Search Results - EGA European Genome-Phenome Archive

PSCP_mutation analysis in hESCs

Many studies over the past 10 years, culminating in the recent report of the International Stem Cell Initiative (ISCI, 2011) have shown that hPSC acquire genetic and epigenetic changes during their time in culture. Many of the genetic changes are non-random and recurrent, probably because they provide a selective growth advantage to the undifferentiated cells. Some are shared by embryonal carcinoma cells, the malignant counterparts of ES cells. The origins of these growth advantages are poorly understood, but may come from altered cell cycle dynamics, resistance to apoptosis or altered patterns of differentiation. Less is known about the nature and consequences of epigenetic changes, but it is likely that these similarly affect hPSC behaviour; e.g., enhanced expression of DLK1, an imprinted gene, is associated with altered hPSC growth (Enver et al 2005). Inevitably, these genetic and epigenetic changes will impact on our ability to use hPSC for regenerative medicine, either because malignant transformation of the undifferentiated cells or their differentiated derivatives to be used for transplantation compromises safety, or because they impede the function of those differentiated derivatives, or because they affect the efficiency with which the undifferentiated cells can be expanded and differentiated into desired cell types. Focusing initially upon the existing clinical grade hESC lines, later moving to iPSC, we will Consolidate and extend knowledge of the rate, type and functional impact of the genetic variations that occur during hPSC culture. We will use whole genome and exome sequencing as well as SNP arrays, together with clonal analysis and other cytogenetics techniques. Common changes will be compared with those found in the normal human population, at low frequency in the original cell population or observed during iPSC generation in the HIPSCI project currently based at the WTSI. These studies will provide a better understanding of the range of genetic changes that occur in hPSC beyond the CNVs already identified. In conjunction with cancer genome resources and expertise at WTSI, bioinformatic analyses of these hPSC data will allow us to assess potential impact on hPSC behaviour pertinent to applications in regenerative medicine, notably the likelihood that specific changes arising in undifferentiated PSC cultures may be associated with potential malignant transformation of differentiated progeny. This data is part of a pre-publication release. For information on the proper use of pre-publication data shred by the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute (including details of any publication moratoria), please see http://www.sanger.ac.uk/datasharing/

Dataset EGAD00001002231

PSCP_bisulphite analysis in hESCs

Many studies over the past 10 years, culminating in the recent report of the International Stem Cell Initiative (ISCI, 2011) have shown that hPSC acquire genetic and epigenetic changes during their time in culture. Many of the genetic changes are non-random and recurrent, probably because they provide a selective growth advantage to the undifferentiated cells. Some are shared by embryonal carcinoma cells, the malignant counterparts of ES cells. The origins of these growth advantages are poorly understood, but may come from altered cell cycle dynamics, resistance to apoptosis or altered patterns of differentiation. Less is known about the nature and consequences of epigenetic changes, but it is likely that these similarly affect hPSC behaviour; e.g., enhanced expression of DLK1, an imprinted gene, is associated with altered hPSC growth (Enver et al 2005). Inevitably, these genetic and epigenetic changes will impact on our ability to use hPSC for regenerative medicine, either because malignant transformation of the undifferentiated cells or their differentiated derivatives to be used for transplantation compromises safety, or because they impede the function of those differentiated derivatives, or because they affect the efficiency with which the undifferentiated cells can be expanded and differentiated into desired cell types. Focusing initially upon the existing clinical grade hESC lines, later moving to iPSC, we will Consolidate and extend knowledge of the rate, type and functional impact of the genetic variations that occur during hPSC culture. We will use whole genome and exome sequencing as well as SNP arrays, together with clonal analysis and other cytogenetics techniques. Common changes will be compared with those found in the normal human population, at low frequency in the original cell population or observed during iPSC generation in the HIPSCI project currently based at the WTSI. These studies will provide a better understanding of the range of genetic changes that occur in hPSC beyond the CNVs already identified. In conjunction with cancer genome resources and expertise at WTSI, bioinformatic analyses of these hPSC data will allow us to assess potential impact on hPSC behaviour pertinent to applications in regenerative medicine, notably the likelihood that specific changes arising in undifferentiated PSC cultures may be associated with potential malignant transformation of differentiated progeny. 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/

Dataset EGAD00001002235

Comprehensive genomic profiles of small cell lung cancer

We have sequenced the genomes of 110 small cell lung cancers (SCLC), one of the deadliest human cancers. We found bi-allelic inactivation of TP53 and RB1 in nearly all the tumors analyzed, sometimes by complex genomic rearrangements. Two tumors with wild-type RB1 had evidence of chromothripsis leading to overexpression of Cyclin D1, revealing an alternative mechanism of Rb1 deregulation. Thus, loss of the tumor suppressors TP53 and RB1 is obligatory in SCLC. We further discovered somatic genomic rearrangements of TP73 that create an oncogenic version of this gene, TP73Δex2/3. In few cases, SCLC tumors exhibited kinase gene mutations, providing a possible therapeutic opportunity for individual patients. Finally, we observed inactivating mutations in NOTCH family genes in 25% of human SCLC. Accordingly, activation of Notch signaling in a pre-clinical SCLC mouse model dramatically reduced the number of tumors and extended the survival of the mutant mice. Furthermore, neuroendocrine gene expression was abrogated by Notch activity in SCLC cells. This first comprehensive study of somatic genome alterations in SCLC uncovers several key biological processes and identifies candidate therapeutic targets in this highly lethal form of cancer.

Study EGAS00001000925

RNA-Seq in Patients with Primordial Dwarfism

Transcriptome studies in patients with rare genetic diseases can potentially aid in the interpretation of likely causal genetic variation through identification of altered transcript abundance and/or structure. RNA-Seq is the most sensitive assay for both investigating transcript structure and abundance The primary aim of this pilot project is to investigate to what degree integrating exome-Seq and RNA-Seq data on the same individual can accelerate the identification of causal alleles for rare genetic diseases. There are two main strands to this: (i) identifying which variants discovered in exome-seq appear to be having a functional impact on transcripts, and (ii) identifying transcript outliers, especially among known causal genes, that may not necessarily have a causal variant identified from exome sequencing. The latter may identify the presence of causal variants that lie far from coding regions (e.g. the formation of cryptic splice sites deep within introns, or loss of long range regulatory elements), which can be confirmed with further targeted genetic assays. Just over 50% of all disease-causing variants recorded in the Human Gene Mutation Database (HGMD) affect transcript structure and abundance (e.g. nonsense SNVs, essential splice site SNVs, frameshifting indels, CNVs). This pilot project will study RNA from lymphoblastoid cell-lines from 12 patients with primordial dwarfism syndromes, for 10 of these samples we have previously generate exome data as part of our collaboration with the group of Prof Andrew Jackson. The two remaining samples are positive controls where the causal mutation is known, and is known to affect transcript structure and/or abundance. Primordial dwarfism is a prime candidate for these RNA-seq studies because all known causal mutations to date have key roles in DNA replication and thus, unsurprisingly, the products of the causal genes are typically ubiquitously expressed. Each RNA will be sequenced, with two technical replicates (independent RT-PCR and libraries) per sample, and each replicate run in 1/2 of a HiSeq lane using 100bp paired reads. Samples preparation was as follows :The cells were grown to confluency, then pellets frozen at -80. RNA samples were prepared using the Qiagen RNeasy kit, then nanodropped and analyzed using the bioanalyzer to determine concentration and purity. 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/

Dataset EGAD00001000640

MutWP1__CRUK_Grand_Challenge_Mutographs_of_Cancer__clear_cell_renal_cell_carcinoma

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. 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.

Study EGAS00001002608

Diverse_outcomes_of_controlled_human_malaria_infection_originate_from_host_intrinsic_immune_variation_and_not_var_gene_switching

Falciparum malaria is clinically heterogeneous and the relative contribution of parasite and host factors in shaping disease severity remains unclear. We set out to explore the interaction between host inflammation and parasite variant surface antigen (VSA) expression, asking whether this relationship underpins the variation observed in controlled human malaria infection. We uncovered marked heterogeneity in the response of naive hosts to blood challenge with some volunteers maintaining a state of immune quiescence, others triggering interferon-stimulated inflammation and a small group showing transcriptional evidence of myeloid cell suppression. Significantly, only inflammatory volunteers experienced hallmark symptoms of clinical malaria. When we then tracked temporal changes in parasite VSA expression to ask whether variants associated with severe disease preferentially expand in naive hosts (as predicted by current theory) we found that var gene profiles were essentially unchanged after 10-days of blood-stage infection. These data therefore show that the diverse clinical outcomes of CHMI largely originate from host-intrinsic variation and there is no evidence for switching or selection of var genes in naïve hosts. 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 EGAS00001003766

RNA-Seq of vocal fold fibroblasts in Reinke’s edema and control subjects

The voice disorder Reinke’s edema (RE) is a smoking- and voice-abuse associated benign lesion of the vocal folds, defined by an edema of the Reinke space, accompanied with pathological microvasculature changes and immune cell infiltration. Vocal fold fibroblasts (VFF) are the main cell type of the lamina propria and play a key role in the disease progression. Current therapy is restricted to symptomatic treatment. Hence, there is an urgent need for a better understanding of the molecular causes of the disease. In the present study, we investigated differential expression profiles of RE and control VFF by means of RNA sequencing. In addition, fast gene set enrichment analysis (FGSEA) was performed in order to obtain involved biological processes, mRNA and protein levels of targets of interest were further evaluated. We identified 74 differentially regulated genes in total, 19 of which were upregulated and 55 downregulated. Differential expression analysis and FGSEA revealed upregulated genes and pathways involved in extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, inflammation and fibrosis. Downregulated genes and pathways were involved in ECM degradation, cell cycle control and proliferation. The current study addressed for the first time a direct comparison of VFF from RE to control and evaluated immediate functional consequences.

Study EGAS00001005130

Identification of biomarkers of response to preoperative talazoparib monotherapy in treatment naïve gBRCA+ breast cancers

Germline mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2 exist in ~2-7% of breast cancer patients, which has led to the approval of PARP inhibitors in the advanced setting. We have previously reported a phase II neoadjuvant trial of single agent talazoparib for patients with germline BRCA pathogenic variants with a pathologic complete response (pCR) rate of 53%. As nearly half of the patients treated did not have pCR, better strategies are needed to overcome treatment resistance. To this end, we conducted multi-omic analysis of 13 treatment naïve breast cancer tumors from patients that went on to receive single-agent neoadjuvant talazoparib. We looked for biomarkers that were predictive of response (assessed by residual cancer burden) after 6 months of therapy. We found that all resistant tumors exhibited either the loss of SHLD2, expression of a hypoxia signature, or expression of a stem cell signature. These results indicate that the deep analysis of pre-treatment tumors can identify biomarkers that are predictive of response to talazoparib and potentially other PARP inhibitors, and provides a framework that will allow for better selection of patients for treatment, as well as a roadmap for the development of novel combination therapies to prevent emergence of resistance.

Study EGAS00001005676

Presence of rare potential pathogenic variants in subjects under 65 years old with very severe or fatal COVID‑19

Rare variants affecting host defense against pathogens could be involved in COVID‑19 severity and may help explain fatal outcomes in young and middle‑aged patients. Our aim was to report the presence of rare genetic variants in certain genes, by using whole exome sequencing, in a selected group of COVID‑19 patients under 65 years who required intubation or resulting in death (n = 44). To this end, different etiopathogenic mechanisms were explored using gene prioritization‑based analysis in which genes involved in immune response, immunodeficiencies or blood coagulation were studied. We detected 44 different variants of interest, in 29 different patients (66%). Some of these variants were previously described as pathogenic and were located in genes mainly involved in immune response. A network analysis, including the 42 genes with candidate variants, showed three main components, consisting of 25 highly interconnected genes related to immune response and two additional networks composed by genes enriched in carbohydrate metabolism and in DNA metabolism and repair processes. In conclusion, we have detected candidate variants that may potentially influence COVID‑19 outcome in our cohort of patients. Further studies are needed to confirm the ultimate role of the genetic variants described in the present study on COVID‑19 severity.

Study EGAS00001006372

Multi-organ landscape of therapy-resistant melanoma

Metastasis and failure of present-day therapies represent the most common causes of mortality in patients with cutaneous melanoma. To identify the underlying genetic and transcriptomic landscapes, here we analyzed multi-organ metastases and tumor-adjacent tissues from eleven rapid autopsies after treatment with MAPK inhibitor (MAPKi) and/or immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) and death due to acquired resistance. Either treatment elicits shared genetic alterations that suggest immune-evasive, cross-therapy resistance mechanisms. Large, non-clustered deletions, inversions, and inter-chromosomal translocations dominate rearrangements. Using 345 therapy-naïve TCGA melanoma and 131 patient-matched melanoma pre-and-post acquired resistance to only either treatment, we performed cross-cohort analyses to identify MAPKi and ICB as respective contributors to gene amplifications and deletions enriched in autopsy versus therapy-naïve tumors. Private/late mutations and structural variants display shifted mutational and rearrangement signatures, with MAPKi specifically selecting for signatures of defective homologous-recombination, mismatch, and base-excision repair. Transcriptomic signatures and cross-talks with tumor-adjacent macroenvironments nominate organ-specific adaptive pathways. An immune-desert, CD8+-macrophage-biased archetype, T-cell exhaustion, and type-2 immunity characterize the immune contexture. This multi-organ analysis of lethal, therapy-resistant melanoma presents preliminary insights with potential to improve therapeutic strategies.

Study EGAS00001006644

Single-cell level characterization of B cell depletion and repopulation following rituximab in systemic lupus erythematosus

Rituximab, a CD20+ B cell depletion therapy, is frequently used in the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, variability in patient response highlights the need for a deeper understanding of the underlying immune cell dynamics of B cell depletion and repopulation. In this study, we conducted longitudinal single-cell profiling of nine SLE patients treated with rituximab from pretreatment to up to 15 months post-treatment. These were compared to eight healthy controls. We profiled PBMCs via 10X Genomics single-cell RNA, surface protein (CITE-seq), B cell receptor (BCR), and T cell receptor (TCR) sequencing and sequenced bulk BCR repertoires in parallel. For single cell sequencing, 10 pools were created with an equal number of cells from 4 samples each. Samples collected at different timepoints from the same patient were distributed across different pools to allow demultiplexing of individuals using genotypes captured from the scRNA-seq data. Libraries were pooled using a ratio of GEX:CITE:TCR:BCR=9:2:1:1 and were sequenced across two lanes of the NovaSeq 6000. For bulk BCR sequencing, individual samples were demultiplexed using primer barcodes and paired-end BCR amplicon reads were merged prior to submission; data are provided as unmapped single-end reads.

Study EGAS00001006798

Clinical outcomes and immune correlates of response to nivolumab plus chemoradiotherapy in women with locally-advanced cervical cancer – NiCOL study

Concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CRT) with blockade of the PD-1 pathway may enhance immune-mediated tumor control through increased phagocytosis, cell death, and antigen presentation. The NiCOL phase 1 trial was designed to determine safety, tolerance, and immune correlates of response to the PD-1 blocking antibody, nivolumab, with and following concurrent CRT in 16 women with locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC). Three patients experienced grade 3 dose-limiting toxicities. The overall response rate was 93.8% [95%CI: 69.8%-99.8%] with a 2-year PFS of 75% [95% CI: 56.5%-99.5%]. Compared to patients with progressive disease (PD), progression-free (PF) subjects showed a brisker stromal immune infiltrate, higher proximity of tumor-infiltrating CD3+ T cells to PD-L1+ tumor cells and of Foxp3+ T cells to proliferating CD11c+ myeloid cells. PF had higher baseline levels of PD-1 on EMRA CD4+ T cells and ICOS-L on tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) vs PD, which instead displayed enhanced PD-L1 expression on TAMs and higher, circulating frequencies of proliferating Tregs at baseline. Concomitant nivolumab plus definitive CRT is safe and associated with encouraging PFS rates. Further validation in the subset of LACC displaying pre-existing, adaptive immune activation is warranted.

Study EGAS00001007297

Transcriptome of CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells in glioblastoma multiforme

Patients included in this study were over 18 years of age and had a histology-confirmed diagnosis of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Exclusion criteria were the previous administration of any anti-tumor therapy including radiation therapy. All patients gave written informed consent. The study was approved by the local ethics committee (TUM Medical school) and conducted following the Declaration of Helsinki. During resection of the tumors, tumor tissue and tissue from normal appearing brain within the operative channel was collected. Blood was drawn during the surgical procedure. Single cell suspensions were prepared from the tumor tissue, the normal appearing brain, and the blood. CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells were sorted by flow cytometry. Only patients with a complete set of specimens (CD4+ tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL), CD8+ TIL, CD4+ T cells from normal appearing brain, CD8+ T cells from normal appearing brain, blood-derived CD4+ and CD8+ T cells) containing a minimum of 1000 cells in each sorted sample were further analyzed (n=9). Total RNA was isolated from sorted cell populations using the RNAeasy Plus micro kit (Qiagen, 74034). Quality and integrity of total RNA was controlled on a Bioanalyzer 2100 (Agilent Technologies). Library preparation for bulk-sequencing of poly(A)-RNA was done as described previously (Parekh et al., 2016). Briefly, barcoded cDNA of each sample was generated with a Maxima RT polymerase (ThermoFisher Scientific, EP0742) using oligo-dT primer containing barcodes, unique molecular identifiers (UMIs) and an adaptor. Ends of the cDNAs were extended by a template switch oligo (TSO) and full-length cDNA was amplified with primers binding to the TSO-site and the adaptor. NEB UltraII FS kit was used to fragment cDNA. After end repair and A-tailing, a TruSeq adapter was ligated and 3'-end-fragments were finally amplified using primers with Illumina P5 and P7 overhangs. In comparison to previous descriptions (Parekh et al., 2016), the P5 and P7 sites were exchanged to allow sequencing of the cDNA in read 1 and barcodes and UMIs in read 2 to achieve a better cluster recognition. The library was sequenced on a NextSeq 500 (Illumina) with 59 cycles for the cDNA in read 1 and 16 cycles for the barcodes and UMIs in read 2. Data were processed using the published Drop-seq pipeline (v1.0) to generate sample- and gene-wise UMI tables (Macosko et al., 2015). Reference genome (GRCh38) was used for alignment. Transcript and gene definitions were used according to the Genecode Annotation Version 35.

Dataset EGAD50000000226

Liquid biopsy for molecular characterization of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and early assessment of minimal residual disease

Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) allows genotyping and minimal residual disease (MRD) detection in lymphomas. Using a NGS approach (Euroclonality-NDC), we evaluated clinical and prognostic value of ctDNA in a series of R-CHOP-treated DLBCL patients at baseline (n=68) and after 2-cycles (n=59), monitored by metabolic imaging (PET/CT). A molecular marker was identified in 61/68 (90%) ctDNA samples at diagnosis. Pre-treatment high ctDNA levels significantly correlated with elevated LDH, advanced stage, high risk IPI and a trend to shorter 2-year PFS. Valuable NGS data after 2-cycles of treatment were obtained in 44 cases, and 38 achieved major molecular response (MMR; 2.5-log drop in ctDNA). PFS curves displayed statistically significant differences among those achieving MMR vs. those not achieving MMR (2yr PFS of 76% vs. 0%, p<0.001). Similarly, more than 66% reduction in SUVmax by PET/CT identified two subgroups with different prognosis (2yr PFS of 83% vs. 38%; p<0.001). Combining both approaches MMR and SUVmax reduction, a better stratification was observed (2yr PFS of 84% vs. 17% vs. 0%, p<0.001). Euroclonality-NDC panel allows the detection of a molecular marker in the ctDNA in 90% of DLBCL. ctDNA reduction at 2 cycles and its combination with interim PET results improves patient prognosis stratification.

Study EGAS50000000215

Oncogenic Ectodomain deletion of FGFR1 caused by Breakage-Fusion-Bridges in Squamous Cell lung Cancer

The identification of recurrent 8p11.23 amplifications including FGFR1 raised the hope of a treatable target in squamous cell lung cancer (SQLC). However, only a minority of patients with FGFR1-amplified tumors respond to single agent inhibitor therapy targeting FGFR. To understand the underlying mechanism of FGFR1 dependency, we performed whole genome and transcriptome sequencing of 25 FGFR1-amplified primary tumors with unknown response upon FGFR inhibition. In addition, we performed deep sequencing of 26 FGFR1-amplified samples whereof the response upon FGFR inhibition was known for 25 samples. In both cohorts we identified intra-chromosomal tail-to-tail breaks close to the FGFR1 transcription start site, being responsible for focal amplification of FGFR1. These specific breaks are caused by a Breakage-Fusion-Bridge-like (BFB-like) mechanism. Here, we associate these breaks with FGFR inhibitor sensitivity. Moreover, in some cases these breaks are located within the open reading frame of FGFR1, which leads to the expression of an ΔEC-FGFR1 transcript that lacks the ecto-domain. Overexpression of ΔEC-FGFR1 transforms Baf3 cells and lead to an FGFR1-dependent phenotype. Our results demonstrate that the truncation of the FGFR1 ectodomain is a frequent event in 8p11.23-amplified squamous cell lung cancer caused by tail-to-tail breaks. These breaks might be used as a predictive therapeutic marker to stratify patients for FGFR-inhibitor therapy.

Study EGAS00001005059

Detection of rare mutations, copy number variation, and DNA methylation in the same template DNA molecules

The analysis of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) from plasma offers great promise for the earlier detection of cancer. At present, changes in DNA sequence, methylation, or copy number are the most sensitive ways to detect the presence of cancer. To further increase the sensitivity of such assays with limited amounts of sample, it would be useful to be able to evaluate the same template molecules for all these changes. Here we report an approach, called MethylSaferSeqS, that achieves this goal, and can be applied to any standard library preparation method suitable for massively parallel sequencing. The innovative step was to copy both strands of each DNA-barcoded molecule with a primer that allows the subsequent separation of the original strands (retaining their 5-methylcytosine residues) from the copied strands (in which the 5-methylcytosine residues are replaced with unmodified cytosine residues). The epigenetic and genetic alterations present in the DNA molecules can then be obtained from the original and copied strands, respectively. We applied this approach to plasma from 265 individuals, including 198 with cancers of the pancreas, ovary, lung and colon, and found the expected patterns of mutations, copy number alterations, and methylation. Furthermore, we could determine which original template DNA molecules were methylated and/or mutated. MethylSaferSeqS should be useful for addressing a variety of questions relating genetics and epigenetics in the future.

Study EGAS00001006839

Knoll et al Identification of drug candidates targeting monocyte reprogramming in people living with HIV

Introduction People living with HIV (PLHIV) are characterized by functional reprogramming of innate immune cells even after long-term antiretroviral therapy (ART). In order to assess technical feasibility of omics technologies for application to larger cohorts, we compared multiple omics layers. Methods Bulk and single-cell transcriptomics, flow cytometry, proteomics, chromatin landscape analysis by ATAC-seq as well as ex vivo drug stimulation was performed in a small number of blood samples derived from PLHIV and healthy controls from the 200-HIV cohort study. Results Single-cell RNA-seq analysis revealed that most immune cells in peripheral blood of PLHIV are altered in their transcriptomes and that a specific functional monocyte state previously described in acute HIV infection is still existing in PLHIV while other monocyte cell states are only occurring acute infection. Moreover, a reverse transcriptome approach on a rather small number of PLHIV was sufficient to identify drug candidates for reversing the transcriptional phenotype of monocytes in PLHIV. Discussion These scientific findings and technological advancements for clinical application of single-cell transcriptomics form the basis for the larger 2000-HIV multicenter cohort study on PLHIV, for which a combination of bulk and single-cell transcriptomics will be included as the leading technology to determine disease endotypes in PLHIV and to predict disease trajectories and outcomes.

Study EGAS00001007460

The neo-open reading frame peptides that comprise the tumor framome are a rich source of neoantigens for cancer immunotherapy

Identification of immunogenic cancer neoantigens as targets for therapy is challenging. Here, we integrate whole genome and long-read transcript sequencing of cancers to identify the collection of neo-open reading frame peptides (NOPs) expressed in tumors. We termed this collection of NOPs the tumor framome. NOPs represent tumor-specific peptides that are different from wild-type proteins and may be strongly immunogenic. We describe a class of hidden NOPs that derive from structural genomic variants involving an upstream protein coding gene driving expression and translation of non-coding regions of the genome downstream of a rearrangement breakpoint, i.e. where no gene annotation or evidence for transcription exists. The entire collection of NOPs represents a vast number of possible neoantigens particularly in tumors with many structural genomic variants and a low number of missense mutations. We show that NOPs are immunogenic and epitopes derived from NOPs can bind to MHC class I molecules. Finally, we provide evidence for the presence of memory T cells specific for hidden NOPs in peripheral blood from a patient with lung cancer. This work highlights NOPs as a major source of possible neoantigens for personalized cancer immunotherapy and provides a rationale for analyzing the complete cancer genome and transcriptome as a basis for detection of NOPs.

Study EGAS00001006021

Personalized peptide vaccination among 173 patients with IDH wildtype glioblastoma: a retrospective analysis

Tumors from 173 GBM patients were analysed for somatic mutations to generate a personalized peptide vaccine targeting tumor-specific neoantigens. Exome libraries for 173 glioblastoma tumors and matched normal DNA were sequenced on Illumina platform, alongside whole transcriptomes from the tumor samples. Paper Abstract: Current treatment outcome of patients with glioblastoma (GBM) remains poor. Following standard therapy, recurrence is universal with limited survival. GBM tumors from 173 patients were analysed for somatic mutations to generate a personalized peptide vaccine targeting tumor-specific neoantigens. Among all patients, including 70 treated prior to progression (primary) and 103 treated after progression (recurrent), the median overall survival from first diagnosis was 31.9 months (95% CI: 25.0-36.5). Side effects were infrequent and were predominantly grade 1 or 2. A vaccine-induced immune response to at least one of the vaccinated peptides was detected in blood samples of 87 of 99 (88%) monitored patients. T-cell responses to vaccinated neoepitope peptides were durable in most patients. Significantly prolonged survival was observed for patients with multiple vaccine-induced immune responses (53 months) compared to those with no/low induced responses (27 months; P=0.03). Altogether, our results highlight that the application of personalized neoantigen-targeting peptide vaccine is feasible and represents a promising potential treatment option for GBM patients.

Study EGAS50000000449

Mid-pass Whole-genome Sequencing in a Malagasy Cohort Uncovers Body Composition Associations

The majority of human genomic research studies have been conducted in European-ancestry cohorts, reducing the likelihood of detecting potentially novel and globally impactful findings. Here, we present mid-pass whole-genome sequencing data and a genome-wide association study in a cohort of 264 self-reported Malagasy individuals from three locations on the island of Madagascar. We describe genetic variation in this Malagasy cohort, providing insight into the shared and unique patterns of genetic variation across the island. We observe phenotypic variation by location, and find high rates of hypertension particularly in the Southern Highlands sampling site as well as elevated self-reported malaria prevalence in the West Coast site relative to other sites. After filtering to a subset of 214 minimally-related individuals, we find a number of genetic associations with body composition traits, including many variants that are only observed in African populations or populations with admixed African ancestry from the 1000 Genomes Project. This study highlights the importance of including diverse populations in genomic research for the potential to gain novel insights, even with small cohort sizes. This project was conducted in partnership and consultation with local stakeholders in Madagascar and serves as an example of genomic research that prioritizes community engagement and that has potential impacts on our understanding of human health and disease.

Study EGAS50000000496

Identification and characterisation of pathogenic and non-pathogenic FGF14 repeat expansions

Repeat expansions in FGF14 cause autosomal dominant late-onset cerebellar ataxia (SCA27B) with estimated pathogenic thresholds of 250 (incomplete penetrance) and 300 AAG repeats (full penetrance), but the sequence of pathogenic and non-pathogenic expansions remains unexplored. Here, we demonstrate that STRling and ExpansionHunter accurately detect FGF14 expansions from short-read genomic data using outlier approaches. By combining long-range PCR and nanopore sequencing in 169 patients with cerebellar ataxia and 802 controls, we compare FGF14 expansion alleles, including interruptions and flanking regions. Uninterrupted AAG expansions are significantly enriched in patients with ataxia from a lower threshold (180-200 repeats) than previously reported based on expansion size alone. Conversely, AAGGAG hexameric expansions are equally frequent in patients and controls. Distinct 5' flanking regions, interruptions and pre-repeat sequences correlate with repeat size. Furthermore, pure AAG (pathogenic) and AAGGAG (non-pathogenic) repeats form different secondary structures. Regardless of expansion size, SCA27B is a recognizable clinical entity characterized by frequent episodic ataxia and downbeat nystagmus, similar to the presentation observed in a family with a previously unreported nonsense variant (SCA27A). Overall, this study suggests that SCA27B is a major overlooked cause of adult-onset ataxia, accounting for 23-31% of unsolved patients. We strongly recommend re-evaluating pathogenic thresholds and integrating expansion sequencing into the molecular diagnostic process.

Study EGAS50000000481

Raw sequencing files from WGS and RNA-Seq

Acute leukemias are the most common malignancies in children with an onset of the disease among 0-6 years-old. The early development of theses malignancies has been proposed as an indicator of their prenatal origin, hypothesis that has been confirmed especially in the case of acute lymphoblastic leukemia. For acute myeloid leukemia (AML), comprising an heterogenous group of different cytogenetics subtypes, this prenatal origin has also been confirmed specially for MLL-rearranged and t(8;21) subgroups. AMLs carrying t(7;12) constitute up to 30% of cases under 2-years-old, frequently being associated with a trisomy of chromosome 19 and an overexpression of MNX1 gene. An in utero origin of this specific subgroup has been suggested but not clearly confirmed. Here, we present the case of a 5-months-old AML patient with t(7;12) in which we have fully characterized a novel breakpoint occurring among ETV6 and NOM1 genes. We demonstrate the presence of this specific ETV6-NOM1 fusion in CD34+ hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells isolated from the cord blood unit from the same patient and stored at birth. Moreover, trisomy +19 present at diagnosis was not detected at birth. Together, our results demonstrate the prenatal origin of the t(7;12) in infant AML, and establish trisomy +19 as a secondary event in this leukemia.

Study EGAS50000000186

A comprehensive DNA methylation landscape of human and mouse cell lines derived from hematological malignancies

Human cancer cell lines constitute useful models to study the primary disease and many relevant findings in tumor biology have been originated from them since the first immortalized cell line (HeLa) was obtained. The easy experimental intervention, the purity of the transformed cells and their versatility to undergo high-throughput screenings represent advantageous features of the established cancer cell lines. In recent years, major efforts have characterized in detail the multiomics make-up of hundreds of cancer cell lines and studied their association with sensitivity to anticancer drugs. Most of these studies have been genetic-centric and have not characterized in detail the epigenetic profiles underlying the characteristics of these cells or their impact on the efficacy of antitumoral compounds. In this regard, a past version of a DNA methylation microarray or a less accessible and more time-consuming such as reduced representation bisulfite sequencing have been used in those attempts to interrogate the epigenetic setting. Herein, we have obtained the DNA methylation profiles of 210 cell lines derived from hematological malignancies utilizing comprehensive DNA methylation microarrays that interrogates more than 850,000 and 285,000 CpG sites from human and mouse genomes, respectively. Importantly, we also provide a pharmacoepigenetic example of the potential use of this resource by showing how DNA methylation can predict response to nucleoside analogues.

Study EGAS50000000627

DUX4 activates novel intergenic transcripts and isoforms in a tissue-specific context

DUX4, a transcription factor driving zygotic genome activation during the embryonic cleavage stage in mammals, regulates the expression of genic and non-genic elements and modulates chromatin accessibility. Its misexpression in skeletal muscle causes Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD). The sporadic expression of DUX4 in FSHD muscle and the limitations of short-read RNA sequencing challenge, however, a comprehensive grasp of its consequences on the muscle transcriptome. Here, leveraging full-length isoform RNA sequencing with short-read RNA sequencing on DUX4-inducible myoblasts, we elucidated DUX4-induced transcriptomic changes within a myogenic context. DUX4 yields a complex transcriptome featuring numerous unannotated isoforms from known and novel loci. Moreover, we observed distinct isoform usage of DUX4 target genes between myogenic and embryonic cleavage states highlighting the distinct differences between DUX4 transcription factor activity in skeletal muscle and during the cleavage stage. We also identified ~1,400 unannotated intergenic isoforms predominantly originating from repetitive elements such as LTRs, LINEs, and SINEs. Integration with available datasets delineates the transcriptional and epigenetic landscape of these loci across myogenic and embryonic backgrounds. Like the cell type-specific isoform production, the usage of DUX4 binding sites at these intergenic loci is in part cell type-specific. Collectively, these findings demonstrate substantial and context-specific transcriptomic alterations induced by DUX4 further enriching our understanding of DUX4-induced muscle pathology.

Study EGAS50000000503

Localised colon cancer WES study contaning WBCs, tissue and plasma samples at different time points

Decision-making based on circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) status following curative-intent surgery in stage II-III colon cancer (CC) is where the strongest clinical evidence lies. Commercial or academic assays are predominantly used to detect ctDNA, aiming to reveal minimal residual disease (MRD) and identify patients at high risk of recurrence. However, while current tests demonstrate exceptional specificity in detecting MRD among patients who later experience recurrence, their sensitivity is notably limited, particularly immediately after surgery when decisions regarding ACT are crucial. Additionally, up to 70% of patients with stage II-III colon cancer fail to clear ctDNA after standard adjuvant treatment (ACT) and subsequently experience recurrence. In this study, we performed whole exome sequencing (WES) of ctDNA at different timepoints in relapsed CC patients using two independent cohorts, alongside transcriptomic and proteomic analyses of metastases to gain a deeper understanding of progression mechanisms. An assay based on a tumor-agnostic approach from WES could enhance sensitivity in detecting MRD disease compared to current assays. Immune evasion appears to be the primary driver of progression in the localized CC setting, facilitated by a functional mutational burden at relapse. This suggests that immunotherapy could extend its efficacy to patients with microsatellite stability, broadening treatment options. Moreover, organoid modeling affirms the promising potential of targeted therapy to surpass conventional treatments in eradicating MRD.

Study EGAS50000000204

A thymic ILC1-like progenitor with differentiation potential towards KIR+NKG2A- NK cells

KIR+NKG2A- Natural Killer (NK) cells have the unique ability to detect downregulation of single HLA-I allotypes, frequently occurring in malignantly-transformed and virus-infected cells in order to escape T cell recognition. We have recently shown that circulating Innate Lymphoid Cells 1 (cILC1) have the potential to generate such KIR+NKG2A- NK cells but their developmental origin was unknown. Here we demonstrate that the development of cILC1 is thymus-dependent and identify a putative progenitor of cILC1s in the thymus, called thyILC1. Single-cell RNAseq analysis revealed a close relationship of thyILC1s to CD34+ double-negative (DN) thymocytes, but in contrast to DNs, thyILC1s had lost T cell differentiation potential. However, like cILC1s they could be efficiently differentiated into KIR+NKG2A- NK cells. thyILC1s strongly expressed RAG1/2, PTCRA (preTCR, and NOTCH1/3, but lacked expression of TCR chains, suggesting that they failed to pass the -selection checkpoint of thymocyte development. Finally, analyses of patients with FOXN1het deficiency, showing thymic hypoplasia due to lack of mature thymic epithelial cells, exhibited a profound deficiency of cILC1s but not cILC2s and cILC3s, demonstrating thymus dependency of cILC1s. Together, the data suggest that thyILC1s are the source of a novel thymus-dependent NK cell differentiation pathway that promotes generation of KIR+NKG2A- NK cells.

Study EGAS50000000760

A thymic ILC1-like progenitor with differentiation potential towards KIR+NKG2A- NK cells - sc

KIR+NKG2A- Natural Killer (NK) cells have the unique ability to detect downregulation of single HLA-I allotypes, frequently occurring in malignantly-transformed and virus-infected cells in order to escape T cell recognition. We have recently shown that circulating Innate Lymphoid Cells 1 (cILC1) have the potential to generate such KIR+NKG2A- NK cells but their developmental origin was unknown. Here we demonstrate that the development of cILC1 is thymus-dependent and identify a putative progenitor of cILC1s in the thymus, called thyILC1. Single-cell RNAseq analysis revealed a close relationship of thyILC1s to CD34+ double-negative (DN) thymocytes, but in contrast to DNs, thyILC1s had lost T cell differentiation potential. However, like cILC1s they could be efficiently differentiated into KIR+NKG2A- NK cells. thyILC1s strongly expressed RAG1/2, PTCRA (preTCR, and NOTCH1/3, but lacked expression of TCR chains, suggesting that they failed to pass the -selection checkpoint of thymocyte development. Finally, analyses of patients with FOXN1het deficiency, showing thymic hypoplasia due to lack of mature thymic epithelial cells, exhibited a profound deficiency of cILC1s but not cILC2s and cILC3s, demonstrating thymus dependency of cILC1s. Together, the data suggest that thyILC1s are the source of a novel thymus-dependent NK cell differentiation pathway that promotes generation of KIR+NKG2A- NK cells.

Study EGAS50000000790

Rituximab-treated lymphoma patients show correlated deficiency in serological and T cell Spike-specific response after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination: insights from the CORSA Study.

This study is part of the CORSA trial (NCT04345315), a prospective multicentric research project conducted by the Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori “Dino Amadori” to investigate the immunologic response to mRNA SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in patients with hematologic malignancies (HM) and healthy individuals as controls (HC). The data in this repository refer to two subcohorts: 7 healthy controls and 10 lymphoma patients, randomly selected. Whole blood samples were collected to characterize T cell receptor (TCR) repertoire specificity against SARS-CoV-2 proteins before and after two BNT162b2 vaccination cycles, at baseline (before vaccination), 50 days after the first dose (V1), and 6 months after the first dose (V3). All participants were vaccinated under the Italian national campaign and provided informed consent following the Declaration of Helsinki. We investigated SARS-CoV-2-specific T cell responses through TCR repertoire profiling and examined correlations between serological and cellular responses in both patient and control groups. Using Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) to characterize the CDR3 sequences of TCR β-chains from peripheral blood, we assessed clonal expansion (depth) and diversification (breadth) of SARS-CoV-2-specific T cell clonotypes over time, aiming to understand how cancer and its treatment influence vaccine-induced immunity in immunocompromised individuals.

Study EGAS50000001205

MRCA and MRCE SNP genotypes

Gene expression levels can be an important link DNA between variation and phenotypic manifestations. Our previous map of global gene expression based on approximately 400K SNPs and 50K transcripts in 400 sib pairs from the MRCA family panel has been widely used to interpret the results of GWAS. Here, we more than double the size of our initial dataset with expression data on 550 additional individuals from the MRCE family panel using the Illumina whole genome expression array. We have used new statistical methods for dimension reduction to account for non-genetic effects in estimates of expression levels and we have also included SNPs imputed from the 1000 Genomes Project. Our methods reduced false discovery rates and increased the number of eQTLs mapped either locally or at a distance (i.e. in cis or trans) from 1,534 in the MRCA dataset to 4,452 (with <5% FDR). Imputation of 1000 Genomes SNPs further increased the number of eQTLs to 7,302. Using the same methods and imputed SNPs in the newly acquired MRCE dataset we identified eQTLs for 9000 genes. The combined results identify strong local and distant effects for transcripts from 14,177 genes. Our eQTL database (http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/faculty/liming-liang/software/eqtl/) based on these results is freely available to help define the function of disease-associated variants.

Study EGAS00000000137

Organoid BulkRNAseq

Here, we aim to understand early determinants of brain organoid quality and generated a set of brain organoids from 12 different hPSC lines using an adaptation of the unguided Lancaster protocol (Lancaster & Knoblich, 2014). All cell lines were obtained from healthy donors. 12 donor hPSC lines were differentiated into brain organoids and a set of 72 individual organoids (6 per line) were randomly selected morphologically diverse organoids and subjected to bulk RNA sequencing for gene expression analysis. RNA was extracted using the RNeasy kit (Qiagen, Germany) according to the manufacturer’s instructions. A total of 1000 ng per sample was sent for RNA sequencing to Azenta Life Sciences (Genewiz Leipzig, Germany) for sequencing. Library preparation was performed using the NEBNext Ultra II RNA Library Prep Kit for Illumina following manufacturer’s instructions (NEB, Ipswich, MA, USA). mRNAs were first enriched with Oligo(dT) beads. The samples were sequenced using a 2x150 Pair-End (PE) configuration v1.5 at a depth of >20 million reads in each sample. Raw sequence data (.bcl files) generated from Illumina NovaSeq6000 was converted into fastq files and de-multiplexed using Illumina bcl2fastq program version 2.20. The raw sequence reads were aligned to the human reference genome GRCh38 using the STAR aligner (Dobin et al., 2013). Gene expression levels were quantified using the FeatureCounts tool (Liao et al., 2014).

Study EGAS50000000659

Nala TAS-LRS PGx Study

Pharmacogenomics (PGx) testing improves medication safety and efficacy by identifying genetic variants that affect drug response. However, current technologies often fail to resolve complex loci, detect structural variants, or phase alleles accurately. Here, we present an end-to-end PGx workflow based on Targeted Adaptive Sampling-Long Read Sequencing (TAS-LRS), integrating a streamlined laboratory protocol with a bioinformatics pipeline that includes a novel CYP2D6 caller. Using 1,000 ng of DNA and three-sample multiplexing on a single PromethION flow cell, the assay achieves consistent on-target (25x) and off-target (3x) coverage, enabling accurate, haplotype-resolved testing of 35 pharmacogenes alongside genome-wide genotyping from off-target reads. We further developed the workflow into a clinically ready service and validated its performance across 17 reference and clinical samples. The assay demonstrated high concordance for small variants (99.9%) and structural variants (>95%), with phased diplotypes and metabolizer phenotypes reaching 97.7% and 98.0% concordance, respectively. Improved calls were observed in 12 genes due to enhanced genotyping, phasing, or novel allele detection. In addition, off-target reads supported accurate genome-wide imputation, comparable to short-read sequencing and superior to microarrays. These results establish the feasibility of long-read sequencing for clinical PGx testing and position TAS-LRS as a scalable solution combining both targeted and genome-wide utility.

Study EGAS50000001116

Somatic rearrangements causing oncogenic ectodomain deletions of FGFR1 in squamous cell lung cancer

The discovery of frequent 8p11-p12 amplifications in squamous cell lung cancer (SQLC) has fueled hopes that FGFR1, located inside this amplicon, might be a therapeutic target. In a clinical trial, only 11% of patients with 8p11 amplification (detected by FISH) responded to FGFR kinase inhibitor treatment. To understand the mechanism of FGFR1 dependency, we performed deep genomic characterization of 52 SQLCs with 8p11-p12 amplification, including 10 tumors obtained from patients who had been treated with FGFR inhibitors. We discovered somatically altered variants of FGFR1 with deletion of exons 1-8 that resulted from intragenic tail-to-tail rearrangements. These ectodomain-deficient FGFR1 variants (ΔEC-FGFR1) were expressed in the affected tumors and were tumorigenic in both in vitro and in vivo models of lung cancer. Mechanistically, breakage-fusion-bridges were the source of 8p11-p12 amplification, resulting from frequent head-to-head and tail-to-tail rearrangements. Generally, tail-to-tail rearrangements within or in close proximity upstream of FGFR1 were associated with FGFR1 dependency. Thus, the genomic events shaping the architecture of the 8p11-p12 amplicon provide a mechanistic explanation for the emergence of FGFR1-driven SQLC. Specifically, we believe that FGFR1 ectodomain-deficient and FGFR1-centered amplifications caused by tail-to-tail rearrangements are a novel somatic genomic event that might be predictive of therapeutically relevant FGFR1 dependency.

Study EGAS50000001368

Transposable Elements Shape Stemness in Normal and Leukemic Hematopoiesis

Despite most acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients achieving complete remission after induction chemotherapy, two-thirds will relapse with fatal disease within five years. AML is organized as a cellular hierarchy sustained by leukemia stem cells (LSC) at the apex, with LSC properties directly linked to tumor progression, therapy failure, and disease relapse 1–5. Despite the central role of LSC in poor patient outcomes, little is known about the genetic determinants driving their stemness properties. As LSCs share many functional and molecular properties with normal hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) 6, we investigated accessible chromatin unique across normal hematopoietic and cancer cell states and identified transposable elements (TEs) as genetic determinants of both primitive populations in comparison with their downstream mature progeny. A clinically-relevant TE chromatin accessibility-based LSCTE121 signature was developed that enabled patient classification based on survival outcomes. Through functional assays, primitive cell specific-TE subfamilies were found to serve as docking sites for stem cell-associated regulators of genome topology or lineage-specific transcription factors, including LYL1 in LSCs. Finally, using chromatin editing tools, we establish that chromatin accessibility at LTR12C elements in LSCs are necessary to maintain stemness properties. Our work identifies TEs as genetic drivers of primitive versus mature cell states, where distinct TE subfamilies account for stemness properties in normal versus leukemic hematopoietic stem cells.

Study EGAS50000001141

Transposable Elements Shape Stemness in Normal and Leukemic Hematopoiesis

Despite most acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients achieving complete remission after induction chemotherapy, two-thirds will relapse with fatal disease within five years. AML is organized as a cellular hierarchy sustained by leukemia stem cells (LSC) at the apex, with LSC properties directly linked to tumor progression, therapy failure, and disease relapse 1–5. Despite the central role of LSC in poor patient outcomes, little is known about the genetic determinants driving their stemness properties. As LSCs share many functional and molecular properties with normal hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) 6, we investigated accessible chromatin unique across normal hematopoietic and cancer cell states and identified transposable elements (TEs) as genetic determinants of both primitive populations in comparison with their downstream mature progeny. A clinically-relevant TE chromatin accessibility-based LSCTE121 signature was developed that enabled patient classification based on survival outcomes. Through functional assays, primitive cell specific-TE subfamilies were found to serve as docking sites for stem cell-associated regulators of genome topology or lineage-specific transcription factors, including LYL1 in LSCs. Finally, using chromatin editing tools, we establish that chromatin accessibility at LTR12C elements in LSCs are necessary to maintain stemness properties. Our work identifies TEs as genetic drivers of primitive versus mature cell states, where distinct TE subfamilies account for stemness properties in normal versus leukemic hematopoietic stem cells.

Study EGAS50000001147

Neoadjuvant immune checkpoint blockade in mismatch-repair proficient colon cancers

Immune checkpoint blockade has led to paradigm shifts in the treatment of various tumour types, yet limited efficacy has been observed in patients with metastatic mismatch-repair proficient (pMMR) colorectal cancer. Here we report an in-depth analysis of patients with early-stage pMMR colon cancer from the phase II NICHE study (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03026140). A total of 31 patients received neoadjuvant treatment of nivolumab plus ipilimumab followed by surgery. The response rate was 26% and included six patients with a major pathological response (≤10% residual viable tumour). One patient with an ongoing clinical complete response did not undergo surgery. Responses were observed despite a low tumour mutational burden in all tumours, while chromosomal genomic instability scores were significantly higher in responders compared to non-responders. Responding tumours were more likely to be TP53 mutant, KRASG12 wildtype and had significantly higher baseline expression of proliferation signatures and TCF1. Imaging mass cytometry also revealed a higher percentage of Ki-67+ cancer and Ki-67+ CD8+ T cells in responders compared to non-responders. Meanwhile, in non-responders, we observed an enrichment for an inflamed-fibrotic microenvironment associated with TGF-β expression, hinting towards possible resistance mechanisms. These results provide a comprehensive analysis of response to neoadjuvant ICB in early-stage pMMR colon cancers and identify potential biomarkers for patient selection.

Study EGAS50000000856

Immune heterogeneity in small cell lung cancer and vulnerability to immune checkpoint blockade

Following the pivotal Phase III IMpower133 study, atezolizumab (anti–PD-L1), combined with carboplatin and etoposide (CE), was the first immune checkpoint inhibitor approved for first-line treatment of extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC) and is now a standard of care. A clearer understanding of therapeutically relevant SCLC subsets is needed to improve outcomes and to identify rational combination strategies. Transcriptomic analyses and nonnegative matrix factorization were conducted on 271 pre-treatment patient tumor samples from IMpower133 and four subsets with general concordance to previously reported SCLC subtypes were identified. Deeper investigation into the immune heterogeneity relevant to clinical outcomes uncover two subsets with differing neuroendocrine (NE) versus non-neuroendocrine (non-NE) phenotypes that demonstrated hallmarks of immune cell infiltration. The balance of tumor-associated macrophage (TAM) to T-effector signals distinguished these inflamed subsets. Tumors with low TAM but high T-effector signals had a NE phenotype and demonstrated longer overall survival with PD-L1 blockade and CE versus CE alone than did tumors with high TAM and high T-effector signal, which had a non-NE phenotype. The delineation of SCLC immune heterogeneity offers a clinically relevant approach to discriminate SCLC patients likely to benefit most from immunotherapeutic approaches and highlights the complex mechanisms underlying response and resistance to immune checkpoint blockade.

Study EGAS50000000138

Phenotypic characterization and prognostic impact of CD103+ tissue-resident memory T cells in diffuse large B cell lymphoma

Tissue-resident memory T (TRM) cells are a population of memory T cells that stably occupy tissues and play a key role in immunosurveillance, having been linked to favorable survival outcomes in various solid tumors. While TRM cells have been identified in lymph nodes, their phenotype and prognostic significance in B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-NHL), including diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), remains poorly characterized. The frequency of CD103 expressing T cells in patient samples with DLCBL was quantified by immunofluorescence (IF) staining of tissue biopsies (n=306) and flow cytometry (n=252) of cell disaggregates, and linked with clinical outcome. The phenotype of TRM cells was characterized by spectral flow cytometry (n=10 DLBCL and 2 reactive lymph node (rLN) samples) and single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) (n=12 aggressive B cell lymphomas and 4 rLN samples). An additional 51 samples from an external dataset were included to verify the single cell transcriptome findings. The flow cytometry and scRNAseq findings in DLBCL were extrapolated to additional B-NHL entities. Through analysis of these datasets we were able to characterize CD103+ TRM-like cells in DLBCL and other B-NHL entities and identified them to represent a prognostically favorable population with an activated/cytotoxic T cell phenotype.

Study EGAS50000000943

Investigating Host Genetic Risk Factors for Tuberculosis in Highly Endemic South African Populations

It is apparent from our recent population genetic and admixture mapping work 1–3 that a substantial part of the ancestral input into the South African Coloured (SAC) population is from the San or Khoe groups, which are not well represented in publicly available genetic databases. It is a reasonable assumption that the SAC population in the Western Cape may have derived more genetic input from the present KhoeSan population in the Northern Cape than the San residing in Namibia. It was concluded by our group that it is indeed the southern African KhoeSan group, the ≠Khomani, that best represent the KhoeSan contribution seen in the SAC 4. More recently, it has been shown that there are ancestry related increases in TB susceptibility, especially with increased Bantu-speaking African and KhoeSan ancestry 5. We aim to elucidate the epidemiological and human-host genetic risk factors for TB and the immunological pathways modulating TB infection. The proposed sub-study will enroll people evaluated for TB at Northern Cape community health clinics and their contacts from their households and/or community. We will conduct a demographic interview, collect saliva, which will be used for genetic analysis, and blood to determine latent TB infection status and capture immunological responses to mycobacterial infections at the cellular level and RNA sequencing.

Study EGAS00001007850

INSPIRE - Investigator-initiated Phase 2 Study of Pembrolizumab Immunological Response in Metastatic Solid Tumors

Whole exome and RNA sequencing source data for: Clouthier, D.L., Lien, S.C., Yang, S.Y.C. et al. An interim report on the investigator-initiated phase 2 study of pembrolizumab immunological response evaluation (INSPIRE). j. immunotherapy cancer 7, 72 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40425-019-0541-0 Bratman S*, Yang SYC*, Iafolla MAJ, Liu Z, Hansen AR, Bedard P, Lheureux S, Spreafico A, Razak AA, Shchegrova S, Louie M, Billings P, Zimmerman B, Sethi H, Aleshi A, Torti D, Marsh K, Eagles J, Cirlan I, Hanna Y, Clouthier D, Lien SC, Ohashi PS, Xu W, Siu LL, Pugh TJ. Personalized circulating tumor DNA analysis as a predictive biomarker in solid tumor patients treated with pembrolizumab. Nature Cancer. 2020:1:873-881. https://doi.org/10.1038/s43018- 020-0096-5. Yang SYC, Lien SC, Wang BX, Clouthier DL, Hanna Y, Cirlan I, Zhu K, Bruce JP, El Ghamrasni S, Iafallo MAJ, Oliva M, Hansen AR, Spreafico A, Bedard PL, Lheureux S, Razak A, Speers V, Berman HK, Aleshin A, Haibe-Kains B, Brooks DG, McGaha TL, Butler MO, Bratman SV, Ohashi PS, Siu LL, and Pugh TJ. Pan-cancer analysis of longitudinal metastatic tumors reveals genomic alterations and immune landscape dynamics associated with pembrolizumab sensitivity. Nature Comm 2021:12, 5137. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-021-25432-7

Study EGAS00001003280

RBMX functional retrocopy safeguards brain development

Retrotransposition has generated thousands of intronless gene copies in mammalian genomes, yet their contribution to brain development and evolution remains largely unexplored. We investigated the role for RBMX retrocopy in shaping neurodevelopment and modulating disease. First, we reported 8 distinct pathogenic variants in RBMX, an X-linked splicing regulator, in 11 males presenting with intellectual disability, microcephaly, and cortical malformations. Then, we combined transcriptomic profiling, protein–protein and protein–RNA interaction studies both in human cellular models and mouse embryonic cortices to assess the functional redundancy between RBMX and its retrocopy RBMXL1. Finally, we use mouse genetics to dissect RBMX function and its compensation by RBMXL1 in corticogenesis. We show that RBMX pathogenic variants disrupt cortical development through both loss- and gain-of-function mechanisms. Surprisingly, despite severe phenotypes in humans, Rbmx-deficient mice display only mild cortical abnormalities, a discrepancy likely due to compensation by Rbmxl1, a retrocopy that arose independently in mice and humans. We demonstrate that RBMX and RBMXL1 share protein and RNA partners and act redundantly in brain development, with RBMXL1 buffering the impact of RBMX deficiency. Together, these findings establish that RBMXL1 functions as a functional paralog of RBMX safeguarding neurodevelopment by buffering deleterious variation. More broadly, these results identify retrocopies as active contributors to neurodevelopmental robustness and suggest that functional retrocopies may have facilitated the evolutionary diversification of the mammalian brain.

Study EGAS50000001650

Multimodal plasma and urinary cell-free DNA profiling improves risk stratification in newly diagnosed prostate cancer

Prostate cancer (PCa) is a heterogeneous disease, impeding early detection and risk stratification. Liquid biopsies (LBx) enable minimally invasive tumor profiling, but circulating tumor-derived DNA (ctDNA) detection remains difficult, particularly in early-stage PCa. We developed a multimodal LBx approach combining genomic and epigenomic cell-free DNA (cfDNA) features in plasma and urine from newly diagnosed PCa patients to improve early characterization of PCa and risk stratification of aggressive disease. Plasma and urine samples from 55 localized PCa (lPCa) patients, 18 advanced PCa (aPCa) patients, and 36 cancer-free controls were subjected to low-coverage whole-genome sequencing and methylated DNA immunoprecipitation sequencing to assess fragmentation, chromosomal instability, and methylation in cfDNA. This complementary approach yielded a 45% ctDNA detection rate in newly diagnosed PCa. Major differences were observed between aPCa and controls, reflecting increasing signals with tumor progression. Epigenomic cfDNA features differentiated lPCa from aPCa, and ctDNA was detected in 46% of PCa patients with prostate-specific antigen <10 ng/ml, suggesting potential for risk stratification. This study highlights the value of multimodal LBx approaches for early characterization of primary PCa and identification of aggressive disease at initial diagnosis. Integration into clinical workflows could complement diagnostics and support personalized decision-making tailored to patients’ PCa risk profiles.

Study EGAS00001008195

Whole genome sequencing of matched primary and metastatic acral melanomas

Next generation sequencing has enabled systematic discovery of mutational spectra in cancer samples. Here we used whole genome sequencing to characterise somatic mutations and structural variation in a primary acral melanoma and its lymph node metastasis. Our data show that the somatic mutational rates in this acral melanoma sample pair was more comparable to the rate reported in cancer genomes not associated with mutagenic exposure than in the genome of a melanoma cell line or the transcriptome of melanoma short-term cultures. Despite the perception that acral skin is sun-protected, the dominant mutational signature in these samples is compatible with damage due to ultraviolet light exposure. A nonsense mutation in ERCC5 discovered in both the primary and metastatic tumours, could also have contributed to the mutational signature through accumulation of unrepaired dipyrimidine lesions. However, evidence of transcription-coupled repair was suggested by the lower mutational rate in the transcribed regions and expressed genes. The primary and the metastasis are highly similar at the level of global gene copy number alterations, loss of heterozygosity and single nucleotide variation (SNV). Furthermore, the majority of the SNVs in the primary tumour were propagated in the metastasis and one non-synonymous coding SNV and one splice site mutation appeared to arise de novo in the metastatic lesion.

Study EGAS00001000169

The Cardiogenics study

Cardiogenics is an European collaborative project, it started in January 2007 and was funded by the European Commission through its Sixth Framework Program (reference LSHM -CT-2006-037593) until 2011. It involved several laboratories from France (INSERM UMRS937), Germany (Lübeck University; Regensburg University), United Kingdom (the Welcome Trust Sanger Institute; University of Leicester) and Sweden (Uppsala University Hospital) and was coordinated by a management group composed of scientists from these different institutions. Under the coordination of the management group the laboratories are still developing projects using Cardiogenics data sets. As part of the Cardiogenics project, RNA from monocytes and macrophages of 363 patients with coronary artery disease and 395 healthy individuals was prepared and genome-wide expression was assessed in both cell types using the Illumina HumanRef 8 v3 Beadchip . The DNA of all these individuals was genotyped using the Human 610 Quad custom arrays. Both data sets were used to conduct eQTL analyses. A subsample of subjects included in an allelic-imbalance substudy were also genotyped using the Illumina Human Custom 1.2M array. Detailed description of these datasets can be found in Shah S et al. Circ Cardiovs Genet 2011; Rotival M et al. Plos Genet 2011, Almlöf et al. Plos One 2012 and Garnier S et al. Plos Genet 2013

Study EGAS00001000411

A Cancer Cell-Line Titration Series for Evaluating Somatic Classification

Accurate detection of somatic single nucleotide variants and small insertions and deletions from DNA sequencing experiments of tumour-normal pairs is a challenging task. Tumour samples are often contaminated with normal cells confounding the available evidence for the somatic variants. Furthermore, tumours are heterogeneous so sub-clonal variants are observed at reduced allele frequencies. We present here a cell-line titration series dataset that can be used to evaluate somatic variant calling pipelines with the goal of reliably calling true somatic mutations at low allele frequencies. Cell-line DNA was mixed with matched normal DNA at 8 different ratios to generate samples with known tumour cellularities, and exome sequenced on Illumina HiSeq to depths of >300x. The data was processed with several different variant calling pipelines and verification experiments were performed to assay >1,500 somatic variant candidates using Ion Torrent PGM as an orthogonal technology. By examining the variants called at varying cellularities and depths of coverage, we show that the best performing pipelines are able to maintain a high level of precision at any cellularity. In addition, we estimate the number of true somatic variants undetected as cellularity and coverage decrease. Our cell-line titration series dataset, along with the associated verification results, is effective for this evaluation and will serve as a valuable dataset for future somatic calling algorithm development.

Study EGAS00001001016

Novel CNV contribution to schizophrenia from a genome wide study of 41,321 subjects

Genomic copy number variants (CNVs) have been strongly implicated in the etiology schizophrenia (SCZ). However, apart from a small number of risk variants, elucidation of the CNV contribution to risk has been difficult due to the very low frequencies of risk alleles, all occurring in less than 1% of patients. We sought to address this obstacle through a collaborative effort unprecedented in psychiatry in which we applied a centralized analysis pipeline to a large SCZ cohort of 21,094 cases and 20,227 controls. A global enrichment of CNV burden is observed in SCZ patients (OR=1.11, P=5.7e-15), and persists after excluding loci implicated in previous studies (OR=1.07, P=1.7e-6). CNV Burden is also enriched for genes associated with synaptic function (OR = 1.68, P = 2.8e-11) and neurobehavioral phenotypes in mouse (OR = 1.18, P= 7.3e-05). While only previously implicated loci surpass strict genome-wide testing correction, we identify “novel” CNVs (BH-FDR < 0.05) that confer both protective and risk effects on SCZ and are predominantly mediated by non-allelic homologous recombination (NAHR). Our combined data find genome-wide significant support for eight loci, including 1q21.1, 2p16.3 (NRXN1), 3q29, 7q11.2, 15q13.3, distal 16p11.2, proximal 16p11.2 and 22q11.2.

Study EGAS00001001960

Genomic characterization of retinoblastoma (targeted sequencing)

Retinoblastoma is the most frequent intraocular malignancy in children, originating from a maturing cone precursor in the developing retina. Little is known on the molecular basis underlying the biological and clinical behavior of this cancer. Here, using multi-omics data, we demonstrate the existence of two retinoblastoma subtypes. Subtype 1, of earlier onset, includes most of the heritable forms. It harbors few genetic alterations other than the initiating RB1 inactivation and corresponds to differentiated tumors expressing mature cone markers. By contrast, subtype 2 tumors harbor frequent recurrent genetic alterations including MYCN-amplification. They express markers of less differentiated cone together with neuronal/ganglion cell markers with marked inter- and intra-tumor heterogeneity. The cone dedifferentiation in subtype 2 is associated with stemness features including low immune and interferon response, E2F and MYC/MYCN activation and a higher propensity for metastasis. The recognition of these two subtypes, one maintaining a cone-differentiated state, and the other, more aggressive, associated with cone dedifferentiation and expression of neuronal markers, opens up important biological and clinical perspectives for retinoblastomas. In this study, we performed targeted sequencing of the exonic regions of RB1, BCOR and ARID1A on 37 samples from the series of 102 retinoblastomas. Among them, 23 samples were not subjected to whole-exome sequencing, and 14 samples have the whole-exome sequencing data (deposited in EGAS00001005248).

Study EGAS00001005550

Transcriptional regulatory networks of tumor-associated macrophages that drive malignancy in mesenchymal glioblastoma

Background: Glioblastoma (GBM) is a complex disease with extensive molecular and transcriptional heterogeneity. GBM can be subcategorized into four distinct subtypes; tumors that shift towards the mesenchymal phenotype upon recurrence are generally associated with treatment resistance, unfavorable prognosis, and the infiltration of pro-tumorigenic macrophages. Results: We explore the transcriptional regulatory networks of mesenchymal-associated tumor-associated macrophages (MA-TAMs), which drive the malignant phenotypic state of GBM, and identify macrophage receptor with collagenous structure (MARCO) as the most highly differentially expressed gene. MARCOhigh TAMs induce a phenotypic shift towards mesenchymal cellular state of glioma stem cells, promoting both invasive and proliferative activities, as well as therapeutic resistance to irradiation. MARCOhigh TAMs also significantly accelerate tumor engraftment and growth in vivo. Moreover, both MA-TAM master regulators and their target genes are significantly correlated with poor clinical outcomes, and are often associated with genomic aberrations in neurofibromin 1 (NF1) and phosphoinositide 3-kinases/mammalian target of rapamycin/Akt pathway (PI3K-mTOR-AKT)-related genes. We further demonstrate origination of MA-TAMs from peripheral blood, as well as their potential association with tumor-induced polarization states and immunosuppressive environments. Conclusions: Collectively, our study characterizes the global transcriptional profile of TAMs driving mesenchymal GBM pathogenesis, providing potential therapeutic targets for improving the effectiveness of GBM immunotherapy.

Study EGAS00001002443

Antisense long non-coding RNAs are deregulated in skin tissue of patients with systemic sclerosis

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease characterized by fibrosis of skin and multiple organs of which the pathogenesis is poorly understood. Here we studied differentially expressed coding and non-coding genes in relation to SSc pathogenesis with a specific focus on antisense non-coding RNAs. Skin biopsy-derived RNAs from fourteen early SSc patients and six healthy individuals were sequenced with ion-torrent and analysed using DEseq2. Overall, 4901 genes with a fold change >1.5 and a false discovery rate < 5% were detected in patients versus controls. Upregulated genes clustered in immunological, cell adhesion and keratin-related processes. Interestingly, 676 deregulated non-coding genes were detected, 257 of which were classified as antisense genes. Sense genes expressed opposite of these antisense genes were also deregulated in 42% of the observed sense-antisense gene pairs. The majority of the antisense genes had a similar effect sizes in an independent North American dataset with three genes (CTBP1-AS2, OTUD6B-AS1 and AGAP2-AS1) exceeding the study-wide Bonferroni-corrected ρ-value (PBonf<0.0023, Pcombined = 1.1x10-9, 1.4x10-8, 1.7x10-6, respectively). In this study, we highlight that together with coding genes, (antisense) long non-coding RNAs are deregulated in skin tissue of SSc patients suggesting a novel class of genes involved in pathogenesis of SSc.

Study EGAS00001002751

Double mutant DNMT3A AML: a unique subtype

Mutation of DNMT3A, encoding a de novo methyltransferase essential for cytosine methylation, is a common early event in clonal hematopoiesis (CH) and adult acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Spontaneous deamination of methylated cytosines damages DNA, which is repaired by the base excision repair (BER) enzymes MBD4 and TDG. Congenital MBD4-deficiency has been linked to early-onset CH and AML, and is marked by exceedingly high levels of DNA damage and mutation of DNMT3A. Strikingly, wildtype (WT) DNMT3A binds TDG, thereby potentiating its repair activity. Since TDG is the only remaining BER enzyme in MBD4-deficient AML patients capable of repairing methylation damage, we investigated whether mutant DNMT3A negatively affects the repair function of TDG. We found that, whereas WT DNMT3A stimulates TDG function, mutant DNMT3A impairs TDG-mediated repair of DNA damage in vitro. In light of this finding and to extrapolate our observations to the broader AML patient population, we investigate here the genetic profiles and survival outcomes of AML patients with single (SM) versus double mutant (DM) DNMT3A. DM DNMT3A AML patients show a characteristic driver mutation landscape and reduced overall survival when compared to SM DNMT3A AML patients. Importantly, whole-genome sequencing showed a trend for increased DNA damage in primary DM DNMT3A AML samples, especially when DNMT3A mutations are located at the DNMT3A-TDG interaction interface.

Study EGAS00001007966

WES of 2 human osteosarcoma and corresponding cell lines

Progress in the systemic control of osteosarcoma has been limited over the past decades thus indicating the urgent clinical need for the development of novel treatment strategies. Therefore, we have recently developed new preclinical models to study promising novel agents for the treatment of pediatric osteosarcoma. The checkpoint kinase (chk) inhibitor prexasertib (LY2606368) and its salt form (LSN2940930) have recently been shown to be active in adult and pediatric malignancies, including sarcoma. We have now tested the potency of prexasertib in clonogenic survival assays in two new lines of primary patient-derived osteosarcoma cells and in two established osteosarcoma cell lines as a single agent and in combination with cisplatin and the poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitor talazoparib. Prexasertib alone results in strongly reduced clonogenic survival at low nanomolar concentrations and acts by affecting cell cycle progression, induction of apoptosis and induction of double-stranded DNA breakage at concentrations that are well below clinically tolerable and safe plasma concentrations. In combination with cisplatin and talazoparib, prexasertib acts in a synergistic fashion. Chk1 inhibition by prexasertib and its combination with the DNA damaging agent cisplatin and the PARP-inhibitor talazoparib thus emerges as a potential new treatment option for pediatric osteosarcoma which will now have to be tested in preclinical primary patient derived in vivo models and clinical studies.

Study EGAS00001003923

Papuan Y chromosome Diversity Panel

Island Southeast Asia and Oceania host one of the world’s richest assemblages of human phenotypic, linguistic and cultural diversity. Despite this, the region’s male genetic lineages are globally among the last to remain unresolved. We compiled ~9.7 Mb of Y chromosome sequence from a diverse sample of over 380 men from this region, including 152 first reported here. The granularity of this dataset allows us to fully resolve and date the regional Y chromosome phylogeny. This new high-resolution tree confirms two main population bursts: multiple rapid diversifications following the region’s initial settlement ~50 kya, and extensive expansions <6 kya. Notably, ~40-25 kya the deep rooting local lineages of C-M130, M-P256, and S-B254 show almost no further branching events in Island Southeast Asia, New Guinea and Australia, matching a similar pause in diversification seen in maternal mitochondrial DNA lineages. The main local lineages start diversifying ~25 kya, at the time of the Last Glacial Maximum. This improved Y chromosome topology highlights localized events with important historical implications, including pre-Holocene contact between Mainland and Island Southeast Asia, potential interactions between Australia and the Papuan world, and a sustained period of diversification following the flooding of the ancient Sunda and Sahul continents as the insular landscape observed today formed. The high-resolution phylogeny of the Y chromosome presented here thus enables a detailed exploration of

Study EGAS00001006025

Human Pancreatic Islet RNAseq - Lund

Most signals detected by genome-wide association studies map to non-coding sequence and their tissue-specific effects influence transcriptional regulation. However, many key tissues and cell-types required for appropriate functional inference are absent from large-scale resources such as ENCODE and GTEx. We explored the relationship between genetic variants influencing predisposition to type 2 diabetes (T2D) and related glycemic traits, and human pancreatic islet transcription using RNA-Seq and genotyping data from 420 islet donors. We find: (a) eQTLs have a variable replication rate across the 44 GTEx tissues (<73%), indicating that our study captured islet-specific cis-eQTL signals; (b) islet eQTL signals show marked overlap with islet epigenome annotation, though eQTL effect size is reduced in the stretch enhancers most strongly implicated in GWAS signal location; (c) selective enrichment of islet eQTL overlap with the subset of T2D variants implicated in islet dysfunction; and (d) colocalization between islet eQTLs and variants influencing T2D or related glycemic traits, delivering candidate effector transcripts at 23 loci, including DGKB and TCF7L2. Our findings illustrate the advantages of performing functional and regulatory studies in tissues of greatest disease-relevance while expanding our mechanistic insights into complex traits association loci activity with an expanded list of putative transcripts implicated in T2D development.

Study EGAS00001004042

Phenotyping data on human pancreatic islets from 191 donors - Lund

Most signals detected by genome-wide association studies map to non-coding sequence and their tissue-specific effects influence transcriptional regulation. However, many key tissues and cell-types required for appropriate functional inference are absent from large-scale resources such as ENCODE and GTEx. We explored the relationship between genetic variants influencing predisposition to type 2 diabetes (T2D) and related glycemic traits, and human pancreatic islet transcription using RNA-Seq and genotyping data from 420 islet donors. We find: (a) eQTLs have a variable replication rate across the 44 GTEx tissues (&lt;73%), indicating that our study captured islet-specific cis-eQTL signals; (b) islet eQTL signals show marked overlap with islet epigenome annotation, though eQTL effect size is reduced in the stretch enhancers most strongly implicated in GWAS signal location; (c) selective enrichment of islet eQTL overlap with the subset of T2D variants implicated in islet dysfunction; and (d) colocalization between islet eQTLs and variants influencing T2D or related glycemic traits, delivering candidate effector transcripts at 23 loci, including DGKB and TCF7L2. Our findings illustrate the advantages of performing functional and regulatory studies in tissues of greatest disease-relevance while expanding our mechanistic insights into complex traits association loci activity with an expanded list of putative transcripts implicated in T2D development.

Study EGAS00001004056

Aggressive genomic features in clinicallyindolent primary HHV8-negative effusion-based lymphoma

Human herpesvirus 8-negative effusion-based lymphoma (HHV8-negative EBL) is a distinct lymphoma entity related to fluid overload states caused by underlying medical conditions. Due to a phenotypical resemblance with secondary effusion of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), HHV8-negative EBL is easily misdiagnosed. However, in contrast to DLBCL, HHV8-negative EBL follows a mild clinical course, underpinning the importance to differentiate between the two entities. Only limited molecular data of HHV8-negative EBL has been reported and characteristic genomic patterns are lacking. We performed extensive genomic profiling on 8 HHV8-negative EBL cases. A mean number of 33.6 copy number gains and losses per case were found, with recurrent focal deletions of chromosome 3p14.2 and 6q21 in 6/8 cases, encompassing tumor supressor genes FHIT and PRDM1, respectively. We observed a high rate of mutations across genes frequently involved in DLBCL, including patterns of somatic hypermutation. The most abundant hotspot mutation was found in MYD88L265P (3/8 cases). In addition, 5/8 cases had one or more translocations, involving MYC, BCL2, BCL6, TP63, EXOC2 and KMT2D, with Ig and non-Ig partners. We conclude that HHV8-negative EBL is characterized by genomic features that are commonly found in more aggressive B-cell lymphomas, but despite this follow an indolent clinical course.

Study EGAS00001002743

Enrichment of oral-derived bacteria in inflamed colorectal tumors and distinct associations of Fusobacterium in the mesenchymal subtype

The association between colorectal cancer (CRC) clinical variables and Fusobacterium, but not other intra-tumoral bacteria, has been extensively studied. Here we leveraged whole-transcriptome sequencing from 807 CRC tumor samples from the AVANT phase III trial to dually characterize tumor gene expression and intra-tumoral bacteria. After stringent filtering, 74 high-confidence taxa were identified. 17 of these species, including 4 Fusobacterium spp., were classified as orally-derived and had a robust signal within right-sided, MSI-H, and BRAF mutant tumors. Across consensus molecular subtypes (CMS), integration of Fusobacterium animalis presence and tumor gene expression revealed that F. animalis had the greatest number of associations in mesenchymal CMS4 tumors, despite an overall lower prevalence than in immune CMS1 tumors. Pathway analysis within CMS4 revealed that F. animalis, but not other highly prevalent species, was uniquely associated with pathways for collagen degradation and formation as well as IL-6 and IL-1 cytokine signaling. These associations could explain in part why Fusobacterium has been previously associated with reduced survival in mesenchymal populations. Overall, this study identified oral-derived bacteria, including Fusobacterium, as broadly more prevalent in inflamed CRC tumors compared to the other subtypes, and the association of intra-tumoral bacteria on tumor gene expression is context- and species-specific.

Study EGAS00001006757

Analysis_of_genomic_integrity_of_disease_corrected_human_induced_pluripotent_stem_cells_by_exome_sequencing

Induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells hold great promise for autologous cell transplantation. In order to apply this therapy to monogenic disorder, disease-causing mutations must be corrected prior to transplantation. We generated iPS cells from patients with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, which is caused by homozygous non-synonymous mutation in the SERPINA1 gene. In vitro differentiation of patient-derived iPS cells to hepatocytes showed recapitulation of the disease phenotype. We corrected the mutations by gene targeting using zinc finger nuclease (ZFN) and piggyBac transposon technologies. Our mutation correction is highly accurate. There is no exogenous sequence left behind at the targeted site. The corrected iPS cell-derived hepatocytes were indistinguishable from healthy hepatocyte, suggesting that the corrected gene was fully functional. The genomic integrity was also analyzed by CGH and SNP array, showing no genomic alterations. These are important points to ensure clinical safety as well as functional restoration of the corrected gene. One remaining question is if these corrected iPS cells are clinically safe at the single base-pair level. Recent publications suggested that cancer-related mutations are significantly accumulated during iPS cell propagation. We aim to assess the clinical safety of the corrected iPS cells by using exome sequencing. Outcome from this project would bring iPS cell technology one step closer to clinical applications.

Study EGAS00001000055

UK10K NEURO ASD MGAS

In the UK10K project we propose a series of complementary genetic approaches to find new low frequency/rare variants contributing to disease phenotypes. These will be based on obtaining the genome wide sequence of 4000 samples from the TwinsUK and ALSPAC cohorts (at 6x sequence coverage), and the exome sequence (protein coding regions and related conserved sequence) of 6000 samples selected for extreme phenotypes. Our studies will focus primarily on cardiovascular-related quantitative traits, obesity and related metabolic traits, neurodevelopmental disorders and a limited number of extreme clinical phenotypes that will provide proof-of-concept for future familial trait sequencing. We will analyse directly quantitative traits in the cohorts and the selected traits in the extreme samples, and also use imputation down to 0.1% allele frequency to extend the analyses to further sample sets with genome wide genotype data. In each case we will investigate indels and larger structural variants as well as SNPs, and use statistical methods that combine rare variants in a locus or pathway as well as single-variant approaches. The MGAS (Molecular Genetics of Autism Study) samples are from a clinical sample seen by specialists at the Maudsley hospital and who have had detailed phenotypic assessments with ADI-R and ADOS.For further information on this cohort please contact Patrick Bolton (patrick.bolton@kcl.ac.uk).

Study EGAS00001000113

RNA-sequencing of six Pilocytic astrocytoma tumors

Pilocytic astrocytoma (PA) is the most common pediatric brain tumor. A recurrent feature of PA is deregulation of the mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway most often through KIAA1549-BRAF fusion, but also by other BRAF- or RAF1-gene fusions and point mutations (e.g. BRAFV600E). These features may serve as diagnostic and prognostic markers, and also facilitate development of targeted therapy. The aim of this study was to characterize the genetic alterations underlying the development of PA tumor in six cases, and evaluate methods for fusion oncogene detection. Using a combined analysis of RNA sequencing and copy number variation data we identified a new BRAF fusion involving the 5’ gene fusion partner GTF2I (7q11.23), not previously described in PA. The novel GTF2I-BRAF 19-10 fusion was found in one case, while the other five cases harbored the frequent KIAA1549-BRAF 16-9 fusion gene. Comparing fusion detection methods, Fluorescence in situ hybridization with BRAF break apart probe was the most sensitive method for detection of the two different BRAF rearrangements (GTF2I-BRAF and KIAA1549-BRAF). Our finding of a novel BRAF fusion in PA further emphasis the important role of B-Raf in tumorigenesis of these tumor types. Also, the growing list of BRAF/RAF gene fusions suggests these to be informative tumor markers in molecular diagnostics, which could guide future treatment strategies.

Study EGAS00001002149

Ultrasensitive detection of minor allele fractions in maternal samples based on microhaplotype analysis

Background: Tools for quantifying and studying genetic variation in heterogeneous cell populations have a limited sensitivity. However, many biological problems require ultrasensitive genetic deconvolution of cell mixtures. The detection of fetal cells in cervical samples from pregnant women presents such a challenge. Methods: Using deep sequencing of microhaplotype loci and analysis of the error profiles in genetically pure and mixed samples, we increase the sensitivity for minor allele detection and demonstrate the potential for paternal allele detection in cervical samples from pregnant women. Results: Using artificial DNA mixtures, we show that unique alleles can be readily identified in mixtures with a ratio of 1 in 10,000 (0.01%). By applying this method on ten non-invasive cervical samples from pregnant women we could identify the presence of paternal alleles in half of the samples. Unexpectedly, we demonstrate those alleles not to be of fetal origin but of sperm. Conclusions: We developed a novel method that can deconvolute genetic mixtures to at least 0.01%, which can be applied to study minor allele fractions in genetic mixtures and, for example, could aid in trophoblast cell detection in maternal blood or cervix. Our results demonstrate the importance of discriminating fetal and paternal alleles when analyzing cervical fetal cells and may pinpoint a potential cause of erroneous results in previous trophoblast isolation studies.

Study EGAS00001007057

Evolution of DNA repair defects during malignant progression of low-grade gliomas after temozolomide treatment.

Temozolomide (TMZ) increases the overall survival of patients with glioblastoma (GBM), but its role in the clinical management of diffuse low-grade gliomas (LGG) is still being defined. DNA hypermethylation of the O 6 -methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter is associated with an improved response to TMZ treatment, while inactivation of the DNA mismatch repair (MMR) pathway is associated with therapeutic resistance and TMZ-induced mutagenesis. We previously demonstrated that TMZ treatment of LGG induces driver mutations in the RB and AKT-mTOR pathways, which may drive malignant progression to secondary GBM. To better understand the mechanisms underlying TMZ-induced mutagenesis and malignant progression, we explored the evolution of MGMT methylation and genetic alterations affecting MMR genes in a cohort of 34 treatment-naïve LGGs and their recurrences. Recurrences with TMZ-associated hypermutation had increased MGMT methylation compared to their untreated initial tumors and higher overall MGMT methylation compared to TMZ-treated non-hypermutated recurrences. A TMZ-associated mutation in one or more MMR genes was observed in five out of six TMZ-treated hypermutated recurrences. In two cases, pre-existing heterozygous deletions encompassing MGMT, or an MMR gene, were followed by TMZ-associated mutations in one of the genes of interest. These results suggest that tumor cells with methylated MGMT may undergo positive selection during TMZ treatment in the context of MMR deficiency.

Study EGAS00001001179

JMML targeted sequencing (2013)

Juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML) is a rare myelodysplastic myeloproliferative neoplasm of early childhood initiated by germline or somatic RAS-activating mutations (Chang, Dvorak et al. 2014). Clinical evolution is heterogeneous, with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) transformation in 1/3 of cases and frequent relapses after hematopoietic-stem-cell transplantation (HSCT), although some patients experience spontaneous remission (Locatelli, Nollke et al. 2005; Matsuda, Shimada et al. 2007; Takagi, Piao et al. 2013; Locatelli and Niemeyer 2015). The initiating lesion incompletely predicts outcome, suggesting the involvement of additional mutations. Genetic profiling of a large JMML cohort (n=118), including whole-exome sequencing (WES) in 30 cases, uncovered additional genetic abnormalities in 56 cases (47%). Somatic events were rare (0.38/case/Mb) and restricted to sporadic (47/78; 60%) or NF1-associated (8/8; 100%) JMML. Multiple concomitant genetic hits were identified targeting the RAS pathway in 13/78 (17%), RAC2D63V, which activates the PI3K/PDK1/AKT and the mTORC2 pathways, and a novel pathway for JMML, the polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), in 26/78 (33%) of the sporadic JMML cases. Interestingly, PRC2 imbalance was recently shown to synergize with RAS activation (De Raedt, Beert et al. 2014). JMML outcome was associated to the mutational profile, suggesting a dose-dependent effect for RAS-pathway activation, distinguishing very aggressive JMML rapidly progressing to AML.

Study EGAS00001001324

Exome and RNA sequencing of relapsed TCF3-PBX1 t(1;19) acute lymphoblastic leukemia

TCF3-PBX1 (E2A-PBX1) is a recurrent gene fusion in B-cell precursor lymphoblastic leukemia (BCP-ALL), which is caused by the translocation t(1;19)(q23;p13). TCF3-PBX1 BCP-ALL patients typically benefit from chemotherapy; however, many relapse and subsequently develop resistant disease with few effective treatment options. Mechanisms driving disease progression and therapy resistance have not been studied in TCF3-PBX1 BCP-ALL. Here, we aimed to identify novel treatment options for TCF3-PBX1 BCP-ALL by profiling leukemia cells from a relapsed patient, and determine molecular mechanisms underlying disease pathogenesis and progression. By drug sensitivity testing of leukemic blasts from the index patient, control samples and TCF3-PBX1 positive and negative BCP-ALL cell lines, we identified the phosphatidylinositide 3-kinase delta (p110δ) inhibitor idelalisib as an effective treatment for TCF3-PBX1 BCP-ALL. This was further supported by evidence showing TCF3-PBX1 directly regulates expression of PIK3CD, the gene encoding p110δ. Other somatic mutations to TP53 and MTOR, as well as aberrant expression of CXCR4, may influence additional drug sensitivities specific to the index patient and accompanied progression of the disease. Our results suggest that idelalisib is a promising treatment option for patients with TCF3-PBX1 BCP-ALL while other drugs could be useful depending on the genetic context of individual patients.

Study EGAS00001001876

Illumina HumanOmniExpress genotyping data from the TEENAGE (TEENs of Attica: Genes and Environment) study.

The TEENAGE study is a cross-sectional study comprising healthy Greek adolescents. The study was conducted according to the guidelines specified in the Declaration of Helsinki and all procedures involving human subjects were approved by the Institutional Review Board of Harokopio University and the Greek Ministry of Education, Lifelong Learning and Religious Affairs. The TEENAGE study target population comprised adolescent students aged 13 to 15 years attending the first three classes of public secondary schools located in the wider Athens area of Attica. The regions across Attica from which students were recruited were physically similar and all urban in nature. Sampling of regions and schools selected to participate was random. Students were enrolled from the wider urban region to ensure that they were coming from families with varying educational background and socio-economic status. Moreover, in order to exclude any vast economic disparities, all participating schools were exclusively public schools, which are free of charge. A total of twenty-four schools participated in the study out of 285 junior secondary public schools in Attica. Anthropometric, medical and dietary information was obtained. DNA samples were genotyped using Illumina HumanOmniExpress BeadChips (Illumina, San Diego, CA, USA) at the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, UK. Genotype calling algorithm used was Illuminus (Teo et al., 2007).

Study EGAS00001000996

Finnish_population_cohort_genotyping_B

The FINRISK cohorts comprise the respondents of representative, cross-sectional populationsurveys that are carried out every 5 years since 1972, to assess the risk factors of chronicdiseases (e.g. CVD, diabetes, obesity, cancer) and health behavior in the working agepopulation, in 3-5 large study areas of Finland. DNA samples were collected in the followingsurvey years: 1987, 1992, 1997, 2002, 2007, and 2012. The MONICA and EHES (EU)procedures were applied in phenotype collection (cf. MORGAM) and a wide spectrum oflaboratory tests was carried out from serum and plasma samples. Background information onsocioeconomic status, medical history, diet, exercise, measured anthropometric measures,etc. was collected by questionnaires and during a clinical visit. Plasma/serum samples arestill available for the 2002-2012 cohorts. The cohort sizes are 6000-8800 per survey. Thecohorts have been followed up by linking them to the national hospital discharge register,causes-of-death register and cancer register.This project is an extension to previous efforts to build a catalogue of Finnish genome widedata on population-based Finsrisk samples with rich phenotypic characterisations and healthregistry link-up. These samples will extend the current Sequencing Initiative Suomi (SISu)samples with a combination of genotyping using Illumina HumanCoreExome array and SISu-based imputation. This will lead to high confidence common and low frequency variantcatalogue. The project will be funded by Aarno Palotie’s remaining faculty fundscomplemented by Finnish funding from FIMM.

Study EGAS00001001047

Transcriptome sequencing of gingivo-buccal oral squamous cell carcinoma for integrative analysis: alterations in expression of genes attributable to methylation changes

Gingivo-buccal oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC-GB) is the most common cancer among men in India and is associated with high mortality. Although OSCC-GB is known to be quite different from tongue cancer in its genomic presentation and its clinical behavior, it is treated identically as tongue cancer. Predictive markers of prognosis and therapy that are specific to OSCC-GB are, therefore, required. To achieve this, we have carried out transcriptome (n=72) profiling of paired tumor-normal tissues collected from OSCC-GB patients from India. RNA sequencing was performed on tumor and paired adjacent normal samples from 72 OSCC-GB patients. From each patient, total RNA was extracted from tumor and normal tissue samples using AllPrep DNA/RNA Mini Kit (QIAGEN). The quality and concentration of isolated total RNA were checked using Agilent 2100 Bioanalyzer and NanoDrop 2000 (Thermo Fisher Scientific). The OD260/OD280 ratio was ≥ 2 and RNA Integrity Number (RIN) was ≥ 7.0 for all sequenced samples. Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) was removed from the RNA samples, using Ribo-Zero Magnetic Kit (Epicentre). Sequencing libraries were prepared from rRNA depleted samples using TrueSeq RNA Sample Preparation Kit (Illumina). Each triplex cDNA library pool was sequenced as 100bp paired-end on HiSeq-2000 or HiSeq-2500 (Illumina). Protocols suggested by the manufacturers were used for all assays.

Study EGAS00001003893

GWAS data on human pancreatic islets from 191 donors - Lund

Most signals detected by genome-wide association studies map to non-coding sequence and their tissue-specific effects influence transcriptional regulation. However, many key tissues and cell-types required for appropriate functional inference are absent from large-scale resources such as ENCODE and GTEx. We explored the relationship between genetic variants influencing predisposition to type 2 diabetes (T2D) and related glycemic traits, and human pancreatic islet transcription using RNA-Seq and genotyping data from 420 islet donors. We find: (a) eQTLs have a variable replication rate across the 44 GTEx tissues (<73%), indicating that our study captured islet-specific cis-eQTL signals; (b) islet eQTL signals show marked overlap with islet epigenome annotation, though eQTL effect size is reduced in the stretch enhancers most strongly implicated in GWAS signal location; (c) selective enrichment of islet eQTL overlap with the subset of T2D variants implicated in islet dysfunction; and (d) colocalization between islet eQTLs and variants influencing T2D or related glycemic traits, delivering candidate effector transcripts at 23 loci, including DGKB and TCF7L2. Our findings illustrate the advantages of performing functional and regulatory studies in tissues of greatest disease-relevance while expanding our mechanistic insights into complex traits association loci activity with an expanded list of putative transcripts implicated in T2D development.

Study EGAS00001004044

Comparison of 133/144bp dominant phenotype vs 166bp dominant phenotype.

Background: Previous studies found that cell-free DNA (cfDNA) generated from tumors was shorter than that from healthy cells, and selecting short cfDNA could enrich for tumor cfDNA and improve its usage in early cancer diagnosis and treatment monitoring; however, the underlying mechanism of shortened tumor cfDNA was still unknown, which potentially limits its further clinical application.Results: Using targeted sequencing of cfDNA in a large cohort of solid tumor patient, sequencing reads harboring tumor-specific somatic mutations were isolated to examine the exact size distribution of tumor cfDNA. For the majority of studied cases, 166bp remained as the peak size of tumor cfDNA, with tumor cfDNA showing an increased proportion of short fragments (100-150bp). Less than 1% of cfDNA samples were found to be peaked at 134/144bp and independent of tumor cfDNA purity. Using whole-genome sequencing of cfDNA, we discovered a positive correlation between cfDNA shortening and the magnitude of chromatin inaccessibility, as measured by transcription, DNase I hypersensitivity, and histone modifications. Tumor cfDNA shortening occurred simultaneously at both 5’ and 3’ ends of the DNA wrapped around nucleosomes. Conclusions: Tumor cfDNA shortening exhibited two distinctive modes. Tumor cfDNA purity and chromatin inaccessibility were contributing factors but insufficient to trigger a global transition from 166bp dominant to 134/144bp dominant phenotype.

Study EGAS00001004135

Mutational Landscape of Grey Zone Lymphoma

The mutational landscape of grey zone lymphoma (GZL) has not yet been established and differences to related entities are mostly unknown. Here, we studied coding sequence mutations of 50 EBV-negative GZL and 20 polymorphic EBV-positive DLBCL NOS (poly-EBV-L) in comparison to classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL), primary mediastinal B cell lymphoma (PMBCL), and diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Paired exomes of 21 GZL and 7 poly-EBV-L cases were analyzed as a discovery cohort followed by targeted sequencing of 217 genes in an extension cohort of 29 GZL and 13 poly-EBV-L cases. GZL cases with thymic niche involvement displayed a mutation profile closely resembling cHL and PMBCL, with SOCS1 (45%), B2M (45%), TNFAIP3 (35%), GNA13 (35%) and NFKBIA (29%) being the most recurrently mutated genes. In contrast, GZL cases without thymic niche involvement (N=18) had a significantly distinct pattern, enriched in mutations related to apoptosis defects (TP53 (39%), BCL2 (28%), BIRC6 (22%)) and depleted in GNA13, XPO1 or NFKB signaling pathway mutations (TNFAIP3, NFKBIE, IKBKB, NFKBIA). Poly-EBV-L cases presented a distinct mutational profile including STAT3, PRKDC mutations and a significantly lower coding-mutation load in comparison to EBV-negative GZL. Our study highlights characteristic mutational patterns in GZL associated with presentation in the thymic niche suggesting a common cell of origin and disease evolution with related anterior mediastinal lymphomas.

Study EGAS00001004482

Similarity and diversity of the tumor microenvironment in multiple metastases: critical implications for overall and progression-free survival of high-grade serous ovarian cancer.

The tumor microenvironment is pivotal in influencing cancer progression and metastasis. Different cells co-exist with high spatial diversity within a patient, yet their combinatorial effects are poorly understood. We investigate the similarity of the tumor microenvironment of 192 local metastatic lesions in 61 ovarian cancer patients. An ecologically inspired measure of microenvironmental diversity derived from multiple metastasis sites is correlated with clinicopathological characteristics and prognostic outcome. We demonstrate a high accuracy of our automated analysis across multiple sites. A low level of similarity in microenvironmental composition is observed between ovary tumor and corresponding local metastases (stromal ratio r = 0.30, lymphocyte ratio r = 0.37). We identify a new measure of microenvironmental diversity derived from Shannon entropy that is highly predictive of poor overall (p = 0.002, HR = 3.18, 95% CI = 1.51-6.68) and progression-free survival (p = 0.0036, HR = 2.83, 95% CI = 1.41-5.7), independent of and stronger than clinical variables, subtype stratifications based on single cell types alone and number of sites. Although stromal influence in ovary tumors is known to have significant clinical implications, our findings reveal an even stronger impact orchestrated by diverse cell types. Quantitative histology-based measures can further enable objective selection of patients who are in urgent need of new therapeutic strategies such as combinatorial treatments targeting heterogeneous tumor microenvironment.

Study EGAS00001002065

Prebiotic inulin-type fructans induce specific changes in the human gut microbiota

ObjectiveContrary to the long-standing prerequisite of inducing selective (i.e. bifidogenic) effects, recent findings suggest that prebiotic interventions lead to ecosystem-wide microbiota shifts. Yet, a comprehensive characterization of this process is still lacking. Here, we apply 16S rDNA microbiota profiling and matching (GC-MS) metabolomics to assess the consequences of inulin fermentation both on the composition of the colon bacterial ecosystem and fecal metabolites profiles.DesignFecal samples collected during a double blind, randomized, cross-over intervention study (NCT02548247) set up to assess the effect of inulin consumption on stool frequency in healthy adults with mild constipation were analyzed. Fecal microbiota composition and metabolite profiles were linked to the study’s clinical outcome as well as to quality-of-life measurements recorded.ResultsWhile fecal metabolite profiles were not significantly altered by inulin consumption, our analyses did detect a modest effect on global microbiota composition. At the same time, specific inulin-induced changes in relative abundances of Anaerostipes, Bilophila, and Bifidobacterium were identified. The observed decrease in Bilophila abundances following inulin consumption was associated with both softer stools and a favorable change in constipation-specific quality of life measures.ConclusionsEcosystem-wide analysis of the effect of a dietary intervention with prebiotic inulin-type fructans on the colon microbiota revealed that this effect is specifically associated to three genera, one of which (Bilophila) representing a promising novel target for mechanistic research.

Study EGAS00001002173

GENETIC HISTORY OF ITALY

Recent scientific literature has highlighted the relevance of population genetic studies both for disease association-mapping in admixed populations and for understanding the history of human migrations. Deeper insight into the history of Italian population is critical for understanding the peopling of Europe. Because of its crucial position at the centre of the Mediterranean basin, the Italian peninsula has experienced a complex history of colonization and migration, whose genetic signatures are still present in contemporary Italians. In this study, we investigated genomic variation in the Italian population using 2.5 million single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in a sample of more than 300 unrelated Italian subjects with well-defined geographical origins. We combined several analytical approaches to interpret genome-wide data on 1,272 individuals from European, Middle Eastern, and North African populations. We detected three major ancestral components contributing different proportions across the Italian peninsula, and signatures of continuous gene flow within Italy, which has produced remarkable genetic variability among contemporary Italians. In addition, we have extracted novel details about the Italian population’s ancestry: we identified genetic signatures of major historical events in Europe and the Mediterranean basin from the Neolithic (e.g., peopling of Sardinia) to recent times (e.g., ‘barbarian invasion’ of Northern and Central Italy). These results are valuable for further genetic, epidemiological and forensic studies in Italy and in Europe.

Study EGAS00001001458

Automated system for scoring hematoxylin and eosin-stained ovarian cancer sections by identifying single cells uncovered that stromal cell ratio is a significant predictor for overall survival and progression-free survival.

Concerted efforts in genomic studies have revealed profound insights in prognostic ovarian cancer subtypes. On the other hand, abundant histology slides have been generated to date, yet their uses remain very limited and largely qualitative. Our goal is to develop automated histology analysis as an alternative subtyping technology for ovarian cancer that is cost-efficient and do not rely on DNA quality. We develop an automated system for scoring hematoxylin and eosin-stained (H&E) primary tumour sections of 91 late-stage ovarian cancer to identify single cells including cancer and stromal cells. We demonstrated high accuracy of our system based on expert pathologists’ scores (cancer=97.1%, stromal=89.1%) as well as compared to immunohistochemistry scoring (correlation=0.87). Quantitative stromal cell ratio is significantly associated with poor overall survival after controlling for clinical parameters including debulking status and age (multivariate analysis p=0.0021, HR=2.54, CI=1.40-4.60) and progression-free survival (multivariate analysis p=0.022, HR=1.75, CI=1.09–2.82). We demonstrate how automated image analysis enables objective quantification of microenvironmental composition of ovarian tumours. Our analysis reveals a strong effect of the tumour microenvironment on ovarian cancer progression and highlights the potential of therapeutic interventions that target the stromal compartment or cancer-stroma signalling in the stroma-high, late-stage ovarian cancer subset.

Study EGAS00001001694

PD-L1 blockade immunotherapy rewires cancer-induced emergency myelopoiesis

Introduction Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) immunotherapy has revolutionized cancer treatment, demonstrating exceptional clinical responses in a wide range of cancers. Despite the success, a significant proportion of patients still fail to respond, highlighting the existence of unappreciated mechanisms of immunotherapy resistance. Delineating such mechanisms is paramount to minimize immunotherapy failures and optimize the clinical benefit. Methods In this study, we treated tumour-bearing mice with PD-L1 blockage antibody (aPD-L1) immunotherapy, to investigate its effects on cancer-induced emergency myelopoiesis, focusing on bone marrow HSPCs. We examined the impact of aPD-L1 treatment on HSPC quiescence, proliferation, transcriptomic profile, and functionality. Results Herein, we reveal that aPD-L1 in tumour-bearing mice targets the hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) in the bone marrow (ΒΜ), mediating their exit from quiescence and promoting their proliferation. Notably, disruption of the PDL1/PD1 axis induces transcriptomic reprogramming in HSPCs, observed in both individuals with Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) and tumour-bearing mice, shifting towards an inflammatory state. Furthermore, HSPCs from aPDL1-treated mice demonstrated resistance to cancer-induced emergency myelopoiesis, evidenced by a lower generation of MDSCs compared to control-treated mice. Discussion: Our findings shed light on unrecognized mechanisms of action of ICB immunotherapy in cancer, which involves targeting of BM-driven HSPCs and reprogramming of cancer-induced emergency myelopoiesis.

Study EGAS00001007873

Genomic analysis reveals novel secondary drivers and progression pathways in skin basal cell carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma of the skin (BCC) is the most common malignant neoplasm in humans. BCC is primarily driven by the aberrant activation of the Sonic Hedgehog (Hh) pathway. However, its extensive phenotypical variation remains to be explained. The genetic profiling of 293 BCCs revealed the highest mutation rate observed in cancer (65 Mutations/Mb), with strong prevalence of UV-light signature mutations. 85% of BCCs harbored mutations in Hh pathway genes: mutually exclusive PTCH1 (73%) and SMO (20%) (P=6.6x10-8), SUFU (8%), and in TP53 (61%). 85% of BCCs also harbored secondary driver mutations in other genes implicated in BCC tumorigenesis. Recurrent secondary driver mutations were observed in MYCN (30%), PPP6C (15%), STK19 (10%), LATS1 (8%), ERBB2 (4%), PIK3CA (2%), RAC1 (1%) and N/K/H-RAS (2%). Loss of function (LoF) and deleterious missense mutations were observed in PTPN14 (23%), RB1 (8%) and FBXW7 (5%). In line with the mutational profiles detected by RNAseq, we observed activation of the Hh pathway as well as upregulation of target genes of the Hippo-YAP pathway and activation of MYCN target genes. The functional analysis of the novel tumorigenic driver mutations in MYCN, PTPN14 and LATS1 demonstrates their relevance in BCC tumorigenesis and provides an expanded molecular understanding of BCC.

Study EGAS00001001540

Identification_of_cardiovascular_biomarkers_through_an_integrative_omics_approach

Recent GWAS studies have made extensive use of large eQTL data sets to functionallyannotate index SNPs. With a large number of association signals located outside codingregions there has been an intense search among sequence variants affecting geneexpression at the transcriptional level. However, little progress has been made in mappingregulatory variants that affect protein levels at the translational or post-translational level. It isnow possible to undertake a protein QTL scan for focused sets of e.g. oxidized proteins bymass spectrometry. We have established a collaboration with a longitudinal, family-basedstudy in France, the Stanislas cohort, which comprises circa 1000 nuclear families (4,295individuals) and has follow up data for 10 years (three visits). We have undertaken a pilotstudy in a focus set of 257 subjects from 79 families with the aim to integrate GWAS,transcriptomic and DNA methylation data with proteomic data on a set of 100 proteinsmeasured in PBMCs. We have already generated GWAS data using Illumina's core-exomechip as well as DNA methylation profiles with the 450K array. We propose to use RNA seq togenerate transcriptomic data of the corresponding PBMCs.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 EGAS00001000711

Comprehensive analysis of atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumour (ATRT) using genomic, epigenomic and transcriptomic techniques.

ATRTs (Atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumours) represent one of the most aggressive pediatric brain cancers, but intriguingly exhibit few other recurrently mutated loci except for SMARCB1/hSNF5. We integrated whole genome (n=15), exome, copy number, gene expression and methylation analyses to comprehensively interrogate 64 ATRTs and observed that structural events were relatively frequent in the ATRT genome (~3 tumour). In addition to SMARCB1, which was targeted by structural events in a majority (49/64) of tumours, recurrent structural alterations targeting the LRP1B, CDH13, BCR and MKL1 loci were observed. We observed novel translocation events, including 2 targeting SMARCB1 which were detected only by NGS analyses. Significantly, integration of gene expression and methylation profiles with genomic analyses revealed ATRT comprise two sub-groups with distinct clinical and genetic features. Group 1 tumours were characterized by supra-tentorial brain location, focal intragenic alterations of SMARCB1 and a pro-neural gene expression signature with evidence of NOTCH pathway activation. While Group 2 ATRTs were characterized by infra-tentorial brain location, broad SMARCB1 alterations and an activation of the BMP signalling pathway. Our findings highlight epigenetic mechanisms as important determinants of ATRT tumour phenotypes, and demonstrate for the first time that ATRTs arising in different anatomical compartments comprise distinct molecular and therapeutic sub-groups.

Study EGAS00001000506

Cell fate mapping of human glioblastoma reveals an invariant stem cell hierarchy pre- and post-treatment

Human glioblastomas (GBMs) are thought to harbour a subpopulation of glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs) that initiate tumour formation and regrowth following treatment. However, the origin of their proliferative heterogeneity during tumour growth pre- and post-treatment remains poorly understood. Here we study the clonal evolution of DNA barcoded GBMs following their serial propagation in xenograft mouse models to define the fate behaviour of individual GBM cells. Through quantitative analysis of clone sizes scored across multiple passages, we show that the growth of GBM clones in vivo are consistent with a remarkably neutral process resulting from a conserved proliferative hierarchy. In this model, slow-cycling stem-like cells give rise to a more rapidly cycling progenitor population with extensive self-maintenance capacity, that in turn generates short-lived cells that lack proliferative ability. We also identify rare "outlier" clones that deviate from these dynamics, and further show that chemotherapy reproducibly facilitates the selective expansion of pre-existing drug-resistant GBM lineages. Finally, we show that coexisting, functionally distinct GSCs may be targeted separately with epigenetic compounds. These findings show that, independent of an evolving mutational signature, the clonal dynamics of human GBM can be surprisingly robust, with intratumoural heterogeneity derived primarily from the defined stochastic fate behaviour of tumour cells within a conserved proliferative hierarchy.

Study EGAS00001002424

Coding and small non-coding transcriptional landscape of tuberous sclerosis complex cortical tubers: implications for pathophysiology and treatment

Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC) is a rare genetic disorder that results from a mutation in the TSC1 or TSC2 genes leading to constitutive activation of the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1). TSC is associated with autism, intellectual disability and severe epilepsy. Cortical tubers are believed to represent the neuropathological substrates of these disabling manifestations in TSC. In the presented study we used high-throughput RNA sequencing in combination with systems-based computational approaches to investigate the complexity of the TSC molecular network. Overall we detected 438 differentially expressed genes and 991 differentially expressed small non-coding RNAs in cortical tubers compared to autopsy control brain tissue. We observed increased expression of genes associated with inflammatory, innate and adaptive immune responses. In contrast, we observed a down-regulation of genes associated with neurogenesis and glutamate receptor signaling. MicroRNAs represented the largest class of over-expressed small non-coding RNA species in tubers. In particular, our analysis revealed that the miR-34 family (including miR-34a, miR-34b and miR-34c) was significantly over-expressed. Functional studies demonstrated the ability of miR-34b to modulate neurite outgrowth in mouse primary hippocampal neuronal cultures. This study provides new insights into the TSC transcriptomic network along with the identification of potential new treatment targets.

Study EGAS00001002485

UK10K NEURO ASD TAMPERE

In the UK10K project we propose a series of complementary genetic approaches to find new low frequency/rare variants contributing to disease phenotypes. These will be based on obtaining the genome wide sequence of 4000 samples from the TwinsUK and ALSPAC cohorts (at 6x sequence coverage), and the exome sequence (protein coding regions and related conserved sequence) of 6000 samples selected for extreme phenotypes. Our studies will focus primarily on cardiovascular-related quantitative traits, obesity and related metabolic traits, neurodevelopmental disorders and a limited number of extreme clinical phenotypes that will provide proof-of-concept for future familial trait sequencing. We will analyse directly quantitative traits in the cohorts and the selected traits in the extreme samples, and also use imputation down to 0.1% allele frequency to extend the analyses to further sample sets with genome wide genotype data. In each case we will investigate indels and larger structural variants as well as SNPs, and use statistical methods that combine rare variants in a locus or pathway as well as single-variant approaches. The Tampere Autism sample set consists of samples from Finnish subjects with ASD (autism spectrum disorders) with IQs over 70 recruited from a clinical centre for the diagnosis and treatment of children with ASD. For further information on this cohort please contact either Terho Lehtimaki (terho.lehtimaki@uta.fi) or Kaija Puura (kaija.puura@pshp.fi).

Study EGAS00001000115

Sensitive Monogenic Noninvasive Prenatal Diagnosis by Targeted Haplotyping

During pregnancy, cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in maternal blood encompasses a small percentage of cell-free fetal DNA (cffDNA), an easilyaccessible source for determination of fetal disease status in risk families through non-invasive procedures. In case of monogenic heritabledisease, background maternal cfDNA prohibits direct observation of the maternally inherited allele. Non-invasive prenatal diagnostics(NIPD) of monogenic diseases therefore relies on parental haplotyping and statistical assessment of inherited alleles from cffDNA,techniques currently unavailable for routine clinical practice. Here, we present monogenic NIPD (MG-NIPD), which requires a bloodsample from both parents, for targeted locus amplification (TLA)-based phasing of heterozygous variants selectively at a gene of interest.Capture probes-based targeted sequencing of cfDNA from the pregnant mother and a tailored statistical analysis enables predicting fetalgene inheritance. MG-NIPD was validated for 18 pregnancies, focusing on CFTR, CYP21A2, and HBB. In all cases we could predict theinherited alleles with >98% confidence, even at relatively early stages (8 weeks) of pregnancy. This prediction and the accuracy ofparental haplotyping was confirmed by sequencing of fetal material obtained by parallel invasive procedures. MG-NIPD is a robustmethod that requires standard instrumentation and can be implemented in any clinic to provide families carrying a severe monogenicdisease with a prenatal diagnostic test based on a simple blood draw.

Study EGAS00001002622

Using_genetics_to_identify_cell_types_and_mechanisms_underlying_susceptibility_to_primary_sclerosing_cholangitis

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a T-cell mediated, chronic inflammatory condition of the biliary tree that is strongly associated with inflammatory bowel disease. Genome-wide association studies have identified 22 non-HLA genetic risk variants associated PSC. Identifying the genes impacted by these variants has proven difficult as the majority lie in non-coding regions of the genome. Knowledge of the genes and biological pathways these non-coding variants are perturbing is vital to understanding the disease biology. One means of assessing the impact of non-coding variants within disease associated loci upon genes is via colocalisation with eQTL. Many eQTL are cell-type specific, requiring the analysis of disease relevant cell types to detect colocalisation. We have collected PSC-relevant T-cell-subtypes from the peripheral blood of PSC patients via fluorescence activated cell sorting in preparation for RNA sequencing and mapping of eQTL. Samples were collected at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hopital, for which local ethical approval has been granted. Lysed cell samples will be transferred to WTSI and DNA/RNA will be extracted from lysed cell samples by T143 before genotyping (DNA) and custom library preparation and sequencing (RNA). 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 EGAS00001002643

MutWP1__CRUK_Grand_Challenge_Mutographs_of_Cancer__Oesophageal_squamous_cell_carcinoma

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 (Illumina HiSeqX, 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.

Study EGAS00001002725

MutWP1__CRUK_Grand_Challenge_Mutographs_of_Cancer__pancreas

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 (Illumina HiSeqX, 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.

Study EGAS00001002726

Insular Celtic population structure and genomic footprints of migration

Previous studies of the genetic landscape of Ireland have suggested homogeneity, with population substructure undetectable using single-marker methods. Here we have harnessed the haplotype-based method fineSTRUCTURE in an Irish genome-wide SNP dataset, identifying 23 discrete genetic clusters which segregate with geographical provenance. Cluster diversity is pronounced in the west of Ireland but reduced in the east where older structure has been eroded by historical migrations. Accordingly, when populations from the neighbouring island of Britain are included, a west-east cline of Celtic-British ancestry is revealed along with a particularly striking correlation between haplotypes and geography across both islands. A strong relationship is revealed between subsets of Northern Irish and Scottish populations, where discordant genetic and geographic affinities reflect major migrations in recent centuries. Additionally, Irish genetic proximity of all Scottish samples likely reflects older strata of communication across the narrowest inter-island crossing. Using GLOBETROTTER we detected Irish admixture signals from Britain and Europe and estimated dates for events consistent with the historical migrations of the Norse-Vikings, the Anglo-Normans and the British Plantations. The influence of the former is greater than previously estimated from Y chromosome haplotypes. In all, we paint a new picture of the genetic landscape of Ireland, revealing structure which should be considered in the design of studies examining rare genetic variation and its association with traits.

Study EGAS00001002769

An Empirical Approach Leveraging Tumorgrafts to Dissect the Tumor Microenvironment in Renal Cell Carcinoma Identifies Missing Link to Prognostic Inflammatory Factors

We undertook an empirical approach to dissect the tumor microenvironment by developing a bulk tumor dissection algorithm, DisHet, and leveraging RNA-Seq data of tumorgrafts (patient-derived tumors implanted in mice), in which only the tumor cell component expands. We found that approximately 65% of previously defined immune signature genes are not abundantly expressed in the Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC) microenvironment, and we identified more than two times as many novel immune/stromal transcripts. By using refined immune/stroma-specific genes and genomics, electronic medical record data and imaging data of 1084 RCC patients, we discovered a highly-inflamed pan-RCC subtype enriched for Treg cells, NK cells, Th1 cells, neutrophils, macrophages, B cells, and CD8+ T cells. This inflamed subtype (IS) is enriched for aggressive RCCs, including BAP1-deficient clear-cell and type 2 papillary tumors. Interestingly, IS is correlated with systemic manifestations of inflammation in patients such as thrombocytosis and anemia, whose pathogenesis were poorly defined and have been predictors of poor prognosis in RCC. Indeed, we discovered that IS is a strong predictor of poor survival. Lastly, our analyses show that tumor cells may drive stromal immune response. Overall, these data provide a missing link between the tumor cells, the tumor microenvironment, and systemic factors.

Study EGAS00001002786

Single cell sequencing reveals the origin and the order of mutation acquisition in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Next-generation sequencing has provided a detailed overview of the various genomic lesions implicated in the pathogenesis of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL). Typically, 10 to 20 genomic lesions are found in T-ALL cells at diagnosis. However, it is currently unclear in which order these mutations are acquired and in which progenitor cells this is initiated. To address these questions, we used targeted single-cell sequencing of total bone marrow cells and CD34+CD38- multipotent progenitor cells for 4 T-ALL cases. Hierarchical clustering detected a dominant leukemia clone at diagnosis, accompanied by a few subclones harboring only a fraction of the mutations. We developed a graph-based algorithm to determine the order of mutation acquisition. Two of the four patients had an early event in a known oncogene (MED12, STAT5B) amongst various pre-leukemic events. Intermediate events included loss of 9p21 (CDKN2A/B) and acquisition of fusion genes, while NOTCH1 mutations were typically late events. Analysis of CD34+CD38- cells and myeloid progenitors revealed that in half of the cases somatic mutations were detectable in multipotent progenitor cells. We demonstrate that targeted single cell sequencing can elucidate the order of mutation acquisition in T-ALL and that T-ALL development can start in a multipotent progenitor cell.

Study EGAS00001002830

A genomic approach towards an understanding of clonal evolution and disease progression in multiple myeloma

Multiple Myeloma (MM) is a largely incurable haematological malignancy defined by the clonal proliferation of malignant plasma cells within the bone marrow. Clonal heterogeneity has recently been established as a feature in MM, however, the subclonal evolution associated with disease progression has not been described. We used whole exome sequencing to analyse 10 paired patient samples, providing new insights into the progression from Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance (MGUS) and Smouldering MM (SMM), to symptomatic MM. We confirm that clonal heterogeneity is a common feature at diagnosis and that the driving events involved in disease progression are more complex than previously reported. While we observe some previously identified known “drivers” of MM, we find that the driving events involved in progression are complex and not limited to the known SNVs or CNVs. The RAS/MAPK pathway was found to be the most frequently deregulated pathway, with recurrent mutations in KRAS and NRAS observed in patients at both MGUS/SMM and MM stages. We reveal that MM evolution is mainly characterised by the phenomenon of clonal stability, where the subclonal plasma cell populations identified at MM progression are already present in the asymptomatic MGUS/SMM stages. These subclonal populations could be amenable to therapeutic intervention to arrest transformation to MM.

Study EGAS00001002850

Targeted_replication_of_LVOTO_genes

Non-syndromic cases of congenital heart defects (CHD) exhibit variable modes of inheritance (Mendelian and non-Mendelian). Several studies have identified strong candidates in humans by taking a candidate gene approach as well as by using whole exome next generation sequencing (NGS). So far these studies could only explain a minor fraction of the observed phenotype in humans, most of them in syndromic cases and no single study has focused on the subset of cases with left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO). To discover novel disease-causing genes a large cohort of patients with LVOTO, approximately 100 cases, 25 families and 100 trios have been exome sequenced. This study based on NGS sequencing data yielded several known and novel compelling candidate genes, such as MYH6, NR2F2 and MYH11, but also novel ones, such as ITGB4. To evaluate the significance of our findings in a replication cohort we assembled another 1614 cases with an LVOTO phenotype from our collaborators in Toronto, Berlin and Amsterdam. Targeted resequencing in this additional cohort will help to find additional cases with mutations in the identified candidate genes to strengthen genotype-phenotype association. We will use control data from the INTERVAL project for case/control analyses The pulldowns will be performed as 24-plex ISC with 192 or greater indexes, and the sequencing will be performed with 192 samples per lane, requiring 9 lanes of sequencing.

Study EGAS00001001238

Hyperhaploid Multiple Myeloma

Hyperhaploid multiple myeloma is a rare numerical aberration group defined by a range of 24-34 chromosomes which is associated with a poor prognosis. Hyperhaploid samples were sequenced by either exome or targeted panel sequencing. Samples had a median of 13 monosomies (range 12-14), which in general were those not associated with trisomies in hyperdiploid samples. The chromosomes traditionally trisomic in hyperdiploid myeloma were disomic in hyperhaploid myeloma with retention of heterodisomy. We examined the hyperhaploid samples for frequently mutated genes and found that 9/9 (100%) hyperhaploid samples had a mutation in TP53, exceeding the overall rate of mutation in newly diagnosed patients (5.5%), indicating an oncogenic dependency in this group. All samples with TP53 mutation also had monosomy of chromosome 17, indicating bi-allelic inactivation of TP53. As such, this high risk group is part of Double-Hit myeloma. DNA was obtained from either CD138+ cells from the bone marrow of multiple myeloma patients (tumor) or from stem cell harvests from the same patient (control). 100 ng of DNA was fragmented, end-repaired, and adapters ligated using the HyperPlus kit (KAPA Biosystems). After PCR amplification the libraries were hybridized with probes against either the entire exome (MedExome, Nimblegen) or a targeted panel of 140 genes using SeqCap reagents (Nimblegen). Hybridized libraries underwent further amplification before being sequenced on a NextSeq500 (Illumina) using 75 bp paired end reads.

Study EGAS00001003203

Resistance to anti-EGFR therapy in colorectal cancer

Monoclonal antibodies targeting the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR), such as cetuximab and panitumumab, have evolved to important therapeutic options in metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC). However, almost all patients with clinical response to anti-EGFR therapies show disease progression within a few months and little is known about mechanism and timing of resistance evolution. Here we performed whole genome sequencing of plasma DNA (plasma-Seq) from patients treated with anti-EGFR therapy. We demonstrate that development of resistance to anti-EGFR therapies is frequently associated with focal amplifications of KRAS, MET, and ERBB2. However, we also show that focal KRAS amplifications can be acquired in tumor genomes of patients under cytotoxic chemotherapy. Furthermore, we provide evidence that specific chromosomal polysomies, such as overrepresentations of 12p and 7p, harboring KRAS and EGFR, respectively, determine responsiveness to anti-EGFR therapy. In contrast, employing ultra-sensitive deep sequencing of genes associated with anti-EGFR resistance, such as KRAS, BRAF, PIK3CA, and EGFR, we did not observe the occurrence of novel, acquired mutations. Overall, whole-genome plasma DNA sequencing represents a non-invasive blood-based surrogate measure of changes in tumors. As such, plasma-Seq enables the identification of novel mutant clones and may therefore facilitate early adjustments of therapies that may delay or prevent disease progression.

Study EGAS00001000582

Detection of mutational patterns in cell free DNA (cfDNA) of colorectal cancer by custom amplicon sequencing

Monitoring the mutational patterns of solid tumors during cancer therapy is a major challenge in oncology. Analysis of mutations in cell free (cf) DNA offers a non-invasive approach to detect mutations that may be prognostic for disease survival or predictive for primary or secondary drug resistance. A main challenge for the application of cfDNA as a diagnostic tool is the diverse mutational landscape of cancer. Here, we developed a flexible end-to-end experimental and bioinformatics workflow to analyze mutations in cfDNA using custom amplicon sequencing. Our approach relies on open software tools to select primers suitable for multiplex PCR using minimal cfDNA as input. In addition, we developed a robust linear model to identify specific genetic alterations from sequencing data of cfDNA. We used our method to design a custom amplicon panel suitable for detection of hotspot mutations relevant for colorectal cancer and analyzed mutations in serial cfDNA samples from 34 patients with advanced colorectal cancer. Our data demonstrates that recurrent and patient-specific mutational patterns can be reliably detected for the majority of patients. Furthermore, we show that the allele frequency of mutations in cfDNA correlates well with disease progression. Finally, we demonstrate that monitoring of cfDNA can outperform the predictive power of currently used tumor markers and reveal mechanisms of resistance to anti-EGFR antibody treatment.

Study EGAS00001003382

Whole-Genome and Epigenomic Landscapes of Etiologically Distinct Subtypes of Cholangiocarcinoma

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a hepatobiliary malignancy exhibiting high incidence in countries with endemic liver-fluke infection. We analyzed 489 CCAs from 10 countries, combining whole-genome (71 cases), targeted/exome, copy-number, gene expression, and DNA methylation information. Integrative clustering defined 4 CCA clusters-fluke-positive CCAs (clusters 1/2) are enriched in ERBB2 amplifications and TP53 mutations; conversely, fluke-negative CCAs (clusters 3/4) exhibit high copy-number alterations and PD-1/PD-L2 expression, or epigenetic mutations (IDH1/2, BAP1) and FGFR/PRKA-related gene rearrangements. Whole-genome analysis highlighted FGFR2 3' untranslated region deletion as a mechanism of FGFR2 upregulation. Integration of noncoding promoter mutations with protein-DNA binding profiles demonstrates pervasive modulation of H3K27me3-associated sites in CCA. Clusters 1 and 4 exhibit distinct DNA hypermethylation patterns targeting either CpG islands or shores-mutation signature and subclonality analysis suggests that these reflect different mutational pathways. Our results exemplify how genetics, epigenetics, and environmental carcinogens can interplay across different geographies to generate distinct molecular subtypes of cancer.SIGNIFICANCE: Integrated whole-genome and epigenomic analysis of CCA on an international scale identifies new CCA driver genes, noncoding promoter mutations, and structural variants. CCA molecular landscapes differ radically by etiology, underscoring how distinct cancer subtypes in the same organ may arise through different extrinsic and intrinsic carcinogenic processes.

Study EGAS00001001653

mFAST-SeqS

Recent progress in the analysis of cell-free DNA fragments (cell-free circulating tumor DNA, ctDNA) now allows monitoring of tumor genomes by non-invasive means. However, previous studies with plasma DNA from patients with cancer demonstrated highly variable allele frequencies of ctDNA. The comprehensive analysis of tumor genomes is greatly facilitated when plasma DNA has increased amounts of ctDNA. Therefore, a fast and cost-effective pre-screening method to identify such plasma samples without previous knowledge about alterations in the respective tumor genome could assist in the selection of samples suitable for further extensive qualitative analysis. To address this, we adapted the recently described FAST-SeqS method, which was originally established as a simple and effective, non-invasive screening method for fetal aneuploidy from maternal blood. We show that our modified FAST-SeqS method (mFAST-SeqS) can be used as a pre-screening tool for an estimation of the ctDNA percentage. Using a combined evaluation of genome-wide and chromosome-arm specific z-scores from dilution series with cell line DNA and by comparisons of plasma-Seq profiles with data from mFAST-SeqS, we established a detection limit of 10% or more of mutant alleles. Plasma samples with an mFAST-SeqS z-score above 5 showed highly concordant results compared to copy number profiles obtained from our previously described plasma-Seq approach.

Study EGAS00001001133

Molecular analysis of post-colonoscopy CRC (PCCRC)

Background: Post-colonoscopy colorectal cancers (PCCRCs, i.e. CRC diagnosed after a colonoscopy that excluded cancer) pose a challenge in clinical practice. In a retrospective cohort study, we compared clinical and molecular features of PCCRCs and prevalent CRCs. Methods: PCCRCs were defined according to the WEO classification, as cancers occurring within 10 years after a complete index colonoscopy, which excluded CRC. Whole genome chromosomal copy number changes and mutation status of genes commonly affected in CRC (APC, KRAS, BRAF, FBXW7, PIK3CA, NRAS, SMAD4 and TP53) were examined by low-coverage WGS and targeted sequencing, respectively. MSI and CIMP status were also determined. Results: In total, 122 PCCRCs and 98 prevalent CRCs were examined. PCCRCs are more often located proximally in the colon (p<0.001), non-polypoid appearing (p=0.004), early stage (p=0.009), and poorly differentiated (p=0.006) compared to prevalent CRCs. PCCRCs contain less frequently 18q deletions (p<0.001) than prevalent CRCs. MSI (p=0.029) and CIMP (p=0.014) are more frequently observed in PCCRCs. Conclusion: Although no PCCRC specific pathway could be defined, PCCRCs’ molecular features are more associated with MSI and hypermethylation pathways than canonical CIN pathway. The clinical and molecular features observed in PCCRCs support the hypothesis that sessile serrated lesions and non-polypoid CRNs are contributors to the development of these cancers."

Study EGAS00001004686

Homozygous loss-of-function variants in European cosmopolitan and isolate populations

Homozygous loss of function (HLOF) variants provide a valuable window on gene function in humans, as well as an inventory of the human genes that are not essential for survival and reproduction. All humans carry at least a few HLOF variants, but the exact number of inactivated genes that can be tolerated is currently unknown-as are the phenotypic effects of losing function for most human genes. Here, we make use of 1432 whole exome sequences from five European populations to expand the catalogue of known human HLOF mutations; after stringent filtering of variants in our dataset, we identify a total of 173 HLOF mutations, 76 (44%) of which have not been observed previously. We find that population isolates are particularly well suited to surveys of novel HLOF genes because individuals in such populations carry extensive runs of homozygosity, which we show are enriched for novel, rare HLOF variants. Further, we make use of extensive phenotypic data to show that most HLOFs, ascertained in population-based samples, appear to have little detectable effect on the phenotype. On the contrary, we document several genes directly implicated in disease that seem to tolerate HLOF variants. Overall HLOF genes are enriched for olfactory receptor function and are expressed in testes more often than expected, consistent with reduced purifying selection and incipient pseudogenisation.

Study EGAS00001001606

Epigenetic profiling of human CD4+ memory T cells reveals their proliferative history and argues in favor of a progressive differentiation model driven by epigenetically controlled master regulators.

A key element of adaptive immunity is the development of long-lived memory cells, which protect against recurring infection by providing a highly enriched pool of antigen-specific cells ready to react to the pathogen. Different classes of memory T cells occur upon primary activation of naive T cells, however, their detailed differentiation pathway is not entirely clear. As part of the IHEC consortium, we generated genome-wide epigenetic maps of a number of CD4+ T cell memory (Tmem) stages including rare subsets such as terminally differentiated (TEMRA) and bone marrow-resident Tmem. We found that CD4+ T cells show progressive global DNA demethylation with differentiation into memory stages, which reflects their proliferative history and likely indicates their decline in differentiation and proliferation potential. Furthermore, transcriptomic profiling combined with co-regulation network analyses arranged different Tmem subsets into a successive differentiation pathway. In addition, we identified a number of epigenetically controlled candidate master regulators for Tmem formation, of which we functionally validated a new methylation-sensitive promoter for the known 'naive-keeper' transcription factor Foxp1. Our study highlights the power of epigenomic datasets in the elucidation of the cellular history but also of the functional potential of T cell populations including the identification of epigenetically controlled master regulators.

Study EGAS00001001624

Measurable residual disease in elderly acute myeloid leukemia: results from the PETHEMA-FLUGAZA phase III clinical trial

The value of measurable residual disease (MRD) in elderly patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is inconsistent between those treated with intensive vs hypomethylating drugs, and unknown after semi-intensive therapy. We investigated the role of MRD in refining complete remission (CR) and treatment duration in the phase III PETHEMA-FLUGAZA clinical trial, that randomized 283 elderly AML patients to induction and consolidation with fludarabine plus cytarabine or induction and consolidation with 5-azacitidine. After consolidation, patients continued treatment if MRD≥0.01% or stopped if MRD<0.01%, assessed by multidimensional flow cytometry (MFC). On multivariate analysis including genetic risk and treatment arm, MRD status in patients achieving CR (N=72) was the only independent prognostic factor for cumulative-incidence of relapse (HR:2.95;P=.002) and relapse-free survival (HR:3.45;P=.002). A trend for longer overall survival was observed in patients with undetectable MRD (N=13/72). Although leukemic cells from most elderly AML patients display phenotypic aberrancies vs their normal counterpart (N=258/265), CD34 progenitors from cases with undetectable MRD by MFC displayed extensive genetic abnormalities identified by whole-exome sequencing. This study supports MRD assessment to refine CR after semi-intensive therapy or hypomethylating agents, but unveils that improved sensitivity is warranted to individualize treatment and prolong survival of elderly AML patients achieving undetectable MRD.

Study EGAS00001004574

Cerebral organoid model reveals excessive proliferation of human caudal late interneuron progenitors in Tuberous Sclerosis Complex

Although the intricate and prolonged development of the human brain critically distinguishes it from other mammals, our current understanding of neurodevelopmental diseases is largely based on work using animal models. Recent studies revealed that neural progenitors in the human brain are profoundly different from those found in rodent animal models. Moreover, post-mortem studies revealed extensive migration of interneurons into the late-gestational and post-natal human prefrontal cortex that does not occur in rodents. Here, we use cerebral organoids to show that overproduction of mid-gestational human interneurons causes Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC), a severe neuro-developmental disorder associated with mutations in TSC1 and TSC2. We identify a previously uncharacterized population of caudal late interneuron progenitors, the CLIP-cells. In organoids derived from patients carrying heterozygous TSC2 mutations, dysregulation of mTOR signaling leads to CLIP-cell over-proliferation and formation of cortical tubers and subependymal tumors. Surprisingly, second-hit events resulting from copy-neutral loss-of-heterozygosity (cnLOH) are not causative for but occur during the progression of tumor lesions. Instead, EGFR signaling is required for tumor proliferation, opening up a promising approach to treat TSC lesions. Our study demonstrates that the analysis of developmental disorders in organoid models can lead to fundamental insights into human brain development and neuropsychiatric disorders.

Study EGAS00001004586

Drug-perturbation-based stratification of blood cancer

As new generations of targeted therapies emerge and tumor genome sequencing discovers increasingly comprehensive mutation repertoires, the functional relationships of mutations to tumor phenotypes remain largely unknown. Here, we measured ex vivo sensitivity of 246 blood cancers to 63 drugs alongside genome, transcriptome, and DNA methylome analysis to understand determinants of drug response. We assembled a primary blood cancer cell encyclopedia data set that revealed disease-specific sensitivities for each cancer. Within chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), responses to 62% of drugs were associated with 2 or more mutations, and linked the B cell receptor (BCR) pathway to trisomy 12, an important driver of CLL. Based on drug responses, the disease could be organized into phenotypic subgroups characterized by exploitable dependencies on BCR, mTOR, or MEK signaling and associated with mutations, gene expression, and DNA methylation. Fourteen percent of CLLs were driven by mTOR signaling in a non–BCR-dependent manner. Multivariate modeling revealed immunoglobulin heavy chain variable gene (IGHV) mutation status and trisomy 12 as the most important modulators of response to kinase inhibitors in CLL. Ex vivo drug responses were associated with outcome. This study overcomes the perception that most mutations do not influence drug response of cancer, and points to an updated approach to understanding tumor biology, with implications for biomarker discovery and cancer care.

Study EGAS00001001746

Identifying genetic consequences of Epstein-Barr Virus transformation by comparing an individual’s genomic DNA with that of its lymphoblastoid cell line.

A detailed analysis of whole genomes can be now achieved with next generation sequencing. Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) transformation is a widely used strategy in clinical research to obtain an unlimited source of a subject’s DNA. Although the mechanism of transformation and immortalization by EBV is relatively well known at the transcriptional and proteomic level, the genetic consequences of EBV transformation are less well understood. A detailed analysis of the genetic alterations introduced by EBV transformation is highly relevant, as it will inform on the usefulness and limitations of this approach. We used whole genome sequencing to assess the genomic signature of a low-passage lymphoblastoid cell line (LCL). Specifically, we sequenced the full genome (40X) of an individual using DNA purified from fresh whole blood as well as DNA from his LCL. A total of 217.33 Gb of sequence were generated from the cell line and 238.95 Gb from the normal genomic DNA. We determined with high confidence that 99.2% of the genomes were identical, with no reproducible changes in structural variation (chromosomal rearrangements and copy number variations) or insertion/deletion polymorphisms (indels). Our results suggest that, at this level of resolution, the LCL is genetically indistinguishable from its genomic counterpart and therefore their use in clinical research is not likely to introduce a significant bias.

Study EGAS00001000323

23249 results for "ega"

in 107.96 milliseconds.

PSCP_mutation analysis in hESCs

PSCP_bisulphite analysis in hESCs

Comprehensive genomic profiles of small cell lung cancer

RNA-Seq in Patients with Primordial Dwarfism

MutWP1__CRUK_Grand_Challenge_Mutographs_of_Cancer__clear_cell_renal_cell_carcinoma

Diverse_outcomes_of_controlled_human_malaria_infection_originate_from_host_intrinsic_immune_variation_and_not_var_gene_switching

RNA-Seq of vocal fold fibroblasts in Reinke’s edema and control subjects

Identification of biomarkers of response to preoperative talazoparib monotherapy in treatment naïve gBRCA+ breast cancers

Presence of rare potential pathogenic variants in subjects under 65 years old with very severe or fatal COVID‑19

Multi-organ landscape of therapy-resistant melanoma

Single-cell level characterization of B cell depletion and repopulation following rituximab in systemic lupus erythematosus

Clinical outcomes and immune correlates of response to nivolumab plus chemoradiotherapy in women with locally-advanced cervical cancer – NiCOL study

Transcriptome of CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells in glioblastoma multiforme

Liquid biopsy for molecular characterization of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and early assessment of minimal residual disease

Oncogenic Ectodomain deletion of FGFR1 caused by Breakage-Fusion-Bridges in Squamous Cell lung Cancer

Detection of rare mutations, copy number variation, and DNA methylation in the same template DNA molecules

Knoll et al Identification of drug candidates targeting monocyte reprogramming in people living with HIV

The neo-open reading frame peptides that comprise the tumor framome are a rich source of neoantigens for cancer immunotherapy

Personalized peptide vaccination among 173 patients with IDH wildtype glioblastoma: a retrospective analysis

Mid-pass Whole-genome Sequencing in a Malagasy Cohort Uncovers Body Composition Associations

Identification and characterisation of pathogenic and non-pathogenic FGF14 repeat expansions

Raw sequencing files from WGS and RNA-Seq

A comprehensive DNA methylation landscape of human and mouse cell lines derived from hematological malignancies

DUX4 activates novel intergenic transcripts and isoforms in a tissue-specific context

Localised colon cancer WES study contaning WBCs, tissue and plasma samples at different time points

A thymic ILC1-like progenitor with differentiation potential towards KIR+NKG2A- NK cells

A thymic ILC1-like progenitor with differentiation potential towards KIR+NKG2A- NK cells - sc

Rituximab-treated lymphoma patients show correlated deficiency in serological and T cell Spike-specific response after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination: insights from the CORSA Study.

MRCA and MRCE SNP genotypes

Organoid BulkRNAseq

Nala TAS-LRS PGx Study

Somatic rearrangements causing oncogenic ectodomain deletions of FGFR1 in squamous cell lung cancer

Transposable Elements Shape Stemness in Normal and Leukemic Hematopoiesis

Transposable Elements Shape Stemness in Normal and Leukemic Hematopoiesis

Neoadjuvant immune checkpoint blockade in mismatch-repair proficient colon cancers

Immune heterogeneity in small cell lung cancer and vulnerability to immune checkpoint blockade

Phenotypic characterization and prognostic impact of CD103+ tissue-resident memory T cells in diffuse large B cell lymphoma

Investigating Host Genetic Risk Factors for Tuberculosis in Highly Endemic South African Populations

INSPIRE - Investigator-initiated Phase 2 Study of Pembrolizumab Immunological Response in Metastatic Solid Tumors

RBMX functional retrocopy safeguards brain development

Multimodal plasma and urinary cell-free DNA profiling improves risk stratification in newly diagnosed prostate cancer

Whole genome sequencing of matched primary and metastatic acral melanomas

The Cardiogenics study

A Cancer Cell-Line Titration Series for Evaluating Somatic Classification

Novel CNV contribution to schizophrenia from a genome wide study of 41,321 subjects

Genomic characterization of retinoblastoma (targeted sequencing)

Transcriptional regulatory networks of tumor-associated macrophages that drive malignancy in mesenchymal glioblastoma

Antisense long non-coding RNAs are deregulated in skin tissue of patients with systemic sclerosis

Double mutant DNMT3A AML: a unique subtype

WES of 2 human osteosarcoma and corresponding cell lines

Papuan Y chromosome Diversity Panel

Human Pancreatic Islet RNAseq - Lund

Phenotyping data on human pancreatic islets from 191 donors - Lund

Aggressive genomic features in clinicallyindolent primary HHV8-negative effusion-based lymphoma

Enrichment of oral-derived bacteria in inflamed colorectal tumors and distinct associations of Fusobacterium in the mesenchymal subtype

Analysis_of_genomic_integrity_of_disease_corrected_human_induced_pluripotent_stem_cells_by_exome_sequencing

UK10K NEURO ASD MGAS

RNA-sequencing of six Pilocytic astrocytoma tumors

Ultrasensitive detection of minor allele fractions in maternal samples based on microhaplotype analysis

Evolution of DNA repair defects during malignant progression of low-grade gliomas after temozolomide treatment.

JMML targeted sequencing (2013)

Exome and RNA sequencing of relapsed TCF3-PBX1 t(1;19) acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Illumina HumanOmniExpress genotyping data from the TEENAGE (TEENs of Attica: Genes and Environment) study.

Finnish_population_cohort_genotyping_B

Transcriptome sequencing of gingivo-buccal oral squamous cell carcinoma for integrative analysis: alterations in expression of genes attributable to methylation changes

GWAS data on human pancreatic islets from 191 donors - Lund

Comparison of 133/144bp dominant phenotype vs 166bp dominant phenotype.

Mutational Landscape of Grey Zone Lymphoma

Similarity and diversity of the tumor microenvironment in multiple metastases: critical implications for overall and progression-free survival of high-grade serous ovarian cancer.

Prebiotic inulin-type fructans induce specific changes in the human gut microbiota

GENETIC HISTORY OF ITALY

Automated system for scoring hematoxylin and eosin-stained ovarian cancer sections by identifying single cells uncovered that stromal cell ratio is a significant predictor for overall survival and progression-free survival.

PD-L1 blockade immunotherapy rewires cancer-induced emergency myelopoiesis

Genomic analysis reveals novel secondary drivers and progression pathways in skin basal cell carcinoma

Identification_of_cardiovascular_biomarkers_through_an_integrative_omics_approach

Comprehensive analysis of atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumour (ATRT) using genomic, epigenomic and transcriptomic techniques.

Cell fate mapping of human glioblastoma reveals an invariant stem cell hierarchy pre- and post-treatment

Coding and small non-coding transcriptional landscape of tuberous sclerosis complex cortical tubers: implications for pathophysiology and treatment