Kali Quade, “Tabulating mCAs by Age, Sex, and Ancestry to Predict Hematologic Malignancy”
Mentor: Paul Auer, MCW Cancer Center
Poster #84
Hematopoietic stem cells play a vital role in the generation of various blood cell types, including lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, basophils, and neutrophils. However, during the maturation process, these cells may accumulate mutations in their DNA. While many of these mutations have minimal impact or render the cells nonviable, some confer a competitive advantage, leading to the formation of large colonies—a phenomenon known as clonal hematopoiesis. This process has been linked to several diseases, including heart disease, arteriosclerosis, and hematologic malignancies. Notably, by the age of seventy, approximately 10% of the healthy U.S. population exhibits clonal hematopoiesis, with prevalence escalating with age. One significant mutation type contributing to clonal hematopoiesis is mosaic chromosomal alterations (mCAs), where substantial portions of DNA undergo alterations. Importantly, certain mCAs are associated with the development of hematologic malignancies, and their prevalence varies across different demographic groups. To explore these relationships, we will utilize the All of Us database, which offers comprehensive health records from a diverse set of individuals which previous studies often lack. Our hypothesis suggests that the frequencies and chromosomal locations of autosomal mCAs differ based on age, sex, and ancestry, with implications for predicting both hematologic and non-hematologic malignancies. To assess our hypothesis, we propose the following. Firstly, we will analyze mCA frequencies across individuals of varying demographics. Next, we will identify chromosomal loci harboring the most mCAs within these groups. Finally, we will assess whether the identified mCAs can predict the onset of blood cancers. By uncovering demographic-specific patterns of mCAs, we aim to tailor personalized cancer prevention and treatment strategies, recognizing the diverse genetic variability underlying hematologic malignancies.