Molecular map that reveals insights into the genetic drivers of chronic lymphocytic leukemia - Video
Overview
To provide a more thorough understanding of the biological underpinnings of CLL and its molecular subtypes, scientists set out to construct a map from the largest CLL dataset to date.
A newly constructed map of the landscape of genetic changes in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), a type of cancer of the blood and bone marrow that exists in diverse forms and arises from various causes, provides a better understanding of this complex malignancy that could lead to more accurate prognoses for patients, improved diagnostics, and novel treatments. The work is published in Nature Genetics
To build the CLL map, the team analyzed variations in genetic sequences, gene expression patterns, and chemical modifications to DNA—or genomic, transcriptomic, and epigenomic data—from 1,148 patients.
The scientists identified 202 genes (109 of which were novel) that when mutated could potentially drive CLL, and they refined the characterization of subtypes of CLL with distinct genomic characteristics and prognoses. Beyond genetic sequences, the expression patterns of certain genes further subcategorized CLL and provided valuable prognostic information.
Patients' clinical outcomes were associated with a combination of genomic, transcriptomic, and epigenomic features—so that integrating these data could predict a patient's likelihood of experiencing remission versus developing more advanced cancer.
Ref:
Catherine Wu et. al, Molecular map of chronic lymphocytic leukemia and its impact on the outcome, Nature Genetics, 4-Aug-2022, DOI: 10.1038/s41588-022-01140-w
Speakers
Isra Zaman
B.Sc Life Sciences, M.Sc Biotechnology, B.Ed