Epigenetic Drivers in Medulloblastoma

Medulloblastoma is a malignancy of the cerebellum, and is the most common pediatric brain tumor. Current molecular classifications stratify tumors into four subgroups: wingless (WNT), sonic hedgehog (SHH), Group 3, and Group 4. Patients within these groups align in their age demographics, prognosis, risk of metastatic disease, and response to standard therapy. The WNT and SHH subgroups harbor mutations in their namesake pathways, and have a relatively good prognosis as they rarely develop metastases. However, the ambiguously named Group 3 and 4 tumors are poorly characterized on the molecular level and have worse prognosis as they frequently develop metastatic disease. It is imperative to have a better molecular understanding of the underlying causes and drivers of these tumors. Researchers have previously generated epigenetic maps of the aforementioned subgroups and found profound alterations on the enhancer chromatin landscape. Chromatin refers to the bundles of proteins, RNA, and DNA that make up chromosomes. Researchers will analyze genetic data provided through the Pediatric Brain Tumor Atlas for alterations that may affect organization of such enhancer chromatin in the different Medulloblastoma subgroups.