3613 results for "*geneti*"

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

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

  Study EGAS00001000982

• Therapeutic Resistance to PI3K-alpha Inhibitors

  We have studied the tumor genomic evolution in a patient with metastatic breast cancer bearing an activating PIK3CA mutation. The patient was treated with the PI3Kα inhibitor BYL719 and achieved a lasting clinical response on BYL719, but eventually progressed to treatment and died shortly thereafter. A rapid autopsy was performed and a total of 14 metastatic lesions were collected for further analysis. In order to identify possible genetic determinants of acquired resistance to PI3Kα inhibition, we took a three-step approach. First, we examined both the primary tumor (before BYL719 treatment) and the new lung metastasis by whole genome sequencing (DNA from the spleen was used as a normal control). Then, we analyzed the primary tumor, lung metastasis, and the peri-aortic lesion that remained stable (responding) at the time of progression to BYL719 therapy by whole exome sequencing. Finally, to confirm and expand our findings, we sequenced the primary tumor and all the metastatic lesions to >500-fold coverage using a custom targeted deep-sequencing assay, MSK-IMPACT. Using this 3-step approach, we have demonstrated that patient’s lesion underwent parallel genetic evolution at multiple metastatic sites with different PTEN genomic alterations leading to a convergent PTEN- null phenotype resistant to PI3Kα inhibition. In order to expand our observations, we analyzed paired samples (pre-treatment and at progression) from six additional patients enrolled in the BYL719 trial. Acquired bi-allelic loss of PTEN was found in one additional patient treated with BYL719 whereas in two patients PIK3CA mutations present in the primary tumor were no longer detected at the time of progression. To functionally characterize our findings, inducible PTEN knockdown in sensitive cells resulted in resistance to BYL719, while simultaneous PI3K-p110β blockade reverted this resistance phenotype, both in cell lines and in PTEN-null xenografts derived from our patient. We conclude that parallel genetic evolution of separate sites with different PTEN genomic alterations leads to a convergent PTEN-null phenotype resistant to PI3Kα inhibition.

  Study EGAS00001000991

• McGill Epigenomics Mapping Centre

  The McGill Epigenomics Mapping Centre (EMC) and Data Coordination Centre (EDCC) were established in 2012 at the McGill University and Genome Quebec Innovation Centre (Montreal, Canada) to support large-scale human epigenome mapping for a broad spectrum of cell types and diseases. Previous epigenetic studies have provided profiles of specific chromatin marks in relation to basic biological processes, and future studies of molecular mechanisms must build upon these proofs-of-concept by integrating sequence-based variation with multiple levels of epigenetic and transcriptional regulation across the genome of human tissues and animal disease models. This project leverages the high-throughput sequencing infrastructure and expertise in genomics and transcriptomics at the McGill Innovation Centre to carry out this research. Controlled access to the data by collaborators and the greater scientific community is gained via a portal, which takes advantage of Compute Canada high-performance computing cluster resources to manage the large volume of data associated from the generation of reference epigenome maps. McGill University is one of two Canadian mapping and data coordination centres, the other based at the Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre in Vancouver, British Columbia. The generation of comprehensive epigenome maps at McGill University is part of a larger international effort that is coordinated by the International Human Epigenome Consortium (IHEC), whose overall long-term objective is to determine the extent to which the epigenome shapes human populations over generations and in response to the environment. This project is funded under the Canadian Epigenetics, Environment, and Health Research Consortium (CEEHRC) by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and by Genome Quebec, with additional support from Genome Canada. The computing and networking infrastructure, and part of the software development, are provided by Compute Canada and CANARIE.

  Study EGAS00001000995

• Genome-wide prediction of human embryos

  BACKGROUND: Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) enables profiling of embryos for genetic disorders prior to implantation. The majority of PGD testing is restricted in the scope of variants assayed or by the availability of extended family members. While recent advances in single cell sequencing show promise, they remain limited by bias in DNA amplification and the rapid turnaround time (<36 h) required for fresh embryo transfer. Here, we describe and validate a method for inferring the inherited whole genome sequence of an embryo for preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD). METHODS: We combine haplotype-resolved, parental genome sequencing with rapid embryo genotyping to predict the whole genome sequence of a day-5 human embryo in a couple at risk of transmitting alpha-thalassemia. RESULTS: Inheritance was predicted at approximately 3 million paternally and/or maternally heterozygous sites with greater than 99% accuracy. Furthermore, we successfully phase and predict the transmission of an HBA1/HBA2 deletion from each parent. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that preimplantation whole genome prediction may facilitate the comprehensive diagnosis of diseases with a known genetic basis in embryos.

  Study EGAS00001001020

• First genome-wide association study in an Australian Aboriginal population provides insights into genetic risk factors for Body Mass Index and Type 2 Diabetes

  A body mass index (BMI) >22kg/m2 is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes (T2D) in Aboriginal Australians. To identify loci associated with BMI and T2D we undertook a genome-wide association study using 1,355,133 quality-controlled single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) genotyped (Illumina 2.5M Duo Beadchip) in 402 individuals in extended pedigrees from a Western Australian Aboriginal community. Imputation using the thousand genomes (1000G) reference panel extended the analysis to 6,724,284 post quality-control autosomal SNPs. No associations achieved genome-wide significance, commonly accepted as P<5x10-8. Nevertheless, genes/pathways in common with other ethnicities were identified despite the arrival of Aboriginal people in Australia >45,000 years ago. The top hit (rs10868204 Pgenotyped=1.50x10-6; rs11140653 Pimputed_1000G=2.90x10-7) for BMI lies 5’ of NTRK2, the type 2 neurotrophic tyrosine kinase receptor for brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) that regulates energy balance downstream of melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R). PIK3C2G (rs12816270 Pgenotyped=8.06x10-6; rs10841048 Pimputed_1000G=6.28x10-7) was associated with BMI, but not with T2D as reported elsewhere. BMI also associated with CNTNAP2 (rs6960319 Pgenotyped=4.65x10-5; rs13225016 Pimputed_1000G=6.57x10-5), previously identified as the strongest gene-by-environment interaction for BMI in African-Americans. The top hit (rs11240074 Pgenotyped=5.59x10-6, Pimputed_1000G=5.73x10-6) for T2D lies 5’ of BCL9 that, along with TCFL2, promotes beta-catenin’s transcriptional activity in the WNT signaling pathway. Additional hits occurred in genes affecting pancreatic (KCNJ6, KCNA1) and/or GABA (GABRR1, KCNA1) functions. Notable associations observed for genes previously identified at genome-wide significance in other populations included MC4R (Pgenotyped=4.49x10-4) for BMI and IGF2BP2 Pimputed_1000G=2.55x10-6) for T2D. Our results may provide novel functional leads in understanding disease pathogenesis in this Australian Aboriginal population.

  Study EGAS00001001004

• MDS Sequencing Project_Cancer Cell

  Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are uncommon entities, heterogeneous clinically and cytogenetically. The aim of the present study is to determine genetic alteration in this subset of patients. Expected results: Identification of new aberrations and genetic markers in order to detect novel genes involved in MDS 5q-response to Lenalidomide's treatment.

  Study EGAS00001001011

• Spatial heterogeneity in medulloblastoma

  Spatial heterogeneity of transcriptional and genetic markers between physically isolated biopsies of a single tumor poses major barriers to the identification of biomarkers and the development of targeted therapies that will be effective against the entire tumor. We analyzed the spatial heterogeneity of multiregional biopsies from 35 patients, using a combination of transcriptomic and genomic profiles. Medulloblastomas (MBs), but not high-grade gliomas (HGGs), demonstrated spatially homogeneous transcriptomes, which allowed for accurate subgrouping of tumors from a single biopsy. Conversely, somatic mutations that affect genes suitable for targeted therapeutics demonstrated high levels of spatial heterogeneity in MB, malignant glioma, and renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Actionable targets found in a single MB biopsy were seldom clonal across the entire tumor,which brings the efficacy of monotherapies against a single target into question. Clinical trials of targeted therapies for MB should first ensure the spatially ubiquitous nature of the target mutation.

  Study EGAS00001001014

• Whole genome sequencing of ASD quartet families

  Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is genetically heterogeneous with >100 susceptibility genes known. We used whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of 85 quartet families (two parents and two ASD-affected siblings) to comprehensively examine mutation characteristics. Our results emphasize using WGS to maximize the detection of all classes of mutations potentially involved in autism, and to enable the interpretation of that data in confirmatory and predictive diagnosis in different individuals in a family.

  Study EGAS00001001023

• Spatial and temporal genomic evolution in glioblastoma

  Tumor heterogeneity is a challenging barrier to successful targeted therapy in glioblastoma. Identifying the mechanisms that drive cancer cells as they genetically evolve and adapt in response to treatment is a vital goal of modern cancer research. Analysis of sequencing data provides a method for uncovering the mechanisms sustaining tumor heterogeneity and driving evolution. Here, we analyzed genomic profiles of GBM biopsies taken from pre- and post-treatment GBMs (with matched germline controls), to understand 1) the intratumoral clonal compositions of primary GBM and 2) how GBM responds to therapeutic intervention. Our results provide a molecular portrait of GBM recurrence.

  Study EGAS00001001033

• ctDNA quantification in Ewing sarcoma patients

  Background. Treatment stratification and response assessment in pediatric sarcomas has relied on imaging studies and surgical/histopathological evidence of vital tumor cells. Such studies and evidence collection processes often involve radiation and/or general anesthesia in children. Cell-free circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) detection in blood plasma is one available method of so-called liquid biopsies that has been shown to correlate qualitatively and quantitatively to some extent with the existence of vital tumor cells in the body. Our clinical observational study focused on the utility and feasibility of ctDNA detection in pediatric Ewing sarcoma (EWS) as a marker of minimal residual disease (MRD). Patients and Methods. We performed whole genome sequencing to identify the exact breakpoints in tumors known to carry the EWS-FLI1 fusion gene. Patient-specific fusion breakpoints were tracked in peripheral blood plasma using digital droplet PCR (ddPCR) before, during, and after therapy in six consecutive children and young adults with EWS. Presence and levels of fusion breakpoints were correlated with clinical disease courses. The genetic changes in the tumors were defined, and inter- and intra-individual changes in the tumor DNA copy loads were observed over time. Results. We show that the detection of ctDNA in the peripheral blood of EWS patients i) is feasible in the clinical routine and ii) allows for the longitudinal real-time monitoring of MRD activity in children and young adults. Although changing ctDNA levels correlated well with clinical outcome within patients, between patients, a high variability was observed (inter-individually) for the six patients described here. Conclusions. ctDNA detection by ddPCR is a highly sensitive, specific, feasible, and highly accurate method that can be applied in EWS for follow-up assessments as an additional surrogate parameter for clinical MRD monitoring and, potentially, also for treatment stratification in the near future.

  Study EGAS00001006433

• Genome-wide SNP genotyping and DNA methylation epigenotyping of African rainforest hunter-gatherers and neighbouring agriculturalists

  The epigenomic landscape of the human genome, in particular DNA methylation, is increasingly recognised as an important driver of phenotypic diversity in health and disease. However, the impact that genetic variation and changes in lifestyle and ecological habitat have on this epigenetic mark remains unknown. To address this question, we analysed genome-wide SNP and DNA methylation profiles of 362 individuals from African populations of rainforest hunter-gatherers and sedentary farmers with different past and present lifestyles and ecologies.

  Study EGAS00001001066

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

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

  Study EGAS00001001077

• RB Loss in Resistant EGFR Mutant Lung Adenocarcinomas that Transform to Small Cell Lung Cancer

  Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are effective treatments for non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs) with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations. However, they do not lead to cures, and, on average, relapse occurs typically occurs afterafter an average of one year of continuous treatment. In a subset of patients, aA fundamental histological transformation from NSCLC to small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is observed in a subset of the resistant cancers, but the molecular changes associated with this transformation remain unknown. Analysis of a cohort of tumor samples and cell lines derived from resistant EGFR mutant patients with SCLC transformation revealed that RB is lost in 100% of these SCLC transformed cases, but rarely in those that remain NSCLC. Global changes in gene expression, including increased neuroendocrine marker expression and absence of EGFR expression, are observed in resistant EGFR mutant cancers that transformed to SCLC. Consistent Further, with their similarities to classical SCLC at the genetic and gene expression levelincreased neuroendocrine marker and decreased EGFR expression as well as greater sensitivity to BCL2 family inhibition are observed in resistant SCLC transformed cancers compared to resistant NSCLCs. , cell lines derived from resistant EGFR mutant SCLC biopsies are substantially more sensitive to Bcl-2 family inhibition with ABT-263 compared to those derived from resistant EGFR mutant NSCLCs. Together, these findings suggest that despite developing initially as EGFR mutant adenocarcinomas, this subset of resistant cancers ultimately adopt many of the molecular and phenotypic characteristics of classical SCLC.

  Study EGAS00001001102

• Whole-exome and targeted sequencing of pediatric hyperdiploid B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia

  High hyperdiploidy defines the largest genetic entity of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Despite its relatively low recurrence risk, this subgroup generates a high proportion of relapses. The cause and origin of these relapses remains obscure. We therefore explored the mutational landscape in high hyperdiploid (HD) ALL with whole-exome (n=19) and subsequent targeted deep sequencing of 60 genes in 100 relapsing and 51 non-relapsing cases. We identified multiple clones at diagnosis that were primarily defined by a variety of mutations in receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK)/Ras pathway and chromatin-modifying genes. The relapse clones consisted of reappearing as well as new mutations, and overall contained more mutations. Although RTK/Ras pathway mutations were similarly frequent between diagnosis and relapse, both intergenic and intragenic heterogeneity was essentially lost at relapse. CREBBP mutations, however, increased from initially 18-30% at relapse, then commonly co-occurred with KRAS mutations (P<0.001) and these relapses appeared primarily early (P=0.012). Our results confirm the exceptional susceptibility of HD ALL to RTK/Ras pathway and CREBBP mutations, but, more importantly, suggest that mutant KRAS and CREBBP might cooperate and equip cells with the necessary capacity to evolve into a relapse-generating clone.

  Study EGAS00001001113

• Neuroblastoma Evolution

  Here, we quantify the somatic evolution of neuroblastomas by deep (80x) whole-genome sequencing, molecular clock analysis and population-genetic modeling in a comprehensive cohort (Hipo_K09R) covering all subtypes.

  Study EGAS00001006533

• cfDNA in Hereditary And High-Risk Malignancies (CHARM)

  Our goal is to improve early cancer detection by developing a blood test to predict cancer development in carriers using circulating DNA. As carriers develop cancer, they may have pre-cancerous cells which release this DNA into the blood (cell-free DNA; cfDNA), which can be detected with novel genetic technologies. We propose to use three complementary cfDNA assays:shallow whole genome sequencing (sWGS), Liquid-Biopsy Sequencing (LB-Seq) and Cell-free Methylated DNA Immunoprecipitation and High-throughput Sequencing (cfMeDip-Seq) for early cancer detection.

  Study EGAS00001006539

• Genome-wide association analysis on five isolated populations - Erasmus Rucphen Family (ERF) Study

  ERF is embedded in the Genetic Research in Isolated Population (GRIP) program. Genealogy of GRIP is available from its founding (1600-1650). For ERF, we selected 22 related (first and second degree, non-consanguineous) couples living in GRIP between 1850-1900, and having at least six children baptized in the community church. All living descendants of those couples were invited to participate in ERF1. About 4,000 relatives included in the study form a very complex pedigree, which consists of more than 23,000 members. The participants aged between 18-20 years constitute a unique single family spanning over 23 generations. Around 3,000 individuals have been extensively phenotyped for several psychiatric and somatic traits. All phenotyped individuals are genotyped on genome-wide genotyping arrays.

  Study EGAS00001001134

• Genesis of Two Most Prevalent Variants Causing Combined Pituitary Hormone Deficiency in 21 Populations

  Two variants (c.[301_302delAG];[301_302delAG] and c.[150delA];[150delA]) in the PROP1 gene are the most common genetic causes of recessively inherited combined pituitary hormones deficiency (CPHD). Our objective was to analyze in detail the origin of the two most prevalent variants. In the multicentric study were included 237 patients with CPHD and their 15 relatives carrying c.[301_302delAG];[301_302delAG] or c.[150delA];[150delA] or c.[301_302delAG];[ 150delA]. They originated from 21 different countries worldwide. We genotyped 21 single nucleotide variant markers flanking the 9.6Mb region around the PROP1 gene that are not in mutual linkage disequilibrium in the general populations - a finding of a common haplotype would be indicative of ancestral origin of the variant. Haplotypes were reconstructed by Phase and Haploview software, and the variant age was estimated using an allelic association method. We demonstrated ancestral origin of both variants: c.[301_302delAG] was carried on 0.2Mb-long haplotype in a majority of European patients arising approximately 101 generations ago (confidence interval 90.1-116.4). Patients from the Iberian Peninsula displayed a different haplotype which was estimated to have emerged 23.3 (20.1-29.1) generations ago. Subsequently, the data indicated that both haplotypes were transmitted to Latin American patients approximately 13.8 (12.2-17.0) and 16.4 (14.4-20.1) generations ago, respectively. The c.[150delA] variant that was carried on a haplotype spanning about 0.3Mb was estimated to appear 43.7 (38.4-52.7) generations ago. We present strong evidence that the most frequent variants in the PROP1 gene are not a consequence of variant hot-spots as previously assumed, but are founder variants.

  Study EGAS00001001165

• GWAS study on arsenic-exposed population

  Genetic analysis of women from the Andes Mountains that are exposed to arsenic in drinking water.

  Study EGAS00001001168

• Sequencing of heritable Bleeding and Platelet Disorders

  The BRIDGE-BPD study aims to discover new causal genes for Bleeding and Platelet Disorders (BPD) by high throughput sequencing using cluster analyses based on improved and standardized deep phenotyping of cases. BPD is one of the 13 Rare Disease projects under the NIHR BioResource Rare Diseases BRIDGE consortium, which is a collaboration aiming to discover the genetic sequence variants underlying unresolved inherited disorders and to improve identification of already identified high penetrance variants.

  Study EGAS00001001172

• Prediction of pigmentation phenotypes by SNP typing in a Northern German population

  Human pigmentation traits are of great interest to many research areas, from ancient DNA analysis to forensic science. We aimed to develop a gene-based predictive model for pigmentation phenotypes in a realistic target population for forensic case work from Northern Germany. Our aim was to determine whether better prediction accuracy can be achieved, or fewer genetic markers may suffice, than in previously studied, genetically more heterogeneous populations. We investigated the association between eye, hair and skin colour, and 12 candidate single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from six genes. Our study comprised two samples of 300 and 100 individuals from Northern Germany who were carefully characterized with regard to pigmentation phenotypes. The first sample was used to select trait-associated SNPs whereas the second sample served to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and to quantify the predictive capability of the respective SNP genotypes. SNP rs12913832 in HERC2 was found to be strongly associated with blue eye colour (OR=15.6, p<1.2•10-4) and to yield reasonable predictive power (90% sensitivity, 63% specificity). SNP associations with hair and skin colour were weaker and genotypes less predictive. A comparison to two recently published sets of markers to predict eye and hair colour revealed that the consideration of additional SNPs with weak to moderate effect increases the predictive power in Northern Germans for eye colour, but not for hair colour. In addition, fine phenotyping and differentiation of hair colour (light / dark and red tint / no red tint) were found to increase the number of significant genotype-phenotype associations.

  Study EGAS00001001174

• Evolution of DNA repair defects during malignant progression of low-grade gliomas after temozolomide treatment.

  Temozolomide (TMZ) increases the overall survival of patients with glioblastoma (GBM), but its role in the clinical management of diffuse low-grade gliomas (LGG) is still being defined. DNA hypermethylation of the O 6 -methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter is associated with an improved response to TMZ treatment, while inactivation of the DNA mismatch repair (MMR) pathway is associated with therapeutic resistance and TMZ-induced mutagenesis. We previously demonstrated that TMZ treatment of LGG induces driver mutations in the RB and AKT-mTOR pathways, which may drive malignant progression to secondary GBM. To better understand the mechanisms underlying TMZ-induced mutagenesis and malignant progression, we explored the evolution of MGMT methylation and genetic alterations affecting MMR genes in a cohort of 34 treatment-naïve LGGs and their recurrences. Recurrences with TMZ-associated hypermutation had increased MGMT methylation compared to their untreated initial tumors and higher overall MGMT methylation compared to TMZ-treated non-hypermutated recurrences. A TMZ-associated mutation in one or more MMR genes was observed in five out of six TMZ-treated hypermutated recurrences. In two cases, pre-existing heterozygous deletions encompassing MGMT, or an MMR gene, were followed by TMZ-associated mutations in one of the genes of interest. These results suggest that tumor cells with methylated MGMT may undergo positive selection during TMZ treatment in the context of MMR deficiency.

  Study EGAS00001001179

• Neuroblastoma relapse trio series from the AMC

  The majority of neuroblastoma patients have tumors that initially respond to chemotherapy, but a large proportion of patients will experience therapy-resistant relapses. The molecular basis of this aggressive phenotype is unknown. Whole genome sequencing of 23 paired diagnostic and relapsed neuroblastomas showed clonal evolution from the diagnostic tumor with a median of 29 somatic mutations unique to the relapse sample. Eighteen of the 23 relapse tumors (78%) showed RAS-MAPK pathway mutations. Seven events were detected only in the relapse tumor while the others showed clonal enrichment. In neuroblastoma cell lines we also detected a high frequency of activating mutations in the RAS-MAPK pathway (11/18, 61%) and these lesions predicted for sensitivity to MEK inhibition in vitro and in vivo. Our findings provide a rationale for genetic characterization of relapse neuroblastoma and show that RAS-MAPK pathway mutations may function as a biomarker for new therapeutic approaches to refractory disease.

  Study EGAS00001001183

• Genome-wide DNA-methylation assessment by MethylCap-seq and Infinium HumanMethylation450 BeadChips: an independent large-scale comparison

  DNA-methylation is an important epigenetic feature in health and disease. Two cost-efficient genome-scale methodologies to assess DNA-methylation are MethylCap-seq and Illumina's Infinium HumanMethylation450 BeadChips (HM450). However, objective information regarding the best-suited methodology for a specific research question is scant. Therefore, we performed a large-scale evaluation on a set of 70 brain tissue samples obtained from 65 glioblastoma and 5 non-tumoral brain tissues, using a gold standard free Bayesian modeling procedure. While conditional specificity was adequate for both approaches, conditional sensitivity was systematically higher for HM450. Also the genome-wide characteristics were compared, revealing that the HM450 probes assess less than 10% of the regions identified as methylated by MethylCap-seq. Hence the latter method may detect more potentially relevant DNA-methylation, defined by either functional location or previously reported differentially methylated candidate regions. Our results therefore indicate that – at least for the tissue under study - both methodologies are complementary, with a higher sensitivity for HM450, but a far larger genome-wide coverage for MethylCap-seq. Note that here only the relevant MethylCap-seq data is deposited, for the HM450 data we refer to GEO (GSE60274).

  Study EGAS00001001191

• Chromatin landscape of medulloblastoma reveals context dependent driver

  In this study, we defined subgroup specific chromatin landscape (H3K27ac, H3K27me3, RNA-Seq, 27ac hichip, WGS) of medulloblastoma to identify pathogenic epigenetic alterations that regulate expression of a context dependent driver gene.

  Study EGAS00001006741