The Herbert and Florence Irving Institute for Cancer Dynamics will continue its seminar series on the topic of mathematical sciences underpinning cancer research. The monthly seminars take place on the second Wednesday of the month, 2:00-3:00 PM EST. The presentations are open to the Columbia community (in person and online) and to researchers outside Columbia (via Zoom).
On Wednesday, December 9 (2:00 PM ET), IICD welcomes Dr. Roel Verhaak from Yale School of Medicine. Seminar hosted by Dr. Jellert Gaublomme. The seminar will take place in person in Schermerhorn Hall 603 (Morningside Heights campus). If you wish to attend the seminar remotely, please register using the following link: https://columbiauniversity.zoom.us/meeting/register/T-Q8cV6lQRuUQfUuGG8lAw
Title: Molecular Characterization of Treatment Response in Glioma: Lessons Learned in the Past Ten Years
Abstract: Gliomas, including glioblastomas, exhibit variable treatment response and patient outcomes. To better understand the genetic and cellular changes that drive IDH-mutant glioma progression, we analyzed temporally separated whole-genome/whole-exome datasets from patients with a glioma available through the Glioma Longitudinal AnalySiS (GLASS) Consortium, combined with single-nucleus transcriptomic profiling. This approach enabled us to identify treatment-associated enrichment of mutational signatures and cell state transitions and helped show that the glioma genome adapts to the selective pressures of tumor progression and treatment in distinct manners. Some gliomas treated with radiation showed an increase in APOBEC3-associated mutagenesis. This observation resulted in the identification of a key regulator of DNA double-strand break repair. Through functional studies, we found that perturbing a master regulator of this DNA damage response process provides opportunity for therapeutic modulation. In summary, by molecularly characterizing the response to chemoradiation, we identified new mutagenic processes and opportunities for therapy development.
Bio: Roel Verhaak, PhD., is the Harvey and Kate Cushing Professor in and Vice-Chair for Research of the Department of Neurosurgery at Yale School of Medicine. The Verhaak lab studies tumor evolution and mechanisms of therapy resistance in gliomas, from pediatric low-grade to adult high-grade. The group was foundational in establishing the Glioma Longitudinal Analysis Consortium, which has established a resource of molecular profiles over time on a large cohort of patients with a glioma. They identified and described genetic ‘scars’ and cellular phenotypes associated with glioma progression and disease recurrence. Extrachromosomal DNA amplifications were discovered as critical drivers and are now a major part of the team's research. After being affiliated with the Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine from 2016, the Verhaak lab joined the School of Medicine, Department of Neurosurgery, in 2023. Roel Verhaak is a recipient of the AAAS Wachtel Award, the Agilent Early Career Professor Award, and the Peter Steck Memorial Award, and was a co-founder of Boundless Bio, Inc.
If you would like to meet one-on-one (possibly via Zoom) or attend the lunch or dinner with the speaker, please contact the event organizer.
