Search Results - EGA European Genome-Phenome Archive

CCR8-targeted specific depletion of clonally expanded Treg cells in tumor tissues evokes potent tumor immunity with long-lasting memory

Foxp3-expressing CD25+CD4+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) are abundantly infiltrating into tumor tissues, hindering effective anti-tumor immunity. Here, assuming that such tumor Tregs were clonally expanding by recognizing tumor-associated antigens, we attempted to characterize them by their gene expression profiling and T-cell receptor (TCR) clonotyping at the single-cell level. We found that they predominantly expressed the chemokine receptor CCR8: ~40% of tumor Tregs, less than 10% of Tregs in other tissues, and few tumor-infiltrating conventional T cells expressed CCR8 in mice and humans. CCR8+ tumor Tregs were phenotypically highly differentiated and functionally stable. One injection of anti-CCR8 mAb with high antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxic activity was indeed able to specifically deplete clonally expanded tumor Tregs and thereby eradicate established tumors in mice. The depletion predominantly expanded tumor-infiltrating CD8+ effector T cells, which were different in activated or exhausted patterns from those seen after immune checkpoint blockade by anti-PD-1 mAb. The treatment also evoked potent secondary immune responses against the same tumor cell line inoculated several months after tumor eradication, indicating that the anti-CCR8-induced memory-type tumor-reactive effector T cells were, once induced, resistant to recovered Treg suppression. In contrast to such evocation of potent tumor immunity, anti-CCR8 treatment scarcely elicited discernable autoimmunity in mice, contrasting with a similar treatment for systemic whole Treg depletion, which induced histologically and serologically evident autoimmunity. Thus, temporary and specific depletion of clonally expanded Tregs in tumor tissues by cell-depleting anti-CCR8 mAb is sufficient to evoke potent tumor immunity with long-lasting memory and without serious autoimmunity.

Study JGAS000312

Biallelic variants in the non-protein coding minor spliceosome components RNU6ATAC and RNU6ATAC cause syndromic monogenic autoimmune diabetes

Non-protein coding genes are emerging as critical contributors to the aetiology of rare diseases, providing key insights into human biology and uncovering novel disease mechanisms. We identified 7 individuals from 4 families with early-onset diabetes (diagnosed <5 years) and immune dysregulatory features caused by biallelic variants in RNU6ATAC. RNU6ATAC encodes a small nuclear RNA (snRNA) acting as a catalytic component of the minor spliceosome, a protein-RNA complex mediating splicing of ~700 genes containing U12/minor-type introns. Variant screening of the other 64 minor spliceosome genes in 276 infants with diabetes identified 12 unrelated individuals with biallelic disease-causing variants in RNU4ATAC. Biallelic pathogenic RNU4ATAC variants are known to cause a variable spectrum of clinical features, which until now did not include diabetes. Clinically, 12/19 RNU6ATAC/RNU4ATAC patients had additional immune dysregulatory features, and 50% of patients tested were islet-autoantibody positive, strongly supporting an autoimmune aetiology for their diabetes. RNA-seq in 3 individuals with biallelic RNU6ATAC variants showed a pattern of intron retention in U12 intron-containing genes similar to that seen in RNU4ATAC-individuals (n=3), supporting a shared disease mechanism. Analysis of patients’ transcriptomic, methylation and immune data revealed impaired B cell development and maturation. We conclude that biallelic RNU6ATAC variants cause a novel syndrome of early-onset autoimmune diabetes and immune dysregulation. We further show that infancy-onset diabetes is a previously unrecognised feature of RNU4ATACopathy. Our work highlights the important role of two snRNAs critical to minor spliceosome function in immune system regulation, providing novel insights into the pathogenesis of autoimmune diabetes.

Study EGAS50000001565

Molecular subtypes of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors mutated in MEN1/DAXX/ ATRX explain biological variability

Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors (PanNETs) most probably arise from the islets of Langerhans, although direct evidence is still lacking. About 40% of non-functioning (NF) PanNETs harbour mutations in MEN1, often in conjunction with alterations in DAXX/ATRX. Despite the homogeneous genetic background, the ADM (mutation in DAXX/ATRX and MEN1) group is heterogeneous regarding molecular features and response to treatment. To explore the molecular and clinical heterogeneity within this group, we integrated transcriptomic and DNA methylation data from 36 and 93 samples, respectively. Using a multi-omic approach we described a two-level hierarchy separating PanNET subtypes mutated in MEN1, DAXX and ATRX. First, DNA methylation discriminates ADM-PanNET from PanNET mutated in MEN1 only (α-like). Compared to α-like, all ADM tumors exhibit DNA methylation changes at enhancer and lowly methylated regions as well as at peri-centromeric and telomeric regions, associated with alternative lengthening of telomeres, increased chromosomal instability, and enhanced proliferative capacity. At a second level, transcriptomic analysis revealed three distinct ADM subtypes: ADM hypoxic, ADM NST (No Special Type), and ADM immunosuppressive. The ADM hypoxic subtype is characterized by strong hypoxia signature, likely regulated epigenetically. The ADM NST subtype appears to be primarily driven by epigenetic changes that promote proliferation. The ADM immunosuppressive is highly enriched in immune component and strong metastasis-like signature. While all the three subtypes are highly associated with liver metastasis formation and invasion, the ADM immunosuppressive are significantly smaller (<2.5 cm p.value=0.023) despite displaying aggressive molecular features. By defining these three novel ADM subtypes, our study provides a refined framework for understanding PanNET heterogeneity. This classification underscores potential diagnostic markers and highlights distinct biological vulnerabilities that may inform the development of subtype-tailored therapeutic strategies.

Study EGAS00001008272

Long-term temporal stability of peripheral blood DNA methylation alterations in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

Introduction There is great current interest in the potential application of DNA methylation alterations in peripheral blood as biomarkers of susceptibility, progression, and treatment response in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). To date, the intra-individual stability of peripheral blood leukocyte (PBL) methylation in IBD patients, a key consideration in biomarker development, has not been characterised. Here, we studied the long-term stability of all probes located on the Illumina HumanMethylation EPIC BeadChip array. Methods We followed a cohort of 46 adult IBD patients (36 Crohn’s disease (CD), 10 ulcerative colitis (UC), median age 44 (IQR: 27-56), 50% female) that received standard care without any intervention at the Amsterdam UMC. Paired PBL samples were collected at two time points with a median 7 (range: 2-9) years in between. Differential methylation and intra-class correlation (ICC) analyses were used to identify time-associated differences and temporally stable CpGs, respectively. Results Around 60% of all CpG loci on the EPIC array presented poor (ICC <0.50); 119,388 (≈14%) and 41,274 (≈5%) showed good (ICC ≥0.75) or excellent (ICC ≥0.90) intra-individual stability. Functional over-representation analyses of the stable methylated CpGs implicated genes involved in cell-cell signaling, adhesion and neurogenesis. Focusing on previously identified consistently differentially methylated positions indicated that 22 CD-, 11 UC-, and 24 IBD-associated loci demonstrated good stability (ICC ≥0.75) over time, where we observed a marked stability of CpG loci associated to the HLA genes. Conclusion Our data provide insight into the long-term stability of the PBL DNA methylome within an IBD context, facilitating the selection of biologically relevant and robust IBD-associated epigenetic biomarkers with increased potential for independent validation.

Study EGAS00001006501

CyTOF of 27 DLBCLs

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common histologic subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma and is notorious for its clinical heterogeneity. Patient outcomes can be predicted by cell-of-origin (COO) classification, demonstrating that the underlying transcriptional signature of malignant B-cells informs biological behavior in the context of standard combination chemotherapy regimens. In the current study, we used mass cytometry (CyTOF) to examine tumor phenotypes at the protein level with single cell resolution in a collection of 27 diagnostic DLBCL biopsy specimens from treatment naïve patients. We found that malignant B-cells from each patient occupied unique regions in 37-dimensional phenotypic space with no apparent clustering of samples into discrete subtypes. Interestingly, variable MHC class II expression was found to be the greatest contributor to phenotypic diversity. Within individual tumors, a subset of cases showed multiple phenotypic subpopulations, and in one case we were able to demonstrate direct correspondence between protein-level phenotypic subsets and DNA mutation-defined subclones. In summary, CyTOF analysis can resolve both inter- and intra-tumoral heterogeneity among primary samples, and reveals that each case of DLBCL is unique and may be comprised of multiple, genetically distinct subclones.

Dataset EGAD00001005419

The ALT pathway generates telomere fusions that can be detected in the blood of cancer patients

Telomere fusions (TFs) can trigger the accumulation of oncogenic alterations leading to malignant transformation and drug resistance. Despite their relevance in tumour evolution, our understanding of the patterns and consequences of TFs in human cancers remains limited. Here, we characterize the rates and spectrum of somatic TFs across >30 cancer types using whole-genome sequencing data. TFs are pervasive in human tumours with rates varying markedly across and within cancer types. In addition to end-to-end fusions, we find novel patterns of TFs that we mechanistically link to the activity of the alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) pathway. We show that TFs can be detected in the blood of cancer patients, which enables cancer detection with high specificity and sensitivity even for early-stage tumours and cancers of high unmet clinical need. Overall, we report a novel genomic footprint that enables characterization of the telomere maintenance mechanism of tumours and liquid biopsy analysis.

Dataset EGAD00001012101

Bladder Cancer Organoids as a Functional System to Model Different Disease Stages and Therapy Response

The study 'Bladder Cancer Organoids as a Functional System to Model Different Disease Stages and Therapy Response' reports the genomic characterization at the single allele level upon Whole Exome Sequencing of Bladder Cancer (BLCa) Patient Tumor (PT) samples obtained from 18 patients and corresponding Patient Derived Organoids (PDOs), implementing the SPICE pipeline (Ciani Y et al). Our cohort included 21 PTs and 22 PDOs. In this study, we generated a unique biobank resource of BLCa organoids that encompasses a broad spectrum of disease stages. We demonstrated that PDOs retain cancer heterogeneity and mutational burden. Furthermore, we observed that BLCa PDO can have different morphologies which may reflect tumor-specific features. Indeed, a solid morphology may be associated with more advanced tumors, as supported by the high PDO genomic burden and high primary tumor stage. Moreover, with our drug screening pipeline, we demonstrated the clinical relevance and feasibility of using a BLCa PDO-based drug assay for comparing the standard of care (SOC) drugs with compounds not currently in use for BLCa. Response to SOC was highly heterogeneous with approximately 50% of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer and 33% of muscle invasive bladder cancer PDOs showing no or minimal response. The most effective targeted therapy was lapatinib. We used an integrative analysis of drug response profiles with matched PDO genomic analysis to determine enrichment thresholds for candidate markers of therapy resistance and sensitivity. Importantly, by assessing the clinical history of longitudinally sampled cases, the clonal evolution of the disease could be determined and matched with PDO drug response profiles.

Study phs003149

Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (GDNF) Polymorphisms and Anxiety, Depression

GDNF gene variants were studied as possible risk factors of depression or anxiety on a young sample. The association study involved eight (rs1981844, rs3812047, rs3096140, rs2973041, rs2910702, rs1549250, rs2973050 and rs11111) GDNF single nucleotide polymorphisms and anxiety and depression scores measured by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) on 708 Caucasian young adults with no psychiatric history. Results provided significant effects of two single nucleotide polymorphisms on anxiety scores following the Bonferroni correction for multiple testing (p=0.00070 and p=0.00138 for rs3812047 and rs3096140, respectively). Haplotype analysis confirmed the role of these SNPs (p=0.00029). A significant sex-gene interaction was also observed since the effect of the rs3812047 A allele as a risk factor of anxiety was more pronounced in males. This is the first demonstration of a significant association between the GDNF gene and mood characteristics demonstrated by the association of two SNPs of the GDNF gene (rs3812047 and rs3096140) and individual variability of anxiety using self-report data from a non-clinical sample. Reprinted from Kotyuk et. al., 2013 (Kotyuk, E., Keszler, G., Nemeth, N., Ronai, Z., Sasvari-Szekely, M., and Szekely, A. (2013). Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (GDNF) as a Novel Candidate Gene of Anxiety. PLoS One,8, (12) PMID: 24324616), with permission from Publisher (All content of articles published in PLOS journals is open access. You can read about our open access license here: http://www.plos.org/about/open-access/. To summarize, this license allows you to download, reuse, reprint, modify, distribute, and/or copy articles or images in PLOS journals, so long as the original creators are credited (e.g., including the article's citation and/or the image credit); Laura Perry; Staff EO;PLOS ONE)

Study phs000713

Blood Transcriptome Profiling Following Seizures

The retrospective diagnosis or confirmation of a seizure, after the event, is very challenging. Many times clinicians can only use a patient's self-reported history. To further complicate the diagnosis, it is known that 20-30% of patients reporting a seizure actually suffer from psychogenic non-epileptic seizure (PNES). The patient has the behavior of a seizure, but does not suffer from brain seizure activity. Considerable time and resources are used to monitor PNES, and many patients undergo unnecessary therapy with anti-epileptic drugs. These resources could be more effectively used if we could confirm a seizure after the event (retrospective diagnosis). Here we propose a novel approach to distinguish seizures from PNES after the seizure event has happened.We have developed an accurate blood biomarker technology to diagnose acute brain injury, and assess chronic progression following brain injury. Previous studies support the premise that seizures affect blood RNA expression; here we assess temporal RNA expression pattern changes following seizure. We present preliminary preclinical data showing the discrimination of electric-stimulation evoked animal seizures. Here, we validate this maturing technology to assist with the discrimination of epileptic seizures from psychogenic non-epileptic seizures. We will analyze blood samples from patients undergoing video EEG monitoring in an epilepsy monitoring unit (Emory University Hospital, Atlanta GA). We expect 20% of these patients will have PNES. Once a patient has an EEG verified seizure, we will collect blood at various time points and identify biomarker RNA molecules in the blood. Blood samples will be collected from patients with non-verified seizures as control. These RNA expression values will be used to develop a predictive test for the occurrence of seizures. A biomarker gene panel will be developed from this exploratory project for validation in a larger patient population.

Study phs003460

Multimodal Immune Profiling to Determine Mechanisms of COVID-19 Clinical Trajectory in Uganda

We conducted a prospective cohort study of adults (RESERVE-U-C19) admitted to Entebbe Regional Referral Hospital (ERRH), a national COVID-19 referral center, across three viral variant-driven phases of the pandemic in Uganda. In this cohort, which reflects the entire spectrum of SARS-CoV-2 infection, we integrated clinical data with serum proteomics (N=306) and whole-blood transcriptomics (N=100) to determine a range of host responses associated with COVID-19 severity, SARS-CoV-2/HIV co-infection, and circulating viral variants. Beyond the prognostic importance of myeloid cell-driven immune activation and lymphopenia, we show that multifaceted impairment of host protein synthesis and extensive redox imbalance define core metabolic signatures of severe COVID-19, with central roles for IL-7, IL-15, and lymphotoxin-α in COVID-19 respiratory failure. While prognostic signatures were generally consistent in SARS-CoV-2/HIV-coinfection, type I interferon responses uniquely scaled with COVID-19 severity in persons living with HIV. Throughout the pandemic, COVID-19 severity peaked during phases dominated by A.23/A.23.1 and Delta B.1.617.2/AY variants, with Delta phase COVID-19 distinguished by exaggerated pro-inflammatory myeloid cell and inflammasome activation, NK and CD8+ T-cell depletion, impaired host protein synthesis, and upregulation of viral cell entry and trafficking pathways. Data from this study available through dbGaP include raw RNA-Seq data from whole-blood of adult participants (N=100).

Study phs003246

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

Extent and Significance of Bacterial DNA Integrations in the Human Cancer Genome

The integration of exogenous DNA into the human genome can cause somatic mutations associated with oncogenesis. For example, the insertion of HPV DNA into human chromosomes is the single most important event leading to tumorigenesis in cervical cancer. It is also now preventable with vaccines against HPV. In contrast to viral DNA integrations, the instances and repercussions of bacterial DNA integration into the somatic human genome are less clear. Yet bacterial DNA integrations (BDI) found to be associated with tumorigenesis could also be prevented using therapeutics like vaccines that limit exposure to the bacteria. Previous analysis of publicly available sequencing data from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) showed BDIs from Pseudomonas spp. rRNA into the 5'-UTR of four proto-oncogenes as well as in Ig (the immunoglobulin gene) of gastric cancer samples. The original samples from TCGA were not available to validate these findings. Therefore, a different cohort of gastric cancer patients was identified in order to establish the presence BDIs. Whole exome sequencing was completed on seven tumor samples and six adjacent gastric samples, as well as one intestinal metaplasia sample and one non-atrophic gastritis sample. Four of those samples were also investigated with transcriptomics and whole genome sequencing. Given that 15-20% of cancers worldwide are linked to infections, more work is needed to understand the role of infectious agents in oncogenesis and the mechanisms underlying that role.

Study phs001936

Whole Tumor spatial heterogeneity in metastatic melanoma

Heterogeneous inter-tumoral responses, sustained periods of apparent clinical benefit despite lack of objective response to various therapies, and even spontaneous remission are well known within a subpopulation of advanced melanoma patients. The molecular and cellular dynamics facilitating long-term survival remain poorly defined, particularly in the current era ofexposure to multiple potentially active therapies. We studied an exceptional case of long-term survival in a patient with non-responding metastatic melanoma in order to characterize the clonal and microenvironmental factors.We performed immunogenomic analysis of 3 metachronous tumors, and of 67 intratumor sub-regions of one metastatic lesion, usingwhole exome sequencing, RNA-sequencing, immunohistochemistry, and T cell receptor sequencing. Longitudinal analysesidentified mutations in severalknownresistance genes affecting distinctmetastases. Intra-tumoral immune signatures revealed spatially-distinct pockets of immune activation and suppression throughout the metastasis. A specific T cell VBeta CDR3 rearrangement was identified as both dominant and recurrent not only across multiple spatial points within a single tumor mass, but also across metachronous tumors spanning the patient’s disease course. Immunophenotyping of this T cell population with single-cell sequencingsuggestedrepeatedT-cell priming events leading to the persistence of both activated and exhausted T cells bearing this same TCR-Beta at any given time.Our findings highlight genomic and immune heterogeneityin metastatic disease, extending to the intra-tumoral leveland provide a rationale for integrative spatiotemporal analysis of metastatic lesions in the context of immune checkpoint blockade.

Study EGAS00001003292

RNA-seq study of human long-term and short-term hematopoietic stem cells from umblical cord blood with lentiviral overexpression of S1PR3

To investigate the molecular and biological pathways altered by S1PR3OE in human hematopoietic stem cells (HSC), we performed RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) of LT- and ST-HSC 3 days after transduction with control or S1PR3 overexpression (OE) lentiviral vectors. LT-HSC and ST-HSC from 3 pool of CB lin- were FACS-purified, cells were prestimulated for 4 hours and transduced with lentiviral vectors. At day 3, 2000-5300 BFP+ cells were FACS-purified for RNA isolation with a PicoPure kit. We were able to isolate only 1600-1800 BFP+ cells from LT-HSC control samples as opposed to 4000-5400 BFP+ cells from S1PR3OE samples. Thus, we pooled all control BFP+ LT-HSC cells into one sample for RNA-seq analysis. BFP- LT-HSC from control vector transduction were purified from CB1 as an additional LT-HSC control. Nextera libraries generated from 10 ng RNA from 5 LT-HSC samples (2 controls, 3 S1PR3OE) and 6 ST-HSC samples (3 controls, 3 S1PR3OE) were subjected to 125 bp, paired-end RNA-sequencing on the Illumina HiSeq 2500 with an average of 50 million reads/sample at the Center for Applied Genomics, Sick Kids Hospital.

Study EGAS00001004798

Clinical Outcomes and ctDNA Correlates for CAPOX BETR: A phase II trial of Capecitabine, Oxaliplatin, Bevacizumab, Trastuzumab in Previously Untreated Advanced HER2+ Gastroesophageal Adenocarcinoma

We performed circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) analysis on plasma of patients with advanced HER2 positive gastroesophageal adenocarcinomas who were treated on a phase 2 clinical trial testing the addition of bevacizumab to capecitabine, oxaliplatin, and trastuzumab. ctDNA was analyzed using panel based next generation sequencing assay (Predicine CARE), low-pass whole genome sequencing (LP-WGS), and methylation based panel assay (Predicine ALERT). This allowed us to derive tumor mutational profiles, circulating tumor fractions in plasma, and changes in both over time. We show that tumor fraction and the presence of mutations in the MAPK pathway are prognostic in our patient cohort. LP-WGS data from baseline and cycle 2 of treatment is available through dbGaP. Additional data is submitted alongside the manuscript.

Study phs003706

Spatial and temporal evolution of distal 10q deletion, a prognostically unfavorable event in diffuse low-grade gliomas

Background: The disease course of patients with diffuse low-grade glioma is notoriously unpredictable. Temporal and spatially distinct samples may provide insight into the evolution of clinically relevant copy number aberrations (CNAs). The purpose of this study is to identify CNAs that are indicative of aggressive tumor behaviour and can thereby complement the prognostically favorable 1p/19q co-deletion. Results: Genome-wide, 50 base pair single-end, sequencing was performed to detect CNAs in a clinically well-characterized cohort of 98 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded low-grade gliomas. CNAs are correlated with overall survival as an endpoint. Seventy-five additional samples from spatially distinct regions and paired recurrent tumors of the discovery cohort were analysed to interrogate the intratumoral heterogeneity and spatial evolution. Loss of 10q25.2-qter is a frequent subclonal event and significantly correlates with an unfavorable prognosis. A significant correlation is furthermore observed in a validation set of 126 and confirmation set of 184 patients. Loss of 10q25.2-qter arises in a longitudinal manner in paired recurrent tumor specimens, whereas the prognostically favorable 1p/ 19q co-deletion is the only CNA that is stable across spatial regions and recurrent tumors. Conclusions: CNAs in low-grade gliomas display extensive intratumoral heterogeneity. Distal loss of 10q is a late onset event and a marker for reduced overall survival in low-grade glioma patients. Intratumoral heterogeneity and higher frequencies of distal 10q loss in recurrences suggest this event is involved in outgrowth to the recurrent tumor.

Dataset EGAD00001001000

Discovery, Biology, and Risk of Inherited Variants in Breast Cancer (DRIVE) - OncoArray Genotypes

Discovery, Biology, and Risk of Inherited Variants in Breast Cancer (DRIVE) was one of five projects funded in 2010 as part of the NCI's Genetic Associations and Mechanisms in Oncology (GAME-ON) initiative (http://epi.grants.cancer.gov/gameon/). GAME-ON'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, the GAME-ON projects and other consortia formed the OncoArray network (http://epi.grants.cancer.gov/oncoarray/), which developed and genotyped a new custom genotyping array (the "OncoArray") in large numbers of cancer cases and controls (over 400,000 samples). The OncoArray is a custom array manufactured by Illumina. The array includes a backbone of approximately 260,000 SNPs that provide genome-wide coverage of most common variants, together with markers of interest for each of the five GAME-ON cancers identified through genome-wide association studies (GWAS), fine-mapping of known susceptibility regions, sequencing studies, and other approaches. The array also includes loci of interest identified through studies of other cancer types, and other loci of interest to multiple cancer types (including loci associated with cancer related phenotypes, drug metabolism and radiation response). Additionally, SNPs relating to quantitative phenotypes such as body mass index (BMI), height, and breast density that correlate with common cancer risks are also included. The DRIVE data included under this dbGAP submission include OncoArray data from 60,015 breast cancer cases and controls genotyped at the Center for Inherited Disease Research (CIDR), University of Cambridge, National Cancer Institute, University of Copenhagen, University of Southern California and Mayo Clinic. Details on an additional approx. 80,000 breast cancer cases and controls genotyped at other centers can be found at http://bcac.ccge.medschl.cam.ac.uk/bcacdata/oncoarray/.

Study phs001265

Transcriptome sequencing of human colon organoid after co-cultivation with Bifidobacterium longum

The large intestine has a dense milieu of indigenous bacteria, generating a complex ecosystem with crosstalk between individual bacteria and host cells. In vitro host cell modeling and bacterial interactions at the anaerobic interphase have elucidated the crosstalk molecular basis. Although classical cell lines derived from patients with colorectal cancer including Caco-2 cells are used, whether they adequately mimic normal colonic epithelial physiology is unclear. To address this, we performed transcriptome profiling of Caco-2 and Monolayer cells derived from healthy Human Colonic Organoid (MHCO) cultured hemi-anaerobically. Coculture with the anaerobic gut bacteria, Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum differentiated the probiotic effects of test cells from those of physiologically normal intestinal and colorectal cancer cells. We cataloged non- or overlapping gene signatures where gene profiles of Caco-2 cells represented absorptive cells in the small intestinal epithelium, and MHCO cells showed complete colonic epithelium signature, including stem/progenitor, goblet, and enteroendocrine cells colonocytes. Characteristic gene expression changes related to lipid metabolism, inflammation, and cell-cell adhesion were observed in cocultured live Bifidobacterium longum and Caco-2 or MHCO cells. B. longum-stimulated MHCO cells exhibited barrier-enhancing characteristics, as demonstrated in clinical trials. Our data represent a valuable resource for understanding gut microbe and host cell communication.

Study JGAS000740

Genome-Wide Association Study of the Taste and Hedonic Ratings of the Low-Calorie Sweetener Acesulfame Potassium

Acesulfame potassium (Ace-K) is a low-calorie sweetener (LCS) widely used as an additive in foods and beverages and an excipient in pediatric medicines. Because genetic variants play a role in individual variation in the taste of Ace-K, we sought to identify genetic contributions to its taste using a genome-wide association study (GWAS). 141 adult panelists rated the taste of an aqueous solution of Ace-K using the general labelled magnitude scale (gLMS) and its palatability using the hedonic gLMS. Genotypes were assayed on the Infinium Global Screening Array. Imputation of genotypes was performed on the Michigan Imputation Server with 1000 Genomes Project phase 3 genotype data as reference. Linear regression was performed to test genetic associations between genotyped and imputed variants with three gLMS ratings (bitterness (square-root-transformed), hedonic, sweetness) of Ace-K using PLINK2, adjusting for standardized age, sex, and the first 10 principal components of genetic ancestry. We identified that a locus spanning several TAS2R (Taste receptor 2) genes was associated with bitterness ratings of Ace-K and a locus within the gene ELMO1 (Engulfment and Cell Motility Protein 1) was associated with hedonic ratings of Ace-K (p-values 40594245).

Study phs004031

Recurrent somatic JAK-STAT mutations within a novel RUNX1-mutated pedigree

The acquisition of somatic mutations is an emerging field of investigation in familial leukemia. Currently, genetic profiles in familial MDS/AML are considered analogous to sporadic disease, although the patterns of clonal evolution within families are poorly defined. We performed whole exome profiling of tumour samples from a novel RUNX1 mutated family, to determine the stepwise evolution of MDS/AML across 4 young siblings. Three siblings developed monocytic AML/RAEB2 at 5 years of age, with hepatosplenomegaly and somatic mutations upregulating JAK-STAT signalling, the latter are typically detected in <5% of sporadic MDS/AML. Two siblings acquired the canonical JAK2 V617F mutation, while another acquired a unique missense mutation of SH2B3, a negative regulator of JAK2. Notably, 2/3 siblings demonstrated dosage amplification of these mutations due to acquired uniparental disomy of chromosomes 9p and 12q (encompassing JAK2 and SH2B3, respectively). All 4 siblings were heterozygous for the 46/1 JAK2 haplotype associated with predisposition to sporadic V617F myeloproliferative disorders, which likely influenced the acquisition of JAK2 mutations. Our findings provide further evidence that relatives with shared germline mutations may acquire somatic mutations in a non-random manner leading to convergent patterns of disease evolution.

Study EGAS00001001862

Clonal_haematopoiesis_in_patients_with_AAA

Recent advances in genomics have demonstrated that clonal haemopoiesis driven by leukaemia associated somatic mutations is a relatively common phenomenon that increases in frequency with advancing age. Whilst individuals with clonal haemopoiesis have an increased risk of developing haematological malignancies, they also have an increased mortality from other causes. Additionally, certain mutations are almost exclusively seen in individuals aged 70 years or older, whilst others are seen in individuals with non-haematological cancers including breast and ovarian. Recently, clonal haemopoiesis was found to be associated with a significantly increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. This association is thought to be causative with clonally-derived macrophages showing elevated expression of several chemokine and cytokine genes that contribute to atherosclerosis. Another vascular pathology, abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), increases with age and shares risk factors with atherosclerosis (including smoking, male sex, high cholesterol). However, the impact of these risk factors and the overlap between AAA and atherosclerosis is poorly understood. To investigate a possible link between clonal haemopoiesis and AAA, we will study DNA samples from 300 patients with AAA and up to 200 controls for evidence of clonal haemopoiesis. This will be done using target DNA enrichment with biotinylated RNA baits followed by high throughput sequencing.

Study EGAS00001002873

P647_Targeted_resequencing_project

In collaboration with Dr Robert Semple we have identified a family harbouring an autosomal dominant variant, which leads to severe insulin resistance (SIR), short stature and facial dysmorphism. This family is unique within the SIR cohort in having normal lipid profiles, preserved adiponectin and normal INSR expression and phosphorylation. DNA is available for 7 affected and 7 unaffected family members across 3 generations. All 14 samples have been genotyped using microsatellites and the Affymetrix 6.0 SNP chip. Linkage analysis identified an 18.8Mb haplotype on chromosome 19 as a possible location of the causative variant. However, Exome sequencing of 3 affected and 1 unaffected family members has not identified the causative variant suggesting the possibility of an intronic or intergenic variant in this region or elsewhere in the genome. We propose to conduct whole genome sequencing of 5 members of the pedigree at a depth of 20X. The chosen samples are two sets of parents plus one member of an unaffected branch of the pedigree who shares the risk haplotype on chromosome 19. Sequencing of the two sets of parents will be used along with the genome-wide SNP data to impute 4 affected children giving an effect sample size of 6 affected individuals.

Study EGAS00001000305

Molecular determinants of response to PD-L1 blockade across tumor types

Immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 axis lead to durable clinical responses in subsets of cancer patients across multiple indications, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), urothelial carcinoma (UC) and renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Herein, we complement PD-L1 immunohistochemistry (IHC) and tumor mutation burden (TMB) with RNA-seq in 366 patients to identify unifying and indication-specific molecular profiles that can predict response to checkpoint blockade across these tumor types. Multiple machine learning approaches failed to identify a baseline transcriptional signature highly predictive of response across these indications. Signatures described previously for immune checkpoint inhibitors also failed to validate. At the pathway level, significant heterogeneity was observed between indications, in particular within the PD-L1+ tumors. mUC and NSCLC were molecularly aligned, with cell cycle and DNA damage repair genes associated with response in PD-L1- tumors. At the gene level, the CDK4/6 inhibitor CDKN2A was identified as a significant transcriptional correlate of response, highlighting the association of non-immune pathways to the outcome of checkpoint blockade. This cross-indication analysis revealed molecular heterogeneity between mUC, NSCLC and RCC tumors, suggesting that indication-specific molecular approaches should be prioritized to formulate treatment strategies.

Study EGAS00001004343

Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome type 1 causes impaired anti-microbial immunity through a pathogenic lipid metabolism-mTOR circuit

Mendelian diseases that present with immune-mediated disorders can provide insights into the molecular mechanisms that drive inflammation. Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome (HPS) types 1 and 4 are caused by defective vesicle trafficking involving the BLOC-3 complex. The presence of inflammatory complications such as Crohn’s disease-like inflammation and lung fibrosis in these patients remains enigmatic. Using mass cytometry we observe an augmented inflammatory monocyte compartment in HPS1 patient peripheral blood that may be associated with a TNF - and IL-1α-dominated cytokine dysregulation. HPS1 patient monocyte-derived macrophages express an inflammatory TNF-OSM mRNA gene signature and changes in lipid metabolism. Using stimulation experiments and lysosomal proteomics we show that defective lipid metabolism drives RAB32-dependent mTOR signaling, facilitated by the accumulation of mTOR on lysosomes. This pathogenic circuit translates into aberrant bacterial clearance, which can be rescued with mTORC1 inhibition. We reveal that a pathogenic lipid-mTOR signaling circuit acts as a metabolic checkpoint for defective anti-microbial activity. This mechanism may be relevant to the complex pathology of HPS1 patients featuring macrophage lipid accumulation, granuloma formation, defective anti-microbial activity and tissue inflammation. Lastly, this circuit may be present in a wider group of disorders with defective lipid metabolism and cholesterol accumulation.

Study EGAS00001005053

Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome type 1 causes impaired anti-microbial immunity through a pathogenic lipid metabolism-mTOR circuit - 10x Genomics scRNAseq

Mendelian diseases that present with immune-mediated disorders can provide insights into the molecular mechanisms that drive inflammation. Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome (HPS) types 1 and 4 are caused by defective vesicle trafficking involving the BLOC-3 complex. The presence of inflammatory complications such as Crohn’s disease-like inflammation and lung fibrosis in these patients remains enigmatic. Using mass cytometry we observe an augmented inflammatory monocyte compartment in HPS1 patient peripheral blood that may be associated with a TNF - and IL-1α-dominated cytokine dysregulation. HPS1 patient monocyte-derived macrophages express an inflammatory TNF-OSM mRNA gene signature and changes in lipid metabolism. Using stimulation experiments and lysosomal proteomics we show that defective lipid metabolism drives RAB32-dependent mTOR signaling, facilitated by the accumulation of mTOR on lysosomes. This pathogenic circuit translates into aberrant bacterial clearance, which can be rescued with mTORC1 inhibition. We reveal that a pathogenic lipid-mTOR signaling circuit acts as a metabolic checkpoint for defective anti-microbial activity. This mechanism may be relevant to the complex pathology of HPS1 patients featuring macrophage lipid accumulation, granuloma formation, defective anti-microbial activity and tissue inflammation. Lastly, this circuit may be present in a wider group of disorders with defective lipid metabolism and cholesterol accumulation.

Study EGAS00001005098

17539 results for "free coins in fc 26 Visit Buyfc26coins.com for latest FC 26 coins news..Y2KA"

in 25.05 milliseconds.