Search Results - EGA European Genome-Phenome Archive

Tumor-intrinsic expression of the autophagy gene Atg16l1 suppresses anti-tumor immunity in colorectal cancer

The vast majority of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients fail to respond to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI). Understanding tumor-intrinsic determinants of immunotherapy resistance is critical to improve CRC patient outcomes. Here, we demonstrate that transcript levels of the core autophagy gene ATG16L1 are prognostic of poor outcome and predictive of ICI resistance in late-stage CRC. Deletion of Atg16l1 in murine CRC organoids markedly inhibited tumor growth in primary and metastatic niches in syngeneic hosts. ATG16L1 deficiency rendered CRC organoids more responsive to interferon (IFN) signaling and enhanced programmed cell death while decreasing tumor stem-like populations. IFN hypersensitivity consequently promoted cytotoxic anti-tumor immunity in vivo. In IMblaze370, a large phase III clinical trial of anti-PD-L1 in advanced metastatic CRC, low ATG16L1 levels identified patients with increased lymphocyte infiltration and improved outcome in a KRAS mutant setting. This work reveals autophagy as a clinically relevant immunosuppressive mechanism in CRC and provides a rationale for autophagy inhibition to boost immunotherapy responses in the clinic.

Study EGAS00001005952

Infiltrative and drug-resistant slow-cycling cells support metabolic heterogeneity in glioblastoma

Metabolic reprogramming has been described in rapidly growing tumors, which are thought to mostly contain fast-cycling cells (FCCs) that have impaired mitochondrial function and rely on aerobic glycolysis. Here, we characterize the metabolic landscape of glioblastoma (GBM) and explore metabolic specificities as targetable vulnerabilities. Our studies highlight the metabolic heterogeneity in GBM, in which FCCs harness aerobic glycolysis, and slow-cycling cells (SCCs) preferentially utilize mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation for their functions. SCCs display enhanced invasion and chemoresistance, suggesting their important role in tumor recurrence. SCCs also demonstrate increased lipid contents that are specifically metabolized under glucose-deprived conditions. Increased fatty acid transport in SCCs is targetable by pharmacological inhibition or genomic deletion of FABP7, both of which sensitize SCCs to metabolic stress. Furthermore, FABP7 inhibition, whether alone or in combination with glycolysis inhibition, leads to overall increased survival. Our studies reveal the existence of GBM cell subpopulations with distinct metabolic requirements and suggest that FABP7 is central to lipid metabolism in SCCs and that targeting FABP7-related metabolic pathways is a viable therapeutic strategy.

Study EGAS00001003251

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

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

Study EGAS00001004481

Three-dimensional human alveolar stem cell culture models reveal infection response to SARS-CoV-2

Severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which is the cause of a present global pandemic, infects human lung alveolar type 2 (hAT2) cells. Characterizing pathogenesis is crucial for developing vaccines and therapeutics. However, the lack of models mirroring the cellular physiology and pathology of hAT2 cells limits the study. Here, we develop a feeder-free, long-term three-dimensional (3D) culture technique for hAT2 cells derived from primary human lung tissue, and investigate infection response to SARS-CoV-2. By imaging-based analysis and single-cell transcriptome profiling, we reveal rapid viral replication and the increased expression of interferon-associated genes and pro-inflammatory genes in infected hAT2 cells, indicating robust endogenous innate immune response. Further tracing of viral mutations acquired during transmission identifies full infection of individual cells effectively from a single viral entry. Our study provides deep insights into the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2, and the application of defined 3D hAT2 cultures as models for respiratory diseases.

Study EGAS00001004508

Spatio-temporal analysis of prostate tumors in situ suggests pre-existence of treatment-resistant clones

The molecular mechanisms underlying lethal castration-resistant prostate cancer remain poorly understood, with intratumoral heterogeneity a likely contributing factor. To examine the temporal aspects of resistance, we analyzed tumor heterogeneity in needle biopsies collected before and after treatment with androgen deprivation therapy. By doing so, we were able to couple clinical responsiveness and morphological information such as Gleason score to transcriptome-wide data. Our data-driven analysis of transcriptomes identified several distinct intratumoral cell populations, characterized by their unique gene expression profiles. Strikingly, certain cell populations present before treatment exhibited gene expression profiles that matched those of resistant tumor cell clusters, present after treatment. We confirmed that these clusters were resistant by the localization of active androgen receptors to the nuclei in cancer cells post-treatment. Our data also demonstrated that most stromal cells adjacent to resistant clusters do not express the androgen receptor, and we identified differentially expressed genes for these cells. Altogether, this study shows the potential to increase the power in predicting resistant tumors.

Study EGAS00001006113

Whole-exome sequencing of glioblastomas with long-term relapse interval

Treatment options for GBM patients have not changed over the last 15 years, and the success of targeted therapy or immunotherapy has been disappointinglimited. Thus, the standard of care for GBM patients remains surgical resection followed by concomitant DNA alkylating agent therapy with temozolomide (TMZ) and radiation therapy (RT). However, the time to relapse is generally short (6.9 months on average) owing to the tumor’s ability to infiltrate normal parenchyma and its intrinsic resistance to radio-chemotherapy. Due to the lack of alternative treatment options, elucidating underlying resistance mechanism has come into major focus of research, with the hope for opening new ways of therapeutic intervention overcoming resistance. To explore therapy resistance driving events, we performed a study using a single-centric collective of matched pairs of therapy-naïve and post-therapeuticc tissue from GBM patients, selected based on a maximally long interval between resections of the initial and the recurrent tumors. This rare collective was analyzed by whole exome sequencing (WES), mRNA expression and miRNA expression profiling.

Study EGAS00001006022

Functional screening on patient-derived organoids identifies a therapeutic bispecific antibody that triggers EGFR degradation in LGR5+ tumor cells

Patient-derived organoids (PDOs) have demonstrated predictive value in prospective clinical trials supporting selection of personalized treatments. Because PDOs retain the organization and physiological functions of their source tissue, PDO biobanks could also be an ideal substrate to screen for novel therapeutic interventions. Here we describe a large-scale functional screen of dual targeting bispecific antibodies (bAbs) on a colorectal cancer (CRC) PDO biobank to target their dependency on cancer stem cells. A novel drug discovery pipeline was assembled where therapeutic bAb panels generated against WNT and receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK) targets were functionally evaluated by high content imaging to capture the complexity of PDO responses across a wide range of different CRCs and paired normal colonic mucosa samples. Our strategy resulted in a bAb that specifically triggers EGFR degradation in LGR5+ CSCs and that exhibits unique therapeutic properties such as potent growth inhibition of KRAS mutant CRCs, blockade of metastasis initiation in preclinical models and minimal toxicity towards normal LGR5+ colon stem cells.

Study EGAS00001004584

early-stage ESCC sequencing study

We performed a comprehensive multi-omics analysis of 786 trace-tumor-samples from 154 esophageal squamous cell carcinoma phase (ESCC) patients, covering 9 histopathological stages in 3 phases as nontumor phase (NT phase), intraepithelial neoplasia phase (IEN phase), and ESCC phase. Proteogenomics elucidated the stage-specific molecular characterization and defined the cancer-driving waves along with the mutation accumulation in EC progression. The integrated multi-omics uncovered the chromosome 3q gain was the key event in the transmit from the NT to IEN phase, disclosed the top mutation of TP53 enhanced cell cycle and DNA replication in the IEN phase, and revealed the ESCC phase mutations of AKAP9 and MCAF1 elevated glycolysis and Wnt signaling, respectively. Furthermore, the trajectory analysis identified 6 major tracks related to different clinical features during ESCC progression. Growingly enhanced and hyperphosphorylated phosphoglycerate kinase 1 (PGK1, S203) was detected and considered as a drug target in ESCC progression. Collectively, this study provides insight into the understanding of ESCC molecular mechanism and a valuable resource for the development of therapeutic targets.

Study EGAS00001006126

Single-cell RNA-seq of celiac disease-specific plasma cells

Disease-specific plasma cells (PCs) reactive with transglutaminase 2 (TG2) or deamidated gluten peptides (DGP) are abundant in celiac disease (CeD) gut lesions. Their contribution toward CeD pathogenesis is unclear. We assessed expression of markers associated with PC longevity in 15 untreated and 26 treated CeD patients in addition to 13 non-CeD controls, and performed RNA-sequencing with clonal inference and transcriptomic analysis of 3251 single PCs. We observed antigen-dependent V-gene selection and stereotypic antibodies. Generation of recombinant DGP-specific antibodies revealed a key role of a heavy-chain residue that displays polymorphism, suggesting that immunoglobulin gene polymorphisms may influence CeD-specific antibody responses. We identified transcriptional differences between CeD-specific vs non-disease-specific PCs and between short-lived vs long-lived PCs. The short-lived CD19+CD45+ phenotype dominated in untreated and short-term-treated CeD, in particular among disease-specific PCs but also in the general PC population. Thus, the disease lesion of untreated CeD is characterized by massive accumulation of short-lived PCs that are not only directed against disease-specific antigens.

Study EGAS00001004623

Tumour gene expression signature in primary melanoma predicts long-term outcomes: A prospective multicentre study

Adjuvant systemic therapies are now routinely used following resection of stage III melanoma, however accurate prognostic information is needed to better stratify patients. We used differential expression analyses of primary tumours from 204 RNA-sequenced melanomas within a large adjuvant trial, identifying a 121 metastasis-associated gene signature. This signature strongly associated with progression-free (HR=1.63, p=5.24x10-5) and overall survival (HR=1.61, p=1.67x10-4), and validated in 177 regional lymph nodes metastasis as well as two externally ascertained datasets. The machine learning classification models trained using the signature genes performed significantly better in predicting metastases than models trained with clinical covariates (pAUROC=0.02), or published prognostic signatures. The signature score negatively correlated with measures of immune cell infiltration (ρ=-0.75, p<2.2x10-16), with a higher score representing reduced lymphocyte infiltration and a higher 5-year risk of death in stage II melanoma. Our expression signature identifies melanoma patients at higher risk of metastases and warrants further evaluation in adjuvant clinical trials.

Study EGAS00001004664

Serum proteomics of aortic diseases

Aortic diseases are a rare but potentially life-threatening condition. We present a serum proteomic study for a spectrum of aortic diseases including thoracic aortic aneurysms (n = 11), chronic dissections (n = 9), acute aortic dissections (n = 11), and surgically treated dissections (n = 19) as well as healthy controls (n = 10) and patients of coronary heart disease (n = 10) to represent non-aortic cardiovascular disease. In total, we identified and quantified 425 proteins across all 70 samples. The different aortic diseases represented distinguishable proteome profiles. We identified protein clusters that positively or negatively correlate with disease severity, including increase of cytosolic tissue leakage proteins and decrease of components of the coagulation and complement system. Further, we identified a serum proteome fingerprint of acute aortic dissections, consisting, among others, of enriched inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein and members of the S100 protein family. The study underlines the applicability of serum proteomics for the investigation of aortic diseases and highlights the possibility to establish disease-specific prognostic markers.

Study EGAS00001006201

Salivary Gland Cancer TSO500 dataset

Salivary gland cancer (SGC) is a rare cancer for which systemic treatment options are limited. Therefore, it is important to characterize its genetic landscape in search for actionable aberrations. This research aimed to identify these actionable aberrations by NGS-based analysis of DNA (single and multiple nucleotide variants, copy number variants, microsatellite instability and tumor mutational burden) in a large cohort of SGC patients. DNA was extracted from archival tissue of 119 patients with various SGC subtypes and sequenced using a targeted NGS panel encompassing 523 cancer related genes (TruSight Oncology 500, TSO500). The 119 patients included 46 AdCC patients, 43 SDC patients, 15 MEC patients, 9 AciCC patients and 6 patients with other subtypes (1 secretory carcinoma, 1 polymorphic adenocarcinoma (PAC), 1 adenocarcinoma NOS, 1 myoepithelial carcinoma, 1 epithelial/myoepithelial carcinoma and 1 mixed PAC/myoepithelial carcinoma). Median exon coverage ranged from 80-904 (median 308) unique reads and the median percentage of exon coverage with at least 100 unique reads was median 96.6% in these 119 samples.

Study EGAS00001006232

Functional and genomic heterogeneity of long-term self-renewing compartment as the origin of treatment resistance in pancreatic tumors

Adaptive drug-resistance mechanisms allow human tumors to evade treatment through selection and expansion of treatment-resistant clones. Here, studying clonal evolution of tumor cells derived from human pancreatic tumors, we demonstrate that in vitro cultures and in vivo tumors are maintained by a common set of tumorigenic cells that can be used to establish clonal replica tumors (CRTs), large cohorts of animals bearing human tumors with identical clonal composition. Using CRTs to conduct quantitative assessments of adaptive responses to therapeutics, we uncovered a multitude of functionally heterogeneous subpopulations of cells with differential degrees of drug sensitivity. High-throughput isolation and deep characterization of unique clonal lineages showed genetic and transcriptomic diversity underlying functionally diverse subpopulations. Molecular annotation of gemcitabine-naïve clonal lineages with distinct responses to treatment in the context of CRTs generated signatures that can predict the response to chemotherapy, representing a potential biomarker to stratify patients with pancreatic cancer. RNA-Seq data on these clones are available on EBI ENA, under accession number: PRJEB27735.

Study EGAS00001003442

RNA-seq of M-CSF differentiated human peripheral monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) - Validation macIDR

Macrophages represent multifunctional leukocytes defined by their stimulus-specific transcriptional reprogramming. As in vivo macrophages are often difficult to obtain, in vitro macrophage models are often used. We aggregated public expression data to define consensus expression profiles for eight commonly-used in vitro macrophage models and built the classifier macIDR, capable of distinguishing macrophage subsets with high accuracy (>0.95). Classification of in vivo macrophages suggested that alveolar macrophages resembled interleukin-10 activated macrophages in general whereas chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients displayed decreased similarity to interferon-γ stimulated macrophages. Adipose tissue-derived macrophages were classified as unstimulated macrophages, but would resemble LPS-stimulated macrophages more in diabetic-obese patients. Rheumatoid arthritic synovial macrophages were similar to macrophages stimulated with interleukin-10 or interferon-γ. Altogether, our results suggest that macIDR is capable of identifying in vitro macrophages. By projecting in vivo macrophages onto the in vitro macrophages, we were capable of elucidating macrophage-specific changes as a result of tissue and disease.

Study EGAS00001003451

An Isogenic Cell Line Panel for Sequence-based Screening of Targeted Anti-cancer Drugs

We describe the creation and characterization of an isogenic cell line panel representing common cancer pathways, with multiple features optimized for high-throughput screening. More than 1,800 cell lines from three normal human cells were generated using CRISPR-technologies. Surprisingly, we discovered most of these lines did not result in complete gene inactivation, despite integration of sgRNA at the desired genomic site. However, a subset of the lines harbored true, biallelic disruptions of the targeted tumor suppressor gene, yielding a final panel of 100 well-characterize lines covering 19 pathways frequently subject to loss of function in cancers. This panel included genetic markers optimized for sequence-based ratiometric assays for drug-based screening assays. To illustrate the potential utility of this panel, we developed a multiplexed high-throughput screen that identified Wee1 inhibitor MK-1775 as a selective growth inhibitor of cells with inactivation of TP53. These cell lines and screening approach should prove useful for researchers studying a variety of cellular and biochemical phenomena

Study EGAS00001005974

Genetic and epigenetic variation at regulatory regions contribute to cancer evolution under endocrine treatment

Comprehensive profiling of hormone-dependent breast cancer (HDBC) has identified hundreds of protein-coding alterations contributing to cancer initiation, but only a handful have been linked to endocrine therapy resistance, potentially contributing to 40% of relapses. If other mechanisms underlie the evolution of HDBC under adjuvant therapy is currently unknown. In this work, we employ integrative functional genomics to dissect the contribution of cis-regulatory elements (CREs) to cancer evolution by focusing on 12 megabases of non-coding DNA, including clonal enhancers, gene promoters, and boundaries of topologically associating domains. Massive parallel perturbation in vitro reveals context-dependent roles for many of these CREs, with a specific impact on dormancy entrance and endocrine therapy resistance9. Profiling of CRE somatic alterations in a unique, longitudinal cohort of patients treated with endocrine therapies identifies non-coding changes involved in therapy resistance. Overall, our data uncover actionable transient transcriptional programs critical for dormant persister cells and unveil new regulatory nodes driving evolutionary trajectories towards disease progression.

Study EGAS00001006340

Understanding_Self__Organising_Capacity_of_Stem_Cells_during_Implantation_and_Early_Post_implantation_Development_in_vitro_and_in_vivo__Implications_for_Human_Development_

The aim of this project is to differentiate human embryonic stem cells to an extra-embryonic fate, specifically the hypoblast. This is of uttermost importance given the current lack of human hypoblast stem cells. We hypothesized that the pluripotent characteristics of the starting human embryonic stem cell population may dictate the competency for extra-embryonic cell fate specification. Based on this hypothesis and using human embryonic stem cells maintained in different naïve-like culture regimes, we have now developed conditions that allow the differentiation of human embryonic stem cells to a stable GATA6+ SOX2- population. This suggests that these cells may be putative human hypoblast stem cells. To validate this finding here we propose to perform RNA sequencing experiments of the differentiated human embryonic stem cells. By comparing their RNA expression profile to the single cell sequencing data of the human embryo that we are currently generating, we will be able to determine the identity of our GATA6+ SOX2- cells, and establish whether they represent the in vivo human hypoblast.

Study EGAS00001003571

Proteogenomics reveals two distinct biological pilocytic astrocytoma subgroups

Pilocytic astrocytoma (PA) is the most common pediatric brain tumor and driven by aberrant MAPK signaling, typically mediated by BRAF alterations. While five-year overall survival rates exceed 95%, tumor recurrence constitutes a major clinical challenge in incompletely resected tumors despite chemotherapeutic or radiation based therapies. Therefore, we used proteogenomics to discern the biological heterogeneity of PA to improve classification of this tumor entity and identify novel therapeutic targets. Our proteogenomics approach integrates RNA sequencing and LC/MS-based proteomic profiling data from a cohort of 58 confirmed, primary PA samples. An integrative genomics approach was conducted to discern the biological heterogeneity of PA and to identify aberrant pathway activation in these biological subgroups. In summary, Pilocytic astrocytomas segregate into two groups where younger patients are significantly associated with Group 1. Importantly, we validate the two distinct biological subgroups in two non-overlapping cohorts. The biological heterogeneity seen here may improve biological classification and reveal novel therapeutic targets specifically useful for non-resectable tumors with high risk of recurrent or progressive disease.

Study EGAS00001006402

Genomic analysis and evolutionary modeling of breast and larynx cancer, based on specimens from Polish population

We explore the genomic characteristics of the original dataset of breast and larynx cancer specimens of several cell types from the collection of the Department of Applied Radiology of the Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Krakow (Poland) Branch and Institute of Human Genetics Polish Academy of Sciences. DNA from paired tissue samples from primary tumor locations and concurrent metastasis to regional lymph nodes was sequenced and matched to controls. A range of genomic analyses was carried out, such as estimation of variant allele frequencies (VAF) and copy number variation (CNV). They show that subsets of variants from primary tumors are present in metastatic lymph nodes and that the CNV pattern is similar, but not identical to that known in the literature. In addition to that, we fit the VAF data to theoretical site frequency spectra predicted by multiple models found in the literature. Analysis suggests existence of secondary advantageous subclones arising on the clonal background as well as of a number of neutral or slightly deleterious passenger mutations.

Study EGAS00001006456

Multi-focal genomic dissection of synchronous primary and metastatic tissue from de novo metastatic prostate cancer

De novo metastatic prostate cancer is highly aggressive, but the paucity of routinely-collected tissue in this setting has hindered genomic stratification and jeopardizes precision oncology efforts. Here, we leveraged a rare study of surgical intervention in 43 de novo metastatic prostate cancers to assess somatic genotype across 607 synchronous primary and metastatic tissue foci plus circulating tumor DNA. Intra-prostate heterogeneity was pervasive and impacted clinically-relevant genes, resulting in frequent discordance between select primary-restricted foci and synchronous metastases. Additional complexity was driven in several instances by polyclonal metastatic seeding from the reservoir of phylogenetically-related primary populations. When simulating standard clinical practice relying on a single tissue focus, genomic heterogeneity plus highly variable per-sample tumor fraction caused false genotyping of dominant disease. However, in silico modeling demonstrated that analysis of multiple biopsy cores can rescue misassigned somatic genotypes. Our results define the relationship between synchronous treatment-naive primary and metastatic lesions in de novo metastatic prostate cancer and provide a framework for implementing genomics-guided patient management.

Study EGAS00001006466

The clinical utility of genomics in childhood cancer extends beyond targetable mutations - WGS data

We deeply sequenced 864 cancer-associated genes and the complete genomes and transcriptomes for 300 pediatric and adolescent/young adult (AYA) patients with poor prognosis or rare tumors. Using integrative somatic-germline analyses, we assessed the clinical utility of cancer genomics in this population. Clinically actionable variants were identified in 56% of patients. Improved diagnostic accuracy led to modified management in a subset. Therapeutically targetable variants, found in 54% of patients, were of unanticipated timing and type, with over 20% of these derived from the germline. Enrichment in corroborating mutational signature 3 (‘BRCAness’) in patients with germline homologous recombination defects suggests they are drivers of pediatric cancers and potential targets for PARP inhibition. Comprehensive somatic-germline cancer genomic profiling is useful at multiple points in the care trajectory for pediatric/AYA patients, supporting its integration into early clinical management. Re-biopsy at the time of relapse should be considered, and specific attention to mutational burden is indicated. Defective DNA repair genes in the germline may represent important targetable drivers.

Study EGAS00001006610

Upper cortical layer-driven network impairment in schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is one of the most wide-spread and complex mental disorders. To characterize the impact of schizophrenia, we performed single nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) of >220,000 neurons from the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex of patients with schizophrenia and matched controls. Additionally, >115,000 neurons were analyzed topographically by immunohistochemistry. Compositional analysis of snRNA-seq data revealed a reduction in abundance of GABAergic neurons and a concomitant increase in principal neurons, most pronounced for upper cortical layer subtypes, which was substantiated by histological analysis. Many neuronal subtypes showed extensive transcriptomic changes, the most dramatic - in upper layer GABAergic neurons, including downregulation in energy metabolism and upregulation in neurotransmission. Transcription factor network analysis demonstrated a developmental origin of transcriptomic changes. Finally, Visium spatial transcriptomics further corroborated upper layer neuron vulnerability in schizophrenia. Overall, our results point towards general network impairment within upper cortical layers as a core substrate associated with schizophrenia symptomatology. Study is available on bioRxiv (https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.11.17.386458) and in upcoming publication.

Study EGAS00001006495

DERMATLAS__Tubular_adenoma

IVirtually no other tumour type is associated with so many different forms as skin cancer. Histologically, tumours of the skin may arise from epithelium, including epidermis, hair follicle, sebaceous or sweat gland, melanocytes, dermal-associated mesenchymal structures or tissue resident immune cells, making for a diversity of clinical presentations. Importantly, many skin tumour types have an extremely poor prognosis. Many skin tumour subtypes have never undergone molecular profiling, or if they have, targeted sequencing has been used and the number of cases analyzed has been so limited that deriving firm conclusions about the profile of driver genes, DNA mutational signatures and germline alleles has not been possible For 70 key skin tumour subtypes defined by the World Health Organization, that have not undergone extensive genetic analysis previoulsy, we propose to perform whole exome and transcriptome sequencing, from a range of body sites, to build a genomic atlas of dermatological tumours, including detailed maps of SNVs, copy number alterations, genome-wide methylation and expression profiles. The cases in this cohort are tubular adenomas.

Study EGAS00001006686

The Precision Medicine in Liver Cancer across an Asia-pacific NETwork (PLANET) - Intratumoural immune heterogeneity

The clinical relevance of immune landscape intratumoural heterogeneity (immune-ITH) and its role in tumour evolution remain largely unexplored. Here, we uncover significant spatial and phenotypic immune–ITH from multiple tumour sectors and decipher its relationship with tumour evolution and disease progression in hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC). Immune–ITH is associated with tumour transcriptomic-ITH, mutational burden, and distinct immune microenvironments. Tumours with low immune–ITH experience higher immunoselective pressure and escape via loss of heterozygosity in human leukocyte antigens and immunoediting. Instead, the tumours with high immune-ITH evolve to a more immunosuppressive/exhausted microenvironment. This gradient of immune pressure along with immune-ITH represents a hallmark of tumour evolution, which is closely linked to the transcriptome-immune networks that contributes to disease progression and immune inactivation. Remarkably, high immune-ITH and its transcriptomic signature are predictive for worse clinical outcome in HCC patients. This in-depth investigation of ITH provides evidence on tumour-immune co-evolution along HCC progression.

Study EGAS00001003814

The miR-185/PAK6 Axis Predicts Therapy Response and Regulates Survival of Drug-Resistant Leukemic Stem Cells in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia

Overcoming drug resistance and targeting cancer stem cells remain challenges for curative cancer treatment. To investigate the role of miRNAs in regulating drug resistance and leukemic stem cell (LSCs) fate, we performed global transcriptome profiling in treatment-naïve chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) stem/progenitor cells and identified that miR-185 levels anticipate their response to ABL tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). miR-185 functions as a tumor suppressor; its restored expression impaired survival of drug-resistant cells, sensitized them to TKIs in vitro, and markedly eliminated long-term repopulating LSCs and infiltrating blast cells, conferring a survival advantage in pre-clinical xenotransplantation models. Integrative analysis with mRNA profiles uncovered PAK6 as a crucial target of miR-185 and pharmacological inhibition of PAK6 perturbed the RAS/MAPK pathway and mitochondrial activity, sensitizing therapy-resistant cells to TKIs. Thus, miR-185 presents as a potential predictive biomarker, and dual targeting of miR-185-mediated PAK6 activity and BCR-ABL may provide a valuable strategy for overcoming drug resistance in patients.

Study EGAS00001004153

Long-read sequencing of diagnosis and post-therapy medulloblastoma reveals complex rearrangement patterns and epigenetic signatures (Hipo_021)

Cancer genomes harbor a broad spectrum of structural variants (SV) driving tumorigenesis, a relevant subset of which escape discovery using short-read sequencing. We employed Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) long-read sequencing in a paired diagnostic and post- therapy medulloblastoma to unravel the haplotype-resolved somatic genetic and epigenetic landscape. We assemble complex rearrangements and such associated with telomeric sequences, including a 1.55 Megabasepair chromothripsis event. We uncover a complex SV pattern termed ‘templated insertion thread’ (TI thread), characterized by short (mostly <1kb) insertions showing prevalent self-concatenation into highly amplified structures of up to 50kbp in size. TI threads occur in 3% of cancers, with a prevalence ranging to 74% in liposarcoma, and frequent colocalization with chromothripsis. We also perform long-read based methylome profiling and discover allele-specific methylation (ASM) effects, complex rearrangements exhibiting differential methylation, and differential promoter methylation in cancer-driver genes. Our study shows the advantage of long-read sequencing in the discovery and characterization of complex somatic rearrangements.

Study EGAS00001006629

The clinical utility of genomics in childhood cancer extends beyond targetable mutations - Cancer Panel data

We deeply sequenced 864 cancer-associated genes and the complete genomes and transcriptomes for 300 pediatric and adolescent/young adult (AYA) patients with poor prognosis or rare tumors. Using integrative somatic-germline analyses, we assessed the clinical utility of cancer genomics in this population. Clinically actionable variants were identified in 56% of patients. Improved diagnostic accuracy led to modified management in a subset. Therapeutically targetable variants, found in 54% of patients, were of unanticipated timing and type, with over 20% of these derived from the germline. Enrichment in corroborating mutational signature 3 (‘BRCAness’) in patients with germline homologous recombination defects suggests they are drivers of pediatric cancers and potential targets for PARP inhibition. Comprehensive somatic-germline cancer genomic profiling is useful at multiple points in the care trajectory for pediatric/AYA patients, supporting its integration into early clinical management. Re-biopsy at the time of relapse should be considered, and specific attention to the mutational burden is indicated. Defective DNA repair genes in the germline may represent important targetable drivers.

Study EGAS00001006642

DERMATLAS__Tubular_adenoma_RNAseq

IVirtually no other tumour type is associated with so many different forms as skin cancer. Histologically, tumours of the skin may arise from epithelium, including epidermis, hair follicle, sebaceous or sweat gland, melanocytes, dermal-associated mesenchymal structures or tissue resident immune cells, making for a diversity of clinical presentations. Importantly, many skin tumour types have an extremely poor prognosis. Many skin tumour subtypes have never undergone molecular profiling, or if they have, targeted sequencing has been used and the number of cases analyzed has been so limited that deriving firm conclusions about the profile of driver genes, DNA mutational signatures and germline alleles has not been possible For 70 key skin tumour subtypes defined by the World Health Organization, that have not undergone extensive genetic analysis previoulsy, we propose to perform whole exome and transcriptome sequencing, from a range of body sites, to build a genomic atlas of dermatological tumours, including detailed maps of SNVs, copy number alterations, genome-wide methylation and expression profiles. The cases in this cohort are tubular adenomas.

Study EGAS00001006685

Proteogenomic analysis reveals RNA as a source for tumor-agnostic neoantigen identification (H021)

Systemic pan-tumor analyses may reveal the significance of common features implicated in cancer immunogenicity and patient survival. Here, we provide a comprehensive multi-omics data set for 32 patients across 25 tumor types for proteogenomic-based discovery of neoantigens. By using an optimized computational approach, we discover a large number of tumor-specific and tumor-associated antigens. To create a pipeline for the identification of neoantigens in our cohort, we combine DNA and RNA sequencing with MS-based immunopeptidomics of tumor specimens, followed by the assessment of their immunogenicity and an in-depth validation process. We detect a broad variety of non-canonical HLA-binding peptides in the majority of patients demonstrating partially immunogenicity. Our validation process allows for the selection of 32 potential neoantigen candidates. The majority of neoantigen candidates originates from variants identified in the RNA data set, illustrating the relevance of RNA as a still understudied source of cancer antigens. This study underlines the importance of RNA-centered variant detection for the identification of shared biomarkers and potentially relevant neoantigen candidates.

Study EGAS00001006706

Structural Expression of BMMF in tissues of colorectal, lung and pancreatic cancer patients

Chronic inflammation, linked to the presence of bovine milk and meat factors (BMMF) and specific subsets of macrophages, results in oxygen radical synthesis and induction of mutations in DNA of actively replicating cells and replicating single stranded DNA (zur Hausen et al., 2017). Cancers arising from this process have been characterized as indirect carcinogenesis by infectious agents (without persistence of genes of the agent in premalignant or cancers cells). Here we investigate structural properties of pleomorphic vesicles, regularly identified by staining peritumour tissues of colorectal, lung and pancreatic cancer for expression of BMMF Rep. The latter represents a subgroup of BMMF1 proteins involved in replication of small single-stranded circular plasmids of BMMF, but most likely also contributing to pleomorphic vesicular structures found in the periphery of colorectal, lung and pancreatic cancers. Structurally dense regions are demonstrated in preselected areas of colorectal cancer, after staining with monoclonal antibodies against BMMF1 Rep. Similar structures were observed in human embryonic cells (HEK293TT) overexpressing Rep. These data suggest that Rep or Rep isoforms contribute to the structural formation of vesicles.

Study EGAS00001006744

Detection of isoforms and genomic alterations by high-throughput full-length single-cell RNA sequencing in HGSOC

Understanding the complex background of cancer requires genotype-phenotype information in single-cell resolution. Long-read single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), capturing full-length transcripts, lacked the depth to provide this information so far. Here, we increased the PacBio sequencing depth to 12,000 reads per cell, leveraging multiple strategies, including artifact removal and transcript concatenation, and applied the technology to samples from three human ovarian cancer patients. Our approach captured 152,000 isoforms, of which over 52,000 were novel, detected cell type- and cell-specific isoform usage, and revealed differential isoform expression in tumor and mesothelial cells. Furthermore, we identified gene fusions, including a novel scDNA sequencing-validated IGF2BP2::TESPA1 fusion, which was misclassified as high TESPA1 expression in matched short-read data, and called somatic and germline mutations, confirming targeted NGS cancer gene panel results. With multiple new opportunities, especially for cancer biology, we envision long-read scRNA-seq to become increasingly relevant in oncology and personalized medicine.

Study EGAS00001006807

scRNASeq of human innate lymphoid cells from different compartments

Group 1 innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) comprise a heterogeneous family of cytotoxic natural killer (NK) cells and ILC1s. We identifiy a population of “liver-type” ILC1s with transcriptional, phenotypic, and functional features distinct from those of conventional and liver-resident NK cells as well as from other previously described human ILC1 subsets. LT-ILC1s were CD49a+CD94+CD200R1+, expressed the transcription factor T-BET, do not express the activating receptor NKp80, or the transcription factor EOMES. Similar to NK cells, liver-type ILC1s produce IFN-γ, TNF-α, and GM-CSF; however, liver-type ILC1s also produce IL-2 and lack perforin and granzyme B. Liver- type ILC1s are expanded in cirrhotic liver tissues, and they can be produced from blood-derived ILC precursors in vitro in the presence of TGF-β1 and liver sinusoidal endothelial cells. Cells with similar signature and function can also be found in tonsil and intestinal tissues. Collectively, our study identifies and classifies a population of human cross-tissue ILC1s.

Study EGAS00001006847

Genotype data from 'Dense sampling of ethnic groups within African countries reveals fine-scale genetic structure and extensive historical admixture.'

Previous studies have highlighted how African genomes have been shaped by a complex series of historical events. Despite this, genome-wide data has only been obtained from a small proportion of present-day ethnolinguistic groups. By analysing new autosomal genetic variation data of 1333 individuals from over 150 ethnic groups from Cameroon, Republic of the Congo, Ghana, Nigeria and Sudan, we demonstrate a previously underappreciated fine-scale level of genetic structure within these countries, for example correlating with historical polities in western Cameroon. By comparing genetic variation patterns among populations, we infer that many northern Cameroonian and Sudanese groups share genetic links with multiple geographically disparate populations, likely resulting from long-distance migrations. In Ghana and Nigeria, we infer signatures of intermixing dated to over 2000 years ago, corresponding to reports of environmental transformations possibly related to climate change. We also infer recent intermixing signals in multiple African populations, including Congolese, that likely relates to the expansions of Bantu language-speaking peoples.

Study EGAS00001006944

RNA sequencing of CCO- and CCO+ human hepatocytes

RNAseq data from Passman et al 2023. Clonal CCO-deficient hepatocyte patches and nearby CCO-proficient hepatocytes were identified in morphologically normal human livers and sampled at varying distances along the PT-CV axis. Samples are named according to their location within the liver lobule, with "PT" denoting samples abutting the portal triad, "CV" denoting samples abutting the central hepatic vein, and "Mid" sampled acquired midway between these structures. Normal human liver is thought to be generally quiescent, however clonal hepatocyte expansions have been observed but neither their cellular source nor their expansion dynamics have been determined. Knowing the hepatocyte cell of origin, and their subsequent dynamics and trajectory within the human liver will provide an important basis to understand disease-associated dysregulation. Here we use in vivo lineage tracing and a combination of methylation sequence analysis to demonstrate normal human hepatocyte ancestry. We exploit next generation mitochondrial sequencing to determine hepatocyte clonal expansion dynamics across spatially-distinct areas of laser-capture microdissected clones, in tandem with computational modelling in morphologically-normal human liver.

Study EGAS00001006984

Integrated single cell analysis in transformed follicular lymphoma

Histological transformation of follicular lymphoma to aggressive form occurs 2-3% per year with poor outcome. Divergent evolution and an altered tumour-microenvironment (TME) have been implicated during transformation. However, phenotypic consequences of this evolution and its implication in TME remain unknown. To address this, we performed single cell whole genome and whole transcriptome sequencing of paired pre/post transformation patient samples. We further performed scWTS of additional samples from patients without transformation. Our analysis revealed evolutionary dynamics of transformation at unprecedented resolution. Integration of scWGS and scWTS identified pathways upregulated during evolution. scWTS analysis revealed a shifting TME landscape, with an exhausted signature emerging during transformation. Using multi-color immunofluorescence we transferred these findings to a TME-based transformation biomarker, subsequently validated in independent pretreatment cohorts. Taken together, our results provide a comprehensive view of the combined genomic and phenotypic evolution of malignant cells during transformation, and shifting cross-talk between malignant cells and TME.

Study EGAS00001007023

RNA sequencing data of 257 samples from 106 patients with HR+/HER2- breast cancer treated with AC plus paclitaxel or letrozole plus ribociclib (SOLTI-1402 CORALLEEN trial)

Early-stage Luminal B breast cancer is frequent and is a major cause of breast cancer death due to its poor prognosis. Our proposal aims to study the biology behind the sensitivity and resistance of Luminal B breast cancer to chemotherapy (CHT) or a non-CHT regimen composed of hormone therapy in combination with ribociclib, a CDK4/6 inhibitor. To accomplish this, we first completed the SOLTI-1402 CORALLEEN phase II trial, a study where 106 patients with early-stage Luminal B breast cancer were randomized to standard neoadjuvant CHT for 6 months, or neoadjuvant letrozole and ribociclib for 6 months. After treatment, patients underwent surgery. The primary results of the study, which showed that the response rate to letrozole+ribociclib was similar to CHT, was reported (Prat et al; Lancet Oncol). Tumor biopsies were available at baseline, week 3 and surgery. A total of 257 samples were analyzed using the Illumina TruSeq Stranded Total RNA w/Ribo Zero Gold with MiSeq in TGL (Sequencer NovaSeq S4/PE/100x).

Study EGAS00001007060

Spatial transcriptomics reveal topological immune landscapes of Asian head and neck angiosarcoma

Angiosarcomas are rare malignant tumors of the endothelium, arising commonly from the head and neck region (AS-HN) and recently associated with ultraviolet (UV) exposure and human herpesvirus-7 (HHV-7) infection. We examined 81 cases of angiosarcomas, including 47 cases of AS-HN, integrating information from whole genome sequencing, gene expression profiling and spatial transcriptomics (10X Visium). In the AS-HN cohort, we observed recurrent somatic mutations in CSMD3 (18%), LRP1B (18%), MUC16 (18%), POT1 (16%) and TP53 (16%). UV-positive AS-HN harbored significantly higher tumor mutation burden (TMB) than UV-negative cases (p=0.0294). NanoString profiling identified three clusters with distinct tumor inflammation signature (TIS) scores (p<0.001). Spatial transcriptomics revealed topological profiles of the tumor microenvironment, identifying dominant but tumor-excluded inflammatory signals in “immune-hot” cases and immune foci even in otherwise “cold” cases. In conclusion, spatial transcriptomics reveal the tumor immune landscape of angiosarcoma, and in combination with multi-omic information, may improve implementation of treatment strategies.

Study EGAS00001007083

Modulation of the peripheral blood immune cell transcriptome by vitamin D3 supplementation in people with a first demyelinating event: a randomized placebo-controlled trial

Vitamin D deficiency is a risk factor for developing multiple sclerosis (MS). Both in vitro and animal studies suggest an immunomodulatory effect of vitamin D. The PrevANZ trial, a phase IIb randomized placebo-controlled trial of oral vitamin D3 supplementation in people with a first demyelinating event (FDE), was conducted to determine if supplementation can prevent recurrent disease activity in this cohort at high risk of developing definite MS. As a sub-study of this trial, we used whole blood transcriptomic analyses to investigate the effect of vitamin D3 supplementation on peripheral immune cells in people with an FDE, and to gain insight into potential mechanisms by which vitamin D3 may regulate MS risk and disease activity. The PrevANZ trial randomized participants to 1000 IU, 5000 IU or 10,000 IU daily of oral vitamin D3 or placebo. Peripheral blood was collected at baseline and 12 weeks in PAXgene Blood RNA tubes. Transcriptomic datasets were generated by RNA sequencing.

Study EGAS00001007346

Relation between transcriptome, karyotype and age in cases of sex chromosome aneuploidies.

Why women live longer than men is still an open question in human biology. Sex chromosomes have been proposed to play a role in the observed sex gap in longevity, and the Y male chromosome has been suspected of having a potential toxic genomic impact on male longevity. It has been hypothesized that transposable element (TE) repression declines with age, potentially leading to detrimental effects such as somatic mutations and disrupted gene expression, which may accelerate the aging process. Given that the Y chromosome is rich in repeats, age-related increases in TE expression could be more pronounced in males, likely contributing to their reduced longevity compared to females. In this work, we first studied whether TE expression is associated with the number of sex chromosomes in humans. We analyzed blood transcriptomic data obtained from individuals of different karyotype compositions: 46,XX females (normal female karyotype), 46,XY males (normal male karyotype), as well as males with abnormal karyotypes, such as 47,XXY, and 47,XYY.

Study EGAS00001007462

Effective reprogramming of patient-derived M2-polarized glioblastoma-associated microglia/macrophages by treatment with GW2580

Purpose: Targeting immunosuppressive and pro-tumorigenic glioblastoma-associated macrophages and microglial cells (GAMs) has great potential to improve patient outcomes. Colony stimulating factor-1 receptor (CSF1R) has emerged as a promising target for reprogramming anti-inflammatory M2-like GAMs. However, treatment data on patient-derived, tumor-educated GAMs and their influence on the adaptive immunity are lacking. Experimental Design: CD11b+-GAMs freshly isolated from patient tumors were treated with CSF1R-targeting drugs PLX3397, BLZ945, and GW2580. Phenotypical changes upon treatment were assessed using RNAseq. Changes in GAM activation were confirmed in a complex patient-derived 3D tumor organoid model serving as a tumor avatar. Results: The most effective reprogramming of GAMs was observed upon GW2580 treatment, which led to the downregulation of M2-related markers, IL-6, and IL-10, ERK1/2 and MAPK signaling pathways, while M1-like markers and gene set enrichment indicating activated MHC-II presentation were substantially increased. Moreover, treatment of patient-derived glioblastoma organoids with GW2580 confirmed successful reprogramming.

Study EGAS00001007466

Sequential Antigen-loss and Branching Evolution in Lymphoma after Anti-CD19 and Anti-CD20 Targeted T Cell Engaging Immunotherapy

CD19 CAR T cells and CD20 targeting T cell engaging bispecific antibodies have been approved in B-cell Non-Hodgkin lymphoma lately, heralding a new clinical setting where patients are treated with both approaches, sequentially. The aim of our study was to investigate the selective pressure of CD19 and CD20 directed therapy on the clonal architecture in lymphoma. Using a broad analytical pipeline, we identified truncating mutations in the gene encoding CD20 conferring antigen loss in 80% of patients relapsing from CD20 bispecs. Pronounced T cell exhaustion was identified in cases with progressive disease and retained CD20 expression. We also confirmed CD19 loss after CAR T cell therapy and report the case of sequential CD19 and CD20 loss. We observed branching evolution with re-emergence of CD20 positive subclones at later time points and spatial heterogeneity for CD20 expression in response to targeted therapy. Our results highlight immunotherapy as an evolutionary bottleneck selecting for antigen-loss variants but also complex evolutionary pathways underlying disease progression from these novel therapies.

Study EGAS00001007561

DERMATLAS__Leiomyoma_WES

Virtually no other tumour type is associated with so many different forms as skin cancer. Histologically, tumours of the skin may arise from epithelium, including epidermis, hair follicle, sebaceous or sweat gland, melanocytes, dermal-associated mesenchymal structures or tissue resident immune cells, making for a diversity of clinical presentations. Importantly, many skin tumour types have an extremely poor prognosis. Many skin tumour subtypes have never undergone molecular profiling, or if they have, targeted sequencing has been used and the number of cases analyzed has been so limited that deriving firm conclusions about the profile of driver genes, DNA mutational signatures and germline alleles has not been possible For 70 key skin tumour subtypes defined by the World Health Organization, that have not undergone extensive genetic analysis previoulsy, we propose to perform whole exome and transcriptome sequencing, from a range of body sites, to build a genomic atlas of dermatological tumours, including detailed maps of SNVs, copy number alterations, genome-wide methylation and expression profiles. The cases in this cohort are leiomyomas.

Study EGAS00001007629

GOSH_Childhood_Leukemia_Behjati_WellcomeCore_RNA

Paediatric single-cell archival project This project is taking sequential samples of children with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (B-ALL) treated at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) between 2011 and the present day. Patients selected, are those that have done badly (e.g. had to escalate treatment, relapsed or died) despite having apparently ""good"" or ""intermediate"" risk cytogenetics, and often also had immunotherapy (e.g., the bi-specific T-cell engager blinatumomab) because of this. Using samples from key treatment-points, we hope to better characterise their disease and treatment response, to re-define understandings of risk for patients who did unexpectedly poorly. Additionally, we hope to define the disease/immunological factors that determine response to increasingly used immunotherapies within the field of paediatric B-ALL. Each of the samples will be viably frozen bone marrow-derived mononuclear cells. They will come in Eppendorf's, frozen and de-anonymised, from GOSH. We plan to primarily do single cell analysis (GEX, BCR +/-TCR), and then tumour-only WGS and bulk-RNA expression on left-over

Study EGAS00001007616

DERMATLAS__Leiomyoma_RNAseq

Virtually no other tumour type is associated with so many different forms as skin cancer. Histologically, tumours of the skin may arise from epithelium, including epidermis, hair follicle, sebaceous or sweat gland, melanocytes, dermal-associated mesenchymal structures or tissue resident immune cells, making for a diversity of clinical presentations. Importantly, many skin tumour types have an extremely poor prognosis. Many skin tumour subtypes have never undergone molecular profiling, or if they have, targeted sequencing has been used and the number of cases analyzed has been so limited that deriving firm conclusions about the profile of driver genes, DNA mutational signatures and germline alleles has not been possible For 70 key skin tumour subtypes defined by the World Health Organization, that have not undergone extensive genetic analysis previoulsy, we propose to perform whole exome and transcriptome sequencing, from a range of body sites, to build a genomic atlas of dermatological tumours, including detailed maps of SNVs, copy number alterations, genome-wide methylation and expression profiles. The cases in this cohort are leiomyomas.

Study EGAS00001007630

DERMATLAS__Leiomyosarcoma_RNAseq

Virtually no other tumour type is associated with so many different forms as skin cancer. Histologically, tumours of the skin may arise from epithelium, including epidermis, hair follicle, sebaceous or sweat gland, melanocytes, dermal-associated mesenchymal structures or tissue resident immune cells, making for a diversity of clinical presentations. Importantly, many skin tumour types have an extremely poor prognosis. Many skin tumour subtypes have never undergone molecular profiling, or if they have, targeted sequencing has been used and the number of cases analyzed has been so limited that deriving firm conclusions about the profile of driver genes, DNA mutational signatures and germline alleles has not been possible For 70 key skin tumour subtypes defined by the World Health Organization, that have not undergone extensive genetic analysis previoulsy, we propose to perform whole exome and transcriptome sequencing, from a range of body sites, to build a genomic atlas of dermatological tumours, including detailed maps of SNVs, copy number alterations, genome-wide methylation and expression profiles. The cases in this cohort are leiomyosarcomas.

Study EGAS00001007631

Human NXPE1 mediates variation in sialic acid O-acetylation in Colon Tissue

Sialylation, and its modifications, have important consequences for development, differentiation and immune system regulation in nearly all human tissues. An accounting of all the genes responsible for modifying sialic acids is incomplete, with only one pathway for O-acetylation being well-defined in humans. Using whole genome sequencing of normal human colorectal tissue we identify a haplotype on chromosome 11 that is associated with differences in mild periodic acid Schiff staining (mPAS), a marker of acetylation of sialic acids. Of the genes in this region, only SNPs from NXPE1 correlate perfectly in a validation data set. NXPE1 protein expression by IHC also correlates with mPAS staining patterns in homozygous, as well as heterozygous colon crypts that have undergone spontaneous gain of the mPAS phenotype. Manipulation of NXPE1 expression with CRISPR-Cas9 causes changes to modified sialic acid levels in both 2D cell line and 3D normal colon organoid models. These findings suggest NXPE1 may cause O-acetylation of sialic acids in colorectal tissue, potentially defining NXPE as a new family of sialic acid-modifying genes.

Study EGAS00001007704

Selective targeting of TBXT with DARPins identifies regulatory networks and therapeutic vulnerabilities in chordoma

The embryonic transcription factor TBXT (brachyury) drives chordoma, a spinal neoplasm without effective drug therapies. TBXT’s regulatory network is poorly understood, and strategies to disrupt its activity for therapeutic purposes are lacking. We developed designed ankyrin repeat proteins that block TBXT-DNA binding (T-DARPins). In chordoma cells, T-DARPins reduced cell cycle progression, spheroid formation, and tumor growth in mice and induced signs of senescence and differentiation. Transcriptomic and proteomic analyses identified gene networks involved in cell cycle regulation, embryonic cell identity, and interferon response and revealed features of regulome components, such as druggability for future translational studies and the fine-tuning of TBXT downstream effectors through IGFBP3. Finally, we found high interferon signaling in chordoma cell lines and patient tumors, which was promoted by TBXT and associated with sensitivity to JAK2 inhibitors. These findings demonstrate the potential of DARPins for probing nuclear proteins to understand the regulatory networks of transcription factor-driven cancers, including entry points for therapies that warrant testing in patients.

Study EGAS00001008140

Endocrine therapy reprogramming of breast cancer facilitates metastatic escape via upregulation of P-Rex1/Rac1 signalling

The estrogen receptor (ER) drives growth in ~70% of breast cancers, and endocrine therapies prevent recurrence. However, 30% of patients recur, with many fatal cases occurring late (after >5 years), presenting a challenge due to their often non-proliferative nature and limited options. To study this, we generated slow-growing resistant cells that form small primary tumours but readily metastasize. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) revealed that endocrine therapy reprograms these cells, notably upregulating the Rac1 signalling component P-Rex1. We found in clinical cohorts that P-Rex1 in high in ER+ breast cancer. Intravital imaging demonstrated that Rac1 signalling is active in ER+ cells following endocrine therapy. Targeting the Rac1 pathway with small molecule inhibitors (NSC23766, R-ketorolac) reduced survival and motility in resistant cells, inhibited in vivo Rac1 activity, and reduced tumour burden when combined with tamoxifen in a drug-refractory patient-derived xenograft. This work identifies the P-Rex1/Rac1 axis, as a potential therapeutic target for late recurring ER+ breast cancer.

Study EGAS00001008353

Genomic Advances in Sepsis (GAinS): RNA-seq

Sepsis is defined as life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection. This cohort comprises a subset of patients enrolled in the Genomic Advances in Sepsis (GAinS) study, an established biobank of adult sepsis patients. Patients with sepsis due to community acquired pneumonia or faecal peritonitis were recruited from 34 hospitals across the UK from 2005-2018, with samples for functional genomics and detailed clinical information collected on the first, third and/or fifth day following ICU admission. RNA was extracted from leukocytes isolated at the bedside using LeukoLOCK kits. We have previously identified sepsis response signatures (SRSs), transcriptomic endotypes that are associated with differential early mortality (Davenport et al, Lancet Respir Med, 2016; Burnham et al, AJRCCM, 2017) and response to treatment in a clinical trial (Antcliffe et al, AJRCCM, 2018). We generated RNA sequencing data on 903 samples, including 134 samples repeated from our previously released microarray data. Libraries were prepared using NEB Ultra II Library Prep kits (Illumina) and sequenced on a NovaSeq 6000. Reads were aligned to the reference genome (GRCh38) using STAR and gene counts quantified using featureCounts (annotation Ensembl v99). Counts were TMM-normalised and log-transformed. Following QC, processed data were available on 864 samples from 667 unique patients.

Dataset EGAD00001008730

MutWP5: CRUK Mutographs of Cancer: Cancer Mastectomy (WG)(Novaseq)

Sequencing of LCM-derived microbiopsies from 40 women who underwent mastecomies due to breast cancer. LCM and sequencing will be conducted on both normal, unaffected breast, and, where possible, tumour tissue. Goal to assess the mutational burden, spectrum, and clonal dynamics within the tissue, and compare findings between the normal and associated cancer tissues. Whole-genome sequencing will be conducted on samples identified as promising from the initial targeted data. Results from this poriton of the study will be compared to women who had cosmetic breast reduction surgeries and those who are BRCA carriers. . This dataset contains all the data available for this study on 2023-03-08.

Dataset EGAD00001010114

Whole exome sequencing data from non-small-cell lung cancer patients receiving immunotherapy prognosis

The plasma samples and white blood cell samples were collected from 30 non-small-cell lung cancer patients and 3 healthy individuals. The solid tumor biopsy samples from 14 patients (a subset of the 30 patients) were collected. The cfDNA was extracted from their plasma samples using the QIAamp circulating nucleic acid kit from QIAGEN (Germantown, MD). The cfDNA WES library was constructed with the SureSelect XT HS kit from Agilent Technologies (Santa Clara, CA) according to the manufacturer’s protocol. In brief, 10ng of cfDNA was used as input material. After end repair/dA-tailing of cfDNA, the adaptor was ligated. The ligation product was purified with Ampure XP beads (Beckman-Coulter, Atlanta, GA) and the adaptor-ligated library was amplified with index primer in 10-cycle PCR. The amplified library was purified again with Ampure XP beads, and the amount of amplified DNA was measured using the Qubit 1xdsDNA HS assay kit (ThermoFisher, Waltham, MA). 700-1000 ng of DNA sample was hybridized to the Agilent SureSelect Human All Exon V6 (Agilent) capture library and pulled down by streptavidin-coated beads. After washing the beads, the DNA library captured on the beads was re-amplified with 10-cycle PCR. The final libraries were purified by Ampure XP beads. The library concentration was measured by Qubit, and the quality was further examined with Agilent Bioanalyzer before the final step of 2x150bp paired-end sequencing on the Illumina HiSeq X10 platform (Illumina) at an average coverage of 200. Whole-exome capture libraries of genomic DNA of the 30 non-small cell lung cancer patients were constructed via Roche SeqCap EZ Exome V3 (Roche); whole-exome capture libraries of genomic DNA of the 3 healthy individuals were constructed via Agilent SureSelect Human All Exon V6 (Agilent). Enriched exome libraries were sequenced on the Illumina HiSeq 3000 platform (Illumina) to generate 2x100bp paired-end reads at an average coverage of 200.

Dataset EGAD00001006096

The cellular immune and airway epithelial profile throughout childhood and in response to COVID-19 at multi-omic single cell level.

Single-cell data gene expression data set (5’Chromium 10X) of healthy paediatric volunteers, and paediatric and adult COVID-19 patients. Gene expression was determined from samples of nasal, tracheal and bronchial brushings and blood (PBMCs). In addition to gene expression, PBMC’s were assayed by CITE-seq. A subset of samples have VDJ sequencing data for T cell receptors (TCR) and B cell receptors (BCR).

Dataset EGAD00001007718

Title: Divergent levels of CD112 and INKA1 define a distinct subset of human long-term hematopoietic stem cells

The data provided here was critical in establishing that human long-term hematopoietic stem cells (LT-HSC), previously described as the most primitive HSC population, is actually composed of distinct subsets that can be prospectively isolated. Via mechanistic studies centering around the Rho-GTPase effector kinase PAK4 and its inhibitor INKA1, we identified the immune checkpoint ligand CD112 as a marker for hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells, that is highest expressed on LT-HSC. More importantly, CD112 can be used to stratify functionally distinct subsets within LT-HSC: In response to regeneration-mediated stress, the CD112low subset exhibits a transient restraint (termed latency) before contributing to hematopoietic reconstitution, while the CD112high subset is primed to respond rapidly. High resolution RNA-seq of the CD112 surface expression spectrum within rare LT-HSC subsets (human umbilical cord blood) demonstrated that more genes are differentially upregulated in the deeper quiescent and less metabolic active subset. Genes enriched in this subset centre around cell adhesion and Rho-GTPase signaling. This is in agreement with the scRNAseq data from human G-CSF mobilized peripheral blood (mPB) generated here that was used as an model of in vivo activation/priming revealing via RNA-velocity and pseudo-time analysis that INKA1high versus PAK4high, CDK6high and CD112high enrichment are either detected early or late in diffusion pseudotime indicative of quiescent versus primed cell status, respectively. RNAseq following INKA1 overexpression in LT-HSC and ST-HSC revealed by GSEA an overall stemness preserving phenotype and particularly in LT-HSC, but not in short-term HSC (ST-HSC), suppression of transcriptional programs linked to activation. Collectively, our data decipher the molecular intricacies underlying HSC heterogeneity and self-renewal regulation and point to latency as an orchestrated physiological response that integrates quiescence control with HSC fate choices to preserve a stem cell reservoir.

Dataset EGAD00001006541

GDAP - Genome Diversity in Africa Project (2021-02-12)

The Genomic Diversity in Africa Project (GDAP) started with the plan to develop a genomic resource from African populations, characterise genomic diversity and population history, and facilitate clinical studies in Africa. Currently, 25 individuals from 24 ethnolinguistic groups have been whole-genome sequenced at high depth totalling 585 individuals. An additional 41 individuals have been sequenced with 10X Genomics libraries. At this stage, the initial curation of this dataset has been finished and we are performing the analysis in coordination with our collaborators. The current state of the GDAP represents a very diverse panel of African populations that maximizes geographical and ethnic variation and represents a great starting point to achieve the aforementioned goals. However, southern sub-Saharan countries, Bantu speakers and hunter gatherer groups are currently underrepresented, despite being crucial to understand the evolutionary history of the continent. After extensive effort to collate studies documentation, we finally have the opportunity to sequence 600 new individuals from these groups, including countries as Gabon, Rwanda and Zambia, and address these deficiencies. We aim to proceed with the same strategy: to sequence at high depth 25 individuals with standard PCR free libraries, with 2 additional individuals with 10X Genomics Chromium libraries per ethnolinguistic group. The former allows a good representation of variants down to low frequency in any given population, and the latter allows accurate phasing and the analysis of structural variation. By including these new populations, we want to investigate three crucial questions in African history in addition to the initial objectives: the Bantu expansion, the evolutionary history of hunter gatherers and the transatlantic slave trade. Additionally, the expanded dataset will help us better discover the genetic variation present in Africa and characterize the African pangenome. 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/ . This dataset contains all the data available for this study on 2021-02-12.

Dataset EGAD00001006965

Genome Diversity in Africa Project: Uganda (2021-02-17)

Globally, human populations show structured genetic diversity as a result of geographical dispersion, selection and drift. Understanding this genetic variation can provide insights into the evolutionary processes that shape both human adaptation and variation in disease. Populations from SSA have the highest levels of genetic diversity. This characteristic, in addition to historical genetic admixture, can lead to complexities in the design of studies assessing the genetic determinants of disease and human variation. However, such studies of African populations are also likely to provide new opportunities to discover novel disease susceptibility loci and variants and refine gene-disease association signals. A systematic assessment of genetic diversity within SSA would facilitate genomic epidemiological studies in the region. The Genome Diversity in Africa Project (GDAP) aims to produce a comprehensive catalogue of human genetic variation in SSA, including single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), structural variants, and haplotypes. This resource will make a substantial contribution to understanding patterns of genetic diversity within and among populations in SSA, as well as providing a global resource to help design, implement and interpret genomic studies in SSA populations and studies comprising globally diverse populations, complementing existing genomic resources. Specifically, we plan to carry out high depth whole genome sequencing of up to 2000 individuals across Africa (25 individuals from each ethnolinguistic group). Our scientific objectives are to: 1) develop a resource that provides a comprehensive catalogue of genetic variation in populations from SSA accessible to the global scientific community; 2) characterise population genetic diversity, structure, gene flow and admixture across SSA; 3) develop a cost-efficient, next-generation genotype array for diverse populations across SSA; and 4) facilitate whole genome-sequencing association studies of complex traits and diseases by developing a reference panel for imputation and resource for enhancing fine-mapping disease susceptibility loci. These scientific objectives will be supported by cross-cutting operational activities, including network and management of the consortium, research ethics, and research capacity building in statistical genetics and bioinformatics . This dataset contains all the data available for this study on 2021-02-17.

Dataset EGAD00001006976

Clonal dynamics after allogeneic haematopoietic cell transplantation using genome-wide somatic mutations - TGS

Allogeneic haematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) replaces the stem cells responsible for blood production with those harvested from a donor, and is received by 40,000 patients worldwide each year. To quantify dynamics of long-term stem cell engraftment, we sequenced whole genomes of 2,824 single-cell-derived haematopoietic colonies from blood samples of 10 donor-recipient pairs taken 9-31 years after HLA-matched sibling HCT. With younger donors, 10,000-50,000 stem cells had engrafted and were still contributing to haematopoiesis at time of sampling, but estimates were 10-fold lower with older donors. Engrafted stem cells made multilineage contributions to myeloid, B-lymphoid and T-lymphoid populations, although individual clones often showed biases towards one or other mature cell type. Recipients had lower clonal diversity than matched donors, equivalent to ~10-15 years of additional ageing, arising from up to 25-fold greater expansion of stem cell clones. An HCT-related population bottleneck alone could not explain these differences: instead, phylogenetic trees evinced two distinct modes of HCT-specific selection. In 'pruning selection', cell divisions underpinning recipient-enriched clonal expansions had occurred in the donor, preceding transplant - their selective advantage derived from preferential mobilisation, harvest, survival ex vivo or initial homing. In 'growth selection', cell divisions underpinning clonal expansion occurred through proliferative advantage in the recipient's marrow after homing - clones with multiple driver mutations especially demonstrated this pattern. Uprooting stem cells from their native environment and transplanting them to foreign soil exaggerates selective pressures, distorting and accelerating the loss of clonal diversity compared to the unperturbed haematopoiesis of donors.

Dataset EGAD00001010874

cell-free DNA Whole Genome Sequencing of 3784 samples on MGI and Illumina platform

The dataset of Integrative modeling of tumor genomes and epigenomes for enhanced cancer diagnosis by cell-free DNA includes 3784 whole genome sequencing bam files on the MGI and Illumina platform. The analyzed samples include plasma samples from normal individuals and patients with cancer.

Dataset EGAD00001009335

Whole-genome sequencing of gastric cancer 81 samples in the Japanese population.

Genomic DNA of 81 cases from Japanese gastric cancer was extracted from tumor and matched normal tissues, and libraries with an insert size of 350–550 bp were prepared. The libraries were sequenced on a HiSeq 2500 instrument (Illumina) with paired-end reads of 101 bp. The read data are stored as FASTQ formatted files.

Dataset EGAD00001008610

Deep whole genome ctDNA chronology of treatment-resistant prostate cancer

Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in blood plasma is an emerging tool for clinical cancer genotyping and longitudinal disease monitoring. We performed deep whole-genome sequencing of serial plasma and synchronous metastases in patients with aggressive prostate cancer. We comprehensively assess all classes of genomic alterations and demonstrate that ctDNA harbors multiple dominant populations whose evolutionary histories frequently indicate whole-genome doubling and shifts in mutational processes. Although tissue and ctDNA showed concordant clonally-expanded cancer driver alterations, each individual metastasis contributed only a minor share of total ctDNA. By comparing serial ctDNA before and after clinical progression on potent androgen receptor (AR) pathway inhibitors, we reveal population restructuring converging solely on AR augmentation as the dominant genomic driver of acquired treatment-resistance. Finally we leverage nucleosome footprints in ctDNA to infer mRNA abundance in synchronously biopsied metastases, including treatment-induced changes in AR pathway transcriptional activity.

Dataset EGAD00001008460

Genomic Data of Pediatric MDS

The dataset consists of - 126 whole exome sequencings (SAMD9/9Lmut: 64; GATA2mut 24, MDS wildtype 38/471) performed using SureSelect Human All Exon V6 enrichment (Agilent, cat# 5190-8863). The generated libraries were sequenced on the Illumina Hiseq 2500 with 150bp paired-end reads. FASTQ files were processed using SeqNext platform (JSI medical system, Germany), with gene-based alignment to a virtual panel of 300 genes (including 28 MDS-associated genes, SAMD9, and SAMD9L), consisting of genes relevant to bone marrow failure, MDS predisposition, and hematological cancers as per the Pan-Cancer studies with cohorts of >10,000 cancers. The respective BAM files are provided. - Custom panel targeting SAMD9, SAMD9L, and 22 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) on chromosome 7q (allele frequency >35% in all ethnic sub-populations in gnomAD) (Ampliseq #IAD104171) were performed in 666/669 cases. And Custom panel targeting 28 MDS-associated genes (GATA2, RUNX1, HOXA9, CEBPA, GATA1, KRAS, NRAS, CBL, PTPN11, ASXL1, EZH2, SETBP1, FLT3, KIT, JAK2, JAK3, CSF3R, MPL, SH2, BCOR, BCORL1; RAD21, STAG2, CTCF, TP53, PTEN, CALR, VPS45) was performed in 544 cases (Ampliseq #IAD51150). Both custom panel libraries were prepared using NEBNext Ultra II DNA library prep kit (New England BioLabs, cat#E7645S/L) per manufacturer’s instruction and samples were sequenced on an Illumina Miseq 2000 with 2 x 150 bp reads. The respective BAM files are provided - 4 SAMD9/9L patients were subjected to MissionBio custom single-cell panel (CO-112) targeting 250 heterozygous gnomAD population polymorphisms on 7q arm and 69 amplicons in SAMD9/9L and other cancer genes. All libraries were sequenced on an Illumina NovaSeq6000 with 150 base-paired ending multiplexed runs. Fastq files were processed using the Tapestri Pipeline V2 and python-based Mosaic package (multi-omics analysis, data visualization). The derived BAM and loom files are provided.

Dataset EGAD00001007856

AML Proteogenomic Landscape Whole-transcriptome RNA-Sequencing

Whole transcriptome RNA-sequencing of purified bone marrow blasts of 136 de novo, treatment naive AML patients. For further details, we refer to the manuscript "The Proteogenomic Landscape of AML" by Jayavelu, Wolf, Buettner et al. mRNA extraction and whole transcriptome sequencing For transcriptome analysis the TruSeq Total Stranded RNA kit was used, starting with 250ng of total RNA, to generate RNA libraries following the manufacturer’s recommendations (Illumina, San Diego, CA, USA). 100bp paired-end reads were sequenced on the NovaSeq 6000 (Illumina) with a median of 57 mio. reads per sample. RNA Data Analysis Data quality control was performed with FastQC v0.11.9. Reads were aligned to the human reference genome (Ensembl GRCh38 release 82) using STAR v2.6.1. Gene count tables were generated while mapping, using Gencode v31 annotations. All downstream analyses were carried out using R v4.0 and BioConductor v3.12 (Huber et al., 2015; R Core Team, 2020). Size-factor based normalization was performed using DESeq2 v1.28.1(Love et al., 2014).

Dataset EGAD00001008484

WES of adult intellectual disabilities with co-morbid psychiatric disorders (2019-08-07)

ost adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) do not undergo genetic diagnostic investigation as part of their clinical care and have 'missed the boat' with regard to the WES and WGS genetic testing that is now being provided for children with ID. There is a dramatically increased risk of psychistric disorders in adults with ID, e.g. the risk of psychoses is 10X higher than in the general population. It remains an open question as to how much of adult ID is genetic in origin and how similar the genetic forms of adult ID are to those being diagnosed in children, in part due to survivor bias. There is also the opportunity to identify adults with treatable forms of ID, of which over 80 have been described, thus improving their clinical management. Furthermore, analysis of medical records of adults with genetic forms of ID can help to characterise the 'natural history' of individual disorders, resulting in more accurate prognoses for diagnosed children and identifying opportunities for improved management and possibly therapeutic intervention (e.g. optimal anti-epileptic therapy). Here we propose to exome sequence (to ~50X coverage) 200 adults with ID and co-morbid psychiatric disorders. This cohort has previously been assayed with chromosomal microarrays (Wolfe et al 2017 EJHG, 25, 66-72) identifying a diagnostic yield of ~11% which is comparable to the CNV diagnostic yield in various child ID cohorts (10-15%). The authors observed no substantive biases in diagnostic yield between different psychiatric diagnostic classes. The WES data will be analysed using the diagnostic workflows developed in the DDD study to ensure comparability between child and adult ID datasets. This study is intended as a pilot study to demonstrate the value of WES in adults with ID. 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/ . This dataset contains all the data available for this study on 2019-08-07.

Dataset EGAD00001005236

Single-cell profiling of neoantigen-specific T cells in lung cancers treated with neoadjuvant PD-1 blockade

This dataset includes 406 samples from non small cell lung cancer patients treated with neoadjuvant anti-PD-1. The Single Cell 5’ V(D)J and 5’ DGE kits (10X Genomics) were used to capture immune repertoire information and gene expression from the same cell in an emulsion-based protocol at the single cell level. Libraries were generated and sequenced on an Illumina NovaSeq instrument using 2x150bp paired end sequencing.

Dataset EGAD00001007728

Dataset RNAseq from regions of insitu and invasive human mammary ductal disease

BAM files from RNAseq study from regions of insitu and invasive human mammary ductal disease

Dataset EGAD00001008586

Somatic mutation and selection at epidemiological scale - TwinsUK_RENanoSeq_Buccal

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

Dataset EGAD00001015621

Somatic mutation and selection at epidemiological scale - Sanger_NanoSeq_RandD

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

Dataset EGAD00001015624

RNAseq data to study PRPF6 regulated splice forms in colon cancer cell lines

Alternative splicing plays critical roles in differentiation, development, and cancer (Pettigrew et al., 2008; Chen and Manley, 2009). The recent identification of specific spliceosome inhibitors has generated interest in the therapeutic potential of targeting this cellular process (van Alphen et al., 2009). Using an integrated genomic approach, we have identified PRPF6, an RNA binding component of the pre-mRNA spliceosome, as an essential driver of oncogenesis in colon cancer. Importantly, PRPF6 is both amplified and overexpressed in colon cancer, and only colon cancer cells with high PRPF6 levels are sensitive to its loss. Our data clearly point to an important role for PRPF6 in colon cancer growth and suggest that a better understanding of its role in alternative splicing in colon cancer is warranted. To determine the specific alternative splice forms that PRPF6 regulates in colon cancer, we plan three experiments: 1. The first involves knocking down expression of PRPF6 in two different cancer cell lines with 3 different siRNAs, and then completing RNA-seq to determine the gene expression changes that occur relative to a non-targeting control siRNA. Because of the role for PRPF6 in pre-mRNA splicing, we especially want to quantify the changes in splice-specific forms of all genes genome-wide to identify genes whose splicing is altered upon PRPF6 knockdown. 2. The second involves immunoprecipitating PRPF6 from two different cancer cell lines and isolating any RNA that is bound to PRPF6, since PRPF6 is an RNA-binding protein. We then want to carry out RNA-seq to identify which RNA molecules co-immunoprecipitated with PRPF6. This will help us determine possible functions for PRPF6 in regulating colon cancer growth. 3. The third involves overexpressing PRPF6 in cell lines and then carrying out RNA-seq to identify any changes in splice-specific gene expression. This will allow us to determine whether increased PRPF6 expression is sufficient to drive alternative splicing changes.

Dataset EGAD00001000817

Dual targeting of polyamine synthesis and uptake in diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas

Bulk RNA-seq data of tumour data.

Dataset EGAD00001006794

Whole genome sequencing of breast cancer and related clones

Paired WGA (whole-genome amplificated) samples from 65 single cell-derived organoids and six fresh single cell-derived organoid samples both of which were established from normal mammary epithelial cells, 84 FFPE LCM (laser-capture microdissection) samples of breast cancer and related clones, 79 fresh-frozen LCM samples of non-cancer lobules of breast cancer patients, and 36 matched germline controls were subjected to whole genome sequencing using NovaSeq 6000 system (Illumina) or DNBSEQ-G400RS (MGI Tech).

Dataset EGAD00001010833

Genome_wide_association_study_of_vaccine_responses_in_infants_living_in_the_Developing_WorldVaccGene_Phase_II_African_Cohorts

Human genetic heterogeneity accounts for approximately 70% of the observed variability inresponse to common childhood vaccinations. Identifying the elements of this heterogeneitywill enable the development of vaccines which have improved clinical and cost effectivenessthrough rational adjuventation approaches, or by targeting particular at-risk or responsivesubgroups. The studies published to date have been limited in terms of the number of vaccinesubtypes analysed, diversity of the populations included, sample sizes and breadth of otherenvironmental and lifestyle variables which may explain some of the remainder of variation inthe response to each vaccine. Nevertheless, these studies have proposed that the geneswhich harbour the variants associated with vaccine responsiveness reside within regions ofthe genome associated with immune function such as the HLA locus and FOXP1and ITGAL.We are proposing one of the largest genome-wide association studies of vaccine responseever undertaken, which will provide unparalleled power to identify the genetic factorsassociated with the response to all of the most commonly used childhood vaccinesworldwide. For the first phase of the project (Prelim I0308) we genotyped ca. 1,400 childrenfrom the Entebbe Mother and Baby (EMaB) study, an ongoing birth cohort in southernUganda, using the Illumina HumanOmni2.5-8 chip. Analyses for response to vaccinationagainst diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, Haemophilus influenzae, measles, hepatitis B and BCGare now underway. Working alongside other ongoing studies, we plan for the second phaseof the project to expand sample sizes to up to 7,000 individuals in total. This large cohort willinclude 1,500 South African infants, 500 Burkina Faso infants, 1,800 children from Ecuadorand up to 1,800 from a variety of countries (MAL-ED Consortium). The principal measuredphenotypes will be the serological responses at 6 or 12 months of age to the vaccinesadministered to all enrolled children as part of expanded programme of immunisation in allcountries. As for the primary Ugandan study the responses will be analysed as quantitativetraits using mixed model (GEMMA) analyses following imputation using a combined 1000Genome and African Genome Variation Project reference panel. The data will be analysed asone large discovery mega-analysis to maximise the power of finding the relevant associatedvariants. Interim GWAS analyses will be performed on each population to test for populationspecific signals. Other phenotypes that will be assessed in the new studies includequantitative response to BCG, rotavirus and pneumococcal vaccines (South Africa, Ecuadorand Uganda), clinical and immunological response to malaria vaccines (Burkina),immunological correlates of atopy (Ecuador and Uganda) and malaria infection (Burkina,Ecuador and Uganda) in addition to non-communicable disease traits such as blood pressurepage 1[A8] If applicable, provide text (abstract) which will accompany data for this study in the ENA/EGA.[A9] Does this project use samples?[A10] Please choose which types of sample you will be using[A12] Please state the anticipated date (month/year) samples will be available in-house (if known). If samples arealready in-house, type 'in-house' here. Please note that for sequencing, genotyping and microarrays this is essentialfor scheduling the work.[A13] Please state the anticipated project start date (month/year).[A14] Please state the project duration (months).[A15] Please read WTSI's Data Sharing Policy and Guidelines, then explain your data sharing plans for the project[A16] Are the data sharing plans of this project compliant with the Institute's Guidelines?[A17] Are there any conflicts of interest related to this proposal?(Uganda).We are requesting funds to genotype on the Illumina HumanOmni2.5-8 platform 2,000 Africaninfants recruited through ongoing maternal and child vaccine clinical trials (againstpneumococcus in Soweto, South Africa, and malaria in Banfora, Burkina Faso). The DNAfrom the Burkina cohort is at the University of Oxford and ready to be shipped, while the DNAfrom the South African cohort will be available by mid-2014. Appropriate consent for geneticanalyses has been acquired for the proposed study cohorts from both local ethics committeesand UK-based Committees.

Study EGAS00001000918

Molecular characterization of invasive lobular carcinoma

Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) is the second most common histological subtype of breast cancer accounting for 10-15% of cases. ILC differs from invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC)with respect to epidemiology, histology, and clinical presentation. Moreover, ILC is lesssensitive to chemotherapy, more frequently bilateral, and more prone to form gastrointestinal, peritoneal, and ovarian metastases than IDCs. In contrast to IDC, the prognostic value ofhistological grade (HG) in ILC is controversial. One of the three major components of histological grading (tubule formation) is missing in ILC which hinders the process of gradingin this histological subtype and results in the classification of approximately two thirds of ILC as HG 2.Over the last decade, a number of gene expression signatures have shed light onto breast cancer classification, allowing breast cancer care to become more personalized. Withrespect to the management of estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer, several gene expression signatures provide prognostic and/or predictive information beyond what is possible with current classical clinico-pathological parameters alone. Nevertheless, most studies using gene expression signature have not considered different histologic subtypesseparately. Recently, a comprehensive research program has elucidated some of the biological underpinnings of invasive lobular carcinoma. Genetic material extracted from 200 ILC tumor samples were studied using gene expression profiling and identified ILCmolecular subtypes. These proliferation-driven gene signatures of ILC appear to have prognostic significance. In particular, the Genomic Grade (GG) gene signature improved upon HG in ILC and added prognostic value to classic clinico-pathologic factors. In addition this study demonstrated that most ILC are molecularly characterized as luminal-A (~75%)followed by luminal-B (~20%) and HER2-positve tumors (~5%). Moreover, we investigated the prognostic value of known gene signatures/ gene modules in the same cohort of ILC. As a second step within the scope of this project, we aim to investigate the interactionsbetween somatic ILC tumor mutations to observed transcriptome findings. To this end, we aim to perform somatic mutation analysis for the ILC tumors for which Affymetrix gene expression profiling is available. To this end, we will use a gene screen assay, which specifically interrogates the mutational status of a few hundreds of cancer genes. We believe that this pioneering effort will be fundamental for a tailored treatment of ILC withimprovement in patients' outcome.

Dataset EGAD00001000288

WNT-dependent interaction between inflammatory fibroblasts and FOLR2+ macrophages promotes fibrosis in chronic kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a public health problem driven by myofibroblast accumulation, leading to interstitial fibrosis. Heterogeneity is a recently recognised characteristics in kidney fibroblasts in CKD, but the role of different populations is still unclear. Here, we characterize a proinflammatory fibroblast population (named CXCL-iFibro), which corresponds to an early state of myofibroblast differentiation in CKD. By performing immunofluorescence studies and spatial transcriptomics analysis on 2 patients, we demonstrate that CXCL-iFibro co-localize with macrophages in the kidney and participate in their attraction, accumulation, and switch into FOLR2+ macrophages from early CKD stages on. In vitro, we cultured primary inflammatory fibroblasts that we characterized by using bulk RNAseq. We show that macrophages promote the switch of CXCL-iFibro into ECM-secreting myofibroblasts through a WNT/-catenin-dependent pathway, thereby suggesting a reciprocal crosstalk between these populations of fibroblasts and macrophages. Finally, the detection of CXCL-iFibro at early stages of CKD is predictive of poor patient prognosis, which shows that the CXCL-iFibro population is an early player in CKD progression and demonstrates the clinical relevance of our findings.

Study EGAS50000000101

Residual ANTXR1+ myofibroblasts after chemotherapy inhibit anti-tumor immunity via YAP1 signaling pathway

Although cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF) heterogeneity is well-established, the impact of chemotherapy on CAF populations remains poorly understood. We address this question in high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC), in which we previously identified 4 CAF populations. While the global content in stroma increases in HGSOC after chemotherapy, the proportion of FAP+ CAF (also called CAF-S1) decreases. Still, maintenance of high residual CAF-S1 content after chemotherapy is associated with reduced CD8+ T lymphocyte density and poor patient prognosis, emphasizing the importance of CAF-S1 reduction upon treatment. Single cell analysis, spatial transcriptomics and immunohistochemistry reveal that the content in the ECM-producing ANTXR1+ CAF-S1 cluster (ECM-myCAF) is the most affected by chemotherapy. Moreover, functional assays demonstrate that ECM-myCAF isolated from HGSOC reduce CD8+ T-cell cytotoxicity through a Yes Associated Protein 1 (YAP1)-dependent mechanism. Thus, efficient inhibition after treatment of YAP1-signaling pathway in the ECM-myCAF cluster is required to enhance CD8+ T-cell cytotoxicity. Altogether, these data pave the way for novel therapy targeting YAP1 in ECM-myCAF in HGSOC.

Study EGAS50000000136

Stability of gut microbiome after COVID-19 vaccination in healthy and immuno-compromised individuals

Bidirectional interactions between the immune system and the gut microbiota are key contributors to various physiological functions. Immune-associated diseases such as cancer and auto- immunity, and efficacy of immunomodulatory therapies, have been linked to microbiome variation. Although COVID-19 infection has been shown to cause microbial dysbiosis, it remains understudied whether the inflammatory response associated with vaccination also impacts the microbiota. Here, we investigate the temporal impact of COVID-19 vaccination on the gut microbiome in healthy and immuno-compromised individuals; the latter included patients with primary immunodeficiency and cancer patients on immuno- modulating therapies. We find that the gut microbiome remained remarkably stable postvaccination irrespective of diverse immune status, vaccine response, and microbial composition spanned by the cohort. The stability is evident at all evaluated levels including diversity, phylum, species, and functional capacity. Our results in- dicate the resilience of the gut microbiome to host immune changes triggered by COVID-19 vaccination and suggest minimal, if any, impact on microbiome-mediated processes. These findings en- courage vaccine acceptance, particularly when contrasted with the significant microbiome shifts observed during COVID-19 infection.

Study EGAS50000000179

Novel immunodeficiency caused by homozygous mutations of SLC19A1

The male proband suffered from infancy oral lesions, recurrent fever, diarrhea, vomiting, atopic dermatitis, dark discoloration patches on his skin and lip fissures; he suffered from anemia (megaloblastic), thrombocytopenia, hypogammaglobulinemia and lymphopenia; his growth and development are delayed. Whole exome sequencing identified only one variant predicted to have high impact and to potentially explain the patient’s phenotype, a homozygous missense chr21:46950793:C:T (hg19) SLC19A1 NM_194255:c.1042G>A (p.G348R). Sanger sequencing and segregation analysis confirmed the presence of the homozygous SLC19A1 c.1042G>A (G348R) missense variant in the proband, with a heterozygous state in his family. The same homozygous SLC19A1 variant was identified in a distantly-related male patient with a similar phenotype presentation, while his healthy family members were heterozygous. SLC19A1 is a folate transporter, and thus folic acid supplementation was performed for the proband: platelet counts normalized rapidly and anemia improved; hair and skin discoloration, mouth lesions and chronic diarrhea improved. In contrast, neurological and developmental issues remained unchanged and treatment had only a partial effect on the immune system. This further confirmed the causal role of SLC19A1 for the proband's condition.

Study EGAS50000000356

Fecal microbiota transplantation - Effect of engraftment on plasma metabolomics and cllinical outcomes

Fecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT) has emerged as a potential modality for mitigating microbiome-associated diseases. Despite this potential, the precise causal pathways by which specific gut microbiota strains induce remission remain inadequately elucidated. In this study, we aimed to discern the impact of engraftment of donor-infused strains on alterations in plasma metabolites, subsequently contributing to the amelioration of clinical parameters involved in subjects with metabolic syndrome (MetSyn) receiving an FMT. We observed that a higher fraction of donor strains engrafted in the recipient is correlated to a reduction in diastolic blood pressure and found specific strains associations through Canonical correlation analysis. Integrating the metabolomics profile show that engraftment of Collinsella aerofaciens and Fusocatenibacter saccharovorans was related to a reduction in 2 oxoarginine in plasma, which was subsequently correlated to a reduction in diastolic blood pressure. In conclusion, we applied a novel framework to elucidate on the complex and heterogenous FMT intervention, establishing a connection between engrafted microbiota and clinical outcome parameters. Our findings underscore the potential therapeutic efficacy of FMT in ameliorating MetSyn, demonstrating a potential contribution of microbial strain engraftment to the improvement of MetSyn via modulation of circulating metabolites.

Study EGAS50000000409

Ischemia Reperfusion Responses in Human Lung Transplants at the Single Cell Resolution

Ischemia reperfusion is an unavoidable step of organ transplantation. Development of therapeutics for lung injury during transplantation has proved challenging; understanding lung injury from human data at the single cell resolution is required to accelerate the development of therapeutics. Donor lung biopsies from six human lung transplant cases were collected at the end of cold preservation and 2-hour reperfusion and underwent single cell RNA sequencing. Donor and recipient origin of cells from the reperfusion timepoint were deconvolved. Gene expression profiles were (1) compared between each donor cell type between timepoints and (2) compared between donor and recipient cells. Inflammatory responses from donor lung macrophages were found after reperfusion with upregulation of multiple cytokines and chemokines, especially IL-1 and IL-1. Significant inflammatory responses were found in alveolar epithelial cells (featured by CXCL8) and lung endothelial cells (featured by IL-6 upregulation). Different inflammatory responses were noted between donor and recipient monocytes and CD8+ T cells. The inflammatory signals and differences between donor and recipient cells observed provide insight into the cellular and molecular mechanisms of ischemia reperfusion induced lung injury. Further investigations may lead to the development of novel targeted therapeutics.

Study EGAS50000000490

Systematic dissection of tumor-normal single-cell ecosystems across a thousand tumors of 30 cancer types

The complexity of the tumor microenvironment poses significant challenges in cancer therapy. Here, to comprehensively investigate the tumor-normal ecosystems, we perform an integrative analysis of 4.9 million single-cell transcriptomes from 1,070 tumor and 493 normal samples in combination with pan-cancer 137 spatial transcriptomics, 8,887 TCGA, and 1,261 checkpoint inhibitor-treated bulk tumors. We define a myriad of cell states constituting the tumor-normal ecosystems and also identify hallmark gene signatures across different cell types and organs. Our atlas characterizes distinctions between inflammatory fibroblasts marked by AKR1C1 or WNT5A in terms of cellular interactions and spatial co-localization patterns. Co-occurrence analysis reveals interferon-enriched community states including tertiary lymphoid structure (TLS) components, which exhibit differential rewiring between tumor, adjacent normal, and healthy normal tissues. The favorable response of interferon-enriched community states to immunotherapy is validated using immunotherapy-treated cancers (n=1,261) including our lung cancer cohort (n=497). Deconvolution of spatial transcriptomes discriminates TLS-enriched from non-enriched cell types among immunotherapy-favorable components. Our systematic dissection of tumor-normal ecosystems provides a deeper understanding of inter- and intra-tumoral heterogeneity.

Study EGAS50000000324

Prediction of homologous recombination deficiency identifies colorectal tumors sensitive to PARP inhibition

BRCAness is a well-established feature in breast, ovarian, prostate and pancreatic carcinomas, our recent findings indicate that up to 15% of colorectal cancers (CRC) also harbor defects in the HR pathway, presenting promising opportunities for innovative therapeutic strategies in CRC patients. We developed a new tool called HRDirect, which builds upon the HRDetect algorithm and is able to predict HRD from reference-free tumor samples. We validated HRDirect using matched breast cancer and CRC patient samples. Subsequently, we assessed its efficacy in predicting response to the PARP inhibitor olaparib by comparing it with two other commercial assays: AmoyDx HRD by Amoy Diagnostics and the TruSight Oncology (TSO) _500 HRD panel by Illumina NGS technology. While all three approaches successfully identified the most PARPi-sensitive CRC models, HRDirect demonstrated superior precision in distinguishing resistant models compared to AmoyDX and TSO500-HRD, which exhibited overlapping scores between sensitive and resistant cells. Furthermore, we propose integrating HRDirect scoring with ATM immunohistochemical analysis as part of our "composite biomarker approach" to enhance the identification of HRD tumors, with an immediate translational and clinical impact for CRC personalized treatment.

Study EGAS50000000426

Harnessing Epigenetic Regulators to improve HSC-based lentiviral gene therapy

Curative benefits of autologous and allogeneic transplantation of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) have been proven for various diseases. However, the low number of true HSCs that can be collected from patients and subsequently in vitro maintenance and expansion of true HSCs for genetic correction remain challenging. Addressing this issue, we here focused on optimizing culture conditions to improve the ex vivo expansion of true HSCs for gene therapy purposes. In particular, we explore the use of epigenetic regulators to enhance the effectiveness of HSC-based lentiviral (LV) gene therapy. The HDAC inhibitor Quisinostat and the bromodomain inhibitor CPI203 each promote ex vivo expansion of functional HSCs, as validated by xenotransplantation assays and single cell RNA-sequencing analysis. We confirmed the stealth effect of LV transduction on the loss of HSC numbers in commonly used culture protocols, while addition of Quisinostat or CPI203 improved expansion of HSCs in transduction protocols. Of note, we demonstrated that addition of Quisinostat improved LV transduction efficiency of HSCs and early progenitors. Our suggested culture conditions highlight the potential therapeutic effect of epigenetic regulators in hematopoietic stem cell biology and their clinical applications to advance HSC-based gene correction.

Study EGAS50000000175

Identification of HER2-positive breast cancer molecular subtypes with potential clinical implications in the ALTTO clinical trial

In HER2-positive breast cancer, clinical outcome and sensitivity to HER2-targeted therapies are influenced by both tumor and microenvironment features. However, we are currently unable to depict the molecular heterogeneity of this disease with sufficient granularity. Here, by performing gene expression profiling in HER2-positive breast cancers from patients receiving adjuvant trastuzumab in the ALTTO clinical trial, we identified and characterized five molecular subtypes associated with the risk of distant recurrence: immune-enriched (IM), proliferative/metabolic-enriched (P/Met), mesenchymal/stroma-enriched (Mes/S), luminal (LUM), and ERBB2-enrichedERBB2-dependent (ERBB2-EERBB2-D). We next validated the biological profiles of the subtypes and explored their prognostic/predictive value in external cohorts, namely the NeoALTTO trial, SCAN-B, I-SPY2, METABRIC and TCGA. IM tumors presented better survival outcomes, in contrast to Mes/S and P/Met tumors, while LUM tumors and ERBB2-EERBB2-D were characterized by low and high rates of pathological complete response, respectively. Of note, these molecular subtypes provide the rationale for treatment approaches leveraging the heterogeneous biology of HER2-positive breast cancer.

Study EGAS50000000525

The taxonomic composition of the human microbiome of CRC patients and healthy donors

In this study, single homogenized human stool samples from five healthy donors and one CRC patient were analyzed by shotgun sequencing to generate a baseline for the establishment of humanized microbiome to be transferred into mice. Briefly, fecal DNA was isolated from these samples using the DNeasy PowerSoil DNA Isolation Kit (Qiagen), according to the kit manual, except that samples were homogenized using the TissueLyzerII for five minutes at 40Hz instead of intense vortexing. The extracted DNA was further purified and concentrated using the DNA Clean and Concentrator Kit (Zymo Research). This DNA was thawed and refrozen once at -80°C for 16s sequencing before being thawed again for WGS. 200 ng of DNA was used for metagenomic library preparation using the Next Generation Sequencing DNA Library Prep Kit (Westburg), according to the user manual using an average insert size of libraries of 450 base pairs. Following quantification and quality control (Qubit® dsDNA BR Assay Kit (Thermofisher Scientific); Bioanalyzer High Sensitivity DNA Analysis Kit (Agilent Technologies)), sequencing was performed on a NextSeq500 instrument using 2×150 base pair read lengths.

Study EGAS50000000759

Transcriptomic hallmarks and RNA isoform diversity in human neurodegenerative disease

Single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) has enabled high-throughput RNA analysis at an unprecedented resolution. One staple analysis in scRNA-seq is identifying differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between two populations. However, the mRNA isoforms have often been overlooked in these transcriptomic analyses due to technical limitations. In order to investigate the mRNA isoforms at the single-cell level, we used a targeted single-nucleus long-read RNA-sequencing method combining single-nucleus short-read RNA-seq (snRNA-seq), target gene enrichment, and Iso-Seq. We performed snRNA-seq and targeted single-nucleus Iso-Seq (snIso-Seq) on 25 human frontal cortices from individuals with AD, DLB, or PD, and age-matched controls. Our short-read transcriptome analysis revealed that DLB samples had more overlapping DEGs with AD than PD despite sharing pathological hallmarks with PD. We observed vast RNA isoform diversity in the 50 genes targeted, including genes that were not differentially expressed in our short-read data. We also identified several novel isoforms that are not included in the reference annotation. Our data collectively characterize the transcriptome of various neurodegenerative diseases and illuminate the mRNA isoform diversity.

Study EGAS50000000132

Genetic coupling of enhancer activity and connectivity in gene expression control

In this study, we investigated whether the genetic effects of eQTLs on enhancer activity and enhancer-promoter contacts (connectivity) are inherently coupled or distinct. To address this, we performed Capture Hi-C targeting ~1100 eQTL loci, along with ATAC-seq and RNA-seq, in monocytes from 34 healthy male donors. Using single-modality and multi-modality Bayesian statistical approaches, we demonstrated that eQTL effects are predominantly shared across enhancer activity, connectivity, and gene expression. However, we also identified a locus where an eQTL disrupts a CTCF binding site at a putative insulator, facilitating contacts between the PCK2 gene promoter and downstream enhancers. To validate these findings, we used 4C-seq to confirm the allelic effects of eQTLs on enhancer-promoter connectivity at the PCK2 locus and another eQTL region associated with THBS1 expression, both of which showed consistent eQTL effects across all three modalities. Additionally, we conducted Hi-C on monocytes from two donors to map reference TADs and performed ChIP-seq to confirm the allelic effects of the PCK2 eQTL on CTCF binding. Together, these data provide comprehensive insights into the genetic coupling of enhancer activity, connectivity, and gene expression.

Study EGAS50000000756

Atezolizumab Plus Chemotherapy With or Without Bevacizumab in Advanced Biliary Tract Cancer: Clinical and Biomarker Data From the Randomized Phase II IMbrave151 Trial

PURPOSE Biliary tract cancers (BTCs) harbor an immunosuppressed tumor microenvironment (TME) and respond poorly to PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors. Bevacizumab (anti-VEGF) plus chemotherapy can promote anticancer immunity, augmenting response to PD-L1 inhibition. PATIENTS AND METHODS This randomized, double-blind, proof-of-concept Phase II study enrolled patients (n=162) with previously untreated advanced BTC (IMbrave151; NCT04677504). Patients were randomized 1:1 to receive 3-weekly cycles of atezolizumab (1200 mg) plus bevacizumab (15 mg/kg) or atezolizumab plus placebo until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. All patients received cisplatin (25 mg/m2) plus gemcitabine (1000 mg/m2; CisGem) on Days 1 and 8 every 3 weeks for up to 8 cycles. Stratification of patients was by disease status, geographic region, and primary tumor location. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS). No formal hypothesis testing was performed. Exploratory correlative biomarker analysis was undertaken using transcriptome analysis (n=95) and mutation profiling (n=102) on baseline tumor samples. RESULTS Between February and September 2021, 162 patients were enrolled. Median PFS was 8.3 months in the bevacizumab arm and 7.9 months in the placebo

Study EGAS50000000387

Distinct immune cell infiltration patterns in PDAC exhibit divergent immune cell selection and immunosuppressive mechanisms

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma has a dismal prognosis. A comprehensive analysis of single-cell multi-omic data from matched tumour-infiltrated CD45+ cells and peripheral blood in 12 patients, and two published datasets, reveals a complex immune infiltrate. Patients have either a myeloid-enriched or adaptive-enriched tumour microenvironment. Lymphocyte enrichment is intrinsically linked with highly distinct B and T cell clonal selection, diversification, and differentiation. Using TCR data, we see the largest clonal expansions in CD8 effector memory, senescent cells, and highly activated regulatory T cells which are induced within the tumour from naïve cells. We identify pathways that potentially lead to a suppressive microenvironement, including targets of immunotherapy and checkpoints including TIGIT/PVR and SIRPA/CD47. PDAC patient tumors from the APACT clinical trial revealed that patients with myeloid enrichment had the shorter overall survival compared to those adaptive cell enrichment. We identify multiple therapeutic targets that should form the basis for rational design including boosting of B cell responses, targeting immunosuppressive macrophages, and specific Treg depletion approaches. The dataset is scRNA-seq data from PDAC patients.

Study EGAS50000000726

Rapid brain tumor classification from sparse epigenomic data

Although the intraoperative, molecular differential diagnosis of the approximately one hundred different brain tumor entities described to date has been a goal of neuropathology in the last decade, this has not yet been achieved in a clinically relevant time frame of less than one hour after biopsy collection. Recent advances in third-generation sequencing technologies have brought this once-elusive goal within reach. However, established machine learning techniques rely on concepts and methods, impractical for live diagnostic workflows in clinical applications. Here, we present MethyLYZR, a Naïve Bayesian framework enabling fully tractable live classification of cancer epigenomes. MethyLYZR can be run in parallel with an ongoing Nanopore experiment with negligible computational cost and provides clinically relevant and accurate cancer classification results within 15 minutes of sequencing. Therefore, only the time required for DNA extraction and the Nanopore sequencer's maximum parallel throughput remain limiting factors for even faster time-to-results. We demonstrate the potential utility of the MethyLYZR framework not only for the neurosurgical intraoperative use case but also for other oncologic indications and cell-free DNA from liquid biopsies.

Study EGAS50000000559

The genomic basis of childhood T-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia

T-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is a high-risk tumor that has eluded comprehensive genomic characterization, in part due to the high frequency of non-coding genomic alterations resulting in oncogenic dysregulation. Here we report integrated genome and transcriptome sequencing of T-ALL tumor and remission samples obtained from over 1300 uniformly treated children with T-ALL, coupled with epigenomic and single cell analysis of malignant and normal T cell precursors. Integrated analysis identified 15 subtypes with distinct genomic drivers, gene expression, developmental state and outcome. Integration with chromatin topology analyses enabled elucidation of multiple mechanisms of enhancer deregulation that involve enhancers and genes in a subtype-specific fashion. We show that the immunophenotypically-described, high-risk entity of early T-cell precursor ALL is superseded by a broader category of leukemias of variable immunophenotype with diverse genomic alterations of a core set of genes encoding regulators of hematopoietic stem cell development. Numerous genetic alterations and disease subtypes emerged as independent predictors of survival and treatment failure in univariable and multivariable outcome models. These findings provide a roadmap for the classification, risk stratification and mechanistic understanding of this disease.

Study EGAS50000000016

Single cell atlas of large B-cell lymphoma

Large B-cell lymphomas (LBCL) are clinically and biologically heterogeneous lymphoid malignancies, shaped by complex tumor and microenvironments that play a critical role in disease progression. There has been no direct and comprehensive single-cell characterization of tumor microenvironment in LBCL that simultaneously captures lymphoid, myeloid, and stromal populations across a sufficiently large cohort to reveal reproducible and biologically meaningful patterns. Here, we performed single-nucleus multiome profiling, coupled with bulk DNA and RNA sequencing, on 232 tumor and control biopsies to comprehensively map cell subpopulations of LBCL. Through this integrative approach, we identified Lymphoma Microenvironment Archetype Profiles (LymphoMAPs)—distinct, reproducible patterns defined by the co-occurrence of functionally specialized cell subsets. We further characterized the cell-cell communication pathways that shape these transcriptional phenotypes within archetypes. Importantly, we discovered associations between specific LymphoMAPs and clinical and molecular features of LBCL, including response to CD19 CAR T-cell therapy. Our study provides a valuable resource of lymphoid, myeloid, and non-hematopoietic cell states in LBCL and offers a framework for understanding how the abundance and functional state of cells within the tumor microenvironment may drive inter-patient variability in therapeutic outcome.

Study EGAS50000001022

Cambridge Neoadjuvant Cancer of the Prostate (CANCAP03): A Window Study into the Effects of Olaparib ± Degarelix in Primary Prostate Cancer.

Study: Cambridge Neoadjuvant Cancer of the Prostate (CANCAP03): A Window Study into the Effects of Olaparib ± Degarelix in Primary Prostate Cancer. EudraCT Number: 2014-004417-86 Clinicaltrials.gov Number: NCT02324998 Purpose: Investigate combined PARP and androgen inhibition in primary prostate cancer. Aim: To understand the biological mechanism(s) underlying clinical efficacy, especially in the absence of mutations in homologous recombination (HR) repair pathways. Dataset: Single-nuclear RNA sequencing data from post-treatment radical prostatectomy tissue cores for six patients, 3 from each of olaparib and olaparib and degarelix cohorts. Samples were processed for nuclear isolation and extraction, prior to single-nuclear RNA sequencing. 10x libraries were constructed using the 10x supplied protocol, briefly: individual nuclei were trapped into droplets with a single bead, and poly A transcripts were barcoded during reverse transcription. Complementary DNA was amplified, and libraries were prepared for sequencing on NovaSeq 6000 using S4 flow cell (100k reads per cell). FASTQ files were processed using CellRanger pipeline (10X Genomics). Outputs from the CellRanger pipeline were analysed using the Seurat package (v4.9.9.9049) in R (v4.2.0). Processed data is provided as a Seurat object.

Study EGAS50000000880

Biallelic loss of function PAX4 variants are a Novel Cause of Transient Neonatal Diabetes

The identification of genes in which loss of function (LoF) variants cause neonatal diabetes mellitus (NDM) can provide unique insights into the development and function of human pancreatic beta cells. We describe the identification of biallelic PAX4 LoF variants in 2 unrelated individuals with transient NDM: one due to a homozygous p.(Arg126*) PAX4 stop gain variant and a second due to a homozygous c.-352_104del 2.65kb deletion affecting the first 4 exons and promoter of the PAX4 Matched Annotation from NCBI and EMBL-EBI select transcript. We confirmed reduced transcript expression due to nonsense mediated decay for the e p.(Arg126*) variant in CRISPR-edited iPSC-derived pancreatic endoderm cells. Analysis of PAX4 binding through integration of CUT&RUN and RNA-sequencing in PAX4 depleted endocrine cells identified genes directly regulated by PAX4 involved in both pancreatic islet development and glucose-sensitive insulin secretion. The remitting and relapsing diabetes in both probands demonstrates that in contrast to mice PAX4 is not essential for the development of pancreatic beta-cells and supports differences in the requirements of functional beta-cell mass across the life-course.

Study EGAS50000000857

Ultra-Low-Pass Whole Genome Sequencing of Cell-Free DNA for Large B-Cell Lymphoma

While deep targeted DNA sequencing of liquid biopsies has shown prognostic utility in large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL), the routine clinical adoption of these assays remains limited due to their high costs. Here, leveraging a well-annotated cohort of encompassing both frontline and relapsed/refractory (R/R) LBCL, we profiled patient plasma samples with two complementary modalities – ultra-low-pass whole genome sequencing (ulpWGS) and deep targeted DNA sequencing, the former being a cost-effective method to profile large scale chromosomal abnormalities and estimate tumor burden. Our findings revealed a strong association of high cell-free tumor burden by both genomic profiling modalities with established measures of tumor burden and patient survival. Notably, the associations with survival remained statistically significant after accounting for international prognostic index scoring. Furthermore, we showed that del(17p) in circulating tumor DNA as detected by ulpWGS was strongly associated with TP53 mutation status and predicted for significantly inferior patient outcome in frontline but not R/R LBCL patients. Our study demonstrates that ulpWGS can provide robust prognostic biomarkers for both frontline and R/R LBCL, highlighting its broad applicability for risk stratification.

Study EGAS50000001027

Final results and ctDNA analyses from the randomized phase 3 IMpassion031 trial evaluating peri-operative atezolizumab for early-stage triple-negative breast cancer

In IMpassion031, adding atezolizumab to neoadjuvant chemotherapy significantly improved pathologic complete response (pCR) rate (primary endpoint) for stage II/III triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Patients with stage II/III TNBC were randomized 1:1 to neoadjuvant chemotherapy plus peri-operative atezolizumab or pre-operative placebo. Descriptive secondary endpoints included event-free, disease-free, and overall survival. Long-term outcomes favored the atezolizumab group (event-free survival HR 0.76, 95% CI: 0.47–1.21). Among patients without pCR, 14/70 (20%) atezolizumab-treated and 33/99 (33%) placebo-treated patients received additional adjuvant therapy, frequently capecitabine. In exploratory analyses, pCR was prognostic for long-term outcome. Patients with baseline ctDNA-negative status (6%) had excellent long-term outcomes. Most patients (87%) had cleared ctDNA at surgery. ctDNA-positive status at surgery identified a subset of non-pCR patients with poorest prognosis. Long-term safety was consistent with primary results. Adding atezolizumab to chemotherapy for stage II/III TNBC is associated with more favorable long-term outcomes. ctDNA dynamics provide prognostic value beyond pCR. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03197935

Study EGAS50000000974

DynaTag for efficient profiling of transcription factors in small samples and single cells

Systematic discovery of transcription factor (TF) landscapes in low-input samples and at single cell level is a major challenge in the fields of molecular biology, genetics, and epigenetics. To address this, we present here cleavage under Dynamic targets and Tagmentation (DynaTag), which allows robust mapping of specific TF-DNA interactions via the use of a physiological salt solution during sample preparation. Using this method, we revealed occupancy alterations for 15 different TFs in stem cell and cancer tissue models. Of note, we showcased for NANOG, MYC, and OCT4 differentially occupied genomic loci during stem cell differentiation, both in bulk and at single-cell resolution. DynaTag demonstrated superior signal-to-background ratio and occupancy resolution in comparison to CUT&RUN and ChIP-seq. In addition, a model for small cell lung cancer chemotherapy treatment in vivo showed increased chromatin occupancies of the gain-of-function mutant P53 p.R248Q, FOXA1, and MYC at altered gene pathways, such as epithelial-mesenchymal-transition. Altogether, these results highlight the technical advancement of DynaTag to uncover TF landscapes in cell models and in tissues of a complex disease model.

Study EGAS50000001074

TDP43 proteinopathy leads to divergent cryptic splicing in the cortex and spinal cord

Mislocalization of the nuclear TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP43) is a hallmark of ALS and FTD which leads to de-repression and inclusion of cryptic exons, promising biomarkers of TDP43 pathology in a spectrum of neurodegenerative diseases. However, most cryptic exons to date have been identified from in vitro models or a single cortical FTD dataset, and little is known about cryptic splicing in the spinal cord, or within different neuronal subtypes. We meta-analyzed published bulk RNAseq datasets representing 1,778 RNAseq profiles of ALS and FTD post-mortem tissue, and in vitro models with experimentally depleted TDP43. We identified 142 cryptic splices, including 76 novel events. We found a novel pattern of spinal cord cryptic splicing, validated in an independent cohort by qPCR, which differed significantly from cortical and in vitro splicing. Finally, leveraging multiple public single-nucleus RNAseq datasets of ALS and FTD motor and frontal cortex, we confirmed the elevation of cortical-enriched splices in disease and localized them to layer-specific neuronal populations. This catalog of cryptic splices could inform efforts to develop biomarkers for tissue-specific and cell type-specific TDP43 pathology.

Study EGAS50000000575

Vaccine-Expanded Plasmablast-like B Cells Are Associated with Response to Dendritic Cell Therapy in Metastatic Melanoma

Dendritic cells (DCs), either monocyte-derived (moDCs) or naturally circulating, have been employed in cancer treatment across both metastatic and adjuvant settings. DC vaccines (DC Vax) are capable of inducing tumor-specific immune responses, yet clinical outcomes have thus far fallen short of expectations. Here, we performed a multi-omics analysis of the apheresis product, including CD14⁺ monocytes, and the final DCVax formulation. Among all the components analyzed, the most striking finding was the unexpected presence of CD19⁺ B cells within the DC Vax formulation, which distinguished Responders from Non-Responders to moDC vaccination in metastatic melanoma. The abundance of B cells in DC Vax correlated with their peripheral frequency; however, within the vaccine, these cells acquired a CD20lowCD27hiCD38hi plasmablast-like phenotype, distinct from their autologous circulating B-cell precursors. Notably, a parallel observation was made in Responders, whose pre-treatment lesions were enriched in B cells organized as Tertiary Lymphoid Structures. These results underscore the importance of B cells in both baseline immunity and DCVax formulation, hinting at unexplored mechanisms by which they may influence vaccine effectiveness.

Study EGAS50000001177

M116 Proteome Extracellular Vesicle Profiling

For extracellular vesicles (ECV) extraction from plasma, 1M ammonium acetate was added to precipitate ECVs on ice for 45 min. Then, 100 mM ammonium acetate was added to the mixture, and ECVs were precipitated by centrifugation at 20,000g for 30 min. ECVs were washed with 50 mM ammonium bicarbonate (Sigma-Aldrich, Cat. 1066-33-7). Then, 600 µl of 1% ammonium deoxycholate (Sigma Aldrich, Cat. K2755-1MG) were added. The concentration of protein in each sample was measured using a bicinchoninic acid assay (BCA assay). Ammonium bicarbonate was used to dilute 500 µg of protein into a final volume of 500 µl. Next, dithiothreitol (Sigma-Aldrich, Cat. D9779) was added to obtain a final concentration of 20 mM, followed by iodoacetamide (Sigma-Aldrich, Cat. I6125) to a final concentration of 40 mM. Next, trypsin (Roche, Cat. RTRYP-RO) was added to the sample in a 1:25 protein ratio and incubated at 37°C overnight. Next day, formic acid (ThermoFisher Scientific, Cat. 28905) in a final concentration of 0.1% was added and extraction of proteins was done using Empore™ Solid Phase Extraction Cartridges (3M), following manufacturer’s instructions. The eluted samples were then centrifuged for 90 min. using a speed vacuum centrifuge (Thermo, RC1010), followed by snap freezing in liquid nitrogen. Then, the samples were kept in a freeze dryer (LyoDry Compact Benchtop, MechaTech) overnight. Next, the samples were reconstituted in 30 µl of 0.1% formic acid (FA) and an o-Phthaladehyde (Oparil) assay was performed to determine the concentration of each sample. After that, the sample was prepared in a concentration of 0.5 µg/µl using 0.1% FA and alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH). The samples were prepared in glass mass spectrometry vials for proteomic analysis using a Waters Synapt G2Si High-Definition Mass Spectrometry (Waters Corporation) operated by the MassLynx 4.1., 110 min. running time with 2 µl of an injection containing 1 µg of peptide. Quality controls were also run along with samples to guarantee consistency. Pooled quality controls were made from all samples, in which the samples were run at the beginning, middle and end of the mass spectrometry run. Samples were randomized before running the experiment. The proteomic data was then imported into Progenesis software 4.2 (Nonlinear Dynamic, UK) to identify and quantify peptides and proteins.

Dataset EGAD50000001679

Response to tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte adoptive therapy is associated with preexisting CD8+ T-myeloid cell networks in melanoma

Adoptive cell therapy (ACT) using ex vivo–expanded tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) can eliminate or shrink metastatic melanoma, but its long-term efficacy remains limited to a fraction of patients. Using longitudinal samples from 13 patients with metastatic melanoma treated with TIL-ACT in a phase 1 clinical study, we interrogated cellular states within the tumor microenvironment (TME) and their interactions. We performed bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing, whole-exome sequencing, and spatial proteomic analyses in pre- and post-ACT tumor tissues, finding that ACT responders exhibited higher basal tumor cell–intrinsic immunogenicity and mutational burden. Compared with nonresponders, CD8+ TILs exhibited increased cytotoxicity, exhaustion, and costimulation, whereas myeloid cells had increased type I interferon signaling in responders. Cell-cell interaction prediction analyses corroborated by spatial neighborhood analyses revealed that responders had rich baseline intratumoral and stromal tumor–reactive T cell networks with activated myeloid populations. Successful TIL-ACT therapy further reprogrammed the myeloid compartment and increased TIL-myeloid networks. Our systematic target discovery study identifies potential T-myeloid cell network–based biomarkers that could improve patient selection and guide the design of ACT clinical trials.

Study EGAS50000001217

Non-neuronal TGF-β–mediated extracellular matrix remodeling drives neurodegeneration in a PSP-Richardson syndrome model

Progressive supranuclear palsy-Richardson syndrome (PSP-RS) is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder marked by rapid motor decline, cognitive impairment, and widespread accumulation of pathological tau. Yet, the molecular triggers of sporadic PSP-RS remain elusive. In this study, we combined patient-derived midbrain organoids with integrative multi-omics to uncover a previously unrecognized pathological cascade. At the core lies an early and aberrant activation of TGF-β signaling, which initiates profound extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling and aberrant integrin-mediated focal adhesion. This cascade leads to persistent hyperactivation of PI3K/AKT and MAPK/ERK pathways, disrupting cytoskeletal integrity, impairing autophagy, promoting pathological tau phosphorylation and mislocalization, and ultimately driving synaptic degeneration. Single-cell RNA sequencing revealed an ectopic expansion of vascular leptomeningeal-like cells (VLMCs), a collagen-producing population, accompanied by a broad ECM gene dysregulation unique to PSP-RS. Remarkably, pharmacological blockade of TGF-β, AKT, ERK, or mTOR signaling reversed tau pathology and restored synaptic integrity. These findings position TGF-β-driven ECM remodeling as a master regulator of neurodegeneration in sporadic PSP-RS and unveil multiple actionable therapeutic targets for this currently untreatable disease.

Study EGAS50000001236

Pipeline Olympics: Continuous benchmarking of computational workflows for DNA methylation sequencing data

DNA methylation is a widely studied epigenetic mark and a powerful biomarker of cell type, age, environmental exposure, and disease. Genome-wide DNA methylation profiling is usually performed using whole-genome sequencing following selective conversion of unmethylated cytosines into thymines via bisulfite treatment or enzymatic methods. Numerous software tools facilitate processing of raw sequencing data for DNA methylation profiling, but a comprehensive benchmarking has been lacking. In this study, we systematically compared methods and tools for processing DNA methylation sequencing data. We established a dedicated benchmarking dataset comprising genome-wide DNA methylation profiling data for four reference samples using five experimental protocols each. The results of data processing were compared to highly quantitative locus-specific DNA methylation measurements available for 46 genomic loci. Based on this gold-standard reference dataset, we identified workflows that consistently demonstrated high performance. We present our results in an interactive application that provides a “living benchmark” ready for continuous updating as new workflows are proposed and require benchmarking against existing methods. In summary, our study provides guidance for any laboratory studying DNA methylation on a genome-wide scale.

Study EGAS50000000541

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