14977 results for "cancer studies using rna-seq"

in 28.75 milliseconds.

• PAGE: Global Reference Panel

  Stanford contributed samples to the PAGE study that can act as a population reference dataset across the globe. Therefore this dataset includes reference individuals, without phenotypes, chosen to help infer ancestry that will help us understand the diverse samples available in PAGE. The complete dataset comprises individuals of European, African, Asian, Oceanian, and Native American descent, from a total of over 50 populations. A subset of these individuals from Puno, Peru and Easter Island (Rapa Nui), Chile, are included in the PAGE samples that were whole genome sequenced in 2015. Additional details are available in the Study Acknowledgments. The Global Reference Panel comprises 6 sample sets: A population sample of Andean individuals primarily of Quechuan/Aymaran ancestry from Puno, Peru A population sample of Easter Island (Rapa Nui), Chile Individuals of indigenous origin from Oaxaca, Mexico Individuals of indigenous origin from Honduras Individuals of indigenous origin from Colombia Individuals of indigenous origin from the Nama and Khomani KhoeSan populations of the Northern Cape, South Africa In addition, we genotyped publicly available samples that will be hosted on the Bustamante lab website (https://bustamantelab.stanford.edu/). These comprise large public datasets to provide an open reference dataset for the world: The additional related individuals from the Americas in the Human Genome Diversity Panel (H952) plus all additional samples from the Americas A subset of the unrelated individuals from the Maasai in Kinyawa, Kenya (MKK) dataset from the International Hapmap Project hosted at Coriell Additional samples will be available for restricted use with a data access agreement with the Bustamante Lab. This study is part of the Population Architecture using Genomics and Epidemiology (PAGE) study (phs000356).

  Study phs001033

• Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (GDNF) Polymorphisms and Anxiety, Depression

  GDNF gene variants were studied as possible risk factors of depression or anxiety on a young sample. The association study involved eight (rs1981844, rs3812047, rs3096140, rs2973041, rs2910702, rs1549250, rs2973050 and rs11111) GDNF single nucleotide polymorphisms and anxiety and depression scores measured by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) on 708 Caucasian young adults with no psychiatric history. Results provided significant effects of two single nucleotide polymorphisms on anxiety scores following the Bonferroni correction for multiple testing (p=0.00070 and p=0.00138 for rs3812047 and rs3096140, respectively). Haplotype analysis confirmed the role of these SNPs (p=0.00029). A significant sex-gene interaction was also observed since the effect of the rs3812047 A allele as a risk factor of anxiety was more pronounced in males. This is the first demonstration of a significant association between the GDNF gene and mood characteristics demonstrated by the association of two SNPs of the GDNF gene (rs3812047 and rs3096140) and individual variability of anxiety using self-report data from a non-clinical sample. Reprinted from Kotyuk et. al., 2013 (Kotyuk, E., Keszler, G., Nemeth, N., Ronai, Z., Sasvari-Szekely, M., and Szekely, A. (2013). Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (GDNF) as a Novel Candidate Gene of Anxiety. PLoS One,8, (12) PMID: 24324616), with permission from Publisher (All content of articles published in PLOS journals is open access. You can read about our open access license here: http://www.plos.org/about/open-access/. To summarize, this license allows you to download, reuse, reprint, modify, distribute, and/or copy articles or images in PLOS journals, so long as the original creators are credited (e.g., including the article's citation and/or the image credit); Laura Perry; Staff EO;PLOS ONE)

  Study phs000713

• Binding of Epstein Barr Virus EBNA2 Unifies Multiple Sclerosis Genetic Mechanisms

  This study is focused on multiple sclerosis (MS). MS is likely caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors; however, the mechanisms contributing to these factors remain poorly understood. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in particular is a well-established environmental risk factor for MS. We have created a computational algorithm that systematically searches for common molecular mechanisms that might be impacted at multiple MS-associated loci. Using this algorithm, we have discovered that over 40% of MS-associated loci contain MS genetic variants that fall within regions of the human genome occupied by the EBV-encoded EBNA2 protein. The same MS-associated variants also impact gene expression levels of MS-associated genes in EBV-infected B cell lines. Our hypothesis is that allele-dependent binding of EBNA2 and its co-factors explains the allele-dependent risk at many MS genetic loci. Importantly, this hypothesis links the genetic associations of MS to the known molecular roles played by EBV and Notch signaling in disease processes.Subjects with and without MS were recruited into an Institutional Review Board (IRB)-approved protocol through the Cincinnati Autoimmune Registry and Repository. From each subject, DNA from peripheral blood was isolated for whole genome sequencing (WGS). These data will be used to identify genotype-dependent transcriptional regulation in cells assessed from patients and controls. This WGS data was deposited before the full integration of sequence data with other functional genomic data types.From each subject, 90 mL of blood is drawn for isolation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from which primary B and T cells will be isolated. For each B cell isolation, an EBV-transformed B cell line will be derived.

  Study phs003240

• Sudden Death in the Young Case Registry

  Knowledge gaps persist about the incidence of and risk factors for sudden death in the young (SDY). The SDY Case Registry is a collaborative effort between the National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Michigan Public Health Institute. Its goals are to: (1) describe the incidence of SDY in the United States by using population-based surveillance: (2) compile data from SDY cases to create a resource of information and DNA samples for research; (3) encourage standardized approaches to investigation, autopsy, and categorization of SDY cases; (4) develop partnerships between local, state, and federal stakeholders toward a common goal of understanding and preventing SDY; and (5) support families who have lost loved ones to SDY by providing resources on bereavement and medical evaluation of surviving family members. Built on existing Child Death Review programs and as an expansion of the Sudden Unexpected Infant Death Case Registry, the SDY Case Registry achieves its goals by identifying SDY cases, providing guidance to medical examiners/coroners in conducting comprehensive autopsies, evaluating cases through child death review and an advanced review by clinical specialists, and classifying cases according to a standardized algorithm. The SDY Case Registry also includes a process to obtain informed consent from next-of-kin to save DNA for research, banking, and, in some cases, diagnostic genetic testing. The SDY Case Registry will provide valuable incidence data and will enhance understanding of the characteristics of SDY cases to inform the development of targeted prevention efforts. For cases where informed consent has been obtained for research genomic sequencing has been performed. On these cases genomic data, phenotype information and on a limited number of cases redacted autopsy reports will be available through dbGaP.

  Study phs003221

• Genetic Investigations of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

  Design and Aims:We conducted whole-exome DNA sequencing on 152 parent-child trios (456 individuals total) that included a child meeting DSM-IV or DSM-5 criteria for ADHD along with both biological parents to identify rare de novo damaging DNA variants associated with ADHD risk. Mutation rates were compared between 147 ADHD trios and 780 unaffected control trios. We aimed to identify specific ADHD risk genes by combining the de novo trio data with rare variant data from an independent case-control cohort.Population Information:ADHD trios were collected from four sites. The 780 control trios were unaffected siblings from the Simons Simplex Collection who scored in the normal range on the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) or Adult Behavior Checklist (ABCL) ADHD subscale.Molecular Technologies:Whole-exome DNA sequencing was performed on the ADHD trios using the IDT xGen V1 or Agilent SureSelect All Exon V7 capture and the Illumina NovaSeq6000 sequencer. Control trios were previously sequenced with the NimbleGen SeqCap EzExomeV2 capture and Illumina HiSeq 2000 sequencer. Joint variant calling was performed for all trios. Rare de novo variants with allele frequency Principal Findings:We found a 1.67-fold enrichment of rare de novo damaging variants and a 1.93-fold enrichment of ultra-rare de novo damaging variants in ADHD cases vs controls. By integrating the de novo data with an independent case-control cohort, KDM5B was identified as a high-confidence ADHD risk gene (FDR=0.04). Three potential risk genes were also identified. Twenty-three genes with ultra-rare damaging de novo variants in ADHD overlapped with previously reported risk genes for other neuropsychiatric conditions. Exploratory analyses showed enrichment of these genes in early neurodevelopmental pathways.

  Study phs003647

• Toxigenic Clostridium perfringens isolated from at-risk pediatric inflammatory bowel disease patients

  With the goal of studying mucosal-associated bacteria and products detrimental to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients, we directly cultured bacterial communities from mucosal biopsies and examined for detrimental traits. Focusing on red blood cell lysis, a virulence trait, communities from 5 of 9 patients exhibited hemolytic activity. Clostridium perfringens was isolated from each hemolytic community, and whole-genome sequencing confirmed presence of hemolytic toxins – alpha toxin in all 5 strains, perfringolysin O (PFO) in 4 strains, alveolysin in 2 strains – and absence of enterotoxins. In vitro cytotoxicity experiments demonstrated strain supernatants were toxic to various cell types located beneath the intestinal epithelial barrier, including endothelial, neuroblasts, and neutrophils, while impact on epithelial cells was less pronounced. These findings suggest C. perfringens may be damaging particularly when intestinal barrier integrity is compromised, such as in IBD patients. Further characterization using purified toxins and genetic insertion mutants confirmed PFO toxin was sufficient for cell toxicity. C. perfringens supernatants also induced activation of neuroblast and dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neuron cells in vitro, suggesting C. perfringens in inflamed mucosal tissue may directly contribute to abdominal pain, a frequent IBD symptom. Strikingly, C. perfringens was detected in biopsies of 8 of 9 pediatric patients while not in all corresponding stool samples, and in other datasets, C. perfringens was in stool samples of IBD adults (18.7-27.1%) much more frequently versus healthy (5.1%). Our findings showcase C. perfringens may have an important pathogenic impact on IBD patients. Similar to Clostridioides difficile, routine monitoring of C. perfringens and PFO toxins in patients may be beneficial.

  Study EGAS50000000334

• Cell-Free DNA Genomic and Fragmentomic Features for Early Outcome Prediction in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma

  Purpose: Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients need an accurate and early risk stratification strategy as prompt therapy escalation may improve outcome. Patients and methods: We evaluated cell free DNA (cfDNA) genomic and fragmentomic features in 190 patients with large B-cell lymphoma from more than 40 hospitals in the Benelux using Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS). We defined a new metric called ACT score (Aberrations, Contribution of short fragments, Terminal motif analyses) by combining four cfDNA signals and evaluated its performance to predict end-of-treatment (EOT) response and survival. Results: Individual cfDNA features and ACT score were altered per EOT response after one cycle of treatment (T1). The ACT score at T1 outperformed all individual cfDNA features in predicting EOT response (AUC = 0.74). Patients with a positive ACT score had an inferior outcome compared to ACT score negative patients [progression-free survival (PFS): HR 5.0 (95% CI 3.1-8.2), log-rank test, p < 0.0001) and overall survival (OS): HR 6.5 (95% CI 3.5-12.2), log-rank test, p < 0.0001]. The 2-year PFS in ACT score positive and negative patients were 29.8% and 78.1%, respectively. The prognostic value of the ACT score is independent of the International Prognostic Index and interim imaging. Conclusions: ACT score computed from a single plasma sample collected after one cycle of treatment can predict clinical outcome. This low-cost and easy-to-interpret test does not require tissue biopsies or a priori knowledge of mutations and has the potential to aid patient selection in interventional clinical trials and risk-adapted treatment strategies.

  Study EGAS50000000412

• MUSIC: Long-TerM OUtcomes after the Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome In Children

  This study is an observational cohort study that will use routinely-collected clinical and cardiac (EKG, echocardiogram, CMR, exercise testing) data to assess the association between MIS-C (multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children) and cardiac outcomes within the first year after hospital discharge. Research funding will be available for EKGs, echocardiograms and MRIs in protocol windows that are not ordered by primary caregivers. Our principal goal is to determine the spectrum and early time course of coronary artery involvement, LV systolic function, and arrhythmias or conduction system abnormalities, and, using these data, to define associated clinical and laboratory factors. We will include all eligible patients, including retrospective cases beginning January 1, 2020, with follow-up (in-person or telehealth) up to one year and annual medical history forms until up to 5 years have elapsed since illness onset. Because many patients will have been identified by retrospective review, we will obtain consent at different times in their illness course. For this reason, it may be hard to reach some patients and their families. Waiver of consent will be obtained after three attempts have been made to locate the patient and family without success, as well as for the rare child who dies before informed consent can be obtained. We will include a HIPAA-compliant cryptographic algorithm to create a sharable &#8220;hashed&#8221; identifier from patient information. If blood work for research purposes is added to usual clinically-indicated blood work during follow-up visits, this will be covered by other informed consent forms. Our primary outcomes are the largest proximal Left Anterior Descending Coronary Artery (LAD) or Right Coronary Artery (RCA) z score and lowest Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction (LVEF).

  Study phs002770

• Impact of Genetic Variation on Response to GO Therapy in COG-AML Trials AAML03P1 and AAML0531

  The 340 de novo Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) patients (ages 1 month to 21 years) were enrolled in COG-AAML03P1 (NCT00070174). Everyone received standard chemotherapy regimen of ara-C, daunorubicin and etoposide (ADE) with addition of one 3 mg/m2 dose of Gemtuzumab Ozogamicin (GO) in induction 1 as well as in intensification II phase. The 1022 de novo AML patients (ages 0&#8211;30 years) were enrolled in COG-AAML0531 (NCT01407757). They were randomly assigned to receive either the standard ADE regimen (ADE arm, n = 511) or with the addition of one 3 mg/m2 dose of GO, during induction I as well as intensification II phase (ADE+GO arm, n = 511). Detailed study design, treatment regimen, and clinical outcomes of these two trials have been previously published (Cooper TM, Franklin J, Gerbing RB, et al., PMID:21766293 and Gamis AS, Alonzo TA, Meshinchi S, et al., PMID:25092781). The current study used genomic DNA from 1,225 pediatric patients treated in these two trials with 470 patients treated with standard chemotherapy in COG-AAML0531 (ADE arm) and 755 patients treated with addition of GO to standard therapy in COG-AAML03P1 and COG-AAML0531 trials (ADE+GO arm). The 132 SNPs in 42 genes within DNA-damage repair (DDR) pathways or genes implicated in mediating calicheamicin were selected for genotyping. These SNPs were genotyped using the Sequenom platform at the Biomedical Genomics Center, University of Minnesota. All SNPs had a call rate of more than 0.98 and were in accordance with the Hardy&#8211;Weinberg equilibrium. These genotypes were used to test for association with clinical endpoints as defined in the COG-AAML03P1 and COG-AAML0531 trials.

  Study phs003490

• Efficacy and Immune Effects of Anakinra Prophylaxis for Neurologic Toxicity and Cytokine Release Syndrome in Patients with Lymphoma Receiving Axicabtagene Ciloleucel

  Chimeric antigen receptor T cells have transformed the treatment of multiple hematologic malignancies, but are limited in application due to treatment-related toxicities. Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and neurotoxicity (NT) are the primary toxicities associated with these therapies and are thought to be mediated by broad immune activation due to robust T-cell expansion. Current treatment of these toxicities utilize anti-IL-6 directed therapy and/or systemic glucocorticoids to mitigate the consequences of this complex inflammatory cascade. We sought to use anakinra, an IL-1R antagonist, as a prophylactic strategy to prevent clinically meaningful CRS/NT, defined as grade 2 or higher toxicity necessitating clinical intervention. Although our study, in line with others, demonstrated that IL-1R antagonism is insufficient to prevent such toxicities entirely, we were able to gain insight into the molecular immune signaling associated with breakthrough CRS &#38; NT in the presence of anakinra prophylaxis using our scRNA dataset of patients treated with and without IL-1R antagonism. We demonstrate that IL-4 and IL-10 anti-inflammatory pathways in infused CAR-T products of both anakinra and non-anakinra cohorts were negatively associated with grade 2+ toxicities. We also found that expression of IFN-gamma pathways and ligand-receptor activities, as well as cytokine levels of IFN-gamma and CXCL10 in CD14+ monocytes, were significantly enriched in patients with breakthrough toxicity in the anakinra cohort. This correlated with an increase in IFN-gamma in the peripheral blood of patients with breakthrough toxicities, among other cytokines. These data identify IFN-gamma as a potential key mechanism in the development of CAR-T cell-associated toxcities and suggest that this pathway is also targetable and not inhibited by anakinra alone.

  Study phs003655

• Out with the Java, in with the Python - new EGA data download client unveiled

  We will shortly be deprecating the Java-based download client also known as API V2. The Java client began its life at the back end of 2014, and during its time has seen many developments that have served our users well. During its tenure, the Java client enabled distribution of over 6.5 million files totalling nearly 15 petabytes of data to researchers around the globe. Recent increases in genomic and phenotypic data file sizes, the number of datasets archived in the EGA, the number of users downloading data, and the diversity of download locations has meant that at times the Java client struggled to distribute data efficiently. In response, our team of developers have built a new download client with more robust features and better functionality and reliability. Enter stage left our shiny new API V3.1! The new API V3.1 will replace both API V2 and API V3. The download client for the new API V3.1 is written in Python, and the code is openly available on Github. This Python client makes https calls to the EGA AAI (https://ega.ebi.ac.uk:8443/) and to the EGA Data API (https://ega.ebi.ac.uk:8052), both of which must be accessible from the client location. In addition to general updates to improve performance, the API V3.1 has three new features enhancing the EGA distributions services. First, requested data are now downloaded over secure https connections rather than http, meaning that data can be delivered unencrypted. Instead of separately requesting, downloading, and decrypting data using the Java client, data can now be requested and downloaded using a single command without the need for decrypting. The API V3.1 also automatically verifies each file’s unencrypted md5 after download to ensure the file has downloaded correctly. Second, the new API supports segmenting and automatic resuming. To enable quicker download speeds, the API breaks files into up to four segments and downloads them in parallel. With the new resume feature, downloads - both segmented and continuous stream - will automatically resume if they encounter any errors or the connection is interrupted. These features result in both a faster and more reliable download experience. Finally, the new API V3.1 implements the GA4GH-compliant htsget protocol for supporting requests over genomic ranges. This exciting new feature means that for data files with accompanying index files (e.g. .crai for CRAM files) users can download specific regions of interest rather than the entire file saving both time and storage space. The new features of the Python-based API V3.1 represent significant improvements in security, speed, reliability, and flexibility that are sure to provide a better data download experience. To take full advantage of these features, users must update to Python 3.X. Considering the changes in the data structures with the new API, the upgrade to a new version of the Python client is also mandatory. Updating the client to the latest version can be achieved by running the following command: pip3 install pyega3 -U We are excited for users to try out the new features and take advantage of the multifariously growing EGA distribution services for human biomedical omics data. If you have any questions or feedback, please email the EGA Helpdesk team. We'd love to hear from you!

  Blog new-ega-data-download-client

• Integrative genomic profiling of hepatocellular adenomas reveals recurrent FRK activating mutations and mutational processes of malignant transformation

  Hepatocellular adenomas (HCA) are benign liver tumors predominantly developed in women using oral contraception. Here, exome sequencing identified novel recurrent somatic FRK mutations that induce constitutive kinase activity, STAT3 activation and cell proliferation sensitive to Src inhibitors. We also found new recurrent mutations activating JAK1, gp130 or ß-catenin. Chromosome copy-number and methylation profiling revealed patterns that correlated with specific gene mutations and tumor phenotypes. Finally, integrative analysis of HCA transformed to hepatocellular carcinoma revealed ß-catenin mutation as an early alteration and TERT promoter mutations as associated with the last step of the adenoma-carcinoma transition. In conclusion, we identified the genomic diversity in benign hepatocyte proliferation, new therapeutic targets and the key genomic determinants of the adenoma-carcinoma transformation sequence. Significance: Malignant transformation of benign adenoma into malignant carcinoma is frequently observed in several epithelial tumor types. Adenoma-carcinoma transition is crucial for the patient prognosis, however, little is known on the molecular mechanisms involved. Here, we performed an integrated genomic analysis of hepatocellular adenomas (HCA). Among several novel gene mutations, we identified recurrent somatic mutation activating FRK, a Src-like kinase. FRK activating mutations induce STAT3 activation and cell proliferation that can be targeted by Src inhibitors. Focusing on malignant transformation of HCA in hepatocellular carcinoma, we identified CTNNB1 and TERT promoter mutation as early and late genomic events involved in adenoma-carcinoma transition. In conclusion, we propose new therapeutic targets and an identification of adenomas with the highest risk of malignant transformation. Highlights: - FRK is activated by somatic recurrent mutations. - FRK mutants promote cell proliferation sensitive to src inhibitors. - CTNNB1 activation is an early event in HCA transformation. - TERT promoter mutations are associated with adenoma-carcinoma transition.

  Study EGAS00001000679

• MiR expression profiles of paired primary colorectal cancerand metastases by next-generation sequencing

  MicroRNAs (miRs) have been recognized as promising biomarkers. It is unknown to what extent tumor-derived miRs aredifferentially expressed between primary colorectal cancers (pCRCs) and metastatic lesions, and to what extent the expressionprofiles of tumor tissue differ from the surrounding normal tissue. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) of 220 fresh-frozen samples,including paired primary and metastatic tumor tissue and non-tumorous tissue from 38 patients, revealed expression of 2245known unique mature miRs and 515 novel candidate miRs. Unsupervised clustering of miR expression profiles of pCRC tissue withpaired metastases did not separate the two entities, whereas unsupervised clustering of miR expression profiles of pCRC withnormal colorectal mucosa demonstrated complete separation of the tumor samples from their paired normal mucosa. Twohundred and twenty-two miRs differentiated both pCRC and metastases from normal tissue samples (false discovery rate (FDR)o0.05). The highest expressed tumor-specific miRs were miR-21 and miR-92a, both previously described to be involved in CRC withpotential as circulating biomarker for early detection. Only eight miRs, 0.5% of the analysed miR transcriptome, were differentiallyexpressed between pCRC and the corresponding metastases (FDR o0.1), consisting of five known miRs (miR-320b, miR-320d,miR-3117, miR-1246 and miR-663b) and three novel candidate miRs (chr 1-2552-5p, chr 8-20656-5p and chr 10-25333-3p). Theseresults indicate that previously unrecognized candidate miRs expressed in advanced CRC were identified using NGS. In addition,miR expression profiles of pCRC and metastatic lesions are highly comparable and may be of similar predictive value for prognosisor response to treatment in patients with advanced CRC

  Study EGAS00001001127

• Genesis of Two Most Prevalent Variants Causing Combined Pituitary Hormone Deficiency in 21 Populations

  Two variants (c.[301_302delAG];[301_302delAG] and c.[150delA];[150delA]) in the PROP1 gene are the most common genetic causes of recessively inherited combined pituitary hormones deficiency (CPHD). Our objective was to analyze in detail the origin of the two most prevalent variants. In the multicentric study were included 237 patients with CPHD and their 15 relatives carrying c.[301_302delAG];[301_302delAG] or c.[150delA];[150delA] or c.[301_302delAG];[ 150delA]. They originated from 21 different countries worldwide. We genotyped 21 single nucleotide variant markers flanking the 9.6Mb region around the PROP1 gene that are not in mutual linkage disequilibrium in the general populations - a finding of a common haplotype would be indicative of ancestral origin of the variant. Haplotypes were reconstructed by Phase and Haploview software, and the variant age was estimated using an allelic association method. We demonstrated ancestral origin of both variants: c.[301_302delAG] was carried on 0.2Mb-long haplotype in a majority of European patients arising approximately 101 generations ago (confidence interval 90.1-116.4). Patients from the Iberian Peninsula displayed a different haplotype which was estimated to have emerged 23.3 (20.1-29.1) generations ago. Subsequently, the data indicated that both haplotypes were transmitted to Latin American patients approximately 13.8 (12.2-17.0) and 16.4 (14.4-20.1) generations ago, respectively. The c.[150delA] variant that was carried on a haplotype spanning about 0.3Mb was estimated to appear 43.7 (38.4-52.7) generations ago. We present strong evidence that the most frequent variants in the PROP1 gene are not a consequence of variant hot-spots as previously assumed, but are founder variants.

  Study EGAS00001001165

• An integrative model of pathway convergence in genetically heterogeneous blast crisis chronic myeloid leukemia (CML)

  Targeted therapies against the BCR-ABL1 kinase have revolutionized treatment of chronic phase (CP) chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). In contrast, management of blast crisis (BC) CML remains challenging because BC cells acquire complex molecular alterations that confer stemness features to progenitor populations and resistance to BCR-ABL1 tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Comprehensive models of BC transformation have proved elusive because of the rarity and genetic heterogeneity of BC, but are important for developing biomarkers predicting BC progression and effective therapies. To better understand BC, we performed an integrated multiomics analysis of 74 CP and BC samples using whole-genome and exome sequencing, transcriptome and methylome profiling, and chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by high-throughput sequencing. Employing pathway-based analysis, we found the BC genome was significantly enriched for mutations affecting components of the polycomb repressive complex (PRC) pathway. While transcriptomically, BC progenitors were enriched and depleted for PRC1- and PRC2-related gene sets respectively. By integrating our data sets, we determined that BC progenitors undergo PRC-driven epigenetic reprogramming toward a convergent transcriptomic state. Specifically, PRC2 directs BC DNA hypermethylation, which in turn silences key genes involved in myeloid differentiation and tumor suppressor function via so-called epigenetic switching, whereas PRC1 represses an overlapping and distinct set of genes, including novel BC tumor suppressors. On the basis of these observations, we developed an integrated model of BC that facilitated the identification of combinatorial therapies capable of reversing BC reprogramming (decitabine+PRC1 inhibitors), novel PRC-silenced tumor suppressor genes (NR4A2), and gene expression signatures predictive of disease progression and drug resistance in CP.

  Study EGAS00001001751

• Genome wide association study on coronary heart disease in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia

  Mutations in the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) gene cause familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), a disorder characterized by coronary heart disease (CHD) at young age. We aimed to apply an extreme sampling method to enhance the statistical power to identify novel genetic risk variants for CHD in individuals with FH. We selected cases and controls with an extreme contrast in CHD risk from 17 000 FH patients from the Netherlands, whose functional LDLR mutation was unequivocally established. The genome-wide association (GWA) study was performed on 249 very young FH cases with CHD and 217 old FH controls without CHD (above 65 years for males and 70 years of age for females) using the Illumina HumanHap 550K chip. In the next stage, two independent samples (one from the Netherlands and one from Italy, Norway, Spain, and the United Kingdom) of FH patients were used as replication samples. In the initial GWA analysis we identified 29 independent single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with suggestive associations with premature CHD (p&lt;1×10-4). We examined the association of these SNPs with CHD risk in the replication samples. After Bonferroni correction, none of the SNPs either replicated or reached genome-wide significance after combining the discovery and replication samples. Therefore, we conclude that the genetics of CHD risk in FH is complex and even applying an ‘extreme genetics’ approach we did not identify new genetic risk variants. Most likely, this method is not as effective in leveraging effect size as anticipated, and may therefore not lead to significant gains in statistical power. (NB submitten and conditionally accepted at European Journal of Human Genetics-please use abstract only for internal review until submission complete)

  Study EGAS00001000734