National Human Genome Research Institute

Narration Transgenic. Transgenic has been used in genetic studies for a long time. They were used to demonstrate that DNA is the molecule that carries the genetic code and that oncogenes can cause cancer. Transgenic animals have been generated to understand normal physiological processes such as metabolism and blood cell production. Transgenic animals have been used to model human diseases and to develop new treatments.

The National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), has appointed Erin Ramos, Ph.D., M.P.H., as the director of the Division of Genome Sciences (DGSci). DGSci funds basic science-oriented genomics research as part of NHGRI’s Extramural Research Program, including supporting the development of resources, technologies, and analytical tools that drive human genomics research.

Genetic engineering (also called genetic modification) is a process that uses laboratory-based technologies to alter the DNA makeup of an organism. This may involve changing a single base pair (A-T or C-G), deleting a region of DNA or adding a new segment of DNA. For example, genetic engineering may involve adding a gene from one species to an organism from a different species to produce a desired trait.

The new year is getting off to a typical genomics-energized start for NHGRI. We just updated our Talking Glossary of Genomic and Genetic Terms with several new entries, including genetic architecture, long-read DNA sequencing, and pangenome. In addition to definitions, this resource includes illustrations and audio recordings from experts at NHGRI.

I had a wonderful time catching up with so many genetics and genomics colleagues at the American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) Annual Meeting last month in snowy Denver. In addition to meeting with the ASHG Board of Directors, I stopped in at a few meetings of research consortia and spent multiple hours greeting genomics and genetics enthusiasts at the NHGRI booth on the exhibit floor.

It’s been a hectic and productive autumn for both me and NHGRI! Last month, I was delighted to give talks at two major meetings. First, I spoke at the 3rd International Conference for Newborn Sequencing in New York City; followed by a symposium in Toronto associated with the presentation of the 2024 Canada Gairdner Awards, which this year recognized the work of several pioneers of next-generation sequencing technologies.

The page you are trying to view is password protected. Please enter the password below to proceed.

Last month, I was delighted to give a convocation address to the entering class at Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia. Since most of the students in attendance are not majoring in the sciences, I focused on how genomics is increasingly relevant in our everyday lives. It was such an honor to give this lecture in the Sisters Chapel, a historic site for many reasons including being the place where the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. lay in state for two days in 1968.

Event Details Oct 15, 2024, 10:00 AM — 12:00 PM Background In its 2020 Strategic Vision, the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) identified the need to “elucidate the genetic architecture of the majority of human diseases and traits.” Traditionally used to illuminate human evolution and demography, ancient (>500 years old) and historical (<500 years old) DNA is now being applied towards the origins and biology of human disease.

We have an exciting month ahead at NHGRI, starting with the September 2024 meeting of the National Advisory Council for Human Genome Research, which is less than a week away! The new director of the NIH Center for Information Technology, Sean Mooney, Ph.D., will speak during the open session of this meeting. I encourage you to attend Dr. Mooney’s and the other important talks that will take place during the council’s open session on September 9.