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• High-throughput telomere length measurement at nucleotide resolution using the PacBio high fidelity sequencing platform

  Telomeres are specialized nucleoprotein structures at the ends of linear chromosomes that are essential for the stability as well as the complete replication of the human genome. The progressive shortening of steady-state telomere length in normal human somatic cells is a promising biomarker for age-associated diseases. However, there remain substantial challenges in quantifying telomere length in clinics and research laboratories due to the lack of accurate and high-throughput telomere length measurement method. Here, we describe a novel workflow to capture and analyze telomeres accurately at the single-nucleotide resolution. By using newly designed telobaits that are complementary to the single-stranded G-rich 3’ telomeric overhangs, we can specifically and efficiently capture full-length telomeres and subject them to single-molecule real-time (SMRT) sequencing. We show that the telomere length can be measured at nucleotide resolution using the PacBio high fidelity (HiFi) sequencing platform, which provides the necessary accuracy and throughput to uncover the steady-state telomere length distribution in human culture cell lines as well as clinical patient samples. This new method is a valuable tool not only in population-wide epidemiology studies but also for the longitudinal assessment of telomere attrition in individuals. Our results also reveal the extreme heterogeneity of telomeric variant sequences (TVSs) that is dispersed throughout the telomere repeat region. Importantly, the unique distribution pattern and sequence of TVSs in individuals may be used as a fingerprint for sample identification. In addition, the presence of TVSs disrupts the continuity of the canonical (5’-TTAGGG-3’)n telomere repeats, which could affect the binding of shelterin complexes at the chromosomal ends. Therefore, TVSs may act as a form of genetic polymorphisms that impairs telomere protection. Together with the absolute telomere length in each individual, TVSs may have profound implications in human aging and diseases.

  Study EGAS00001006103

• High-throughput telomere length measurement at nucleotide resolution using the PacBio high fidelity sequencing platform, P49-P104 and run1 replicates

  Telomeres are specialized nucleoprotein structures at the ends of linear chromosomes that are essential for the stability as well as the complete replication of the human genome. The progressive shortening of steady-state telomere length in normal human somatic cells is a promising biomarker for age-associated diseases. However, there remain substantial challenges in quantifying telomere length in clinics and research laboratories due to the lack of accurate and high-throughput telomere length measurement method. Here, we describe a novel workflow to capture and analyze telomeres accurately at the single-nucleotide resolution. By using newly designed telobaits that are complementary to the single-stranded G-rich 3’ telomeric overhangs, we can specifically and efficiently capture full-length telomeres and subject them to single-molecule real-time (SMRT) sequencing. We show that the telomere length can be measured at nucleotide resolution using the PacBio high fidelity (HiFi) sequencing platform, which provides the necessary accuracy and throughput to uncover the steady-state telomere length distribution in human culture cell lines as well as clinical patient samples. This new method is a valuable tool not only in population-wide epidemiology studies but also for the longitudinal assessment of telomere attrition in individuals. Our results also reveal the extreme heterogeneity of telomeric variant sequences (TVSs) that is dispersed throughout the telomere repeat region. Importantly, the unique distribution pattern and sequence of TVSs in individuals may be used as a fingerprint for sample identification. In addition, the presence of TVSs disrupts the continuity of the canonical (5’-TTAGGG-3’)n telomere repeats, which could affect the binding of shelterin complexes at the chromosomal ends. Therefore, TVSs may act as a form of genetic polymorphisms that impairs telomere protection. Together with the absolute telomere length in each individual, TVSs may have profound implications in human aging and diseases.

  Study EGAS00001006595

• Resistance_to_MAPK_inhibitor_induces_internal_duplication_in_BRAF

  2 BRAFV600E cell lines that have been made resistance to 1. the BRAF inhibitor PLX4720 and 2. the combination therapy of dabrafenib and trametinib seem to have a internal duplication in the kinase domain. We would like to know if this is caused by a translocation.

  Study EGAS00001001304

• Assessment of genetic and epigenetic variation in human IPS cells

  In order to progress human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) towards the clinic, several outstanding questions must be addressed. It is possible to reprogram different somatic cell types into hiPSCs but it is unlcear whether some cell types carry through fewer mutations through reprogramming (either due to mutations present in the primary cells, or mutations accumulated during reprogramming). Through in depth analysis of hiPSCs generated from different somatic cells, it will be possible to assess the variation in genetic stability of different cell types.

  Dataset EGAD00001000384

• An isoform quantitative trait locus in SBNO2 links genetic susceptibility to Crohn’s disease with defective antimicrobial activity

  Despite major advances in linking single genetic variants to single causal genes, the significance of genetic variation on transcript-level regulation of expression, transcript-specific functions, and relevance to human disease has been poorly investigated. Strawberry notch homolog 2 (SBNO2) is a candidate gene in a susceptibility locus with different variants associated with Crohn’s disease and bone mineral density. The SBNO2 locus is also differentially methylated in Crohn’s disease but the functional mechanisms are unknown. Here we show that the isoforms of SBNO2 are differentially regulated by lipopolysaccharide and IL-10. We identify Crohn’s disease associated isoform quantitative trait loci that negatively regulate the expression of the noncanonical isoform 2 corresponding with the methylation signals at the isoform 2 promoter in IBD and CD. The two isoforms of SBNO2 drive differential gene networks with isoform 2 dominantly impacting antimicrobial activity in macrophages. Our data highlight the role of isoform quantitative trait loci to understand disease susceptibility and resolve underlying mechanisms of disease.

  Study EGAS50000000183

• HudsonAlpha Long Read Sequencing Data of Individuals with Rare Suspected Genetic Conditions

  The data included in this project were generated from several IRB projects focused on the identification of the underlying genetic cause of undiagnosed rare conditions in infants, children and adults enrolled across the southeastern United States. Long read genome sequencing was performed on DNA samples collected as part of an IRB-approved study and findings from this testing was returned to enrolled study participants and the clinical team providing care. Proband participants in these studies were enrolled in both inpatient (neonatal intensive care units) and outpatient settings. When possible, biological relatives (including both biological parents) were also enrolled to help clarify inheritance of variants identified. Sequencing and analysis for SouthSeq is conducted at the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology in Huntsville, Alabama (https://www.hudsonalpha.org/). Results of testing are disclosed to participants by genetic counselors or trained non-genetics providers who also facilitate sharing of results with the participants' medical care teams when appropriate. Further, participant families may choose to opt-into return of secondary findings identified in the proband, which focus on pathogenic and likely pathogenic variation identified within the current ACMG gene list.

  Study phs003537

• NINDS-Genome-Wide Genotyping in Parkinson's Disease: First Stage Analysis and Public Release of Data

  Epidemiological studies have estimated a cumulative prevalence of PD of greater than 1 per thousand. When prevalence is limited to senior populations, this proportion increases nearly 10-fold. The estimated genetic risk ratio for PD is approximately 1.7 (70% increased risk for PD if a sibling has PD) for all ages, and increases over 7-fold for those under age 66 years. The role for genes contributing to the risk of PD is therefore significant. This study utilized the well characterized collection of North American Caucasians with Parkinson's disease, and neurologically normal controls from the sample population which are banked in the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS Repository) collection for a first stage whole genome analysis. Genome-wide, single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping of these publicly available samples was originally done in 267 Parkinson's disease patients and 270 controls, and this has been extended to include genome wide genotyping in 939 Parkinson's disease cases and 802 controls. The NINDS repository was established in 10-2001 towards the goal of developing standardized, broadly useful diagnostic and other clinical data and a collection of DNA and cell line samples to further advances in gene discovery of neurological disorders. All samples, phenotypic, and genotypic data are available to the research community including to academics and industry scientists. In addition, well characterized neurologically normal control subjects are a part of the collection. This collection formed the basis of this first stage study by Fung et al., and the expanded study by Simon-Sanchez et al. The genotyping data was generated and provided by the laboratory of Dr. Andrew Singleton NIA, and Dr. John Hardy NIA (NIH Intramural, funding from NIA and NINDS). Important links to apply for individual-level data Data Use Certification Requirements (DUC) Apply here for controlled access to individual level data Participant Protection Policy FAQ

  Study phs000089

• Exome_sequencing_of_thyroid_disease_in_Val_Borbera

  The Val Borbera is a region characterized by low iodine and high prevalence of thyroid disorders, the commonest endocrine disorders in the general population. About 30% of the participants of the Val Borbera Project were affected by such disorders and were characterized by several parameters, TSH level, anti TPO antibodies, echography, family origin. Individuals with extreme phenotypes were identified and could be clustered based on family origin and genotype. We propose to exome sequence 6 of them, affected with true goiter, at high dept (40-60x) to obtain information on exonic rare variants. Due to the family structure and to the availability of whole genome sequence information on 110 individuals from the isolated population we expect to be able to identify putative causative variants for thyroid disorders that may be studied in the remaining affected individuals.

  Study EGAS00001000344

• Identification of molecule relationship between intravenous leiomyomatosis and uterus myoma

  Up to now, there are two hypothesis about the pathogenesis of the relationship of intravenous leiomyomatosis and uterine myoma. One theory suggests that the IVL comes from the smooth muscle cell in the vessel wall.The other theory indicates that the IVL derives from the uterine myometrium. However, limited to the technology, few studies have been deeply explore the underlying relation. In this study, we employ the RNA sequencing to explore the molecule relationship between IVL and uterus myoma. In order to identify the molecule relationship between IVl and uterine myoma we conducted transcriptome sequencing and bioinformaitc analysis

  Dataset EGAD00001003356

• The mission of the BIOS Consortium is to create a large-scale data infrastructure and to bring together BBMRI researchers focusing on integrative omics studies in Dutch Biobanks.

  The advent of the genome-wide association study (GWAS) led to the successful identification of thousands of variants that are robustly associated with complex disease phenotypes. Dutch biobanks played a substantial role in these discoveries. For most of these variants, however, the mechanisms through which they contribute to these phenotypes remain unknown. The BIOS Consortium applies a functional genomics approach that integrates genome-wide genetic data with data on the epigenome and transcriptome to elucidate these mechanisms. Over 4000 samples from BBMRI-NL biobanks with in-depth information on disease phenotypes and GWAS data are being enriched with RNA-sequencing and genome-wide DNA methylation data. The same is true for samples with whole-genome sequencing data from GoNL. This unique data infrastructure provides a powerful platform to evaluate key questions in integrative omics from establishing comprehensive eQTL and meQTL catalogues to linking molecular pathways across omics levels to phenotypic outcomes.

  Study EGAS00001001077

• Functional Mapping of AKT Signaling and Biomarkers of Response From the FAIRLANE Trial of Neoadjuvant Ipatasertib Plus Paclitaxel for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

  Purpose: Despite extensive genomic and transcriptomic profiling, it remains unknown how signaling pathways are differentially activated and how tumors are differentially sensitized to certain perturbations. Here, we aim to characterize AKT signaling activity and its association with other genomic or immunohistochemistry-based PI3K/AKT pathway biomarkers as well as the clinical activity of ipatasertib (AKT inhibitor) in the FAIRLANE trial. Experimental Design: In FAIRLANE, 151 patients with early triple-negative breast cancer were randomized 1:1 to receive paclitaxel with ipatasertib or placebo for 12 weeks prior to surgery. Adding ipatasertib did not increase pathologic complete response rate and numerically improved overall response rate by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We used reverse-phase protein microarrays (RPPA) to examine the total level and/or phosphorylation states of over 100 proteins in various signaling or cell processes including PI3K/AKT and mTOR signaling. 125 baseline and 127 on-treatment samples were evaluable by RPPA, with 110 paired samples at both time points. Results: Tumors with genomic/protein alterations in PIK3CA/AKT1/PTEN were associated with higher levels of AKT phosphorylation. In addition, phosphorylated(p)AKT levels exhibited a significant association with enriched clinical benefit of ipatasertib, and identified patients who received benefit in the absence of PIK3CA/AKT1/PTEN alterations. Ipatasertib treatment led to a down-regulation of AKT/mTORC1 signaling, which was more pronounced among the tumors with PIK3CA/AKT1/PTEN alterations or among the responders to the treatment. Conclusions: We showed that the high baseline pAKT levels are associated with the alterations of PI3K/AKT pathway components and enriched benefit of ipatasertib in TNBC.

  Study EGAS00001005892

• Discovery_of_resistance_mechanisms_to_the_BRAF_inhibitor_vemurafenib_in_metastatic_BRAF_mutant_melanoma

  Discovery of resistance mechanisms to the BRAF inhibitor vemurafenib in metastatic BRAF mutant melanoma by massively-parallel sequencing of tumour samples. Comparison of genomic characteristics of pretreatment ‘sensitive’ to recurrence ‘resistant’ tumours to identify the genetics of drug resistance.

  Study EGAS00001000551

• Losartan Effects on Emphysema Progression (LEEP-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 evaluate the efficacy of losartan, an angiotensin receptor blocker, to reduce emphysema progression in patients with COPD and mild to moderate emphysema. Background Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a heterogeneous disease comprising chronic bronchitis and emphysema. COPD is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Smoking cessation slows the progression of the disease, and bronchodilators can provide sustained improvement in lung function, but there are no pharmacologic agents that clearly modify emphysema progression. Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) have been suggested as potential drugs to slow the progression of COPD. A few trials have shown that patients treated with ARBs had slower progression of radiographic emphysema. The LEEP study was initiated to test the hypothesis that the ARB losartan would reduce the progression of emphysema in patients with COPD with mild to moderate emphysema.ParticipantsA total of 220 participants were enrolled. 108 participants were randomized to receive losartan, and 112 participants were randomized to receive the placebo.Design LEEP was a randomized, placebo-controlled multicenter trial. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive losartan or placebo. The dose was 50 mg losartan or placebo given as one capsule daily for 2 weeks, and, if well tolerated and the systolic blood pressure was >90 mm Hg, it was increased to two capsules. Participants and site investigators were masked to treatment assignment. Participant responses to the St George's Respiratory Questionnaire, the modified Medical Research Council dyspnea scale, the COPD Assessment Test, and the Physical Function–Short Form 20a were collected. The number and severity of COPD exacerbations were recorded. COPD exacerbations were defined as two or more new or worse symptoms for ≥3 days and classified by treatment as mild (neither antibiotics nor oral steroids), moderate (an antibiotic or oral steroid), or severe (hospitalization). The primary outcome measure was the change in quantitative whole-lung emphysema score after 48 weeks measured by the percentage of lung voxels less than -950 Hounsfield units (PCT950) on full inspiratory HRCT. Conclusions Losartan does not prevent progression of emphysema in patients with COPD who have mild to moderate pulmonary emphysema.

  Study phs004313

• Collaborative Cohort of Cohorts for COVID-19 Research (C4R): Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults Study (CARDIA)

  Cohort Description The Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study is a study examining the development and determinants of clinical and subclinical cardiovascular disease and their risk factors. It began in 1985-6 with a group of 5115 black and white men and women aged 18-30 years. The participants were selected so that there would be approximately the same number of people in subgroups of race, gender, education (high school or less and more than high school), and age (18-24 and 25-30 years) in each of 4 centers: Birmingham, AL; Chicago, IL; Minneapolis, MN; and Oakland, CA. These same participants were asked to participate in follow-up examinations during 1987-1988 (Year 2), 1990-1991 (Year 5), 1992-1993 (Year 7), 1995-1996 (Year 10), 2000-2001 (Year 15), 2005-2006 (Year 20), 2010-2011 (Year 25), 2015-2016 (Year 30), and 2021-2022 (Year 35). Data Being Submitted Wave 1 questionnaire data includes 397 variables for up to 2434 CARDIA participants in C4RWave 2 questionnaire data includes 448 variables for up to 1901 CARDIA participants in C4RDried Blood Spot/Serosurvey data includes 7 variables for up to 1332 CARDIA participants in C4RDerived data includes 43 variables for up to 2723 CARDIA participants in C4RPhenotype data includes 113 variables for up to 2723 CARDIA participants in C4R

  Study phs003045

• Spatial and temporal transcriptomics of medulloblastoma with chromothripsis identifies multiple genetic clones that resist to treatment and lead to relapse

  From all paediatric brain tumours, medulloblastomas with chromothripsis, a form of genome instability leading to massive genome rearrangements, are particularly aggressive. To dissect the complex biology underlying the aggressiveness of chromothriptic medulloblastomas, we applied spatial transcriptomics to i) chromothriptic and non-chromothriptic medulloblastomas from the same molecular subgroup (n=13) and ii) patient-derived xenografts from chromothriptic medulloblastoma, from the minimal residual disease stage to regrown tumours (n=11). Chromothriptic medulloblastomas showed higher spatial intra-tumour heterogeneity, proliferation and stemness, but lower immune infiltration and differentiation, as compared with non-chromothriptic medulloblastomas. Spatial mapping of genetic clones identified phenotypic features such as degree of differentiation, proliferation and immune infiltration enriched in specific clones. Cells from multiple genetic clones resisted treatment and gave rise to relapse in patient-derived xenografts of chromothriptic medulloblastoma. We identified a potential role of tumour microtubes in treatment resistance in chromothriptic medulloblastoma.

  Study EGAS00001007128

• Joint Addiction, Aging, and Mental Health (JAAMH) Data Access Committee General Research Use Datasets

  This collection contains all the Joint Addiction, Aging, and Mental Health (JAAMH) Data Access Committee General Research Use Datasets authorized individual-level genomic datasets currently in dbGaP that are approved for General Research Use (GRU) and have no further limitations beyond those outlined in the model Data Use Certification Agreement. The public posting of Genomic Summary Results is allowed. Access to this study collection will include additional authorized individual-level GRU datasets that become available. Renewal of this study collection is required annually. To request access to this study collection, select phs003202 in the dbGaP Authorized Access System.

  Study phs003202

• Joint Addiction, Aging, and Mental Health Data Access Committee General Research Use Datasets (GSR Restricted) Collection

  This collection contains the Joint Addiction, Aging, and Mental Health Data Access Committee's authorized individual-level genomic datasets currently in dbGaP that are approved for General Research Use (GRU) and have no further limitations beyond those outlined in the model Data Use Certification Agreement. The public posting of Genomic Summary Results are not allowed. Access to this study collection will include additional authorized individual-level GRU datasets that become available. Renewal of this study collection is required annually. To request access to this study collection, select phs003421 in the dbGaP Authorized Access System.

  Study phs003421

• Colorectal cancer organoids expressing BRAF (fusion) genes

  Fusion genes may be oncogenic drivers and potential targets for personalized therapies in a variety of cancer types. The BRAF gene is frequently involved in oncogenic fusions, with fusion frequencies of 0.2-3% throughout different cancers. BRAF can be fused to a wide variety of genes, however, BRAF fusions rarely occur in the exact same gene configuration, making assessment of the fusion relevance and decision for drug treatment challenging. Here, we devised a colorectal cancer organoid-based platform to functionally characterize diverse BRAF fusions, containing various partner genes (AGAP3, DLG1 and TRIM24). We compared these BRAF fusions with respect to cellular behaviour, downstream signaling activation and response to targeted therapies. We found that 5’ partner choice of BRAF affects cellular localization and intracellular signaling capacities of the fusion genes. The DLG1-BRAF fusion gene showed distinct localization to the plasma membrane and exhibited increased levels of MAPK pathway activation under unperturbed conditions. Furthermore, the different BRAF fusions showed varying sensitivities to the targeted inhibition of ERK and BRAF, with the DLG1-BRAF fusion being the most sensitive. Additionally, RNA-sequencing identified distinct subsets of genes affected by the DLG1-BRAF fusion gene. Importantly, all fusion genes conveyed resistance to the clinically relevant EGFR/HER2/HER4-inhibitor afatinib, suggesting that BRAF fusions should be screened alongside other MAPK pathway alterations to identify mCRC patients amenable to cetuximab treatment. In summary, we developed a platform to efficiently assess molecular and cellular effects of fusion genes, and revealed that differential drug responses and distinct gene expression profiles can be induced by different BRAF fusions .

  Study EGAS00001003558

• Identification and Molecular Characterization of Somatic Mutations in Malformations of Cortical Development

  Genetic mutations causing disease may be inherited, newly acquired in parental gametes and present in the zygote or acquired as somatic events at some point in development after fertilization. The burden and localization of an acquired mutation depend on when the mutation arises. As is the case for inherited genetic variation, there is accumulating evidence that somatic mutations can lead to severe tissue-specific disease. Malformations of cortical development (MCD) represent a group of disorders characterized by a range of morphological and structural abnormalities of the cerebral cortex reflecting errors in embryonic cortical development. MCD are associated with intellectual disability, as well as refractory epilepsy, and may require the surgical removal of the affected tissue. Inherited gene mutations involved in neuronal development explain only a fraction of MCD cases. In this project we sought to evaluate the hypothesis that somatic mutations disrupt embryonic cortical development and are responsible for a substantial fraction of MCD. Using high coverage next generation sequencing of protein-coding regions in DNA extracted from abnormal brain tissue and unaffected tissue (leukocytes) from patients with three forms of MCD, we sought to identify somatic mutations within each patient with MCD. Exome sequence data from study participants are provided to facilitate research into the genetic underpinnings of MCD.

  Study phs002128

• Renal_habitat_WXS

  This project aims at correlating genetic diversity (as well as transcriptomic, metabolic and immune diversity) observed in multiple targeted tumour biopsies and circulating tumour DNA with heterogeneity on multiparametric MRI. To this end, 20 patients with RCC (15 patients with localised/locally advanced disease and 5 with mRCC) will undergo multiparametric MRI including metabolic assessment by 13C-MRSI as well as measurements of tumour perfusion, oxygenation and water diffusion. Based on unique combinations of these imaging parameters, tumour habitats will be defined through cluster mapping. Intra-operative biopsy and immediate freezing of tumour cores from different imaging habitats will be performed. Multiregional ex-vivo tumour biopsies will be spatially registered to the MR data by using 3D printed tumour moulds generated from high-resolution volumetric sequences. These moulds allow slicing tumour specimens in identical planes to the MR acquisition and increase the accuracy of tissue sampling. The biopsies will then undergo molecular profiling such as metabolomic and RNA sequencing (including mRNA immune profiling), as well as DNA sequencing to assess driver and clonal mutations in different tumour habitats and guide design of appropriate cfDNA probes. The targeted cfDNA capture panel will be employed to determine the ability of cfDNA to capture the full genetic diversity observed in the primary tumour and to relate cfDNA to various imaging habitats in both renal and pancreatic cancer. Data integration will be undertaken between imaging habitats and molecular profiles for each region.

  Study EGAS00001003703

• RNAseq in blood CD34+ cells

  The aim of the project was to perform expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) analysis in blood CD34+ cells from random blood donors.

  Study EGAS00001005655

• Identification of Rare Germline Variants in Familial Patients with Non-medullary Thyroid Cancer

  As the most common malignancy of the endocrine system, thyroid cancer is classified into two major categories, non-medullary thyroid cancer (NMTC) and medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) according to the origins and clinical features. NMTC includes papillary thyroid cancer (PTC), follicular thyroid cancer (FTC), and anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC). Sporadic non-medullary thyroid cancer (SNMTC) accounts for ~90% of all thyroid cancers. Compared to SNMTC, familial non-medullary thyroid cancer (FNMTC) is rare, constituting only 3 - 9%. FNMTC is a complex genetic disease that often shows an autosomal dominant mode of inheritance. Characterization of the germline variants causing the disease is still challenging given the heterogeneity of affected families. In recent years, some mutations in known cancer susceptive coding genes have been reported using targeted DNA sequencing method in FNMTC cases. Still, little is known for the novel mutations in other thyroid cancer predisposition genes. With the decreasing cost and rapid development of next generation sequencing technology, more rare germline mutations underlying different types of cancer susceptibility in families had been discovered by whole genome sequencing (WGS). In this study, we performed WGS in familial NMTC patients in the U.S. Our aim is to identify rare germline variants with high penetrance that may contribute to thyroid cancer predisposition in NMTC families.

  Study phs001758

• Genome-Wide Environment Interaction Study on Neurodevelopment in Children from Mexico and Bangladesh

  Cognitive development is known to be highly heritable, but various genome wide association studies (GWAS) have failed to find common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) which can explain a large proportion of the variance in cognitive ability. We hypothesized that an interaction between genes and exposure to potentially toxic metals may account for some proportion of this missing heritability. We genotyped 749 infants in Mexico and 636 infants in Bangladesh. Criteria for inclusion into the study are given below. We then performed a Genome Wide Environmental Interaction Study (GWEIS) with neurodevelopment outcomes. There were 552,487 SNPs in common between the two cohorts.

  Study phs000996

• A human induced pluripotent stem cell toolbox for studying sex chromosome effects-Whole exome seq

  To generate autosomaly isogenic hiPSCs with various chromosome complement, we use Klinefelter syndrome patient skin fibroblasts. These cells harbour XXY sex chromosomes, which can be lost during the reprogramming event and generate cells which are autosomaly identical to each other but differ in sex chromosome complement. We use state of the art reprogramming methods to generate panels of isogenic XXY, XX and XY iPSCs from XXY patient fibroblasts. We have performed Whole exome sequencing on Klinefelter syndrome patient's skin fibroblasts in order to check if two X chromosomes are identical and to see if we can distinguish which X chromosome is more likely to be lost during the reprogramming event in XY cell lines.

  Study EGAS50000000930

• Epidemiologic Architecture for Genes Linked to Environment (EAGLE) MetaboChip Study

  The Epidemiologic Architecture for Genes Linked to Environment (EAGLE) study is a study site of the larger Population Architecture using Genomics and Epidemiology (PAGE) I study.  EAGLE accessed two data resources during the course of study: the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) and BioVU, the Vanderbilt University Medical Center biorepository linked to de-identified electronic health records.The EAGLE MetaboChip Study, also known as EAGLE BioVU in the literature, is a data resource of Illumina MetaboChip genotypes for ~15,000 DNA samples from African American/Black, Hispanic, and Asian patients in BioVU (PMID: 26201699). Several EAGLE BioVU and PAGE I study phenotypes were extracted using structured and unstructured data available in de-identified electronic health records linked to the DNA samples. 

  Study phs002767

• iRHOM2 Deficiency Causes Environmentally Directed Immunodysregulatory Disease

  We have conducted a study of two kindreds each with a unique mutation in the gene RHBDF2 that encodes the protein iRHOM2. Whole exome (kindred 1) and whole genome sequencing (kindred 2) have uncovered the first human loss-of-function mutations of RHBDF2 in 4 individuals. The affected patients are all children, 8 years old or younger, and were brought to our attention initially due to their suffering recurrent infections. Sequencing of their family members revealed parents with heterozygous RHBDF2 mutations, and heterozygous and wild type siblings – all of which were unaffected by this disease. A comprehensive investigation of this gene mutation through in vivo and in vitro experiments revealed that a loss of the protein iRHOM2 impairs the activity of the protease ADAM17 and subsequently compromises immune responses. This condition leads to the afflicted patients becoming vulnerable to different infections based on their unique environment and presenting with diverse clinical phenotypes. 

  Study phs002478

• NHLBI TOPMed: Genetic Epidemiology Network of Salt Sensitivity (GenSalt)

  The GenSalt study aims to identify genes which interact with dietary sodium and potassium intake to influence blood pressure in Han Chinese participants from rural north China. Whole genome sequencing will be conducted among 1,860 participants of the Genetic Epidemiology Network of Salt Sensitivity (GenSalt) Study. We will work in collaboration with participating TOPMed studies to identify novel common, low-frequency and rare variants associated with an array of cardiometabolic phenotypes. In addition, we will explore the relation of low-frequency and rare variants with salt-sensitivity among GenSalt study participants.

  Study phs001217

• NHLBI's Collection of Datasets for General Research Use (Public Posting of Genomic Summary Results: Not Allowed)

  This collection contains all of NHLBI's authorized individual-level genomic datasets currently in dbGaP that are approved for General Research Use (GRU) and have no further limitations beyond those outlined in the model Data Use Certification Agreement. The public posting of Genomic Summary Results are not allowed. Access to this study collection will include additional authorized individual-level GRU datasets that become available. Renewal of this study collection is required annually. To request access to this study collection, select phs003132 in the dbGaP Authorized Access System.

  Study phs003131

• NHLBI's Collection of Datasets for Health / Medical / Biomedical Research Use (Public Posting of Genomic Summary Results: Allowed)

  This collection contains all of NHLBI's authorized individual-level genomic datasets currently in dbGaP that are approved for Health/Medical/Biomedical (HMB) Research Use and have no further limitations beyond those outlined in the model Data Use Certification Agreement. The public posting of Genomic Summary Results are allowed. Access to this study collection will include additional authorized individual-level HMB datasets that become available. Renewal of this study collection is required annually. To request access to this study collection, select phs003134 in the dbGaP Authorized Access System.

  Study phs003134

• NHLBI's Collection of Datasets for Health / Medical / Biomedical Research Use (Public Posting of Genomic Summary Results: Not Allowed)

  This collection contains all of NHLBI's authorized individual-level genomic datasets currently in dbGaP that are approved for Health/Medical/Biomedical (HMB) and have no further limitations beyond those outlined in the model Data Use Certification Agreement. The public posting of Genomic Summary Results are not allowed. Access to this study collection will include additional authorized individual-level HMB datasets that become available. Renewal of this study collection is required annually. To request access to this study collection, select phs003133 in the dbGaP Authorized Access System.

  Study phs003133

• Diagnosis of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children by a whole-blood transcriptional signature

  To identify a diagnostic blood transcriptomic signature that distinguishes multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) from Kawasaki Disease (KD), bacterial infections and viral infections. Children presenting with MIS-C to participating hospitals in the United Kingdom and the European Union between April 2020-April 2021 were prospectively recruited. Whole blood RNA Sequencing was performed, contrasting the transcriptomes of children with MIS-C to those from children with KD, definite bacterial and viral infections. Data deposited here comprises samples from patients recruited into the DIAMONDS study.

  Study EGAS00001007409

• CHARGE (Cohorts for Heart and Aging Research in Genomic Epidemiology) Consortium Summary Results from Genomic Studies

  GWAS have successfully identified genetic loci associated with a variety of conditions such as type 2 diabetes and coronary disease. The large number of statistical tests required in GWAS has posed a special challenge because few studies that have DNA and high-quality phenotype data are sufficiently large to provide adequate statistical power for detecting small to modest effect sizes. Even before the era of GWAS, the requirement for large sample sizes and the importance of replication have served as powerful incentives for collaboration. Meta-analyses combining summary data from multiple sources have improved the ability to detect new loci. The Cohorts for Heart and Aging Research in Genomic Epidemiology (CHARGE) Consortium was formed to facilitate GWAS meta-analyses and replication among multiple large and well-phenotyped cohort studies. The design of the CHARGE Consortium was formed initially from 5 prospective cohort studies from the United States and Europe: the Age, Gene/Environment Susceptibility (AGES) - Reykjavik Study, the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study, the Cardiovascular Health Study (CHS), the Framingham Heart Study (FHS), and the Rotterdam Study (RS). Additional studies have expanded the CHARGE consortium based upon the phenotypes and willingness to share information across the research community. In order to facilitate investigators across the world to examine relationships between phenotypes and genetic markers within CHARGE published reports, an open site is made available on dbGaP that provides the rsID and the p-value for inspection. Access to detailed summary statistics (including minor allele frequency, odds ratio/effect size) requires approval of a Data Access Request (DAR).

  Study phs000930

• Single Cell RNA Sequencing of Tendon Scar Tissue (Tenolysis)

  This human tenolysis sample was collected as a control (non-diabetic sample) as part of larger study described below.The purpose of the larger study is to define the cellular and molecular environment in tendons, pulleys, synovial sheath, tendon scar tissue, and palmar fascia samples. The samples are isolated from discarded tissues from patients who undergo lower limb amputation surgery, dupuytren's disease, trigger finger release, tenolysis surgery, tenosynovitis surgery, distal biceps tendon repair, common extensor debridement and repair, common flexor debridement and repair, or proximal long head of the biceps tenodesis.The dramatic increase in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) as part of the obesity epidemic is one of the most pressing health challenges facing the U.S. Type II diabetes results in systemic inflammation and is characterized by metabolic dysfunction including elevated plasma glucose levels (hyperglycemia). There is a clear link between T2DM and musculoskeletal pathologies; T2DM accelerates the progression of osteoarthritis, and increases fracture risk. Moreover, T2DM impairs tendon homeostasis and repair, and increases the risk and severity of tenosynovitis (infection of the tendon and sheath), however there remains a paucity of information regarding the molecular mechanisms of diabetes-induced changes in tendon function. Flexor and extensor tendons facilitate digit range of motion (ROM) and movement of the hand. Tendon gliding can be impaired by tendon fibrosis and an inability to fit within the surrounding synovial sheath, or due to the formation of fibrous adhesions between the tendon and synovial sheath during healing. Fibrosis and increased disorganization of the extracellular matrix are hallmarks of the diabetic hand phenotype observed in T2DM patients. T2DM dramatically affects the baseline function of tendons; up to 50% of diabetic patients experience impaired hand function, including increased rates of tenosynovitis, and carpal tunnel syndrome. In addition to decrements in tendon gliding function, deficits in mechanical properties are also observed, rendering diabetic tendons more susceptible to rupture. Considering that the complication rate of primary flexor tendon repairs is as high as 40% in non-diabetic patients, and that T2DM further impairs tendon healing, it is imperative to understand the cellular and molecular components of diabetic tendinopathy. The study will define the overall cellular and molecular environment in tendon pulleys, palmar fascia, synovial sheath tissue, and scar tissue (tenolysis and tenosynovitis samples) as a function of type II diabetes.

  Study phs004076

• The Federated EGA network

  In the last 10 years, most human omics data has been generated in the context of research consortia while recently there has been an emergence of large cohorts of human data generated by healthcare initiatives. Many countries in Europe now have nascent personalised medicine programmes. Thus, human genomics is shifting from being predominantly research-driven to being funded through healthcare systems. Genetic data generated in a healthcare context is subject to more stringent information governance than research data and nonetheless all data must adhere to national data protections laws. In this context, EGA identified the need for the development of a federated network to enable secure sharing of data whilst enabling genetic data to remain within the jurisdiction in which it was generated. The Federated EGA is designed to support national data management requirements for genomic and clinical data collected from citizens as part of healthcare or biomedical research projects. It includes a secure authorised access mechanism to support research use of these data across Europe and worldwide. We have engaged with over 14 ELIXIR countries to develop the federation model. The EGA federated configuration is composed of Central EGA, Federated EGA nodes and Community EGA nodes: Central EGA offers international submissions and helpdesk support, currently EGA co-managed by EMBL-EBI and CRG, Federated EGA nodes offer EGA services to researchers within their national jurisdiction, Community EGA nodes are individual institutions or initiatives with human genetic data intended to be shared with the research community. Key services available in the Federated EGA structure are: Central EGA Federated EGA node Community EGA nodes Data submission Offers international submissions service Offers submission service in a particular jurisdiction Does not offer an external submissions service Helpdesk support Provides external international helpdesk Provides helpdesk support for submitters in its jurisdiction and for approved users of data managed at its facilities Provides helpdesk support only for approved users of data managed at its facilities Data distribution Manages worldwide distribution for data hosted at Central EGA Manages worldwide distribution for data hosted at Federated EGA node Distribution for data hosted at Community EGA node EMBL-EBI and CRG have prepared a series of documents describing the overall governance and coordination framework. These describe the Federated EGA structure, the rights and responsibilities of the different parties and governing committees, and node operation guidelines. The federation governance proposal is under review by the first countries invited to join as Federated nodes, with further interested countries likely to join in the coming years. The Central EGA team has been working closely with many ELIXIR partners, including ELIXIR Finland, Luxembourg, Germany, Norway, Spain and Sweden.

  Blog the-federated-ega-network

• TGS - Comprehensive Molecular Characterization of Colorectal Cancer Metastases (2015-07-02)[MOSAIC]

  Systematic next generation sequencing efforts are beginning to define the genomic landscape across a range of primary tumours, but we know very little of the mutational evolution that contributes to disease progression. We therefore propose to obtain a comprehensive description of genomic, transcriptomic and epigenomic changes in a cohort of matched primary and metastatic colorectal cancers, and additionally to explore the extent to which those mutations identified as recurrent in the metastatic setting are able to subvert normal biological processes using both genetically engineered mouse models and established cancer cell lines. This study will enable us to define to what extent primary tumour profiling can capture the biological processes operative in matched metastases as well as the significance of intratumoural heterogeneity. This dataset contains all the data available for this study on 2015-07-02.

  Dataset EGAD00001001426

• Spatio-temporal analysis of prostate tumors in situ suggests pre-existence of treatment-resistant clones

  The molecular mechanisms underlying lethal castration-resistant prostate cancer remain poorly understood, with intratumoral heterogeneity a likely contributing factor. To examine the temporal aspects of resistance, we analyzed tumor heterogeneity in needle biopsies collected before and after treatment with androgen deprivation therapy. By doing so, we were able to couple clinical responsiveness and morphological information such as Gleason score to transcriptome-wide data. Our data-driven analysis of transcriptomes identified several distinct intratumoral cell populations, characterized by their unique gene expression profiles. Strikingly, certain cell populations present before treatment exhibited gene expression profiles that matched those of resistant tumor cell clusters, present after treatment. We confirmed that these clusters were resistant by the localization of active androgen receptors to the nuclei in cancer cells post-treatment. Our data also demonstrated that most stromal cells adjacent to resistant clusters do not express the androgen receptor, and we identified differentially expressed genes for these cells. Altogether, this study shows the potential to increase the power in predicting resistant tumors.

  Study EGAS00001006113

• A human induced pluripotent stem cell toolbox for studying sex chromosome effects -transcriptional landscape

  We use state of the art reprogramming methods to generate panels of isogenic XXY, XX and XY iPSCs from XXY patient fibroblasts. We use CRISPR/Cas9 system to evict Y chromosome from XY cells and generate XO iPSCs. The generation and characterisation of panels of isogenic XXY, XX, XY and XO iPSCs will provide a foundational toolkit to study sex differences in vitro. As iPSCs can be differentiated into any somatic cell type, we can apply the model to any human disease. We have generated bulk RNA-Seq from 12 autosomally isogenic hiPSCs to investigate transcriptional landscape and any differences in those cells in pluripotent state.

  Study EGAS50000000931

• A novel breast cancer cell line derived from a metastatic bone lesion of a breast cancer patient

  Purpose: We sought to generate and characterize a novel cell line from a breast cancer bone metastasis in order to better study the progression of the disease.Methods: The cell line, P7731, was derived from a metastatic bone lesion of a breast cancer patient and assessed for marker expression. P7731 was analyzed for DNA copy number variation, somatic mutations and gene expression and compared to the primary tumor. Results: P7731 cells are negative for estrogen receptor alpha (ERα), progesterone receptor (PR) and HER2 (triple-negative), strongly express vimentin (100% of cells positive) and also express cytokeratins 8/18 and 19 but at lower frequencies. Flow cytometry indicates P7731 cells are predominantly CD44+/CD49f+/EpCAM-, consistent with a primitive, mesenchymal-like phenotype. The cell line is tumorigenic in immunocompromised mice. Exome sequencing identified a total of 45 and 76 somatic mutations in the primary tumor and cell line respectively, of which 32 were identified in both samples and included mutations in known driver genes PIK3CA, TP53 and ARID1A. P7731 retains the DNA copy number alterations present in the matching primary tumor. Homozygous deletions detected in the cell line and in the primary tumor were found in regions containing three known (CDKN2A, CDKN2B and CDKN1B) and 23 putative tumor suppressor genes. Cell line specific gene amplification coupled with mRNA expression analysis revealed genes and pathways with potential pro-metastatic functions.Conclusion: This novel human breast cancer-bone metastasis cell line will be a useful model to study aspects of breast cancer biology, particularly metastasis-related changes from breast to bone.

  Study EGAS00001002840

• ARAF Mutations Confer Resistance to RAF Dimer Inhibitor Belvarafenib in NRAS- and BRAF- Mutant Melanoma

  Belvarafenib, a potent and selective RAF dimer (type II) inhibitor, exhibits clinical activity in BRAFV600E- and NRAS-mutant melanoma patients. Here, we report the first-in-human phase I study investigating maximum tolerated dose, assessing safety and preliminary efficacy of belvarafenib in BRAF- and RAS-mutated advanced solid tumors (NCT02405065, NCT03118817). Through generation of belvarafenib resistant NRAS- mutant melanoma cells and analysis of circulating tumor DNA from patients treated with belvarafenib, we identified novel recurrent mutations in ARAF within the kinase domain. ARAF mutants conferred resistance to belvarafenib in both a dimer- and kinase activity- dependent manner. Belvarafenib induced ARAF mutant dimers, and dimers containing mutant ARAF were active in the presence of inhibitor. ARAF mutations may serve as a general resistance mechanism for RAF dimer inhibitors as the mutants exhibit reduced sensitivity to a panel of type II RAF inhibitors. The combination of RAF plus MEK inhibition may be used to delay ARAF-driven resistance and suggests a rational combination for clinical use. Taken together, our findings reveal specific and compensatory functions for the ARAF isoform and implicate ARAF mutations as a driver of resistance to RAF dimer inhibitors.

  Study EGAS00001005086

• DNA demethylation is associated with malignant progression of low-grade gliomas

  To elucidate the mechanisms of tumor progression is key to discovering strategies for treating patients with lower-grade glioma. Thus to characterize the changes in the molecular profile during malignant progression, we performed methylation array analysis (122 tumors), whole-exome sequencing (36 tumors and matched normal samples), and RNA sequencing (31 tumors). This cohort included 24 matched pairs of initial lower-grade gliomas and recurrent tumors, most of which showed malignant progression when they recurred. Nearly half of IDH-mutant glioblastomas that had progressed from lower-grade gliomas exhibited characteristic partial DNA demethylation in previously methylated genomic regions of their corresponding initial tumors, which had the glioma CpG island methylator phenotype (G-CIMP). In these glioblastomas, cell cycle-related genes were upregulated, RB and PI3K-AKT pathway genes were frequently altered. Notably, bioinformatics analysis revealed that late-replicating domain was significantly enriched in the demethylated regions that were mostly located in non-regulatory regions, suggesting that the loss of DNA methylation during malignant transformation may involve mainly passive demethylation due to a delay in maintenance of methylation during accelerated cell division. Nonetheless, a limited number of genes including IGF2BP3, which potentially drives cell proliferation, were presumed to be upregulated due to demethylation of their promoter. Thus, cell proliferation was further promoted by passive demethylation in the promoter region of these oncogenic genes. Our data indicated that demethylation of the G-CIMP profile found in a subset of recurrent gliomas reflects accelerated cell divisions accompanied by malignant transformation. Oncogenic genes activated by such epigenetic change represent potential therapeutic targets.

  Study JGAS000146

• Sudden Death in the Young Case Registry

  Knowledge gaps persist about the incidence of and risk factors for sudden death in the young (SDY). The SDY Case Registry is a collaborative effort between the National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Michigan Public Health Institute. Its goals are to: (1) describe the incidence of SDY in the United States by using population-based surveillance: (2) compile data from SDY cases to create a resource of information and DNA samples for research; (3) encourage standardized approaches to investigation, autopsy, and categorization of SDY cases; (4) develop partnerships between local, state, and federal stakeholders toward a common goal of understanding and preventing SDY; and (5) support families who have lost loved ones to SDY by providing resources on bereavement and medical evaluation of surviving family members. Built on existing Child Death Review programs and as an expansion of the Sudden Unexpected Infant Death Case Registry, the SDY Case Registry achieves its goals by identifying SDY cases, providing guidance to medical examiners/coroners in conducting comprehensive autopsies, evaluating cases through child death review and an advanced review by clinical specialists, and classifying cases according to a standardized algorithm. The SDY Case Registry also includes a process to obtain informed consent from next-of-kin to save DNA for research, banking, and, in some cases, diagnostic genetic testing. The SDY Case Registry will provide valuable incidence data and will enhance understanding of the characteristics of SDY cases to inform the development of targeted prevention efforts. For cases where informed consent has been obtained for research genomic sequencing has been performed. On these cases genomic data, phenotype information and on a limited number of cases redacted autopsy reports will be available through dbGaP.

  Study phs003221

• Assessment of the Toll-like receptor 3 response in hepatocytes

  Toll like receptor 3 (TLR3) is an endosomal pattern recognition receptor (PRR), recognizing double stranded RNA (dsRNA) as a distinct Pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP) for viral infections. We aim to understand the contribution of TLR3 to the dsRNA response in hepatocytes. The innate immune response of cells of hepatic origin (Huh7, Huh7.5, PH5CH and primary human hepatocytes (PHH)) was analyzed by transcriptome analysis (RNAseq) upon supernatant delivery or transfection of synthetic dsRNA (poly(I:C)). Expression of TLR3 and RIG-I was reconstituted by lentiviral transduction in Huh7 and Huh7.5 cells. Huh7 and Huh7.5 cells, devoid of functional TLR3 expression, did not respond to supernatant delivery of poly(I:C), in contrast to PH5CH and PHH, confirming a high selectivity of this method towards activating TLR3 in all hepatocyte models.

  Study EGAS00001005147

• Research Program on Genes, Environment and Health (RPGEH)

  The Kaiser Permanente Research Program on Genes, Environment, and Health (RPGEH) is a resource developed to facilitate research on genetic and environmental factors on common diseases and healthy aging. The RPGEH resource links biospecimens, health surveys, and comprehensive electronic medical records on broadly consented adult members of Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Plan, Northern California Region (KPNC). KPNC is an integrated health care delivery system with a membership of approximately 3.3 million people in northern California. The membership of KPNC is representative of the general population in the 14 county area in which facilities are located, although extremes of income are underrepresented. At the end of 2013, the RPGEH resource included: (1) demographic and behavioral surveys from over 430,000 participants; (2) biospecimens (DNA, serum, plasma, and/or saliva) from over 204,000 participants, including over 13,000 pregnant women; (3) genome-wide genotype data (70 billion SNP genotypes) on over 100,000 participants, including the Genetic Epidemiology Research on Adult Health and Aging (GERA) cohort; and (4) the longitudinal electronic medical records of the participants. The RPGEH was developed beginning in 2005 at the Division of Research of Kaiser Permanente Northern California by Catherine Schaefer (Director), Neil Risch (Co-Director), Lisa Croen, Eric Jorgenson, Lawrence Kushi, Charles Quesenberry, Sarah Rowell, Carol Somkin, Stephen Van den Eeden, Larry Walter, and Rachel Whitmer. Funding of the RPGEH was provided to C. Schaefer (PI) and N. Risch (co-PI) by the Wayne and Gladys Valley Foundation, The Ellison Medical Foundation, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, and the Kaiser Permanente National and Regional Community Benefit Programs. The GERA cohort was funded by a grant from NIH to RPGEH and UCSF (RC2 AG036607; C. Schaefer and N. Risch, PIs). At the time of the award of the RC2 project in late 2009, the RPGEH had established a cohort of about 140,000 individuals who had answered a detailed survey, provided saliva samples for extraction of DNA, and given broad consent for the use of their data in studies of health and disease. Survey and Cohort Recruitment. Initially, the RPGEH developed electronic disease registries to enable identification of phenotypes, using algorithms applied to EMR data. In 2007, the RPGEH mailed a four page survey to 1.9 million adult (≥ 18 years old) members of KPNC who had been members for two years or more, to obtain data on demographic and behavioral factors complementary to the clinical data in the EMR. The survey materials included a cover letter introducing the RPGEH, a two page list of Frequently Asked Questions, and the survey, which included questions on demographic factors such as education, race-ethnicity, income and marital status, dietary factors, physical activity, smoking, and alcohol consumption, as well as reproductive history and reproductive health. Members whose electronic medical records indicated a preference for written communications in Chinese or Spanish received survey materials both in English and a Chinese or Spanish translation. Approximately 400,000 completed surveys were returned. Saliva Sample Collection. Beginning in July 2008, respondents to the survey were asked to sign and return a consent form and authorization for use and disclosure of protected health information. The consent form authorized broad use of biospecimens, survey data, and data from participants' electronic health records for use in studies of genetic and environmental influences on health and disease. Respondents who returned completed consent forms were mailed (Oragene) saliva collection kits; more than 132,000 saliva samples were collected in two years. Completed saliva kits were scanned and archived in a temporary biorepository at the KPNC Division of Research. In late 2009, the RPGEH began collection of saliva samples from the California Men's Health Study (CMHS), a cohort that had been previously assembled in 2002-2003 and had been excluded from the RPGEH survey mailing with the intent of later adding CMHS participants to the assembled RPGEH cohort. The CMHS was developed to facilitate research on prostate cancer and other conditions in older men; the study protocol is described in Enger, et al., 2006. It enrolled and surveyed more than 40,000 men in KPNC, ages 45-69 years, who were members of KPNC during 2002-2003. CMHS men completed two mailed surveys with demographic and behavioral data similar to that of the RPGEH. The data on analogous variables were reconciled and integrated with the data derived from the RPGEH cohort for use in the RPGEH resource. By 2011, RPGEH collected approximately 15,400 saliva samples from men participating in the CMHS. RPGEH Access and Collaborations Website and Procedures. The RPGEH maintains a web portal for inquiries and applications for collaboration and access to data. The url is: https://rpgehportal.kaiser.org/. RPGEH has an application process and an Access Review Committee that reviews applications for collaboration and use. For more information, please contact RPGEH through the website.

  Study phs000788

• Transcriptome of Chronic Pain and Disease

  The Functional Genomics Section (FGS) is a part of the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) within the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Research at the FGS focuses on understanding the mechanics involved in nociception through both clinical samples from patients with chronic pain and mouse models of pain. Pain is relayed from the periphery to the central nervous system through specialized sensory neurons known as nociceptors. The cell body of nociceptors resides in neuronal structures that branch off of the spinal cord known as dorsal root ganglia (DRG). The DRG is a heterogenous tissue containing not only sensory neurons like nociceptors, but also glial cells, capillaries, fibroblasts, and resident macrophages. The interaction between the nociceptors and these DRG cell types can have a significant role in affecting neuronal hyperexcitability and downstream pain sensitivity. To better understand the cellular factors involved in producing conditions of chronic pain, DRGs from consenting organ donors were collected from individuals experiencing pain disorders such as painful diabetic neuropathy and rheumatoid arthritis. A multi-omics approach is being used to identify molecular mechanisms that lead to pain hypersensitivity in patients with chronic pain.  

  Study phs002548

• Multi-omics analysis of primary glioblastoma cell-lines shows recapitulation of pivotal molecular features of parental tumors

  Glioblastoma (GBM) is the deadliest primary brain cancer in adults. Emerging innovative therapies hold promise for personalized cancer treatment. Improving therapeutic options depends on research relying on relevant preclinical models. In this line we have established in the setting of the GlioTeX project (GBM and experimental therapeutics), a GBM-patient derived cell line library (GBM-PDCL). Multi-OMIC approach was used to determine the molecular landscape of PDCL and the extent to which they represent GBM tumors.

  Study EGAS00001001871

• Reading about genomic analysis of pan-neuroblastoma

  There are virtually no research fields that do not benefit from the large-scale genomic analysis that are so popular nowadays. For research into diseases with highly diverse clinical behavior like pediatric neuroblastoma, nevertheless, this type of approach has been a game-changer. Samuel W. Brady and colleagues, from St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, have gathered data from 702 neuroblastomas which were profiled by whole genome sequencing (WGS, n = 205), whole exome sequencing (WES, n = 539), and/or RNA-Seq. Less than half of the samples were generated during this study, while the others were obtained from previous work. Part of the WES data was indeed deposited in EGA in 2012 (EGA study EGAS00001000213). A scratchy summary about the huge work from Samuel W. Brady and colleagues, published in Nature Communications this October 2020 “These findings suggest that the sympathetic nervous system, the tissue from which neuroblastoma arises, is susceptible to different oncogenic insults at different times during development, which could be explored in future investigations using animal models.” Conclude the authors, highlighting the importance of their findings. Pediatric neuroblastomas are classified according to clinical and molecular features into low, intermediate, and high risk. Age plays a critical role in the classification, with younger children having an overall better prognosis. The samples included in this study belonged to all ages and risk-groups: the aim of such set up is the identification of age-associated molecular aberrations. The authors defined a mutational landscape of pediatric neuroblastoma including rare driver events, impossible to pick with a smaller data set. Interestingly, most driver mutations' frequency was found to be age-related. Those include alterations on MYCN, TERT, PTPRD, and Ras pathway, in addition to the previously reported ATRX. In addition, the large data set allowed the authors to define co-existence relations between the mutations (mutual exclusion or co-occurrence) which is a crucial puzzle piece to unravel the mechanisms driving the pathogenesis. Enjoy this really interesting article, open source on Pubmed.

  Blog genomic-analysis-of-pan-neuroblastoma

• H3Africa - Genomic and Environmental Risk Factors for Cardiometabolic Disease in Africans

  The long-term vision of the AWI-Gen Collaborative Centre (CC) is to build sustainable capacity in Africa for research that leads to an understanding of the interplay between genetic, epigenetic and environmental risk factors for obesity and related cardiometabolic diseases (CMD) in sub-Saharan Africa. The CC will be consolidated under the auspices of the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) and the International Network for the Demographic Evaluation of Populations and Their Health in Developing Countries (INDEPTH). It will capitalize on the unique strengths of existing longitudinal cohorts, including the urban Soweto and rural Agincourt studies in South Africa (Wits based), and the well established INDEPTH demographic health and surveillance centers in Kenya, Ghana, Burkina Faso and South Africa. The centers offer established infrastructure, trained fieldworkers, long-standing community engagement, and detailed longitudinal phenotypic data, focusing on obesity and cardiometabolic health. Key strengths are harmonized phenotyping across sites, building on strong existing cohorts, and representation of the geographic and social variability of African populations. We aim to: 1. Build sustainable infrastructure (biobanks and laboratories) and capabilities (well characterized population cohorts, genotyping and bioinformatics) for genomic research on the African continent; 2. Understand the genomic architecture of sub-Saharan populations from west, east and south Africa to guide genomic studies (genome sequencing and high throughput SNP and CNV arrays using unrelated individuals and family trios to improve the accuracy of haplotype analyses) and; 3. Investigate the independent and synergistic genomic contributions to body fat distribution (BMI, hip/waist circumference, subcutaneous and visceral fat) in these populations considering the relevant environmental and social contexts (rural/urban communities, quickly transitioning obesity prevalence, differential HIV, TB, and malaria infection histories). We will investigate the effect of obesity and fat distribution on the risk for CMD in the longitudinal cohorts.

  Study EGAS00001002482

• Identification of Cancer Predisposition Genes in Breast Cancer Families

  Breast cancer has a significant genetic component. The strongest epidemiologic risk factor is family history of the disease. Familial studies have identified a number of genes contributing to increased risk. Of these, the highly penetrant BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes account for the majority of families in whom disease-causal mutations have been identified. However, mutations in other genes have been associated with predisposition to breast or breast and ovarian cancer including (CHEK2, ATM, PALB2, RAD51C, RAD51D). Together these genes account for less than 20% of excess familial breast cancer risk and do not explain ~50% of high-risk families referred for genetic testing. This significant gap in our understanding of the genetic basis of breast cancer poses a significant barrier to our ability to identify women at increased risk, who would benefit greatly from appropriate clinical management. To identify additional breast cancer predisposition genes whole exome sequencing of familial high-risk breast cancer patients was undertaken. DNA samples from 50 pairs of breast cancer patients from high-risk breast cancer families with no pathogenic mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 breast cancer predisposition genes were subjected to whole exome sequencing. The goal was to select candidate predisposition genes for further validation studies based on sharing of putative protein inactivating mutations among both members of each family and/or the frequency of inactivating mutations among the 50 families.

  Study phs000480

• Longitudinal evaluation of serum microRNAs as biomarkers for neuroblastoma burden and therapeutic p53 reactivation

  Accurate assessment of treatment response and residual disease is indispensable for the evaluation of cancer treatment efficacy. However, performing tissue biopsies for longitudinal follow-up poses a major challenge in the management of solid tumours like neuroblastoma. In the present study, we evaluated whether circulating miRNAs are suitable to monitor neuroblastoma tumour burden and whether treatment-induced changes of miRNA abundance in the tumour are detectable in serum. We performed small RNA sequencing on longitudinally collected serum samples from mice carrying orthotopic neuroblastoma xenografts that were exposed to treatment with idasanutlin or temsirolimus. We identified 57 serum miRNAs to be differentially expressed upon xenograft tumour manifestation, out of which 21 were also found specifically expressed in the serum of human high-risk neuroblastoma patients. The murine serum levels of these 57 miRNAs correlated with tumour tissue expression and tumour volume, suggesting potential utility for monitoring tumour burden. In addition, we describe serum miRNAs that dynamically respond to p53 activation following treatment of engrafted mice with idasanutlin. We identified idasanutlin-induced serum miRNA expression changes upon one day and 11 days of treatment. By limiting to miRNAs with a tumour-related induction, we put forward hsa-miR-34a-5p as a potential pharmacodynamic biomarker of p53 activation in serum.

  Study EGAS00001006678

• Investigation of respiratory chain integrity in skeletal muscle in Parkinson's disease

  The aim of this study is to investigate mitochondrial dysfunction in skeletal muscle as a potential biomarker for identifying a distinct subtype of Parkinson’s disease (PD) characterized by mitochondrial complex I (CI) deficiency (CI-PD). Based on previous post-mortem findings, the study hypothesizes that widespread CI deficiency is present in a subset of PD patients and could be detectable in clinically accessible muscle samples. By analyzing mitochondrial function in muscle biopsies from individuals with PD and healthy controls, the study seeks to explore the extent of mitochondrial dysfunction in PD and identify a stratification marker for future diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. This study is part of the STRAT-PARK initiative, a longitudinal cohort study that aims to stratify neurodegenerative parkinsonisms into biological subtypes using a biomarker-based approach (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pneurobio.2024.102603).

  Study EGAS50000000671