gene expression. This project will aim to fill this gap by creating an atlas of patterns of gene expression in cells from developmental tissues with aberrant numbers of chromosomes. These gene expression profiles will then be compared to the patterns of expression in the same cells with two copies of each chromosome, directly measuring the precise, cell specific, consequences of copy number change on gene expression.

  Study EGAS00001005100

• Colorectal advanced adenomas NKI-AvL TGO COCOS series

  Colorectal cancer (CRC) develops from normal epithelium, through a benign precursor lesion called adenoma, by accumulation of genetic alterations affecting oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes. About 5% of colorectal adenomas are estimated to progress to CRC. However, it is important to identify which adenomas actually carry a high-risk of progression, because these serve as intermediate endpoints for e.g. screening programs. In clinical practice, adenomas with a size of ≥10 mm, villous component and/or high-grade dysplasia, called advanced adenomas, are considered high-risk, although solid evidence for this classification is lacking. Specific DNA copy number changes are associated with adenoma-to-carcinoma progression.For this tissue dataset, we applied low-pass whole genome sequencing to 96 advanced adenomas. Advanced adenomas were classified as lesions with low-risk or high-risk of progression, according to the presence of specific DNA copy number changes (Carvalho et al, CancerPrevRes, 2018).

  Study EGAS00001002952

• Whole exome sequencing data of germline and two independent primary leukemias of five patients

  The contribution of genetic predisposing factors to the development of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), the most frequently diagnosed cancer in childhood, has not been fully elucidated. Children presenting with multiple de novo leukemias are more likely to suffer from genetic predisposition. Here, we selected five of these patients and analyzed the mutational spectrum of normal and malignant tissues. In two patients, we identified germline mutations in TYK2, a member of the JAK tyrosine kinase family. These mutations were located in two adjacent codons of the pseudokinase domain (p.Pro760Leu and p.Gly761Val). In silico modeling revealed that both mutations affect the conformation of this auto-regulatory domain. Consistent with this notion, both germline mutations promote TYK2 autophosphorylation and activate downstream STAT family members, which could be blocked with the JAK kinase inhibitor I. These data indicate that germline activating TYK2 mutations predispose to the development of ALL.

  Study EGAS00001001889

• Novel mutations in TOP2A in gliomas

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

  Study EGAS00001004556

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

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

  Study EGAS00001006293

• single-stranded DNA study

  A ssDNA library protocol was applied to cfDNA from plasma samples obtained from different DNA extraction methods and revealed significant differences in DNA fragmentation patterns in comparison to dsDNA-based protocols. In particular, a specific combination of methods revealed a population of ultrashort fragments, organized at ~50 bp. We observed significant differences in the relative abundance of these ultrashort DNA fragments in plasma from healthy individuals and cancer patients. Through shallow whole genome sequencing (sWGS, <0.5-fold coverage) and the analysis of somatic copy number aberrations (SCNA), we determined the landscape of genetic alterations in this newly identified population of cfDNA fragments. In addition, we studied their potential link with regulatory regions by investigating the genome-wide coverage patterns at transcription start sites (TSS). Furthermore, we demonstrated that the ultrashort cfDNA fragments map to regions associated with secondary DNA structures, G-quadruplexes (G4s).

  Study EGAS00001005093

• Epithelial, fibroblast, myeloid, T cell, primary prostate cancer

  The collection and use of tissue for this study had Melbourne Health institutional review board approval and patients provided written informed consent (Melbourne Health Local Project Number: 2016.087). Following the prostatectomy of 13 patients, ranging from 52 to 78 years of age and from CAPRA-S risk score of 0 (attributed to benign tissue samples, harvested from a site far from a low grade, low volume cancer) to 7 (Supplementary file 2), a four millimeter tissue core was collected from the prostate tumour site, conditional to histopathological verification66,67. If not otherwise specified, all procedures were carried out at 4 °C. Tissue blocks were washed in Phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) solution for 2 minutes and minced for 2 minutes with a scalpel. Homogenised tissue was added to a solution (total volume of 7 ml) composed by of 1 mg/ml collagenase IV (Worthington Biochemical Corp, USA), 0.02 mg/ml DNase 1 (New England Biolabs, USA), 0.2 mg/ml dispase (Merck, USA). The tissue homogenised was serially digested at 37 °C at 180 rpm, through three steps of 5, 10 and 10 minutes of duration, with the final 3 minutes dedicated to sedimentation at 0 rpm. After each digestion step, the supernatant was aspirated and filtered through a 70 μm strainer into a pre-chilled tube, diluting the solution with 15 ml of 2% bovine serum PBS to quench the enzymatic reaction. The resulting cumulative solution was then centrifuged at 1500 rpm for five minutes, with the supernatant collected and the cell pellet resuspended into 1 ml 2% PBS-serum prior to labelling (Fig. S1).

  Dataset EGAD00001004948

• 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.

  Dataset EGAD00001005111

• Rapid Acceleration of Diagnostics - Underserved Populations (RADx-UP): COVID-19 Testing and Vaccination Social Network Diffusion for Diverse Criminal Legal Involved Communities

  This RADx-UP Phase II proposal, "Social network diffusion of COVID-19 prevention for diverse Criminal Legal Involved Communities", will implement a situation appropriate COVID-19 testing and vaccination social network diffusion intervention - C3 - building upon RADx-UP Phase I lessons and successful social network prevention interventions developed previously by the research team. C3 Criminal Legal Involved (CLI) populations encompass those non-incarcerated who have experienced recent arrest, incarceration, probation, parole or diversion programs such as drug courts. While increases in COVID-19 testing have been observed among this group, there remain members with limited testing history as well as individuals who are vaccine hesitant. COVID-19 prevention messaging can no longer be simplified to "everyone test and/or everyone vaccinate" as testing and vaccination decisions among community members are sensitive to personal histories (i.e., prior infection), local infection rates (i.e., low rates) and testing/vaccination availability. As COVID-19 prevention efforts have become more complicated (i.e., test if exposed), people tend to focus on the messenger, and particularly those that are close to them. Personal connections and communications within existing personal network structures, such as families, friends and other trusted acquaintances represent the cornerstone to increase situation appropriate testing and overcoming COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. C3 builds upon RADx-UP I, by using a network diffusion approach facilitated through motivational interviewing purposefully geared to mobilize one's own organic social network to increase context appropriate testing and vaccine uptake. Through this process we will maximize the primary benefit and impact of this type of intervention which also has the intended effect of increasing likelihood that the messenger themselves will undergo the same behavior change that they have been trained to promote. We will leverage infrastructure developed in RADx-UP Phase I, which includes 4 high-impact sites across the Central US from Phase I: Baton Rouge LA, Little Rock AR, Indianapolis IN, and Chicago IL. We will utilize established engagement efforts already in place and continue to fully integrate communities in the strategic application of the intervention. We will use the RE-AIM (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance) framework to guide implementation. C3 aims to: Aim 1a. Test the efficacy (3-month situation appropriate testing or vaccination) of a network diffusion intervention (C3) versus an existing COVID-19 testing and vaccine linkage to care intervention among: 1) primary study participants (primary outcome); and 2) secondary study participants connected to primary participants (secondary outcome) using a RCT design. Aim 1b. Explore the mechanisms for differential intervention effects at the individual and network-level that may increase situation appropriate testing and/or vaccination uptake. Aim 2. Examine key RE-AIM components in real time tied to the implementation of the network diffusion intervention (C3).

  Study phs003234

• Resuscitation Outcomes Consortium Pragmatic Trial of Airway Management in out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest (ROC PART-BioLINCC)

  Data Access NOTE: Please refer to the “Authorized Access” section below for information about how access to the data from this accession differs from many other dbGaP accessions.Objectives: To determine the effect of an initial airway management strategy using laryngeal tube (LT) insertion, compared with endotracheal intubation (ETI), on survival among adults with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA).Background: Out-of-hospital cardiopulmonary arrest (OHCA) affects more than 350,000 adults in the United States each year, with only a low percentage of patients surviving to hospital discharge. Emergency medical services (EMS) paramedics commonly perform ETI or insertion of supraglottic airways (SGAs), such as the LT, on patients with OHCA to facilitate oxygenation and protect the lungs from aspiration of vomitus. Because SGA insertion is rapid, simple, and requires less training compared to ETI, many EMS agencies have incorporated this as the primary method of ventilation during OHCA resuscitation. However, the optimal method for OHCA advanced airway management is unknown.Participants: A total of 3004 patients were included; 1505 assigned to initial LT and 1499 assigned to initial ETI.Design: PART was a multicenter cluster-crossover randomized trial. The trial included 27 EMS agencies associated with US sites of the Resuscitation Outcomes Consortium (ROC). The EMS agencies were grouped into 13 randomization clusters. Each cluster selected a crossover interval of 3 or 5 months. Within each cluster, treatment assignments for consecutive intervals were computer-randomized in blocks of 2 to ensure balanced exposure to both airway groups. Crossovers between study groups could occur more than once. Treatment assignments were initial LT insertion or initial ETI. Neuromuscular blocking agents or video laryngoscopy was permitted for initial intubation efforts. The trial did not limit the number of initial LT insertion or ETI attempts. If the initial insertion efforts were unsuccessful, EMS personnel performed rescue airway management using any available airway technique. EMS personnel followed local protocols for confirmation of airway placement and management of OHCA, including field termination of resuscitation efforts. Patients receiving bag-valve mask (BVM) ventilation only were retained in their assigned treatment group per intention-to-treat principles. The trial did not prescribe clinical care at the receiving hospitals, including use of EMS airway, targeted temperature management, percutaneous coronary intervention, or the timing of withdrawal of life-sustaining therapy.The primary outcome was 72-hour survival. Secondary outcomes included return of spontaneous circulation, survival to hospital discharge, and favorable neurological status at hospital discharge (Modified Rankin Scale score ≤3). Conclusions: Among adults with OHCA, a strategy of initial LT insertion was associated with significantly greater 72-hour survival compared with a strategy of initial ETI. These findings suggest that LT insertion may be considered as an initial airway management strategy in patients with OHCA, but limitations of the pragmatic design, practice setting, and ETI performance characteristics suggest that further research is warranted.

  Study phs003902

• Better Outcomes for Children: GWAS from Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center (CCHMC) - eMERGE Phase II data - (dbGaP Deposit 1)

  This submission includes genotyping data from 6 separate cohorts (named A-E here), each is described in separate paragraphs below. Cohort A) Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects 1.5 million people in the United States, at an estimated lifetime cost of $4 million. It is part of Pervasive Developmental Disorder characterized by impairments in communication, language and reciprocal social interaction, and by unusual patterns of restricted and repetitive interests or behaviors. Autism, or autistic disorder, is the most severe form of the disease which has a wide range of symptom severity encompassed by the more inclusive term, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The prevalence of Autistic Disorder is currently estimated to be 4 per 1000, affecting 4 times more boys than girls. Susceptibility to autism is clearly attributable to genetic factors but the extensive clinical and genetic heterogeneity within the disorder have hindered efforts at genetic dissection. Identifying the genetic variants that contribute to this highly heritable disease is crucial to advancing research on autism. Reported concordance rates among monozygotic twins range from 60% − 90% and heritability of autism has been estimated to be 90% or greater. Identifying genetic variants that contribute to this highly heritable disease is crucial to advancing research on autism. Cohort B) The long-term objective of this research is to determine the molecular genetic basis of Cardiovascular (CV) disease in the young; this study seeks to identify gene mutations that cause "structural heart defects". Every year in the USA, 32,000 individuals are born with CV malformations; approximately 20% die during the first year of life. Another 30,000 young people develop a disturbance of cardiac rhythm or conduction. In addition, the life expectancy of another 40,000 young people is shortened by other forms of CV disease. It is becoming more apparent that in spite of the success in diagnosis and treatment, very little is known about the causes of CV disease in the young; understanding the causes will permit insight into the pathophysiologic basis of disease and allow definition of disease risk - two critical elements for disease prevention. Disease prevention and/or risk modification promises to be the new frontier in the management of CV disease in the young. Cohort C) Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EE) is one of the manifestations of eosinophilic gastrointestinal inflammation which have profound effects on a patient's health and development. Results of epidemiologic studies performed through our center demonstrate that eosinophil-associated gastrointestinal disease is not an uncommon entity. While the epidemiology of eosinophilic esophagitis has not been thoroughly studied until recently, there appears to be a significant increase in the diagnosis of EE in the last decade. Based on our research, this mainly reflects increased disease recognition, but there is also a bona-fide increase in disease incidence which coincides with the increasing incidence of asthma and allergic diseases in the industrialized world. In addition, many patients with intractable symptoms thought in the past to represent atypical GERD or other disorders are now being recognized as having EE. Diagnosis of EE requires endoscopy and biopsies to document the characteristic histologic findings of esophageal eosinophilia. In general, this study proposed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying eosinophil growth, survival, migration, and function, and to investigate and further characterize the pathophysiology of, clinical manifestations of, and spectrum of disease severity of eosinophilic esophagitis in humans. Cohort D) Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a debilitating complex genetic disorder characterized by inflammation of the joints and other tissues and shares histopathological features with other autoimmune diseases. It is considered a complex genetic disorder. There are more than 50,000 children with JIA in the USA, approximately 1 per 1000 births, which is about the same incidence as juvenile diabetes. It is believed that genes in the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) play a role in defining genetic risk, and it can be hypothesized that loci in other chromosomal regions are involved in conferring risk in JIA. These candidate chromosomal regions can be identified using genome wide association analyses. The long-term goal is a comprehensive understanding of the genetic basis of these disabling arthropathies for which the molecular basis is not presently understood. The results of recent GWAS for Caucasian JIA were recently published in Arthritis Rheum. 2012 Feb 21 (Published online, PMID=22354554). Cohort E) Childhood Absence Epilepsy (CAE) is characterized by very frequent (several to many per day) absence seizures in an otherwise normal child with an EEG usually demonstrating 3 Hz bilateral, synchronous, symmetrical spikewaves pattern with normal background activity. CAE occurs in 10% to 15% of all children with epilepsy with an annual incidence of 6.3 to 8/100,000 in children <15 years of age. Females are more affected than males. Epilepsy onset is typically between the ages of 4 to 8 years with a peak incidence of 6 to 7 years. CAE does not start after age 13 years. The primary objective of this study is: To identify the optimal anticonvulsant (i.e. the antiepileptic drug (AED) with highest rate of seizure control and lowest incidence of treatment limiting toxicity) used for the initial treatment of children with Childhood Absence Epilepsy (CAE). The secondary objectives are: To determine the pharmacogenetic and other non-heritable factors underlying the interindividual variation in anticonvulsant response efficacy and toxicity. To define and contrast the effects of ethosuximide, lamotrigine, and valproic acid monotherapy on cognition (attention), behavior and quality of life in children with Childhood Absence Epilepsy. Cohort F) Cincinnati Controls. These are local healthy children selected to be representative of the population of Cincinnati with respect to gender and ancestry. Cohort G) Cytogenetics cases are ascertained by the clinical request to obtain cytogenetic analysis. The platform used included genotyping data which are then available for genome wide association analysis

  Study phs000494

• Genetic and Phenotypic Analysis of Multiple Sclerosis in Hispanics

  We sought to identify MS susceptibility variants specific to the Major Histocompatibility Complex and to assess the effect of ancestral risk modification within 2652 Latinx and Hispanic individuals, as well as 2435 Black and African American individuals ascertained in collaboration with the Alliance for Research in Hispanic MS (ARHMS). All DNA samples were obtained through whole blood extraction and were genotyped on the MS Chip, an Illumina Infinium custom genotyping array that contains targeted and dense coverage of the extended MHC, specifically designed for imputation. Classical HLA alleles, SNPs, and amino acid residues were imputed simultaneously from genotyped SNPs using HLA-TAPAS and a multi-ethnic reference panel of 2504 samples from the 1000 Genomes Project. We have identified several novel susceptibility alleles which are rare in European populations including HLA-B*53:01, and we have identified an independent role for HLA-DRB1*15:01 and HLA-DQB1*06:02 on MS risk. We found a decrease in Native American ancestry in MS cases vs controls across the MHC, peaking near the previously identified MICB locus; and we have identified several susceptibility variants for which MS risk is modified by global or local ancestry. We are making data on all genotyped and imputed SNPs, classical HLA alleles, and amino acid residues available through dbGaP for the Hispanic and African American samples utilized in these analyses.

  Study phs003105

• OMRF SLEGEN GWAS Data from European-American Women with Lupus

  "Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a common systemic autoimmune disease with complex etiology but strong clustering in families (lambda(S) = approximately 30). We performed a genome-wide association scan using 317,501 SNPs in 720 women of European ancestry with SLE and in 2,337 controls, and we genotyped consistently associated SNPs in two additional independent sample sets totaling 1,846 affected women and 1,825 controls. Aside from the expected strong association between SLE and the HLA region on chromosome 6p21 and the previously confirmed non-HLA locus IRF5 on chromosome 7q32, we found evidence of association with replication (1.1 x 10-7 < P(overall) < 1.6 x 10-23; odds ratio = 0.82-1.62) in four regions: 16p11.2 (ITGAM), 11p15.5 (KIAA1542), 3p14.3 (PXK) and 1q25.1 (rs10798269). We also found evidence for association (P < 1 x 10-5) at FCGR2A, PTPN22 and STAT4, regions previously associated with SLE and other autoimmune diseases, as well as at > or =9 other loci (P < 2 x 10-7). Our results show that numerous genes, some with known immune-related functions, predispose to SLE." Reprinted from Nature Genetics, 2008 Feb; 40(2):204-10, PMID:18204446, with permission from Nature Publishing Group. Data submitted to dbGaP includes 297 samples from Oklahoma. (Please see also Study Accession: phs000216.v1.p1)

  Study phs000202

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

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

  Study phs003297

• BrainCloud: Data from human postmortem brain procurement for the neuropathology section

  This study explores the temporal dynamics and genetic control of transcription and DNA methylation in the human dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in postmortem tissue. This study examines 269 subjects for gene expression (version 1) and 108 subjects for DNA methylation (version 2). The subjects are normal controls without neuropathological and neuropsychiatric diagnosis and range in age from fetal weeks 14-20 through old age (>80). We discover fast changes in gene expression occurring during early brain development. Later in life, the changes are considerably slower. Many genes reverse pattern of expression between fetal and early postnatal development. We identify thousands of strong associations of SNPs with gene expression. We examine DNA methylation in ~14,500 genes at ~27,000 CpG loci focused on 5' promoter regions. The fastest changes in DNA methylation also occur during the prenatal period, slow down markedly after birth and continue to slow further with aging. DNA methylation is strongly associated with genotypic variants and correlates with expression of a subset of genes. DNA for genotyping was obtained from the cerebella and applied to either Illumina 650K or 1 million BeadArrays - only genotypes common to both platforms are analyzed here. Genotypes were called using BeadExpress software. Doi: 10.1038/nature10524 Nature, 478:519-524, 2011; doi:10.1016/j.ajhg.2011.12.020, AJHG 90, 1-13, Feb 10, 2012. The methylation data can be downloaded at: BrainCloud.

  Study phs000417

• INdiana GENomics: Implementing an Opportunity for the Under Served (INGENIOUS)

  The INGenious trial planed to enroll a total of 6,000 patients, with 2,000 patients assigned to a pharmacogenetic testing arm and 4,000 to a control arm who will be followed, but not tested. It is randomized between an intervention arm and one that receives no intervention in order that the genotyped group can be compared with one in which undisturbed, routine clinical care is carried out in patients taking the same drugs. Both arms will be followed for a year after being prescribed a targeted medication. Patients randomized into the intervention arm that are prescribed one or more of the 27 targeted index medication will receive pharmacogenomic testing using a custom micro-array measuring 43 Single nucleotide polymorphisms in 14 genes. The study is being conducted by the Indiana University School of Medicine and the Indiana University Institute of Personalized Medicine in collaboration with the Eskenazi and Indiana University Health Systems and will evaluate the economic and clinical outcomes associated with embedding a pharmacogenomics program in a system that serves as the primary health care safety-net in Indianapolis, Indiana. By successfully implementing a pharmacogenomics program and integrating it with the Electronic Health Record and Clinical Decision Support system, physicians will be able to optimize patient care by delivering tailored therapeutic decisions based on the patient's individual genetics.

  Study phs001701

• Large Scale Genotyping of Psychiatric Disorders

  Psychiatric disorders cause enormous human suffering and cost to society. The goal of this project is to elucidate the genetics of psychiatric disorders through a large consortium effort and genome-wide genotyping. The Psychiatric Genomics Consortium (PGC) (https://www.med.unc.edu/pgc) is an international consortium to pursue genome-wide analyses of common psychiatric disease. The PGC was founded in 2007 to unite investigators from around the world to conduct mega-analyses of individual genome-wide genotype data for schizophrenia (SCZ), bipolar disorder (BIP), autism (AUT), attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and major depressive disorder (MDD). Subsequently, the PGC has expanded to include Tourette syndrome (TS), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), eating disorders (ED), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and substance abuse (SUD). The PGC partnered with Illumina to develop the PsychChip, a custom GWAS array aimed at capturing common variation genome-wide for imputation, rare coding variation drawn from the exome chip and dense genotypes for loci with suggestive evidence for association across the initial PGC analyses of SCZ, MDD, BPD, ASD and ADHD. Samples (cases, controls, and families) were collected from Institutional Review Board-approved protocols that aim to study the genetics of psychiatric disorders. Genome-wide genotyping was performed at the Broad Institute (Cambridge, MA, USA) and the Mount Sinai School of Medicine Friedman Brain Institute (New York, NY, USA) using the PsychChip or Exome Chip.

  Study phs001413

• Alzheimer's Disease Genetics Consortium (ADGC) Genome Wide Association Study -NIA Alzheimer's Disease Centers Cohort

  The National Institute on Aging (NIA) Alzheimer's Disease Centers (ADCs) cohort includes subjects ascertained and evaluated by the clinical and neuropathology cores of the 29 NIA-funded ADCs. Data collection is coordinated by the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center (NACC). NACC coordinates collection of phenotype data from the 29 ADCs, cleans all data, coordinates implementation of definitions of AD cases and controls, and coordinates collection of samples. The ADC cohort consists of autopsy-confirmed and clinically-confirmed AD cases, and cognitively normal elders (CNEs) with complete neuropathology data who were older than 60 years at age of death, and living CNEs evaluated using the Uniform dataset (UDS) protocol who were documented to not have mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and were between 60 and 100 years of age at assessment. ADCs sent frozen tissue from autopsied subjects and DNA samples from some autopsied subjects and from living subjects to the National Cell Repository for Alzheimer's Disease (NCRAD). DNA was prepared by NCRAD for genotyping and sent to the genotyping site at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. ADC samples were genotyped and analyzed in separate batches. [Reprinted from AC Naj et al. Common variants at MS4A4/MS4A6E, CD2AP, CD33 and EPHA1 are associated with late-onset Alzheimer's disease. Nature Genetics 43, 436-441 (2011). doi:10.1038/ng.801. PMID: 21460841.]

  Study phs000372

• ApoA-1 and Atherosclerosis in Psoriasis

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

  Study phs003231

• NIH Division of Intramural Research Multiomic Monogenic Disease Study

  This cross-sectional, observational study utilized high-dimensional approaches, including transcriptomic analysis, serum protein profiling, and peripheral blood frequency assessments, to compare 228 adult and pediatric patients diagnosed with 22 monogenic immune-mediated conditions impacting various key immunological pathways, with 42 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Participants were enrolled in clinical protocols at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland, USA. The primary objectives of the study were twofold: first, to identify disease-specific and shared "pan-disease" signatures using the collected data, and second, to develop a Random Forest classifier integrating these datasets to differentiate between age- and sex-matched healthy individuals and monogenic patients. This classifier produced a metric known as the "Immune Health Metric" (IHM). Subsequent analysis demonstrated that the IHM effectively distinguished healthy subjects from individuals with multiple polygenic autoimmune and inflammatory diseases in independent datasets. Moreover, it exhibited correlations with healthy aging and tracked disease activities and treatment responses across both immunological and non-immunological conditions. Additionally, the IHM accurately predicted age-dependent antibody responses to various vaccines, including influenza, Hepatitis A/B, Yellow Fever, Varicella Zoster, and Meningococcal vaccines.The microarray-based transcriptomic data, aptamer-based serum protein concentrations (Somalogic platform), peripheral blood frequency data, and clinical information will be made accessible through the database of Genotypes and Phenotypes (dbGaP).

  Study phs002732

• Identification and characterisation of pathogenic and non-pathogenic FGF14 repeat expansions

  Repeat expansions in FGF14 cause autosomal dominant late-onset cerebellar ataxia (SCA27B) with estimated pathogenic thresholds of 250 (incomplete penetrance) and 300 AAG repeats (full penetrance), but the sequence of pathogenic and non-pathogenic expansions remains unexplored. Here, we demonstrate that STRling and ExpansionHunter accurately detect FGF14 expansions from short-read genomic data using outlier approaches. By combining long-range PCR and nanopore sequencing in 169 patients with cerebellar ataxia and 802 controls, we compare FGF14 expansion alleles, including interruptions and flanking regions. Uninterrupted AAG expansions are significantly enriched in patients with ataxia from a lower threshold (180-200 repeats) than previously reported based on expansion size alone. Conversely, AAGGAG hexameric expansions are equally frequent in patients and controls. Distinct 5' flanking regions, interruptions and pre-repeat sequences correlate with repeat size. Furthermore, pure AAG (pathogenic) and AAGGAG (non-pathogenic) repeats form different secondary structures. Regardless of expansion size, SCA27B is a recognizable clinical entity characterized by frequent episodic ataxia and downbeat nystagmus, similar to the presentation observed in a family with a previously unreported nonsense variant (SCA27A). Overall, this study suggests that SCA27B is a major overlooked cause of adult-onset ataxia, accounting for 23-31% of unsolved patients. We strongly recommend re-evaluating pathogenic thresholds and integrating expansion sequencing into the molecular diagnostic process.

  Study EGAS50000000481

• Stressors and Health Study

  ObjectivesThe objectives of the Stressors and Health Study were to: (1) examine the prevalence of stressors and health outcomes and (2) assess differences in the associations between multi-level stressors and health outcomes, and (3) explore the protective and adaptive factors in the associations between multi-level stressors and health outcomes. Background Stressors have been posited to explain disparities in health. However, no surveys to our knowledge have simultaneously collected multiple stressors at various levels and the coping strategies used to deal with these stressors. Measuring these factors can provide a better understanding of the stressors experienced by specific groups and the impact that these experiences have on their health and health practices. In addition, exploring the various resilience and coping strategies employed to deal with stressors can help design appropriate interventions to reduce health disparities. Participants Participants included 1000 White, 1000 Black or African American, 1000 Latino or Hispanic, 1000 Asian, 500 American Indian or Alaska Native, 500 Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, and 500 mixed or multi-race adults (≥18 years) across the United States. Design The Stressors and Health Study is a cross-sectional online survey of adults across the US. A sampling frame (target population) of US residents based on the American Community Survey (ACS) was constructed using a rigorous two-step sampling matching approach to establish national representation.

  Study phs004019

• Chromatin remodeling enhances MAP3K8 expression in HAM: a key pathogenesis for therapeutic intervention

  Human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1)-associated myelopathy (HAM) is a debilitating neuroinflammatory disease with no available effective treatments. A hallmark of HAM is the transformation of HTLV-1-infected cells into T helper type 1 (Th1)-like cells, characterized by excessive interferon (IFN)-gamma production that drives chronic inflammation. However, the molecular mechanisms fuel this aberrant Th1-like transformation and sustained inflammation remain poorly understood. We hypothesized that HAM-characteristic chromatin remodeling plays a pivotal role in the overexpression of key genes driving inflammatory pathogenesis. Using transcriptomic analysis, chromatin accessibility profiling, and biomarker evaluations across HTLV-1-related diseases, we identify MAP3K8 as a key gene that defines the unique inflammatory profile of HAM. MAP3K8 overexpression promotes Th1-like differentiation and constitutively activates the MEK-ERK signaling pathway. Furthermore, we elucidate the mechanism by which HTLV-1 Tax, Fosl2, and c-Jun collaboratively induce HAM-characteristic chromatin remodeling at the enhancer region of the MAP3K8 locus. Crucially, we demonstrate that mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) inhibitors effectively suppress the MAP3K8-MEK signaling cascade and significantly mitigated inflammatory pathogenesis in an ex vivo culture assay. Our findings provide critical insights into the virus-host interactions underpinning HAM and propose the MAP3K8-MEK-ERK axis as a promising therapeutic target for this challenging condition.

  Study JGAS000835

• Nala TAS-LRS PGx Study

  Pharmacogenomics (PGx) testing improves medication safety and efficacy by identifying genetic variants that affect drug response. However, current technologies often fail to resolve complex loci, detect structural variants, or phase alleles accurately. Here, we present an end-to-end PGx workflow based on Targeted Adaptive Sampling-Long Read Sequencing (TAS-LRS), integrating a streamlined laboratory protocol with a bioinformatics pipeline that includes a novel CYP2D6 caller. Using 1,000 ng of DNA and three-sample multiplexing on a single PromethION flow cell, the assay achieves consistent on-target (25x) and off-target (3x) coverage, enabling accurate, haplotype-resolved testing of 35 pharmacogenes alongside genome-wide genotyping from off-target reads. We further developed the workflow into a clinically ready service and validated its performance across 17 reference and clinical samples. The assay demonstrated high concordance for small variants (99.9%) and structural variants (>95%), with phased diplotypes and metabolizer phenotypes reaching 97.7% and 98.0% concordance, respectively. Improved calls were observed in 12 genes due to enhanced genotyping, phasing, or novel allele detection. In addition, off-target reads supported accurate genome-wide imputation, comparable to short-read sequencing and superior to microarrays. These results establish the feasibility of long-read sequencing for clinical PGx testing and position TAS-LRS as a scalable solution combining both targeted and genome-wide utility.

  Study EGAS50000001116

• Illumina HumanOmniExpress genotyping data from the TEENAGE (TEENs of Attica: Genes and Environment) study.

  The TEENAGE study is a cross-sectional study comprising healthy Greek adolescents. The study was conducted according to the guidelines specified in the Declaration of Helsinki and all procedures involving human subjects were approved by the Institutional Review Board of Harokopio University and the Greek Ministry of Education, Lifelong Learning and Religious Affairs. The TEENAGE study target population comprised adolescent students aged 13 to 15 years attending the first three classes of public secondary schools located in the wider Athens area of Attica. The regions across Attica from which students were recruited were physically similar and all urban in nature. Sampling of regions and schools selected to participate was random. Students were enrolled from the wider urban region to ensure that they were coming from families with varying educational background and socio-economic status. Moreover, in order to exclude any vast economic disparities, all participating schools were exclusively public schools, which are free of charge. A total of twenty-four schools participated in the study out of 285 junior secondary public schools in Attica. Anthropometric, medical and dietary information was obtained. DNA samples were genotyped using Illumina HumanOmniExpress BeadChips (Illumina, San Diego, CA, USA) at the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, UK. Genotype calling algorithm used was Illuminus (Teo et al., 2007).

  Study EGAS00001000996

• Antisense long non-coding RNAs are deregulated in skin tissue of patients with systemic sclerosis

  Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease characterized by fibrosis of skin and multiple organs of which the pathogenesis is poorly understood. Here we studied differentially expressed coding and non-coding genes in relation to SSc pathogenesis with a specific focus on antisense non-coding RNAs. Skin biopsy-derived RNAs from fourteen early SSc patients and six healthy individuals were sequenced with ion-torrent and analysed using DEseq2. Overall, 4901 genes with a fold change >1.5 and a false discovery rate < 5% were detected in patients versus controls. Upregulated genes clustered in immunological, cell adhesion and keratin-related processes. Interestingly, 676 deregulated non-coding genes were detected, 257 of which were classified as antisense genes. Sense genes expressed opposite of these antisense genes were also deregulated in 42% of the observed sense-antisense gene pairs. The majority of the antisense genes had a similar effect sizes in an independent North American dataset with three genes (CTBP1-AS2, OTUD6B-AS1 and AGAP2-AS1) exceeding the study-wide Bonferroni-corrected ρ-value (PBonf<0.0023, Pcombined = 1.1x10-9, 1.4x10-8, 1.7x10-6, respectively). In this study, we highlight that together with coding genes, (antisense) long non-coding RNAs are deregulated in skin tissue of SSc patients suggesting a novel class of genes involved in pathogenesis of SSc.

  Study EGAS00001002751

• Identifying genetic consequences of Epstein-Barr Virus transformation by comparing an individual’s genomic DNA with that of its lymphoblastoid cell line.

  A detailed analysis of whole genomes can be now achieved with next generation sequencing. Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) transformation is a widely used strategy in clinical research to obtain an unlimited source of a subject’s DNA. Although the mechanism of transformation and immortalization by EBV is relatively well known at the transcriptional and proteomic level, the genetic consequences of EBV transformation are less well understood. A detailed analysis of the genetic alterations introduced by EBV transformation is highly relevant, as it will inform on the usefulness and limitations of this approach. We used whole genome sequencing to assess the genomic signature of a low-passage lymphoblastoid cell line (LCL). Specifically, we sequenced the full genome (40X) of an individual using DNA purified from fresh whole blood as well as DNA from his LCL. A total of 217.33 Gb of sequence were generated from the cell line and 238.95 Gb from the normal genomic DNA. We determined with high confidence that 99.2% of the genomes were identical, with no reproducible changes in structural variation (chromosomal rearrangements and copy number variations) or insertion/deletion polymorphisms (indels). Our results suggest that, at this level of resolution, the LCL is genetically indistinguishable from its genomic counterpart and therefore their use in clinical research is not likely to introduce a significant bias.

  Study EGAS00001000323

• Kibbutzim Family study

  The Kibbutzim Family Study (KFS) was established in 1992 to investigate the environmental and genetic determinants of cardiometabolic risk factors and their change over time. The participants belong to large families living in close-knit communities, called “Kibbutzim”, in Northern Israel. The Kibbutz has been a communal settlement, which has created a relatively homogeneous environment for its members. Kibbutz members are mostly of Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry, with the remaining members belonging to other Jewish subgroups. Participants were recruited in two phases from six Kibbutzim. In the first recruitment phase of the study (1992–1993) 500 individuals from 80 extended families (range 2 to 43) were examined. During the second phase (1999–2000), all participants from the first phase were invited for repeat examinations (80% response rate) and additional new participants were recruited, giving a total of 922 individuals from 150 extended families (range 2 to 55). Families were invited to participate if they consisted of at least four individuals who (i) lived in the Kibbutz, (ii) spanned at least two generations, and (iii) were at least 15 years old. Families were retained if at least two family members consented to participate in the study. Overall, 1033 participants were recruited; 111 were examined only in the first phase, 533 only in the second phase, and 389 were included in both. 901 individuals were successfully genotyped using Illumina HumanCoreExome BeadChip.

  Study EGAS00001002782

• Exon4-mutations in KRAS Affect MEK-ERK and Pi3K-AKT Signaling in Multiple Myeloma

  Approximately 40% of MM cases harbor a point mutation in either KRAS or NRAS. However, it is still unclear whether RAS-mutations are associated with disease outcome. Specifically, no information exists whether KRAS-mutations have an impact on survival in MM patients at diagnosis that were treated with novel agents (e.g. bortezomib, lenalidomide). Targeting KRAS directly for therapeutic purposes is still impossible, but recently the first covalent mutant-specific inhibitor targeting KRASG12C made it into clinical trials. However, other KRAS-hotspot-mutations exist in MM patients, including the less common exon4-mutations. Within the current study, the coding regions of KRAS in 80 MM patients at diagnosis, uniformly treated with bortezomib and high-dose chemotherapy, were deep-sequenced. Moreover, the functional impact of KRASG12A as well as the two exon4-mutations A146T (AMO1) and A146V (MM patient) on different survival pathways was investigated. Specifically, an siRNA-mediated knockdown in AMO1 was performed and KRASWT, KRASG12A, KRAS146T and KRAS146V were overexpressed in the KRASWT cell lines JJN3 and OPM2 using lentiviral transduction and the transposase based Sleeping Beauty system. KRAS-mutations were not associated with survival. Yet, the expression of all KRAS-mutants had an impact on MEK/ERK-signaling in two independent MM cell lines and on AKT/PI3K-signaling in one MM cell line.

  Study EGAS00001004110

• Spatial concordance of DNA methylation classification in diffuse glioma

  Background: Intratumoral heterogeneity is a hallmark of diffuse gliomas. DNA methylation profiling is an emerging approach in the clinical classification of brain tumors. The goal of this study is to investigate the effects of intratumoral heterogeneity on classification confidence. Methods: We used neuronavigation to acquire 133 image-guided and spatially-separated stereotactic biopsy samples from 16 adult patients with a diffuse glioma (7 IDH-wildtype and 2 IDH-mutant glioblastoma, 6 diffuse astrocytoma, IDH-mutant and 1 oligodendroglioma, IDH-mutant and 1p19q codeleted), which we characterized using DNA methylation arrays. Samples were obtained from regions with and without abnormalities on contrast enhanced T1 weighted and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery MRI. Methylation profiles were analyzed to devise a three-dimensional reconstruction of (epi)genetic heterogeneity. Tumor purity was assessed from clonal methylation sites. Results: Molecular aberrations indicated that tumor was found outside imaging abnormalities, underlining the infiltrative nature of this tumor and the limitations of current routine imaging modalities. We demonstrate that tumor purity is highly variable between samples and explains a substantial part of apparent epigenetic spatial heterogeneity. We observed that DNA methylation subtypes are often, but not always, conserved in space taking tumor purity and prediction accuracy into account. Conclusion: Our results underscore the infiltrative nature of diffuse gliomas and suggest that DNA methylation subtypes are relatively concordant in this tumor type, although some heterogeneity exists.

  Study EGAS00001005434

• Patient-derived tumor organoids for personalized medicine in a rare case of hepatocellular carcinoma with neuroendocrine differentiation.

  We report the case of a 74-year-old man with a very rare subtype of hepatocellular carcinoma with neuroendocrine differentiation (HCC-NED). The patient presented with two independent tumors, a gastrointestinal stromal tumor in the stomach and a hepatocellular carcinoma in the liver. Both tumors were surgically removed in curative intent. Histopathological work-up of the liver tumor revealed poorly differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma (Edmondson-Steiner grade IV) with diffuse expression of neuroendocrine markers synaptophysin (SYP) and chromogranin (CHGA). Three months after resection, multifocal recurrence of the HCC with neuroendocrine differentiation (HCC-NED) was observed. In the meantime, tumor organoids have been generated from the resected HCC-NED and extensively characterized. Sensitivity to a number of drugs approved for the treatment of HCC or neuroendocrine carcinomas was tested in vitro. Based on their in vitro efficacy, etoposide and carboplatin were used as first line palliative combination treatment. Because genomic analysis revealed a NTRK1-mutation (kinase domain) and tumor organoids were sensitive to entrectinib, a pan-TRK inhibitor, the patient received entrectinib as second line therapy. After only two weeks, treatment had to be discontinued due to deterioration of the patient’s general condition. In conclusion, we demonstrate for the first time that preclinical drug testing using organoids is feasible in selected HCC cases.

  Study EGAS00001005887

• Loss of LGR4/GPR48 causes severe neonatal salt-wasting due to disrupted WNT signaling altering adrenal zonation

  Disorders of isolated mineralocorticoid deficiency causing potentially life-threatening salt-wasting crisis early in life have been associated with gene variants of aldosterone biosynthesis or resistance, but in some patients no such variants are found. WNT/β-catenin signaling is crucial for differentiation and maintenance of the aldosterone producing adrenal zona glomerulosa (zG). We describe a highly consanguineous family with multiple perinatal deaths or infants presenting at birth with failure to thrive, severe salt-wasting crises associated with isolated hypoaldosteronism, nail anomalies, short stature, and deafness. Whole exome sequencing revealed a homozygous splice variant in the R-SPONDIN receptor LGR4 gene (c.618-1G>C) regulating WNT signaling. The resulting transcripts affected protein function and stability, and resulted in loss of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in vitro. The impact of LGR4 inactivation was analyzed by adrenal cortex specific ablation of Lgr4, using Lgr4Flox/Flox mated with Sf1:Cre mice. Inactivation of Lgr4 within the adrenal cortex in the mouse model caused decreased WNT signaling, aberrant zonation with deficient zG and reduced aldosterone production. Thus, human LGR4 mutations establish a direct link between LGR4 inactivation and decreased canonical WNT signaling with abnormal zG differentiation and endocrine function. Therefore, variants in WNT signaling and its regulators should systematically be considered in familial hyperreninemic hypoaldosteronism.

  Study EGAS00001006808

• Genome wide variation in the Angolan Namib desert reveals unique Pre-Bantu ancestry

  The populations of the Angolan Namib Desert have been largely neglected in previous surveys of the genomic landscape of southern Africa. Although at present, the Namib is culturally dominated by Southwest Bantu-speaking cattle-herders, the region exhibits an extraordinary ethnographic diversity which includes an array of semi-nomadic peoples whose subsistence strategies fall outside the traditional division between foraging and food production and can thus be referred to as “peripatetic”. Among these small-scale populations are the last speakers of the Kwadi branch of the Khoe-Kwadi language family associated with the introduction of pastoralism into southern Africa (Kwepe), as well as a range of groups whose origins remain enigmatic (Kwisi, Twa and Tjimba). Using genome-wide data from 208 individuals belonging to nine ethnically diverse groups from the Angolan Namib and adjacent areas (Kwepe, Kwisi, Twa, Tjimba, !Xun, Kuvale, Himba, Nyaneka, Ovimbundu) in combination with published data from other regions of Africa, we reconstruct in detail the histories of contact emerging from pre-historic migrations to southern Africa and show that peripatetic groups from southwestern Angola stand out for exhibiting elevated levels of an unique, regionally-specific and highly divergent Pre-Bantu ancestry. These findings highlight the importance of the Namib for understanding the deep genetic structure of Africa.

  Study EGAS00001007011

• Whole Genome Sequencing of clonal expansions of single healthy somatic cells (human, female)

  HSC73_clone: Bone marrow mononuclear cells from the healthy 73 years old female were thawed and labeled with Alexa-Fluor 488-conjugated anti-CD34 (581, Biolegend), Alexa-Fluor 700-conjugated anti-CD38 (HIT2, eBioscience), a cocktail of APC-conjugated lineage antibodies consisting of anti-CD4 (RPA-T4), anti-CD8 (RPA-T8), anti-CD11b (ICRF44), anti-CD20 (2H7), anti-CD56 (B159, all BD Biosciences), anti-CD14 (61D3), anti-CD19 (HIB19) and anti-CD235a (HIR2, all eBiocience) and 1 micro-gram/ml propidium iodide (Sigma). Using a BD FACSAria cell sorter, single Lin-CD34+CD38-PI- cells were individually sorted into low-adhesion 96-well tissue culture plates (Corning) containing 100micro-litre of StemSpan Serum-Free Expansion Medium (Stemcell technologies) supplemented with 100ng/ml of human SCF and FLT-3L, 50ng/ml of human TPO, 20ng/ml of human IL-3, IL-6 and G-CSF (all cytokines from Peprotech) and 50U/ml of penicillin and 50μg/ml of streptomycin (Sigma). Cells were incubated at 37 degrees C in a humidified atmosphere with 5% CO2 in air. After 5 days in culture, another 100micro litres of cytokine-containing medium were added. 13 days after seeding, clones B6 and G2 had expanded to approx. 105 cells and were selected for whole genome sequencing (2x101bp, paired-end, Illumina HiSeq2500) after tagmentation-based library preparation (see Extended Experimental Procedures) for clone B6 and standard library preparation for clone G2. For germline-control ~106 unsorted bone marrow mononuclear cells from the same donor were used for sequencing. An average of 30-fold sequence coverage for each the clones and the matching control were obtained.L4clone: A progenitor cell clone was raised from a peripheral blood sample of the 39 year old healthy female. Frozen peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated from 2 ml heparinised peripheral blood via Ficoll Paque density centrifugation. A methylcellulose assay was performed as described earlier (Weisse et al., 2012). In brief, non-adherent mononuclear cells were incubated in the presence of the recombinant human cytokines IL-3, IL-5 and GM-CSF (R&D systems) over 14 days to induce colony formation. Colonies were detected under an inverted light microscope, and plucked by a pipette when colonies had approximately 10,000 cells/CFU. Each colony was washed three times in PBS and finally frozen as a cell pellet in -80 degrees C. Genomic DNA was isolated using the QIAamp DNA micro kit according to the instructions of the manufacturer (Qiagen, Hilden, Germany). Whole genome sequencing (2x101bp, paired-end, Illumina HiSeq2500) was performed for colony 4 after tagmentation-based library preparation and resulted in 15-fold sequence coverage for each the colony and the matching whole blood.

  Dataset EGAD00001000666

• The double-hit signature identifies double-hit diffuse large B-cell lymphoma with genetic events cryptic to FISH​

  High-grade B-cell lymphomas with MYC and BCL2 and/or BCL6 rearrangements (HGBL-DH/THs) include a group of diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCLs) with inferior outcomes after standard chemoimmunotherapy. We recently described a gene expression signature that identifies 27% of germinal center B-cell DLBCLs (GCB-DLBCLs) as having a double-hit-like expression pattern (DHITsig) and inferior outcomes; however, only half of these cases have both MYC and BCL2 translocations identifiable using standard breakapart fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Here, 20 DHITsig+ GCB-DLBCLs apparently lacking MYC and/or BCL2 rearrangements underwent whole-genome sequencing. This revealed 6 tumors with MYC or BCL2 rearrangements that were cryptic to breakapart FISH. Copy-number analysis identified 3 tumors with MYC and 6 tumors with MIR17HG gains or amplifications, both of which may contribute to dysregulation of MYC and its downstream pathways. Focal deletions of the PVT1 promoter were observed exclusively among DHITsig+ tumors lacking MYC translocations; this may also contribute to MYC overexpression. These results highlight that FISH fails to identify all HGBL-DH/THs, while revealing a range of other genetic mechanisms potentially underlying MYC dysregulation in DHITsig+ DLBCL, suggesting that gene expression profiling is more sensitive for identifying the biology underlying poor outcomes in GCB-DLBCL.

  Study EGAS00001004285

• Immunoreactive_p53_areas_in_human_skin_2

  Previous work has suggested that in mice there may be a difference in mutational burden between areas expressing stabilised p53 protein and others. We wish to see if this observation holds true in human sun-exposed epidermis. We will take 0.25mm punch biopsies from peeled human skin epidermis which will be submitted to the low input pipeline prior to sequencing.

  Study EGAS00001004463

• Clonal Evolution of PPM1D Mutations in the Spectrum of Myeloid Disorders

  PPM1D, a central regulator of the DNA damage response, is commonly mutated in therapy-related clonal hematopoiesis (CH), acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). PPM1D mutations have been shown to expand under selective pressure of DNA-damaging chemotherapy. However, whether PPM1D mutations promote the development of hematologic malignancies remains unclear.

  Study EGAS50000000840

• DFCI Gynecological Oncology Data Access Committee

  This Data Access Committee is responsible for reviewing requests to access controlled human genomic data generated as part of the RESOLVE clinical trial at DFCI. The committee ensures that access complies with participant consent, institutional policies, and applicable data protection regulations (e.g., GDPR). Data access decisions are made by a multidisciplinary panel including clinical researchers, bioinformaticians, and data governance officers from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. The committee reviews each access request to determine whether the proposed research aligns with the study’s consent terms and the data access policy. If approved, access is granted via the European Genome-phenome Archive (EGA) in accordance with EGA’s data use and security guidelines.

  Dac EGAC50000000712

• Longitudinal profiling of circulating tumour DNA for tracking tumour dynamics in pancreatic cancer

  The utility of circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) for longitudinal tumour monitoring in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has not been explored beyond mutations in the KRAS proto-oncogene. We aim to characterise and track patient-specific somatic ctDNA variants, to assess longitudinal changes in disease burden and explore the landscape of actionable alterations.

  Study EGAS00001005981

• Molecular heterogeneity and commonalities in pancreatic cancer precursors with gastric and intestinal phenotype

  Due to the limited number of modifiable risk factors, secondary prevention strategies based on early diagnosis represent the preferred route to improve the prognosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Here, we provide a comparative morphogenetic analysis of PDAC precursors aiming at dissecting the process of carcinogenesis and tackling the heterogeneity of preinvasive lesions.

  Study EGAS00001006793

• Bone marrow single cell genomics from blood cancer samples

  The overall goal of this study was to characterize bone marrow cells based on their transcriptome, surface protein expression and BCR- and TCR VDJ-profile for accurate identification of clinically relevant cell states. This project has received funding from the European Union Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 824110 (EASI-Genomics)

  Study EGAS00001007332

• Whole Exome Sequencing data of glioma from the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA) project

  Glioma is the most common and aggressive brain cancer in adults. While primary glioma has been widely studied, molecular characterization of recurrent glioma is still rare. The high-quality sequencing data that we generated provides a useful resource for the community. The CGGA project contains over 2,000 samples from Chinese cohorts. It totally includes the whole-exome sequencing (286), DNA methylation (159), mRNA sequencing (1,018), mRNA microarray (301) and microRNA microarray (198) and matched clinical data. CGGA removes the barriers to researchers, providing rapid and convenient access to high-quality functional genomic data resources for biological research and clinical applications.

  Dataset EGAD00001006445

• 24 Chordoma samples (WES,WGS)

  Case series of the rare tumor entity chordoma. 9 cases sequenced with Whole Exome Sequencing (WES) and 2 cases sequenced with Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) were recruited from the personalized oncology program NCT-MASTER/DKTK-MASTER at the German Cancer Research Center. One of the WES patients was re-sequenced at a later time point when he relapsed, this resequencing was done by WGS. Therefore there are 11 patients, one of which with two samples, all of which were sequenced with matched normal controls, amounting to a total number of 24 NGS samples.

  Dataset EGAD00001004825

• A somatic reference standard for cancer genome sequencing.

  Paired PCR-free whole genome sequencing data of a matched metastatic melanoma cell line (COLO829) and normal across three lineages and across separate institutions, with independent library preparations, sequencing, and analysis. The data was generated with mean mapped coverages of 99X for COLO829 and 103X for the paired normal across three institutions. Overall, common events include >35,000 point mutations, 446 small insertion/deletions, and >6,000 genes affected by copy number changes. We present this reference to the community as an initial standard for enabling quantitative evaluation of somatic mutation pipelines across institutions.

  Dataset EGAD00001002142

• Whole genome sequencing data of high-grade serous ovarian cancer samples (set 2)

  Whole genome sequencing data of 8 High-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC) patients (20 samples) sequenced with HiSeq X Ten.

  Dataset EGAD00001009791

• An MTOR mutation hitchhikes through renal embryogenesis, driving multifocal, multiphenotypic tumours - WGS

  Embryogenesis is a vulnerable time. Mutations in developmental cells can result in the seeding of cells predisposed to disease within mature organs, creating a field effect. We characterise an embryonic cancer mutation that drives multifocal, multiphenotypic renal tumours in a 14-year-old girl. Their shared MTOR mutation, absent from normal tissues, increases protein flexibility which enables a FAT domain hinge to dramatically increase mTORC1 activity. Developmental mutations, not usually detected in traditional genetic screening, have vital clinical importance in guiding prognosis, targeted treatment, and family screening decisions for paediatric tumours.

  Dataset EGAD00001011645

• An MTOR mutation hitchhikes through renal embryogenesis, driving multifocal, multiphenotypic tumours - scRNA

  Embryogenesis is a vulnerable time. Mutations in developmental cells can result in the seeding of cells predisposed to disease within mature organs, creating a field effect. We characterise an embryonic cancer mutation that drives multifocal, multiphenotypic renal tumours in a 14-year-old girl. Their shared MTOR mutation, absent from normal tissues, increases protein flexibility which enables a FAT domain hinge to dramatically increase mTORC1 activity. Developmental mutations, not usually detected in traditional genetic screening, have vital clinical importance in guiding prognosis, targeted treatment, and family screening decisions for paediatric tumours.

  Dataset EGAD00001011647

• CCMA-WGSraw

  This dataset has the mapped bam files from WGS for the cancer models in CCMA.

  Dataset EGAD00001010035

• Human four week embryo head as reference for generating an enhancer compendium for neuronal and neural crest development using neural tube organoids.

  This study has the aim of generating an enhancer code compendium of early human neuronal and neural crest development. For this purpose, we generated human neural tube organoids from single cells from two induced pluripotent stem cell lines. The organoids were subject to combined single cell multiomics at four time points of differentiation. To evaluate the biological relevance of the cell types and states obtained from the organoids, we compared with data obtained from 10XGenomics single cell multiomics on the head of a single four weeks post conception human embryo.

  Study EGAS50000001031

• Oesophageal adenocarcinoma WGS from LUD2015-005 study (NCT02735239, EudraCT 2015-005298-19)

  This dataset contains whole genome sequencing (WGS) generated from the inoperable cohorts of the LUD2015-005 study (NCT02735239, EudraCT 2015-005298-19). WGS data were generated with the aim to assess previously reported (e.g. tumour mutational burden) and novel predictive genomic markers for immunochemotherapy treatment in this setting. Using these data, mutation and copy number profiles were generated for the LUD2015-005 study, which were assessed for correlation with patient outcomes from this trial.

  Dataset EGAD00001009400

• T-cell reconstitution after reduced dose ATLG induction in kidney transplant patients

  We analyzed the T-cell receptor (TCR) repertoires from ten kidney transplant recipients. Five out of the ten kidney transplant recipients received ATLG while the other five recipients received basiliximab as induction therapy. TCR repertoires of CD4+ and CD8+ positive T-cells were assessed prior to transplantation and within the first month after transplantation as well as at three- and 12-months post-transplant. In addition, the pre-formed alloreactive TCR repertoire for each kidney transplant recipient was identified using mixed lymphocyte reaction and donor reactive T-cells were subjected to TCR beta sequencing. This dataset comprises a total of 106 samples. NGS TCR beta libraries of all samples were sequenced on an Illumina NextSeq 500 and raw sequencing data (in the form of fastq files) as well assembled clonotypes and their counts (in the form of clonotype tables) are provided.

  Dataset EGAD00001008478

• The mutational landscape of human somatic and germline cells

  During the course of a lifetime normal human cells accumulate mutations. Here, using multiple samples from the same individuals we compared the mutational landscape in 29 anatomical structures from soma and the germline. Two ubiquitous mutational signatures, SBS1 and SBS5/40, accounted for the majority of acquired mutations in most cell types but their absolute and relative contributions varied substantially. SBS18, potentially reflecting oxidative damage, and several additional signatures attributed to exogenous and endogenous exposures contributed mutations to subsets of cell types. The mutation rate was lowest in spermatogonia, the stem cell from which sperm are generated and from which most genetic variation in the human population is thought to originate. This was due to low rates of ubiquitous mutation processes and may be partially attributable to a low cell division rate of basal spermatogonia. The results provide important insights into how mutational processes affect the soma and germline.

  Dataset EGAD00001006641

• Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Serum Stimulation of Human Intestinal Organoids Induces Barrier Leakiness and Changes in Goblet Cell Differentiation

  Human intestinal epithelial cells are the interface between potentially harmful luminal content and basally residing immune cells. Their role is not only nutrient absorption but also the formation of a tight monolayer that constantly secretes mucus creating a multi-layered protective barrier. Alterations in this barrier can lead to increased gut permeability which is frequently seen in individuals with chronic extraintestinal autoimmune diseases, such as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). Despite recent advances in identifying alterations in gut microbiota composition in SLE patients, not much attention has been given to the epithelial barrier itself. To date, it remains largely unexplored which role and function intestinal epithelial cells have in SLE pathology. Here, we present a unique near-physiologic in vitro model specifically designed to examine the effects of SLE on the epithelial cells. We utilize human colon organoids that are stimulated with serum obtained from SLE patients. Combining bulk and single-cell RNA transcriptomic analysis with functional assays revealed that SLE serum stimulation induced a unique expression profile marked by a reduction of goblet cell marker expression and mucus composition. Additionally, organoids exhibited imbalanced cellulat composition along with enhanced paracellular permeability,mitochondrial function, and a type I interferon gene signature. Similarly, transcriptomic analysis of SLE human colon biopsies revealed a downregulation of epithelial secretory markers. Our work uncovers a crucial connection between SLE and intestinal homeostasis that might be promoted in vivo through the blood, offering insights into the causal connection of barrier dysfunction and autoimmune diseases.

  Study EGAS50000000012

• Blood DNA Methylation in Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC): a Prospective Cohort Study

  Background: DNA methylation integrates environmental signals with transcriptional programs. COVID-19 infection induces changes in the host methylome. While post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) is a long-term complication of acute illness, its association with DNA methylation is unknown. No universal blood marker of PASC, superseding single organ dysfunctions, has yet been identified. Methods: In this single center prospective cohort study, PASC, post-COVID without PASC, and healthy participants were enrolled to investigate their symptoms association with peripheral blood DNA methylation data generated with state-of-the-art whole genome sequencing (WGS). PASC-induced quality-of-life deterioration was scored with a validated instrument, SF-36. Analyses were conducted to identify potential functional roles of differentially methylated loci, and machine learning algorithms were used to resolve PASC severity. Findings: 103 patients with PASC (22.3% male, 77.7% female), 15 patients with previous COVID-19 infection but no PASC (40.0% male, 60.0% female), and 27 healthy volunteers (48.1% male, 51.9% female) were enrolled. Whole genome methylation sequencing revealed 39 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) specific to PASC, each harboring an average of 15 consecutive positions, that differentiate patients with PASC from the two control groups. Motif analyses of PASC-regulated DMRs identify binding domains for transcription factors regulating circadian rhythm and others. Some DMRs annotated to protein coding genes were associated with changes of RNA expression. Machine learning support vector algorithm and random forest hierarchical clustering reveal 28 unique differentially methylated positions (DMPs) in the genome discriminating patients with better and worse quality of life.

  Study phs003658

• DNA demethylation is associated with malignant progression of low-grade gliomas

  To elucidate the mechanisms of tumor progression is key to discovering strategies for treating patients with lower-grade glioma. Thus to characterize the changes in the molecular profile during malignant progression, we performed methylation array analysis (122 tumors), whole-exome sequencing (36 tumors and matched normal samples), and RNA sequencing (31 tumors). This cohort included 24 matched pairs of initial lower-grade gliomas and recurrent tumors, most of which showed malignant progression when they recurred. Nearly half of IDH-mutant glioblastomas that had progressed from lower-grade gliomas exhibited characteristic partial DNA demethylation in previously methylated genomic regions of their corresponding initial tumors, which had the glioma CpG island methylator phenotype (G-CIMP). In these glioblastomas, cell cycle-related genes were upregulated, RB and PI3K-AKT pathway genes were frequently altered. Notably, bioinformatics analysis revealed that late-replicating domain was significantly enriched in the demethylated regions that were mostly located in non-regulatory regions, suggesting that the loss of DNA methylation during malignant transformation may involve mainly passive demethylation due to a delay in maintenance of methylation during accelerated cell division. Nonetheless, a limited number of genes including IGF2BP3, which potentially drives cell proliferation, were presumed to be upregulated due to demethylation of their promoter. Thus, cell proliferation was further promoted by passive demethylation in the promoter region of these oncogenic genes. Our data indicated that demethylation of the G-CIMP profile found in a subset of recurrent gliomas reflects accelerated cell divisions accompanied by malignant transformation. Oncogenic genes activated by such epigenetic change represent potential therapeutic targets.

  Study JGAS000146

• Immunodeficiency syndrome caused by LCP1 mutations

  Severe congenital neutropenia (SCN) is characterized by neutropenia, recurrent infections and an increased leukemia risk. Multiple genetic defects underlying SCN have been identified, but a genetic diagnosis is still lacking in a significant proportion of patients. Here, we report three independent pedigrees with autosomal dominant variants in LCP1. Variants c.740-1G>T and c.740-20_744del resulted in the same alternatively spliced RNA product, causing an in-frame deletion (p.A247_E254del). Variant c.509C>T in the third pedigree resulted in p.S170L. Variant carriers suffer from neutropenia, poor or complete lack of response to G-CSF treatment, and variable degrees of lymphopenia. Patients with A247_E254del presented with tetraploid cells in the bone marrow, indicative of disturbed cytokinesis. In one of these kindreds, two individuals developed acute leukemia. G-CSF non-responsiveness and defective cell cycling were repaired upon correction of the LCP1 A247_E254del variant in patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells, supporting the monogenic origin of the disease. Indicative of their gain-of-function, both A247_E254del and S170L variants increased F-actin bundling and formation of abnormal protrusions. Single-cell transcriptome analysis of A247_E254del bone marrow-derived hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) showed deregulation of signaling pathways controlling mitosis in multi-lineage and lymphoid-primed HSPC subsets. We conclude that activating LCP1 variants cause a new autosomal dominant hematopoietic disorder. Depending on the consequences of the LCP1 variants for protein structure, patients may suffer from G-CSF refractory severe neutropenia, lymphopenia, defective cytokinesis and predisposition to leukemia.

  Study EGAS00001008293

• Transcriptome_human_nasal_epithelium

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

  Study EGAS00001001294

• Healthy_ageing_thymus

  Single cell RNA sequencing of immune and non-immune cells from healthy ageing thymus Thymus is a primary lymphoid organ that creates an environment for the T lymphocyte precursors differentiation into the naive T cells, which involves TCR gene rearrangement, negative and positive selection. Despite thymus critical function for the recognition of the pathogens it starts to atrophy very early in life. Thymic Epithelial Space (TES), where thymocyte education occurs, starts to decline rapidly just after birth, while with the onset of puberty thymus is also progressively replaced with adipose tissue. This leads to a reduced naive T cell output,which decreases an organism's ability to recognize pathogens. In our lab, we have already collected and characterized cell type composition and gene regulatory networks of the fetal tand adult human thymus (Park et al, Science 2020). In the current project we plan to expand the number of paediatric and adult samples in the study with the aim to understand how the process of thymic involution happens. We will use single-cell transcriptomics to zoom on changes that occur in immune and non-immune cell types in different phases of thymic involution with the hope to understand which gene expression changes are causal for the thymic involution process and how naïve T cell production can be increased in elderly. 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 EGAS00001004311

• Ultra-sensitive tumor-informed ctDNA monitoring of treatment response in advanced esophagogastric cancer patients

  To explore whether ultra-sensitive circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) profiling enables earlier prediction of treatment response and detection of disease progression, we applied NeXT Personal, an ultra-sensitive bespoke tumor-informed liquid biopsy platform, to profile tumor samples from the KeyLargo study, a phase II trial in which metastatic esophagogastric cancer (mEGC) patients received capecitabine, oxaliplatin, and pembrolizumab. A total of 24 patients were evaluated, and all were ctDNA-positive at baseline. ctDNA levels varied from 406,067 down to 1.5 parts per million (PPM) with a median limit of detection of 2.03 PPM. ctDNA dynamics were highly correlated with changes in tumor size (ρ = 0.59, p = 7.3×10-9). Lack of early molecular response (50% or greater decrease in ctDNA levels at first available time point after 30 days, C2D1 or C4D1) was associated with worse overall survival (OS) (HR 6.6, 95% CI 1.8-24.1, p = 0.005) and progression-free survival (PFS) (HR 15.4, 95% CI 2.7-87.0, p = 0.002). Lack of molecular clearance of ctDNA was associated with worse OS (HR 6.9, 95% CI 1.5-30.8, p = 0.012) and PFS (HR 19.2, 95% CI 2.4-152.8, p = 0.005). Molecular progression (ctDNA increase) preceded imaging-derived progression by a median lead time of 65 days. These results suggest that ultra-sensitive liquid biopsy approaches could improve treatment decision-making for mEGC patients receiving chemotherapy and immunotherapy.

  Study EGAS50000001224

• Genomic landscapes of endometrioid and mucinous ovarian cancers and morphologically similar tumor types

  While endometrioid and mucinous ovarian cancers represent nearly a quarter of ovarian cancers, their molecular characteristics and pathologic origins are poorly understood. To characterize the genomic and epigenomic alterations of these ovarian cancer subtypes and evaluate links to morphologically similar tumors from other sites, we performed sequence, copy number, mutation signature, rearrangement, and methylation analyses from tumor samples and matched normal tissues of 133 patients. These analyses included patients with ovarian endometrioid (n=44), ovarian mucinous (n=43), uterine endometrial (n=15), and gastrointestinal mucinous cancers (n=31). In addition to identifying genes previously known to be involved in these tumors, we identified alterations in RAD51C, NOTCH4, SMARCA1/4 and JAK1 in ovarian endometrioid, ESR1 in uterine endometrioid, and SMARCA4 in ovarian mucinous cancers. Whole genome sequencing revealed rearrangements involving PTEN, NF1, and NF2 in ovarian endometrioid tumors, and NF1 and MED1 in ovarian mucinous cancers. The number of alterations and affected genes in ovarian and uterine endometrioid cancers were similar as were genome-wide methylation profiles, suggesting that these tumors may have a similar tissue of origin. By contrast, methylation patterns in ovarian mucinous cancers were more similar to other gastrointestinal mucinous cancers, including mucinous cancers of the stomach, colon, and pancreas. These analyses provide insights into the genomic landscapes and origins of mucinous and endometrioid ovarian carcinomas, providing new avenues for early clinical intervention and management of patients with these cancers.

  Study EGAS50000000523

• Non-muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer Molecular Subtypes Predict Differential Response to Intravesical Bacillus Calmette-Guérin

  The recommended treatment for patients with high-risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (HR-NMIBC) is tumor resection followed by adjuvant Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) bladder instillations. However, only 50% of patients benefit from this therapy. In case of progression to advanced disease, patients must undergo a radical cystectomy with significant morbidity and have a poor clinical outcome. Identifying tumors least likely to respond to BCG can translate into alternative treatments, such as early radical cystectomy or novel targeted or immunotherapies. Here we present molecular profiling of 132 BCG-naive, HR-NMIBC patients, and 44 post-BCG recurrences (34 matched), which uncovered three distinct BCG Response Subtypes (BRS1-3). Patients with BRS3 tumors have reduced recurrence and progression-free survival compared to BRS1-2. BRS3 tumors expressed high EMT-basal markers and had an immunosuppresive profile, which was confirmed with spatial proteomics. Tumors which recurred post-BCG were enriched for BRS3. BRS stratification was validated in a second cohort of 151 BCG-naive HR-NMIBC patients and the molecular subtypes outperformed guideline recommended risk stratification based on clinicopathological variables. For clinical application, we validated that a commercially approved assay was able to accurately predict BRS3 tumors (AUROC 0.86). Our findings provide a potential clinical tool for improved identification of HR-NMIBC patients at the highest risk of progression, which can be used to select patients for early radical cystectomy or novel subtype-directed therapies.

  Study EGAS00001006879

• Single-cell RNA-sequencing of CD34+ bone marrow cells from patients with SLE, healthy individuals and umbilical cord blood samples

  All immune cells that contribute to the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) derive from adult haematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) within the bone marrow (BM). We reasoned that the fundamental abnormalities in the disease can be traced back to HSPCs. The aim of this study was to delineate human haematopoietic CD34+ progenitor subpopulations and to identify deregulated pathways in each subpopulation in SLE as compared to healthy controls and umbilical cord blood samples. This study revealed both quantitative-as evidenced by decreased numbers of non-proliferating early progenitors and qualitative differences- characterized by an IFN signature, which is known to drive loss of function and depletion of HSPCs.

  Study EGAS00001007317

• Interplay of somatic alterations and immune infiltration modulates response to PD-1 blockade in advanced clear cell renal cell carcinoma -- CA209-010

  Immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting the PD-1 pathway have transformed the management of many advanced malignancies, including clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), but the drivers and resistors of PD-1 response remain incompletely elucidated. Here, we analyzed 592 tumors collected from advanced ccRCC patients enrolled in prospective clinical trials of treatment with PD-1 blockade (or mTOR inhibition as control arm) by whole-exome and RNA-sequencing, integrated with immunofluorescence analysis, to define the somatic alteration landscape of late-stage ccRCC and to uncover the immunogenomic determinants of therapeutic response. While conventional genomic markers (tumor mutation burden, neoantigen load) and degree of CD8+ T cell infiltration were not associated with clinical response, we discovered numerous chromosomal alterations in advanced ccRCC associated with response or resistance to PD-1 blockade. These advanced tumors were highly CD8+ T cell infiltrated, with only 22% and 5% with an immune desert and immune excluded phenotype, respectively. Our analysis revealed that CD8+ infiltrated tumors are depleted of favorable PBRM1 mutations and are enriched for unfavorable chromosomal losses of 9p21.3 when compared to non-infiltrated tumors. These data demonstrate how the interplay of somatic alterations and immunophenotypes impacts therapeutic efficacy.

  Dataset EGAD00001006026

• Interplay of somatic alterations and immune infiltration modulates response to PD-1 blockade in advanced clear cell renal cell carcinoma -- CA209-025

  Immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting the PD-1 pathway have transformed the management of many advanced malignancies, including clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), but the drivers and resistors of PD-1 response remain incompletely elucidated. Here, we analyzed 592 tumors collected from advanced ccRCC patients enrolled in prospective clinical trials of treatment with PD-1 blockade (or mTOR inhibition as control arm) by whole-exome and RNA-sequencing, integrated with immunofluorescence analysis, to define the somatic alteration landscape of late-stage ccRCC and to uncover the immunogenomic determinants of therapeutic response. While conventional genomic markers (tumor mutation burden, neoantigen load) and degree of CD8+ T cell infiltration were not associated with clinical response, we discovered numerous chromosomal alterations in advanced ccRCC associated with response or resistance to PD-1 blockade. These advanced tumors were highly CD8+ T cell infiltrated, with only 22% and 5% with an immune desert and immune excluded phenotype, respectively. Our analysis revealed that CD8+ infiltrated tumors are depleted of favorable PBRM1 mutations and are enriched for unfavorable chromosomal losses of 9p21.3 when compared to non-infiltrated tumors. These data demonstrate how the interplay of somatic alterations and immunophenotypes impacts therapeutic efficacy.

  Dataset EGAD00001006029

• Interplay of somatic alterations and immune infiltration modulates response to PD-1 blockade in advanced clear cell renal cell carcinoma -- CA209-009

  Immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting the PD-1 pathway have transformed the management of many advanced malignancies, including clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), but the drivers and resistors of PD-1 response remain incompletely elucidated. Here, we analyzed 592 tumors collected from advanced ccRCC patients enrolled in prospective clinical trials of treatment with PD-1 blockade (or mTOR inhibition as control arm) by whole-exome and RNA-sequencing, integrated with immunofluorescence analysis, to define the somatic alteration landscape of late-stage ccRCC and to uncover the immunogenomic determinants of therapeutic response. While conventional genomic markers (tumor mutation burden, neoantigen load) and degree of CD8+ T cell infiltration were not associated with clinical response, we discovered numerous chromosomal alterations in advanced ccRCC associated with response or resistance to PD-1 blockade. These advanced tumors were highly CD8+ T cell infiltrated, with only 22% and 5% with an immune desert and immune excluded phenotype, respectively. Our analysis revealed that CD8+ infiltrated tumors are depleted of favorable PBRM1 mutations and are enriched for unfavorable chromosomal losses of 9p21.3 when compared to non-infiltrated tumors. These data demonstrate how the interplay of somatic alterations and immunophenotypes impacts therapeutic efficacy.

  Dataset EGAD00001006027

• Heart Failure Network - Nitrate's Effect on Activity Tolerance in Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction (HFN NEAT-BioLINCC)

  Data Access NOTE: Please refer to the "Authorized Access" section below for information about how access to the data from this accession differs from many other dbGaP accessions. Related StudiesEcho images are available with HFN-NEAT Imaging.ObjectivesTo determine the effect of isosorbide mononitrate on daily activity in patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction.Background Nitrates are commonly prescribed for symptom relief in patients with heart failure. Early studies in patients with heart failure with a reduced ejection fraction concluded that long-acting nitrates improve activity tolerance; however, approximately half of heart failure patients have preserved ejection fraction. The effects of nitrates in patients with heart failure and a preserved ejection fraction have not been extensively studied and the overall effect of nitrates on activity tolerance in such patients is uncertain. ParticipantsThere were a total of 110 participants enrolled with 51 participants assigned to receive isosorbide mono-nitrate first and placebo second, and 59 participants assigned to receive placebo first and isosorbide mononitrate second. Design Enrolled participants underwent baseline assessments, including echocardiography, quality-of-life scores, 6-minute walk test distance, and NT-proBNP levels. participants were also supplied with two kinetic activity monitors containing high-sensitivity triaxis accelerometers, to be worn 24 hours per day. The accelerometer measurements were expressed as arbitrary accelerometer units and stored every 15 minutes equaling 96 data points per day. The 15-minute cumulative accelerometer units were totaled over a 24-hour period to provide daily accelerometer units. Participants were assigned to one of two treatment groups: 6 weeks of placebo first with crossover to 6 weeks of isosorbide mononitrate, or 6 weeks of isosorbide mononitrate first with crossover to 6 weeks of placebo. The study drugs were prepared as 30-mg tablets of isosorbide mononitrate and matching placebo. During each 6-week period, participants were instructed to take no study drug for the first 2 weeks followed by one tablet (30 mg daily) for 1 week, two tablets (60 mg once daily) for 1 week, and four tablets (120 mg once daily) until the next study visit, for a treatment duration of at least 2 weeks and up to 4 weeks. After each 6-week period, participants returned to the study center to repeat end-point assessments. The primary outcome for the study was the comparison of average daily accelerometer units during the period in which participants were receiving the 120-mg dose of isosorbide mononitrate compared to the period in which participants received the placebo. Other secondary end points included the 6-minute walk distance and the post-walk Borg dyspnea score, scores on the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire and the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire, and NT-proBNP levels. In addition, participants completed a questionnaire indicating in which period (first, second, no preference) they felt better. Conclusions Participants were active for fewer hours of the day during the 120-mg phase of receipt of isosorbide mononitrate as compared with placebo. Furthermore, during all study-drug regimens combined (30 mg to 120 mg), participants were less active during receipt of isosorbide mononitrate as compared with placebo. There was no significant effect of isosorbide mononitrate on secondary outcomes.

  Study phs003548

• ARDSNet 07-08: Randomized, Blinded, Placebo-Controlled, Multi-Center Trial of Omega-3 Fatty Acid, Gamma-Linolenic Acid, and Antioxidants in Acute Lung Injury or ARDS (OMEGA) (ARDSNet-Omega-BioLINCC)

  Data Access NOTE: Please refer to the “Authorized Access” section below for information about how access to the data from this accession differs from many other dbGaP accessions. Biospecimens: Access to Biospecimens is through the NHLBI Biologic Specimen and Data Repository Information Coordinating Center (BioLINCC). Biospecimens from ARDSNet-Omega include bronchial lavage, plasma, urine, and DNA. Please note that use of biospecimens in genetic research is subject to a tiered consent.Objectives: To determine if dietary supplementation of omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids, γ-linolenic acid and antioxidants to participants with acute lung injury would increase ventilator-free days to study day 28.Background: Early acute lung injury (ALI) is characterized by neutrophilic lung inflammation, permeability, and intravascular and alveolar fibrin deposition. The type and inflammatory activity of eicosanoids liberated during inflammation depends on the membrane phospholipid composition: omega 6 (n-6) fatty acid arachidonate yields highly reactive and inflammatory dienoic prostaglandins and series 4 leukotrienes, whereas omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids favor production of less active and potentially anti-inflammatory trienoic prostaglandins and series 5 leukotrienes. Participants at risk of developing ALI have n-3 levels approximately 25% of normal and those with established ALI have n-3 levels as low as 6% of normal, suggesting a potential role for n-3 dietary supplementation in participants with ALI.Three randomized controlled studies, conducted in participants with ALI or sepsis-induced respiratory failure, demonstrated an association between the administration of an enteral formula enriched in n-3 fatty acids, GLA, and antioxidants and improved oxygenation and respiratory physiology compared with an unenriched, high-fat formula. However, interpretation of these results is limited by the small sample sizes and as-treated analyses of only those participants who tolerated full enteral nutrition. Participants: The total number of participants in the study was 272.Design: Participants were stratified by hospital and the presence of shock at baseline and then randomized to receive either twice-daily enteral supplementation of n-3 fatty acids, GLA, and antioxidants (n-3 supplement) or an isocaloric-isovolemic carbohydrate-rich control. Participants were also simultaneously randomized to a separate ongoing trial (the EDEN study) comparing low- vs full-calorie enteral nutrition in a 2×2 factorial design.The n-3 or control supplement was administered enterally as twice-daily boluses of 120 mL beginning within 6 hours of randomization. Dosing continued until the earliest of 21 days, 48 hours of unassisted breathing, or extubation. The energy provided by the boluses supplemented that provided by each primary physician's choice of standard continuous non–n-3-enriched enteral formula. The rate of continuous enteral feeding was managed by a protocol with an algorithm for gastrointestinal intolerances. The supplement was administered even if enteral nutrition was interrupted, as long as the patient was tolerating enteral medications. Conclusions: The study was stopped by the DSMB for futility at the first interim analysis after 143 participants had been randomized to receive the n-3 supplement and 129 to receive the isocaloric control. Despite an 8-fold increase in plasma eicosapentaenoic acid levels, participants receiving the n-3 supplement had fewer ventilator-free days, intensive care unit–free days, and nonpulmonary organ failure-free days.

  Study phs003744

• Prevention and Early Treatment of Acute Lung Injury (PETAL) Network - Functional, Imaging, and Respiratory Evaluation in CORAL (PETAL FIRE CORAL-BioLINCC)

  Data Access NOTE: Please refer to the “Authorized Access” section below for information about how access to the data from this accession differs from many other dbGaP accessions.Biospecimens: Access to Biospecimens is through the NHLBI Biologic Specimen and Data Repository Information Coordinating Center (BioLINCC). Biospecimens from PETAL FIRE CORAL include plasma and whole blood. Please note that use of biospecimens in genetic research is subject to a tiered consent and biospecimens may not be used to produce commercial products.Objectives: To examine the recovery from COVID-19 disease following acute hospitalization with an emphasis on functional, imaging, and respiratory evaluation, and assess the feasibility of conducting a larger study to evaluate variables associated with differential recovery.Background: The BLUE CORAL study, dbGaP phs003419, was intended to address the knowledge gaps and provide critical data to help guide clinical care, public health, and scientific efforts regarding SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) recovery. The understanding and treatment of long-term sequelae of COVID-19, referred to variously as post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC), post-acute COVID, long COVID, or long-haul COVID, is fundamental to patient recovery. These long-term consequences are common and increasingly recognized, although heterogeneous in manifestation, and can result in a failure to return to baseline level of health. At the time of the FIRE CORAL study, there were limited studies that collected objective assessments following hospital discharge for a wide spectrum of patients surviving COVID-19.Participants: FIRE CORAL enrolled adult participants as a subset of those enrolled in the BLUE CORAL study with a recent COVID-19 hospitalization and that completed the 1- or 3-month post-hospital telephone long-term outcomes assessment. The target enrollment for this pilot study cohort was 80 participants.Design: FIRE CORAL was a multicenter prospective cohort study of participants recovering from COVID-19 disease with in-person follow-up, as an extension of the BLUE CORAL study. The study consisted of a battery of assessments objectively measuring pulmonary function, abnormalities on lung imaging, and functional status. Participants were to attend and perform initial in-person testing at 3 to 9 months after hospital discharge. Participants with abnormal findings on pulmonary function testing or chest imaging during their initial assessment or those with persistent respiratory symptoms were eligible to repeat study procedures 3 months later with a subsequent visit at 12 months. All participants were invited to return for in-person follow up at 12 months after hospital discharge. Assessments included high-resolution chest CT scan without contrast, spirometry, lung volume assessment, diffusing capacity measured by single breath measurement, Six Minute Walk Test, Short Physical Performance Battery, St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire, and Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue scale. Demographic and hospitalization data are available as part of the BLUE CORAL study.The primary aim of the FIRE CORAL study was to examine the feasibility of conducting rigorous in-person follow-up testing of participants discharged from the hospital following COVID-19 illness to assist with planning for a larger study to evaluate variables associated with differential recovery. The secondary aim was to describe the pulmonary, imaging, and functional recovery following COVID-19 hospitalization in a diverse population of patients.

  Study phs004130

• Heart Failure Network - Imaging from Nitrate's Effect on Activity Tolerance in Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction (HFN NEAT-Imaging)

  Data Access NOTE: Please refer to the “Authorized Access” section below for information about how access to the data from this accession differs from many other dbGaP accessions.Objectives: To determine the effect of isosorbide mononitrate on daily activity in patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction.Background: Nitrates are commonly prescribed for symptom relief in patients with heart failure. Early studies in patients with heart failure with a reduced ejection fraction concluded that long-acting nitrates improves activity tolerance; however, approximately half of heart failure patients have preserved ejection fraction. The effects of nitrates in patients with heart failure and a preserved ejection fraction have not been extensively studied and the overall effect of nitrates on activity tolerance in such patients is uncertain.Subjects: There were a total of 110 patients enrolled with 51 patients assigned to receive isosorbide mono-nitrate first and placebo second, and 59 patients assigned to receive placebo first and isosorbide mononitrate second.Design: Enrolled subjects underwent baseline assessments, including echocardiography, quality-of-life scores, 6-minute walk test distance, and NT-proBNP levels. Subjects were also supplied with two kinetic activity monitors containing high-sensitivity triaxis accelerometers, to be worn 24 hours per day. The accelerometer measurements were expressed as arbitrary accelerometer units and stored every 15 minutes equaling 96 data points per day. The 15-minute cumulative accelerometer units were totaled over a 24-hour period to provide daily accelerometer units.Subjects were assigned to one of two treatment groups: 6 weeks of placebo first with crossover to 6 weeks of isosorbide mononitrate, or 6 weeks of isosorbide mononitrate first with crossover to 6 weeks of placebo. The study drugs were prepared as 30-mg tablets of isosorbide mononitrate and matching placebo. During each 6-week period, patients were instructed to take no study drug for the first 2 weeks followed by one tablet (30 mg daily) for 1 week, two tablets (60 mg once daily) for 1 week, and four tablets (120 mg once daily) until the next study visit, for a treatment duration of at least 2 weeks and up to 4 weeks. After each 6-week period, patients returned to the study center to repeat end-point assessments. The primary outcome for the study was the comparison of average daily accelerometer units during the period in which patients were receiving the 120-mg dose of isosorbide mononitrate compared to the period in which patients received the placebo. Other secondary end points included the 6-minute walk distance and the post-walk Borg dyspnea score, scores on the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire and the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire, and NT-proBNP levels. In addition, subjects completed a questionnaire indicating in which period (first, second, no preference) they felt better. Conclusions: Patients were active for fewer hours of the day during the 120-mg phase of receipt of isosorbide mononitrate as compared with placebo. Furthermore, during all study-drug regimens combined (30 mg to 120 mg), patients were less active during receipt of isosorbide mononitrate as compared with placebo. There was no significant effect of isosorbide mononitrate on secondary outcomes.

  Study phs004254

• Childhood Cancer Data Initiative (CCDI): Clonal Evolution During Metastatic Spread in High-Risk Neuroblastoma

  The goal of this study is to deliver a detailed characterization of the patterns of disease dissemination at diagnosis, during progression and in response to therapy in high-risk neuroblastoma. Longitudinal and spatially distinct tumors were collected from patients. Clinical data includes diagnosis and treatment information. Biospecimen data includes whole genome sequencing (WGS) and whole transcriptome sequencing (WTS).

  Study phs003111

• Methylation sequencing dataset for "Molecular counting enables accurate and precise quantification of methylated ctDNA"

  Methylation sequencing dataset for "Molecular counting enables accurate and precise quantification of methylated ctDNA." This dataset was created by running samples through Northstar Response, where bisulfite converted samples are amplified in a multiplex PCR targeting more than 500 genomic regions. Samples in this dataset include contrived samples made from 84 different tumors DNA, each mixed with their matched buffy coat DNA at varying ratios, as well as cfDNA and buffy coat DNA samples collected from 67 cancer patients undergoing treatment. All samples were sequenced on Illumina NextSeq 2000 with single end 100 cycle sequencing; files are in fastq.gz format.

  Dataset EGAD50000001015

• Targeted panel somatic variant sequencing dataset for "Molecular counting enables accurate and precise quantification of methylated ctDNA"

  Targeted panel somatic variant sequencing dataset for "Molecular counting enables accurate and precise quantification of methylated ctDNA." This dataset was created by running 60 cfDNA samples from patients with metastatic cancer to the lung through a research-use, tumor-naive, targeted-panel assay for measuring somatic mutations across a panel of 80 genes. All samples were sequenced on Illumina NextSeq 2000 with 150x2 paired end sequencing; files are in fastq.gz format. For the original study, the variant allele fractions of these somatic mutations were compared with the Tumor Methylation Scores calculated from Northstar Response in the same samples.

  Dataset EGAD50000001016

• Subclonal variation in patients with pediatric T-lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL)

  Variations in TP53 and KRAS genes indicate a particularly poor prognosis in relapsed pediatric T-ALL. We hypothesized that these variations might be subclonally present at disease onset and contribute to relapse risk. To test this, we examined 386 children diagnosed with T-ALL, including more than 100 patients who relapsed as well as matched non-relapsing controls.

  Study EGAS50000000794

• Labcorp® Plasma Detect™ assay: whole genome sequencing analyses of plasma cfDNA, white blood cells and FFPE tumor tissue

  The dataset "Labcorp® Plasma Detect™ assay: whole genome sequencing analyses of plasma cfDNA, white blood cells and FFPE tumor tissue" includes CRAM and CRAI files derived from WGS of 555x plasma cfDNA, 209x white blood cells (normal DNA) and 209x FFPE tumor tissue (tumor DNA) samples for 209 stage III colorectal cancer patients. WGS (150bp PE) was performed on a NovaSeq 6000 with a target depth of coverage of 80x for tumor DNA, 40x for normal DNA and 30x for cfDNA. Reads were aligned to GRCh37 (plasma cfDNA) or GRCh38 (tumor/normal DNA).

  Dataset EGAD50000001180

• WGS___Mutant_clone_mapping_in_normal_oesohagus_and_skin

  We will use whole genome sequencing to examine normal appearing oesophageal epithelium and skin to determine the mutational burden. DNA will be extracted from epithelia of a defined size and we will overlay positional information from the epithelial pieces to give clone maps over a wide area. This will be done in both oesophageal epithelium and skin

  Study EGAS00001002416

• Multiple_Myeloma_Diagnosis_to_Relapse_study_samples

  The study will investigate serial samples from the same patient taken at the time of MGUS or SMM diagnosis, and later at the time of evolution towards MM. Samples will be sequenced by whole genome along with a matched normal to obtain the highest possible amount of information toinvestigate genomic changes at disease evolution.

  Study EGAS00001001299

• Single-cell transcriptome sequencing of regulatory and conventional T cells in breast cancer patients and healthy individuals.

  Identification of tumor-specific effects on gene expression profile of regulatory T cells and conventional T cells in humans, investigation of the clonal origin of regulatory T cells and impact analysis of tumor-specific conversion of conventional T cells into induced regulatory T cells on the peripheral regulatory T cell repertoire in humans.

  Study EGAS00001002933

• Lymphoctye_colony_WGS

  We study lymphocyte somatic evolution through the sequencing of normal healthy lymphocytes. We perform whole-genome sequencing of single-cell derived T and B cell colonies to identify somatic mutations, and perform targeted deep-sequencing of these mutations. The lineages of T and B cells, and the frequencies of these mutations reveals the neutral and non-neutral evolutionary processes underlying lymphocyte growth and function.

  Study EGAS00001002948

• Somatic Inactivation of Breast Cancer Predisposition Genes in Tumours Associated with Pathogenic Germline Variants

  Breast cancers (BC) from susceptibility gene carriers, including BRCA1/2, PALB2 and RAD51C, have been shown to have bi-allelic loss in the respective genes and be associated with triple-negative (TN) BC and distinctive somatic mutational signatures. Tumour sequencing thus presents an orthogonal approach to assess the role of candidate genes in BC development.

  Study EGAS00001006532

• Colon Cancer Organoid Cultures and Tumors Whole Genome Sequencing Data

  Five hundred nanograms of genomic DNA was fragmented by Covaris S2, the fragmented DNAs were performed end-repair, A-tailing at the 3 prime end, adaptors ligation with an IDT dual-indexed UMI adaptor system at the terminal ends. The adapter ligated library with size range 300-750bp were selected by dual-SPRI method. Twenty percent of the size selected PCR-free libraries were enriched by 5 PCR cycles prior to library size assessment by Bioanalyzer Fragment Analyzer. The PCR-free libraries were quantified by qPCR.The PCR-free libraries were denatured and diluted to optimal concentration. Illumina NovaSeq 6000 was used for Pair-End 151bp sequencing.

  Dataset EGAD00001005759

• Genomic signatures define three subtypes of EGFR-mutant stage II-III non-small-cell lung cancer with distinct adjuvant therapy outcomes

  This dataset contains targeted sequencing data of 204 surgical samples from resected NSCLC. Genomic profiling identifies five predictive biomarkers, which is then integrated into the Multiple-gene INdex to Evaluate the Relative benefit of Various Adjuvant therapies (MINERVA) score. The MINERVA score categorizes patients into three subgroups with relative disease-free survival and overall survival benefits from either adjuvant gefitinib or chemotherapy. This study demonstrates that predictive genomic signatures could potentially stratify resected EGFR-mutant NSCLC patients and provide precise guidance towards future personalized adjuvant therapy.

  Dataset EGAD00001008157

• Organoid Derivation Project - GRCh38 - WGS (2023-06-22)

  Sequencing of tissue samples and their derived organoids from oesophageal, pancreatic and colorectal cancer patients. . This dataset contains all the data available for this study on 2023-06-22.

  Dataset EGAD00001011093

• Neoadjuvant atezolizumab plus chemotherapy in gastric and gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma: the phase 2 PANDA trial

  Gastric and gastroesophageal junction (G/GEJ) cancers carry a poor prognosis, and despite recent advancements most patients die of their disease. While immune checkpoint blockade has become part of the standard of care for patients with metastatic G/GEJ cancers, its efficacy and impact on the tumor microenvironment in the early disease setting remain largely unknown. We hypothesized a higher efficacy of neoadjuvant immunotherapy plus chemotherapy in patients with non-metastatic G/GEJ cancer. In the phase 2 PANDA trial, patients with previously untreated resectable G/GEJ tumors (n=21) received neoadjuvant treatment with one cycle of atezolizumab monotherapy followed by 4 cycles of atezolizumab plus docetaxel, oxaliplatin and capecitabine. Treatment was well-tolerated, and all patients underwent resection without treatment-related delays, meeting the primary endpoint of safety and feasibility. Tissue was obtained at multiple time points, allowing analysis of the effects of single-agent PD-L1 blockade and the subsequent combination with chemotherapy on the tumor microenvironment. A total of 21 patients were included, of whom 20 patients underwent surgery and were evaluable for the secondary pathologic response and survival endpoints, while 19 were evaluable for exploratory translational analyses. A major pathologic response (MPR, ≤10% residual viable tumor) was observed in 14/20 (70%; 95% CI 46-88%) patients, including 9 (45%; 95% CI 23-68%) pathologic complete responses. At a median follow-up of 47 months, 13/14 responders were alive and disease-free, while 5/6 nonresponders had died due to disease recurrence. Notably, baseline PD-1+CD8+ T cell infiltration was significantly higher in responders than in nonresponders, and comparison of the tumor microenvironment alterations following anti-PD-L1 monotherapy versus the subsequent combination with chemotherapy revealed that increased immune activity was achieved upon single-agent PD-1/L1 axis blockade. Based on these data, anti-PD-L1 plus chemotherapy warrants further exploration in patients with non-metastatic G/GEJ cancer, and these results call for validation in a larger cohort.

  Study EGAS50000000168

• Identification of improved IL28B SNPs and haplotypes for prediction of drug response in treatment of hepatitis C using massively parallel sequencing in a cross-sectional European cohort

  The hepatitis C virus infects nearly 3% of the World’s population, causing severe liver disease in many. Standard of care therapy is currently pegylated interferon alpha and ribavirin (PegIFN/R), which is effective in less than half of those infected with the most common viral genotype. Two IL28B SNPs, rs8099917 and rs12979860, predict response to (PegIFN/R) therapy in treatment of hepatitis C virus infection. These SNPs were identified in genome wide analyses using Illumina genotyping chips. In people of European ancestry, there are 6 common (>1%) haplotypes for IL28B, one tagged by rs8099917 minor allele, four tagged by rs12979860. We used massive parallel sequencing of the IL28B and IL28A gene regions generated by PCR from pooled DNA samples from 100 responders and 99 non-responders to therapy, to identify common variants. Variants that had high odds ratios and were validated were then genotyped in a cohort of 905 responders and non-responders. Their predictive power was assessed, alone and in combination with HLA-C. Only SNPs in the IL28B linkage disequilibrium block predicted drug response. Eighteen SNPs were identified with evidence for association with drug response, and with a high degree of confidence in the sequence call. We found that two SNPs, rs4803221 (homozygote minor allele positive predictive value (PPV) of 77%) and rs7248668 (PPV 78%), predicted failure to respond better than the current best, rs8099917 (PPV 73%) and rs12979860 (PPV 68%) in this cross-sectional cohort. The best SNPs tagged a single common haplotype, haplotype 2. Genotypes predicted lack of response better than alleles. However, combination of IL28B haplotype 2 carrier status with the HLA-C C2C2 genotype, which has previousl y been reported to improve prediction in combination with IL28B, provides the highest PPV (80%). The haplotypes present alternative putative transcription factor binding and methylation sites. Massive parallel sequencing allowed identification and comparison of the best common SNPs for identifying treatment failure in therapy for HCV SNPs tagging a single haplotype have the highest PPV, especially in combination with HLA-C. The functional basis for the association may be due to altered regulation of the gene. These approaches have utility in improving diagnostic testing and identifying causal haplotypes or SNPs.

  Study EGAS00001000096

• VESPA: Vanderbilt Electronic Systems for Pharmacogenomic Assessment

  The Vanderbilt Electronic Systems for Pharmacogenomic Assessment (VESPA) Project is a large electronic medical record (EMR)- and biobank-based initiative for translational pharmacogenomics discoveries. Key research resources utilized in this effort include the BioVU DNA databank and associated Synthetic Derivative database of clinical information, and software tools developed to identify drugs and clinical events using EHR-derived structured and unstructured ("free text") data. Cohorts include subjects with primarily drug-response phenotypes, and most cases and controls identified include three data types: ICD-9 codes, medication regimens, and medical test results. Advanced informatics methods, such as natural language processing, were also used for some phenotypes. Algorithms used event-sequence analyses to establish temporal relationships between drugs and phenotypes. Both cases and control algorithms excluded records that contained specific comorbidities and were refined to achieve positive predictive value (PPV) > 90%. For automated algorithms failing to meet this threshold, manual review was coupled with algorithms to validate that the included cases were true positives. A total of 11,639 subjects met phenotyping criteria for a least one of the 28 phenotypes investigated. Across all phenotypes cases and controls, 90% were reused as either a case or control for a least one other phenotype. Data are deposited for individual phenotypes in the VESPA substudies. Substudies: VESPA: Genome Wide Association Study of Serum Creatinine during Vancomycin Therapy and Vancomycin Pharmacokinetics - phs000894 VESPA: Genome Wide Study of Clinically Diagnosed Ace Inhibitor Cough - phs000992

  Study phs000991

• Phase II Therapeutic Trial of Mexiletine in Non-Dystrophic Myotonia (IND #77,021)

  Non-dystrophic myotonias are a group of rare muscle disorders caused by abnormalities in different muscle cell membrane proteins. Patients experience delayed muscle relaxation that causes impaired physical activity, stiffness, and pain. Mexiletine has been shown to be beneficial for symptoms of myotonia in case reports of patients with non-dystrophic myotonia, however, current management of these patients primarily depends on individual practitioners' preference. This study is a placebo-controlled, double-blind, cross-over treatment trial using mexiletine in non-dystrophic myotonias. The results, if positive, will permit the identification of mexiletine as an effective therapy for myotonia, making it a first-line therapy for patients with non-dystrophic myotonia. The specific aim of this proposal is to perform a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over study to assess whether mexiletine improves both quantitative and qualitative measures of myotonia in patients with non-dystrophic myotonia. Given the rarity of non-dystrophic myotonia, large randomized controlled treatment trials in these disorders have not been feasible in the past. Primary Outcome Measure: Patient-assessed symptom: stiffness as measured by an Interactive Voice Response Diary (IVR). Secondary Outcome Measures: a) patient-assessed pain, weakness, and fatigue as measured by IVR; b) clinical myotonia assessment; c) quality of life as measured by INQoL, SF36; d) a quantitative measure of grip myotonia; e) measurement of CMAP after short and long exercise; f) grading of myotonia on needle EMG.

  Study phs001311

• The Pioneer 100 Wellness Project (P100)

  108 individuals (age 21-89+ years; 59% males, 41% females; 89% Caucasian; not recruited based on any specific phenotype) participated in an IRB-approved study from April 2014 to January 2015. Each individual had the genome sequenced in full. Blood was collected in clinics every three months. Additionally, participants completed at-home collections of saliva, stool, and first morning void urine every three months. Stool and saliva samples were shipped directly to the vendor by the participant, while urine was given back to the study coordinators for distribution to the proper sample vendor. For each successful participant in each round we carried out 218 clinical laboratory tests, measured up to 643 metabolites and 262 proteins, and measured the abundance of 4616 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) in the gut microbiome using 16S rRNA sequencing. The P100 study had four objectives: 1) Establish cost-efficient procedures for generating, storing and analyzing multiple sources of health data obtained over time from participants and analyzed in combination with genomic data; 2) Develop and deploy analytic tools for integrating these diverse datasets and deriving actionable information from their observed interrelationships; 3) Identify novel patterns within the streams of health data that indicate either wellness, or transitions between wellness and disease; 4) Learn how to best interface with and present longitudinal health information to individuals by studying the reactions and feedback from participants as they are presented actionable information.

  Study phs001363

• NIMH (National Institute of Mental Health) De Novo Mutation Identification in Taiwanese Schizophrenia Trios

  The substantial reproductive impact of schizophrenia, for which affected individuals have fewer than half as many offspring as unaffected individuals do, implies that mutations of largest effect will frequently be de novo mutations. Ascertaining exome sequence variation in father-mother-offspring trios allows such mutations to be identified and distinguished from the far-larger amount of rare variation that is inherited by each individual. The pursuit of this approach in a large, well-powered cohort of trios can also provide lessons that inform the development of such gene discovery strategies more generally in human genetics. Schizophrenia trios from the Taiwanese population are being collected by Dr. Ming Tsuang (PI, UC San Diego, California) and investigators in Taiwan (PI, Dr. Hai Gwo Hwu; both funded by NIMH grant 1R01MH085560; Expanding Rapid Ascertainment Networks of Schizophrenia Families in Taiwan). A total of 3800 trios are anticipated to be collected by May 2013. This represents a highly homogenous national sample from the same ancestral population. DNA samples will be obtained from the NIMH Repository, Rutgers University Cell and DNA Repository (described below) and stored at the Broad Institute. Genetic and data analyses will be performed at the Broad Institute. We propose to sequence the whole exome of trios by hybrid capture and Illumina next generation sequencing and perform targeted genotyping and validation of variants (SNPs, indels and CNVs) using several molecular methods, to include emulsion-based PCR and Sanger sequencing.

  Study phs001196

• Genome and Transcriptome Assembly Reveals SVA-Mediated Aberrant Splicing in X-Linked Dystonia Parkinsonism

  X-linked Dystonia-Parkinsonism (XDP, DYT3) is a long-standing quandary in human disease genetics. XDP is predominantly observed on Panay island in the Philippines. This study is one of the first of its kind to interrogate an unsolved Mendelian disorder by integrating genome and transcriptome assembly methods using Illumina, 10X Genomics, Pacific Biosciences, and Agilent genome targeting technologies. These data provide strong evidence for a pathogenic link between a noncoding SVA retrotransposon and XDP. We demonstrate that this Mendelian disorder is associated with a sine-VNTR-Alu (SVA) retrotransposon that inserted into the TAF1 gene and is shared by all XDP probands, yet never observed in controls from worldwide populations. Transcriptome assembly in iPSC-derived neural stem cells (NSCs) and neurons revealed that this SVA caused aberrant splicing and significant intron retention, which was negatively correlated with TAF1 expression. Remarkably, CRISPR/Cas9 excision of the SVA rescued the aberrant transcriptional signature and normalized expression of TAF1 in patient-derived NSCs. We have also interrogated iPSC-derived microglia to investigate the contribution of glial components to the cellular and molecular deficit, effect of TNF treatment on XDP transcriptional signatures. To further understand what XDP may have in common with other hereditary dystonias (such as DYT6), we are further comparing these signatures to ones associated with dystonia-specific variants in proteins that, like TAF1, are also involved in regulating transcription, i.e. THAP1. 

  Study phs001525

• The preterm infant microbiome: biological, behavioral and health outcomes at 2 and 4 years of age

  This project follows a cohort of 78 Very Low Birth Weight (VLBW) previously enrolled infants in a R21 grant plus additional 25 infants through their Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) stay until they reach the age of 4 years. The data, gathered over 6 weeks of the NICU stay, includes multiple factors, such as prenatal and postnatal events and illnesses, received human milk amount, weekly means of cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, and secretory Immunoglobulin A in the milk, and weekly levels of fecal calprotectin. These factors could potentially alter the gut microbiome. Microbiome species and diversities will be measured in the laboratory of Dr. Jack Gilbert at Argonne National Laboratory using state of the science deep sequencing and amplification of microbial sRNA genes. The microbiome will again be measured in stool samples from those children at the ages of 2 and 4 years. Relationship between the prenatal and postnatal factors, human milk volume and immunobiology, fecal calprotectin levels, and the very early microbiome will be analyzed. The predictive power of the VLBW infant gut microbiome for determining later childhood microbiomes will be analyzed prospectively. The relationships between microbiomes across time and later growth, development and health will be determined. VLBW infants are at risk for both early and later health effects, and the role of the microbiome in these effects will be measured in this prospective study.

  Study phs001578

• Indexing Genes Impacted by Copy Number Variation in Developmental Disorders

  A challenge in clinical genomics is to predict whether copy number variation (CNV) affecting a gene or multiple genes will manifest as disease. Increasing recognition of gene dosage effects in neurodevelopmental disorders prompted us to develop a computational approach based on critical-exon (highly expressed in brain, highly conserved) examination for potential etiologic effects. Using a large CNV dataset, our updated analyses revealed significant (P < 1.64 x 10-15) enrichment of critical-exons within rare CNVs in cases compared to controls. Separately, we used a weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) to construct an unbiased protein module from prenatal and adult tissues and found it significantly enriched for critical exons in prenatal (P < 1.15 x 10-50, OR = 2.11) and adult (P < 6.03 x 10-18, OR = 1.55) development. WGCNA yielded 1,206 proteins for which we prioritized the corresponding genes as likely to have a role in neurodevelopmental disorders. We compared the gene lists obtained from critical-exon and WGCNA analysis and found 438 candidate genes associated with CNVs annotated as pathogenic, or variants of uncertain significance (VOUS), from among 10,619 developmental delay cases. We identified genes containing CNVs previously considered to be VOUS, to be new candidate genes for neurodevelopmental disorders (GIT1, MVB12B and PPP1R9A) demonstrating the utility of this strategy to index the clinical effects of CNVs. Reprinted from Uddin et al, 2016, with permission from Scientific Reports.

  Study phs001154

• Phenotype Risk Scores Identify Patients with Unrecognized Mendelian Disease Patterns

  This study was designed to assess the phenotypic effects of rare variants. Rare variants are difficult to study in a high-throughput manner because most cohorts are underpowered to detect associations. In order to gain power to test rare variants, we use Phenotype Risk Scores (PheRS) based on features of Mendelian diseases. PheRS is calculated using claims data from an EHR that is mapped to clinical features from OMIM's clinical descriptions of Mendelian disease. We calculated PheRS for 1,204 Mendelians diseases in a cohort of 21,701 individuals genotyped on the HumanExome BeadChip. We then tested for association between these diseases and rare variants in causal genes. A phenotype risk score is calculated as the weighted sum of features for a given disease. The features are defined as a set of phecodes (consolidated ICD codes) associated with a particular Mendelian disease as described in OMIM. The weights for each phecode are calculated as the log inverse prevalence of the phecode in our cohort. For an individual, their score equals the sum of the weights for each phecode that is present in their medical record. Our study was based on a cohort of individuals with genotype data linked to de-identified electronic health records (EHR) from Vanderbilt's BioVU resource. We hope that this method will help generate phenotype-genotype correlation data on rare variants which in turn may inform rare variant interpretations use for diagnostics.

  Study phs001516

• Expression of Activation Induced Cytidine Deaminase and Risk of Transformation in Follicular Lymphoma

  It is currently unclear how to identify follicular lymphoma (FL) patients with low disease burden but high risk for early progression. Building on a prior study demonstrating early transformation in FLs with high variant allele frequency (VAF) BCL2 mutations at activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AICDA) sites, we examined 11 AICDA mutational targets, including BCL2, BCL6, PAX5, PIM1, RHOH, SOCS1, and MYC, in a more contemporary cohort of 199 newly diagnosed grade 1 and grade 2 FLs using targeted capture and massively parallel sequencing. BCL2 mutations with VAF >20% occurred in 52% of cases. Among 97 FLs that did not initially receive rituximab-containing therapy, nonsynonymous BCL2 mutations at VAF >20% were associated with shorter, event-free survival (EFS, median 1.4 years with these mutations versus 4.5 years without, p = 0.048), and increased risk of transformation (HR 3.01, 95% CI 1.03-8.77, p = 0.04). Other sequenced genes were less frequently mutated and did not significantly increase the prognostic value of the panel. Across the entire population, BCL2 mutations at VAF >20% were associated with decreased EFS (HR 1.58, 95% CI 1.03-2.40, p = 0.034 after correction for FLIPI and treatment) and decreased overall survival after median 14-year follow-up (HR 1.86, 95% CI 1.07-3.23, p = 0.029). Thus, high VAF BCL2 mutations remain a prognostic factor for FL even in the chemoimmunotherapy era and might need to be considered in future study design.

  Study phs002845

• Diagnostic Genomic Analysis is Prognostic in AYA ALL Patients Treated on a MRD-Stratified Paediatric Protocol

  Background: Over the last decade, next generation sequencing has enabled classification of multiple new recurrent genomic drivers of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). We provide a comprehensive genomic survey of adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients treated on the Australasian Leukaemia and Lymphoma Group (ALLG) ALL06 study. ALL06 clinical trial described the efficacy and tolerability of AYA ALL patients aged 15-39 years treated on a single minimal residual disease (MRD)-stratified platform. In this study we have taken the ALL06 cohort and retrospectively performed comprehensive genomic analyses assessing response of AYA patients with various genomic subtypes treated with a paediatric approach. Methods: Genomic risk classification of B- and T-ALL patients (n=57) enrolled to the study was based on mRNA-Sequencing, MLPA, immunophenotyping and cytogenetics. Results: Using this approach, 36/40 (90%) B- and 13/17 (76.5%) T-ALL patients were classified according to genomic risk. We have linked outcome data with each patient’s genomic risk and found a strong correlation between adverse genomic risk and MRD at the end of consolidation, translating to inferior overall and relapse free survival. Patients with adverse risk genomics who achieved negative MRD status had improved responses compared to those with persistent MRD. Patients with standard risk genomics had excellent responses regardless of their MRD status. Conclusion: Our data argue strongly for incorporation of a genomic risk classification into future ALL treatment paradigms at the time of diagnosis.

  Study EGAS50000000752

• Ultra-long sequencing for contiguous haplotype resolution of the human immunoglobulin heavy chain locus

  Genetic diversity within the human immunoglobulin heavy chain (IGH) locus influences the expressed antibody repertoire and susceptibility to infectious and autoimmune diseases. However, repetitive sequences and complex structural variation pose significant challenges for large-scale characterization. Here, we introduce a method that combines Oxford Nanopore ultra-long sequencing and adaptive sampling with a bioinformatic pipeline to produce haplotype-resolved, annotated IGH assemblies. Notably, our strategy overcomes prior limitations in phasing resolution, enabling single-contig haplotype assemblies that span the entire IGH locus. We applied this method to four individuals and validated the accuracy of the IGH assemblies using Pacific Biosciences HiFi reads, demonstrating near-complete sequence congruence, detecting only indels with a high degree of confidence. Moreover, when applied to the reference material HG002, our pipeline revealed no base differences and a limited number of indels compared with the Telomere-to-Telomere genome benchmark across the IGH region. Importantly, in the four individuals, our approach uncovered 30 novel alleles and previously uncharacterized large structural variants, including a 120 kb duplication spanning IGHE to IGHA1 and an expanded seven-copy IGHV3-23 gene haplotype. These findings underscore the power of our method to resolve the full complexity of the IGH locus and uncover previously unrecognized variants that may affect immune function and disease susceptibility. Thus, our method provides a strong basis for future immunological research and translational applications.

  Study EGAS50000001042

• Alpha1-Antitrypsin Deficiency Registry (AADR-BioLINCC)

  Data Access NOTE: Please refer to the “Authorized Access” section below for information about how access to the data from this accession differs from many other dbGaP accessions. Objectives: To characterize the clinical and laboratory course of patients with severe alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency whether or not the patient is undergoing long-term augmentation therapy.Background: A hereditary disorder, patients with low serum levels of alpha-1-antitrypsin are at an increased risk for the early onset of emphysema. The only approved treatment for alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency is augmentation therapy using a purified preparation of human alpha-1-antitryspin. Sample sizes for a randomized controlled clinical trial of augmentation therapy were determined to be infeasible; therefore, a multi-center registry was initiated in 1988 to explore the natural history of the disease and the relative efficacy of augmentation therapy in patients with a severe deficiency of alpha-1-antitrypsin.Participants: Eligible participants included individuals 18 years of age or greater for whom the Central Laboratory confirmed that the serum alpha 1-antitrypsin level is Conclusions: Participants receiving augmentation therapy had decreased mortality risk during follow-up. FEV1 decline among all participants did not differ by augmentation therapy; however, among participants with FEV1 35-49% predicted, FEV1 decline was significantly slower for participants on augmentation therapy than for those not receiving therapy. (Am J Respir Crit Care Med, 1998; 158:49-59)

  Study phs004187

• DNA methylation at HBV integrants and flanking host genomes

  Integration of DNA viruses into the human genome plays an important role in various types of tumors, including hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma. However, the molecular details and clinical impact of HBV integration on either the human or HBV epigenomes are unknown. Here, we show that methylation of the integrated HBV DNA is related to the methylation status of the flanking human genome. We developed a next-generation sequencing-based method for structural methylation analysis of integrated viral genomes (denoted G-NaVI). This method is a novel approach that enables enrichment of viral fragments for sequencing using unique baits based on the sequence of the HBV genome. We detected integrated HBV sequences in the genome of the PLC/PRF/5 cell line and found variable levels of methylation within the integrated HBV genomes. Allele-specific methylation analysis revealed that the HBV genome often became significantly methylated when integrated into highly methylated host sites. After integration into unmethylated human genome regions such as promoters, however, the HBV DNA remains unmethylated and may eventually play an important role in tumorigenesis. The observed dynamic changes in DNA methylation of the host and viral genomes may functionally affect the biological behavior of HBV. These findings may impact public health given that millions of people worldwide are carriers of HBV. We also believe our assay will be a powerful tool to increase our understanding of the various types of DNA virus-associated tumorigenesis.

  Study JGAS000015

• Noninvasive prenatal molecular karyotyping from maternal plasma

  Fetal DNA is present in the plasma of pregnant women. Massively parallel sequencing of maternal plasma DNA has been used to detect fetal trisomies 21, 18, 13 and selected sex chromosomal aneuploidies noninvasively. Case reports describing the detection of fetal microdeletions from maternal plasma using massively parallel sequencing have been reported. However, these previous reports were either polymorphism-dependent or used statistical analyses which were confined to one or a small number of selected parts of the genome. In this report, we reported a procedure for performing noninvasive prenatal karyotyping at 3 Mb resolution across the whole genome through the massively parallel sequencing of maternal plasma DNA. This method has been used to analyze the plasma obtained from 6 cases. In 5 cases, fetal microduplications or microdeletions have been detected successfully from maternal plasma. The two cases with fetal microduplications represented the first noninvasive prenatal detection of such changes from maternal plasma. In the remaining case, the plasma DNA sequencing result was consistent with the pregnant mother being a carrier of a microduplication. Simulation analyses were performed for determining the number of plasma DNA molecules that would need to be sequenced and aligned for enhancing the diagnostic resolution of noninvasive prenatal karyotyping to 2 Mb and 1 Mb. In conclusion, noninvasive prenatal molecular karyotyping from maternal plasma by massively parallel sequencing is feasible and would enhance the diagnostic spectrum of noninvasive prenatal testing.

  Study EGAS00001000439

• Spatio-temporal Profiling of a Rhabdoid Tumor Case Study

  Background Immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) has revolutionized oncology, offering extended survival and long-term remission in previously incurable cancers. While highly effective in tumors with high mutational burden, lowly mutated cancers, including pediatric malignancies, present low response rate and limited predictive biomarkers. Patients and methods We present a framework for the identification and validation of tumor-reactive T cells as a biomarker to quantify ICI efficacy and as candidates for a personalized TCR-T cell therapy. Therefore, we profiled a pediatric malignant rhabdoid tumor patient with complete remission after ICI therapy using deep single-cell T cell receptor (TCR) repertoire sequencing of the tumor microenvironment (TME) and the peripheral blood. Results Tracking T cell dynamics longitudinally from the tumor to cells in circulation over a time course of 12 months revealed a systemic response and durable clonal expansion of tumor-resident and ICI-induced TCR clonotypes. We functionally validated tumor reactivity of TCRs identified from the TME and the blood by co-culturing patient-derived tumor cells with TCR-engineered autologous T cells. Here, we observed unexpectedly high frequencies of tumor-reactive TCR clonotypes in the TME and confirmed T cell dynamics in the blood post-ICI to predict tumor-reactivity. Conclusion These findings strongly support spatio-temporal tracking of T cell activity in response to ICI to inform therapy efficacy and to serve as a source of tumor-reactive TCRs for personalized TCR-T designs.

  Study EGAS00001008174

• Genome-wide analysis of genetic risk factors for rheumatic heart disease in Aboriginal Australians provides support for pathogenic molecular mimicry

  Background. Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) following Group A Streptococcus (GAS) infections is heritable and prevalent in Indigenous populations. Molecular mimicry between human and GAS proteins triggers pro-inflammatory cardiac valve-reactive T-cells. Methods. Genome-wide genetic analysis was undertaken in 1263 Aboriginal Australians (398 RHD cases; 865 controls). Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were genotyped using Illumina HumanCoreExome BeadChips. Direct typing and imputation was used to fine-map the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) region. Epitope binding affinities were mapped for human cross-reactive GAS proteins, including M5 and M6. Results. The strongest genetic association was intronic to HLA-DQA1 (rs9272622; P=1.86x10-7). Conditional analyses showed rs9272622 and/or DQA1*AA16 account for the HLA signal. HLA-DQA1*0101_DQB1*0503 (OR 1.44, 95%CI 1.09-1.90, P=9.56x10-3) and HLA-DQA1*0103_DQB1*0601 (OR 1.27, 95%CI 1.07-1.52, P=7.15x10-3) were risk haplotypes; HLA_DQA1*0301-DQB1*0402 (OR 0.30, 95%CI 0.14-0.65, P=2.36x10-3) was protective. Human myosin cross-reactive N-terminal and B repeat epitopes of GAS M5/M6 bind with higher affinity to DQA1/DQB1 alpha/beta dimers for the two risk haplotypes than the protective haplotype. Conclusions. Variation at HLA_DQA1-DQB1 is the major genetic risk factor for RHD in Aboriginal Australians studied here. Cross-reactive epitopes bind with higher affinity to alpha/beta dimers formed by risk haplotypes, supporting molecular mimicry as the key mechanism of RHD pathogenesis.

  Study EGAS00001002678

• Whole genome study of Hurthle cell thyroid carcinoma

  Oncocytic thyroid carcinoma, also known as Hürthle cell thyroid carcinoma, accounts for only a small percentage of all thyroid cancers. However, this malignancy often presents at an advanced stage and poses unique challenges to patients and clinicians. Surgical resection of the tumor accompanied in some cases by radioactive iodine treatment, radiation and chemotherapy are the established modes of therapy. Knowledge of the perturbed oncogenic pathways can provide better understanding of the mechanism of disease and thus opportunities for more effective clinical management. Initially, two oncocytic thyroid carcinomas and their matched normal tissues were profiled using whole genome sequencing. Subsequently, 72 oncocytic thyroid carcinomas, one cell line and 5 Hürthle cell adenomas were examined by targeted sequencing for the presence of mutations in multiple endocrine neoplasia I (MEN1) gene. We report the identification of MEN1 loss-of-function mutations in approximately 7% of patients diagnosed with oncocytic thyroid carcinoma. Whole genome sequence data also revealed large regions of copy number variation encompassing nearly the entire genomes of these tumours. Menin, a ubiquitously expressed nuclear protein, is a well-characterized tumor suppressor whose loss is the cause of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 syndrome. Menin is involved in several major cellular pathways such as regulation of transcription, control of cell cycle, apoptosis and DNA damage repair pathways. Mutations of this gene in a subset of Hürthle cell tumors point to a potential role for this protein and its associated pathways in thyroid tumorigenesis.

  Study EGAS00001000940

• GCAT | Genomes for life: cohort study of the genomes of Catalonia

  The GCAT Study have recruited 20 000 participants aged 40–65 years. Participants who agreed to take part in the study completed a self-administered computer-driven questionnaire, and underwent blood pressure, cardiac frequency and anthropometry measurements. For each participant, blood plasma, blood serum and white blood cells are collected at baseline. A total of 5459 genomic profiles have been characterised by comprehensive genotyping. Genome-wide genotypes have been generated using Illumina Infinium SNP-bead array technology. We chose the Multi-Ethnic Global (MEGAEX, V.2) consortium array, a multipurpose, multiethnic genotyping array with two million selected markers (including previously described germline mutations, insertions-deletions (InDels) and SNPs).We have strictly followed the standard manufacturer recommended automated protocol for the Infinium HTS Assay scanned with a HiScan confocal scanner (Illumina, San Diego, California, USA). Genome Studio V.2011.1 has been used for raw data analysis. Genotyping was performed at the Genomics and Bioinformatics Unit of the PMPPC Institute for Health Science Research Germans Trias i Pujol, in Badalona, Spain. Future plans The first follow-up study started in December 2017 and will end by March 2018. Residences of all subjects will be geocoded during the following year. Several genomic analyses are ongoing, and metabolomic and genomic integrations will be performed to identify underlying genetic variants, as well as environmental factors that influence metabolites. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2017-018324

  Study EGAS00001003018

• Long-read trio sequencing of unsolved patients with intellectual disability

  Long-read sequencing (LRS) has the potential to comprehensively identify all medically-relevant genome variation, including variation commonly missed by short read sequencing (SRS) approaches. To determine this potential, we performed LRS up to 40x coverage using the Pacific Biosciences Sequel instrument for 5 patient-parent trios with intellectual disability, whose aetiology remained unresolved after SRS exomes and genomes. A first systematic assessment of LRS coverage showed that ~35Mb of the genome was only accessible by LRS and not SRS. Structural variant (SV) calling yielded on average 28,292 SV calls per individual, totalling 12.9 MB of sequence. Trio-based analyses showed concordance for up to 95% of these SV calls across the genome, and 80% of the LRS SV calls were not identified by SRS. De novo mutation analysis did not identify any de novo SVs, confirming these are rare events. Because of high sequence coverage, we were also able to call single nucleotide substitutions. On average, we identified 3 million substitutions per genome, with a Mendelian inheritance concordance of up to 97%. Of these, approximately 100,000 were located in the ~35Mb of the genome that was only captured by LRS. Moreover, these variants affected the coding sequence of 64 genes, including 32 known to cause Mendelian disorders. Although no clinical diagnoses were made in these 5 patients, our data show the potential added value of LRS compared to SRS for identifying medically relevant genome variation.

  Study EGAS00001004319

• Small variants in mtDNA Canary Islands - WES Illumina (ITER)

  The mitochondrial genome (mtDNA) is of interest for a range of fields including evolutionary, forensic, and medical genetics. Human mitogenomes can be classified into evolutionary related haplogroups that provide ancestral information and pedigree relationships. Because of this and the advent of high-throughput sequencing (HTS) technology, there is a diversity of bioinformatic tools for haplogroup classification. We present a benchmarking of the 11 most salient tools for human mtDNA classification using empirical whole-genome (WGS) and whole-exome (WES) short-read sequencing data from 36 unrelated donors. Besides, because of its relevance, we also assess the best performing tool in third-generation long noisy read WGS data obtained with nanopore technology for a subset of the donors. We found that, for short-read WGS, most of the tools exhibit high accuracy for haplogroup classification irrespective of the input file used for the analysis. However, for short- read WES, Haplocheck and MixEmt were the most accurate tools. Based on the performance shown for WGS and WES, and the accompanying qualitative assessment, Haplocheck stands out as the most complete tool. For third-generation HTS data, we also showed that Haplocheck was able to accurately retrieve mtDNA haplogroups for all samples assessed, although only after following assembly-based approaches (either based on a referenced-based assembly or a hybrid de novo assembly). Taken together, our results provide guidance for researchers to select the most suitable tool to conduct the mtDNA analyses from HTS data.

  Study EGAS00001005678

• Small variants in mtDNA Canary Islands - WGS Illumina (ITER)

  The mitochondrial genome (mtDNA) is of interest for a range of fields including evolutionary, forensic, and medical genetics. Human mitogenomes can be classified into evolutionary related haplogroups that provide ancestral information and pedigree relationships. Because of this and the advent of high-throughput sequencing (HTS) technology, there is a diversity of bioinformatic tools for haplogroup classification. We present a benchmarking of the 11 most salient tools for human mtDNA classification using empirical whole-genome (WGS) and whole-exome (WES) short-read sequencing data from 36 unrelated donors. Besides, because of its relevance, we also assess the best performing tool in third-generation long noisy read WGS data obtained with nanopore technology for a subset of the donors. We found that, for short-read WGS, most of the tools exhibit high accuracy for haplogroup classification irrespective of the input file used for the analysis. However, for short- read WES, Haplocheck and MixEmt were the most accurate tools. Based on the performance shown for WGS and WES, and the accompanying qualitative assessment, Haplocheck stands out as the most complete tool. For third-generation HTS data, we also showed that Haplocheck was able to accurately retrieve mtDNA haplogroups for all samples assessed, although only after following assembly-based approaches (either based on a referenced-based assembly or a hybrid de novo assembly). Taken together, our results provide guidance for researchers to select the most suitable tool to conduct the mtDNA analyses from HTS data.

  Study EGAS00001005679

• Small variants in mtDNA Canary Islands - WGS Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ITER)

  The mitochondrial genome (mtDNA) is of interest for a range of fields including evolutionary, forensic, and medical genetics. Human mitogenomes can be classified into evolutionary related haplogroups that provide ancestral information and pedigree relationships. Because of this and the advent of high-throughput sequencing (HTS) technology, there is a diversity of bioinformatic tools for haplogroup classification. We present a benchmarking of the 11 most salient tools for human mtDNA classification using empirical whole-genome (WGS) and whole-exome (WES) short-read sequencing data from 36 unrelated donors. Besides, because of its relevance, we also assess the best performing tool in third-generation long noisy read WGS data obtained with nanopore technology for a subset of the donors. We found that, for short-read WGS, most of the tools exhibit high accuracy for haplogroup classification irrespective of the input file used for the analysis. However, for short- read WES, Haplocheck and MixEmt were the most accurate tools. Based on the performance shown for WGS and WES, and the accompanying qualitative assessment, Haplocheck stands out as the most complete tool. For third-generation HTS data, we also showed that Haplocheck was able to accurately retrieve mtDNA haplogroups for all samples assessed, although only after following assembly-based approaches (either based on a referenced-based assembly or a hybrid de novo assembly). Taken together, our results provide guidance for researchers to select the most suitable tool to conduct the mtDNA analyses from HTS data.

  Study EGAS00001005677

• Whole exome sequencing data for paired non-serous endometrial and ovarian carcinomas from 27 patients with concurrent tumours.

  Introduction: Concurrent non-serous endometrial and ovarian tumours are often managed clinically as two separate primary tumours, but almost all exhibit evidence of a genomic relationship. Methodology: This study investigates the extent of relatedness using whole exome sequencing, which was performed on paired non-serous endometrial and ovarian carcinomas from 27 patients with concurrent tumours in a cohort with detailed clinicopathological annotation. Four whole exome sequencing-derived parameters (mutation, mutational burden, mutational signatures and mutant allele tumour heterogeneity scores) were used to develop a novel unsupervised model for the assessment of genomic similarity to infer genomic relatedness of paired tumours. Results: This novel model demonstrated genomic relatedness across all four parameters in all tumour pairs. Mutations in PTEN, ARID1A, CTNNB1, KMT2D and PIK3CA occurred most frequently and 24 of 27 (89 %) tumour pairs shared identical mutations in at least one of these genes, with all pairs sharing mutations in a number of other genes. Ovarian endometriosis, CTNNB1 exon 3 mutation, and progression and death from disease were present across the similarity ranking. Mismatch repair deficiency was associated with less genomically similar pairs. Discussion: Although there was diversity across the cohort, the presence of genomic similarity in all paired tumours supports the hypothesis that concurrent non-serous endometrial and ovarian carcinomas are genomically related and may have arisen from a common origin. Keywords: Co-existing; Concurrent; Endometrial carcinoma; Genomics; Mutation; Ovarian carcinoma; Paired tumours; Tumour mutational burden.

  Study EGAS00001008259

• Origination of Ovarian Cancer is Dependent on Specific Aneuploidy Landscape

  Ovarian high-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC), a highly chromosomally instable malignancy, develops through sequential stages of precursors in fallopian tubes including histologically unremarkable but TP53 mutated clones (p53 signature) and serous tubal intraepithelial carcinoma (STIC). Here, we applied RealSeqS to assess aneuploidy in 127 microdissected tubal regions. We found nearly all p53 signatures lost the entire Chr17 chromosome, offering a “two-hit” mechanism of both TP53 and BRCA1 in BRCA1 germline mutation carriers. Proliferatively active STICs harbor gains of 19q12 (CCNE1), 19q13.2, 8q24 (MYCyc), or 8q arm, while proliferatively dormant STICs show 22q loss. Based on aneuploidy patterns in a training set (n= 67), we developed an algorithm, REAL-FAST, to classify NFTE and STICs into 5 clusters. In an independent validation set (n= 72), REAL-FAST was able to detect STIC/HGSC with high sensitivity and specificity. Taken together, REAL-FAST promises a molecular test for diagnosing HGSC precursor lesions based on specific aneuploidy patterns.

  Study EGAS00001007220

• Karyotype Evolution in Response to Chemoradiotherapy and Upon Recurrence of Esophageal Adenocarcinomas

  The genome of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) is highly unstable and might evolve over time. Here, we track karyotype evolution in EACs in response to treatment and upon recurrence through multi-region and longitudinal analysis. To this end, we introduce L-PAC, a bio-informatics technique that allows inference of absolute copy number aberrations (CNA) of low-purity samples by leveraging information of high-purity samples from the same cancer. Quantitative analysis of matched absolute CNAs reveals that the amount of karyotype evolution induced by chemoradiotherapy (CRT) is predictive for early recurrence and depends on the initial level of karyotype intra-tumor heterogeneity. We observe that CNAs acquired in response to CRT are partially reversed back to the initial state upon recurrence. CRT hence alters the fitness landscape to which tumors can adjust by adapting their karyotype. Together, our results indicate that karyotype plasticity contributes to therapy resistance of EACs.

  Study EGAS00001007711

• GeneScreen, a Population Based, Targeted Genomic Screening Study

  The GeneScreen research study was based at the University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill. It brought together researchers from different disciplines, including genetics, clinical medicine, bioethics, sociology, anthropology, psychology, and public health, to study the best ways to offer targeted genetic screening to the general adult population. DNA samples were collected from people who joined GeneScreen to look at a targeted panel of 17 genes. It tested for genetic differences (called mutations) that can cause one of 11 rare, but preventable or treatable conditions, including certain types of cancer and heart disease. Each condition has specific medical advice people can follow with their doctors to prevent or treat a serious health problem. The GeneScreen study was approved by the UNC Institutional Review Board and by the Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research Institutional Review Board. GeneScreen is funded by the National Human Genome Research Institute of the National Institutes of Health.

  Study phs001817

• Metastatic Colorectal Adenocarcinoma Tumor Purity Assessment from Whole Exome Sequencing Data

  As molecular medicine wields greater and greater influence on cancer patient care, including therapeutic selection, it becomes increasingly important to understand the power and deficiencies of computational tools used in decision making processes. Here we use a set of unselected metastatic colorectal tumor samples in a head-to-head comparison between the calculation of stromal content by a board certified pathologist, versus that derived from whole exome sequencing and purity assessment by a variety of common computational methods. We find that in about 1/2 of the samples the computational methods each do a poor job of assessing the percent stromal contamination, and as a result, tumor variant allele frequencies (VAFs) are low or undetected, whereas analysis of organoids derived from the same tumors yielded much higher VAFs in keeping with their lower stromal content. The whole exome sequence of our samples is available via dbGaP, accession phs003059.v1.p1.

  Study phs003059

• California Teachers Study (CTS): Whole Genome Sequences From Under-Represented Populations

  The California Teachers Study (CTS) is a prospective observational cohort of N=133,477 adult women who have been followed since 1995. Participants completed up to six surveys and have been linked with cancer, hospitalization, and mortality data. In 2013-2016, over 14,000 CTS participants donated blood samples for future research. For this project, DNA was extracted in 2023 from 1694 buffy coats and 56 blood clots from N=1750 CTS participants whose self-reported race/ethnicity was Asian (398), Asian or Pacific Islander (18), Black or African American (189), Native American (128), Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander (66), White Hispanic (719), or more than one race (232). Whole genome sequencing (WGS) was performed at CIDR in 2023-2024. WGS data and accompanying phenotype data are available through dbGaP. In addition, all CTS data are available to the research community via the CTS Researcher Platform (www.calteachersstudy.org), a secure cloud-based environment that includes data, software, documentation, and collaboration workspaces.

  Study phs002918

• Identifying genetic variants that alter TCR usage in the peripheral repertoire

  The relationship between genetic variation and CD8+ T-cell receptor (TCR) repertoire usage in patients receiving Immune Checkpoint Blockade (ICB) therapy for cancer is unexplored. We have conducted a genome-wide and human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-focused analysis of CD8+ T-cell TCR repertoire to identify genetic determinants of variable gene (V-gene) and CDR3 K-mer usage from samples taken prior to and after ICB (n=250). We identify 11 cis and 10 trans V-gene associations, primarily to the MHC, that meet genome-wide significance. TCR clones containing HLA associated V-genes were less stable across treatment, whilst at the single-cell level, genetically associated clones demonstrate subset enrichment and increased tumor reactivity expression profiles. Notably, patients with HLA-matched TCR clones demonstrate improved overall survival. Our work indicates a complex relationship between genotype and TCR repertoire in the context of ICB treatment, with novel implications for understanding factors relating to therapeutic response and patient outcomes.

  Study EGAS00001008189

• 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

• Coverage bias and sensitivity of variant calling for four whole-genome sequencing technologies

  Massively parallel sequencing has revolutionized research in cancer genetics and genomics and enhanced our understanding of natural human genetic variation. Recently, Lam et al. have performed a detailed comparison of two next-generation sequencing technologies with respect to their sensitivity to call single nucleotide variants (SNV) and indels. Here, we sequenced two tumor/normal pairs obtained from two paedriatic medulloblastoma patients with Life Technologies’ SOLiD 4 and 5500xl SOLiD, Illumina’s HiSeq2000, and Complete Genomics’ technology. We then compared their ability to call SNVs with high confidence. As gold standard for SNV calling, we used genotypes determined by an Affymetrix SNP array. Additionally, we performed a detailed analysis of how evenly each technology covers the genome and how the reads are distributed across functional genomic regions. Finally, we studied how a combination of data from different technologies might help to overcome the limitations in SNV calling by any of the four technologies alone.

  Study EGAS00001000274

• CD74-NRG1 fusions in lung adenocarcinoma

  We discovered a novel somatic gene fusion, CD74-NRG1, by transcriptome sequencing of 25 lung adenocarcinomas of never smokers. By screening 102 lung adenocarcinomas negative for known oncogenic alterations we found four additional fusion-positive tumors, all of which were of the invasive mucinous subtype. Mechanistically, CD74-NRG1 leads to extracellular expression of the EGF-like domain of NRG1 III-beta3, thereby providing the ligand for ERBB2-ERBB3 receptor complexes. Accordingly, ERBB2 and ERBB3 expression was high in the index case and expression of phospho-ERBB3 was specifically found in tumors bearing the fusion (p<0.0001). Ectopic expression of CD74-NRG1 in lung cancer cell lines expressing ERBB2 and ERBB3 activated ERBB3 and the PI3K-AKT pathway, and led to increased colony formation in soft agar. Thus, CD74-NRG1 gene fusions are activating genomic alterations in invasive mucinous adenocarcinomas and may offer a therapeutic opportunity for a lung tumor subtype with, so far, no effective treatment.

  Study EGAS00001000653

• Spatial genomic heterogeneity in multiple myeloma revealed by multi- region sequencing

  The bone-marrow (BM) containing skeletal system is the reservoir of Multiple Myeloma (MM), the malignant counterpart of antibody-secreting plasma cells. To gain insight into its spatial clonal architecture, we performed multi-region whole-exome sequencing of radiology-guided fine-needle aspirates from 51 MM patients. We found spatial genomic heterogeneity in a substantial proportion of cases including bi-allelic inactivation of tumor suppressors and mutations affecting cancer genes. The amount of heterogeneous mutations associated with the size of focal tumor lesions in whole body imaging consistent with focal outgrowth of highly advanced clones. In conclusion, our results support the regional initiation of transformation processes leading to high-risk disease as well as the pre-existence of key driver events in restricted areas. As such, our study does not only provide new insights in the underlying biology of MM progression but also has considerable implications for standard diagnostic approaches in the clinic.

  Study EGAS00001002111

• Utility of ctDNA to support patient selection for early phase clinical trials: The TARGET Study

  Next generation sequencing (NGS) of circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) supports blood-based genomic profiling but is not routinely implemented in the clinic. TARGET is a molecular profiling programme with the primary aim to match patients to early phase clinical trials based on analysis of both somatic mutations and copy number alterations (CNA) across a 641 cancer-associated gene panel in a single ctDNA assay. For the first 100 TARGET patients, ctDNA data showed good concordance with matched tumour and results were turned round within a clinically acceptable timeframe for Molecular Tumour Board (MTB) review. When applying a 2.5% Variant Allele Frequency (VAF) threshold actionable mutations were identified in 41/100 patients, with 11 of these patients going onto a matched therapy. These data support the application of ctDNA in an early phase trial setting where broad genomic profiling of contemporaneous tumour material enhances patient stratification to novel therapies and provides a practical template for bringing blood-based analyses to the clinic.

  Study EGAS00001003407