The Cancer Genome Atlas

The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) is a project, first initiated in 2005, that aims to catalogue and discover major cancer-causing genomic alterations to create a comprehensive "atlas" of cancer genomic profiles. The project is funded by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), two of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

History

The Cancer Genome Atlas was launched in 2005 as a joint effort between the NCI and NHGRI. The project was initially piloted with $50 million each from both institutes. The success of the pilot project, which focused on glioblastoma multiforme, ovarian serous cystadenocarcinoma, and lung squamous cell carcinoma, led to the continuation and expansion of TCGA.

Goals

The primary goal of TCGA is to improve the ability to diagnose, treat, and prevent cancer. It aims to do this through a better understanding of the genomic changes that occur in cancer. The project seeks to create a comprehensive "atlas" of cancer genomic profiles, which can be used by researchers and clinicians to develop more effective ways to diagnose and treat cancer.

Methodology

TCGA uses large-scale genome sequencing and bioinformatics to identify mutations in cancer. The project includes multiple types of data, including DNA sequence, copy number variation, DNA methylation, mRNA expression, miRNA expression, and protein expression. These data are made publicly available to the research community.

Impact

TCGA has significantly contributed to our understanding of cancer. The project has identified key mutations in many types of cancer, and has provided a wealth of data for researchers. The data from TCGA is being used to develop new diagnostic tests and treatments for cancer.

See also

• Genome project
• Cancer research
• National Institutes of Health