3613 results for "*geneti*"

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• DNA methylomes of monozygotic twins clinically discordant for multiple sclerosis

  Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. Although genetic susceptibility is important, a modest concordance rate for MS in monozygotic (MZ) twins suggests that interaction with other risk factors is required to develop clinical symptoms. In this study, we examined whether DNA methylation differences contribute to the discordant clinical manifestation of MS in MZ twins, and studied the impact of MS treatments on the DNA methylome. Genome-wide DNA methylation profiles of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of 45 MZ twins clinically discordant for MS were generated using the Illumina HumanMethylationEPIC array. Repetitive element methylation and selected differentially methylated positions (DMPs) were validated using targeted deep bisulfite sequencing (TDBS). In addition, we performed whole genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) to profile CD4+ memory T-cells of a subset of four MS discordant MZ twins. Our results show that interferon treatment causes robust DNA methylation changes and several epigenetic biomarkers for interferon treatment response were identified. However, overall the PBMC-based methylomes of the MS discordant MZ twins were highly similar, since large systematic methylation differences (>5%) were absent in the data. This suggests that previously reported large methylation changes are probably caused by genetic rather than epigenetic differences. In addition, our data does not support the hypothesis that the observed maternal parent-of-origin effect in MS is due to genomic imprinting errors, and no evidence was found that copy number variations explain the discordant phenotype in these MZ twins. Although not genome-wide significant, a couple of DMPs associated with the MS phenotype were identified and successfully technically replicated using TDBS, including a differentially methylated region (DMR) in the promoter of the transmembrane protein encoding gene TMEM232. Another MS-associated DMP, located in an enhancer in the gene body of the transcription factor ZBTB16, was also associated with medium-term glucocorticoid treatment history. WGBS analysis confirmed this DMP as a promising epigenetic biomarker for glucocorticoid treatment. In conclusion, this epigenome-wide association study (EWAS) in genetically identical twins identified a DMR in the TMEM232 promoter as a candidate loci associated with the clinical manifestation of MS. In addition, epigenetic biomarkers for MS treatments were identified, revealing that not only short-term, but also medium-term treatment effects are detectable in immune cells, which should be taken into account in future EWAS designs.

  Study EGAS00001003147

• Primary prostate Hi-C

  Prostate cancer is a heterogeneous disease whose progression is linked to genome instability. Despite large-scale tumour sequencing efforts, the impact of mutations on the genetic architecture in cancer remains ill-defined due to limited integration of genomics data across dimensions. We addressed this limitation by assessing the impact of structural variants on the chromatin states and the three-dimensional organization across benign and malignant primary prostate genomes. We find high concordance in the three-dimensional genome organization between malignant and benign prostate tissues, arguing for constraints to the three-dimensional genome of prostate tumours. Moreover, we identify structural variants as effectors of changes to focal chromatin interactions, guiding cis-regulatory element hijacking that imposes opposing expression changes on genes found at antipodes of a rearrangement. This leads to the repression of tumour suppressor gene expression and up-regulation of oncogenes, such as at the TMPRSS2-ERG and PMEPA1-ZNF156 loci. Collectively, our results argue that cis-regulatory element hijacking by structural variants overshadows large-scale topological changes to alter gene regulation and promote oncogenesis.

  Study EGAS00001005014

• Whole transcriptome RNA sequencing as comprehensive diagnostic tool for acute myeloid leukemia.

  BackgroundAcute myeloid leukemia (AML) is characterized by uncontrolled proliferation of malignant hematopoietic cells in the bone marrow that are arrested in differentiation. In AML pathogenesis, hematopoietic progenitor cells acquire multiple genetic aberrations often occurring in the same set of genes that ultimately lead to malignant transformation. In the WHO classification 2016, six AML classes with different prognosis are identified by chromosomal translocations measured by standard cytogenetics. All balanced translocations produce fusion genes, except for t(3;3)/inv(3;3), which lead to overexpression of MECOM/EVI1 associated with poor prognosis. For accurate risk assessment of cytogenetically normal AML, four genes need to be screened to distinguish AML with mutated NPM1 in the absence of FLT3 mutations and AML with bi-allelic CEBPA mutations, which have a favorable prognosis, and AML with RUNX1 mutations which have a poor prognosis. Recently, a full genomic classification system has been proposed by Papaemmanuil et al. (NEJM 2016). In this system, the same six classes with chromosomal translocations are identified by standard cytogenetics as well as five additional classes characterized by genetic mutations in 14 different genes. AimThe aim of the study was to investigate whether whole transcriptome RNA-sequencing (RNAseq) can be used as single technology for classification of AML. MethodA panel of 100 AML were analyzed and a bio-informatics pipeline called HAMLET (Human AML Expedited Transcriptomics) was developed in which 4 modules are integrated to detect (1) fusion genes, (2) small variants in 13 recurrently mutated genes, (3) internal tandem duplications in FLT3 (FLT3-ITD) and partial tandem duplications in KMT2A (KMT2A-PTD) and (4) overexpression of MECOM/EVI1. All mutations that were called by HAMLET were validated by diagnostic data as available for all 100 AML or targeted PCR followed by Sanger or next generation sequencing on all positive AML and at least an equal number of negative cases. Results & discussionThe data showed that HAMLET accurately identified all genetic aberrations with high sensitivity and specificity. In addition, in 7 AML, fusion transcripts were detected that are not measured by standard cytogenetics including three cases that lack any class-defining lesion according to Papaemmanuil et al. Moreover, overexpression of MECOM/EVI1 was detected in two AML with inv(3) as well as in five cases without inv(3)/t(3;3), and a gene signature was measured to distinguish AML with CEBPA mutations with favorable prognosis. In conclusion, HAMLET provides a comprehensive and flexible pipeline for RNAseq analysis to retrieve all relevant information for current classification of AML as well as additional information that may improve classification in the future.

  Study EGAS00001003096

• Whole genome amplification and whole genome sequencing of human single cells

  Human single fibroblasts and T-lymphocytes were amplified using multiple annealing and looping-based amplification and multiple displacement amplification. Amplified products were next subjected to whole genome sequencing with the goal of performing a genetic variant analysis.

  Study EGAS00001003108

• Whole exome sequencing of 76 individuals with familial atrial fibrillation

  We investigated genetic background of familial and early onset atrial fibrillation (AF) with the aim of identify genes involved in atrial fibrillation pathology and are highly predisposing risk factors. We performed whole exome sequencing on 24 families where three or more family members suffered from AF.

  Study EGAS00001003207

• Open_Targets_020_Epigenomes_of_Cell_Lines

  There is currently a drive to establish cell based assay systems of greater human biological and disease relevance through the use of well characterised transformed cell lines, primary cells and complex cellular models (e.g. co-culture, 3D models). However, although the field is gaining valuable experience in running more non-standard & complex cell assays for target validation and compound pharmacology studies, there is the lack of a systematic approach to determine if this expansion in cell assay models is reflected in increased human biological and disease relevance. The increasing wealth of publically available transcriptomic, and epigenome (ENCODE and Epigenome Roadmap) data represents an ideal reference mechanism for determining the relationship between cell types used for target & compound studies to primary human cells and tissues from both healthy volunteers & patients. The CTTV020 epigenomes of cell line project aims to generate epigenetic and transcriptomic profiles of cell lines and compare these with existing and newly generated reference data sets from human tissue and cell types. The aim is to identify assay systems which will provide greater confidence in translating target biology and compound pharmacology to patients. Multiple cell types commonly used within research have been grouped according to biology. Examples include erythroid, lung epithelial, hepatocyte cell types and immortalised models of monocyte / macrophage biology. This data is part of a pre-publication release. For information on the proper use of pre-publication data shared by the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute (including details of any publication moratoria), please see http://www.sanger.ac.uk/datasharing/

  Study EGAS00001003137

• Open_Targets_020_Epigenomes_of_Cell_Lines

  There is currently a drive to establish cell based assay systems of greater human biological and disease relevance through the use of well characterised transformed cell lines, primary cells and complex cellular models (e.g. co-culture, 3D models). However, although the field is gaining valuable experience in running more non-standard & complex cell assays for target validation and compound pharmacology studies, there is the lack of a systematic approach to determine if this expansion in cell assay models is reflected in increased human biological and disease relevance. The increasing wealth of publically available transcriptomic, and epigenome (ENCODE and Epigenome Roadmap) data represents an ideal reference mechanism for determining the relationship between cell types used for target & compound studies to primary human cells and tissues from both healthy volunteers & patients. The CTTV020 epigenomes of cell line project aims to generate epigenetic and transcriptomic profiles of cell lines and compare these with existing and newly generated reference data sets from human tissue and cell types. The aim is to identify assay systems which will provide greater confidence in translating target biology and compound pharmacology to patients. Multiple cell types commonly used within research have been grouped according to biology. Examples include erythroid, lung epithelial, hepatocyte cell types and immortalised models of monocyte / macrophage biology. This data is part of a pre-publication release. For information on the proper use of pre-publication data shared by the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute (including details of any publication moratoria), please see http://www.sanger.ac.uk/datasharing/

  Study EGAS00001003139

• Molecular origins of mpMRI visibility

  Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) has transformed the landscape of prostate cancer (PCa) management. Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI-RADSv2) scores reflect function and correlate phenotypic features with tumor aggressiveness, is an independent predictor of biochemical recurrence, and may distinguish low-risk tumors requiring no treatment from high-risk tumors requiring aggressive management. We hypothesize that differences in functional mpMRI of prostate tumors reflect the genetic and epigenetic heterogeneity of PCa. We profiled the genomes and transcriptomes of 40 Gleason score 3+4 tumors, of which 20 tumors were mpMRI invisible (not PI-RADSv2 3-5) and 20 tumors were visible (PI-RADSv2 5). Genomes of visible tumors were more unstable than those of invisible tumors. We identified 62 enriched transcripts, including numerous snoRNAs, Relaxin 1 and SCHLAP1, in visible tumors. These data suggest a confluence of aggressive pathological and microenvironmental phenomenon in PI-RADSv2 5 tumors reminiscent of nimbosus, while linking the molecular profiles of tumor aggressiveness with their functional features on mpMRI.

  Study EGAS00001003179

• Genetic sequencing of MODY patients.

  Maturity-onset Diabetes of the young (MODY) is an early-onset, autosomal dominant form of non-insulin dependent diabetes. Genetic diagnosis of MODY can transform patient management. Earlier data on the genetic predisposition to MODY have come primarily from familial studies in populations of European origin. Using next generation sequencing, we carried out a comprehensive genomic analysis of 289 individuals from India that included 152 clinically diagnosed MODY cases to identify variants in known MODY genes. Our findings report that HNF1A and ABCC8 are among the most frequently mutated MODY genes in south India.

  Study EGAS00001001699

• Multiple Sclerosis Replication Chip data (MS Chip)

  Genetic data typed with the MS Chip, designed by the International Multiple Sclerosis Genetics Consortium (IMSGC).

  Study EGAS00001003216

• Genomic profiling of esthesioneuroblastoma

  We performed whole exome and whole genome sequencing on a cohort of esthesioneurblastoma to understand the genetic underpinnings of this neoplasm.

  Study EGAS00001003225

• MYCN Amplification and ATRX Mutations are Incompatible in Neuroblastoma

  Age and stage of disease at diagnosis is associated with outcome in neuroblastoma. A previous study identified ATRX point mutations and in-frame deletions in older patients with stage 4 disease. To validate the frequency of ATRX mutations and assess the relation of mutations and known prognostic variables, we collaborated with the Children’s Oncology Group and sequenced the entire ATRX genomic locus in 475 neuroblastoma tumor samples to validate the frequency of ATRX mutations and assess the relation of mutations and known prognostic variables. Older age at diagnosis, stage 4 disease, and unfavorable histology were significantly associated with mutations in the ATRX gene; MYCN amplification was mutually exclusive from ATRX mutations. To directly test if ATRX mutations and MYCN amplification are incompatible in neuroblastoma, we mutated the ATRX gene in MYCN amplified neuroblastoma cell lines and ectopically expressed MYCN in ATRX mutant neuroblastoma cell lines. Both approaches showed that ATRX and MYCN amplification are incompatible in neuroblastoma in culture and in vivo. To gain a better understanding of the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms of this incompatibility, we performed a series of experiments including telomere analysis, epigenetic profiling, electron microscopic analysis and metabolic profiling. We discovered that induction of MYCN expression in ATRX mutant neuroblastomas cells leads to metabolic reprogramming, mitochondrial dysfunction, increased reactive oxygen species and replicative stress. We propose that this leads to synthetic lethality in ATRX mutant neuroblastomas because of the underlying replicative stress in those cells as a result of dysfunction of this essential histone chaperone.

  Study EGAS00001003257

• Genetic characterization of B-cell prolymphocytic leukemia: a hierarchical prognostic model involving MYC and TP53 abnormalities - RNA-seq

  B-cell prolymphocytic leukemia (B-PLL) is a rare disease, whose molecular pathology is largely unknown. We report here the cytogenetic and molecular findings in a large series of 34 B-PLL. Karyotype (K) was complex (≥3 abnormalities) in 73%, and highly complex (HCK≥5) in 45%. The most frequent chromosomal aberrations were: translocation targeting the MYC gene [t(MYC)] (62%), 17p deletion including TP53 gene (38%), trisomy 18/18q (30%), 13q14 deletion (29%), trisomy 3 (24%), trisomy 12 (24%) and 8p deletion (23%). Whole-Exome Sequencing performed in 16 patients revealed recurrent mutations in TP53 (6/16, 38%), MYD88 (n=4), BCOR (n=4), MYC (n=3), SF3B1 (n=3), FAT1 (n=3), SETD2 (n=2), CHD2 (n=2), CXCR4 (n=2) and BCLAF1 (n=2). The main group of patients (21/34, 62%) had a t(MYC) associated with a higher percentage of prolymphocytes (p=0.03), CD38 expression (p<0.001), lower K complexity (p=0.0004), mutations in MYC and in genes involved in RNA metabolism and chromatin remodeling. Principal component analysis of gene expression data showed that patients with t(MYC) clustered together. A second group with MYC gain (5/34, 15%), was associated with HCK≥5 (p=0,01) and trisomy 3 (p=0,008). Altogether, 26/34 patients (76%) had a MYC activation, translocation or gain, that were mutually exclusive. We identified 3 distinct cytogenetic prognostic groups (p=0.0006): lower risk: absence of MYC activation (median not reached); intermediate risk: MYC activation without del17p (125 months); high risk: MYC activation + del17p (11 months). Our results show that cytogenetic analysis is a useful diagnostic tool in B-PLL that improves prognostic stratification.

  Study EGAS00001003274

• Non-coding mutations reveal cancer driver cistromes in luminal breast cancer

  Whole-genome sequencing of primary breast tumors enabled the identification of cancer driver genes and non-coding cancer driver plexuses from somatic mutations. However, differentiating between driver and passenger events among non-coding genetic variants remains a challenge to understand the etiology of cancer and inform the delivery of personalized cancer medicine. Herein, we reveal enrichment of non-coding mutations in cis-regulatory elements that cover a subset of transcription factors linked to tumor progression in luminal breast cancers. Using a cohort of 26 primary luminal ER+PR+ breast tumors, we compiled a catalogue of ~100,000 unique cis-regulatory elements from ATAC-seq data. Integrating this catalogue with somatic mutations from 350 publicly available breast tumor whole genomes, we identified four recurrently mutated individual cis-regulatory elements. By then partitioning the non-coding genome into cistromes, defined as the sum of binding sites for a transcription factor, we uncovered cancer driver cistromes for ten transcription factors, namely CTCF, ELF1, ESR1, FOSL2, FOXA1, FOXM1 GATA3, JUND, TFAP2A, and TFAP2C in luminal breast cancer. Nine of these ten transcription factors were shown to be essential for growth in breast cancer, with four exclusive to the luminal subtype. Collectively, we present a strategy to find cancer driver cistromes relying on quantifying the enrichment of non-coding mutations over cis-regulatory elements concatenated into a functional unit drawn from an accessible chromatin catalogue derived from primary cancer tissues.

  Study EGAS00001005235

• Genetic alterations in metastatic uveal melanoma

  Study EGAS00001003303

• Inherited genetic predisposition to childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia investigated using a genome wide association study.

  This series consists of summary data generated from a genome-wide association study (GWAS) investigating inherited genetic risk to childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The GWAS comprised 784 cases recruited to the Medical Research Council UK ALL-2003 and ALL-97/99 trials and 7,385 controls. The data describe SNPtest association statistics from the case-control analysis.

  Study EGAS00001002809

• HG Transcriptome sequencing in the INTERVAL cohort

  We performed bulk RNA-sequencing on peripheral blood collected from 4,732 blood donors recruited as part of the INTERVAL study. Using these data, we mapped gene expression and splicing quantitative trait loci (QTLs). Then, we integrated these data with protein, metabolite and lipid QTLs in the same individuals. The study aimed to identify the shared genetic etiology across transcriptional phenotypes, molecular traits and health outcomes in humans.

  Study EGAS00001003346

• Whole-genome sequencing identifies ADGRG6 enhancer mutations and FRS2 duplications as angiogenesis-related drivers in bladder cancer

  Bladder cancer is one of the most common and highly vascularized cancers. To better understand its genomic structure and underlying etiology, we conducted whole-genome sequencing in 65 urothelial bladder carcinomas (the most common type of bladder cancer) and identified recurrent genetic alterations in a set of angiogenesis genes, facilitating the understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying pathological angiogenesis in this type of cancer.

  Study EGAS00001003388

• Multi-site tumor sampling highlights molecular intra-tumor heterogeneity in malignant pleural mesothelioma

  Background:Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a heterogeneous cancer. Better knowledge of molecular and cellular intra-tumor heterogeneity throughout the thoracic cavity is required to develop efficient therapies. This study focuses on molecular intra-tumor heterogeneity using the largest series to date in MPM and is the first to report on the multi-omics profiling of a substantial series of multi-site tumor samples. Methods:Intra-tumor heterogeneity was investigated in 16 patients from whom biopsies were taken at distinct anatomical sites. The paired biopsies collected from apex, side wall, costo-diaphragmatic or highest metabolic sites as well as 5 derived cell lines were screened using targeted sequencing. Whole exome sequencing, RNA sequencing, and DNA methylation were performed on a subset of the cohort for deep characterization. Molecular classification, recently defined histo-molecular gradients, and cell populations of the tumor microenvironment were assessed. Results:Sequencing analysis identified heterogeneous variants notably in NF2, a key tumor suppressor gene of mesothelial carcinogenesis. Subclonal tumor populations were shared among paired biopsies, suggesting a polyclonal dissemination of the tumor. Transcriptome analysis highlighted dysregulation of cell adhesion and extracellular matrix pathways, linked to changes in histo-molecular gradient proportions between anatomic sites. Methylome analysis revealed contribution of epigenetic mechanisms in two patients. Finally, significant changes in the expression of immune mediators and genes related to immunological synapse, as well as differential infiltration of immune populations in the tumor environment were observed and led to a switch from a hot to a cold immune profile in three patients. Conclusions:This comprehensive analysis reveals patient-dependent spatial intra-tumor heterogeneity at the genetic, transcriptomic and epigenetic levels and in the immune landscape of the tumor microenvironment. Results support

  Study EGAS00001005328

• Genomic_profiling_of_B_other_Adult_ALL_RNA

  Adult ALL is an aggressive leukaemia, affecting adults of all ages. It is associated with a rapid onset and poor outcomes. Our understanding of adult ALL genome has been limited to molecular markers first described in paediatric ALL and validated in adult ALL and to date there have been no studies investigating the genomics of Adult ALL. We will perform whole genome sequencing on at least 100 Adult ALL cases. Priority will be given on ALL cases without a known primary lesion by cytogenetic analysis which are categorised as “B-other”. We will also sequence representative cases of each known subtype. This will deliver a comprehensive annotation of the genomic landscape of Adult ALL to include acquired somatic mutations (substitutions, indels, structural variants/fusion genes) and copy number profiles. The focus on B-other Adult ALL is likely to result in new and previously undescribed genomic lesions.

  Study EGAS00001003428

• Clinical genome sequencing uncovers potentially targetable truncations and fusions of MAP3K8 in spitzoid and other melanomas

  Spitzoid melanoma is a specific morphologic variant of melanoma that most commonly affects children and adolescents and ranges on the spectrum of malignancy from low-grade to overtly malignant. These tumors are generally driven by fusions of ALK, RET, NTRK1/3, MET, ROS1 and BRAF. However, in approximately 50% of cases, no genetic driver has been established. Clinical whole genome and transcriptome sequencing (RNA-Seq) of a spitzoid tumor from an adolescent revealed a novel gene fusion of MAP3K8, encoding a serine−threonine kinase that activates MEK. The patient who had exhausted all other therapeutic options was treated with a MEK inhibitor and underwent a transient clinical response. We subsequently analyzed spitzoid tumors from 49 patients by RNA-Seq and found in-frame fusions or C-terminal truncations in 33% of cases. The fusion transcripts and truncated genes all contained MAP3K8 exons 1-8 but lacked the autoinhibitory final exon. Data mining of RNA-Seq from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) uncovered analogous MAP3K8 rearrangements in 1.5% of adult melanomas. Thus, MAP3K8 rearrangements - uncovered by comprehensive clinical sequencing of a single case - are the most common genetic event in spitzoid melanoma, are present in adult melanomas, and could be amenable to MEK inhibition.

  Study EGAS00001003430

• Dedifferentiated_Melanoma

  De- and transdifferentiation of melanoma is a rare histopathological phenomenon that has not be characterised genetically. In this project we plan to sequence the genomes of de and transdifferentiated cases so as to define their genetic make-up.

  Study EGAS00001003471

• Adult-type Granulosa Cell Tumour of the Ovary

  A recurrent mutation in FOXL2 (c.402C>G; p.C134W) is present in over 95% of adult-type granulosa cell tumours (AGCTs). In contrast, various loss-of-function mutations in FOXL2 lead to the development of blepharophimosis, ptosis and epicanthus inversus syndrome (BPES). BPES is characterized by an eyelid malformation often accompanied with primary ovarian insufficiency but not granulosa cell tumours. Two recent studies suggest that FOXL2 C402G is a gain or change-of-function mutation with altered DNA-binding specificity. Another study proposes that FOXL2 C402G is selectively targeted for degradation inducing somatic haploinsufficiency suggesting its role as a tumour suppressor. The latter study relies on data indicative of an FOXL2 allelic imbalance in AGCTs. Here we present RNA-seq data as genetic evidence that no real allelic imbalance is observed at the transcriptomic level in AGCTs. Additionally, there is no loss of protein expression in tumours harboring the mutated allele. These data and other features of this mutation as compared to other oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes argue strongly against FOXL2 being a tumour suppressor in this context. Given the likelihood that FOXL2 C402G is oncogenic, targeting the variant protein or its downstream consequences is the most viable path forward to identifying an effective treatment for this cancer.

  Study EGAS00001005414

• Identification of gene mutations and fusion genes in patients with Sézary Syndrome

  Sezary syndrome (SS) is a leukemic form of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) with an aggressive clinical course. The goal of our study is to understand the genetic basis of the disease by looking for driver gene mutations and fusion genes in 15 erythrodermic patients with circulating Sezary cels, fourteen of them fulfilling the diagnostic criteria of SS. Peripheral blood samples were collected for each patient and CD4+ T-lymphocytes and Granulocytes were isolated. DNA and RNA was extracted for matched normal and tumor materials. Whole exome sequencing was performed on matched normal and tumor tissues of 12 patients and RNA sequencing was performed on 10 patients. For 7 of these patients, we have both exome as well as RNA sequencing data. In this study, we present a complex genomic landscape of Sezary syndrome with several point mutations, copy number variations and fusion events which could contribute to the pathogenesis of SS.

  Study EGAS00001001706

• Molecular phenotyping of MCA/ID patients to improve diagnosis

  De novo structural variants are frequently identified in individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders, but the genes driving their phenotypes are often unknown. In this study we performed Whole Genome Sequencing, RNA-sequencing and ATAC-sequencing on samples of 51 patients with intellectual disability and/or multiple congenital anomalies and their biological parents (when available). The goals of the study were to gain more insights in the molecular consequences of (complex) genomic rearrangements and to improve the genetic diagnosis of patients carrying such rearrangements. Data is divided in four separate datasets based on type of source material and data access restrictions due to consent.

  Study EGAS00001003489

• Chromatin_accessability_in_cytokine_induced_immune_cell_states

  We isolated T cells and monocotyes from healthy platelet donors and cultured them in resting and stimulated conditions with addition of a range of cytokines. We performed ATAC sequencing to assess the chromatin accessability in different cytokines treated cells. These cellular profiles were used to map risk variants to the cytokine-induced cell states relevant for autoimmune diseases.

  Study EGAS00001003501

• MutWP1__CRUK_Grand_Challenge_Mutographs_of_Cancer__head___neck

  The Mutographs project aims to advance our understanding of the causes of cancer through studies of mutational signatures. Led by Mike Stratton, together with Paul Brennan, Ludmil Alexandrov, Allan Balmain, David Phillips and Peter Campbell, this large-scale international research endeavour was awarded a Cancer Research UK Grand Challenge. Different patterns of somatic mutation are generated by the different environmental, lifestyle and genetic factors that cause cancer, many of them are still unknown. Within Mutographs, the International Agency for Research on Cancer is coordinating the recruitment of 5000 individuals with cancer (colorectal, renal, pancreatic, oesophageal adenocarcinoma or oesophageal squamous cancers) across 5 continents to explore whether different mutational signatures explain marked variation in incidence. In brief, through an international network of collaborators around the world, biological materials are collected, along with demographic, histological, clinical and questionnaire data. Whole genome sequences of tumour-germline DNA pairs are generated at the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute. Non-tumour DNA is also studied for some cancer types. Somatic mutational signatures are subsequently extracted by non-negative matrix factorisation methods and correlated with risk factors data. Through an enhanced understanding of cancer aetiology, Mutographs unprecedented effort is anticipated to outline modifiable risk factors, lead to new approaches to prevent cancer, and provide opportunities to empower early detection, refine high-risk groups and contribute to further therapeutic development.

  Study EGAS00001005450

• WES analysis of a mixed cohort of pituitary tumors

  BACKGROUND: Sporadic pituitary adenomas are the second most common primary brain tumor, but their genetics remains incompletely understood. We performed deep DNA sequencing of 42 pituitary macroadenomas, including hormonally active and atypical adenomas. METHODS: Pituitary adenomas representative of a spectrum of histopathologic subtypes, primary and recurrent tumors, and MIB-1 proliferative indices were profiled. Whole-exome sequencing was performed on tumors and paired blood followed by analysis of somatic copy number alteration and mutation. RESULTS: On the whole, the tumors harbored a low rate of mutations, similar to other benign brain tumors. However, almost one-third (29%) exhibited somatic copy-number alterations across large fractions of the genome (up to 99%). Despite such widespread genomic disruption, these tumors had few focal events, which is atypical among highly-disrupted cancers. The other 71% of tumors formed a distinct molecular class, with somatic copy-number alterations involving less than 6% of the genome. Among the highly-disrupted group, 92% were functional or atypical null-cell adenomas, whereas 87% of the less-disrupted group were clinically non-functional adenomas. The only significantly recurrent events were arm-level losses of chromosomes 1, 2, 11, and 18. No significantly recurrent mutations or insertion/deletion events were identified, suggesting no genes are altered by exomic mutations in >15% of pituitary tumors. CONCLUSIONS: Genomic characterization of a large series of sporadic pituitary adenomas reveals two classes of tumor, based on genomic disruption from arm-level copy-number alterations, which associate with hormonal and histologic subtypes.

  Study EGAS00001001714

• Separation of chronic myeloid leukemia stem cells from normal hematopoietic stem cells at single-cell resolution

  Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a clonal disease, initiated and sustained by a subpopulation of CML stem cells (CML-SC) containing the BCR::ABL1 oncogene. Genetic markers that enrich for CML-SC have been identified, including CD26 being most specific. Genome sequencing analysis remain yet to be performed at single cell level in order to determine differences and heterogeneity in the genetic profile of CML-SC versus normal hematopoietic stem cells (HSC). Here we show that CD26 and CD33 separate CML-SC from normal HSC in freshly isolated bone marrow samples from newly diagnosed CML patients. DNA sequencing confirms that single CML-SC derived colonies are positive for BCR::ABL1 and harbor a recurrent set of patient-specific clonal somatic mutations across different CML-SC derived colonies. In contrast, marker-negative (CD26-CD33-) HSC from the same patients are negative for the BCR::ABL1 oncogene and do not carry recurrent, clonal mutation across different colonies. These results support the concept that CD26/CD33 expression separates genetically defined, clonal mutant CML-SC from normal HSC that carry individual sets of random mutations in CML patients. We provide whole exome DNA sequencing data for 23 clinical samples of CML-SC plus two buccal swipes derived normal samples. CML samples are comprised of 4 to 8 replicates from two patients, at diagnosis and after treatment. Single CML stem cells before treatment and single non-transformed HSC at remission were selected from bone marrow samples by FACS, according to genetic markers CD33+CD26+ at diagnosis and CD33+CD26-/CD33-CD26- at remission. WES libraries of colony forming assays derived CML-SC and HSC populations were prepared using Agilent SureSelect Human All Exon V6 kit and sequenced running 150 cycles (2x 75bp paired-end) on an Illumina NextSeq 500 platform. Following GATK best practices for somatic mutation calling, novel CML variants and random mutation events during remission phase were obtained.

  Study EGAS00001006904

• Genome-wide DNA methylation profiles of NSCLC xenograft and primary lung tissues for the identification of epigenetic predictive biomarkers.

  Non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC) are the most common cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide and primarily treated with platinum-based drugs like cisplatin and carboplatin, radiation and surgery. The major challenge in the management of NSCLC are intrinsic or acquired resistance mechanisms with only few published molecular markers which can predict the outcome of the patients. On the other side, changes in DNA methylation are observed in nearly all cancer types making them suitable as biomarker. Here genome-wide methylation profiles from MeDIP-Seq and gene expression profiling data of 22 primary NSCLC, adjacent normal tissue and PDX samples are provided. For each PDX tumor growth rates were measured in absence or presence of chemotherapy.

  Study EGAS00001002479

• Genomic_profiling_of_B_other_Adult_ALL_WGS

  Adult ALL is an aggressive leukaemia, affecting adults of all ages. It is associated with a rapid onset and poor outcomes. Our understanding of adult ALL genome has been limited to molecular markers first described in paediatric ALL and validated in adult ALL and to date there have been no studies investigating the genomics of Adult ALL. We will perform whole genome sequencing on at least 100 Adult ALL cases. Priority will be given on ALL cases without a known primary lesion by cytogenetic analysis which are categorised as “B-other”. We will also sequence representative cases of each known subtype. This will deliver a comprehensive annotation of the genomic landscape of Adult ALL to include acquired somatic mutations (substitutions, indels, structural variants/fusion genes) and copy number profiles. The focus on B-other Adult ALL is likely to result in new and previously undescribed genomic lesions.

  Study EGAS00001002474

• Cryptic Relatedness in the Singapore Living Biobank Project

  The Singapore Living Biobank is a collection of healthy population-based Chinese and Malay individuals, for the purpose of phenotype recall study of high-impact variant carriers. These individuals are sampled from two studies: Multi-Ethnic Cohort (MEC), and the Singapore Health 2012 (SH2012). The MEC is a population-based cohort initiated in 2007 to investigate the genetic and lifestyle factors that affect the risk of developing chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular outcomes in the three ethnic groups (Chinese, Malays, and Indians). The SH2012 study is a population-based cross-sectional survey conducted in Singapore between 2012 and 2013, with over-sampling of Malays and Indians. Participants in MEC and SH2012 completed a similar set of questionnaire components, health examination, and biochemisty panels. Description of the MEC and SH2012 studies can be found at http://blog.nus.edu.sg/sphs/. We generated whole-exome sequencing data and Illumina OmniExpress array genotyping data for 1,299 Chinese and 1,229 Malays from the Singapore Living Biobank. This study includes a subset of 762 individuals that were found to be closely related (≤3rd degree), including 263 Chinese and 499 Malays.

  Study EGAS00001002619

• Genomic Profiling Reveals Spatial Intra-tumour Heterogeneity in Follicular Lymphoma

  Follicular lymphoma (FL) is an incurable indolent non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) that behaves heterogeneously and is synonymous with the reciprocal translocation t(14;18)(q32;q21), leading to aberrant constitutive over-expression of BCL2 [ref]. High risk groups with poor overall survival include patients that transform to a high grade lymphoma, most commonly diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) or progress early (within 2 years) of receiving treatment. Recently several studies have shed light on the diverse genomic landscape of FL, with frequently mutated genes including those involved in chromatin remodelling, (CREBBP, KMT2D, EZH2, EP300), immune modulation (TNFRSF14), JAK-STAT (STAT6, SOCS1), NF-ĸB (CARD11, MYD88, TNFAIP3) and mTORC1 signalling (RRAGC) [ref]. To date, the majority of these studies have either focussed on inter-patient genetic heterogeneity or established the extent of clonal heterogeneity as a patient’s tumour evolves over time. Furthermore, these temporal studies have alluded to the existence of a tumour-repopulating population (referred to as the common progenitor cell (CPC)) that evades treatment and acts as a reservoir, seeding each subsequent relapse and transformation event. Although these previous studies have illuminated the longitudinal clonal dynamics that occur in FL, our understanding of the degree of spatial or intra-tumour heterogeneity (ITH) that exists within an individual patient thus far remains limited. Earlier studies have predominantly focused on differences in cytological grade and immunophenotype between spatially separated lymph nodes and bone marrow, the most common site of extra-nodal involvement in FL, with genomic profiling restricted to examining somatic hypermutation patterns in IgVH genes [ref]. In contrast next generation sequencing has been increasingly utilised in solid organ malignancies to derive comprehensive genomic profiles from spatially separated sites. The seminal study by Gerlinger et al revealed profound differences in the genetic make-up between individual primary and metastatic sites of renal cell carcinoma [ref]. Significant heterogeneity has since been demonstrated both between and within lesions in the same patient in lung, pancreas and breast cancer with presumed driver mutations distributed within the “branches” of the evolutionary phylogenetic tree, suggesting that a single biopsy is incapable of capturing the full genomic heterogeneity of an individual’s malignancy [ref]. This geographical heterogeneity not only adds to the diverse pool of tumour subclones that may contribute to drug resistance mechanisms but importantly, presents a major obstacle for precision-based approaches focussed on targeting specific lesions within a single biopsy. In FL, the exponential increase in clinical trials using novel agents such as EZH2, PI3K and BTK inhibitors reflects this shift in cancer care and along with the development of molecular prognostic scores such as the m7-FLIPI highlights the clinical need to accurately define genomic alterations with clinical relevance. As the majority of FL patients manifest disseminated tumour involvement, we sought to uncover the extent and clinical importance of spatial heterogeneity in FL by comprehensively genetically profiling 22 synchronously removed spatially separated biopsies from 9 patients. Using a combination of whole exome and targeted deep sequencing, our results inferred the complex subclonal architecture within these tumours and the mutational differences between anatomical sites, demonstrating cases with significant intrinsic genetic diversity.

  Study EGAS00001002492

• Tumor-derived cell lines as pharmacogenomic models to predict therapeutic vulnerabilities in hepatocellular carcinoma

  Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a heterogeneous aggressive malignancy with low efficacy of current therapies at advanced stages. We integrated molecular and pharmacological profiling of a large panel of liver cancer cell lines (LCCL) to assess their clinical relevance as HCC preclinical models and identify new effective therapies and biomarkers of response. We performed multi-omic analysis including whole-exome, RNA and miRNA sequencing and quantification of 126 proteins in a series 34 LCCL coupled with a screening of 29 anti-cancer agents. Molecular profiles of LCCL and primary HCC were compared and we searched for molecular features associated with drug response. Our panel of LCCL faithfully recapitulated the most aggressive molecular "proliferation class" of HCC. Genomic alterations of the RAS-MAPK pathway correlated with trametinib sensitivity that was more potent than FGFR4 inhibitors in tumor cells depending on the FGF19/FGFR4 pathway. Moreover, we showed that FGF19 amplification was only functional in tumor cells that retained a hepatocyte differentiation program with expression of FGFR4, KLB and NR1H4 highlighting the complex interplay between the genomic and transcriptomic context in drug response. We also identified drugs/combination that could target efficiently the transcriptomic "progenitor subclass of HCC", as well as specific genetic contexts such as inactivating mutations in TSC1/TSC2 and TP53 associated with higher sensitivity to the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin and the AURKA inhibitor alisertib, respectively. LCCL represent relevant preclinical models for drug-biomarker discovery in HCC and enabled to identify molecular contexts linked with particular therapeutic vulnerabilities that may be useful to stratify patients in future clinical trials

  Study EGAS00001003536

• Whole_Genome_Sequencing_of_Human_Organoid_Lines

  The study will use WGS to aid in benchmarking different culture conditions in a set of genetically annotated human organoid lines. The data will be used to assess whether there is any clonal differences introduced when culturing these lines in different conditions.

  Study EGAS00001003538

• Genomics analysis of mucinous tumours of the ovary and related neoplasms

  To perform genetic and gene expression analyses on mucinous ovarian tumours to determine a progression model, cell of origin and novel therapeutic targets.

  Study EGAS00001003545

• Genetic and expression landscape of Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia

  Exome analyses for the identification of somatic mutation in Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia by comparison of tumor and CD3+(germ line control) population in 16 patients. transcription profiling of a series of Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia samples

  Study EGAS00001003603

• Revealing active mutational processes in tumours using DigiPico/MutLX at unprecedented accuracy

  Active mutational processes in a tumor result in genetic micro-heterogeneity that can determine the tumor’s evolutionary trajectory. Identification of these processes by studying micro-heterogeneity can unveil novel aspects of tumor evolution with potential therapeutic implications. Such studies, however, are inherently problematic because of the discovery of excessive false positive mutations. Here we report the optimization and validation of a robust whole genome sequencing and analysis pipeline (DigiPico/MutLX) that virtually eliminates false positive results. Using our method, we identified, for the first time, a sub-clonal local hyper-mutation (kataegis) event in a recurrent ovarian carcinoma, which was unidentifiable from the bulk WGS data of the same tumor. Overall, we propose DigiPico/MutLX method as a powerful framework for the reliable study of genetic micro-heterogeneity in tumor and normal tissues.

  Study EGAS00001003555

• Multiome_HB

  Hepatoblastoma (HB) cells display strong phenotypic heterogeneity with a major impact on drug response, but the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Here, we use a single-cell multi-omic strategy to unravel the molecular determinants of this plasticity. HB display a continuum of single-cell states between hepatocytic (scH), liver progenitor (scLP) and mesenchymal (scM) differentiation poles, with an intermediate scH/LP population bordering scLP and scH areas in spatial transcriptomics. Chromatin accessibility landscapes reveal the gene regulatory networks of each differentiation pole, and the sequence of transcription factor activation underlying cell state transitions. Single-cell mapping of somatic alterations reveals the clonal architecture of each tumor, showing that each genetic subclone displays its own range of cellular plasticity across differentiation poles. The most scLP subclones, overexpressing stem cell and DNA repair genes, proliferate faster after neo-adjuvant chemotherapy. These results highlight how the interplay of clonal evolution and epigenetic plasticity shapes the potential of HB subclones to respond to chemotherapy.

  Study EGAS00001006932

• Phylogenetic evolution of metastatic melanoma.

  To explore molecular factors associated with evolution and resistance in melanoma evolution, we multi-lesion sequenced primary and metastatic sites collected from autopsy in seven patients.

  Study EGAS00001003582

• Genetic Basis of Hepatosplenic T Cell Lymphoma (HSTL)

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

  Study EGAS00001002182

• Disease and phenotype relevant genetic variants identified from histone acetylomes in human hearts

  Identifying genetic markers for heterogeneous complex diseases such as heart failure has been challenging, and may require prohibitively large cohort sizes in genome-wide association studies (GWAS) in order to demonstrate statistical significance1. On the other hand, chromatin quantitative trait loci (QTL), elucidated by direct epigenetic profiling of specific human tissues, may contribute towards prioritising variants for disease-association. Here, we captured non-coding genetic variants by performing enhancer H3K27ac ChIP-seq in 70 human control and end-stage failing hearts, mapping out a comprehensive catalogue of 47,321 putative human heart enhancers. 3,897 differential acetylation peaks (FDR < 0.05) pointed to recognizable pathways altered in heart failure (HF). To identify cardiac histone acetylation QTLs (haQTLs), we regressed out confounding factors including HF disease status, and employed the G-SCI test2 to call out 1,680 haQTLs (FDR < 0.1). A subset of these showed significant association to gene expression, either in cis (180), or through long range interactions (81), identified by Hi-C and Hi-ChIP performed on a subset of hearts. Furthermore, a concordant relationship was found between the gain or disruption of specific transcription factor (TF) binding motifs, inferred from alternative alleles at the haQTLs, associated with altered H3K27ac peak heights. Finally, colocalisation of our haQTLs with heart-related GWAS datasets allowed us to identify 62 unique loci. Disease-association for these new loci may indeed be mediated through modification of H3K27-acetylation enrichment and their corresponding gene expression differences.

  Study EGAS00001003586

• Longitudinal peripheral blood DNA methylation profiling of endoscopic response to tofacitinib in moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis patients

  Study EGAS00001006968

• Synthetic modeling reveals HOXB genes are critical for the initiation and maintenance of human leukemia

  Study EGAS00001003627

• Oral mucosa organoids as a potential model for personalized therapies

  Organoids were established from both tumor and matched wildtype tissue from patients diagnosed with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). In order to confirm tumor status and identify oncogenic driver mutations, DNA derived of these organoids was sequenced. After validation of tumor identity, organoids were exposed to a range of (targeted) chemotherapeutics and radiotherapy. Differential responses to therapeutics were subsequently correlated to underlying genetic alterations to see if DNA mutation status could be predictive for responses to therapy.

  Study EGAS00001003628

• Mapping_genetic_variants_underlying_gene_regulation_in_healthy_intestinal_cell_types_to_identify_novel_IBD_drug_targets

  Biopsies from the terminal ileum and rectum of healthy individuals are digested on ice to single cells and processed for single-cell RNA-sequencing (10X Genomics and Illumina) This data is part of a pre-publication release. For information on the proper use of pre-publication data shared by the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute (including details of any publication moratoria), please see http://www.sanger.ac.uk/datasharing/

  Study EGAS00001003647

• Combined genetic and transcriptome analysis of patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)

  A comprehensive profiling of the genomic architecture of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) by combining genetic and transscriptomic analysis by RNA-seq.

  Study EGAS00001003662

• Whole-Exome Sequencing of Salivary Gland Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma

  Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) is the most common salivary gland malignancy. To explore the genetic origins of MEC, we performed systematic genomic analyses of these tumors.Experimental DesignWhole-exome sequencing and gene copy number analyses were performed for 18 primary cancers with matched normal tissue. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was used to determine the presence or absence of the MECT1-MAML2 translocation in 17 tumors.ResultsTP53 was the most commonly mutated gene in MEC (28%), and mutations were found only in intermediate- and high-grade tumors. Tumors with TP53 mutations had more mutations overall than tumors without TP53 mutations (p=0.006). POU6F2 was the second most frequently mutated gene, found in three low-grade MECs with the same in-frame deletion. Somatic alterations in IRAK1, MAP3K9, ITGAL, ERBB4, OTOGL, KMT2C, and OBSCN were identified in at least two of the 18 tumors sequenced. FISH analysis confirmed the presence of the MECT1-MAML2 translocation in 15 of 17 tumors (88%).ConclusionsThrough these integrated genomic analyses, MECT1-MAML2 translocation and somatic TP53 and POU6F2 mutations appear to be the main drivers of mucoepidermoid carcinoma.

  Study EGAS00001002811

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

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

  Study EGAS00001003746

• Effects of 2DG, Galactose, or Oligomycin on the epigenome remodeling induce by T cells activation.

  T cell activation is known to require a metabolic shift towards glycolysis, triggered by TCR-engagement . To substantiate the role of glycolysis in transcriptional reprogramming during antigen-driven T cell activation, we utilized a well-established ex-vivo model to recapitulate the process of antigen stimulation without the requirement for additional antigen-presenting cells . We initially explored and validated the conditions for both metabolic and epigenetic reprogramming. Antigen-mediated CD4+ T cells activation initiates context-specific gene-expression programs that drive effector functions and cell fates through changes in the epigenetic landscape . To evaluate global changes in histone modifications, we isolated CD4+ T cells from peripheral blood (PB) of healthy control (HC) human donors and either maintained them in resting conditions or stimulated with anti-CD3/CD28 for 24h. Rapid changes in the CD4+ epigenome and transcriptome were observed within 24h as measured by RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) and H3K27ac chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by DNA-sequencing (ChIP-seq).To explore the requirement for metabolic reprogramming in regulating transcriptional responses after initial TCR engagement, CD4+ T cells from PB of healthy donors were isolated and activated in either the presence or absence of oligomycin (inhibitor of ATP synthase blocking the production of ATP by OXPHOS), 2-deoxyglucose (2DG; competitively inhibiting production of glucose-6-phosphate from glucose), or replacement of glucose with galactose. Galactose is metabolized through glycolysis, utilizing the Leloir pathway which is energy neutral, forcing cells to use all the pyruvate production to sustain the TCA cycle for OXPHOS and ATP synthesis at the expense of lactate production. Employing ChIP-seq and RNA-seq, inhibition of OXPHOS-mediated ATP production by oligomycin had only a limited effect on H3K27-acetylation or activation-induced transcription during the first 24h of activation. In contrast, inhibition of glycolysis by 2DG treatment compromised both H3K27-acetylation and transcriptional changes. However, under conditions of galactose-metabolism where lactate production is abrogated, activated CD4+ T cells were still able to globally remodel H3K27 acetylation and reprogram the transcriptome.

  Study EGAS00001007115

• Neuroblastoma tumor heterogeneity and cell plasticity (from patients)

  Two cell identities, noradrenergic and mesenchymal, have been characterized in neuroblastoma cell lines according to their epigenetic landscapes relying on specific core regulatory circuitries of transcription factors. Yet, their relationship and relative contribution in patient tumors remain to be defined. Here, we document a spontaneous plasticity between the noradrenergic and mesenchymal identities in a subset of cell lines. Strikingly, mesenchymal neuroblastoma cells revert to a noradrenergic phenotype in vivo. Consistently, tumor cells with a mesenchymal identity are detected in single-cell transcriptomic analyses of neuroblastoma tumors and PDX models. Our data also highlight neuroblastoma intra-tumor heterogeneity with the co-existence of distinct tumor populations, including sympathoblast-like and chromaffin-like cells suggesting that neuroblastoma cells arise from a common sympatho-adrenal progenitor.

  Study EGAS00001005322

• Duplexseq_of_the_interstrand_crosslinks_WGS

  One of the most dangerous forms of DNA damage are interstrand crosslinks (ICLs), which covalently crosslink the two strands of the DNA double helix. The repair of these lesions is crucial for cellular survival due to their ability to block transcription and DNA replication. Initially, the major pathway that has been described in ICL repair involves a network of 22 genes that are mutated in a severe human genetic disease known as Fanconi Anemia (FA). Using synthetic lethality screens in the near-haploid human HAP1 cell line, we recently identified two potentially novel regulators of ICL repair, C1orf112 and THAP12. Loss of C1orf112 and THAP12 causes hypersensitivity to ICL-inducing DNA damaging agents, such as Mitomycin C (MMC). Additionally, C1orf112-depleted cells show elevated levels of micronuclei and accumulation of DNA damage in S-phase. To better understand how C1orf112 and THAP12 mediate the repair of ICLs, we want to perform mutational signature analysis, using the BotSeq method. Therefore, WT, C1orf112 and THAP12 knockout cells were cultured in vehicle or MMC treated conditions for 10 days and the genomic DNA was isolated. FANCA and FANCD2 knockout cells are taken along as controls in this experimental setting.

  Study EGAS00001006545

• Whole-genome sequencing across 449 samples spanning 47 ethnolinguistic groups provides insights into genetic diversity in Nigeria

  African populations have been drastically underrepresented in genomics research and failure to capture the genetic diversity across the numerous ethnolinguistic groups (ELGs) found in the continent has hindered the equity of precision medicine initiatives globally. Here, we describe the whole-genome sequencing of 449 Nigerian individuals across 47 unique self-reported ELGs. Population structure analysis reveals genetic differentiation amongst our ELGs, consistent with previous findings. From the 36 million SNPs and indels discovered in our dataset, we provide a high-level catalog of both novel and medically-relevant variation present across the ELGs. These results emphasize the value of this resource for genomics research, with added granularity by representing multiple ELGs from Nigeria. Our results also underscore the potential of using these cohorts with larger sample sizes to improve our understanding of human ancestry and health in Africa.

  Study EGAS00001007036

• RNAseq

  Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) is a prototypical periodic fever syndrome caused by genetic variation in MEFV. While it is known that especially IL-1β responses are dysregulated in FMF, its innate immune landscape has not been comprehensively described. Therefore, we extensively characterized the function of monocytes and neutrophils in patients with FMF in between disease attacks, as well as their circulating inflammatory proteome. We found that monocyte IL-1 and IL-6 production was enhanced following a range of stimulations, in concordance with alterations in the plasma inflammatory proteome. In contrast, neutrophil function in FMF was normal. Additionally, ATAC-seq and RNA-seq analyses revealed important epigenetic and transcriptional reprogramming arguing for monocyte function dysregulation. Interestingly, chromatin-accessibility was down-regulated in genomic regions related to cellular responses. This argues that the primary immune dysregulation in monocytes due to MEFV mutations leads to a chronic inflammatory profile that is subsequently associated with counterregulatory epigenetic and transcriptional changes reminiscent of tolerance (rather than trained immunity) induction. These data increase our understanding of the innate immune changes in FMF, that can be used in the design of novel approaches to manage chronic inflammation of these patients.

  Study EGAS00001007165

• Genomic characterization of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma reveals critical genes underlying tumorigenesis and poor prognosis

  The genetic mechanisms underlying the poor prognosis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) are not well understood. In this study, we comprehensively characterized somatic mutations, copy number alterations (SCNAs)/structural variants (SVs) found in ESCC from sequencing 10 whole-genome and 57 whole-exome matched tumor-normal pairs. We identified multiple somatic mutations seen previously in known cancer pathways and identified candidate genes for ESCC including VANGL1 and MIR4707. A survival analysis based on the expression profiles of 321 ESCC individuals indicated that the somatically altered genes we found were significantly associated with ESCC poorer survival. Subsequently, we performed functional studies to validate the roles of the altered genes in tumor proliferation and metastasis.

  Study EGAS00001001723

• Whole genome and whole exome sequencing of epilaptic patients

  In this project, we aim to identify genetic changes that predispose to epilepsy and those that predict the response to various anti-epileptic drugs. We sequenced whole genomes and whole exomes of epileptic individuals with different range of response to anti-epileptic drugs, and their relatives.

  Study EGAS00001002825

• Gene expression-based prediction of pazopanib efficacy in sarcoma (HIPO, H021)

  The multi-receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) inhibitor pazopanib is approved for the treatment of advanced non-adipocytic soft-tissue sarcoma and has also shown activity in other sarcoma subtypes. However, its clinical efficacy is highly variable, and no reliable predictors exist to date to select patients who are most likely to benefit from this drug. We analyzed the molecular profiles and clinical outcomes of pazopanib-treated sarcoma patients enrolled in a prospective observational study by the German Cancer Consortium, DKTK MASTER, that employs whole-genome/exome sequencing (WGS/WES) and transcriptome sequencing to inform the care of adults with advanced cancer across histologies who are younger than 51 and patients with rare tumors, including rare subtypes of more common entities, regardless of age.​ Among a total of 109 patients with available WGS/WES data, there was no correlation between clinical parameters, specific genetic alterations, or mutational signatures and clinical outcome. In contrast, analysis of a subcohort of 62 patients who underwent molecular analysis before pazopanib treatment and had transcriptome sequencing data available showed that mRNA levels of NTRK3 (hazard ratio [HR]=0.53, p=0.021), IGF1R (HR=1.82, p=0.027), and KDR (HR=0.50, p=0.011) were independently associated with progression-free survival (PFS). Based on the expression of these RTK genes, i.e., the features NTRK3-high, IGF1R-low, and KDR-high, we developed a pazopanib efficacy predictor (PEP) that stratified patients into three groups with significantly different PFS (p<0.0001). Application of the PEP to an independent cohort of pazopanib-treated sarcoma patients from DKTK MASTER (n=43) confirmed its potential to separate patient groups with significantly different PFS (p=0.02), whereas no such association was observed in sarcoma patients from DKTK MASTER (n=77) or The Cancer Genome Atlas sarcoma cohort (n=256) who were not treated with pazopanib. A score based on the combined expression of NTRK3, IGF1R, and KDR allows identification of sarcoma patients with good, intermediate, and poor outcome following pazopanib therapy and warrants investigation as a predictive tool in prospective studies to optimize the use of this drug in the clinic.

  Study EGAS00001005836

• Physiological and genetic adaptations to diving in Sea Nomads

  Understanding the physiology and genetics of human hypoxia tolerance has important medical implications, but this phenomenon has thus far only been investigated in high-altitude human populations. Another system, yet to be explored, is humans who engage in breath-hold diving. The indigenous Bajau people (“Sea Nomads”) of Southeast Asia live a subsistence lifestyle based on breath-hold diving and are renowned for their extraordinary breath holding abilities. However, it is unknown whether this has a genetic basis. Using a comparative genomic study, we show that natural selection on genetic variants in the PDE10A gene have increased spleen size in the Bajau, providing them with a larger reservoir of oxygenated red blood cells. We also find evidence of strong natural selection specific to the Bajau on BDKRB2, a gene affecting the human diving reflex. Thus, the Bajau, and possibly other natural diving populations, provide a new opportunity to study human adaptation to hypoxia tolerance.

  Study EGAS00001002823

• Cistrome-partitioning reveals convergence of somatic mutations and risk-variants on master transcription regulators in primary prostate tumors

  Thousands of noncoding somatic Single Nucleotide Variants (SNVs) of unknown function are reported in tumors. Partitioning the genome according to cistromes, reveals the enrichment of somatic SNVs in prostate tumors as opposed to adjacent normal tissue cistromes of master transcription regulators, including AR, FOXA1 and HOXB13. This parallels enrichment of prostate cancer genetic predispositions over these transcription regulators’ tumor cistromes, exemplified at the 8q24 locus harboring both risk-variants and somatic SNVs in cis-regulatory elements, upregulating MYC expression and altering the binding of transcription regulators to DNA. However, Massively-Parallel Reporter Assays reveal that few SNVs can alter the transactivation potential of individual CREs. Instead, SNVs accumulate, similarly to inherited riskvariants, in cistromes of master transcription regulators required for prostate cancer development. Difficulties in inferring the biological significance of noncoding mutations have limited their inclusion in precision genomics medicine pipelines. Most attempts to delineate a role for noncoding mutations relied on detecting evidence for positive selection within individual CREs, such as reported for the TERT gene promoter. By considering the enrichment of noncoding mutations in cistromes as opposed to individual CREs, we reveal their specificity towards master transcription regulators that promote prostate cancer development, a feature shared with inherited risk-variants. Overall, our work provides a blueprint for the functional interpretation of noncoding mutations in genomic tests relying on defining cis-regulatory units according to cistrome-partitioning to identify cancer driver transcription regulators.

  Study EGAS00001003928

• Pan-neuroblastoma analysis reveals age- and signature-associated driver alterations

  Neuroblastoma is a pediatric malignancy with heterogeneous clinical outcomes depending on age and other factors. To better understand neuroblastoma pathogenesis, here we analyze whole-genome, whole-exome and/or transcriptome sequencing data from 702 neuroblastoma samples, half of which are new data. Over 95% of samples harbor at least one recurrent driver alteration and most aberrations, including MYCN, ATRX, and TERT alterations, differ in frequency by age. MYCN alterations occur at median 2.3 years of age, TERT at 3.8 years, and ATRX at 5.6 years, suggesting age-specific susceptibility to genetic alterations. Mutational signature analysis shows that reactive oxygen-species (ROS)-induced mutations are the most common cause of single nucleotide variant (SNV) drivers in neuroblastoma, including most ALK and Ras pathway SNVs. ROS-induced mutagenesis is both an early event, as it causes truncal variants, and continuous as it also induces relapse-specific mutations. ROS-induced mutations are more abundant in neuroblastomas with MYCN amplification, 17q gains, and increased expression of mitochondrial ribosome genes. We observe recurrent FGFR1 N546K or internal tandem duplication variants in 6 patients and ALK N-terminal structural alterations in 5 samples, identifying additional patients amenable to precision therapy.

  Study EGAS00001003931

• Targeted_sequencing_of_embryonic_variants___Warm_Autopsy

  Targeted sequencing of variants previously identified as embryonic from phylogenetic tree building of LCM WGS of PD28690.

  Study EGAS00001003952

• Exome-sequencing of two UFM individuals and their Fragile X family members.

  Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is a monogenic neurodevelopmental disease often caused by a CGG triplet expansion in the 5’UTR of the FMR1 gene, which results in DNA methylation of the FMR1 promoter and its transcriptional silencing. Exceptional healthy individuals named "unmethylated full mutation (UFM)" have been identified in the families of FX patients. They carry an expanded CGG repeat, but show normal FMR1 epigenetic configuration and expression. In this study we performed exome-sequencing of two UFM individuals and their family members to identify possible genetic mutations responsible for the escape of silencing in the unmethylated full mutation (UFM) phenotype.

  Study EGAS00001001737

• Elevated cfDNA after exercise is derived primarily from mature polymorphonuclear neutrophils, with a minor contribution of cardiomyocytes

  Study EGAS00001007157

• InsPIRE islets

  We explored the relationship between genetic variants influencing predisposition to type 2 diabetes (T2D) and related glycemic traits, and human pancreatic islet transcription using RNA-Seq and genotyping data from 420 islet donors and 26 FAC sorted beta-cells.

  Study EGAS00001003997

• Dataset with genome-wide array data from Algerian Amazigh (Chaoui and Mozabite) and non-Amazigh individuals

  In this study we perform a genetic characterization of different Amazigh populations in Algeria and assess the impact of recent demography on their genomes.

  Study EGAS00001007235

• Whole Exome Sequencing of Spanish Patients diagnosed with rare ophtalmogenetic disorders: Macular Dystrophy, Retinitis Pigmentosa and Leber's congenital amaurosis.

  Study EGAS00001004084

• Fine-Scale Genomic Analyses Of Admixed Individuals Reveal Unrecognized Genetic Ancestry Components In Argentina

  Study the sub-continental origins of African, European and Native American genetic ancestries of Argentinean populations.

  Study EGAS00001004492

• Germline elongator mutations in sonic hedgehog medulloblastoma

  Cancer genomics has illuminated a wide spectrum of genes and core molecular processes contributing to human malignancy. Still, the genetic and molecular basis of many cancers remains only partially explained. Genetic predisposition accounts for 5-10% of cancer diagnoses and genetic events cooperating with known somatic driver events are poorly understood. Analyzing established cancer predisposition genes in medulloblastoma (MB), a malignant childhood brain tumor, we recently identified pathogenic germline variants that account for 5% of all MB patients. Here, by extending our previous analysis to include all protein-coding genes, we discovered and replicated rare germline loss-of-function (LoF) variants across Elongator Complex Protein 1 (ELP1) on 9q31.3 in 15% of pediatric MBSHH cases, thus implicating ELP1 as the most common MB predisposition gene and increasing genetic predisposition to 40% for pediatric MBSHH. Inheritance was verified based on parent-offspring and pedigree analysis, which identified two families with a history of pediatric MB. ELP1-associated MBs were restricted to the molecular SHHa subtype and were characterized by universal biallelic inactivation of ELP1 due to somatic loss of chromosome 9q. The majority of ELP1-associated MBs exhibited co-occurring somatic PTCH1 (9q22.32) alterations, suggesting that ELP1-deficiency predisposes to tumor development in combination with constitutive activation of SHH signaling. ELP1 is an essential subunit of the evolutionary conserved Elongator complex, whose primary function is to enable efficient translational elongation through tRNAs modifications at the wobble (U34) position. Biochemical, transcriptional, and proteomic analyses revealed that ELP1-associated MBSHH are characterized by a destabilized core Elongator complex, loss of Elongator-dependent tRNA modifications, codon-dependent translational reprogramming, and induction of the unfolded protein response (UPR), consistent with deregulation of protein homeostasis due to Elongator-deficiency in model systems. Our findings suggest that genetic predisposition to proteome instability is a previously underappreciated determinant in the pathogenesis of pediatric brain cancer. These results provide strong rationale for further investigating the role of protein homeostasis in other pediatric and adult cancer types and potential opportunities for novel therapeutic interference.

  Study EGAS00001004126

• An integrative model of pathway convergence in genetically heterogeneous blast crisis chronic myeloid leukemia (CML)

  Targeted therapies against the BCR-ABL1 kinase have revolutionized treatment of chronic phase (CP) chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). In contrast, management of blast crisis (BC) CML remains challenging because BC cells acquire complex molecular alterations that confer stemness features to progenitor populations and resistance to BCR-ABL1 tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Comprehensive models of BC transformation have proved elusive because of the rarity and genetic heterogeneity of BC, but are important for developing biomarkers predicting BC progression and effective therapies. To better understand BC, we performed an integrated multiomics analysis of 74 CP and BC samples using whole-genome and exome sequencing, transcriptome and methylome profiling, and chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by high-throughput sequencing. Employing pathway-based analysis, we found the BC genome was significantly enriched for mutations affecting components of the polycomb repressive complex (PRC) pathway. While transcriptomically, BC progenitors were enriched and depleted for PRC1- and PRC2-related gene sets respectively. By integrating our data sets, we determined that BC progenitors undergo PRC-driven epigenetic reprogramming toward a convergent transcriptomic state. Specifically, PRC2 directs BC DNA hypermethylation, which in turn silences key genes involved in myeloid differentiation and tumor suppressor function via so-called epigenetic switching, whereas PRC1 represses an overlapping and distinct set of genes, including novel BC tumor suppressors. On the basis of these observations, we developed an integrated model of BC that facilitated the identification of combinatorial therapies capable of reversing BC reprogramming (decitabine+PRC1 inhibitors), novel PRC-silenced tumor suppressor genes (NR4A2), and gene expression signatures predictive of disease progression and drug resistance in CP.

  Study EGAS00001001751

• H3Africa - Genomic Characterization and Surveillance of Microbial Threats in West Africa

  Viral diseases are remarkably heterogeneous in their presentation and clinical course. Although diseases such as Lassa Fever and Ebola Virus Disease are thought to be severe and rapidly fatal, they can often present with mild symptoms or remain asymptomatic. Host genetic variability is likely an important mediator of this heterogeneity. Complete characterization of the clinical, laboratory, and host genetic features of these illnesses is not only imperative to rapid diagnosis and effective clinical care, but also important for further scientific study. In this project, we propose to address this need through deep characterization of the clinical and laboratory features of viral disease and through study of genetic mediators of resistance to Lassa Fever and Ebola Virus Disease. Will carry out deep clinical characterization and laboratory assessment of viral febrile cases at two West African Collaborative Centers, and will use this data to develop prognostic models using cutting-edge tools in exploratory data visualization and machine learning. Investigate host genetic factors of Lassa Fever and Ebola Virus Disease through genome-wide association studies. We will then develop field-deployable genotyping assays for the top-associated variants, and apply them in new cohorts to replicate our findings and investigate patterns of genetic resistance in clinical subgroups. This project can shed light on the clinical manifestations of viral illness and their host genetic mediators, leading to potential new insights in disease biology and pathophysiology. We will also create a rich resource of clinical, laboratory, and genetic data for these illnesses in two countries in West Africa, which will serve as a foundation for advancing the clinical care and scientific study of viral disease in the region.

  Study EGAS00001007250

• Dissection of the molecular complexity of colorectal cancer in pre-clinical models identifies predictive signatures of sensitivity to EGFR inhibitors

  Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) is a heterogeneous tumour entity, with only a fraction of the tumours responding to currently available therapies. A detailed understanding of the biology and genetics of CRC is a prerequisite for precision medicine. To address this challenge in clinical oncology, the OncoTrack consortium recruited 106 CRC patients (stages I-IV) and developed an integrated pre-clinical platform analysing drug sensitivity in the established matched patient-derived in vivo and in vitro models, 46 three-dimensional cell cultures and 59 xenografts, recapitulating many of the molecular features of the donor tumours. We generated extensive omics information on patient tumours and their derived models used to generate a compendium of drug sensitivity data. We could distinguish tumour molecular sub-groups responding differently to therapy and identified a novel independent predictor of sensitivity to the EGFR inhibitor cetuximab. The findings reported here will advance our understanding of CRC and its response to therapy.

  Study EGAS00001001752

• Genetic scoring guide for personalized risk assessment in pediatric B-cell precursor Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

  In this study a next-generation sequencing based method was applied to comprehensively screen for recurrent, disease-relevant copy number aberrations in a cohort of Hungarian patients. Diagnostic bone marrow samples from 260 children with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia and were investigated by digital multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification using the disease-specific D007 probemix. Whole chromosome gains and losses, as well as subchromosomal copy number aberrations were simultaneously profiled.

  Study EGAS00001007239

• High-resolution analyses of human sperm dynamic methylome reveals thousands of novel age-related epigenetic alterations

  Age-dependent modifications of the germ cells epigenome remain poorly understood. Our objective was to assess the DNA methylation profile of human spermatozoa during aging. A cohort study was designed to investigate the effects of age and fertility status on sperm DNA methylation.

  Study EGAS00001004168

• Whole-exome sequencing of the transposition of the great arteries

  Transposition of the great arteries (TGA) is one of the most severe types of congenital heart diseases. Understanding the pathogenesis of TGA is urgently needed for patient management of this severe disease. We sought to systematically examine thegenetic etiology for isolated nonsyndromic TGA using whole-exome sequencing.

  Study EGAS00001004175

• Comprehensive epigenomic profiling reveals the extent of disease-specific chromatin states and informs drug target discovery in ankylosing spondylitis

  Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a common, highly heritable inflammatory arthritis characterised by enthesitis of the spine and sacroiliac joints. Genome-wide association studies have revealed >100 genetic associations but their functional effects remain largely unresolved. Here, we present a comprehensive transcriptomic and epigenomic map of disease-relevant blood immune cell subsets from AS patients and healthy controls. We report differential disease signatures for specific genomic regions from individual -omic modalities and multi-omic integration, showing enrichment at genetically associated loci and evidence for altered monocyte function in AS. We link putative functional SNPs with cognate genes using high-resolution Capture-C at 10 loci, including PTGER4 and ETS1. We also show how disease-specific functional genomic data can be integrated with GWAS evidence to enhance therapeutic target discovery. This study combines multiple epigenetic and transcriptional analysis with GWAS to identify cell types, candidate drug target genes and transcriptional regulation of likely pathogenic relevance.

  Study EGAS00001006233

• Capturing sex-specific and infertility-linked effects of assisted reproductive technologies on the cord blood DNA methylome

  Background: Children conceived through assisted reproduction are at an increased risk for growth and genomic imprinting disorders, often linked to DNA methylation defects. It has been suggested that assisted reproductive technologies (ART) and the underlying parental infertility can induce epigenetic instability, specifically interfering with DNA methylation reprogramming events during germ cell and preimplantation development. To date, human studies exploring the association between ART and DNA methylation defects report inconsistent or inconclusive results, likely due to population heterogeneity and the use of technologies with limited coverage of the epigenome. In our study, we explore the epigenetic risk of ART by comprehensively profiling the DNA methylome of 73 human cord blood samples from singleton pregnancies (n=36 control group, n=37 ART/infertility group) from a human prospective longitudinal birth cohort, the Design, Develop, Discover (3D) Study using a high resolution sequencing based custom capture panel that interrogates over 2.4 million autosomal CpGs in the genome. Results: the main findings We identified striking sex-specific effects of ART on cord blood DNA methylation patterning both genome-wide and for imprinted genes. When compared to less invasive procedures such as in utero insemination, more invasive ARTs (IVF, ICSI, embryo culture) resulted in more marked and distinct effects on the cord blood DNA methylome, including targeting of loci involved in development. Background: Children conceived through assisted reproduction are at an increased risk for growth and genomic imprinting disorders, often linked to DNA methylation defects. It has been suggested that assisted reproductive technologies (ART) and the underlying parental infertility can induce epigenetic instability, specifically interfering with DNA methylation reprogramming events during germ cell and preimplantation development. To date, human studies exploring the association between ART and DNA methylation defects report inconsistent or inconclusive results, likely due to population heterogeneity and the use of technologies with limited coverage of the epigenome. In our study, we explore the epigenetic risk of ART by comprehensively profiling the DNA methylome of 73 human cord blood samples from singleton pregnancies (n=36 control group, n=37 ART/infertility group) from a human prospective longitudinal birth cohort, the Design, Develop, Discover (3D) Study, using a high resolution sequencing based custom capture panel that interrogates over 2.4 million autosomal CpGs in the genome. Results: We identified striking sex-specific effects of ART on cord blood DNA methylation patterning both genome-wide and for imprinted genes. When compared to less invasive procedures such as in utero insemination, more invasive ARTs (in vitro fertilization (IVF), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), embryo culture) resulted in more marked and distinct effects on the cord blood DNA methylome, including targeting of loci involved in development. Conclusions: Our study highlights the ability of a sensitive, targeted, sequencing based approach to uncover DNA methylation perturbations in cord blood associated with infertility and ART and influenced by offspring sex and ART technique invasiveness.

  Study EGAS00001006643

• Sex-biased patterns shaped the genetic history of Roma

  Whole mtDNA sequences and Y chromosomes from Roma and Non-Roma European samples.

  Study EGAS00001004207

• Comprehensive epigenomic profiling reveals the extent of disease-specific chromatin states and informs drug target discovery in ankylosing spondylitis

  Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a common, highly heritable inflammatory arthritis characterised by enthesitis of the spine and sacroiliac joints. Genome-wide association studies have revealed >100 genetic associations but their functional effects remain largely unresolved. Here, we present a comprehensive transcriptomic and epigenomic map of disease-relevant blood immune cell subsets from AS patients and healthy controls. We report differential disease signatures for specific genomic regions from individual -omic modalities and multi-omic integration, showing enrichment at genetically associated loci and evidence for altered monocyte function in AS. We link putative functional SNPs with cognate genes using high-resolution Capture-C at 10 loci, including PTGER4 and ETS1. We also show how disease-specific functional genomic data can be integrated with GWAS evidence to enhance therapeutic target discovery. This study combines multiple epigenetic and transcriptional analysis with GWAS to identify cell types, candidate drug target genes and transcriptional regulation of likely pathogenic relevance.

  Study EGAS00001006945

• Chip_seq_oesophageal_adenocarcinoma_

  There is complex interplay between underlying genetic sequence and epigenetic factors, however this interplay is still illusive. Massively reconstructed cancer genomes can be used in order to better understand this relationship. Six oesophageal adenocarcinoma organoids will be sequenced using long read sequencing technologies and will be profiled for a range of epigenetic marks. Combination of genetic and epigenetic data will allow the thorough characterisation of reference cancer genomes and will provide novel insights into mechanisms of gene regulation. Description: Chip-seq Sequencing of 5 patient derived organoid cell models. Each model was derived from a piece of patient tumour taken following surgical rescetion of the tumour. All model derivations took place with the CGaP facility in Sanger.

  Study EGAS00001007180

• Germline SDHB-inactivating mutation in gastric spindle cell sarcoma (HIPO-021)

  Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most frequent mesenchymal tumors of the gastrointestinal tract. Inactivating mutations or epigenetic deregulation of succinate dehydrogenase complex (SDH) genes are considered defining features of a subset of GIST occurring in the stomach. Based on comprehensive molecular profiling and biochemical analysis within a precision oncology program, we identified hallmarks of SDH deficiency (germline SDHB-inactivating mutation accompanied by somatic loss of heterozygosity, lack of SDHB expression, global DNA hypermethylation, and elevated succinate/fumarate ratio) in a 40-year-old woman with undifferentiated gastric spindle cell sarcoma that did not meet the diagnostic criteria for other mesenchymal tumors of the stomach, including GIST. These data reveal that the loss of SDH function can be involved in the pathogenesis of non-GIST sarcoma of the gastrointestinal tract.

  Study EGAS00001004277

• The_Little_Princess_Knowledge_Bank_

  We propose to build a genetic knowledge bank of Wilms tumour that integrates clinical outcome data with a genetic, epigenetic, and transcriptomic survey of 1,000 Wilms tumours.

  Study EGAS00001004237

• Spatial_transcriptome_analysis_of_Paediatric_Thymus

  Cell atlas of Paediatric Thymus Cell atlas of Paediatric Thymus - The Human Cell Atlas initiative is an ambitious global research effort which aims to describe every cell in the human body across all developmental stages to generate a reference map to accelerate progress in science and medicine particularly relating to human development and disease. The initiative is led by investigators based at the Wellcome Sanger Institute and the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard and funding support from the Wellcome and NIH. We aim to interrogate the cellular composition and molecular regulators underpinning a cells identity through; genetic and genomic analysis, expression analysis, non-identifiable video imaging and cell line and organoid production, as well as, computational algorithms to predict cellular developmental trajectories and cell-cell interactions. We will subsequently validate these findings in situ using spatial genomic and imaging technologies e.g. immunohistochemistry, RNAscope, in situ sequencing and spatial transcriptomic analyses. This data is part of a pre-publication release. For information on the proper use of pre-publication data shared by the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute (including details of any publication moratoria), please see http://www.sanger.ac.uk/datasharing/

  Study EGAS00001004281

• Enhancer-gene rewiring in the pathogenesis of Quebec Platelet Disorder

  Study EGAS00001004315

• Hi-C on the OCIAML-2 Cell Line

  Study EGAS00001004743

• Expression-Based Subtypes Define Pathologic Response to Neoadjuvant Immune-Checkpoint Inhibitors in Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer

  Checkpoint immunotherapy (CPI) has increased survival for some patients with advanced stage bladder cancer (BCa). However, most patients do not respond. Here, we characterized the tumor and immune microenvironment in pre- and post-treatment tumors from the PURE01 neoadjuvant pembrolizumab immunotherapy trial, using a consolidative approach that combined transcriptional and genetic profiling with digital spatial profiling.

  Study EGAS00001005549

• Low-C on Human CB-derived LT-HSC and ST-HSC

  Study EGAS00001004744

• Ashkenazi Jewish Leukoencephalopathy

  Genetic leukoencephalopathies (gLEs) are a group of heterogeneous disorders with white matter abnormalities in the central nervous system (CNS). Patients affected with gLEs have brain white matter defects that can be seen in MRI and exhibit variable neurologic phenotypes including motor impairment, hypotonia, pyramidal dysfunction, dystonia and/or dyskinesias, ataxia, seizures, cortical blindness, optic atrophy, and impaired cognitive development. The exact causes in half of gLEs are unknown. We studied three unrelated families affected with an undiagnosed gLE and discovered a homozygous germline mutation c.2536T>G in VPS11 by whole exome sequencing, a gene involved in membrane trafficking and fusion of the lysosomes and endosomes, as a novel cause of a new gLE syndrome.

  Study EGAS00001001767

• RNA-sequencing data from 195 B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemias and mate pair whole genome sequencing data from 15 B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemias

  Fusion genes are potent driver mutations in cancer. In this study, we delineate the fusion gene landscape in a consecutive series of 195 pediatric B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (BCP ALL). Using RNA-sequencing, we find in-frame fusion genes in 127 (65%) cases, including 27 novel fusions. We describe a new subtype characterized by recurrent IGH-DUX4 or ERG-DUX4 fusions, representing 4% of cases, leading to overexpression of DUX4 and frequently co-occurring with intragenic ERG deletions. Furthermore, we identify a subtype characterized by an ETV6-RUNX1-like gene expression profile and coexisting ETV6 and IKZF1 alterations. Taken together, this study provides a detailed overview of fusion genes in pediatric BCP ALL and adds new pathogenetic insights, which may improve risk stratification and provide novel therapeutic options in this disease.

  Study EGAS00001001795

• Therapeutic vulnerabilities in CCA from different etiologies identified using integrative multi-omics enhancer activity profiling

  Study EGAS00001007309

• Characterization of a human iPSC-derived endocrine pancreas model

  Directed differentiation of stem cells offers a scalable solution to the need for human cell models recapitulating islet biology and T2D pathogenesis. We profiled mRNA expression at six stages of an induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) model of endocrine pancreas development from two donors, and characterized the distinct transcriptomic profiles associated with each stage. Established regulators of endodermal lineage commitment, such as SOX17 (log2 fold change [FC] compared to iPSCs=14.2, p-value=4.9x10-5) and the pancreatic agenesis gene GATA6 (log2 FC=12.1, p-value=8.6x10-5), showed transcriptional variation consistent with their known developmental roles. However, these analyses highlighted many other genes with stage-specific expression patterns, some of which may be novel drivers or markers of islet development. For example, the leptin receptor gene, LEPR, was most highly expressed in published data from in vivo-matured cells compared to our endocrine pancreas-like cells (log2 FC=5.5, p-value=2.0x10-12), suggesting a role for the leptin pathway in the maturation process. Endocrine pancreas-like cells showed significant stage-selective expression of adult islet genes, including INS, ABCC8, and GLP1R, and enrichment of relevant GO-terms (e.g. "insulin secretion"; odds ratio=4.2, p-value=1.9x10-3): however, principal component analysis indicated that in vitro-differentiated cells were more immature than adult islets. Integration of the stage-specific expression information with genetic data from T2D genome-wide association studies revealed that 46 of 82 T2D-associated loci harbor genes present in at least one developmental stage, facilitating refinement of potential effector transcripts. Together, these data show that expression profiling in an iPSC islet development model can further understanding of islet biology and T2D pathogenesis.

  Study EGAS00001001803

• Khoe-San genomes reveal unique variation and confirm deepest population divergence in Homo sapiens

  The southern African indigenous Khoe-San populations harbor the most divergent lineages of all living peoples. Exploring their genomes is key to understanding deep human history. We sequenced 25 full genomes from five Khoe-San populations, revealing many novel variants, that 25% of variants are unique to the Khoe-San, and that the Khoe-San group harbors the greatest level of diversity across the globe. In line with previous studies, we found several gene-regions with extreme values in genome-wide distributions, potentially caused by natural selection early in the modern human lineage and more recent in time. These gene-regions included immunity-, sperm-, brain-, diet- and muscle-related genes. When accounting for recent admixture, all Khoe-San groups display genetic diversity approaching the levels in other African groups and a reduction in effective population size starting around 100,000 years ago. Hence, all human groups show a reduction in effective population size commencing around the time of the Out-of-Africa migrations, which coincides with changes in the paleoclimate records, changes that potentially impacted all humans at the time.

  Study EGAS00001004459

• Genetic Risk for Subsequent Neoplasms among Long-term Survivors of Childhood Cancer in the St. Jude Lifetime Cohort

  While childhood cancer survivors are known to be at increased risk of subsequent neoplasms (SNs), the contribution of germline mutations in cancer predisposition genes to the risk of SN is largely unknown. Whole-genome sequencing (30X) was performed on 3,006 5+ year survivors of childhood cancer (median age, 35.8 [range: 7.1-69.8] years) from the St. Jude Lifetime Cohort. Survivors underwent a comprehensive clinical assessment. Germline mutations in 156 cancer predisposition genes (SJCPG156), including a subset of 60 (SJCPG60) autosomal dominant genes with moderate to high penetrance, were classified for their pathogenicity. Piecewise exponential regression, stratified by radiation exposure, was used to evaluate the relative rate (RR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) of SN occurrence by mutation status. Pathogenic or likely pathogenic mutations in SJCPG156 and SJCPG60 were identified in 11.7% and 5.8% of survivors, respectively. The most frequently mutated SJCPG60 genes included RB1 (n=43), NF1 (n=22), BRCA2 (n=14), BRCA1 (n=12) and TP53 (n=10). Mutations in SJCPG60 were associated with the rate of subsequent sarcoma (RR, 10.3; 95% CI, 4.2 to 25.6) and breast cancer (RR, 13.3; 95% CI, 5.8 to 30.5) among irradiated survivors, and the rate of developing any SN (RR, 4.8; 95% CI, 2.4 to 9.4) and breast cancer (RR, 7.8; 95% CI, 2.5 to 24.0) among non-irradiated survivors. The rate of developing ≥2 histologically distinct SNs was increased 17.8-fold (95% CI, 3.5 to 89.8) among SJCPG60 mutation carriers treated without radiotherapy. Similar but attenuated associations were observed for mutations in SJCPG156. Survivors who develop a SN without prior radiotherapy or who are diagnosed with a subsequent sarcoma or breast cancer within a site of prior radiotherapy should be referred to genetic counseling.

  Study EGAS00001002499

• Whole exome sequencing of Finnish hereditary breast cancer families

  A remarkable proportion of factors causing genetic predisposition to breast cancer (BC) are unknown in non-BRCA1/2 families. Exome sequencing was performed for 13 high-risk Finnish hereditary breast and/or ovarian cancer (HBOC) families to detect variants contributing to BC susceptibility

  Study EGAS00001001835

• Survival Benefit and Genetic Profile of Pemetrexed as Initial Chemotherapy in Selected Chinese Patients with Advanced Lung Adenocarcinoma

  We retrospectively collected patients (n=1047) enrolled in the Chinese Patient Assistance Program from multiple centers who received pemetrexed alone or combined with platinum as initial chemotherapy and continued pemetrexed maintenance therapy for advanced lung adenocarcinoma from November 2014 to June 2017. The outcomes were duration of treatment (DOT) and overall survival (OS). Clinical features were analyzed for their influence on the treatment effect and prognosis. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) was performed to identify genetic biomarkers associated with the efficacy of pemetrexed. The median DOT was 9.1 months (95% CI: 8.5-9.8), and the median OS was 26.2 months (95% CI: 24.2-28.1). OS was positively correlated with DOT (r=0.403, P<0.001). Multivariable analysis showed that smoking status and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status (PS) were independently associated with DOT; smoking status, ECOG PS, targeted therapy, and EGFR/ALK/ROS1 status were independently associated with OS. NGS in 22 patients with available samples showed genes with high mutation rates were: TP53 (54.5%), EGFR (50.0%), MYC (18.2%), PIK3CA (13.6%). When grouped based on progression-free survival (PFS) reported in the PARAMOUNT study, the DOT >6.9 months set was associated with PIK3CA, ALK, BRINP3, CDKN2A, CSMD3, EPHA3, KRAS, and RB1 mutations, while ERBB2 mutation was observed only in the DOT ≤6.9 months set. This study shows that initial chemotherapy with pemetrexed is an effective regimen for advanced lung adenocarcinoma in selected Chinese patients. There is no specific genetic profile predicting the benefit of pemetrexed found by NGS. Biomarkers predicting the efficacy of pemetrexed need further exploration.

  Study EGAS00001004546

• Novel mutations in TOP2A in gliomas

  High grade gliomas (HGGs) are aggressive, primary brain tumors with poor clinical outcomes. To better understand glioma pathobiology and find potential therapeutic susceptibilities, we designed a custom- panel 664 cancer- and epigenetics-related genes and employed targeted next generation sequencing to study the genomic landscape of somatic and germline variants in 182 glioma samples of different malignancy grades. Besides known alterations in TP53, IDH1, ATRX, EGFR genes, we found several novel variants that can be potential drivers in gliomas. In four patients from the Polish glioma cohort, we identified a novel recurrent mutation in the TOP2A gene coding for Topoisomerase 2A in glioblastomas (GBM, WHO grade IV gliomas). The mutation results in a substitution of glutamic acid (E) 948 to glutamine (Q) of TOP2 A and we predicted this E948Q substitution may affect DNA binding and a TOP2A enzymatic activity.

  Study EGAS00001004556

• Exome and transcriptome sequencing of Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Sarcoma

  To conduct exome and transcriptome profiling to identify secondary recurrent mutations, multi-site phylogenetic analyse and immune characterization of Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Sarcoma.

  Study EGAS00001004575

• SNP array files, IDAT files, from 34 members of a Family with a high prevalence of psychosis

  We investigated the genetic causes of major mental disorders (MMDs) including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder I, major depressive disorder, and attention deficit hyperactive disorder, in a large family pedigree from Alpujarras, South of Spain, a region with a high prevalence of psychotic disorders. We applied a systematic genomic approach based on karyotyping (N=4), genotyping by genome-wide SNP array (N=33), whole-exome sequencing (N=4), and whole-genome sequencing (N=12). We performed genome-wide linkage analysis, family-based association analysis, and polygenic risk score estimates. Significant linkage was obtained at chromosome 9 (9q33.1-33.2, LOD score= 4.11), a suggestive region that contains five candidate genes ASTN2, BRINP1, C5, TLR4, and TRIM32, previously associated to MMDs. Comprehensive analysis associated the MMD phenotype with genes of the immune system with dual brain functions. Moreover, the psychotic phenotype was enriched for genes involved in synapsis. These results should be considered once studying the genetics of psychiatric disorders in other families, especially the ones from the same region, since founder effects may be related to the high prevalence.

  Study EGAS00001004592

• Prime editing for functional repair in patient-derived disease models

  Prime editing is a novel genome editing technology using fusion proteins of Cas9-nickase and reverse transcriptase, that holds promise to correct a wide variety of genetic defects. We succeeded in efficient prime editing and functional recovery of disease-causing mutations in patient-derived liver and intestinal stem cell organoids. Whole genome sequencing of did not detect off-target mutations or a mutational signature induced by prime editing.

  Study EGAS00001004611

• Understanding_hematopoietic_stem_cell_mobilization_and_engraftment_

  This study looks at patients undergoing gene therapy for genetic blood and immune disorders, in particular sickle cell disease. From each patient, single blood HSPC colonies are grown from patient blood mononuclear cells, bone marrow mononuclear cells, or CD34+ at multiple time points: pre gene transduction, post-transduction, and post-infusion (at several time points). Whole-genome sequencing will be performed on DNA from these colonies and somatically-acquired mutations will be called. Using these mutations, a phylogeny of these cells can be inferred and further inferences can be made about the gene therapy transduction and engraftment steps.

  Study EGAS00001004620

• The genetic history of the southern Andes from present-day Mapuche ancestry

  We generate genome-wide data from 64 participants from three Mapuche populations in Southern Chile: Pehuenche, Lafkenche, and Huilliche. Broadly, we describe three main ancestry blocks with a common origin, which characterize the Southern Cone, the Central Andes, and Amazonia. Within the Southern Cone, ancestors of the Mapuche lineages differentiated from those of the Far South during the Middle Holocene, and did not experience further migration waves from the north. We find that the deep genetic split between the Central and Southern Andes is followed by instances of gene flow, which may have accompanied the southward spread of cultural traits from the Central Andes, including crops and loanwords from Quechua into Mapudungun (the language of the Mapuche). Our findings add new perspectives on the genetic (pre)history of South America, from first settlement through to the present-day indigenous presence. Follow-up fieldwork took these results back to the indigenous communities to contextualize the genetic narrative alongside indigenous knowledge and perspectives.

  Study EGAS00001007200