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Genetic Insights into Deadly Brain TumorIf knowledge is power, than researchers are gaining strength when it comes to fighting glioblastoma, the most common primary brain tumor that frequently has lethal consequences for patients. As part of the Cancer Genome Atlas Research Network, scientists from BCM and many other institutions are working to sequence genes in 500 brain cancer samples. However, initial evidence was worth sharing early in the process. "When we pulled everything together with just 91 samples, the results were so interesting and important for treatment that we felt we should publish before the end of the project," said David Wheeler, Ph.D., Associate Professor in Baylor's Human Genome Sequencing Center (HGSC), who coauthored the report with HGSC Director Richard Gibbs, Ph.D., and other members of the network. Already the analysis has identified some genes known to cause cancer but whose role in glioblastoma had been previously underestimated. Other genes—that previously had no known role in glioblastoma—were also found mutated in a variety of tumors. In addition, the analysis gave scientists a wide view of how cell pathways are altered during the initiation and growth of glioblastoma. Understanding this cancer could result in better forms of treatment. "Studies like this show the breadth of mutation across many genes," said Wheeler. "Researchers have never seen the whole landscape like this before, and it's providing many new insights into strategies to diagnose and treat cancer. |
FeaturesBaylor College of Medicine in Houston: 65 years of Excellence BCM Looks to the Future on the McNair Campus Legacy of Leadership: BCM Icons Set Foundation for the Future 1,000 Genomes Project: Looking for the Differences NewsO'Malley Receives National Medal of Science Robert Todd Named to Lead BCM's Department of Medicine Roy Huffington Remembered as Bold and Generous SpotlightFollowing his Passion—One Physician's Journey When Two Degrees are Better Than One: M.D. - M.P.H. Thomas Street—The Road to Health Perceiving—A new Look at Brain and Behavior BriefsGenetics Used to Personalize Heart Disease Treatment First Drug for Huntington's Disease Eye Problems from Pain Free Migraines Genetic Insights into Deadly Brain Tumor Made-to-Order Weapon in the Fight Against Childhood Cancer BCM Joins Largest Children's Study Development/AlumniGifts Help Restore Sight to Patients with Corneal Damage Alums Start Careers, Life Together at BCM Development BriefsCharitable Gifts Lead to National Recognition Trustee Chuck Watson Makes Unique Gift
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Volume 4, Issue 3, Winter 2008 |
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| Last modified: December 19, 2008 |