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Ground Truths

Anna Greka: Molecular Sleuthing for Rare Diseases

Mar 9, 2025
In a riveting discussion, Dr. Anna Greka, a physician-scientist at the Broad Institute and president of the American Society for Clinical Investigation, dives deep into her vital work on rare kidney diseases. She shares insights on unraveling genetic mutations and the role of misfolded proteins in health. Highlighting the power of interdisciplinary collaboration, she emphasizes how AI and genome editing can revolutionize biomedical research. Anna also reflects on her journey from Greece to nephrology, showcasing the importance of passion in scientific discovery.
48:33

Episode guests

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Quick takeaways

  • The identification of the MUC1 gene mutation highlights the global impact of hereditary kidney diseases affecting millions of patients.
  • Innovative initiatives like the Ladders to Cures Accelerator emphasize collaboration among researchers and patient advocacy groups to tackle rare genetic disorders.

Deep dives

Discovery of MUC1 Mutation

The identification of a mutation in the MUC1 gene has significant implications for understanding hereditary kidney diseases. This mutation was discovered through traditional Sanger sequencing methods, as next-generation sequencing struggled with the complex and repetitive structure of the MUC1 gene. The mutation results in a dysfunctional protein that accumulates within kidney cells, leading to cellular damage and eventual kidney failure. This key discovery illustrates how genetic issues that appeared local and rare can have global implications, affecting millions of kidney disease patients worldwide.

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