Biology subjects

Li, W.

Publications and source records attributed to Li, W..

At least 181 records · Page 10Linked to original sources

bioRxiv2025

The conserved NUS-1/DHDDS complex links N-glycosylation to lipid and lysosomal homeostasis in C. elegans

N-glycosylation, driven by the cis-prenyltransferase (cis-PT) complex, a NUS1 and DHDDS heterotetramer, is vital for proteome integrity. Despite being linked to severe congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDGs), the systemic role of NUS1/DHDDS remains elusive. Here, we characterize the conserved C. elegans cis-PT complex and uncover a critical crosstalk with global lipid metabolism. cis-PT deficiency induces catastrophic ER stress, global glycoprotein defects, and developmental failure. Mechanistically, NUS-1 physically interacts with the core oligosaccharyltransferase (OST) complex, directly coupling substrate synthesis to N-glycan transfer. Loss of NUS-1 or DHDDS causes systemic lipopenia, lysosomal dysfunction, and cholesterol sequestration, resulting from impaired N-glycosylation of key regulatory glycoproteins like SCAP. Utilizing CDG-associated CRISPR models, we resolve the molecular basis for cis-PT dysfunction, identifying interface disruption and catalytic impairment as distinct disease etiologies. These findings collectively reveal a critical and previously unappreciated crosstalk between protein glycosylation and global lipid metabolism, establishing a robust system to explore CDG pathology and therapeutic strategies.

cell biology↗

bioRxiv2025

mMap: a comprehensive and continuously updated species distribution database facilitating the understanding of mosquito diversity and distribution patterns

Mosquitoes, as vectors of deadly diseases like malaria and dengue, exhibit complex and dynamic global distribution patterns influenced by climate change and human activity. However, gaps in species-level data and biases in existing databases hinder accurate risk assessments. Here, we present mMap (v1.01), a comprehensive and curated mosquito distribution database integrating multi-source records from literature (36,242 entries across 1,809 studies), museum collections, and field reports in 6 languages. Systematic data harmonization and validation workflows address taxonomic and spatial uncertainties, enabling family-level analyses previously constrained by fragmented data. Our results reveal significant range expansions for 28 invasive species (e.g., Aedes albopictus in Europe) and corrections to historical distributions (e.g., Ae. vexans in 22 new countries). The interactive mMap platform (accessible at https://mos-map.vercel.app/) provides open-access tools for visualizing spatial-temporal trends, automated SDM forecasting, and expert-curated species profiles. By unifying dispersed data into a scalable framework, mMap advances research on mosquito biodiversity, invasion ecology, and disease risk mapping, offering a critical resource for global health strategies in an era of rapid environmental change.

ecology↗

bioRxiv2025

Structural Mechanism of Specific Nucleobase Recognition by a Monoclonal Antibody in CoolMPSTM Sequencing

Massively parallel sequencing (MPS) has revolutionized genomics, yet traditional methods utilizing fluorescently labeled nucleotides suffer from "scarring" effects that limit read accuracy. The CoolMPS technology overcomes this by using unlabeled reversible terminators (RTs) with a 3-O-azidomethyl blocking group, detected by highly specific fluorescent antibodies. However, the atomic-level mechanism by which these antibodies discriminate between modified and natural nucleotides within a DNA strand remains unclear. Here, we report the crystal structures of the "A-fab" antibody fragment in complex with the monomeric antigen 3-O-azidomethyl-dATP (dATP-N3) at 2.50 [A] resolution, and with an one strand of the duplex carries an azide-modified deoxyadenosine nucleotide at its 3' terminus (dsDNA-dATP-N3) at 1.99 [A] resolution. Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) revealed that A-fab binds dATP-N3 with nanomolar affinity (KD{approx}17.14 nM), while binding to natural dATP is negligible (KD{approx}7.51{micro}M), representing a [~]440-fold specificity. Structural analysis reveals a conserved hydrophobic pocket formed by CDR residues (e.g., Trp79, Tyr53, Leu67) that specifically accommodates the 3-azidomethyl group. This interaction is critical for affinity and is maintained in the dsDNA-ATP-N3 complex, validating the antibodys function in a sequencing context. These findings provide the structural rationale for the high fidelity of the CoolMPS platform.

biochemistry↗

bioRxiv2025

Single-cell RNA-sequencing of cerebral spinal fluid identifies circulating tumour cells in children with brain cancer

Paediatric central nervous system (CNS) tumours are the leading cause of cancer-related death in children, yet disease monitoring remains challenging. Conventional approaches, including imaging and cytology, lack sensitivity, delaying intervention. Liquid biopsy offers a minimally invasive alternative, but the utility of circulating tumour cells (CTCs) in paediatric CNS tumours as biomarkers is poorly defined. We developed a CTC detection and characterisation workflow from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) utilising single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) and applied this to ten CNS tumour subtypes in 16 patients. CTCs were identified in all cases, with higher burdens in pineoblastoma, medulloblastoma and atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumours. Longitudinal profiling revealed CTC dynamics correlated with clinical disease course and anticipated relapse. Critically, scRNA-seq uncovered a sub-clonal canonical driver alteration at diagnosis that only became detectable by bulk RNA-seq at progression, underscoring its potential to resolve clonal dynamics. This workflow enables real-time molecular profiling, offering a transformative strategy for disease monitoring and personalised therapy in paediatric brain tumours.

cancer biology↗

bioRxiv2025

GIGEM (Group Isolation Gauge Effect Metrics), A Software Suite for Analyzing Social Isolation-Induced Sleep Loss and Multi-Batch Experiments in Drosophila

We introduce Group Isolation Gauge Effect Metrics (GIGEM), a high-throughput software suite for Drosophila sleep analysis designed to manage large population datasets from multi-batch experiments. In this study, we characterized social isolation-induced sleep phenotypes across 38 Sleep Inbred Panel (SIP) lines after both acute and chronic social isolation. Beyond this specific study, GIGEM is broadly suited for diverse Drosophila sleep research involving large-scale and multi-batch datasets. GIGEM enabled an extensive analysis of sleep parameters and allowed systematic identification of sleep changes in response to social isolation. Following acute social isolation, SIP line animals showed heterogeneous responses, including sleep loss, sleep gain, and no change in sleep. In contrast, chronic social isolation led to significant sleep loss in nearly all lines, though to varying degrees. While most SIP lines were sensitive to chronic social isolation, a select few were resistant to it. These results were obtained across 38 SIP lines and wild-type controls (totaling 5670 animals). Collectively, our results demonstrate that chronic social isolation-induced sleep loss is a robust yet variable trait and establish GIGEM as a powerful, generalizable tool for Drosophila sleep phenotyping in large-scale, multi-batch studies.

animal behavior and cognition↗

bioRxiv2025

COPS5 is Essential for Sertoli Cell Function and Male Fertility in Mice

The COP9 signalosome subunit 5 (COPS5) is a multifunctional protein that regulates ubiquitin-dependent processes. Global knockout of Cops5 is embryonically lethal, and while it is known to be vital in germ cells and testicular smooth muscle, its function in Sertoli cells, the key somatic supporters of spermatogenesis, remains entirely unknown. This study investigates the critical role of COPS5 within Sertoli cells. Using Sertoli cell-specific Cops5 knockout mouse models, we demonstrate that COPS5 is essential for maintaining male fertility. Sertoli-specific Cops5 ablation resulted in age-dependent male infertility, despite normal initial development. Mutants exhibited progressive testicular atrophy, oligoasthenospermia, and significantly reduced testis weight. Histology showed vacuolated, disorganized tubules devoid of germ cells and sperm. Crucially, COPS5 loss disrupted Sertoli cell polarity, evidenced by aberrant cytoplasmic mislocalization of the nuclear marker WT1 and detachment from the basement membrane. Integrity of the blood-testis barrier (BTB) was severely compromised, with discontinuous and punctate expression of the tight junction adaptor ZO-1. Intercellular communication was also impaired, shown by a stark reduction in Connexin 43 gap junction signals. Our findings establish that COPS5 is an indispensable intrinsic regulator of Sertoli cell function. Its loss disrupts cell polarity, BTB architecture, and gap junction communication, leading to failed support of spermatogenesis and consequently infertility. This work defines a novel and critical somatic function for COPS5 in male reproduction. We conclude that COPS5 is intrinsically required in Sertoli cells to maintain their polarity and BTB function, which are foundational for supporting germ cell development and ensuring male fertility. This identifies COPS5 as a novel, essential regulator within the testicular somatic compartment.

genetics↗

bioRxiv2025

Ultrahigh-Throughput Forster Resonance Energy Transfer-Activated Droplet Sorting for Terminator Polymerase Engineering

Droplet microfluidic screening systems enable high-throughput, labor-saving enzyme directed evolution by employing fluorescence, absorbance, and Raman-activated sorting strategies for library screening. Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET) - a nanoscale technique for monitoring intramolecular/intermolecular conformational changes - is yet to be integrated into this process. We upgraded a single-channel sorter to a dual-channel one without redesigning the microscopy setup, which can monitor FRET signals during enzyme reactions in droplets at kilohertz rates. We applied this upgraded sorter to improve the incorporation efficiency of KOD DNA polymerase towards reversible terminator deoxyribonucleotides, a property crucial for its application in next-generation sequencing (NGS). Our data show that a single-round sorting can achieve 30-fold enrichment of active variants. Five KOD variants enabling 100-cycle single-end runs of DNA sequencing were identified using a novel cyclic reversible termination (CRT) substrate featuring a terminator group {approx} 5-fold bulkier than the classical azidomethyl moiety. We also engineered a metagenome-derived novel polymerase, and a variant achieving 90% terminator incorporation efficiency within 2 minutes was identified after two rounds of enrichment. In sum, we provide a practical setup for dual-channel FRET-based droplet sorting, and demonstrate its ability in terminator polymerases engineering, thereby broaden the scope of microfluidic applications.

biochemistry↗

bioRxiv2025

Nuclear N-Glycosylation Redefines the Glycoscape and Directs Cell Identity

Glycans modify nucleic acids, proteins and lipids in fundamental biological processes, but have long been considered confined to the secretory pathway and cell surface. Here, we challenge this view with evidence that N-glycosylation, a ubiquitous glycan modification, occurs within cell nuclei across tissues and species, exhibiting cell type-dependent abundance and localization patterns. Using a multi-faceted approach, we show that numerous classical membrane and secreted glycoproteins localize to the nucleus with N-glycan modifications, exemplified by the cell adhesion molecule L1CAM. Mechanistically, we show that the N-glycosylated L1CAM is transported to the nucleus by KPNB1, where it transcriptionally modulates neuronal differentiation. Moreover, this nuclear N-glycosylation event contributes to neurodevelopmental disorders and is pharmacologically reversible. These findings revise the cellular geography of N-glycosylation and expand the known routes of protein trafficking, and highlight nuclear N-glycosylation pathways as potential therapeutic entry points for developmental disorders.

cell biology↗

bioRxiv2025

Optical genome mapping identifies a novel PSIP1::TBL1X fusion in metastatic pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors

Background and aimsEffective treatment of metastatic neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) is limited by a lack of targeted therapies and clinically useful predictive biomarkers. We applied complementary genomic profiling technologies to identify genomic alterations that could lead to actionable drug targets and biomarkers. MethodsOptical genome mapping (OGM) and whole exome sequencing (WES) were performed on 70 liver metastases of neuroendocrine tumors from multiple anatomical primary sites. PacBio Iso-Seq long read sequencing and western blotting was used to confirm fusion gene expression. Findings were validated by rtPCR and western blotting on a separate cohort of 17 resection specimens from 14 pancreatic NET cases. ResultsSomatic variant calling from OGM data detected recurrent fusions involving TBL1X (PSIP1::TBL1X) and BEND2 (CHD7::BEND2 and NEO1::BEND2) in pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNETs). BEND2 fusions were associated with high grade tumors, as previously described. The novel PSIP1::TBL1X fusion was confirmed to result in fusion transcript expression by both long-read sequencing and nested rtPCR. Presence of the PSIP1::TBL1X fusion transcript was also confirmed in a second cohort of pNET resection specimens and fusion protein expression was established by western blotting. Both TBL1X and BEND2 fusions are mutually exclusive with ATRX/DAXX mutations. ConclusionThis study underscores the importance of structural variants, including fusion genes as both prognostic biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets, especially in ATRX/DAXX negative pNETs. BEND2 fusion positivity may be a clinically useful biomarker for aggressive disease. As all TBL1X fusion isoforms contain the entire TBL1X coding sequence, TBL1X inhibition could be explored as a novel treatment for TBL1X fusion positive pNETs.

cancer biology↗

bioRxiv2025

STUltra: scalable and accurate integration for subcellular-level spatial omics data

High-resolution spatial transcriptomics (ST) is generating massive datasets involving multiple tissue sections, continuous developmental stages, or various disease conditions. Yet, their scale, biological heterogeneity, and substantial batch effects hinder data integration for further analysis, particularly the temporal interpretation of disease-associated spatial domains within tissue organization landscapes. Here, we present STUltra, a scalable hypergraph framework that integrates multi-sample ST data for precise domain detection and genome-wide association study (GWAS)-based disease trait mapping. From ST datasets, STUltra first constructs interval-sampled integrative hypergraphs, in which hyperedges capture tissue neighborhoods within the slices as well as shared biological contexts across the slices. It then combines a robust graph autoencoder with contrastive learning to learn batch-corrected, spatially informed embeddings for identifying spatial domains across the tissue sections. These embeddings are then coupled with GWAS statistics to map trait-associated signals onto the integrated tissue sub-structure landscapes spanning different sections, developmental stages, and disease conditions. STUltra substantially outperforms competing methods, especially being much faster, on diverse integration benchmarks, enabling efficient processing of datasets containing millions of spots. As a case study on a mouse embryo dataset, STUltra recovered continuous developmental programs and mapped congenital heart disease signals beyond cardiac regions to broader programs including vascular and mesenchymal domains. On a mouse Alzheimer's disease dataset, STUltra prioritized localized AD-associated genetic signals to microglia and a disease-expanded C1QA/HEXB-high astrocyte state. Together, STUltra provides a scalable framework to bridge the gap between spatiotemporal tissue structures and complex disease traits, facilitating discoveries from previously unrecognized molecular and cellular architectures across diverse contexts.

bioinformatics↗

bioRxiv2025

Elevated neuronal TAF15 expression leads to FTD-like phenotype

TAF15, a DNA/RNA-binding protein whose dysfunction in alternative splicing impairs NMDA receptor signaling, can form amyloid fibrils that contribute to neurodegeneration in the neurodegenerative diseases like FTD and ALS, indicating a close involvement of TAF15 in both neuronal physiological function and activation of pathological pathways. However, the relationship between TAF15 expression levels and neurodegeneration, as well as the specific downstream pathways mediating its neurotoxicity, remains unclear. Here, we found a consistent upregulation of TAF15 in prefrontal cortex neurons from patients across multiple FTD and ALS subtypes. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that neuronal TAF15 overexpression triggered oxidative stress, evidenced by reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, leading to neurotoxicity and gliosis. Mice overexpressing TAF15 in medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) neurons exhibited heightened anxiety and impaired fear memory, mimicking some key features of FTD behavioral abnormalities. Notably, these pathological and behavioral phenotypes are rescued by the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine amide (NACA), indicating that elevated TAF15 level exacerbates neurodegeneration primarily by activating oxidative stress pathways. Together, this work elucidates a novel TAF15-oxidative stress axis in FTD-associated neurodegeneration, providing a conceptual framework for future therapeutic development. Graphical abstract O_FIG O_LINKSMALLFIG WIDTH=200 HEIGHT=120 SRC="FIGDIR/small/694105v1_ufig1.gif" ALT="Figure 1000"> View larger version (35K): org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@cc581eorg.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@1ad2129org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@15c0fb5org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@10b57a6_HPS_FORMAT_FIGEXP M_FIG C_FIG HighlightsTAF15 is upregulated in prefrontal cortex neurons of patients with FTD and ALS across different subtypes. Elevated TAF15 expression provokes ROS elevation, leading to neurotoxicity and gliosis. Neuronal TAF15 overexpression in the mouse mPFC results in FTD-like anxiety and impaired fear-memory phenotype. Reducing oxidative stress can rescue FTD-like phenotype caused by TAF15 upregulation.

neuroscience↗

bioRxiv2025

Preclinical immunogenicity of the LP.8.1-adapted BNT162b2 COVID-19 vaccine

SARS-CoV-2 evolution toward antigenically distinct lineages drives escape from host immunity. JN.1 lineage derivatives have recently dominated the global epidemiologic landscape. In preclinical models, an LP.8.1-adapted BNT162b2 vaccine elicited higher serum neutralizing antibody responses against contemporary, circulating JN.1 sublineages, including the currently dominant XFG, as compared to JN.1-, KP.2- and XEC-adapted vaccines. These findings supported the selection of an LP.8.1-adapted vaccine for the composition of the 2025-26 COVID-19 vaccine formula.

immunology↗

bioRxiv2025

Thymidine Phosphorylase Drives SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein-Induced Lung Tumorigenesis

Rationale and ObjectivesCOVID-19 survivors exhibit increased interstitial lung fibrosis, a known risk factor for lung cancer. We investigated whether SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein (SP)-induced lung injury and elevated thymidine phosphorylase (TYMP) promote lung tumorigenesis. MethodsA TriNetX retrospective cohort analysis was combined with mechanistic studies in K18-hACE2TG and K18-hACE2TG/Tymp-/- mice. Mice received intratracheal SP or control lysate followed by a urethane-induced lung cancer protocol. Lung injury, inflammation, thrombosis, fibrosis, STAT3 activation, cytokine profiles, and tumor burden were assessed. In vitro assays evaluated SP- and RBD-induced ACE2 processing. ResultsPropensity score-matched TriNetX cohorts demonstrated an increased lung cancer risk after COVID-19, particularly among current smokers (n = 166,807; RR 1.22; HR 1.50; P < .001). In mice, SP induced acute lung injury, neutrophil infiltration, and microthrombi, which were reduced in TYMP-deficient mice. SP markedly increased lung tumor incidence and aggressiveness, whereas TYMP deficiency reduced tumor formation from 50% to 18% of lung lobes. SP-induced STAT3 upregulation and collagen deposition were significantly attenuated in K18-hACE2TG/Tymp-/- mice. Cytokine profiling revealed a tumor-promoting, myeloid-dominant inflammatory milieu in K18-hACE2TG mice, in contrast to a T cell-inflamed, anti-tumor profile in K18-hACE2TG/Tymp-/- mice. SP and RBD altered ACE2 processing, generating lower-molecular-weight fragments consistent with enhanced turnover. ConclusionsSARS-CoV-2 SP drives lung injury, fibrosis, and tumorigenesis through a TYMP-dependent mechanism involving STAT3 signaling and inflammatory microenvironment remodeling. COVID-19 significantly increases lung cancer risk, especially in current smokers. TYMP represents a potential therapeutic target to mitigate long-term pulmonary consequences of COVID-19.

cell biology↗

bioRxiv2025

Integrative Analysis of Spatial Transcriptome and Connectome by SpaCon

The brains structure and function arise from its complex molecular composition and neural connectivity, yet the relationship between cell-type-specific gene expression and brain-wide connectivity is not well understood. By integrating single-cell resolution spatial transcriptomics and connectomics, we reveal tight gene-connectivity coupling in the cortico-thalamic circuit. To uncover the latent factors associating connectivity with gene expression, we focused on the often-overlooked extrasomatic mRNAs in spatial transcriptomics and identified specific gene expression in axons of the corpus callosum that reflect their cortical origins. Building on these findings, we developed SpaCon, a deep-learning method that flexibly integrates global connectivity with local gene expression. SpaCon employs efficient neighbor-sampling to enable whole-brain analysis while preserving performance. This architecture allows the model to identify functionally relevant three-dimensional domains defined by transcriptome-connectome patterns, even when spatially distant. Validated across diverse datasets and species, SpaCon significantly enhances the prediction of connectivity from gene expression and improves the spatial classification of neuronal subtypes. SpaCon provides a powerful, scalable, and versatile framework for understanding transcriptome-connectome relationships.

neuroscience↗

bioRxiv2025

TaoChongBao: A Large-Scale Caenorhabditis elegans Mutagenesis and Missense Variant Database Bridging Worm and Human Genomes

We generated and sequenced 12,069 viable Caenorhabditis elegans strains produced by ethyl methanesulfonate mutagenesis, identifying 20,315,536 variants, including 541,102 unique missense mutations across 20,914 genes. To organize and visualize this resource, we developed TaoChongBao, an open-access database and strain repository that integrates C. elegans mutation data with AlphaMissense-predicted pathogenicity scores and ClinVar clinical annotations. TaoChongBao enables users to explore worm missense variants, identify conserved residues corresponding to human pathogenic sites, and access viable strains for experimental validation. Compared with the previous Million Mutation Project in C. elegans, TaoChongBao expands mutation coverage over twenty-fold and emphasizes amino acid-altering variants. This resource provides a scalable platform for functional residuomics, variant interpretation, and comparative analyses between C. elegans and human genomes.

bioinformatics↗

bioRxiv2025

Preoptic Neurons that Regulate Hibernation Entry

Evolution of seasonal hibernation has enabled mammals to survive harsh conditions by entering a state of prolonged hypometabolism and hypothermia with body temperatures as low as 0-4{degrees}C1-6. Despite decades of physiological studies, the genetic tools to study hibernation have remained limited and the mechanisms that induce hibernation entry are still unknown. Focusing on the brain, we map state-dependent neuronal activity across the hibernation cycle in Syrian hamsters and identify the hypothalamic anterior preoptic area (aPOA) as a key regulator of hibernation entry. Single-nucleus RNA and chromatin profiling provided a map of neuronal populations present in the hamster POA and enabled the discovery and design of an enhancer AAV that selectively targets hibernation-associated aPOA subpopulations. Using this genetic approach, we show that Samd3-positive aPOA glutamatergic neurons are necessary for entry into hibernation and that their activation is sufficient to induce a prolonged hypothermic state with associated nesting behavior. Together, we identify the first neuronal population that controls entry into hibernation, opening new avenues for investigating and manipulating the metabolic and physiological mechanisms underlying this extreme state of "suspended animation" and its potential applications in aging and disease.

neuroscience↗

bioRxiv2025

Multi-stromal organoid co-cultures model pancreatic cancer and pancreatitis epithelial cell-fibroblast heterogeneity

Malignant cell-fibroblast cross-talks modulate disease progression and therapy response of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Our knowledge of the heterogeneous nature of PDAC cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) has significantly increased over the last few years. Yet, whether CAFs in PDAC differ from fibroblasts in pancreatic inflammation remains poorly understood. Chronic pancreatitis - a prolonged inflammatory state of the pancreas - is a risk factor for PDAC and is characterised by abundant fibroblasts. Thus, dissecting pancreatic fibroblast and epithelial cell reprogramming in malignancy relative to inflammation could inform new preventative, diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for PDAC. Here, we studied how pancreatic malignancy and inflammation differently shape fibroblast heterogeneity and their crosstalk with epithelial cells. We analysed human samples and mouse models of pancreatitis and PDAC and leveraged new murine pancreatitis-derived epithelial organoids to establish pancreatitis and PDAC organoid/multi-stroma co-cultures comprising pancreatic stellate cells, fibroblasts and mesothelial cells. We demonstrate that a combination of in vitro and in vivo models better captures epithelial cell and fibroblast markers of human pancreatitis and PDAC compared to mouse models alone. Finally, we identify PDAC and pancreatitis epithelial cell-specific reprogramming of stromal cells of different origin, and we infer the contribution of these distinct stromal cell types to fibroblasts in PDAC and pancreatitis in vivo. Together, our study highlights different epithelial cell-fibroblast heterogeneity in PDAC and pancreatitis, and provides new platforms for the identification of markers and epithelial-stromal interdependencies of these diseases.

cancer biology↗

bioRxiv2025

CBL mutations in pediatric solid and CNS tumors are a marker of receptor tyrosine kinase activation and a potential therapeutic target

Mutations in CBL, an E3 ubiquitin ligase that negatively regulates receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) and potentiates intracellular signaling, have been extensively characterized in hematological malignancies. However, the impacts are unknown in other cancer types. We have identified established and novel aberrations in CBL in molecularly diverse pediatric CNS and solid tumors. Additionally, we present novel CBL splice mutations, including in the germline of a high-grade glioma patient, and alternative CBL splicing without corresponding genomic alterations. Functionally, we demonstrate that CBL exon 8/9{Delta}, typically associated with acute myeloid leukemia, is RTK activating in neuroblastoma and that novel CBL variants, CBL E366_E373del and CBL C384G, can cooperate with overexpression of EGFR to transform Ba/F3 cells. Collectively, these data represent a novel form of RTK activation in pediatric patients with solid and CNS tumors who might benefit from RTK-targeted therapies. Statement of significanceMolecularly targeted therapies improve childhood cancer outcomes. Therapies targeting genes called receptor tyrosine kinases are particularly effective. We have identified new genetic alterations that may be a marker for receptor tyrosine kinase activation and drug sensitivity, enabling more patients to benefit from targeted treatments.

cancer biology↗