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1. Find a recent news article related to genomics that interests you

2. Create a post that includes:

Link to the article

Brief summary of the article’s main points

Your explanation of why you chose this article

3. Read your classmates’ posts

4. Comment on at least two other posts with your thoughts or questions

5. Use the “like” reaction to acknowledge interesting articles

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1. Heteropaternal Superfecundation is the scientific name for fraternal twins who have different fathers. It occurs when an excess of Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) is secreted and causing at least 2 eggs to be released in the same ovulation cycle (AKA -hyperovulation). Once the eggs are released, each egg is fertilized by a sperm from different male partners. This phenomena is extremely rare in humans, only 19 cases have been recorded. However, it is much more common with animals (Cohn, 2023).

2. I chose this article because there was a gap in my knowledge. Previously, lectures involving this topic revolved around how ovulation/fertilization occurs and how twins are formed. However, this particular question was never answered. I was not surprised to learn that it is extremely rare as I had never heard of it before. However, I did not expect it to be more prevalent in other species.

Cohn, H. (2023, June 16). How to Have Twins with Different Fathers. Office for Science and Society. https://www.mcgill.ca/oss/article/medical-student-contributors-did-you-know/how-have-twins-different-fathers

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Yes, it is possible to have twins with different biological fathers. The scientific term for this anomaly is "heteropaternal superfecundation," and it's cool. "Heteropaternal" signifies different fathers and " superfecundation " means the fertilization of two ova during the same menstrual cycle by separate mating actions. In other words, it is a phenomenon where a second egg is released, and two acts of sexual intercourse can lead to the fertilization of these eggs by two different sources of sperm. The short story is they're just fraternal twins with an extra twist.

The key ingredient is hyperovulation - which is a fancy way of saying two (or more) eggs are released by the ovaries in the same month, as opposed to the usual one egg. At the beginning of a cycle, the ovaries build up structures called follicles. Typically, at around day 8 of the cycle, all but one of these follicles degenerate. The last one standing develops the ovum (egg), and will then rupture near day 14, ejecting the egg - that's called ovulation. This process is regulated by hormones, particularly follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). High FSH levels are thought to be responsible for multiple ovulation, causing more than one follicle to become dominant, or multiple instances of follicle development to occur in the same period. This means the two eggs can get ejected by the same ovary, or one egg can get ejected from each. You can think of the ovaries like a busy restaurant kitchen, receiving a high number of orders. With all that overwhelming input, you may have an accidental duplicate order, which is harmless, it just means someone's belly might get a little extra full. That's how you get fraternal twins - two eggs, two sperm, two babies. Note that identical twins arise from one egg splitting into two after fertilization. Identical twins share 100% of their genes, classic fraternals share around 50%, and fraternal twins from different fathers have an average of 25% of the same genes (just like half siblings).

The capacity to have fraternal twins, hence, to double ovulate, is believed to be a complex trait, influenced by environment and genetics. That's why twins are observed to run in families. But research on candidate genes is still premature. Age is also a factor - higher FSH is more likely in younger menstruators and those approaching menopause.

It's also important to note that two sperm can't fertilize the same egg. Double fertilization means there would be too much DNA in the cell, hence it wouldn't be viable. There is also the case of "superfetation," when someone with child becomes pregnant again during separate cycles. But this is also very unlikely in humans because the pregnant body creates an environment that suppresses ovulation. While few proposed cases have been reported, the topic remains controversial due to the difficulty in collecting evidence.

The occurrence of heteropaternal superfecundation is extremely rare, though difficult to estimate because it is only discovered if paternity is contested. To reiterate, it relies on many events. When multiple ovulation occurs, it then requires the fertilization of both ova, from different sources of sperm. For many, it's already difficult enough to conceive one child, let alone twice in one cycle. Couples trying to have children have an approximate conception rate of 30% in the first month, though this varies according to many factors. Ultrasound scans are able to detect multiple ovulation, though its incidence can generally be estimated by the frequency of fraternal twin births. In 2021, around 3% of total live births in Canada were multiple births, of which the vast majority were twins; fraternal twins make up 70% of twin births. The frequency of twin births has also increased overtime with the rise of infertility treatments. That said, in 2020, only 19 cases of heteropaternal superfecundation were reported worldwide.

This phenomenon is more common in animals like cows that ovulate more often and aren't as monogamous as most humans. Who knew bovine biology could be so bountiful?
Haleh Cohn is studying Anatomy and Cell Biology at McGill University with a minor in Economics.

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How to Have Twins with Different Fathers

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Yes, it is possible to have twins with different biological fathers. The scientific term for this anomaly is "heteropaternal superfecundation," and it's super cool. "Heteropaternal" signifies different fathers and "superfecundation" means the fertilization of two ova during the same menstrual cycle by separate mating actions.

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Genetics and Genomics: CRISPR-Based Gene Editing Case Study—Regina LaBadie

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Genetics and Genomics: CRISPR-Based Gene Editing Case Study—Regina LaBadie

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Article Selected:

https://apnews.com/article/crispr-gene-editing-rare-disease-mutation-chop-penn-4ab95afadde97164ae6c2450d79acbf8

Why Did Your Group Choose This Topic?

We chose this topic because it highlights the extraordinary potential of personalized gene editing in treating rare and previously incurable diseases. The story of KJ Muldoon, an infant treated with CRISPR-based base editing for CPS1 deficiency, is inspiring and deeply relevant to modern genomic medicine. It reflects both a scientific breakthrough and a human impact, bridging cutting-edge research with patient care.

What Did You Learn?

We learned that this was the world’s first use of a customized, in vivo CRISPR base-editing treatment for a rare metabolic condition in a child. The treatment was developed in just six months and delivered via three infusions. KJ showed improvements in protein tolerance, resilience to infections, and developmental milestones. This discovery paves the way for the application of similar techniques to hundreds of other rare genetic diseases.

Can You Apply the Findings to Practice? Why or Why Not?

This treatment has the potential to be applied in highly specialized clinical settings, such as pediatric genetic centers. However, broad application is currently limited by cost, time, ethical considerations, and the need for rapid, individualized therapy development. With ongoing advancement, we may see scaled platforms for treating groups of similar genetic disorders in the near future.

What Are You Looking Forward to Most in This Class?

We’re excited to learn more about how genomics is translated into clinical practice, especially tools like CRISPR and polygenic risk scoring. We're also eager to explore the ethical frameworks that guide the application of emerging genomic technologies. Understanding how to balance innovation with safety, accessibility, and fairness is essential in this rapidly evolving field.

Brief Introduction

Hi everyone! Nursing school has already traumatized me, but I am determined to persevere!

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Gene editing helped a desperately ill baby thrive. Scientists say it could someday treat millions

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A baby born with a rare and dangerous genetic disease is thriving after getting an experimental gene editing treatment made just for him.

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Identification of candidate genes associated with bipolar disorder by whole-exome sequencing of a Chinese multi-affected pedigree

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Identification of candidate genes associated with bipolar disorder by whole-exome sequencing of a Chinese multi-affected pedigree

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References

Wang, Y., Xu, Z., Zhang, Y. et al. Identification of candidate genes associated with bipolar disorder by whole-exome sequencing of a Chinese multi-affected pedigree. BMC Psychiatry 25, 612 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-025-07002-z

Why did your group choose this topic?

I find the world of genetics fascinating. Pretty much any breakthrough related to it is of interest to me. I have no specific interest in mental health issues; however, it is interesting to see that more and more of the mental health issues are linked to our genetic code.

What did you learn?

According to Wang et al. (2025), based on the genome sequencing performed on the members of one pedigree in which multiple family members are afflicted with the bipolar disorder, there is an indication that one or more genes might be impacted by structural abnormalities that may contribute to bipolar disorder.

Can you apply the findings to practice? Why/why not?

It is too early to say whether this may be applied in practice since this study is very recent. In addition, in concluding section, Wang et al. (2025) indicate that further validation is needed for the results. Furthermore, Wang et al. (2025) states that larger population study should be performed and longer portion of the gene should be examined in the future studies. Because the results are preliminary, there is no immediate application in clinical setting. That said, I believe that documenting affected family’s pedigree tracing the illness may be done now in anticipation of further studies results.

What are you looking forward to most in this class?

This class is the best combination of serious science and satisfaction of intellectual curiosity because we get to examine various aspects of different cases of genetic dominant traits and illnesses. While studying those cases, we get to understand the behind the scenes (genetic) component of a particular case as well as real human life implication of it. Once we understand the latter, we can be better nurses to those impacted by various genetic issues. I am looking forward to learning more about the cases and real people behind them.

Please feel free to share a brief intro so we can get to know you!

Nursing school has been a roller coaster of a ride for me. The highs and lows are what keeps me going with the hope of finishing the ride on the high tide!!!

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Identification of candidate genes associated with bipolar disorder by whole-exome sequencing of a Chinese multi-affected pedigree - BMC Psychiatry

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Background Bipolar disorder (BD) is a severe mental disorder with high, approximately 70% heritability. Here, to identify novel risk genes of BD, we conducted whole-exome sequencing and pathway enrichment analyses across one multi-affected, southern Chinese Han pedigree. Methods Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was performed on five patients with BD and three unaffected members in one multi-affected pedigree. The analyses focused on variants that (i) were shared by affected members but were not present in the unaffected members, and (ii) were rare and damaging. Bioinformatic analyses, including Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analyses, were used for functional annotation and pathway analysis. Results We identified a rare and potentially damaging single nucleotide variations (SNVs) in NTN1, MYH10, and RILP that were shared by affected family members but were absent in unaffected members. Their functions were predicted to be associated with actin binding, substrate-dependent cell migration, actin cytoskeleton, and nucleotide excision repair. Conclusion Our findings suggest that NTN1, MYH10, and RILP may represent novel candidate risk genes for BD, although further validation in larger cohorts is needed.

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New Gene Delivery Method Paves the Way for Advanced Brain Therapies

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New Gene Delivery Method Paves the Way for Advanced Brain Therapies

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Why did you choose this topic?

I chose this topic because of its relevance to neurological and psychiatric conditions. After further reading, I found that Gene delivery methods that can cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) offer potential for treating disorders such as Parkinson’s, Gaucher disease, Huntington’s, and various mental health disorders.

What did you learn?

The researchers screened a library of viral capsids and selected one that binds TfR1, a protein highly expressed at the BBB, enabling transport across the barrier. There was preclinical success, as both human-cell BBB models and humanized mice demonstrated that the engineered AAV (BI‑hTFR1) reached the brain and spinal cord at 6–12 times higher levels than existing vectors, targeting astrocytes and neurons. When delivering the GBA1 gene (linked to Gaucher and Parkinson’s diseases), the new vector achieved approximately 30 times more copies in the brain than current AAV therapies, showing efficient gene delivery (Huang et al., 2024).

Can you apply the findings to practice? Why/why not?

Not yet. This therapy is still in the laboratory testing stage and has not yet progressed to human trials. Researchers are also unsure of the immune reactions that could occur in humans (which nurses would likely be responsible for assessing). Also, the cost and accessibility of these therapies raise concerns regarding equity in distribution. Nonetheless, this breakthrough is still one step closer to developing a method for delivering genetic material into the brain to reach cellular targets.

What are you looking forward to most in this class?

I am looking forward to so much. Genetics and genomics have long been fascinating subjects to study. Familial traits and inheritance, epigenetics, and population genetics are all topics that have always interested me. I am excited to learn more about genes and mental health, as well as gene editing.

References
Huang, Q., Chan, K. Y., Lou, S., Keyes, C., Wu, J., Botticello-Romero, N. R., Zheng, Q., Johnston, J., Mills, A., Brauer, P. P., Clouse, G., Pacouret, S., Harvey, J. W., Beddow, T., Hurley, J. K., Tobey, I. G., Powell, M., Chen, A. T., Barry, A. J., Eid, F.-E., Chan, Y. A., & Deverman, B. E. (2024). An AAV capsid reprogrammed to bind human transferrin receptor mediates brain-wide gene delivery. Science, 384(6701), 1220–1227. https://www.doi.org/10.1126/science.adm8386

New gene delivery method paves the way for advanced brain therapies. (2024, August 15). National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). https://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/science-updates/2024/new-gene-delivery-method-paves-the-way-for-advanced-brain-therapies

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National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

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Gene therapies use genes to treat, prevent, or cure diseases and disorders. Small viruses called adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) are a main way of delivering gene therapies throughout the body, including the brain. AAVs have tremendous potential to expand gene therapies by safely delivering genetic material to cells and tissues to treat disorders at their root genetic cause.

However, a difficulty in developing AAV therapies has been the need to deliver genes to specific cells and organs; otherwise, they may cause unwanted effects elsewhere in the body. While researchers have identified the genes underlying many brain disorders, a strict gatekeeper known as the blood-brain barrier has presented an obstacle to effective treatment. The barrier protects us from toxins and other harmful things by filtering what comes in and goes out of the human brain. However, this barrier can sometimes work too well, keeping out gene therapies that could help treat or cure diseases.

Unfortunately, many existing AAVs can't efficiently cross the blood-brain barrier. Although some AAVs successfully crossed the barrier in animal studies, few have shown success when tested in humans. These challenges have stalled the development of treatments for many disorders, driving researchers to look for more effective ways of delivering gene therapies.

A team of researchers at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard University, led by Benjamin Deverman, Ph.D. , set out to engineer an AAV that could effectively cross the blood-brain barrier to deliver genes into the human brain. The study had funding through The Brain Research Through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies® Initiative, or The BRAIN Initiative® , and the NIH Common Fund's Somatic Cell Genome Editing program .

What did researchers do in the study?

3-D illustration of an AAV. Courtesy of the Deverman Lab at the Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research at the Broad Institute (https://vector.engineering).

The researchers started by looking for an AAV with a high chance of reaching the human brain. In previous work, Deverman's lab had already developed an efficient way of engineering new AAVs by looking for ones that bind to specific proteins on the surface of target cells or organs.

They used that method to create and screen a library of different AAVs to see if any would bind to a protein called human transferrin receptor (TfR1), which brings iron into the brain. TfR1 is highly expressed on the human blood-brain barrier and has been shown to shuttle large molecules across that barrier to reach the brain in studies with humans.

This step narrowed down the candidate AAVs to one, named BI-hTFR1, that could attach itself to the TfR1 protein. With a promising AAV identified, the researchers next tested the AAV in human cells and in mice modified to express the human form of the TfR1 protein. They also examined whether the new AAV could transport genetic material into the brain, comparing it with one of the few currently existing AAVs able to deliver genes to the human central nervous system.

What were the study results?

First, the researchers found that the TfR1-bound AAV successfully crossed the blood-brain barrier in the human cell model. Moreover, in a head-to-head comparison with the existing AAV used in nervous system gene therapies, significantly more of the new AAV actively traveled across the brain cell barrier.

This finding was further supported when the researchers injected the AAV into the bloodstream of mice expressing the human form of TfR1. Results showed that the new AAV successfully entered the brain and spinal cord of the mice and did so at much higher levels than the existing AAV, showing 6-12 times greater amounts across the brain. Importantly, this effect was not found for other organs, demonstrating the new AAV's enhanced entry into the central nervous system. The AAV also affected brain cells with critical functions, reaching up to 92% of astrocytes and 71% of neurons , which play important roles in how cells develop and communicate.

Last, the researchers examined the AAV's ability to deliver the human gene GBA1 into the mouse brain. Mutations in the GBA1 gene are linked to several neurodegenerative disorders, including Gaucher disease and Parkinson's disease. The new AAV delivered the GBA1 gene throughout the brain. Once again, the results emphasized the enhanced effectiveness of the new AAV, which delivered 30 times more copies of GBA1 compared to the existing AAV. Together, the results showed that the AAV can effectively enter the brain at a large scale and carry with it healthy copies of genetic material.

What do the results mean?

These findings confirm that AAVs can be targeted to specific proteins to create powerful, minimally invasive gene delivery vehicles. The researchers in this study engineered an AAV that, by directly binding to a human receptor protein, crossed the blood-brain barrier to reach critical cells and deliver a disease-relevant gene throughout the brain.

Importantly, the new AAV was more effective and efficient than the main AAV currently used for nervous system gene therapies. Another critical advantage was its human-specific binding. Because the AAV binds to a well-studied human protein found at the blood-brain barrier, the researchers think it has strong potential to work for human gene therapies. Using mice that express the human form of the Tfr1 receptor also provides strong evidence that this therapy could show success in people.

Although exciting, the results require further testing in human studies. The researchers will also need to address common challenges that face any AAV gene therapy, including limits on the size of the gene it can deliver, potential off-target impacts on other genes or gene pathways, and the risk of an overactive immune system response. Despite these hurdles, with further testing and development, the gene delivery method could open up new therapeutic avenues and revolutionize treatment for a range of neurological and mental disorders.

Reference

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New Gene Delivery Method Paves the Way for Advanced Brain Therapies

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A new study, funded in part by the National Institute of Mental Health, describes a promising new gene delivery vehicle that could advance treatment for brain disorders.

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Scientists create fertile mice with two fathers for first time

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Scientists create fertile mice with two fathers for first time

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References-

Devlin, H. (2025, June 25). Scientists create fertile mice with two fathers for first time. The Times. https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/scientists-create-fertile-mice-with-two-fathers-for-first-time-6qcg6w9xk

Why did your group choose this topic?

I chose this topic because it pushes the boundaries of what we thought was biologically possible. The idea that two male animals could create offspring without any female genetic material challenges our fundamental understanding of reproduction, inheritance, and genetics. It immediately grabbed my attention because it connects science with larger questions about identity, family, and the future of medicine.

This topic also relates directly to what we’re learning in class like DNA structure, epigenetics, and patterns of inheritance but takes those principles into real world application. I was curious to understand how scientists could override natural genetic imprinting and what that means for future possibilities in reproductive technology.

What did you learn?

I learned that scientists can now use epigenetic editing to create offspring from two male parents, which challenges traditional ideas about inheritance and reproduction. This involves altering genomic imprinting and how genes are turned on or off based on which parent they come from. It showed me that genetics isn’t just about DNA sequences, but also about how genes are regulated. I also realized how fast this field is advancing and how important it is to consider the ethical side of these breakthroughs.

Can you apply the findings to practice? Why/why not?

Right now, we can’t apply these findings directly to human practice because the technique is still experimental and was only successful in mice with a very low success rate. It also opens the door to new possibilities in reproductive science, but more research is needed before it can be safely or ethically used in humans.

What are you looking forward to most in this class?

I’m most looking forward to gaining a deeper understanding of how DNA is structured, replicated, and passed down through generations. The topics like chromosome structure, inheritance patterns, and polygenic traits are the foundation of everything in genomics, so I’m excited to really master them.

Please feel free to share a brief intro so we can get to know you!

Hi everyone! My name is Joyce, and I’m excited to be part of this class. I’m currently exploring a few different paths in nursing such as psychiatric nursing, ER nursing, and mother-baby care. I’m passionate about both the emotional and physical aspects of patient care, and I love the idea of working in settings where I can make a real impact during critical or meaningful moments in people’s lives. I’m looking forward to learning more about genetics and how it applies across different fields of nursing.

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Scientists have created fertile mice from male genetic material alone, a breakthrough that could one day open the door to human babies who inherit their genes from two fathers.

The experiment, led by Professor Yanchang Wei at Shanghai Jiao Tong University in China, marks a milestone in the quest to overcome the biological barriers to same-sex reproduction.

The research, published in the journal PNAS, involved inserting DNA from two sperm cells into an egg that had been emptied of its nucleus. This resulted in an androgenetic embryo - one that contains only male genetic material - which was then implanted into the uterus of a surrogate mother mouse.

In mammals androgenetic embryos typically fail early in development due to a phenomenon known as genomic imprinting. Roughly speaking, this refers to how certain genes are turned on or off depending on whether they came from the mother or father, via chemical modifications or "epigenetic tags" that are attached to their DNA.

Wei and his colleagues overcame this by using an editing technique to "reprogramme" seven regions of the DNA of one of the sperm cells placed inside the egg. Epigenetic tags were altered to restore the genetic balance normally achieved by having input from a male and a female.

Out of 259 embryos implanted into female mice, only two male pups survived to adulthood. Although the success rate was low, both males went on to have healthy offspring with female partners - the first time this has been achieved with two-father animals.

The science is still in its early stages and there is no prospect of human babies being born with two fathers in the near future. However, the implications may be profound.

* 'Motherless' mice created from embryos with only male genes

Unlike some previous attempts to produce same-sex mammalian offspring, the technique used involved editing only the epigenetic features that control the activity levels of genes, rather than the genes themselves. This may make it more useful for future clinical applications.

However, the extremely low success rate of the technique used in the study would require an unacceptable number of eggs and surrogate mothers. One reason for the low success rate is that combining two sperm increases the odds of producing embryos with two Y chromosomes, which cannot develop. The epigenetic reprogramming also only worked fully in a fraction of the embryos.

In 2004, Japanese researchers created a female mouse from two mothers - a breakthrough at the time. But producing viable offspring from two sperm has proven far more complicated, requiring a deeper understanding of imprinting.

If the technique were ever adapted for use in humans, such children would technically still have a "third parent" in the egg donor, whose mitochondrial DNA would remain in the embryo. However, they would inherit their nuclear DNA, which contains the vast majority of their genetic code, from two men.

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Scientists create fertile mice with two fathers for first time

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Embryos produced using two sperm cells survived thanks to gene-editing that could one day help same-sex couples conceive

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Microbiome-based therapeutics towards healthier aging and longevity

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Microbiome-based therapeutics towards healthier aging and longevity

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Why I choose this topic?

I choose this topic because the relationship between gut microbiome and aging is important in medicine and for public health. As people live longer it is more and more important to understand how we can extend the lifespan while making sure that extending it means staying healthy. The information about the microbiome offers a promising, non-invasive way to intervene with the aging process.

What did I learn?

I learned that aging is closely linked to microbial shifts which affects immunity, inflammation and cognition. Probiotics, diets and fecal microbiota transplantation can potentially reverse or delay these age related changes (Kadyan et al, 2025). Microbial metabolites play a direct role in cellular aging and this helps to do targeted therapies.

Can I apply the findings to practice?

I think that to some extent the findings could be put into practice. For example, dietary interventions like encouraging and teaching about probiotic and prebiotic uses. Using FMT or engineered microbiota needs more clinical trials to be done and FDA approval before being implemented everywhere. Also, each person is different so being able to figure out what affects each person’s microbiomes would be difficult right now.

What am I looking forward to in this class?

I am looking forward to understanding how genomics is integrated into the nursing process. I want to learn how to interpret genetic information in a way to helps with patient care. I want to be more confident in genomics when this class ends.

Citation

Kadyan, S., Park, G., Singh, T.P. et al. Microbiome-based therapeutics towards healthier aging and longevity. Genome Med 17, 75 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13073-025-01493-x

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Microbiome-based therapeutics towards healthier aging and longevity - Genome Medicine

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The gut microbiome is our lifetime companion, regulating our health from birth throughout the lifespan. The gut microbiome composition changes continually with age, influencing both physiological and immunological development. Emerging evidence highlights the close association, and thus implication, of the microbiome with healthy disease-free aging and longevity. Accordingly, targeting the gut microbiome is emerging as a promising avenue to prevent, alleviate, and ameliorate aging-related disorders. Herein, we provide a prospective and inclusive framework of the close connection of the gut microbiome with human aging, while contemplating how this association is intertwined with age-related diseases. We delve into recently emerging and potential microbiome-based therapeutics that are projected to aid in alleviating myriad aging-related diseases, thereby enhancing the health and well-being of the aging population. Finally, we present a foundation and perspective underlining the prospects of microbiome-based therapeutics developed and tailored precisely for the elderly, with the overarching goal of promoting health and longevity.

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The long-term effects of chemotherapy on normal blood cells

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The long-term effects of chemotherapy on normal blood cells

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Brook- Ashley Thompson & Erika Bumbrey

Why We Chose This Topic

Our group is passionate about the intersection of genomics, medicine, and patient outcomes. This study dramatically demonstrates how genomics can reveal unexpected side effects of standard cancer therapies—highlighting the relevance of genetics not just for disease detection, but also for treatment safety.

What We Learned

• Chemotherapy isn’t homogeneously harmful: some drugs like cisplatin and carboplatin induce high mutation rates in healthy cells, mimicking decades of genetic aging, while others like oxaliplatin don’t.

• Inter-patient variability: genetic background may shape how patients respond to the drugs.

• Precision medicine implications: genomic profiling could guide safer drug choices based on the mutational risk.

Application to Practice

Yes, it’s applicable especially in clinical oncology and pharmacogenomics:

1. Drug selection: Oncologists might one day choose between chemotherapy options not only by cancer efficacy, but also by minimizing genomic harm to patients.

2. Genomic monitoring: Regular blood-based genomic scans during treatment could detect early mutational damage, informing interventions.

3. Collaborative care: Close coordination between oncologists, geneticists, and pharmacologists is vital to translate these insights into patient care protocols.

Looking Forward to in This Class

• Learning how to integrate genomic data into real-world clinical decisions like considering genetic toxicity as a side-effect.

• Developing skills in ethical analysis: balancing treatment benefits with genomic risks and communicating them effectively to patients.

• Exploring bioinformatics tools: to process genomic mutation signatures and track patient-specific genomic changes

About Brooke-Ashley Thompson

Hi everyone! My name is Brooke Ashley , and I’m excited to be here. I’m currently a senior BSN student with a strong interest in maternal health. I also work in pharmaceutical sales, where I’ve gained experience in healthcare communication and provider engagement. I’m passionate about improving patient outcomes and always eager to learn from others. I like to read books, hike, and cook, looking forward to connecting with you all!

About Erika Bumbrey

Hi everyone! My name is Erika Bumbrey, and I’m a senior. I currently work as an ABA specialist for autistic children, which has given me a strong love for behavioral health. At the same time, I have a deep interest in Labor & Delivery. I’m also a certified phlebotomist and have experience working in dialysis so it’s safe to say that healthcare is truly my passion, even if my interests span across several areas. I’m excited to see where I ultimately land in the field!

Outside of work and school, I love being in nature, reading a good book, and cuddling with my clingy dog. Looking forward to a great class together!

Mitchell, E., Pham, M. H., Clay, A., Sanghvi, R., Williams, N., Pietsch, S., Hsu, J. I., Jung, H., Vedi, A., Moody, S., Wang, J., Leonganmornlert, D., Spencer Chapman, M., Dunstone, E., Santarsieri, A., Cagan, A., Machado, H. E., Baxter, E. J., Follows, G., … Stratton, M. R. (2025, July 1). The long-term effects of chemotherapy on normal blood cells. Nature News. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41588-025-02234-x

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The long-term effects of chemotherapy on normal blood cells - Nature Genetics

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Mutational signature analysis of blood cells isolated from 23 chemotherapy-exposed samples and 9 nonexposed controls characterizes the effects of various drugs on mutational burden, signature exposure and cell types.