The new process focuses on missense mutations, meaning protein sequences that each possess a single tiny variation from the normal pattern. A small percentage of these genetic errors can reduce the activity of proteins that usually suppress tumors or hyperactivate proteins that make it easier for tumors to grow, thereby allowing cancer to develop and spread. But finding these genetic offenders can be difficult.

Related links:

Rachel Karchin's Lab Page:
http://karchinlab.org/

Department of Biomedical Engineering:
http://www.bme.jhu.edu/

Johns Hopkins Institute for Computational Medicine:
http://www.icm.jhu.edu/

Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center:
http://www.hopkinskimmelcancercenter.org/