Project

Characterizing regulatory heterogeneity in high-risk neuroblastoma

Code
EXT/ONZ/000250
Duration
01 March 2021 → 28 February 2025
Research disciplines
  • Medical and health sciences
    • Bioinformatics data integration and network biology
    • Single-cell data analysis
Keywords
neuroblastoma single-cell transcriptomics gene regulation high-risk network inference cfDNA
 
Project description

Despite intensive therapies, half of the high-risk neuroblastoma patients cannot be cured effectively. In this project, we aim to characterize the genetic, cellular and regulatory heterogeneity of these cancer patients to facilitate more effective precision oncology strategies. First, based on single-cell transcriptome and genome data, we will identify distinct subclones and cell-states in primary and metastasis tumors at diagnosis and relapse. Next, using network inference methods, we will derive the regulatory programs active in different subclones and cell-states and pinpoint new drug targets. Finally, using whole genome sequenced circulating cell-free DNA from plasma, we will confirm the regulatory tumor heterogeneity identified at tissue level in liquid-biopsies allowing noninvasive follow-up during patient treatment. In conclusion, characterizing the cellular, genetic and regulatory heterogeneity of high-risk-NB at diagnosis and during follow-up will offer novel opportunities towards more effective precision oncology that targets all present subclones and cell-states in the tumor using (combined) drugging.