TGen has increased testing capacity to combat COVID-19, analyzing samples from public-health and healthcare entities. The institute's efforts aim to determine the spread of the virus, identify emerging hotspots, and assist in disease containment.
A new study led by TGen suggests that tumor microenvironment plays a vastly under-studied role in cancer development and growth. By analyzing genetic sequencing, single-cell analysis, and high-resolution medical imaging, researchers can provide timely information on how to best attack each patient's cancer.
Researchers at TGen and USC have diagnosed two sisters with progressive spastic paraplegia due to an extremely rare genetic variant in the AP4S1 gene. The team used advanced precision medicine techniques, including whole-blood mRNA sequencing, to identify the variant, which had been previously overlooked.
A phase 1b/2 clinical trial found that adding cisplatin to a standard-of-care regimen resulted in 71% tumor shrinkage and increased survival beyond one year. The treatment showed encouraging results, with 64% of patients alive after one year and 40% alive after two years.
Researchers identified a unique way to disrupt cellular process contributing to Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Gliomas (DIPG). A vulnerability in the metabolic process for creating NAD was found, allowing for potential targeting of cancer cells with PPM1D mutation.
Researchers found a gene mutation in nearly half of dogs with lung cancer that could be treated with the same drug used for human breast cancer. A clinical trial is planned for dogs with naturally occurring lung cancer and the HER2 mutation.
Researchers at TGen have identified a gene associated with a rare condition that results in physical and intellectual disabilities in children. Rare variants in the DDX6 gene are found to be associated with disruptions in brain development, leading to skills such as walking and talking.
A new 'liquid biopsy' blood test called TARDIS detects circulating tumor DNA in patient blood, enabling precise monitoring of disease progression and response to treatment. The test's high sensitivity could help plan surgical resection and radiation therapy after pre-operative therapy.
A study published by TGen and Tufts University found that osteosarcoma in dogs shares many genomic features with human osteosarcoma, including low mutation rates and altered cellular pathways. This discovery could lead to the development of new therapies for both humans and animals affected by this deadly disease.
A recent study published in PLoS One found a link between the gene AEBP1 and severe liver damage, specifically nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. The research suggests that AEBP1 regulates a network of genes related to fibrosis, which could lead to new therapeutic targets for treating liver disease.
A study of nearly 60,000 individuals suggests that those at higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease due to family history may demonstrate changes in memory performance as early as their 20s. This risk is particularly pronounced among men and those with lower educational attainment, diabetes, and certain genetic changes.
A highly accurate test for canine lymphoma diagnosis has been developed by Ethos Veterinary Health and TGen, with a accuracy rate of over 90% among various sample types. The study's findings suggest the need for methodological consistency and transparency in veterinary diagnostic testing.
Researchers at TGen identified AKR1B10 as a potential biomarker for liver cancer diagnosis and prognosis. The enzyme has a paradoxical role in HCC development, where its overexpression indicates cancer presence while suppression may slow progression.
TGen has received two grants totaling $6.1 million to study deadly lung diseases such as Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF), with an estimated 50,000 US patients diagnosed annually. Researchers aim to identify genomic factors driving the disease and develop more precise treatments.
Dr. Daniel Von Hoff, TGen's Physician-In-Chief, has been recognized for his exceptional clinical research contributions through the Methods in Clinical Cancer Research Workshop, educating 100 students each summer. The workshop has trained nearly 2,300 graduates, who now populate leading cancer centers nationwide.
LumosVar is a computer program that can accurately identify cancer-causing genetic variants from patient tumor samples. The tool helps physicians determine individualized treatment for patients by differentiating normal DNA from mutated and cancerous DNA changes.
A TGen-led study has identified a specific non-polio enterovirus, EV-D68, as the potential cause of an outbreak of Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM) among children in Phoenix. The finding is significant as it provides evidence for the need to develop preventative measures, such as new vaccines.
C-Path and TGen will develop a framework enabling state institutions to respond to antimicrobial resistance with a genomic surveillance system. The Prevent HAARM system aims to monitor and track antimicrobial resistant pathogens, providing rapid feedback to clinicians and public health professionals.
The Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) has received a $10,000 grant from PayPal Gives to support the cost of genetic testing for low-income children with rare disorders. The grant will help TGen's Center for Rare Childhood Disorders provide state-of-the-art genetic testing and potentially save the lives of fragile children.
The TGen One Health Collaborative uses a comprehensive approach to study human health in relation to the environment and animals. Examples of research areas include antimicrobial resistance, emerging infectious diseases like West Nile Virus and Valley Fever, and tracking disease outbreaks.
Two TGen scientists, Dr. Daniel D. Von Hoff and Dr. Michael E. Berens, receive awards from the Arizona Bioindustry Association for their lifetime achievements in pioneering new treatments, leading coalition-building efforts, and advancing precision medicine.
The TGen-UNM consortium has been awarded a $2.8 million grant to investigate the genetic causes of diabetic retinopathy and develop precision medicine-based treatments. The study aims to identify new biomarkers and therapeutic targets to prevent the progression of the disease.
Researchers identified gene mutations that drive melanoma in dogs, which can inform treatment strategies for both species. The study found mutations in the PTPRJ tumor suppressor gene and cancer-activating mutations in the RAS gene, providing a genetic bridge between canine and human melanoma.
Researchers aim to develop a blood test to detect and track metastatic melanoma by analyzing circulating tumor DNA in the bloodstream, promising a more precise, individualized, sensitive, and quantifiable approach than current imaging tests.
A TGen-led study has identified a mutated gene, FBXO28, as the likely cause of a 3-year-old girl's severe neurological symptoms. The research found a frameshift mutation in the gene that led to a cascade of symptoms, including developmental delay and intellectual disability.
A TGen-led study has found a link between DNA methylation and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in obese patients. The research identified four genes that may represent potential targets for new therapeutics.
TGen has opened a DIPG tissue donation portal to advance research into the rare and incurable disease, which affects about 350 children in the US each year. The portal aims to accelerate the development of new treatments through collaboration with researchers and families affected by the disease.
Researchers at TGen and Circuit Therapeutics have developed new methods to examine medium spiny neurons in the striatum, a structure crucial for movement, decision-making, and action initiation. They identified Chrm4 as a potential therapeutic drug target, shedding light on how MSN cells contribute to neurodegenerative diseases.
A TGen-led study has identified significant gene expression patterns associated with obesity-related NASH inflammation and fibrosis. The researchers discovered 176 genes specific to fibrosis, revealing three cellular pathways and 16 previously associated genes.
Researchers at TGen and HCI are working together to combat bone metastatic breast cancer, a leading cause of pain and death for patients. By blocking the activity of RON kinase, they aim to prevent further damage to skeletal structures and enhance anti-tumor immunity.
Researchers identified a genetic link between SuperAgers and better memory retention, suggesting that therapies targeting the MAP2K3 gene could reduce age-related memory decline and Alzheimer's disease risk.
A new quality-control test developed by TGen can detect cancer in blood with high accuracy, filtering out contaminants and evaluating cfDNA samples. This test has shown promising results in several cancer types, including melanoma and breast cancer.
The Casey Strale Foundation has raised over $150,000 for TGen ACC research, supporting life-changing work by Dr. Sunil Sharma and his team in developing new treatments for this rare cancer. The foundation's efforts aim to honor the memory of teenager Casey Strale, who lost his battle with ACC.
The Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) will receive $450,000 to fund a clinical trial for a newly developed ovarian cancer drug treatment, thanks to Colleen's Dream Foundation. The foundation has funded TGen in the past and has awarded over $1.2 million in grants to 27 institutions.
A TGen-ASU study found that different types of exercises affect unique sets of genes in muscle tissue. The research identified 48 unique genes affected by aerobic exercise and 348 unique genes affected by weight lifting.
The non-profit organization Destroy Pancreatic Cancer is funding a new clinical trial designed by Dr. Daniel D. Von Hoff at the Piedmont Cancer Institute, aiming to improve treatment options for pancreatic cancer patients. The trial will enroll up to 25 patients and is part of TGen's efforts to find a cure for this deadly disease.
A TGen-led study found that ponatinib significantly delays tumor growth and reduces tumor volume in SCCOHT, suggesting it should be tested for use in clinical trials. The rare form of ovarian cancer has a dismal two-year survival rate of less than 35 percent and affects young women and girls.
A new study suggests that the opening of the Panama Canal in 1914 may have led to the introduction of a deadly fungal disease, Cryptococcus gattii, into the Pacific Northwest region. The fungus, native to tropical regions, has caused outbreaks in Washington and Oregon, with symptoms including cough, shortness of breath, and confusion.
Researchers at TGen and Baylor Scott & White Research Institute are developing an early detection system for pancreatic cancer using a non-invasive blood test. The goal is to identify patients before symptoms appear or spread, improving mortality rates.
The Sabga Foundation has pledged $1 million to support a clinical trial at the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) in testing revolutionary new treatments for pancreatic cancer. This initiative aims to find answers to eradicate this devastating disease, which claims hundreds of thousands of lives worldwide.
Researchers have developed a comprehensive genomic sequencing approach that guides timely treatment for recurring brain cancer, resulting in extended progression-free survival. Two patients survived over a year without disease recurrence, demonstrating the potential of precision medicine in aggressive and refractory tumors.
A recent study by TGen-USC reveals that Precision Medicine in oncology is less precise for individuals with Latin American, African and Asian ancestry. A new genomic tool called LumosVar has been developed to help identify genetic variants, but more research is needed to overcome population differences.
The Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) has been awarded a $9 million grant by the CDC to explore innovative solutions to the growing problem of drug-resistant bacteria. The grant will support a pilot investigation using human genomic technology to track person-to-person transmission of pathogens.
Researchers found that arsenic trioxide can be a powerful therapy for glioblastoma multiforme, extending patient survival by three to four times. The treatment targets specific genomic signatures of brain tumor cells, allowing for precision medicine and matching the right drug to the right patient.
The Translational Genomics Research Institute has developed novel processing methods for single-cell RNA sequencing, enabling researchers to identify genetic sources of diseases and tailor treatments. This breakthrough is crucial for understanding cancer and improving patient care.
A new clinical trial, led by TGen's Dr. Von Hoff, will pair an immunotherapy drug with a Vitamin D Receptor agonist to treat pancreatic cancer. The study aims to remodel the tumor microenvironment and improve the delivery of immunotherapy.
A new genetic sequencing approach enables precise identification of drug-resistant TB, a major public health threat worldwide. The TGen-UCSF team used Single Molecule-Overlapping Reads technology to detect variants of TB, even in cases where older technologies found no mutations.
Researchers have identified altered ANK1 gene expression in microglia cells of individuals with Alzheimer's disease, which is associated with neuroinflammation. The study found that increased ANK1 expression in microglia may be a response to neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation.
Teleia Taumanu, a high school student from Arizona, is part of the Stand Up To Cancer and PBS LearningMedia program. She will work under Dr. Haiyong Han to study zebrafish related to pancreatic cancer research, exploring its connection to DNA repair mechanisms.
TGen is developing 'liquid biopsies' that can help clinicians accurately treat patients with high-risk breast cancer. These non-invasive blood tests could enable continuous monitoring of a patient's progress, reducing the need for surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation.