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  Dac EGAC00001001775

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  Dac EGAC00001000846

• Type 2 Diabetes Genetic Exploration by Next-Generation Sequencing in Multi-Ethnic Samples (T2D-GENES) Project 1: KARE

  T2D-GENES (Type 2 Diabetes Genetic Exploration by Next-Generation Sequencing in Multi-Ethnic Samples) is a NIDDK-funded international research consortium which seeks to identify genetic variants for type 2 diabetes (T2D) through multiethnic sequencing studies. T2D-GENES Project 1 is a multi-ethnic sequencing study designed to assess whether less common variants play a role in T2D risk and to assess similarities and differences in the distribution of T2D risk variants across ancestry groups. The individuals were obtained from 14 cohorts that are listed in Table 1. The strategy was to perform deep exome sequencing of 12,940 individuals, 6,504 with T2D and 6,436 controls, divided among five ancestry groups: Europeans, East Asians, South Asians, American Hispanics, and African Americans. Sequencing was performed at the Broad Institute using the Agilent v2 capture reagent on Illumina HiSeq machines. Please note that while we summarize the full sample list in publications and below, the Kooperative Gesundheitsforschung in der Region Augsburg (KORA) study does not have a sub study, as it is not consented to be deposited in dbGAP. Table 1. T2D-GENES Whole Exome Sequencing Studies Ancestry Study Countries of Origin # Cases # Controls African American Jackson Heart Study US 502 527 African American Wake Forest School of Medicine Study US 518 532 East Asian Korea Association Research Project Korea 526 561 East Asian Singapore Diabetes Cohort Study; Singapore Prospective Study Program Singapore (Chinese) 486 592 European Ashkenazi US, Israel 506 352 European Metabolic Syndrome in Men Study (METSIM) Finland 484 498 European Finland-United States Investigation of NIDDM Genetics (FUSION) Study Finland 472 476 European Kooperative Gesundheitsforschung in der Region Augsburg (KORA) Germany 97 90 European UK Type 2 Diabetes Genetics Consortium (UKT2D) UK 322 320 European Malmö-Botnia Study Finland, Sweden 478 443 Hispanic San Antonio Family Heart Study, San Antonio Family Diabetes/ Gallbladder Study, Veterans Administration Genetic Epidemiology Study, and the Investigation of Nephropathy and Diabetes Study Family Component US 272 219 Hispanic Starr County, Texas US 749 704 South Asian London Life Sciences Population Study (LOLIPOP) UK (Indian Asian) 530 538 South Asian Singapore Indian Eye Study Singapore (Indian Asian) 563 585 The Korea Association Research Project (KARE) studies contributed 526 cases and 561 controls to T2D-GENES Project 1.

  Study phs001096

• Type 2 Diabetes Genetic Exploration by Next-Generation Sequencing in Multi-Ethnic Samples (T2D-GENES) Project 1: Ashkenazi

  T2D-GENES (Type 2 Diabetes Genetic Exploration by Next-Generation Sequencing in Multi-Ethnic Samples) is a NIDDK-funded international research consortium which seeks to identify genetic variants for type 2 diabetes (T2D) through multiethnic sequencing studies. T2D-GENES Project 1 is a multi-ethnic sequencing study designed to assess whether less common variants play a role in T2D risk and to assess similarities and differences in the distribution of T2D risk variants across ancestry groups. The individuals were obtained from 14 cohorts that are listed in Table 1. The strategy was to perform deep exome sequencing of 12,940 individuals, 6,504 with T2D and 6,436 controls, divided among five ancestry groups: Europeans, East Asians, South Asians, American Hispanics, and African Americans. Sequencing was performed at the Broad Institute using the Agilent v2 capture reagent on Illumina HiSeq machines. Please note that while we summarize the full sample list in publications and below, the Kooperative Gesundheitsforschung in der Region Augsburg (KORA) study does not have a sub study, as it is not consented to be deposited in dbGAP. Table 1. T2D-GENES Whole Exome Sequencing Studies Ancestry Study Countries of Origin # Cases # Controls African American Jackson Heart Study US 502 527 African American Wake Forest School of Medicine Study US 518 532 East Asian Korea Association Research Project Korea 526 561 East Asian Singapore Diabetes Cohort Study; Singapore Prospective Study Program Singapore (Chinese) 486 592 European Ashkenazi US, Israel 506 352 European Metabolic Syndrome in Men Study (METSIM) Finland 484 498 European Finland-United States Investigation of NIDDM Genetics (FUSION) Study Finland 472 476 European Kooperative Gesundheitsforschung in der Region Augsburg (KORA) Germany 97 90 European UK Type 2 Diabetes Genetics Consortium (UKT2D) UK 322 320 European Malmö-Botnia Study Finland, Sweden 478 443 Hispanic San Antonio Family Heart Study, San Antonio Family Diabetes/ Gallbladder Study, Veterans Administration Genetic Epidemiology Study, and the Investigation of Nephropathy and Diabetes Study Family Component US 272 219 Hispanic Starr County, Texas US 749 704 South Asian London Life Sciences Population Study (LOLIPOP) UK (Indian Asian) 530 538 South Asian Singapore Indian Eye Study Singapore (Indian Asian) 563 585 The Ashkenazi study contributed 506 cases and 352 controls to T2D-GENES Project 1.

  Study phs001095

• A Genome-Wide Association Study in Participants Experiencing Breast Cancer Events in High-Risk Postmenopausal Women Receiving Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators on NSABP Trials P-1 and P-2. A Collaboration Between the NIH Pharmacogenetics Research Network and the RIKEN Yokohama Institute Center for Genomic Medicine

  The primary aim of this study is to identify genes related to the occurrence of breast events, defined as occurrence of invasive breast cancer or ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), in women at high risk of developing breast cancer who have received a Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM - tamoxifen or raloxifene) on the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project (NSABP) P-1 or P-2 trials. Cases and controls were selected from the tamoxifen arm in the P-1 and from the tamixifen and raloxifene arms in the P-2 trial. For the P-1 trial, cases and controls were required to be 50 years of age or older at time of entry. Cases were females who experienced an invasive breast cancer or DCIS on P-1 or P-2. Controls were females who did not experience an invasive breast cancer or DCIS. A nested matched case-control design was used, with matching on the following factors: 1) trial and treatment arm (P-1 tamoxifen, P-2 tamoxifen, P-2 raloxifene); 2) age at trial entry (when controls could not be exactly matched on age, we incremented the age of matching by +/- 1 year, in sequence until a match was obtained without exceeding +/- 5 years); 5-year predicted breast cancer risk based on the Gail model ( <2.00%, 2.01-3.00, 3.01-5.00, >5.01), 3) history of lobular carcinoma in situ (yes vs. no); 4) history of atypical hyperplasia in breast (yes vs. no); 5) time on study (controls must be on study at least as long as the time to diagnosis of the breast event for the case). Because 94.2% of the participants on P-1 and P-2 treated with tamoxifen or raloxifene were Caucasian, this study was restricted to only Caucasians. Two cases and two controls were randomly chosen as duplicates for quality control of genotype concordance. The DNA samples were plated into 96-well plates, with cases and controls randomly distributed across the plates. A Caucasian parent-child CEPH trio from the HapMap project was included to check for Mendelian transmission of alleles. Genotypes were determined by the RIKEN Center for Genomic Medicine with the Illumina Human610-Quad.

  Study phs000305

• Genomic Characterization of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cell Lines

  Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the sixth leading cancer by incidence worldwide(1). Various chemical carcinogens (tobacco, alcohol and betel nut), human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, and genetic predisposition contribute to the etiology of HNSCC, and to the complex genetic alterations in tumor subsets that differ in prognosis and response to therapies (2). Recently, a comprehensive landscape of genomic and transcriptomic alterations in HNSCC tumors has emerged from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) Network (3). TCGA revealed novel and previously recognized gene and chromosomal region copy number alterations (CNAs), mutations, and expression clusters, and defined their frequency, co-occurrence, and relationship to common and rare subtypes of HPV(-) and (+) tumors that vary in prognosis. To identify cell line models for determining the functional role and therapeutic importance of these alterations, we are performing whole exome and RNA sequencing and bioinformatic analysis of an expanded panel of 15 HPV(-) and 11 HPV(+) HNSCC cell lines and primary oral keratinocytes. We find that the recurrent genomic alterations in cell lines are remarkably consistent with those found in more aggressive tumors, from which cell lines have traditionally been most readily adapted to culture (4). Genome-wide correlation of CN (copy number) with expression identified a suite of potential drivers or modifier genes that differ by HPV status, and are of potential biologic and therapeutic relevance. Further, our findings elucidate and validate genomic alterations underpinning numerous discoveries made with these widely-used and recently derived HNSCC lines, and provide a roadmap for their potential use as models for future studies of tumor subtypes with worse prognosis. References Torre LA, Bray F, Siegel RL, Ferlay J, Lortet-Tieulent J, Jemal A. Global cancer statistics, 2012. CA Cancer J Clin. 2015;65(2):87-108. Van Waes C, Musbahi O. Genomics and advances towards precision medicine for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Laryngoscope Investig Otolaryngol. 2017;2(5):310-9. Cancer Genome Atlas N. Comprehensive genomic characterization of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. Nature. 2015;517(7536):576-82. White JS, Weissfeld JL, Ragin CC, Rossie KM, Martin CL, Shuster M, et al. The influence of clinical and demographic risk factors on the establishment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cell lines. Oral Oncol. 2007;43(7):701-12.

  Study phs001581

• Type 2 Diabetes Genetic Exploration by Next-Generation Sequencing in Multi-Ethnic Samples (T2D-GENES) Project 1: Singapore

  T2D-GENES (Type 2 Diabetes Genetic Exploration by Next-Generation Sequencing in Multi-Ethnic Samples) is a NIDDK-funded international research consortium which seeks to identify genetic variants for type 2 diabetes (T2D) through multiethnic sequencing studies. T2D-GENES Project 1 is a multi-ethnic sequencing study designed to assess whether less common variants play a role in T2D risk and to assess similarities and differences in the distribution of T2D risk variants across ancestry groups. The individuals were obtained from 14 cohorts that are listed in Table 1. The strategy was to perform deep exome sequencing of 12,940 individuals, 6,504 with T2D and 6,436 controls, divided among five ancestry groups: Europeans, East Asians, South Asians, American Hispanics, and African Americans. Sequencing was performed at the Broad Institute using the Agilent v2 capture reagent on Illumina HiSeq machines. Please note that while we summarize the full sample list in publications and below, the Kooperative Gesundheitsforschung in der Region Augsburg (KORA) study does not have a sub study, as it is not consented to be deposited in dbGAP. Table 1. T2D-GENES Whole Exome Sequencing Studies Ancestry Study Countries of Origin # Cases # Controls African American Jackson Heart Study US 502 527 African American Wake Forest School of Medicine Study US 518 532 East Asian Korea Association Research Project Korea 526 561 East Asian Singapore Diabetes Cohort Study; Singapore Prospective Study Program Singapore (Chinese) 486 592 European Ashkenazi US, Israel 506 352 European Metabolic Syndrome in Men Study (METSIM) Finland 484 498 European Finland-United States Investigation of NIDDM Genetics (FUSION) Study Finland 472 476 European Kooperative Gesundheitsforschung in der Region Augsburg (KORA) Germany 97 90 European UK Type 2 Diabetes Genetics Consortium (UKT2D) UK 322 320 European Malmö-Botnia Study Finland, Sweden 478 443 Hispanic San Antonio Family Heart Study, San Antonio Family Diabetes/ Gallbladder Study, Veterans Administration Genetic Epidemiology Study, and the Investigation of Nephropathy and Diabetes Study Family Component US 272 219 Hispanic Starr County, Texas US 749 704 South Asian London Life Sciences Population Study (LOLIPOP) UK (Indian Asian) 530 538 South Asian Singapore Indian Eye Study Singapore (Indian Asian) 563 585 The Singapore studies contributed 1049 cases and 1177 controls to T2D-GENES Project 1.

  Study phs001097

• Type 2 Diabetes Genetic Exploration by Next-generation Sequencing in Multi-Ethnic Samples (T2D-GENES) Project 1: London Life Sciences Population Study (LOLIPOP) UK South Asian

  T2D-GENES (Type 2 Diabetes Genetic Exploration by Next-Generation Sequencing in Multi-Ethnic Samples) is a NIDDK-funded international research consortium which seeks to identify genetic variants for type 2 diabetes (T2D) through multiethnic sequencing studies. T2D-GENES Project 1 is a multi-ethnic sequencing study designed to assess whether less common variants play a role in T2D risk and to assess similarities and differences in the distribution of T2D risk variants across ancestry groups. The individuals were obtained from 14 cohorts that are listed in Table 1. The strategy was to perform deep exome sequencing of 12,940 individuals, 6,504 with T2D and 6,436 controls, divided among five ancestry groups: Europeans, East Asians, South Asians, American Hispanics, and African Americans. Sequencing was performed at the Broad Institute using the Agilent v2 capture reagent on Illumina HiSeq machines. Please note that while we summarize the full sample list in publications and below, the Kooperative Gesundheitsforschung in der Region Augsburg (KORA) study does not have a sub study, as it is not consented to be deposited in dbGAP. Table 1. T2D-GENES Whole Exome Sequencing Studies Ancestry Study Countries of Origin # Cases # Controls African American Jackson Heart Study US 502 527 African American Wake Forest School of Medicine Study US 518 532 East Asian Korea Association Research Project Korea 526 561 East Asian Singapore Diabetes Cohort Study; Singapore Prospective Study Program Singapore (Chinese) 486 592 European Ashkenazi US, Israel 506 352 European Metabolic Syndrome in Men Study (METSIM) Finland 484 498 European Finland-United States Investigation of NIDDM Genetics (FUSION) Study Finland 472 476 European Kooperative Gesundheitsforschung in der Region Augsburg (KORA) Germany 97 90 European UK Type 2 Diabetes Genetics Consortium (UKT2D) UK 322 320 European Malmö-Botnia Study Finland, Sweden 478 443 Hispanic San Antonio Family Heart Study, San Antonio Family Diabetes/ Gallbladder Study, Veterans Administration Genetic Epidemiology Study, and the Investigation of Nephropathy and Diabetes Study Family Component US 272 219 Hispanic Starr County, Texas US 749 704 South Asian London Life Sciences Population Study (LOLIPOP) UK (Indian Asian) 530 538 South Asian Singapore Indian Eye Study Singapore (Indian Asian) 563 585 The London Life Sciences Population Study (LOLIPOP) contributed 530 cases and 538 controls to T2D-GENES Project 1.

  Study phs001093

• The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study

  The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study, sponsored by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI), is a prospective epidemiologic study conducted in four U.S. communities. The four communities are Forsyth County, NC; Jackson, MS; the northwest suburbs of Minneapolis, MN; and Washington County, MD. ARIC is designed to investigate the etiology and natural history of atherosclerosis, the etiology of clinical atherosclerotic diseases, and variation in cardiovascular risk factors, medical care and disease by race, gender, location, and date. ARIC includes two parts: the Cohort Component and the Community Surveillance Component. The Cohort Component began in 1987, and each ARIC field center randomly selected and recruited a cohort sample of approximately 4,000 individuals aged 45-64 from a defined population in their community. A total of 15,792 participants received an extensive examination, including medical, social, and demographic data. These participants were reexamined every three years with the first screen (baseline) occurring in 1987-89, the second in 1990-92, the third in 1993-95, and the fourth and last exam was in 1996-98. Follow-up occurs yearly by telephone to maintain contact with participants and to assess health status of the cohort. In the Community Surveillance Component, currently ongoing, these four communities are investigated to determine the community-wide occurrence of hospitalized myocardial infarction and coronary heart disease deaths in men and women aged 35-84 years. Hospitalized stroke is investigated in cohort participants only. Starting in 2006, the study conducts community surveillance of inpatient (ages 55 years and older) and outpatient heart failure (ages 65 years and older) for heart failure events beginning in 2005. ARIC is currently funded through January 31, 2012. This study is part of the Gene Environment Association Studies initiative (GENEVA, http://www.genevastudy.org) funded by the trans-NIH Genes, Environment, and Health Initiative (GEI). The overarching goal is to identify novel genetic factors that contribute to atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease through large-scale genome-wide association studies of well-characterized cohorts of adults in four defined populations. Genotyping was performed at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, a GENEVA genotyping center. Data cleaning and harmonization were done at the GEI-funded GENEVA Coordinating Center at the University of Washington.

  Study phs000090

• Rare Genetic Steroid Disease Consortium (GSD) Apparent Mineralocorticoid Excess (AME) Syndrome Natural History Clinical Protocol

  The objective of this project is to observe the natural history of apparent mineralocorticoid excess (AME). AME is a rare monogenic hypertensive disease first described by the Principal Investigator, Dr. Maria I. New, in 1977 [1], for which the first mutation in the causative HSD11B2 gene was reported by her group in 1995. [2] Little is known about the progression of this rare hypertensive disorder, which is defined by the presence of hypertension in conjunction with low renin, low to absent levels of the mineralocorticoid aldosterone, elevated urinary cortisol/cortisone metabolite ratio 5β-tetrahydrocortisol (THF) + allo-THF/ tetrahydrocortisone (THE) (i.e., THF+αTHF/THE) and the presence of mutations in the HSD11B2 gene on both alleles. The range of symptoms reflecting progressive end-organ damage is wide in the small number of affected individuals studied to date. It is important to develop accurate information on the longitudinal pattern of progression (natural history) of AME not only because it may improve the care of affected individuals, but also because it may serve as a platform for understanding the role of mineralocorticoid excess in other forms of low-renin hypertension, which constitute 40% of all forms of hypertension. In this study, we will recruit as widely as possible through the Rare Diseases Clinical Research Network (RDCRN) to identify individuals with the triad of low renin, low aldosterone, and elevated urinary THF+αTHF/THE and confirm their disorder as AME by molecular genetic testing of the HSD11B2 gene. We will gather clinical and biochemical data yearly for the duration of the grant. We will describe phenotype and genotype at diagnosis and follow the progression or regression of symptoms over time under standard treatment, with rigorous review of end organs potentially damaged by chronic hypertension. Finally, we will study the natural history of the carriers of HSD11B2 mutations, i.e., the heterozygote relatives of the probands, in order to ascertain evidence of existing or developing hypertension and resulting end-organ damage. This will be the first rigorous study of AME heterozygotes. The participant accrual for AME-affected patients and the carriers of HSD11B2 mutations will be at least two years, but as long as seven years.

  Study phs000603

• Changes in Oral and Gut Microbiota and Incidence and Severity of Patient-Reported Symptoms in Pre- and Post-Kidney Transplant Patients

  This novel prospective cohort explores the relationships between oral and fecal microbiome features (alpha and beta diversity, differential relative abundances of bacterial taxa, and functional genes) and the incidence and severity of psychoneurological symptoms (e.g., pain, fatigue, depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbance) before and after patients receive a kidney transplant from a live donor. Thirty-five subjects provided fecal and saliva specimens for shotgun metagenomic sequencing of gut and oral microbiomes at 3 timepoints: 1) within 4 weeks prior to the transplant surgery (at end-stage kidney disease), 2) 1-3 weeks after the transplant surgery, and 3) at 3 months after the transplant (after restoration of kidney function). Subjects were enrolled between October, 2018, to November, 2021, and all study visits were completed by March, 2022. Data collected includes: Demographic (age, biological sex at birth, race/ethnicity, marital status); clinical data (body mass index, dialysis status, type of dialysis, high vs. low risk immune-suppression protocol, antibiotics during study period); laboratory data (serum creatinine; estimated glomerular filtration rate; serum blood urea nitrogen; immunosuppression trough levels), and outcome data (symptoms such as pain interference, pain intensity, fatigue, anxiety, depression, sleep disturbance, acute rejection, delayed graft failure, graft loss, post-transplant infections, and health-related quality of life). Incidence and severity of symptoms, including pain interference, pain intensity, fatigue, sleep dysfunction, and anxiety/depression-like symptoms, were measured using the Patient Reported Outcome Measurement Systems (PROMIS) 57 v2.1. Health related quality of life was assessed using the Kidney Disease Quality of Life Short Form (KDQOL-SF v1.3). The objective of this longitudinal study is to characterize changes in microbial features at baseline, before restoration of kidney function, and over time, after restoration of kidney function via kidney transplantation, and to identify relationships between microbiome features and transplant outcomes (rejection, infection, delayed graft function, graft failure), symptom burden, and health-related quality of life. Shotgun metagenomic sequencing of the oral and gut microbiomes will allow a higher-resolution examination of the gut microbiome compared to 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, and will provide direct evidence of metabolic capabilities of the microbiota. This approach will allow us to explore the dynamic nature of symptom burden, and the effects of demographic and clinical variables on the oral and gut microbiomes before and after restoration of kidney function.

  Study phs002199

• dbGaP Collection: Compilation of Individual-Level Genomic Data for General Research Use

  This dbGaP Collection contains all authorized individual-level genomic datasets currently in dbGaP that are approved for General Research Use (GRU) and have no further limitations beyond those outlined in the model Data Use Certification Agreement. Access to this study will include any additional authorized individual-level GRU datasets that become available. Renewal of this study is required annually. Data Included in this Study Individual-level genomic data designated for general research use with no further use limitations or restrictions, that is, Data use does not require approval by an Institutional Review Board for secondary analyses Data have no publication embargo Data have no other use limitations (e.g., requirement for collaboration or publication; restricted for use by academic or not-for-profit organizations; restricted to health, medical, and/or biomedical research) In response to requests from the scientific community, the NIH implemented a change in the procedures for accessing individual-level GRU genomic data. Under the modified procedures, interested investigators can request GRU individual-level genomic datasets with a single application. However, please note that these data have not been harmonized. Additionally, to help expedite the processing of requests for individual-level GRU genomic datasets, the requests will be reviewed by a single, central Data Access Committee. The process for requesting these datasets is identical to the request process for non-GRU individual-level, controlled-access data, such as the expectation that investigators will abide by the NIH Policy for Sharing of Data Obtained in NIH Supported or Conducted Genome-Wide Association Studies and Data Use Certification Agreement. Effective April 24, 2018, the Data Use Limitations (DUL) for the Genes and Blood Clotting Study (GABC) (phs000304) was updated to Health/Medical/Biomedical, Not-for-profit Use Only (HMB-NPU). Additionally, the submitting institutions have requested the removal of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) "Grand Opportunity" Exome Sequencing Project (GO-ESP) Lung Cohorts Exome Sequencing Project: Genetic modifiers of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Pa) lung infection acquisition in cystic fibrosis (phs000254) from the dbGaP Compilation of Individual-Level Genomic Data for General Research Use (dbGaP Compilation) (phs000688). As such, data from studies phs000304 and phs000254 are no longer available as part of the dbGaP Compilation (phs000688). Investigators must submit separate Data Access Requests (DARs) for the two studies and be approved by the NHLBI Data Access Committee.

  Study phs000688

• The Haemgen RBC study

  Anaemia is a major determinant of global ill-health. To refine our understanding of the genetic factors influencing red blood cell formation and function, we carried out a meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for six red blood cell traits: haemoglobin (HB), mean cell haemoglobin (MCH), mean cell haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), mean cell volume (MCV), packed cell volume (PCV) and red blood cell count (RBC). We provide genome-wide association results for 62,553 people of European ancestry using up to 2,644,161 autosomal SNPs. Participants with extreme measurements (>+/-3SD from mean) were excluded on a per phenotype basis. Imputation was done using haplotypes from HapMap Phase 2. SNP associations with each phenotype were tested by linear regression using an additive genetic model. Associations were tested separately in each cohort, with principal components and other study specific factors as covariates to account of population substructure. We then carried out meta-analysis of results from the individual cohorts using z-scores weighted by square root of sample size. SNPs with MAF<1% (weighted average across cohorts) were removed, as were SNPs with weight <50% of phenotype sample size. Anaemia is a major determinant of global ill-health. To refine our understanding of the genetic factors influencing red blood cell formation and function, we carried out a meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for six red blood cell traits: haemoglobin (HB), mean cell haemoglobin (MCH), mean cell haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), mean cell volume (MCV), packed cell volume (PCV) and red blood cell count (RBC). We provide genome-wide association results for 62,553 people of European ancestry using up to 2,644,161 autosomal SNPs. Participants with extreme measurements (>+/-3SD from mean) were excluded on a per phenotype basis. Imputation was done using haplotypes from HapMap Phase 2. SNP associations with each phenotype were tested by linear regression using an additive genetic model. Associations were tested separately in each cohort, with principal components and other study specific factors as covariates to account of population substructure. We then carried out meta-analysis of results from the individual cohorts using z-scores weighted by square root of sample size. SNPs with MAF<1% (weighted average across cohorts) were removed, as were SNPs with weight <50% of phenotype sample size.

  Study EGAS00000000132

• Warm_autopsy__mutational_signatures_and_clonal_units

  Aims and objectives 1. To produce a ‘first generation map’ of mutational burdens and mutational processes that operate in normal human tissues. 2. To examine clonal units and their distribution across normal human tissues with the emphasis on these particular areas: a) Tissues with an architecturally defined unit: Are architectural structures populated by a progeny derived from a single stem cell? Are clonal units confined to a given architectural structure? Examples of tissues where such approach will be used include prostate gland (acini and ducts), small bowel (crypts), thyroid gland (follicles) and others. b) Tissues without an architecturally defined unit: What is the average size of clonal populations? This group includes stratified/pseudostratified epithelia with a basal layer within which there are stem cells that give rise to a progeny of cells showing upwards migration and lateral expansion (e.g. urothelium, cervical squamous epithelium, respiratory epithelium). This approach can also be used in tissues with a sheet-like cell arrangement, for example brain and adrenal gland. Methods To answer these questions, we will use a range of normal human tissue samples which have already been collected from a single deceased individual. The samples are currently stored in a -80C freezer. Ethanol fixed frozen sections will be prepared from these biopsies. Putative clonal units will be identified and dissected out using laser capture microscopy. DNA extraction will be performed using the in-house (CGP) protease based method. In terms of sequencing methods, the project will be split into 2 phases (2 different approaches): - Phase 1: This part of the project will utilise a combination of low input library preparation (developed by Peter Ellis) and standard whole genome sequencing (HiSeqX). The phase has already started (December 2016). This approach will be particularly useful in investigation of mitotically active tissues. - Phase 2: This part of the project will utilise a combination of low input library method (Peter Ellis) and Bottle-neck sequencing (BotSeqS). BotSeqS is a type of duplex sequencing method that offers a more accurate variant calling and allows genome interrogation at a single cell level. This method is currently being developed and is expected to be implemented in 3-6 months (March-April 2017). This approach will be particularly useful for post-mitotic tissues and tissues without pre-defined architectural units.

  Study EGAS00001002216

• Identification of improved IL28B SNPs and haplotypes for prediction of drug response in treatment of hepatitis C using massively parallel sequencing in a cross-sectional European cohort

  The hepatitis C virus infects nearly 3% of the World’s population, causing severe liver disease in many. Standard of care therapy is currently pegylated interferon alpha and ribavirin (PegIFN/R), which is effective in less than half of those infected with the most common viral genotype. Two IL28B SNPs, rs8099917 and rs12979860, predict response to (PegIFN/R) therapy in treatment of hepatitis C virus infection. These SNPs were identified in genome wide analyses using Illumina genotyping chips. In people of European ancestry, there are 6 common (>1%) haplotypes for IL28B, one tagged by rs8099917 minor allele, four tagged by rs12979860. We used massive parallel sequencing of the IL28B and IL28A gene regions generated by PCR from pooled DNA samples from 100 responders and 99 non-responders to therapy, to identify common variants. Variants that had high odds ratios and were validated were then genotyped in a cohort of 905 responders and non-responders. Their predictive power was assessed, alone and in combination with HLA-C. Only SNPs in the IL28B linkage disequilibrium block predicted drug response. Eighteen SNPs were identified with evidence for association with drug response, and with a high degree of confidence in the sequence call. We found that two SNPs, rs4803221 (homozygote minor allele positive predictive value (PPV) of 77%) and rs7248668 (PPV 78%), predicted failure to respond better than the current best, rs8099917 (PPV 73%) and rs12979860 (PPV 68%) in this cross-sectional cohort. The best SNPs tagged a single common haplotype, haplotype 2. Genotypes predicted lack of response better than alleles. However, combination of IL28B haplotype 2 carrier status with the HLA-C C2C2 genotype, which has previousl y been reported to improve prediction in combination with IL28B, provides the highest PPV (80%). The haplotypes present alternative putative transcription factor binding and methylation sites. Massive parallel sequencing allowed identification and comparison of the best common SNPs for identifying treatment failure in therapy for HCV SNPs tagging a single haplotype have the highest PPV, especially in combination with HLA-C. The functional basis for the association may be due to altered regulation of the gene. These approaches have utility in improving diagnostic testing and identifying causal haplotypes or SNPs.

  Study EGAS00001000096

• Sensitive and robust liquid biopsy-based detection of PIK3CA mutations

  Over the last years, the treatment of hormone receptor-positive metastatic breast cancer patients has dramatically changed. Combination strategies attempting to overcome resistance to endocrine therapy such as targeting the PI3 kinase pathway are gaining importance. The phase III SOLAR-1 trial demonstrated the benefit of the addition of alpelisib to fulvestrant, thereby providing further clinical evidence of the increasing importance of PIK3CA testing. Here, we performed a comparison of liquid biopsy and tissue-based detection of PIK3CA mutations in HR-positive metastatic breast cancer patients. Plasma samples and the latest available tumor tissue from 69 patients with metastatic hormone-receptor positive breast cancer were analyzed for PIK3CA hotspot mutations. A high-resolution NGS assay (SiMSen-Seq) was used for plasma samples covering 11 recurrent PIK3CA mutations, used for stratification in SOLAR-1. Additionally, mFAST-SeqS was used to estimate the tumor fractions in the plasma samples. For tumor tissue samples, targeted Ion Torrent NGS was employed. Matched tissue and plasma samples were available from 63 patients. PIK3CA mutations were detected in 46.1% of the tissue samples and in 50.7% of the plasma samples. The variant allele frequency (VAF) ranged from 4.36% to 72.93% with a median of 28.60% in tissue samples, and from 0.28% to 49.85% with a median of 1.17% in plasma samples. The most frequent variants in tissue and plasma were H1047R, E545K, and E542K. We detected at least one of 11 PIK3CA mutations from the SOLAR-1 trial in 51/63 patients, both in tissue and plasma. In 7 patients, such mutations were found only in plasma. In 5 patients, PIK3CA mutations found in tissue were not detectable in ctDNA, 2 of which had a low tumor fraction.Together, in 33/67 plasma samples without detectable PIK3CA mutations, 18 samples had elevated tumor fraction, implicating true negative results. In the remaining 15 patients with low tumor fraction, additional tissue analysis was needed. SiMSen-Seq-based detection of PIK3CA mutations in plasma shows advantageous concordance with the tissue analyses. A combination with an untargeted, mutation-independent approach for detecting ctDNA fractions may confirm a negative PIK3CA result and thereby enhance the performance of the SiMSen-Seq test. This combinatory approach for selecting suitable patients for alpelisib treatment should be validated in larger patient cohorts.

  Study EGAS00001004940

• Multi-omics data of 1000 Inflammatory Bowel Disease patients

  Portal available at https://1000ibd.org Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic complex disease of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Patients with IBD can experience a wide range of symptoms, but the pathophysiological mechanisms that cause these individual differences in clinical presentation remain largely unknown. In consequence, IBD is currently classified into subtypes using clinical characteristics. If we are to develop a more targeted treatment approach, molecular subtypes of IBD need to be discovered that can be used as new drug targets. To achieve this, we need multiple layers of molecular data are generated from the same IBD patients.We initiated the 1000IBD project to prospectively follow more than 1000 IBD patients from the Northern provinces of the Netherlands. For these patients, we have collected a uniquely large number of phenotypes and generated multi-omics profiles. To date, 1,215 participants have been enrolled in the project and enrolment is on-going, with 609 patients being present in the first data release. Phenotype data collected for these participants includes information on dietary and environmental factors, drug responses, and adverse drug events. Genome information has been generated using genotyping (ImmunoChip, Global Screening Array and HumanExomeChip) and sequencing (whole exome sequencing and targeted resequencing of IBD susceptibility loci), transcriptome information generated using RNA-sequencing of intestinal biopsies and microbiome information generated using both sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene and whole genome shotgun metagenomic sequencing.All molecular data generated within the 1000IBD project will be shared in multiple data on the European Genome-Phenome Archive (www.ega-archive.org). The first data release, will contain basic phenotypes for 609 participants, genotypes of 314 participants, gut microbiome data generated by tag sequencing the 16S gene of feces from 315 participants and intestinal biopsies from 107 participants, and gut microbiome metagenomic sequencing of feces of 355 participants . Future releases will comprise many more additional phenotypes and -omics data layers. 1000IBD data can be used by other researchers as a replication cohort, a dataset to test new software tools, or a dataset for applying new statistical models.

  Study EGAS00001002702

• UK10K_OBESITY_SCOOP

  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 SCOOP samples are part of the Obesity group and will undergo exome sequencing. Severe Childhood Onset Obesity Project (SCOOP) is a sub-cohort of the Genetics Of Obesity Study (GOOS) cohort established by Sadaf Farooqi and Steve O’Rahilly at the University of Cambridge over the last 12 years. The GOOS cohort contains &gt;4,000 patients of diverse geographic origin, many of whom have monogenic and syndromic forms of obesity, and includes patients that are offspring of consanguineous union. SCOOP is a subset of &gt;1500 UK Caucasian patients with severe, early onset obesity (all patients have a BMI Standard Deviation Score (SDS) &gt; 3 and obesity onset before the age of 10 years), in whom all known monogenic causes of obesity have been excluded. GWAS data on the SCOOP cohort will be available (WTCCC2 independent study) at the time of the start of this study. Data from this cohort has demonstrated that the prevalence of the common obesity risk alleles in FTO, MC4R and NEGR1 are amongst the highest within SCOOP, demonstrating its value also in the study of genetic variants with an impact on more common obesity. For further information with regard to this cohort please contact Sadaf Farooqi (isf20@medschl.cam.ac.uk).

  Study EGAS00001000124

• Clinical outcomes in ctDNA-positive urothelial carcinoma patients treated with adjuvant immunotherapy

  Minimally invasive approaches to detect residual disease after surgery are urgently needed to select patients at highest risk for metastatic relapse for additional therapies. Circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) holds promise as a biomarker for molecular residual disease (MRD) and relapse,1-3 but its clinical value has yet to be demonstrated in a randomised clinical trial. We evaluated outcomes in post-surgical ctDNA-positive (+) patients in a randomised phase III trial of adjuvant atezolizumab versus observation. IMvigor010 enrolled 809 patients with muscle-invasive urothelial carcinoma and did not meet its primary endpoint of disease-free survival (DFS) in the intent-to-treat population. Within the study, an exploratory planned analysis of prospectively collected plasma was performed, which tested the utility of ctDNA to identify patients who may benefit from adjuvant atezolizumab treatment. ctDNA was measured at the start of therapy (cycle 1 day 1; C1D1) and at week 6 (cycle 3 day 1; C3D1), and 581 patients were evaluable for ctDNA. The prevalence of ctDNA positivity at C1D1 was 37% (n=214), and ctDNA positivity identified patients with poor prognosis (observation arm DFS HR= 6.19 (4.29, 8.91), p&amp;lt;0.0001). Here we show that ctDNA(+) patients had improved DFS and overall survival (OS) with atezolizumab versus observation (DFS HR= 0.56 (0.41-0.77); p=0.0003 and OS HR= 0.58 (0.4-0.86); p=0.0063). No difference in DFS or OS between arms was noted for ctDNA-negative patients. The rate of ctDNA clearance was higher with atezolizumab (18%) versus observation (4%) (p=0.0041). Transcriptomic analysis revealed that tumours from ctDNA(+) patients had higher expression of cell cycle and keratin genes. Within the ctDNA(+) patient population in the atezolizumab arm, non-relapsing patients were further enriched in prominent immune response signatures including PD-L1, IFNG, CXCL9, and high tumour mutational burden, whereas relapse was associated with angiogenesis and fibroblast-transforming growth factor-beta signatures (F-TBRS). TCGA molecular subset analysis revealed increased efficacy of atezolizumab in patients with basal-squamous tumours, consistent with underlying tumour-immune contexture. Together these findings suggest that adjuvant atezolizumab may be associated with improved outcomes compared with observation in this high-risk ctDNA(+) population. These findings, if validated in other settings, would shift approaches to post-operative cancer care.

  Study EGAS00001004997

• RNA-seq of DF149 cells – a patient-derived xenograft model of ascites-derived, homologous recombination repair-proficient, high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma – cultured in vitro and isolated after 8 hours treatment with DMSO control (3 x biological replicates) and 2.5 µM CBL0137 (3 x biological replicates)

  Background: High-grade serous ovarian carcinomas (HGSCs) are a heterogeneous subtype of epithelial ovarian cancers and include serous cancers arising in the fallopian tube and peritoneum. These cancers are now subdivided into homologous recombination repair (HR)-deficient and proficient subgroups as this classification impacts on management and prognosis. PARP inhibitors (PARPi) have shown significant clinical efficacy, particularly as maintenance therapy following response to platinum based chemotherapy in BRCA-mutant or homologous recombination (HR)-deficient HGSCs in both the 1st and 2nd line settings. However, PARPi have limited clinical benefit in HR-proficient HGSCs which make up almost 50% of HGSC and improving outcomes in these patients is now a high priority due to the poor prognosis with current standard of care. There are a number of potential lines of investigation including efforts in sensitizing HR-proficient tumors to PARPi. Herein, we aimed to develop a novel combination therapy by targeting SSRP1 using a small molecule inhibitor CBL0137 with PARPi in HR-proficient HGSOCs. Experimental design: We tested anti-cancer activity of CBL0137 monotherapy using a panel of HGSOC cell lines and patient-derived tumor cells in vitro. RNA sequencing was used to map global transcriptomic changes in CBL0137-treated patient-derived HR-proficient HGSOC cells. We tested efficacy of CBL0137 in combination with PARPi using HGSOC cell lines and patient-derived tumor cells in vitro and in vivo. Results: We show that SSRP1 inhibition using a small molecule, CBL0137, that traps SSRP1 onto chromatin, exerts a significant anti-growth activity in vitro against HGSC cell lines and patient-derived tumor cells, and also reduces tumor burden in vivo. CBL0137 induced DNA repair deficiency via inhibition of the HR repair pathway and sensitized SSRP1-high HR-proficient HGSC cell lines and patient-derived tumor cells/xenografts to the PARPi, Olaparib in vitro and in vivo. CBL0137 also enhanced the efficacy of DNA damaging platinum-based chemotherapy in HGSC patient-derived xenografts. Conclusion: Our findings strongly suggest that combination of CBL0137 and PARP inhibition represents a novel therapeutic strategy for HR-proficient HGSCs that express high levels of SSRP1 and should be investigated in the clinic.

  Study EGAS00001006662

• Research of factors related to diagnosis, progression, prognosis and treatment of hepato-biliary-pancreatic malignancies

  Advanced cancers with metastasis and/or recurrence are usually resistant and refractory to treatment. In our studies, whole exome sequencing analysis, comprehensive epigenetic analysis and genome-wide expression analysis were performed using cancerous and non-cancerous tissues derived from multicentric cohort study of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aim of the studies is identification of the refractoriness-related deriver genes for application to novel molecular targeted therapy and preventive medicine. The studies are intended for refractory HCC. High frequency of the tumor recurrence even after curative resection is one of the major difficulties in the treatment of HCC. According to our previous studies, not the recurrence itself, but the recurrence pattern has critical effects on prognosis of the patient with HCC. Then, we analyzed the cancerous and non-cancerous tissues of primary HCC on the point of the recurrence patterns in accordance with or without Milan criteria. The materials were obtained from thirty three patients underwent curative hepatectomy for HCC at Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Tokyo Medical and Dental University Hospital. Written informed consent from these patients, as well as the institutional review board approved was obtained. The determination of the refractory HCC group (16 cases) was based on the point of the recurrence patterns in accordance with Milan criteria for the recurrent tumor (solitary <5cm, or up to 3 nodules <3 cm, without major vascular invasion or distant metastasis) that has been proposed as the useful criteria of the liver transplantation for HCC. The cellular DNA was extracted from the cancerous and non-cancerous tissues of primary HCC by the phenol-chloroform method. After SNP certification using Genome-Wide Human SNP Array 6.0 (Affymetrix), whole exome sequencing was performed at the Cancer Institute of JFCR, as the support infrastructure. Exome sequencing was performed using HiSeq 2000 (Illumina), and the obtained reads were mapped to the human reference genome (hg19) using BWA software. GATK software was used for local realignment base call recalibration. Single nucleotide variants (SNVs) and indels were analyzed by MuTect and SomaticIndelDetector, as well as visual confirmation by IGV software.

  Study JGAS000052

• Characterization of Cell Free Plasma Methyl-DNA From Xenografted Tumors to Guide the Selection of Diagnostic Markers for Early-Stage Cancers

  Circulating cell-free methyl-DNA (mcfDNA) contains promising cancer markers but its low abundance and possibly diverse origin pose challenges toward the accurate diagnosis of early stage cancers. By whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) from about 0.5 mL plasma of mice xenografted with human tumors, we obtained and aligned the reads to the human genome, filtered out the mouse and carrier bacterial sequences, and confirmed the tumor origin of methyl-cfDNA (mctDNA) by methylation-sensitive restriction enzyme digestion prior to species-specific PCR. We estimated that human tumor-specific reads (ctDNA) or mctDNA comprised about 0.29 or 0.01%, respectively of the xenograft mouse cfDNA, and about 0.029 or 0.001% of the cfDNA of human early stage cancer patients. Similar WGBS of early stage (0-II, node- and metastasis-free) breast, lung or colorectal cancer samples identified hundreds of specific DMRs (differentially methylated regions) compared to healthy controls. Their association with tumourigenesis was supported by stage-dependent methylation, tumor suppressor or oncogene clusters, and genes also identified in the xenograft samples. Using 20 three-cancer-common and 17 colorectal cancer-specific DMRs in combination (top 0.0018% of the WGBS methylation clusters) was sufficient to distinguish the stage I colorectal cancers from breast and lung cancers and healthy controls. Our data thus confirmed the tumor origin of mctDNA by sequence specificity, and provide a selection threshold for authentic tumor mctDNA markers toward precise diagnosis of early stage cancers solely by top DMRs in combination. Biological Materials were provided by the Ontario Tumour Bank, which is funded by the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research Reference for citation: Ling Liu, Jinghua Feng, Julian Polimeni, Manli Zhang, Hai Nguyen, Urmi Das, Xu Zhang, Harminder Singh, Xiao-Jian Yao, Etienne Leygue, Sam K.P. Kung, and Xie J. Characterization of cell free plasma methyl-DNA from xenografted tumours to guide the selection of diagnostic markers for early-stage cancers. Frontiers in Oncology, 2021 Feb. 5. DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.615821.

  Study EGAS00001006175

• Ghana Breast Health Study

  The Ghana Breast Health Study (GBHS) was a multi-disciplinary, population-based case-control study conducted in Accra and Kumasi, Ghana that was designed to investigate breast cancer etiology in the West Africa region. The study enrolled 1,126 invasive breast cancer cases and 2,106 frequency matched population-based controls using census-based sampling. GHBS participants were between the ages of 18 to 74 years of age. Breast cancer cases were recruited at the time they presented with lesions suspicious of breast cancer at three hospitals: Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (Accra), Komfo Anoyke Teaching Hospital (Kumasi) and Peace and Love Hospital (Kumasi). These hospitals are the primary providers of treatment for breast cancer in Ghana, allowing for cases in our study to represent most breast cancers diagnosed in these areas during the study period. The following publications describe the GBHS in detail: 1) Brinton LA et al. Design considerations for identifying breast cancer risk factors in a population-based study in Africa. Int J Cancer 2017;140:2667-2677 (PMID:28295287). 2) Nyante SJ et al. Recruiting population controls for case-control studies in sub-Saharan Africa: The Ghana Breast Health Study. PloS one 2019;14:e0215347 (PMID:30990841)Among subjects with an available source of germline DNA genotyping was performed using the Infinium Global Screening Array-24 per the manufacturer&#8217;s guidelines using the Infinium automated protocol. We excluded probable duplicates and close relatives, and samples with a call rate &lt; 95% or samples with extreme heterozygosity. Female sex was verified by Identifiler using X chromosome heterozygosity and the X chromosome inbreeding coefficient F statistics. The GLU genetics&#8217; ld.tagzilla module was used to confirm African ancestry. To resolve more detailed population substructure, principal components analysis was conducted among all unrelated subjects using the EIGENSOFT v7.2.1. Imputation was performed using the Michigan imputation server Minimac3 with 1K genomes phase3 as reference panel.

  Study phs002387

• Assessment of Health-related Quality of Life in Rare Kidney Stones

  The purpose of this study is to learn about Health-related Quality Of Life (HRQoL) in patients enrolled in the Rare Kidney Stone Consortium (RKSC) registries. Quality of life studies look at different aspects of both physical and mental components of people&#39;s lives. HRQoL data for people affected by kidney stones are not currently available for people followed over time. All participants enrolled in the RKSC registries will be invited, via email or postal mail, to participate in this study. Health-related quality of life in people with rare kidney stones enrolled in the RKSC registries will be measured. Instruments used in this study are the SF-10 for pediatric participants and SF-36v2 for adult participants. The surveys will be completed online. Participants without a computer or internet access will participate using a paper version of the survey. These surveys will be done at enrollment and annually thereafter. The SF-36v2 includes 36 questions and is estimated to take 15 minutes for its completion, while the SF-10 includes 10 questions and could be completed in 5 minutes. The research questions are: Assessment of HRQoL in patients with rare kidney stones. Comparison of HRQoL results between rare kidney stone formers, general population and other populations with relevant chronic diseases. Comparison of HRQoL results in the same populations affected by different stones and analyzed with attention to the effects of various factors included in the disease registry, such as stone activity, burden of urologic interventions, medication and other treatments. Evaluation of HRQoL and its trends over time in patients undergoing treatment for rare kidney stones. About this study: The plan is to have 400 participants from all four registries take part in this multi-center study. The assessment of your HRQoL will be done annually for 5 years.

  Study phs001770

• Center for Common Disease Genomics [CCDG] - Cardiovascular: PEGASUS-TIMI 54

  This study is a part of NHGRI's Center for Common Disease Genomics, which is a collaborative large-scale genome sequencing effort to comprehensively identify rare risk and protective variants contributing to multiple common disease phenotypes. Current estimates anticipate that the CCDG program will sequence approximately 140K whole genomes and 225K whole exomes during the life of the project.&nbsp;The Cardiovascular Disease working group of the CCDG considered five diseases: early-onset coronary artery disease (EOCAD), stroke, atrial fibrillation, congestive heart failure and type 2 diabetes. Atrial fibrillation will affect between 6-12 million individuals in the US by 2050. AF also is associated with increased risks of stroke, dementia, heart failure, death, and high health care costs. Many risk factors for AF have been identified, including advancing age, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and CVD risk factors. However, there is little knowledge how to prevent AF. Furthermore, therapies for AF are only partially effective, and are themselves associated with substantial morbidity. Previously, heritable forms of AF have been considered rare; yet in the last decade, it has been established that AF, and in particular early-onset forms of AF, are heritable. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) provide a powerful tool to identify common variants underlying disease risk. The AFGen Consortium currently consists of investigators from more than 25 studies with &gt;20,000 individuals with AF and &gt;100,000 without AF. In the latest analyses, 14 loci have been identified for AF1 . Broadly, the loci implicate genes related to cardiopulmonary development, cardiac-expressed ion channels, and cell signaling molecules. Source: ccdg.rutgers.eduFor this study, The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard generated genetic data for 7,481 individuals from the PEGASUS-TIMI 54 clinical trial run by Brigham and Women's Hospital TIMI study group using whole exome sequencing and whole genome genotyping (Infinium Global Screening Array); all samples serving as controls.&nbsp;&nbsp;

  Study phs002243

• Genome-wide Association Study for Non-syndromic Clefts in the African Population: CIDR

  The focus of this project is to identify genetic variants that are associated with orofacial clefts in African populations in sub-Saharan Africa. Most genetic studies of CLP (including the vast majority of GWAS) have been conducted in populations of European origin with only a few focused on Asian or African populations. We choose to study the genetics of these complex traits in African populations because, African populations have the greatest genetic variation amongst the various populations in the world by virtue of being the primary ancestral population to modern humans (Cavalli-Sforza and Feldman, 2003; Ramsay et al., 2011). Therefore, the potential for finding novel loci for CLP is quite high. To date 6 genome wide association studies (GWAS) for cleft lip with or without cleft palate (CL/P) have been conducted and 18 risk loci identified (Birnbaum et al., 2009; Grant et al., 2009 ; Beaty et al., 2010; Mangold et al., 2010; Ludwig et al., 2012; Sun et al., 2015). All these studies have either been conducted in European populations, Asian populations or both. There is currently no published GWAS for clefts in African populations. African populations represent a novel and richly productive populations for genetic and environmental exposure studies for CL/P. Investigating the presence of genetic variants in diverse population groups can identify novel variants and candidate genes that are population specific. Environmental factors may also increase the risks in certain population groups due to genetic susceptibility and/or specific exposures. Understanding the role these susceptibility genes play in the effects of environmental risk factors can inform strategies designed towards reducing the outcome of these complex traits, e.g. through the modification of the environmental influences. The study population comprises a large number of individuals (3205 individuals) from Africa (Ghana, Ethiopia and Nigeria). There are cases, case triads (nuclear families), as well as controls with no history of OFC nor other developmental defects.

  Study phs001090

• Uncovering RNA Signatures of C9orf72-Linked ALS and Related Disorders

  Substantial clinical and pathological variability has been reported in patients carrying an expanded repeat in C9orf72, who are generally diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and/or frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Emerging evidence suggests that C9orf72 expression, RNA foci, and dipeptide-repeat proteins contribute to C9orf72-related diseases; however, the majority of the clinicopathological variability remains unexplained. We hypothesize that RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) might reveal individual genes or groups of highly correlated genes (modules) that could account for this variability, which may help to identify much-needed druggable targets and/or biomarkers. Our preliminary studies performed in the frontal cortex, where we compared C9orf72 expansion carriers to (disease) controls, demonstrated that the top differentially expressed gene was C9orf72 itself. We also noticed that differentially expressed genes were enriched for the endocytosis pathway, which is consistent with the reported function of the C9orf72 protein in vesicle trafficking. Furthermore, we detected a module enriched for vesicular pathways, and additionally, we discovered an association with survival after onset for several promising candidates involved in vesicular transport. To find new therapeutic targets and biomarkers, here we have completed RNA-Seq on an increased number of samples to examine another relevant region: the cerebellum. As such, we performed RNA-Seq on a well-characterized cohort of C9orf72 expansion carriers, patients without this expansion, and control subjects without neurological diseases. We used multivariable linear regression models for gene-level analysis, weighted correlation network analysis for module-level analysis, and leafcutter for splicing analysis. Using the cerebellar RNA-Seq data, we found a large number (&gt;6,000) of differentially expressed genes, with a notable increase in expression of homeobox genes in C9orf72 expansion carriers, as well as many gene modules that were associated with C9orf72 expansion status. Additionally, using leafcutter, we detected over 1,000 differential splicing events and an increase in the number of cryptic splicing events in C9orf72 expansion carriers.

  Study phs003065

• Discovery, Biology, and Risk of Inherited Variants in Breast Cancer (DRIVE) - Genome-Wide Association Study Meta-Analysis

  Discovery, Biology, and Risk of Inherited Variants in Breast Cancer (DRIVE) was one of five projects funded in 2010 as part of the NCI&#39;s Genetic Associations and Mechanisms in Oncology (GAME-ON) initiative (http://epi.grants.cancer.gov/gameon/). GAME-ON&#39;s overall goal was to foster an intra-disciplinary and collaborative approach to the translation of promising research leads deriving from the initial wave of cancer GWAS. Specific goals included replication of previous GWAS findings and identification of new susceptibility loci through meta analyses of existing GWAS data and fine mapping of identified loci to better pinpoint causal variants; and identify germline variants that are associated with risk of multiple cancers. The other four funded GAME-ON projects were: the ColoRectal TransdisciplinaryStudy (CORECT), Elucidating Loci Involved in Prostate Cancer Susceptibility (ELLIPSE), Follow-up of Ovarian Cancer Genetic Association and Interaction Study (FOCI), and Transdisciplinary Research in Cancer of the Lung (TRICL). To identify additional cancer risk loci, improve the precision of fine-mapping, and facilitate cross-cancer analyses, DRIVE investigators performed a meta-analysis of eleven genome-wide association studies of breast cancer: The Australian Breast Cancer Family Study (ABCFS), the British Breast Cancer Study (BBCS), the Breast and Prostate Cancer Cohort Consortium (BPC3), the Breast Cancer Family Registries (BCFR), the Dutch Familial Bilateral Breast Cancer Study (DFBBCS), German Consortium for Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer (GC-HBOC), the Helsinki breast cancer family Study (HEBCS), the Mammary Carcinoma Risk factor Investigation (MARIE), the Singapore and Sweden Breast Cancer Study (SASBAC), the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Study (TNBC), and the UK2 GWAS. These studies comprised a total of 16,062 cases and 46,157 controls. Imputation to the 1,000 Genomes Project Phase 1 v3 ALL reference panel was performed by study, and summary statistics from each study were combined using fixed-effect meta analysis.

  Study phs001263

• Bone Microarchitecture

  Osteoporosis affects more than 28 million people in the United States and the lifetime risk for osteoporosis-related morbidity is higher than a woman's combined risk for breast cancer, endometrial cancer and ovarian cancer. Health care expenditures for osteoporotic patients in this country are currently nearly 13 billion dollars per annum and are predicted to increase markedly in the next decades due the aging of the population; therefore, it is important to understand the factors that contribute to bone strength and fracture risk. With the advent of skeletal imaging modalities such as high resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT), it is now possible to study the genetics of more highly refined peripheral skeletal microarchitecture phenotypes. Because these refined phenotypes have not been measured in many cohort studies, this project was a collaborative effort to include almost all the existing data on HR-pQCT of the radius and tibia, and genetics from around the world. Cohorts involved in the discovery included: 1) Framingham Osteoporosis Study, 2) Mayo Clinic cohort; 3) Geneva Retirees cohort; 4) OFELY cohort from Lyon France; 5) STRAMBO cohort from Lyon France; 6) Swedish Male cohorts. Replication cohorts undergoing de novo genotyping include: 1) QUALYOR cohort from Lyon France; 2) CaMOS cohort from Canada. Other than the Framingham cohort and the Swedish male cohorts, all discovery cohorts underwent genome wide genotyping with the Affymetrix Axiom Biobank array that had common variants along with exome content based on the early findings from the Exome Sequencing Project. All genotype data from the discovery cohorts were then imputed using the Haplotype Reference Consortium reference panel. Variants for replication genotyping using the Kasp technology were selected based on novelty compared with previously identified loci using DXA phenotypes, minor allele frequency, underlying LD structure within a locus, and likelihood of a variant being functional as assessed using various algorithms for coding and non-coding variants.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

  Study phs002102

• Clonal Evolution and Heterogeneity of Osimertinib Acquired Resistance Mechanisms in EGFR Mutant Lung Cancer

  Current understanding of acquired resistance to osimertinib in EGFR-mutant lung cancer is largely based on the use of targeted sequencing platforms and cell-free DNA. In this study we examined the clonal evolution and heterogeneity of acquired resistance mechanisms to osimertinib through whole exome and RNA-sequencing of prospectively collected pre-and post-osimertinib resistant tumors and metastases at rapid autopsy. We enrolled 34 patients with histologically confirmed EGFR mutant advanced lung adenocarcinoma in a prospective Phase II clinical trial to evaluate osimertinib treatment and the use of local ablative therapy (LAT) for oligoprogressive disease (NCT02759835) in EGFR mutant NSCLC from April 2016 until data cutoff in September 2019. Patients were not selected based on oligometastatic status, rather 32/34 patients had multiple organ involvement, including lung, liver, adrenal, brain and bone. Biopsies or surgeries were performed pre-osimertinib treatment and at first progression on osimertinib. A subset of patients also underwent biopsies at second progression on osimertinib, and following end of life in-patient hospice and rapid autopsy upon death. 63% (n=15/24) of first-line osimertinib and 50% (n=5/10) of second-line osimertinib treated patients had RECIST defined partial response. Overall, 21 patients had RECIST defined first progression on osimertinib. Two patients on this trial discontinued treatment and were lost to follow up. Of the 21 patients who had RECIST defined progression, 14 patients underwent LAT (8 first-line and 6 second-line). Twelve patients had paired pre- and post-osimertinib resistant tumors and three had post-osimertinib resistant tumors available for analysis. Four patients (LAT002, LAT006, LAT014 and LAT021) consented for a rapid autopsy protocol and underwent rapid autopsy after deatH. To elucidate acquired osimertinib resistance mechanisms, we performed whole-exome (WES), targeted sequencing and RNA-seq on 66 tumors and matched germline DNA from tumor tissue obtained from a total of 15 patients.

  Study phs002001

• Autism Sequencing Consortium (ASC)

  The ARRA Autism Sequencing Collaboration was created in 2010 bringing together expert large-scale sequencing center (at the Baylor College of Medicine, PI Richard Gibbs and the Board Institute of MIT and Harvard, PI Mark J. Daly) and a collaborative network of research labs focused on the genetics of autism (brought together by the Autism Genome Project and the Autism Consortium). These groups worked together to utilize dramatic new advances in DNA sequencing technology to reveal the genetic architecture of autism through comprehensive examination of the exotic sequence of all genes. The Autism Sequencing Consortium (ASC) was founded by Joseph D. Buxbaum and colleagues as an international group of scientists who share autism spectrum disorder (ASD) samples and genetic data. The PIs are Drs. Joseph D. Buxbaum (Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai), Mark J. Daly (Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard), Bernie Devlin (University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine), Kathryn Roeder (Carnegie Mellon University, Matthew State and Stephan Sanders (University of California, San Francisco). The rationale for the ASC is described in Buxbaum et al. 2012, and this paper should be cited when referencing the data set. All shared data and analysis is hosted at a single site, which enables joint analysis of large-scale data from many groups. The ASC was first supported by a cooperative agreement grant to four lead sites funded by the National Institute of Mental Health (U01MH100233, U01MH100209, U01MH100229, U01MH100239), with additional support from the National Human Genome Research Institute. The NIMH recently renewed their support with a second grant (U01MH111661, U01MH111660, U01MH111658 and U01MH111662) to expand the project from 29,000 genomes to more than 50,000 exomes over the next 5 years. NHGRI provides ongoing sequencing support for the ASD through the Broad Center for Common Disease Genomics (UM1HG008895, Mark Daly, PI).

  Study phs000298

• Gene Environment Association Studies (GENEVA): Genetics of Early Onset Stroke (GEOS) Study

  The Genetics of Early Onset Stroke (GEOS) Study is a population-based case-control study designed to identify genes associated with early-onset ischemic stroke and to characterize interactions of identified stroke genes and/or SNPs with environmental risk factors such as smoking and oral contraceptive use. The GEOS study consists of 921 ischemic stroke cases with age of first stroke 16-50 years and a similar number of controls, identified from the Baltimore-Washington area. Cases and controls were recruited in 3 different time periods: Stroke Prevention in Young Women-1 (SPYW-1) conducted from 1992-1996, Stroke Prevention in Young Women-2 (SPYW-2) conducted from 2001-2003, and Stroke Prevention in Young Men (SPYM) conducted from 2003-2007. The overall GEOS sample includes 477 cases who self-reported their race as "white" and 396 cases who self-reported their race as "African American." Traditional stroke risk factors and other study variables, including age, ethnicity, and history of hypertension, diabetes, myocardial infarction (MI), current smoking status, and current oral contraceptive use (both defined as use within one month prior to event for cases and at a comparable reference time for controls), were also collected during standardized interview and were included as covariates in our analyses. This study is part of the Gene Environment Association Studies initiative (GENEVA, http://www.genevastudy.org) funded by the trans-NIH Genes, Environment, and Health Initiative (GEI). The overarching goal is to identify novel genetic factors that contribute to early-onset ischemic stroke through large-scale genome-wide association studies of cases and controls of European and African descent from the Baltimore-Washington area. Genotyping was performed at the Johns Hopkins University Center for Inherited Disease Research (CIDR). Data cleaning and harmonization were done at the GEI-funded GENEVA Coordinating Center at the University of Washington.

  Study phs000292

• Center for Common Disease Genomics [CCDG] - Cardiovascular: ENGAGE Atrial Fibrillation-TIMI 48

  This study is a part of NHGRI's Center for Common Disease Genomics, which is a collaborative large-scale genome sequencing effort to comprehensively identify rare risk and protective variants contributing to multiple common disease phenotypes. Current estimates anticipate that the CCDG program will sequence approximately 140K whole genomes and 225K whole exomes during the life of the project. The Cardiovascular Disease working group of the CCDG considered five diseases: early-onset coronary artery disease (EOCAD), stroke, atrial fibrillation, congestive heart failure and type 2 diabetes. Atrial fibrillation will affect between 6-12 million individuals in the US by 2050. AF also is associated with increased risks of stroke, dementia, heart failure, death, and high health care costs. Many risk factors for AF have been identified, including advancing age, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and CVD risk factors. However, there is little knowledge how to prevent AF. Furthermore, therapies for AF are only partially effective, and are themselves associated with substantial morbidity. Previously, heritable forms of AF have been considered rare; yet in the last decade, it has been established that AF, and in particular early-onset forms of AF, are heritable. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) provide a powerful tool to identify common variants underlying disease risk. The AFGen Consortium currently consists of investigators from more than 25 studies with &gt;20,000 individuals with AF and &gt;100,000 without AF. In the latest analyses, 14 loci have been identified for AF1. Broadly, the loci implicate genes related to cardiopulmonary development, cardiac-expressed ion channels, and cell signaling molecules.Source: https://ccdg.rutgers.edu/sites/default/files/CCDG_CVD_EOAF_FINAL_w_link.pdfFor this study, The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard generated genetic data for 13,667 individuals from the ENGAGE AF-TIMI 48 clinical trial run by Brigham and Women's Hospital TIMI study group using whole exome sequencing and whole genome genotyping (Infinium Global Screening Array); all cases with atrial fibrillation.

  Study phs002774

• POPRES: Population Reference Sample

  POPRES version 1 and 2 Technological and scientific advances, stemming in large part from the Human Genome and HapMap projects, have made large-scale, genome-wide investigations feasible and cost-effective. These advances have the potential to dramatically impact drug discovery and development by identifying genetic factors that contribute to variation in disease risk as well as drug pharmacokinetics, treatment efficacy, and adverse drug reactions. In spite of the technological advancements, successful application in biomedical research would be limited without access to suitable sample collections. To facilitate exploratory genetic research, we have assembled a DNA resource from a large number of subjects participating in multiple studies throughout the world. This resource was initially genotyped using the Affymetrix 500K SNP panel. This project includes nearly 6,000 subjects of African American, East Asian, South Asian, Mexican, and European origin. POPRES version 3 The discovery and development of novel drugs is challenging and with high attrition rates. Selection of the right target and optimal indications for novel therapeutics represent key decision points in this process, and are often hampered by our limited understanding of the biology of the target in humans. Building a robust body of knowledge of variation within drug target genes has in several cases increased the probability of success for novel therapeutics. Our knowledge of variation within drug target genes and their influence on traits of medical interest is still very limited. In an effort to fill this gap, we resequenced the exons of 202 known or suspected drug target genes in over 16,000 well-phenotyped individuals. A total of 863,883 bases were targeted, including 351 kb of coding and 323 kb of untranslated exon regions. The sequenced subjects included 3,381 from two studies that were part of the Population Reference Sample (POPRES) project: CoLaus (N = 2,059) and LOLIPOP (N = 1,322). Genotyping data generated through the targeted next generation sequencing is available through the dbGaP.

  Study phs000145

• Genetic Epidemiology Network of Arteriopathy (GENOA)

  The Genetic Epidemiology Network of Arteriopathy (GENOA): GENOA is one of four research networks that form the NHLBI Family Blood Pressure Program (FBPP). From its inception in 1995, GENOA&#39;s long-term objective was to elucidate the genetics of hypertension and its arteriosclerotic target-organ damage, including both atherosclerotic (macrovascular) and arteriolosclerotic (microvascular) complications involving the heart, brain, kidneys, and peripheral arteries. Two GENOA cohorts were originally ascertained (1995-2000) through sibships in which at least 2 siblings had essential hypertension diagnosed prior to age 60 years. All siblings in the sibship were invited to participate, both normotensive and hypertensive. These include non-Hispanic White Americans from Rochester, MN (n =1583 at the 1st exam) and African Americans from Jackson, MS (N=1854 at the 1st exam). During the second exam (2000-2005), approximately 80% of participants were re-recruited. The GENOA data consists of biological samples (DNA, serum, urine) as well as demographic, anthropometric, environmental, clinical, biochemical, physiological, and genetic data for understanding the genetic predictors of diseases of the heart, brain, kidney, and peripheral arteries. Family Blood Pressure Program (FBPP): GENOA&#39;s parent program, the FBPP, is an unprecedented collaboration to identify genes influencing blood pressure (BP) levels, hypertension, and its target-organ damage. This program has conducted over 21,000 physical examinations, assembled a shared database of several hundred BP and hypertension-related phenotypic measurements, completed genome-wide linkage analyses for BP, hypertension, and hypertension associated risk factors and complications, and published over 130 manuscripts on program findings. The FBPP emerged from what was initially funded as four independent networks of investigators (HyperGEN, GenNet, SAPPHIRe and GENOA) competing to identify genetic determinants of hypertension in multiple ethnic groups. Realizing the greater likelihood of success through collaboration, the investigators began working together during the first funding cycle (1995-2000) and formalized this arrangement in the second cycle (2000-2005), creating a single confederation with program-wide and network-specific goals.

  Study phs000379

• A Scalable, GMP-Compatible, Autologous Organotypic Cell Therapy for Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa

  Gene editing in induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells has been hailed for enabling new cell therapies for various monogenetic diseases including dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB). However, manufacturing, efficacy, and safety roadblocks have limited the development of genetically corrected, autologous iPS cell-based therapies. Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa Cell Therapy (DEBCT), is a new generation, Good Manufacturing Practice-compatible (cGMP), reproducible, and scalable platform to produce autologous clinical-grade iPS cell-derived organotypic induced skin composite (iSC) grafts to treat incurable wounds of patients lacking type VII collagen (C7). DEBCT uses a single step, combined, high-efficiency reprogramming, and CRISPR-based genetic correction to generate genome scar-free, COL7A1 corrected clonal iPS cells from primary patient fibroblasts. Validated iPS cells are converted into epidermal, dermal, and melanocyte progenitors with a novel 2D organoid differentiation protocol, followed by CD49f enrichment and expansion to minimize maturation heterogeneity. iSC product characterization by single cell transcriptomics was followed by mouse xenografting for disease correcting activity at 1 month and toxicology analysis at 1-6 months. Culture-acquired mutations, potential CRISPR-off target effects, and cancer-driver variants were evaluated by targeted and whole genome sequencing. iPS cell-derived iSC grafts were reproducibly generated from four recessive DEB patients with different pathogenic mutations. Organotypic iSC grafts onto immune-compromised mice developed into stable stratified skin with functional C7 restoration. Single cell transcriptomic characterization of iSCs revealed prominent holoclone stem cell signatures in keratinocytes and the recently described Gibbin-dependent signature in dermal fibroblasts. The latter correlated with enhanced graftability. Multiple orthogonal sequencing and subsequent computational approaches identified random and non-oncogenic mutations introduced by the manufacturing process. Toxicology revealed no detectable tumors after 3-6 months in DEBCT-treated mice. In conclusion, DEBCT successfully overcomes previous roadblocks and establishes a robust, scalable, and safe cGMP manufacturing platform for the production of a CRISPR-corrected autologous organotypic skin graft to heal DEB patient wounds.

  Study phs003271

• Structure and Diversity of Urinary Cell-Free DNA Informative of Host-Pathogen Interactions in Human Urinary Tract Infection

  The risk of acquiring urinary tract infection (UTI) is very high for patients who have received kidney transplants; nearly half will develop bacteriuria and an eighth viruria via BK polyomavirus in the first three years following transplantation. Current methodology for diagnosing viral and bacterial infections, while well practiced, is often limited in scope. The advent of next generation sequencing of cell-free DNA has shown promise in its ability to capture multiple perspectives of human health from discovering the origin of cell-free DNA in plasma; such a diagnostic has not been readily applied to urinary cell-free DNA. In this study, we selected 141 urine samples from a cohort of kidney transplant patients, which were collected and stored at Weill Cornell Medical College - New York Presbyterian Hospital. Of these samples, 43 samples were determined to be culture positive (> 10,000 CFU) for one or more bacterial species, including E. coli, Enterococcus, Klebsiella, Haemophilus, and Raoultella. A separate 23 samples were confirmed for BK virus nephropathy, with presence of BK polyomavirus confirmed via qPCR. We also included 29 samples from 14 patients who did not develop UTIs in the first three months following transplantation, and 11 samples that were negative for BK virus nephropathy. For a full description of samples, please see the Supplementary Data 1 in https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29925834/. From these urine samples, we aimed to capture and sequence urinary cell-free DNA using a single-stranded library preparation. In addition, we performed whole-genome bisulfite sequencing to 170 plasma samples collected from 27 hematopoietic cell transplant patients who developed graft-versus host disease and BK polyomavirus infection. We also performed Sample-Intrinsic microbial DNA Found by Tagging and sequencing (SIFT-seq) on 196 cell-free DNA (cfDNA) samples (154 plasma and 42 urine) collected from five groups of subjects. For a full description of samples, please see publications in PMID: 35864089 and PMID: 35058359.

  Study phs001564

• Genomic Basis of Phenotypic Variability of Complex Disorders

  The 520-kbp deletion on chromosome 16p12.1 is associated with multiple neurodevelopmental outcomes, including intellectual disability/developmental delay (ID/DD), schizophrenia, autism, and epilepsy. This variant is inherited in >95% of cases from carrier parents manifesting neuropsychiatric features, while affected children with the deletion were more likely to carry another large Copy Number Variation (CNV) or rare deleterious mutation elsewhere in the genome, or "second-hits", compared to carrier parents. Thus, while the 16p12.1 deletion confers significant risk for a range of disorders, the ultimate phenotypic trajectory is determined by "second-hit" variants in the genetic background. However, outstanding questions remain about the genetic background in these disorders, including the functional effects of "second-hit" variants towards gene expression or developmental phenotypes, the full spectrum of "second-hit" variants, and the mechanisms driving accumulation of these variants.In version 1, we performed deep clinical phenotyping, whole-genome sequencing (WGS), SNP microarray analysis, and RNA-sequencing of lymphoblastoid cell lines of 32 individuals in five large families with the 16p12.1 deletion. We found that specific classes of rare single-nucleotide and structural variants in coding and non-coding regions contributed towards expression changes in affected children based on their inheritance patterns, including a subset of variants that acted synergistically with the deletion to alter expression. We further found that rare variant-mediated expression changes contribute to specific developmental phenotypes in the carrier children, suggesting a potential genetic mechanism for variable expressivity of the deletion.In version 2, we additionally analyzed genetic and phenotypic data from individuals with 16p12.1 deletion and their spouses to assess the role of assortative mating modulating phenotypic outcomes of the 16p12.1 deletion. We identified significant within- and cross- disorder phenotypic correlations between spouses, but observed no significant genetic correlations between spouses, in line with expectations.

  Study phs002450

• International Cancer Proteogenome Consortium (ICPC): Proteogenomics of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Taiwan

  Oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the major subtype (~90%) of oral cancer, which is leading cancer with high mortality worldwide. The environmental risk factors associated with OSCC are quite different in Taiwan as compared to other populations. In most non-Taiwanese populations, OSCC is often associated with tobacco chewing, cigarette smoking, alcohol drinking, or human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. In Taiwan, in contrast, the OSCC occurs mainly in males aged 30 years or older who have habitual betel nut chewing, cigarette smoking, and alcohol drinking. To uncover molecular mechanisms and identify new therapeutic strategies of oral squamous cell carcinoma, this study recruited 112 treatment-na&#239;ve OSCC patients and generated multi-omics data, including WES, RNA-Seq, TMT-labeled proteomes, and phosphoproteomes from paired normal/tumor tissues. We have investigated our multi-omics data, covering molecular characterizations such as mutation signatures, impacts of mutations on RNA/protein/phosphoprotein, RNA-protein correlation, somatic copy number alteration, and the relationship with RNA &amp; protein, proteome, and phosphoproteome analysis (T vs NAT), novel peptides (somatic variants, neoantigens, CT antigens, T cell receptors, etc.), as well as molecular subtyping (&amp; pathway analysis). Notably, we have discovered a higher frequency of APOBEC3B deletion polymorphism in the Taiwanese population, and APOBEC3A is a potential prognostic biomarker. Our proteogenomic data enable us to further stratify patients into four groups based on APOBE3A expression level, which is found inversely correlated with EGFR expression. Therefore, the patients with high EGFR and low APOBEC3A expression may benefit from anti-EGFR therapy, while those with low EGFR and high APOBEC3A expression may benefit from immunotherapy. To clarify if there is an interaction between genetic polymorphisms and betel nut chewing habit in Taiwanese OSCC, we plan to concurrently evaluate the effect of habitual betel nut chewing on the gene mutation pattern, the dysregulated protein/phosphoproteins as novel biomarkers and/or therapeutic targets, and the molecular subtyping of patients for effective treatments.&#160;

  Study phs002580

• Ipilimumab plus Decitabine for Patients with MDS or AML in Post-Transplant or Transplant Naïve Settings

  Design and AimsThis study was a phase 1 clinical trial investigating the combination of ipilimumab (IPI), a CTLA-4 checkpoint inhibitor, and decitabine (DEC), a hypomethylating agent, for treating relapsed/refractory (R/R) myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The goal was to determine whether DEC could enhance the immune response to IPI without causing excessive immune toxicity. This study provides important insights into the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors with hypomethylating agents in treating high-risk MDS/AML and highlights the need for further research on optimizing immune-based therapies in these settings.Population InformationPost-HSCT arm: 25 patients (23 AML, 2 MDS; all relapsed/refractory).Transplant-na&#239;ve arm: 23 patients (15 AML, 8 MDS; 20 relapsed/refractory, 3 untreated).Data available through dbGaPDeidentified individual participant data, Multiplex immunofluorescence staining, Olink, RNA-Seq and Whole Exome SequencingPrincipal FindingsSafety &#38; Tolerability: The maximum tolerated dose (MTD) for IPI was determined to be 10 mg/kg, though higher doses were associated with increased immune-related adverse events (irAEs).Efficacy: The overall response rate (ORR) was higher in transplant-na&#239;ve patients (52%) compared to post-HSCT patients (20%).Responses were more frequent at higher IPI doses (10 mg/kg). Some patients achieved durable remission (>1 year), often linked to irAE development.Toxicity: The most common grade &#8805;3 treatment-emergent adverse events included neutropenia (32%-48%), thrombocytopenia (28%-48%), and febrile neutropenia (36%-61%). irAEs were observed in 44%-48% of patients, with GVHD occurring only in the post-HSCT group.Survival Outcomes: Median overall survival and progression-free survival did not significantly differ between the two arms. However, in transplant-na&#239;ve patients, 1-year survival was higher in those who developed irAEs (72.7%) versus those who did not (33.3%).

  Study phs003292

• Perceptions, Prevalence, and Patterns of Cannabis Use among Cancer Patients in NCI-Designated Cancer Centers

  This study aimed to better understand the evolving landscape of cannabis use among patients undergoing cancer treatment across diverse geographic regions. It sought to characterize patterns of use, patient perceptions, and contextual influences such as legal status and provider engagement that affect cannabis use. Given the shifting legal environment, this study addresses a critical gap in the literature by providing data on how cancer patients integrate cannabis into their care. The available delivery methods of cannabis have also undergone dramatic changes and now include edibles, oils, tinctures, topicals, and inhaled forms. State-based policy changes are rapidly changing. Yet research on cannabis use by cancer patients across a variety of geographic settings remains limited. The extent of cannabis use, the perceived and real benefits and risks of use, potential interactions with cancer treatment and other medications, and impact on comorbid conditions are uncertain. Clinicians should be aware of the extent of use in order to assess potential drug-drug interactions, side effects, and contraindications; hence, an understanding of how cancer patients and clinicians engage in discussions about cannabis use is essential. Twelve NCI-designated cancer centers were awarded supplemental funding to conduct surveys assessing cannabis use among recently diagnosed cancer patients. Selected sites were in 8 states with varied legal status for medical and recreational cannabis use at the time of the survey. The 12 cancer centers independently received approval from their institutional review boards (IRB) and collected data from September 2021 to August 2023. Eligible participants were cancer patients or survivors who resided in their respective cancer center's catchment area. Cancer centers were responsible for sampling patients within their catchment area with the goal of 1,000 completed surveys. Ten out of 12 cancer centers drew probability samples of patients from patient lists defining their catchment area with some stratifying the sample in various ways including by cancer type, by sex, by race/ethnicity or by a combination of demographic variables.

  Study phs004046

• POU4F3 mutation screening in Japanese hearing loss patients.

  A variant in a transcription factor gene, POU4F3, is responsible for autosomal dominant nonsyndromic hereditary hearing loss, DFNA15. To date, 14 variants, including a whole deletion of POU4F3, have been reported to cause HL in various ethnic groups. In the present study, genetic screening for POU4F3 variants was carried out for a large series of Japanese hearing loss (HL) patients to clarify the prevalence and clinical characteristics of DFNA15 in the Japanese population. Massively parallel DNA sequencing of 68 target candidate genes was utilized in 2,549 unrelated Japanese HL patients (probands) to identify genomic variations responsible for HL. The detailed clinical features in patients with POU4F3 variants were collected from medical charts and analyzed. Novel 12 POU4F3 likely pathogenic variants (six missense variants, three frameshift variants, and three nonsense variants) were successfully identified in 15 probands (2.5%) among 602 families exhibiting autosomal dominant HL, whereas no variants were detected in the other 1,947 probands with autosomal recessive or inheritance pattern unknown HL. To obtain the audiovestibular configuration of the patients harboring POU4F3 variants, we collected audiograms and vestibular symptoms of the probands and their affected family members. Audiovestibular phenotypes in a total of 24 individuals from the 15 families possessing variants were characterized by progressive HL, with a large variation in the onset age and severity with or without vestibular symptoms observed. Pure-tone audiograms indicated the most prevalent configuration as mid-frequency HL type followed by high-frequency HL type, with asymmetry observed in approximately 20% of affected individuals. Analysis of the relationship between age and pure-tone average suggested that individuals with truncating variants showed earlier onset and slower progression of HL than did those with non-truncating variants. The present study showed that variants in POU4F3 were a common cause of autosomal dominant HL.

  Study JGAS000093

• Molecular analysis of diffuse cerebellar gliomas

  Among diffuse gliomas, oligodendrogliomas show relatively better prognosis, respond well to radiotherapy and chemotherapy, and seldom progress to very aggressive tumors. To elucidate the genetic and epigenetic background for such behavior and tumor evolution during tumor relapse, we comparatively analyzed 12 pairs of primary and recurrent oligodendrogliomas with 1p/19q-codeletion. Initial treatment for these patients was mostly chemotherapy alone. Temozolomide was used for 3, and procarbazine, nimustine and vincristine (PAV chemotherapy) were used for 7 patients. World Health Organization histological grade at recurrence was mostly stable; it was increased in 2, the same in 9, and decreased in 1 cases. Whole-exome sequencing demonstrated that the rate of shared mutation between the primary and recurrent tumors was relatively low, ranging from 3.2-57.9% (average, 33.3%), indicating a branched evolutionary pattern. The trunk alterations that existed throughout the course were restricted to IDH1 mutation, 1p/19q-codeletion, and TERT promoter mutation, and mutation of the known candidate tumor suppressor genes CIC and FUBP1 were not consistently observed between primary and recurrent tumors. Multiple sampling from different regions within a tumor showed marked intratumoral heterogeneity. Notably, in general, the number of mutations was not significantly different after recurrence, remaining under 100, and no hypermutator phenotype was observed. FUBP1 mutation, loss of chr. 9p21, and TCF12 mutation were among a few recurrent de novo alterations that were found at recurrence, indicating that these events were clonally selected at recurrence but were not enough to enhance malignancy. Genome-wide methylation status, measured by Illumina 450 K arrays, was stable between recurrence and the primary tumor. In summary, although oligodendroglioma displays marked mutational heterogeneity, histological malignant transformation accompanying events such as considerable increase in mutation number and epigenetic profile change were not observed at recurrence, indicating that noticeable temporal and spatial genetic heterogeneity in oligodendrogliomas does not result in rapid tumor progression.

  Study JGAS000106

• A prospective study identifies MisMatch Repair genes as candidate predisposing genes for uveal melanoma.

  Objective: The aim of this study is to identify new predisposing genes for uveal melanoma (UM), the most common intraocular malignancy in adults. Design: Prospective cohort study from Institut Curie. Participants: 381 unselected patients diagnosed with UM between July 2021 and February 2023 at Institut Curie. Methods: All patients received genetic counseling and consented to extended genetic testing. A panel of 122 genes was analyzed by targeted sequencing on germline DNA from these patients. Main outcomes measures: UM was diagnosed by ophthalmologists at Institut Curie, and a senior pathologist confirmed the diagnosis when tumor or biopsy was available. Classification of the germline genetic variants was performed according to the ACMG guidelines. Results: We identified at least one pathogenic variant (PV) in 79 patients. Among those variants, 20 were found in clinically relevant genes for the patient’s follow-up and genetic counseling. We found a significant enrichment of germline pathogenic variants in Mismatch Repair (MMR) MLH1, MSH2 and MSH6 genes in this UM cohort, suggesting that MMR germline alterations could predispose to UM. From this cohort, one tumor was available from a patient carrying a MLH1 germline mutation. The tumor was characterized by a monosomy 3, in line with a loss of heterozygosity (LOH) of MLH1, located on chromosome 3. Loss of expression of MLH1 and PMS2 was observed by immunohistochemistry, and MMR mutational signatures SBS6, ID1 and ID2 were identified from the whole genome sequencing of the tumor. These data suggest that MLH1 is implicated in the oncogenesis of this UM. Conclusions: This study is the largest prospective constitutional study performed on UM patients, and the first demonstrating that MMR germline alterations are significantly enriched among these patients. Further analyses will be needed to estimate the risk of developing UM for patients with Lynch syndrome

  Study EGAS50000000914

• Emirati Genome Project subset of 43,608 WGS samples for population-scale variant discovery and allele frequency mapping.

  Here, we present a comprehensive genomic characterization of a cohort of 43,608 Emirati genomes sequenced as part of the Emirati Genome Program (EGP). This study identified more than 421 million single nucleotide variants and indels and more than 600 million copy number- and structural variants. Small variants had 756 million molecular effects annotated. Of the identified variants, 69.04% were observed with more than one allele. Of 7.7 million polymorphic variants having an allele frequency (AF) of more than 5% in EGP, 1,348 have a predicted deleterious effect on a protein. Characterization of global variation reveals that EGP represents a genetic continuum encompassing the range of African, Asian, and European populations. It is best described by two Arabian, an Eurasian, and an African component, with the predominant Arabian component linked to mitochondrial haplogroups J and T, which are commonly attributed to the Middle East. Various aneuploidies of sex chromosomes were detected in 93 individuals overall and of chromosome 21 in 41 individuals. The median inbreeding coefficient and cumulative runs of homozygosity (ROHs) lengths were increased due to extensive consanguinity, being largest in the groups with Arabian main ancestry components and higher than reported for Qatar. Families were identified based on genetic relatedness and classified into 264 families with unrelated parents and 247 families with third- and fourth-degree consanguineous parents. Representative consanguineous pedigrees of families in EGP were outlined. Cumulative ROHs were affected by the main ancestry component and significantly increased in offspring of consanguineous parents, with a pronounced difference between 3rd and 4th-degree relatedness. Investigation of cumulative AFs of variants causing Mendelian diseases highlighted genes related to alpha- and beta-thalassemia (HBB, HBA2). It showed a high burden of variants causing severe recessive diseases, metabolic and retinal disorders, and hearing loss. In summary, EGP represents a landmark effort in characterizing the genetic diversity of the Emirati population, leveraging the largest Middle Eastern cohort reported to date.

  Study EGAS50000001071

• Identification of intronic sequences promoting natural skipping of ABCA4 exon 15 using long-read transcriptomics and midigene assays

  Stargardt disease is an inherited retinal disease that leads to progressive loss of vision, and is caused by biallelic variants in the ABCA4 gene. A significant proportion of ABCA4 variants of variable penetrance affect pre-mRNA splicing. Previously, we observed the exclusion of certain ABCA4 exons into the final transcript in the absence of any disease-causing variants. In this study, we explored this phenomenon that we coined natural exon skipping (NES) for the entire ABCA4 transcript, using targeted RT-PCR analysis as well as long-read transcriptome sequencing of control retina samples. For the most abundant NES event, which is skipping of ABCA4 exon 15, overlapping ABCA4 deletion constructs were employed to identify responsible cis-regulatory sequence motifs. Subsequently, antisense oligonucleotides (AONs) were designed and tested to reverse NES and restore fully-spliced ABCA4 mRNA. We identified intronic regions on each side of exon 15 that, when deleted, increased the inclusion of exon 15 in the final transcripts. Interestingly, these motifs appear to work in a synergistic manner. Further fine-mapping of these regions revealed several cis-regulatory motifs that may be responsible for inducing NES, on each side of the exon. AONs targeting these motifs unfortunately did not decrease the skipping of exon 15. In conclusion, we discovered an intriguing phenomenon that, in the absence of disease-causing variants, results in the skipping of one or more exons in the ABCA4 transcript. These NES events appear to be regulated by cis-regulatory motifs within the flanking introns. This work captured the extend of NES throughout ABCA4 transcript and the role of cis-regulatory motifs in pre-mRNA splicing.. The use of AONs targeting cis-regulatory motifs is an innovative strategy for splicing modulation, suitable for complementing future variant-specific splicing modulation therapies in ABCA4 retinopathies.

  Study EGAS50000000071

• High-throughput telomere length measurement at nucleotide resolution using the PacBio high fidelity sequencing platform

  Telomeres are specialized nucleoprotein structures at the ends of linear chromosomes that are essential for the stability as well as the complete replication of the human genome. The progressive shortening of steady-state telomere length in normal human somatic cells is a promising biomarker for age-associated diseases. However, there remain substantial challenges in quantifying telomere length in clinics and research laboratories due to the lack of accurate and high-throughput telomere length measurement method. Here, we describe a novel workflow to capture and analyze telomeres accurately at the single-nucleotide resolution. By using newly designed telobaits that are complementary to the single-stranded G-rich 3’ telomeric overhangs, we can specifically and efficiently capture full-length telomeres and subject them to single-molecule real-time (SMRT) sequencing. We show that the telomere length can be measured at nucleotide resolution using the PacBio high fidelity (HiFi) sequencing platform, which provides the necessary accuracy and throughput to uncover the steady-state telomere length distribution in human culture cell lines as well as clinical patient samples. This new method is a valuable tool not only in population-wide epidemiology studies but also for the longitudinal assessment of telomere attrition in individuals. Our results also reveal the extreme heterogeneity of telomeric variant sequences (TVSs) that is dispersed throughout the telomere repeat region. Importantly, the unique distribution pattern and sequence of TVSs in individuals may be used as a fingerprint for sample identification. In addition, the presence of TVSs disrupts the continuity of the canonical (5’-TTAGGG-3’)n telomere repeats, which could affect the binding of shelterin complexes at the chromosomal ends. Therefore, TVSs may act as a form of genetic polymorphisms that impairs telomere protection. Together with the absolute telomere length in each individual, TVSs may have profound implications in human aging and diseases.

  Study EGAS00001006103

• Liver biopsy derived induced pluripotent stem cells provide an unlimited supply for the generation of patient-specific hepatocyte-like cells

  Background: Hepatocyte-like cells (HLCs) differentiated from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have emerged as a promising cell culture model to study metabolism, biotransformation, viral infections and genetic liver diseases. However the derivation of iPSCs is restricted by ethical and procedural constraints. Furthermore, incomplete HLC differentiation remains a major challenge. iPSC may carry-on a tissue of origin dependent expression memory influencing iPSC differentiation into different cell types. If liver derived iPSCs (Li-iPSCs) maintain a liver specific gene expression profile is not known. It is also not known, if Li-iPSCs would allow the generation of more fully differentiated HLCs.Methods: Primary liver cells (PLCs) were expanded from liver needle biopsies and reprogrammed into Li-iPSCs using a non-integrative Sendai virus-based system. Li-iPSCs were differentiated into HLCs using established differentiation protocols. The HLC phenotype was characterized at the protein, functional and transcriptional level. RNA sequencing data were generated from the originating liver biopsies, the Li-iPSCs, fibroblast derived iPSCs, and differentiated HLCs, and used to characterize and compare their transcriptome profiles.Results: PLCs were obtained from small pieces of liver biopsies and could be reprogrammed into Li-iPSCs. Li-iPSCs indeed retain a liver specific transcriptional footprint. Li-iPSCs can be propagated to provide an unlimited supply of cells for differentiation into Li-HLCs. Similar to HLCs derived from fibroblasts, Li-HLCs could not be fully differentiated into hepatocytes. Relative to the originating liver, Li-HLCs showed lower expression of liver specific transcription factors and increased expression of genes involved in the differentiation of other tissues.Conclusions: PLCs and Li-iPSCs obtained from small pieces of human needle liver biopsies constitute a novel unlimited source for the production of HLCs. Despite the preservation of a liver specific gene expression footprint in Li-iPSCs, the generation of fully differentiated hepatocytes cannot be achieved with the current differentiation protocols.

  Study EGAS00001002676

• Local In Time Statistics for processual research

  Background: Functional genomics in a processual analysis cover the time-dependent changes in transcriptomics and epigenetics before diagnosis of a disease, reflecting the changes in both life style and disease processes. The aim of this paper is to explore the dynamic, time-dependent mechanisms of the metastatic processes, using blood transcriptomics and including time in a continuous manner. For achieving this goal we develop new statistical methods based on statistics that are local in time. Methods: The new statistical method, Local In Time Statistics (LITS), is based on calculating statistics in moving windows and randomization. The method has been tested for the analysis of a dataset that collectively provides information on the blood transcriptome up to eight years before breast cancer diagnosis. The dataset from the NOWAC Post-genome Cohort consists of 467 case-control pairs matched on birth year and time of blood sampling. The data for a pair is the difference in log2 gene expression between the case and control. The stratified analyses are based on important biological differences like metastatic versus non-metastatic cancer, and the mode of cancer detection, i.e. screening detected versus clinically detected cancers. The dataset was used for examining whether the gene expression profile varies between cases and controls, with time, or between cases with and without metastases. Results: The null hypotheses of no differences between cases and controls, no time-dependent changes, and no differences between different strata were all rejected. For screening detected cancers the probability of correct prediction of metastasis status was best in year 1 before diagnosis compared to year 3 and 4 before diagnosis for clinically detected cancers. The predictor was not very sensitive to the number of genes included.Conclusions: Using a new statistical method, LITS, we have demonstrated time-dependent changes of the blood transcriptome up to eight years before breast cancer diagnosis.

  Study EGAS00001002520

• Short and long-read genome sequencing methodologies for somatic variant detection; genomic analysis of a patient with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

  Recent advances in throughput and accuracy mean that the Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) PromethION platform is a now a viable solution for WGS. New bioinformatic methods have been developed to take advantage of this long read data, however much of the validation of these tools has focussed on calling germline variants (both SNVs and structural variants). Somatic variants are outnumbered many-fold by germline variants and their detection is further complicated due to their frequency varying depending on tumour purity/subclonality. Here, we evaluate the extent to which Nanopore WGS enables genome-wide detection and analysis of somatic variation. We do this through sequencing tumour and germline genomes for a patient with diffuse B-cell lymphoma. We examine the capability of currently available tools for calling somatic variants in ONT data by comparing the data with results from 150bp short-read sequencing of the same samples. We then conduct a detailed analysis of the performance of multiple long-read mappers and structural variant callers for calling large, somatic structural variants (SVs) in ONT data. Our protocol achieved yields of up to 96 mapped Gb per PromethION flow cell with average read lengths of ~5kb. Calling germline SNVs from these data achieved good specificity and sensitivity. However, results of somatic SNV calling highlight the need for the development of specialized joint calling algorithms. Our analysis of structural variants shows that the comparative performance of different tools varies significantly between SV types, and suggest long reads are especially advantageous for calling large somatic deletions and duplications. Finally, we highlight the utility of long reads for phasing clinically relevant variants by using the ONT data to confirm that a somatic 1.6Mb deletion and a p.(Arg249Met) mutation involving TP53 are oriented in trans.

  Study EGAS00001004266

• High-throughput telomere length measurement at nucleotide resolution using the PacBio high fidelity sequencing platform, P49-P104 and run1 replicates

  Telomeres are specialized nucleoprotein structures at the ends of linear chromosomes that are essential for the stability as well as the complete replication of the human genome. The progressive shortening of steady-state telomere length in normal human somatic cells is a promising biomarker for age-associated diseases. However, there remain substantial challenges in quantifying telomere length in clinics and research laboratories due to the lack of accurate and high-throughput telomere length measurement method. Here, we describe a novel workflow to capture and analyze telomeres accurately at the single-nucleotide resolution. By using newly designed telobaits that are complementary to the single-stranded G-rich 3’ telomeric overhangs, we can specifically and efficiently capture full-length telomeres and subject them to single-molecule real-time (SMRT) sequencing. We show that the telomere length can be measured at nucleotide resolution using the PacBio high fidelity (HiFi) sequencing platform, which provides the necessary accuracy and throughput to uncover the steady-state telomere length distribution in human culture cell lines as well as clinical patient samples. This new method is a valuable tool not only in population-wide epidemiology studies but also for the longitudinal assessment of telomere attrition in individuals. Our results also reveal the extreme heterogeneity of telomeric variant sequences (TVSs) that is dispersed throughout the telomere repeat region. Importantly, the unique distribution pattern and sequence of TVSs in individuals may be used as a fingerprint for sample identification. In addition, the presence of TVSs disrupts the continuity of the canonical (5’-TTAGGG-3’)n telomere repeats, which could affect the binding of shelterin complexes at the chromosomal ends. Therefore, TVSs may act as a form of genetic polymorphisms that impairs telomere protection. Together with the absolute telomere length in each individual, TVSs may have profound implications in human aging and diseases.

  Study EGAS00001006595

• Whole genome and whole exome sequencing of serial biopsies of relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

  Purpose: Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is cured in more than 60% of patients, but outcomes remain poor for patients experiencing disease progression or relapse (refractory or relapsed DLBCL [rrDLBCL]), particularly if these events occur early. Although previous studies examining cohorts of rrDLBCL have identified features that are enriched at relapse, few have directly compared serial biopsies to uncover biological and evolutionary dynamics driving rrDLBCL. Here, we sought to confirm the relationship between relapse timing and outcomes after second-line (immuno)chemotherapy and determine the evolutionary dynamics that underpin that relationship. Patients and methods: Outcomes were examined in a population-based cohort of 221 patients with DLBCL who experienced progression/relapse after frontline treatment and were treated with second-line (immuno)chemotherapy with an intention-to-treat with autologous stem-cell transplantation (ASCT). Serial DLBCL biopsies from a partially overlapping cohort of 129 patients underwent molecular characterization, including whole-genome or whole-exome sequencing in 73 patients. Results: Outcomes to second-line therapy and ASCT are superior for late relapse (&gt;2 years postdiagnosis) versus primary refractory (&lt;9 months) or early relapse (9-24 months). Diagnostic and relapse biopsies were mostly concordant for cell-of-origin classification and genetics-based subgroup. Despite this concordance, the number of mutations exclusive to each biopsy increased with time since diagnosis, and late relapses shared few mutations with their diagnostic counterpart, demonstrating a branching evolution pattern. In patients with highly divergent tumors, many of the same genes acquired new mutations independently in each tumor, suggesting that the earliest mutations in a shared precursor cell constrain tumor evolution toward the same genetics-based subgroups at both diagnosis and relapse. Conclusion: These results suggest that late relapses commonly represent genetically distinct and chemotherapy-naïve disease and have implications for optimal patient management.

  Study EGAS00001007053

• Exome Sequencing to Identify Medically Relevant Associations in Finnish Sub-Isolate Samples from the FINRISK Cohort

  We propose to undertake, at the McDonnell Genome Institute of Washington University, a collaborative exome sequencing project of ~10,000 samples from a large Finnish population cohort, FINRISK, a participating component of the Sequencing Initiative Suomi (SISu) consortium. Together these sequenced samples will provide a unique resource for identification of infrequent or rare variants with a large impact on cardiovascular and metabolic disorders as well as on a wide range of heritable, disease-related quantitative phenotypes. Our collaborative group has already shown, in exome sequencing studies of smaller Finnish samples, that numerous loss of function variants are dramatically more frequent in Finland compared to other European populations, and that such variants demonstrate strong associations to several disease-related traits. Finland is the largest population isolate in Europe and the enrichment of these variants reflects its rapid growth from a severe population bottleneck about 100 generations ago. Northern and Eastern parts of Finland experienced additional, more recent bottlenecks, and therefore the enrichment of particular high-impact variants in these regions is even more extreme (Stoll et al., 2013, PMID: 23912948). We therefore propose to focus exome sequencing efforts on about 10,000 members of FINRISK who are specifically drawn from these sub-isolate regions. As a very wide range of phenotypes are available from this cohort (including cardiovascular and metabolic disease outcomes obtained from national registries) we hypothesize that the proposed exome sequencing will identify numerous new disease-related associations. Within the National Biobanks of Finland (www.nationalbiobanks.fi) we have DNA and tissue samples from over 200,000 individuals of whom 50,000 have GWAS data; these samples provide an exceptional resource for both imputation from the sequencing studies proposed here, as well as for replication of associations.

  Study phs000756

• Impact of Genetic Variation on Response to GO Therapy in COG-AML Trials AAML03P1 and AAML0531

  The 340 de novo Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) patients (ages 1 month to 21 years) were enrolled in COG-AAML03P1 (NCT00070174). Everyone received standard chemotherapy regimen of ara-C, daunorubicin and etoposide (ADE) with addition of one 3 mg/m2 dose of Gemtuzumab Ozogamicin (GO) in induction 1 as well as in intensification II phase. The 1022 de novo AML patients (ages 0&#8211;30 years) were enrolled in COG-AAML0531 (NCT01407757). They were randomly assigned to receive either the standard ADE regimen (ADE arm, n = 511) or with the addition of one 3 mg/m2 dose of GO, during induction I as well as intensification II phase (ADE+GO arm, n = 511). Detailed study design, treatment regimen, and clinical outcomes of these two trials have been previously published (Cooper TM, Franklin J, Gerbing RB, et al., PMID:21766293 and Gamis AS, Alonzo TA, Meshinchi S, et al., PMID:25092781). The current study used genomic DNA from 1,225 pediatric patients treated in these two trials with 470 patients treated with standard chemotherapy in COG-AAML0531 (ADE arm) and 755 patients treated with addition of GO to standard therapy in COG-AAML03P1 and COG-AAML0531 trials (ADE+GO arm). The 132 SNPs in 42 genes within DNA-damage repair (DDR) pathways or genes implicated in mediating calicheamicin were selected for genotyping. These SNPs were genotyped using the Sequenom platform at the Biomedical Genomics Center, University of Minnesota. All SNPs had a call rate of more than 0.98 and were in accordance with the Hardy&#8211;Weinberg equilibrium. These genotypes were used to test for association with clinical endpoints as defined in the COG-AAML03P1 and COG-AAML0531 trials.

  Study phs003490

• DAC for Central African ancient demography processes NGS dataset

  Title DAC Ancient tree-topologies and gene-flow processes among human lineages in Africa Contacts: Paul Verdu +33144057317 paul.verdu@mnhn.fr CNRS-MNHN-Université de Paris UMR7206 Eco-anthropology Short description The Data Access Committee for acess to genotype and sample information used in the article "Ancient tree-topologies and gene-flow processes among human lineages in Africa" by Gwenna Breton et al. 2025 ensures that data-access requests comply with the Informed Consent provided by donors, and with ethical and deontological guidelines with respect to privacy. DNA samples from individuals were collected with the subjects’ informed consent following the Declaration of Helsinki guidelines and approved by the following Ethics committees: Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD, France); Cameroon Ministry of Scientific Research and Technology; Central African Republic Ministère de l’Enseignement Supérieur et de la Recherche Scientifique; France Ministère de l’Enseignement Supérieur, de la Recherche et de l’Innovation (Comité de Protection des Personnes DC-2016-2740); French Commission Nationale Informatique et Liberté CNIL (declaration n°1972648); Uganda National Council for Science and Technology; Institutional Review Board of the University of Chicago Biological Sciences Division and the Pritzker School of Medicine University of Chicago Hospitals (protocol number 16986A); Committee for the Protection of Human Subjects of the Trustees of Dartmouth College and the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center (protocol number 22410); Human Research Ethics Committee (Medical) at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg (Protocol Numbers: M980553, M050902, M090576, M10270, M180654); Working Group of Indigenous Minorities in Southern Africa (WIMSA); South African San Council (SASC); and the Swedish Ethical Review Authority (Dnr 2019-05174). Requests for accessing all or part of the Central African data used in the article "Ancient tree-topologies and gene-flow processes among human lineages in Africa", by Gwenna Breton et al. 2024 (doi - PENDING), should be addressed to the DAC providing: 1) Data can only be used to explore human genetic evolution, evolutionary ecology and population history 2) The research institution where data will be stored and were analyses will be conducted. 3) The detailed coordinates of the researcher responsible for data storage and analyses. 4) A description (max 20 sentences) of the scientific finality and context of the project and classes of methodological analyses that will be performed to achieve it using the requested data. 5) When applicable, mention also other previously published data sets that will be used jointly with the requested datas et For accessing any or all the Central African genetic data used in the article "Ancient tree-topologies and gene-flow processes among human lineages in Africa", by Gwenna Breton et al. 2024 (doi - PENDING), the requester hereby ensures that: 1) Individual donor privacy should be respected at all times. Data cannot be made publicly available under any circumstances. 2) Data cannot be shared nor transferred to a third party without re-applying for eGA access to the DAC. 3) No direct or indirect commercial use of the data can be made 4) No individual medical genetics or disease diagnostics can be performed with the data 5) No medical or legal forensic investigations can be conducted with the data 6) No genealogical research can be conducted with the data (e.g. no paternity nor maternity testing, no genetic identification, no search of relatives using other datasets) 7) Appropriate citation of the article and data set used for any scientific communication using the data 8) Data is destroyed after the completion of the project. Any further re-use of the data is subject to a novel application to the DAC.

  Dac EGAC50000000447

• Tumor-derived cell lines as pharmacogenomic models to predict therapeutic vulnerabilities in hepatocellular carcinoma

  Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a heterogeneous aggressive malignancy with low efficacy of current therapies at advanced stages. We integrated molecular and pharmacological profiling of a large panel of liver cancer cell lines (LCCL) to assess their clinical relevance as HCC preclinical models and identify new effective therapies and biomarkers of response. We performed multi-omic analysis including whole-exome, RNA and miRNA sequencing and quantification of 126 proteins in a series 34 LCCL coupled with a screening of 29 anti-cancer agents. Molecular profiles of LCCL and primary HCC were compared and we searched for molecular features associated with drug response. Our panel of LCCL faithfully recapitulated the most aggressive molecular "proliferation class" of HCC. Genomic alterations of the RAS-MAPK pathway correlated with trametinib sensitivity that was more potent than FGFR4 inhibitors in tumor cells depending on the FGF19/FGFR4 pathway. Moreover, we showed that FGF19 amplification was only functional in tumor cells that retained a hepatocyte differentiation program with expression of FGFR4, KLB and NR1H4 highlighting the complex interplay between the genomic and transcriptomic context in drug response. We also identified drugs/combination that could target efficiently the transcriptomic "progenitor subclass of HCC", as well as specific genetic contexts such as inactivating mutations in TSC1/TSC2 and TP53 associated with higher sensitivity to the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin and the AURKA inhibitor alisertib, respectively. LCCL represent relevant preclinical models for drug-biomarker discovery in HCC and enabled to identify molecular contexts linked with particular therapeutic vulnerabilities that may be useful to stratify patients in future clinical trials

  Study EGAS00001003536

• MethylationEPIC BeadChip samples of pre- and post-5ZA-treated head and neck cancer patients refractory to anto-PD-1 therapy

  Background Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) is an effective treatment in a subset of patients diagnosed with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC); however, most patients are refractory. Methods In a non-randomized, open-label phase 1b clinical trial, participants with recurrent and/or metastatic (R/M) HNSCC were treated with low-dose 5’azacytidine (5’aza) daily for either 5- or 10-days in combination with fixed doses of durvalumab and tremelimumab after progression on ICB therapy. The primary objective was to assess the biologically effective dose of 5’aza as determined by molecular changes in paired baseline and on-treatment tumor biopsies; the secondary objective was safety. Results Thirty-eight percent (3/8) of participants with evaluable paired tissue samples had a greater than 2-fold increase from baseline in interferon-gamma (IFN-ɣ) signature and CD274 (programmed cell death protein 1 ligand, PD-L1) expression within the tumor microenvironment (TME), which was associated with increased CD8+ T cell infiltration and decreased infiltration of CD4+ T regulatory cells. The mean neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) decreased by greater than 50%, from 14.2 (SD 22.6) to 6.9 (SD 5.2). Median overall survival (OS) was 16.3 months (95% CI 1.9, NA) and 2-year OS rate was 24.7% (95% CI: 4.5%, 53.2%) with 58% (7/12) of treated participants demonstrated prolonged OS of greater than 12 months. Conclusion Our findings suggest that low-dose 5’aza can reprogram systemic host immune responses and the local TME to increase IFN-ɣ and PD-L1 expression. The increased expression of these established biomarkers correlated with prolonged OS upon re-challenge with ICB.

  Study EGAS00001007998

• The tissue origin of highly elevated cell-free DNA in patients with and without cancer

  Forty years ago, the first measurements of cell free DNA (cfDNA) from cancer patients revealed that its total concentration was often elevated compared to healthy controls. The basis for this increase, and in particular the source of the extra cfDNA in such patients, has never been determined. To address this issue, we assessed methylation patterns of cfDNA from 57 individuals, 34 of whom had unequivocally elevated cfDNA concentrations (i.e., &gt;15 ng/mL of plasma). We found that the excess cfDNA in cancer patients did not come from either neoplastic cells or surrounding cells from the tumor's tissue of origin. Instead, 80% of the cfDNA was derived from neutrophils, B cells or T cells, with neutrophils accounting for ~2/3. B cells contributed more than T cells despite the great excess of T cells over B cells in the blood. To see if this result was generalizable to other clinical situations in which elevated cfDNA concentrations have been described, we evaluated nine patients before and one day following surgery. After surgical resection, cfDNA concentration increased by an average of 16.1-fold, as expected. The majority of this increase (55%) was contributed by leukocytes, though damaged hepatocytes contributed a substantial minority (31% of increase). These data suggest that the elevated concentrations of cfDNA in cancer patients, as with patients after surgery, arises largely from dying leukocytes—not from the neoplastic cells or the tissue of origin of the cancer.

  Study EGAS00001005400

• NIMH (National Institute of Mental Health) De Novo Mutation Identification in Taiwanese Schizophrenia Trios

  The substantial reproductive impact of schizophrenia, for which affected individuals have fewer than half as many offspring as unaffected individuals do, implies that mutations of largest effect will frequently be de novo mutations. Ascertaining exome sequence variation in father-mother-offspring trios allows such mutations to be identified and distinguished from the far-larger amount of rare variation that is inherited by each individual. The pursuit of this approach in a large, well-powered cohort of trios can also provide lessons that inform the development of such gene discovery strategies more generally in human genetics. Schizophrenia trios from the Taiwanese population are being collected by Dr. Ming Tsuang (PI, UC San Diego, California) and investigators in Taiwan (PI, Dr. Hai Gwo Hwu; both funded by NIMH grant 1R01MH085560; Expanding Rapid Ascertainment Networks of Schizophrenia Families in Taiwan). A total of 3800 trios are anticipated to be collected by May 2013. This represents a highly homogenous national sample from the same ancestral population. DNA samples will be obtained from the NIMH Repository, Rutgers University Cell and DNA Repository (described below) and stored at the Broad Institute. Genetic and data analyses will be performed at the Broad Institute. We propose to sequence the whole exome of trios by hybrid capture and Illumina next generation sequencing and perform targeted genotyping and validation of variants (SNPs, indels and CNVs) using several molecular methods, to include emulsion-based PCR and Sanger sequencing.

  Study phs001196

• MAITS in HCC

  Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related death and can be considered a prototype of inflammation-derived cancer arising from chronic liver injury. The cell composition of the HCC tumor immune microenvironment (TiME) has a major impact on cancer biology as the TiME can have divergent capacities on tumor initiation, progress, and response to therapy. Recent development of multi-omics and single-cell technologies help us to comprehensively quantify the cellular heterogeneity and spatial organization of the TiME and to further our understanding of antitumor immunity. We investigated the cellular composition of liver cancer patient samples (n=8) using single-cell RNA-seq. For this purpose, mononuclear cells were isolated from human liver cancer samples. Three locations within the tumor-bearing liver were used: adjacent liver, rim and tumor core. Then, cells were FACS sorted (either CD45+ cells or MAIT cells) and subjected to 10X Chromium-based scRNA-seq. We investigated immune cell changes and the cellular heterogeneity of the HCC TiME with a focus on MAIT cells. Annotated H5 files are provided. Clinical metadata including TMN stage, sex, gender, ethnicity, pretreatment, and histopathological reports are available for all patient samples. Further details on the study can be obtained in our paper once it&#8217;s published.A complementary dataset derived from ultrahighplex CO-Detection by indEXing (CODEX) from paired patient samples can be accessed through The Cancer Imaging Archives (TCIA) under DOI: https://doi.org/10.7937/bh0r-y074.

  Study phs003279

• National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) Postmortem Prefrontal Cortex eQTL and mQTL Study

  Mapping expression and methylation quantitative trait loci (eQTLs and mQTLs) using genome-wide genotype, transcriptome, and DNA methylome data can provide an unbiased approach to identify novel functional variants. One critical issue of the eQTL/mQTL analysis is that the role of genetic variants in regulating gene expression (or DNA methylation) can be tissue- or cell-specific. To unravel causal variants from disease-associated loci, it would be necessary to map eQTLs and mQTLs in both patients and controls. Those eQTLs and mQTLs in patients are more likely to be causal variants for the disease. Identification of disease- and tissue-specific eQTLs and mQTLs will help disentangle the role of the specific tissue in disease development as well. In the present study, we mapped eQTLs and mQTLs in postmortem prefrontal cortex of patients with alcoholism or alcohol use disorder (AUD) and matched control subjects by integrative analyses of genome-wide SNP genotype, mRNA transcriptome, and DNA methylome data. As AUD is comorbid with schizophrenia (SCZ), bipolar disorder (BIP), major depressive disorder (MDD), and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), we further examined the co-localization of PFC eQTLs/mQTLs and GWAS-identified SNPs (mainly noncoding SNPs) that were associated with AUD as well as comorbid SCZ, BIP, MDD, and ADHD. Our study demonstrated the enrichment of PFC eQTLs/mQTLs in the above psychiatric disorder-associated genetic variants identified by genome-wide association studies (GWAS).

  Study phs001981

• Rare Cancer Tumors Project

  A large proportion of common cancers affecting patients around the world have been selected for comprehensive cancer genome studies. Further efforts will be needed to tackle the remaining tumor types, including the rare forms of cancers. Although rare, these cancers tend to be more aggressive and fast growing with an early recurrence following initial chemotherapy and poor prognosis. Besides, patients diagnosed with rare cancers may have difficulty finding a physician knowledgeable in treating their type of cancer. While sample collection is a major challenge, the integrated genomic analyses would identify novel causative genes in these rare cancers, shed new light on the biology of the rare cancers, as well as guide novel targeted cancer therapies. Through efficient collaboration, the Human Genome Sequencing Center (HGSC) at Baylor College of Medicine (BCM) has collected/is expected to collect 20 different types of rare cancers, 15-30 cases each. Whole-exome sequencing and high-resolution SNP array analysis were/will be performed for all cases and whole-genome sequencing was designed for a selected subset of the cases. The Rare Cancer Tumors Cohort is utilized in the following dbGaP sub-studies. To view genotypes, other molecular data, and derived variables collected in this sub-study, please click on the following sub-study below or in the "Sub-studies" section of this top-level study page phs000725 Rare Cancer Tumors Cohort. phs000754 Intracranial Germ Cell Tumors phs000861 Craniopharyngioma Tumors phs000859 Sezary Syndrome Genomic Analysis

  Study phs000725

• Utility of Capillary Blood in Gene Expression Studies

  The FAA Functional Genomics Team examined the feasibility of analyzing gene expression profiles using capillary blood collected by fingerstick, with the goal of developing practical fingerstick blood collections to expand blood collection capabilities and allow large-scale or field-based collections. We compared the RNA sequencing results obtained from two different capillary blood collection and RNA extraction methods with the results obtained from a standard venous blood collection and RNA extraction protocol. We also compared capillary blood processing methods, as well as fingerstick locations, within one capillary collection/extraction method. Within each method we sought to distinguish male from female participants to assess the capacity of each collection/extraction method for gene expression profiling. The study population included 40 participants aged 18-60 who were free from any acute illness or any illness that would preclude blood collection. We determined that capillary blood possesses large-scale significant differences from venous blood and that the two capillary methods produced similar gene expression profiles. We further determined that all methods were useful for detecting gene expression differences between assessed groups (male and female participants in this case). We conclude that capillary blood is suitable for gene expression profiling in quantities as low as 100 &#956;L whole blood, but recommend that researchers should rely on a single blood collection method if they desire to compare results between individual studies. Raw sequencing files (.fastq) from this study are available in dbGaP.

  Study phs003496

• Molecular Characterization of Hemimegalencephaly

  Somatic mutations, in which a fraction of the cells in the body have a deleterious mutation, are well recognized in cancer but only recently appreciated in neurological disease. Given a somatic mutation in a population of progenitor cells, all daughter cells inherit the mutation and are able to express the resultant phenotype as a function of the differentiation program. We recently identified the first de novo somatic mutations in the developing brain in the condition hemimegalencephaly (HME), a catastrophic focal epilepsy condition associated with a malformation of cerebral cortical development (MCD). HME is one of the most severe MCD syndromes, characterized by massive hamartomatous overgrowth of either of the two cerebral hemispheres. Cerebral hemispherectomy is a frequent treatment for refractory epilepsy, allowing the sampling of diseased tissue. By comparing DNA from a diseased brain with DNA from blood/saliva, we identified de novo somatic mutations in PIK3CA, AKT3 or MTOR, part of the mTOR pathway. Mutations were present in 8-40% of sequenced alleles in various brain regions sampled during surgery and in some codons known to activate proteins.&#8226; Population informationPatient samples were collected from multiple centers. The population is Caucasian and Hispanic&#8226; Molecular technologies employedWhole-exome sequencing&#8226; Principal findings of the studyWe were the first to describe mTOR-related and non-mTOR mutations causing hemimegalencephaly, and we described two-hit mutational models to explain the genetic pathogenesis of hemimegalencephaly

  Study phs002156

• Prostate Cancer Upgrading Reference Set

  This study aimed to investigate clinical, demographic, and molecular features of men diagnosed with low-risk prostate cancer [ISUP Grade Group 1 (GG1)] at biopsy who underwent radical prostatectomy, and for whom an increased tumor grade (ISUP Grade Group 2 or above) was subsequently detected in the resected prostate. This phenomenon is termed upgrading. In collaboration with the Early Detection Research Network (EDRN), a blinded reference set was established to facilitate upgrading biomarker detection and validation. A prospective, multi-institutional, cohort of men with the GG1 prostate cancer and intention to undergo prostatectomy was recruited. Biospecimens (blood, urine) were collected and this biorepository comprises the official EDRN Upgrading Reference Set (URS). Recording of case-control status (case = upgrading at prostatectomy, control = no upgrading at prostatectomy) was coordinated by the Data Management and Coordinating Center (DMCC) of the EDRN, who ensured blinding of all participating researchers. A subset of the reference set (n = 192) was chosen to undergo whole genome sequencing (WGS) for the investigation of a germline genomic biomarker of upgrading. Variant calls from all sequenced URS whole genomes are available through dbGaP, with the exception of one sample for which sequencing was not successful. Among investigated clinical features, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) density and percent of cancer in pre-prostatectomy positive biopsy cores were significantly associated with upgrading. Two polygenic risk score-based biomarkers were computed in the genetic sub-cohort and tested against case-control status. Neither was predictive of upgrading.

  Study phs003670

• UCSF Database for the Advancement of JMML - Integration of Metadata with Omic Data

  Juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML) is a rare and frequently fatal myeloproliferative/myelodysplastic disorder of early childhood with an estimated incidence of 1.2 cases per million. It is associated with a spectrum of diverse outcomes ranging from spontaneous resolution in rare patients to transformation to acute myeloid leukemia in others. The overwhelming majority of JMML patients (~95%) will harbor mutations in canonical Ras pathway genes, including NF1, NRAS, KRAS, PTPN11, and CBL. As Ras proteins are mutated in more than 30% of human cancers, the information gleaned from the study of JMML has provided insights into Ras signaling in cancer as well as a group of congenital diseases with tumor predispositions known as the &#8220;Rasopathies&#8221;. While oncogenic Ras is one of the most common mutations in human cancer, it remains one of the most vexing targets for efficacious therapy. To better understand this disease, a JMML tissue bank was established at UCSF that allows for consenting of subjects, biobanking of tissue and collection of follow up data from patients both locally and at other institutions. Through the collection and analysis of specimens, knowledge about the genetic, epigenetic, and biochemical basis of JMML has been gained. This integrated database will enable future JMML research, and importantly, additional Ras/MAPK pathway research by depositing linked, processed data to well annotated anonymized patients in an easily accessible online database

  Study phs002504

• Collagen XVII Promotes Pancreatic Cancer Through Regulation of PIK3R5

  Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) contains a desmoplastic stroma that promotes the aggressive biology of this disease. While the varied mechanisms by which fibrillar collagens contribute to PDAC have been defined, little is known about the contribution of transmembrane collagens. Among this class of collagens, Collagen XVII uniquely contains an extensive intracellular domain that connects intracellular cytoplasmic components with the extracellular matrix. Collagen XVII is best characterized as the defining component of the type I hemidesmosome, an anchoring complex that attaches epithelial cells to the underlying basement membrane. In this study, we characterize the expression of collagen XVII in PDAC and the mechanisms by which it contributes to PDAC biology. We demonstrate that crosstalk between PDAC cells and cancer associated fibroblasts drive collagen XVII expression in vitro and xenograft tumor models in vivo. Genetic depletion of collagen XVII in low-passage patient derived cell lines diminishes their metastatic potential and ability to form tumors in mice. Whole transcriptome sequencing of tumors formed by cells with diminished collagen XVII levels revealed dramatically lower levels of PIK3R5, a regulatory subunit of class IB phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) that interacts with G protein-coupled receptors. Consistent with this, collagen XVII-deficient tumors exhibited lower levels of phosphorylated AKT, a downstream effector of PI3K. The studies highlight the importance of collagen XVII signaling in PDAC and define a novel mechanism by which collagen XVII mediates activation of PI3K.

  Study phs003641

• CRISPR screening in human trophoblast stem cells reveals both shared and distinct aspects of human and mouse placental development

  The placenta serves as the interface between the mother and fetus, facilitating the exchange of gases and nutrients between their separate blood circulation systems. Trophoblasts in the placenta play a central role in this process. Our current understanding of mammalian trophoblast development relies largely on mouse models. However, given the diversification of mammalian placentas, findings from the mouse placenta cannot be readily extrapolated to other mammalian species, including humans. To fill this knowledge gap, we performed CRISPR knockout (KO) screening in human trophoblast stem cells (hTSCs). We targeted genes essential for mouse placental development and identified more than 100 genes as critical regulators in both human hTSCs and mouse placentas. Among them, we further characterized in detail two transcription factors, DLX3 and GCM1, and revealed their essential roles in hTSC differentiation. Moreover, a gene function-based comparison between human and mouse trophoblast subtypes suggests that their relationship may differ significantly from previous assumptions based on tissue localization or cellular function. Notably, our data reveal that hTSCs may not be analogous to mouse TSCs or the extraembryonic ectoderm (ExE) in which in vivo TSCs reside. Instead, hTSCs may be analogous to progenitor cells in the mouse ectoplacental cone and chorion. This finding is consistent with the absence of ExE-like structures during human placental development. Our data not only deepen our understanding of human trophoblast development but also facilitate cross-species comparison of mammalian placentas.

  Study JGAS000659

• Identification of RNA biomarkers in Parkinson's disease patients

  Parkinson?s disease (PD) is an age-related, chronic and progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by a loss of dopaminergic neurons and subsequent motor symptoms. These overt motor symptoms are often preceded by prodromal non-motor symptoms. Though a number of genetic and environmental factors have been identified to play a role in PD, more exact methods for both diagnosing and assessing prognosis are yet to be discovered. By analyzing the transcriptome of early-stage PD patients, this study aims to identify genes (including important non-coding RNAs) and pathways altered at disease onset that may be used as novel biomarkers for PD diagnosis as well as potential new drug targets. The study consists of three main sources of data: first year blood transcriptomes, second year blood transcriptome and matched neural stem cell (NSC)/neuron transcriptomes. All transcriptome libraries were synthesized and sequenced using no-amplification non-tagging cap analysis of gene expression (nAnT-iCAGE) on the Illumina HiSeq 2500 platform. Resulting data was mapped to the human genome annotation (hg38), processed CAGE tags were clustered ready for differential expression analyses. First year blood sequencing consisted of 22 PD patients and 10 healthy controls across four lanes. In the second year, a further four lanes were sequenced containing 17 PD patients (12 patients from the first year and 5 new patients) along with 10 healthy controls and 5 first year blood samples matching the new second year patients.

  Study JGAS000119

• Multi-omics bulk and single-cell profiling of epithelioid sarcoma

  Epithelioid sarcoma (EpS) is an aggressive sarcoma, characterized by the loss of SMARCB1 expression. EpS is traditionally classified as distal or proximal according to clinicopathological features, but its molecular characteristics remain largely unknown. To establish an EpS molecular classification and uncover determinants of inter- and intra-patient heterogeneity in EpS, we used multi-omics profiling and integrated the genomic, transcriptional and methylome landscapes with single-cell RNA sequencing on fresh samples as well as spatial transcriptomics. We identified two molecular subtypes of EpS: “distal-like” and “proximal-like”, which were distinct from the histological subtypes. Distal-like tumors include all morphological distal subtypes and a subset of proximal and hybrid EpS. They express a specific molecular single-cell derived epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition signature, which associates with improved patient survival and includes Desmoglein 2 (DSG2), which we identify as a potential routine immunohistochemical biomarker to improve diagnosis. Distal-like EpS also display increased peri-tumoral CD8+ T cell infiltrates and specific tumor-immune cell interactions. Conversely, proximal-like EpS harbor a higher inter-tumoral molecular heterogeneity with some cases resembling other SMARCB1-deficient tumors by DNA methylation profiling, and increased intra-tumoral pro-tumoral macrophage infiltrates. Our study introduces a novel molecular classification of EpS with prognostic value, associated diagnostic biomarkers and distinct tumor immune microenvironments, which extends beyond traditional clinicopathological classification. This paves the way for precision medicine-based therapeutic strategies for patients with EpS.

  Study EGAS50000000973

• Delineating pediatric brain tumor progression using single-nuclei sequencing

  Pediatric brain cancers are the most common solid tumors in children with varying survival rates depending on molecular features of cancer cells and associated microenvironment. Several studies have used single-cell RNA sequencing to define transcriptional programs active in cancer cells and highlighted supportive roles of non-cancerous cells embedded in these tumors. Although application of single-cell RNA sequencing technology has expanded our understanding of intratumoral heterogeneity and underlying transcriptional mechanisms in brain tumors at diagnosis, mechanisms of disease remains elusive. Therefore, the purpose of this proposal is to characterize cellular and transcriptional states of malignant and non-malignant compartments at primary diagnosis and at relapse. In this study, we performed single-nuclei sequencing of 42 patient samples taken at various disease stages (initial diagnosis, progressive disease, and relapsed disease) from 20 patients with low-grade glioma or Atypical Teratoid Rhabdoid Tumor (ATRT). Bulk whole genome and RNA-seq data for these samples are available from the Children’s Brain Tumor Network and the Gabriella Miller Kids First Data Resource Center. Findings from our study will help define the mechanistic shifts of tumor and non-cancerous cells over course of disease progression. Collectively with the single-cell Pediatric Cancer Atlas funded, this project lays the foundation of an important data set focused on lethal relapsed cancers that can continue to be expanded to identify cancer-intrinsic and extrinsic microenvironmental factors supporting recurrence of pediatric brain tumors.

  Study EGAS50000001288

• The patterns and dynamics of genomic instability in metastatic pancreatic cancer

  Pancreatic cancer is an aggressive malignancy with a five-year mortality of 97–98%, usually due to widespread metastatic disease. Previous studies indicate that this disease has a complex genomic landscape, with frequent copy number changes and point mutations, but genomic rearrangements have not been characterized in detail. Despite the clinical importance of metastasis, there remain fundamental questions about the clonal structures of metastatic tumours, including phylogenetic relationships among metastases, the scale of ongoing parallel evolution in metastatic and primary sites, and how the tumour disseminates. Here we harness advances in DNA sequencing to annotate genomic rearrangements in 13 patients with pancreatic cancer and explore clonal relationships among metastases. We find that pancreatic cancer acquires rearrangements indicative of telomere dysfunction and abnormal cell-cycle control, namely dysregulated G1-to-S-phase transition with intact G2–M checkpoint. These initiate amplification of cancer genes and occur predominantly in early cancer development rather than the later stages of the disease. Genomic instability frequently persists after cancer dissemination, resulting in ongoing, parallel and even convergent evolution among different metastases. We find evidence that there is genetic heterogeneity among metastasis-initiating cells, that seeding metastasis may require driver mutations beyond those required for primary tumours, and that phylogenetic trees across metastases show organ-specific branches. These data attest to the richness of genetic variation in cancer, brought about by the tandem forces of genomic instability and evolutionary selection.

  Study EGAS00000000064

• METABRIC miRNA landscape

  MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key players in cancer pathogenesis1. They display differential expression across breast cancer subtypes, and play oncogenic and tumor-suppressive roles2-6. A systematic study of the global miRNA landscape in breast cancer and the factors shaping it has not been undertaken. Here we report the results of profiling miRNA expression in 1,302 breast tumors with detailed clinical annotation and long-term follow-up, and for which matching genomic and mRNA expression data were available7. This provides a comprehensive view of the quantity, distribution and variation of the miRNA population and dissects how much genomic, transcriptional and post-transcriptional events contribute to miRNA expression architecture. The key clinical parameters and cellular pathways related to the miRNA landscape are identified, exemplified by context-dependent interaction with cell adhesion and Wnt signaling. Strikingly, in breast cancer miRNAs appear to act as modulators of mRNA-mRNA interactions rather than molecular switches. We demonstrate an important modulatory role for miRNAs in the biology of breast tumors devoid of somatic copy number aberrations, a common subtype where immune response is prominent. Remarkably, prognostic miRNA signatures derived in this subtype are consistently prognostic across several other subtypes and validate in external cohorts. These findings represent a new framework to study the biology of miRNA in human cancer.

  Study EGAS00000000122

• The Dynamic Immune Behavior of Primary and Metastatic Ovarian Carcinoma

  Patients with high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma are usually diagnosed at an advanced stage and often develop resistance to conventional therapy. Epithelial ovarian tumors have been shown to be rich in CD8+ lymphocytes, which infiltrate both primary and omental sites. In recent years, several prominent studies have highlighted a positive association between the presence of these immune cells and a good prognosis; however, clinical trials of immune checkpoint inhibitors have so far shown unsatisfactory results in ovarian cancer. In this study, we used an innovative combination of single-cell sequencing and spatial transcriptomics to identify the molecular mechanisms that lead to immunosuppression in primary and metastatic HGSC. Primary tumors consistently showed a more active immune microenvironment than did omental tumors. In addition, while several immune cell subtypes were present in all samples, their relative abundance differed between primary and omental tumors. Finally, we found that primary tumors were mostly populated by dysfunctional CD4 and CD8 T cells in later stages of differentiation, while omental tumors were mostly populated by naïve immune cells; this, in turn, was correlated with expression changes in the interferon α and γ pathways in epithelial cells, showing that cross-communication between the epithelial and immune compartments is important for immune suppression in ovarian cancer. These findings can impact the timing and choice of immune-modulating drugs and should be considered when planning treatment for patients with high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma.

  Study EGAS50000000038

• Gut metagenome associations with extensive digital health data in a volunteer-based EstMB cohort second timepoint data

  As part of the Estonian Biobank, we established the Estonian Microbiome Cohort which includes stool, oral and plasma samples from 2,509 participants and is supplemented with multi-omic measurements, questionnaires, and regular linkages to national electronic health records. Out of the 2,509 Estonian Microbiome Project participants, a sub-cohort of over 300 individuals provided an additional stool sample after a median follow-up period of 4.4 years. All participants of the EstMB cohort gave informed consent for the data and samples to be used for scientific purposes. In the second time point, the participants were instructed to send the samples by post immediately after taking the sample and time their sample collection to avoid shipping on the weekends. In the study, by utilising retrospective medication usage data from the electronic health records and the Estonian microbiome cohort shotgun metagenomics data set (n = 2,509), we systematically evaluate the long-term effects of antibiotics and human-targeted medications on the gut microbiome. We show that past usage of medications is associated with the gut microbiome. For example, the effects of antibiotics, psycholeptics, antidepressants, proton pump inhibitors, and beta-blockers are detectable several years after use. Furthermore, by analysing a subcohort (n >300 individuals) from the second time point, we show that similar changes in the gut microbiome occur after treatment initiation or discontinuation, possibly indicating causal effects.

  Study EGAS50000001181

• Cancer-associated fibroblasts promote drug resistance in ALK-driven lung adenocarcinoma cells by upregulating lipid biosynthesis

  Targeted therapy interventions using tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) provide encouraging treatment responses in ALK-rearranged lung adenocarcinomas, yet resistances occur almost inevitably. Apart from tumor cell-intrinsic resistance mechanisms, accumulating evidence supports a role of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in affecting the therapeutic vulnerability of lung cancer cells. Here, we aimed to investigate underlying molecular networks shaping the therapeutic susceptibility of ALK-driven lung adenocarcinoma cells via tumor microenvironmental cues using three-dimensional (3D) spheroid co-culture settings. We show that CAFs promote therapy resistance of lung tumor cells against ALK inhibition by reducing apoptotic cell death and increasing cell proliferation. Using single-cell RNA-sequencing analysis, we show that genes involved in lipogenesis constitute the major transcriptional difference between TKI-treated homo- and heterotypic lung tumor spheroids. CAF-conditioned medium and CAF-secreted factors HGF and NRG1 were both able to promote resistance of 3D-cultured ALK-rearranged lung tumor cells via AKT signaling, which was accompanied by enhanced de novo lipogenesis and supression of lipid peroxidation. Notably, simultaneous targeting of ALK and SREBP-1 was able to overcome the established CAF-driven lipid metabolic-supportive niche of TKI-resistant lung tumor spheroids. Our findings highlight a crucial role of CAFs in mediating ALK-TKI resistance via lipid metabolic reprogramming and suggest new ways to overcome resistance towards molecular directed drugs by targeting vulnerabilities downstream of oncogenic signaling.

  Study EGAS50000000135

• Diagnostic Genomic Analysis is Prognostic in AYA ALL Patients Treated on a MRD-Stratified Paediatric Protocol

  Background: Over the last decade, next generation sequencing has enabled classification of multiple new recurrent genomic drivers of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). We provide a comprehensive genomic survey of adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients treated on the Australasian Leukaemia and Lymphoma Group (ALLG) ALL06 study. ALL06 clinical trial described the efficacy and tolerability of AYA ALL patients aged 15-39 years treated on a single minimal residual disease (MRD)-stratified platform. In this study we have taken the ALL06 cohort and retrospectively performed comprehensive genomic analyses assessing response of AYA patients with various genomic subtypes treated with a paediatric approach. Methods: Genomic risk classification of B- and T-ALL patients (n=57) enrolled to the study was based on mRNA-Sequencing, MLPA, immunophenotyping and cytogenetics. Results: Using this approach, 36/40 (90%) B- and 13/17 (76.5%) T-ALL patients were classified according to genomic risk. We have linked outcome data with each patient’s genomic risk and found a strong correlation between adverse genomic risk and MRD at the end of consolidation, translating to inferior overall and relapse free survival. Patients with adverse risk genomics who achieved negative MRD status had improved responses compared to those with persistent MRD. Patients with standard risk genomics had excellent responses regardless of their MRD status. Conclusion: Our data argue strongly for incorporation of a genomic risk classification into future ALL treatment paradigms at the time of diagnosis.

  Study EGAS50000000752

• Plasma-Seq of patients with metastatic prostate cancer

  Study 1 In this study we analysed patients with metastatic prostate cancer to scan their tumor genomes noninvasively in plasma DNA. We wanted to make whole-genome analysis from plasma DNA amenable to clinical routine applications and developed an approach based on a benchtop high-throughput platform, i.e. Illuminas MiSeq instrument. We performed whole-genome sequencing from plasma at a shallow sequencing depth to establish a genome-wide copy number profile of the tumor at low costs within 2 days. The genome-wide profiling in the plasma of our patients revealed multiple copy number aberrations including those previously reported in prostate tumors, such as losses in 8p and gains in 8q. High-level copy number gains in the AR locus were observed in patients with CRPC but not with CSPC disease. We identified the TMPRSS2-ERG rearrangement associated 3-Mbp deletion on chromosome 21 and found corresponding fusion plasma fragments in these cases. In an index case multiregional sequencing of the primary tumor identified different copy number changes in each sector, suggesting multifocal disease. Our plasma analyses of this index case, performed 13 years after resection of the primary tumor, revealed novel chromosomal rearrangements, which were stable in serial plasma analyses over a 9 months period, which is consistent with the presence of one metastatic clone. Our approach provides specific genomic signatures within 2 days which may therefore serve as “liquid biopsy”.

  Study EGAS00001000451

• H3Africa - Stroke Investigative Research and Education Networks

  Although stroke is a discrete phenotype, it is the clinical culmination of several complex and interacting biological processes, precipitated by various genetic and environmental factors, thereby making ready analyses of its underlying mechanisms a challenge. However, the formulation of successful tailor-made prevention strategies for limiting the immense personal and societal burden of stroke in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is contingent on a better understanding of the predisposing risk factors for stroke in the region, which may not necessarily match the nature of stroke risk factors described among other people on other continents. Indeed, the underlying risk factors for stroke in SSA have hitherto not been comprehensively characterized, and currently there is a paucity of expertise, experience, and infrastructure in genomics and environmental research in SSA, to initiate and sustain such investigation. We seek to establish the Stroke Investigative Research and Education Network (SIREN) as a multidisciplinary collaborative research network of investigators in SSA and the United States collectively focused on exploring ways to promote a better understanding of the genetic and environmental risk factors for stroke among people of African ancestry. SIREN will evaluate unique contributors to stroke in SSA and compare these findings with those in a cohort of African American stroke survivors, all while simultaneously building sustainable capacities in phenomics, biobanking, genomics, biostatistics and bioinformatics for future high-level investigation of stroke and other vascular disease entities in SSA.

  Study EGAS00001007331

• Genome-wide association study identifies common variants associated with breast cancer in South African Black women

  Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have characterized the contribution of common variants to the development of breast cancer (BC) in populations of European descent, however no GWAS have been reported in resident African populations. This GWAS included 2,485 resident African BC cases and 1,101 population matched controls. Two risk loci were identified, one on chromosome 15, located between UNC13C and RAB27A (rs7181788, p = 1.01x10-08) and a second in an intron of USP22 on chromosome 17 (rs899342, p = 4.62x10-08). RAB27A is a member of the RAS oncogene family associated with invasive growth and metastasis, and UNC13C is involved in tumor progression. The rs899342 SNP is an eQTL for expression of USP22 in a wide range of tissues. Several genome-wide significant signals were detected in a hormone receptor subtype analysis. Comparison of a meta-analysis of other African ancestry BC GWAS datasets predominantly of West African ancestry with our South African data showed limited evidence of shared risk loci, suggesting potential heterogeneity in genetic risk factors for breast cancer in different African populations. A European ancestry derived polygenic risk model for BC was applied to our data, explaining only 0.79% of variance, with an area under the curve of 0.56. This study identified genetic risk factors for BC in a resident African population, but larger studies in this and other African populations are needed to further define the contribution of common variants to BC risk.

  Study EGAS00001008032

• Negligible impact on missing heritability of autoimmune-locus rare coding-region variants

  Genome wide association studies (GWAS) have identified common variants of modest effect size at hundreds of loci for common autoimmune diseases - however a substantial fraction of heritability remains unexplained, and to which rare variants may contribute. To discover rare variants and test them for association with a phenotype, the majority of studies re-sequence a small initial sample size and then genotype the discovered variants in a larger sample set. This approach will fail to analyse a large fraction of the rare variants present in the entire sample set. Here we perform simultaneous amplicon sequencing-based variant discovery and genotyping for coding exons of 25 GWAS risk genes in 41,911 white-European origin UK subjects comprising 24,892 subjects with six autoimmune disease phenotypes and 17,019 controls, and show that rare coding-region variants at known loci play a negligible role in common autoimmune disease susceptibility. These results do not support the rare variant - synthetic genome-wide association hypothesis. Many known autoimmune disease risk loci contain multiple independent common and low frequency variant association signals, and so genes in these loci are a priori stronger candidates to harbor rare coding-region variants than other genes. Our data suggest that the missing heritability for common autoimmune diseases may not lie in the rare coding-region variant portion of the allelic spectrum, but perhaps as others have proposed in very many common variant signals of weak effect.

  Study EGAS00001000476

• Identification_of_synthetic_lethal_genes_by_CRISPR_Cas9_library

  Sequencing is performed on PCR products from the amplification of gRNA segments introduced into cell lines (some are commercial, some are derived by collaborators, as described in HMDMC 13/076). Cellular DNA or RNA are not sequenced. This data is defined as "Other Biological/Biochemical Assay Data" under the WTSI datasharing guidelines and consequently will be released at the time of publication and/or through faculty websites. SEQUENCING DETAILS: in October 2016 3 DNA samples will be submitted for PCR amplification and purification through CGP pipeline using Thompson's custom primer set and PCR settings and sequencing with Hiseq using a custom protocol (with 3 forward reads to read sgRNA1, sgRNA2 and the index, optimized with Illumina Bespoke Sanger team); read length 50bp. The following set of samples will be submitted in later 2016 and ealry 2017 as cell pellet to be processed through CGP Cas9 pipeline (Thompson's oligos and protocols) and sequences on Hiseq (same custom sequencing protocol described above) We are utilizing a custom CRISPR/Cas9 library to identify synthetic lethal gene pairs. Cells will be transduced with LV expressing Cas9, then infected with LV expressign the library of 42'000 sgRNA pairs. Cell pellet will be collected from the cell population at different timepoints. The samples will be processed by CGP pipeline customized for the specific protocol and then sequenced to identify the 19bp of the sgRNA and quantify their representation.

  Study EGAS00001002117

• Preclinical Pediatric Molecular Analysis for Therapy Choice (MATCH)

  Purpose: Pediatric solid tumors arise from diverse tissues during development and exhibit a wide range of molecular, cellular and genetic features. This diversity, combined with the low incidence of pediatric cancer makes it increasingly difficult to personalize therapy for individual patients based on the unique features of their tumors. Therefore, well-credentialed preclinical models that capture the diversity and heterogeneity of pediatric solid tumors are essential for identifying molecular targeted therapeutics for precision medicine. Experimental Design: Here, we report 281 orthotopic patient derived xenografts (O-PDXs) from 224 patients representing 24 different types of pediatric solid tumors. We have performed genomic characterization of the O-PDXs and compared them to their corresponding patient tumors. To demonstrate the feasibility and utility of using such a diverse collection of O-PDXs in preclinical studies, we performed a preclinical pediatric precision medicine trial based on the NCI-COG Pediatric MATCH trial enrollment criteria. We also tested molecular targeted therapy for a novel oncogenic fusion recently reported in pediatric melanoma and precision drug delivery using nano-liposomal irinotecan. Results: In the preclinical match study, we identified one specific single agent response to LY3023414 in an osteosarcoma model with a TSC2 variant of unknown significance. Combinations of nano-liposomal irinotecan were effective in treating both Ewing sarcoma and rhabdomyosarcoma xenografts. Conclusion: Our studies demonstrate the value of large, well-credentialed preclinical models for future precision medicine in pediatric oncology using single agents, drug combinations and novel drug formulations.

  Study EGAS00001008011

• Tissue-specific mutation accumulation in human adult stem cells during life

  Gradual accumulation of mutations in human adult stem cells during life is associated with various age-related diseases, including cancer. The number of stem cell divisions throughout life is believed to be a major determinant for mutation accumulation and could explain the extreme variation of cancer incidence across different organs. Yet, mutation patterns and rates of healthy adult stem cells remain unknown. Here, we determined genome-wide mutation patterns in primary adult stem cells of the small intestine, colon and liver of human donors with ages ranging from 3 to 87 years. We find that the number of mutations increases linearly with age up to several thousand mutations per cell at 87 years of age, while mutation spectra remain constant throughout life. Small intestine and colon stem cells have a 2-fold higher mutation rate per year compared with liver stem cells. These differences could be exclusively attributed to the mutagenic action of spontaneous deamination of cytosine residues and may reflect the high stem cell division rate in these tissues. The genomic distribution of somatic mutations is non-random and predominantly associated with DNA replication dynamics in the small intestine and colon, and with transcription in the liver. These results indicate that a stable balance between various mutagenic and DNA repair processes is maintained throughout life and that the activity of these processes in adult stem cells varies between tissues.

  Study EGAS00001001682

• H3.3G34R/V-transformed interneuron progenitors co-opt PDGFRA for gliomagenesis

  Histone H3.3 glycine 34 to arginine/valine (H3.3G34R/V) mutations occur in deadly hemispheric high-grade gliomas. These tumors show exquisite regional and temporal specificity, suggesting a developmental context permissive to the effects of G34R/V mutations. Here we present the molecular landscape of G34R/V gliomas (n=85) and show that 50% bear activating mutations in PDGFRA, with strong selection pressure for PDGFRAMUT clones at recurrence. We show that G34R/V tumors arise in interneuron progenitors of the foetal ventral forebrain expressing GSX2 and the DLX family of homeobox transcription factors, where terminal neuronal differentiation is impaired through aberrant G34R/V-mediated H3K27me3. Frequent co-occurrence of G34R/V &amp; PDGFRAMUT is facilitated in this interneuron lineage-of-origin as PDGFRA forms an aberrant chromatin loop with the adjacent GSX2, hijacking its active chromatin conformation. At the single-cell level, G34R/V tumours entirely lack oligodendroglial transcriptional programs prominent in other glioma entities, and instead harbour dual neuronal and astroglial compartments. CRISPR-removal of H3.3G34R/V does not impact tumorigenicity suggesting this mutation becomes dispensable, while PDGFRAMUT are potently oncogenic regardless of G34 mutation. Collectively, our results suggest that G34R/V gliomas arise in foetal interneuron progenitors unable to undergo terminal differentiation, enabling co-option of PDGFRA through inappropriate expression and activating mutations to promote gliogenesis and oncogenicity. Reliance on PDGFRA for oncogenesis may be of therapeutic opportunity in G34R/V glioma.

  Study EGAS00001004301

• Genome-wide analysis of genetic risk factors for rheumatic heart disease in Aboriginal Australians provides support for pathogenic molecular mimicry

  Background. Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) following Group A Streptococcus (GAS) infections is heritable and prevalent in Indigenous populations. Molecular mimicry between human and GAS proteins triggers pro-inflammatory cardiac valve-reactive T-cells. Methods. Genome-wide genetic analysis was undertaken in 1263 Aboriginal Australians (398 RHD cases; 865 controls). Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were genotyped using Illumina HumanCoreExome BeadChips. Direct typing and imputation was used to fine-map the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) region. Epitope binding affinities were mapped for human cross-reactive GAS proteins, including M5 and M6. Results. The strongest genetic association was intronic to HLA-DQA1 (rs9272622; P=1.86x10-7). Conditional analyses showed rs9272622 and/or DQA1*AA16 account for the HLA signal. HLA-DQA1*0101_DQB1*0503 (OR 1.44, 95%CI 1.09-1.90, P=9.56x10-3) and HLA-DQA1*0103_DQB1*0601 (OR 1.27, 95%CI 1.07-1.52, P=7.15x10-3) were risk haplotypes; HLA_DQA1*0301-DQB1*0402 (OR 0.30, 95%CI 0.14-0.65, P=2.36x10-3) was protective. Human myosin cross-reactive N-terminal and B repeat epitopes of GAS M5/M6 bind with higher affinity to DQA1/DQB1 alpha/beta dimers for the two risk haplotypes than the protective haplotype. Conclusions. Variation at HLA_DQA1-DQB1 is the major genetic risk factor for RHD in Aboriginal Australians studied here. Cross-reactive epitopes bind with higher affinity to alpha/beta dimers formed by risk haplotypes, supporting molecular mimicry as the key mechanism of RHD pathogenesis.

  Study EGAS00001002678

• Genomic stratification and liquid biopsy in a rare adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) case, with dual lung metastases

  Adrenocortical carcinoma is a rare malignancy with a poor prognosis and few treatment options. Molecular characterization of this cancer remains limited. We present a case of an adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) in a 37-yr-old female, with dual lung metastases identified 1 yr following commencement of adjuvant mitotane therapy. As standard therapeutic regimens are often unsuccessful in ACC, we undertook a comprehensive genomic study into this case to identify treatment options and monitor disease progress. We performed targeted and whole-genome sequencing of germline, primary tumor, and both metastatic tumors from this patient and monitored recurrence over 2 yr using liquid biopsy for ctDNA and steroid hormone measurements. Sequencing revealed the primary and metastatic tumors were hyperhaploid, with extensive loss of heterozygosity but few structural rearrangements. Loss-of-function mutations were identified in MSH2, TP53, RB1, and PTEN, resulting in tumors with mismatch repair signatures and microsatellite instability. At the cellular level, tumors were populated by mitochondria-rich oncocytes. Longitudinal ctDNA mutation and hormone profiles were unable to detect micrometastatic disease, consistent with clinical indicators of disease remission. The molecular signatures in our ACC case suggested immunotherapy in the event of disease progression; however, the patient remains free of cancer. The extensive molecular analysis presented here could be applied to other rare and/or poorly stratified cancers, to identify novel or repurpose existing therapeutic options, thereby broadly improving diagnoses, treatments, and prognoses.

  Study EGAS00001003497

• deep-learning-powered tissue deconvolution for cfDNA

  Plasma cell-free DNA (cfDNA) is a noninvasive biomarker for cell death of all organs. Deciphering the tissue origin of cfDNA can reveal abnormal cell death because of diseases, which has great clinical potential in disease detection and monitoring. Despite the great promise, the sensitive and accurate quantification of tissue-derived cfDNA remains challenging to existing methods due to the limited characterization of tissue methylation and the reliance on unsupervised methods. To fully exploit the clinical potential of tissue-derived cfDNA, here we present one of the largest comprehensive and high-resolution methylation atlas based on 521 noncancer tissue samples spanning 29 major types of human tissues. We systematically identified fragment-level tissue-specific methylation patterns and extensively validated them in orthogonal datasets. Based on the rich tissue methylation atlas, we develop the first supervised tissue deconvolution approach, a deep-learning-powered model, cfSort, for sensitive and accurate tissue deconvolution in cfDNA. On the benchmarking data, cfSort showed superior sensitivity and accuracy compared to the existing methods. We further demonstrated the clinical utilities of cfSort with two potential applications: aiding disease diagnosis and monitoring treatment side effects. The tissue-derived cfDNA fraction estimated from cfSort reflected the clinical outcomes of the patients. In summary, the tissue methylation atlas and cfSort enhanced the performance of tissue deconvolution in cfDNA, thus facilitating cfDNA-based disease detection and longitudinal treatment monitoring.

  Study EGAS00001007213

• Oxidative phosphorylation is a key ontogenetic feature of monocyte immunometabolism promoting myeloid differentiation after birth

  Neonates primarily rely on innate immunity, yet their inflammatory responses to microbes, particularly those of monocytes, are usually restricted compared to adults. This is controversially interpreted as immaturity increasing the risk of sepsis or essential programming allowing immune adaptation after birth. Which changes the cellular immunometabolism undergoes after birth and its role in these concepts are poorly defined. Here, we applied transcriptomic, metabolic, and immunological approaches and found that monocytes exhibit an inverse ontogenetic balance of immunometabolism. Our data show that glycolysis in monocytes increases within the first year of life and fuels their inflammatory responsiveness. In contrast, oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) is high in neonatal monocytes supporting myeloid differentiation but declines only gradually during the first five years of life. Treatment of neonatal monocytes with lipopolysaccharide induces an adult-like immunometabolic phenotype. Ketogenic diet restricts glycolysis in adult monocytes, but cannot reactivate OXPHOS and revive a neonatal-like immunometabolic phenotype, suggesting that neonatal metabolism is hardwired and cannot be restored by simple dietary changes. Transcriptional network and population-wide human variation analyses identified E2F1, MYB, STAT1 and FLI1 as important regulators of age-dependent cell functions and related energy demands in human monocytes. Collectively, our findings show that restricted glycolysis and increased OXPHOS are a physiological programming in neonatal monocytes. Premature switching to an adult-like metabolism could untimely enhance inflammatory responses and disrupt important myeloid differentiation, whereas microbial challenges accumulating during childhood seem to induce an essential gradual metabolic switch.

  Study EGAS00001007555

• Genome-Wide Approach to Measure Variant-Based Heritability of Drug Outcome Phenotypes

  Current pharmacogenetic approaches often use a few large-effect alleles to predict drug outcomes. However, many drug outcome phenotypes are determined by complex pathways that may be influenced by common single-nucleotide variants (SNVs) across the genome. We ascertained how much variation in drug response is explained by common SNVs for pharmacokinetic (drug levels) and pharmacodynamic phenotypes (highest creatinine) for 4 drugs: vancomycin, gentamicin, cyclosporine and tacrolimus.

  Study phs002506

• DAC for a single-cell multi-omic atlas of nodal B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas

  Nodal B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas (B-NHL) are a clinically diverse set of cancers thought to originate from distinct stages of B-cell maturation. To characterize intratumor heterogeneity across B-NHL entities, we performed CITE-Seq (cellular indexing of transcriptomes and epitopes) on 51 lymph node samples including mantle cell lymphoma (MCL, n = 8), follicular lymphoma (FL, n = 12), germinal center (GCB, n = 5) or activated B-cell (non-GCB/ABC, n = 7) diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and marginal zone lymphoma (MZL, n = 11) tumors, in addition to non-malignant reactive lymph nodes (rLN, n = 8). We also performed 5 prime scRNA-seq with immune receptor profiling for 11 of these samples (2 rLN, 2 MCL, 3 FL, 2 DLBCL, and 2 MZL).

  Dac EGAC50000000226

• A distinct monocyte cellular state links systemic immune dysregulation to pulmonary impairment in long COVID

  Long COVID is a debilitating disease with a very heterogeneous disease aetiology. In this study, we collected blood from Long COVID patients and generated single-cell multiomics datasets. The samples collected were both longitudinal and cross-sectional cohorts. The aim of the study involved examining the transcriptomic and epigenetic landscape of circulating immune cells from these samples to better understand the disease imprints.

  Study EGAS50000001215

• High-depth whole genome sequencing of paired ductal carcinoma in-situ (DCIS) and germline control samples from 51 individuals.

  Deposited here are whole-genome sequencing data for 51 paired breast cancer DCIS and matched-normal samples taken from the same individual. Average sequence depth is 110x for DCIS samples and 39x for matched-normals. Matched-normals are from blood (n=14) or adjacent normal breast (n=37). Sequencing was performed on Illumina HIseqX (n=70) or Illumina Novoseq (n=32). They are a part of a broader project that uses high-depth WGS to investigate the somatic mutation genomic landscape of DCIS in order to uncover biological insights into breast cancer progression as well as possible methods to stratify DCIS patients for individualised therapy or disease monitoring.

  Dataset EGAD50000002071

• SUM-seq data for Primary T-cells differentiated to helper subtypes

  Briefly, naive CD4+ T cells were isolated from PBMCs obtained from buffy coats from three healthy human donors, and differentiated into Th0, iTreg, Th2, Th1, Th17, and IFN-β-activated subsets. This allowed us to study the differentiation of naive CD4+ T cells into distinct helper subsets under the influence of a specific cytokine environment. Following 5 days of differentiation, T cells were left unstimulated or re-stimulated with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and ionomycin to assess their functional responses. Thus, this SUM-seq experiment consisted of 36 multiplexed conditions (3 donors x 6 stimulations x with/without re-stimulation). Single-cell chromatin accessibility and gene expression data is provided as demultiplexed fastq files.

  Dataset EGAD50000001204

• Whole genome sequencing of pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma arising from germline SDHB mutations

  Paired-end 150 basepair whole genome sequencing of 94 SDHB-deficient non-metastatic and metastatic pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma. Libraries were prepared using the Illumina® TruSeq™ DNA Nano library preparation method according to the manufacturer’s instructions at The University of Melbourne Centre for Cancer Research (UMCCR) using 200ng input DNA and a 550 base pair insert size. Samples were sequenced in separate batches on the Illumina® Nova-Seq 6000 according to manufacturer’s instructions (Illumina, USA). Included in this dataset are FASTQ format files containing raw read data, CRAM format files containing reads aligned to GRCh38, and VCF format files containing germline variants calls.

  Dataset EGAD50000000502

• Luminal progenitor cell line iHBEC(CD117)

  Basal-like breast cancer originates in luminal progenitors, frequently with an altered PI3K pathway, and focally in close association with genetically altered myoepithelial cells at the site of tumor initiation. The exact trajectory behind this bi-lineage phenomenon remains poorly understood. Here we used a breast cancer relevant transduction protocol including hTERT, shp16, shp53, and PIK3CA(H1047R) to immortalize FACS isolated luminal cells, and we identified a candidate multipotent progenitor. We found that the apparent luminal phenotype of these oncogene transduced progenitors was metastable giving rise to basal-like cells dependent on culture conditions. After culturing the cells for more than 60 passages, cells were subjected to scRNA-seq as well as bulk RNA sequencing of two subpopulations (CD271+ and CD271-).

  Dataset EGAD50000000723

• Preeclampsia InterPregGen Consortium: Whole Genome Sequencing of 100 unrelated Uzbeks (DNA samples from the Institute of Immunology, Uzbek Academy of Sciences, Tashkent, Uzbekistan; Republic Specialized Scientific Practical Medical Centre of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tashkent, Uzbekistan)

  Whole genome sequencing of 100 unrelated Uzbeks in order to impute genotypes into PE cases and controls from Uzbekistan and to provide genetic data and infrastructure for future genetic studies in Uzbekistan and Central Asia more generally and to fill a gap in worldwide information as Central Asia is not adequately represented in available genomic data. This dataset is one component of the InterPregGen FP7 project. DNA samples for this component were collected by InterPregGen Consortium collaborators in Tashkent, Uzbekistan at the Institute of Immunology, Uzbek Academy of Sciences and at the Republic Specialized Scientific Practical Medical Centre of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

  Dataset EGAD00001005466

• Pediatric Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma RNA-Seq

  38 PPTCs were sequenced using RNASeq to identify oncogenic variants in driver-unknown tumors and to explore gene expression patterns. RNA libraries were quantified by qPCR using the Kapa Library Quantification Illumina/ABI Prism Kit protocol (KAPA Biosystems). Libraries were pooled in equimolar quantities and paired-end sequenced on 2 lanes of a High Throughput Run Mode flowcell with the V4 sequencing chemistry on an Illumina HiSeq 2500 platform following Illumina’s recommended protocol to generate paired-end reads of 126-bases in length.

  Dataset EGAD00001007499

• Transcriptomic response of miRNAs of monocytes to bacterial and viral stimuli assessed by RNA-seq in Africans and Europeans

  Leveraging the miRNA transcriptome of 977 samples, the study aims to define the levels of miRNA and isomiR diversity across individuals and populations, explore the genetic sources of miRNA expression variability and miRNA-environment interactions, evaluate the effects of immune challenges upon miRNA and isomiR expression dynamics, and quantify the relative impact of transcription and miRNA-mediated degradation on gene expression variability.

  Study EGAS00001004192

• Immunological hallmarks for clinical response to BCG in bladder cancer

  Intravesical Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) is an effective immunotherapy for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). However, recurrence and progression remain frequent warranting deeper insights into its mechanism. We herein comprehensively profiled blood and tissues obtained from NMIBC patients before, during and after BCG treatment using cytometry by time-of-flight (CyTOF) and RNA sequencing to identify the key immune subsets crucial for anti-tumour activity.

  Study EGAS00001004764