Search Results - EGA European Genome-Phenome Archive

Liquid Biopsy Detection of Tumor-specific Structural Variants in High Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer

WGS Liquid Biopsy. Recurrence is frequent for most patients with high grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC), even after effective chemotherapy induced remission. However, after achievement of complete clinical response, the minimal residual disease is often insufficient for genomic analysis. Therefore, methods to interrogate the clonal composition and molecular properties of minimal residual disease are needed to better understand the mechanisms of HGSOC relapse. To address this unmet need, we developed and validated a novel cfDNA-based approach for tracking disease burden using NGS-informed tumor specific structural variants (SVs). Methods: The optimization of the methodology was first performed using synthetic cfDNA generated by ultrasonication of gDNA from ovarian cancer cell lines. Following the optimized workflow, whole genome sequencing of multisite biopsies from pre-treatment HGSOC patients were performed and high confidence SVs were called by consensus of multiple published SV callers. Real-time PCR and digital droplet PCR (ddPCR) were used for assays development.

Study EGAS50000001044

NHLBI TOPMed: Genomic Summary Results for the Trans-Omics for Precision Medicine Program

The NHLBI Trans-Omics for Precision Medicine (TOPMed) program aims to identify the genetic basis of variation in biomedical phenotypes, with emphasis on those related to heart, lung, blood and sleep disorders, as part of a broader Precision Medicine Initiative. The TOPMed program has provided whole genome sequencing (WGS) to over 80 different studies that had previously recruited participants and collected extensive phenotype data. Many TOPMed investigators affiliated with these studies have organized their activities into phenotype-focused Working Groups and have developed genotype-phenotype association projects. These analyses have resulted in valuable cross-study Genomic Summary Results (GSR) that include whole genome association test results of both common and rare variants. Most of the analyses include data from multiple studies, some of which are based on sensitive populations, precluding public sharing of GSR. This dbGaP accession provides a mechanism for sharing sensitive GSR, using the controlled-access mechanisms of dbGaP to provide protections for sensitive populations.

Study phs001974

INCLUDE: Down Syndrome Early Post-Natal Brain Multiome

Neurodevelopmental deficiencies and neuronal dysfunction contribute to cognitive impairment in individuals with Down syndrome, but what molecular pathways underlie the defects that lead to intellectual disability remain unclear. Human brain development is precisely choreographed through tightly regulated transcriptional programs. Proper regulation of these transcriptional programs is necessary for developing the numerous functionally distinct regions, cell types, and connections of the brain, and forming the basis for human-specific social, cognitive, and motor abilities. These data establish a reference of molecular features of the DS developing brain. Such foundational information will provide not only a reference for any existing and future models, but also a basis for understanding disrupted neural development and impaired cognition in DS.Dataset 1 contains single-nucleus RNAseq and ATACseq from frozen postmortem human basal forebrain tissue. Dataset 2 contains single-nucleus RNAseq and ATACseq from frozen postmortem human dorsolateral prefrontal tissue. Dataset 3 contains single-nucleus RNAseq and ATACseq from frozen postmortem human caudate nucleus tissue.

Study phs004098

Sequencing cancer mutations in various types of lung cancer using the long-read, portable sequencer

In this study, we used a long-read and portable sequencer MinION to identify cancer mutations in lung adenocarcinoma cells. We performed cDNA amplicon sequencing for various types of mutations such as point mutations in EGFR and KRAS and oncogenic fusion transcripts in ALK and RET. Using the long reads of MinION, we also conducted mutation phasing of EGFR TKI-sensitive and resistant mutations, which would provide useful information to next thrapeutic approaches for cancers. We applied this method to identify mutation genotypes of eight clinical samples from Japanese lung adenocarcinomas. This method could provide new sequencing-based diagnostic approaches for lung cancers. Additinally we also performed cancer mutation identification of risk-dependent unique samples. Usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) is a risk factor for lung carcinogenesis. This study was performed to characterize mutagenesis and mutational target genes underlying lung carcinogenesis in patients with UIP.We performed whole exome sequencing of lung adenocarcinoma with usual interstitial pneumonia.

Study JGAS000065

Resequencing_candidate_genes_for_male_spermatogenic_impairment

This study aims to identify novel candidate variants from human Y-chromosomal genes DAZ, BPY2 and CDY1 by resequencing the coding regions of these genes from male patients with spermatogenic impairment. The coding regions of the genes have been amplified by standard PCR, amplicon lengths range from 244 to 486 bp. A total of 61 amplicons were amplified for each of the 96 patients, totalling to approx. 25 kb per sample. Amplicons were quantified by gel electrophoresis and pooled in approx. equimolar concentrations per patient. For each of the 96 submitted samples, approx. 1 microgram of amplified DNA pool is provided in a total volume of 120 microlitres. The samples need to be indexed and libraries prepared for a PE250bp Illumina MiSeq run. 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 EGAS00001002157

Identification of gene mutations and fusion genes in patients with Sézary Syndrome

Sezary syndrome (SS) is a leukemic form of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) with an aggressive clinical course. The goal of our study is to understand the genetic basis of the disease by looking for driver gene mutations and fusion genes in 15 erythrodermic patients with circulating Sezary cels, fourteen of them fulfilling the diagnostic criteria of SS. Peripheral blood samples were collected for each patient and CD4+ T-lymphocytes and Granulocytes were isolated. DNA and RNA was extracted for matched normal and tumor materials. Whole exome sequencing was performed on matched normal and tumor tissues of 12 patients and RNA sequencing was performed on 10 patients. For 7 of these patients, we have both exome as well as RNA sequencing data. In this study, we present a complex genomic landscape of Sezary syndrome with several point mutations, copy number variations and fusion events which could contribute to the pathogenesis of SS.

Study EGAS00001001706

Sequencing data from MethylScan assay on plasma

Machine learning models in biomedical research are often hindered by demographic imbalances in clinical datasets, leading to biased predictions that disadvantage minority populations. Existing bias correction methods face limitations in handling the heterogeneity of biomedical data and the complexity of demographic influences. Here, we present DeBias, a computational framework for mitigating demographic biases in high-dimensional biomedical datasets. DeBias eliminates bias-associated subspaces within the entire feature space using control samples and enables global bias correction across all features, effectively preserving disease-specific signals while minimizing demographic distortions. To demonstrate its effectiveness, we applied DeBias to cfDNA methylation data for cancer detection. It achieved a >6-fold reduction in the number of features containing biases and outperformed existing methods in improving the cancer detection performance for minority populations. Our method represented a promising step toward developing machine learning models that are more accurate, reliable, and equitable for minority populations.

Study EGAS00001008127

Rare disruptive mutations in ciliary function genes contribute to testicular cancer susceptibility

Testicular germ cell tumor (TGCT) is the most common cancer in young men1,2. Here we aimed to identify novel risk factors for TGCT using whole-exome sequencing, which was performed on 328 affected individuals from 153 families, 634 sporadic cases and 1,644 controls. We searched for genes that were recurrently affected by rare variants (minor allele frequency <0.01) with potentially damaging effects and evidence of segregation in families. 8.7% of families carried rare disruptive mutations in the cilia-microtubule genes (CMG) as compared to 0.5% of controls3 (P=2.1x10-8). The most significantly mutated CMG was DNAAF1 with biallelic inactivation and loss of DNAAF1 expression shown in tumors from carriers. DNAAF1 as a cause of TGCT was supported by a DNAAF1Hu255h(+/-) zebrafish model with 94% penetrance for TGCT compared to 14% in wildtype fish. These data implicate cilia-microtubule inactivation as a cause of TGCT development and are the first evidence for CMGs as cancer susceptibility genes.

Study EGAS00001001789

Next_gen_seq_of_eye_cancers

Retinoblastoma (RB), the commonest eye cancer in children was the first cancer for which a genetic cause was identified: the Rb1 gene is a tumour suppressor gene that is mutated in RB. The Rb1 gene defect alone does not predict the clinical outcome. We propose to study other possible mechanisms: 1. Stepwise further mutations occur in RB, increasing its carcinogenesis. We will sequence the whole genome in RB tissue, and relate the different genes expressed to the treatments used. 2. Extracellular matric proteins contribute to a tumour permissive environment for RB to continue to grow. This includes Samll Leucine Rich Proteoglycans (SLRP), a family of 15 secreted extracellular matrix proteins involved in eye development. 3. Cancer stem cells (CSC), a subpopulation of treatment resistant cells, drive RB tumours, and whether these stem cells can be manipulated for new therapies. The aim of this study is to assist finding targeted diagnostic techniques and treatments for RB.

Study EGAS00001002309

Targeted sequencing of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas

Overall survival remains very poor for patients diagnosed with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Identification of additional biomarkers and novel therapeutic strategies are important for improving patient outcome. Patient-derived xenografts (PDXs), generated by implanting fresh tumor tissue directly from patients into immune-deficient mice, recapitulate many of the features of their corresponding clinical cancers, including histopathological and molecular profiles. Using a large collection of PDX models of HNSCC we demonstrate that rapid engraftment into immune-compromised mice is highly prognostic, and show that genomic deregulation of the G1/S checkpoint pathway correlates with engraftment. Furthermore, CCND1 and CDKN2A genomic alterations are predictive of response to the CDK4/6 inhibitor abemaciclib. Overall, our study supports the pursuit of CDK4/6 inhibitors as a therapeutic strategy for a substantial proportion of HNSCC patients, and demonstrates the potential of using PDX models to identify novel targeted therapies for those patients who have the poorest outcomes.

Study EGAS00001002979

Spatial Transcriptomics on prostate cancer heterogeneity

Intratumor heterogeneity is one of the biggest challenges in cancer treatment today. Here we investigate tissue-wide gene expression heterogeneity throughout a multifocal prostate cancer using the spatial transcriptomics (ST) technology. Utilizing a novel approach for deconvolution, we analyze the transcriptomes of nearly 6750 tissue regions and extract distinct expression profiles for the different tissue components, such as stroma, normal and PIN glands, immune cells and cancer. We distinguish healthy and diseased areas and thereby provide insight into gene expression changes during the progression of prostate cancer. Compared to pathologist annotations, we delineate the extent of cancer foci more accurately, interestingly without link to histological changes. We identify gene expression gradients in stroma adjacent to tumor regions that allow for re-stratification of the tumor microenvironment. The establishment of these profiles is the first step towards an unbiased view of prostate cancer and can serve as a dictionary for future studies.

Study EGAS00001003001

Robust detection of translocations in lymphoma FFPE samples using Targeted Locus Capture-based sequencing - NGS targeted capture control cohort

In routine diagnostic pathology, cancer biopsies are preserved by Formalin-Fixed, Paraffin-Embedding (FFPE) procedures for examination of (intra-) cellular morphology. Such procedures inadvertently induce DNA fragmentation, which compromises sequencing-based analyses of chromosomal rearrangements. Yet, rearrangements drive many types of hematolymphoid malignancies and solid tumors, and their manifestation is instructive for diagnosis, prognosis and treatment. Here, we present FFPE-Targeted Locus Capture (FFPE-TLC) for targeted sequencing of proximity-ligation products formed in FFPE tissue blocks, and PLIER, a computational framework that allows automated identification and characterization of rearrangements involving selected, clinically-relevant, loci. FFPE-TLC, blindly applied to 149 lymphoma and control FFPE samples, identifies the known and novel rearrangement partners. It outperforms fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) in sensitivity and specificity, and shows clear advantages over standard capture-NGS methods, finding rearrangements involving repetitive sequences which they typically miss. FFPE-TLC is therefore a powerful clinical diagnostics tool for accurate targeted rearrangement detection in FFPE specimens.

Study EGAS00001005325

Interethnic comparability in blood pressure GWAS

We carried out a genome-wide association and replication study for blood pressure in a two-stage approach (max N = 289,038) with a discovery stage sample of 130,777 East Asian individuals, identifying 19 new genetic loci. We found a significant genetic heterogeneity between East Asian and European-descent populations at several blood pressure loci, conforming to “a common ancestry-specific variant association model”. At 6 unique loci, distinct non-rare (or common) ancestry-specific variants co-localized within the same linkage disequilibrium block despite the significantly discordant direction of effects for the proxy shared variants between the ethnic groups. The genome-wide transethnic correlation of causal-variant effect sizes is 0.898 and 0.851 for systolic and diastolic blood pressure, respectively. Some of the ancestry-specific association signals were also influenced by a selective sweep. Our results provide new evidence for the role of common ancestry-specific variants and natural selection in the occurrence of ethnic differences in complex traits such as blood pressure.

Study EGAS00001002991

A microRNA-signature that correlates with cognition and is a target against cognitive decline

While some individuals age without pathological memory impairments, others develop age-associated cognitive diseases. Since changes in cognitive function develop slowly over time in these patients, they are often diagnosed at an advanced stage of molecular pathology, a time point when causative treatments fail. Thus, there is great need for the identification of inexpensive and minimal invasive approaches that could be used for screening with the aim to to identify individuals at risk for cognitive decline that can then undergo further diagnostics and eventually stratified therapies. In this study we use an integrative approach combining the analysis of human data and mechanistic studies in model systems to identify a circulating 3-microRNA signature that reflect key processes linked to neural homeostasis and informs about cognitive status. We furthermore provide evidence that expression changes of this signature represent multiple mechanisms de-regulated in the aging and diseased brain and are a suitable target for RNA therapeutics.

Study EGAS00001005627

SARS‐CoV‐2 receptor ACE2 and TMPRSS2 are primarily expressed in bronchial transient secretory cells

The SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic affecting the human respiratory system severely challenges public health and urgently demands for increasing our understanding of COVID‐19 pathogenesis, especially host factors facilitating virus infection and replication. SARS‐CoV‐2 was reported to enter cells via binding to ACE2, followed by its priming by TMPRSS2. Here, we investigate ACE2 and TMPRSS2 expression levels and their distribution across cell types in lung tissue (twelve donors, 39,778 cells) and in cells derived from subsegmental bronchial branches (four donors, 17,521 cells) by single nuclei and single cell RNA sequencing, respectively. While TMPRSS2 is strongly expressed in both tissues, in the subsegmental bronchial branches ACE2 is predominantly expressed in a transient secretory cell type. Interestingly, these transiently differentiating cells show an enrichment for pathways related to RHO GTPase function and viral processes suggesting increased vulnerability for SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Our data provide a rich resource for future investigations of COVID‐19 infection and pathogenesis.

Study EGAS00001004419

Human genome-wide variations in the Massim region

The Massim, a cultural region encompassing the southeastern tip of mainland Papua New Guinea (PNG) and nearby islands, is famous for the Kula trading network, in which different valuables circulate in different directions among the islands. To explore Massim genetic history, we generated genome-wide data from across the region and found variable levels of Papuan-related (indigenous) ancestry, including a novel ancestry associated with Rossel Island, and Austronesian-related ancestry that arrived later. We find genetic evidence for different patterns of contact across PNG, the Massim, and the Bismarck and Solomon Archipelagoes for Austronesian-related vs. Papuan-related ancestry, with more geographic restriction for the latter. Moreover, Kula-practicing groups share more genetic similarity than do other groups, and this likely predates the origin of Kula, suggesting that high between-group contact facilitated the formation of Kula. Our study provides the first comprehensive genome-wide assessment of Massim inhabitants and new insights into the fascinating Kula system.

Study EGAS00001006010

GRIDSS, PURPLE, LINX: Unscrambling the tumor genome via integrated analysis of structural variation and copy number

We have developed a novel, integrated and comprehensive purity, ploidy, structural variant and copy number somatic analysis toolkit for whole genome sequencing data of paired tumor/normal samples. We show that the combination of using GRIDSS for somatic structural variant calling and PURPLE for somatic copy number alteration calling allows highly sensitive, precise and consistent copy number and structural variant determination, as well as providing novel insights for short structural variants and regions of complex local topology. LINX, an interpretation tool, leverages the integrated structural variant and copy number calling to cluster individual structural variants into higher order events and chains them together to predict local derivative chromosome structure. LINX classifies and extensively annotates genomic rearrangements including simple and reciprocal breaks, LINE, viral and pseudogene insertions, and complex events such as chromothripsis. LINX also comprehensively calls genic fusions including chained fusions. Finally, our toolkit provides novel visualisation methods providing insight into complex genomic rearrangements.

Study EGAS00001004034

Serial TERT rearrangement breakpoint quantification in circulating tumor DNA enables minimal residual disease monitoring in patients with neuroblastoma

Approximately 30% of high-risk neuroblastomas harbor genomic TERT rearrangements at diagnosis, resulting in high TERT transcript levels and active telomerase. Combined with mutations in the RAS/MAPK/ALK signaling transduction network, these patients have a dismal prognosis. Our objective was to establish a liquid biopsy-based monitoring strategy for this particularly vulnerable patient subgroup, for whom no in-time molecular diagnostic tools exist to date. Detection and quantification of TERT rearrangement breakpoints in cell-free tumor DNA circulating in peripheral blood and bone marrow plasma from patients with TERT-driven neuroblastoma improved minimal residual disease monitoring and early relapse detection in individual patients. TERT rearrangement breakpoints, as a single marker or combined with mutations in the RAS/MAPK/ALK signaling transduction network, can be reliably analyzed from 1ng DNA using droplet digital PCR assays fit for clinical routine use. TERT rearrangement breakpoints are reflected in cell-free tumor DNA and can serve as robust biomarkers for disease activity.

Study EGAS00001007365

GAW16 Framingham and Simulated Data

Important links to apply for individual-level data Genetic Analysis Workshop Instructions to Request Authorized Access Data Use Certification Requirements (DUC) Apply here for controlled access to individual level data Research Use Statement Questions regarding GAW16 should be directed to Vanessa Olmo at vanessa@business-endeavors.com. Problem 2: Description of the Framingham Heart Study In GAW16, we use data drawn from the Framingham Heart Study. The Framingham Heart Study — under the direction of National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute; NHLBI — began in 1948 with the recruitment of adults from the town of Framingham, Massachusetts. At the time, little was known about the general causes of heart disease and stroke, but the death rates for cardiovascular disease (CVD) had been increasing steadily since the beginning of the 20th century and had become an American epidemic. The Framingham Heart Study is now conducted in collaboration with Boston University. The objective of the Framingham Heart Study was to identify the common factors or characteristics that contribute to CVD by following its development over a long period of time in a large group of participants who had not yet developed overt symptoms of CVD or suffered a heart attack or stroke. Between 1948 and 1953 the researchers recruited 5,209 subjects (2,336 men and 2,873 women) between the ages of 29 and 62 from the town of Framingham, Massachusetts and began the first round of extensive physical examinations and lifestyle interviews that they would later analyze for common patterns related to CVD development. Subjects were recruited from lists of addresses recorded for the town. Two out of every three households were approached for participation in the study. While there was no intention to recruit families for family studies, the plan was to recruit all household members in the ages 30-60 within each house that was selected for study. Hence, many biologically related individuals were recruited, including 1644 spouse pairs. Since 1948, these participants have returned to the study every two years for a detailed medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests. Now in 2008 at 60 years of follow up, there remain about 500 participants from this cohort. Between 1971 and 1975 the study enrolled a second-generation group — 5,124 of the original participants' children and the spouses of these children — to participate in similar examinations. 2,616 subjects are offspring of the original spouse pairs and 34 are stepchildren. A total of 898 offspring are children of cohort members where only one parent was a study participant and 1,576 are spouses of the offspring. The Offspring Cohort has been followed every four years through 2001 (except between Exams 1 and 2 with an intervening 8 years) using protocols similar to those used for study of the Original Cohort. Between 2002 and 2005 the study enrolled the third generation (Gen3) of the Framingham Heart Study - 4095 offspring of the second generation. None of their spouses were recruited. An additional 103 parents of this third generation, who were not recruited between 1971 and 1975, were also recruited at this time. The latter group is not included in the GAW16 data. With the recruitment of this third generation, the study has increasingly focused on genetic factors associated with the development of cardiovascular disease and its associated risk factors. To date, there is only one examination of this generation of participants. A description of the recruitment of this third generation and comparison with the earlier generations at their initial recruitment is presented in Splansky GL et al., 2007. Further information on the Study can be found at http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/about/framingham/index.html. Genome-wide Dense SNP Scan in Framingham Heart Study Genetic studies did not begin in the FHS until the 1990s. In the late 1980s and through the 1990s DNA was extracted from blood samples of surviving FHS participants. In 2007, the FHS entered a new phase with the conduct of genotyping for the FHS SHARe (SNP Health Association Resource) project, for which dense SNP genotyping was performed using approximately 550,000 SNPs (GeneChip® Human Mapping 500K Array Set and the 50K Human Gene Focused Panel) in 10,775 samples (some duplicates) from the three generations of subjects (including over 900 pedigrees). Affymetrix conducted all genotyping for the FHS SHARe project, using the 250K Sty, 250K Nsp, and the supplemental 50K platforms. Eighty-nine percent of the DNA samples were collected during the 1990s. To maximize the power of the study, we also extracted DNA from 1133 blood samples, drawn from subjects who had no DNA, to include in the SHARe project. These samples had been sitting in our refrigerators for some time, a few as far back as the 1970s. We refer to these DNA samples as the legacy samples. These samples had a higher failure rate in the genotyping process (40%) than the other eighty-nine percent (3%). Affymetrix invoked its own criteria for a sample to succeed in genotyping. All non-legacy samples must succeed on all three platforms, while legacy samples needed to pass on at least one platform. When a sample failed, additional attempts were made. Samples that repeatedly failed 2-4 times were called failures. Other samples failed due to issues of genotyped sex identification not matching our records or low SNP concordance among SNPs common across arrays or contamination. Eighty-nine percent of the legacy samples for which genotyping results are available passed all three platforms. The genotyping data from the 10,043 samples from 9354 subjects that passed the Affymetrix criteria were additionally checked for gender consistency and consistency with family structure, resulting in genotyping data for 9,274 participants in FHS SHARe. Genotype calls were made with the BRLMM algorithm. The SHARe database is housed at the National Center for Biotechnology Information database of genotypes and phenotypes (NCBI dbGaP) and contains all ~550,000 SNPs. This genome-wide dense SNP scan and a subset of phenotypes from the Framingham Heart Study are the focus of the Genetic Analysis Workshop 16. Further information on the specific variables in the Problem 2 dataset can be found by clicking on the Documents tab at the top of the page. Problem 3: Description of the Simulated Data Set The focus of this simulation is gene discovery in genome-wide association scans (GWAS). The Framingham Heart Study data set (distributed as "Problem 2") is the basis for the FHS* simulated data. The pedigree structures are derived from the data distributed for Problem 2, and we distribute an accompanying triplet file (triplet_sim) containing person ID, father ID, mother ID, to ensure the identical subjects, pedigrees, and singletons are used in the simulated data analysis. Consistent with standard practice, founders and singletons are designated as subjects with both fshare and mshare equal to zero (missing). The simulated data includes a total of 6,479 subjects with both phenotype and genotype data, in 942 pedigrees distributed among 3 generations and 188 singletons. Data inclusion is consistent with the subjects' consent for use by both for-profit and not-for-profit researchers. The genotypes for all Problem 3 replicates are fixed as measured and distributed for Problem 2 for both the genomewide scan and the additional candidate gene SNPs, for a total of approximately 550,000 SNPs (GeneChip® Human Mapping 500K Array Set and the 50K Human Gene Focused Panel). Thus, to analyze the Problem 3 simulated data you also will need to download the Problem 2 genotypes. Note that there are slight discrepancies in counts between Problems 2 and 3 due to a change in consents between the two datasets. Several phenotypes that contribute to coronary heart disease (CHD) were simulated for all individuals with genotypes across three different time points, 10 years apart. All genotyped individuals have complete data; the effects of missing values can be investigated by user-specified missing value patterns. There are 200 longitudinal datasets created, based on the generating model, and each replication is found in a separate dataset. We suggest that if only one replication is to be analyzed, that it be replication 1 to enable more precise comparisons among analytical approaches. The 'shareid' will allow you to merge the simulated phenotype data with the Problem 2 genotype data, and reconstruction of the pedigrees using the distributed 'triplet_sim' file or for larger families' relationships with the triplet distributed with the Problem 2. The simulated data problem is further described in the associated readme file, and a data dictionary is provided defining all the variables. For disclosure of the generating model for these data, please contact Jean MacCluer at jean@sfbrgenetics.org.

Study phs000128

Capturing the Genetic Diversity of the Himba Population

The Himba people are a semi-nomadic, Bantu-speaking pastoralist group from the northwestern Kunene region of Namibia. Because of their limited population size, restricted geographic distribution, and endogamy, founder populations represent an ideal system for genetic analyses due to reduction of the confounding environmental and cultural variables. The original study used genotype data and demographic interview data to understand family dynamics and ancestry in a population of Himba pastoralists. HLA allele calls and genome-wide methylation array data were later generated for a subset of the initial dataset for 2 additional studies. These 3 molecular datasets, available through dbGaP, are relevant to broader studies of ancestry, allele frequencies and the relationship of Himba to other ethnic groups in sub-Saharan Africa. The Himba population provides a unique opportunity to study questions regarding extra-pair paternity and mate selection because Himba culture allows both men and women, married and not, to take multiple partners. Previous estimates of extra-pair paternity rates in human populations have been very low, but these estimates lack global and cultural diversity in population representation. Thus, investigating the rate of extra-pair paternity in the Himba greatly aids in understanding the global variation in non-paternity rates among human populations. Saliva samples were collected from parents and children, and were genotyped on Illumina SNP array platforms (MEGAex and H3Africa). In total, 678 individuals' genotype array data are deposited. Paternity results were de-identified and protected by a double blind protocol (no researcher has full knowledge of individual paternity results). Due to the sensitive nature of this study, paternity assertions are not available for access. For a subset of 360 individuals, HLA class 1 (A, B, C) and class 2 (DPA1, DPB1, DQA1, DQB1, DRB1) genes were targeted for DNA sequencing using a probe-based capture method. HLA alleles at the four field resolution were determined from the sequence capture using the consensus calls obtained from two algorithms: NGSengine® 2.10.0 (GenDX, Utrecht, the Netherlands) and HLA Explore™ (Omixon Biocomputing Ltd. Budapest, Hungary). These data were used to investigate evidence for mate selection based on HLA dissimilarity in the Himba. Himba cultural norms permit concurrent arranged marriages and chosen sexual partnerships allowing us to directly test for evidence of disassortative mate selection based on HLA genotype. Due to the sensitive nature of this study, partnership data are not available for access.For a subset of 51 Himba individuals methylation array data was generated from the saliva-derived DNA. These data were generated in order to investigate the accuracy of epigenetic age predictors in this population and to construct population-specific epigenetic age predictors in a subsequent publication. Chronological ages are available for these 51 individuals.

Study phs001995

Natural Killer Cell Therapies for Hematologic Malignancies

The "Natural Killer Cell Therapies for Hematologic Malignancies" study is an umbrella repository for data pertaining to multiple related clinical trials that aim to assess NK cell therapies as part of treatment strategies for a range of hematologic malignancies. Here, data from two trials, NCT03068819 and NCT02782546, are presented.Cytokine Induced Memory-like NK Cell Adoptive Therapy for Relapsed AML after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplant in Children and Adults (NCT03068819)Pediatric and young adult (YA) patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who relapse after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) have extremely poor prognosis. Standard salvage chemotherapy and donor lymphocyte infusions (DLI) have little curative potential. Previous studies showed that natural killer (NK) cells can be stimulated ex vivo with interleukin-12 (IL-12), IL-15, and IL-18 to generate memory-like (ML) NK cells with enhanced anti-leukemia responses. We treated nine pediatric/YA patients with post-HCT relapsed AML with donor ML NK cells on a phase I trial. Patients received fludarabine, cytarabine, and filgrastim followed two weeks later by infusion of DLI and ML NK cells from the original HCT donor. ML NK cells were successfully generated from haploidentical, matched-related and matched-unrelated donors. Following infusion, donor-derived ML NK cells expanded and maintained ML multidimensional mass cytometry phenotype for over 3 months. Furthermore, ML NK cells exhibited persistent functional responses as evidenced by leukemia-triggered IFN-gamma production. Following DLI and ML NK cell adoptive transfer, 4 of 8 evaluable patients achieved complete remission at day 28. Two patients maintained a durable remission for over 3 months with one patient in remission for greater than two years. No significant toxicity was experienced. This study demonstrates that in a compatible immune environment post-HCT, donor ML NK cells robustly expand and persist with potent anti-leukemic activity in the absence of exogenous cytokines. ML NK cells in combination with DLI present a novel immunotherapy platform for AML that has relapsed after allogeneic HCT. This trial was registered at https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03068819.A Phase II Study of Cytokine Induced Memory-like NK Cell Adoptive Therapy after Haploidentical Donor Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation (NCT02782546)Natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphoid cells that eliminate cancer cells, produce cytokines, and are being investigated as a nascent cellular immunotherapy. Impaired NK cell function, expansion, and persistence remain key challenges for optimal clinical translation. One promising strategy to overcome these challenges is cytokine-induced memory-like (ML) differentiation, whereby NK cells acquire enhanced anti-tumor function following stimulation with IL-12, IL-15, and IL-18. Here, reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC) for HLA-haploidentical hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) was augmented with same-donor ML NK cells on Day 7 and 3 weeks of N-803 (IL-15 superagonist) to treat patients with relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in the clinical trial (NCT02782546). In 15 patients, donor ML NK cells were well-tolerated and 87% of patients achieved a composite complete response at Day 28, which corresponded with clearing high-risk mutations, including TP53 variants. NK cells were the major blood lymphocytes for two months post-HCT with prolific expansion (1104-fold) over 1-2 weeks. Multidimensional mass cytometry and CITE-seq identified donor ML NK cells as distinct from conventional NK cells and persisting for over two months. ML NK cells expressed CD16, CD57, and high granzyme B and perforin, along with a unique transcription factor profile. ML NK cells differentiated in patients had enhanced ex vivo function compared to conventional NK cells from both patient and healthy donors. Overall, same-donor ML NK cell therapy with 3 weeks of N-803 support safely augmented RIC haplo-HCT for AML, with ML NK cells demonstrating enhanced in vivo persistence and functionality, overcoming barriers in the field.

Study phs002681

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