23014 results for "ega"

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• Linking the epigenetic landscape in chronic lymphocytic leukemia to deregulated chromatin networks

  Aberrant chromatin features and epigenetic signaling emerge as an important part of the tumor disease state in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). However, an integrative analysis of the malignant chromatin landscape is currently missing. Here, we mapped DNA-methylation, nucleosome position, 7 histone modifications, ATAC-seq and the transcriptome in primary CD19+ sorted B-cells from the peripheral blood of CLL patients in comparison to non-malignant lymphocytes of healthy donor reference samples. On the > 50 kb scale we identified global differences with respect to DNA methylation, nucleosome positioning and histone modifications in CLL. Furthermore, a chromatin state annotation was developed to identify deregulated chromatin features of promoters and enhancers in CLL. By integrating these findings with an ATAC-seq based transcription factor binding analysis we identified a set of promoters and enhancers specific to CLL that were enriched in certain transcription factors binding motifs and genes of the BCR signaling pathway. Thus, our study provides an in-depth map of the CLL chromatin landscape and links chromatin state changes at promoters and enhancers to deregulated pathways.

  Study EGAS00001002518

• H3Africa - An integrated approach to the identification of genetic determinants of susceptibility to trypanosomiasis

  The objective of the TrypanoGEN project is to discover genetic variants associated with different responses to sleeping sickness infection. The project was designed in two phases:Phase 1) Variant discovery; 222 samples were sequenced to approximately 10X coverage on an Illumina 2500 with 2x150bp reads, at the University of Liverpool Center for Genomic Research. In addition, 77 samples from Cameroon and Zambia were sequenced to approximately 30X Coverage at Baylor College of Medicine. The sequenced reads were mapped onto the 1000 genomes project human_g1k_v37_decoy reference genome using BWA. The SNP calling on all the samples was done using the genome analysis tool kit GATK v3.4. Samples were selected from seven populations where Trypanosomiasis is endemic: Nilo-Saharan speakers from North-West Uganda and Niger-Congo speakers from South-East Uganda, DRC, Ivory Coast, Guinea, Cameroon and Zambia. The samples included 182 controls, 97 cases, 17 latent infections and 3 suspect cases. Phase 2) Variants discovered in Phase 1 will be used in the development of the H3Africa SNP chip. This chip will then be used in a GWAS study to identify variants associated with trypanosomiasis.

  Study EGAS00001002602

• Monitoring of leukemia clones in B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia at diagnosis and during treatment by single-cell DNA amplicon sequencing

  Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is characterized by the presence of chromosomal changes, including numerical changes, translocations and deletions, which are often associated with additional single nucleotide mutations. In this study we used single-cell targeted DNA sequencing to determine the clonal heterogeneity of B-cell ALL at diagnosis and during chemotherapy treatment. With a customly designed DNA amplicon library targeting the most common mutations (in 110 genes) present in ALL, we analyzed bone marrow samples and/or blood samples from 12 B-ALL cases at diagnosis. For 4 cases where we detected multiple mutational clones at diagnosis, we also studied blood samples during the first weeks of chemotherapy treatment. This study shows that B-ALL cases with either a ETV6-RUNX1 or a BCR-ABL1 fusion have a low mutational burden, while cases with PAX5 alterations or hyperdyploidy have multiple clones at diagnosis, often with mutations in the JAK-STAT signaling pathway and the RAS signaling pathway. As expected, it can be observed that these clones disappear during treatment of the leukemia with almost no mutated cells left after two weeks of treatment.

  Study EGAS00001005029

• The molecular basis of T-PLL is an actionable perturbation of TCL1/ATM- and epigenetically instructed damage responses

  T-cell prolymphocytic leukemia (T-PLL) is a rare and poor-prognostic mature T-cell malignancy. To address its incomplete molecular concept, we integrated large-scale profiling data of alterations in gene expression, allelic copy number (CN), and nucleotide sequences in 111 well-characterized patients. Besides prominent signatures of T-cell activation and prevalent clonal variants, we also identified novel hot-spots for CN variability, fusion molecules, alternative transcripts, and progression-associated dynamics. The overall lesional spectrum of T-PLL is mainly annotated to axes of DNA damage responses, T-cell receptor/cytokine signaling, and histone modulation. We formulate a multi-dimensional model of T-PLL pathogenesis centered around a unique combination of TCL1 overexpression with damaging ATM aberrations as initiating core lesions. The effects imposed by TCL1 cooperate with compromised ATM towards a leukemogenic phenotype of impaired DNA damage processing. Dysfunctional ATM appears inefficient in alleviating elevated redox burdens and telomere attrition and in evoking a p53-dependent apoptotic response to genotoxic insults. As non-genotoxic strategies, synergistic combinations of p53 reactivators and deacetylase inhibitors reinstate such cell death execution.

  Study EGAS00001002744

• TRACERx Renal 100

  Evolutionary dynamics of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) have not been studied prospectively or across all disease stages. Through the multi-centre prospective cohort study, Renal TRACERx Renal, we analysed 1209 primary tumour regions from 101 patients with ccRCC. We detect up to 30 driver events in a single tumour, and show that subclonal diversification is associated with known clinical parameters. Defining driver event co-occurrence, mutual exclusivity and timing at clone level, we reveal deterministic patterns of clonal evolution and disease progression. We find that ccRCC can be grouped into seven distinct evolutionary subtypes, ranging from tumours characterised by early fixation of multiple mutational and copy number driver events that can disseminate widely and rapidly; to highly branched tumours with >10 subclonal drivers and extensive parallel evolution presenting with oligometastatic disease. We identify either heterogeneity or chromosome instability, or both, as determinants of patient outcome. Our insights reconcile the variable clinical behaviour of ccRCC and the benefit of surgical intervention in early and late-stage disease; and offer potential biomarker opportunities to maximise the benefit of both surgery and active surveillance.

  Study EGAS00001002793

• MutWP4__CRUK_Grand_Challenge_Mutographs_of_Cancer__Gastric_Organoids

  The Mutographs project aims to advance our understanding of the causes of cancer through studies of mutational signatures. Led by Mike Stratton, together with Paul Brennan, Ludmil Alexandrov, Allan Balmain, David Phillips and Peter Campbell, this large-scale international research endeavour was awarded a Cancer Research UK Grand Challenge. Different patterns of somatic mutation are generated by the different environmental, lifestyle and genetic factors that cause cancer, many of them are still unknown. Within Mutographs, Kings College London will characterise the mutational signatures induced by putative human carcinogens in order to identify the origins of mutational signatures found in human cancers. To achieve this human organoid cell cultures will be exposed to a representative catalogue of known or suspected human carcinogens and mutagens and, using whole genome sequencing, the patterns of mutations induced by them will be determined. Somatic mutational signatures will be subsequently extracted by non-negative matrix factorisation methods and correlated with exposure data. Through an enhanced understanding of cancer aetiology, Mutographs unprecedented effort is anticipated to outline modifiable risk factors, lead to new approaches to prevent cancer, and provide opportunities to empower early detection, refine high-risk groups and contribute to further therapeutic development.

  Study EGAS00001003151

• Whole-Genome Sequencing of Salivary Gland Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma

  Adenoid cystic carcinomas (ACCs) of the salivary glands are challenging to understand, treat, and cure. To better understand the genetic alterations underlying the pathogenesis of these tumors, we performed comprehensive genome analyses of 25 fresh-frozen tumors, including whole genome sequencing, expression and pathway analyses. In addition to the well-described MYB-NFIB fusion which was found in 11 tumors (44%), we observed five different rearrangements involving the NFIB transcription factor gene in seven tumors (28%). Taken together, NFIB translocations occurred in 15 of 25 samples (60%, 95%CI=41–77%). In addition, mRNA expression analysis of 17 tumors revealed overexpression of NFIB in ACC tumors compared with normal tissues (p=0.002). There was no difference in NFIB mRNA expression in tumors with NFIB fusions compared to those without. We also report somatic mutations of genes involved in the axonal guidance and Rho family signaling pathways. Finally, we confirm previously described alterations in genes related to chromatin regulation and Notch signaling. Our findings suggest a separate role for NFIB in ACC oncogenesis and highlight important signaling pathways for future functional characterization and potential therapeutic targeting.

  Study EGAS00001002812

• Cell-free DNA analysis reveals POLR1D-mediated resistance to bevacizumab in colorectal cancer

  Bevacizumab is an approved anti-angiogenic drug for patients with metastasized colorectal cancer (mCRC) targeting VEGF. The survival benefit of anti-VEGF therapy in mCRC patients is limited to a few months and acquired resistance mechanisms are greatly unknown. Using plasma DNA, we studied the evolution of tumor genomes in a cohort of patients with mCRC (n=150) and observed a recurrent focal amplification (8.7% of cases) on chromosome 13q12.2. Analysis of TCGA data (n=619) suggested an association with later stages, which we confirmed by longitudinal plasma analyses. We defined the minimally amplified region and studied the mechanistic consequences of copy number gain of the involved genes. The amplification of one gene, POLR1D, impacted cell proliferation, resulting in upregulation of VEGFA, an important regulator of angiogenesis which has been implicated in the resistance to bevacizumab. In several patients, we observed the emergence of this 13q12.2 amplicon under bevacizumab treatment, which was invariably associated with evolution of therapy resistance. Hence, we describe a novel resistance mechanism against a widely applied treatment in mCRC patients which will impact clinical management

  Study EGAS00001003791

• Circulating tumor cells Exome sequencing from breast cancer

  Single cell technologies allow interrogating the extent of tumor heterogeneity, providing novel insights into tumor evolution and treatment resistance mechanisms. Here, we investigated the level of genetic heterogeneity among circulating tumor cells (CTCs) at the single nucleotide variation and copy number aberration (CNA) levels and compared it to synchronous matched primary tumor/metastatic lesion from 3 metastatic breast cancer patients with triple-negative (TNBC), HER2-positive (HER2+) and estrogen-receptor-positive (ER+) tumors. Whole exome sequencing was performed on 3 synchronous bulk tumor tissue and 21 single/pooled CTC samples. When comparing bulk tissue with CTCs from the same patient, we found similar CNA profiles and the same patient-specific driver mutations for the HER2+ and TNBC tumors. Different CNA profiles and driver mutations were found for the ER+ tumor, with two distinct clones being identified in the CTCs, one harboring an activating ESR1 mutation, the other one bearing a TP53 mutation. These data suggest that tumor tissue and CTCs provide in a subset of patients complementary clinically relevant information to map tumor heterogeneity and monitor tumor evolution. Further validation is needed.

  Study EGAS00001005228

• The Egyptian Collaborative Cardiac Genomics (ECCO-GEN) Project: Defining a Healthy Volunteer Cohort

  The integration of comprehensive genomic and phenotypic data from diverse ethnic populations offers unprecedented opportunities towards advancements in precision medicine and novel diagnostic technologies. Current reference genomic databases are not representative of the global human population, making variant interpretation challenging, especially in underrepresented populations such as the North African population. To address this, the Egyptian Collaborative Cardiac Genomics (ECCO-GEN) Project launched a study comprising 1000 individuals free of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Here, we present the first 391 Egyptian healthy volunteers (EHVols) recruited to establish a pilot phenotyped control cohort. All individuals underwent detailed clinical investigation, including cardiac MRI, and were sequenced using a targeted panel of 174 genes with reported roles in inherited cardiac conditions (ICC). We identified 1,262 variants in 27 cardiomyopathy genes of which 15.1% were not captured in current global and regional genetic reference databases (here: gnomAD and Great Middle Eastern (GME) Variome). The ECCO-GEN project aims at defining the genetic landscape of an understudied population and providing individual-level genetic and phenotypic data to support future studies in CVD and population genetics.

  Study EGAS00001004434

• SS18-SSX-mediated hijacking of BAF complexes drives synovial sarcoma

  Synovial sarcoma (SS) is defined by a recurrent t(x;18) chromosomal translocation, which produces the hallmark SS18-SSX oncogenic fusion. Incorporation of SS18-SSX into BAF complexes renders BAF complexes aberrant in two distinct manners: the addition of 78aa of SSX onto SS18, and concomitant loss of BAF47 assembly. However, the importance and functional contributions of each of these perturbations on BAF complex targeting and gene expression regulation remain unclear. Here we use an integrative set of genomic approaches in human cancer cell lines and primary tumor samples to define the mechanistic consequences of the SS18-SSX fusion oncoprotein. We find that SS18-SSX hijacks BAF complexes to broad polycomb domains to activate bivalent genes, driving a unique gene expression program distinct from other loss-of-function BAF complex malignancies. Importantly, restoration of BAF47 rescues enhancer activation but is dispensable for proliferative arrest in cell lines. These results demonstrate that gain-of-function SS18-SSX-mediated BAF complex targeting and gene activation is the driving event in SS, and present a mechanism by which distinct functions of BAF complexes can be co-opted to drive oncogenesis.

  Study EGAS00001002920

• Khoe-San genomes reveal unique variation and confirm deepest population divergence in Homo sapiens

  The southern African indigenous Khoe-San populations harbor the most divergent lineages of all living peoples. Exploring their genomes is key to understanding deep human history. We sequenced 25 full genomes from five Khoe-San populations, revealing many novel variants, that 25% of variants are unique to the Khoe-San, and that the Khoe-San group harbors the greatest level of diversity across the globe. In line with previous studies, we found several gene-regions with extreme values in genome-wide distributions, potentially caused by natural selection early in the modern human lineage and more recent in time. These gene-regions included immunity-, sperm-, brain-, diet- and muscle-related genes. When accounting for recent admixture, all Khoe-San groups display genetic diversity approaching the levels in other African groups and a reduction in effective population size starting around 100,000 years ago. Hence, all human groups show a reduction in effective population size commencing around the time of the Out-of-Africa migrations, which coincides with changes in the paleoclimate records, changes that potentially impacted all humans at the time.

  Study EGAS00001004459

• Kidney_transplant_nephrectomy_scRNAseq

  Single cell transcriptomics study of tissue from human kidney transplant nephrectomies Tissue is acquired from kidney transplant nephrectomies, homogenised and disaggregated to a single cell suspension prior to droplet encapsulation single cell RNAseq (10X protocol) or plate based single cell RNAseq (SS2 protocol). Human tissues, including the kidney are seeded with a tissue resident immune cell network throughout life. These cells may self renew in situ or be replaced by circulating precursors which enter the tissue in response to tissue specific niche and inflammatory signals. We are using single cell RNA sequencing of kidney transplant nephrectomy tissue to 1) understand the immune cell populations which are resident within the human kidney 2) identify which of these populations is donor or recipient derived. 3) Uncover the temporal dynamics of donor/recipient chimerism in the the human kidney following transplantation. 4) Understand transcriptional differences between organs removed for a variety of reasons (infection, chronic rejection, vascular emergencies) This data is part of a pre-publication release. For information on the proper use of pre-publication data shared by the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute (including details of any publication moratoria), please see http://www.sanger.ac.uk/datasharing/

  Study EGAS00001003935

• Mutational bias in spermatogonia impacts the anatomy of regulatory sites in the human genome

  Mutation in the germline is the ultimate source of genetic variation, but little is known about the influence of germline chromatin structure on mutational processes. Using ATAC-seq, we profile the open chromatin landscape of human spermatogonia, the most proliferative cell-type of the germline, identifying transcription factor binding sites (TFBSs) and PRDM9-binding sites, a subset of which will initiate meiotic recombination. We observe an increase in rare structural variant (SV) breakpoints at PRDM9-bound sites, implicating meiotic recombination in the generation of structural variation. Many germline TFBSs, such as NRF, are also associated with increased rates of SV breakpoints, apparently independent of recombination. Singleton short insertions (>=5 bp) are highly enriched at TFBSs, particularly at sites bound by testis active TFs, and their rates correlate with those of structural variant breakpoints. Short insertions often duplicate the TFBS motif, leading to clustering of motif sites near regulatory regions in this male-driven evolutionary process. Increased mutation loads at germline TFBSs disproportionately affect neural enhancers with activity in spermatogonia, potentially altering neurodevelopmental regulatory architecture. Local chromatin structure in spermatogonia is thus pervasive in shaping both evolution and disease.

  Study EGAS00001005366

• Patient-derived neuroblastoma model system OHC-NB1

  Accurate disease modeling presents a bottleneck against effective translation of novel neuroblastoma therapies into the clinic. Recently, considerable intra-tumor genetic heterogeneity has been observed in neuroblastoma, which calls for preclinical models that reflect this feature. Flexibility in a testing platform is also desirable to support assessment of different endpoints and tumor cell characteristics. We present the novel neuroblastoma model OHC-NB1, propagated from a bone marrow metastasis from a patient with INRG stage M, MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma at first diagnosis. To model different aspects of the disease, several preclinical models were developed from the bone marrow aspirate: a tissue plastic-adherent cell line, a 3-dimensional (3D) spheroid culture, and cell line-derived xenografts that were subcutaneously passaged in mice. Typical aspects of MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma, such as MYCN amplification in double minutes, 1p deletion, 17q gain, and a diploid karyotype, are present in OHC-NB1 and persist in all culture types. Whole exome sequencing revealed intra-tumor heterogeneity in the bone marrow metastasis reflected in the culture models. The set of OHC-NB1 cultures with a genetically heterogeneous MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma background provide a flexible preclinical testing system that recapitulates important features of metastatic neuroblastoma.

  Study EGAS00001003031

• Germline biallelic mutation affecting the transcription factor Helios causes pleiotropic defects of immunity

  We studied a patient with recurrent respiratory infections and hypogammaglobulinemia and identified a germline homozygous missense mutation in IKZF2 encoding Helios (p.Ile325Val). We show that HeliosI325V retains DNA-binding and dimerization properties, but loses interaction with several partners, including epigenetic remodelers HDAC1, HDAC3 and the ATAC complex. Single-cell RNA-sequencing of peripheral blood mononuclear cells revealed gene expression signatures indicative of a shift towards pro-inflammatory, effector-like status in the patient’s T cells. We observed an upregulation of the anti-inflammatory gene, TSC22D3, encoding the glucocorticoid-induced leucine zipper (GILZ), whose expression was reported to increase upon IL-2 deprivation. We validated this finding in primary T cells, where we observed a pronounced reduction in IL-2 production upon their stimulation, together with a defect in their ability to proliferate, rendering them more anergic. Collectively, we identify a novel germline-encoded inborn error of immunity and define a role for Helios in conventional T cells, whereby interactions with specific binding partners is necessary to mediate the transcriptional programs that enable T-cell homeostasis in health and disease.

  Study EGAS00001005675

• BARIA baseline first 100 individuals transcriptomes

  Prevalence of obesity and associated diseases, including type 2 diabetes mellitus, dyslipidaemia and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), are increasing. Underlying mechanisms, especially in humans, are unclear. Bariatric surgery provides the unique opportunity to obtain biopsies and portal vein blood-samples. Methods The BARIA Study aims to assess how microbiota and their metabolites affect transcription in key tissues and clinical outcome in obese subjects and how baseline anthropometric and metabolic characteristics determine weight loss and glucose homeostasis after bariatric surgery. We phenotype patients undergoing bariatric surgery (predominantly laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass), before weight loss, with biometrics, dietary and psychological questionnaires, mixed meal test (MMT) and collect fecal-samples and intra-operative biopsies from liver, adipose tissues and jejunum. We aim to include 1500 patients. A subset (approximately 25%) will undergo intra-operative portal vein blood-sampling. Fecal-samples are analyzed with shotgun metagenomics and targeted metabolomics, fasted and postprandial plasma-samples are subjected to metabolomics, and RNA is extracted from the tissues for RNAseq-analyses. Data will be integrated using state-of-the-art neuronal networks and metabolic modeling. Patient follow-up will be ten years.

  Study EGAS00001005704

• A Single-cell Atlas of Progressive TKI Resistance in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia

  High-dimensional scRNA seq and CyTOF were used to identify features predictive of treatment outcome at diagnosis. An optimal TKI response was characterised by erythroid lineage skewing of the CD34+ HSPC compartment. While TKI-resistant CP was reminiscent of a BC-like state, where HSPCs were enriched for inflammation, stemness and quiescence. We designed a machine-learning approach which assessed the prognostic potential of all 32 sub-populations of our scRNA seq dataset. LSCs and NK populations harboured the highest prognostic power at diagnosis. Within the LSCs, erythroid lineage priming and MYC activation were features of an optimal and poor TKI responses, respectively. With the NK cell compartment, apart from a higher abundance of NK cells in TKI optimal responders, a memory-like HLA-DR+ adaptive NK and KLRC1+ NK populations were hallmarks of an optimal and poor TKI responses, respectively. Mechanistically, both cell intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms contributed towards the higher sensitivity of EPs to TKI therapy. In summary, our high-dimensional single-cell atlas of TKI resistance highlights pivotal transcriptional features associated with TKI-resistance disease, some of which have the potential to be exploited as biomarkers.

  Study EGAS00001005509

• Molecular_risk_stratification_in_patients_with_T1_colorectal_cancer_WES

  The introduction of bowel cancer screening has led to a significant increase in the proportion of patients being diagnosed with asymptomatic, early-stage colorectal cancer (CRC). Although the majority of these patients are successfully treated with surgery alone, a small proportion of patients have ‘born-to-be-bad’ aggressive lesions with early dissemination leading to distant metastases. Current standard of care histological assessment is unable to distinguish between these aggressive versus non-aggressive early lesions which is essential to provide appropriate clinical management decisions. This study aims to carry out molecular and histological profiling of approximately 300 T1 CRCs in order to develop a molecular stratifier based on the risk of relapse in early-invasive CRC. This novel T1 cohort will represent the world’s largest molecularly characterised T1 cohort of samples, with digital pathology assessment alongside whole exome sequencing, copy number variation analysis and 3’ RNA-seq. This data will be used to generate a robust panel of molecular and/or histological markers applicable to formalin-fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) archival tissue which discriminates between T1 lesions based on risk of relapse, which will ultimately be used to inform clinical management of CRC at the earliest stages of the disease.

  Study EGAS00001005734

• Clonal relationships of ductal carcinoma in situ and recurrent invasive breast cancers defined by genomic analysis

  Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS) is the most common form of pre-invasive breast cancer and despite treatment a small fraction (5-10%) of DCIS patients present with invasive disease many years later. A fundamental biologic question is whether the invasive disease recurring in the same breast is established by tumor cells in the initial DCIS or represents new unrelated disease. To address this question, we performed genomic analyses on the initial pure DCIS lesion and paired invasive recurrent tumors in 95 patients together with single cell DNA sequencing in a subset of cases. Our data shows that in 75% the invasive recurrence was clonally related to the initial DCIS, suggesting that the tumor cells were not eliminated during the initial treatment with surgery +/- radiotherapy. Surprisingly however, 18% were clonally unrelated to the DCIS, representing new independent lineages, and 7% of cases were ambiguous. Our findings show that although DCIS is often the precursor of invasive recurrence, a significant fraction of invasive recurrences are unrelated to the initial DCIS. This knowledge is essential for accurate risk evaluation of DCIS treatment de-escalation strategies and the identification of predictive biomarkers.

  Study EGAS00001005784

• De novo assembly of 150 Danish genomes reveals rich structural complexity

  Most known genetic variation in human genomes has been called from comparison of short reads to the reference genome, an approach biased against finding complex variation. We sequenced 150 individuals from 50 parent-offspring trios with multiple insert-size libraries to very high coverage. We show that each genome could be independently de novo assembled into a small number of high-quality scaffolds (median N50 > 21 Mb), each of quality comparable to long read assemblies while being very cost-effective. We show that our variant call set from comparing de novo assemblies is far more complete in terms of complex variation than previous studies. Importantly, even the complex 4-5 Mb extended MHC region was assembled and resolved into haplotypes, revealing >700kb novel sequence in this important region of the genome, and major parts of the Y chromosome including some palindromes were assembled with high accuracy. Finally, we show that our variant call-set allows for the genotyping of many more complex variants when used as a reference-panel for imputation into SNP-chip data or into previously resequenced genomes.

  Study EGAS00001002108

• Resequencing (MIPS) of candidate genes for Keratoconus (2020)

  In this study, we selected 34 candidate genes for KC based on previous Whole Exome Sequencing (WES) and the literature, and resequenced them in 745 KC patients and 810 ethnically matched controls. Data analysis was performed using the single variant association test as well as gene-based mutation burden and variance components tests. In our study, we detected enrichment of genetic variation across multiple gene-based tests for the genes COL2A1, COL5A1, TNXB, ZEB1 and ZNF469. The top hit in the Fisher’s exact test was obtained for a common variant in the COL12A1 gene. Interestingly, COL5A1, TNXB, ZNF469 and COL12A1 are all known Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) genes. Though the co-occurrence of KC and EDS has been reported previously, this study is the first to demonstrate a consistent role of genetic variants in EDS genes in the etiology of KC. In conclusion, our data show a shared genetic etiology between KC and EDS, and clearly confirm the currently disputed role of ZNF469 in disease susceptibility for KC. Besides the role for EDS genes, we also confirm the previously reported involvement of genetic variation in ZEB1 in KC.

  Study EGAS00001004267

• Clonal Decomposition and DNA Replication States Defined by Scaled Single-Cell Genome Sequencing

  Accurate measurement of clonal genotypes, mutational processes, and replication states from individual tumor-cell genomes will facilitate improved understanding of tumor evolution. We have developed DLP+, a scalable single-cell whole-genome sequencing platform implemented using commodity instruments, image-based object recognition, and open source computational methods. Using DLP+, we have generated a resource of 51,926 single-cell genomes and matched cell images from diverse cell types including cell lines, xenografts, and diagnostic samples with limited material. From this resource we have defined variation in mitotic mis-segregation rates across tissue types and genotypes. Analysis of matched genomic and image measurements revealed correlations between cellular morphology and genome ploidy states. Aggregation of cells sharing copy number profiles allowed for calculation of single-nucleotide resolution clonal genotypes and inference of clonal phylogenies and avoided the limitations of bulk deconvolution. Finally, joint analysis over the above features defined clone-specific chromosomal aneuploidy in polyclonal populations.

  Study EGAS00001003190

• B cell receptor repertoire kinetics after SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination

  B cells play a central role in the immune response to both SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination, but the development of the B cell receptor (BCR) repertoire in both contexts has not been defined nor compared. We analysed serial samples from 171 SARS-CoV-2-infected individuals with a range of disease severities together with 63 vaccine recipients, and found marked differences in the global BCR repertoire after natural infection compared to vaccination. Following infection, the proportion of BCRs bearing IgG1/3 and IgA1 isotypes increased, somatic hypermutation (SHM) was markedly decreased and, in patients with severe disease, expansion of IgM and IgA clones was observed. In contrast, after vaccination the proportion of BCRs bearing IgD/M isotypes increased, SHM was unchanged and expansion of IgG clones was prominent. Infection generated a broad distribution of SARS-CoV-2-specific clones predicted to target the spike protein whilst vaccination produced a more focused response mainly targeting the spike’s receptor-binding domain. These findings offer insights into how different immune exposure to SARS-CoV-2 impacts upon BCR repertoire development, potentially informing vaccine strategies.

  Study EGAS00001005816

• Target gene sequencing for human normal endometrial glands

  To elucidate the timing and mechanism of the clonal expansion of somatic mutations in cancer-associated genes in the normal endometrium, we conducted target sequencing of 112 genes for 1,298 endometrial glands and matched blood samples from 36 women. By collecting endometrial glands from different parts of the endometrium, we showed that multiple glands with the same somatic mutations occupied substantial areas of the endometrium. The 112 genes are as follows: ABCC1, ACRC, ANK3, ARHGAP35, ARID1A, ARID5B, ATCAY, ATM, ATR, BARD1, BCOR, BRCA1, BRCA2, BRD4, BRIP1, CAMTA1, CDC23, CDYL, CFAP54, CHD4, CHEK1, CHEK2, CTCF, CTNNB1, CUX1, DGKA, DISP2, DYNC2H1, EMSY, FAAP24, FAM135B, FAM175A, FAM65C, FANCA, FANCB, FANCC, FANCD2, FANCE, FANCF, FANCG, FANCI, FANCL, FANCM, FAT1, FAT3, FBN2, FBXW7, FGFR2, FRG1, GPR50, HEATR1, HIST1H4B, HNRNPCL1, HOOK3, KIAA1109, KIF26A, KMT2B, KMT2C, KRAS, LAMA2, LRP1B, MLH1, MON2, MRE11A, MSH2, MSH6, MTOR, NBN, PALB2, PHEX, PIK3CA, PIK3R1, PLXNB2, PLXND1, PMS2, POLE, POLR3B, PPP2R1A, PTEN, PTPN13, RAD50, RAD51, RAD51B, RAD51C, RAD51D, RAD52, RAD54B, RAD54L, RICTOR, SACS, SIGLEC9, SLC19A1, SLX4, SPEG, STT3A, TAF1, TAF2, TAS2R31, TFAP2C, TNC, TONSL, TP53, TTC6, UBA7, VNN1, WT1, XIRP2, ZBED6, ZC3H13, ZFHX3, ZFHX4, ZMYM4.

  Study EGAS00001005914

• Full blood mRNA sequencing of myotonic dystrophy type 1 patients after cognitive behavioural therapy

  Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is an incurable multisystem disease caused by a CTG-repeat expansion in the DM1 protein kinase (DMPK) gene. The OPTIMISTIC clinical trial demonstrated positive and heterogenous effects of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) on the capacity for activity and social participations in DM1 patients. Here, we performed mRNA sequencing of full blood for 27 patients of the OPTIMISTIC cohort before and after the CBT intervention. We identified 608 genes for which their expression was significantly associated with the disease causing CTG-repeat expansion, as well as with 1176 genes significantly associated with the average clinical response towards the intervention. Remarkably, all 97 genes significantly associated with both returned to more normal levels in patients who benefited most from CBT. This trend was consistent with the difference observed between DM1 patients and controls in an earlier study of blood mRNA expression levels, singling these genes out as candidate biomarkers for therapy response. Together these results highlight the ability to find disease relevant information in full blood of DM1 patients and open new avenues to monitor therapy effects.

  Study EGAS00001005830

• Identification of Germline Monoallelic Mutations in IKZF2 in Patients with Immune Dysregulation.

  Helios, encoded by IKZF2, is a member of the Ikaros family of transcription factors with pivotal roles in T-follicular helper, NK- and T-regulatory cell physiology. Somatic IKZF2 mutations are frequently found in lymphoid malignancies. Although germline mutations in IKZF1 and IKZF3, encoding Ikaros and Aiolos, have recently been identified in patients with phenotypically similar immunodeficiency syndromes, the effect of germline mutations in IKZF2 on human hematopoiesis and immunity remains enigmatic. We identified germline IKZF2 mutations (one nonsense (p.R291X)- and 4 distinct missense variants) in six patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, immune thrombocytopenia or EBV-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. Patients exhibited hypogammaglobulinemia, decreased number of T-follicular helper and NKcells. Single-cell RNA sequencing of PBMCs from the patient carrying the R291X variant revealed upregulation of pro-inflammatory genes associated with T-cell receptor activation and T-cell exhaustion. Functional assays revealed the inability of HeliosR291X to homodimerize and bind target DNA as dimers. Moreover, proteomic analysis by proximity-dependent Biotin Identification revealed aberrant interaction of 3/5 Helios mutants with core components of the NuRD complex conveying HELIOS mediated epigenetic and transcriptional dysregulation.

  Study EGAS00001005874

• Targeted sequencing of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma tumour samples from the UK's Haematological Malignancy Research Network

  The UK’s Haematological Malignancy Research Network (www.HMRN.org) was established in 2004 to provide robust generalizable data to inform clinical practice and research. HMRN is a collaboration between researchers in the Epidemiology & Statistics Group (ECSG) at the University of York, a unified Clinical Network operating across 14 hospitals, and an integrated Haematological Malignancy Diagnostic Service (HMDS) in Leeds. Covering a population of around 4 million, HMRN collects detailed information about all patients diagnosed with a haematological malignancy within the HMRN region, accruing around 2,400 new diagnoses each year. The population has a similar socio-demographic profile to the country as a whole, and HMRN’s maturing data present an increasingly valuable resource to address real questions of concern to haematologists, commissioners and health service researchers – locally, nationally and internationally. This study forms part of a larger project employing targeted exome sequencing on tumour samples from patients diagnosed with a variety of both lymphoid and myeloid malignancies. The results for samples collected from 928 diffuse large B-cell lymphoma patients, diagnosed within HMRN from 2005 to 2012, are provided.

  Study EGAS00001005953

• Changes in alternative splicing and associated neo-antigens due to therapy

  Recent studies have identified alternative splicing (AS) as a novel source of neoantigens for immunotherapy. Surprisingly little is known about the AS milieu in recurrent glioblastoma (GBM), despite this being the venue for most clinical trials. We profiled 29 primary-recurrent paired human GBM specimens via RNA sequencing and re-analyzed RNA-sequencing data from non-malignant human brain tissues. From these data, we reconstructed the landscape of AS in GBM through recurrence and contrasted that to isoforms observed in non-malignant brain. The AS events we identified were cross-referenced with single-cell GBM atlases to determine cell-type specific splicing patterns. From this we identified novel splicing events in cell-surface proteins that are suitable targets for engineered T-cell therapies. We found recurrent-specific isoforms of mitogen-activated kinase pathway genes which are expressed exclusively by GBM stem-like cells that enhance invasiveness. These studies shed light on the effect of therapy on AS and identify novel targets for emerging immunotherapies.

  Study EGAS00001004524

• Patient-tailored design for selective co-inhibition of leukemic cell subpopulations

  The extensive primary and secondary drug resistance in many cancer types requires rational approaches to design personalized and selective combinatorial therapies that do not only show synergistic effect in overall cancer cell killing but also result in minimal toxic side effects on non-malignant cells. To address the combinatorial explosion in the number of relevant combinations, we implemented a machine learning approach that prioritizes patient-customized drug combinations with a desired synergy-efficacy-toxicity balance by combining single-cell RNA-sequencing with ex vivo single-agent testing in scarce patient-derived primary cells. When applied to two diagnostic and two refractory AML patient cases, each with a different genetic background, our integrated approach accurately predicted patient-specific combinations that were shown to result not only in synergistic cancer cell co-inhibition but were also capable of targeting specific AML cell subpopulations that emerge in differing stages of disease pathogenesis or treatment regimens. Our data-driven approach provides an unbiased means for systematic identification of personalized combinatorial regimens that selectively co-inhibit leukemic cells while avoiding inhibition of non-malignant cells, and highlight the relevance of considering cell heterogeneity for personalized cancer therapy.

  Study EGAS00001004614

• Allele-specific expression of GATA2 due to epigenetic dysregulation in double mutated CEBPA AML

  Transcriptional deregulation is a central event in the development of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). To identify potential disturbances in gene regulation, we conducted an unbiased screen of allele-specific expression (ASE) in 209 AML cases. The gene encoding GATA binding protein 2 (GATA2) displayed ASE more often than any other myeloid or cancer-related gene. GATA2 ASE was strongly associated with CEBPA double mutations (CEBPA DM), with 95% of cases presenting GATA2 ASE. In CEBPA DM AML with GATA2 mutations, the mutated allele was preferentially expressed. We found that GATA2 ASE is a somatic event lost in complete remission, supporting the notion that it plays a role in CEBPA DM AML. Acquisition of GATA2 ASE involved silencing of one allele via promoter methylation, compensated by overactivation of the other allele, thereby preserving expression levels. Notably, promoter methylation was also lost in remission together with GATA2 ASE. In summary, we propose that GATA2 ASE is acquired by epigenetic mechanisms and is a prerequisite for the development of AML with CEBPA DM. This finding constitutes a novel example of an epigenetic hit cooperating with a genetic hit in the pathogenesis of AML.

  Study EGAS00001004684

• Genomics-based personalized oncology in cancer of unknown primary (CUP, project H021)

  To perform a comprehensive genomic characterization of 70 patients suffering from cancer of unknown primary (CUP) we used whole-exome, whole-genome, transcriptome and methylome analysis. We detected a substantial mutational heterogeneity with genes most commonly affected by SNVs, indels and fusions being TP53, TTN, MUC16, ABCA13, COL6A3, KRAS, LRP1B, XIRP2 and CSMD3. The most common fusion involved FGFR2, the most common focal deletion affected CDKN2A. A molecular tumor board recommended genomics-based therapies in 56/70 (80%) patients which were applied in 20/56 (35.7%) cases. Entity predictions based on transcriptome and methylome data could be made in up to 62/70 (88.6%) cases but were conclusive in only 16/48 (33.3%) cases. Germline analysis revealed 6 (likely) pathogenic mutations in 5 patients. Recommended therapies translated into a mean PFS2/1 ratio of 3.61 (median=2.25) with a median PFS1 of 89 days (n=17) compared to a median PFS2 of 182.5 days (n=20). Our data emphasize the clinical benefit of comprehensive genetic approaches in diagnostic and therapeutic management and underline the need for innovative, mechanism-based clinical trials in this heterogeneous group of diseases.

  Study EGAS00001004786

• Accurate detection of tumor-specific fusion genes reveals strongly immunogenic personal neo-antigens

  Fusion genes arising from cancer-associated somatic mutations are a potential rich source for highly immunogenic neo-antigens. However, their exploitation as targets for personalized cancer immunotherapy is currently limited by the lack of computational tools allowing transcriptome-wide identification of unique fusion genes in an accurate and sensitive manner. Here, we present EasyFuse, a computational pipeline, to detect individual and cancer-specific fusion genes in next-generation-sequencing transcriptome data obtained from human cancer samples. Using machine learning, EasyFuse predicts personal fusion genes with high precision and sensitivity and outperforms previously described approaches as qualified by an unprecedented ground-truth dataset of >1500 verification experiments in relevant patient samples. By testing immunogenicity with autologous blood lymphocytes from cancer patients we detected pre-established CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses for 10 of 21 (48%), and for 1 of 30 (3%) of identified fusion genes, respectively. In conclusion, we demonstrate accurate detection of cancer-specific fusion genes. The high frequency of T cell responses detected in cancer patients support the relevance of private fusion genes as neo-antigens for personalized immunotherapies, especially for tumors with low point mutation burdens.

  Study EGAS00001004877

• Heat selection enables highly scalable methylome profiling in cell-free DNA for noninvasive monitoring of cancer patients

  Genome-wide analysis of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) methylation profile has been recognized as a promising approach for sensitive and specific detection of many cancers. However, scaling such genome-wide assays for clinical translation is impractical due to the high cost of whole genome bisulfite sequencing. We have shown that the small fraction of GC-rich genome is highly enriched in CpG sites and disproportionately harbors the majority of cancer-specific methylation signature. Here, we report on the simple but effective Heat enrichment of CpG-rich regions for Bisulfite Sequencing (Heatrich-BS) platform that allows for focused methylation profiling in these highly informative regions. Our novel method and bioinformatics algorithm enable accurate tumor burden estimation with high sensitivity and quantitative tracking of colorectal cancer patient’s response to treatment, at much reduced sequencing cost suitable for frequent monitoring. We also show, for the first time, tumor epigenetic subtyping from cfDNA using Heatrich-BS, which could enable patient stratification from non-invasive liquid biopsy. As such, Heatrich-BS holds great potential for highly scalable screening and regular monitoring of cancer using liquid biopsy.

  Study EGAS00001006198

• Clonal somatic copy number altered driver events inform drug sensitivity in high-grade serous ovarian cancer

  Chromosomal instability is a major challenge to patient stratification and targeted drug development for high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC). Here we show that somatic copy number alterations (SCNAs) in frequently amplified HGSOC cancer genes significantly correlate with gene expression and methylation status. We identified five prevalent clonal driver SCNAs (chromosomal amplifications encompassing MYC, PIK3CA, CCNE1, KRAS and TERT) from multi-regional HGSOC data and reasoned that their strong selection should prioritise them as key biomarkers for targeted therapies. We used primary HGSOC spheroid models to test interactions between in vitro targeted therapy and SCNAs. MYC chromosomal copy number was associated with in-vitro and clinical response to paclitaxel and in-vitro response to mTORC1/2 inhibition. Activation of the mTOR survival pathway in the context of MYC-amplified HGSOC was statistically associated with increased prevalence of SCNAs in genes from the PI3K pathway. Co-occurrence of amplifications in MYC and genes from the PI3K pathway was independently observed in squamous lung cancer and triple negative breast cancer. These results suggest that identifying co-occurrence of clonal driver SCNA genes could be used to tailor therapeutics for precision medicine.

  Study EGAS00001006200

• MutWP4__CRUK_Grand_Challenge_Mutographs_of_Cancer__Pancreatic_Organoids

  The Mutographs project aims to advance our understanding of the causes of cancer through studies of mutational signatures. Led by Mike Stratton, together with Paul Brennan, Ludmil Alexandrov, Allan Balmain, David Phillips and Peter Campbell, this large-scale international research endeavour was awarded a Cancer Research UK Grand Challenge. Different patterns of somatic mutation are generated by the different environmental, lifestyle and genetic factors that cause cancer, many of them are still unknown. Within Mutographs, Kings College London will characterise the mutational signatures induced by putative human carcinogens in order to identify the origins of mutational signatures found in human cancers. To achieve this human organoid cell cultures will be exposed to a representative catalogue of known or suspected human carcinogens and mutagens and, using whole genome sequencing, the patterns of mutations induced by them will be determined. Somatic mutational signatures will be subsequently extracted by non-negative matrix factorisation methods and correlated with exposure data. Through an enhanced understanding of cancer aetiology, Mutographs unprecedented effort is anticipated to outline modifiable risk factors, lead to new approaches to prevent cancer, and provide opportunities to empower early detection, refine high-risk groups and contribute to further therapeutic development.

  Study EGAS00001003520

• MGP Panel: a comprehensive targeted genomics panel for molecular profiling of multiple myeloma patients

  We designed a comprehensive multiple myeloma (MM) targeted sequencing panel to identify common genomic abnormalities in a single assay and validated it against known standards. The panel comprised 228 genes/exons for mutations, 6 regions for translocations, and 56 regions for copy number abnormalities (CNAs). Toward panel validation, targeted sequencing was conducted on 233 patient samples and further validated using clinical fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) (translocations), multiplex ligation probe analysis (MLPA) (CNAs), whole genome sequencing (WGS) (CNAs, mutations, translocations) or droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) of known standards (mutations). Canonical IgH translocations were detected in 43.2% of patients by sequencing, and aligned with FISH except for one patient. CNAs determined by sequencing and MLPA for 22 regions were comparable in 103 samples and concordance between platforms was R2=0.969. VAFs for 74 mutations were compared between sequencing and ddPCR with concordance of R2=0.9849. In summary, we have developed a targeted sequencing panel that is as robust or superior to FISH and WGS. This molecular panel is cost effective, comprehensive, clinically actionable and can be routinely deployed to assist risk stratification at diagnosis or post-treatment to guide sequencing of therapies.

  Study EGAS00001006222

• Discovery of a highly widespread bacteriophage family and its associations to metabolic syndrome gut microbiomes

  There is significant interest in altering the course of cardiometabolic disease development via the gut microbiome. Nevertheless, the highly abundant phage members of the complex gut ecosystem -which impact gut bacteria- remain understudied. Here, we characterized gut virome changes associated with metabolic syndrome (MetS), a highly prevalent clinical condition preceding cardiometabolic disease, in 196 participants with a combination of whole genome shotgun and virus like particle sequencing. MetS gut virome populations exhibited decreased richness and diversity, but larger inter-individual variation. These populations were enriched in phages infecting Bacteroidaceae and depleted in those infecting Ruminococcaeae. Differential abundance analysis identified eighteen viral clusters (VCs) as significantly associated with either MetS or healthy viromes. Among these are a MetS-associated Roseburia VC that is related to healthy control-associated Faecalibacterium and Oscillibacter VCs. Further analysis of these VCs revealed the Candidatus Heliusviridae, a highly widespread gut phage lineage found in 90+% of the participants. The identification of the temperate Ca. Heliusviridae provides a novel starting point to a better understanding of the effect that phages have on their bacterial hosts and the role that this plays in MetS

  Study EGAS00001006260

• Clonal relationships of ductal carcinoma in situ and recurrent invasive breast cancers defined by genomic analysis

  Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS) is the most common form of pre-invasive breast cancer and despite treatment a small fraction (5-10%) of DCIS patients present with invasive disease many years later. A fundamental biologic question is whether the invasive disease recurring in the same breast is established by tumor cells in the initial DCIS or represents new unrelated disease. To address this question, we performed genomic analyses on the initial pure DCIS lesion and paired invasive recurrent tumors in 95 patients together with single cell DNA sequencing in a subset of cases. Our data shows that in 75% the invasive recurrence was clonally related to the initial DCIS, suggesting that the tumor cells were not eliminated during the initial treatment with surgery +/- radiotherapy. Surprisingly however, 18% were clonally unrelated to the DCIS, representing new independent lineages, and 7% of cases were ambiguous. Our findings show that although DCIS is often the precursor of invasive recurrence, a significant fraction of invasive recurrences are unrelated to the initial DCIS. This knowledge is essential for accurate risk evaluation of DCIS treatment de-escalation strategies and the identification of predictive biomarkers.

  Study EGAS00001006306

• Pharmacogenomic analysis of patient-derived tumor cells in gynecologic cancers

  Gynecologic malignancy is one of the leading causes of mortality in female adults worldwide. Comprehensive genomic analysis has revealed a list of molecular aberrations that are essential to tumorigenesis, progression, and metastasis of gynecologic tumors. However, targeting such alterations has frequently led to treatment failures due to underlying genomic complexity and activation of various tumor cell survival pathway molecules. A compilation of molecular characterization of tumors with pharmacological drug response is the next step towards clinical application of patient-tailored treatment regimens. Toward this goal, we have established a library of 139 gynecologic tumors including cervical, endometrial, and epithelial ovarian cancers (EOCs) and uterine sarcomas that were genomically and/or pharmacologically annotated and explored dynamic pharmacogenomic associations against 37 molecularly targeted drugs. We discovered lineage-specific drug sensitivities based on subcategorization of gynecologic tumors and identified TP53 mutation as a molecular determinant that elicit therapeutic response to poly (ADP-Ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor. We further identified transcriptome expression of inhibitor of DNA biding 2 (ID2) as a potential predictive biomarker for treatment response to olaparib. Together, our results demonstrate potential utility of rapid drug screening combined with genomic profiling for precision treatment of gynecologic cancers.

  Study EGAS00001003556

• An Atlas of Cells in the Human Tonsil

  Palatine tonsils are secondary lymphoid organs representing the first line of immunological defense against inhaled or ingested pathogens. Here, we provide a comprehensive census of cell types forming the human tonsil by applying single cell transcriptome, epigenome, proteome and adaptive immune repertoire as well as spatial transcriptomics, resulting in an atlas of >350,000 cells. We provide a glossary of over one hundred annotated cell types and states, and disentangle gene regulatory mechanisms that drive cells through specialized lineage trajectories. Exemplarily, we stratify multiple tonsil-resident myeloid slancyte subtypes, establish a distant BCL6 superenhancer as locally active in both follicle-associated T and B cells, and describe SIX5 as a potentially novel transcriptional regulator of plasma cell maturation. Further, our atlas is a reference map to understand alterations observed in disease, here we discover immune-phenotype plasticity in tumoral cells and microenvironment shifts of mantle cell lymphomas (MCL). To facilitate such reference-based analysis, we develop HCATonsilData and SLOcatoR, a computational framework that provides programmatic and modular access to our dataset; and allows the straightforward annotation of future single-cell profiles from secondary lymphoid organs.

  Study EGAS00001006375

• H3Africa - Kidney Disease Research Network

  Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects an estimated 14% of adults in sub-Saharan Africa but very little research has been done on the etiology, progression and prevention of CKD on the continent. As part of the Human Heredity and Health in Africa (H3A) Consortium, the H3Africa Kidney Disease Research Network was established to study prevalent forms of kidney disease in sub-Saharan Africa and increase the capacity for genetics and genomics research. The study is performing comprehensive phenotypic characterization with analysis of environmental and genetic factors from seven clinical centers in two African countries (Ghana and Nigeria) over a five-year period. Approximately 4,000 participants with specified kidney disease diagnoses and 4000 control participants will be enrolled in the four African countries. In addition, approximately 50 families with hereditary glomerular disease will be enrolled. The study includes both pediatric and adult participants ages <1 to 74yrs across a broad spectrum of kidney diseases secondary to hypertension, diabetes, human immunodeficiency virus, sickle cell disease, biopsy-proven glomerular disease and CKD of unknown origin. Clinical and demographic data with biospecimens are collected for assessment of clinical, biochemical and genetic markers of kidney disease.

  Study EGAS00001006558

• Genomic_characterisation_of_MGUS__

  he hematological malignancy multiple myeloma (MM), also called Kahler’s disease or plasma cell (PC) myeloma, is characterized by a clonal expansion of PCs originating in the bone marrow (BM). The expansion of these cells leads to an overproduction of antibodies and results in typical symptoms such as anemia, renal failure and bone lesions. All cases of MM are preceded by the asymptomatic, non-malignant pre-stage monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). Of all MGUS patients, only 1% per year will progress to MM. Despite efforts to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the MGUS-to-MM progression, its pathogenesis still remains largely unknown. Additionally, the genetic profiles of MGUS patients have only been limitedly investigated due to the only incidental finding of MGUS, the difficulties in BM sampling and isolating a sufficient number of aberrant PCs from the BM aspirates of MGUS patients. Consequently, reliable biomarkers to individually predict which MGUS patients will progress to MM and which will not, are lacking. Therefore, it is highly required to study the molecular pathogenesis of MGUS and the role of genetic events in relation to the malignant transformation to MM.

  Study EGAS00001004124

• PDAC organoid genomic heterogeneity

  The establishment of patient-derived pancreatic cancer organoid culture in recent years creates an exciting opportunity for researchers to perform a wide range of in vitro studies on a model that closely recapitulates the tumor. Among the outstanding questions in pancreatic cancer biology are the causes and consequences of genomic heterogeneity observed in the disease. However, to use pancreatic cancer organoids as a model to study genomic variations, we need to first understand the degree of genomic heterogeneity and its stability within organoids. Here, we used single-cell whole-genome sequencing to investigate the genomic heterogeneity of two independent pancreatic cancer organoids, as well as their genomic stability with extended culture. Clonal populations with similar copy number profiles were observed within the organoids, and the proportion of these clones was shifted with extended culture, suggesting the growth advantage of some clones. However, sub-clonal genomic heterogeneity was also observed within each clonal population, indicating the genomic instability of the pancreatic cancer cells themselves. Furthermore, our transcriptomic analysis also revealed a positive correlation between copy number alterations and gene expression regulation, suggesting the “gene dosage” effect of these copy number alterations that translates to gene expression regulation.

  Study EGAS00001006782

• Treatment-mediated selection of lethal prostate cancer clones defined by copy number architectures

  Despite initial responses to hormone treatment, metastatic prostate cancer invariably evolves to a lethal state. To characterize the intra-patient relationships of metastases that evade treatment, we performed genome- wide copy number profiling and bespoke approaches targeting the androgen receptor (AR) on 142 metastatic regions from 10 organs harvested post-mortem from nine men who died from prostate cancer. We identified diverse and patient-unique alterations clustering around the AR in metastases from every patient with evidence of independent acquisition of related genomic changes within an individual and, in some patients, the co-existence of AR-neutral clones. Using the genomic boundaries of pan-autosome copy number change, we confirmed a common clone of origin across metastases and diagnostic biopsies; and identified in individual patients, clusters of metastases occupied by dominant clones with diverged autosomal copy number alterations. Autosome-defined clusters were characterized by cluster-specific AR gene architectures that in two index cases were topologically more congruent than by chance (p-values 0.03, 3.07x10-8). Integration with anatomical site suggested patterns of spread and points of genomic divergence. Copy number boundaries identified treatment-selected clones with putatively distinct lethal trajectories.

  Study EGAS00001006598

• DNA methylation landscape of prostate cancer

  Metastases from primary prostate cancers to rare locations, such as the brain, are becoming more common due to longer life expectancy thanks to improved treatments. Epigenetic dysregulation is a feature of primary prostate cancer, and distinct DNA methylation profiles are associated with the mutually exclusive SPOP mutant or TMPRSS2-ERG fusion genetic backgrounds. Using a cohort of 42 patients with prostate cancer brain metastases (PCBM), with matched primary samples available for 17 patients, we carried out DNA methylation analysis using Illumina EPIC array. We examined the epigenetic distinction between primary PCa and PCBM, the association between epigenetic alterations and mutational background, and particular epigenetic alterations that may be associated with PCBM in particular. Multiregion sampling of PCBM revealed epigenetic heterogeneity in metastases. We found aberrant methylation in PCBM is associated with mutational background, PRC2 complex activity and upregulation of EZH2, an effect that is particularly pronounced in SPOP mutant PCBM. While we detected a hypermethylator phenotype in PCBM, we also observed hypomethylation occurring at the promoters of genes involved in neuroactive ligand-receptor interactions or the calcium signalling pathway, such as GABRB3 and GRM5, a change not observed in non-brain prostate cancer metastases.

  Study EGAS00001006670

• Pre-neoplastic liver colonization by 11p15.5 altered mosaic cells in young children with hepatoblastoma

  In children, liver tumors are a heterogeneous group representing 1-2% of all cancers with the most common diagnosis being hepatoblastoma (HB). While HBs are predominantly sporadic, around 15% of cases develop as part of predisposition syndromes such as familial adenomatous polyposis (APC mutation) or Beckwith-Wiedemann (BWS; 11p15.5 locus altered). Here, we identified a mosaic genetic alteration of 11p15.5 locus in the liver in 17% of HB patients without a clinical diagnosis of BWS syndrome. These mosaic 11p15.5 alterations were never found in children with other types of liver tumor (hepatocellular carcinoma or adenoma, fibrolamellar carcinoma). Bulk transcriptomic analysis revealed the abundance of extracellular matrix, angiogenesis, and progenitor gene signatures in mosaic livers. In situ hybridization assay RNAscope allowed for the detection of 11p15.5 altered hepatocytes mosaicism in liver FFPE sections of HB patients presenting IGF2 overexpression and H19 downregulation together with an alteration of the zonal architecture of the liver. Spatial transcriptomics analysis revealed an overexpression of the IGF2 pathway, lipogenesis, and platelet activation in 11p15.5 altered hepatocytes. These data provide insights for 11p15.5 mosaicism detection as well as functional consequences of these alterations during the early steps of carcinogenesis.

  Study EGAS00001006692

• Targeted therapy of advanced parathyroid carcinoma guided by genomic and transcriptomic profiling (hipo_021)

  Parathyroid carcinoma (PC) is an orphan malignancy with a high risk of recurrence after surgery. Tumor-directed systemic treatments for PC are not established. We used whole-genome and RNA sequencing in four patients with advanced PC to identify molecular alterations that could guide clinical management. In two cases, the genomic and transcriptomic profiles provided targets for experimental therapies that resulted in biochemical response and prolonged disease stabilization: (i) immune checkpoint inhibition with pembrolizumab based on high tumor mutational burden and a single-base substitution signature associated with APOBEC (apolipoprotein B mRNA editing enzyme, catalytic polypeptide-like) overactivation; (ii) multi-receptor tyrosine kinase inhibition with lenvatinib due to overexpression of FGFR1 and RET and, later in the course of disease, PARP inhibition with olaparib prompted by signs of defective homologous recombination DNA repair. In addition, our data provided new insights into the molecular landscape of PC with respect to the genome-wide footprints of specific mutational processes and pathogenic germline alterations. These data underscore the potential of comprehensive molecular analyses to improve care for patients with ultra-rare cancers based on insight into disease biology.

  Study EGAS00001006747

• The impact of BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 on adaptive and innate immune responses

  The mRNA-based BNT162b2 protects against severe disease and mortality caused by SARS-CoV-2 through induction of specific antibody and T-cell responses. Much less is known about its broad effects on immune responses against other pathogens. In the present study, we investigated the specific adaptive immune responses induced by BNT162b2 vaccination against various SARS-CoV-2 variants, as well as its effects on the responsiveness of human immune cells upon stimulation with heterologous viral, bacterial, and fungal pathogens. BNT162b2 vaccination induced effective humoral and cellular immunity against SARS-CoV-2 that started to wane after six months. We also observed long-term transcriptional changes in immune cells after vaccination, as assessed by RNA sequencing. Additionally, vaccination with BNT162b2 modulated innate immune responses as measured by the production of inflammatory cytokines when stimulated with various microbial stimuli other than SARS-CoV-2, including higher IL-1/IL-6 release and decreased production of IFN-α. Altogether, these data expand our knowledge regarding the overall immunological effects of this new class of vaccines and underline the need of additional studies to elucidate their effects on both innate and adaptive immune responses.

  Study EGAS00001006818

• Case Report: Rare IKZF1 gene fusions identified in neonate with congenital KMT2A-rearranged Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

  Here we describe a rare case of congenital KMT2Ar ALL presenting with co-occurring IKZF1 gene fusions and a predictably aggressive disease trajectory. We report for the first time, the novel IKZF1::TUT1 and KDM2A::IKZF1 gene fusions. Rearrangements in-volving KMT2A are commonly retained in relapsed infant ALL, however, in this case the KMT2A::AFF1 gene fusion did not appear to be the lesion driving leukemic relapse. Instead, our data suggest that relapse was driven by IKZF1::TUT1. This gene fusion remained in all samples investigated, including the on-blinatumomab therapy sample taken immediately prior to relapse. Conversely, the KMT2A::AFF1 gene fusion was only detected in the diagnosis and refractory post-induction samples highlighting a key role for IKZF1::TUT1 in disease pathogenesis. Intriguingly, both IKZF1 gene fusions are predicted to be out-of-frame, however, our data demonstrate the IKZF1 gene is still expressed. This is not unprecedented and it has previously been observed that out-of-frame fusions can cause transcriptional activation/repression of genes involved in the fusions leading to increases or decreases of their expression and the as-sociated functional outcomes.

  Study EGAS00001006947

• Pre-activated anti-viral innate immunity in the upper airways controls early SARS-CoV-2 infection in children

  Children have reduced SARS-CoV-2 infection rates and a substantially lower risk for developing severe COVID-19 than adults. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying protection in younger age groups remain unknown. Here, we characterize the single-cell transcriptional landscape in the upper airways of SARS-CoV-2-negative (n=18) and age-matched SARS-CoV-2–positive children (n=24) and corresponding samples from adults (n=44), covering an age range of four weeks to 77 years. Children displayed higher basal expression of the relevant pattern recognition receptors (PRR) such as MDA5 (IFIH1) and RIG-I (DDX58) in upper airway epithelial cells, macrophages, and dendritic cells, resulting in stronger innate antiviral responses upon SARS-CoV-2 infection than adults. We further detected distinct immune cell subpopulations including KLRC1 (NKG2A)+ cytotoxic T cells and a CD8+ T cell population with a memory phenotype occurring predominantly in children. Our study provides evidence that the airway immune cells of children are primed for virus sensing, resulting in a stronger early innate antiviral responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection than adults.

  Study EGAS00001005461

• The immunological characterization of expanded tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in renal cell carcinoma patients

  In this study, we comprehensively characterized the non-expanded and expanded tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) from treatment-naïve RCC patients, as well as the corresponding “young” TILs (pre-REP TILs) and “rapidly expanded” TILs (REP TILs) following a clinical-grade TIL production protocol. From our scRNA+TCRαβ-seq and TCRβ-seq analyses, we show that the REP protocol preferentially favors the expansion CD4+ T-cells that originate from small T-cell clones in the tumor microenvironment (TME), indicating that the large, exhausted T-cell clones in the tumor do not expand during the protocol. We further identified RCC-associated TCR motifs that were validated in multiple TCRαβ-seq and scRNA+TCRαβ-seq datasets, as well as quantified the RCC-associated TCRs from the REP protocol. Overall, the T-cells carrying the RCC-associated TCRs remained high in the tumors and corresponding pre-REP TILs, but the frequency was reduced in the REP TILs. Furthermore, the overall anti-viral TCRs remained low throughout the REP protocol. Our results provide an in-depth understanding of the origin, phenotype, and specificity of the TCRs in RCC TILs.

  Study EGAS00001006952

• HLA-DR is absent in primitive macrophages through epigenetic silencing of master regulator CIITA

  The earliest macrophages are generated during embryonic development from erythro-myeloid progenitors (EMPs) via primitive haematopoiesis. This process is poorly understood in humans and in the mouse is thought to be spatially restricted to the yolk sac. Human fetal placental macrophages, Hofbauer cells (HBC), arise during the primitive haematopoietic wave at ~18 days post conception. Here we identify a population of placental erythro-myeloid progenitors (PEMPs) in the early human placenta that give rise to HBC. PEMP are fetal CD34+CD43+ progenitors found exclusively at early gestational timepoints. Transcriptomic analyses reveal that PEMP have conserved features of primitive yolk sac EMPs, including the lack of HLF expression. Using in vitro single-cell culture experiments we show that PEMP generate HBC-like cells that completely lack HLA-DR expression  and demonstrate that this is a conserved feature of all macrophages generated by primitive haematopoiesis in humans. Finally, we demonstrate that the class II transactivator, CTIIA, the master regulator HLA-DR expression, is epigenetically silenced during primitive haematopoiesis, leading to HLA-DRneg macrophages. These findings demonstrate that HBC are derived locally from PEMP and establish the human placenta as an additional site of primitive haematopoiesis.

  Study EGAS00001006981

• Transgenerational transmission of reproductive and metabolic dysfunction in the male progeny of polycystic ovary syndrome

  The transgenerational maternal effects of PCOS in female progeny have been revealed. As there are evidence that a male equivalent of PCOS may exist, we asked whether sons born to mother with PCOS (PCOS-sons) transmit reproductive and metabolic phenotypes to their male progeny. Here, in a Swedish nationwide register-based cohort and a clinical case-control study from Chile we found that PCOS-sons are more often obese and dyslipidemic. Their serum miRNAs are found to potentially regulate PCOS-risk genes. Our prenatal androgenized PCOS-like mouse model with or without diet-induced obesity confirmed that reproductive and metabolic dysfunctions in F1 male offspring are passed down to F3. Small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs) sequencing of F1-F3 sperm revealed distinct differentially expressed (DE) sncRNAs across generations in the androgenized, obese, and obese and androgenized lineages, respectively. Notably, common targets between transgenerational DEsncRNAs in mouse sperm and in PCOS-sons serum indicate similar effects of maternal hyperandrogenism. These findings strengthen the translational relevance highlighting a previously underappreciated risk of reproductive and metabolic dysfunction via the male germline transmission and potential molecular markers to study in future generations.

  Study EGAS00001007079

• Covid19 Transcriptomic Data analysis in Irish Population

  The Samples were collected from Saint James's Hospital, Dublin and after informed consent. RNA-Sequencing library preparation was performed using the Illumina TruSeq Stranded Total RNA Library Prep Globin kit (20020612) with an input amount of 100 – 1000 ng. Library preparation was automated and processed using a Hamilton NGS Star. Library quality was assessed using the Roche KAPA Library Quantification Kit (7960298001) and GX Caliper HS Assay (CLS760672, 760517), run on Roche Lightcycler 480 II and Perkin Elmer LabChip GX Touch analyser respectively. Libraries were pooled and sequenced (75bp PE) on an Illumina NovaSeq 6000 instrument using NovaSeq 6000 S2 Reagent Kit v1.5 (20028314) targeting 50M paired reads. Raw data (BCL format) were demultiplexed and converted to FASTQ format using BCL2FastQ (Illumina). Adapters were trimmed using Skewer (PMID: 24925680) and QC assessed using FASTQC. STAR (PMID: 23104886) was used to align reads to the reference genome (GRCh38/hg38) as well as to the transcriptome (GENCODE v. 25). Quality of the RNA alignment was assessed using Picard QC. Gene and isoform quantification was performed using RSEM (PMID: 21816040). The study shares expression data (gene.results) and chimeric.junction.out.

  Study EGAS00001007116

• RNAseq

  Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) is a prototypical periodic fever syndrome caused by genetic variation in MEFV. While it is known that especially IL-1β responses are dysregulated in FMF, its innate immune landscape has not been comprehensively described. Therefore, we extensively characterized the function of monocytes and neutrophils in patients with FMF in between disease attacks, as well as their circulating inflammatory proteome. We found that monocyte IL-1 and IL-6 production was enhanced following a range of stimulations, in concordance with alterations in the plasma inflammatory proteome. In contrast, neutrophil function in FMF was normal. Additionally, ATAC-seq and RNA-seq analyses revealed important epigenetic and transcriptional reprogramming arguing for monocyte function dysregulation. Interestingly, chromatin-accessibility was down-regulated in genomic regions related to cellular responses. This argues that the primary immune dysregulation in monocytes due to MEFV mutations leads to a chronic inflammatory profile that is subsequently associated with counterregulatory epigenetic and transcriptional changes reminiscent of tolerance (rather than trained immunity) induction. These data increase our understanding of the innate immune changes in FMF, that can be used in the design of novel approaches to manage chronic inflammation of these patients.

  Study EGAS00001007165

• Single-cell profiling of co-cultures of GSCCs and macrophages

  Glioblastoma (GBM) remains the most malignant primary brain tumor, with a median survival rarely exceeding 2 years. Tumor heterogeneity and an immunosuppressive microenvironment are key factors contributing to the poor response rates of current therapeutic approaches. GBM-associated macrophages (GAMs) often exhibit immunosuppressive features that promote tumor progression. However, their dynamic interactions with GBM tumor cells remain poorly understood. Here, we used patient-derived GBM stem cell cultures and combined single-cell RNA sequencing of GAM-GBM co-cultures and real-time in vivo monitoring of GAM-GBM interactions in orthotopic zebrafish xenograft models to provide insight into the cellular, molecular, and spatial heterogeneity. Our analyses revealed substantial heterogeneity across GBM patients in GBM-induced GAM polarization and the ability to attract and activate GAMs – features that correlated with patient survival. Differential gene expression analysis, immunohistochemistry on original tumor samples, and knock-out experiments in zebrafish subsequently identified LGALS1 as a primary regulator of immunosuppression. Overall, our work highlights that GAM-GBM interactions can be studied in a clinically relevant way using co-cultures and avatar models, while offering new opportunities to identify promising immune-modulating targets.

  Study EGAS00001007482

• Massively parallel functional dissection of schizophrenia associated non-coding genetic variants

  Schizophrenia (SCZ) is a severe mental disorder affecting 1% of the world population. SCZ is characterized by an underlying genetic architecture that is highly polygenic. Genome wide association studies have identified thousands of genetic variants that are statistically linked to the disease. However, the translation of these associations into insights on the pathomechanisms has been challenging because the causal genetic variants, their molecular function, and their target genes remain largely unknown. To address these questions, we combined induced pluripotent stem cell technology with a massively parallel variant annotation pipeline (MVAP) to functionally characterize 35,000 SCZ associated non-coding genetic variants. This approach identified a set of 620 (1.7%) single nucleotide polymorphisms as functional on the molecular level in a highly cell type and condition specific fashion. Subsequent multi-modal integration of epigenomic data combined with CRISPR screening in human neurons enabled us to systematically translate SCZ variant associations into target genes, biological processes, and ultimately alterations of neuronal physiology. These results provide a new high-resolution map of functional variant-gene combinations and offer comprehensive biological insights into the developmental context and stimulus dependent molecular processes modulated by SCZ genetic variation beyond statistical association.

  Study EGAS00001007542

• Immune and clinicopathological features predict HER2-positive breast cancer prognosis in the neoadjuvant NeoALTTO and CALGB 40601 trials

  The identification of prognostic drivers in patients receiving neoadjuvant therapy is crucial for treatment optimization in HER2-positive breast cancer, with the immune microenvironment being a key factor. Here, we investigated the complexity of B and T cell receptor (BCR and TCR) repertoires, reflecting antigen-specific immune response, in the context of two phase III trials, namely NeoALTTO and CALGB 40601, evaluating neoadjuvant paclitaxel with trastuzumab and/or lapatinib in women affected by HER2-positive breast cancer. BCR/TCR features were heterogeneous, and BCR measures describing clonal expansion demonstrated independent prognostic value. A model developed in NeoALTTO and validated in CALGB 40601 predicted event-free survival (EFS) by integrating hormone receptor and clinical nodal status, treatment response (breast pCR)breast pathological complete response (pCR) as well as tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and BCR evenness, measuring the equality of BCR clonal distribution. The HER2-EveNT score derived from the model allows the identification of patients with 5-year EFS > 90%, and, in those not achieving pCR, of a subgroup of immune-enriched tumors with an excellent outcome despite residual disease.

  Study EGAS00001007563

• Discovery of immunotherapy targets for pediatric solid and brain tumors by exon-level expression

  Immunotherapy with chimeric antigen receptor T cells for pediatric solid and brain tumors is constrained by available targetable antigens. Cancer-specific exons present a promising reservoir of targets; however, these have not been explored and validated systematically in a pan-cancer fashion. To identify cancer specific exon targets, we analyze 1,532 RNA-seq datasets from 16 types of pediatric solid and brain tumors for comparison with normal tissues using a newly developed workflow. We find 2,933 exons in 157 genes encoding proteins of the surfaceome or matrisome with high cancer specificity either at the gene (n=148) or the alternatively spliced isoform (n=9) level. Expression of selected alternatively spliced targets, including the EDB domain of fibronectin 1, and gene targets, such as COL11A1, are validated in pediatric patient derived xenograft tumors. We generate T cells expressing chimeric antigen receptors specific for the EDB domain or COL11A1 and demonstrate that these have antitumor activity. The full target list, explorable via an interactive web portal (https://cseminer.stjude.org/), provides a rich resource for developing immunotherapy of pediatric solid and brain tumors using gene or AS targets with high expression specificity in cancer.

  Study EGAS00001007766

• Genomic_Advances_in_Sepsis__GAinS__genotyping

  This cohort comprises a subset of pateints 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 35 hospitals across the UK from 2005-2018, with samples for functional genomics and detailed clinical information collected over the first five days of ICU admission. DNA was extracted from buffy coat or whole blood samples using the Qiagen DNA extraction protocol, the automated Maxwell Blood purification kit (Promega), or the QIAamp Blood Midi kit protocol (Qiagen). Genotyping data were generated using the Illumina HumanOmniExpress BeadChip (295 patients), the Infinium CoreExome BeadChip (655 patients), and the Infinium Global Screening Array BeadChip (307 patients). Genotyping QC and imputation into the Haplotype Reference Consortium was perfomed within each batch. The datasets were combined and following post-imputation filtering data were available on 1168 samples. This data is part of a pre-publication release. For information on the proper use of pre-publication data shared by the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute (including details of any publication moratoria), please see http://www.sanger.ac.uk/datasharing/

  Study EGAS00001007786

• Phosphoproteomics adds value to treatment recommendations in molecular tumor boards

  Precision oncology approaches employing genomics-guided targeted therapies for individual patients have provided significant survival benefits in several cancer types. However, low response rates in most solid malignancies, many patients without actionable genomic lesions, and increasing evidence that non-genomic mechanisms may play an important role in tumors indicate that genomics alone is often insufficient to inform and guide the clinical care of patients. Here, we show for the first time that comprehensive (phospho)proteome profiling is feasible and informative in a real-world prospective precision oncology setting. We developed a novel tumor pathway activity (TUPAC) scoring methodology that provides a holistic perspective on dysregulated receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) signaling in individual patients. Based on 919 tumor tissue profiles of patients enrolled in the national NCT/DKTK MASTER study and the INFORM registry trial, we illustrate how TUPAC scoring can be used to uncover individual tumor biology in rare cancers and demonstrate that TUPAC methodology identifies EGFR-driven sarcomas despite the absence of genetic EGFR alterations. Overall, our work demonstrates the utility of the additional phosphoproteome data layer to enhance therapeutic recommendations in molecular tumor boards.

  Study EGAS00001007891

• MECOM represses myeloid differentiation through CEBPA downregulation in AML

  Transcription factor MECOM, located at 3q26, is essential for hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in healthy individuals. Enhancer translocations, due to 3q26 rearrangements, drive out-of-context MECOM expression in an aggressive subtype of leukemia (AML). Aberrantly expressed MECOM is essential for the survival and immature phenotype of these leukemia cells. Direct depletion of MECOM using an endogenous auxin-inducible degron rapidly upregulates expression of myeloid differentiation factor CEBPA. MECOM depletion is also accompanied by a severe loss of CD34 expression and gain of mature myeloid cell surface marker CD15. MECOM exerts its inhibitory effect on differentiation by binding to the +42kb CEBPA enhancer, which is essential for neutrophil development. This is partially dependent on the interaction between MECOM and its essential co-repressor CTBP2, a potential target in this type of AML. We demonstrate that CEBPA overexpression can bypass the MECOM-mediated block of differentiation. In addition, AML patients with MECOM overexpression through enhancer hijacking show significantly reduced CEBPA. Our study provides insight into the mechanism by which MECOM maintains the stem cell state in AML. Furthermore, CEBPA levels are an important read-out for successful targeting of MECOM in 3q26-rearranged AML.

  Study EGAS00001008005

• H3Africa - Deciphering Developmental Disorders in Africa

  Developmental disorders are typically rare conditions, causing an impairment in physical, learning, language, or behavioural areas. Genetic heterogeneity and highly variable clinical manifestations make diagnosing developmental disorders particularly challenging. Developmental disorders are increasing in prevalence in low- and middle-income countries, partly due to effective prevention and treatment of infectious diseases leading to a decrease in childhood mortality. New sequencing technologies are used effectively in the diagnosis of rare diseases and results can impact clinical practice significantly. Despite this international trend, very little implementation of these new approaches has taken place in low-resource settings, especially in Africa. The Deciphering Developmental Disorders in Africa (DDD-Africa) study aims to take advantage of an unbiased genotype-driven approach to improve healthcare services for patients. The study aims to recruit and perform detailed clinical phenotyping and exome sequencing (ES) on 500 African patients with a developmental disorder in whom a genetic diagnosis has not been confirmed. Where available, parents are also included in sequencing efforts. The project has two active research sites in Johannesburg (South Africa) and Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of Congo) representing diversity in geography, clinical, socio-economic, genetic and environmental factors.

  Study EGAS00001008319

• MutWP1: CRUK Grand Challenge Mutographs of Cancer: Oesophageal adenocarcinoma

  The Mutographs project aims to advance our understanding of the causes of cancer through studies of mutational signatures. Led by Mike Stratton, together with Paul Brennan, Ludmil Alexandrov, Allan Balmain, David Phillips and Peter Campbell, this large-scale international research endeavour was awarded a Cancer Research UK Grand Challenge. Different patterns of somatic mutation are generated by the different environmental, lifestyle and genetic factors that cause cancer, many of them are still unknown. Within Mutographs, the International Agency for Research on Cancer is coordinating the recruitment of 5000 individuals with cancer (colorectal, renal, pancreatic, oesophageal adenocarcinoma or oesophageal squamous cancers) across 5 continents to explore whether different mutational signatures explain marked variation in incidence. In brief, through an international network of collaborators around the world, biological materials are collected, along with demographic, histological, clinical and questionnaire data. Whole genome sequences of tumour-germline DNA pairs are generated at the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute (40X and 20X depth respectively). Somatic mutational signatures are subsequently extracted by non-negative matrix factorisation methods and correlated with risk factors data. Through an enhanced understanding of cancer aetiology, Mutographs unprecedented effort is anticipated to outline modifiable risk factors, lead to new approaches to prevent cancer, and provide opportunities to empower early detection, refine high-risk groups and contribute to further therapeutic development. This dataset contains all the data available for this study on 2021-09-27.

  Dataset EGAD00001006083

• Whole genome sequencing of retinoblastoma reveals the diversity of rearrangements disrupting RB1 and uncovers a treatment related mutational signature

  Background: The development of retinoblastoma is thought to require pathological genetic changes in both alleles of the RB1 gene. However, cases exist where RB1 mutations are undetectable suggesting alternative pathways to malignancy. Methods: We applied comprehensive whole genome sequencing (WGS) and transcriptomics to sporadic retinoblastomas derived from twenty patients attending our clinic, contrasting these results to that obtained through customary clinical testing. We sought RB1 and other driver mutations, investigated mutation burden, mutational signatures and phylogenetic relatedness in one case of bilateral retinoblastoma. Results: At least one RB1 mutation was identified in all retinoblastomas. We confirmed RB1 mutations previously identified by clinical screening, identified three new RB1 mutations and provided clarity to the mechanism behind a further six mutations. Eight tumours carried structural rearrangements involving RB1 ranging from relatively simple to extremely complex rearrangement patterns, including a chromothripsis-like pattern in one tumour. Potential driver mutations included mutations in BCOR (5/20) and amplification of MYCN (2/20) and MDM4 (1/20). We show that RB1 mutations are not mutually exclusive of MYCN amplifications, and further reveal that all tumours demonstrate increased MYCN expression suggesting a universal role in retinoblastoma tumorigenesis.  Bilateral tumours obtained from one patient harboured conserved germline but divergent somatic RB1 mutations, indicating independent evolution. In-keeping with previous WGS of paediatric cancers, the mutation burden in retinoblastomas was extremely low. Mutational signature analysis showed a predominance of signatures associated with cell division and an absence of ultraviolet-related DNA damage. In a tumour exposed to chemotherapy prior to enucleation, a profound platinum-related mutational signature was observed. Conclusions: WGS provides a complete picture of the genomic landscape of retinoblastomas, allowing the discovery of mutations otherwise undetected by conventional clinical screening approaches. The presence of at least one RB1 mutation in all retinoblastomas and the relative paucity of driver mutations in other genes suggests mutations beyond RB1, MYCN and BCOR are rare. Whilst most RB1 mutations are identifiable by clinical screening, the increased resolution and ability to detect otherwise elusive rearrangements of RB1 by WGS, confirming whether they are somatic or germline, has important repercussions on clinical management and advice on recurrence risks.

  Dataset EGAD00001006431

• panALL exome data set3, 650 samples

  panALL exome data set3, 650 samples

  Dataset EGAD00001008290

• Genome Diversity in Africa Project: Benin (2021-02-16)

  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 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 2021-02-16.

  Dataset EGAD00001006970

• CM067 WES - Clinical Outcomes by Tumor Mutational Burden and Inflammatory Gene Expression With Combined Nivolumab and Ipilimumab or Monotherapy in Advanced Melanoma

  Purpose Exploratory analyses of CheckMate 066 and 067 trials were conducted to investigate associations of tumor mutational burden (TMB), a 4-gene inflammatory gene expression signature, and BRAF mutation status with tumor response, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) in patients with advanced melanoma. Patients and Methods Patients with known programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression and BRAF mutation status received nivolumab (NIVO) or dacarbazine in CheckMate 066 and either NIVO, ipilimumab (IPI), or NIVO+IPI in CheckMate 067. Whole exome sequencing and RNA sequencing were used to determine TMB and inflammatory gene expression signature scores, respectively. These biomarkers were evaluated in terms of their association with PFS and OS. Results In the NIVO, NIVO+IPI, and IPI arms of CheckMate 067, longer survival was associated with high (> median) versus low (≤ median) TMB with hazard ratios (HRs) (95% confidence interval [CI]) for PFS of 0.45 (0.30–0.65), 0.55 (0.38–0.81), and 0.60 (0.43–0.82), and for OS of 0.46 (0.30–0.71), 0.53 (0.34–0.82), and 0.52 (0.36–0.74), respectively. For NIVO-treated patients, these results were confirmed in CheckMate 066. A survival benefit was observed with high TMB and absence of BRAF mutation. Survival was associated with high versus low inflammatory signature scores with HRs (95% CI) for PFS of 0.56 (0.34–0.94), 0.40 (0.23–0.72), and 0.43 (0.27–0.70), and for OS of 0.37 (0.20–0.66), 0.38 (0.19–0.74), and 0.46 (0.27–0.79), in the NIVO, NIVO+IPI, and IPI arms, respectively. Weak correlations were observed between PD-L1, TMB, and the inflammatory signature. Conclusions Combined assessment of TMB, inflammatory gene expression signature, and BRAF mutation status may be predictive for response to immunotherapy in advanced melanoma.

  Dataset EGAD00001007573

• RNA-seq of high grade serous ovarian tumours

  Somatic RNA for 37 samples was extracted using the Qiagen Qiasymphony RNA protcol (cat no 931636). The tissue was initially homogenised using a Qiagen Bioruptor, followed by the manufacturers recommended protocol (including DNase digestion). The resulting RNA the underwent quality control as follows: firstly, A260 and A280nm were measured on a Denovix DS-11 Fx to qualitatively illustrate A260/280nm and A260/230nm ratios as measures of RNA purity. A260/280 had to be 2.0 and A260/230 had to be 2.0-2.2. Then RNA was quantified using LifeTechnologies Qubit RNA BR kit (cat no Q10210). RNAseq was carried out by the Edinburgh Clinical Research Facility on an Illumina NExtSeq500. Total RNA samples were assessed on the Agilent Bioanalyser (Agilent Technologies, #G2939AA) with the RNA 6000 Nano Kit (#5067-1512) for quality and integrity of total RNA, and then quantified using the Qubit 2.0 Fluorometer (Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc, #Q32866) and the Qubit RNA HS assay kit (#Q32855). Libraries were prepared from total-RNA sample using the NEBNext Ultra 2 Directional RNA library prep kit for Illumina (#E7760S) with the NEBNext rRNA Depletion kit (#E6310) according to the provided protocol. 400ng of totalRNA was then added to the ribosomal RNA (rRNA) depletion reaction using the NEBNext rRNA depletion kit (Human/mouse/rat) (#E6310). This step uses specific probes that bind to the rRNA in order to cleave it. rRNA-depleted RNA was then DNase treated and purified using Agencourt RNAClean XP beads (Beckman Coulter Inc, #66514). RNA was then fragmented using random primers before undergoing first strand and second strand synthesis to create cDNA. cDNA was end repaired before ligation of sequencing adapters, and libraries were enriched by PCR using the NEBNext Multiplex oligos for Illumina set 1 and 2 (#E7500). Final libraries had an average peak size of 271bp. Libraries were quantified by fluorometry using the Qubit dsDNA HS assay and assessed for quality and fragment size using the Agilent Bioanalyser with the DNA HS Kit (#5067-4626). Sequencing was performed using the NextSeq 500/550 High-Output v2 (150 cycle) Kit (# FC- 404-2002) on the NextSeq 550 platform (Illumina Inc, #SY-415-1002). Libraries were combined in an equimolar pool based on the library quantification results and run across 5 High-Output Flow Cell v2.5.

  Dataset EGAD00001010139

• Medulloblastoma cfDNA low-coverage WGS

  Whole genome sequencing of cell free DNA from CSF across timepoints from medulloblastoma clinical trial patients.

  Dataset EGAD00001008277

• Targeted and Whole Exome Sequencing for Validation of PGDx elio tissue complete

  This dataset consists of 116 tumor and normal samples analyzed with whole exome sequencing on the HiSeq2500 instruments with 100bp paired-end reads as well as 760 tumor and normal samples analyzed with the PGDx elio tissue complete assay. The PGDx elio tissue complete assay is a hybrid capture approach targeting 500+ genes with sequencing on the NextSeq instruments with 150bp paired-end reads. The bam files provided have been adapter masked and contain duplicate reads.

  Dataset EGAD00001008099

• RNA-seq of high grade serous ovarian tumours

  Somatic RNA for 40 samples matched to the WGS was extracted using the Qiagen Qiasymphony RNA protcol (cat no 931636). The tissue was initially homogenised using a Qiagen Bioruptor, followed by the manufacturers recommended protocol (including DNase digestion). The resulting RNA the underwent quality control as follows: firstly, A260 and A280nm were measured on a Denovix DS-11 Fx to qualitatively illustrate A260/280nm and A260/230nm ratios as measures of RNA purity. A260/280 had to be 2.0 and A260/230 had to be 2.0-2.2. Then RNA was quantified using LifeTechnologies Qubit RNA BR kit (cat no Q10210). RNAseq was carried out by the Edinburgh Clinical Research Facility on an Illumina NExtSeq500. Total RNA samples were assessed on the Agilent Bioanalyser (Agilent Technologies, #G2939AA) with the RNA 6000 Nano Kit (#5067-1512) for quality and integrity of total RNA, and then quantified using the Qubit 2.0 Fluorometer (Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc, #Q32866) and the Qubit RNA HS assay kit (#Q32855). Libraries were prepared from total-RNA sample using the NEBNext Ultra 2 Directional RNA library prep kit for Illumina (#E7760S) with the NEBNext rRNA Depletion kit (#E6310) according to the provided protocol. 400ng of totalRNA was then added to the ribosomal RNA (rRNA) depletion reaction using the NEBNext rRNA depletion kit (Human/mouse/rat) (#E6310). This step uses specific probes that bind to the rRNA in order to cleave it. rRNA-depleted RNA was then DNase treated and purified using Agencourt RNAClean XP beads (Beckman Coulter Inc, #66514). RNA was then fragmented using random primers before undergoing first strand and second strand synthesis to create cDNA. cDNA was end repaired before ligation of sequencing adapters, and libraries were enriched by PCR using the NEBNext Multiplex oligos for Illumina set 1 and 2 (#E7500). Final libraries had an average peak size of 271bp. Libraries were quantified by fluorometry using the Qubit dsDNA HS assay and assessed for quality and fragment size using the Agilent Bioanalyser with the DNA HS Kit (#5067-4626). Sequencing was performed using the NextSeq 500/550 High-Output v2 (150 cycle) Kit (# FC- 404-2002) on the NextSeq 550 platform (Illumina Inc, #SY-415-1002). Libraries were combined in an equimolar pool based on the library quantification results and run across 5 High-Output Flow Cell v2.5.

  Dataset EGAD00001009048

• RNA-Seq of 584 DLBCL Cases of Non-China Cohort from Phoenix Clinical Trial

  Standard RNA-Seq datasets. Check the associated paper for more details.

  Dataset EGAD00001008131

• Thymic epithelial transplantation for complete DiGeorge syndrome: RNA (2025-07-22)

  Single cell transcriptomics study of thymic transplant biopsies Allogeneic thymus transplantation is the only curative therapy for complete DiGeorge Syndrome (cDGS), a rare severe primary immunodeficiency characterised by athymia. GOSH is one of only two centres worldwide to offer this treatment. Despite a lack of major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-matching between donor and host, transplanted thymus becomes repopulated by recipient bone marrow derived precursor cells and supports development of functional T-cells. The mechanisms underlying thymopoiesis in this context are poorly understood, but over time we observe reconstitution of T-cell immunity, with the ability to produce host naïve T-cells showing a broad T-cell receptor (TCR) repertoire and to generate MHC-restricted T-cell proliferative responses. Although lifesaving, the achieved immunological reconstitution is typically not complete with circulating T-cell numbers usually remaining below the age related normal ranges. Additionally, we observe persistence of donor-derived T-cells of unknown clinical significance. To gain more insight into the mechanisms by which MHC-mismatched transplanted thymus supports T-cell development with self-tolerance, as well as into the basis of suboptimal T-cell immunity, we now aim to investigate immune reconstitution after thymus transplantation in further detail by using single-cell transcriptomics, applied to thymic transplant biopsies and peripheral blood samples collected during standard post-transplant patient care. By identifying which lineages of host- derived cells repopulate the thymic tissue after transplantation, we will be able to address the role of MHC in positive and negative T-cell selection during T-cell differentiation. We will also be able to clarify the exact ontogeny of the persistent donor T-cells, as well as their possible role. Understanding the mechanisms of action of HLA-mismatched transplanted thymus will contribute to treatment optimisation. Additionally, our research provides a unique opportunity to further investigate key immunological concepts, such as tolerance and autoimmunity, challenging existing paradigms in thymus immunology. 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 2025-07-22.

  Dataset EGAD00001015648

• Germline variants in patients with rare cancers - control samples WGS and WES

  The control samples (mostly blood) of 351 samples (paired WGS and WES sequencing) are in this dataset. The WGS was in nearly all cases at an Illumina HighSeq X Ten with the Illumina TruSeq Nano DNA Kit. The WES mostly on Illumina HighSeq 4000 with the Agilent SureSelect V5 plus UTRs Kit.

  Dataset EGAD00001010047

• FASTQ files of total RNA-Seq data of POPS control samples

  Placental biopsies (n = 64 female placentas, n = 67 male placentas) were selected from healthy pregnancies from the POPs cohort. These patients had no evidence of hypertension at booking and during pregnancy, did not experience pre-eclampsia, Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes, and Low Platelets (HELLP) syndrome, gestational diabetes, or diabetes mellitus type I or type II and other obstetric complications. They delivered live babies with a birth weight percentile in the normal range (20-80th percentile), with no evidence of slowing in fetal growth trajectory. Chorionic villi from the corresponding placentas (free from decidua, visible infarction, calcification, hematoma, or damage) were collected and processed within 30 minutes of separation from the uterus. After repeated washes in chilled phosphate buffered saline, the samples were placed in RNA later (Applied Biosystems) and stored at -80°C. Total placental RNA was extracted using mirVana Isolation Kit (Ambion). For each placenta, approximately 5 mg of tissue were homogenized in the Lysis/Binding solution for 20 sec at 6 m/s using a bead beater (FastPrep24) and Lysing Matrix D Tubes (MP Biomedicals). The samples were then spun at 13,000 rpm for 5 min at 4°C and the supernatants recovered. Afterwards, the manufacturer's instructions were followed. Immediately after the RNA extraction, placental RNA samples were DNase-treated using DNA-free DNA Removal Kit (Ambion), aliquoted, and stored in -80°C. Quantity and quality of the RNA samples were assessed using the Agilent 2100 Bioanalyzer, the Agilent RNA 6000 Nano Kit (Agilent Technologies), and Qubit fluorometer. Libraries were prepared starting with 300-500 ng of good quality total RNA (RIN ≥7.5) using the TruSeq Stranded Total RNA Library Prep Kit with Ribo-Zero Human/Mouse/Rat (Illumina), according to the manufacturer's instructions. The kit contains 96 uniquely indexed adapter combinations in order to allow pooling of multiple samples prior to sequencing. After determining their size (with the Agilent 2100 Bioanalyzer and the Agilent High Sensitivity DNA Kit by Agilent Technologies) and concentration (by qPCR with the KAPA Illumina ABI Prism Library Quantification Kit, Kapa Biosystems), libraries have been pooled and sequenced (single-end, 125 bp) using a Single End V4 Cluster Kit and an Illumina HiSeq2500 or HiSeq4000 instrument.

  Dataset EGAD00001003457

• Gut microbiota of the Pinggu cohort

  Shotgun metagenomic sequencing data of a total 2,338 fecal DNA samples from adults of the Pinggu cohort.

  Dataset EGAD00001007064

• Tumor transcriptome profiling from the OAK and POPLAR randomized clinical trials of atezolizumab in 2L NSCLC

  This dataset includes full tumor transcriptomes from 891 advanced NSCLC tumors. These data originate from pre-treatment samples from two large randomized clinical trials for second-line non-small cell lung cancer (POPLAR and OAK). The patients in these trials were treated with either the PD-L1 inhibitor atezolizumab or chemotherapy.

  Dataset EGAD00001007703

• WTSI CGP Data access committee

  Dac EGAC00001000000

• NPC genome-wide human SNP array data

  nasopharyngeal carcinoma genome-wide human SNP array data for 4083 NPC cases and 4811 controls

  Dataset EGAD00010002296

• Efficacy of two different FGFR-inhibitors in a patient with extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma harboring an FGFR2 mutation

  Cholangiocarcinomas (CCAs) is a type of cancer with few effective systemic therapies. Elucidation of the molecular landscape of the disease from genomic studies based on next generation sequencing (NGS) has contributed to the introduction of new targeted therapies. One of these treatments consists of a class of small molecules that target members of the FGFR family of receptor tyrosine kinases. These drugs are effective and have been approved for cholangiocarcinomas with fusions or rearrangements of FGFR genes. In contrast, the role of these inhibitors in cholangiocarcinomas with mutations in FGFR genes is less well defined. We report here a patient with a cholangiocarcinoma bearing a FGFR2 p.Ser252Trp mutation. The patient was treated with two different FGFR inhibitors, as the first caused ocular toxicity. She obtained clinical benefit from both. This case illustrates the efficacy of FGFR inhibitors on cholangiocarcinoma with specific point mutations. This is the first case to report the clinical benefit of these drugs in FGFR2 p.Ser252Trp mutation. Clinical benefit can be sustained, as seen in our patient. Our case also shows that FGFR inhibitors-induced adverse effects, such as ocular toxicities, may not recur after re-challenge with an alternative drug of the same class.

  Study EGAS50000000015

• snRNA-seq analysis in multinucleated myogenic FSHD cells identifies heterogeneous FSHD transcriptome signatures associated with embryonic-like program activation and oxidative stress-induced apoptosis

  The sporadic nature of DUX4 expression in FSHD muscle challenges comparative transcriptome analyses between FSHD and control samples. A variety of DUX4 and FSHD-associated transcriptional changes have been identified, but bulk RNA-seq strategies prohibit comprehensive analysis of their spatiotemporal relation, interdependence and role in the disease process. In this study, we used single-nucleus RNA-sequencing of nuclei isolated from patient- and control-derived multinucleated primary myotubes to investigate the cellular heterogeneity in FSHD. Taking advantage of the increased resolution in snRNA-sequencing of fully differentiated myotubes, two distinct populations of DUX4-affected nuclei could be defined by their transcriptional profiles. Our data provides insights into the differences between these two populations and suggests heterogeneity in two well-known FSHD-associated transcriptional aberrations: increased oxidative stress and inhibition of myogenic differentiation. Additionally, we provide evidence that DUX4-affected nuclei share transcriptome features with early embryonic cells beyond the well-described cleavage stage, progressing into the 8-cell and blastocyst stages. Altogether, our data suggests that the FSHD transcriptional profile is defined by a mixture of individual and sometimes mutually exclusive DUX4-induced responses and cellular state-dependent downstream effects.

  Study EGAS00001007635

• Single-cell profiling reveals mechanisms of response to anti-PD-L1 versus anti-PD-L1 combined with anti-CTLA4 in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

  Cancer patients often receive a combination of PD-(L)1 and CTLA4 inhibitors, but the mechanisms underlying their concerted actions remain unclear. We conducted a neoadjuvant study in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) involving anti-PD-L1 monotherapy versus anti-PD-L1/anti-CTLA4 combination. Single-cell profiling of on- versus pre-treatment biopsies confirmed T-cell expansion as response biomarker. We identified a type 1 immune response accompanying T-cell expansion on-treatment across treatment arms, and herein characterized co-localized IgG plasma cell expansion as important contributor. In pre-treatment biopsies, similar features correlated with expansion upon anti-PD-L1, but not anti-PD-L1/anti-CTLA4. By profiling tumor-draining lymph nodes, we found the addition of anti-CTLA4 to trigger activation and subsequent trafficking of CD4+ T-cells via the blood, to become T-helper 1 cells in the tumor. anti-PD-L1/anti-CTLA4 indeed facilitated co-localized expansion of CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells in tumors versus mostly CD8+ T-cells with anti-PD-L1 alone. Hence, we identify complimentary mechanisms underlying anti-PD-L1/anti-CTLA4 therapy in HNSCC.

  Study EGAS50000000037

• Single cell RNAseq of stenotic, inflamed and non-inflamed transmural lesions from patients with Crohn's disease

  This dataset contains a gene-cell matrix derived from single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data of ileal tissue from Crohn's disease (CD) patients and colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. It includes: Crohn's Disease Patients: A trio of transmural lesions (stenotic, inflamed, and non-inflamed) from each patient. Colorectal Cancer Patients: Unaffected ileal tissue used as external non-inflamed control. Cell Level Metadata: The dataset includes relevant cell-level metadata such as cell type annotations used in the study. Experimental Details: Platform: 10x Genomics Chromium Single Cell 3' GEX Sequencing: Illumina NovaSeq Processing: Data processed with Cell Ranger software. Resulting count matrices were merged for downstream analysis, including integration and dimensionality reduction. Dataset Composition: Crohn's Disease Patients: 10 patients with 3 samples each (non-inflamed, inflamed, stenotic), totaling 30 samples. Colorectal Cancer Patients: 5 patients with 1 sample each of unaffected tissue, totaling 5 samples. Data Provided: Merged Raw Count Matrix: The final merged raw count matrix used for downstream analysis. Cell Metadata File: Contains details of sample, tissue, and patient for each cell in the count matrix. Barcodes File: Indicate each cell barcode which also encodes the sample, tissue, and patient details for each cell. CD.S_Inf: Stenotic Corhn's disease inflamed samples CD.S_Sten: Stenotic CD patient stenosis sample CD.S_Prox: Stenotic CD Patient - proximal non-inflamed sample CC.C_Prox: CRC Patient proximal unaffected sample eg: A barcode 'CC.C_1_Prox_AAGTCGTAGACCCTTA' indicates CRC Patient unaffected proximal sampe from CRC Patient no.1 and the nucleic acid sequence indicate a unique cell from this sample. Total Samples: Crohn's Disease (CD) Patients: 30 samples Colorectal Cancer (CRC) Patients: 5 samples Patient_no Sample Sample_type 1 CC.C_1 CC.C_1_Prox CC.C_Prox 2 CD.S_1 CD.S_1_Prox CD.S_Prox 3 CD.S_1 CD.S_1_Infl CD.S_Infl 4 CD.S_1 CD.S_1_Sten CD.S_Sten 5 CC.C_2 CC.C_2_Prox CC.C_Prox 6 CD.S_2 CD.S_2_Prox CD.S_Prox 7 CD.S_2 CD.S_2_Infl CD.S_Infl 8 CD.S_2 CD.S_2_Sten CD.S_Sten 9 CC.C_3 CC.C_3_Prox CC.C_Prox 10 CC.C_4 CC.C_4_Prox CC.C_Prox 11 CD.S_3 CD.S_3_Prox CD.S_Prox 12 CD.S_3 CD.S_3_Infl CD.S_Infl 13 CD.S_3 CD.S_3_Sten CD.S_Sten 14 CD.S_4 CD.S_4_Prox CD.S_Prox 15 CD.S_4 CD.S_4_Infl CD.S_Infl 16 CD.S_4 CD.S_4_Sten CD.S_Sten 17 CC.C_5 CC.C_5_Prox CC.C_Prox 18 CD.S_5 CD.S_5_Prox CD.S_Prox 19 CD.S_5 CD.S_5_Infl CD.S_Infl 20 CD.S_5 CD.S_5_Sten CD.S_Sten 21 CD.S_6 CD.S_6_Prox CD.S_Prox 22 CD.S_6 CD.S_6_Infl CD.S_Infl 23 CD.S_6 CD.S_6_Sten CD.S_Sten 24 CD.S_7 CD.S_7_Prox CD.S_Prox 25 CD.S_7 CD.S_7_Infl CD.S_Infl 26 CD.S_7 CD.S_7_Sten CD.S_Sten 27 CD.S_8 CD.S_8_Prox CD.S_Prox 28 CD.S_8 CD.S_8_Infl CD.S_Infl 29 CD.S_8 CD.S_8_Sten CD.S_Sten 30 CD.S_9 CD.S_9_Prox CD.S_Prox 31 CD.S_9 CD.S_9_Infl CD.S_Infl 32 CD.S_9 CD.S_9_Sten CD.S_Sten 33 CD.S_10 CD.S_10_Prox CD.S_Prox 34 CD.S_10 CD.S_10_Infl CD.S_Infl 35 CD.S_10 CD.S_10_Sten CD.S_Sten

  Dataset EGAD50000000559

• Dataset developed for use with EOSC4Cancer of synthetic colorectal cancer tumor/normal pairs.

  This dataset contains 10 tumor and normal pairs synthetic WGS data of colorectal cancer that were simulated in a standard format of Illumina paired-end reads. The NEAT read simulator (version 3.0, https://github.com/zstephens/neat-genreads) was utilized to synthetize these 10 pairs of tumor and normal WGS data. In the procedure of data generation, simulated parameters (i.e., sequencing error statistics, read fragment length distribution and GC% coverage bias) were learned from data models provided by NEAT. The average sequencing depth for tumor and normal samples aimed to reach around 110X and 60X, respectively. For generation of synthetic normal WGS data per each sample, a germline variant profile from a real patient was down-sampled randomly, representing 50% germline variants of a given patient. These were mixed with the other 50% in silico germline variants that were modelled randomly using an average mutation rate (0.001), finally constituting a full germline profile for normal synthetic WGS data. For generation of synthetic tumor WGS data per each sample, a pre-defined somatic short variant profile (SNVs+Indels) learnt from a real CRC patient was added to the germline variant profile used for creating the normal synthetic WGS data of the same patient, consisting of the variants for tumor sample. Neither copy number profile nor structural variation profile was introduced into the tumor synthetic WGS data. Tumor content and ploidy were assumed to be 100% and 2, respectively. For mapping/variant detection, the Sarek pipeline v3.1.2 (https://nf-co.re/sarek/3.1.2) was used, specifically: 1. BWA v0.7.17-r1188 for read mapping 2. GATK v4.3.0.0 for pre-processing BAM file (including markduplicates and recalibration). 2. Mutect2 (GATK v4.3.0.0) for somatic variant calling 3. Strelka2 v2.9.10 for germline and somatic variant calling Metadata information of 10 CRC patients used for the generation of synthetic normal and tumor WGS data: Patient_id Tumor_barcode Normal_barcode Age Sex Tissue Cancer SIM007 SIM007_T SIM007_N 71 F Rectal Primary CRC SIM008 SIM008_T SIM008_N 45 F Colon Neuroendocrine Metastasis CRC SIM010 SIM010_T SIM010_N 62 M Colon Metastasis CRC SIM011 SIM011_T SIM011_N 55 M Colon Neuroendocrine Metastasis CRC SIM012 SIM012_T SIM012_N 57 M Rectal Metastasis CRC SIM013 SIM013_T SIM013_N 69 M Colon Metastasis CRC SIM014 SIM014_T SIM014_N 68 M Colon Neuroendocrine primary CRC SIM015 SIM015_T SIM015_N 58 F Colon Primary CRC SIM016 SIM016_T SIM016_N 49 M Colon/Rectal Primary CRC SIM017 SIM017_T SIM017_N 78 M Colon Neuroendocrine primary CRC

  Dataset EGAD50000000564

• Cell type mapping of inflammatory muscle diseases highlights selective myofiber vulnerability in inclusion body myositis

  Inclusion body myositis (IBM) is the most prevalent inflammatory muscle disease in older adults with no effective therapy available. In contrast to other inflammatory myopathies like subacute immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy (IMNM), IBM follows a chronic disease course with both inflammatory and degenerative features of pathology. Moreover, causal factors and molecular drivers of IBM progression are largely unknown. Therefore, we paired single-nucleus RNA sequencing with spatial transcriptomics from patient muscle biopsies to map cell type-specific drivers underlying IBM pathogenesis compared to IMNM muscles and non-inflammatory skeletal muscle samples. In IBM muscles, we observed a selective loss of type 2 myonuclei paralleled by increased levels of cytotoxic T and cDC1 cells. IBM myofibers were either characterized by upregulation of cell stress markers featuring GADD45A and NORAD, or protein degradation markers including RNF7 associated with p62 aggregates. GADD45A upregulation was preferentially seen in type 2A myofibers associated with severe tissue inflammation. We also noted IBM-specific upregulation of ACHE encoding acetylcholinesterase, which can be regulated by NORAD activity and result in functional denervation of myofibers. Our results provide promising insights into possible mechanisms of myofiber degeneration in IBM and suggest a selective type 2 fiber vulnerability linked to genomic stress and denervation pathways.

  Study EGAS50000000310

• Reconstructing oral cavity tumor evolution through brush biopsy

  Oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) with genomic alterations have a heightened risk of evolving into oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Currently, genomic data are typically obtained through invasive tissue biopsy. However, brush biopsy is a non-invasive method that has been utilized for identifying dysplastic cells in OPMD but its effectiveness in reflecting the genomic landscape of OPMDs remains uncertain. This pilot study investigates the potential of brush biopsy samples in accurately reconstructing the genomic profile and tumor evolution in a patient with both OPMD and OSCC. We analyzed single nucleotide variants (SNVs), copy number aberrations (CNAs), and subclonal architectures in paired tissue and brush biopsy samples. The results showed that brush biopsy effectively captured 90% of SNVs and had similar CNA profiles as those seen in its paired tissue biopsies in all lesions. It was specific, as normal buccal mucosa did not share these genomic alterations. Interestingly, brush biopsy revealed shared SNVs and CNAs between the distinct OPMD and OSCC lesions from the same patient, indicating a common ancestral origin. Subclonal reconstruction confirmed this shared ancestry, followed by divergent evolution of the lesions. These findings highlight the potential of brush biopsies in accurately representing the genomic profile of OPL and OSCC, proving insight into reconstructing tumor evolution.

  Study EGAS50000000602

• IMPRESS: Improved methylation profiling using restriction enzymes and smMIP sequencing, combined with a new biomarker panel, creating a multi-cancer detection assay

  Background Despite the worldwide progress in cancer diagnostics, more sensitive diagnostic biomarkers are needed. The methylome has been extensively investigated in the last decades, but a low-cost, bisulfite-free detection method for multiplex analysis is still lacking. Methods We developed a methylation detection technique called IMPRESS, which combines methylation-sensitive restriction enzymes and single-molecule Molecular Inversion Probes. We used this technique for the development of a multi-cancer detection assay for eight of the most lethal cancer types worldwide. We selected 1791 CpG sites that can distinguish tumor from normal tissue based on DNA methylation. These sites were analysed with IMPRESS in 35 blood, 111 tumor and 114 normal samples. Finally, a classifier model was built. Results We present the successful development of IMPRESS and validated it with ddPCR. The final classifier model discriminating tumor from normal samples was built with 358 CpG target sites and reached a sensitivity of 0.95 and a specificity of 0.91. Moreover, we provide data that highlight IMPRESS’s potential for liquid biopsies. Conclusions We successfully created an innovative DNA methylation detection technique. By combining this method with a new multi-cancer biomarker panel, we developed a sensitive and specific multi-cancer assay, with potential use in liquid biopsies.

  Study EGAS50000000624

• Full characterization of structural variation

  Structural variants (SVs) are important contributors to human disease. Their characterization remains however difficult due to their size and association with repetitive regions. Long-read sequencing (LRS) and optical genome mapping (OGM) can aid as their molecules span multiple kilobases and capture SVs in full. In this study, we selected six individuals who presented with unresolved SVs. We applied LRS onto all individuals and OGM to a subset of three complex cases. LRS detected and fully resolved the interrogated SV in all samples. This enabled a precise molecular diagnosis in two individuals. Overall, LRS identified 100% of the junctions at single-basepair level, providing valuable insights into their formation mechanisms without need for additional data sources. Application of OGM added straightforward variant phasing, aiding in the unravelment of complex rearrangements. These results highlight the potential of LRS and OGM as follow-up molecular tests for complete SV characterization. We show that they can assess clinically relevant structural variation at unprecedented resolution. Additionally, they detect (complex) cryptic rearrangements missed by conventional methods. This ultimately leads to an increased diagnostic yield, emphasizing their added benefit in a diagnostic setting. To aid their rapid adoption, we provide detailed laboratory and bioinformatics workflows in this manuscript.

  Study EGAS50000000520

• Identifying New Genetic Subtypes in Follicular Lymphoma

  Follicular lymphoma (FL) exhibits considerable variability in biological features and clinical trajectories across patients. To dissect the diversity of FL, we utilized a Bernoulli mixture model to identify genetic subtypes in 713 pre-treatment tumor tissue samples. Our analysis revealed the existence of five subtypes with unique genetic profiles that correlated with clinicopathological characteristics. The clusters were enriched in specific mutations as follows: CS (CREBBP and STAT6), TT (TNFAIP3 and TP53), GM (GNA13 and MEF2B), Q (quiescent, for low mutation burden), and AR (mutations of mTOR pathway-related genes). The subtype Q was enriched for patients with stage I disease and was associated with a lower proliferative history compared to the other subtypes. The AR subtype was unique in its enrichment for IgM-expressing FL cases and was associated with advanced-stage and more than 4 nodal sites. The existence of subtypes was validated in an independent cohort of 418 samples from the GALLIUM trial. Notably, patients assigned to the TT subtype consistently experienced inferior progression-free survival when treated with immunochemotherapy. Collectively, our findings offer insight into core pathways distinctly linked with each FL cluster and are expected to be informative in the era of targeted therapies.

  Study EGAS50000000435

• Early detection of ovarian cancer using cell-free DNA fragmentomes and protein biomarkers

  Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of death from gynecological cancers worldwide. No effective screening methods exist, and tumors are commonly detected at advanced stages where treatment is much less effective. In this study, we used whole-genome cell-free DNA (cfDNA) fragmentome and protein biomarker (CA-125 and HE4) analyses to evaluate 591 women from the European Union or the United States with ovarian cancer, benign adnexal masses, or without ovarian lesions. Using a machine learning model that incorporated multi-analyte fragmentome data and protein measurements, we detected ovarian cancer with high specificity >99% and sensitivity of 72%, 69%, 87%, and 100% for stages I–IV, respectively (AUC=0.96, 95% CI: 0.94-0.99), including 90% of high grade serous ovarian cancers. At the same specificity, CA-125 alone detected 34%, 62%, 63%, and 100% of ovarian cancers for stages I–IV (p=0.001, two-sided test of equal proportions). Additionally, our approach distinguished benign masses from ovarian cancers with high accuracy (AUC of 0.88, 95% CI=0.83-0.92). These results were validated in an independent population. These findings show that integrated cfDNA fragmentome and protein analyses detect ovarian cancers with high performance, enabling a new accessible approach for noninvasive ovarian cancer screening and diagnostic evaluation.

  Study EGAS50000000484

• A neoadjuvant, phase II trial demonstrates efficacy and tolerability of Talimogene laherparepvec in cutaneous basal cell carcinoma (NeoBCC trial)

  We present a single arm, phase II neoadjuvant trial with the oncolytic virus Talimogene laherparepvec (T-VEC) in 18 patients with difficult-to-resect basal cell carcinomas. Six cycles of T-VEC were applied intralesionally. The primary endpoint of the study, defined as the proportion of the patients, who after six cycles of T-VEC (13 weeks) at the time point of surgery, become resectable with primary wound closure without the need for plastic reconstructive surgery like skin flaps or skin grafts, was achieved (9/18 patients; 50.0%). Secondary endpoints also included the relapse free survival rate (100%), overall survival (100%) and biological read outs in the tumor samples. T-VEC led to a significant increase of cytotoxic T cells, B cells and myeloid cells, and a decrease of Tregs within the tumor microenvironment. We observed a potent induction of antitumoral and antiviral T cell clones, as well as a strong humoral immune response. The objective response rate was 55.6% and the complete pathological response rate was 33.3%. Only mild adverse events occurred. Together, neoadjuvant T-VEC represents a viable treatment option for patients with difficult-to-resect BCCs (EudraCT Number 2018-002165-19).

  Study EGAS50000000252

• snRNA: A Cultured Leukemia Stem Cell Model Enables Validation of CDK6 as a Stemness Target Against Acute Myeloid Leukemia

  Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) represents a group of aggressive hematological malignancies, the clinical management of which is made challenging due to the persistence of rare and therapy resistant leukemia stem cells (LSCs) which serve as a source of disease relapse and poor outcomes. There are currently a paucity of methods to reliably enrich and study LSCs, hindering the development of therapies that specifically target LSCs. In this study, we deeply characterize the OCI-AML8227 culture model, which maintains a functional stemness hierarchy originating from its highly primitive CD34⁺CD38⁻ cells, to elucidate LSC biology and uncover LSC-specific therapeutic vulnerabilities. We analyzed both bulk and single-cell proteomics, transcriptomics, and epigenomics to generate a LSC protein-protein interaction network, which was then integrated with an LSC-focused small molecule screen using this model. From these findings, CDK6 was discovered as a therapeutic vulnerability specific to LSCs, which was validated in findings from the BEAT-AML cohort and a patient-derived xenograft (PDX) panel of AML samples through palbociclib treatment. Taken together, our studies validate CDK6 as a druggable vulnerability in LSCs, and authenticate OCI-AML8227 cells as a LSC target discovery engine.

  Study EGAS50000000786

• bulk ATACseq: A Cultured Leukemia Stem Cell Model Enables Validation of CDK6 as a Stemness Target Against Acute Myeloid Leukemia

  Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) represents a group of aggressive hematological malignancies, the clinical management of which is made challenging due to the persistence of rare and therapy resistant leukemia stem cells (LSCs) which serve as a source of disease relapse and poor outcomes. There are currently a paucity of methods to reliably enrich and study LSCs, hindering the development of therapies that specifically target LSCs. In this study, we deeply characterize the OCI-AML8227 culture model, which maintains a functional stemness hierarchy originating from its highly primitive CD34⁺CD38⁻ cells, to elucidate LSC biology and uncover LSC-specific therapeutic vulnerabilities. We analyzed both bulk and single-cell proteomics, transcriptomics, and epigenomics to generate a LSC protein-protein interaction network, which was then integrated with an LSC-focused small molecule screen using this model. From these findings, CDK6 was discovered as a therapeutic vulnerability specific to LSCs, which was validated in findings from the BEAT-AML cohort and a patient-derived xenograft (PDX) panel of AML samples through palbociclib treatment. Taken together, our studies validate CDK6 as a druggable vulnerability in LSCs, and authenticate OCI-AML8227 cells as a LSC target discovery engine.

  Study EGAS50000000787

• scATAC: A Cultured Leukemia Stem Cell Model Enables Validation of CDK6 as a Stemness Target Against Acute Myeloid Leukemia

  Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) represents a group of aggressive hematological malignancies, the clinical management of which is made challenging due to the persistence of rare and therapy resistant leukemia stem cells (LSCs) which serve as a source of disease relapse and poor outcomes. There are currently a paucity of methods to reliably enrich and study LSCs, hindering the development of therapies that specifically target LSCs. In this study, we deeply characterize the OCI-AML8227 culture model, which maintains a functional stemness hierarchy originating from its highly primitive CD34⁺CD38⁻ cells, to elucidate LSC biology and uncover LSC-specific therapeutic vulnerabilities. We analyzed both bulk and single-cell proteomics, transcriptomics, and epigenomics to generate a LSC protein-protein interaction network, which was then integrated with an LSC-focused small molecule screen using this model. From these findings, CDK6 was discovered as a therapeutic vulnerability specific to LSCs, which was validated in findings from the BEAT-AML cohort and a patient-derived xenograft (PDX) panel of AML samples through palbociclib treatment. Taken together, our studies validate CDK6 as a druggable vulnerability in LSCs, and authenticate OCI-AML8227 cells as a LSC target discovery engine.

  Study EGAS50000000788

• bulk RNA-seq: A Cultured Leukemia Stem Cell Model Enables Validation of CDK6 as a Stemness Target Against Acute Myeloid Leukemia

  Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) represents a group of aggressive hematological malignancies, the clinical management of which is made challenging due to the persistence of rare and therapy resistant leukemia stem cells (LSCs) which serve as a source of disease relapse and poor outcomes. There are currently a paucity of methods to reliably enrich and study LSCs, hindering the development of therapies that specifically target LSCs. In this study, we deeply characterize the OCI-AML8227 culture model, which maintains a functional stemness hierarchy originating from its highly primitive CD34⁺CD38⁻ cells, to elucidate LSC biology and uncover LSC-specific therapeutic vulnerabilities. We analyzed both bulk and single-cell proteomics, transcriptomics, and epigenomics to generate a LSC protein-protein interaction network, which was then integrated with an LSC-focused small molecule screen using this model. From these findings, CDK6 was discovered as a therapeutic vulnerability specific to LSCs, which was validated in findings from the BEAT-AML cohort and a patient-derived xenograft (PDX) panel of AML samples through palbociclib treatment. Taken together, our studies validate CDK6 as a druggable vulnerability in LSCs, and authenticate OCI-AML8227 cells as a LSC target discovery engine.

  Study EGAS50000000789

• Human inflammatory cardiomyopathies following SARS-CoV2 infection and COVID-19 vaccination

  Title: The cellular and molecular responses in human inflammatory cardiomyopathies following SARS-CoV2 infection and COVID-19 vaccination. Abstract: Abstract: Myocarditis is a cardiac disorder with multiple etiologies characterised by inflammatory cell infiltration and can occur after SARS-CoV-2 infection or rarely following mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccination. The underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms driving these pathologies remain poorly understood.Here we performed single-nucleus-RNA-sequencing in left ventricular endomyocardial biopsies from patients with Non-COVID-19 myocarditis, following SARS-CoV-2 infection (Post-COVID-19) and COVID-19 vaccination (Post-Vaccination). We detected specific cytokine expression patterns highlighting a particular role of interferon-γ in Post-COVID-19 and upregulated IL16 and IL18 expression as a Post-Vaccination hallmark. While the myeloid response was similar between groups, CD4+T-cell proportions were higher in Post-Vaccination and cytotoxic CD8+T and NK cells expanded in Post-COVID-19. Endothelial cells showed gene expression changes suggestive of vascular barrier function deficiency in Post-COVID-19 and angiogenesis response to cardiac inflammation in all groups. Together, our results illuminate shared and distinct cellular and molecular architectures of Non-COVID-19, Post-COVID-19 and Post-Vaccination associated myocardial inflammation in human hearts.

  Study EGAS50000000769

• 3D tissue engineered human skeletal muscle modelling Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy

  acioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) is caused by sporadic misexpression of the transcription factor double homeobox 4 (DUX4) in skeletal muscles. So far, monolayer cultures and animal models have been used to study the FSHD disease mechanism and for FSHD therapy development, but these models do not fully recapitulate the disease and there is a lack of knowledge on how DUX4 misexpression leads to skeletal muscle dysfunction. To overcome these barriers, we have developed a 3D tissue engineered skeletal muscle (3D-TESM) model by generating genetically matched myogenic progenitors (MPs) from human induced pluripotent stem cells of three mosaic FSHD patients. 3D-TESMs derived from genetically affected MPs recapitulate pathological features including DUX4 and DUX4 target gene expression, smaller myofiber diameters, and reduced absolute forces upon electrical stimulation. RNA sequencing data illustrates increased expression of DUX4 target genes in 3D-TESMs compared to 2D myotubes, and cellular differentiation was improved by 3D culture conditions. Treatment of 3D-TESMs with small molecules identified in drug development screens in 2D muscle culture showed no improvements in contractile force and sarcomere organization, highlighting the potential benefit of 3D-TESMs for preclinical drug potency screening by eliminating false-positive compounds for FSHD research and drug development.

  Study EGAS50000000502

• Use of new methodologies to achieve a thorough molecular characterization in pediatric acute leukemia

  In childhood leukemia, a better genetic characterization is needed to define new clinic-biological entities, refine the risk-stratification of patients and help to reduce the toxicity by applying a risk-directed therapy. This project aims to obtain information that will allow us to personalize the management of pediatric patients with leukemia as much as possible, so that we can offer a complete diagnosis, a sensitive follow-up and a more targeted treatment to the real risk of each case. The use of massive genome analysis technologies such as transcriptome sequencing (RNA-Sequencing) will allow a comprehensive biological characterization of pediatric leukemia patients, especially those cases that we have not been able to characterize by conventional diagnostic techniques. We believe that the RNA-Seq technique will allow us to identify new biomarkers that will be useful for: 1) defining new biological entities with their own clinical behavior; 2) refining the stratification of patients into risk groups; 3) finding targets for a better follow-up of MRD and 4) identifying therapeutic targets for the application of targeted therapies to reduce toxicity. PI: Camós-Guijosa, Mireia; Vega-García, Nerea Funding: PI21/00213 Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII)

  Study EGAS50000000701