Characterizing the landscape of cancer-specific splicing aberrations across pediatric tumors

Our team is investigating how changes in RNA splicing—the process by which cells edit genetic messages—may contribute to the development and progression of pediatric brain tumors. In a recent study published in Nature, we discovered that many cancers produce unique, tumor-specific signals called “neoantigens” through abnormal splicing events. These neoantigens can potentially be targeted by the immune system, opening the door for new types of cancer treatments, like personalized vaccines or immune-based therapies.
We are now expanding this work to focus on pediatric brain tumors, which often have few treatment options and can be very aggressive. By analyzing RNA sequencing data from children’s brain tumors, we hope to identify these splicing-derived neoantigens and understand how they differ between tumor types and patients.
Access to CBTN’s comprehensive datasets—including RNA sequencing, clinical information, and pathology reports—will allow us to conduct this research with the depth and rigor needed to uncover new therapeutic targets. Ultimately, our goal is to lay the foundation for more effective and precise immunotherapies for children battling brain cancer.