Work

Greater Than the Sum of Its Parts: Single-Nucleus Sequencing Identifies Convergent Evolution of Independent EGFR Mutants in GBM

Year: 2014

Type: article

Abstract: Single-cell sequencing approaches are needed to characterize the genomic diversity of complex tumors, shedding light on their evolutionary paths and potentially suggesting more effective therapies. In this issue of Cancer Discovery, Francis and colleagues develop a novel integrative approach to identify distinct tumor subpopulations based on joint detection of clonal and subclonal events from bulk tumor and single-nucleus whole-genome sequencing, allowing them to infer a subclonal architecture. Surprisingly, the authors identify convergent evolution of multiple, mutually exclusive, independent EGFR gain-of-function variants in a single tumor. This study demonstrates the value of integrative single-cell genomics and highlights the biologic primacy of EGFR as an actionable target in glioblastoma.

Source: Cancer Discovery

DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-14-0635

Authors: Beatrice Gini, Paul S. Mischel

Institution: University of California San Diego

Language: English

Topic: Cancer Genomics and Diagnostics

Subfield: Cancer Research

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Cancer Institute, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke