How omics and bioinformatics are used in the Precision Medicine Lab

Summary

Dr. Judy Crabtree, an associate professor of genetics at LSU HSC, discusses her journey from sequencing the human genome to leading the precision medicine program. She highlights the impact of genomics on personalized medicine, focusing on its application in oncology and drug development. Crabtree also emphasizes the importance of the 'All of Us' research program in diversifying genomic data to address health disparities. Her presentation showcases the evolution of genomics from basic research to clinical practice, aiming to deliver the right treatment to the right patient at the right time.

Takeaways

• 🎓 Dr. Judy Crabtree's academic background includes a PhD in Biochemistry and Genetics from the University of Oklahoma and postdoctoral work at the National Human Genome Research Institute under Dr. Francis Collins.
• 🧬 Dr. Crabtree contributed to the Human Genome Project, which sequenced regions of human chromosome 22 and provided foundational data for understanding human genetic diversity.
• 🏥 Her career transitioned from academia to the pharmaceutical industry, where she worked at Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, and then to LSU Health Sciences Center as a professor of genetics.
• 📈 Dr. Crabtree played a pivotal role in implementing COVID-19 testing and viral sequencing efforts at LSU to track variants, showcasing her adaptability in public health crises.
• 🧬 The Human Genome Project, which Dr. Crabtree was part of, revealed approximately 10 million single nucleotide variants in the human genome, emphasizing the genetic diversity among individuals.
• 🧪 Precision medicine, as described by Dr. Crabtree, aims to tailor healthcare by considering individual differences in genetics, environment, and lifestyle, moving towards personalized treatment plans.
• 🧬 The 'All of Us' research program, supported by the NIH, aims to enroll one million or more participants to better understand genetic variants and their impact on health, with a focus on diversity.
• 🏥 Dr. Crabtree's work at LSU's precision medicine program involves using next-generation sequencing to identify genetic variants that can inform treatment strategies for cancer patients.
• 💊 The field of oncology is leading the way in precision medicine, with targeted therapies designed to hit specific molecular targets identified by genomic variants, aiming for fewer side effects.
• 🧬 Genomic testing in clinical settings is becoming more accessible and cost-effective, with the potential to revolutionize patient care by providing evidence-based, personalized medicine.

Q & A

What was Dr. Judy Crabtree's role in the Human Genome Project?

Dr. Judy Crabtree received her PhD training in biochemistry and genetics from the University of Oklahoma, where she was part of one of the original labs funded to sequence the human genome.

Where did Dr. Crabtree complete her postdoctoral work?

Dr. Crabtree completed her postdoctoral work at the National Human Genome Research Institute at the National Institute of Health in Bethesda, Maryland, under the direction of Dr. Francis Collins.

What disease did Dr. Crabtree study during her postdoctoral work?

During her postdoctoral work, Dr. Crabtree studied the biology of an endocrine tumor disease called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type One.

How long did Dr. Crabtree work in the pharmaceutical industry before joining LSU Health Sciences Center?

The script does not specify the exact duration of Dr. Crabtree's work in the pharmaceutical industry before joining LSU Health Sciences Center in 2009.

What is Dr. Crabtree's current position at LSU Health Sciences Center?

Dr. Crabtree is currently an Associate Professor of Genetics and the Scientific and Education Director of the Precision Medicine Program at LSU Health Sciences Center.

What significant initiative did Dr. Crabtree implement during the COVID-19 pandemic?

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Crabtree implemented the COVID testing program for the LSU-HSC campus and launched viral sequencing efforts to track COVID-19 variants of concern in Southern Louisiana.

What was the cost and duration of the Human Genome Project?

The Human Genome Project took 13 years to complete at a cost of about 2.7 billion dollars.

What is the All of Us Research Program and how does it relate to precision medicine?

The All of Us Research Program is a cornerstone of the Precision Medicine Initiative that aims to enroll one million or more participants to understand genetic variants better. It includes collecting surveys, biological specimens for whole genome sequencing, and medical records for population-based studies.

How does the LSU Health Sciences Center contribute to the All of Us Research Program?

LSU Health Sciences Center is a flagship institution in the Southern region of the All of Us program, collaborating with other major institutions across the Gulf South to enroll participants and contribute to the understanding of the human genome.

What is the significance of the genomic data generated from the All of Us Research Program?

The genomic data from the All of Us Research Program is significant because it includes a diverse pool of participants, with more than half of the new genomic information coming from people who self-identify with racial or ethnic minority groups, which helps to address the lack of diversity in previous genomic studies.

What is the TSO 500 panel and how does it relate to precision medicine at LSU Health Sciences Center?

The TSO 500 panel is a next-generation sequencing-based approach that contains 523 oncology-related genes. It is used to support solid tumors and will be expanded into hematological malignancies. It also provides an assessment of microsatellite instability and defects in mismatch repair, which support the use of checkpoint inhibitor therapies and overall tumor mutational burden.