Welcome to the Iowa Institute of Human Genetics
It is my pleasure to welcome you to the Iowa Institute of Human Genetics (IIHG).
Exponential growth in human genetics research is driving the ever-increasing application of genetics in day-to-day medical practice and making personalized genomic medicine – or precision medicine – possible. Certainly, the unique environment of the IIHG at the University of Iowa provides unprecedented opportunities to make progress in the discovery and translational phases of human genetics, and in so doing, to improve clinical care. The IIHG serves as a focal point for the vast array of talent at our institution and throughout the state. By integrating state-wide activities in human genetics, we are able to promote clinical care, research and education focused on the medical and scientific significance of variation in the human genome.
Our CAP-accredited Clinical Division developed the first comprehensive targeted capture panel for inherited kidney diseases in the country, KidneySeq™. Physicians and genetic counselors use KidneySeq™ as a valuable tool in the diagnosis and management of their patients. Our multidisciplinary team of nephrologists, geneticists, and genetic counselors expertly review each patient’s results, carefully correlating phenotype and genotype to provide meaningful results. We proudly stand behind a solve rate of 40%.
To facilitate research on and off-campus, our Genomics and Bioinformatics Divisions offer support for a variety of investigator-initiated investigations by provide cutting edge resources for methylation studies, long-read sequencing, studies focused on circulating DNAs, RNA studies to quantitate isoform expression, spatial transcriptomics, and a variety of single cell options. Our team of scientists specialize in complex and customized projects, providing support from experimental design through data analysis.
Each of these efforts requires focused educational outreach – for healthcare providers, researchers, patients and the general public. For healthcare providers and researchers, we host several events throughout the year from hands-on workshops focused on bioinformatic analysis to seminars featuring cutting edge technology. For patients and the general public, we have developed a number of educational brochures about genetic testing and genetic counseling. Undergraduates can participate in several learning opportunities from Careers in Human Genetics Information Day to our summer internship programs in genetic counseling and bioinformatics.
The theme of innovation is integral to all our work. As a resource, we are open to all faculty, trainees, and staff at the University of Iowa, as well as Iowa State University and the University of Northern Iowa. In addition, through our activities, we reach an international constituency.
Please visit our website to learn more about our goals, programs and services, and let us know how we can be of help to you.
Richard JH Smith, MD
Director - The Iowa Institute of Human Genetics
Director - Molecular Otolaryngology and Renal Research Laboratories
Professor of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics (Divisions of Nephrology), Otolaryngology, Molecular Physiology & Biophysics
Sterba Hearing Research Professor and
Vice Chair - Department of Otolaryngology