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Genetics
Solving medical mysteries with genetics: The Penn Neurogenetics Therapy Center
Solving medical mysteries with genetics: The Penn Neurogenetics Therapy Center
The Penn Neurogenetics Therapy Center works to achieve a genetic diagnosis for as many patients as possible, and establish clinical trials using novel gene and molecular therapies.
Proactive genetic testing for hereditary cancer risk can help improve outcomes
Proactive genetic testing for hereditary cancer risk can help improve outcomes
Neonatal intensive care nurse Kimyatta Frazier found solace in a relationship with a genetic counselor at Penn Medicine who would be instrumental in helping her feel more in control of any future cancer diagnoses.
$25M gift establishes Armellino Center of Excellence for Williams Syndrome at Penn Medicine
$25M gift establishes Armellino Center of Excellence for Williams Syndrome at Penn Medicine
The generosity of Penn alumnus Michael Armellino creates a center for the care of patients with the rare genetic condition across all stages of life and propels scientific discovery.
Genomic differences selected through evolution may offer clues as to why COVID-19 outcomes vary widely
Genomic differences selected through evolution may offer clues as to why COVID-19 outcomes vary widely
A team from the University of Pennsylvania analyzed genomic data from global populations, including thousands of ethnically diverse Africans, to identify genetic variants that may be associated with clinical COVID-19 outcomes.
Elizabeth Heller’s lab uncovers how drug addiction can create lasting changes in genes
Elizabeth Heller’s lab uncovers how drug addiction can create lasting changes in genes
Leading a neuroepigenetics lab at her alma mater, Heller and the work of her 10-person lab is focused on molecular brain mechanisms, aiming to uncover chronic changes that can happen and keep happening in the brain long after exposure to addictive substances ends.
Correcting night blindness in dogs
Correcting night blindness in dogs
Researchers in the School of Veterinary Medicine and colleagues have developed a gene therapy that restores dim-light vision in dogs with a congenital form of night blindness, offering hope for treating a similar condition in people.
A new study finds genome refolding contributes to resistance to cancer therapy
A new study finds genome refolding contributes to resistance to cancer therapy
While gene mutations can lead to drug resistance, researchers in the Perelman School of Medicine have identified an important, non-genetic adaptation that could also drive resistance to targeted therapy in T cell leukemia, a type of blood cell cancer.
‘Mapping’ pancreatic cells at the development of Type 1 diabetes
‘Mapping’ pancreatic cells at the development of Type 1 diabetes
Penn Medicine researchers examine of the underpinnings of the disease by creating a “map” to chart pancreatic islet cells over time.
How one researcher is helping us better understand the brain through epigenetics
How one researcher is helping us better understand the brain through epigenetics
Erica Korb, assistant professor of genetics, combines microscopy, bioinformatics, biochemistry, and behavioral testing to better understand gene expression and its impact on brain development.
Changing the identity of cancer cells to eliminate them
Changing the identity of cancer cells to eliminate them
A team led by the School of Veterinary Medicine’s M. Andrés Blanco has uncovered a new target for treating certain blood cancers that works by removing an obstacle to their maturation.
In the News
Becker’s Hospital Review
Integrating genetic testing orders into EHRs saves time, study says
A study from the Perelman School of Medicine suggests that time is saved when clinicians are able to order genetic testing through electronic health record systems.
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Forbes
University of Pennsylvania receives $55 million gift to study, treat hereditary cancers
The $55 million gift from alumni Mindy and Jon Gray will be used to establish the Basser Cancer Interception Institute, featuring a statement from President Liz Magill.
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ScienceFriday.com
Understanding metabolism genes might improve depression treatment
David Oslin of the Perelman School of Medicine discusses the implications of his latest research examining whether genetic testing can be used to help prescribe antidepressants.
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Science Daily
Genomic differences selected through evolution may offer clues as to why COVID-19 outcomes vary widely
PIK Professor Sarah Tishkoff explains how her team’s studies use what happens in nature and signatures of natural selection to identify functionally important variants
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Neuroscience
Both nature and nurture contribute to signatures of socioeconomic status in the brain
Gideon Nave of the Wharton School and Martha Farah of the School of Arts & Sciences are quoted on their work that found evidence that both genetics and environmental influences contribute to the impact of socioeconomic status in a complex interplay with effects that span a variety of brain regions.
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Science
First gene-editing treatment injected into the blood reduces toxic protein for up to 1 year
Kiran Musunuru of the Perelman School of Medicine commented on an experimental gene-editing treatment for a condition that has already responded well to approved drugs. “I think people are generally assuming that the clinical outcomes [from the gene-editing treatment] will follow,” he said.
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