Core C - Data Science

Ut Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas TX

Investigators

Abstract

The Data Science Core (Core C) will offer comprehensive biostatistical and bioinformatic support to the UT Southwestern (UTSW) Liver Cancer SPORE. Core C, co-directed by Drs. Chul Ahn and Tao Wang, consists of expert members integrated into the data analytics, informatics, and biostatistical infrastructure at the Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center and UTSW. The research proposed by the Liver Cancer SPORE generates diverse data types, including clinical, biochemical, immuno-histochemical, sequencing, spatial molecular profiling, and imaging data. Core C supports the storage, retrieval, analysis, and sharing of these data by developing a dedicated information technology (IT) infrastructure and providing comprehensive biostatistical/bioinformatic support to ensure high scientific integrity. Core C is organized into three groups: Biostatistics, Bioinformatics, and Data Management. Each group implements innovative data analytic approaches and provides day-to-day support for all SPORE investigators. Each project has a dedicated biostatistician and a bioinformatician as the direct point of contact for all data science needs. Core personnel ensure the appropriate statistical design, linkage, validation, and interpretation of results for statistical and biological significance, ensuring reproducibility and rigor in reporting research findings. Core C members were involved in developing all Liver Cancer SPORE projects and will continue assisting with study design, biostatistical/bioinformatic data analysis, data management, and monitoring the proper conduct. Core C provides resources for external researchers to gain appropriate access to SPORE-related datasets to validate and further analyses. While initially using well-established methods, Core members contribute innovative approaches to catalyze discovery and translation as needed. Core C maintains an open-door policy to promptly address requests for SPORE-related analysis, with an accessible pool of biostatisticians and bioinformaticians to meet the increasingly complex demands of liver cancer research. Core C will provide dedicated data science support for SPORE investigators via the following Specific Aims: Aim 1. Provide biostatistical support for experimental design with power calculation, statistical analysis, and interpretation for all Liver Cancer SPORE-related research activities. Aim 2. Provide bioinformatics support for genomic and imaging data preprocessing, analysis, interpretation, and visualization for all Liver Cancer SPORE-related research activities. Aim 3. Maintain and expand a web-based database and analysis tools by our liver cancer biorepository for streamlined and integrated access to liver cancer biospecimens and clinical/molecular data for SPORE investigators and the broader liver cancer research community. Overall, the IT infrastructure for the Liver Cancer SPORE will ensure secure storage and access to data, streamlined sharing of data, state-of-the-art analysis capabilities, and rigorous scientific interpretation to promote translational research in liver cancer and reduce liver cancer mortality in the U.S.