Core C: Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Core

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT of the Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Core (BBC) The Translational Research Program in Colorectal Cancer Disparities (TRPCD) SPORE will utilize cutting- edge technologies to develop novel approaches for prevention, early detection, diagnosis, and treatment aimed toward reducing racial and ethnic disparities in colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence and mortality. The

Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Core (BBC) will play a crucial role in deepening our understanding of these disparities by using systematic and unbiased approaches. These will involve properly conducting research at all phases, including study design considerations (e.g., common designs and protocols across study sites and

racial and ethnic groups), data collection methods (e.g., assays performed simultaneously), and data analyses (e.g., accounting for factors that may confound the associations). To serve the SPORE program and ensure the rigor of research activities, the BBC has two aims. Aim 1 is to provide statistical and bioinformatic support

in the areas of risk prediction, observational studies, survivorship, treatment response, and clinical trials, utilizing a variety of cutting-edge omics data, such as single cell ATACseq and RNAseq, genome-wide genetic sequencing, digital spatial single cell profiling, and microbiome profiling. The BBC will collaborate with SPORE

investigators on study design, data quality control, analysis, and interpretation of results, including biological interpretation of study findings using bioinformatics tools. Additionally, the BBC will partner with all projects as they prepare manuscripts and present their results to ensure that the data disseminated are unbiased and valid

across racial and ethnic groups. Aim 2 is to monitor ongoing methodological developments and evaluate state- of-the-art statistical methods and computational tools as they are being developed to enable powerful analyses of novel data structures arising from SPORE projects. When necessary, the BBC will also adapt existing or

develop new methods and tools to advance SPORE research. The BBC is fully integrated into the four SPORE projects and the Career Enhancement and Developmental Research Programs, and has been designed and structured specifically to support SPORE investigators and their translational cancer disparities research.

Together with the Administrative and Biospecimen and Pathology Cores, the BBC will synergistically interact with investigators and provide statistical and bioinformatic support to ensure that study designs are unbiased, data collection methods are consistently applied, and data processing and analyses are systematically

conducted across all racial and ethnic groups. The BBC investigators have extensive track records in methodological and CRC research including germline genetics, tumor genomics, and translational research. Building upon this record and established analytic expertise, the BBC will enhance the rigor and quality of all

TRPCD studies and help ensure that our SPORE successfully achieves its scientific goals.