TGen Talks

This month on TGen Talks, we get an insider's perspective on how today's biomedical research translates into tomorrow's treatments. We sit down with Stephanie Pond, Ph.D., Vice President of Emerging Opportunities at TGen. We'll Learn about the crucial role of TGen's START and EDP programs – the Scientific Technology Assessment Research Team and Enterprise Directed Programs – in accelerating this process. Dr. Pond explains how her team works to identify gaps in current research tools, partner with biotechnology companies to develop new technologies, and help commercialize TGen's research discoveries. She highlights how advances in multiomics, single-cell sequencing, and spatial technologies are transforming biomedical research and enabling new diagnostic tests and treatments. Dr. Pond also discusses TGen's Enterprise Directed Programs, which focuses on taking research discoveries and developing scalable clinical tests and products. Join us to hear Dr. Pond's passion for technology and science and her dedication to bringing personalized medicine to life, faster.

Pulmonary Fibrosis. A debilitating disease that restricts a person's lung capacity, controllable with drug therapies, but it's only “cure” is a double lung transplant. Researchers at TGen have released the results of a study that investigated the disease on a cellular level. Using advanced spatial transcriptomics, they identified hidden disease markers in seemingly healthy lung tissue—offering hope for earlier, more personalized treatments. Targeting these early disruptions could improve lung function and outcomes. With current PF treatments only slowing decline, this discovery, published in Nature Genetics, marks a step toward preventing irreversible damage. In this episode of TGen Talks, Nicholas Banovich, Ph.D., discusses the Nature Genetics finding and the new spatial map of gene expression in lung cells. Instead of blending tissue together and analyzing it, scientists can now examine individual cells and pinpoint where molecular changes happen. We'll break down what this means, how it's done, and why it could change the way we study lung disease.

In this episode of TGen Talks, which celebrates Women's History Month (March), we'll explore how women in science have shaped the world around us, and how their stories continue to inspire future generations of young women to become researchers, leaders, and trailblazers who continue to break barriers. Joining the podcast this month is Bethany Davis, Ph.D., an enrolled member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians and a Research Assistant Professor in TGen's Clinical Genomics and Therapeutics Division. Davis specializes in studying the effects of environmental toxins, like heavy metals, and other conditions that affect the kidneys. She's particularly focused on understanding the molecular characteristics behind kidney cancer in Native American communities. Beyond her research, however, Dr. Davis shares her personal journey into science. As a woman in a field traditionally dominated by men, she'll highlight some of the unsung pioneers whose work laid the foundation for modern science, reflect on her personal career path, the challenges she's faced, and her vision for the future of cancer genomics in Native American health. Join us for an inspiring conversation that illuminates the power of women in science and their impact on advancing health and innovation.

What if the cure for diseases like Alzheimer's or cancer lay hidden inside the immune systems of llamas, cows, or even sharks? 
    On this episode of TGen Talks, TGen's newest faculty member, Dr. John Fryer, introduces us to the world of nanotherapeutics—a new class of biologics derived from the unique immune systems of animals like camels and sharks. These ultra-small molecules, known as “nanobodies,” are revolutionizing the way we think about treating diseases like Alzheimer's, cancer, and even sepsis.
    Dr. Fryer explains how these tiny molecules—about 10 times smaller than traditional monoclonal antibodies—can target tough-to-reach areas like the brain, offering new hope for conditions once thought impossible to treat. He dives into his team's work on neurodegenerative diseases, sepsis, and cancer, and shares how the collaboration between TGen and City of Hope is accelerating the development of these next-generation therapies.
    What's even more fascinating? How creativity and curiosity drive scientific discovery, with Dr. Fryer's lab exploring everything from nano and pico bodies to the science behind brain tumors. Tune in to learn about the science, the passion, and the unexpected inspiration that drives this groundbreaking research.

Scientists have long known that farm chemicals can be harmful to human health. Many lawn and garden products used by consumers carry warnings, so that users can protect themselves  when applying herbicides in their own yards.  
But which chemicals are the most dangerous? And how much exposure is too much to be considered safe? A new study from TGEN and Arizona State University is shedding light on glyphosate, a common chemical in many herbicides, and its findings indicate that not only does glyphosate cross the blood brain barrier, but its damaging effects on the brain can remain long after the exposure.  Patrick Pirrotte, Ph.D., and colleagues at Arizona State University have identified an association between glyphosate exposure and symptoms of neuroinflammation, as well as accelerated Alzheimer's disease-like pathology. The study tracks both the presence and impact of glyphosate's byproducts in the brain long after exposure ends, showing an array of persistent, damaging effects on brain health.  Listen as Dr. Pirrotte discusses the methods used in the research and how the pervasive use of such chemicals means that most Americans, even those who have no exposure to farms or the application of such herbicides have traces of the harmful compounds in their bodies.

On this month's TGen Talks, our host sits down with Leigh Nicholson, Ph.D., who was recently named a research assistant professor in TGen's Early Detection and Prevention Division. Nicholson studies neurological diseases of all kinds — from the rarest to the very common — including a childhood disorder called Okur-Chung neurodevelopmental syndrome, or OCNDS for short, and Alzheimer's disease, which affects nearly 7 million Americans. The podcast covers her path to a career in science, her day-to-day research, and why she thinks mentoring young scientists and improving scientific literacy is so important. All this and more, in just under 15 minutes.

Every September, the scientific community recognizes postdoctoral researchers during Postdoc Appreciation Week. Postdocs bring new ideas and deep expertise as they tackle complex questions and expand knowledge through experiments.     In this month's episode of TGen Talks, Aya Kamzina, Ph.D., one of TGen's 11 postdoctoral researchers, shares her journey to becoming a postdoc and her experiences at TGen.     Dr. Kamzina's educational path began in Kazakhstan and differs from many of her peers. She discusses her work with organoids and microglia in Dr. Huentelman's neurogenomics lab, as well as her diverse background in biochemical engineering and molecular biology. Dr. Kamzina also explains why she finds TGen's translational research meaningful and how it aligns with her goals in shaping the future of science.

Scientists at TGen have released the results of a more than decade-long study into multiple myeloma. Looking at more than 1100 patients from four different countries, scientists identified new genetic subtypes of the disease, providing insights that could transform how we approach treatment (see related story above). Listen as Jonathan Keats, Ph.D., the study's senior author discusses the findings, their impact on personalized medicine, and how TGen's advanced genomic sequencing is paving the way for more effective and individualized care. In particular, the study has identified a high-risk subgroup of patients with a distressingly short median survival, highlighting the urgent need for tailored therapies and innovative clinical trials.

Aging. It's something we'd all like to do better. Americans spend an estimated $5 Billion on anti-aging products every year. But at TGen and City of Hope, scientists like TGen distinguished professor Nicholas Schork, Ph.D., are working to unlock the secrets to not just better ‘aging,' but disease prevention alongside longevity, and are making promising progress toward medications and methods that will be tailored to each specific person, rather than those that promise longer healthier lives for all. In this episode of TGen Talks, our host Karie Dozer sits down with Schork to discuss the groundbreaking search for substances that can slow down aging. Imagine a daily pill that not only extends your lifespan but also your health span, delaying age-related diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Schork, with his extensive background in quantitative genetics and translational biomedical science, explains the exciting potential of longevity and health promoting interventions, termed ‘geroprotectors,' and the race to develop them. We'll explore the challenges and excitement of developing anti-aging interventions, the race to find effective solutions, and the potential of personalized treatments through “N-of-1” trials. Join us as we delve into the future of aging research and the hope it brings for healthier, longer lives.

On this month's TGen Talks, David Engelthaler, Ph.D., professor and director of TGen's Pathogen and Microbiome Division, discusses the recent surge of bird flu, also known as H5N1. 
H5N1 has been in the news a lot lately, but what does it all mean? Engelthaler breaks down the science and talks about the effects this particular strain might have on humans. He also explains what constitutes an outbreak, how they fade over time, and why they start anew. 
Bird flu, like other influenza viruses, changes and mutates over time, and the H5N1 strain is particularly concerning. Although it is currently a low risk for human outbreak (there are only 3 known cases in the U.S. thus far), its impact on other animals, especially poultry and cattle, caught the attention of the CDC, USDA and other groups that monitor such outbreaks. 
Engelthaler notes that outbreaks are often first noticed by wildlife managers or at zoos, where bird die-offs prompt testing for influenza. Over the past two years, the current bird flu strain has spread significantly by wild birds across North America and the rest of the world. 
The good news: In Arizona, only one mammal, an Abert's tree squirrel, has tested positive for H5N1 to date. TGen researchers are working with local wildlife and health officials to monitor the situation.

This month, TGen Talks explores polygenic risk scores with Dr. David Duggan, an associate professor in the Quantitative Medicine and Systems Biology Division at TGen. A polygenic risk score is a number that indicates the combined effect of many genetic variants on a person's risk of developing a certain trait or disease. Each genetic variant adds a small amount to the overall risk. When these small effects are added together, they help predict the likelihood of developing the trait or disease.
     Think of the human genome as a deck of cards, where each card represents a different genetic variant. The value of each card represents the risk contribution of that variant. For example, an Ace might represent a high-risk variant (4 points), while a 2 might represent a low-risk variant (1 point). Let's assume all contributions are positive for simplicity, although in reality, some variants might reduce risk.
    Imagine drawing 10 cards from the deck randomly. These 10 cards represent the genetic variants you inherited from your parents. Each card has a point value (risk contribution). Adding up the points of the 10 cards gives you your polygenic risk score. This score indicates your genetic predisposition to the trait or disease. You can then compare this score against population averages or thresholds to determine if you are at higher or lower risk for the trait or disease.
     In this analogy, each card represents a genetic variant, and its point value represents its contribution to your overall genetic risk for a specific trait or disease. The polygenic risk score is the sum of these contributions, much like summing the values of drawn cards to get a total score. This information can help you and your doctor make informed health decisions, such as focusing on preventive measures. Dr. Duggan notes that lifestyle factors also play a significant role in disease risk, sometimes reducing genetic risk by up to 50%.
 Whether you're a healthcare professional, a genetics enthusiast, or just curious about the future of personalized medicine, this month's TGen Talks is worth the listen.

Glioblastoma. It's the most aggressive and least treatable type of brain cancer. Research into treatment has been slow, mostly because of the difficulty in accessing and treating a tumor that exists behind the blood-brain barrier.
 A new two year fellowship into Glioblastoma Multiforme, or GBM, aims to better drug therapies to fight the cancer while developing better tests to determine which drugs are working on an individual patient's tumor and which are not. 
 The fellowship, established by Shawn Lane and the Lori Lane Foundation together with Chris and Florence Spyrow, honors Lori Lane and Andrew Spyrow, whose lives were cut short by GBM.
 This month on TGen Talks, Valerie De Luca, Ph.D., the inaugural Lori Lane/Andrew Spyrow Fellow at TGen discusses her work toward improving our understanding of molecular markers associated with tumor vulnerability to specific drugs.

In this episode of TGen Talks, we explore the overlooked yet vital world of skin cancer prevention and treatment. Our skin, the body's largest organ, often takes a back seat in discussions about cancer. Join us as we delve into this crucial topic with our guest, Dr. Aleksandar Sekulic.      Dr. Sekulic wears two hats: that of a clinician and a researcher. He shares how his interactions with patients inform his research, leading to groundbreaking advancements in skin cancer treatment. From pioneering clinical trials to developing targeted therapies and immunotherapies, Dr. Sekulic sheds light on the complexities of skin cancer and the importance of bridging the gap between medicine and research.     Discover the different types of skin cancer, from melanoma to basal cell carcinoma, we'll explore the various facets of this disease, its impact, and the latest advancements transforming the landscape of skin cancer care. Learn about the challenges posed by complex skin cancers, such as locally advanced and metastatic basal cell carcinoma, and the innovative treatments being developed to address them.     Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of this often-underestimated aspect of healthcare as our host, Karie Dozer, works to uncover the latest insights and advancements in skin cancer research and treatment with Dr. Aleksandar Sekulic.

Cancer continues to be the second most common cause of death in the United States, with a total of nearly 2 million diagnoses every year.   In this episode of TGen Talks, recorded in front of a live studio audience, we take a look at how genomic information is leading to better and earlier diagnoses and treatments for all kinds of cancer and how the collaboration between City of Hope Cancer Center Phoenix and TGen is proving to be a mighty weapon in the fight against cancer right here in Arizona.   Joining the podcast this month are TGen President and Research Director, Dr. Jeffrey Trent, and City of Hope Cancer Center Phoenix Chief Clinical Officer, Dr. Alan Bryce.

Alzheimer's disease affects an estimated six million Americans. Diagnosing and treating the disease is challenging, and for families taking care of a loved one with Alzheimer's, it's even more difficult. Detecting and addressing the disease early on is crucial due to its progressive nature. However, Alzheimer's symptoms can resemble those of other non-progressive conditions.  In a recent Cells publication, a team of scientists describe using machine learning models to identify changes in RNA molecules of plasma extracellular vesicles (EVs) that may hold potential for identifying Alzheimer's disease (AD) at its earliest stages. This is one of the first studies to show changes in the RNA molecules of plasma EVs that precede neurodegeneration and provides evidence that some of the hidden pathology taking place early in the disease is reflected in plasma EVs, where it can be accessed in a minimally invasive manner and used for biomarker development.  On this edition of TGen Talks, study co-author and TGen Neurogenomics Division staff scientist Joanna Palade, Ph.D., discusses their findings, and how what sound like magic or a fortune teller's promise, is the goal of the scientists working to develop a simple test; one that wouldn't simply indicate whether your symptoms might progress to an Alzheimer's diagnosis, but could also estimate the timeframe for when it might occur.

Paul J. Luna, president and CEO of Helios Education Foundation, sits down with TGen Talks to discuss the transformational power of education, in particular, how internships help prepare students for future success. Helios Education Foundation supports postsecondary attainment for all students, especially low-income and underrepresented communities, in Arizona and Florida. Earlier this month, Helios committed funding to extend the TGen Bioscience Leadership Academy (TBLA) through 2028 (see related story). TBLA spun out of TGen's Helios Scholars Program in 2018, with a focus on supporting high-school students interested in careers in biomedical research and medicine. In addition to the Helios-funded programs at TGen, Luna discusses Helios' focus on helping students achieve educational success beyond high school and the importance of opening the programs to all students, regardless of background. And how rewarding it is to help students find a track to success, whatever that success may be. Students should allow themselves to dream big, he says. Be willing to apply, be willing to say, I want to be part of that unique cohort of talented students who are going to learn and evolve and build a network and maybe, one day, find the cure for Alzheimer's or cancer.

More than three years after the beginning of the pandemic, humans still spread COVID to one another every day, though with less severe symptoms in most cases. Scientists also know that we can spread COVID to our pets as well, because of the close relationships many of us have with our four-legged friends. While dogs CAN get COVID from humans, they don't seem to get very SICK. So, what's the big deal if we spread the virus to our pets?  Can dogs spread it back to humans or to other animals? TGen scientists are looking to answer these and other questions in a new study called the 1000 Canine (1K9) SARS-CoV-2 Surveillance Study … and they're looking for dogs to participate. Hayley Yaglom, MS, MPH, a genomic epidemiologist who leads TGen North's One Health team and the 1K9 study joins TGen Talks to discuss the study and how the information gained will help tailor guidance for public health, veterinary professionals, and people interacting with dogs in various settings.

Today, the world of biomedical science is changing how we think about disease and, certainly, how we treat it ... but did you ever wonder how discovery happens?    What does a lab look like? What type of equipment do they use? Who exactly is working inside? How many scientists and staff? And on what projects?   On this episode of TGen Talks, Kristen Kaus, Manager of TGen's Education and Outreach programs, talks TGen, specifically, what guests and visitors see and hear when they go on a tour.   While you might not learn everything modern research, you will gain an insider's knowledge of TGen.   She also talks about STEM education and the programs at TGen designed to foster a love of science and support students aiming for a career in bioscience. If that's you, a TGen tour is a great way to see science in action.

For a patient diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer, there are more treatment options than ever and traditional chemotherapies that cause debilitating side effects have been all but completely replaced by immunotherapies, treatments that help a patient's own immune system better fight the disease. But in many patients, a chosen immunotherapy drug can show great promise in early treatments, yet seemingly stop working altogether as time goes by.   In a paper that was published in Nature Medicine, TGen's Dr. Jonathan Keats explains how upwards of 65% of relapsing multiple myeloma patients could be affected by mutations that impact targeted T cell treatments.   On this episode, you'll hear about a study that found how these cancer cells were mutating to evade the very drugs prescribed to fight them. The findings could help clinicians and patients choose from among a variety of T cell therapies for multiple myeloma to find treatments that best match a patient's available tumor targets.   Dr. Keats also discusses his broader work in multiple myeloma and plans for a rapid sequencing center that will place valuable genomic-informed data in the hands of treating physicians in just 48 hours.   All this and more on TGen Talks.

The phrase "gut health" has become quite a buzzword in recent years, and researchers like this month's guest will tell you quite candidly that we have a lot to learn about the community of microorganisms that live INSIDE the human body. But one thing seems to be clear. The human being with a "healthy gut" is far better able to fight a cancer diagnosis than the human with poor gut health. Regardless the current standard for a healthy human microbiome, the data being compiled on this relatively new topic is vast. One TGen researcher is uniquely qualified to analyze and manage such data, and is doing so at TGen North. Dr. Greg Caporaso is a bioinformatician-- with expertise in both computer science and the human microbiome. On this episode of TGen talks, he explains how his study of this important body system started not in a pre-med class, but in the computer lab.

Most of us had a summer job when we were in high school or college, and if we were lucky, we had one that helped us make meaningful decisions about college or a career. 
  At TGen, summer interns in the Helios Scholars at TGen program work alongside researchers on projects that are much more than “just” eight weeks of full-time hours inside a lab. Many Scholars choose a field of research they will pursue for an entire career.
   On this episode of the TGen Talks, we connect with Heather Mead, Ph.D., a research assistant professor in TGen's Pathogen and Microbiome Division. A former Helios Scholar who describes the eight-week internship as life changing and encouraged her to begin a second career in research, one that has seen her come full circle as today she mentors Helios Scholars, helping them find and follow their passion … all while conducting research and coordinating projects around Tuberculosis, Valley Fever, COVID and more.

What if you could take a simple test to find out just how susceptible you are to Covid19, the Flu, or any other virus? What if you could test your exposure and immunity to EVERY virus known to mankind using a single drop of blood? The technology is here, now. And at TGen, researchers are using it to understand the human immune response and predict and track the next global outbreak. What's more, the human immune system not only protects us from viruses and pathogens, it can help prevent the onset of deadly diseases triggered by those infections. This month's podcast is an introduction to something called PepSeq (pep-seek), a breakthrough technology that allows scientists at TGen to detect infections by – and immunity to – the entire human virome.

This month, our host Karie Dozer sits down for a personal conversation with Maria Fundora, who is neither a scientist nor a clinician. She's a businesswoman from Alpharetta, Georgia, a restauranteur and founder of Purple Pansies, a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness and funds for pancreatic cancer research. And like most nonprofits that support research, there's a story about how it all began, and most often in whose memory. Maria's mother passed away from pancreatic cancer in 2007, inspiring Maria to start Purple Pansies. The organization began with $3,500 raised on Mother's Day in 2008. Maria chose the name Purple Pansies because purple represents pancreatic cancer and pansies symbolize resilience. Initially, Purple Pansies held two annual events, a community gathering and a gala in Maria's restaurant. It wasn't until 2010 that Maria learned about TGen. Impressed by TGen's approach, Maria established a partnership that to date has raised millions. All this and more with Maria Fundora on TGen Talks.

Understanding how infectious diseases spread in the past is important to understanding how they affect populations today. The difficulty lie in piecing together information given that so little is known about how microbes spread historically. Applying academic rigor with scientific assessment, two microbiologists teamed with an archaeologist to look at different types of evidence — genetics, anthropology, paleontology and climate — in an attempt to explain how the fungus that causes Valley fever, Coccidioides immitis, ended up in a specific area of Washington state. The review article in mBio by Drs. David Engelthaler, James C. Chatters and Arturo Casadevall details their approach from a historical perspective, applying what they knew about the biology and epidemiology of C. immitis, which led them to propose a new theory for why it has emerged in that region of Washington. Today, a great deal of discussion around the spread of diseases and the expansion of their habitats focuses on the effects of global warming. And while climate change does have an impact on different environments and habitats, this investigation sought to understand how and why different microbes, like fungi, move from one place to another through the lens of modern biology. Their final analysis, climate change may not always be the reason behind the spread of diseases, but it can reveal past events that could be dangerous. Engelthaler explains more in this edition of TGen Talks.

When treating cancer patients, physicians are often faced with tough choices.  Treatment options like radiation can often come with unpleasant, for some, unbearable side-effects. Doctors walk a fine line between stopping the growth of cancer cells and giving cancer cells the very thing they need to grow and spread.     City of Hope and TGen physician-scientist Yun Rose Li, M.D., Ph.D., has been called trailblazing and innovative by the NIH in her research into oxidative stress and its effects on cancer cells. Dr. Li is using a five year, nearly $2 million grant to study how manipulating oxidative stress can improve the outcomes of her patients with genitourinary cancers.     Recruited for her research while still a resident at UC San Francisco, Dr. Li is quickly proving it no longer takes a lifetime in cancer research to make a difference in the lives of patients.

In part two of TGen Talks Live, we continue our conversation on precision aging with Drs. Matthew Huentelman and Nicholas Schork. Aging encompasses a variety aspects—both physical and mental—a fact made evident by the topics covered and the research presented. Where Huentelman's work covers the brain and the more cognitive aspects of aging, Schork's work focuses on the physical changes we undergo as we age. This month, in part two of our live show, our guests talk about how the COVID pandemic affected our bodies and brains, and how we can best separate fact from fiction when it comes to anti-aging supplements.

TGen offers listeners a deeper dive into a particular biomedical-related topic or program through its monthly podcast TGen Talks. Each free-flowing episode allows a TGen scientist to connect with a broader audience by explaining the finer details involved in their research at a listener-friendly level. December's episode escapes the sound booth for a live event in front of a studio audience. The inaugural TGen Talks Live features Drs. Matthew Huentelman and Nicholas Schork who join our host Karie Dozer for an in-depth conversation on precision aging. A continuation of TGen's 20th Anniversary celebrations, the event, hosted by the TGen Foundation and sponsored by Phoenix IDA and Bell Bank, took place at the Center for Positive Media. Aging encompasses a variety of aspects—both physical and mental—a fact made evident by the topics covered and the research presented. Where Huentelman's work covers the brain and the more cognitive aspects of aging, Schork's work focuses on the physical changes we undergo as we age. Topics discussed included how genetics influences aging, current research, lifestyle choices and the benefits of off-the-shelf supplements and whether they live up to the hype. Can't wait for part II? Catch the full taping on TGen's YouTube channel at: https://youtu.be/N29DaTB8Jg8

Humans have been searching for the fountain of youth (a mythical endless supply of waters that purport to keep us young forever) for thousands of years—but there's no such thing in the world of science. At TGen, scientists are working toward a virtual fountain of youth, and they call it precision aging. On this month's TGen Talks, Matthew Huentelman, Ph.D., helps us understand precision aging a bit more clearly, as he explains the concepts behind the process, and discusses just a few of the benefits it may hold for our future. This month's podcast also tees up a first-ever TGen Talks Live event slated for December, where Huentelman and his colleague, Nicholas Schork, Ph.D., join our host Karie Dozer for a deeper dive into precision aging, and how genomics may hold the answers for a longer and healthier life

Cancer is the number one worry of pet parents, and it's no wonder. More than half of all dogs older than 10 will be diagnosed with cancer. Cancer is hard to treat in many dogs, and is often diagnosed when it's too late to treat. Americans spent more than $120 billion on their pets just last year. One TGen subsidiary is putting its science to work for pet parents, so that cancer in dogs is diagnosed before it's too late. Vidium Animal Health is a wholly owned subsidiary of TGen and it works to diagnose and treat canine cancers.

With COVID infections and deaths on the decline worldwide, many researchers are turning their attention back to a familiar foe. Tuberculosis (TB) was the number one infectious disease killer before the emergence of COVID-19, and it is number one again today.   Although most Americans are not at risk of contracting TB, it continues to be a danger worldwide. TGen researchers are trying to find better diagnostics for this very stubborn bacterial infection, and combat antibiotic resistance so that doctors everywhere can better treat this ancient illness.   TGen North research scientist Megan Folkerts joins TGen Talks to discuss TB's history, Egyptian mummies, TGen North's efforts to design better diagnostics, learning how antibiotic resistance stunts treatment, and improved ways to overcome its effects on new or current therapies.   All this and more on TGen Talks.

For Crystal Hepp, PhD, the newest member of the TGen North team, understanding how different pathogens move over time and space and through different populations is all in a day's work. Recently, that work has centered heavily on RNA viruses, and given that the translational aspects of her work aligned seamlessly with the TGen North team and its mission, the decision to join the team came fairly easy. Spread through the bite of the common house mosquito, West Nile virus is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the United States. Hepp discusses her work with county vector control agencies throughout the southwest to collect and test mosquitoes, work that helps identify locations that are viral hot zones. Additionally, Dr. Hepp discusses a unique method for collecting local wastewater samples across wastewater treatment plants, local school districts, and university residence halls testing for COVID —a partnership between the City of Flagstaff, Coconino County Health Services, Northern Arizona University, and TGen— and plans for a study to look for coronaviruses in different animal populations to understand which populations might be able to be reservoir species, then estimate when or if spillover back into humans could occur. All this and more on TGen Talks.

This episode of TGen Talks takes the listener along I-17 from Phoenix to Flagstaff, where our host, Karie Dozer, sits down with David Engelthaler, Ph.D., professor and director of TGen's Pathogen and Microbiome Division, more commonly known as TGen North.   Whereas TGen uses genomics to solve complex problems such as cancer and Alzheimer's disease, the scientists at TGen North use these same tools and technology to focus on infectious disease … the microbes, the bacteria, the viruses, the fungi that cause some of the greatest problems around the world.    Engelthaler provides the listener an inside look at the research underway across the division, and the community work with different tribal nations and hospitals to understand what's most important to them and how TGen North can apply their expertise to support those needs.   Whether it's Cryptococcus, tuberculosis, superbugs in our hospitals, or other bad things like plague, West Nile, Valley fever, COVID, or the latest efforts around pathogen intelligence, TGen North's goal is and always has been to rapidly identify and help stop the spread of potentially dangerous outbreaks.   All this and more, on TGen Talks.

Dr. Johanna DiStefano joins TGen Talks to discuss nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, or NAFLD, a condition that causes excess amount of fat in one's liver cells. As evidenced by its name (which could use an update, according to our guest) NAFLD covers a wide-range of liver conditions with the “alcohol” portion somewhat misleading, as it's not always that cut and dry.   Different factors, such as genetics, lifestyle, and diet could also play a role in NAFLD. It could also be one's gender or one's stage in life. For example, the risk increases for women following menopause.   Dr. DiStefano discusses her labs focus on the genetic factors that influence the development of NAFLD and increasing awareness of this population among clinicians.    How does nonalcoholic fatty liver disease develop? How does the liver communicate with other cells in the body, other organs in the body?    The long-term goal, of course, is identifying better ways to detect and treat fatty liver disease. And that means new tests and new drugs.    All this and more on TGen Talks.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of TGen's founding on what at the time was a relatively unknown idea outside the circles of academia and scientific research, precision medicine. The concept of using a person's own genome to diagnose and treat disease at an individual level, to move beyond the one-size-fits-all treatment plans that had dominated the medical landscape for decades, where drugs and therapies considered large groups of people with the same disease, and what worked for the majority. A true public-private partnership, TGen came to fruition through the work of tribal leaders, CEOs, philanthropic trusts, foundations, individuals and university presidents, all united toward an extraordinarily high-risk goal: Forming and funding an institute based on the just-completed Human Genome Project and placing it not in Boston, San Francisco or Washington, D.C., but in Phenix, Arizona. TGen founder, Dr. Jeffrey Trent, joins TGen Talks to discuss the institute's beginnings as well as how over the past 20 years, TGen faculty have leveraged the human blueprint to advance the diagnosis and treatment of various cancers, neurologic and metabolic diseases such as Alzheimer's, diabetes, and rare disorders.

Applied mathematics dramatically advanced the field of finance in the 1970's, where its application allowed for the modeling of financial markets by mathematicians highly skilled in quantitative analytics. Today, these highly sought-after mathematicians are making a name for themselves in the field of applied science as their skills are increasingly providing solutions in many areas of biomedical research.    The genomic sequencing routinely employed by TGen in precision medicine platforms generates data on a massive scale. Applying mathematical modeling, statistical methods, and machine learning, to these complex datasets has the potential to transform longitudinal (i.e., the same patient sampled over time) genomics data into new predictive biomarkers of disease or response to treatment.    In the latest edition of TGen Talks, Dr. Cristian Tomasetti discusses his mathematical grounding, how applied mathematics influences modern biology, his work at TGen and City of Hope, and the role of somatic mutations on cancer.   All this and more in under 20 minutes.

TGen's Scientific Technology Assessment Research Team (START) supports the research faculty by bringing new technology into the labs to help answer today's most pressing research questions.    When the current tools for measuring DNA or proteins or cellular structure aren't sufficient, START scouts the technology landscape for companies that are developing new methods that can, often by partnering to beta test the technology. And that means TGen gains early access … but only after the START lab vets the technology through rigorous testing at a biological level.   Stephanie Pond, Ph.D., Vice President of Emerging Technologies and head of TGen's START program, joins TGen Talks to discuss START. She explains how technologies make the cut, and the avenues by which new technologies hit the START radar. She also discusses a recent collaboration between TGen and Bay Area start-up, Deepcell (see related story Going Deep), who developed a system focused on cell imaging and cell sorting that allows researchers to predict how cells will function based on how they look.

Episode 45 - Dr. Michael Berens by TGen

For our final episode of TGen Talks in 2021, our host, Karie Dozer, sat down with TGen North Director, Dr. David Engelthaler, who has led TGen's research into COVID since day one.   Dr. Engelthaler shares his thoughts on Omicron … what we know, what's left to learn, and why it's spreading so fast.    While it may be a bit early to predict how Omicron will play out in the U.S., it appears to follow trends seen with other variants and is on pace to replace Delta as the most dominant variant, which may not be all bad news, particularly if it produces symptoms that are milder than its predecessors.   Dr. Engelthaler also discusses which states seem to be hit the hardest, how that changes week-by-week, immunity against Omicron for the fully vaccinated, and how a strong cellular immunity helps prevent serious illness.    All this and more in just eighteen minutes on TGen Talks.

Genomic analysis of a cancer tumor is fairly common these days. Researchers sequence and compare a patient's non-cancerous DNA with their tumor DNA to identify changes that may allow a patient to receive medicine that specifically targets those changes. But what happens when the tumor comes back? Has the tumor changed? And if so, how? These were questions that intrigued TGen Assistant Professor Floris Barthel, M.D. In particular, his latest research focuses on the effects of radiotherapy on the cancer tumor. What is different in the DNA of the first tumor compared to the normal DNA, and what is different in the DNA of the second tumor compared to the first tumor? How does treatment affect the DNA of these tumors over time? On this episode of TGen Talks, Dr. Barthel discusses how his work has shown that radiotherapy, while highly beneficial, appears to create breaks in the DNA and instead of dying, the cancer cell repairs itself, which alters the tumor make-up upon recurrence. He cautions there is still much to discover, but if successful, it could help identify those relapsed patients resistant to further radiotherapy and allow treating physicians to suggest an alternate course of treatment.

At the Center for Rare Childhood Disorders, it's all about the kids. Center staff dedicate themselves to finding a diagnosis and possible treatments for disorders so rare that many may not even have a name.     In episode 42 of TGen Talks, we go inside the Center with Clinical Director Keri Ramsey, who talks about the parents and kids who come to the Center for answers, and how TGen scientists are solving as many of these medical mysteries as possible ... some years after the search began through a special program that brings cold cases to the forefront and offers renewed hope to families in search of answers.

For TGen's Dr. Matt Huentelman, leveraging today's technology to rewrite the playbook on research recruiting and reimagine the scientific landscape involves attracting people to genomic studies in a whole new way. Leaning on a riff from the Doobie Brothers, Huentelman wants to take it to the streets. The Internet — in one form or another — has been around since the late 1960s, yet it's only been within the last decade or so that scientists have taken advantage of online platforms to recruit for and drive large-scale research studies. For Huentelman, his MindCrowd study was among the early adopters and today has recruited over 160 thousand participants. But, not wanting to stop there, he believes the next iteration involves mobile laboratories that bring the science to a town and neighborhood near you. This month, on TGen Talks, Dr. Huentelman addresses his latest efforts with MindCrowd, plus his drive to understand aging and age-related diseases through a process he refers to as precision aging. And not just for some. Studying diverse populations remains critical to fully understanding aging and how it effects all walks of life and all aspects of society — from urban to rural and everywhere in-between. Is a mobile lab visit in your future?

The range of emotions a Helios Scholar at TGen experiences — from application through the program's end — shifts dramatically as the summer unfolds. The end result, however, is one of accomplishment. 2021 marked the 15th year of TGen's flagship internship program that has seen nearly 600 alumni gain often career-defining exposure to biomedical research and medicine by working alongside TGen faculty and staff. In episode 40, TGen Talks host Karie Dozer sits down with three Helios Scholars from the class of 2021 who share their summer of science as they discuss what they've learned and how they'll put that training to use as they move forward in their careers.

The range of emotions a Helios Scholar at TGen experiences — from application through the program's end — shifts dramatically as the summer unfolds. The end result, however, is one of accomplishment. 2021 marked the 15th year of TGen's flagship internship program that has seen nearly 600 alumni gain often career-defining exposure to biomedical research and medicine by working alongside TGen faculty and staff. In episode 40, TGen Talks host Karie Dozer sits down with three Helios Scholars from the class of 2021 who share their summer of science as they discuss what they've learned and how they'll put that training to use as they move forward in their careers.

Science has come a remarkably long way, especially since sequencing the human genome, but has it come far enough for everyone? A focus of TGen research has always been finding a path to the clinic and ensuring the work is relevant to all ethnicities, ages and genders. But that's not always easy. "Right now, precision medicine is not precise for every American, and especially it's not precise for those that are of non-European ancestry," says Jeffrey Trent Ph.D., F.A.C.M.G., TGen's Founding President and Research Director, on episode 39 of TGen Talks, who discusses a new project that comes at a time where the focus on diversity in our population should be represented more significantly in our research and healthcare system. He also explains how investigators at TGen headquarters continued their research into various cancers and other diseases without missing a beat while most of the world was on COVID lockdown, and shares his views on the value of having summer interns. All this and more on TGen Talks.

With the Delta variant of COVID-19 garnering worldwide attention, it begs the question: When will the pandemic end? This month, on Episode 38, we circle back with David Englethaler, Ph.D., Director of TGen's Pathogen and Microbiome Division, more commonly known as TGen North, for an update on all things COVID-19 related. How much longer will we be dealing with COVID-19? Do we really know where COVID came from? Will we need vaccinations against COVID for years to come? Dr. Engelthaler answers these questions, and also explains how TGen is working with local and state health officials to track variants of COVID-19 — and posting that information freely on Arizona COVID-19 Sequencing Dashboard— and how we're preparing for the next pandemic.

Hearing the words you have cancer comes as a shock. Hearing that your child has cancer is almost unimaginable. And when you learn that it is a rare form of brainstem cancer known as diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma or DIPG — a central nervous system cancer that forms from glial cells, the supportive tissue of the brain and spinal cord that affects less than 300 children per year — the questions become endless.     Joining TGen Talks is Dr. Michael Berens, professor and director of TGen’s Cancer and Cell Biology Division and head of the Glioma Research Laboratory, whose research efforts focus on conducting genomic profiling of tumors to increase the understanding of DIPG at the genomic level and developing techniques to monitor how tumors are responding to treatment.    Brain tumors are now the most common cause of cancer related death in children younger than 15 years of age today, with DIPG accounting for nearly 80 percent of all brain stem cancer cases.     Dr. Berens talks about liquid biopsies and the efforts to rewire a misbehaving gene and what influence it could have on regaining control in the body’s cells. He also talks about the real hope in terms of pushing on the boundaries of the disease and explains his mantra “most best days.” It’s worth a listen.

At TGen, scientists have studied naturally occurring cancer in canines for over a decade. This expertise led to the formation of a company aimed specifically at partnering with veterinarians to identify treatment options for our four-legged friends and bring greater peace of mind to pet parents.   Vidium Animal Health was launched in September of 2020, to provide genomic based precision medicine to veterinary oncologist through its flagship test Searchlight DNA.    Searchlight DNA was designed to specifically identify any of the nearly 120 known cancer associated genetic mutations in dogs and to use the molecular profile of misbehaving genes to help guide diagnosis and treatment.    In episode 36 of TGen Talks, veterinarian and Vidium president Dr. David Haworth discusses how Vidium can help inform veterinarians and pet parents about which mutations are causing their pet’s cancer to grow and spread, and how Vidium wants to  use precision medicine to combat canine cancer in new and more effective ways.

At TGen's Center for Rare Childhood Disorders, we are committed to developing, refining, and applying the latest tools of genomic medicine to help diagnose and direct treatment for children with rare diseases and disorders. Did you know that there are over 7,000 rare diseases that affect over 25 million Americans? Many of these patients endure a diagnostic odyssey that involves multiple tests and doctor visits that all too often are expensive and painful, yet offer no additional clues. To address this challenge, TGen established the Center for Rare Childhood Disorders in 2012 with the goal of using advanced genomic testing to identify the factors that cause rare disorders in children, which comprise approximately half of all rare disease patients. In honor of Rare Disease Day (February 28) Center medical director, Vinodh Naryanan, M.D., talks numbers, treatments and more on this month's edition of TGen Talks.

At TGen's Center for Rare Childhood Disorders, we are committed to developing, refining, and applying the latest tools of genomic medicine to help diagnose and direct treatment of children with rare disorders. Did you know that there are over 7,000 rare diseases and that they affect over 25 million Americans many of these patients are on a diagnostic odyssey that involves multiple tests and doctor visits that can be expensive and painful? To address this challenge TGen Center for Rare Childhood Disorders was created with the goal of using advances in genomic testing to identify the factors that caused rare disorders and children which comprises approximately half of all rare disease patients.

It took under a year to develop, test and begin to deploy vaccines against COVID-19. And despite a few hiccups upon arrival, the rollout is underway... and that's great news for a world that's nearing 100 million cases and over 2 million deaths.   Joining TGen Talks to discuss his take on COVID-19 vaccines is Dr. David Engelthaler, Director of TGen North, the Pathogen and Microbiome Division of TGen located in Flagstaff, Arizona.   Dr. Engelthaler discusses the vaccine's available today, those that are currently in the development pipeline and why getting vaccinated is important. He also tackles the known side-effects, the speed at which the vaccines were developed, and the recent variant strains that were discovered in the UK, South Africa and elsewhere, and which of these are already being seen in the US.    All that and more on this month's edition of TGen Talks.

Internships provide students an opportunity to learn more about potential career choices and equally important, following the experience, gauge whether that career is right for them. Joining TGen Talks is Josh Niska, MD — a 2007 Helios Scholar at TGen — who explains the value of his Helios internship experience, how it helped shape his career, and how the lessons learned at the bench continue to inform his work as a radiation oncologist.   He explains how the technologies and techniques and concepts he learned at TGen helped with his undergraduate education, medical school, residency and his work today. He also discusses the importance of mentorships, and how the Helios Scholars at TGen program offered more than just applicable hands-on learning but created friendships and networks that exist to this day.