Project description:Combined EPIC and 450k analysis across 212 posterior fossa ependymoma's classified as PFB using the Heidelberg Brain Tumour Classifier Methylation profiling across 212 posterior fossa PFB ependymoma's to discern molecular heterogeneity
Project description:To examine the cellular heterogeneity in the PF, in mouse, we used droplet-based single cell RNA sequencing technique developed by Klein et al. 2015, Cell 161, 1187–1201. doi:10.1016/j.cell.2015.04.044.
Project description:Posterior fossa type A (PF-EPN-A, PFA) ependymoma are aggressive tumors that mainly affect children and have a poor prognosis. Histopathology shows significant intratumoral heterogeneity, ranging from loose tissue to often sharply demarcated, extremely cell dense tumor areas. To determine molecular differences between these morphologically different areas and to understand their clinical significance, we analyzed 113 PF-EPN-A samples, including 40 corresponding relapse samples. Inter alia, DNA methylation profiles were analysed for high and low cell density regions seperately in 21 cases. Tumor areas with low and high cell density showed diverging DNA methylation profiles regarding their similarity to distinct previously discovered PF-EPN-A subtypes in 9/21 cases. Prognostically relevant chromosomal changes at 1q and 6q showed spatial heterogeneity within single tumors.