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DNA Today: A Genetics Podcast

DNA Today: A Genetics Podcast

Di: Kira Dineen Gene Pool Media
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A proposito di questo titolo

Discover New Advances in the world of genetics, from technology like CRISPR to rare diseases to new research. For over a decade, multi-award winning podcast ”DNA Today” has brought you the voices of leaders in genetics. Host Kira Dineen brings her genetics expertise to interview geneticists, genetic counselors, patient advocates, biotech leaders, researchers, and more.

***Best 2020, 2021, and 2022 Science and Medicine Podcast Award Winner***

Learn more (and stream all 380+ episodes) at DNAtoday.com. You can contact the show at info@DNAtoday.com.


This show is part of "Gene Pool Media: The Science Podcast Network" head to GenePoolMedia.com to explore all our science themed shows.

DNA Today, LLC 2012-2026 Scienza Scienze biologiche
Episodi
  • #391 Living with FSGS: A Genetic Kidney Disease Journey

    #391 Living with FSGS: A Genetic Kidney Disease Journey
    Apr 24 2026
    Kidney disease affects more than 1 in 7 adults in the United States, yet many people do not realize they are at risk until symptoms become serious. For some patients, kidney disease is tied to rare or genetic causes, making diagnosis and treatment even more complex. In this episode of DNA Today, we explore focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), APOL1-mediated kidney disease (AMKD), and the real-life impact of navigating a rare kidney disease diagnosis as a young adult. Joining the show is Emani McConnell-Brent, who shares her personal experience living with FSGS, from early symptoms and delayed diagnosis to the emotional toll of learning her kidney disease is genetic. Also featured is Dr. Pranav Garimella, Chief Medical Officer at the American Kidney Fund, who explains the science behind FSGS, when genetic testing for conditions such as AMKD should be considered, and why earlier recognition of kidney disease symptoms can make such a meaningful difference. Together, they discuss the importance of listening to patients, not dismissing early warning signs like protein in the urine, and improving access to genetic evaluation for people with unexplained kidney disease or a family history of kidney problems. Emani also opens up about how kidney disease changed her daily life, from monitoring her blood pressure and swelling to adjusting her plans, energy, and expectations as a young adult. Her story is a powerful reminder that earlier diagnosis does not just impact medical management, it can also shape a person’s mental health, future planning, and sense of control. The episode also highlights the work of the American Kidney Fund, including its mission to support people living with kidney disease through education, advocacy, prevention, and resources for both patients and healthcare providers. In This Episode, We Discuss: What focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) isHow FSGS affects kidney functionEmani McConnell-Brent’s journey to diagnosisThe role of APOL1 genetic risk variants in kidney diseaseWhy persistent protein in the urine should not be overlookedWhen genetic testing may be appropriate in kidney disease evaluationThe mental health and lifestyle impact of chronic kidney disease in young adultsHow the American Kidney Fund supports patients, families, and providers About the Guests Emani McConnell-Brent is a full-time student at Bowie State University majoring in psychology. She is an advocate for kidney health and mental health. Despite Emani’s diagnosis of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) in 2020, she has invariably displayed ambition, resilience and transparency. She refuses to allow her diagnosis or any lifelong outcomes to dictate her success. Instead, she views her diagnosis as an opportunity for advocacy and education. Emani has since devoted her platform to telling her story and to bringing awareness to APOL1-mediated kidney disease and health disparities among African Americans. Dr. Pranav Garimella, MBBS, MPH, FASN, joined the American Kidney Fund as its first Chief Medical Officer in January 2025. A board-certified nephrologist and nationally recognized leader in rare kidney diseases, he also serves at UC San Diego Health as Director of Acute Dialysis Services and the Polycystic Kidney Disease Center of Excellence. Dr. Garimella is an accomplished researcher focused on kidney function, cardiovascular disease, bone health, and mortality, with NIH-funded work and more than 110 peer-reviewed publications. He is also a trained epidemiologist, frequent journal reviewer, and fellow of the American Society of Nephrology. Resources Mentioned: American Kidney Fund (AFK) AKF's Unknown Causes of Kidney Disease ProjectAKF’s Continuing education opportunities AKF’s Explanation of APOL1-mediated kidney disease (AMKD) Emani McConnell-Brent’s Instagram and LinkedIn advocacy MedlinePlus’ Page on focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) Connect With Us: Luckily you don’t have to wait long for a brand-new episode of DNA Today, we drop episodes every Friday! Until then, why not dive into our library of over 390 episodes? Binge them all on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, our website, or wherever you love to listen, just search “DNA Today.” Prefer watching? We’ve got you covered! For the past four years, we’ve been recording episodes with video, including some filmed at the iconic NBC Universal Stamford Studios. Check them out on our YouTube channel! DNA Today is hosted and produced by Kira Dineen, MS, LCGC, CG(ASCP)CM . Our Social Media Lead Liv Davidson. And our logo Graphic Designer is Ashlyn Enokian, MS, CGC. See what else we are up to on Instagram, X (Twitter), BluSky, Threads, LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube and our website, DNAToday.com. Questions/inquiries can be sent to info@DNAtoday.com.
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    38 min
  • #390 Prince, Mayte Garcia, and Their Son Amiir’s Pfeiffer Syndrome Type 2 Story

    #390 Prince, Mayte Garcia, and Their Son Amiir’s Pfeiffer Syndrome Type 2 Story
    Apr 17 2026
    In this special episode of DNA Today, Kira Dineen sits down with Mayte Garcia — artist, author, internationally acclaimed dancer, actress, singer, choreographer, philanthropist, and the former wife of Prince — for a deeply personal conversation about love, loss, legacy, and the rare genetic condition Pfeiffer syndrome type 2. You may know Prince as one of the most influential musicians of all time, but in this episode, we step beyond the public image and into a far more intimate story: Prince and Mayte as expectant parents, the profound love they shared for their son Amiir, and the devastating medical journey that followed after his birth. Mayte reflects on pregnancy, the bond she and Prince formed with Amiir before he was born, the difficult decisions they faced, and what it meant to navigate a rare diagnosis in the 1990s before information was as accessible as it is today. Kira also provides helpful context on Pfeiffer syndrome, including its genetics, symptoms, and why Amiir’s diagnosis of the severe type 2 form carried such serious medical challenges. This conversation also explores grief — both private and public — as Mayte shares what it was like to mourn Amiir while under the intense pressure of public life. She offers moving insight for parents who feel pressure to hide their pain, and reflects on how writing her memoir, The Most Beautiful: My Life with Prince, became part of her healing. The episode closes on legacy: not only Prince’s legacy as a global music icon, but his humanitarian spirit and the work that continues through Live 4 Love Charities, the nonprofit founded in memory of Amiir and rooted in Prince’s philanthropic vision. This month marks 10 years since Prince passed away, and also 30 years since their son Amiir died. Mayte is honoring them both through a special Live 4 Love Charities Glam Slam Benefit in Los Angeles on April 21st, 2026. We Discuss: Prince and Mayte’s bond with Amiir during pregnancyWhy they declined amniocentesis during the pregnancyWhat Pfeiffer syndrome type 2 is and how it differs from other formsThe genetics of Pfeiffer syndrome, including FGFR2 and de novo variantsThe medical complexity of Amiir’s care after birthPrince as a father behind the public personaGrief, public image, and the pressure to “perform” wellnessMayte’s memoir and why she chose to tell this storyThe legacy of AmiirPrince’s humanitarian legacy beyond musicMayte’s leadership of Live 4 Love CharitiesThe upcoming Glam Slam Benefit on April 21st honoring Prince’s life and impact About Mayte Garcia Mayte Garcia is a Puerto Rican dancer, choreographer, actress, singer, author, and philanthropist. A professional belly dancer since age three, she became internationally known as Prince’s muse, collaborator, featured dancer for the New Power Generation, and later his first wife. She is the author of the memoir The Most Beautiful: My Life with Prince. Mayte has appeared in numerous film and television projects, including Hollywood Exes, Army Wives, Psych, The Closer, and Nip/Tuck. She now leads Live 4 Love Charities, continuing a mission rooted in compassion, service, creative empowerment, and honoring the legacy of both Prince and their son, Amiir, who died from a genetic condition called Pfeiffer Syndrome. Resources & Links Mayte Garcia’s memoir: The Most Beautiful: My Life with PrinceLive 4 Love CharitiesLove In Action ProgramStillborn And Infant Loss Support (S.A.I.L.S.), receipt of a $10,000 donation from the Love in Action Program. You can watch Mayte Garcia call the program to break the good news here. Live 4 Music ProgramLive for Dance Program Glam Slam Benefit Tickets Pfeiffer Syndrome: MedlinePlus’ Page NORD PageBorn A Hero, Research Foundation for all FGFR conditions Relevant DNA Today Podcast Episode: #281 Tay-Sachs with Dr. Matthew Goldstein (regarding his late daughter Havi) #315 Preventing Sudden Cardiac Death via Genetics with Drs. Liebman & McNally (regarding Dr. Leibman’s late niece) Upcoming Live 4 Love Charities Event on April 21st On April 21, 2026, Live 4 Love Charities will host its Glam Slam Benefit at the W Hollywood, an evening dedicated to celebrating Prince’s lasting cultural and philanthropic legacy. The event will feature performances by Paisley Park alumni, joined by the Mpls All Star Band made up of former Paisley Park musicians, with additional special guests including Taylor Dayne, Sheila E, and more to be announced. Now led by Mayte Garcia, Live 4 Love Charities continues the mission Prince began: uplifting communities through compassion, creative empowerment, youth development, arts education, and healing. Through programs like Live 4 Dance and Live 4 Music, the organization helps mentor and empower the next generation of young artists. You can get tickets for their Grand Slam Benefit here. Learn more about the charity and the Glam Slam Benefit here: https://live4lovecharities.org/ Connect With Us: ...
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    28 min
  • #389 From Natural History to Gene Therapy: The Future of Danon Disease Research

    #389 From Natural History to Gene Therapy: The Future of Danon Disease Research
    Apr 10 2026

    Danon disease is a rare, X-linked metabolic disorder that strikes at the heart of cellular function. Caused by mutations in the LAMP2 gene, it disrupts the body’s ability to clear cellular waste (autophagy), leading to devastating and often life-threatening cardiac complications. Because the disease is so rare, understanding its natural progression, and how to stop it, is the current "North Star" for researchers and clinicians alike.

    In this episode, we are joined by two world-renowned experts to discuss the current landscape of Danon disease research: Dr. Barry Greenberg and Dr. Cordula Wolf. We dive deep into the mechanics of the disease, the importance of the LAMPLIGHT-NH observational study, and the groundbreaking LAMPLIGHT-2 interventional gene therapy trial.

    Meet the Experts
    • Dr. Barry Greenberg (US): A pioneer in heart failure research and Director of the Advanced Heart Failure Program at UCSD.
    • Dr. Cordula Wolf (Germany): A leading expert in pediatric cardiology and congenital heart defects, specializing in the clinical management of metabolic cardiomyopathies.
    Understanding the Disease Course

    Danon disease is fundamentally a "traffic jam" at the cellular level. Without a functional LAMP2 gene, lysosomes cannot fuse with autophagosomes, leading to a buildup of cellular debris.

    • The Impact: This manifests primarily as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, skeletal muscle weakness, and intellectual disability.
    • The Cardiac Threat: For many patients, especially males, the disease progresses rapidly toward end-stage heart failure or sudden cardiac death, often requiring heart transplants at a young age.
    Resources & Clinical Trial Links

    If you are treating a patient with a confirmed or suspected LAMP2 pathogenic variant, your referral to a study site can change the trajectory of their care.

    • Observational (LAMPLIGHT-NH)
      • Best for gathering data without changing current management.
      • Natural History Study (LAMPLIGHT-NH): ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06214507
    • Interventional (LAMPLIGHT-2)
      • A Phase 2 trial for those meeting specific cardiac and age requirements.
      • Interventional Study (RP-A501): ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06092034
    • Official Study Website: LAMPLIGHT Studies

    Connect With Us:

    Luckily you don’t have to wait long for a brand-new episode of DNA Today, we drop episodes every Friday! Until then, why not dive into our library of over 385 episodes? Binge them all on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, our website, or wherever you love to listen, just search “DNA Today.”

    Prefer watching? We’ve got you covered! For the past four years, we’ve been recording episodes with video, including some filmed at the iconic NBC Universal Stamford Studios. Check them out on our YouTube channel!

    DNA Today is hosted and produced by Kira Dineen, MS, LCGC, CG(ASCP)CM . Our Social Media Lead Liv Davidson. And our logo Graphic Designer is Ashlyn Enokian, MS, CGC.

    See what else we are up to on Instagram, X (Twitter), BluSky, Threads, LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube and our website, DNAToday.com. Questions/inquiries can be sent to info@DNAtoday.com.

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    33 min
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