Extensive heterogeneity in somatic mutation and selection in the human bladder

Genetic profiles of the bladder Depending on the environment of the individual, the human bladder can be exposed to carcinogens as they are flushed through the body. Lawson et al. and Li et al. examined the genetic composition of laser-dissected microbiopsies from normal and cancer cells collected from the urothelium, a specialized epithelium lining the lower urinary tract (see the Perspective by Rozen). These complementary studies identified the mutational landscape of bladder urothelium through various sequencing strategies and identified high mutational heterogeneity within and between individuals and tumors. Both studies identified mutational profiles related to specific carcinogens such as aristolochic acid and the molecules found in tobacco. These studies present a comprehensive description of the diverse mutational landscape of the human bladder in health and disease, unraveling positive selection for cancer-causing mutations, a diversity of mutational processes, and large differences across individuals. Science , this issue p. 75 , p. 82 ; see also p. 34