Integration of Molecular Mechanisms Driving B-Cell Maturation and Lymphomagenesis

Abstract

Cancer is a complex disease characterized by molecular heterogeneity and the involvement of several cellular mechanisms throughout its evolution and pathogenesis. DLBCL is an heterogenous disease itself. So far, panels of biomarkers have been reported from high-throughput data that have allowed the stratification of DLBCL subtypes into GCB (Germinal center B-like) and ABC (activated B-like). Although traditional hypothesis-driven approaches have provided new insights to better understand DLBCL disturbed mechanisms, there are still so many lose gaps in this molecular system that are impossible to be described by individual molecules, or panel of biomarkers. Hence, there is a major need to untangle and understand how these hallmark molecules interact and complement each other to be able to explain the deregulated processes involved in each of DLBCL subtypes pathophysiology, to address novel therapeutic venues. This project aims to contextualize and provide a systematic view of the main mechanisms disturbed in the disease through the meta-analysis of high-throughput available studies. The approach to be followed relies on the cross-comparison among different studies and platforms, and the integration of the significant outcomes into novel pathways describing biological processes of interest, and ultimately providing insights of hidden patterns of the disease.