Whole Genome Sequencing-Based Discovery of Structural Variants in Glioblastoma

Next-generation DNA sequencing (NGS) technologies are currently being applied in both research and clinical settings for the understanding and management of disease. The goal is to use high-throughput sequencing to identify specific variants that drive tumorigenesis within each individual's tumor genomic profile. The significance of copy number and structural variants in glioblastoma makes it essential to broaden the search beyond oncogenic single nucleotide variants toward whole genome profiles of genetic aberrations that may contribute to disease progression. The heterogeneity of glioblastoma and its variability of cancer driver mutations necessitate a more robust examination of a patient's tumor genome. Here, we present patient whole genome sequencing (WGS) information to identify oncogenic structural variants that may contribute to glioblastoma pathogenesis. We provide WGS protocols and bioinformatics approaches to identify copy number and structural variations in 41 glioblastoma patient samples. We present how WGS can identify structural diversity within glioblastoma samples. We specifically show how to apply current bioinformatics tools to detect EGFR variants and other structural aberrations from DNA whole genome sequencing and how to validate those variants within the laboratory. These comprehensive WGS protocols can provide additional information directing more precise therapeutic options in the treatment of glioblastoma.