PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT of the Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Core (BBC) The Translational Research Program in Cancer Differences across Populations (TRPCDP) SPORE will utilize cutting-edge technologies to develop novel approaches for prevention, early detection, diagnosis, and treatment aimed toward reducing population differences in colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence and mortality. The Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Core (BBC) will play a crucial role in deepening our understanding of these differences by using systematic and rigorous approaches. These will involve properly conducting research at all phases, including study design considerations (e.g., common designs and protocols across study sites and population 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 with manuscript preparation and presentation of results to ensure that findings are robust, valid and appropriately interpreted across population 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 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 rigorous, data collection methods are consistently applied, and data processing and analyses are systematically conducted across all population 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 TRPCDP studies and...