Abstract: Provided herein are systems, kits, compositions and methods for sequencing library preparation and sequencing workflow (e.g., for the identification of mutations). In certain embodiments, provides herein systems and methods to identically barcode both strands of templates, and PCR-based enrichment of each strand that does not require hybridization capture.

Abstract: The identification of mutations that are present in a small fraction of DNA templates is essential for progress in several areas of biomedical research. Though massively parallel sequencing instruments are in principle well-suited to this task, the error rates in such instruments are generally too high to allow confident identification of rare variants. We here describe an approach that can substantially increase the sensitivity of massively parallel sequencing instruments for this purpose. One example of this approach, called “Safe-SeqS” for (Safe-Sequencing System) includes (i) assignment of a unique identifier (UID) to each template molecule; (ii) amplification of each uniquely tagged template molecule to create UID-families; and (iii) redundant sequencing of the amplification products. PCR fragments with the same UID are truly mutant (“super-mutants”) if ?95% of them contain the identical mutation.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of identifying a subject as having a central nervous system (CNS) cancer that include (a) obtaining a DNA sample from the subject; (b) analyzing a plurality of chromosomal sequences in the DNA sample; (c) determining at least a portion of a nucleic acid sequence of one or more of the plurality of chromosomal sequences; (d) mapping the determined nucleic acid sequence to a reference chromosome; (e) dividing the DNA sample into a plurality of genomic intervals; (f) quantifying a plurality of features for the one or more nucleic acid sequences mapped to the genomic intervals; and (g) comparing the plurality of features in a first genomic interval with the plurality of features in one or more different genomic intervals and detecting a chromosomal abnormality in the DNA sample, thereby identifying the subject as having the CNS cancer.

Abstract: Analysis of 13,023 genes in 11 breast and 11 colorectal cancers revealed that individual tumors accumulate an average of ˜90 mutant genes but that only a subset of these contribute to the neoplastic process. Using stringent criteria to delineate this subset, we identified 189 genes (average of 11 per tumor) that were mutated at significant frequency. The vast majority of these genes were not known to be genetically altered in tumors and are predicted to affect a wide range of cellular functions, including transcription, adhesion, and invasion. These data define the genetic landscape of two human cancer types, provide new targets for diagnostic and therapeutic intervention and monitoring.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and materials for preventing cytokine release syndrome (CRS). For example, methods and materials for using one or more catecholamine inhibitors to prevent a mammal from developing CRS are provided.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems, kits, compositions and methods for sequencing library preparation and sequencing workflow (e.g., for the identification of mutations). In certain embodiments, provides herein systems and methods to identically barcode both strands of templates, and PCR-based enrichment of each strand that does not require hybridization capture.

Abstract: The identification of mutations that are present in a small fraction of DNA templates is essential for progress in several areas of biomedical research. Though massively parallel sequencing instruments are in principle well-suited to this task, the error rates in such instruments are generally too high to allow confident identification of rare variants. We here describe an approach that can substantially increase the sensitivity of massively parallel sequencing instruments for this purpose. One example of this approach, called “Safe-SeqS” for (Safe-Sequencing System) includes (i) assignment of a unique identifier (UID) to each template molecule; (ii) amplification of each uniquely tagged template molecule to create UID-families; and (iii) redundant sequencing of the amplification products. PCR fragments with the same UID are truly mutant (“super-mutants”) if ?95% of them contain the identical mutation.

Abstract: The present invention provides, inter alia, methods for treating or ameliorating an effect of a solid tumor present in a non-human animal. These methods include administering intratumorally to the non-human animal a unit dose of C. novyi, preferably C. novyi NT, colony forming units (CFUs), which contains about 1×106-1×1010 CFUs suspended in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or solution. Methods for debulking a solid tumor present in a non-human animal, a method for microscopically precise excision of tumor cells in a non-human animal, methods for treating or ameliorating an effect of a solid tumor that has metastasized to one or more sites in a non-human animal, methods for ablating a solid tumor present in a non-human animal, unit doses of C. novyi, preferably C. novyi NT, CFUs, and kits for treating or ameliorating an effect of a solid tumor present in a non-human animal are also provided.

Abstract: Clinical management of human cancer is dependent on the accurate monitoring of residual and recurrent tumors. We have developed a method, called personalized analysis of rearranged ends (PARE), which can identify translocations in solid tumors. Analysis of four colorectal and two breast cancers revealed an average of nine rearranged sequences (range 4 to 15) per tumor. Polymerase chain reaction with primers spanning the breakpoints were able to detect mutant DNA molecules present at levels lower than 0.001% and readily identified mutated circulating DNA in patient plasma samples. This approach provides an exquisitely sensitive and broadly applicable approach for the development of personalized biomarkers to enhance the clinical management of cancer patients.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for determining a sequence of a double stranded DNA molecule of an immune cell receptor (e.g., T cell receptor, B cell receptor).

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter provides methods and kits for treating solid tumors in a subject by using a combination of anti-CTLA-4 and/or anti-PD-1 antibodies with at least one member of the group consisting of a bacterium, bacterial product, and an immunoregulatory entity. In particular embodiments, the bacteria are toxin-depleted, anaerobic bacteria, such as Clostridium novyi-NT.

Abstract: Bottleneck Sequencing System (BotSeqS) is a next-generation sequencing method that simultaneously quantifies rare somatic point mutations across the mitochondrial and nuclear genomes. BotSeqS combines molecular barcoding with a simple dilution step immediately prior to library amplification. BotSeqS can be used to show age and tissue-dependent accumulations of rare mutations and demonstrate that somatic mutational burden in normal tissues can vary by several orders of magnitude, depending on biologic and environmental factors. BotSeqS has been used to show major differences between the mutational patterns of the mitochondrial and nuclear genomes in normal tissues. Lastly, BotSeqS has shown that the mutation spectra of normal tissues were different from each other, but similar to those of the cancers that arose in them.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of identifying a subject as having a disease, the method comprising: (a) obtaining a biological sample from the subject, wherein the biological sample comprises cell-free DNA (cfDNA), wherein the cfDNA comprises a plurality of cfDNA fragments; (b) determining an end sequence of a cfDNA fragment of the plurality of cfDNA fragments; (c) determining a level of GC content of the cfDNA fragment; and (d) analyzing the determined end sequence and the level of GC content of the cfDNA fragment, thereby identifying the subject as having the disease by determining a relationship between the determined end sequence and the level of GC content of the cfDNA fragment.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems, kits, compositions and methods for sequencing library preparation and sequencing workflow (e.g., for the identification of mutations). In certain embodiments, provides herein systems and methods to identically barcode both strands of templates, and PCR-based enrichment of each strand that does not require hybridization capture.

Abstract: DNA containing somatic mutations is highly tumor specific and thus, in theory, can provide optimum markers. However, the number of circulating mutant gene fragments is small compared to the number of normal circulating DNA fragments, making it difficult to detect and quantify them with the sensitivity required for meaningful clinical use. We apply a highly sensitive approach to quantify circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in body samples of patients. Measurements of ctDNA can be used to reliably monitor tumor dynamics in subjects with cancer, especially those who are undergoing surgery or chemotherapy. This personalized genetic approach can be generally applied.

Abstract: The present invention provides, inter alia, methods for treating or ameliorating an effect of a solid tumor present in a non-human animal. These methods include administering intratumorally to the non-human animal a unit dose of C. novyi, preferably C. novyi NT, colony forming units (CFUs), which contains about 1×106-1×1010 CFUs suspended in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or solution. Methods for debulking a solid tumor present in a non-human animal, a method for microscopically precise excision of tumor cells in a non-human animal, methods for treating or ameliorating an effect of a solid tumor that has metastasized to one or more sites in a non-human animal, methods for ablating a solid tumor present in a non-human animal, unit doses of C. novyi, preferably C. novyi NT, CFUs, and kits for treating or ameliorating an effect of a solid tumor present in a non-human animal are also provided.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter provides methods and kits for treating solid tumors in a subject by using a combination of anti-CTLA-4 and/or anti-PD-1 antibodies with at least one member of the group consisting of a bacterium, bacterial product, and an immunoregulatory entity. In particular embodiments, the bacteria are toxin-depleted, anaerobic bacteria, such as Clostridium novyi-NT.

Abstract: Bottleneck Sequencing System (BotSeqS) is a next-generation sequencing method that simultaneously quantifies rare somatic point mutations across the mitochondrial and nuclear genomes. BotSeqS combines molecular barcoding with a simple dilution step immediately prior to library amplification. BotSeqS can be used to show age and tissue-dependent accumulations of rare mutations and demonstrate that somatic mutational burden in normal tissues can vary by several orders of magnitude, depending on biologic and environmental factors. BotSeqS has been used to show major differences between the mutational patterns of the mitochondrial and nuclear genomes in normal tissues. Lastly, BotSeqS has shown that the mutation spectra of normal tissues were different from each other, but similar to those of the cancers that arose in them.

Abstract: We queried DNA from saliva or plasma of 93 HNSCC patients, searching for somatic mutations or human papillomavirus genes, collectively referred to as tumor DNA. When both plasma and saliva were tested, tumor DNA was detected in 96% (95% CI, 84% to 99%) of 47 patients. The fractions of patients with detectable tumor DNA in early-and late-stage disease were 100% (n=10) and 95% (n=37), respectively. Saliva is preferentially enriched for tumor DNA from the oral cavity, whereas plasma is preferentially enriched for tumor DNA from the other sites. Tumor DNA in the saliva and plasma is a valuable biomarker for detection of HNSCC.

Abstract: The identification of mutations that are present in a small fraction of DNA templates is essential for progress in several areas of biomedical research. Though massively parallel sequencing instruments are in principle well-suited to this task, the error rates in such instruments are generally too high to allow confident identification of rare variants. We here describe an approach that can substantially increase the sensitivity of massively parallel sequencing instruments for this purpose. One example of this approach, called “Safe-SeqS” for (Safe-Sequencing System) includes (i) assignment of a unique identifier (UID) to each template molecule; (ii) amplification of each uniquely tagged template molecule to create UID-families; and (iii) redundant sequencing of the amplification products. PCR fragments with the same UID are truly mutant (“super-mutants”) if ?95% of them contain the identical mutation.