Research Programs
Cancer Cell Line Project
Example Uses
Study Description
The Cancer Cell Line Project develops cell lines from patient tumors in order to accelerate research. By sharing tissue from your cancer surgery or biopsy, you could be a driving force in cancer research.
At the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, we are overcoming major obstacles to research by developing cell lines, which are used as model systems to study diseases. This is particularly important for rare cancer research, where we are significantly limited in the ability to do research because there are not enough models of each type of rare cancer to understand each disease.
The Cancer Cell Line Project will generate cancer cell lines that will enable a variety of studies focused on the causes of cancer, and how to treat cancer. Each cell line built for rare cancers -- like yours -- is a potentially transformative tool that can be shared by many scientists all over the world to better understand cancer.
Cell line
A cell line is an immortalized population of cells that can be continuously grown and replicated in the laboratory, usually derived from a single tissue or tumor. These cells retain many of the genetic and functional features of their tissue of origin, making them powerful, living models for studying disease. For rare cancers—which often have limited patient tissue available—cell lines provide a nearly inexhaustible, standardized resource that lets scientists test potential drugs, probe molecular drivers, and validate therapeutic targets without needing repeated access to scarce patient biopsies.
Sequencing
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
In genetics and biochemistry, sequencing means to determine the primary structure (sometimes incorrectly called the primary sequence) of an unbranched biopolymer. Sequencing results in a symbolic linear depiction known as a sequence which succinctly summarizes much of the atomic-level structure of the sequenced molecule.
Molecular Analysis and Characterization of Rare Tumor Samples
Example Uses
Study Description
Molecular Analysis and Characterization of Rare Tumor Samples
Alterations in the genome contribute to the development of tumors and potential metastasis of cancer cells. In order to devise new therapies for rare cancer patients, scientists need to have a better understanding of the molecular characteristics of each tumor. Differences in tumor properties, germline genetics, and response to any given treatment also need to be studied in order to fully understand the similarities and uniqueness of each patient’s cancer. Since these cancers are rare, there is a critical need to establish accessible resources for the scientific community to translate discoveries into novel treatments for patients with rare cancers.
This study utilizes patient tumor samples to accelerate this research and foster a greater understanding of rare cancers among the scientific community. By sharing tissue from your cancer surgery, you could help make a significant impact and advance the field’s knowledge about rare tumors.
This work, directed by Dr. Andrew Futreal, PhD and Dr. Tim Heffernan, PhD at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, seeks to overcome major obstacles to rare cancer research by studying the cancer genome and transcriptome and, when possible, developing cell lines from patient tissue to be used in the laboratory to study rare disease and identify potential new therapeutic strategies. These areas are particularly important for rare cancer studies, where scientists are significantly limited in the ability to do research because of a lack of access to both comprehensive molecular data and models of rare cancer types that would enable a better understanding of each disease.
This project will include sequencing patient tumors and potentially generating and testing cancer cell lines for vulnerabilities that could be targets for new therapies. In addition, these same models will be made available to the research community and thus will enable scientists all over the world to perform studies focused on understanding the susceptibility of rare cancers to certain therapies and ultimately help inform on treatment options that are directed based on the characteristics of each patient’s tumor. Each piece of data or model generated for rare cancers -- like yours — is a potentially transformative tool to help scientists advance our understanding and treatment for rare cancers.
Cell line
A cell line is an immortalized population of cells that can be continuously grown and replicated in the laboratory, usually derived from a single tissue or tumor. These cells retain many of the genetic and functional features of their tissue of origin, making them powerful, living models for studying disease. For rare cancers—which often have limited patient tissue available—cell lines provide a nearly inexhaustible, standardized resource that lets scientists test potential drugs, probe molecular drivers, and validate therapeutic targets without needing repeated access to scarce patient biopsies.
Drug Discovery
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
In the fields of medicine, biotechnology and pharmacology, drug discovery is the process by which new candidate medications are discovered.[1]
Historically, drugs were discovered by identifying the active ingredient from traditional remedies or by serendipitous discovery, as with penicillin. More recently, chemical libraries of synthetic small molecules, natural products or extracts were screened in intact cells or whole organisms to identify substances that had a desirable therapeutic effect in a process known as classical pharmacology. After sequencing of the human genome allowed rapid cloning and synthesis of large quantities of purified proteins, it has become common practice to use high throughput screening of large compounds libraries against isolated biological targets which are hypothesized to be disease-modifying in a process known as reverse pharmacology. Hits from these screens are then tested in cells and then in animals for efficacy.[2]
Sequencing
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
In genetics and biochemistry, sequencing means to determine the primary structure (sometimes incorrectly called the primary sequence) of an unbranched biopolymer. Sequencing results in a symbolic linear depiction known as a sequence which succinctly summarizes much of the atomic-level structure of the sequenced molecule.
Developing and interrogating models of rare diseases - The Hong Lab
Example Uses
Study Description
The Hong Lab at Emory focuses on pediatric high risk solid tumors including kidney cancers such as renal medullary carcinomas (RMC) and Wilms tumors. The objectives are to develop and genomically characterize rare cancer models and use these model systems to better understand each disease. By sharing tissue from your surgery, you could help accelerate this research.
The Hong Lab is developing cell lines, organoids and xenografts which are used as model systems to study diseases. This is particularly important for childhood kidney cancers, where scientists are limited in the ability to do research because there are not enough models of the different cancer types to understand each disease. The ability to create faithful models of disease is critical to the ability to characterize mechanisms of these cancers and identify new therapeutic targets.
All models and data that are generated will remain de-identified and will be shared and distributed to promote broader scientific discovery. Each model generated for these cancers -- like yours -- is a potentially transformative tool that can help scientists better understand cancer.
Cell line
A cell line is an immortalized population of cells that can be continuously grown and replicated in the laboratory, usually derived from a single tissue or tumor. These cells retain many of the genetic and functional features of their tissue of origin, making them powerful, living models for studying disease. For rare cancers—which often have limited patient tissue available—cell lines provide a nearly inexhaustible, standardized resource that lets scientists test potential drugs, probe molecular drivers, and validate therapeutic targets without needing repeated access to scarce patient biopsies.
Sequencing
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
In genetics and biochemistry, sequencing means to determine the primary structure (sometimes incorrectly called the primary sequence) of an unbranched biopolymer. Sequencing results in a symbolic linear depiction known as a sequence which succinctly summarizes much of the atomic-level structure of the sequenced molecule.
Pattern Biobank an initiative of RCRF
Example Uses
Study Description
The Pattern Biobank, an initiative of the Rare Cancer Research Foundation, stores and distributes a variety of human biological samples for use in research projects that have been vetted and approved by the Foundation. This biobank is an important resource which supports many types of innovative research initiatives including those involved with model generation, genomic sequencing and analysis, drug screening and personalized medicine studies.
Biobank staff will carefully process and store samples following a detailed set of policies to safeguard the biospecimens against contamination or loss and to protect participant confidentiality until the appropriate study is selected for individual sample use.
Cell line
A cell line is an immortalized population of cells that can be continuously grown and replicated in the laboratory, usually derived from a single tissue or tumor. These cells retain many of the genetic and functional features of their tissue of origin, making them powerful, living models for studying disease. For rare cancers—which often have limited patient tissue available—cell lines provide a nearly inexhaustible, standardized resource that lets scientists test potential drugs, probe molecular drivers, and validate therapeutic targets without needing repeated access to scarce patient biopsies.
Drug Discovery
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
In the fields of medicine, biotechnology and pharmacology, drug discovery is the process by which new candidate medications are discovered.[1]
Historically, drugs were discovered by identifying the active ingredient from traditional remedies or by serendipitous discovery, as with penicillin. More recently, chemical libraries of synthetic small molecules, natural products or extracts were screened in intact cells or whole organisms to identify substances that had a desirable therapeutic effect in a process known as classical pharmacology. After sequencing of the human genome allowed rapid cloning and synthesis of large quantities of purified proteins, it has become common practice to use high throughput screening of large compounds libraries against isolated biological targets which are hypothesized to be disease-modifying in a process known as reverse pharmacology. Hits from these screens are then tested in cells and then in animals for efficacy.[2]
Sequencing
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
In genetics and biochemistry, sequencing means to determine the primary structure (sometimes incorrectly called the primary sequence) of an unbranched biopolymer. Sequencing results in a symbolic linear depiction known as a sequence which succinctly summarizes much of the atomic-level structure of the sequenced molecule.
Boehm Lab at the Koch Institute
Example Uses
Study Description
The Boehm Lab develops cell lines from patient tumors in order to accelerate research. By sharing tissue from your cancer surgery, you could be a driving force in cancer research.
In the lab we are overcoming major obstacles to research by developing cell lines, which are used as model systems to study diseases. This is particularly important for rare cancer research, where are significantly limited in the ability to do research because there are not enough models of each type of rare cancer to understand each disease.
Our project, primarily focused on subtypes of sarcomas, will generate cancer cell lines that will enable a variety of studies focused on the causes of cancer, and how to treat cancer. Each cell line built for rare cancers - like yours - is a potentially transformative tool that can be shared by many scientists all over the world to better understand cancer.
Cell line
A cell line is an immortalized population of cells that can be continuously grown and replicated in the laboratory, usually derived from a single tissue or tumor. These cells retain many of the genetic and functional features of their tissue of origin, making them powerful, living models for studying disease. For rare cancers—which often have limited patient tissue available—cell lines provide a nearly inexhaustible, standardized resource that lets scientists test potential drugs, probe molecular drivers, and validate therapeutic targets without needing repeated access to scarce patient biopsies.
Drug Discovery
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
In the fields of medicine, biotechnology and pharmacology, drug discovery is the process by which new candidate medications are discovered.[1]
Historically, drugs were discovered by identifying the active ingredient from traditional remedies or by serendipitous discovery, as with penicillin. More recently, chemical libraries of synthetic small molecules, natural products or extracts were screened in intact cells or whole organisms to identify substances that had a desirable therapeutic effect in a process known as classical pharmacology. After sequencing of the human genome allowed rapid cloning and synthesis of large quantities of purified proteins, it has become common practice to use high throughput screening of large compounds libraries against isolated biological targets which are hypothesized to be disease-modifying in a process known as reverse pharmacology. Hits from these screens are then tested in cells and then in animals for efficacy.[2]
Sequencing
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
In genetics and biochemistry, sequencing means to determine the primary structure (sometimes incorrectly called the primary sequence) of an unbranched biopolymer. Sequencing results in a symbolic linear depiction known as a sequence which succinctly summarizes much of the atomic-level structure of the sequenced molecule.
Pattern.org Biospecimen and Data Resource (PBDR)
Example Uses
Study Description
Pattern.org Biospecimen and Data Resource (PBDR) for the study of Rare Cancers and Diseases
Cell line
A cell line is an immortalized population of cells that can be continuously grown and replicated in the laboratory, usually derived from a single tissue or tumor. These cells retain many of the genetic and functional features of their tissue of origin, making them powerful, living models for studying disease. For rare cancers—which often have limited patient tissue available—cell lines provide a nearly inexhaustible, standardized resource that lets scientists test potential drugs, probe molecular drivers, and validate therapeutic targets without needing repeated access to scarce patient biopsies.
Drug Discovery
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
In the fields of medicine, biotechnology and pharmacology, drug discovery is the process by which new candidate medications are discovered.[1]
Historically, drugs were discovered by identifying the active ingredient from traditional remedies or by serendipitous discovery, as with penicillin. More recently, chemical libraries of synthetic small molecules, natural products or extracts were screened in intact cells or whole organisms to identify substances that had a desirable therapeutic effect in a process known as classical pharmacology. After sequencing of the human genome allowed rapid cloning and synthesis of large quantities of purified proteins, it has become common practice to use high throughput screening of large compounds libraries against isolated biological targets which are hypothesized to be disease-modifying in a process known as reverse pharmacology. Hits from these screens are then tested in cells and then in animals for efficacy.[2]
Sequencing
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
In genetics and biochemistry, sequencing means to determine the primary structure (sometimes incorrectly called the primary sequence) of an unbranched biopolymer. Sequencing results in a symbolic linear depiction known as a sequence which succinctly summarizes much of the atomic-level structure of the sequenced molecule.
TRACER
Example Uses
Study Description
The mission of TRACER (Transformative Rare Cancer Initiative) is to unlock new treatment options for patients with rare and understudied cancers.
We do this by creating the tools and data needed to understand what drives these diseases and how best to treat them. Our program has three main goals: (1) to collect and share high-quality tumor samples through a national biobanking effort; (2) to develop cutting-edge preclinical models such as 3D microtumors, and cell lines, that faithfully represent rare cancers; and (3) to perform functional drug screening and molecular profiling to identify promising therapies. By working across institutions and in close partnership with patient advocates, we hope to dramatically expand the research resources available for rare cancers. Every sample we receive helps move the field forward, bringing us one step closer to personalized treatment strategies and real hope for patients and families affected by these difficult diseases.
Cell line
A cell line is an immortalized population of cells that can be continuously grown and replicated in the laboratory, usually derived from a single tissue or tumor. These cells retain many of the genetic and functional features of their tissue of origin, making them powerful, living models for studying disease. For rare cancers—which often have limited patient tissue available—cell lines provide a nearly inexhaustible, standardized resource that lets scientists test potential drugs, probe molecular drivers, and validate therapeutic targets without needing repeated access to scarce patient biopsies.
Drug Discovery
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
In the fields of medicine, biotechnology and pharmacology, drug discovery is the process by which new candidate medications are discovered.[1]
Historically, drugs were discovered by identifying the active ingredient from traditional remedies or by serendipitous discovery, as with penicillin. More recently, chemical libraries of synthetic small molecules, natural products or extracts were screened in intact cells or whole organisms to identify substances that had a desirable therapeutic effect in a process known as classical pharmacology. After sequencing of the human genome allowed rapid cloning and synthesis of large quantities of purified proteins, it has become common practice to use high throughput screening of large compounds libraries against isolated biological targets which are hypothesized to be disease-modifying in a process known as reverse pharmacology. Hits from these screens are then tested in cells and then in animals for efficacy.[2]
Sequencing
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
In genetics and biochemistry, sequencing means to determine the primary structure (sometimes incorrectly called the primary sequence) of an unbranched biopolymer. Sequencing results in a symbolic linear depiction known as a sequence which succinctly summarizes much of the atomic-level structure of the sequenced molecule.