Biology subjects

Fernandez-Rozadilla, C.

Publications and source records attributed to Fernandez-Rozadilla, C..

3 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2023

Genetic variation at 11q23.1 confers colorectal cancer risk by dysregulation of colonic tuft cell transcriptional activator POU2AF2

Common genetic variation at 11q23.1 is associated with colorectal cancer (CRC) risk, and exerts local (cis) expression quantitative trait locus (cis-eQTL) effects on POU2AF2, COLCA1 and POU2AF3 genes. However, complex linkage disequilibrium and correlated expression at the 11q23.1 locus has thus far hindered elucidation of the mechanisms by which genetic variants impart CRC risk. Here, we establish that rs3087967 is the likely causal eQTL at this locus, co-localising with expression of POU2AF2 and CRC risk. Furthermore, we show trans-eQTL effects on 21 distant target genes, which are highly enriched for Tuft cell markers. Analysis of available scRNAseq, ChIPseq and scATACseq data implicates POU2AF2 as the primary controller of the tuft cell specific trans-genes through POU2F3-correlated genetic regulation. Immunofluorescence demonstrates that the rs3087967 risk genotype (T) is associated with lower tuft cell abundance in human colonic epithelium. CRISPR-mediated deletion of the 11q23.1 risk locus in the mouse germline exacerbated the ApcMin/+ mouse phenotype upon abrogation of Pou2af2 expression specifically. Taken together, we implicate a key protective role of tuft cells in the large bowel and the importance of mis-regulation of POU2AF2 as the prime tuft cell transcriptional activator at this locus.

genetics↗

bioRxiv2021

Identification of a minimal biomarker profile in head-and-neck squamous cell carcinoma tumors

Although important advances have been made in the knowledge of the molecular mechanisms leading to the development, of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), only PDL1 is used for the immunotherapy (pemborlizumab) treatment in the first line of metastatic or recurrent disease. There are no other molecular biomarkers currently used in clinical practice. The objective of the study was to identify transcriptional alterations in patients with oral cavity cancer that identify gene networks responsible for resistance to treatment and prognosis. To identify possible targets for the treatment or prevention of these tumors, we screened for changes in transcription of genes that were recurrently altered in patients and that successfully stratify tumoral and non-tumoral samples, as well as patient survival, based on expression levels. The gene panels are primarily related to the cell cycle, DNA damage response, cytokine signaling and the immune system but also to the embryonic stem cell core. Validation of these panels in an independent cohort led to the identification of three non-interconnected genes, WDR66, SERPINH1 and ZNF622, that can predict patient survival and are differentially expressed in 3D cultures from HNSCC primary cell lines. These genes are related to stemness phenotype are transcriptional targets of the pluripotency transcription factors Sox2 and c-Myc. Our results suggest that WDR66, SERPINH1 and ZNF622 con-stitute a minimal signature of stemness transcriptional targets able to predict the prognosis of HNSCC tumors. Simple SummaryThe objective of the study was to identify transcriptional alterations in patients with oral cavity cancer to possibly identify gene networks responsible for resistance to treatment and prognosis. We identify bioinformatically gene panels are primarily related to the cell cycle, DNA damage response, cytokine signaling and the immune system but also to the embryonic stem cell core. Validation of these panels in patients independent cohorts led to the identification of three non-interconnected genes, WDR66, SERPINHl and ZNF622, that can predict patient survival and are differentially expressed in cancer stem cells cultures from HNSCC. These genes are related to stemness phenotype and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and are transcriptional targets of the pluripotency transcription factors Sox2 and c-Myc.

cancer biology↗

bioRxiv2018

Patterns of genetic differentiation and the footprints of historical migrations in the Iberian Peninsula

Genetic differences within or between human populations (population structure) has been studied using a variety of approaches over many years. Recently there has been an increasing focus on studying genetic differentiation at fine geographic scales, such as within countries. Identifying such structure allows the study of recent population history, and identifies the potential for confounding in association studies, particularly when testing rare, often recently arisen variants. The Iberian Peninsula is linguistically diverse, has a complex demographic history, and is unique among European regions in having a centuries-long period of Muslim rule. Previous genetic studies of Spain have examined either a small fraction of the genome or only a few Spanish regions. Thus, the overall pattern of fine-scale population structure within Spain remains uncharacterised. Here we analyse genome-wide genotyping array data for 1,413 Spanish individuals sampled from all regions of Spain. We identify extensive fine-scale structure, down to unprecedented scales, smaller than 10 Km in some places. We observe a major axis of genetic differentiation that runs from east to west of the peninsula. In contrast, we observe remarkable genetic similarity in the north-south direction, and evidence of historical north-south population movement. Finally, without making particular prior assumptions about source populations, we show that modern Spanish people have regionally varying fractions of ancestry from a group most similar to modern north Moroccans. The north African ancestry results from an admixture event, which we date to 860 - 1120 CE, corresponding to the early half of Muslim rule. Our results indicate that it is possible to discern clear genetic impacts of the Muslim conquest and population movements associated with the subsequent Reconquista.

genomics↗