23083 results for "ega"

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• An Atlas of Cells in the Human Tonsil

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

  Study EGAS00001006375

• Genomic_characterisation_of_MGUS__

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

  Study EGAS00001004124

• PDAC organoid genomic heterogeneity

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

  Study EGAS00001006782

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

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

  Study EGAS00001006598

• DNA methylation landscape of prostate cancer

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

  Study EGAS00001006670

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

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

  Study EGAS00001006692

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

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

  Study EGAS00001006747

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

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

  Study EGAS00001006818

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

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

  Study EGAS00001006947

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

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

  Study EGAS00001005461

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

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

  Study EGAS00001006952

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

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

  Study EGAS00001006981

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

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

  Study EGAS00001007079

• Covid19 Transcriptomic Data analysis in Irish Population

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

  Study EGAS00001007116

• RNAseq

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

  Study EGAS00001007165

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

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

  Study EGAS00001007482

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

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

  Study EGAS00001007542

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

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

  Study EGAS00001007563

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

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

  Study EGAS00001007766

• Genomic_Advances_in_Sepsis__GAinS__genotyping

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

  Study EGAS00001007786

• Phosphoproteomics adds value to treatment recommendations in molecular tumor boards

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

  Study EGAS00001007891

• MECOM represses myeloid differentiation through CEBPA downregulation in AML

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

  Study EGAS00001008005

• H3Africa - Deciphering Developmental Disorders in Africa

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

  Study EGAS00001008319

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

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

  Dataset EGAD00001006083

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

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

  Dataset EGAD00001006431