22938 results for "ega"

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• ctDNA monitoring using patient-specific sequencing and integration of variant reads - Breast cohort

  Circulating tumor-derived DNA (ctDNA) can be used to monitor cancer dynamics noninvasively. Detection of ctDNA can be challenging in patients with low-volume or residual disease, where plasma contains very few tumor-derived DNA fragments. We show that sensitivity for ctDNA detection in plasma can be improved by analyzing hundreds to thousands of mutations that are first identified by tumor genotyping. We describe the INtegration of VAriant Reads (INVAR) pipeline, which combines custom error-suppression methods and signal-enrichment approaches based on biological features of ctDNA. With this approach, the detection limit in each sample can be estimated independently based on the number of informative reads sequenced across multiple patient-specific loci. We applied INVAR to custom hybrid-capture sequencing data from 176 plasma samples from 105 patients with melanoma, lung, renal, glioma, and breast cancer across both early and advanced disease. By integrating signal across a median of >105 informative reads, ctDNA was routinely quantified to 1 mutant molecule per 100,000, and in some cases with high tumor mutation burden and/or plasma input material, to individual parts per million. This resulted in median Area Under the Curve (AUC) values of 0.98 in advanced cancers, and 0.80 in early stage and challenging settings for ctDNA detection. We generalized this method to whole-exome and whole-genome sequencing, showing that the INVAR may be applied without requiring personalized sequencing panels, so long as a tumor mutation list is available. As tumor sequencing becomes increasingly performed, such methods for personalized cancer monitoring may enhance the sensitivity of cancer liquid biopsies.

  Dataset EGAD00001006293

• Characterisation of the genomic landscape of CRLF2-d ALL

  To determine the clinical and genetic landscape of CRLF2 deregulated acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (CRLF2-d ALL). We identified 172 patients with a CRLF2 rearrangement treated on either the UKALL2003 trial for children and adolescents (1-24 years) or the UKALLXII trial for adolescents and adults (15-59 years). Genomic technologies from conventional karyotyping, and FISH through to whole genome and exome sequencing were used to characterise the genomes of patients with CRLF2-d ALL. This is the largest study to date to investigate the genomic landscape of CRLF2-d ALL and define CRLF2-d as a unique subgroup of B-other ALL. We have confirmed the high incidence of CRLF2-d in Down syndrome-ALL and demonstrated the co-existence of CRLF2-d with other primary chromosomal rearrangements, suggesting that in these patients CRLF2-d can be a secondary genetic abnormality. Other defining features included enrichment of IKZF1, BTG1 and ADD3 deletions in IGH-CRLF2 patients and specific chromosomal gains seen at much higher frequencies than B-other ALL . We report recurrent established and new co-operating abnormalities and the novel involvement of USP9X and DDX3X in CRLF2-d ALL. It is clear from these data that CRLF2-d ALL is heterogenoeus, requiring a combination of genetic abnormalities in functionally relevent genes, to work alongside the deregulated expression of CRLF2 in order to initiate and drive leukaemogenesis in this subtype. Although the functional relevance of many of the abnormalities presented here are currently unknown, many are likely to activate alternate pathways or sensitize patients to current therapies.

  Dataset EGAD00001002007

• Distinct evolutionary trajectories of primary high grade serous ovarian cancers revealed through spatial mutational profiling

  High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSC) is characterized by poor outcome, often attributed to the emergence of treatment-resistant subclones. We sought to measure the degree of genomic diversity within primary, untreated HGSCs to examine the natural state of tumour evolution prior to therapy. We performed exome sequencing, copy number analysis, targeted amplicon deep sequencing and gene expression profiling on 31 spatially and temporally separated HGSC tumour specimens (six patients), including ovarian masses, distant metastases and fallopian tube lesions. We found widespread intratumoural variation in mutation, copy number and gene expression profiles, with key driver alterations in genes present in only a subset of samples (eg PIK3CA, CTNNB1, NF1). On average, only 51.5% of mutations were present in every sample of a given case (range 10.2 to 91.4%), with TP53 as the only somatic mutation consistently present in all samples. Complex segmental aneuploidies, such as whole-genome doubling, were present in a subset of samples from the same individual, with divergent copy number changes segregating independently of point mutation acquisition. Reconstruction of evolutionary histories showed one patient with mixed HGSC and endometrioid histology, with common aetiologic origin in the fallopian tube and subsequent selection of different driver mutations in the histologically distinct samples. In this patient, we observed mixed cell populations in the early fallopian tube lesion, indicating that diversity arises at early stages of tumourigenesis. Our results revealed that HGSCs exhibit highly individual evolutionary trajectories and diverse genomic tapestries prior to therapy, exposing an essential biological characteristic to inform future design of personalized therapeutic solutions and investigation of drug-resistance mechanisms

  Dataset EGAD00001000669

• Characterization and clinical relevance of the genomic alterations defining invasive lobular breast cancer

  Background: Invasive lobular breast cancer (ILBC) is the second most common histological subtype after ductal breast cancer (IDBC). In spite of significant clinical and pathological differences, ILBC is still treated as IDBC. Here, we aimed at identifying recurrent genomic alterations in ILBC with potential clinical implications.Methods: Starting from 630 ILBC primary tumors with a median follow up of 10 years, we interrogated oncogenic substitutions and indels of 360 cancer genes and genome-wide copy number alterations in 413 and 170 ILBC samples, respectively, and correlated those findings with clinical, pathological, and outcome features. The Cancer Genome Atlas database was used for comparison of frequency estimates.Results: Besides the high mutation frequency of CDH1 in 65% of the tumors, alterations in one of the three key genes of the PI3K pathway, PIK3CA, PTEN and AKT1, were present in more than half of the cases. ERBB2 and ERBB3 were mutated in 5.1 and 3.6% of the tumors. FOXA1 mutations and ESR1 copy number gains were detected in 9% and 25% of the samples. All these alterations were more frequent in ILBC than IDBC. The histological diversity of ILBC was associated with specific genomic alterations, such as enrichment for ERBB2 mutations in the mixed, non-classic subtype, and for ARID1A mutations and ESR1 gains in the solid subtype. Finally, ERBB2 and AKT1 mutations were associated with short-term risk of relapse, and chromosome 1q and 11p gain with increased and decreased breast cancer free survival, respectively.Conclusion: ERBB2, ERBB3 and AKT1 mutations represent high prevalence therapeutic targets in ILBC. FOXA1 mutations and ESR1 gains urgently deserve dedicated clinical investigation, especially in the context of endocrine treatment.

  Dataset EGAD00001001395

• Integrated clinical, whole genome, and transcriptome analysis of multisampled lethal metastatic prostate cancer

  We report the first combined analysis of whole genome sequence, detailed clinical history, and transcriptome sequence of multiple prostate cancer metastases in a single patient (A21). Whole genome and transcriptome sequence was obtained from 9 anatomically separate metastases, and targeted DNA sequencing was performed in cancerous and noncancerous foci within the primary tumor specimen removed 5 years prior to death. Transcriptome analysis revealed increased expression of AR-regulated genes in liver metastases that harbored an AR p.L702H mutation, suggesting a dominant effect by the mutation despite being present in only 1 of an estimated 16 copies per cell. The metastases harbored several alterations to the PI3K/AKT pathway, including a clonal truncal mutation in PIK3CG and present in all metastatic sites studied. The list of truncal genomic alterations shared by all metastases included homozygous deletion of TP53, hemizygous deletion of RB1 and CHD1, and amplification of FGFR1. If the patient were treated today given this knowledge, use of second-generation androgen-directed therapies, cessation of glucocorticoid administration, and therapeutic inhibition of the PI3K/AKT pathway or FGFR1 receptor could provide personalized benefit. Three previously unreported truncal clonal missense mutations (ABCC4 p.R891L, ALDH9A1 p.W89R, and ASNA1 p.P75R) were expressed at the RNA level and assessed as druggable. The truncal status of mutations is critical for actionability, and can only be determined through analysis of multiple sites of metastasis. Our findings suggest that a large set of deeply analyzed cases could serve as powerful guide to more effective prostate cancer basic science and personalized cancer medicine clinical trials.

  Dataset EGAD00001001869

• Expression profiling of a human endocrine pancreas iPSC model

  Directed differentiation of stem cells offers a scalable solution to the need for human cell models recapitulating islet biology and T2D pathogenesis. We profiled mRNA expression at six stages of an induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) model of endocrine pancreas development from two donors, and characterized the distinct transcriptomic profiles associated with each stage. Established regulators of endodermal lineage commitment, such as SOX17 (log2 fold change [FC] compared to iPSCs=14.2, p-value=4.9x10-5) and the pancreatic agenesis gene GATA6 (log2 FC=12.1, p-value=8.6x10-5), showed transcriptional variation consistent with their known developmental roles. However, these analyses highlighted many other genes with stage-specific expression patterns, some of which may be novel drivers or markers of islet development. For example, the leptin receptor gene, LEPR, was most highly expressed in published data from in vivo-matured cells compared to the endocrine pancreas-like cells (log2 FC=5.5, p-value=2.0x10-12), suggesting a role for the leptin pathway in the maturation process. Endocrine pancreas-like cells showed significant stage-selective expression of adult islet genes, including INS, ABCC8, and GLP1R, and enrichment of relevant GO-terms (e.g. “insulin secretion”; odds ratio=4.2, p-value=1.9x10-3): however, principal component analysis indicated that in vitro-differentiated cells were more immature than adult islets. Integration of the stage-specific expression information with genetic data from T2D genome-wide association studies revealed that 46 of 82 T2D-associated loci harbor genes present in at least one developmental stage, facilitating refinement of potential effector transcripts. Together, these data show that expression profiling in an iPSC islet development model can further understanding of islet biology and T2D pathogenesis.

  Dataset EGAD00001002148

• Longitudinal profiling of the immune response to Plasmodium vivax in naive hosts by RNA-sequencing

  Plasmodium vivax offers unique challenges for control and elimination, and may prove a tougher hurdle to overcome than Plasmodium falciparum. And yet compared to P. falciparum we know very little about the innate and adaptive immune responses that need to be harnessed to reduce disease and transmission. We recently generated a blood bank of a new clonal field isolate of P. vivax (PvW1) for human challenge studies and used systems immunology tools to track the host response throughout infection and convalescence. As part of this study, RNA-sequencing was used to resolve changes in whole blood gene expression through time in 6 volunteers (7-9 time-points per volunteer). In summary, these data show that P. vivax induces two distinct transcriptional programmes in whole blood during and after infection. During infection, transcriptional profiling reveals the rapid mobilisation of an emergency myeloid response, which leads to systemic inflammation and the recruitment of all major T cell subsets into lymphoid tissues. Six days after infection, this innate response subsides and a transcriptional signature of proliferation is revealed. This most likely represents widespread activation of lymphocytes, which return to the circulation after parasite clearance - transcriptional profiling of T cells at this time-point could therefore reveal the outcomes of critical cell-cell interactions that take place within the spleen during infection. 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 EGAD00001006924

• 13 WGS and 8 TCS data of ENKL patients treated with pembrolizumab.

  Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was performed for 13 pairs of tumor-normal samples from patients diagnosed with NKTL. Genomic DNA from tumor tissue was extracted with QIAamp DNA Mini Kit. The DNA for the matching normal was obtained from blood or buccal swabs and purified by Blood and Cell Culture DNA Mini kit or E.Z.N.A. Tissue DNA Kit (Omega Bio-tek) according to manufacturer’s instructions. The quantity and quality were assessed by Quant-iT PicoGreen dsDNA Assay Kit (Invitrogen) and agarose gel electrophoresis. All sequencing libraries were prepared using TruSeq Nano DNA Library Prep Kit (Illumina). Paired-end sequencing was performed on Illumina HiSeq 2000 or HiSeq X Ten as 2x101 bp or 2x151 bp, respectively. 8 NKTL FFPE specimens were screened for somatic mutations using deep targeted capture sequencing (TCS). FFPE rolls or slides were extracted using QIAamp DNA FFPE Tissue kit (QIAGEN). The FFPE genomic DNA was treated with NEBNext FFPE DNA Repair Mix and assessed by Quant-it PicoGreen dsDNA Assay Kit (Invitrogen). The library was generated from 10-200 ng DNA with SureSelectXT Low Input Target Enrichment System for Illumina Paired-End Sequencing Library (Agilent Technologies) according to manufacturer’s instructions. RNA based probe was designed with SureDesign (Agilent Technologies) to target-capture 140 genes. Next, the captured libraries were pooled in equimolar concentration and sequenced on Illumina Novaseq 6000 platform with SP or S1 chip. Reads aligning to 40 selected genes were isolated post-alignment for this submission. Prefix used in filenames: T - Tumor samples N - Matched-Normal samples

  Dataset EGAD00001004140

• Open Targets 020 Epigenomes of Cell Lines (2018-10-23)

  There is currently a drive to establish cell based assay systems of greater human biological and disease relevance through the use of well characterised transformed cell lines, primary cells and complex cellular models (e.g. co-culture, 3D models). However, although the field is gaining valuable experience in running more non-standard & complex cell assays for target validation and compound pharmacology studies, there is the lack of a systematic approach to determine if this expansion in cell assay models is reflected in increased human biological and disease relevance. The increasing wealth of publically available transcriptomic, and epigenome (ENCODE and Epigenome Roadmap) data represents an ideal reference mechanism for determining the relationship between cell types used for target & compound studies to primary human cells and tissues from both healthy volunteers & patients. The CTTV020 epigenomes of cell line project aims to generate epigenetic and transcriptomic profiles of cell lines and compare these with existing and newly generated reference data sets from human tissue and cell types. The aim is to identify assay systems which will provide greater confidence in translating target biology and compound pharmacology to patients. Multiple cell types commonly used within research have been grouped according to biology. Examples include erythroid, lung epithelial, hepatocyte cell types and immortalised models of monocyte / macrophage biology. This data is part of a pre-publication release. For information on the proper use of pre-publication data shared by the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute (including details of any publication moratoria), please see http://www.sanger.ac.uk/datasharing/ . This dataset contains all the data available for this study on 2018-10-23.

  Dataset EGAD00001004414

• The endometrial transcription landscape of MRKH syndrome

  The Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome (OMIM 277000) is characterized by agenesis of the uterus and upper part of the vagina in females with normal ovarian function. While genetic causes have been identified for a small subset of patients and epigenetic mechanisms presumably contribute to the pathogenic unfolding, too, the etiology of the syndrome has remained largely enigmatic. A comprehensive understanding of gene activity in the context of the disease is crucial to identify etiological components and their potential interplay. So far, this understanding is lacking, primarily due to the scarcity of samples and suitable tissue. In order to close this gap, we profiled endometrial tissue of uterus rudiments in a large cohort of MRKH patients using RNA-seq and thereby provide a genome-wide view on the altered transcription landscape of the MRKH syndrome.

  Study EGAS00001004601

• CIRdb: Array genotype data

  The current inhabitants of the Canary Islands have a unique genetic makeup in the European diversity landscape due to the existence of African footprints from recent admixture events, especially of North African components (>20%). The underrepresentation of non-Europeans in genetic studies and the sizable North African ancestry, which is nearly absent from all existing catalogs of worldwide genetic diversity, justify the need to develop CIRdb, a population-specific reference catalog of natural genetic variation in the Canary Islanders. Based on array genotyping of the selected unrelated donors and comparisons against available datasets from European, sub-Saharan, and North African populations, we illustrate the intermediate genetic differentiation of Canary Islanders between Europeans and North Africans and the existence of within-population differences that are likely driven by genetic isolation. In addition, here we describe the overall design and the methods that are being implemented to develop CIRdb.

  Study EGAS00001006050

• BCR-ABL is enriched in S- and G2-cell cycle phases

  To address the unusually long duration of imatinib therapy for chronic myelogenous leukemia, we sought to understand the expression of BCR-ABL gene expression with different phases of the cell cycle. A precedent for dynamic fusion oncoprotein expression already exists for the pediatric solid tumor, rhabdomyosarcoma. Quantitative immunocytochemistry was conducted to compare the expression of BCR-ABL with markers of each cell cycle phase: CDK6 for G1, CDK2 for S, phospho-CDC2 for G2, and phospho-HH3 for M phase. BCR-ABL expression was most strongly correlated with the G2 and S cell cycle phases. Low BCR-ABL expression only coincided with high cell cycle marker expression for the G1. BCR-ABL was rarely if at all expressed in M. Our results suggest a possible explanation for the prolonged nature of imatinib therapy, which may be only effective on S- and G2-phase actively replicating leukemia cells.

  Study EGAS00001006769

• Network-based systems pharmacology identifies heterogeneity in LCK and BCL2 signaling and differential vulnerability of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia to targeted therapy

  T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is an aggressive hematological malignancy, and novel therapeutics are much needed. Profiling patient leukemia’ drug sensitivities ex vivo, we discovered striking inter-patient variability in T-ALL response to a panel of targeted agents. Applying network-based systems pharmacology analyses, by integrating ex vivo pharmacotyping, bulk and single-cell RNA-seq, genomics, phospho-proteomics, and genome-wide CRISPR screening data, to examine signal circuitry, we identified the pharmacogenomic basis of T-ALL drug response and revealed a therapeutic vulnerability that is directly related to the developmental stage of leukemia cells. In conclusion, our results indicate that heterogeneity in the differentiation of T-ALL drives activation of key signaling pathways in this leukemia, providing unique opportunities for targeted therapy.

  Study EGAS00001004700

• Genomic and transcriptomic landscape of T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma compared to T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia: similar subtypes and different fusions

  Due to the lower incidence of T-LBL and difficulties in obtaining diagnostic T-LBL material, extensive research on T-LBL has been hampered whereas genetic aberrations in T-ALL are thoroughly characterized. Given the similarities and differences between T-LBL and T-ALL, the question has been raised whether T-LBL and T-ALL represent two different diseases or different manifestations of the same disease. This study aims to identify the genomic and transcriptomic landscape of T-LBL and compare the findings to what is found T-ALL. Comparison of the molecular aberrations between T-LBL and T-ALL can provide insights into the overlap and differences in malignant development between the two entities, which could lead to improved risk stratification in T-LBL in order to eventually adapt T-LBL treatment protocols based on molecular-genetic prognostic factors.

  Study EGAS00001007767

• Colorectal Microenvironment Spatial Mapping

  In colorectal cancer (CRC), interactions between tumor and immune cells within the tumor microenvironment are critical drivers of tumorigenesis, immune evasion, prognosis, and therapeutic response. Therefore, a deeper understanding of the spatial organization of cancer and immune cells within the CRC microenvironment is urgently needed. In this study, we aimed to characterize distinct cell populations and patterns of spatial gene expression associated with CRC tumorigenesis and immune infiltration. Spatial transcriptomics (ST) was performed on CRC and adjacent normal tissues to investigate the patterns of gene expression. Integrative ST data and publicly available single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data analysis tools were used for data integration, dimension reduction, clustering, and differential expression analysis. This study identified novel immunosuppressive cell populations and immune regulatory factors in CRC. Further functional validation of these findings will be essential to assess their potential as therapeutic targets.

  Study EGAS00001008254

• Understanding_the_development_of_resident_memory_T_cells__Trm__in_the_human_small_intestine_using_integrative_multiomic_approaches__Adult_RNA

  Animal studies have demonstrated that resident memory T (Trm) cells provide enhanced protective responses to a broad array of tissue-tropic pathogens, thus making Trm cells promising targets for novel vaccination strategies. However, the biological pathways that enable the long-term survival of Trm cells are poorly understood in humans. Here, we will employ a unique human intestinal transplantation setting that allows us to study the retention of persistent T cells in the grafts and the temporal development of resident T-cell populations from recruited recipient T cells. We will integrate high resolution transcriptomics, epigenetics, proteomics and immune repertoire single-cell data from purified intestinal T cells. These single-cell multiomics approaches will uncover the diversity and differentiation of the T cell populations in the human intestine, allowing us to temporally resolve the generation and maintenance of gut resident T cells.

  Study EGAS00001008257

• Whole genome characterisation of lung cancer organoids and tissue

  Organoids are self-organizing 3D structures grown from stem cells that recapitulate essential aspects of organ structure and function. Here we describe a method to establish long-term expanding human airway organoids from broncho-alveolar biopsies or lavage material. The pseudostratified airway organoid epithelium consists of basal cells, functional multi-ciliated cells, mucus-producing goblet cells, and CC10-secreting club cells. Airway organoids derived from cystic fibrosis (CF) patients allow assessment of CFTR function in an organoid swelling assay. Organoid culture conditions also allow gene editing as well as the derivation of various types of lung cancer organoids. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection recapitulated central disease features and dramatically increases organoid cell motility, found to be driven by the non-structural viral NS2 protein. We conclude that human airway organoids represent versatile models for the in vitro study of hereditary, malignant, and infectious pulmonary disease.

  Study EGAS00001002899

• Genetic landscape of inherited retinal dystrophies affected cases in Spain

  Inherited retinal diseases (IRDs), defined by dysfunction or progressive loss of photoreceptors, are disorders characterized by elevated heterogeneity, both at the clinical and genetic levels. Our main goal was to address the genetic landscape of IRD in a Spanish cohort of patients. A retrospective hospital-based cross-sectional study was carried out on IRD affected individuals, referred for genetic testing from all the Spanish autonomous communities. Clinical, demographic and familiar data were collected from each patient, including family pedigree, age of appearance of visual symptoms, presence of any systemic findings and geographical origin. Genetic studies were performed to all families with available DNA using different molecular techniques. Our study provides the general landscape for IRD in Spain and our results have important implications for genetic diagnosis, counselling and new therapeutic strategies to both the Spanish population and other related populations.

  Study EGAS00001005104

• COPD and neutrophils

  Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major respiratory disease characterized by small airway inflammation, emphysema and severe breathing difficulties. Low-grade systemic inflammation is an established hallmark of severe disease, however, the molecular changes in peripheral immune cells remain far from understood. We combined multi-color flow cytometry with single-cell RNA sequencing and showed that blood neutrophil numbers are significantly increased in COPD and they are a heterogeneous population. A transcriptomic state that expressed interferon response genes correlated with alveolar damage and acute exacerbations. Furthermore, bronchoalveolar neutrophils expressed gene signatures corresponding to certain blood neutrophil states. Last, our data in a murine model of cigarette smoke exposure demonstrated that bone marrow neutrophil progenitors are expanded in smoke-treated animals and display signs of immune activation. Our study provides evidence that COPD systemic inflammation may derive from an activated haematopoietic precursor compartment.

  Study EGAS00001006281

• COPD and neutrophils sc

  Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major respiratory disease characterized by small airway inflammation, emphysema and severe breathing difficulties. Low-grade systemic inflammation is an established hallmark of severe disease, however, the molecular changes in peripheral immune cells remain far from understood. We combined multi-color flow cytometry with single-cell RNA sequencing and showed that blood neutrophil numbers are significantly increased in COPD and they are a heterogeneous population. A transcriptomic state that expressed interferon response genes correlated with alveolar damage and acute exacerbations. Furthermore, bronchoalveolar neutrophils expressed gene signatures corresponding to certain blood neutrophil states. Last, our data in a murine model of cigarette smoke exposure demonstrated that bone marrow neutrophil progenitors are expanded in smoke-treated animals and display signs of immune activation. Our study provides evidence that COPD systemic inflammation may derive from an activated haematopoietic precursor compartment.

  Study EGAS00001006322

• Tracing the origins of relapse in AML to stem cells

  In acute myeloid leukemia (AML), most patients relapse despite achieving remission. While relapse-specific mutations are sometimes detected at low frequency within bulk diagnosis samples, the cell type giving rise to relapse is unknown. Through combined genetic and functional analysis of purified subpopulations and xenografts from paired diagnosis/relapse samples, we identified two major patterns of relapse arising from therapy-resistant cells already present at diagnosis. In some cases relapse originated from rare leukemia stem cells with a primitive immunophenotype, while in other instances relapse developed from larger subclones of immunophenotypically-committed cells that retained strong stemness transcriptional signatures. The identification of distinct patterns of relapse should lead to improved methods for disease management and monitoring in AML. Moreover, the shared functional and transcriptional stemness properties that underlie both cellular origins of relapse underscore the importance of developing new therapeutic approaches that target stemness to prevent relapse.

  Study EGAS00001002225

• Erythroid/megakaryocytic differentiation confers BCL-XL dependency and venetoclax resistance in acute myeloid leukemia

  Myeloid neoplasms with erythroid or megakaryocytic differentiation include pure erythroid leukemia (PEL), myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) with erythroid features, and acute megakaryoblastic leukemia (FAB M7) and are characterized by poor prognosis and limited treatment options. Here, we investigate the drug sensitivity landscape of these rare malignancies. We show that acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells with erythroid or megakaryocytic differentiation depend on the anti-apoptotic protein BCL-XL, rather than BCL-2, using combined ex vivo drug sensitivity testing, genetic perturbation, and transcriptomic profiling. Single-cell and bulk transcriptomics of patient samples with erythroid and megakaryoblastic leukemias identified high BCL2L1 expression compared to other subtypes of AML and other hematological malignancies, where BCL2 and MCL1 were more prominent. Our results suggest targeting BCL-XL as a potential therapy option in erythroid/megakaryoblastic leukemias and highlight an AML subgroup with potentially reduced sensitivity to venetoclax-based treatments.

  Study EGAS00001006819

• Genome-wide DNA methylation profiles by MeDIP-seq of cord blood cells and cord blood mononuclear cells obtained from twins conceived through in vitro fertilization and naturally conceived controls

  The study included 47 newborn twins conceived though in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and 60 non-IVF-conceived twins from the Peri/postnatal Epigenetic Twins Study (PETS). Cord blood was collected at birth and used to process mononuclear cells. Whole blood cells (WBCs) from cord blood of 98 twins (40 IVF and 58 non-IVF) and cord blood mononuclear cells (CBMCs) of 82 twins (35 IVF and 47 non-IVF) were subjected to DNA methylation profiling. Methylated DNA immunoprecipitation followed by deep sequencing (MeDIP-seq) was applied to generate genome-wide DNA methylation profiles in a total of 180 samples. Single-end reads were mapped onto hg19 using BWA. Methylation levels were quantified using MEDIPS and used to identify IVF-associated differentially methylated regions.

  Study EGAS00001002248

• The impact of mutational clonality in predicting the response to anti-PD-L1/PD-L1 in advanced urothelial cancer

  The advent of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) has radically changed the management and therapeutic treatment landscape for patients with cancer. It has been shown that the use of these inhibitors can result in long-term complete remissions even in cases with advanced stages of the disease. However, only a small fraction of patients respond to the treatment. A better understanding of which factors could drive this clinical benefit is fundamental to building more accurate predictive biomarkers and developing alternative therapeutic options for patients who are unlikely to benefit. In order to address this issue, we have generated and analyzed whole exome sequencing (WES) and RNA sequencing (RNASeq) data from a cohort of metastatic urothelial carcinoma patients (N = 27) treated with ICI such as anti-PD-(L)1 monoclonal antibodies.

  Study EGAS00001007086