Search Results - EGA European Genome-Phenome Archive

Detection of Colorectal Cancer Susceptibility Loci Using Genome-Wide Sequencing

The Genetics and Epidemiology of Colorectal Cancer Consortium (GECCO) is a collaborative effort comprised of a coordinating center and scientific researchers from well-characterized cohort and case-control studies. This international consortium aims to accelerate the discovery of common and rare genetic risk variants for colorectal cancer by conducting large-scale meta-analyses of existing and newly generated genome-wide association study (GWAS) data, whole genome sequencing, replicating and fine-mapping of genetic discoveries, and investigating how genetic risk variants are modified by environmental risk factors. To expand these efforts, we assembled case-control sets or nested case-control sets from 6 different North American or European studies. Summary descriptions and study participant inclusions/exclusion criteria for each of these studies are detailed below. Cancer Prevention Study II (CPS II): The CPS II Nutrition cohort is a prospective study of cancer incidence and mortality in the United States, established in 1992 and described in detail elsewhere (Calle et al., 2002 PMID:12015775; Campbell et al., 2014 PMID:25472679). At enrollment, participants completed a mailed self-administered questionnaire including information on demographic, medical, diet, and lifestyle factors. Follow-up questionnaires to update exposure information and to ascertain newly diagnosed cancers were sent biennially starting in 1997. Reported cancers were verified through medical records, state cancer registry linkage, or death certificates. The Emory University Institutional Review Board approves all aspects of the CPS II Nutrition Cohort. We restricted to samples that had blood DNA source. Controls were matched to cases in a case/control ratio of 2:1 on reference year and sex. Darmkrebs: Chancen der Verhütung durch Screening (DACHS): This German study was initiated as a large population-based case-control study in 2003 in the Rhine-Neckar-Odenwald region (southwest region of Germany) to assess the potential of endoscopic screening for reduction of colorectal cancer risk and to investigate etiologic determinants of disease, particularly lifestyle/environmental factors and genetic factors. Cases with a first diagnosis of invasive colorectal cancer (International Classification of Diseases 10 codes C18-C20) who were at least 30 years of age (no upper age limit), German speaking, a resident in the study region, and mentally and physically able to participate in a one-hour interview, were recruited by their treating physicians either in the hospital a few days after surgery, or by mail after discharge from the hospital. Cases were confirmed based on histologic reports and hospital discharge letters following diagnosis of colorectal cancer. All hospitals treating colorectal cancer patients in the study region participated. Based on estimates from population-based cancer registries, more than 50% of all potentially eligible patients with incident colorectal cancer in the study region were included. Community-based controls were randomly selected from population registries, employing frequency matching with respect to age (5-year groups), sex, and county of residence. Controls with a history of colorectal cancer were excluded. Controls were contacted by mail and follow-up calls. The participation rate was 51%. During an in-person interview, data were collected on demographics, medical history, family history of CRC, and various life-style factors, as were blood and mouthwash samples. Routine formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tumor samples from the patients enrolled were requested from the pathology institutes and used for tumor tissue analyses. This analysis includes participants with blood source DNA that were recruited up to 2010 in this ongoing study. Controls were matched to cases on reference age and sex in a case/control ratio of 2:1. Health Professionals Follow-up Study (HPFS): A parallel prospective study to the NHS (Nurses' Health Study). The HPFS cohort comprised 51,529 men aged 40-75 who, in 1986, responded to a mailed questionnaire (Rimm et al., 1990 PMID:2090285). Participants provided information on health related exposures, including current and past smoking history, age, weight, height, diet, physical activity, aspirin use, and family history of colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer and other outcomes were reported by participants or next-of-kin and were followed up through review of the medical and pathology record by physicians. Overall, more than 97% of self-reported colorectal cancers were confirmed by medical record review. Information was abstracted on histology and primary location. Incident cases were defined as those occurring after the subject provided the blood sample. Prevalent cases were defined as those occurring after enrollment in the study but before the subject provided the blood sample. Follow-up evaluation has been excellent, with 94% of the men responding to date. Colorectal cancer cases were ascertained through January 1, 2008. In 1993-1995, 18,825 men in the HPFS mailed blood samples by overnight courier, which were aliquoted into buffy coat and stored in liquid nitrogen. In 2001-2004, 13,956 men in the HPFS who had not provided a blood sample previously mailed in a swish-and-spit sample of buccal cells. Incident cases were defined as those occurring after the subject provided a blood or buccal sample. Prevalent cases were defined as those occurring after enrollment in the study in 1986, but before the subject provided either a blood or buccal sample. Participants with histories of cancer (except nonmelanoma skin cancer), ulcerative colitis, or familial polyposis, case-control sets were excluded. Control participants were required to be free of invasive colorectal cancer and non-invasive (stage 0 in situ) colorectal cancer. For this study, only European ancestry participants with blood source DNA and incident colorectal cancer cases were eligible for selection. Since enrollment year and sex matched exactly, controls were randomly selected in a case/control ratio of 2:1. Nurses Health Study (NHS): The NHS cohort began in 1976 when 121,700 married female registered nurses age 30-55 years returned the initial questionnaire that ascertained a variety of important health-related exposures (Belanger et al., 1978 PMID:248266). Since 1976, follow-up questionnaires have been mailed every 2 years. Colorectal cancer and other outcomes were reported by participants or next-of-kin and followed up through review of the medical and pathology record by physicians. Overall, more than 97% of self-reported colorectal cancers were confirmed by medical-record review. Information was abstracted on histology and primary location. The rate of follow-up evaluation has been high: as a proportion of the total possible follow-up time, follow-up evaluation has been more than 92%. Colorectal cancer cases were ascertained through June 1, 2008. In 1989-1990, 32,826 women in NHS I mailed blood samples by overnight courier, which were aliquoted into buffy coat and stored in liquid nitrogen. In 2001-2004, 29,684 women in NHS I who did not previously provide a blood sample mailed a swish-and-spit sample of buccal cells. Incident cases were defined as those occurring after the subject provided a blood or buccal sample. Prevalent cases were defined as those occurring after enrollment in the study in 1976 but before the subject provided either a blood or buccal sample. Participants with histories of cancer (except nonmelanoma skin cancer), ulcerative colitis, or familial polyposis, case-control sets were excluded. For this study, only European ancestry participants with blood source DNA and incident colorectal cancer cases were eligible for selection. Since enrollment year and sex matched exactly, controls were randomly selected in a case/control ratio of 2:1. Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trail (PLCO): PLCO enrolled 154,934 participants (men and women, aged between 55 and 74 years) at ten centers into a large, randomized, two-arm trial to determine the effectiveness of screening to reduce cancer mortality. Sequential blood samples were collected from participants assigned to the screening arm. Participation was 93% at the baseline blood draw. White colorectal cancer cases with a family history of colorectal cancer (no history of ulcerative colitis, Crohn's Disease, diverticulitis, Gardner's syndrome, Familial Polyposis) and successful genotyping from previous Peters GWAS were selected for this project. Controls were matched to cases on reference age and sex in a case/control ratio of 2:1. Women's Health Initiative (WHI): WHI is a long-term national health study that has focused on strategies for preventing heart disease, breast and colorectal cancer, and osteoporotic fractures in postmenopausal women. The original WHI study included 161,808 postmenopausal women enrolled between 1993 and 1998. The Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, WA serves as the WHI Clinical Coordinating Center for data collection, management, and analysis of the WHI. The WHI has two major parts: a partial factorial randomized Clinical Trial (CT) and an Observational Study (OS); both were conducted at 40 Clinical Centers nationwide. The CT enrolled 68,132 postmenopausal women between the ages of 50-79 into trials testing three prevention strategies. If eligible, women could choose to enroll in one, two, or all three of the trial components. The components are: Hormone Therapy Trials (HT): This double-blind component examined the effects of combined hormones or estrogen alone on the prevention of coronary heart disease and osteoporotic fractures, and associated risk for breast cancer. Women participating in this component with an intact uterus were randomized to estrogen plus progestin (conjugated equine estrogens [CEE], 0.625 mg/d plus medroxyprogesterone acetate [MPA] 2.5 mg/d) or a matching placebo. Women with prior hysterectomy were randomized to CEE or placebo. Both trials were stopped early, in July 2002 and March 2004, respectively, based on adverse effects. All HT participants continued to be followed without intervention until close-out. Dietary Modification Trial (DM): The Dietary Modification component evaluated the effect of a low-fat and high fruit, vegetable and grain diet on the prevention of breast and colorectal cancers and coronary heart disease. Study participants were randomized to either their usual eating pattern or a low-fat dietary pattern. Calcium/Vitamin D Trial (CaD): This double-blind component began 1 to 2 years after a woman joined one or both of the other clinical trial components. It evaluated the effect of calcium and vitamin D supplementation on the prevention of osteoporotic fractures and colorectal cancer. Women in this component were randomized to calcium (1000 mg/d) and vitamin D (400 IU/d) supplements or a matching placebo. The Observational Study (OS) examines the relationship between lifestyle, environmental, medical and molecular risk factors and specific measures of health or disease outcomes. This component involves tracking the medical history and health habits of 93,676 women not participating in the CT. Recruitment for the observational study was completed in 1998 and participants were followed annually for 8 to 12 years. All centrally confirmed White cases of invasive colorectal cancer, or death from colorectal cancer were selected as potential cases from the March, 2011 database. Case priory lists are: 1) have positive family history of colorectal cancer; 2) randomly select cases until we get a total of n=800 cases. Control participants were required to be White, free of invasive colorectal cancer and non-invasive (stage 0 in situ) colorectal cancer. Centrally denied cases of colorectal cancer were not allowed into the control pool. Case and control participants were subject to the following exclusion criteria: (1) had prior history of colorectal cancer at baseline; (2) had no available DNA (DNA searching as Nov 15, 2012); (3) cannot be deposited to dbGaP; (4) lost to follow-up after enrollment; (5) selected for WHI study M26 Phase II. Controls were matched to cases in a case/control ratio of 2:1. In order to get 2 cases with 1 control, cases were grouped by enrollment year (a total of 5 groups). For each year group, around 50% cases were selected to match controls. In total, 401 cases were selected to match controls. Matching was done on enrollment year, which was matched exactly. For additional information, see dbGaP: phs000200 and ClinicalTrials: NCT00000611.

Study phs001554

REDS-IV-P Epidemiology, Surveillance and Preparedness of the Novel SARS-CoV-2 Epidemic (RESPONSE)

Leveraging access to the blood supply and blood donors, the REDS-IV-P program began conducting the RESPONSE study (REDS-IV-P Epidemiology, Surveillance and Preparedness of the Novel SARS-CoV-2 Epidemic) in early 2020 in order to 1) evaluate if SARS-CoV-2 RNA was found in blood donations in the U.S. using an assay that could potentially be used to screen the blood supply if evidence of SARS-CoV-2 transfusion-transmission became apparent 2) conduct serosurveys using optimized assays/algorithms to monitor antibody reactivity in blood donor populations over time, 3) enroll SARS-CoV-2 positive donors and others into a longitudinal cohort study to answer fundamental questions about the evolution of viremia and immune responses, and 4) establish a sharable biorepository that includes specimens collected early on in the infection and potentially large volumes of plasma from infected/convalescent donors.Screening for SARS-CoV-2 RNAemia was completed using a SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid test (NAT) performed on retained blood donor minipool samples from six geographic regions in the US. The study also included serosurveillance (i.e. testing for antibody directed against the SARS-CoV2 spike protein) of donations from the same six regions to document accruing seroincidence in blood donor populations and to project these rates in the general population. To enrich for donors with acute SARS-CoV-2 infection, another part of the study focused on donors reporting post-donation information (PDI) consistent with COVID-19 by testing plasma from all available PDI donations for SARS-CoV-2 RNA by NAT. Subjects who were diagnosed with COVID-19 based on PDI reports or who tested positive by SARS-CoV-2 NAT on index donation plasma were enrolled into a longitudinal follow-up study which collected multiple samples for up to one-year post-infection. The longitudinal follow-up study also enrolled community members who reported a new positive SARS-CoV-2 NAT test in the prior 7-14 days. The specific aims of the RESPONSE study were to: Establish the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 RNAemia in blood donations from the American Red Cross (ARC) regions in Los Angeles, Boston, and Minneapolis metropolitan areas, Bloodworks Northwest (BWNW), New York Blood Center (NYBC), and Vitalant San Francisco Bay Area, monthly between March and September of 2020 Conduct serosurveys to study antibody reactivity in same six areas as above monthly for March to August 2020 Document rates of Post Donation Information (PDI) reports to determine PDI rates relevant to SARS-CoV-2 clinical disease and test index donation plasma from PDI donors for SARS-CoV-2 RNA Enroll SARS-CoV-2 infected subjects into a longitudinal cohort study to answer fundamental questions on the evolution of viremia, early immune responses and waning of immunity over 3-12 months of follow-up Establish a sharable biorepository of samples from all of the above Aims for future research The data from Aims 3 and 4 above is being made available in BioData Catalyst.Biospecimens for these Aims are managed by Vitalant Research Institute (VRI). More information on biospecimens is available.

Study phs003578

Nala GSI GSAv3 PGx Study

Background: Microarrays are a well-established and widely adopted technology capable of interrogating hundreds of thousands of loci across the human genome. Combined with imputation to cover common variants not included in the chip design, they offer a cost-effective solution for large-scale genetic studies. Beyond research applications, this technology can be applied for testing pharmacogenomics, nutrigenetics, and complex disease risk prediction. However, establishing clinical reporting workflows requires a thorough evaluation of the assay's performance, which is achieved through validation studies. In this study, we performed pre-clinical validation of a genetic testing workflow based on the Illumina Global Screening Array for 25 pharmacogenomic-related genes. Methods: To evaluate the accuracy of our workflow, we conducted multiple pre-clinical validation studies. Here, we present the results of accuracy and precision assessments, involving a total of 73 cell lines. These assessments encompass reference materials from the Genome-In-A-Bottle (GIAB), the Genetic Testing Reference Material Coordination Program (GeT-RM) projects, as well as additional samples from the 1000 Genomes project (1KGP). We conducted an accuracy assessment of genotype calls for target loci in each indication against established truth sets. Results: In our per-sample analysis, we observed a mean analytical sensitivity of 99.39% and specificity 99.98%. We further assessed the accuracy of star-allele calls by relying on established diplotypes in the GeT-RM catalogue or calls made based on 1KGP genotyping. On average, we detected a diplotype concordance rate of 96.47% across 14 pharmacogenomic-related genes with star allele-calls. Lastly, we evaluated the reproducibility of our findings across replicates and observed 99.48% diplotype and 100 % phenotype inter-run concordance. Conclusion: Our comprehensive validation study demonstrates the robustness and reliability of the developed workflow, supporting its readiness for further development for applied testing.

Study EGAS00001007710

Copy number profiling of primary samples and cell lines of retinoblastoma

While RB1 loss initiates retinoblastoma development, additional somatic copy number alterations (SCNAs) can drive tumor progression. Although SCNAs have been identified with good concordance between studies at a cytoband resolution, accurate identification of single genes for all recurrent SCNAs is still challenging. This study presents a comprehensive meta-analysis of genome-wide SCNAs integrated with gene expression profiling data, narrowing down the list of plausible retinoblastoma driver genes. We performed SCNA profiling of 45 primary retinoblastoma samples and 8 retinoblastoma cell lines by high-resolution microarrays. We combined our data with genomic, clinical and histopathological data of ten published genome-wide SCNA studies, which strongly enhanced the power of our analyses (N=310). Comprehensive recurrence analysis of SCNAs in all studies integrated with gene expression data allowed us to reduce candidate gene lists for 1q, 2p, 6p, 7q and 13q to a limited gene set. Besides the well-established driver genes RB1 (13q-loss) and MYCN (2p-gain) we identified CRB1 and NEK7 (1q-gain), SOX4 (6p-gain) and NUP205 (7q-gain) as novel retinoblastoma driver candidates. Depending on the sample subset and algorithms used, alternative candidates were identified including MIR181 (1q-gain) and DEK (6p gain). Remarkably, our study showed that copy number gains rarely exceeded change of one copy, even in pure tumor samples with 100% homozygosity at the RB1 locus (N=34), which is indicative for intra-tumor heterogeneity. In addition, profound between-tumor variability was observed that was associated with age at diagnosis and differentiation grades. Since focal alterations at commonly altered chromosome regions were rare except for 2p24.3 (MYCN), further functional validation of the oncogenic potential of the described candidate genes is now required. For further investigations, our study provides a refined and revised set of candidate retinoblastoma driver genes.

Study EGAS00001001715

Repli-seq data for 'Replication timing alterations are associated with mutation acquisition during tumour evolution in breast and lung cancer'

The essential process of DNA replication timing during each cell cycle is highly regulated ensuring the correct duplication of the genome. The extent and importance of alterations in this process during malignant transformation has not been extensively explored. Here, we evaluate the impact of altered replication timing (ART) on cancer evolution by analysing replication-timing sequencing of cancer and normal cell lines and 952 whole-genome sequenced lung and breast tumours. We find 6%-18% of the cancer genome displays ART. Genomic regions with a change from early to late replication exhibit an increased mutation rate and distinct mutational signatures, while regions changing from late to early contain genes with increased expression and present a preponderance of APOBEC3-mediated mutation clusters and associated driver mutations. We demonstrate that ART is a relatively early event during cancer evolution and that ART may have a stronger correlation with mutation acquisition than alterations in chromatin structure.

Study EGAS00001007773

T Cell Receptor Sequencing

The T cell Receptor Sequencing dataset contains 84 files related to T cell receptor sequences obtained using ImmunoSeq by Adaptive Biotechnologies and phenotype metadata from 23 patients enrolled on a phase II clinical trial of neoadjuvant immune checkpoint blockade in high-risk resectable melanoma at MD Anderson Cancer Center (NCT02519322). Included are data on baseline and on-treatment samples from tumor and blood.

Dataset EGAD00010001608

Raw sequencing data of PERMED-01 trial

Targeted sequencing (t-NGS) of frozen advanced cancers tissue was established with three panels covering 395 to 560 candidate cancer genes. Sequencing was done using the 2x150-bp paired-end technology on the Illumina MiSeq and NextSeq500 platforms. The DNA libraries of all coding exons were done with the HaloPlex Target Enrichment System (Agilent, Santa Clara, CA, USA).

Dataset EGAD00001006289

Highly differentiated, fusion-negative rhabdomyosarcoma.

Sequencing was performed using OncoPanel v.2 (OPv2), an Agilent SureSelect custom designed bait set consisting of the coding regions of 504 genes, previously linked to human cancer. Sequencing wa sperformed on an Illumina HiSeq 2500. 14 highly differentiated, fusion-negative rhabdomyosarcoma tumor samples, and 8 non-matched normal skeletal muscle samples weer sequenced. BAM files are available for download.

Dataset EGAD00001003746

Detection of ctDNA in Plasma of Patients with Clinically Localised Prostate Cancer is Associated with Rapid Disease Progression

Whole genome sequencing of tumour-normal pairs in eight patients with clinically localised disease undergoing prostatectomy. A bespoke DNA capture and amplification panel against the highest prevalence, highest confidence aberrations for each individual was designed and used to interrogate ctDNA isolated from plasma prospectively obtained pre- and post- (24 hours and 6 weeks) surgery. Tagged-amplicon deep sequencing (TAm-Seq) across the TP53 gene in ctDNA in a cohort of 189 individuals.

Dataset EGAD00001006369

Dataset Plasma-seq

We performed low coverage whole genome sequencing of plasma DNA from prostate cancer patients to establish copy number profiles on both a genome-wide and a gene-specific level. The data include plasma samples from prostate cacner patients (n=13), non-malignant controls (males, n=10 and females, n=9), plasma samples from pregnancies with aneuploid and euploid fetuses (n=4). Furthermore, we sequenced different tumor samples (n=6) of one patients and a serial dilution of HT29 in a background of normal DNA (n=9).

Dataset EGAD00001000364

Single-Gene vs. Panel Sequencing in Advanced HR+/HER2− Breast Cancer

Background: Hormone receptor-positive (HR+)/HER2-negative (HER2−) breast cancer is the most common subtype of breast cancer, with biomarker-driven therapies improving outcomes. Liquid biopsies, which analyze circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), are increasingly essential in clinical management, offering a minimally invasive approach to assess somatic alterations and guide therapy decisions. However, the choice of assay directly affects clinical utility and global access to validated testing platforms remains inconsistent. To address these challenges, this study aimed to compare the performance of single-gene and panel-based sequencing for detecting PIK3CA mutations in HR+/HER2− breast cancer and evaluate the added value of broader genomic profiling in guiding treatment decisions. Patients and methods: We conducted a prospective, multicenter study comparing our previously established SiMSen-Seq (SSS) assay, a single-gene method targeting PIK3CA hotspot mutations, with the AVENIO ctDNA Expanded assay, enriching for 77 clinically relevant cancer genes. Additionally, tumor fractions were estimated with mFAST-SeqS by assessing chromosomal aneuploidy. We analyzed 161 plasma samples collected from 146 patients with HR+/HER2− advanced breast cancer before starting a new line of palliative therapy. Results: High concordance (92.6%) was observed between SSS and AVENIO for PIK3CA mutation detection, with accurate variant allele frequency (VAF) quantification confirmed by Bland-Altman analysis and linear mixed-effects modeling. AVENIO identified additional PIK3CA mutations in 19% of samples as well as other actionable alterations, including ESR1 mutations (17.5%) and PI3K pathway alterations (40.6%). Panel sequencing improved the interpretation of negative liquid biopsy results by integrating tumor fraction and VAF metrics. Conclusions: Panel sequencing assays such as AVENIO provide broader genomic coverage, enhance the detection of actionable mutations and refine the interpretation of negative liquid biopsy findings. These findings support the integration of comprehensive ctDNA profiling into routine clinical practice for HR+/HER2− advanced breast cancer while highlighting the need for improved assay accessibility and expanded genomic targets.

Study EGAS00001008200

Blood-based monitoring of relapsed/refractory cHL patients predict responses to PD-1 blockade treatment

Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) patients are uniquely susceptible to treatment with programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) treatment. However, monitoring with FDG-PET/CT, the current response detection standard, is challenging. Here, we address the potential applicability of tissue biomarkers and blood-based biomarkers in PD-1 treated cHL patients. We evaluated 9p24.1/PD-L1/PD-L2 alterations, and expression of PD-L1 and antigen presentation molecules (HLA class I/II) in 9 tissue biopsies of 4 patients. In addition, we assessed circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), extracellular vesicle associated miRNAs (EV-miRNAs), soluble PD-L1 and serum TARC (sTARC) in 26 longitudinal blood samples of these patients during PD-1 treatment. We found that the predictive power of tissue biomarkers is dependent on the timing of the biopsy . The dynamics of blood-based biomarkers: sTARC, EV-miRNAs and ctDNA corresponded well immunotherapy treatment response. Therefore, blood-based biomarkers are promising monitoring strategies in PD-1 treated cHL patients and should be further explored in clinical trials or observational studies.

Study EGAS00001005894

Somatic mutation and selection at epidemiological scale - Sanger_NanoSeq_RandD

Bottleneck sequencing of human tissue including neurons, cord blood, sperm 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/. As we age, many tissues become colonised by microscopic clones carrying somatic driver mutations. Some of these clones represent a first step towards cancer whereas others may contribute to ageing and other diseases. However, our understanding of the clonal landscapes of human tissues, and their impact on cancer risk, ageing and disease, remains limited due to the challenge of detecting somatic mutations present in small numbers of cells. Here, we introduce a new version of nanorate sequencing (NanoSeq), a duplex sequencing method with error rates of less than 5 per billion base pairs, which is compatible with whole-exome and targeted gene sequencing. Deep sequencing of polyclonal samples with single-molecule sensitivity enables the simultaneous detection of mutations in large numbers of clones, yielding accurate somatic mutation rates, mutational signatures and driver mutation frequencies in any tissue. Applying targeted NanoSeq to 1,042 non-invasive samples of oral epithelium and 371 samples of blood from a twin cohort, we found an unprecedentedly rich landscape of selection, with 46 genes under positive selection driving clonal expansions in the oral epithelium, over 62,000 driver mutations, and evidence of negative selection in some genes. The high number of positively selected mutations in multiple genes provides high-resolution maps of selection across coding and non-coding sites, a form of in vivo saturation mutagenesis. Multivariate regression models enable mutational epidemiology studies on how carcinogenic exposures and cancer risk factors, such as age, tobacco or alcohol, alter the acquisition and selection of somatic mutations. Accurate single-molecule sequencing has the potential to unveil the polyclonal landscape of any tissue, providing a powerful tool to study early carcinogenesis, cancer prevention and the role of somatic mutations in ageing and disease.

Dataset EGAD00001015624

Somatic mutation and selection at epidemiological scale - TwinsUK_RENanoSeq_Buccal

Utilising restriction enzyme NanoSeq, we hope to explore the somatic mutation burden and mutational signatures in buccal cells from TwinsUK donors. Some donors have paired blood samples and data from this will help contextualise that work. All donors have paired Targeted NanoSeq data from buccal swabs. As we age, many tissues become colonised by microscopic clones carrying somatic driver mutations. Some of these clones represent a first step towards cancer whereas others may contribute to ageing and other diseases. However, our understanding of the clonal landscapes of human tissues, and their impact on cancer risk, ageing and disease, remains limited due to the challenge of detecting somatic mutations present in small numbers of cells. Here, we introduce a new version of nanorate sequencing (NanoSeq), a duplex sequencing method with error rates of less than 5 per billion base pairs, which is compatible with whole-exome and targeted gene sequencing. Deep sequencing of polyclonal samples with single-molecule sensitivity enables the simultaneous detection of mutations in large numbers of clones, yielding accurate somatic mutation rates, mutational signatures and driver mutation frequencies in any tissue. Applying targeted NanoSeq to 1,042 non-invasive samples of oral epithelium and 371 samples of blood from a twin cohort, we found an unprecedentedly rich landscape of selection, with 46 genes under positive selection driving clonal expansions in the oral epithelium, over 62,000 driver mutations, and evidence of negative selection in some genes. The high number of positively selected mutations in multiple genes provides high-resolution maps of selection across coding and non-coding sites, a form of in vivo saturation mutagenesis. Multivariate regression models enable mutational epidemiology studies on how carcinogenic exposures and cancer risk factors, such as age, tobacco or alcohol, alter the acquisition and selection of somatic mutations. Accurate single-molecule sequencing has the potential to unveil the polyclonal landscape of any tissue, providing a powerful tool to study early carcinogenesis, cancer prevention and the role of somatic mutations in ageing and disease.

Dataset EGAD00001015621

Characterization of Immune Evasion in Merkel Cell Carcinoma

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare, neuroendocrine skin carcinoma that is caused by the Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) in 80% of cases and by ultraviolet (UV) damage in 20% of cases. MCC should theoretically elicit a strong cytotoxic T cell response due to the high neoantigen and viral antigen burden in MCPyV- and MCPyV+ MCC, respectively. However, MCC often escapes immune recognition and is associated with very poor prognosis at advanced stages. To systemically identify mechanisms of immune evasion in MCC, we established 11 robust MCC lines from either primary tumors or patient-derived xenografts (7 MCPyV+ and 4 MCPyV-). We then characterized these tumors and cell lines by whole exome sequencing (WES), RNA-sequencing, scRNA-sequencing, ATAC-seq, and whole genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS). We also studied MCC transcriptional subtypes, utilizing bulk and scRNA-sequencing datasets of patient-derived tumors and cell lines to investigate profiles of neuroendocrine gene expression. The genes linked below define either a neuroendocrine or a non-neuroendocrine phenotype presence within MCC tumors.

Study phs002260

Altered Interactions between Circulating and Tissue-Resident CD8 T Cells with the Colonic Mucosa Define Checkpoint Inhibitor Colitis

Therapeutic immune checkpoint blockade has revolutionized oncology, but treatments are limited by immune-related adverse events, including checkpoint inhibitor colitis (irColitis). To define molecular drivers of irColitis, we profiled ~300,000 cells from the colonic mucosa and blood of 29 patients and controls. Patients with irColitis showed expanded mucosal Tregs (regulatory T cells), CD8 tissue-resident memory T cells expressing CXCL13 and Th17 gene programs, and recirculating ITGB2 CD8 T cells. Cytotoxic CD4 T cells, recirculating CD8 T cells, and endothelial cells expressing hypoxia gene programs were further expanded in colitis associated with anti-PD-1/CTLA-4 compared to in the presence of anti-PD-1 therapy. Luminal epithelial cells in irColitis patients expressed PCSK9, PD-L1, and interferon-induced signatures associated with apoptosis, increased cell turnover, and malabsorption.Raw data files from both colon and PBMCs from irColitis patients and controls have been provided to dbGaP. Count matrices derived from raw RNA-Seq data will be available through GEO accession GSE206301.

Study phs003418

Immuno-genomic Profiling of Biopsy Specimens Predicts Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Response in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the most aggressive cancers and is primarily treated with platinum-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). Some ESCCs respond well to NAC. However, biomarkers to predict NAC sensitivity and their response mechanism in ESCC remain unclear. We introduce a model by machine learning and validated its potential to predict the NAC response in ESCC. To create this model, we performed whole genome sequencing and RNA-seq analysis on totally 141 ESCC biopsy specimens before NAC treatment and analyzed their immuno-genomic features and association with NAC response. Neutrophils infiltration could play an important role in ESCC response to NAC. We also demonstrated that specific copy number alterations and copy number signatures in the ESCC genome were significantly associated with NAC response. The interactions between the tumor genome and immune features of ESCC are likely to be a new indicator of therapeutic capability and a new therapeutic target for ESCC, and machine learning prediction for NAC response is useful.

Study JGAS000535

Single-cell analysis of airway samples identifies immune cell activation correlating with COVID-19 disease severity

To investigate the immune response and mechanisms associated with severe COVID-19, we performed single-cell RNA-seq on nasopharyngeal and bronchial samples from 19 clinically well-characterized patients with moderate or critical disease and from 5 healthy controls. We identified airway epithelial cell types and states vulnerable to SARS-CoV-2 infection. In COVID-19 patients, epithelial cells showed an average threefold increase in expression of the SARS-CoV-2 entry receptor ACE2, which correlated with interferon signals by immune cells. Compared with moderate cases, critical cases exhibited stronger interactions between epithelial and immune cells, as indicated by ligand–receptor expression profiles, and activated immune cells , including inflammatory macrophages expressing CCL2, CCL3, CCL20, CXCL1, CXCL3, CXCL10, IL8, IL1B and TNF . The transcriptional differences in critical cases compared with moderate cases likely contribute to clinical observations of heightened inflammatory tissue damage, lung injury and respiratory failure. Our data suggest that pharmacologic inhibition of the CCR1 and/or CCR5 pathways may suppress immune hyperactivation in critical COVID-19.

Study EGAS00001004481

Gene expression-based prediction of pazopanib efficacy in sarcoma (HIPO, H021)

The multi-receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) inhibitor pazopanib is approved for the treatment of advanced non-adipocytic soft-tissue sarcoma and has also shown activity in other sarcoma subtypes. However, its clinical efficacy is highly variable, and no reliable predictors exist to date to select patients who are most likely to benefit from this drug. We analyzed the molecular profiles and clinical outcomes of pazopanib-treated sarcoma patients enrolled in a prospective observational study by the German Cancer Consortium, DKTK MASTER, that employs whole-genome/exome sequencing (WGS/WES) and transcriptome sequencing to inform the care of adults with advanced cancer across histologies who are younger than 51 and patients with rare tumors, including rare subtypes of more common entities, regardless of age. Among a total of 109 patients with available WGS/WES data, there was no correlation between clinical parameters, specific genetic alterations, or mutational signatures and clinical outcome. In contrast, analysis of a subcohort of 62 patients who underwent molecular analysis before pazopanib treatment and had transcriptome sequencing data available showed that mRNA levels of NTRK3 (hazard ratio [HR]=0.53, p=0.021), IGF1R (HR=1.82, p=0.027), and KDR (HR=0.50, p=0.011) were independently associated with progression-free survival (PFS). Based on the expression of these RTK genes, i.e., the features NTRK3-high, IGF1R-low, and KDR-high, we developed a pazopanib efficacy predictor (PEP) that stratified patients into three groups with significantly different PFS (p<0.0001). Application of the PEP to an independent cohort of pazopanib-treated sarcoma patients from DKTK MASTER (n=43) confirmed its potential to separate patient groups with significantly different PFS (p=0.02), whereas no such association was observed in sarcoma patients from DKTK MASTER (n=77) or The Cancer Genome Atlas sarcoma cohort (n=256) who were not treated with pazopanib. A score based on the combined expression of NTRK3, IGF1R, and KDR allows identification of sarcoma patients with good, intermediate, and poor outcome following pazopanib therapy and warrants investigation as a predictive tool in prospective studies to optimize the use of this drug in the clinic.

Study EGAS00001005836

African American Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Whole Genome and Whole Exome Study

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is the most common pediatric spinal deformity. The causes of scoliosis are only now being discovered yet are important for predicting outcome and need for surgery. Prior studies have investigated the causes of scoliosis, including common and rare variant risk factors, but have mostly used populations consisting of Asian or European ancestry. It is essential that we determine what the risk factors are in all populations so that we can delivery equitable care to all individuals.

Study phs003136

15147 results for "cancer studies using rna-seq"

in 23.19 milliseconds.