MutWP3__CRUK_Grand_Challenge_Mutographs_of_cancer___cell_of_origin

The Mutographs project aims to advance our understanding of the causes of cancer through studies of mutational signatures. Led by Mike Stratton, together with Paul Brennan, Ludmil Alexandrov, Allan Balmain, David Phillips and Peter Campbell, this large-scale international research endeavour was awarded a Cancer Research UK Grand Challenge. Different patterns of somatic mutation are generated by the different environmental, lifestyle and genetic factors that cause cancer, many of them are still unknown. Within Mutographs, the work lead by UCSF will identify and characterise the biological processes underlying mutational signature. The work will contribute to a compendium of mutational signatures induced by defined chemical, physical and biological factors using rodent models of cancer. Whole genome sequences of tumour-germline DNA pairs are generated at the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute (Illumina HiSeqX, 30X). Somatic mutational signatures are subsequently extracted by non-negative matrix factorisation methods. Through an enhanced understanding of cancer aetiology, Mutographs unprecedented effort is anticipated to outline modifiable risk factors, lead to new approaches to prevent cancer, and provide opportunities to empower early detection, refine high-risk groups and contribute to further therapeutic development.