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• Atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors (ATRT) are comprised of three epigenetic subgroups with distinct enhancer landscapes

  Atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor (ATRT) is one of the most common brain tumors in infants and young children. Although the prognosis of ATRT patients is poor, some patients respond very well to current treatments, suggesting inter-tumor molecular heterogeneity. To investigate this further, we genetically and epigenetically analyzed a large cohort of ATRTs (n = 170). Three distinct molecular subgroups of ATRTs, associated with differences in demographics, tumor location and type of SMARCB1 alterations, were identified using DNA-methylation or gene expression analyses. Whole genome DNA- and RNA-sequencing found no other recurrent mutations explaining the differences between subgroups. However, whole genome bisulfite-sequencing and H3K27Ac ChIP-sequencing of primary tumors revealed clear differences in methylation patterns and enhancer landscapes, leading to the identification of subgroup-specific regulatory networks.

  Dataset EGAD00001001444

• ENU-CCK-81 cetuximab pilot project

  Cetuximab is a targeted monoclonal antibody against the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) which is used therapeutically for the treatment of KRAS wild-type colorectal cancer (CRC). The Cetuximab sensitive KRAS wild-type CRC cell line NCI-H508 has been treated with a fixed concentration of ENU for 24 hours and then selected with Cetuximab until drug resistant clones were ready to be picked and grown up as sub-clones of the parental cell line. These will have genes causally implicated in cancer sequenced to identify common point mutations in multiple independently derived drug resistant clones as a forward genetic screen for mechanisms of resistance to Cetuximab in CRC.

  Dataset EGAD00001001947

• ENU-NCI-H508 cetuximab fixed concentration project

  Cetuximab is a targeted monoclonal antibody against the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) which is used therapeutically for the treatment of KRAS wild-type colorectal cancer (CRC). The Cetuximab sensitive KRAS wild-type CRC cell line NCI-H508 has been treated with a fixed concentration of ENU for 24 hours and then selected with Cetuximab until drug resistant clones were ready to be picked and grown up as sub-clones of the parental cell line. These will have genes causally implicated in cancer sequenced to identify common point mutations in multiple independently derived drug resistant clones as a forward genetic screen for mechanisms of resistance to Cetuximab in CRC

  Dataset EGAD00001001948

• RNA-seq BAM files from newborn screening dried blood spot samples

  Paired-end RNA-seq BAM files from 21 newborn screening dried blood spot (DBS) samples. These DBS samples were obtained from extremely low gestional age newborns, where 10 of them were affected by a fetal inflammatory response (FIR) before birth, and 11 were unaffected. Total RNA was sequenced using an Illumina NextSeq-500 instrument. The sample preparation protocol included the depletion of rRNA and globin mRNA using the Globin Zero Gold rRNA Removal Kit from Illumina. Libraries were prepared using the NebNext Ultra TM II Directionl RNA LIbrary Prep Kit (New England Biolabs). There is one BAM file per sample and there is an additional BAM file, corresponding to sample BS13, which was downsampled to 1/4 of its original depth (see BS13_README file for details).

  Dataset EGAD00001005009

• Functional genomics approaches to understand osteoarthritis (2019-08-01)

  The aim of this work is to apply an integrated systems approach to understand the biological underpinnings of large joint (hip and knee) osteoarthritis which culminates in the need for total joint replacement (TJR). We will obtain diseased and non-diseased cartilage as well as other disease-relevant tissue following TJR, coupled with a blood sample. We will generate genotype data and will characterise the pairs of diseased and non-diseased tissue samples in terms of methylation, transcription (RNASeq) and expression (quantitative proteomics). We will apply integrative approaches to combine information across the omics levels to characterise genes, pathways, and networks that underlie osteoarthritis progression. This data is part of a pre-publication release. For information on the proper use of pre-publication data shared by the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute (including details of any publication moratoria), please see http://www.sanger.ac.uk/datasharing/ . This dataset contains all the data available for this study on 2019-08-01.

  Dataset EGAD00001005215

• RNAseq data from the study - Molecular patterns of response and treatment failure after frontline venetoclax combinations in older patients with AML

  This study assessed molecular determinants of response in a cohort of patients with AML that were treated with venetoclax in combination with either DNA methyltransferase inhibitors or low dose cytarabine. RNA sequencing was performed on 31 patients from three different response classes [10 Group A - Durable remission (n=10), Group B - Relapsed (n=10) and Group C - Refractory (n=11)]. Library preparation and sequencing was performed at the Australian Genome Research Facility, using the Truseq Stranded mRNA library kit. Technical and batch replicate samples are included. Gene count data are provided with the original publication. The use of the sequencing data is subject to a data transfer agreement and is restricted to ethically approved research into blood cell malignancies and cannot be used to assess germline variants.

  Dataset EGAD00001005949

• Blood neutrophils in COPD derive from activated progenitors in the bone marrow

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

  Dataset EGAD00001008788

• Blood neutrophils in COPD derive from activated progenitors in the bone marrow sc Seqwell

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

  Dataset EGAD00001008908

• Blood neutrophils in COPD derive from activated progenitors in the bone marrow sc Rhapsody

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

  Dataset EGAD00001009704

• Tumour evolvability metrics predict recurrence in advanced localised prostate cancer (normal data)

  There is a need for quantitative measurements of evolutionary metrics in controlled clinical trials with long term follow-up information. This is particularly true in advanced localised prostate cancer, which can recur more than a decade after diagnosis. Here we mapped genomic intra-tumour heterogeneity in 642 tumour samples from 114 patients who took part in the IMRT and DELINEATE clinical trials, for which full clinical information and 12y median follow-up was available. We concomitantly assessed phenotypic (morphological) heterogeneity using Deep Learning in 1,923 histological sections from 250 IMRT patients (fully overlapping with the genetic set). This study shows that combining genomics with AI-aided histopathology in clinical trials leads to novel clinical biomarkers. This EGA repository contains data produced from tumour samples using low coverage whole genome sequencing and a prostate cancer specific gene panel data following compression of unique molecular identifiers.

  Dataset EGAD00001010295

• Tumour evolvability metrics predict recurrence in advanced localised prostate cancer (tumour data)

  There is a need for quantitative measurements of evolutionary metrics in controlled clinical trials with long term follow-up information. This is particularly true in advanced localised prostate cancer, which can recur more than a decade after diagnosis. Here we mapped genomic intra-tumour heterogeneity in 642 tumour samples from 114 patients who took part in the IMRT and DELINEATE clinical trials, for which full clinical information and 12y median follow-up was available. We concomitantly assessed phenotypic (morphological) heterogeneity using Deep Learning in 1,923 histological sections from 250 IMRT patients (fully overlapping with the genetic set). This study shows that combining genomics with AI-aided histopathology in clinical trials leads to novel clinical biomarkers. This EGA repository contains data produced from tumour samples using low coverage whole genome sequencing and a prostate cancer specific gene panel data following compression of unique molecular identifiers.

  Dataset EGAD00001010274

• Polygenic Risk Score for the Prediction of Breast Cancer Is Related to Lesser Terminal Duct Lobular Unit Involution of the Breast

  The Susan G. Komen Tissue Bank (KTB) at the Indiana University Simon Cancer Center is an annotated biobank, which has recruited healthy women who provided demographic, lifestyle, and cancer-related information via self-administered questionnaire, blood samples and normal breast tissues. H&E slides of the normal breast tissues were scanned for image analysis and a pathologist measured the number of terminal duct lobular units (TDLUs) ("TDLU count"). The acini count per TDLU was quantified using the TDLU analyzer software. In this analysis, we computed the recently developed polygenic risk score (PRS) based on 313 common variants for the prediction of breast cancer and related this PRS to TDLU count and acini count per TDLU. We did this for the overall PRS, the ER-positive PRS and the ER-negative PRS.

  Study phs002062

• Beacon v2 and Federated EGA, part of the GDI project Starter Kit to enable access to genomic and phenotypic data across borders

  The European Genomic Data Infrastructure project has released a ‘Starter Kit’ based on the rare disease and cancer proof-of-concepts from the Beyond 1 Million Genomes (B1MG) project. The Starter Kit, freely available to any interested parties, contains a set of software applications and components co-developed by the 20 GDI nodes and based on open community standards from the Global Alliance for Genomics and Health (GA4GH). Products in the Starter Kit give all countries the technical capability to access synthetic genomic and phenotypic data across borders. The image above shows the full workflow of the GDI Starter Kit user journey. The dotted circles are not included in the Starter Kit yet The EGA’s work is represented in the Starter Kit with Beacon v2 and Federated EGA among the software applications and components. About Beacon v2 Beacon is a protocol for data discovery. This API allows the search of genomic variants and associated information without breaching the datasets privacy. The European Genome-phenome Archive (EGA) is a key contributor to the Beacon v2 Protocol, the Beacon v2 Reference Implementation (B2RI) and the EGA Beacon(s). About Federated EGA The Federated EGA network offers a tool for data storage and sharing. Officially launched in 2022, this network of connected resources enables transnational discovery of and access to human omics data for research, while also respecting jurisdictional data protection regulations. The Federated EGA Onboarding Website contains all the information related to the establishment of a Federated Node.

  Blog beacon-v2-and-federated-ega-part-of-the-gdi-project-starter-kit

• European Genome-phenome Archive 15th Anniversary Celebration

  2023 marks the 15th Anniversary of the EGA, jointly managed by the European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI) and the Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG). To mark the occasion, a simultaneous celebration was held in both institutions on the 13th of December 2023. The teams gathered online to play a quiz game and celebrate all the achievements and milestones with two wonderful anniversary cakes. In 2008, the European Genome-phenome Archive was created at the EBI-EMBL in Cambridge to guarantee that human genome and phenome data were available to the international scientific community while data privacy was preserved. The six-person staff at the beginning of the project is now far behind us, with a team that reaches the number of 35 members. Since 2013, the European Bioinformatics Institute and the Centre for Genomic Regulation share responsibility for The European Genome-phenome Archive (EGA). At that time, the EGA had data for about 0,5 petabytes. Currently, the Archive contains more than 12 petabytes. 2023 comes to an end with several good news. The EGA has been renewed as an ELIXIR Core Data Resource. This was announced during the GA4GH 11th Plenary held in San Francisco last September when ELIXIR-Beacon was also confirmed to be a GA4GH Driver Project. Thus, the Beacon API has maintained this title since 2018. What’s more, the first Federated EGA dataset is now live on our website. This year we also launched new services for EGA users in September. By the numbers, in 2023 the EGA counts 2.5 PB archived, 371 studies published, 208 new submitters and 19 active projects in which the team is participating, among others. We look forward to continuing to support your research in 2024!

  Blog 15-anniversary

• Single cell characterization of T-cell lymphoma: RNA (2025-07-31)

  Lymphomas are types of blood cancer derived from lymphocytes, and can be classified into two main categories, Hodgkin's lymphomas (HL) and non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL). T-cell lymphoma is a type of NHL that develops from T lymphocytes and accounts for 10-15% of total NHL cases. As a rare disease, T-cell lymphoma is functionally, pathologically, and clinically complex and heterogeneous. The 2016 revision of the WHO classification has listed 29 subtypes of mature T/NK-cell neoplasms, among which over 25 are T lymphocyte in origin. These subtypes of T-cell lymphomas have different biological behaviours and clinical prognosis. Clinically, T-cell lymphoma ranges from indolent (slow-growing) to aggressive (fast-growing and spreading) disease. According to the guideline booklet provided by the Lymphoma Research Foundation (https://lymphoma.org/aboutlymphoma/nhl/), indolent T-cell lymphoma subtypes include adult T-cell leukaemia/lymphoma (ATLL), cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL), and mycosis fungoides (MF), while the aggressive subtypes include anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL), angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL), peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL), and T lymphoblastic lymphoma (TLBL). PTCL and ALCL represent the most common subtypes of aggressive T-cell lymphoma whereas TLBL is a rare and aggressive subtype mostly diagnosed in children. In this study, we will use single cell RNA sequencing and single cell multiomic methods three aggressive T-cell lymphoma subtypes (ALCL, PTCL and TLBL) and try to gain a deeper insight into the genotypic and phenotypic features of these T-cell lymphomas. . This dataset contains all the data available for this study on 2025-07-31.

  Dataset EGAD00001015669

• Genetic mechanisms of resistance to chemotherapy in breast cancer

  Resistance towards chemotherapy is one of the main causes of treatment failure and deathamong breast cancer patients.The main objective of this project is toidentify genetic mechanisms causing some breast cancer patients not torespond to a particluar type of chemotherapy (epirubicin) while otherpatients respond very well to the same treatment. In the project wewill perform genome / exome sequencing of a selection of breast cancerpatients (n=30). These patients are drawn from a cohort where allpatients have recieved treatment with epirubicin monotherapy before surgical removal of alocally advanced breast tumour, and where all patients have beensubjected to objective evaluation of the response to thetherapy. Subsequent to sequencing, we will analyse the data andcompare with the clinical data for each patient (object response totherapy). The main aim being to identify mutations that are associatedwith resistance to epirubicin. Identification of mutations with strongpredictive value, may have a direct impact on cancer treatment sinceit opens the possibility for genetic testing of a tumour, and desicionon which drug is likely to work best, prior to treatment start.

  Dataset EGAD00001000264

• Characterisation of the genomic landscape of CRLF2-d ALL

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

  Dataset EGAD00001002007

• Characterisation of the genomic landscape of CRLF2-d ALL

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

  Dataset EGAD00001002008

• Clonal haematopoiesis in patients with AAA (2019-04-03)

  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. . This dataset contains all the data available for this study on 2019-04-03.

  Dataset EGAD00001004895

• The Vaginal Microbiome: Disease, Genetics and the Environment

  The vagina is an interactive interface with the environment, and as such is covered by a protective epithelial surface. This surface is colonized by a biofilm consisting of bacteria and other microorganisms, which through a variety of mechanisms serve to protect the host from invasion by pathogens. Alterations in the normal vaginal microflora; i.e., dysbioses, particularly those associated with bacterial vaginosis, the most common disorder of the female reproductive tract, contribute to risk of sexually transmitted infections, infection by HIV, and are associated with increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes including but not limited to spontaneous preterm birth. Physiologic alterations in the host (e.g., menopause and pregnancy), which are beginning to be investigated as potential selective conditions for change in the "normal" vaginal flora, and their impact on disease susceptibility and transmission, remain to be more definitively elucidated. The effects of chronically abnormal physiologic states (e.g., diabetes mellitus) on normal vaginal flora have not been well described or studied. Finally, an almost unexplored area of inquiry is the genetic contribution, including race/ethnicity, to the establishment and maintenance of a "normal" vaginal flora, under normal and physiologically altered circumstances. Our research will shed light on how the vaginal microbiome contributes to adverse obstetrical outcomes and sexually transmitted infections in diverse populations. This project addresses the following questions: First: Do the genes of the host contribute to the composition of the vaginal microbiome? We hypothesize that a woman's genetic composition significantly affects the ability of certain commensal, parasitic and pathogenic microbes to colonize and/or infect the genital tract. Thus, we will compare and quantify the microbial populations inhabiting the vaginas of monozygotic and dizygotic twins from the Mid Atlantic Twin Registry, and, in the process, address the question of whether there is a relationship between the microbiomes of the vagina, mouth and GI tract. Second: What changes in the vaginal microbiome are associated with common physiological perturbations or non-infectious pathological states of the host?We hypothesize that "altered" physiologic (pregnancy, menopause) and pathologic (chronic disease, hysterectomy) conditions, or environmental "exposures" (exogenous hormones, antibiotics, chronic immunosuppressant, smoking; douching) can predictably alter the vaginal microenvironment. These alterations will lead to changes in microbial populations within the vagina. Changes in the microbial populations may have impacts, positive or more likely negative, on the spontaneous and future well-being of the affected individual. We are characterizing the effects of these "altered" physiologic and pathologic conditions, and environmental exposures, on the composition of the vaginal microbiome. Finally, we are examining the impact of the important physiological changes incurred during pregnancy on the composition of the microbiome of the female reproductive tract. Third: What changes in the vaginal microbiome are associated with relevant infectious diseases and conditions? We are testing the hypothesis that infectious diseases predictably alter the vaginal microbiome, and that these changes have an impact on the disease susceptibility, process, and outcome. A predilection for bacterial vaginosis, vaginitis, HIV infection, or other sexually transmitted diseases, is likely associated with a women's vaginal microbial composition. Thus, we will characterize samples from women with a variety of these infectious conditions to determine the contribution of their microbiomes to the disease process and susceptibility. We are addressing these questions using a combination of high throughput 'nextgen' sequencing technologies. Early studies were performed using the Roche 454 FLX and the first generation Illumina Genome Analyzer II instruments and more recently employing Illumina MiSeq and HiSeq 2500 and 4000 platforms, installed in the Genomics Core of the Nucleic Acids Research Facilities at VCU. Thus, segments of the 16S rRNA genes are amplified from the complex samples taken from various target sites in and around the vagina of each study participant. These segments are sequenced and subjected to taxonomic classification protocols to identify and quantify the bacterial taxa present in each sample. Additionally, total DNA isolated from these samples are subjected to shotgun sequence analysis to empirically reconstruct the metabolic potential of these microbiomes. Finally, specific bacterial clones are completely sequenced and analyzed to associate the unavoidable strain and isolate diversity with the clinical phenotypes presented.

  Study phs000256

• NHLBI TOPMed: MESA and MESA Family AA-CAC

  The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) is a study of the characteristics of subclinical cardiovascular disease (disease detected non-invasively before it has produced clinical signs and symptoms) and the risk factors that predict progression to clinically overt cardiovascular disease or progression of the subclinical disease. MESA researchers study a diverse, population-based sample of 6,814 asymptomatic men and women aged 45-84. Thirty-eight percent of the recruited participants are white, 28 percent African-American, 22 percent Hispanic, and 12 percent Asian, predominantly of Chinese descent. Comprehensive phenotypic and pedigree data for MESA study participants are available through dbGaP entry phs000209. MESA Participants were recruited from six field centers across the United States: Wake Forest University, Columbia University, Johns Hopkins University, University of Minnesota, Northwestern University and University of California - Los Angeles. Each participant received an extensive physical exam and determination of coronary calcification, ventricular mass and function, flow-mediated endothelial vasodilation, carotid intimal-medial wall thickness and presence of echogenic lucencies in the carotid artery, lower extremity vascular insufficiency, arterial wave forms, electrocardiographic (ECG) measures, standard coronary risk factors, sociodemographic factors, lifestyle factors, and psychosocial factors. Selected repetition of subclinical disease measures and risk factors at follow-up visits allows study of the progression of disease. Blood samples have been assayed for putative biochemical risk factors and stored for case-control studies. DNA has been extracted and lymphocytes cryopreserved (for possible immortalization) for study of candidate genes and possibly, genome-wide scanning, expression, and other genetic techniques. Participants are being followed for identification and characterization of cardiovascular disease events, including acute myocardial infarction and other forms of coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke, and congestive heart failure; for cardiovascular disease interventions; and for mortality. In addition to the six Field Centers, MESA involves a Coordinating Center, a Central Laboratory, and Central Reading Centers for Computed Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Ultrasound, and Electrocardiography (ECG). Protocol development, staff training, and pilot testing were performed in the first 18 months of the study. The first examination took place over two years, from July 2000 - July 2002. It was followed by five examination periods that were 17-20 months in length. Participants have been contacted every 9 to 12 months throughout the study to assess clinical morbidity and mortality. MESA Family The general goal of the MESA Family Study, an ancillary study to MESA funded by a grant from NHLBI, is to apply modern genetic analysis and genotyping methodologies to delineate the genetic determinants of early atherosclerosis. This is being accomplished by utilizing all the current organizational structures of the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) and Genetic Centers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and University of Virginia. In the MESA Family Study, the goal is to locate and identify genes contributing to the genetic risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD), by looking at the early changes of atherosclerosis within families (mainly siblings). 2128 individuals from 594 families, yielding 3,026 sibpairs divided between African Americans and Hispanic-Americans, were recruited by utilizing the existing framework of MESA. MESA Family studied siblings of index subjects from the MESA study and from new sibpair families (with the same demographic characteristics) and is determining the extent of genetic contribution to the variation in coronary calcium (obtained via CT Scan) and carotid artery wall thickness (B-mode ultrasound) in the two largest non-majority U.S. populations. In a small proportion of subjects, parents of MESA index subjects participating in MESA Family were studied but only to have blood drawn for genotyping. The MESA Family cohort was recruited from the six MESA Field Centers. MESA Family participants underwent the same examination as MESA participants during May 2004 - May 2007. DNA was extracted and lymphocytes immortalized for study of candidate genes, genome-wide linkage scanning, and analyzed for linkage with these subclinical cardiovascular traits. While linkage analysis is the primary approach being used, an additional aspect of the MESA Family Study takes advantage of the existing MESA study population for testing a variety of candidate genes for association with the same subclinical traits. Genotyping and data analysis will occur throughout the study.

  Study phs001416

• Metagenomic Analysis of the Structure and Function of the Human Gut Microbiota in Crohn's Disease

  Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), such as Crohn's disease, are chronic, immunologically mediated disorders that have severe medical consequences. The current hypothesis is that these diseases are due to an overly aggressive immune response to a subset of commensal enteric bacteria. Studies to date on IBD have suggested that the disorder may be caused by a combination of bacteria and host susceptibility; however the etiologies of these diseases remain an enigma. In this application, we propose to develop and demonstrate the ability to profile Crohn's disease at an unprecedented molecular level by elucidation of specific biomarkers (bacterial strains, genes, or proteins) that correlate to disease symptoms. To achieve this goal, we will employ a multidisciplinary approach based on metagenomic and metaproteomic molecular tools to elucidate the composition of the commensal microbiota in monozygotic twins that are either healthy or exhibit Crohn's disease (for concordant, both are diseased; for discordant, one is healthy and one is diseased). The central hypotheses of this proposal are (1) that specific members and/or functional activities of the gastrointestinal (GI) microbiota differ in patients with Crohn's disease as compared to healthy individuals, and (2) that it will be possible to elucidate microbial signatures which correlate with the occurrence and progression of this disease by integration of data obtained from 16S rRNA-based molecular fingerprinting, metagenomics, and metaproteomics approaches. To address these hypotheses, three specific aims are proposed: 1) Obtain data on community gene content (metagenome) in a subset of healthy twins and twins with Crohn's Disease to assess potential differences in the metabolic capabilities of the gut microbiota associated with CD, 2) Obtain data on community protein content (metaproteome) in a subset of healthy twins and twins with Crohn's Disease to assess the state of expressed proteins associated with CD, 3) Apply various statistical clustering and classification methods to correlate/associate microbial community composition, gene and protein content with patient metadata, including metabolite profiles and clinical phenotype. The ultimate goal of these efforts is to identify novel biomarkers for non-invasive diagnostics of CD and to eventually identify drug targets (i.e. bacterial strains) for cure or suppression of disease symptoms. PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: This study aims to unravel the contribution of the bacteria that normally inhabit the human gastrointestinal tract to Crohn's disease by using a multidisciplinary approach to study changes in the structure and function of gut microbial communities in three sets of patient cohorts who have Crohn's disease. These results will be compared with those obtained from the study of healthy individuals and have the potential to identify new biomarkers of disease severity, location, and progression.

  Study phs000257

• Kids First and INCLUDE: Down Syndrome, Heart Defects, and Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

  This project is a collaboration with the trans-NIH INvestigation of Co-occurring conditions across the Lifespan to Understand Down syndromE (INCLUDE) Project, which seeks to improve health and quality-of-life for individuals with Down syndrome, and NHLBI's TransOmics for Precision Medicine (TOPMed) program, which seeks to apply omics technologies to improve scientific understanding of the fundamental biological processes that underlie heart, lung, blood, and sleep (HLBS) disorders. The data is also available at the INCLUDE Data Hub. Down syndrome (DS), which occurs due to trisomy 21, is one of the strongest risk factors for both congenital heart disease (CHD) and acute leukemia. For instance, children with DS have a 2000-fold increased risk of atrioventricular septal defects (AVSD) and a 20-fold increased risk of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). An important and innovative aspect of the Kids First program is understanding the overlap between structural birth defects and childhood cancer. Notably, the background of DS predisposes children to both of these phenotypes, however, the genomic architecture of risk remains largely undiscovered. In this joint Kids First/TOPMed/INCLUDE project, we are currently including >2,000 samples for whole-genome sequencing, including: 1) paired germline-tumor samples from children with DS-ALL; and 2) samples from families with DS-CHD. This work will advance our understanding of the developmental pathways that may lead to both structural birth defects and childhood cancer. The objectives of this study are to determine the genetic variants underlying AVSD and ALL risk in children with DS. Therefore, the aims of our study are: 1) compare whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data between children with documented DS-AVSD and children with DS who have structurally normal hearts to identify genetic variants that perturb heart development; and 2) compare WGS data between children with documented DS-ALL and children (from Aim 1) with DS who do not have a known history of ALL. We will also examine associations between germline mutations and somatic genomic features. This study will address the fundamental question of why children with DS have an elevated risk of AVSD and ALL. Insights into the genes that drive DS-AVSD and DS-ALL may have implications for improved genetic counseling, surveillance, clinical management, and treatment strategies for these children. Additionally, our findings may inform targeted therapies or interventions for children without DS who are at risk for structural birth defects and cancer. Additional Pediatric Cardiac Genetics Consortium (PCGC) data from children affected with Down syndrome and congenital heart disease are accessible through two separate dbGaP studies: phs001138 (Kids First) and phs001194 (TOPMed).

  Study phs002330

• GECCO: Detecting Common and Rare Genetic Loci and GxE Interactions in Colorectal Cancer

  COLON, Colorectal Cancer: Longitudinal Observational study on Nutritional and lifestyle factors that influence colorectal tumor recurrence, survival and quality of life: The COLON study is a multi-center prospective cohort study to assess the role of diet and other lifestyle factors in cancer recurrence and survival among incident colorectal cancer patients in the Netherlands. DACHS, Darmkrebs: Chancen der Verhütung durch Screening:This German study was initiated as a large population-based case-control study in 2003 in the Rhine-Neckar-Odenwald region (southwest region of Germany) to assess the potential of endoscopic screening for reduction of colorectal cancer risk and to investigate etiologic determinants of disease, particularly lifestyle/environmental factors and genetic factors. During an in-person interview, data were collected on demographics, medical history, family history of CRC, and various life-style factors, as were blood and mouthwash samples. EPIC, European Prospective Investigation into Cancer: EPIC is an on-going multicenter prospective cohort study designed to investigate the associations between diet, lifestyle, genetic and environmental factors and various types of cancer. HPFS, Health Professionals Follow-up Study: HPFS is a parallel prospective study to the NHS. The HPFS cohort comprised 51,529 men aged 40-75 who, in 1986, responded to a mailed questionnaire. Participants provided information on health related exposures, including current and past smoking history, age, weight, height, diet, physical activity, aspirin use, and family history of colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer and other outcomes were reported by participants or next-of-kin and were followed up through review of the medical and pathology record by physicians. Overall, more than 97% of self-reported colorectal cancers were confirmed by medical record review. Information was abstracted on histology and primary location. Follow-up evaluation has been excellent, with 94% of the men responding to date. NHS, Nurses' Health Study: The NHS cohort began in 1976 when 121,700 married female registered nurses age 30-55 years returned the initial questionnaire that ascertained a variety of important health-related exposures [PMID:248266]. Since 1976, follow-up questionnaires have been mailed every 2 years. Colorectal cancer and other outcomes were reported by participants or next-of-kin and followed up through review of the medical and pathology record by physicians. Overall, more than 97% of self-reported colorectal cancers were confirmed by medical-record review. Information was abstracted on histology and primary location. The rate of follow-up evaluation has been high: as a proportion of the total possible follow-up time, follow-up evaluation has been more than 92%. NQplus, Nutrition Questionnaires plus: NQplus is a longitudinal observational study on diet and health in the general Dutch population.

  Study phs001315

• Birth Defects: Moebius Syndrome and Related Congenital Facial Weakness Disorders

  It is estimated that about 1 in every 33 infants in the United States is born with a birth defect. Among these, the subset of birth defect syndromes associated with facial weakness and lack of facial expression can have profound implications for social interactions and psychosocial development. Moebius syndrome is defined by congenital and non-progressive facial weakness and limited eye abduction, and most cases are believed to result from dysfunction of cranial nuclei/nerves VI and VII. Although rare, this syndrome causes significant impairment because of facial weakness and associated intellectual disabilities, autism, hearing loss, difficulty swallowing and breathing, peripheral neuropathy, muscle hypotonia, heart defects, chest wall abnormalities, and limb malformations. The phenotypic spectrum and the associated genetic and environmental factors underlying Moebius syndrome are poorly understood. The goal of this research is to identify causative gene mutations for Moebius syndrome and related conditions, such as Moebius-Poland or -Robin sequence, hereditary congenital facial paresis (HCFP), and oculoauriculovertebral dysplasia (Goldenhar syndrome). This proposal builds on an ongoing collaboration among researchers at Mount Sinai Medical Center, Boston Children's Hospital, NHGRI intramural program, and the Moebius Syndrome Foundation, but aims to greatly extend that work by collaboration with investigators in the NIH Clinical Center (CC). Our groups have already defined a new autosomal dominant syndrome with Moebius syndrome, Kallmann syndrome, cyclic vomiting resulting from a TUBB3 E410K substitution. We have also identified a new autosomal recessive Moebius-related syndrome with bilateral facial palsy, hearing loss, and strabismus resulting from a HOXB1 R207C substitution. Through collaborative efforts of these extramural teams with intramural investigators, whole exome sequencing (WES) has been conducted for four families with Moebius-like features, and data analyses are ongoing. The overall goal of this new grant application will be to conduct extensive phenotype analysis on approximately 24 families per year with Moebius and other undefined syndromes with facial weakness. Studies to be conducted at the CC include neurology, psychiatry, neurocognitive, rehabilitation medicine (muscle strength, speech/language pathology), ophthalmology, audiology, and genetics evaluations; autism screening; electromyography, nerve conduction, and blink reflex studies; videoscopy of quantitative eye movement recordings; 3D-CT craniofacial imaging; MRI of the brain, orbit, internal auditory canals, posterior fossa including brain diffusion tensor imaging for tractography; and genetic counseling. Jointly with the extramural teams, WES analysis and variant confirmation will be performed. A more comprehensive definition of the phenotypic and genotypic spectrum of these birth defects will have a significant impact on our understanding of the molecular pathways underlying dysmorphologies, cranial nerve development, and more common childhood disorders such as autism. Thus, this project will lead to strategies for prevention and treatment of birth defects.

  Study phs001383