TGen

Big news in the fight against canine cancer!

A few years ago, TGen researchers identified a gene that promotes lung cancer growth in dogs, a finding that could also help people afflicted with lung cancer who have never smoked. However, we knew there was more to the story. Building on that work, our newest study expands the picture by uncovering gene fusions in dog lung cancer, some of which are shared with human cancers and others that appear to be novel.

This is a significant step forward because:
✅ It highlights similarities between human and dog cancers, and uncovers new disease mechanisms.
✅ It points us toward treatments that may already exist.
✅ It continues to show that dogs and humans are in this fight together.

Research takes time, but every discovery brings us closer to more "good days" at the park together with our pups.

Excited to share that Luciano Garofano, PhD, now a TGen - Part of City of Hope faculty member, has a new paper published in Nature. Dr. Garofano co-led the work while at the University of Miami. Congratulations to all collaborators involved on this important contribution to how IDH-mutant glioma evolve. It's a great example of how strong science builds across institutions.

Why is this important for patients? 🧠
These brain tumors usually affects young adults and have a high probability of recurring after standard-of-care treatments (such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation). To better understand how the cancer behaves, clinicians can make more informed decisions around treatment. By understanding that IDH-mutant glioma cancer adapts to survive through cell behavior and changing its genetic blueprint, scientists can develop therapies to stop the “shape-shifting.”

Read the full paper here: https://go.nature.com/4e1nsrL

What is Pangenomics?! In an ever-growing field of genomic research, this can feel like a complicated topic. We did our best to explain it in four slides.

Swipe through to learn more. ➡️

Thanks to Phoenix Bioscience Core for highlighting the TGen Ambassador program!

For the last 10 years, the Ambassadors have been committed to educating the community about TGen's impact, advocacy and supporting the growth of research in Arizona 🧬 🌵

Read the full article ➡️

TGen Ambassadors Program Marks 10 Years of Community Impact, Advocacy, and Research Support - Phoenix Bioscience Core For the past decade, the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), part of City of Hope, has built the TGen Ambassadors program into a network of community leaders dedicated to advancing life-changing research through philanthropy, advocacy, and networking. The TGen Ambassadors program, laun...

Meet the Mentor: Bridget Barker, Ph.D. 🍄🔬

Bridget Barker, PhD, a Professor at NAU and Director of the ABSL3. From genetics to fungi, Dr. Barker is at the forefront of studying how these organisms impact our world. While her go to coffee order is a quad iced americano with half-and-half and stevia, while traveling abroad in Europe, she's soaking up all the Earl Grey tea she can find (with milk and sugar, of course!).

Her dream is to meet the legendary Jane Goodall. Dr. Barker admires her unwavering positivity and her trailblazing spirit as a field biologist. To have a real conversation with her would be the ultimate experience. 🐒🌿 Why Mentor? For Dr. Barker, mentoring aids in the development of future scientists and helps keep her sharp and think of her work in new ways.

Drop a ⭐️ in the comments and welcome Dr. Barker as a 2026 Helios Mentor.

Please join us in welcoming Dr. Nhan Tran back to TGen. We look forward to the innovation, collaboration, and hope his leadership will provide for patients and families in our community.

Read more about his return to TGen, goals for the lab, and outlook on the future of cancer research ➡️

A Visionary Homecoming: Dr. Nhan Tran Returns to TGen to Lead Cancer Discovery and Translation We are proud to announce the return of Nhan Tran, Ph.D.

TGen's 6th annual Runway for Research event is underway! It is an inspiring morning where fashion, philanthropy and discovery come together to fund the future of women’s cancer research.

The committee is hard at work preparing for the event happening Friday, October 9, at Scottsdale Fashion Square, Luxury Wing, Scottsdale, AZ.

Read the full press release: https://bit.ly/49pz7PJ

Ticket and sponsorship information available at https://bit.ly/49qtwZq