Search Results - EGA European Genome-Phenome Archive

Liver biopsy derived induced pluripotent stem cells provide an unlimited supply for the generation of patient-specific hepatocyte-like cells

Background: Hepatocyte-like cells (HLCs) differentiated from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have emerged as a promising cell culture model to study metabolism, biotransformation, viral infections and genetic liver diseases. However the derivation of iPSCs is restricted by ethical and procedural constraints. Furthermore, incomplete HLC differentiation remains a major challenge. iPSC may carry-on a tissue of origin dependent expression memory influencing iPSC differentiation into different cell types. If liver derived iPSCs (Li-iPSCs) maintain a liver specific gene expression profile is not known. It is also not known, if Li-iPSCs would allow the generation of more fully differentiated HLCs.Methods: Primary liver cells (PLCs) were expanded from liver needle biopsies and reprogrammed into Li-iPSCs using a non-integrative Sendai virus-based system. Li-iPSCs were differentiated into HLCs using established differentiation protocols. The HLC phenotype was characterized at the protein, functional and transcriptional level. RNA sequencing data were generated from the originating liver biopsies, the Li-iPSCs, fibroblast derived iPSCs, and differentiated HLCs, and used to characterize and compare their transcriptome profiles.Results: PLCs were obtained from small pieces of liver biopsies and could be reprogrammed into Li-iPSCs. Li-iPSCs indeed retain a liver specific transcriptional footprint. Li-iPSCs can be propagated to provide an unlimited supply of cells for differentiation into Li-HLCs. Similar to HLCs derived from fibroblasts, Li-HLCs could not be fully differentiated into hepatocytes. Relative to the originating liver, Li-HLCs showed lower expression of liver specific transcription factors and increased expression of genes involved in the differentiation of other tissues.Conclusions: PLCs and Li-iPSCs obtained from small pieces of human needle liver biopsies constitute a novel unlimited source for the production of HLCs. Despite the preservation of a liver specific gene expression footprint in Li-iPSCs, the generation of fully differentiated hepatocytes cannot be achieved with the current differentiation protocols.

Study EGAS00001002676

A circulating biomarker for severity of facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy

Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) is a prevalent, incurable skeletal myopathy. Clinical trials for FSHD are hindered by heterogeneous biomarkers poorly associated with clinical severity, requiring invasive muscle biopsy. Macroscopically FSHD presents with slow fatty replacement of muscle, rapidly accelerated by inflammation. Mis-expression of the transcription factor DUX4 is currently accepted to underlie FSHD pathogenesis and mechanisms including PAX7 target gene repression have been proposed. Here we perform RNA-sequencing on MRI guided inflamed (n=24) and isogenic non-inflamed (n=24) muscle biopsies from the same clinically characterised FSHD patients, alongside isogenic peripheral blood mononucleated cells from a subset of patients (n=13), and unaffected controls. We employ multivariate models to evaluate the clinical associations of 5 published FSHD transcriptomic biomarkers. We demonstrate that PAX7 target gene repression can discriminate control, inflamed and non-inflamed FSHD muscle independently of age and sex (p<0.013), while the discriminatory power of DUX4 target genes is limited to distinguishing FSHD muscle from control. Importantly, the level of PAX7 target gene repression in non-inflamed muscle associates with clinical assessments of FSHD severity (p=0.04). DUX4 target gene biomarkers in FSHD muscle show associations with lower limb fat fraction and D4Z4 array length, but not clinical assessment. Lastly, PAX7 target gene repression in FSHD muscle correlates with the level in isogenic peripheral blood mononucleated cells (p=0.002). A refined PAX7 target gene biomarker comprising 143/601 PAX7 target genes computed in peripheral blood (the FSHD muscle-blood biomarker) associates with clinical severity in FSHD patients (p<0.036). Our new circulating biomarker validates as a classifier of clinical severity in an independent data set of 54 FSHD patient blood samples, with improved power in older patients (p=0.03). In summary, we present the minimally invasive FSHD muscle-blood biomarker of FSHD clinical severity valid in patient muscle and blood, with potential utility in routine disease monitoring and clinical trials.

Study EGAS00001007350

The G2 gene expression signature and MYC overexpression are independent poor prognostic factors in childhood high-grade osteosarcoma

Purpose In high-grade osteosarcoma, prognostic factors at diagnosis are insufficient for stratifying patients into relevant subgroups. Recently, a transcriptomic study developed the G1/G2 gene expression signature, in which the G2 signature was associated with unfavorable survival. An orthogonal study identified MYC amplification as an unfavorable prognostic factor using targeted next-generation sequencing. The purpose of this study was to validate the independent prognostic value and to investigate the combined prognostic value of the G1/G2 signature with, MYC amplification and/or MYC expression for survival prediction. Material and methods This study included pediatric and adolescent patients with high-grade osteosarcoma. RNA sequencing was performed in 48 patients. Whole-exome sequencing was performed in 40 patients. Gene expression signature scores, MYC amplification (defined as > 7 copies) and MYC expression levels were calculated. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards analysis was performed for event-free survival (EFS) (primary endpoint) and overall survival (OS) (secondary endpoint). Results In the full cohort, the 3-year event-free survival rate was 37%. In multivariable Cox regression analysis with metastatic disease stage (n=21, 44%) as covariate, the G2 signature and MYC expression were independently associated with worse outcomes in terms of EFS (Hazard ratio (HR) 3.32, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.34-8.21 and HR 3.38, 95%-CI 1.71-6.66, respectively) and OS (HR 4.07, 95%-CI 1.19-13.9 and HR 2.88, 95%-CI 1.22-6.76, respectively). MYC amplification was not associated with EFS or OS in univariable analysis (HR 1.88, 95% -CI 0.74-4.77 and HR 0.79, 95%-CI 0.21-3.05, respectively). Conclusion The G2 gene expression signature and MYC expression were independently associated with unfavorable outcomes in a pediatric cohort of patients with high-grade osteosarcoma. The combined prognostic value warrants further prospective validation and could potentially serve as a stratification marker for future osteosarcoma treatment protocols.

Study EGAS00001008073

A genotype-phenotype study of tumors from patients with inherited mutations in DNA repair genes

This study investigated the genomic landscape of tumors from patients with inherited mutations in DNA repair genes. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between locus-specific loss of heterozygosity (LOH) and genomic signatures of homologous recombination-based DNA repair (HR) deficiency in tumors associated with pathogenic germline variants in DNA repair genes. Cohorts of pathogenic germline variant (PGV) carriers with different cancer types were identified via a cancer genetics registry and clinical practice at Penn Medicine and through our collaborator network. Tumors were analyzed with next generation sequencing (whole exome and/or targeted panel sequencing) with or without transcriptomic analyses. Sub-study #1 "Non-breast/ovarian tumors in germline BRCA1/2 carriers". This study investigated primary non-breast/ovarian tumors that arise in individuals with BRCA1/BRCA2 pathogenic germline variants (PGVs). Whole exome sequencing (WES) using Agilent All-Exon Kit v7 hybrid capture probes was performed on matched tumor and blood germline normal DNA on an Illumina HiSeq. Individual WES data from DNA samples from tumor and normal are available. Sub-study #2: "Breast tumors in germline CHEK2 carriers". This study investigated primary breast tumors that arise in individuals with CHEK2 pathogenic germline variants (PGVs). Whole exome sequencing (WES) using Agilent All-Exon Kit v7 hybrid capture probes was performed on matched tumor and blood germline normal DNA on an Illumina HiSeq. Whole transcriptome RNAseq was performed on tumors. Individual WES data from DNA samples from tumor and normal and RNAseq data from tumor are available. Sub-study #3: "Breast tumors in germline TP53 carriers". This study investigated primary breast tumors that arise in individuals with TP53 pathogenic germline variants (PGVs). Whole genome sequencing (WGS) and/or custom panel targeted sequencing was performed on matched tumor and blood germline normal DNA on an Illumina HiSeq. Whole transcriptome RNAseq was performed on tumors and normal breast tissue. Individual WGS or targeted data from DNA samples from tumor and normal and RNASeq data from tumor and normal are available. Sub-study #4: "Prostate tumors in germline DNA repair carriers". This study investigated prostate tumors that arise in individuals with a variety of pathogenic germline variants (PGVs). Whole genome sequencing (WGS) and/or custom panel targeted sequencing was performed on matched tumor and blood germline normal DNA on an Illumina HiSeq. Whole transcriptome RNAseq was performed on tumors and normal prostate tissue. Individual WGS or targeted data from DNA samples from tumor and normal and RNASeq data from tumor and normal are available.

Study phs003348

IFN-γ and TNF-α drive a CXCL10+ CCL2+ Macrophage Phenotype Expanded in Severe COVID-19 Lungs and Inflammatory Diseases with Tissue Inflammation

We explored how the human macrophages response to different inflammatory factors, focusing particularly on the effects of antiviral interferons (IFN-β and IFN-γ), pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, and other mediators like IL-4. Co-cultured fibroblasts were a component in some conditions to generate factors produced by resident stroma. We used a single-cell antibody-based hashing strategy to multiplex samples from different stimulatory conditions in one sequencing run. This macrophage transcriptomic data reveals distinct macrophage activation states and polarizations shaped by different tissue-related inflammatory conditions at single-cell resolution. We further performed an unbiased integration between tissue-level macrophages and this stimulated human blood-derived macrophages, which pinpoint an IFN-γ and TNF-α synergistically driven inflammatory macrophage phenotype expanded in severe COVID-19 lungs and other inflamed disease tissues.

Study phs002780

A Multimodal Atlas of Human Brain Cell Types

"A multimodal atlas of human brain cell types" includes sample data targeting two cell types that show species differences between mouse and human. First, it includes a detailed transcriptomic, morphological, and electrophysiological characterization of cell types in layer 1 of human middle temporal gyrus, focusing primarily on different inhibitory cell types. This project also includes gene expression data collected from nuclei in layer 5 of human fronto-insula, with a goal of identifying transcriptomic signatures of Von Economo neurons. Control samples collected as part of the same experiment are also included in the data set. This study was conducted as part of a collaboration between the Allen Institute for Brain Science, the University of Szeged, and the J. Craig Venter Institute. Collaborators request that publications resulting from these data cite their original publication: Transcriptomic and morphophysiological evidence for a specialized human cortical GABAergic cell type (PMID: 30150662).

Study phs001791

DNA and RNA sequencing of single human haploid germ cells

Our goal was to look at allele-specific gene expression in single spermatids from two human donors. We first genotyped and phased each donor using a combination of linked-read sequencing (one sample per donor, 10X Chromium), and single haploid whole genome sequencing (53 spermatids for the first donor, and 19 for the second). We then sequenced mRNA from single spermatids (302 from the first donor, and 164 from the second), using the Smart-Seq2 protocol. We used these gene expression data, in combination with the haplotype data, to look for gene products that exhibit allele-specific bias reflecting the haploid genotype of the cell. We find a large class of human genes that show such allele-specific bias in spermatids, indicating that these gene products are not fully shared across the cytoplasmic bridges that connect spermatids. We term these genes “genoinformative markers” (GIMs).

Study phs002279

Whole genome sequencing data from tumor and normal samples

Whole genome sequencing FASTQ files from tumor and normal samples from 202 patients. All experiments reported in this article were performed in the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA)-certified and College of American Pathologists (CAP)-accredited laboratories at Personalis Inc., as guided by the Association for Molecular Pathology (AMP) and CAP’s joint recommendations52. Preferred input material consisting of FFPE slides (enabling H&E and macrodissection which is part of the standard NeXT Personal process) was not available for the majority (94%) of tumor samples. Most tumor samples (72%) were processed from FFPE curls, with the remaining processed from pre-extracted DNA and fresh frozen material. Where FFPE material on slide was available, tumor sections were macrodissected to increase tumor content, with a minimum allowable cellularity threshold of 20% determined by pathological review. The tumor cellularity threshold of 20% was chosen based on prior work demonstrating that no significant correlation is observed between tumor purity and assay limit of detection (LOD) at this threshold31. Genomic DNA was isolated from tumor and normal samples and WGS libraries prepared as previously described31. Genomic DNA was isolated from matched tumor and normal samples using the Qiagen AllPrep DNA/RNA FFPE Tissue Kit or the QIAamp DNA Mini Kit (QIAGEN, Germantown, MD, USA) using internally optimized workflows. WGS sequencing libraries were prepared with 120-500 ng of acoustically sheared genomic DNA (Covaris LLC, Woburn, MA, USA) using the KAPA HyperPrep Kit (Roche Sequencing Solutions, Pleasanton, CA, USA) and customized methods. Libraries were cleaned-up using AMPure XP beads and then quantified using the KAPA Library Quantification Kit (Roche Sequencing Solutions, Pleasanton, CA, USA), before being sequenced to 30X depth of coverage using a NovaSeq 6000 instrument (Illumina, San Diego, CA, USA).

Dataset EGAD50000001909

Anaplastic oligodendroglioma exome and RNA sequencing data

Anaplastic oligodendrogliomas (AOs) are rare primary brain tumors which are generally incurable, with heterogeneous prognosis and few treatment targets identified. Most oligodendrogliomas have chromosome 1p/19q co-deletion and IDH mutation. We analyzed 51 AOs by whole-exome sequencing, identifying previously reported frequent somatic mutations in CIC and FUBP1. We also identified recurrent mutations in TCF12 and in an additional series of 83 AO. Overall 7.5% of AO are mutated for TCF12, which encodes an oligodendrocyte-related transcription factor. 80% of TCF12 mutations identified were in either the bHLH domain, which is important for TCF12 function as a transcription factor, or were frame shift mutations leading to TCF12 truncated for this domain. We show that these mutations compromise TCF12 transcriptional activity and are associated with a more aggressive tumor type. Our analysis provides further insights into the unique and shared pathways driving AO.

Study EGAS00001001209

RNA sequencing CYLD cutaneous syndrome

Patients with CYLD cutaneous syndrome (CCS; syn. Brooke-Spiegler syndrome) carry germline mutations in the tumor suppressor CYLD and develop multiple skin tumors with diverse histophenotypes. We comprehensively profiled the genomic landscape of 42 benign and malignant tumors across 13 individuals from four multigenerational families. Novel recurrent mutations were found in epigenetic modifiers DNMT3A and BCOR in 29% of benign tumors. Multi-level and microdissected sampling strikingly reveal that many clones with different DNMT3A mutations exist in these benign tumors, suggesting that intra-tumor heterogeneity is common. Integrated genomic, methylation and transcriptomic profiling in selected tumours suggest that isoform specific DNMT3A2 mutations are associated with dysregulated Wnt/ß-catenin pathway signaling. Phylogenetic and mutational signature analyses confirm cylindroma pulmonary metastases from primary skin tumours. These findings add novel dimensions to existing paradigms of cutaneous tumorigenesis and metastasis.

Study EGAS00001003841

RNAseq of whole blood in 359 idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension patients reveals biological heterogeneity

Patients with idiopathic, heritable, or drug-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension (referred to throughout as PAH) were recruited from expert centers across the UK as part of the PAH Cohort study (www.ipahcohort.com). In each case, diagnosis was confirmed by right heart catheterization following established international guidelines, which remained unchanged for the duration of this study. Healthy volunteers were recruited at the same centers and samples processed using the same standard operating procedure at all sites. All individuals gave written, informed consent with local ethical committee approval. Whole blood (3 ml) was collected in Tempus Blood RNA Tubes, and RNAseq was performed using established Illumina methodologies (see online supplement for further details).

Dataset EGAD00001007981

13 WGS and 8 TCS data of ENKL patients treated with pembrolizumab.

Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was performed for 13 pairs of tumor-normal samples from patients diagnosed with NKTL. Genomic DNA from tumor tissue was extracted with QIAamp DNA Mini Kit. The DNA for the matching normal was obtained from blood or buccal swabs and purified by Blood and Cell Culture DNA Mini kit or E.Z.N.A. Tissue DNA Kit (Omega Bio-tek) according to manufacturer’s instructions. The quantity and quality were assessed by Quant-iT PicoGreen dsDNA Assay Kit (Invitrogen) and agarose gel electrophoresis. All sequencing libraries were prepared using TruSeq Nano DNA Library Prep Kit (Illumina). Paired-end sequencing was performed on Illumina HiSeq 2000 or HiSeq X Ten as 2x101 bp or 2x151 bp, respectively. 8 NKTL FFPE specimens were screened for somatic mutations using deep targeted capture sequencing (TCS). FFPE rolls or slides were extracted using QIAamp DNA FFPE Tissue kit (QIAGEN). The FFPE genomic DNA was treated with NEBNext FFPE DNA Repair Mix and assessed by Quant-it PicoGreen dsDNA Assay Kit (Invitrogen). The library was generated from 10-200 ng DNA with SureSelectXT Low Input Target Enrichment System for Illumina Paired-End Sequencing Library (Agilent Technologies) according to manufacturer’s instructions. RNA based probe was designed with SureDesign (Agilent Technologies) to target-capture 140 genes. Next, the captured libraries were pooled in equimolar concentration and sequenced on Illumina Novaseq 6000 platform with SP or S1 chip. Reads aligning to 40 selected genes were isolated post-alignment for this submission. Prefix used in filenames: T - Tumor samples N - Matched-Normal samples

Dataset EGAD00001004140

Detection of Genes Predisposing to Hematologic Malignancies

We have been conducting genetic studies on families at high risk of different hematologic malignancies, in order to define the related tumors in the families, define precursor and other related conditions, and map and identify susceptibility genes. We have focused mainly on four types of lymphoid malignancies: chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), Hodgkin lymphoma (HL), non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), and Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM). A few families with a rare lymphoma subtype, hairy cell leukemia (HCL) are included. In addition, single large pedigrees with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and juvenile myelomocytic leukemia (JMML) are included. Families are ascertained for having at least two patients with the same hematologic malignancy and are classified by the type of malignancy that predominates in the family. Multiple types of lymphoid malignancies are often found in the same family. Other data has shown that these conditions aggregate together in families. Verification of cancer diagnoses is obtained through medical records, pathology reports, and flow cytometry. Family members with precursor traits are also included, monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis (MBL) in CLL families and IgM monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) in WM families.

Study phs001219

The Genomic Landscape of Endocrine Resistant Advanced Breast Cancers: Paired Pre- and Post-endocrine Therapy Samples.

The genomic evolution of breast cancers exposed to systemic therapy and its effects on clinical outcome have not been broadly characterized. We integrated the genomic sequencing of 1918 breast cancers, including 1501 hormone receptor-positive tumors, with detailed clinical information and treatment outcomes. Functional mutations in ERBB2 and loss-of-function mutations in NF1 were more than twice as common in post-endocrine therapy tumors compared to treatment-naive tumors. Additional alterations in the MAPK pathway (EGFR, KRAS among others) and in estrogen receptor transcriptional regulators (MYC, CTCF, FOXA1 and TBX3) were also more common compared to hormonal therapy-naive tumors. To determine whether candidate genomic lesions in the MAPK pathway and estrogen receptor transcriptional regulators were present prior to therapy or whether such lesions arose under the selective pressure of therapy, we performed whole-exome sequencing in select patients who had adequate samples acquired prior to and after progression on endocrine therapy. In total, 95 specimens corresponding to 30 treatment-naive primary tumors, 35 post-treatment tumors, and 30 normal samples were sequenced from 30 patients with endocrine-resistant metastatic breast cancer.

Study phs001674

Characterizing TP53 and PPM1D Mutations as Resistance Drivers to Radiation Therapy in Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Gliomas

Pediatric high-grade gliomas (pHGGs), encompassing diffuse midline gliomas (DMGs) and hemispheric tumors, represent the most common cause of cancer-related deaths in children age 0-14 years. Over the last decade, several landmark papers have revealed recurrent single nucleotide variants (SNVs) in the core histones H3.3 and H3.1, co-occurring with alterations in the TP53 signaling pathway and receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs). However, the contribution of structural variants (SVs) to gliomagenesis has not been systematically explored. We performed a comprehensive analysis of whole genome sequencing (WGS) data on pediatric high-grade gliomas (pHGGs) from 179 children, including 61 hemispheric tumors and 118 diffuse midline gliomas, or DMGs, of which 61 are novel to this study. Among the DMGs, 84 (71%) were from pre-treatment biopsies including 33 obtained from the first multi-institutional North American clinical trial to incorporate diagnostic biopsies. This represents the largest cohort of pretreatment DMGs with whole genome sequencing to date. This large cohort of whole genome sequences provides an unparalleled opportunity to assess significantly recurrent structural variants in pHGG and their associations with driver SNVs and SCNAs. 

Study phs002380

High response rate to anti PD-1 therapy in desmoplastic melanoma

Desmoplastic melanoma (DM) is a rare subtype of melanoma characterized by dense fibrous stroma, resistance to chemotherapy and a lack of actionable driver mutations, but is highly associated with ultraviolet light DNA damage. We analysed 60 patients with advanced DM treated with programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) or PD-1 ligand (PD-L1) blocking antibody therapy. Objective tumor responses were observed in 42 of the 60 patients (70%, 95% confidence interval 57-81%), including 19 patients (32% overall) with a complete response. Whole-exome sequencing revealed a high mutational load and frequent NF-1 mutations (14 out of 17 cases). Immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis from 19 DM and 13 non-DM revealed a higher percentage of PD-L1 positive cells in the tumor parenchyma in DM (p = 0.04), highly associated with increased CD8 density and PD-L1 expression in the tumor invasive margin. Therefore, patients with advanced DM derive significant clinical benefit from PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint blockade therapy despite being a cancer defined by its dense desmoplastic fibrous stroma. The benefit is likely derived from the high mutational burden and a frequent pre-existing adaptive immune response limited by PD-L1 expression.

Study phs001469

Cohort-Based Genome-Wide Association Study of Glioma (GliomaScan)

We conducted a new independent GWAS of adult glioma using 1,856 cases and 4,955 controls from 14 cohort studies belonging to the Cohort Consortium, 3 case-control studies, and 1 population-based case only study. Cases were newly diagnosed glioma [ICDO-3 codes 9380-9480 or equivalent], and controls were cancer-free at the time of glioma diagnosis. We found evidence of strong replication for three of the seven previously reported associations at 20q13.33 (RTEL), 5p15.33 (TERT), and 9p21.3 (CDKN2BAS), and consistent association signals for the remaining four at 7p11.2 (EGFR both loci), 8q24.21 (CCDC26) and 11q23.3 (PHLDB1). The direction and magnitude of the signal were consistent for samples from cohort and case-control studies, but the strength of the association was more pronounced for loci rs6010620 (20q,13.33; RTEL) and rs2736100 (5p15.33, TERT) in cohort studies despite the smaller number of cases in this group, likely due to higher grade tumors being captured in the cohort studies. Our findings suggest that larger studies focusing on novel approaches as well as specific tumor subtypes or subgroups will be required to identify additional common susceptibility loci for glioma risk.

Study phs000652

Altered chromosomal topology drives oncogenic programs in gastrointestinal stromal tumors

Metabolic lesions with pleiotropic effects on epigenetic regulation and other cellular processes are widely implicated in cancer, yet their oncogenic mechanisms remain poorly understood. Succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) deficiency causes a subset of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) with DNA hyper-methylation. Here we associate this hyper-methylation with changes in chromosome topology that activate oncogenic programs. To investigate epigenetic alterations in this disease, we systematically mapped DNA methylation, CTCF insulators, enhancers and chromosome topology in KIT-mutant, PDGFRA-mutant and SDH-deficient GISTs. Although these respective subtypes share similar enhancer landscapes, we identified hundreds of putative insulators where DNA methylation replaced CTCF binding in SDH-deficient GISTs. We focused on disrupted insulators that partitions super-enhancers from FGF3, FGF4 and the KIT oncogene. Recurrent loss of this insulator alters locus topology in SDH-deficient GISTs, allowing aberrant physical interaction between enhancers and oncogenes. CRISPR-mediated excision of the corresponding CTCF motif in an SDH-intact model disrupted the boundary and up-regulated FGFs and KIT expression. Our findings reveal how a metabolic lesion destabilizes chromatin structure to facilitate the initiation and selection of epigenetic alterations that drive oncogenic programs in the absence of canonical mutations.

Study phs001906

Whole Genome Association Study of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

The goal of this collaborative study was to identify new genetic risk factors for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). To do this we conducted a genome-wide scan by combining the resources and expertise from a number of SLE researchers to establish a large sample set comprising 1311 SLE cases and 3340 controls. The SLE case samples were genotyped from the following collections: 338 subjects from the Autoimmune Biomarkers Collaborative Network (ABCoN), an NIH/NIAMS funded repository, 141 subjects from the Multiple Autoimmune Disease Genetics Consortium (MADGC), 613 subjects from the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) Lupus Genetics, and 335 subjects from the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), plus 8 samples collected at The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research. A total of 3583 control samples were examined in the association analyses. As part of this project, 1861 control samples were selected and then genotyped from the New York Cancer Project (NYCP), based on self-described ethnicity, gender and age. In addition, genotype data from 1722 control samples (all self-described North Americans of European descent) were obtained from the publicly available iControlDB database (http://www.illumina.com/pages.ilmn?ID=231).

Study phs000122

Prediction of homologous recombination deficiency identifies colorectal tumors sensitive to PARP inhibition

BRCAness is a well-established feature in breast, ovarian, prostate and pancreatic carcinomas, our recent findings indicate that up to 15% of colorectal cancers (CRC) also harbor defects in the HR pathway, presenting promising opportunities for innovative therapeutic strategies in CRC patients. We developed a new tool called HRDirect, which builds upon the HRDetect algorithm and is able to predict HRD from reference-free tumor samples. We validated HRDirect using matched breast cancer and CRC patient samples. Subsequently, we assessed its efficacy in predicting response to the PARP inhibitor olaparib by comparing it with two other commercial assays: AmoyDx HRD by Amoy Diagnostics and the TruSight Oncology (TSO) _500 HRD panel by Illumina NGS technology. While all three approaches successfully identified the most PARPi-sensitive CRC models, HRDirect demonstrated superior precision in distinguishing resistant models compared to AmoyDX and TSO500-HRD, which exhibited overlapping scores between sensitive and resistant cells. Furthermore, we propose integrating HRDirect scoring with ATM immunohistochemical analysis as part of our "composite biomarker approach" to enhance the identification of HRD tumors, with an immediate translational and clinical impact for CRC personalized treatment.

Study EGAS50000000426

Whole Genome Sequencing for Metastatic Mutational Burden in Extraskeletal Myxoid Chondrosarcoma

Extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma (EMC) is an ultra-rare cancer. Though it has a favorable prognosis and an indolent course, it has high rates of local recurrence and metastasis to the lungs. EMC is most often characterized by a translocation involving the NR4A3 gene most often fusing with EWSR1, leading to constitutive expression of NR4A3, the biological significance of which is unknown. Our study presents a case of EMC with case-matched lung and advanced pelvic metastases. We conducted Whole Genome Sequencing to examine differences in the mutational landscape at two different stages of metastasis. This is the first study to our knowledge to analyze mega-base scale structural variants (SVs) in EMC. Our data validates copy number variants (CNVs) found in previous studies. While the primary tumor and lung metastasis had similar somatic variations and CNVs, the pelvic metastasis had more SVs with especially increased mutational burden of SVs in chromosome 2. This suggests that different molecular drivers appear in more advanced, relapsing EMC compared with the primary tumor and early lung metastasis. The sequencing data is available through dbGaP.

Study phs003305

Vaccine-Expanded Plasmablast-like B Cells Are Associated with Response to Dendritic Cell Therapy in Metastatic Melanoma

Dendritic cells (DCs), either monocyte-derived (moDCs) or naturally circulating, have been employed in cancer treatment across both metastatic and adjuvant settings. DC vaccines (DC Vax) are capable of inducing tumor-specific immune responses, yet clinical outcomes have thus far fallen short of expectations. Here, we performed a multi-omics analysis of the apheresis product, including CD14⁺ monocytes, and the final DCVax formulation. Among all the components analyzed, the most striking finding was the unexpected presence of CD19⁺ B cells within the DC Vax formulation, which distinguished Responders from Non-Responders to moDC vaccination in metastatic melanoma. The abundance of B cells in DC Vax correlated with their peripheral frequency; however, within the vaccine, these cells acquired a CD20lowCD27hiCD38hi plasmablast-like phenotype, distinct from their autologous circulating B-cell precursors. Notably, a parallel observation was made in Responders, whose pre-treatment lesions were enriched in B cells organized as Tertiary Lymphoid Structures. These results underscore the importance of B cells in both baseline immunity and DCVax formulation, hinting at unexplored mechanisms by which they may influence vaccine effectiveness.

Study EGAS50000001177

A Therapeutic Vaccine for Fibrolamellar Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma (FLC) is a rare form of liver cancer affecting 33 children and young adults that is driven by a chimeric protein, DNAJ-PKAc. We conducted a phase 1 clinical trial of a therapeutic vaccine targeting DNAJ-PKAc 38 (FLC-Vac), in combination with nivolumab and ipilimumab, in children and adults with advanced FLC. Among 16 patients enrolled, 12 completed the vaccine priming phase and were evaluable for both immunological and clinical endpoints. Grade 3 treatment-related adverse events were reported by six patients (37.5%). DNAJ43 PKAc-specific T cell responses were detected in 9/12 patients after treatment. In the subset of patients who completed the initial priming phase the disease control rate (DCR) was 75% (9/12), with three partial responses (25%). All patients with clinical responses also had DNAJ-PKAc specific T cell responses, from which we identified multiple class II-restricted T cell receptors (TCRs) with specificity for DNAJ-PKAc. Correlates of response included both functional neoantigen reactivity and changes in TCR repertoire features over time. Immune escape in two patients corresponded with immune exhaustion rather than neoantigen escape or HLA loss.

Study phs003970

Dynamics of checkpoint receptors in γδ T cell subsets are associated with clinical responses during anti-PD-1 immunotherapies

Gamma delta (γδ) T cells are innate-like lymphocytes with potent anti-tumor properties. Herein, we show that immune checkpoint receptors (ICRs) display differential expression and regulation by the JAK-STAT pathway in Vδ1 and Vδ2 cells and identify constitutive (e.g. TIGIT, PD-1) and inducible (e.g. TIM-3, LAG-3, CTLA-4) ICRs. In melanoma, all γδ T cell subsets downregulated AP-1 transcription factors, but Vδ1 cells specifically expressed high levels of ICR, TOX and inhibitory killer Ig-like receptor (KIR) transcripts, reminiscent of exhaustion. However, patient-derived cells were functionally competent, although induction of LAG-3 and CTLA-4 was impaired. During anti-PD-1 monotherapy, Vδ1 cells specifically bound high levels of therapeutic antibody but only in patients who responded to treatment, revealing a potential new prognostic marker for evaluating the efficacy of IC blockade (ICB) therapy. Finally, expression of KIR genes in Vδ1 cells was downregulated in response to successful ICB therapy. Collectively, our data indicate an intricate relationship between ICRs and γδ T cells and reveal novel approaches by which these cells can be harnessed in order to discern or improve cancer immunotherapy.

Study EGAS50000001270

SmMIP-tools:a computational toolset for processing and analysis of single-molecule molecular inversion probes derived data

Single-molecule molecular inversion probes (smMIPs) provides a modular and cost-effective platform for high-multiplex targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS). Nevertheless, translating the raw smMIP-derived sequencing data into accurate and meaningful information currently requires proficient computational skills and a large amount of computational work, prohibiting wide-scale adoption of smMIP-based technologies. To enable easy, efficient, and accurate interrogation of smMIP-derived data, we developed SmMIP-tools, a computational toolset that combines the critical analytic steps for smMIP data interpretation into a single computational pipeline. Here, we describe in detail two major components of the software. The first is a read processing tool that performs quality control steps, generates read-smMIP linkages and retrieves molecular tags. The second is an error-aware variant caller capable of detecting single nucleotide variants (SNVs) and short insertions and deletions (indels). Using a cell-line DNA dilution series and a cohort of blood cancer patients, we benchmarked SmMIP-tools and evaluated its performance against clinical sequencing reports. We anticipate that SmMIP-tools will increase accessibility to smMIP-technology, enabling cost-effective genetic research to push personalized medicine forward.

Study EGAS00001005359

11976 results for "cancer rna-seq"

in 32.79 milliseconds.