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• Tumor inflammation and mutational burden are differentially associated with response to nivolumab or nivolumab plus ipilimumab in metastatic colorectal cancer

  Nivolumab alone and in combination with ipilimumab demonstrated durable clinical benefit in patients with previously treated microsatellite instability-high/mismatch repair-deficient metastatic colorectal cancer in the phase 2 CheckMate 142 study. Exploratory biomarker analyses of tumor and microbiome samples from CheckMate 142 were performed to evaluate associations between various biomarkers and the efficacy of nivolumab monotherapy and nivolumab plus ipilimumab combination in these patients. Higher expression of inflammation-related gene expression signatures was associated with improved response per investigator assessment and survival benefit with nivolumab monotherapy. In contrast, higher tumor mutational burden, tumor indel burden and degrees of microsatellite instability were associated with improved response per investigator assessment and survival benefit with nivolumab plus ipilimumab. While interpretation is limited by the exploratory nature of these analyses, they suggest that tumor antigenicity rather than baseline tumor inflammation might be important for the combinatorial efficacy. Validation of these findings in larger, randomized studies is necessary.

  Study EGAS50000000416

• Maturation of Human Intestinal Epithelial Cell Layers Fortifies the Apical Surface against Salmonella Attack

  Pathogen invasion of intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) is a key gut infection event. The dynamics of this process in intact epithelia and the factors governing IEC susceptibility remain underexplored. We present a resource for live-cell infection imaging in human enteroid-/colonoid-derived IEC layers, across maturation states and in the presence or absence of soluble mucus production. Utilization of this resource shows how human IEC maturation fortifies the apical surface against invasion by Salmonella Typhimurium (S.Tm). Immature IEC layers appear permissive to S.Tm invasion, but maturation towards an enterocyte/colonocyte phenotype reduces the susceptibility by up to tenfold. This shift couples to downregulated expression of actin regulatory proteins exploited by the pathogen, an increased dependence on the S.Tm effector SipA, and the build-up of the apical IEC glycocalyx linked to surface-attached mucins like MUC13 and nullifiable by StcE-enzyme treatment. This underscores how the maturation state of human IECs governs susceptibility to bacterial invasion.

  Study EGAS50000001241

• WGS analysis of Japanese liver cancer

  Liver cancer is prevalent worldwide, mainly associated with virus infection, and its underlying etiology and genomic structure are heterogeneous. Here we provide a whole-genome landscape of somatic alterations in 300 Japanese liver cancers. Our comprehensive analysis elucidated point mutations in non-coding regions, structural variants (SVs), and virus integrations, in addition to coding mutations, and demonstrated new mutational signatures related with liver carcinogenesis, novel recurrently mutated coding and non-coding regions such as lincRNA NEAT1/MALAT1, promoters, CTCF binding sites, and regulatory regions. SV analysis found a significant association with replication timing, and revealed that known cancer genes (CDKN2A, CCND1, APC, and TERT) and new cancer genes (ASH1L, NCOR1, MACROD2) were recurrently affected by SVs, leading to altered expression of nearby genes. These results emphasize the value of whole genome sequencing analysis to discover cancer driver mutations and to understand comprehensive molecular profiles of liver cancer, especially for SVs and non-coding mutations.

  Study JGAS000151

• Parent-of-origin dependent DNA methylation and gene expression in the human placenta

  DNA methylation is globally reprogrammed after fertilization and the parental genomes have similar DNA methylation profiles after implantation except at the germline differentially methylated regions (gDMRs). We, and others, have previously shown that there are a large number of transient gDMRs in human blastocysts, whose differential methylation is lost in embryonic tissues after implantation. In this study we employed genome-wide allelic DNA methylation analyses of highly purified trophoblast cells from human placentas. ~40% of the transient-in-embryo gDMRs maintained their parent-of-origin-dependent biased allelic methylation. RNA sequencing-based allelic expression analyses revealed that some of the placental-specific gDMRs were associated with novel imprinted genes. This approach identified the first examples of X-linked gDMRs specific to the placenta. These findings highlight the unique regulation of allelic DNA methylation in the human placenta, which is important for understanding normal placental development and the pathogenesis of pregnancy complications.

  Study JGAS000038

• A tumor-associated photoreceptor signature unifies distinct central nervous system malignancies

  Pineoblastoma is a clinically aggressive childhood brain tumor composed of distinct molecular subgroups with divergent driver genes, demographics, and clinical outcomes. To identify developmental origins and mechanisms governing disease pathogenesis, we derive single-cell transcriptomes from pineal parenchymal tumors, aligning malignant cells with our atlas of pineal gland development to retrace cellular origins. Integrative computational analyses maps pineoblastoma origins to transient cycling pinealocyte progenitors during development. Lineage-specific perturbation of suspected drivers in the early pineal gland yields preclinical models representative of consensus molecular subgroups. Multi-omic characterization of patient tumors and these models uncovers a tumor-associated photoreceptor signature common to pineoblastoma, retinoblastoma, and Group 3 medulloblastoma. Transcriptional activity of this signature within respective cellular origins establishes a developmental basis for molecular similarities between entities. Photoreceptor signature constituents are selective dependencies across these anatomically distinct central nervous system malignancies, motivating future studies evaluating developmentally encoded programs of malignancy as potential therapeutic liabilities.

  Study EGAS50000001457

• Single Cell RNA Transcriptomics of Mantle Cell Lymphoma Reveals the Presence of Treatment-Resistant Subclones at the Time of Diagnosis

  Mantle cell lymphoma is a chronically relapsing B cell neoplasm characterized by clonal heterogeneity. We implemented single cell RNA sequencing of paired tumor samples from four patients with an aggressive nodal MCL at diagnosis and after failure of standard immunochemotherapy. Clustering the cells based on the inferred CNVs showed small subclones present at diagnosis with a CNV profile similar to the major subclone at relapse. Comparison of these subclones to major subclones present at diagnosis revealed 119 upregulated pathways common for the four patient with an aggressive MCL, including NF-kappaB and PTEN signaling pathways. Additionally, we sequenced a patient with an indolent to blastoid MCL transformation with intestinal tissue involvement. In contrast to other compartments at relapse, the cells in the intestine showed strikingly different CNV profile and presence of new driver mutations including NOTCH1. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that scRNAseq can potentially detect therapy resistant subclones at diagnosis.

  Study EGAS50000000825

• Transcriptome changes in circulating immune cells of critical COVID-19 patients predict a specific metabolic and epigenetic imprint

  The progression to severe COVID-19 arises predominantly from a dysregulated host immune response, although the underlying regulatory mechanisms still remain partially elusive. This limits a prompt prediction of disease progression and restrains our understanding of “long COVID”. Here, we analyzed the transcriptomes of peripheral blood mononuclear cells collected from COVID-19 patients experiencing different degrees of the disease and control patients. In critical COVID-19 patients, we found an altered regulatory network involving microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs, and coding genes that control mRNA translation-related genes, epigenetics, and metabolism. We also observed an upregulation of tRNA aminoacylation genes and increased expression of coding genes enriched for the cognate amino acids. Collectively, our findings indicate a broad perturbation of the gene expression landscape that characterizes the aberrant host immune response in critical COVID-19 patients and is potentially coordinated by alterations in microRNA expression and tRNA metabolism.

  Study EGAS50000000965

• STimage: Robust and interpretable prediction of gene markers and cell types from spatial transcriptomics data

  Spatial transcriptomics (ST) links tissue morphology with gene expression values, opening new avenues for digital pathology. Deep learning models are used to predict gene expression or classify cell types directly from images, offering significant clinical potential but still requiring improvements in interpretability and robustness. We present STimage as a comprehensive suite of models to predict spatial gene expression and classify cell types directly from standard H\&E images. STimage enhances robustness by estimating gene expression distributions and quantifying both data-driven (aleatoric) and model-based (epistemic) uncertainty using ensemble approach with foundation models. Interpretability is achieved through attribution analysis at single-cell resolution integrated with histopathological annotations, functional genes, and latent representations. We validated STimage across diverse datasets, demonstrating its performance across various platforms. STimage-predicted gene expression can stratify patient survival and predict drug response. By enabling molecular and cellular prediction from routine histology, STimage offers a powerful tool to advance digital pathology.

  Study EGAS50000001503

• Monosomy 7 delineates a primitive acute myeloid leukemia with adverse prognosis and responsiveness to epigenetic therapy

  The mechanistic basis for adverse risk associated with monosomy 7 remains undetermined in AML. In contrast to del(7q), monosomy 7 conferred adverse prognosis independent of TP53 and complex karyotype. Single-cell RNA and ATAC-seq revealed an epigenetically remodeled landscape and expansion of multipotent progenitor (MPP)-like cells. Monosomy 7 derived progenitors were distinguished by reduced chromatin accessibility and expression of STK17A and NT5C3A, which conferred resistance to cytotoxic and venetoclax-based therapy. To circumvent resistance mediated by monosomy 7 and deficient TP53, histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) effectively restored apoptotic potential and augmented the activity of venetoclax. In a randomized clinical trial including older unfit patients with AML and monosomy 7, responses were observed in the majority that received low-dose cytarabine, venetoclax and the HDACi pracinostat, some with durable remissions exceeding 3 years. Longitudinal studies highlighted diminution of MPP-like cells, linking epigenetic remodeling to clinical response and therapeutic vulnerability of monosomy 7 AML.

  Study EGAS50000001641

• GEenetic landscape of hypodiploid acute lymphoblastic leukemia

  Hypodiploid acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is an aggressive leukemia characterized by aneuploidy and poor outcome. The genetic basis of hypodiploid ALL is unknown. Here, using complementary genome-wide profiling approaches, we show that hypodiploid ALL comprises two subtypes that differ in the severity of aneuploidy, transcriptional profile and submicroscopic genetic alterations. Near haploid cases with 24-31 chromosomes frequently harbor alterations targeting receptor tyrosine kinase- and Ras signaling (71%) and IKZF3 (AIOLOS; 13%). In contrast, low hypodiploid ALL cases with 32-39 chromosomes are characterized by TP53 alterations, almost half of which are present in non-tumor cells, and have alterations of IKZF2 (HELIOS; 53%) and RB1 (41%). Both near haploid and low hypodiploid tumors exhibit activation of Ras and PI3K signaling pathways, and are sensitive to PI3K inhibition, indicating that these drugs should be explored as a new therapeutic strategy for this frequently lethal form of leukemia.

  Study EGAS00001000380

• Whole genome sequencing data for 10 hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) and matched non-tumor liver tissues + optical mapping data for 4 HCC and 3 matched non-tumor liver tissues.

  Oncogene activation leads to replication stress and promotes genomic instability. Here we combine optical mapping and whole genome sequencing to explore in-depth the nature of structural variants (SVs) induced by replication stress in cyclin-activated hepatocellular carcinomas (CCN-HCC). In addition to classical tandem duplications, CCN-HCC display frequent intra- and inter-chromosomal templated insertion cycles (TIC) likely resulting from template switching events. Template switching preferentially involves active topologically associated domains that are close in the 3D genome organization. Template sizes depend on the type of cyclin activation and are coordinated within each TIC. Replication stress induces continuous accumulation of SVs during CCN-HCC progression, fostering the acquisition of new driver alterations and large-scale copy-number changes at TIC borders. Together, this analysis sheds light on the mechanisms, dynamics and consequences of SV accumulation in tumors with oncogene-induced replication stress.

  Study EGAS00001005629

• Human induced pluripotent stem cells display a similar mutation burden as embryonic pluripotent cells in vivo

  Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) hold great promise for regenerative medicine, but genetic instability is a major concern. Embryonic pluripotent cells also accumulate mutations during early development, but how this relates to the mutation burden in iPSCs remains unknown. Here, we directly compared the mutation burden of cultured iPSCs with their isogenic embryonic cells during human embryogenesis. We generated developmental lineage trees of human fetuses by phylogenetic inference from somatic mutations in the genomes of multiple stem cells, which were derived from different germ layers. Using this approach, we characterized the mutations acquired pre-gastrulation and found a rate of 1.65 mutations per cell division. When cultured in hypoxic conditions, iPSCs generated from fetal stem cells of the assessed fetuses displayed a similar mutation rate and spectrum. Our results show that iPSCs maintain a genomic integrity during culture at a similar degree as their pluripotent counterparts do in vivo.

  Study EGAS00001005939

• Epigenomic alterations define lethal CIMP-positive ependymomas of infancy

  Ependymomas are common childhood brain tumours that occur throughout the nervous system, but are most common in the paediatric hindbrain. Current standard therapy comprises surgery and radiation, but not cytotoxic chemotherapy as it does not further increase survival. Whole-genome and whole-exome sequencing of 47 hindbrain ependymomas reveals an extremely low mutation rate, and zero significant recurrent somatic single nucleotide variants. Although devoid of recurrent single nucleotide variants and focal copy number aberrations, poor-prognosis hindbrain ependymomas exhibit a CpG island methylator phenotype. Transcriptional silencing driven by CpG methylation converges exclusively on targets of the Polycomb repressive complex 2 which represses expression of differentiation genes through trimethylation of H3K27. CpG island methylator phenotype-positive hindbrain ependymomas are responsive to clinical drugs that target either DNA or H3K27 methylation both in vitro and in vivo. We conclude that epigenetic modifiers are the first rational therapeutic candidates for this deadly malignancy, which is epigenetically deregulated but genetically bland.

  Study EGAS00001000443

• Biallelic DICER1 mutations in sporadic pleuropulmonary blastoma

  Pleuropulmonary blastoma (PPB) is an extremely rare pediatric malignancy in the lung, whose pathogenesis is poorly understood, except for recent reports of frequent germline heterozygous DICER1 mutations. To investigate the genetic basis of PPB, we performed whole-exome sequencing in 7 representative PPB cases, followed by targeted deep sequencing in 12 cases with PPB. DICER1 mutations were found in 11/12 cases. Biallelic DICER1 mutations were common in PPB, in which RNase IIIb domain mutations were found in all cases with or without nonsense/frameshift mutations and were somatic in all evaluable cases. A majority of cases had mutated DICER1 alleles in germline with or without an additional somatic mutation in the remaining allele, while other cases had exclusively somatic mutations involving the RNase IIIb domain. TP53 deletions/mutations were detected in 8/12 cases. Our results highlight a unique role of the RNase IIIb domain mutations and TP53 inactivation in PPB pathogenesis.

  Study EGAS00001000662

• Single-cell RNA-seq of cervix and placenta

  Placental trophoblasts have been detected in cervical smears early in gestation, creating opportunities for non-invasive prenatal diagnosis. However, trophoblast isolation is limited by the lack of a cell catalogue and molecular profile of cervical smears. To establish an atlas and to explore the potential of single-cell RNA-sequencing to detect cervical trophoblasts, 10,539 single-cell transcriptomes from 12 non-invasive exocervical smears from pregnant women were profiled. In addition, we characterized 34,565 cells from six placental biopsies. We uncovered a novel extravillous trophoblast cell subtype characterized by epithelial marker genes and reduced HLA-G expression. Integration of both cell atlases demonstrated surprisingly similar expression profiles between maternal epithelial cells and placental extravillous trophoblasts, indicating that these trophoblasts retained epithelial properties without an invasive mesenchymal phenotype. Additionally, differential expression analysis identified novel markers discriminating cervical and placental cell types. Those analyses may contribute to trophoblast discovery and isolation from cervical smears.

  Study EGAS00001007044

• A Genomic History of Aboriginal Australia

  The population history of Aboriginal Australians remains largely uncharacterised. We generated high-coverage genomes for 83 Aboriginal Australians (speakers of Pama-Nyungan languages) and 25 Papuans from the New Guinea Highlands. We find that Papuan and Aboriginal Australian ancestors diversified 25-40 thousand years ago (kya), suggesting early population structure in the ancient continent of Sahul (Australia, New Guinea and Tasmania). However, all studied Aboriginal Australians descend from a single founding population that differentiated ~10-32 kya. We infer a population expansion in northeast Australia during the Holocene (past c.10 kya) associated with limited gene flow from this region to the rest of Australia consistent with the spread of the Pama-Nyungan languages. We estimate that Aboriginal Australians and Papuans diverged from Eurasians 51-72 kya, following a single out of Africa dispersal, and subsequently admixed with different archaic populations. Finally, we report evidence of selection in Aboriginal Australians potentially associated with living in the desert.

  Study EGAS00001001766

• Early evolutionary branching across spatial domains predisposes to clonal replacement under chemotherapy in neuroblastoma

  Neuroblastoma (NB) is one of the most lethal childhood cancers due its propensity to treatment resistance. By spatial mapping of subclone geographies before and after chemotherapy across 89 tumor regions from 12 NBs, we find that densely packed territories of closely related subclones present at diagnosis are replaced under effective treatment by islands of distantly related survivor subclones, originating from a different most recent ancestor compared to lineages dominating before treatment. Conversely, in tumors that progressed under treatment, ancestors of subclones dominating later in disease are present already at diagnosis. Chemotherapy treated xenografts and cell culture models replicates these two contrasting scenarios and shows branching evolution to be a constant feature of proliferating NB cells. Phylogenies based on whole genome sequencing of 505 individual NB cells indicate that a rich repertoire of parallel subclones, emerges already with the first oncogenic mutations and lays the foundation for clonal replacement under treatment.

  Study EGAS00001007650

• Myelodysplastic cells in patients re-program mesenchymal stromal cells to establish a transplantable stem cell-niche disease unit.

  Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a heterogeneous group of myeloid neoplasms with defects in hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) and possibly the HSPC niche. Here we show that patient-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (MDS MSCs) display a disturbed differentiation program and are essential for the propagation of MDS-initiating lin-CD34+CD38- stem cells in orthotopic xenografts. Overproduction of niche factors such as N-Cadherin, IGFBP2, VEGFA and LIF is associated with the ability of MDS MSCs to enhance MDS expansion. These factors represent putative therapeutic targets to disrupt critical hematopoietic-stromal interactions in MDS. Finally, healthy MSCs adopt "MDS-MSC like" molecular features when exposed to hematopoietic MDS cells, indicative of an instructive remodeling of their microenvironment. This patient-derived xenograft model therefore provides functional and molecular evidence that MDS is a complex disease involving both the hematopoietic and stromal compartments. The resulting deregulated expression of niche factors may well also be a feature of other hematopoietic malignancies.

  Study EGAS00001000716

• Genomic analyses of gynecologic carcinosarcomas reveal frequent mutations in chromatin remodeling genes

  Malignant Mixed Müllerian Tumors, also known as carcinosarcomas, are rare tumors of gynecological origin. Here we perform whole exome analyses of 22 tumors using massively parallel sequencing to determine the mutational landscape of this tumor type. On average, we identify 43 mutations per tumor, excluding four cases with a mutator phenotype that harbored inactivating mutations in mismatch repair genes. In addition to mutations in TP53 and KRAS, we identify genetic alterations in chromatin remodeling genes, ARID1A and ARID1B, in histone methyltransferase MLL3, in histone deacetylase modifier SPOP, and in chromatin assembly factor BAZ1A, in nearly two thirds of cases. Alterations in genes with potential clinical utility are observed in more than three quarters of the cases and included members of the PI 3-kinase and homologous DNA repair pathways. These findings highlight the importance of the dysregulation of chromatin remodeling in carcinosarcoma tumorigenesis and suggest new avenues for personalized therapy.

  Study EGAS00001000941

• Comparing nodal versus bony metastatic spread using tumour phylogenies

  The role of lymph node metastases in distant prostate cancer dissemination and lethality is ill defined. Patients with metastases restricted to lymph nodes have a better prognosis than those with distant metastatic spread, suggesting the possibility of distinct aetiologies. To explore this, we traced patterns of cancer dissemination using tumour phylogenies inferred from genome-wide copy-number profiling of 48 samples across 3 patients with lymph node metastatic disease and 3 patients with osseous metastatic disease. Our results show that metastatic cells in regional lymph nodes originate from evolutionary advanced extra-prostatic tumour cells rather than less advanced central tumour cell populations. In contrast, osseous metastases do not exhibit such a constrained developmental lineage, arising from either intra or extra-prostatic tumour cell populations, at early and late stages in the evolution of the primary. Collectively, this comparison suggests that lymph node metastases may not be an intermediate developmental step for distant osseous metastases, but rather represent a distinct metastatic lineage.

  Study EGAS00001001801

• Whole_genome_sequencing_in_a_multiplex_Crohn_s_disease_family

  In 2009 we identified a four-generation family with over 700 members and 41 affected with Crohn's disease (CD). At the time we sequenced the exome of 6 affected individuals but did not identify any coding variants which appear to explain the high prevalence of disease. Since then we have collected DNA from a large number of additional family members, genotyped linkage arrays on the entire family to refine genomic regions shared by identity by descent and genotyped affected and unaffected members at known CD risk loci identified by Genome Wide Association Studies (GWAS). These analyses have confirmed that a significant unexplained excess of disease remains after accounting for all known genetic factors, and that several regions of the genome are shared by a large fraction of affected individuals. We therefore perform whole genomes sequencing from 8 individuals which will allow us to impute the complete sequence of nearly all the members of the two largest and most severely affected branches of the family.

  Study EGAS00001000060

• Impact of mutational profiles on response of primary oestrogen receptor-positive breast cancers to oestrogen deprivation

  Presurgical studies allow study of the relationship between mutations and response of estrogen receptor positive (ER+) breast cancer to aromatase inhibitors (AIs) but have been limited to small biopsies. Here in Phase I of this study, we perform exome sequencing on baseline, surgical core-cuts and blood from 60 patients (40 AI treated, 20 Controls). In poor responders (based on Ki67 change) we find significantly more somatic mutations than good responders. Subclones exclusive to baseline or surgical cores   occur in approximately 30% of tumours. In Phase II we combine targeted sequencing on another 28 treated patients with Phase I. We find six genes frequently mutated: PIK3CA, TP53, CDH1, MLL3, ABCA13 and FLG with 71% concordance between paired cores. TP53 mutations are associated with poor response. We conclude that multiple biopsies are essential for confident mutational profiling of ER+ breast cancer and TP53 mutations are associated with resistance to oestrogen deprivation therapy.

  Study EGAS00001001940

• Genetic Basis of Hepatosplenic T Cell Lymphoma (HSTL)

  Hepatosplenic T cell lymphoma (HSTL) is a rare and lethal lymphoma; the genetic drivers of this disease are unknown.  Through whole exome sequencing of 68 HSTLs, we define recurrently mutated driver genes and copy number alterations in the disease. Chromatin modifying genes including SETD2, INO80 and ARID1B were commonly mutated in HSTL, affecting 62% of cases. HSTLs manifest frequent mutations in STAT5B (31%), STAT3 (9%), and PIK3CD (9%) for which there currently exist potential targeted therapies. In addition, we noted less frequent events in EZH2, KRAS and TP53. SETD2 was the most frequently silenced gene in HSTL. We experimentally demonstrated that SETD2 acts as a tumor suppressor gene. In addition, we found that mutations in STAT5B and PIK3CD activate critical signaling pathways important to cell survival in HSTL. Our work thus defines the genetic landscape of HSTL and implicates novel gene mutations linked to HSTL pathogenesis and potential treatment targets.

  Study EGAS00001002182

• EATL-II STUDY

  Enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma (EATL), a rare and aggressive intestinal malignancy of intraepithelial T lymphocytes, comprises two disease variants (EATL-I and EATL-II) differing in clinical characteristics and pathological features. Here we report findings derived from whole exome sequencing of 15 EATL-II tumor-normal tissue pairs. The tumor suppressor gene SETD2 encoding a non-redundant H3K36-specific trimethyltransferase is altered in 14/15 cases (93%), mainly by loss-of-function mutations and/or loss of the corresponding locus (3p21.31). These alterations consistently correlate with defective H3K36 trimethylation. The JAK/STAT pathway comprises recurrent STAT5B (60%), JAK3 (46%) and SH2B3 (20%) mutations, including a STAT5B V712E activating variant. Additionally, frequent mutations in TP53, BRAF and KRAS are observed. Conversely, in EATL-I, no SETD2, STAT5B or JAK3 mutations are found, and H3K36 trimethylation is preserved. This study describes SETD2 inactivation as EATL-II molecular hallmark, supports EATL-I and -II being two distinct entities, and defines potential new targets for therapeutic intervention.

  Study EGAS00001001879

• Inactivation of TGFβ receptors in stem cells drives cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma - 30 whole exomes

  Melanoma patients treated with oncogenic BRAF inhibitors can develop cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) within weeks of treatment, driven by paradoxical RAS/RAF/MAPK pathway activation. Here, we identify frequent TGFBR1 and TGFBR2 mutations in human vemurafenib-induced skin lesions and in sporadic cSCC. Functional analysis reveals these mutations ablate canonical TGFβ Smad signaling which is localised to bulge stem cells in both normal human and murine skin. MAPK pathway hyperactivation (through BrafV600E or KrasG12D knockin) and TGFβ signaling ablation (through Tgfbr1 deletion) in LGR5+ve stem cells enables rapid cSCC development in the mouse. Mutation of Tp53 (which is commonly mutated in sporadic cSCC) coupled with Tgfbr1 deletion in LGR5+ve cells also results in cSCC development. These findings indicate that LGR5+ve stem cells can act as cells of origin for cSCC and that RAS/RAF/MAPK pathway hyperactivation or Tp53 mutation, coupled with loss of TGFβ signaling, are driving events of skin tumorigenesis.

  Study EGAS00001001892

• Recurrent somatic mutations in POLR2A define a distinct subset of meningiomas

  RNA polymerase II mediates the transcription of all protein-coding genes in eukaryotic cells, a process that is fundamental to life. Genomic mutations in this enzyme have not been previously linked to any pathology in humans, a testament to its indispensable role in cell biology. Based on a combination of next-generation genomic analyses of 775 meningiomas, we report that recurrent somatic p.Gln403Lys or p.Leu438_His439del mutations in POLR2A, which encodes the catalytic subunit of RNA polymerase II1, are sufficient to hijack this essential enzyme and drive neoplasia. POLR2A mutant tumors reveal dysregulation of key meningeal identity genes, including WNT6 and ZIC1/ZIC42,3. In addition to POLR2A, NF2, SMARCB1, TRAF7, KLF4, AKT1, PIK3CA and SMO4-8, we also report somatic mutations in AKT3, PIK3R1, PRKAR1A, and SUFU in meningiomas. Our results identify a role for essential transcriptional machinery in driving tumorigenesis and define mutually exclusive meningioma subgroups with distinct clinical and pathological features.

  Study EGAS00001001916

• Orthotopic Patient-Derived Xenografts of Pediatric Solid Tumors

  Pediatric solid tumors arise from endodermal, ectodermal, or mesodermal lineages. Although the overall survival of children with solid tumors is 75%-80%, that of children with recurrent disease is below 30%. To capture the complexity and diversity of pediatric solid tumors and establish new models of recurrent disease, we developed a protocol to produce orthotopic patient-derived xenografts (O-PDXs) at diagnosis, recurrence, and autopsy. Tumor specimens were received from 168 patients, and 64 O-PDXs were established for 12 types of pediatric solid tumors. The origins of the O-PDX tumors were reflected in their gene-expression profiles and epigenomes. Genomic profiling of the tumors, including detailed clonal analysis, was performed to determine whether the clonal population in the xenograft recapitulated the patient’s tumor. We identified several drug vulnerabilities and showed that the combination of a WEE1 inhibitor (AZD1775), irinotecan, and vincristine can lead to complete response in multiple rhabdomyosarcoma O-PDX tumors in vivo.

  Study EGAS00001002528

• Transcriptome analysis in very preterm infants with chronic lung disease after birth

  Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is the most common complication of prematurity and is characterized by impaired alveolar and vascular development. The aim of the study was to identify early BPD-relevant pathways by applying whole genome transcriptional profiling combined with protein measurements from umbilical arterial blood samples of preterm infants with and without BPD. Only newborn infants <32 weeks gestational age (GA) were prospectively included in this study. Blood was obtained from an indwelling umbilical artery catheter at birth and after 72 hours after birth and subjected to gene expression analysis using the Codelink Human I 10k Bioarray and the the Codelink Human Whole Genome Bioarray. The study reveals a monocyte-centered immune response at birth characterizing preterm infants later developing BPD. The findings provide potential markers for early risk stratification in the preterm infant with respect to the development of chronic pulmonary disease and may subsequently enable the development of new treatment strategies in this high risk patient cohort.

  Study EGAS00001002586

• Whole-exome ultra-high throughput sequencing in brain samples of suicide victims who had suffered from major depressive disorder and control subjects who had died from other causes

  We carried out whole-exome ultra-high throughput sequencing in brain samples of suicide victims who had suffered from major depressive disorder and control subjects who had died from other causes. This study aimed to reveal the selective accumulation of rare variants in the coding and the UTR sequences within the genes of suicide victims. We also analysed the potential effect of STR and CNV variations, as well as the infection of the brain with neurovirulent viruses in this behavioural disorder. As a result, we have identified several candidate genes, among others three calcium channel genes that may potentially contribute to completed suicide. We also explored the potential implication of the TGF-β signalling pathway in the pathogenesis of suicidal behaviour. To our best knowledge, this is the first study that uses whole-exome sequencing for the investigation of suicide.

  Study EGAS00001002818

• Spatial genomic heterogeneity in multiple myeloma revealed by multi- region sequencing

  The bone-marrow (BM) containing skeletal system is the reservoir of Multiple Myeloma (MM), the malignant counterpart of antibody-secreting plasma cells. To gain insight into its spatial clonal architecture, we performed multi-region whole-exome sequencing of radiology-guided fine-needle aspirates from 51 MM patients. We found spatial genomic heterogeneity in a substantial proportion of cases including bi-allelic inactivation of tumor suppressors and mutations affecting cancer genes. The amount of heterogeneous mutations associated with the size of focal tumor lesions in whole body imaging consistent with focal outgrowth of highly advanced clones. In conclusion, our results support the regional initiation of transformation processes leading to high-risk disease as well as the pre-existence of key driver events in restricted areas. As such, our study does not only provide new insights in the underlying biology of MM progression but also has considerable implications for standard diagnostic approaches in the clinic.

  Study EGAS00001002111

• MGA-NUTM1 fusion in high grade spindle cell sarcoma

  NUT carcinoma (NC) with mesenchymal differentiation have rarely been described in the literature. In this report, we describe the characterization of two cases of high grade spindle cell sarcoma harboring a novel MGA-NUTM1 fusion. Whole genome sequencing identified the presence of complex rearrangements resulting in a MGA-NUTM1 fusion gene in the absence of other significant somatic mutations. The fusion protein was predicted to retain nearly the entire protein sequence of both MGA (exons 1-22) and NUTM1 (exons 3-8). In contrast to typical cases of NC, these cases were successfully treated with aggressive local control measures (surgery and radiation) and both patients remain alive without disease. These cases describe a new subtype of NUTM1-rearranged tumors warranting expansion of diagnostic testing to evaluate for the presence of MGA-NUTM1 or alternative NUTM1 gene fusions in the diagnostic workup of high grade spindle cell sarcomas or small round blue cell tumors of ambiguous lineage.

  Study EGAS00001003341

• miR-200-regulated CXCL12β promotes fibroblast heterogeneity and immunosuppression in ovarian cancers

  High-grade serous epithelial ovarian cancer (HGSOC) has been recently subdivided into molecular subgroups, including the mesenchymal HGSOC associated with partial tumor-debulking surgery and poor patient survival. Consistent with stromal-related genes signatures defining mesenchymal HGSOC, we show here that stroma plays a key function in this HGSOC molecular subtype. We first highlight stromal heterogeneity in HGSOC by identifying 4 subsets of Carcinoma-Associated Fibroblast (CAF-S1-4). Mesenchymal HGSOC significantly accumulate the activated CAF-S1 subset, which exhibits immunosuppressive functions by promoting attraction, survival and activation of regulatory T-lymphocytes. The CXCL12β chemokine reliably characterizes mesenchymal HGSOC and specifically accumulates in the CAF-S1 subset through a regulation mediated by the miR-141/200a. CXCL12β promotes attraction of T-lymphocytes and is thus a key actor in CAF-S1-mediated immunosuppressive functions. In conclusion, we highlight here for the first time stromal heterogeneity and immunosuppression in mesenchymal HGSOC that could participate in the poor patient prognosis.

  Study EGAS00001002184

• Clinical Implications of Genomic Alterations in the Tumor and Circulation of Pancreatic Cancer Patients

  Pancreatic adenocarcinoma has the worst mortality of any solid cancer. To evaluate the clinical implications of genomic alterations in this tumor type, we performed whole-exome analyses of 24 tumors, targeted genomic analyses of 77 tumors, and used non-invasive approaches to examine tumor-specific mutations in the circulation of these patients. These analyses reveal somatic mutations in chromatin regulating genes MLL, MLL2, MLL3, and ARID1A in 20% of patients that were associated with improved survival. We observe alterations in genes with potential clinical utility in over a third of cases. Liquid biopsy analyses demonstrate that 43% of patients with localized disease have detectable circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) at diagnosis. Detection of ctDNA after resection predicts clinical relapse and poor outcome, and recurrence by ctDNA is detected 6.5 months earlier than with CT imaging. These observations provide genetic predictors of outcome in pancreatic cancer and have implications for new avenues of therapeutic intervention.

  Study EGAS00001001257

• Epigenomics and Single-cell Sequencing Define a Developmental Hierarchy in Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis

  Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare neoplasm predominantly affecting children. It occupies a hybrid position between cancers and inflammatory diseases, and it provides an attractive model for studying cancer development. To explore the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathophysiology of LCH and its characteristic clinical heterogeneity, we investigated the transcriptomic and epigenomic diversity in primary LCH lesions. Using single-cell RNA sequencing, we identified multiple recurrent types of LCH cells within these biopsies, including putative LCH progenitor cells and several subsets of differentiated LCH cells. We confirmed the presence of proliferative LCH cells in all analysed biopsies using immunohistochemistry, and we defined an epigenomic and gene-regulatory basis of the different LCH cell subsets by chromatin accessibility profiling. In summary, our single-cell analysis of LCH uncovered an unexpected degree of cellular, transcriptomic, and epigenomic heterogeneity among LCH cells, indicative of complex developmental hierarchies in LCH lesions.

  Study EGAS00001003822

• SG10K_Pilot - Large-scale whole-genome sequencing of three diverse Asian populations in Singapore

  Underrepresentation of Asian genomes has hindered population and medical genetics research on Asians, leading to population disparities in precision medicine. By whole-genome sequencing of 4,810 Singapore Chinese, Malays, and Indians, we found 98.3 million SNPs and small insertions/deletions, over half of which are novel. Population structure analysis demonstrated great representation of Asian genetic diversity by three ethnicities in Singapore, and revealed a Malay-related novel ancestry component. Furthermore, demographic inference suggested that Malays split from Chinese ~24,800 years ago, and experienced significant admixture with East Asians ~1,700 years ago, coinciding with the Austronesian expansion. Additionally, we identified 20 candidate loci for natural selection, among which 14 harbored robust associations with complex traits and diseases. Finally, we showed that our data can substantially improve genotype imputation in diverse Asian and Oceanian populations. These results highlight the value of our data as a resource to empower human genetics discovery across broad geographic regions.

  Study EGAS00001003875

• DONSON encodes a novel replication fork protection factor mutated in microcephalic dwarfism.

  To ensure efficient genome duplication, cells have evolved a multitude of factors that promote unperturbed DNA replication, and protect, repair and restart damaged forks. Here we identify DONSON as a novel fork protection factor, and report biallelic DONSON mutations in 29 individuals with microcephalic dwarfism. We demonstrate that DONSON is a component of the replisome that stabilises forks during normal genome replication. Loss of DONSON leads to severe replication-associated DNA damage arising from nucleolytic cleavage of stalled replication forks. Furthermore, ATR-dependent signalling in response to replication stress is impaired in DONSON-deficient cells, resulting in decreased checkpoint activity, and potentiating chromosomal instability. Hypomorphic mutations substantially reduce DONSON protein levels and impair fork stability in patient cells, consistent with defective DNA replication underlying the disease phenotype. In summary, we identify mutations in DONSON as a common cause of microcephalic dwarfism, and establish DONSON as a critical replication fork protein required for mammalian DNA replication and genome stability.

  Study EGAS00001002224

• HCA_Gonads_Foetal_EU_H2020_HUGODECA_RNA

  Cell Atlas of human fetal gonads The HUGODECA consortium brings together leading European academic and industrial experts (from 5 different EU countries). It includes active contributors and executives of the Human Cell Atlas (HCA) which will ensure complementarity with other ongoing HCA efforts. The overall HUGODECA concept is grounded on the integration of multiple synergistic expertise and technologies: Single cell profiling, spatial transcriptomic, 2D Mass cytometry and cyclic immunofluorescence and 3D imaging of optically cleared gonads. HUGODECA will implement novel tools, analytical and computational methods to process and integrate multidimensional OMICS and image data across different platforms. It will evaluate the accuracy of ex vivo culture models of human gonadal development and assess consequences of altering key signalling pathways. This data is part of a pre-publication release. For information on the proper use of pre-publication data shared by the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute (including details of any publication moratoria), please see http://www.sanger.ac.uk/datasharing/

  Study EGAS00001004723

• Rna-Seq Leiomyosarcoma subtypes

  Leiomyosarcomas (LMS) are genetically heterogeneous tumors differentiating along smooth muscle lines. Currently, LMS treatment is not informed by molecular subtyping and is associated with highly variable survival. While disease site continues to dictate clinical management, the contribution of genetic factors to LMS subtype, origins, and timing are unknown. Here we analyzed 70 genomes and 130 transcriptomes of LMS, including multiple tumor regions and paired metastases. Molecular profiling highlighted the extremely early origins of LMS. Three specific subtypes of LMS develop from distinct lineages of smooth muscle cells. Of these, dedifferentiated LMS with high immune infiltration and tumors primarily of gynaecological origin acquired the highest burden of genomic mutation and are associated with worse survival. Homologous recombination defects lead to genome-wide mutational signatures, and a corresponding sensitivity to PARP and other DNA damage response inhibitors, suggesting a novel therapeutic strategy for LMS. Finally, by phylogenetic reconstruction, we present evidence that clones seeding lethal metastases arise decades prior to LMS diagnosis.

  Study EGAS00001004783

• Divergence between high metastatic tumor burden and low circulating tumor DNA concentration in metastasized breast cancer

  Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) was reported to represent a highly sensitive biomarker of metastatic cancer disease directly reflecting tumor burden and dynamics. Here we investigated the role of ctDNA in patients with metastatic breast cancer. In an index patient with more than 100,000 circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in serial blood analyses, whole genome, exome, or targeted deep sequencing of the primary tumor, metastases, and 551 CTCs were consistent with a genetically homogeneous cancer. However, the allele fractions (AFs) of ctDNA were only 2-3% in each analysis, which did neither reflect the tumor burden nor the dynamics of this progressive disease by far. Indeed, plasma analyses of 71 further patients demonstrated highly variable AFs of mutant fragments, which frequently did not correspond to the tumor burden. These results provide insights into mechanisms involved in CTC and ctDNA release into the circulation and have important implications for diagnostic tests based on liquid biopsies.

  Study EGAS00001000625

• Data from the paper Context-specific Effects of TGFβ/SMAD3 in Cancer Are Modulated by the Epigenome. Tufegdzic et al, Cell Reports 2015

  The transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) signalling pathway exerts opposing effects on cancer cells, acting either as a tumor-promoter or as a tumor-suppressor. Here we show these opposing effects are a result of the synergy between SMAD3, a downstream effector of TGFβ signalling, and the distinct epigenomes of breast tumor initiating cells (BTICs). These effects of TGFβ are associated with distinct gene expression programs, but genomic SMAD3 binding patterns are highly similar in the BTIC-promoting and BTIC- suppressing contexts. Our data show cell type-specific epigenetic configurations provide a modulatory layer by determining accessibility of genes to regulation by TGFβ/SMAD3. LBH, one such context-specific target gene, is regulated according to its DNA methylation status, and is crucial for TGFβ-dependent promotion of BTICs. Overall, these results reveal that the epigenome plays a central and previously overlooked role in shaping the context-specific effects of TGFβ in cancer.

  Study EGAS00001001570

• Tracking the genomic evolution of esophageal adenocarcinoma through neoadjuvant chemotherapy

  Esophageal adenocarcinomas (EACs) are associated with dismal prognosis. Deciphering the evolutionary histories of this disease may shed light on therapeutically tractable targets and reveal changing mutational processes during the disease course and following neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). We exome sequenced 40 tumor regions from 8 patients with operable EACs both before and after platinum-containing NAC. This revealed the evolutionary genomic landscape of EACs with the presence of heterogeneous driver mutations, parallel evolution, early genome doubling events and an association between high intratumor heterogeneity and poor response to NAC. Multi-region sequencing demonstrated a significant reduction in T>G mutations within a CTT context when comparing early and late mutational processes and the presence of a platinum signature with enrichment of C>A mutations within a CpC context following NAC. EACs are characterized by the presence of amplifications containing targetable oncogenes present before and after chemotherapy that may provide a rationale for future therapeutic approaches.

  Study EGAS00001001254

• Integrative genomic and transcriptomic analysis of adult leiomyosarcoma (HIPO-028, HIPO-018, HIPO-021)

  Leiomyosarcoma (LMS) is an aggressive mesenchmyal malignancy with few therapeutic options. The mechanisms underlying LMS development, including clinically actionable genetic vulnerabilities, are largely unknown. We performed genomic and transcriptomic profiling of a large cohort of LMS tumors and identified substantial mutational heterogeneity, near-universal inactivation of TP53 and RB1, widespread DNA copy number alterations, chromothripsis, and frequent whole-genome duplication. Furthermore, we discovered recurrent alterations in telomere maintenance genes such as ATRX, RBL2, and RPA1, resulting in alternative lengthening of telomeres in 78% of cases. Finally, most tumors displayed hallmarks of “BRCAness”, including alterations in various homologous recombination DNA repair genes, multiple structural rearrangements, and enrichment of specific mutational signatures, and cultured LMS cells were sensitive towards olaparib and cisplatin treatment. This first comprehensive study of genetic alterations in LMS has uncovered key biological features that may inform future experimental research and enable the design of novel therapeutic strategies for this disease.

  Study EGAS00001002437

• Novel mutational mechanisms and drivers in Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumours

  Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (PanNETs) are increasing in prevalence due to earlier detection, consequently creating challenges in clinical care, as current classification permits unsatisfactory therapeutic stratification. We performed whole genome sequencing of 102 primary PanNETs and defined the genomic events underlying their pathogenesis. We describe the mutational signatures they harbour, including a novel G:C>T:A Base-Excision-Repair-deficiency signature due to MUTYH inactivation. We uncover a larger than expected proportion of germline mutations in clinically sporadic PanNETs. These include previously unreported mutations in DNA repair genes MUTYH, CHEK2, BRCA2, and PALB2, which together with MEN1 and VHL occur in 16% of patients. Somatic mutations (point mutations and structural rearrangements) commonly occurred in genes involved in 4 main pathways: chromatin remodelling, DNA damage repair, activation of mTOR signalling (including novel EWSR1 gene fusions) and telomere maintenance. Aberrations in these mechanisms are associated with subtypes of PanNET with potential clinical application for prognostic and therapeutic stratification.

  Study EGAS00001001732

• A biobank of patient-derived pediatric brain tumor models

  Brain tumors are the leading cause of cancer-related death in children. Genomic studies have provided insights into molecular subgroups and oncogenic drivers of pediatric brain tumors that may lead to novel therapeutic strategies. To evaluate new treatments, better preclinical models adequately reflecting the biological heterogeneity are needed. Through the Children’s Oncology Group ACNS02B3 study, we have generated and comprehensively characterized 30 patient-derived orthotopic xenograft models and 7 cell lines representing 14 molecular subgroups of pediatric brain tumors. Patient-derived orthotopic xenograft models were found to be representative of the human tumors they were derived from in terms of histology, immunohistochemistry, gene expression, DNA methylation, copy number, and mutational profiles. In vivo drug sensitivity of targeted therapeutics was associated with distinct molecular tumor subgroups and specific genetic alterations. These models and their molecular characterization provide an unprecedented resource for the cancer community to study key oncogenic drivers and to evaluate novel treatment strategies.

  Study EGAS00001002536

• The genomic landscape of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma from immunosuppressed and immunocompetent patients reveals common drivers and a novel mutational signature associated with chronic azathioprine exposure

  Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) has a high tumour mutational burden (50 mutations per megabase DNA pair). Combining whole exome analyses from 40 primary cSCC tumours, comprising 20 well differentiated and 20 moderately/poorly differentiated tumours, with accompanying clinical data from a longitudinal study of immunosuppressed and immunocompetent patients, coupled with integration of independent gene expression studies has allowed the identification of commonly mutated genes and altered pathways and processes. Mutational signature analysis revealed the presence of a novel signature (signature 32), which was found exclusively in the tumours from immunosuppressed patients who had been exposed to azathioprine. Characterisation of a panel of 15 keratinocyte cancer cell lines derived from tumours from immunocompetent and immunosuppressed patients reveals that they accurately reflect the mutational signatures and genomic alterations of primary tumours and provide a resource for the validation of tumour drivers and therapeutic targets.

  Study EGAS00001002612

• Dynamics of neoantigen landscape during immunotherapy

  Immune checkpoint inhibitors have shown significant therapeutic responses against tumors containing increased mutation-associated neoantigen load. We have examined the evolving landscape of tumor neoantigens during the emergence of acquired resistance in non-small cell lung cancer patients after initial response to immune checkpoint blockade with anti-PD1 or anti-PD-1/anti-CTLA4 antibodies. Analyses of matched pretreatment and resistant tumors identified genomic changes resulting in loss of 7 to 18 putative mutation-associated neoantigens in resistant clones. Peptides generated from the eliminated neoantigens elicited clonal T cell expansion in autologous T cell cultures, suggesting that they generated functional immune responses. Neoantigen loss occurred through elimination of tumor subclones or through deletion of chromosomal regions containing truncal alterations and were associated with changes in T cell receptor clonality. These analyses provide insights into the dynamics of mutational landscapes during immune checkpoint blockade and have implications for development of immune therapies that target tumor neoantigens.

  Study EGAS00001002704

• Exome Sequencing of Gastric Cancer

  GASTRIC cancer (GC) is a heterogeneous disease with multiple environmental etiologies and alternative pathways of carcinogenesis. Beyond mutations in TP53, alterations in other genes or pathways account only for small subsets of the disease. We performed exome sequencing of 22 GCs and identified mutated genes and pathway alterations previously unreported: genes involved in chromatin modification were commonly mutated. A downstream validation study confirmed frequent inactivating mutations and/or protein deficiency of the SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex gene ARID1A in 83% of GCs with microsatellite instability, 73% of GCs with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection, and 11% of non-EBV microsatellite stable GCs. The mutation spectrum of ARID1A differs between molecular subtypes and the mutation prevalence is negatively associated with mutations in TP53. Clinically, ARID1A alterations were associated with better prognosis in a stage-independent manner. These results revealed the genomic landscape and highlighted the importance of chromatin remodeling in the molecular taxonomy of GCs.

  Study EGAS00001000153

• Exome_sequencing_of_blastic_plasmacytoid_dendritic_cell_neoplasms

  Blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN) is a rare and aggressive haematological malignancy derived from precursors of plasmacytoid dendritic cells. Due to the rarity of BPDCNs our knowledge of their molecular pathogenesis was until recently confined to observations describing reccurent chromosomal deletions involving chromosomes 5q, 12p, 13q, 6q, 15q and 9. A recent publication went on to delineate the common deleted regions using aCGH and demonstrated that these centred around known tumour suppressor genes including CDKN2A/B (9p21.3), RB1 (12p13.2-14.3), CDKN1B (13q11-q12) and IKZF1 (7p12.2).These mutations are found recurrently in several different cancers and in most cases are thought to be involved in tumour progression rather than initiation. However, the well-defined nature and cellular ontogeny of these neoplasms suggests strongly that they share one or a few characteristic mutations as has been demonstrated for other uncommon but well-defined neoplasms such as Hairy Cell Leukemia (BRAF) and ovarian Granulosa Cell tumours (FOXL2).

  Study EGAS00001000171

• Whole Exome sequencing of Gingivo-buccal Cancer : ICGC-India Project_Batch04

  Whole Exome Sequencing of Gingivo-buccal Cancer: ICGC-India ProjectAs a part of the ICGC, India has undertaken genomic studies on gingivobuccal cancer of the oral cavity, which is the most prevalent form of cancer among men in India. There are various known environmental (life-style) correlates of this cancer, the most important of which are tobacco chewing and HPV infection. Exome of paired DNA samples – isolated from the tumor tissue and from the blood of 47 patients – have been performed to catalog germline and somatic mutations. Association between each observed genomic alteration and exposure to environmental risk factors is being explored. Detailed clinical characterization of the patients, collection of data on demographic and environmental exposures, and isolation of DNA samples from blood and tumor tissues collected from each patient are being done at the Advanced Centre for Research, Treatment and Education on Cancer, Mumbai. Whole exome sequencing is being performed at the National Institute of Biomedical Genomics, Kalyani.

  Study EGAS00001002852

• The interface of malignant and immunologic clonal dynamics in high-grade serous ovarian cancer

  High-grade serous ovarian cancer exhibits extensive intratumoral heterogeneity coupled with widespread intraperitoneal disease. Despite this, metastatic spread of tumor clones is non-random, implying the existence of local microenvironmental factors that shape tumor progression. We interrogated the molecular interface between tumorinfiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) and cancer cells in 143 samples from 21 patients using whole-genome sequencing, immunohistochemistry, histologic image analysis, gene expression profiling, and T- and B-cell receptor sequencing. We identify 3 immunologic response categories, which frequently co-exist within individual patients. Furthermore, epithelial CD8+ TIL were inversely associated with malignant cell diversity, evidenced by subclonal neoepitope elimination and spatial tracking between tumor and T-cell clones. Intersecting mutational signatures and immune analysis showed that foldback inversion genomic aberrations lead to worse outcomes even in the presence of cytotoxic TIL (n=433). Thus, regional variation in immune contexture mirrors the pattern of intraperitoneal malignant spread, provoking new perspectives for treatment of this challenging disease.

  Study EGAS00001002839