Search Results - EGA European Genome-Phenome Archive

A Missense SNP in the Tumor Suppressor SETD2 Reduces H3K36me3 and Mitotic Spindle Integrity in Drosophila

While examining DNA from renal cell carcinoma (RCC) patients we observed a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP; rs58906143,chr3:47163422 C→G (hg19); E902Q*) within SETD2 that was overrepresented in kidney cancer patients compared to control patients. This original study utilized directed sequencing of 14 genes. In an expanded study using a Taqman assay to study the specific SNP, a G allele was found in 72/493 cases (14.6%) and 24/356 (6.7%) controls. Analysis by ancestry revealed that there was there was a G allele in 50/119 (42.0%) cases and 21/71 (29.6%) controls in patients with African Ancestry while there was a G allele in 19/335 cases (5.7%) and 3/269 (1.1%) controls in patients with European Ancestry. These differences did not reach statistical significance. Concurrently, we studied the functional effect of this SNP in a Drosophila model. The homologous amino acid substitution at E741Q reduces H3K36me3 levels which could be rescued by wild type Set2. Additionally, the mutation resulted in significant defects in spindle morphogenesis, consistent with a role for SETD2 in alpha-tubulin methylation during mitosis. Data available through dbGAP include the 14 gene sequence files of 52 control and 128 RCC patients, the results of Taqman SNP (rs58906143) analysis in text files for 221 controls and 357 RCC patients, and compiled phenotype data including age and assigned race. Due to data use limitations, genotyping data for 8 RCC patients and 83 controls as well as GWAS data for ancestry determination will not be available on dbGaP, but will be made available on request.

Study phs003474

Response and Resistance to ER-Directed Therapy in Metastatic Breast Cancer

Despite the reduction in cancer recurrence and mortality provided by hormonal therapy, estrogen receptor positive (ER+) metastatic breast cancer (MBC) remains the most common cause of breast cancer death, resulting in more than 20,000 deaths in the U.S each year. Although several therapeutic options exist to target the estrogen receptor, resistance to these therapies invariably occurs. Genetic mechanisms of acquired resistance to targeted therapies in ER+ MBC are not well understood. To address this, we developed a prospective biopsy protocol where multiple research biopsies are collected from metastatic samples and used for pathology, ER/PR/HER2, OncoPanel (a CLIA 300 gene sequencing panel), whole exome sequencing (WES), transcriptome sequencing (RNA-Seq), and single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq). In some cases, tissue is used for cell line and xenograft generation. Archival primary biopsies are also obtained when possible for parallel genomic studies. Patients are followed and serial metastatic biopsies are obtained. This data will be used to determine the landscape of genomic alterations in treatment-resistant ER+ MBC, and compared to data generated by TCGA for treatment-naive ER+ primary breast cancer. Comparison of genomic studies from resistant, metastatic specimens with corresponding pre-treatment primary samples will allow us to identify genomic association with resistance to specific therapies. Analysis of the serial metastatic biopsies collected over the course of multiple treatments will also shed light on tumor evolution under selective therapeutic pressure.NoteA subset of the MBC blood biopsies that are included in our study can be accessed and downloaded from the phs001977 accession.Another subset of patients in this study participated in a clinical trial (NCT02871791) and have their data deposited in the current study as well.

Study phs001285

Phase 1/2 Study of the Indoleamine 2,3-Dioxygenase 1 Inhibitor Linrodostat Mesylate Combined With Nivolumab or Nivolumab and Ipilimumab in Advanced Solid Tumors or Hematologic Malignancies

Purpose: To evaluate the safety, efficacy, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and biomarker data of linrodostat mesylate, a selective, oral indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) inhibitor, combined with nivolumab ± ipilimumab in advanced solid tumors and hematologic malignancies. Patients and Methods: In this phase 1/2 study, patients received once-daily (QD) linrodostat (part 1 [escalation], 25-400 mg; part 2 [expansion], 100 or 200 mg) plus nivolumab (480 mg every [Q] 4 weeks [W] or 240 mg Q2W) or triplet therapy (part 3, linrodostat 20-100 mg QD; nivolumab 360 mg Q3W or 480 mg Q4W; ipilimumab 1 mg/kg Q6W or Q8W). Endpoints included safety and efficacy (co-primary; parts 2, 3), pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, biomarkers, and efficacy (part 1). Results: Fifty-five, 494, and 41 patients were enrolled in parts 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Linrodostat exposures exceeded predicted therapeutic target concentrations starting at 50 mg. Rates of grade 3/4 adverse events were 50.1%-63.4%. The maximum tolerated linrodostat dose was 200 mg; dose-limiting toxicities were primarily immune related. Responses were observed across different cohorts, study parts, and tumor types, particularly in immunotherapy-naive patients. Kynurenine decreased with linrodostat + nivolumab, regardless of response. In contrast, interferon gamma (IFN-γ) gene expression signature was associated with response; in nonmelanoma patients, a composite of low tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase (TDO2) gene expression plus high IFN-γ signature was associated with response. Conclusions: Linrodostat + nivolumab ± ipilimumab demonstrated a manageable safety profile. Kynurenine changes supported IDO1 pathway inhibition but did not correlate with response. A composite biomarker of low TDO2 expression plus high IFN-γ gene expression may predict response to linrodostat + nivolumab.

Study EGAS50000000710

Cholesterol homeostasis and lipid raft dynamics at the basis of tumor-induced immune dysfunction in chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Autologous T-cell therapies show limited efficacy in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), where acquired immune dysfunction prevails. In CLL, disturbed mitochondrial metabolism has been linked to defective T-cell activation and proliferation. Recent research suggests that lipid metabolism regulates mitochondrial function and differentiation in T cells, yet its role in CLL remains unexplored. This comprehensive study compares T-cell lipid metabolism in CLL patients and healthy donors, revealing critical dependence on exogenous cholesterol for human T-cell expansion following TCR-mediated activation. Using multi-omics and functional assays, we found that T cells present in viably frozen samples of patients with CLL (CLL T cells) showed impaired adaptation to cholesterol deprivation and inadequate upregulation of key lipid metabolism transcription factors. CLL T cells exhibited altered lipid storage, with increased triacylglycerols and decreased cholesterol, and inefficient fatty acid oxidation (FAO). Functional consequences of reduced FAO in T cells were studied using samples from patients with inherent FAO disorders. Reduced FAO was associated with lower T-cell activation but did not affect proliferation. This implicates low cholesterol levels as a primary factor limiting T-cell proliferation in CLL. Consequently, CLL T cells displayed fewer and less clustered lipid rafts, potentially explaining the impaired immune synapse formation observed in these patients. Our findings highlight significant disruptions in lipid metabolism as drivers of functional deficiencies in CLL T cells, underscoring the pivotal role of cholesterol in T-cell proliferation. This study suggests that modulating cholesterol metabolism could enhance T-cell function in CLL, presenting novel immunotherapeutic approaches to improve outcome in this challenging disease.

Study EGAS50000000933

Out with the Java, in with the Python - new EGA data download client unveiled

We will shortly be deprecating the Java-based download client also known as API V2. The Java client began its life at the back end of 2014, and during its time has seen many developments that have served our users well. During its tenure, the Java client enabled distribution of over 6.5 million files totalling nearly 15 petabytes of data to researchers around the globe. Recent increases in genomic and phenotypic data file sizes, the number of datasets archived in the EGA, the number of users downloading data, and the diversity of download locations has meant that at times the Java client struggled to distribute data efficiently. In response, our team of developers have built a new download client with more robust features and better functionality and reliability. Enter stage left our shiny new API V3.1! The new API V3.1 will replace both API V2 and API V3. The download client for the new API V3.1 is written in Python, and the code is openly available on Github. This Python client makes https calls to the EGA AAI (https://ega.ebi.ac.uk:8443/) and to the EGA Data API (https://ega.ebi.ac.uk:8052), both of which must be accessible from the client location. In addition to general updates to improve performance, the API V3.1 has three new features enhancing the EGA distributions services. First, requested data are now downloaded over secure https connections rather than http, meaning that data can be delivered unencrypted. Instead of separately requesting, downloading, and decrypting data using the Java client, data can now be requested and downloaded using a single command without the need for decrypting. The API V3.1 also automatically verifies each file’s unencrypted md5 after download to ensure the file has downloaded correctly. Second, the new API supports segmenting and automatic resuming. To enable quicker download speeds, the API breaks files into up to four segments and downloads them in parallel. With the new resume feature, downloads - both segmented and continuous stream - will automatically resume if they encounter any errors or the connection is interrupted. These features result in both a faster and more reliable download experience. Finally, the new API V3.1 implements the GA4GH-compliant htsget protocol for supporting requests over genomic ranges. This exciting new feature means that for data files with accompanying index files (e.g. .crai for CRAM files) users can download specific regions of interest rather than the entire file saving both time and storage space. The new features of the Python-based API V3.1 represent significant improvements in security, speed, reliability, and flexibility that are sure to provide a better data download experience. To take full advantage of these features, users must update to Python 3.X. Considering the changes in the data structures with the new API, the upgrade to a new version of the Python client is also mandatory. Updating the client to the latest version can be achieved by running the following command: pip3 install pyega3 -U We are excited for users to try out the new features and take advantage of the multifariously growing EGA distribution services for human biomedical omics data. If you have any questions or feedback, please email the EGA Helpdesk team. We'd love to hear from you!

Blog new-ega-data-download-client

Sequencing of paediatric High Grade Gliomas and DIPG

Paediatric high grade glioma (pHGG) and diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) are a phenotypically diverse collection of tumours which molecular profiling studies have refined into age- and location-based subgroups driven by unique genetic and epigenetic alterations. Despite this, the rarity of these tumours means individual studies are underpowered to investigate subgroup-specific changes and to identify low frequency events recurrently targeting specific pathways. We have collated genomic data from 143 unpublished cases up to 30 years of age along with those from 18 previously published datasets in an integrated analysis comprising 1067 unique patients across all anatomical compartments of the CNS, with histone mutation status available for 893 cases (n=67 H3.3G34R/V, n=316 H3.3K27M, n=68 H3.1/H3.2K27M). Distinct clinicopathological and molecular subgroups are defined by these histone mutations, with several novel co-segregating mutations identified through these aggregated analyses, including loss of FBXW7 in H3.3G34R/V, TOP3A rearrangements in H3.3K27M, and BCOR mutations in H3.1K27M. Histone wild-type subgroups can be further refined by the presence of key oncogenic events (PDGFRA or EGFR amplification/mutations) or methylation profiles which molecularly more closely resemble pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma or other low grade gliomas. The burden of genomic aberrations decreases with age, highlighting the infant population as biologically and clinically distinct. Across the whole cohort, we identify novel previously unrecognised pathway dysregulation in small subsets of tumours (e.g. splicing, WNT, immune response) which make up the umbrella classification of paediatric diffusely infiltrating gliomas. The integrated dataset helps to further define the molecular diversity of the disease, opening up novel avenues for biological study and providing a basis for functionally defined future treatment stratification.

Study EGAS00001002314

ctDNA monitoring using patient-specific sequencing and integration of variant reads - Lung cohort

Circulating tumor-derived DNA (ctDNA) can be used to monitor cancer dynamics noninvasively. Detection of ctDNA can be challenging in patients with low-volume or residual disease, where plasma contains very few tumor-derived DNA fragments. We show that sensitivity for ctDNA detection in plasma can be improved by analyzing hundreds to thousands of mutations that are first identified by tumor genotyping. We describe the INtegration of VAriant Reads (INVAR) pipeline, which combines custom error-suppression methods and signal-enrichment approaches based on biological features of ctDNA. With this approach, the detection limit in each sample can be estimated independently based on the number of informative reads sequenced across multiple patient-specific loci. We applied INVAR to custom hybrid-capture sequencing data from 176 plasma samples from 105 patients with melanoma, lung, renal, glioma, and breast cancer across both early and advanced disease. By integrating signal across a median of >105 informative reads, ctDNA was routinely quantified to 1 mutant molecule per 100,000, and in some cases with high tumor mutation burden and/or plasma input material, to individual parts per million. This resulted in median Area Under the Curve (AUC) values of 0.98 in advanced cancers, and 0.80 in early stage and challenging settings for ctDNA detection. We generalized this method to whole-exome and whole-genome sequencing, showing that the INVAR may be applied without requiring personalized sequencing panels, so long as a tumor mutation list is available. As tumor sequencing becomes increasingly performed, such methods for personalized cancer monitoring may enhance the sensitivity of cancer liquid biopsies.

Study EGAS00001004447

Prenatal lead exposure is associated with decreased cord blood DNA methylation of the glycoprotein VI gene involved in platelet activation and thrombus formation

Early-life lead exposure impairs neurodevelopment and later exposure affects the cardiovascular system. Lead has been associated with reduced global 5-methylcytosine DNA methylation, suggesting that lead toxicity acts through epigenetic mechanisms. The objective of this study is to clarify how early life lead exposure alters DNA methylation of specific genes, using an epigenomic approach. We measured lead concentrations in urine (gestational week, GW, 8) and erythrocytes (GW 14), using ICP-MS, for 127 pregnant mothers recruited in the MINIMat food and supplementation cohort in rural Bangladesh. Cord blood DNA methylation was analyzed with the Infinium HumanMethylation450K BeadChip and top sites were validated by methylation-sensitive high-resolution melt curve analysis. Maternal urinary lead concentrations (divided into quartiles) showed significant (after adjustment for FDR) inverse associations with methylation at nine CpGs. Three of these sites were in the 5’ end, including the promoter, of glycoprotein IV (GP6); cg18355337 (q=0.029, β=-0.30), cg25818583 (q=0.041, β=-0.18) and cg23796967 (q=0.047, β=-0.17). The methylation in another CpG site in GP6 was close to significant (cg05374025, q=0.057, β=-0.23). The erythrocyte lead concentrations (divided into quartiles) were also inversely associated with CpG methylation in GP6, although this was not statistically significant after FDR-adjustments. Eight CpG sites in GP6 constituted a differentially methylated region in relation to urinary lead (p=0.005, q=0.48) and erythrocyte lead (p=0.007, q=0.46). In conclusion, we found that moderate prenatal lead exposure appear to epigenetically affect GP6, a key component of platelet aggregation and thrombus formation, suggesting a novel link between early lead exposure and cardiovascular disease later in life.

Study EGAS00001001575

Proteom characterization in primary colorectal cancer and corresponding liver metastasis

Colorectal adenocarcinomas (CRC) are one of the most commonly diagnosed tumors worldwide. Colorectal adenocarcinomas primarily metastasize into the liver and (less often) into the peritoneum. Patients suffering from CRC-liver metastasis (CRC-LM) typically present with a dismal overall survival compared to non-metastasized CRC patients. The metastasis process and metastasis promoting factors in patients with CRC are under intensive debate. However, CRC studies investigating the proteome biology are lacking. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue specimens provide a valuable resource for comprehensive proteomic studies of a broad variety of clinical malignancies. The presented pilot study compares the proteome of primary CRC and patient-matched CRC-LM. The applied protocol allows a reproducible and straightforward identification and quantification of over 2,600 proteins within the dissected tumorous tissue. Subsequent unsupervised clustering reveals distinct proteome biologies of the primary CRC and the corresponding CRC-LM. Statistical analysis yields multiple differentially abundant proteins in either primary CRC or their corresponding liver metastases. A more detailed analysis of dysregulated biological processes suggests an active immune response in the liver metastases, including several proteins of the complement system. Proteins with structural roles, e.g. cytoskeleton organization or cell junction assembly appear to be less prominent in liver metastases as compared to primary CRC. Immunohistochemistry corroborates proteomic high expression levels of metabolic proteins in CRC-LM. We further assessed how the in vitro inhibition of two in CRC-LM enriched metabolic proteins affected cell proliferation and chemosensitivity. The presented proteomic investigation in a small clinical cohort promotes a more comprehensive understanding of the distinct proteome biology of primary CRC and their corresponding liver metastases.

Study EGAS00001005641

ctDNA monitoring using patient-specific sequencing and integration of variant reads - Breast cohort

Circulating tumor-derived DNA (ctDNA) can be used to monitor cancer dynamics noninvasively. Detection of ctDNA can be challenging in patients with low-volume or residual disease, where plasma contains very few tumor-derived DNA fragments. We show that sensitivity for ctDNA detection in plasma can be improved by analyzing hundreds to thousands of mutations that are first identified by tumor genotyping. We describe the INtegration of VAriant Reads (INVAR) pipeline, which combines custom error-suppression methods and signal-enrichment approaches based on biological features of ctDNA. With this approach, the detection limit in each sample can be estimated independently based on the number of informative reads sequenced across multiple patient-specific loci. We applied INVAR to custom hybrid-capture sequencing data from 176 plasma samples from 105 patients with melanoma, lung, renal, glioma, and breast cancer across both early and advanced disease. By integrating signal across a median of >105 informative reads, ctDNA was routinely quantified to 1 mutant molecule per 100,000, and in some cases with high tumor mutation burden and/or plasma input material, to individual parts per million. This resulted in median Area Under the Curve (AUC) values of 0.98 in advanced cancers, and 0.80 in early stage and challenging settings for ctDNA detection. We generalized this method to whole-exome and whole-genome sequencing, showing that the INVAR may be applied without requiring personalized sequencing panels, so long as a tumor mutation list is available. As tumor sequencing becomes increasingly performed, such methods for personalized cancer monitoring may enhance the sensitivity of cancer liquid biopsies.

Study EGAS00001004446

NHLBI TOPMed: Pediatric Cardiac Genomics Consortium (PCGC)'s Congenital Heart Disease Biobank

The Pediatric Cardiovascular Genetics Consortium (PCGC) proposes to define genetic causes for congenital heart defects (CHD) as part of the TOPMed Program are the most common form of heart disease in childhood and are also the most prevalent form of birth defects, occurring in 2-3% of live births. The PCGC has recruited and clinically characterized = 10,000 CHD probands and parents (CHD trios). From whole exome sequencing (WES) of >2800 CHD trios, we identified a substantial enrichment of damaging de novo mutations in genes important for cardiogenesis, particularly implicating histone modifier enzyme gene defects. Analysis of whole genome sequencing (WGS) of 350 probands with CHD unexplained by WES and their parents preliminarily implicated de novo mutations in enhancers of genes previously shown to cause CHD in mouse knock out models. Sequencing of RNA (RNAseq) from discarded cardiac tissues from CHD probands has revealed likely causal allele-specific expression (ASE) as well as biallelic loss of expression (LOE). We have also discovered de novo epimutations, differentially methylated regions (DMRs), some with underlying de novo DNA variation, that are detectable in peripheral blood leukocytes and appear to underlie 10% of CHD. Of note, these assorted 'omic' approaches have enabled one another, both for attributing causality and assessing functional impact. Based on these extensive preliminary data, we hypothesize that PCGC probands with uninformative exomic analyses (WES-negative) harbor de novo genetic and/or epigenetic mutations in critical regulatory elements that participate in developmental expression of cardiac genes. To identify these etiologies, we propose analyses of WGS in 1000 WES-negative CHD trios, prioritizing those with probands with banked CHD tissues (n=78), one damaging variant in a recessive CHD gene, and older fathers (age>45). We also request WGS for 230 probands, for whom we have cardiac tissues but not parental DNAs. We request RNAseq for 308 cardiac tissues. For DNA methylation, which TOPMed will offer through the Illumina 850k array platform, we are requesting analysis of DNAs from peripheral blood leukocytes for all probands for whom WGS will be performed (1000 from trios, 230 singletons) as well as DNAs from cardiac tissues (n=308) to pair with the WGS, RNAseq and blood DNA methylation data. We will use existing resources and capabilities of the PCGC to confirm relevant mutations and those of its companion consortium in the Bench to Bassinet Program, the Cardiovascular Development Consortium, to inform analyses of non-coding mutations as well as to perform confirmatory functional genomics studies using cell and animal models. We expect that the studies resulting from data generated through TOPMed will provide novel insights into the molecular basis for CHD and fundamental knowledge about genes and pathways involved in cardiac development. Aside from being relevant to CHD, we anticipate that our findings will inform the understanding of later-onset cardiovascular diseases, including some arising in adulthood.

Study phs001735

Center for Common Disease Genomics [CCDG] - Neuropsychiatric: Autism - Simons Simplex Collection (SSC)

In this study, we address the enormous challenges common complex diseases pose for genomic analysis and the enormous opportunities surmounting them offers for advancing healthcare. The common genetic disorders proposed for study here are believed to have extreme locus heterogeneity, requiring the analysis of large numbers of samples to comprehensively identify the genomic variants underlying them. We propose that a combination of deep population studies and joint analysis of SNPs, indels, and structural variants both in coding and noncoding regions will provide the next level of understanding of common genetic disorders. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) will be critical to this next-generation approach to the genomics of complex disease. WGS will need to be accompanied by the technical ability to generate and handle very large data sets, a particular focus and strength of New York Genome Center (NYGC). WGS will also need to be accompanied by new statistical tools and algorithms, which will be developed by the strong core group committed to this proposal. An overarching goal of this proposal, one that capitalizes on the power of WGS, is to identify disease-associated variants at the individual nucleotide level. In many cases pathogenic mutations fall in noncoding regions of the genome, which can only be fruitfully explored with WGS. A major effort was put into building new computational strategies to functionally annotate noncoding transcribed sequences, and to build new datasets to enable such strategies, opening new frontiers of understanding of disease-related regulatory variants.

Study phs001676

Center for Common Disease Genomics [CCDG] - Neuropsychiatric: SPARK Simons Foundation Powering Autism Research for Knowledge

In this study, we address the enormous challenges common complex diseases pose for genomic analysis and the enormous opportunities surmounting them offers for advancing healthcare. The common genetic disorders proposed for study here are believed to have extreme locus heterogeneity, requiring the analysis of large numbers of samples to comprehensively identify the genomic variants underlying them. We propose that a combination of deep population studies and joint analysis of SNPs, indels, and structural variants, both in coding and noncoding regions, will provide the next level of understanding of common genetic disorders. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) will be critical to this next-generation approach to the genomics of complex disease. WGS will need to be accompanied by the technical ability to generate and handle very large data sets, a particular focus and strength of New York Genome Center (NYGC). WGS will also need to be accompanied by new statistical tools and algorithms, which will be developed by the strong core group committed to this proposal.An overarching goal of this proposal, one that capitalizes on the power of WGS, is to identify disease-associated variants at the individual nucleotide level. In many cases, pathogenic mutations fall in noncoding regions of the genome, which can only be fruitfully explored with WGS. A major effort was put into building new computational strategies to functionally annotate noncoding transcribed sequences, and to build new datasets to enable such strategies, opening new frontiers of understanding of disease-related regulatory variants.

Study phs002511

Tumor Evolution Analysis Uncovered Immune-Escape Related Mutations in Relapsed Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma

More than 60% of patients with primary diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) achieve durable remissions upon the chemoimmunotherapy with R-CHOP. However, the outcome of the relapse patients is extremely poor. To characterize the molecular features that underlie treatment resistance, we performed whole-exome sequencing (n=44) and deep targeted sequencing (n=27) of 44 diagnosis-relapse DLBCL pairs. We found that the overall landscape of genetic alterations was concordant between diagnosis and relapse DLBCL. By a deep comparison of the longitudinal sequencings, we identified relapse-enriched mutations that involved in evasion of immune surveillance (CD58, TNFRSF14, PKD1, FAS), resistance to DNA damaging agents (ATM, TP53), and critical tumor suppressor gene (ZFHX3). Knockdown of ATM and ZFHX3 resulted in increased drug resistance in both germinal center B cell like (GCB) and activated B cell like (ABC) DLBCL cell lines in vitro, while the knockdown of TNFRSF14 and FAS conferred resistance specifically in GCB cell lines. Furthermore, we summarized two evolutionary patterns of DLBCL relapse as the “durable retention” model with stable clone structure, and the “selective sweep” model which exhibited significant clonal switch. Of note, genetic alterations leading to attenuated immune responses usually presented as trunk mutations in the “durable retention” model (7/12) while were newly acquired or expanded upon relapse in the “selective sweep” model (9/16). Overall, our study demonstrated that relapse DLBCL derives from distinct clonal evolutionary patterns, and highlighted immune escape as an important contributor of tumor relapse.

Study EGAS50000000032

Impact of Glycolysis Inhibition on the Epigenome of Synovial Fluid T Cells in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) encompasses a group of childhood-onset autoimmune conditions characterized by joint inflammation and mononuclear cell infiltration, especially of activated CD4+ memory/effector T (Tmem/Teff) cells in synovial fluid (SF). JIA CD4+ T cells exhibit a distinct inflammation-associated epigenomic profile, though the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. This study investigates the role of glycolysis in shaping the epigenomic landscape of JIA SF CD4+ T cells, with a focus on H3K27ac histone modifications. Using an ex vivo model of antigen stimulation, CD4+ T cells were isolated from peripheral blood (PB) of healthy controls (HC) and synovial fluid from JIA patients. Cells were activated in vitro with anti-CD3/CD28 for 24 hours, and changes in H3K27ac were assessed by chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by sequencing (ChIP-seq). To explore the specific role of glycolysis, cells were also treated with 2-deoxyglucose (2DG), an inhibitor of glucose-6-phosphate production. This inhibition impacted both H3K27ac acetylation patterns and gene expression associated with the activated epigenomic regions. Additionally, HC CD4+ T cells were activated in vitro in the presence of 30% SF or 30% plasma from JIA patients. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was performed to examine SF-induced transcriptional changes, providing insight into the metabolic dysregulation and epigenomic alterations observed in JIA SF CD4+ T cells. This dataset includes ChIP-seq and RNA-seq data that collectively advance our understanding of how glycolysis and the SF environment contribute to the epigenetic and transcriptional regulation in JIA CD4+ T cells.

Study EGAS50000000808

Target sequencing of 27 cancer-predisposing genes in Japanese colorectal cancer patients

Background: National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) recently recommended germline genetic testing for all pancreatic cancer patients. However, the genes targeted by genetic testing and the feasibility of selecting patients likely to carry pathogenic variants have not been sufficiently verified. The purpose of this study was to genetically characterize Japanese patients and examine whether the current guideline is applicable in this population. Methods: Using targeted sequencing, we analyzed the coding regions of 27 cancer-predisposing genes in 1,005 pancreatic cancer patients and 23,705 controls in Japan. We compared the pathogenic variant frequency between cases and controls and documented the demographic and clinical characteristics of carrier patients. We then examined if it was possible to use machine learning to predict carrier status based on those characteristics. Findings: We identified 205 pathogenic variants across the 27 genes. Pathogenic variants in BRCA2, ATM, and BRCA1 were significantly associated with pancreatic cancer. Characteristics associated with carrier status were inconsistent with previous investigations. Machine learning classifiers had a low performance in determining the carrier status of pancreatic cancer patients, while the same classifiers, when applied to breast cancer data as a positive control, had a higher performance that was comparable to that of the NCCN guideline. Interpretation: Our findings support the clinical significance of multigene panel testing for pancreatic cancer and indicate that at least 3.4% of Japanese patients may respond to poly (ADP ribose) polymerase inhibitor treatments. The difficulty in predicting carrier status suggests that offering germline genetic testing for all pancreatic cancer patients is reasonable.

Study JGAS000346

Durable clinical impacts and mechanisms of action and resistance in histone K27 methylation-targeting epigenetic therapy

Epigenomes allow the rectification of disordered cancer gene expressions, thereby providing new targets for pharmacological interventions in cancer therapy. The clinical utility of targeting histone H3 lysine tri-methylation (H3K27me3) as an epigenetic hallmark has been demonstrated. However, in actual therapeutic settings, the mechanism by which H3K27me3-targeting therapies exert their effects and the response of tumor cells remain unclear. Here we show the potency and mechanisms of action and resistance of a newly developed EZH1/2 dual inhibitor, valemetostat, in the clinical trials of patients with adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL). Valemetostat administration reduced the tumor size and demonstrated durable clinical benefits. Integrative single-cell analyses of patients before and after the administration of valemetostat showed that valemetostat abolishes the highly condensed chromatin structure formed by the plastic H3K27me3 and neutralizes multiple gene loci, such as tumor suppressor genes. Nevertheless, subsequent long-term treatment encounters the emergence of resistant clones with reconstructed aggregate chromatin that closely resemble the pre-dose state. The acquired mutations at the EZH2???compound interface result in the propagation of the clones with re-increased H3K27me3. In patients free of this mutation, TET2 mutation or elevated DNMT3A expression causes similar chromatin recondensation through de novo DNA methylation at the H3K27me3-associated regions. We identified subpopulations with distinct metabolic and gene translation characteristics implicated in primary susceptibility until the acquisition of the heritable (epi)mutations. Targeting chromatin homeostasis might provide opportunities for further sustained epigenetic cancer therapies.

Study JGAS000553

Target sequencing of 27 cancer-predisposing genes in Japanese pancreatic cancer patients

Background: National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) recently recommended germline genetic testing for all pancreatic cancer patients. However, the genes targeted by genetic testing and the feasibility of selecting patients likely to carry pathogenic variants have not been sufficiently verified. The purpose of this study was to genetically characterize Japanese patients and examine whether the current guideline is applicable in this population. Methods: Using targeted sequencing, we analyzed the coding regions of 27 cancer-predisposing genes in 1,005 pancreatic cancer patients and 23,705 controls in Japan. We compared the pathogenic variant frequency between cases and controls and documented the demographic and clinical characteristics of carrier patients. We then examined if it was possible to use machine learning to predict carrier status based on those characteristics. Findings: We identified 205 pathogenic variants across the 27 genes. Pathogenic variants in BRCA2, ATM, and BRCA1 were significantly associated with pancreatic cancer. Characteristics associated with carrier status were inconsistent with previous investigations. Machine learning classifiers had a low performance in determining the carrier status of pancreatic cancer patients, while the same classifiers, when applied to breast cancer data as a positive control, had a higher performance that was comparable to that of the NCCN guideline. Interpretation: Our findings support the clinical significance of multigene panel testing for pancreatic cancer and indicate that at least 3.4% of Japanese patients may respond to poly (ADP ribose) polymerase inhibitor treatments. The difficulty in predicting carrier status suggests that offering germline genetic testing for all pancreatic cancer patients is reasonable.

Study JGAS000327

An autoinflammatory RIG-I variant causing Singleton-Merten Syndrome associates with small non-coding Y-RNAs

The RNA sensor RIG-I performs a critical role in surveying the cytoplasm for the presence of viral nucleic acids and initiating the downstream anti-viral type I interferon pathway. Through recognition of specific features, such as the presence of a 5’ di/triphosphate motif or highly structured base-paired regions, RIG-I effectively differentiates between RNA of viral- and self-origin. In Singleton-Merten syndrome (SMS), gain-of-function variants in RIG-I lead to a breakdown in this surveillance system and results in aberrant sensing of self-RNAs and deleterious upregulation of type I interferons. The identity of the self-RNAs binding to gain-of-function RIG-I mutants has remained elusive and would provide a greater understanding of the aetiology of SMS. Here we used an infrared individual-nucleotide resolution UV-crosslinking and immunoprecipitation (irCLIP) approach to determine the RNA profile bound to a previously characterised ATPase-deficient SMS variant, RIG-IC268F. irCLIP identified a broad array of self-RNAs, primarily those transcribed by RNA polymerase III, that were bound to RIG-I. Subsequent native RNA immunoprecipitation confirmed a prominent and specific interaction between RIG-IC268F and Y-RNAs, a family of four structurally similar non-coding RNAs. Manipulation of Y-RNAs alone by targeting either Y-RNA transcripts or Y-RNA stabilising proteins was insufficient to negate RIG-I induce interferon, hinting at a broader profile of RNA polymerase III-derived RNAs being influential in driving the sterile activation of gain-of-function RIG-I variants.

Study EGAS50000001660

Methylation differences in trisomy 21 using monozygotic twins

We have hypothesized that methylation differences induced by trisomy 21 (T21) contribute to the phenotypic characteristics and heterogeneity in T21. In order to determine the methylation differences in T21 without the interference of the interindividual genomic variation, we have used fetal skin fibroblasts from monozygotic (MZ) twins discordant for T21. We also used skin fibroblasts from MZ twins concordant for T21, normal MZ twins without T21, and unrelated normal and T21 individuals. We applied Reduced Representation Bisulfite Sequencing (RRBS) to generate genome wide nucleotide resolution of DNA methylation based on high throughput sequencing between each pair of samples. RRBS revealed differentially methylated promoter regions (DMRs) in MZ twins discordant for T21 that have also been observed in unrelated normal and T21 individuals. The identified DMRs are enriched for genes involved in embryonic organ morphogenesis. These DMRs are maintained in iPS cells generated from this twin pair and are correlated with the gene expression changes. We have also observed an increase in DNA methylation level in the T21 methylome compared to the normal euploid methylome. This observation is concordant with the up regulation of DNA methyltransferase enzymes (DNMT3B and DNMT3L) and down regulation of DNA demethylation enzymes (TET2 and TET3) in the iPSC of the T21 versus normal twin. Additionally, two sets of T21 MZ twins discordant for heart defect highlighted DMRs in genes that are associated with heart development. In conclusion the study of DNA methylation differences in MZ twins discordant for genomic abnormalities is a promising approach to understand the molecular pathophysiology of aneuploidies.

Study EGAS00001001051

Exome sequencing of uterine leiomyosarcomas

Uterine leiomyosarcomas (ULMSs) are aggressive smooth muscle tumors associated with poor clinical outcome. Despite previous cytogenetic and molecular studies, their molecular background has remained elusive. To examine somatic variation in ULMS, we performed exome sequencing on 19 tumors. Altogether 43 genes were mutated in at least two ULMSs. Most frequently mutated genes included tumor protein P53 (TP53; 6/19; 33%), alpha thalassemia/mental retardation syndrome X-linked (ATRX; 5/19; 26%), and mediator complex subunit 12 (MED12; 4/19; 21%). Unlike ATRX mutations, both TP53 and MED12 alterations have repeatedly been associated with ULMSs. All the observed ATRX alterations were either nonsense or frameshift mutations. ATRX protein levels were reliably analyzed by immunohistochemistry in altogether 44 ULMSs, and the majority of tumors (23/44; 52%) showed clearly reduced expression. Loss of ATRX expression has been associated with alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT), and thus the telomere length was analyzed with telomere-specific fluorescence in situ hybridization. The ALT phenotype was confirmed in all ULMSs showing diminished ATRX expression. Exome data also revealed one nonsense mutation in death-domain associated protein (DAXX), another gene previously associated with ALT, and the tumor showed ALT positivity. Aberrant expression of both TP53 and ATRX were associated with poor overall survival. In conclusion, exome sequencing revealed that TP53, ATRX, and MED12 are frequently mutated in ULMSs. ALT phenotype was commonly seen in tumors, indicating that ATR inhibitors, which were recently suggested as possible new drugs for ATRX-deficient tumors, could provide a potential novel therapeutic option for ULMS.

Study EGAS00001001612

Next-Generation Sequencing of AV Nodal Reentry Tachycardia patients

Atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardia (AVNRT) is the most common form of regular paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia. This arrhythmia affects women twice as frequently as men, and is often diagnosed in patients below 40 years of age. Familial clustering, early onset of symptoms, and lack of structural anomaly indicate involvement of genetic factors in AVNRT pathophysiology. We hypothesized that AVNRT patients have a high prevalence of variants in genes that are highly expressed in the atrioventricular conduction axis of the heart and potentially involved in arrhythmic diseases. Next-generation sequencing of 67 genes was applied to the DNA profile of 298 AVNRT patients and 10 AVNRT family members using HaloPlex Target Enrichment System.In total, we identified 229 variants in 60 genes; 215 missenses, four frame shifts, four codon deletions, three missense and splice sites, two stop-gain variants, and one start-lost variant. Sixty-five of these were not present in the Exome Aggregation Consortium (ExAC) database. Furthermore, we report two AVNRT families with co-segregating variants. Seventy-five of 284 AVNRT patients (26.4%) and three family members to different AVNRT probands had one or more variants in genes affecting the sodium handling. Fifty-four out of 284 AVNRT patients (19.0%) had variants in genes affecting the calcium handling of the heart. We furthermore find a large proportion of variants in the HCN1-4 genes. We did not detect a significant enrichment of rare variants in the tested genes.This could be an indication that AVNRT might be an electrical arrhythmic disease with abnormal sodium and calcium handling.

Study EGAS00001002745

The Dutch Microbiome Project: Defining the (un)healthy gut microbiome

The Dutch Microbiome Project (DMP) data includes raw data generated by shotgun metagenomic sequencing of faecal samples of 8,208 Dutch individuals, processed microbiome data analysed using Biobakery2 tools (including taxonomy, pathway, virulence factors and antibiotic resistance gene profiles), and basic phenotypes (age and sex, BMI). Data is made available in two randomly assigned batches to facilitate the data access and maintenance. Access to this dataset requires a minimal access procedure (data access form at https://forms.gle/eHeBdXJMXbVvCJRc8 or email request to the data access committee (DAC) of this study, listed at DAC EGAC00001001996, https://ega-archive.org/dacs/EGAC00001001996). This access procedure is to ensure that the data is being requested for research/scientific purposes only and thus complies with the informed consent signed by Lifelines participants, which specifies that the collected data will not be used for commercial purposes. Submitted data access forms will be evaluated by the DAC and Lifelines, and a response to requests will be given within two weeks. For requests from verified academic parties, access will be given without further delay. For requests from commercial parties, Lifelines will perform a pre-DPIA (Data Privacy Impact Assessment) to assess the risks of the proposed processing of personal data (e.g. purpose, storage, access, archiving, etc.) with respect to the GDPR (EU privacy laws) subject rights. Based on the outcome of the pre-DPIA, Lifelines will decide whether sharing data with the commercial entity is allowed and/or whether additional measures have to be taken.

Study EGAS00001005027

Integrative genomic analysis identifies key pathogenic mechanisms in primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma

Primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma (PMBL) represents a clinically and pathologically distinct subtype of large B-cell lymphomas. Furthermore, molecular studies, including global gene expression profiling, have provided evidence that PMBL is more closely related to classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL). Although targeted sequencing studies have revealed a number of mutations involved in PMBL pathogenesis, a comprehensive description of disease-associated genetic alterations and perturbed pathways is still lacking. Here, we performed whole-exome sequencing of 95 PMBL tumors to inform on oncogenic driver genes and recurrent copy number alterations. The integration of somatic gene mutations with gene expression signatures provides further insights into genotype-phenotype interrelation in PMBL. We identified highly recurrent oncogenic mutations in the JAK-STAT and NF-kB pathways, and provide additional evidence of the importance of immune evasion in PMBL (CIITA, CD58, B2M, CD274, PDCD1LG2). Our analyses highlight the IRF-pathway as a putative novel hallmark with frequent alterations in multiple pathway members (IRF2BP2, IRF4, IRF8). In addition, our integrative analysis illustrates the importance of JAK1, RELB and EP300 mutations driving oncogenic signaling. The identified driver genes were significantly more frequently mutated in PMBL as compared to diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, whereas only a limited number of genes were significantly different between PMBL and cHL, emphasizing the close relationship between these entities. Our study, performed on a large cohort of PMBL, highlights the importance of distinctive genetic alterations for disease taxonomy with relevance for diagnostic work-up and therapeutic decision-making.

Study EGAS00001003746

Colorectal cancer study

Matrix metalloproteinase-11 (MMP11) is an enzyme with proteolytic activity against matrix and non-matrix proteins. Although most MMPs are secreted as inactive proenzymes and they are later activated extracellularly, MMP11 is activated intracellularly by furin within the constitutive secretory pathway. It is a key factor in physiological tissue remodeling and its alteration may play an important role in the progression of epithelial malignancies and other diseases. TCGA colon and colorectal adenocarcinoma data showed that upregulation of MMP11 expression correlates with tumorigenesis and malignancy. Here, we provide evidence that a germline variant in the MMP11 gene (NM_005940: c.232C>T; p.(Pro78Ser)), identified by whole exome sequencing, can increase the tumorigenic properties of colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. P78S is located in the prodomain region, which is responsible for blocking MMP11’s protease activity. This variant was detected in the proband and all the cancer-affected family members analyzed, while it was not detected in healthy relatives. In silico analyses predict that P78S could have an impact on the activation of the enzyme. Furthermore, our in vitro analyses show that the expression of P78S in HCT116 cells increases tumor cell invasion and proliferation. In summary, our results show that this variant could modify the structure of the MMP11 prodomain, producing a premature or uncontrolled activation of the enzyme that may contribute to an early CRC onset in these patients. The study of this gene in other CRC cases will provide further information about its role in CRC development, which might improve patient treatment in the future.

Study EGAS00001006489

16488 results for "sec+and+unspecified+malignant+neoplasm"

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