Aug 06, 2020

A framework for the management of inherited genetic variation impacting cancer patients and their families

Cancer is a disease of the genome. Using data from next-generation DNA sequencing technology, genome scientists and oncologists can work together to better inform an approach to individual patient treatment planning that is more targeted and personalized than ever before. But, in the process, they can also uncover information about a patient, such as their family’s susceptibility to hereditary forms of cancer and other diseases. What should scientists and clinicians do with all of this information? A new clinical framework attempts to address this increasingly common conundrum.
Jul 29, 2020

A hallmark mutation may be the Achilles heel for adult granulosa cell tumours of the ovary

A mutation in a transcription factor essential for ovary development is commonly used as a diagnostic marker for a type of ovarian cancer, but little is known about how it effects the tumour cell itself. Extensive analysis of how this mutation alters DNA binding has revealed the potential for a novel treatment strategy.
Jul 16, 2020

A novel tool for simultaneous classification of DNA from multiple species

When sequencing samples containing DNA from multiple species, such as when analyzing the human microbiome or identifying pathogenic organisms in an infected host, scientists use bioinformatics tools to classify the organisms present. But aligning every genome to reference can be computationally demanding and even excessive, depending on the desired data.
Jul 13, 2020

DNA sequencing reveals mechanisms of treatment resistance in patients with diffuse large B cell lymphoma

When treatment with frontline therapeutics fails for patients with diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL), prognosis is very poor. By sequencing tumour DNA from patients with relapsed disease, researchers have now uncovered genetic mutations that contribute to treatment failure and resistance, paving the way to better treatment strategies.  

Jul 07, 2020

New study illustrates benefits of long-read sequencing technology for precision oncology

Whole genome sequencing has revolutionized cancer treatment planning, enabling the rapid detection of DNA mutations not routinely screened for in the clinic. Until recently, however, scientists were limited in their ability to detect large structural genetic variants using short-read sequencing technology. But with the recent release of long-read sequencing instruments, cancer researchers have been eager to see what such technology could mean for precision oncology.

Jul 02, 2020

New sequence simulator helps leverage power of long-read transcriptome sequencing

Long-read sequencing technologies are increasingly being employed by researchers to gain important insights into the transcriptomes of cells, revealing a need for computational tools designed for long-read RNA sequencing analysis. To facilitate software development, researchers have now created a sequence simulator designed to produce simulated long-read transcriptome data, providing a cost-effective means to help develop, refine and benchmark novel tools for data analysis.
Jun 24, 2020

Researchers at Canada’s Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre at BC Cancer recognized with Team Science Award

Today the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) has awarded teams associated with The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA)—including three researchers from Canada’s Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre (GSC) at BC Cancer—with a 2020 AACR team science award.

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