Through
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Genetics
Genes play a role in dog breed differences in behavior
Genes play a role in dog breed differences in behavior
Border collies are highly trainable, greyhounds love to chase, and German shepherds make good guard dogs. While the environment plays a role, traits like these are highly heritable. A new study identifies 131 genetic variants associated with breed differences in behavior.
Fruit flies’ microbiomes shape their evolution
Fruit flies’ microbiomes shape their evolution
In just five generations, an altered microbiome can lead to genome-wide evolution in fruit flies, according to new research led by Paul Schmidt and postdoc Seth Rudman of the School of Arts and Sciences.
Is treatment forever? Success of gene therapy for inherited blindness depends on timing
Is treatment forever? Success of gene therapy for inherited blindness depends on timing
An FDA-approved gene therapy for Leber congenital amaurosis, an inherited vision disorder with a childhood onset and progressive nature, has improved patients’ sight. But new research underscores the importance of further investigation to halt the progression of the disorder.
A molecular ‘atlas’ of animal development
A molecular ‘atlas’ of animal development
Scientists have studied the nematode worm Caenorhabditis elegans for decades, making essential contributions to basic science. In the latest milestone, a team uses cutting-edge technology to individually profile the genes expressed in more than 80,000 cells in a developing C. elegans embryo.
Cardiac genetic mutation may not always predict heart disease
Cardiac genetic mutation may not always predict heart disease
Researchers at Penn Medicine and Geisinger find only 5% of patients with a mutation of the TTN gene have dilated cardiomyopathy, despite changes in heart function.
Finding clues to a genetic link to treatment for BRCA1/2 breast cancer patients
Finding clues to a genetic link to treatment for BRCA1/2 breast cancer patients
New research could shape treatment strategies and clinical trial design for patients with BRCA1 and BRCA2-related breast cancers.
New spinal muscle atrophy treatment gains approval
Zolgensma is based on a delivery system discovered by a Penn gene therapy pioneer, marking a new milestone in treating the rare disease.
Researchers use gene editing with CRISPR to treat lethal lung diseases before birth
Researchers use gene editing with CRISPR to treat lethal lung diseases before birth
Using CRISPR gene editing, a team from Penn Medicine and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia have thwarted a lethal lung disease, in which a harmful mutation causes death within hours after birth.
Three from Penn elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences
Three from Penn elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences
Vice Provost for Faculty Anita Allen of the Law School and the School of Arts and Sciences, Daniel Rader of the Perelman School of Medicine, and Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein of Perry World House join a group recognized for their world-class leadership and expertise.
Study reveals overlapping and distinct genes associated with heavy drinking and alcoholism
Study reveals overlapping and distinct genes associated with heavy drinking and alcoholism
In the largest-ever genome-wide association study of both traits in the same population, a team of researchers found 18 genetic variants of significance associated with either heavy alcohol consumption, AUD, or both.
In the News
The Washington Post
FDA approves two sickle cell therapies, including first CRISPR medicine
Kiran Musunuru of the Perelman School of Medicine says that gene editing will be the biggest story of the century.
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Philadelphia Inquirer
More than 260,000 Penn Medicine patients have agreed to share their DNA for research, and the discoveries are just getting started
More than 260,000 people have signed up to participate in Penn Medicine BioBank, co-directed by Marilyn Ritchie and Dan Rader, which cross-references DNA with electronic health records to discover genetic variants of medical conditions.
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Philadelphia Inquirer
Jim Wilson has two new promising gene therapy studies, but says investment in the cutting-edge field has ‘gotten worse’
Jim Wilson of the Perelman School of Medicine has published two new studies supporting the promise of cutting-edge gene therapy, finding evidence that the genetic treatments can be beneficial for years without raising the risk of cancer.
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Smithsonian Magazine
Famed 5,300-year-old Alps Iceman was a balding middle-aged man with dark skin and eyes
Iain Mathieson of the Perelman School of Medicine says that the Iceman genome was one of the first ancient human genomes ever published.
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WHYY (Philadelphia)
Philly gene therapy companies tap into city’s workforce training program for lab techs
Penn Medicine is noted for spearheading gene therapy for cancer treatment, being the first in the nation to use a gene editing tool to combat cancer in 2019.
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Philadelphia Inquirer
These eight diseases are so rare that drug firms haven’t tried treating them with gene therapy. A $97 million program aims to help
Gene therapy for a rare form of blindness will be tested at Penn Medicine while gene therapy for a condition that causes skeletal deformities and seizures will be tested at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
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