Search Results - EGA European Genome-Phenome Archive

Genomic Profiling of Melanoma

This study reports on genomic profiling [whole-exome sequencing (WXS), bulk RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), and/or single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq)] of patient-derived melanoma samples and matched normal samples. The goal is to elucidate the genetic and cellular basis of sun-exposed and sun-shielded melanomas and to relate these findings to survival and regional metastasis. Specimens were collected by the Tissue Resource Core of the Yale SPORE in Skin Cancer with participants' informed signed consent according to Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations with a Human Investigative Committee protocol. The melanomas used for sequencing were from fresh or snap-frozen tumors, or from short-term cell cultures. The cell cultures were routinely checked for mycoplasma contamination and were discarded when found positive. Matching normal DNA was from circulating lymphocytes or normal skin. We also include 77 WES-sequenced samples from the Yale Spitzoid neoplasm repository, which collects specimen and data according to a protocol approved by the Yale Human Investigative Committee.

Study phs000933

Identification of High-Risk PHF19 Expressing Cells in Myeloma Single-Cell Multiomics

The aim of this study is to identify novel subsets of cells that are associated with progression and response to treatment. In this project, we study the tumor fraction from 49 myeloma patients across stages of progression. Samples were collected from 10 smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM), 22 newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM), and 17 relapsed refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) patients. These samples were then sorted using magnetic-activated cell sorting (MACS) for CD138+ cells that represent the tumor fraction of each sample. The CD138+ fraction then underwent whole genome sequencing (WGS), where possible, and single-cell multiomics. Single-cell multiomics can now measure scRNA-seq and scATAC-seq simultaneously, which we use in this project. Using single-cell multiomics, we will study subclonal changes in gene expression, chromatin accessibility, and identify novel regulatory relationships within myeloma tumors. Furthermore, we will apply state of the art single-cell and single-cell multiomic techniques to better identify the more high-risk components of myeloma.

Study phs003220

Peripheral blood DNA methylation and transcriptomics of vedolizumab and ustekinumab treatment response in patients with Crohn's disease

Biological therapeutics are now widely used in Crohn’s disease (CD), with evidence of efficacy from randomised trials and real-world experience. Primary non-response is a common, poorly understood problem. We assessed blood methylation as a predictor of response to vedolizumab (VDZ, anti-a4b7 integrin) or ustekinumab (USTE, anti-IL-12/23p40). We report a two-center, prospective cohort study in which we profiled the peripheral blood DNA methylome of adult male and female CD patients. Samples were obtained prior to and during treatment with VDZ or USTE in a discovery and a validation cohort. Response to VDZ or USTE was defined based on a combination of ≥50% reduction in the endoscopic SES-CD score, corticosteroid-free clinical remission (≥3 point drop in HBI or HBI ≤4 and no systemic steroids) and/or biochemical response (C-reactive protein (CRP) and fecal calprotectin (FCP) reduction ≥50% or ≤5 mg/L and fecal calprotectin ≤250 µg/g).

Study EGAS50000000263

Homopolymer switches mediate adaptive mutability in mismatch repair-deficient colorectal cancer

Mismatch repair (MMR) deficient cancer evolves through the continuous erosion of coding homopolymers in target genes. Curiously, the MMR genes MSH6 and MSH3 also contain coding homopolymers and these are frequent mutational targets in MMR-deficient cancers. The impact of incremental MMR mutations on MMR-deficient colorectal cancer evolution is unknown. We show that microsatellite instability modulates DNA repair by toggling hypermutable mononucleotide homopolymer runs in MSH6 and MSH3 through stochastic frameshift switching. Spontaneous mutation and reversion modulates subclonal mutation rate, mutation bias, and clonal HLA and neoantigen diversity. Patient-derived organoids corroborate these observations and show that in the absence of immune selection MMR homopolymer sequences drift back into reading frame, suggesting a fitness cost of elevated mutation rates. Combined experimental and simulation studies demonstrate that subclonal immune selection favours incremental MMR mutations. Overall, our data demonstrate that MMR-deficient colorectal cancers fuel intratumour heterogeneity by adapting subclonal mutation rate and diversity to immune selection.

Study EGAS50000000297

MutWP6__CRUK_Grand_Challenge_Mutographs_of_Cancer__alkylating_agents

The Mutographs project aims to advance our understanding of the causes of cancer through studies of mutational signatures. Led by Mike Stratton, together with Paul Brennan, Ludmil Alexandrov, Allan Balmain, David Phillips and Peter Campbell, this large-scale international research endeavour was awarded a Cancer Research UK Grand Challenge. Within Mutographs, work lead by the Sanger Institute will investigate whether detection of somatic mutations and mutational signatures in circulating white blood cells can be developed into a practical, generic system for surveying and monitoring multiple different endogenous and exogenous exposures, providing an ‘observatory’ on somatic mutational processes in humans. Whole genome sequences are generated at the Wellcome Sanger Institute (Illumina HiSeqX). Somatic mutational signatures are subsequently extracted by non-negative matrix factorisation methods. Through an enhanced understanding of cancer aetiology, Mutographs unprecedented effort is anticipated to outline modifiable risk factors, lead to new approaches to prevent cancer, and provide opportunities to empower early detection, refine high-risk groups and contribute to further therapeutic development.

Study EGAS00001003637

MutWP6__CRUK_Grand_Challenge_Mutographs_of_Cancer__oncology_agents

he Mutographs project aims to advance our understanding of the causes of cancer through studies of mutational signatures. Led by Mike Stratton, together with Paul Brennan, Ludmil Alexandrov, Allan Balmain, David Phillips and Peter Campbell, this large-scale international research endeavour was awarded a Cancer Research UK Grand Challenge. Within Mutographs, work lead by the Sanger Institute will investigate whether detection of somatic mutations and mutational signatures in circulating white blood cells can be developed into a practical, generic system for surveying and monitoring multiple different endogenous and exogenous exposures, providing an ‘observatory’ on somatic mutational processes in humans. Whole genome sequences are generated at the Wellcome Sanger Institute (Illumina HiSeqX). Somatic mutational signatures are subsequently extracted by non-negative matrix factorisation methods. Through an enhanced understanding of cancer aetiology, Mutographs unprecedented effort is anticipated to outline modifiable risk factors, lead to new approaches to prevent cancer, and provide opportunities to empower early detection, refine high-risk groups and contribute to further therapeutic development.

Study EGAS00001004125

Cell-type eQTLs for single-cell Mendelian Randomisation

The following study mapped eQTLs in the post-mortem human brain from snRNA-seq generated on 391 individuals. Following eQTL discovery and identification of state-specific eQTLs (dynamic associations interacting with disease), colocalisation and MR was performed integrating GWAS from 42 traits, for the identification of putatively causal genes with cell-type specific context. This study contains raw sequencing data and genotype for two datasets used in this work; - The MRC 60 dataset, which contains snRNA-seq generated on post-mortem brain from 60 control individuals (104 samples total, split across prefrontal cortex and hippocampus). Samples were pooled into 27 distinct pools, each of which was split across 4 lanes. Following sequencing and mapping using cellranger, demultiplexing was done using Demuxlet using the pool-specific genotype data (which contain sample IDs). - The Roche PD dataset, which is 10X multiome data generated on on 70 PD and 22 control individuals.

Study EGAS50000000687

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

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

Study phs002918

Oncogenic FOXL2C134W has gain-of-function chromatin remodeling activity that reprograms glucocorticoid receptor occupancy to promote ovarian granulosa cell tumor growth

Adult type ovarian granulosa cell tumors (AGCTs) are rare malignancies with near universal somatic mutation c.C402G (p.Cys134Trp) in FOXL2, a forkhead box-family transcription factor important for ovarian function. Relapsed AGCT is incurable and the mechanism of the unique FOXL2 mutation remains incompletely understood. To identify FOXL2C134W-dependent pharmacologic synergies, we created and characterized endogenous FOXL2 isogenic AGCT cells and an AGCT tumoroid biobank. A drug screen identified that glucocorticoids promote FOXL2C134W-dependent AGCT growth. Epigenetic investigation revealed that the Cys134Trp mutation exposes latent DNA sequence-specific pioneering activity in FOXL2, a unique oncogenic mechanism. FOXL2C134W pioneering activity redirects glucocorticoid receptor chromatin occupancy to drive hyaluronan synthase 2 gene expression and increase extracellular hyaluronan secretion. Treatment of AGCT models with hyaluronidase reduces viability and this effect can be rescued by dexamethasone. Thus, gain-of-function pioneering activity contributes to the oncogenic mechanism of FOXL2C134W and creates a potentially targetable synergy with glucocorticoid signaling.

Study EGAS50000000622

MethylBERT enables read-level DNA methylation pattern identification and tumour deconvolution using a Transformer-based model

DNA methylation (DNAm) is a key epigenetic mark that shows profound alterations in cancer. Read-level methylomes enable more in-depth DNAm analysis due to the broad coverage and preservation of rare cell-type signals, compared to array-based data such as 450K/EPIC array. Here, we propose MethylBERT, a novel Transformer-based model for read-level methylation pattern classification. MethylBERT identifies tumour-derived sequence reads based on their methylation patterns and genomic sequence and the method estimates tumour cell fractions within bulk samples. In our evaluation, MethylBERT outperforms existing deconvolution methods and demonstrates high accuracy regardless of methylation pattern complexity, read length and read coverage. Moreover, we show its applicability to cell-type deconvolution as well as non-invasive early cancer diagnostics using liquid biopsy samples. MethylBERT represents a significant advancement in read-level methylome analysis and enables accurate tumour purity estimation. The broad applicability of MethylBERT will enhance studies on both tumour and non-cancerous bulk methylomes.

Study EGAS50000000806

Identification and targeting of extremely high-risk gamma delta T-ALL in children

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia expressing the gamma delta T cell receptor (γδ T-ALL) is an uncommon, poorly understood disease. We studied 200 pediatric γδ T-ALL enrolled on clinical trials to understand the clinical and genetic features of this disease, which showed variation in outcome according to age and genetic driver. γδ T-ALL diagnosed in children under three years of age was extremely high-risk and enriched for genetic alterations leading to both LMO2 activation and STAG2 inactivation. Using patient samples and isogenic cell lines, we show that inactivation of STAG2 profoundly perturbs chromatin organization by altering enhancer-promoter looping and results in deregulation of gene expression related to T-cell differentiation. High throughput drug screening identified a vulnerability in DNA repair pathways arising from STAG2 inactivation, which was efficaciously targeted by PARP inhibition. These data provide a diagnostic and therapeutic framework for classification and risk stratification of pediatric γδ T-ALL.

Study EGAS50000000018

Multi-Omic Microbiome Study-Pregnancy Initiative (MOMS-PI)

The Vaginal Microbiome Consortium team at Virginia Commonwealth University has conducted the Multi-Omic Microbiome Study: Pregnancy Initiative (MOMS-PI) in collaboration with the Global Alliance to Prevent Prematurity and Stillbirth (GAPPS) to better understand how microbiome and host profiles change throughout pregnancy and influence the establishment of the nascent microbiome in neonates. The team particularly focused on elucidation of the role of the microbiome and its components in the etiology of preterm birth, which occurs in over 10% of pregnancies and which is the leading cause of death in neonates. Samples from 1594 women and their neonates were collected throughout pregnancy, at delivery and postpartum. The group has generated a comprehensive dataset of multiple omics technologies. This longitudinal, large-scale effort was designed to provide a large-scale resource for the scientific community. The study also permits characterization of temporal dynamics of the microbiome in pregnancy and factors associated with preterm birth.

Study phs001523

Sensitive neoantigen discovery by real-time mutanome-guided immunopeptidomics - RNAseq

Targeting cancer-specific HLA-peptide complexes is a promising immunotherapy approach, with mutated neoantigens offering high value for their immunogenicity and cancer-specificity. Selecting immunogenic targets requires personalized prioritization of cancer-specific immunopeptides. Mass spectrometry (MS)-based immunopeptidomics supports this process by directly identifying cancer-specific antigens and informing global presentation patterns to refine immunogenicity predictions. Clinical pipelines, however, must balance global depth and target sensitivity compounded by low input samples and time constraints. Here, we present NeoDiscMS, an extension of the NeoDisc pipeline, enabling personalized immunopeptidomics data acquisition. By leveraging real-time NGS-guided spectral acquisitions, NeoDiscMS maximizing sensitivity with minimal loss of global depth. NeoDiscMS improves TAA-derived peptide detection up to 20% and enhances neoantigen identification confidence compared to the clinical gold standard method. Designed for effectiveness and ease of use, it requires minimal effort for implementation. NeoDiscMS advances personalization in clinical antigen discovery by enabling more sensitive neoantigen detection while seamlessly integrating into existing workflows.

Study EGAS50000000977

International Cancer Proteogenome Consortium (ICPC): Proteogenomics of Early Stage Lung Adenocarcinoma in Taiwan

Lung cancer in East Asia is characterized by a high percentage of never-smokers with early-onset adenocarcinoma, predominantly with EGFR mutations. To provide an insight into the molecular phenotype of this demographically distinct disease, we have performed a proteogenomics study on a prospectively collected cohort representing early stage lung adenocarcinoma in Taiwan. The distinct mutational profile revealed a high prevalence of the APOBEC mutational signature in early-onset females, implicating differential regulation of APOBEC enzymes and DNA damage pathways, as well as enrichment of mutational signatures congruent with environmental carcinogens over-represented in the genomic location of EGFR. We delineate the proteogenomic hallmarks of tumor progression and propose a proteomics-informed classification that resolves the EGFR mutation heterogeneity associated with survival within the early stages. Functional annotation of the molecular subtypes by protein network analysis highlights candidate biomarkers for patient stratification. Our integrative analysis reveals the molecular architecture of lung cancer in East Asia and enables the path for precision medicine.

Study phs001954

Genomic determinants of response and resistance to inotuzumab in B-ALL

Inotuzumab Ozogamicin (InO) is an antibody-drug conjugate which delivers calicheamicin to CD22-expressing cells. In a retrospective cohort of InO treated B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) patients, we sought to understand the genomic determinants of response to InO. Acquired CD22 mutations were observed in 11% (3/27) of post-InO relapsed samples. CD22 mutation types were diverse (frameshift, nonsense, missense and stoploss) and we identified multiple mechanisms of mutation induced CD22 escape, including protein truncation, protein destabilization, and epitope alteration. Accelerated acquisition of mutations by error-prone DNA damage repair could drive CD22 mutation and escape. Acquired loss-of-function mutations in TP53, ATM and CDKN2A were observed, suggesting compromise of the G1/S DNA damage checkpoint as a mechanism of evading InO-induced apoptosis. In conclusion, genetic alterations modulating CD22 expression and DNA damage response influence InO efficacy. The diverse mechanisms of CD22 escape advocates for a refined approach for monitoring CD22-targeted therapy.

Study EGAS50000000067

A single-chain derivative of the integrin β1-activating TS2/16 antibody potentiates organoid growth in Matrigel and Collagen hydrogels.

Culturing epithelial organoids from Adult Stem Cells (ASCs) requires interaction of their β1-integrins with extracellular matrix (ECM) components such as laminin or collagen. Matrigel and BME® (extracts from Engelbreth-Holm-Swarm tumor cells grown in the mouse abdomen) are a popular source of ECM proteins. Yet, these preparations are costly and subject to batch-to-batch variation due to animal-derived contaminations. Here, we describe a single chain version (scFv) of antibody TS2/16, allosterically activating integrin β1 function in organoids. Addition of 5 nM of monomeric scFv to organoid medium results in up to 5-fold higher yields of organoids in Matrigel/BME®. In addition, scTS2/16 generates 6-7-fold higher yields of intestinal organoids in collagen-I hydrogel, when grown both in 3D and in 2D. Collagen is well-defined, available at clinical grade, and in combination with scTS2/16, will enable the clinical use of gastrointestinal organoids.

Study EGAS50000001113

Uncovering Gene Regulatory Differences between Human and Chimpanzee Neural Cells

A major challenge in human evolutionary biology is to pinpoint the genetic differences that underlie phenotypic changes in the human lineage, such as increased neuron number and a prolonged period of neuronal maturation. Here, we used human-chimpanzee tetraploid cells to distinguish changes in gene expression due to cis-acting sequence variants that change local gene regulation, from trans expression changes due to species differences in the cellular environment, in neural progenitor cells and excitatory neurons using RNA-seq and ATAC-seq. Using a CRISPR inhibition screen with scRNA-seq, transcription factor motif analyses with CUT&Tag, and downstream single-locus studies with RNA-seq, we further characterized cis-acting gene regulatory differences, including changes to FOS, TNIK, FOSL2, and MAZ, that influence neurogenesis and neuronal maturation. This study identifies specific genomic changes that may contribute to human neural specializations and provides a general framework for understanding genetic differences that underlie human traits.

Study phs004053

High-grade B-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified: an LLMPP study

Molecular characterization of high-grade B-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified (HGBCL-NOS), is hindered by its rarity, evolving definition, and poor diagnostic reproducibility. To address this challenge, we analyzed 92 HGBCL-NOS tumors collected across Lymphoma/Leukemia Molecular Profiling Project sites. These tumors were profiled using whole-genome sequencing (WGS) or whole-exome sequencing (WES) to identify somatic mutations, WGS or low-pass WGS to detect copy number alterations, targeted capture sequencing to assess MYC and BCL2 structural variants, and RNA sequencing. The genetic features of HGBCL-NOS were compared to those of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL-NOS) and EBV-negative adult Burkitt lymphoma (BL). DLBCL-NOS tumors underwent targeted capture sequencing using a panel of 125 genes recurrently mutated in aggressive B-cell lymphomas. BL biopsies were drawn from the Burkitt Lymphoma Genome Sequencing Project and had available WGS (dbGaP Study Accession: phs000527.v18.p6).

Study EGAS50000000932

Identifying genetic variants that alter TCR usage in the peripheral repertoire

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

Study EGAS00001008189

MutWP6__CRUK_Grand_Challenge_Mutographs_of_Cancer__Botseq

The Mutographs project aims to advance our understanding of the causes of cancer through studies of mutational signatures. Led by Mike Stratton, together with Paul Brennan, Ludmil Alexandrov, Allan Balmain, David Phillips and Peter Campbell, this large-scale international research endeavour was awarded a Cancer Research UK Grand Challenge. Within Mutographs, work lead by the Sanger Institute will investigate whether detection of somatic mutations and mutational signatures in circulating white blood cells can be developed into a practical, generic system for surveying and monitoring multiple different endogenous and exogenous exposures, providing an ‘observatory’ on somatic mutational processes in humans. Whole genome sequences are generated at the Wellcome Sanger Institute (Illumina HiSeqX). Somatic mutational signatures are subsequently extracted by non-negative matrix factorisation methods. Through an enhanced understanding of cancer aetiology, Mutographs unprecedented effort is anticipated to outline modifiable risk factors, lead to new approaches to prevent cancer, and provide opportunities to empower early detection, refine high-risk groups and contribute to further therapeutic development.

Study EGAS00001004330

Sensitive neoantigen discovery by real-time mutanome-guided immunopeptidomics - WES

Targeting cancer-specific HLA-peptide complexes is a promising immunotherapy approach, with mutated neoantigens offering high value for their immunogenicity and cancer-specificity. Selecting immunogenic targets requires personalized prioritization of cancer-specific immunopeptides. Mass spectrometry (MS)-based immunopeptidomics supports this process by directly identifying cancer-specific antigens and informing global presentation patterns to refine immunogenicity predictions. Clinical pipelines, however, must balance global depth and target sensitivity compounded by low input samples and time constraints. Here, we present NeoDiscMS, an extension of the NeoDisc pipeline, enabling personalized immunopeptidomics data acquisition. By leveraging real-time NGS-guided spectral acquisitions, NeoDiscMS maximizing sensitivity with minimal loss of global depth. NeoDiscMS improves TAA-derived peptide detection up to 20% and enhances neoantigen identification confidence compared to the clinical gold standard method. Designed for effectiveness and ease of use, it requires minimal effort for implementation. NeoDiscMS advances personalization in clinical antigen discovery by enabling more sensitive neoantigen detection while seamlessly integrating into existing workflows.

Study EGAS50000000976

Human CD4+ T cells regulate peripheral immune responses in rheumatoid arthritis via IGFL2

To elucidate the role of the immunoregulatory mechanisms of human CD4+ T cells, we analyzed CD4+ T cells in PBMC, synovium and synovial fluid using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq). We identified insulin-like growth factor (IGF) like family member 2 (IGFL2), an evolutionary novel paralogous inflammatory factor found exclusively in primates. ScRNA-seq of RA synovium showed that IGFL2 is specifically expressed by CD4+ T cells, predominantly within peripheral helper T (Tph) cells, with upregulation correlating to disease severity. IGFL2 promotes TGF-��-induced CXCL13 production in CD4+ T cells. In addition, IGFL2 activates NF-��B signaling and induces monocyte gene signatures associated with pathogenic macrophages from RA synovial tissue, including CXCL10 and CXCL9. Notably, blood IGFL2 protein levels significantly correlate with RA disease severity and effectively discriminate RA patients. These findings highlight the substantial involvement of IGFL2 in RA pathogenesis, emphasizing how human CD4+ T cells exert pleiotropic regulation of local immune responses via this novel primate-specific soluble factor.

Study JGAS000727

Maturation of Human Intestinal Epithelial Cell Layers Fortifies the Apical Surface against Salmonella Attack

Pathogen invasion of intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) is a key gut infection event. The dynamics of this process in intact epithelia and the factors governing IEC susceptibility remain underexplored. We present a resource for live-cell infection imaging in human enteroid-/colonoid-derived IEC layers, across maturation states and in the presence or absence of soluble mucus production. Utilization of this resource shows how human IEC maturation fortifies the apical surface against invasion by Salmonella Typhimurium (S.Tm). Immature IEC layers appear permissive to S.Tm invasion, but maturation towards an enterocyte/colonocyte phenotype reduces the susceptibility by up to tenfold. This shift couples to downregulated expression of actin regulatory proteins exploited by the pathogen, an increased dependence on the S.Tm effector SipA, and the build-up of the apical IEC glycocalyx linked to surface-attached mucins like MUC13 and nullifiable by StcE-enzyme treatment. This underscores how the maturation state of human IECs governs susceptibility to bacterial invasion.

Study EGAS50000001241

WGS analysis of Japanese liver cancer

Liver cancer is prevalent worldwide, mainly associated with virus infection, and its underlying etiology and genomic structure are heterogeneous. Here we provide a whole-genome landscape of somatic alterations in 300 Japanese liver cancers. Our comprehensive analysis elucidated point mutations in non-coding regions, structural variants (SVs), and virus integrations, in addition to coding mutations, and demonstrated new mutational signatures related with liver carcinogenesis, novel recurrently mutated coding and non-coding regions such as lincRNA NEAT1/MALAT1, promoters, CTCF binding sites, and regulatory regions. SV analysis found a significant association with replication timing, and revealed that known cancer genes (CDKN2A, CCND1, APC, and TERT) and new cancer genes (ASH1L, NCOR1, MACROD2) were recurrently affected by SVs, leading to altered expression of nearby genes. These results emphasize the value of whole genome sequencing analysis to discover cancer driver mutations and to understand comprehensive molecular profiles of liver cancer, especially for SVs and non-coding mutations.

Study JGAS000151

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

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

Study JGAS000164

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

Delineation of the heterogeneous molecular landscape of HRS cells and their biological contributions to forming comprehensive TME ecosystems.

The tissue architecture of classic Hodgkin Lymphoma (CHL) is unique among cancers and characterized by rare malignant Hodgkin and Reed-Sternberg cells that are co-evolving in a complex ecosystem of immune cells in the tumor microenvironment. The lack of a comprehensive systems-level interrogation has hindered the description of disease heterogeneity and clinically relevant molecular subtypes. Here, we employed an integrative, multimodal approach to characterize CHL tumors using malignant cell sequencing, spatial transcriptomics and imaging mass cytometry. We identified four molecular subtypes (CST, CN913, STB, and CN2P) each characterized by distinct clinical features, mutational patterns, malignant cell gene expression profiles, and spatial architecture of immune cell populations. Functional modeling of CSF2RB mutations, a characteristic feature of CST, revealed dysregulated oncogenic signaling and changes in tumor microenvironment crosstalk. These findings highlight the significance of multi-dimensional profiling in elucidating patterns of molecular alterations that drive immune ecosystems and underlie therapeutically exploitable vulnerabilities.

Study EGAS00001008064

A tumor-associated photoreceptor signature unifies distinct central nervous system malignancies

Pineoblastoma is a clinically aggressive childhood brain tumor composed of distinct molecular subgroups with divergent driver genes, demographics, and clinical outcomes. To identify developmental origins and mechanisms governing disease pathogenesis, we derive single-cell transcriptomes from pineal parenchymal tumors, aligning malignant cells with our atlas of pineal gland development to retrace cellular origins. Integrative computational analyses maps pineoblastoma origins to transient cycling pinealocyte progenitors during development. Lineage-specific perturbation of suspected drivers in the early pineal gland yields preclinical models representative of consensus molecular subgroups. Multi-omic characterization of patient tumors and these models uncovers a tumor-associated photoreceptor signature common to pineoblastoma, retinoblastoma, and Group 3 medulloblastoma. Transcriptional activity of this signature within respective cellular origins establishes a developmental basis for molecular similarities between entities. Photoreceptor signature constituents are selective dependencies across these anatomically distinct central nervous system malignancies, motivating future studies evaluating developmentally encoded programs of malignancy as potential therapeutic liabilities.

Study EGAS50000001457

Common origin and somatic mutation patterns of composite lymphomas and leukemias

When two lymphomas occur concurrently or sequentially in a patient, it is a major question whether they derive from the same lymphocyte or hematopoietic precursor cell or developed independently. We studied four composite classic Hodgkin lymphomas (HL) and other mature B-cell lymphomas, and two composite mature B- and T-cell neoplasias by whole exome sequencing (WES) and analyzed shared somatic mutations in the lymphomas of these clonally related composite lymphomas, indicating their derivation from a common, pre-malignant precursor. Most identified mutations were restricted to one or the other of these lymphomas, likely explaining how distinct lymphomas developed from a common ancestral B cell. In the two B-cell/T-cell lymphoma cases, and a composite clonally unrelated HL/chronic lymphocytic leukemia, the lymphoma partners did not share any somatic mutations. In three cases, we identified potentially oncogenic variants also in cells serving as constitutional controls.

Study EGAS50000001017

Transcriptome changes in circulating immune cells of critical COVID-19 patients predict a specific metabolic and epigenetic imprint

The progression to severe COVID-19 arises predominantly from a dysregulated host immune response, although the underlying regulatory mechanisms still remain partially elusive. This limits a prompt prediction of disease progression and restrains our understanding of “long COVID”. Here, we analyzed the transcriptomes of peripheral blood mononuclear cells collected from COVID-19 patients experiencing different degrees of the disease and control patients. In critical COVID-19 patients, we found an altered regulatory network involving microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs, and coding genes that control mRNA translation-related genes, epigenetics, and metabolism. We also observed an upregulation of tRNA aminoacylation genes and increased expression of coding genes enriched for the cognate amino acids. Collectively, our findings indicate a broad perturbation of the gene expression landscape that characterizes the aberrant host immune response in critical COVID-19 patients and is potentially coordinated by alterations in microRNA expression and tRNA metabolism.

Study EGAS50000000965

Fragmentation signatures in cancer patients are similar to those in patients with vascular and autoimmune diseases

The analysis of fragmentation patterns in plasma cell-free DNA (cfDNA) has been shown to distinguish individuals with cancer from healthy controls in multiple case-controlled studies. However, there have been few studies that investigate various types cfDNA fragmentomics patterns in individuals with other diseases. For this purpose, we developed a comprehensive metric, called fragmentation signatures, that integrated the distributions of fragment positioning, fragment length, and fragment end-motifs. Using this metric, we found that individuals with venous thromboembolism, systemic lupus erythematosus, dermatomyositis, or scleroderma had cfDNA fragmentation signatures that closely mimicked those found in individuals with advanced cancers. Furthermore, these signatures were highly correlated with increases in inflammatory markers in the blood. Though these data put substantial limitations on the specificity of fragmentomics-based tests for cancer diagnostics, they also offer ways to improve the interpretability of such tests. Moreover, they should lead to a better understanding of the cells – most likely inflammatory cells - from which plasma cfDNA is derived.

Study EGAS00001008004

STimage: Robust and interpretable prediction of gene markers and cell types from spatial transcriptomics data

Spatial transcriptomics (ST) links tissue morphology with gene expression values, opening new avenues for digital pathology. Deep learning models are used to predict gene expression or classify cell types directly from images, offering significant clinical potential but still requiring improvements in interpretability and robustness. We present STimage as a comprehensive suite of models to predict spatial gene expression and classify cell types directly from standard H\&E images. STimage enhances robustness by estimating gene expression distributions and quantifying both data-driven (aleatoric) and model-based (epistemic) uncertainty using ensemble approach with foundation models. Interpretability is achieved through attribution analysis at single-cell resolution integrated with histopathological annotations, functional genes, and latent representations. We validated STimage across diverse datasets, demonstrating its performance across various platforms. STimage-predicted gene expression can stratify patient survival and predict drug response. By enabling molecular and cellular prediction from routine histology, STimage offers a powerful tool to advance digital pathology.

Study EGAS50000001503

Data Use Ontology (DUO) at EGA

For those of you that follow the updates of GA4GH you will have seen the unanimous approval of the steering committee for DUO to be included in its suite of technical standards for the sharing of genomic and health related data. DUO has three main features: Each term has been generated by the community and includes a human readable definition that can be expanded where necessary. It is a machine-readable file that encodes how that data can be used and how a researcher intends to use the data. Can be implemented alongside an advanced search algorithm which would allow authenticated users to query and gain access to datasets pertaining to their research. e.g., an industry researcher working on cancer could potentially be matched to any dataset that is allowed for commercial use and for cancer research and offered the opportunity to fetch them automatically. So, what does this mean for EGA? EGA as a driver project has adopted this standard and will be utilizing it for two main purposes in the first instance. i) It will allow EGA users to instantly identify what terms they will need to agree to as part of any Data Access Agreements. This will save valuable time for both applicants and Data Access Committees alike - as you will be able to see if you are likely to be able to access the data based on your research intentions and working background. ii) In the future it will allow users to be able to search for data based on Data Use Ontology terms e.g., you could search for all data that can be used for General Research Use (GRU). As EGA moves forwards submitters will be asked to align their data access policies with DUO so that their dataset(s) can be tagged appropriately on our web pages. If you would like to add DUO to any of your existing datasets, or to any future datasets, do please just let us know.

Blog data-use-ontology

Genetic Basis of Hepatosplenic T Cell Lymphoma (HSTL)

Hepatosplenic T cell lymphoma (HSTL) is a rare and lethal lymphoma; the genetic drivers of this disease are unknown. Through whole exome sequencing of 68 HSTLs, we define recurrently mutated driver genes and copy number alterations in the disease. Chromatin modifying genes including SETD2, INO80 and ARID1B were commonly mutated in HSTL, affecting 62% of cases. HSTLs manifest frequent mutations in STAT5B (31%), STAT3 (9%), and PIK3CD (9%) for which there currently exist potential targeted therapies. In addition, we noted less frequent events in EZH2, KRAS and TP53. SETD2 was the most frequently silenced gene in HSTL. We experimentally demonstrated that SETD2 acts as a tumor suppressor gene. In addition, we found that mutations in STAT5B and PIK3CD activate critical signaling pathways important to cell survival in HSTL. Our work thus defines the genetic landscape of HSTL and implicates novel gene mutations linked to HSTL pathogenesis and potential treatment targets.

Study EGAS00001002182

miR-200-regulated CXCL12β promotes fibroblast heterogeneity and immunosuppression in ovarian cancers

High-grade serous epithelial ovarian cancer (HGSOC) has been recently subdivided into molecular subgroups, including the mesenchymal HGSOC associated with partial tumor-debulking surgery and poor patient survival. Consistent with stromal-related genes signatures defining mesenchymal HGSOC, we show here that stroma plays a key function in this HGSOC molecular subtype. We first highlight stromal heterogeneity in HGSOC by identifying 4 subsets of Carcinoma-Associated Fibroblast (CAF-S1-4). Mesenchymal HGSOC significantly accumulate the activated CAF-S1 subset, which exhibits immunosuppressive functions by promoting attraction, survival and activation of regulatory T-lymphocytes. The CXCL12β chemokine reliably characterizes mesenchymal HGSOC and specifically accumulates in the CAF-S1 subset through a regulation mediated by the miR-141/200a. CXCL12β promotes attraction of T-lymphocytes and is thus a key actor in CAF-S1-mediated immunosuppressive functions. In conclusion, we highlight here for the first time stromal heterogeneity and immunosuppression in mesenchymal HGSOC that could participate in the poor patient prognosis.

Study EGAS00001002184

Somatic_mutation_and_clonal_evolution_normal_breast_tissue_WGS

Cancer is a genetic disease caused by an accumulation of mutations, however many of these mutations have been identified in pathologically normal tissue. We aim to use laser-capture microscopy (LCM) to sample individual clones from breast tissue to identify whether cancer-associated mutations appear in this normal tissue, assess the mutational burden present, and identify the mutational processes causing these mutations. We will sample from a wide age range of individuals (<20 to >70 years old) to determine whether these processes differ in pre- and post-menopausal women. We will also be comparing the tissue from healthy individuals (samples from breast reduction surgery) to those at elevated risk of breast cancer (mastectomy from BRCA1/2 patients) and those who have breast cancer (adjacent normal, distal normal, and tumour tissue from mastectomy). This will allow us to determine how these processes are different between these groups of individuals, and gain insight into the earliest stages of tumour development.

Study EGAS00001002857

MutWP5__CRUK_Mutographs_of_CancerBreastReduction_Mammoplasty_WGNovaseq_

Cancer is a genetic disease caused by an accumulation of mutations, however many of these mutations have been identified in pathologically normal tissue. We aim to use laser-capture microscopy (LCM) to sample individual clones from breast tissue to identify whether cancer-associated mutations appear in this normal tissue, assess the mutational burden present, and identify the mutational processes causing these mutations. We will sample from a wide age range of individuals (<20 to >60 years old) to determine whether these processes differ in pre- and post-menopausal women. We will also be comparing the tissue from healthy individuals (samples from breast reduction surgery) to those at elevated risk of breast cancer (mastectomy from BRCA1/2 patients) and those who have breast cancer (adjacent normal, distal normal, and tumour tissue from mastectomy). This will allow us to determine how these processes are different between these groups of individuals, and gain insight into the earliest stages of tumor development.

Study EGAS00001003524

MutWP5__CRUK_Mutographs_of_Cancer__BRCA_Carriers_ExomeNovaseq_

Cancer is a genetic disease caused by an accumulation of mutations, however many of these mutations have been identified in pathologically normal tissue. We aim to use laser-capture microscopy (LCM) to sample individual clones from breast tissue to identify whether cancer-associated mutations appear in this normal tissue, assess the mutational burden present, and identify the mutational processes causing these mutations. We will sample from a wide age range of individuals (<20 to >60 years old) to determine whether these processes differ in pre- and post-menopausal women. We will also be comparing the tissue from healthy individuals (samples from breast reduction surgery) to those at elevated risk of breast cancer (mastectomy from BRCA1/2 patients) and those who have breast cancer (adjacent normal, distal normal, and tumour tissue from mastectomy). This will allow us to determine how these processes are different between these groups of individuals, and gain insight into the earliest stages of tumor development.

Study EGAS00001003526

Early evolutionary branching across spatial domains predisposes to clonal replacement under chemotherapy in neuroblastoma

Neuroblastoma (NB) is one of the most lethal childhood cancers due its propensity to treatment resistance. By spatial mapping of subclone geographies before and after chemotherapy across 89 tumor regions from 12 NBs, we find that densely packed territories of closely related subclones present at diagnosis are replaced under effective treatment by islands of distantly related survivor subclones, originating from a different most recent ancestor compared to lineages dominating before treatment. Conversely, in tumors that progressed under treatment, ancestors of subclones dominating later in disease are present already at diagnosis. Chemotherapy treated xenografts and cell culture models replicates these two contrasting scenarios and shows branching evolution to be a constant feature of proliferating NB cells. Phylogenies based on whole genome sequencing of 505 individual NB cells indicate that a rich repertoire of parallel subclones, emerges already with the first oncogenic mutations and lays the foundation for clonal replacement under treatment.

Study EGAS00001007650

Whole genome sequencing of patients with or at risk for HCC

Liver cancer is a major cause of cancer mortality worldwide. Screening individuals at high risk, including those with cirrhosis and viral hepatitis, provides an avenue for improved survival, but current screening methods are inadequate. In this study, we used whole-genome cell-free DNA (cfDNA) fragmentome analyses to evaluate 724 individuals from the United States, the European Union, or Hong Kong with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) or who were at average or high-risk for HCC. Using a machine learning model that incorporated multifeature fragmentome data, the sensitivity for detecting cancer was 88% in an average-risk population at 98% specificity and 85% among high-risk individuals at 80% specificity. We validated these results in an independent population. cfDNA fragmentation changes reflected genomic and chromatin changes in liver cancer, including from transcription factor binding sites. These findings provide a biological basis for changes in cfDNA fragmentation in patients with liver cancer and provide an accessible approach for noninvasive cancer detection.

Study EGAS00001007249

Mutational Mechanisms in Multiply Relapsed Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is marked by low mutational load at initial diagnosis, which increases at relapse. To determine which processes are active in (relapsed) ALL and how they behave during disease progression before and after therapy, we performed whole genome sequencing on tumor samples of 29 multiply relapsed ALL patients. Mutational load increased upon relapse in 28 patients and every subsequent relapse in 22 patients, with UV-like damage, APOBEC activity, reactive oxygen species, thiopurine-associated damage and an unknown therapy component driving mutagenesis. Thiopurines were the most prominent source of new mutations in relapse, affecting over half of the studied patients and causing potential relapse-driving mutations in multiple patients. Mutational processes often affected patients over longer time periods, but could also occur in isolated events, suggesting the requirement of additional triggers. Our data pose mutational processes as prominent secondary drivers with an important role in ALL development and progression.

Study EGAS00001007900

Mapping the human hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell hierarchy through integrated single-cell proteomics and transcriptomics

Single-cell transcriptomics (scRNA-seq) has enabled the characterization of cell state heterogeneity and recapitulation of differentiation trajectories. However, since proteins are the main functional entities in cells, the exclusive use of mRNA measurements comes at the risk of missing important biological information. Here we leverage recent technological advances in single-cell proteomics by Mass Spectrometry (scp-MS) to generate the first scp-MS dataset of an in vivo differentiation hierarchy encompassing over 2,500 human CD34+ hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. Through integration with scRNA-seq, we identify proteins that are important for stem cell quiescence, which were not indicated by their mRNA transcripts, and demonstrate functional expression covariance during differentiation that is only detectable on protein level. Finally, we show that modeling translation dynamics can infer cell progression during differentiation and explain 45% more protein variation from mRNA than linear correlation. Our work serves as a framework for future single-cell multi-omics studies across biological systems.

Study EGAS00001007930

Novel paediatric case of a spinal high-grade astrocytoma with piloid features in a patient with Noonan Syndrome

Noonan Syndrome (NS) is associated with an increased risk of low-grade central nervous system tumours in children but only very rarely associated with high-grade gliomas. Here we describe the first reported case of a spinal high-grade astrocytoma with piloid features (HGAP) in a child with NS. This case was a diagnostic and treatment dilemma, prior to whole-genome germline and tumour sequencing, tumour transcriptome sequencing and DNA methylation analysis. The methylation profile matched strongly with HGAP and sequencing identified somatic FGFR1 and NF1 variants and a PTPN11 germline pathogenic variant. Therapeutic targets were identified but also alterations novel to HGAP such as differential expression of VEGFA and PD-L1. The germline PTPN11 finding has not been previously described in individuals with HGAP.  This case underscores the power of precision medicine from a diagnostic, therapeutic and clinical management perspective, and describes an association between HGAP and NS which has not previously been reported.

Study EGAS00001007937

Immune-awakening revealed by peripheral T cell dynamics after one cycle of immunotherapy

BACKGROUND: Our understanding of T cell evolution under checkpoint inhibitors (CPI) is still incomplete, restraining the achievement of full benefit from CPI.OBJECTIVES: We studied peripheral T cell turnover and evolution and their prognostic value after 3weeks on treatment with CPI (one cycle) analysing T cell receptor-β (TCR) sequences in plasma cell-free DNA (cfDNA) and PBMC, and performing a phenotypic analysis of peripheral T cell subsets.RESULTS: Peripheral T cell turnover and TCR repertoire dynamics correlated with response. Additionally, the cfDNA TCR repertoire reorganisation fingerprint correlated with the expansion of an immune-effector subset of peripheral T cells that predicted treatment response and identified the patients with longer overall survival.CONCLUSIONS: Here we show that prognostic changes in peripheral T cells occur within 3 weeks of commencing CPI treatment. This dynamic immune-awakening informs on the immune-system reorganization can be monitored using minimally invasive liquid biopsies.

Study EGAS00001004043

Epigenomic alterations define lethal CIMP-positive ependymomas of infancy

Ependymomas are common childhood brain tumours that occur throughout the nervous system, but are most common in the paediatric hindbrain. Current standard therapy comprises surgery and radiation, but not cytotoxic chemotherapy as it does not further increase survival. Whole-genome and whole-exome sequencing of 47 hindbrain ependymomas reveals an extremely low mutation rate, and zero significant recurrent somatic single nucleotide variants. Although devoid of recurrent single nucleotide variants and focal copy number aberrations, poor-prognosis hindbrain ependymomas exhibit a CpG island methylator phenotype. Transcriptional silencing driven by CpG methylation converges exclusively on targets of the Polycomb repressive complex 2 which represses expression of differentiation genes through trimethylation of H3K27. CpG island methylator phenotype-positive hindbrain ependymomas are responsive to clinical drugs that target either DNA or H3K27 methylation both in vitro and in vivo. We conclude that epigenetic modifiers are the first rational therapeutic candidates for this deadly malignancy, which is epigenetically deregulated but genetically bland.

Study EGAS00001000443

Whole-exome ultra-high throughput sequencing in brain samples of suicide victims who had suffered from major depressive disorder and control subjects who had died from other causes

We carried out whole-exome ultra-high throughput sequencing in brain samples of suicide victims who had suffered from major depressive disorder and control subjects who had died from other causes. This study aimed to reveal the selective accumulation of rare variants in the coding and the UTR sequences within the genes of suicide victims. We also analysed the potential effect of STR and CNV variations, as well as the infection of the brain with neurovirulent viruses in this behavioural disorder. As a result, we have identified several candidate genes, among others three calcium channel genes that may potentially contribute to completed suicide. We also explored the potential implication of the TGF-β signalling pathway in the pathogenesis of suicidal behaviour. To our best knowledge, this is the first study that uses whole-exome sequencing for the investigation of suicide.

Study EGAS00001002818

Single-cell RNA-seq of cervix and placenta

Placental trophoblasts have been detected in cervical smears early in gestation, creating opportunities for non-invasive prenatal diagnosis. However, trophoblast isolation is limited by the lack of a cell catalogue and molecular profile of cervical smears. To establish an atlas and to explore the potential of single-cell RNA-sequencing to detect cervical trophoblasts, 10,539 single-cell transcriptomes from 12 non-invasive exocervical smears from pregnant women were profiled. In addition, we characterized 34,565 cells from six placental biopsies. We uncovered a novel extravillous trophoblast cell subtype characterized by epithelial marker genes and reduced HLA-G expression. Integration of both cell atlases demonstrated surprisingly similar expression profiles between maternal epithelial cells and placental extravillous trophoblasts, indicating that these trophoblasts retained epithelial properties without an invasive mesenchymal phenotype. Additionally, differential expression analysis identified novel markers discriminating cervical and placental cell types. Those analyses may contribute to trophoblast discovery and isolation from cervical smears.

Study EGAS00001007044

Gain of function DNMT3A mutations cause microcephalic dwarfism and hypermethylation of Polycomb-regulated regions

DNA methylation and Polycomb are key factors in the establishment of vertebrate cellular identity and fate. Here we report de novo missense mutations in DNMT3A, encoding the DNA methyltransferase DNMT3A, that cause microcephalic dwarfism, a hypocellular disorder of extreme global growth failure. Substitutions in the PWWP domain abrogate binding to the histone modifications H3K36me2/3, and alter DNA methylation in patient cells. Polycomb-associated DNA methylation canyons/valleys, hypomethylated domains encompassing developmental genes, become methylated with concomitant depletion of H3K27me3 and H3K4me3 bivalent marks. Such de novo DNA methylation occurs during differentiation of Dnmt3aW326R pluripotent cells in vitro, and is also evident in Dnmt3aW326R/+ dwarf mice. We therefore propose that the interaction of the DNMT3A PWWP domain with H3K36me2/3 normally limits DNA methylation of polycomb-marked regions. Our findings implicate the interplay between DNA methylation and polycomb at key developmental regulators as a determinant of organism size in mammals.

Study EGAS00001003231

Chordoma_Sequencing_Project_Whole_Genome

This is a continuation of the Chordoma Sequencing Project, prelim #G0175-122-CF. All cancers arise due to somatically acquired abnormalities in DNA sequence. Systematic sequencing of cancer genomes allows acquisition of complete catalogues of all classes of somatic mutation present in cancer. These mutation catalogues will allow identification of the somatically mutated cancer genes that are operative and characterise patterns of somatic mutation that may reflect previous exogenous and endogenous mutagenic exposures. In this application, we aim to perform whole genome sequencing on 10 chordoma matched genome pairs. The Chordoma Foundation will fund the RNA Sequencing/Methylation and SNP6 costs for this project while the whole genome and library sequencing will be covered under the CGP, 2012-2013 core WTSI internal funding. An additional sequencing of three cancer cell lines will be added to this work, financed by the Chordoma Foundation. In this project, the Chordoma foundation will pay for the additional costs of methylation, RNA Seq,

Study EGAS00001000409

Origins and functional consequence of somatic mitochondrial DNA mutations

Recent sequencing studies have extensively explored the somatic alterations present in the nuclear genomes of cancers. Although mitochondria control energy metabolism and apoptosis, the origins and impact of cancer-associated mutations in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) are unclear. Here, we analysed somatic alterations in mtDNA from 1,675 tumors across 31 histologies. We identified 1,907 somatic substitutions, which exhibited dramatic replicative strand bias, predominantly C>T and A>G on the mitochondrial heavy strand. This strand-asymmetric signature differs from those found in nuclear cancer genomes but matches the inferred germline process shaping primate mtDNA sequence content. Numbers of mtDNA mutations showed considerable heterogeneity across tumor types. Missense mutations were selectively neutral and often gradually drifted towards homoplasmy over time. In contrast, mutations resulting in protein truncation undergo negative selection and were almost exclusively heteroplasmic. Our findings indicate that the endogenous mutational mechanism has far greater impact than any other external mutagens in mitochondria, and is fundamentally linked to mtDNA replication.

Study EGAS00001000968

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