IIHG Divisions

Bioinformatics

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Genomics

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We are the people behind the scenes of the research projects that help keep the University of Iowa on the cutting edge of science. From cancer to cystic fibrosis to muscular dystrophy, we perform the lab tests and we do the analyses to help researchers achieve their ultimate goal of improving healthcare for you and your family. 

We also prepare today's undergraduates to be tomorrow's graduate students and your future researchers and healthcare providers. Over 50% of our summer interns successfully attend graduate school and pursue careers in STEM fields including Genetic Counseling, Medicine, Nursing, Computational Biology and Molecular Genetics. 

Genetics Cluster Initiative

Genetics transcends departments, colleges and disciplines and generates both needs and services in the basic sciences, health care, bioethics, law, bioinformatics and communications.

The Genetics Cluster Initiative at the University of Iowa includes professors from each of the aforementioned specialties, providing for a true round table discussion and collaborative approach to the unique nuances of personalized genomic medicine. 

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Ask a member of the Iowa Institute of Human Genetics your genetics-related question. Complete this online form and we will be happy to assist you

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Recent Publications

Using Patient iPSC-derived Retinal Pigment Epithelium to Evaluate Differential Susceptibility to MEK Inhibitor-Associated Retinopathy

Saturday, September 12, 2026
Lola P Lozano
CONCLUSIONS: These exploratory findings support a testable hypothesis: that MEK inhibitor-Associated Retinopathy preferentially affects susceptible patients whose retinal pigment epithelium cannot sufficiently regulate expression of genes related to fluid transport and cell volume, altering the ability of these cells to properly function. Confirmation will require additional donor lines from each clinical phenotype.

CFTR modulation alter pancreatic cancer cell growth and signaling: implications for cancer risk in cystic fibrosis

Saturday, September 12, 2026
Yunxia O'Malley
CONCLUSIONS: CFTR restoration not only improves channel function but also reprograms transcriptional networks to act as a synchronized brake on epithelial replication velocity and migration. These findings suggest that CFTR-targeting therapies may fundamentally influence pancreatic cancer biology and have implications for cancer risk management in PwCF.

Genetic and epigenetic contributors to cleft laterality: evidence from monozygotic mirror twins and replication cohorts

Friday, September 11, 2026
Aline L Petrin
Nonsyndromic cleft lip (nsCL) exhibits a non-random laterality pattern, with left-sided clefts occurring twice as frequently as right-sided clefts. The molecular mechanisms underlying this laterality bias remain poorly understood. We performed whole-genome sequencing and methylation profiling on a family comprising monozygotic twins with mirror-image nsCL, their affected mother, and unaffected father and brother. We conducted three independent replications via publicly available whole genome...

Oncogene SETDB1's dual role: driving tumor progression and immune escape

Saturday, August 1, 2026
Kiarash Salari
Oncogene SETDB1, an H3K9 methyltransferase, drives tumorigenesis in various cancers. Using endometrial cancer (EC) as a model, we discovered SETDB1's dual mechanisms in driving EC tumorigenesis and mediating immune evasion. SETDB1 knockout (SETDB1^(-/-)) tumor-bearing mice exhibited prolonged survival up to 100 days. Transcriptomic profiling of SETDB1^(-/-) EC cells revealed decreased oncogene expression and increased tumor suppressor gene expression, which indicates that SETDB1 intrinsically...

A decade of complement inhibition in post-transplant atypical HUS: outcomes with eculizumab and ravulizumab

Wednesday, July 15, 2026
Naga Sumanth Reddy Gopireddy
No abstract

Events

Iowa ReSpectacle Back to School Donation Drive promotional image

Iowa ReSpectacle Back to School Donation Drive

Sunday, September 13 to Friday, September 25, 2026 (all day)
Medical Education Research Facility
Donate used glasses to be recycled and redistributed across the globe during the back-to-school season! Drop-off locations are available from Aug. 24 to Sept. 25 across the University of Iowa campuses and clinics.
Mobile Clinic - Open Heartland promotional image

Mobile Clinic - Open Heartland

Sunday, September 13, 2026 12:30pm to 3:30pm
Open Heartland
Mobile Clinic
Blood Drive @ Health Services Support Building promotional image

Blood Drive @ Health Services Support Building

Monday, September 14, 2026 10:00am to 2:00pm
Health Care Support Services Building
The DeGowin Blood Center is hosting a blood drive from 10a.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday, September 14th, 2026 at HSSB Lower Level Gala Room. Help the University of Iowa climb the Abbott & Big Ten We Give Blood Drive leaderboard and received a special-edition t-shirt from Abbott, while supplies last!