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At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2026

Meningioma methylation profiling as a complement to WHO grading: a single-center experience.

OBJECTIVE: The methylation profile of meningiomas is a promising predictive tool that may improve risk stratification beyond WHO grading. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical relevance and real-world applicability of routine epigenetic testing in meningioma management. METHODS: The authors retrospectively analyzed patients who underwent meningioma resection between January 2021 and December 2023. Histopathological grading (WHO 2021) and methylation profiling (methylation class [MC]) with the MethylationEPIC v1.0 (850k) chip were performed by an independent neuropathologist. RESULTS: A total of 106 patients were included; 81 tumors (76%) were classified as WHO grade 1, 20 (19%) as grade 2, and 5 (5%) as grade 3. Epigenetically, 55 tumors (52%) were classified as benign, 18 (17%) as intermediate, and 2 (2%) as malignant; 31 (29%) could not be classified. Discordances between WHO grading and methylation profiling were observed in 18 of 74 cases. Tumor board decisions were made after a median of 8 days postoperatively, guided by WHO grading; however, the epigenetic report was only available after a median of 23 days. During follow-up, 20 patients experienced tumor progression. Progression was significantly associated with the MC (r = -0.4, p < 0.001) and tumor volume (r = 0.4, p = 0.0005), but not with WHO grading (r = 0.17, p = 0.084). However, the relatively high rate of unclassified tumors and delayed result availability limited the direct impact of MC profiling on immediate clinical decision-making. Interestingly, progression-free survival in MC-unclassified tumors mirrored that of the intermediate group. CONCLUSIONS: Methylation profiling demonstrates superior predictive accuracy for meningioma progression and complements WHO grading, especially in identifying malignant meningiomas. However, its current clinical utility is constrained by technical and logistical limitations. In real-world practice, epigenetic classification should therefore be considered a complementary tool rather than a replacement for established histopathological assessment.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Spinal low-grade ependymal tumors harboring telomerase reverse transcriptase promoter mutation and chromosome 7 gain with methylation profile of spinal subependymoma.

Spinal intramedullary tumors comprise a heterogeneous group of entities with diverse histopathological features, making their diagnosis particularly challenging. With the introduction of DNA methylation profiling, the underlying biological diversity of these tumors has been increasingly clarified and systematized; however, owing to the rarity of these tumors, case accumulation remains limited, and significant challenges persist. In this study, we identified two cases of spinal ependymal tumors exhibiting a methylation profile of spinal (SP-) subependymoma (SEPN). Both cases occurred in elderly patients and demonstrated circumscribed growth consistent with low-grade ependymal tumors; however, these tumors did not exhibit the typical histopathological features required for a diagnosis of SEPN in the 2021 WHO classification of central nervous system (CNS) tumors, showing indistinct cluster formation, an astrocytic immunohistochemical profile suggested by Olig2 expression, and relatively elevated Ki-67 labeling indices of 4.5% and 3.1%. At the molecular level, both cases harbored telomerase reverse transcriptase promoter mutations and whole chromosome 7 gain. On two-dimensional t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding analysis, both clustered within the SP-SEPN methylation class at its periphery, with low classifier calibration scores (0.70 and 0.69). According to the current WHO classification, these cases are designated as low-grade ependymal tumors (CNS WHO grade 2) with methylation profile of SP-SEPN because they do not meet the essential WHO histopathological criteria. Ependymal tumors exhibiting a methylation profile consistent with SEPN, but discordant histopathological features have been increasingly recognized, and the appropriate classification of such tumors remains a subject of ongoing debate. These cases provide important insights into the histopathological diversity of ependymal tumors and contribute to establishing a more comprehensive and systematic classification of ependymal tumors.

Aged↗

PubMed2026

Methylation profiling in CNS tumor diagnostics: a single-centre real-world experience from Central Europe.

Genome-wide DNA methylation profiling has transformed neuro-oncology by providing an objective, machine learning-based taxonomy that mitigates interobserver variability and refines the histo-molecular criteria of the current WHO classification. We evaluate the real-world diagnostic performance and clinical utility of this modality in a prospective, consecutively accrued three-year cohort of 291 central nervous system (CNS) tumors across a mixed adult-pediatric population. Successful profiling was completed in 95.9% of cases. Using the Epignostix classifier, a high-confidence diagnostic match (calibrated score [CS] ≥ 0.84) was achieved in 70.3% of analyzable samples, while 26.5% returned lower-confidence scores (≥ 0.3 to < 0.84) and only 3.2% remained completely unclassifiable (CS < 0.3). When integrated into a comprehensive diagnostic framework, methylation profiling provided clinically useful results in 81.1% of cases, establishing diagnoses in 70 cases submitted for molecular subclassification and resolving diagnostic uncertainty or prompting major revisions in 149 histologically challenging tumors. Within truly ambiguous lesions, integration of methylome data dictated tumor grade modifications in 38.8% of cases (upgrading in 29.4% and downgrading in 9.4%), shifting patient risk stratification. Crucially, over half (52.7%) of the lower-confidence cases yielded meaningful clinical integration when supported by histomorphology and ancillary genetic or immunohistochemical markers, demonstrating that rigid score cutoffs should not dictate assay failure. Discrepant or misleading classifications occurred in 1.9%. Updating bioinformatic pipelines from version 11b4 to 12.8 rescued multiple ambiguous entries, increasing overall clinical utility to 84.1%. These findings demonstrate that integrating computational epigenomics with classical neuropathology enhances diagnostic precision, while highlighting the ongoing need for careful clinical-pathological correlation.

Central nervous system tumors↗

PubMed2026

Genome-wide DNA methylation profiling during metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis-related hepatocarcinogenesis in patients in Japan and the United States.

This study aimed to compare ethnicity-related differences in DNA methylation profiles during metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH)-related hepatocarcinogenesis in patients from Japan and the United States (US). Genome-wide DNA methylation analysis using the Infinium assay was performed in 36, 148 and 36 samples of normal liver tissue (NLT), non-cancerous liver tissue showing MASH, and MASH-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), respectively (220 samples in total), from the Japan and US cohorts. Principal component analysis revealed that MASH had a distinct DNA methylation profile differing from that of NLT, and that the MASH profiles in the two cohorts differed from each other. DNA methylation alterations of cancer-related genes in MASH were inherited by or strengthened in MASH-related HCC itself, resulting in expression alterations. DNA methylation alterations of FGFR2, FUT4, B3GNT5 and MOSC1 in the precancerous MASH stage were shared by the two cohorts, suggesting that such genes are commonly associated with MASH-related hepatocarcinogenesis. On the other hand, it was suggested that DNA methylation alterations of ZNF611 and SAMD10, and those of SHC1, are involved specifically in MASH-related hepatocarcinogenesis in the Japan and the US cohorts, respectively. These findings suggest that DNA methylation alterations, which may reflect race and lifestyle, are associated with MASH-related hepatocarcinogenesis.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

DNA Methylation Profiling of Pediatric Ectomesenchymoma Supports Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma-Like Epigenetic Identity.

Ectomesenchymoma is a rare, biphenotypic pediatric tumor combining rhabdomyoblastic and neuroectodermal differentiation. We characterize two novel cases through integrated genomics and the first report of genome-wide DNA methylation profiling. Both tumors harbored RAS-pathway mutations (HRAS p.Gly13Arg; NRAS p.Gln61His). Methylation analysis, including microdissected components, consistently aligned ectomesenchymoma with the embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma superfamily, revealing a shared myogenic epigenetic program despite neural differentiation. Shared copy-number profiles across distinct histological regions supported a monoclonal origin. Overall, our data support a close biological relationship between ectomesenchymoma and embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma and indicate that RAS-pathway testing and methylation profiling can significantly refine diagnostic precision.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

DNA methylation profiles of quail blood cells by whole-genome bisulfite and Oxford Nanopore sequencing.

Whole Genome Bisulfite Sequencing (WGBS) has been the gold standard DNA methylation mapping and quantification for over a decade. Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) sequencing directly measures nucleotide modifications. In this study, we have compared DNA methylation levels (5-methylcytosine) at CpG sites in the quail genome using WGBS and ONT. Samples were collected to investigate transgenerational DNA methylation changes in Japanese quail following ancestral exposure to a phytoestrogen. Blood samples from 24 third-generation (G3) individuals-descendants of either treated or untreated ancestors-were sequenced after bisulfite conversion. Both methods revealed broadly consistent methylation patterns. ONT reads covered more CpG sites and detected a higher number of differentially methylated cytosines (DMCs). Principal component analyses showed that both sex and ancestral treatment groups accounted for a portion of the observed epigenetic variation, for both technologies. Strong concordance between WGBS and ONT results supports the reliability of ONT sequencing for epigenomic research, including in quails. These data pave the way for further investigation into whether genistein induces epigenetic changes for several generations.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

Methylation profiling of normal tissue adjacent to breast tumors reveals two distinct groups with divergent tumor microenvironment features.

We previously identified diverse genetic evolutionary patterns in whole-genome sequencing of paired normal tissue adjacent to tumor (NAT) and tumor tissues from Hong Kong breast cancer (HKBC) patients. Here, we investigated whether DNA methylation (DNAm) contributes to NAT heterogeneity and shapes the tumor microenvironment (TME). Genome-wide DNAm profiling was performed on paired NAT and tumor tissues from 188 HKBC patients using the Infinium 850 K array. RNA-seq data were available for 76 NATs and 177 tumors. Cellular composition was inferred using MethylCIBERSORT, CIBERSORTx, and EpiDISH, and histopathologic features were assessed on 115 H&E-stained sections. Unsupervised clustering identified two distinct NAT subtypes with divergent TME characteristics. Cluster 1 (N = 139) showed higher epithelial and fibroblast content and enrichment of estrogen response pathways. Cluster 2 (N = 49) exhibited an immune-metabolic phenotype characterized by increased fat and immune cells, stromal disruption, inflammatory pathway activation, and greater macrophage infiltration. Cluster 2 patients also demonstrated significantly younger epigenetic age estimated using multiple epigenetic clocks. These DNAm-defined NAT subtypes and associated TME features were validated in 97 NAT samples from TCGA breast cancer patients. Overall, our findings identify DNAm-driven NAT heterogeneity with distinct TME landscapes, providing new insights into field cancerization and tumor evolution in breast cancer.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2026

Genome-wide methylation profiling identifies signatures of pain, fatigue and health scores in women with systemic lupus erythematosus.

OBJECTIVES: People with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) experience high levels of pain and fatigue with poor overall health, which persist in those with low disease activity. By performing epigenome-wide DNA methylation analysis, this study aims to identify epigenetic alterations associated with self-reported scores for pain, fatigue and health in women with SLE. METHODS: Forty-eight women with SLE from the SLEGOT cohort were included. Study participants exhibited low disease activity (median SLEDAI-2K = 0) and minimal damage (median SLICC damage index = 0). An epigenome-wide DNA methylation analysis in whole blood identified 704 237 CpG loci, with 511 673 annotated to known genes. RESULTS: We identified 485, 591 and 577 differentially methylated CpGs linked to pain, fatigue and poor health, respectively. The association of reported pain with CpGs in GPR107, SPHK2, HBA1 and RERE genes suggested a potential role for neuromodulation in pain perception in SLE. For fatigue, enrichment analysis highlighted pathways related to neuronal development, morphogenesis and synaptic signalling. Nine genes, including BDNF and TGIF1, showed strong correlations with all three scores, suggesting a shared epigenetic influence that may underlie pain, fatigue and poor health in SLE. Specific microRNA genes were differentially methylated in relation to pain and fatigue. CONCLUSION: By studying a cohort of women with well-controlled SLE, we identified several CpGs and genes associated with pain, fatigue and general health. Our findings suggest that epigenetic changes in genes involved in neuronal modulation, rather than inflammatory pathways, could be involved in the development of these symptoms in patients with SLE.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Moebius-Plus Phenotype With Positive RCEM Episignature May Indicate Broader Embryologic Malformation Spectrum Detectable by Methylation Profiling.

Moebius syndrome (OMIM #157900) is a rare congenital cranial dysinnervation disorder characterized by abducens (CN VI) and facial (CN VII) nerve palsies with variable craniofacial and limb anomalies. Despite advances in genomic testing, the majority of patients remain genetically unexplained. Episignature testing, which detects syndrome-specific DNA methylation patterns, has emerged as a complementary diagnostic tool for conditions with shared developmental mechanisms. We describe an 8-month-old male born prematurely with bilateral clubfoot, craniofacial dysmorphism, feeding difficulty requiring gastrostomy tube placement, and respiratory failure requiring tracheostomy. Neuroimaging demonstrated absence of bilateral abducens and facial nerves with pontocerebellar hypoplasia, supporting a clinical diagnosis of Moebius syndrome. Extensive genetic evaluation, including genome sequencing and targeted testing for hypotonia and hypoventilation syndromes, was nondiagnostic. Episignature analysis revealed a moderately positive methylation signature consistent with a recurrent constellation of embryonic malformation (RCEM), concordant with two of three previously validated RCEM classifier models. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a patient with a positive RCEM episignature and Moebius syndrome, suggesting a common embryologic pathway. Episignature testing may represent a valuable diagnostic tool in patients with Moebius syndrome and related craniofacial-limb malformation spectra when conventional genomic testing is unrevealing.

RCEM↗

PubMed2026

Epigenetic safety of in vitro maturation in PCOS: genome-wide DNA methylation profiling of cord blood from a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: In vitro maturation (IVM) provides a safer alternative to conventional in vitro fertilization (IVF) for women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) by mitigating the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation. However, concerns persist regarding whether IVM perturbs epigenetic reprogramming in the offspring. Current evidence is constrained by candidate-gene approaches or a lack of parental controls. This study aimed to evaluate the genome-wide DNA methylation safety of IVM compared with conventional IVF using a rigorous trio-based design. METHODS: This secondary epigenetic analysis was nested within a randomized controlled trial (RCT) (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03463772). We included 10 nuclear families (trios), comprising five IVM-conceived and five IVF-conceived singleton offspring alongside their biological parents. Both groups utilized a uniform freeze-only single-blastocyst transfer strategy to minimize hormonal confounding. Genomic DNA from umbilical cord blood (UCB) and parental peripheral blood was analyzed using reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS). Genome-wide methylation patterns and differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were subsequently compared between the groups. RESULTS: Clinical characteristics were comparable between the IVM and IVF groups. Genome-wide analyses demonstrated high concordance in UCB methylation patterns, revealing no significant differences in global CpG methylation levels or distributions across key genomic features (promoters, CpG islands, and gene bodies). Only three rare DMRs were identified in UCB (representing ~ 0.0001% of the genome), none of which mapped to imprinted or developmentally critical loci. Furthermore, methylation variability remained consistent between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings provide robust mechanistic evidence supporting the epigenetic safety of IVM. The remarkable stability of the neonatal methylome confirms that specific IVM conditions do not compromise early developmental programming, thereby endorsing IVM as a safe and viable alternative for women with PCOS. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov registry, NCT03463772. Registered on March 13, 2018.

Humans↗

PubMed2025

Blood-derived cell-free DNA is a superior biomarker for noninvasive DNA methylation profiling in multiple myeloma.

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Journal Article↗

PubMed2025

Enhancing the sensitivity of non-invasive cervical cancer detection using CpG methylation haplotype profiling.

DNA methylation is a critical epigenetic modification that regulates gene expression and plays a significant role in cancer development. This methylation signature can be detected in cancer-derived DNA from non-invasive samples, such as plasma, urine or Pap smears. However, in early-stage cancers-when detection is most critical-the concentration of cancer DNA is often low, limiting the sensitivity of current detection methods. Traditional DNA methylation detection techniques, which rely on methylation ratio-based measurements, may obscure subtle variations in methylation patterns, further reducing detection sensitivity. In this study, we analyzed cervical scraping specimens and examined whether detecting cancer-specific methylation patterns in cervical cancer could be enhanced using a Highly Methylated Haplotype (HMH) approach. This novel approach captures highly methylated haplotypes at single-molecule resolution using next-generation sequencing, providing greater detail than conventional methods. HMHs in specific DNA regions are a hallmark of cancer and stand out in contrast to sporadic methylation commonly observed in non-cancerous tissues. We applied HMH profiling to a gene panel of four biomarkers (CA10, DPP10, FMN2, and HAS1) previously validated in cervical cancer studies. At pre-specified cutoffs (99th percentile of normals), haplotype-based scoring achieved 89.9% sensitivity for invasive cancer at high specificity (~ 94-98%), outperforming median (78.0%) and single-CpG (71.6%) methods. For clinically relevant endpoints, the combined panel detected 51-52% of CIN2 + and 66-67% of CIN3 + cases, again exceeding the performance of median- and single-CpG-based scoring methods.These findings demonstrate the potential of HMH to substantially enhance sensitivity in cervical cancer detection, offering a promising approach for non-invasive diagnostics.

Humans↗

PubMed2022

Profiling Genome-Wide DNA Methylation in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and in Children with Fragile X Syndrome.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is an early onset, developmental disorder whose genetic cause is heterogeneous and complex. In total, 70% of ASD cases are due to an unknown etiology. Among the monogenic causes of ASD, fragile X syndrome (FXS) accounts for 2-4% of ASD cases, and 60% of individuals with FXS present with ASD. Epigenetic changes, specifically DNA methylation, which modulates gene expression levels, play a significant role in the pathogenesis of both disorders. Thus, in this study, using the Human Methylation EPIC Bead Chip, we examined the global DNA methylation profiles of biological samples derived from 57 age-matched male participants (2-6 years old), including 23 subjects with ASD, 23 subjects with FXS with ASD (FXSA) and 11 typical developing (TD) children. After controlling for technical variation and white blood cell composition, using the conservatory threshold of the false discovery rate (FDR ≤ 0.05), in the three comparison groups, TD vs. AD, TD vs. FXSA and ASD vs. FXSA, we identified 156, 79 and 3100 differentially methylated sites (DMS), and 14, 13 and 263 differential methylation regions (DMRs). Interestingly, several genes differentially methylated among the three groups were among those listed in the SFARI Gene database, including the PAK2, GTF2I and FOXP1 genes important for brain development. Further, enrichment analyses identified pathways involved in several functions, including synaptic plasticity. Our preliminary study identified a significant role of altered DNA methylation in the pathology of ASD and FXS, suggesting that the characterization of a DNA methylation signature may help to unravel the pathogenicity of FXS and ASD and may help the development of an improved diagnostic classification of children with ASD and FXSA. In addition, it may pave the way for developing therapeutic interventions that could reverse the altered methylome profile in children with neurodevelopmental disorders.

Child↗

PubMed2025

Methylation Signatures Identify Two Distinct Clusters of Uterine Leiomyosarcoma With Unique Histologic and Clinical Behaviors.

Uterine leiomyosarcoma (uLMS) is a rare and deadly gynecologic malignancy. uLMS is histologically heterogeneous and presents with a wide spectrum of tumor differentiation, with a broad range of genomic DNA instability, which can make the diagnosis and prognosis of uLMS challenging. Methylation has emerged as a useful molecular tool in tumor classification and diagnosis in certain neoplasms. We initiated this study to investigate the role of global methylation in the differential diagnosis of uLMS from its mimics in correlation with pathologic characteristics and clinical outcomes. In this study, we performed array-based global methylation profiling analysis in a total of 71 uLMS and compared the methylation signatures of uLMS with several other uterine mesenchymal tumors and soft tissue leiomyosarcoma. We found that uLMS demonstrated distinct methylation patterns differing from all other tumor types. Notably, methylation profiling defines 2 distinct subgroups of uLMS with differing copy number alterations, resulting in unique histologic and clinical behaviors, further emphasized by differences in methylation pathway analysis. This study is the first to report methylation profiling as a useful diagnostic tool in differentiating uLMS from mimics and defines 2 subtypes of uLMS based on methylation signatures.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Integrated Clinicopathologic and Multiomic Profiling Reveals MEIS1-Rearranged Sarcoma as a Distinct Entity With 2 Prognostic Subgroups.

Sarcomas with MEIS1 fusions represent a rare, recently recognized group of mesenchymal neoplasms with a predilection for genitourinary and gynecologic sites. A subset exhibits skeletal muscle differentiation resembling spindle cell rhabdomyosarcoma. Existing literature is limited to case reports and small series, with scant comprehensive clinicopathologic, molecular, and outcome data. In this study, we analyzed a multi-institutional cohort of 20 MEIS1-rearranged sarcomas using integrated clinicopathologic review, genomic profiling, and DNA methylation analysis. The tumors occurred in 17 females and 3 males (median age, 41 years; range, 6-58 years), arising mainly in the uterus/vagina (n = 12), vulva/perineum (n = 4), bone (n = 2), and kidney (n = 2), with a median size of 9 cm (range, 2.5-20 cm). Histology showed mostly bland spindle cells in fascicles/storiform patterns, alternating cellularity, fibromyxoid stroma, prominent vascularity, and adipose metaplasia (45%). A subset of cases featured high-grade morphology with epithelioid cells and increased mitotic activity. Skeletal muscle markers were variably positive in 9 cases. Fusions involved MEIS1 with NCOA2 (16/20), NCOA1 (3/20), or FOXO1 (1/20). Recurrent additional genomic alterations included CTNNB1 mutations (31.6%) and MDM2 amplification (15%). DNA methylation profiling showed that MEIS1-rearranged sarcomas formed a unifying cluster comprising 2 subgroups, regardless of rhabdomyosarcomatous phenotype, clearly separated from other mesenchymal neoplasms, including various rhabdomyosarcoma subtypes and uterine sarcomas. The 2 DNA methylation (Meth) subgroups correlated with differences in genome-wide copy number variation (CNV) status (Meth-CNV high vs Meth-CNV low), with Meth-CNV high tumors characterized by high mitotic rate, frequent tumor necrosis, recurrent co-occurring CTNNB1 and MDM2 alterations, and recurrent chromosomal arm-level changes. Most importantly, this subgroup exhibited significantly worse overall survival (P = .027) and disease-free survival (median, 5 vs 99 months; P = .017). This study establishes MEIS1-rearranged sarcoma as a distinct entity with generally indolent but potentially aggressive behavior. The 2 methylation/CNV subgroups provide potential utility for prognostic stratification and highlight actionable molecular targets in high-risk cases.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Epigenetic Liquid Biopsy Enables Universal Mutation-Agnostic Molecular Surveillance for High-Risk Neuroblastoma.

PURPOSE: Liquid biopsy monitoring in pediatric solid tumors is limited by low mutational burden and lack of trackable genomic drivers. We sought to develop a mutation-agnostic, methylation-based liquid biopsy framework enabling universal molecular surveillance of high-risk neuroblastoma. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Using whole-genome Oxford Nanopore Technologies sequencing of high-risk neuroblastoma tumors, we compared tumor-derived methylation profiles with a comprehensive atlas of normal human cell types and identified 72 neuroblastoma-specific differentially methylated regions (meNBL) that were reliably detectable in cell-free DNA (cfDNA). Marker robustness and specificity were validated using independent neuroblastoma methylation datasets and assessed against methylation profiles from other cancer types. We established neuroblastoma as a distinct methylation entity within the reference atlas by integrating a panel of 25 meNBLs, enabling quantitative estimation of tumor-derived cfDNA. Assay performance was evaluated across diagnostic, remission, relapse, and healthy control samples and compared with mutation-based and copy number-based approaches. RESULTS: Neuroblastoma-derived cfDNA was consistently detected at diagnosis and relapse but was absent in healthy controls and during confirmed remission. Methylation-based deconvolution demonstrated high specificity, with no detectable background signal in controls, and improved performance relative to copy number-based tumor fraction estimation. Longitudinal profiling enabled early molecular detection of relapse and reliable disease monitoring. CONCLUSIONS: We establish a robust, mutation-independent methylation-based liquid biopsy strategy for neuroblastoma that enables accurate, quantitative disease monitoring across all high-risk patients, including those lacking trackable genomic alterations. This approach supports the clinical translation of methylation-based cfDNA deconvolution as a broadly applicable platform for pediatric precision oncology.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Genome-wide chromatin recording resolves dynamic cell state changes.

Understanding how the chromatin state of a cell influences its future behavior is a major challenge throughout biology. However, most chromatin profiling methods are limited to endpoint assays. Here, we present LagTag, a method for recovery of earlier and endpoint chromatin states in the same mammalian cells. In this approach, transient activity of bacterial adenine methyltransferase fusions records the DNA-binding profiles of chromatin-associated proteins of interest at earlier time points. Subsequent tagmentation and sequencing recover the earlier chromatin profile from adenine methylation profiles, alongside endpoint profiles of endogenous chromatin-associated proteins. We verified that LagTag profiles aligned with those from established methods in mouse and human cells. We then applied LagTag to record and recover dynamic chromatin state transitions during mouse embryonic stem cell differentiation, capturing transcriptional signatures from pre- and post-differentiation time points within the same cell population. LagTag thus provides a foundation for temporally resolved chromatin profiling. A record of this paper's transparent peer review process is included in the supplemental information.

chromatin organization↗

PubMed2026

nf-core/pacsomatic: a scalable somatic analytic pipeline using PacBio HiFi data.

MOTIVATION: Pacific Biosciences (PacBio) HiFi long-read sequencing enables robust characterization of complex genomic regions, repetitive elements, and structural variants (SVs) that are often inaccessible to short-read technologies. To fully leverage HiFi reads to advance cancer genomics and epigenetics, researchers require an end-to-end, scalable and optimized bioinformatics workflow. The nf-core framework meets this need by providing rigorously tested, community-curated pipelines that ensure reproducibility, transparency, and broad compatibility across computational environments. RESULTS: We present nf-core/pacsomatic, an automated Nextflow DSL2 pipeline designed for comprehensive paired tumor-normal somatic analysis using PacBio HiFi data. The workflow includes steps for read alignments against reference genome, somatic SNV/indel, SV, and CNV calling, CpG methylation profiling and differential methylation region (DMR) detection. Additional downstream modules support functional annotation, mutational signature analysis, tumor purity and ploidy estimation, and homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) assessment. Utilizing nf-core's modular design and containerized execution, nf-core/pacsomatic provides a stable framework for the reproducible discovery of biological insights. AVAILABILITY: nf-core/pacsomatic is available under the MIT License at nf-core (https://nf-co.re/pacsomatic) and github (https://github.com/nf-core/pacsomatic).

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