3906 results for "*geneti*"

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• Whole-Genome sequencing of hepatocellular carcinomas

  The French ICGC project on liver tumors is coordinated by Pr Jessica Zucman-Rossi and funded by Inca (French Institute for Cancer). The aim of the present project is to identify the catalog of somatic and germline mutations in liver tumors using whole genome and whole exome sequencing together with CGH-SNP, methylome and transcriptomic profiling. For this purpose, a series of 500 liver tumors are collected through the French National Liver Collection and these samples will be analyzed using the different omics technologies. The data will be deposited in the ICGC and EGA database to be publically available for the scientific community. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for more than 90% of liver cancers, and is a major health problem. It is the 3rd cause of cancer-related mortality. Advances in genomic analyses have formed a comprehensive understanding of different underlying pathobiological layers resulting in hepatocarcinogenesis. Thus, the development of next-generation sequencing technologies has made it possible to generate more comprehensive catalogues of somatic alteration events (single nucleotide substitutions, structural variations, and epigenetic changes) in liver cancer genome than ever before. The dataset will include 50 whole genome sequencing tumor/germline pairs, of which 6 are deposited in February 2014.

  Study EGAS00001000706

• Probabilistic modeling of personalized drug combinations from integrated chemical screen and molecular data in sarcoma

  Background: Cancer patients with advanced disease exhaust available clinical regimens and lack actionable genomic medicine results, leaving a large patient population without effective treatments options when their disease inevitably progresses. To address the unmet clinical need for evidence-based therapy assignment when standard clinical approaches have failed, we have developed a probabilistic computational modeling approach which integrates sequencing data with functional assay data to develop patient-specific combination cancer treatments. Methods: Tissue taken from a murine model of alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma was used to perform single agent drug screening and DNA/RNA sequencing experiments; results integrated via our computational modeling approach identified a synergistic personalized two-drug combination. Cells derived from the tumor were allografted into mouse models and used to validate the personalized two-drug combination. Computational modeling of single agent drug screening and RNA sequencing of multiple heterogenous sites from a single patient’s epithelioid sarcoma identified a personalized two-drug combination effective across all tumor regions. The heterogeneity-consensus combination was validated in a xenograft model derived from the patient’s primary tumor. Cell cultures derived from human and canine undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma were assayed by drug screen; computational modeling identified a resistance-abrogating two-drug combination common to both cell cultures. This combination was validated in vitro via a cell regrowth assay. Results Our computational modeling approach addresses three major challenges in personalized cancer therapy: synergistic drug combination predictions (validated in vitro and in vivo in a genetically engineered murine cancer model), identification of unifying therapeutic targets to overcome intra-tumor heterogeneity (validated in vivo in a human cancer xenograft), and mitigation of cancer cell resistance and rewiring mechanisms (validated in vitro in a human and canine cancer model). Conclusions These proof-of-concept studies support the use of an integrative functional approach to personalized combination therapy prediction for the population of high-risk cancer patients lacking viable clinical options and without actionable DNA sequencing-based therapy.

  Study EGAS00001003564

• Evolutionary origin and methylation status of human intronic CpG islands that are not present in mouse

  Imprinting of the human RB1 gene is due to the presence of a differentially methylated CpG island (CGI) in intron 2, which is part of a retrogene derived from the PPP1R26 gene on chromosome 9. The murine Rb1 gene does not have this retrogene and is not imprinted. We have investigated whether the RB1/Rb1 locus is unique with respect to these differences. For this we have compared the CGIs from human and mouse by in silico analyses and found out that there are at least 2033 human intronic CGIs that are not present in the mouse. Among these CGIs, 104 show sequences similarities elsewhere in the human genome, which suggests that they arose by retrotransposition. We could narrow down the time points when most of these CGIs appeared during evolution. Their methylation status was analysed in two monocyte methylome datasets from whole genome bisulfite sequencing and in 18 published methylomes. Five CGIs appear to be differentially methylated, which suggests that they are subject of genomic imprinting. They are located in introns of the following genes: RB1, ASRGL1, PARP11, PDXDC1 and MYO1D. Four of these CGIs are parts of retrogenes. Our study supports the notion that imprinting builds on host defence mechanisms by which the genome protects itself against retrotransposed and foreign DNA and that the epigenetic fate of the retrotransposed DNA depends on selective forces at the integration site.

  Study EGAS00001000719

• Assessment_of_epigenetic_variation_in_human_iPS_cells_Medip

  n order to progress human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) towards the clinic, several outstanding questions must be addressed. It is possible to reprogram different somatic cell types into hiPSCs and from studies in the mouse, it appears that an epigenetic memory of the starting cell type is carried over to hiPSCs. However a comprehensive comparative study of the characteristics of these hiPSCs has been missing from the literature. Importantly studies which aimed to address these aspects of hiPSCs have used cells from different patients. In order to avoid this important confounding variable and to keep the genetic background constant, tissue samples were procured from the patients and reprogrammed to iPS cells. The methylation status of these iPS cells will be compared.Protocol:Primary cell cultures were generated and reprogrammed to iPS cells. DNA was extracted and immunoprecipitated using anti-methyl cytosine and anti-hydroxymethyl cytosine antibodies.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 EGAS00001000741

• Pangenomic classification of pituitary adenomas

  Pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (PitNETs) are common. They are classified in five main histological types: PitNETs of POU1F1 (Pit1) lineage -lactotroph, somatotroph and thyrotroph -, gonadotroph, and corticotroph PitNETs. Pituitary tumorigenesis is poorly understood. We report here a pangenomic characterization of 134 PitNETs from all types, based on exome, genome, transcriptome, miRnome and methylome. Pit1 lineage was associated with a specific epigenetic signature of diffuse DNA hypomethylation, and correlated with expression of Pit1 markers and chromosomal instability. 45% of somatotroph PitNETs showed GNAS mutations. GNAS-wild type somatotroph showed a distinct transcriptome profile, expressing gonadotroph transcription factor NR5A1 (SF1). Sparsely granulated somatotroph PitNETs was classified apart from somatotroph, owing to a thyrotroph transcriptome signature. 43% of corticotroph PitNETs showed USP8 mutations, sharing a low epithelial-mesenchimal transition (EMT) transcriptome signature. Silent corticotroph PitNETs showed a gonadotroph transcriptome signature evoking transdifferentiation, and lost somatostatin target SSTR5 expression.

  Study EGAS00001003642

• 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

• Whole genome sequencing of six ethnic groups from Burkina Faso, Cameroon, and Tanzania

  We conducted low-coverage (~10x) sequencing of six ethnic groups from three malaria-endemic countries in sub-Saharan Africa, with the aim of characterising genetic diversity and improving imputation performance for genotyped samples in these populations. This data is part of a pre-publication release and is available under managed access. Please see https://www.malariagen.net/data/terms-use/human-gwas-data for more information on MalariaGEN data access policies. The purpose of the project was to support the discovery and understanding of genetic variants that influence human disease. Specifically defined goals were: a. the discovery of single nucleotide variants at frequencies of 1% or higher in diverse populations, b. even more comprehensive discovery (variants down to frequencies of 0.1 - 0.5%) in functional gene regions, and c. discovery of structural variants, such as copy number variants, other insertions and deletions, and inversions, including sequence-level understanding of breakpoints.

  Study EGAS00001003648

• Systems biology of Colorectal Cancer

  Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers in both males and females, and it is perhaps the best understood of all epithelial tumors in terms of its molecular origin. Yet, despite large amount of work that has concentrated on understanding of colon tumorigenesis, we still do not know the full complement of molecular lesions that are individually necessary – and together sufficient – to cause colorectal cancer. Neither do we understand why some specific mutations that are relatively rare in other tumors (e.g. loss of the APC tumor suppressor) are extremely common in colorectal cancer. We propose here to use the tools of systems biology to develop a quantitative and comprehensive model of colorectal tumorigenesis. The model will include identification of cell-type specific and oncogenic pathways that contribute to colon tumorigenesis, and explain in molecular detail how a genotype of an individual CRC leads to activation of downstream genes that drive uncontrolled cell growth. This model will subsequently be used to find novel therapeutic targets, to guide genetic screening to identify individuals with elevated risk for developing CRC, and to classify patients into molecular subgroups to select the treatment combination that is optimal for each patient (personalized medicine). The specific objectives of the SYSCOL project are: 1. Identify genetic markers for individual risk using genotyping and sequencing of constitutional DNA from sporadic and familial CRC cases and controls 2. Identify genes and regulatory elements that contribute to colorectal cancer cell growth 3. Use data from Aims 1-2 to develop a quantitative model for colorectal tumorigenesis 4. Apply the model for identification of high-risk individuals, for molecular classification of the disease, and for identification of novel molecular treatment targets

  Study EGAS00001000854

• UAMS Smoldering Myeloma Timeline Cohort

  To better understand the pattern of genetic changes over time, we performed whole exome sequencing of sequential bone marrow samples from 9 patients taken overtime including some paired SMM/newly diagnosed MM/Relapse MM samples. Samples from 9 patients (9 controls and 53 tumors) underwent whole exome sequencing with an additional capture for the IGH, IHK, IGL, and MYC loci. DNA was obtained from either CD138+ cells from the bone marrow of smoldering myeloma patients through time (tumor) or from stem cell harvests or peripheral blood cells from the same patient (control). 100 ng of DNA was fragmented, end-repaired, and adapters ligated using NimbleGen's MedExome. After PCR amplification hybridized libraries underwent further amplification before being sequenced on a NextSeq500 (Illumina) using 75 bp paired end reads.

  Study EGAS00001003687

• Succession Of Transiently Active Tumour-Initiating Cell Clones inHuman Pancreatic Cancer

  To elucidate whether newly acquired genetic alterations during serial transplantation of patient derived primary pancreatic cancer cultures contribute to the observed clonal dynamics in vivo, all coding genes of two patient derived primary cultures and derived genetically marked serial xenografts (1°/2°/3°) were sequenced.

  Study EGAS00001000882

• Developmental_Dysplasia_of_the_Hip__DDH_

  The National Joint Registry for England and Wales (NJR) has become established as one of the largest repositories of clinical information about patients undergoing hip and knee replacement. The primary aim of this proposal is to examine the feasibility of adding value to that clinical information by partnering it with a DNA dataset to allow its use to be extended to the study of the underlying pathogenesis of diseases of the hip and knee, and the complications of their treatment. We will do this 1) by establishing a mechanism for accessing and linking pseudo-anonymised demographic and phenotype data between the NJR database and the proposed DNA Biobank; 2) by validating the collection of postal DNA samples from consenting NJR patients; and 3) by genotyping genome-wide 900 patients with the condition developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) to find variants that play a role in this heritable condition. The successful demonstration that the NJR can be used to establish a DNA Biobank will provide a powerful platform to examine the genetic basis for a wide range of joint diseases, and the complications of their treatment. This proposal is to carry out the genotyping portion of this project on the current CoreExome array

  Study EGAS00001000916

• Genomic analyses of gynecologic carcinosarcomas reveal frequent mutations in chromatin remodeling genes

  Malignant Mixed Müllerian Tumors, also known as carcinosarcomas, are rare tumors of gynecological origin. Here we perform whole exome analyses of 22 tumors using massively parallel sequencing to determine the mutational landscape of this tumor type. On average, we identify 43 mutations per tumor, excluding four cases with a mutator phenotype that harbored inactivating mutations in mismatch repair genes. In addition to mutations in TP53 and KRAS, we identify genetic alterations in chromatin remodeling genes, ARID1A and ARID1B, in histone methyltransferase MLL3, in histone deacetylase modifier SPOP, and in chromatin assembly factor BAZ1A, in nearly two thirds of cases. Alterations in genes with potential clinical utility are observed in more than three quarters of the cases and included members of the PI 3-kinase and homologous DNA repair pathways. These findings highlight the importance of the dysregulation of chromatin remodeling in carcinosarcoma tumorigenesis and suggest new avenues for personalized therapy.

  Study EGAS00001000941

• Germline mutations in the transcription factor IKZF5 cause thrombocytopenia.

  To identify novel causes of hereditary thrombocytopenia, we performed a genetic association analysis of whole-genome sequencing data from 13,037 individuals enrolled in the NIHR BioResource, including 233 cases with isolated thrombocytopenia. We found an association between rare variants in the transcription factor encoding gene IKZF5 and thrombocytopenia. We report five causal missense variants in or near IKZF5 zinc fingers (Znfs), of which two occurred de novo and three co-segregated in three pedigrees. A canonical DNA-Znf binding model predicts that three of the variants alter DNA recognition. Expression studies showed that chromatin binding was disrupted in mutant compared to wild-type (WT) IKZF5 and electron microscopy revealed a reduced quantity of alpha granules in normally sized platelets. Proplatelet formation (PPF) was reduced in megakaryocytes (MKs) from seven cases relative to six controls. Comparison of RNA-seq data from platelets, monocytes, neutrophils and CD4 T-cells from three cases and 14 healthy controls showed 1,194 differentially expressed genes in platelets but only four DEGs in each of the other blood cell types. In conclusion, IKZF5 is a novel transcriptional regulator of megakaryopoiesis and the eighth transcription factor associated with dominant thrombocytopenia in humans.

  Study EGAS00001003736

• Clinical and Molecular Investigation of Familial CEBPA-mutated Acute Myeloid Leukaemia

  Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) are clonal diseases arising from the sequential acquisition of genetic aberrations in haematopoietic stem cells. Whilst the aetiology is predominantly sporadic, rare reports describe the autosomal dominant inheritance of MDS and AML (familial MDS/AML), often presenting in younger patients (<40 years of age) with a germline mutation in one of three haematopoietic transcription factors: RUNX1, CEBPA and GATA2. The clinical recognition of familial disease can be challenging due to wide variations in phenotype, latency and transmission, complicated further by the patients’ awareness and reporting of affected relatives. Distinct clinical manifestations have however been reported for each genetic subtype and whilst RUNX1 and GATA2 mutations can harbour prolonged dysplastic or cytopenic phases, germline CEBPA mutations universally present with AML de novo. Our group were the first to describe germline CEBPA mutations in 3 related individuals, all of whom developed AML between 10-30 years of age. The initial pedigree together with those described in the intervening period, were predominantly isolated case reports with limited follow up, hence long term outcomes for this group of patients remain poorly defined. This contrasts with CEBPA mutations occurring in 10-15% of sporadic AML with normal karytoype (NK-AML), where double mutations (CEBPAdm, found in approximately 50% of all CEBPA-AML) are considered a unique molecular entity, associated with favourable clinical outcomes. In sporadic and familial CEBPAdm AML, N’ terminal mutations enforce translation of the shorter P30-kDa isoform and are typically accompanied by C’ terminal insertions or deletions (disrupting the DNA-binding and/or Leucine zipper domains). Definition of the full molecular landscape awaits extensive whole exome sequencing, although GATA2 mutations (targeting the Zinc Finger 1, ZF1, domain) have been reported in 20-40% of sporadic CEBPAdm AML and recent targeted resequencing analysis revealed a further association with WT1 mutations. With minimal clinical and molecular information available for familial CEBPA-AML, we are often consulted regarding the management of this unique patient population. To address this need, we have investigated a multi-centre cohort of families with germline CEBPA mutations, providing extended clinical follow up, whole exome profiling of secondary mutations and molecular analysis of relapsed disease.

  Study EGAS00001000949

• ATAC-seq/ChIP part

  Epigenetics: ATAC-seq and ChIP-seq data

  Study EGAS00001006520

• GoT2D: Genetics of Type 2 Diabetes, a study of the the genetic architecture of type 2 diabetes using low pass whole genome sequencing and high density SNP genotyping in 2,657 individuals.

  The Genetics of Type 2 Diabetes Consortium (GoT2D) is a collaboration between the University of Michigan, the Broad Institute and the Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics. The overall aim is to extend upon recent efforts, such as genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and large scale meta-analyses. While they have proved successful at mapping genomic loci that influence human diseases, like type 2 diabetes, much of the heritability remains unexplained. In this study, we use next generation sequencing and genotyping technologies to query for lower frequency variants in the human genome. Thereby, allowing a deeper characterization of the spectrum of alleles associated with type 2 diabetes risk, and a better assessment of the genes that play a role in the etiology of type 2 diabetes development. We studied 1,326 T2D cases and 1,331 normoglycemic controls from Northern and Central Europe (Sweden, Finland, UK, and Germany). To efficiently characterize the entire genome sequence of each individual, we performed low-coverage (~5x) whole-genome sequencing, augmented by deep coverage (~100x) sequencing of the exome, and dense (2.5M) single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping using the HumanOmni2.5 array. The data deposited in EGA will include all the Swedish, Finnish, UK, and German samples.

  Study EGAS00001001459

• The Druze analysis group

  To comprehensively characterize the genetic structure of the Druze population, we recruited and genotyped 40 parent-offspring trios from the Upper Galilee in Israel and the Golan Heights, attempting to capture different extended families (clans) across various geographical locations.

  Study EGAS00001000963

• HipSci___Whole_Exome_sequencing___Bardet_Biedl_Syndrome

  The HipSci project brings together diverse constituents in genomics, proteomics, cell biology and clinical genetics to create a UK national iPS cell resource and use it to carry out cellular genetic studies. In this sub-study we perform whole exome sequencing using Agilent whole exome pulldown method on iPS cells generated from skin biopsies or blood samples from rare disease patients diagnosed with Bardet-Biedl syndrome

  Study EGAS00001000969

• Recent genetic history of Denmark

  The "Where Are You From?" project explores the extent to which recent and more distant historical events left their mark on the genetic structure of the current Danish population. The project's ultimate goal is to gain insights into the historical complexity of Denmark from the genetic perspective. To this goal, a data set consisting of approximately 800 high school students from across Denmark was used to run an extensive genetic analysis.

  Study EGAS00001001868

• Exome and RNA sequencing of relapsed TCF3-PBX1 t(1;19) acute lymphoblastic leukemia

  TCF3-PBX1 (E2A-PBX1) is a recurrent gene fusion in B-cell precursor lymphoblastic leukemia (BCP-ALL), which is caused by the translocation t(1;19)(q23;p13). TCF3-PBX1 BCP-ALL patients typically benefit from chemotherapy; however, many relapse and subsequently develop resistant disease with few effective treatment options. Mechanisms driving disease progression and therapy resistance have not been studied in TCF3-PBX1 BCP-ALL. Here, we aimed to identify novel treatment options for TCF3-PBX1 BCP-ALL by profiling leukemia cells from a relapsed patient, and determine molecular mechanisms underlying disease pathogenesis and progression. By drug sensitivity testing of leukemic blasts from the index patient, control samples and TCF3-PBX1 positive and negative BCP-ALL cell lines, we identified the phosphatidylinositide 3-kinase delta (p110δ) inhibitor idelalisib as an effective treatment for TCF3-PBX1 BCP-ALL. This was further supported by evidence showing TCF3-PBX1 directly regulates expression of PIK3CD, the gene encoding p110δ. Other somatic mutations to TP53 and MTOR, as well as aberrant expression of CXCR4, may influence additional drug sensitivities specific to the index patient and accompanied progression of the disease. Our results suggest that idelalisib is a promising treatment option for patients with TCF3-PBX1 BCP-ALL while other drugs could be useful depending on the genetic context of individual patients.

  Study EGAS00001001876

• Genetic landscape of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors

  Neurofibromatosis 1 is a hereditary syndrome characterized by the development of numerous benign neurofibromas, a small subset of which progress to malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs). To better understand the genetic basis for MPNSTs, we performed whole genome sequencing on four MPNSTs from patients with neurofibromatosis 1 and found that each of them had a somatic, inactivating mutation of SUZ12, a chromatin modifying gene adjacent to the NF1 gene responsible for the benign neurofibromas in these patients. We then performed targeted sequencing on an additional 46 MPNSTs and found that 12 had somatic mutations in SUZ12. Fifteen of the 17 (88%) mutations in SUZ12 were predicted to inactivate protein function, implicating it as a tumor suppressor gene possibly responsible for the progression from neurofibromas to MPNTs.

  Study EGAS00001000974

• 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

• 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

• 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

• MutWP1__CRUK_Grand_Challenge_Mutographs_of_Cancer__Colorectal

  he 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. 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 EGAS00001003774