Search Results - EGA European Genome-Phenome Archive

Systemic analysis of cutaneous and uveal melanoma liver metastases

RNAseq and WES of liver metastases samples (resections and biopsies) of CM and UM patients

Dataset EGAD00001006577

Genome, epigenome and RNA sequences of monozygotic twins discordant for multiple sclerosis

Monozygotic (MZ) twins have been widely employed for dissection of the relative contributions of genetics and environment in disease. In multiple sclerosis (MS), an autoimmune demyelinating disease that commonly causes neurodegeneration and disability in young adults, disease discordance in MZ twins has been interpreted to indicate environmental importance in pathogenesis. However, genetic and epigenetic differences between MZ twins have been described, challenging the accepted experimental paradigm in disambiguating effects of nature and nurture. Here, we report the genome sequences of one MS-discordant MZ twin pair and messenger RNA (mRNA) transcriptome and epigenome sequences of CD4+ lymphocytes from three MS-discordant, MZ twin pairs. No reproducible differences were detected between co-twins among ~3.6 million single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) or ~0.2 million insertion-deletion polymorphisms (indels). Nor were any reproducible differences observed between siblings of the three twin pairs in HLA haplotypes, confirmed MS-susceptibility SNPs, copy number variations, mRNA and genomic SNP and indel genotypes, or expression of ~19,000 genes in CD4+ T cells. Only two to 176 differences in methylation of ~2 million CpG sites were detected between siblings of the three twin pairs, in contrast to ~800 differences in methylation between T cells of unrelated individuals and several thousand differences between tissues or normal and cancerous tissues. In the first systematic effort to estimate sequence variation among MZ co-twins, we did not find evidence for genetic, epigenetic or transcriptome differences that explained disease discordance. These are the first female, twin and autoimmune disease genome sequences reported.

Study phs000239

Nasal MicroRNA during Bronchiolitis and Age 6y Asthma: MARC-35 Cohort

We analyzed data from the 35th Multicenter Airway Research Collaboration (MARC-35) study to examine the relationship between nasal airway microRNAs (miRNAs) and the risk of developing childhood asthma. MARC-35 is a multicenter prospective cohort study which enrolled infants (age Structured interviews of the parents/guardians were performed by site investigators and clinical details were collected via emergency department and hospital inpatient chart reviews. Following the index hospitalization, trained study personnel conducted telephone interviews with parents/legal guardians at six-month intervals. Participants also underwent nasal swab sampling conducted by trained site personnel during the index bronchiolitis hospitalization and during an in-person follow-up examination at about age 6 years. Total RNA was extracted from nasal swab specimens using Trizol LS reagent (ThermoFisher Scientific, Waltham, MA) and the Direct-zol RNA Miniprep Kit (Zymo Research, Irvine, CA). Small RNA-seq was performed using the PerkinElmer NEXTFLEX® small RNA-seq v3 kit with Unique Dual Indexes (PerkinElmer, Waltham, MA) and sequenced on an Illumina NovaSeq6000 sequencer using an S2 50bp PE Flowcell (Illumina, San Diego, CA). Through dbGaP, limited de-identified phenotypic data (e.g., demographics) and RNA-seq FASTQ files will be made available. Among a cohort of infants hospitalized with bronchiolitis, we applied a small RNA sequencing approach and found miRNAs were associated with asthma risk factors, and highly expressed in lung tissue and immune cells (e.g., TH cells, neutrophils). They also played key roles in mechanisms relating to asthma, such as innate immunity, airway remodeling, and IgE regulation.

Study phs003564

Mayo Clinic - Fecal Microbiota and Adenomas

Background: Adenomatous polyps are the most common precursor to colorectal cancer (CRC), the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States. We sought to learn more about early events of carcinogenesis by investigating shifts in the gut microbiota of patients with adenomas. Methods: We analyzed 16S rRNA gene sequences from the fecal microbiota of patients with adenomas (n=233) and without (n=547). Results: Multiple taxa were significantly more abundant in patients with adenomas, including Bilophila, Desulfovibrio, pro-inflammatory bacteria in the genus Mogibacterium, and multiple Bacteroidetes species. Patients without adenomas had greater abundances of Veillonella, Firmicutes (Order Clostridia), and Actinobacteria (family Bifidobacteriales). Many of our findings were consistent with previously reported shifts in the gut microbiota of CRC patients. Importantly, the altered adenoma profile is predicted to increase primary and secondary bile acid production, as well as starch, sucrose, lipid, and phenylpropanoid metabolism. Conclusions: These data suggest that diets rich in refined sugar, protein, and lipids may lead to increased bile acid production, creating a colonic environment that promotes the growth of bile-tolerant microbes such as Bilophilia and Desulfovibrio. In turn, these microbes may produce genotoxic or inflammatory metabolites such as H2S and secondary bile acids, catalyzing adenoma development and eventually CRC. Impact: This study suggests a plausible biological mechanism to explain the links between diet, shifts in the microbiota, and CRC. This represents a first step toward resolving the complex interactions that shape the adenoma-carcinoma sequence of CRC and may facilitate personalized therapeutics focused on the microbiota.

Study phs001204

Case Report: Pre-Clinical Combination Targeting VEGF and PI3K in a Rare, Aggressive Mixed Endometrial Carcinoma

We report a rare case of a young patient (VENUS 167) initially diagnosed with grade 1 endometrioid endometrial cancer, which, following endocrine treatment, presented with mixed aggressive carcinoma with three distinct histologic patterns: grade 1 endometrioid, large cell neuroendocrine, and undifferentiated carcinoma. The surgical specimen at the time of disease progression was used to establish OPTO.85, a patient-derived organoid (PDO), followed by a corresponding organoid-derived xenograft (ODX). Multi-omic analyses confirmed that OPTO.85 accurately reflected the patient’s tumor characteristics. WES analysis identified oncogenic alterations in PIK3CA, ARID1A, and CTNNB1. Further RNA-seq and ATAC-seq analyses revealed enrichment in VEGF and Wnt signaling pathways, suggesting therapeutic vulnerabilities. A high-throughput drug screen was conducted using ApexBio-Approved and Epigenetic Drug Libraries, along with Kinase Inhibitor and Tool Compound Libraries developed at the Ontario Institute of Cancer Research. The OPTO.85 PDO exhibited sensitivity to PI3K inhibitors and responsiveness to VEGF inhibition. Cediranib demonstrated synergy with BKM120, significantly reducing organoid growth. This combination also showed in vivo efficacy in the ODX model, where dual inhibitors significantly suppressed tumor growth compared to single compounds. This case exemplifies the impact of genomic profiling and patient-derived models in identifying actionable molecular changes in rare cancers with limited therapeutic options and poor prognosis. It highlights that high-throughput sequencing for individual patient tumors and generation of patient-derived models are feasible in endometrial cancer. This preclinical model may assist clinical decision and personalized therapy requiring validation in prospective studies.

Study EGAS50000001665

DNA methylation and the adverse metabolic outcomes of adiposity

Overweight and obesity affect ~1.5 billion people worldwide, and are major risk factors for type-2 diabetes (T2D), cardiovascular disease and related metabolic and inflammatory disturbances.1,2 Although the mechanisms linking adiposity to its clinical sequelae are poorly understood, recent studies suggest that adiposity may influence DNA methylation,3-6 a key regulator of gene expression and molecular phenotype.7 Here we use epigenome-wide association to show that body mass index (BMI, a key measure of adiposity) is associated with widespread changes in DNA methylation (187 genetic loci at P<1x10-7, range P=9.2x10-8 to 6.0x10-46; N=10,261 samples). Genetic association analyses demonstrate that the alterations in DNA methylation are predominantly the consequence of adiposity, rather than the cause. We find the methylation loci are enriched for functional genomic features in multiple tissues (P<0.05), and show that sentinel methylation markers identify gene expression signatures at 38 loci (P<9.0x10-6, range P=5.5x10-6 to 6.1x10-35, N=1,785 samples). The methylation loci identified highlight genes involved in lipid and lipoprotein metabolism, substrate transport, and inflammatory pathways. Finally, we show that the disturbances in DNA methylation predict future type-2 diabetes (relative risk per 1SD increase in Methylation Risk Score: 2.3 [2.07-2.56]; P=1.1x10-54). Our results provide new insights into the biologic pathways influenced by adiposity, and may enable development of new strategies for prediction and prevention of type-2 diabetes and other adverse clinical consequences of obesity.

Study EGAS00001001922

Analysis of recent shared ancestry in a familial cohort identifies coding and noncoding autism spectrum disorder variants

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a collection of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by deficits in social communication and restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior or interests. ASD is highly heritable, but genetically and phenotypically heterogeneous, reducing the power to identify causative genes. We performed whole genome sequencing (WGS) in an ASD cohort of 68 individuals from 22 families enriched for recent shared ancestry. We identified an average of 3.07 million variants per genome, of which an average of 112,512 were rare. We mapped runs of homozygosity (ROHs) in affected individuals and found an average genomic homozygosity of 9.65%, consistent with expectations for multiple generations of consanguineous unions. We identified potentially pathogenic rare exonic or splice site variants in 12 known (including KMT2C, SCN1A, SPTBN1, SYNE1, ZNF292) and 12 candidate (including CHD5, GRB10, PPP1R13B) ASD genes. Furthermore, we annotated noncoding variants in ROHs with brain-specific regulatory elements and identified putative disease-causing variants within brain-specific promoters and enhancers for 5 known ASD and neurodevelopmental disease genes (ACTG1, AUTS2, CTNND2, CNTNAP4, SPTBN4). We also identified copy number variants in two known ASD and neurodevelopmental disease loci in two affected individuals. In total we identified potentially etiological variants in known ASD or neurodevelopmental disease genes for ~61% (14/23) of affected individuals. We combined WGS with homozygosity mapping and regulatory element annotations to identify candidate ASD variants. Our analyses add to the growing number of ASD genes and variants and emphasize the importance of leveraging recent shared ancestry to map disease variants in complex neurodevelopmental disorders.

Study EGAS00001006058

Benchmarking for alignment and variant calling

Background: Lung cancer is a heterogeneous disease and the primary cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Somatic mutations, including large structural variants, are important biomarkers in lung cancer for selecting targeted therapy. Genomic studies in lung cancer have been conducted using short-read sequencing. Emerging long-read sequencing technologies are a promising alternative to study somatic structural variants, however there is no current consensus on how to process data and call somatic events. In this study, we preformed whole genome sequencing of lung cancer and matched non-tumour samples using long and short read sequencing to comprehensively benchmark three sequence aligners and six structural variant callers comprised of four generic callers (Sniffles2, cuteSV, SVIM and DELLY in generic mode) and two somatic callers (nanomonsv and DELLY in somatic modes). Results: Different combinations of aligners and variant callers influenced somatic structural variant detection. The choice of caller had a significant influence on somatic structural variant detection in terms of variant type, size, sensitivity, and accuracy. The performance of each variant caller was assessed by comparing to somatic structural variants identified by short read sequencing. When compared to somatic structural variants detected with short read sequencing, more events were detected with long read sequencing. The mean recall of somatic variant events identified by short read sequencing was higher for the somatic callers (64%) than generic callers (52%), with nanomonsv (69%) showing the best performance. Conclusion: Long read sequencing can identify somatic structural variants. The longer reads have the potential to improve our understanding of cancer development and inform personalized cancer treatment.

Study EGAS00001007819

Epidemiological study comparing rates and risk factors for dementia in African Americans in Indianapolis and Yoruba living in Ibadan, Nigeria

In 1991 collaboration between researchers at Indiana University School of Medicine and the University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria established the Indianapolis-Ibadan Dementia Project. It is a longitudinal, prospective population-based comparative epidemiological study of the prevalence and incidence rates and risk factors of Alzheimer's disease and other age associated dementias. The project compares samples of community-dwelling elderly (age > 70 years) African Americans living in Indianapolis to Yoruba living in Ibadan, Nigeria, employing the same research design, methods, and investigators. It initially reported significantly lower prevalence rates of disorders in the Yoruba compared to the African Americans. In subsequent waves of the study (1994-1995, 1997-1998) incidence rates, rates of newly diagnosed cases, were also found to be significantly lower in the Yoruba. In genetic studies, the frequency of the APOE 4 allele was about the same in the two groups. APOE 4 was a significant risk factor for Alzheimer's disease and dementia in the Americans, while no association was found for the Yoruba. The APOE 2 allele appears to be protective in the Americans, but not the Yoruba. A constellation of factors often associated with vascular risk including a history of hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol levels is less common in the Yoruba than in the American group. An interaction was observed between cholesterol, APOE genotype and Alzheimer's disease in both study groups. In 2001-2002 survivors of the original cohort were once again evaluated (N~800 in each site) and 2,000 additional individuals age 70 years and older were enrolled in each site. Blood samples were collected from approximately 1,500 study participants in each site for genetic studies and analysis of biochemical risk factors for vascular disease. Subsequent waves of field work were conducted in 2004, 2007, 2009, and 2011. This fieldwork followed the classic two-stage study design. The study design involves an in-home screening interview with the study participant, which includes a cognitive assessment, medical history and current medications, brief neurological examination, height and weight, blood pressure measurement and assessment of social involvement. There is also a screening interview with a close relative of the study participant to assess activities of daily living, personality change, and medical history of the study participant. On the basis of the screening interview a sample of study participants (N~500 in each site) is selected for a full clinical diagnostic dementia work up which includes a neurological test battery, extensive interview with a family member and examination by a clinician. Diagnoses are made in a consensus diagnosis conference using the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Revised Third Edition (DSM-III R) and International Classification of Diseases 10th Revision (ICD-10) for dementia. The criteria of the National Institute for Neurological and Communicative Disease and Stroke-Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Association were used to diagnose possible and probable Alzheimer's disease. The focus of the study is risk factors for dementia and Alzheimer's disease, but also of particular importance is the question of mild cognitive impairment. This refers to the condition of having some decline in cognition but the decline is not sufficient to meet the criteria for dementia. We have studied this over the course of this project. In follow up studies of individuals who have this diagnosis about one third of them are better at follow up, about a third are about the same, and about a third decline more to meet the criteria for dementia. This is a very important issue for researchers because the ultimate goal of the research is to figure out how to identify the individuals who will definitely progress to dementia. If there are clear identifiers, it would be possible to make interventions, while individuals still function well, and possibly prevent the development of dementia altogether or delay the onset significantly. This is crucial because at the moment individuals usually do not enter into the medical care system until the dementia symptoms are quite severe, and the pathological damage to the brain cannot be undone.

Study phs000378

Broccoli Sprouts Extracts Trial (BEST-COPD-BioLINCC)

Data Access NOTE: Please refer to the “Authorized Access” section below for information about how access to the data from this accession differs from many other dbGaP accessions. Objectives: To establish a safe and tolerable dose of sulforaphane that effects in vivo antioxidants via Nrf2 for development as a potential novel treatment for participants with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).Background: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), caused primarily by smoking, is the third leading cause of death in the United States and world-wide. Surprisingly, there are few treatments available to address the pathobiology of COPD other than cessation of smoking. The development and progression of COPD are associated with increased inflammatory response(s) and increased oxidative stress in the lung. Thus, one approach to the development of novel therapies is the stimulation of endogenous antioxidant defense mechanisms.Nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (NFE2L2/Nrf2) is a transcription factor activated by oxidative stress. Nrf2 activity promotes anti-oxidant enzymes, and anti-oxidant enzymes play key roles in cellular defenses. Sulforaphane, a derivative of broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables, has been shown to stimulate Nrf2 activity in both in vivo and in vitro experiments. For example, activation of Nrf2 protected mice from developing emphysema after chronic smoke exposure and decreased oxidative stress. Similarly, activation of Nrf2 in human COPD lung cells resulted in decreased oxidative stress. Therefore, this study was designed to assess whether daily ingestion of sulforaphane by COPD participants for four weeks increased Nrf2 activity in alveolar macrophages and bronchial epithelial cells. Participants: There were a total of 89 participants randomized to one of three treatment arms. Of these, 31 participants were randomized to the placebo arm, and 29 participants were randomized to the each of the sulforaphane arms. One participant withdrew from the placebo arm, therefore, a total of 88 participants completed the study.Design: Participants were assigned to receive sulforaphane at 25 micromoles (4.4mg), sulforaphane at 150 micromoles (26.6 mg), or placebo (microcellulose) once daily by mouth. Computer-generated treatment assignments were blinded to participants, clinical staff, and study staff. Doses were back-filled with methylcellulose and presented in similar capsules to compensate for appearance and weight differences in sulforaphane and placebo treatments arms.There were a total of five study visits over the six-week study period. Prior to randomization, participants were assessed for eligibility, which included baseline data collection. Participants provided medical histories, underwent a physical examination, pre-and-post bronchodilator spirometry, lung volume measurements, carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (DLCO), and pulse oximetry over the six-week study period. Follow up data and biospecimens were collected at the final visit, which was targeted for four weeks after randomization. Two fiberoptic bronchoscopies were performed under sedation to collect endobronchial brushings and bronchoalveolar lavage used to isolate alveolar macrophages and bronchial epithelial cells. The first bronchoscopy was performed on the day of randomization, and the second bronchoscopy was performed the day after the final visit. In addition, nasal brushings were obtained prior to bronchoscopy to isolate nasal epithelial cells. The primary outcomes were changes in Nrf2 target gene expression at four weeks in alveolar macrophages and bronchial epithelial cells. The target genes for the primary outcome were NQ01, H01, AKR1C1, and AKR1C3. Secondary outcomes included the evaluation of: expression of other genes in the Nrf2/Keap1 pathway (e.g. Nrf2/NFE2L2, KEAP1, and SLPI), markers of oxidative stress (e.g., isoprostane and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) in plasma and expired breath condensate, and cytokine profiles in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Conclusions: Sulforaphane administered at four weeks doses of 25umoles and 150umoles to participants with COPD did not significantly increase Nrf2 target gene expression in alveolar macrophages or bronchial epithelial cells. In addition, changes in oxidative stress markers and the expression of other genes in the Nrf2/Keap1 pathway were not statistically significant between the treatment groups.Wise RA, Holbrook JT, Criner G, et al. Lack of Effect of Oral Sulforaphane Administration on Nrf2 Expression in COPD: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo Controlled Trial. Vij N, ed. PLoS ONE. 2016; 11(11):e0163716. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0163716 (PMID: 27832073; PMID: 28350841).

Study phs004022

Sporadic Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS): Parent-Offspring and Twin Sequencing Study

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease that affects the nerves in the brain and spinal cord, leading to muscle weakening and eventual paralysis and death. Ten percent of ALS cases are thought to be familial while the majority of cases are sporadic and the causative factors unknown. Dr. Roger Pamphlett of the University of Sydney has collected a unique cohort of consented trios where the child has ALS but the parents are unaffected. Since the age of onset is so late, it is very difficult to obtain this kind of trio. We have performed whole exome sequencing on these trios to identify de novo and recessive germline variants associated with sporadic ALS. In addition, Dr. Pamphlett has assembled a collection of consented discordant monozygotic twins, where one twin has ALS and the other is unaffected. We performed whole genome sequencing on these twin pairs to identify postzygotic variants that may contribute to sporadic ALS susceptibility. Finally, we have the opportunity to compare the sequence and gene expression in affected and unaffected tissues from blood, brain and/or spinal cord samples from consented ALS patients to look for somatic mutations or gene expression changes that may further our understanding of the disease.

Study phs000831

Epigenetic Changes in Immune Response and Oncogenesis Related Genes Caused by Heavy Metal Long-Term Exposure

Our study investigated methylation changes in CpG islands located in immune response and oncogenesis related genes in humans induced by long-term environmental heavy metal exposure. We assessed the methylation levels of 654 CpG sites located on NFKB1, CDKN2A, ESR1, APOA5 and IGF2/H19 genes by targeted bisulfite sequencing (target enrichment by 48.48 Access Array Integrated Fluidic Circuit (Fluidigm, USA) in a cohort of 40 subjects living near a metal mining area (the Kapan mining region, Armenia) and 40 unexposed subjects. We performed linear regression on our data to find differentially methylated positions with adjustment for gender, age, BMI class, smoking, and plasma concentrations of 21 essential and non-essential metals detected by ICP-MS. Our study showed hypomethylation of five CpG sites in the NFKB1 promoter region in the exposed group. According to our findings, the methylation changes of CpG sites in NFKB1, CDKN2A, IGF2 and ESR1 genes are associated with multiple and specific metal exposures. Targeted bisulfite sequencing data obtained for 80 subjects who participated in this study are available through dbGaP. The tables contain information about age, sex, BMI, smoking and exposure status, as well as race and ethnicity of the study participants.

Study phs003392

Precision Medicine for Dilated Cardiomyopathy in European and African Ancestry

The DCM Precision Medicine Study is a multi-site consortium-based cross-sectional study of families with an embedded open-label randomized controlled trial. The aims of the study are to test the hypothesis that dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) has a substantial genetic basis and to evaluate the effectiveness of a family communication intervention in improving the uptake of preventive screening and surveillance in at-risk first-degree relatives. The Study goal was to recruit 1,300 individuals (600 non-Hispanic African ancestry, 600 non-Hispanic European ancestry, and 100 Hispanic; 50% female) meeting rigorous diagnostic criteria for idiopathic DCM (probands) and 2,600 of their relatives. The probands were inpatients or outpatients identified by heart failure and cardiac transplant cardiovascular physicians and clinical research personnel in heart failure/heart transplant programs at sites in the DCM Consortium. The DCM phenotype was selected for this study because of its prevalence and its prior inclusion in the development of virtually all pharmacotherapy for non-ischemic heart failure from reduced ejection fraction. Study procedures included obtaining family history, cardiac history, medical record review, surveys, and blood sample collection. Exome data from 1219 idiopathic DCM probands and 127 idiopathic DCM relatives are included in dbGaP.

Study phs002641

Gene Expression and Biomarker Utility in Post-Mortem Samples

The FAA Functional Genomics Team examined the feasibility of analyzing gene expression profiles using post-mortem brain, lung, muscle, and blood samples collected from aviation accident fatalities, with the goal of validating post-mortem extracted RNA for use in RNA sequencing. We compared the RNA sequencing results obtained from THC-positive and THC-negative samples to determine whether RNA sequencing on samples collected from aviation accident fatalities was possible and if any differences in gene expression associated with THC consumption were detectable post-mortem. The study population included 57 males of indeterminant age who perished in general aviation accidents and for whom post-mortem toxicological testing identified delta-9-THC or its primary or secondary metabolites, as well as negative controls. We determined that RNA sequencing on post-mortem aviation accident fatality samples is possible, and further identified genes showing differential expression in lung and muscle between THC-positive and THC-negative samples. We conclude that post-mortem tissue samples collected from aviation accident fatalities are suitable for gene expression profiling, but caution researchers that such samples have low RNA integrity numbers and some degree of microbial contamination is both probable and to be expected. Raw sequencing files (.fastq) from this study are available in dbGaP.

Study phs003546

Gynecology and Lubricant Effects (GALE) Study

The GALE study is a longitudinal study of the association between lubricant use and the vaginal microbiota in women receiving transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) at the Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine Department at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. Participants undergo a clinical exam at enrollment (at least 5 days prior to TVUS) and self-collect daily, mid-vaginal samples in the week leading up to TVUS, including immediately before the procedure. At the TVUS appointment, the sonographer applies a single-use packet of Glide lubricating jelly to the probe. The product was selected for study as it was currently being used in the TVUS clinic at the University of Maryland Medical Center and is a clinical lubricant which is very similar in composition to many sex lubricants. Participants collect samples the evening after TVUS and present for a follow-up clinical exam within a week of TVUS. Participants continue to sample twice weekly for an additional 8 weeks (returning completed kits each week), complete daily health and behavior diaries, and attend one final clinical exam at week 10. The clinician evaluates participants for bacterial vaginosis (BV) at each clinical visit using Amsel's criteria, and also looks for signs of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) and trichomonas using a wet mount.

Study phs002211

Single-Cell Genomic and Transcriptomic Analysis of the Aging Human Brain

We studied human brain aging using single-cell whole genome sequencing and single-nucleus RNA sequencing of the pre-frontal cortex from 19 donors ranging in age from 0.4 years to 104 years. All donors were free of neuropathology and none received a clinical neurological diagnosis prior to death. snRNA-seq libraries were prepared in batches that always included old and young donors to mitigate batch effects in the preparations. Neurons for single-cell WGS were collected from the same tissue region as the snRNA-seq for each donor but represent independent cells. Multiplexed error-robust fluorescent in-situ hybridization (MERFISH) data was also collected from pre-frontal cortex samples of a subset of the 19 donors. Transcriptomic results identified infant-specific cell clusters, and common-down regulation of cell-essential genes involved in ribosomes, transport, homeostasis and metabolism during aging, across all cell types. scWGS identified two-age associated mutational signatures, as well as gene-length and expression-level dependent somatic mutation rates in neurons. Raw sequencing data in fastq format for single-nucleus RNA-seq and single-cell DNA-seq, as well as cell and gene count matrix, transcript metadata, and cell metadata for MERFISH will be available in dbGaP.

Study phs003445

snRNA-seq analysis in multinucleated myogenic FSHD cells identifies heterogeneous FSHD transcriptome signatures associated with embryonic-like program activation and oxidative stress-induced apoptosis

The sporadic nature of DUX4 expression in FSHD muscle challenges comparative transcriptome analyses between FSHD and control samples. A variety of DUX4 and FSHD-associated transcriptional changes have been identified, but bulk RNA-seq strategies prohibit comprehensive analysis of their spatiotemporal relation, interdependence and role in the disease process. In this study, we used single-nucleus RNA-sequencing of nuclei isolated from patient- and control-derived multinucleated primary myotubes to investigate the cellular heterogeneity in FSHD. Taking advantage of the increased resolution in snRNA-sequencing of fully differentiated myotubes, two distinct populations of DUX4-affected nuclei could be defined by their transcriptional profiles. Our data provides insights into the differences between these two populations and suggests heterogeneity in two well-known FSHD-associated transcriptional aberrations: increased oxidative stress and inhibition of myogenic differentiation. Additionally, we provide evidence that DUX4-affected nuclei share transcriptome features with early embryonic cells beyond the well-described cleavage stage, progressing into the 8-cell and blastocyst stages. Altogether, our data suggests that the FSHD transcriptional profile is defined by a mixture of individual and sometimes mutually exclusive DUX4-induced responses and cellular state-dependent downstream effects.

Study EGAS00001007635

Early detection of ovarian cancer using cell-free DNA fragmentomes and protein biomarkers

Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of death from gynecological cancers worldwide. No effective screening methods exist, and tumors are commonly detected at advanced stages where treatment is much less effective. In this study, we used whole-genome cell-free DNA (cfDNA) fragmentome and protein biomarker (CA-125 and HE4) analyses to evaluate 591 women from the European Union or the United States with ovarian cancer, benign adnexal masses, or without ovarian lesions. Using a machine learning model that incorporated multi-analyte fragmentome data and protein measurements, we detected ovarian cancer with high specificity >99% and sensitivity of 72%, 69%, 87%, and 100% for stages I–IV, respectively (AUC=0.96, 95% CI: 0.94-0.99), including 90% of high grade serous ovarian cancers. At the same specificity, CA-125 alone detected 34%, 62%, 63%, and 100% of ovarian cancers for stages I–IV (p=0.001, two-sided test of equal proportions). Additionally, our approach distinguished benign masses from ovarian cancers with high accuracy (AUC of 0.88, 95% CI=0.83-0.92). These results were validated in an independent population. These findings show that integrated cfDNA fragmentome and protein analyses detect ovarian cancers with high performance, enabling a new accessible approach for noninvasive ovarian cancer screening and diagnostic evaluation.

Study EGAS50000000484

The PEMDAC phase 2 study of pembrolizumab and entinostat in patients with metastatic uveal melanoma

Patients with metastatic uveal melanoma (UM) have an abysmal prognosis. Preclinical studies have suggested that epigenetic therapy could enhance immunogenicity of cancer cells. Here we test if epigenetic therapy would enhance PD-1 immunotherapy in patients with metastatic UM. We report the results of the PEMDAC phase 2 clinical trial (n=29; NCT02697630) where the HDAC inhibitor entinostat was combined with the PD-1 inhibitor pembrolizumab in patients with metastatic UM. The primary endpoint was objective response rate (ORR), and was met with an ORR of 14%. The clinical benefit rate at 18 weeks was 28%, median progression free survival was 2.1 months and the median overall survival was 13.4 months. Toxicities were manageable, and there were no treatment-related deaths. Extensive genomics studies were performed using DNA/RNA and single cell sequencing and flow cytometry. Objective responses and prolonged survival were seen in three patients with BAP1 wildtype tumors, and in one patient with an iris melanoma that exhibited a UV signature. Longer survival also correlated with low baseline ctDNA levels or LDH. In conclusion, HDAC inhibition and anti-PD1 immunotherapy results in durable responses in a subset of patients with metastatic UM. Further exploration of combined immunotherapy and epigenetic therapy in metastatic UM is warranted.

Study EGAS00001005478

Pooled scRNA-seq of iPSC-derived neural stem cells from ADHD and control individuals

This dataset comprises paired-end FASTQ files from single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) of neural stem cells (NSCs) derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). The iPSCs were reprogrammed from somatic cells (keratinocytes, PBMCs, or lymphoblastoid cell lines) collected from individuals diagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and age-matched healthy controls (ages 6–18 years). Reprogramming was carried out using the non-integrative Sendai virus system (CytoTune-iPS 2.0, Thermo Fisher Scientific), introducing OCT3/4, SOX2, KLF4, and cMYC. iPSCs were cultured in Essential 8 medium on vitronectin and underwent rigorous quality control including immunocytochemistry, qRT-PCR, mycoplasma testing, and SNP genotyping (Illumina Global Screening Array). NSCs were generated using a standardized neural induction protocol and validated via qRT-PCR and immunostaining for markers including PAX6, SOX2, NESTIN, TUJ1, and FOXG1. Two independent scRNA-seq multiplexed experiments were performed: Experiment 1 (ADHD: n = 7; Control: n = 6) and Experiment 2 (ADHD: n = 9; Control: n = 7). Samples were pooled and demultiplexed using the Ensemblex algorithm, incorporating prior genotype data. After quality control filtering (>500 unique RNA molecules per cell), 30,433 single-cell transcriptomes were retained. Differential gene expression analysis was conducted to identify transcriptional signatures associated with ADHD compared to controls.

Study EGAS00001008169

Clonal selection and double hit events involving tumor suppressor genes underlie relapse from total therapy

In order to gain insights into the mechanisms of disease progression in multiple myeloma (MM) patients treated with multi-agent and high-dose chemotherapy we have performed a longitudinal study of 33 patients entered into Total Therapy protocols using gene expression profiling, high resolution copy number analyses and whole exome sequencing. The results of this study show the importance of acquired mutations in MM driver genes, bi-allelic events affecting tumor suppressor genes and increased proliferation rates in driving relapse, which is enhanced by intra-clonal heterogeneity and Darwinian type clonal evolution. Branching was the most frequent evolution pattern, characterized by clonal loss and appearance of new clones. We found a higher number of lost and acquired copy number aberrations and an excess of bi-allelic inactivation of tumor suppressor genes in GEP70 high risk (HiR) cases, consistent with genomic instability being a key feature of HiR MM. In conclusion, our study further stresses the impact of known prognostic markers and driver genes on the fitness level of MM cells to survive multi-agent chemotherapy. The frequent bi-allelic loss of tumor suppressor genes in HiR cases and the potentially resulting failure of treatment with DNA damaging agents highlight the need for new therapies for HiR MM.

Study EGAS00001001810

The HLA-DQβ1 insertion is a strong achalasia risk factor and displays a geospatial north-south gradient among Europeans

Idiopathic achalasia is a severe motility disorder of the esophagus and is characterized by a failure of the lower esophageal sphincter to relax due to a loss of neurons in the myenteric plexus. Most recently, we identified an 8 amino acid insertion in the cytoplasmic tail of HLA-DQβ1 as strong achalasia risk factor in a sample set from Central Europe, Italy, and Spain. Here, we tested whether the HLA-DQβ1 insertion also confers achalasia risk in the Polish and Swedish population. We could replicate the initial findings and the insertion shows strong achalasia association in both samples (Poland P = 1.84×10-04, Sweden P = 7.44×10-05). Combining all five European data sets – Central Europe, Italy, Spain, Poland, and Sweden – the insertion is achalasia associated with Pcombined = 1.67×10-35. In addition, we observe that the frequency of the insertion shows a geospatial north-south gradient. The insertion is less common in northern (around 6-7% in patients and 2% in controls from Sweden and Poland) compared to southern Europeans (around 16% in patients and 8% in controls from Italy) and shows a stronger attributable risk (AR) in the southern European population. Our study provides evidence that the prevalence of achalasia may differ between populations.

Study EGAS00001001515

Extreme phenotypes define epigenetic and metabolic signatures in cardiovascular diseases.

Improving the understanding of cardiometabolic syndrome pathophysiology and its relationship with thrombosis are ongoing healthcare challenges. Using plasma biomarkers analysis coupled with the transcriptional and epigenetic characterisation of cell types involved in thrombosis, obtained from two extreme phenotype groups (obese and lipodystrophy) and comparing these to lean individuals and blood donors, the present study identifies the molecular mechanisms at play, highlighting patterns of abnormal activation in innate immune phagocytic cells and shows that extreme phenotype groups could be distinguished from lean individuals, and from each other, across all data layers. The characterisation of the same obese group, six months after bariatric surgery shows the loss of the patterns of abnormal activation of innate immune cells previously observed. However, rather than reverting to the gene expression landscape of lean individuals, this occurs via the establishment of novel gene expression landscapes. Netosis and its control mechanisms emerge amongst the pathways that show an improvement after surgical intervention. Taken together, by integrating across data layers, the observed molecular and metabolic differences form a disease signature that is able to discriminate, amongst the blood donors, those individuals with a higher likelihood of having cardiometabolic syndrome, even when not presenting with the classic features.

Study EGAS00001003780

Whole genome, exome and transcriptome analysis to guide individualized cancer interpretation

Study Design: The Cancer Alliance study was a collaboration of nine academic medical institutions in the New York city area and led by the New York Genome Center. Tumor-normal paired samples were submitted by the institutions for whole genome, whole exome and transcriptome sequencing and bioinformatics analysis at New York Genome Center. Relevant clinical histories were also collected. Raw sequence files were available to all collaborators. Variant call files were analyzed both manually by interpreters at NYGC and by IBM Watson Genome Analytics. This study was approved by a central institutional review board (IRB), Biomedical Research Alliance of New York, and by local IRBs, including Stony Brook University and Northwell Health. The study was supported in part by a grant from the IBM corporation (IBM Watson Health) to the New York Genome Center, New York Genome Center philanthropic funds and Rockefeller University grant # UL1TR000043 from the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) program. The principal investigator Robert B. Darnell MD, PhD., is a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator. Results: Pending Publication of Analysis of Study Conclusions: Pending Publication of Analysis of Study

Study EGAS00001004013

A recessive PRDM13 mutation results in congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and cerebellar hypoplasia

The PRDM13 (PR Domain containing 13) putative chromatin modifier and transcriptional regulator functions downstream of the transcription factor PTF1A, which controls GABAergic fate in the spinal cord and neurogenesis in the hypothalamus. Here, we report a novel, recessive syndrome associated with PRDM13 mutation. Patients exhibited intellectual disability, ataxia with cerebellar hypoplasia, scoliosis and delayed puberty with congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH). Expression studies revealed Prdm13/PRDM13 transcripts in the developing hypothalamus and cerebellum in mouse and human. An analysis of hypothalamus and cerebellum development in mice homozygous for a Prdm13 mutant allele revealed a significant reduction in the number of Kisspeptin (Kiss1) neurons in the hypothalamus and PAX2+ progenitors emerging from the cerebellar ventricular zone. The latter was accompanied by ectopic expression of the glutamatergic lineage marker TLX3. Prdm13-deficient mice displayed cerebellar hypoplasia, normal gonadal structure, but delayed pubertal onset. Together, these findings identify PRDM13 as a critical regulator of GABAergic cell fate in the cerebellum and of hypothalamic kisspeptin neuron development, providing a mechanistic explanation for the co-occurrence of CHH and cerebellar hypoplasia in this syndrome. To our knowledge, this is the first evidence linking disrupted PRDM13-mediated regulation of Kiss1 neurons to CHH in humans.

Study EGAS00001005878

Hexanucleotide repeat expansions in C9orf72 alter microglial responses and prevent a coordinated glial reaction in ALS

Neuroinflammation is an important hallmark in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Experimental evidence has highlighted a role of microglia in the modulation of motor neuron degeneration. However, the exact contribution of microglia to both sporadic and genetic forms of ALS is still unclear. We generated single nuclei profiles of spinal cord and motor cortex from sporadic and C9orf72 ALS patients, as well as controls. We particularly focused on the transcriptomic responses of both microglia and astrocytes. We confirmed that C9orf72 is highly expressed in microglia and shows a diminished expression in carriers of the hexanucleotide repeat expansion (HRE). This resulted in an impaired response to disease, with specific deficits in phagocytic and lysosomal transcriptional pathways. Astrocytes also displayed a dysregulated response in C9orf72 ALS patients, remaining in a homeostatic state. This suggests that C9orf72 HRE alters a coordinated glial response, which ultimately would increase the risk for developing ALS. Our results indicate that C9orf72 HRE results in a selective microglial loss-of-function, likely impairing microglial-astrocyte communication and preventing a global glial response. This is relevant as it indicates that sporadic and familial forms of ALS may present a different cellular substrate, which is of great importance for patient stratification and treatment.

Study EGAS00001006711

Genetic Effects on Gene Expression and Splicing during Human Neurogenesis

Interpretation of the function of non-coding risk loci for neuropsychiatric disorders and brain-relevant traits via gene expression and alternative splicing quantitative trait locus (e/sQTL) analyses is generally performed in bulk post-mortem adult tissue. However, genetic risk loci are enriched in regulatory elements active during neocortical differentiation, and regulatory effects of risk variants may be masked by heterogeneity in bulk tissue. Here, we map e/sQTLs, and allele-specific expression in cultured cells representing two major developmental stages, primary human neural progenitors (n=85) and their sorted neuronal progeny (n=74), identifying numerous loci not detected in either bulk developing cortical wall or adult cortex. Using colocalization and genetic imputation via transcriptome-wide association, we uncover cell-type specific regulatory mechanisms underlying risk for brain-relevant traits that are active during neocortical differentiation. Specifically, we identified a progenitor-specific eQTL for CENPW co-localized with common variant associations for cortical surface area and educational attainment.

Study phs002493

Simultaneous Trimodal Single Cell Measurement of Transcripts, Epitopes, and Chromatin Accessibility Using TEA-Seq

Single-cell measurements of cellular characteristics have been instrumental in understanding the heterogeneous pathways that drive differentiation, cellular responses to signals, and human disease. Recent advances have allowed paired capture of protein abundance and transcriptomic state, but a lack of epigenetic information in these assays has left a missing link to gene regulation. Using the heterogeneous mixture of cells in human peripheral blood as a test case, we developed a novel scATAC-seq workflow that increases signal-to-noise and allows paired measurement of cell surface markers and chromatin accessibility: Integrated Cellular Indexing of Chromatin Landscape and Epitopes (ICICLE-seq). We extended this approach using a droplet-based multiomics platform to develop a trimodal assay that simultaneously measures Transcriptomics (scRNA-seq), Epitopes, and chromatin Accessibility (scATAC-seq) from thousands of single cells, which we term TEA-seq. Together, these multimodal single-cell assays provide a novel toolkit to identify type-specific gene regulation and expression grounded in phenotypically defined cell types.

Study phs002316

Circulating Tumor DNA as a Biomarker in Patients with Stage III and IV Wilms Tumor: Analysis from a Children's Oncology Group Trial, AREN0533

We evaluated the utility of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) as a biomarker in the serum and urine of 50 patients with Stage III or Stage IV Wilms tumor (WT) that were enrolled on Children's Oncology Group (COG) trial AREN0533. 49 out of 50 patients had matched tumor samples available for comparison. We profiled samples with ultra-low pass whole genome sequencing (ULP-WGS) and detected ctDNA in 82% of serum samples and 26% of urine samples. We also identified copy-number changes and single-nucleotide variants in the serum and urine samples, and compared them to the tumor data. Our study highlights the advantages of using ctDNA as non-invasive prognostic biomarker with the potential to detect tumor heterogeneity in patients with WT. We believe that prospective validation of ctDNA as a prognostic biomarker in patients with WT is warranted. The ULP-WGS and targeted next-generation sequencing (OncoPanel) data are available in this study.

Study phs002847

Identification and Characterization of Skin-Resident Memory T cells in Patients with Melanoma-Associated Vitiligo

Metastatic melanoma patients who develop melanoma-associated vitiligo, an autoimmune cutaneous side effect after receiving immunotherapy, have better overall survival than those who do not develop vitiligo. The objective of this study is to determine the tumor-specific memory T cell responses in the skin, tumor and blood of melanoma patients with vitiligo. Matched melanoma tumor, distant vitiligo-affected skin, and blood were collected and sorted for T cells to perform paralleled single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and single-cell TCR sequencing (scTCR-seq) on the day of tissue collection. The transcriptional analysis identified three resident memory T (TRM) cell subsets which were shared between tumors and vitiligo-affected skin. scRNA-seq identified CD8+ T-cell clonotypes in tumors that co-existed as TRM in skin and as effector memory T (TEM) cells in blood. This study revealed that long-term melanoma survivors maintained memory T cell responses as broadly-distributed TRM and TEM compartments. 

Study phs002309

Innate and Adaptive Immunity in Parkinson Disease-P20

Increasing evidence supports the role of brain and systemic inflammation in the etiology of Parkinson disease (PD). We used gene expression profiling (RNA-seq) to examine the activation state of peripheral blood monocytes in 18 patients with early, untreated PD and 16 healthy control (HC) subjects. Monocytes were isolated by negative selection, and gene expression studied by RNA-seq and gene set enrichment analysis. A computational model that incorporated case/control status, sex, and the interaction between case/control status and sex was utilized. We found that there was a striking effect of sex on monocyte gene expression. There was inflammatory activation of monocytes in females with PD, with enrichment of gene sets associated with interferon gamma stimulation. In males, the activation patterns were more heterogeneous. These data point to the importance of systemic monocyte activation in PD, and the importance of studies which examine the differential effects of sex on pathophysiology of the disease.

Study phs002063

Gut Microbiome and Types of Colorectal Polyps

Colorectal cancer is a heterogeneous disease arising from at least two precursors-the conventional adenoma and the serrated polyp. This dataset was used to test the relationship of the gut microbiota to specific colorectal polyp types. We included samples from two independent study populations based at colonoscopy clinics: the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Study of In-home Tests for Colorectal Cancer (SIT), and the New York University (NYU) Human Microbiome and Colorectal Tumor study. Gut microbiota were assessed in 667 colonoscopy-screened adults by 16S rRNA gene sequencing of stool samples, of which 540 were included in our analysis. Participants were categorized as conventional adenoma cases, serrated polyp cases, or polyp-free controls. CA cases were further classified as proximal or distal and as non-advanced or advanced. Serrated polyp cases were further classified as hyperplastic polyp or sessile serrated adenoma. Our results show associations between gut microbiome composition and presence of conventional adenomas, including reduced diversity and alterations in taxon abundance.

Study phs001381

Immune Response to Life-Threatening Respiratory Infections in Children and Young Adults

This is a cross sectional study describing age-related differences in the nasal mucosal immune response to SARS-CoV-2. We collected nasal mucosal samples from six groups: healthy children, children infected with SARS-CoV-2, children infected with respiratory syncytial virus, children infected with influenza virus, healthy adults, and adults infected with SARS-CoV-2. Samples were obtained by mucosal scrape biopsy of the inferior turbinate using a sterile plastic curette. We performed bulk RNA-sequencing to obtain gene expression data. Clinical data was extracted from the electronic health record including: demographics, medical history, clinical presentation, duration of symptoms, intensive care unit admission, hospital and intensive care unit length of stay, type and duration of respiratory support at sample collection and peak illness. Our analysis described the host response to SARS-CoV-2 in the nasal mucosa in children and adults and compared it to the host response to respiratory syncytial virus and influenza virus.

Study phs002579

DNA Methylation Studies in CREW Cohorts (URECA and COAST)

Children's Respiratory Environment Workgroup (CREW) is an NIH-funded project consisting of 12 individual U.S. cohorts and three scientific centers working together to identify phenotypes and causes of childhood asthma. CREW includes data from a large number of children and their families, with broad diversity in terms of ethnicity, family characteristics, neighborhoods and geographic locations. In this study, we identified differentially methylated regions from whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) in nasal epithelial cells from 39 children of European or African ancestries, and with or without allergic asthma. Study participants were from two of the CREW cohorts: the Urban Environment and Childhood Asthma (URECA) cohort and the Childhood Origins of Asthma (COAST) cohort.The URECA children are also participants of a larger genetic study, in which DNA samples are derived from blood. That data is presented in the "Whole Genome Sequencing in the Inner City Asthma Consortium (ICAC) Cohorts - phs002921" study.

Study phs003321

Childhood Cancer Data Initiative (CCDI): Integrating Longitudinal Clinical, Sociodemographic and Genomic Data into the NCCR

The goal of this study is to contribute clinical and genomic data from a large institutional cohort of pediatric cancer patients who had tumor genomic profiling between 2013 and 2019 at Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Hospital Cancer and Blood Disorders Center. Clinical data include demographics, diagnosis (classified according to the International Classification of Diseases for Oncology (ICD-O-3.2), stage, and biospecimen associated data. Tumors were sequenced with OncoPanel, a targeted next-generation DNA sequencing panel of up to 447 cancer genes for detection of single-nucleotide variants (SNV), insertions, and deletions, and copy number alterations (CNA), as well as selected intronic regions for up to 60 genes for the detection of structural variants (SV). This dataset includes a patient and sample identifier (GENIE ID) that can be used to link the genomic data included in this dataset to additional longitudinal clinical cancer data on a subset of patients that was submitted to the National Childhood Cancer Registry (NCCR).

Study phs002677

Ipilimumab and Decitabine in Treating Patients With Relapsed or Refractory Myelodysplastic Syndrome or Acute Myeloid Leukemia

The NCI Experimental Therapeutics Clinical Trials Network (ETCTN)/Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program (CTEP) 10026 study (NCT02890329) tested combined ipilimumab and decitabine treatment in two cohorts: Arm A consisted of patients with relapsed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Arm B consisted of patients with advanced myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) or AML that did not previously undergo stem cell transplantation. During the study, peripheral blood and bone marrow samples were obtained from study participants at study entry (screening), following the first lead-in cycle of decitabine monotherapy, during combined treatment with decitabine and ipilimumab, and at the end of treatment.This study tested the combination of the CTLA-4 blocking antibody ipilimumab and the DNA methyltransferase inhibitor decitabine in advanced myeloid disease in the transplant-naive and post-transplant context. The samples were used for bulk and single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) as well as whole exome sequencing (WES).

Study phs003015

Aberrant RNA-splicing (neojunctions) offers a new source for targets, and our neoantigen discovery platform (SNIPP) characterizes a novel class of clonally-expressed splicing-derived neoantigens that elicit a CD8+ T-cell-mediated tumor killing response.

RESULTS: Our pipeline identified 789 public neojunctions, with 32 neojunctions concurrently identified in transcriptomic and proteomic glioma data and predicted to be presented by HLA-A*02:01 with high confidence. IVS and subsequent 10x VDJ scRNA-seq identified TCR clonotypes reactive against neojunctions in RPL22 (n=7) and GNAS (n=1), the latter being highly intratumorally-conserved (detected in > 90% of spatially-mapped biopsies across 17/56 patients (26.78%)). TCR-transduced T-cells demonstrated recognition and immunogenic activation against endogenously processed and presented neoantigens in multiple GBM PDX cell lines. Furthermore, IDH1-mutant oligodendroglioma samples demonstrated significantly elevated expression of neojunctions over IDH1-mutant astrocytoma and IDH1wt subtypes. Differential gene expression (DESeq2) identified decreased expression of splicing factors due to oligodendroglioma-specific co-deletion of Chromosomes 1p/19q. siRNA knockdown of these splicing factors (e.g. SF3A3, SNRPD2) in IDH1wt glioma cells resulted in significantly increased expression of corresponding neojunctions.

Study EGAS00001007986

Uncovering Gene Regulatory Differences between Human and Chimpanzee Neural Cells

A major challenge in human evolutionary biology is to pinpoint the genetic differences that underlie phenotypic changes in the human lineage, such as increased neuron number and a prolonged period of neuronal maturation. Here, we used human-chimpanzee tetraploid cells to distinguish changes in gene expression due to cis-acting sequence variants that change local gene regulation, from trans expression changes due to species differences in the cellular environment, in neural progenitor cells and excitatory neurons using RNA-seq and ATAC-seq. Using a CRISPR inhibition screen with scRNA-seq, transcription factor motif analyses with CUT&Tag, and downstream single-locus studies with RNA-seq, we further characterized cis-acting gene regulatory differences, including changes to FOS, TNIK, FOSL2, and MAZ, that influence neurogenesis and neuronal maturation. This study identifies specific genomic changes that may contribute to human neural specializations and provides a general framework for understanding genetic differences that underlie human traits.

Study phs004053

Deciphering craniopharyngioma subtypes: Single-cell analysis of tumor microenvironment and immune networks

Craniopharyngiomas, including both adamantinomatous (ACP) and squamous papillary (PCP) types, present significant challenges in treatment due to their proximity to critical pituitary structures. In this study, we conducted a single-cell RNA analysis to examine the tumor microenvironments (TME) of ACP and PCP. Single-cell clustering revealed a wide range of cell types, which were further categorized based on gene expression patterns. For ACP, these categories included developing epithelia, calcification, and immune response, while PCP showed developing epithelia, cell cycle, and immune response as prominent categories. Subclustering analysis unveiled different types of immune cells in both ACP and PCP TMEs, with specific patterns of immune responses. Interestingly, smaller tumors were associated with particular immune cell ratios. Furthermore, we identified specific cell-to-cell interactions within the tumor cells. In conclusion, our study has led to the development of a comprehensive cell atlas, shedding light on the molecular characteristics and intricate interplay of immune cells within the TMEs of ACP and PCP.

Study JGAS000722

EuCANCan: EUropean-CANadian Cancer network

The EUropean-CANadian Cancer network (EuCANCan) is a project aiming to develop a federated network of aligned and interoperable infrastructures for the homogeneous analysis, management and sharing of genomic oncology data for Personalized Medicine. This initiative, funded by the European Commission and the Canadian Institutes of Health and coordinated by the Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC), is expected to process and provide the scientific community with around 30-35 thousand patient samples from different types of cancer, coming from different nodes involved in this project, during the four years of the project. Data generated as part of primary studies, often in small hospitals or research centers, is hardly reused by other projects or groups. EuCANCan is proposed to foster the homogenisation and discoverability of cancer samples from very different sources for the whole community. These efforts will help paving the way to future standardised and global genomics projects, specially for those participant countries that eventually integrate the methodology and infrastructure generated during the project. “The more data we have access to the more and better discoveries. We attempt to overcome the legal and technical limitations in order to generate, gather and exploit bigger datasets as well as answer more ambitious questions”. These were some of the words Dr. David Torrents, main coordinator of the project, shared with a regional radio during the kick-off meeting of the project, on February 11th, 2019. The EUCANCan network will be composed of reference nodes in Amsterdam, Barcelona, Berlin, Heidelberg, Paris and Toronto which have established strong research and clinical programs in the field of genomic oncology. The Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), specifically the European Genome-phenome Archive (EGA), is among the leading institutions. Its exhaustive experience in biomedical data archival and secure distribution is considered key for crucial developments within the project. It is also notable the recent inclusion of EUCANCan in the list of GA4GH driver projects. Further information and details can be found in the following links: InsideHPC BSC official description Techweek (Spanish)

Blog eucancan

MethylBERT enables read-level DNA methylation pattern identification and tumour deconvolution using a Transformer-based model

DNA methylation (DNAm) is a key epigenetic mark that shows profound alterations in cancer. Read-level methylomes enable more in-depth DNAm analysis due to the broad coverage and preservation of rare cell-type signals, compared to array-based data such as 450K/EPIC array. Here, we propose MethylBERT, a novel Transformer-based model for read-level methylation pattern classification. MethylBERT identifies tumour-derived sequence reads based on their methylation patterns and genomic sequence and the method estimates tumour cell fractions within bulk samples. In our evaluation, MethylBERT outperforms existing deconvolution methods and demonstrates high accuracy regardless of methylation pattern complexity, read length and read coverage. Moreover, we show its applicability to cell-type deconvolution as well as non-invasive early cancer diagnostics using liquid biopsy samples. MethylBERT represents a significant advancement in read-level methylome analysis and enables accurate tumour purity estimation. The broad applicability of MethylBERT will enhance studies on both tumour and non-cancerous bulk methylomes.

Study EGAS50000000806

ZNF703 is a common Luminal B breast cancer oncogene that differentially regulates luminal and basal progenitors in human mammary epithelium.

The telomeric amplicon at 8p12 is common in oestrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancers. Array-CGH and expression analyses of 1172 primary breast tumours revealed that ZNF703 was the single gene within the minimal amplicon and was amplified predominantly in the Luminal B subtype. Amplification was shown to correlate with increased gene and protein expression and was associated with a distinct expression signature and poor clinical outcome. ZNF703 transformed NIH 3T3 fibroblasts, behaving as a classical oncogene, and regulated proliferation in human luminal breast cancer cell lines and immortalized human mammary epithelial cells. Manipulation of ZNF703 expression in the luminal MCF7 cell line modified the effects of TGFÎ² on proliferation. Overexpression of ZNF703 in normal human breast epithelial cells enhanced the frequency of in vitro colony-forming cells from luminal progenitors. Taken together, these data strongly point to ZNF703 as a novel oncogene in Luminal B breast cancer.

Study EGAS00000000082

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

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

Study EGAS50000000965

Single-cell RNA sequencing of human skin tumors (BCC, SCC and Melanoma)

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play a key role in cancer progression and treatment outcome. Here, we elucidate the yet unresolved intra-tumoral CAF variety in three skin cancer types at molecular and spatial single-cell resolution in a large cohort. We show that two out of three CAF subtypes contribute to tumor immune surveillance with distinct mechanisms. Matrix CAFs (mCAFs) ensheath tumor nests and synthesize extracellular-matrix to prevent T cell invasion. Immunomodulatory CAFs (iCAFs), which express proinflammatory and immunomodulatory factors, are only detected in high abundance in aggressive tumors. Strikingly, iCAFs but not tumor cells are (apart from immune cells) the exclusive cell type producing chemokines and, thus, play a key role in immune cell recruitment and activation. Mechanistically, we show that cancer cells transform adjacent healthy fibroblasts into cytokine-expressing iCAFs, which subsequently recruit immune cells and modulate the immune response. In conclusion, targeting CAF variants holds promise for improved efficacy of immunotherapy.

Study EGAS50000000365

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

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

Study EGAS50000000416

Measles oncolytic virus as an immunotherapy for recurrent/refractory pediatric medulloblastoma and atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor

Pediatric recurrent medulloblastoma (MB) and atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor (ATRT) are largely incurable and warrant novel therapies. We investigated a) the safety of a measles virus variant, MV-NIS, in a pediatric phase 1 study and b) the mechanisms of MV-NIS and potential benefit of combination with immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI). Pediatric patients with recurrent MB or ATRT were treated with intratumoral injections for local recurrence or via lumbar puncture for disseminated recurrence. We evaluated local immune responses to MV-NIS with and without ICI via single-cell and bulk RNA sequencing in an intracranial, immunocompetent, syngeneic murine model. MV-NIS given intratumorally or via repeat intrathecal dosing was safe. MV-NIS prolonged survival in murine models but did not demonstrate additive benefit with ICI. No changes in tumor-infiltrating immune-cell composition or activation were observed in response to MV-NIS treatment; however, MV-NIS induced local expression of neutralizing antibodies, complement cascade, and phagocytosis-related genes.

Study EGAS50000000811

Quick Guide for data submission

Quick Guide This is a quick guide to submit data to the EGA. Please select data type to display the right detailed instructions. Sequence data Array-based data Get your submission account You first need to create your EGA user. Then, once your account has been verified by the Help Desk team, request your submission account and provide details of the data type and platform(s) in your submission. Register Study/DAC Use Submitter Portal to register your study, samples, Data Access Committee (DAC) and Policy. Upload data Encrypt your data files using the and upload it to your inbox using SFTP. Register experiments and runs Associate each data file to a registered sample and study by Linking files to samples. Details of the experimental procedure you followed must be provided. Finalise your submission Group your runs/analysis into datasets and link them to your new or existing DAC and policy using DAC Portal. Data request are done at a dataset level, thus files within a datasets must share release conditions. Release and admin When finalising the submission, set a released date to instruct our Helpdesk to release your study. All registered studies are automatically placed on hold until the named submission or DAC contact instructs our Helpdesk for the study to be released. Get your submission account Fill the submission form and provide details of the data type and platform(s) in your submission. Register Study/DAC Use EGA Programmatic submission to register your study, samples, Data Access Committee (DAC) and Policy. Upload data Encrypt your data files using the EgaCryptor and upload it using default FTP clients or Aspera. Complete the Array-Format (AF) spreadsheet Download the AF spreadsheet and complete all four sections. Return the spreadsheet to the EGA helpdesk. Release and admin Instruct our Helpdesk to release your study. All registered studies are automatically placed on hold until the named submission or DAC contact instructs our Helpdesk for the study to be released.

Documentation submission/quickguide

Transcriptional and functional profiling defines human small intestinal macrophage subsets

Macrophages (Mf) are instrumental in maintaining immune homeostasis in the intestine, yet studies on origin and heterogeneity of human intestinal Mf are scarce. Here, we identified four distinct Mf subpopulations in human small intestine (SI). Assessment of their turnover in duodenal transplants revealed that all Mf subsets were completely replaced over time; Mf1 and Mf2, phenotypically similar to peripheral blood monocytes (PBMo), were largely replaced within 3 weeks, whereas two subsets with features of mature Mf, Mf3 and Mf4, exhibited significantly slower replacement. Mf3 and Mf4 localized differently in SI; Mf3 formed a dense network in mucosal lamina propria, whereas Mf4 was enriched in submucosa. Transcriptomic analysis showed that all Mf subpopulations subsets were markedly distinct from PBMo and dendritic cells (DC). Compared to PBMo, Mf subpopulations showed reduced responsiveness to proinflammatory stimuli, but were proficient at endocytosis of particulate and soluble material. These data provide a comprehensive analysis of human SI Mf population and suggest a precursor-progeny relationship with PBMo.

Study EGAS00001002093

Pediatric Patient-Derived-Xenograft development in MAPPYACTS – international pediatric cancer precision medicine trial in relapsed and refractory tumors

Pediatric patients with recurrent and refractory cancers are in most need for new treatments. This study developed patient-derived-xenograft (PDX) models within the European MAPPYACTS cancer precision medicine trial (NCT02613962). To date, 131 PDX models were established following heterotopical and/or orthotopical implantation in immunocompromised mice: 76 sarcomas, 25 other solid tumors, 12 central nervous system tumors, 15 acute leukemias, and 3 lymphomas. PDX establishment rate was 43%. Histology, whole exome and RNA sequencing revealed a high concordance with the primary patient’s tumor profile, human leukocyte-antigen characteristics and specific metabolic pathway signatures. A detailed patient molecular characterization, including specific mutations prioritized in the clinical molecular tumor boards are provided. Ninety models were shared with the IMI2 ITCC Paediatric Preclinical Proof-of-concept Platform (IMI2 ITCC-P4) for further exploitation. This new PDX biobank of unique recurrent childhood cancers provides an essential support for basic and translational research and new treatments development in advanced pediatric malignancies.

Study EGAS00001007327

Frequent alterations in cytoskeleton remodeling genes in primary and metastatic Chinese lung adenocarcinomas

The landscape of genetic alterations in lung adenocarcinoma derived from Asian patients is largely uncharacterized. Here we present an integrated genomic and transcriptomic analysis of 335 primary lung adenocarcinomas and 35 corresponding lymph node metastases from Chinese patients. Altogether 13 significantly mutated genes are identified, including themost commonly mutated gene TP53 and novel mutation targets such as RHPN2, GLI3 and MRC2. TP53 mutations are furthermore significantly enriched in tumours from patients harbouring metastases. Genes regulating cytoskeleton remodelling processes are also frequently altered, especially in metastatic samples, of which the high expression level of IQGAP3 is identified as a marker for poor prognosis. Our study represents the first large-scalesequencing effort on lung adenocarcinoma in Asian patients and provides a comprehensive mutational landscape for both primary and metastatic tumours. This may thus form a basis for personalized medical care and shed light on the molecular pathogenesis of metastatic lung adenocarcinoma.

Study EGAS00001000982

16764 results for "sec+and+unspecified+malignant+neoplasm"

in 45.73 milliseconds.