Functional Dependency Mapping in Paediatric Brain Cancers

Brain tumours are the most common form of solid tumours in children and can have lasting physical impacts beyond childhood. A common form of pediatric brain tumor is a pediatric high grade glioma (pHGG). Recent research has highlighted that pediatric high grade gliomas (pHGGs), are composed of subgroups that are distinct from their adult counterparts and therefore require specialized research and treatment. Advances in this area of care are held back because the functional consequences of pHGG genetic alterations are poorly understood, and in the majority of cases cannot be directly targeted. To overcome this challenge, researchers propose an innovative approach to comprehensively characterise and classify the functional landscape of the pHGG genome. This research project brings together an international team of researchers who will work together to better understand the genetics and molecular pathways of pHGG patient-derived models. This team will use CRISPR technology to identify and prioritise new therapeutic opportunities for pHGG. This work will be made possible through the use of high quality pHGG specimens made available through the Children’s Brain Tumor Network.