Genomic Characterization

TARGET is employing a set of advanced and complementary analysis technologies to strategically characterize alterations in both gene expression and in genomic structure (such as deletions and amplification) that are involved in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and neuroblastoma. The goal is a comprehensive genomic and transcriptomic profile of each cancer.

These data will be annotated, archived, and processed through the Data section of this site, which will include a Biomedical Informatics Grid™ (caBIG™) – compatible, Web-based data portal. The genomic characterization data will be periodically evaluated to prioritize selections of candidate gene regions for targeted resequencing. Interpreted characterization data produced by TARGET will be made publicly available through this site, adhering to the Initiative's comprehensive patient privacy and confidentiality policies. All sequence traces will be deposited into the National Center for Biotechnology Information's trace archive as soon as they are generated.

For ALL, gene expression and genome structural studies are being carried out at:

• The University of New Mexico Cancer Center
• St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

Characterization of neuroblastoma tumor specimens is occurring at:

• Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
• Children's Hospital of Los Angeles
• National Cancer Institute Center for Cancer Research

Learn more about other areas of TARGET research:

• Cancers Selected For Study
• Gene Resequencing
• Identification of Therapeutic Targets