S321 From Philadelphia to Baltimore: Tales of Chromosomes, Cancer Cells and Henrietta Lacks
Kat: Hello, and welcome to Genetics Unzipped - the Genetics Society podcast, with me, Dr Kat Arney. In this episode we’re taking a road trip from Philadelphia to Baltimore, exploring stories of chromosomal cut-and-paste, cancer cures and Henrietta Lacks’ incredible cancer cells.
Before we start, a couple of things you might be interested in.
Back in episode 18 of this series we talked about the challenge of diagnosing and treating rare genetics diseases. If you’d like to explore more, RAREfest - the Cambridge Rare Disease network’s festival of arts and science celebrating rare diseases is happening online this year on 28th November.
It’s an all-day free virtual festival featuring interactive exhibits showcasing cool science, visionary technology, and pioneering organisations improving lives and bringing hope to those affected by rare diseases, along with talks from experts, patients and family members, as well as art and films. To find out more, head over to CamRareDisease.org/rarefest20 or go to the page for this podcast at GeneticsUnzipped.com for the link to book your place for free now.
And in case you hadn’t noticed, I have a book out! If you’d like to know more about where cancer came from, where it’s going, and how we might beat it, my new book, Rebel Cell: Cancer, Evolution and the Science of Life is out now in the UK and you can find all the links to buy it from your favourite retailer - as well as signed book plate stickers and limited edition signed hardbacks - at rebelcellbook.com
Now, on with the episode.
The Story of HeLa and Henrietta Lacks
Growing cells in the lab isn’t as easy as you might think. Read more about the story of how Henrietta Lacks’s immortal cells (known today as HeLa cells) became the go-to human cell line for biomedical research, and the impact they’ve had as a result.
Fusion Genes and Cancer Cures: The Story of the Philadelphia Chromosome
If you’d like to learn more about HeLa cells, Henrietta’s story and her family, I highly recommend the fantastic book by Rebecca Skloot, The immortal life of Henrietta Lacks. And the tale of the Philadelphia chromosome is expertly told by Jessica Wapner in her book, The Philadelphia Chromosome: A Genetic Mystery, a Lethal Cancer, and the Improbable Invention of a Life-Saving Treatment.
And yes, I also have a book out! Rebel Cell: Cancer, Evolution and the Science of Life, looking at where cancer came from, where it’s going, and how we might beat it, is out now in the UK and you can find all the links to buy it from your favourite retailer - as well as signed book plate stickers and limited edition signed hardbacks - at rebelcellbook.com The US version is coming soon, as is available to pre-order now too, so get on it, folks.
That’s all for now. We’ll be back next time taking a look at the past, present and future of the human genome project, and before that, there’s another bonus episode of Genetics Shambles to fill your ears.
For more information about this podcast including show notes, transcripts, links, references, music credits and everything else head over to geneticsunzipped.com You can find us on Twitter @geneticsunzip and please do take a moment to rate and review us on Apple podcasts - it really makes a difference and helps more people discover the show.
Genetics Unzipped is written and presented by me, Kat Arney, with additional research and scripting by Emily Nordvang. It is produced by First Create the Media for The Genetics Society - one of the oldest learned societies in the world dedicated to supporting and promoting the research, teaching and application of genetics. You can find out more and apply to join at genetics.org.uk Our theme music was composed by Dan Pollard, and the logo was designed by James Mayall, and audio production was by Hannah Varrall. Thanks for listening, and until next time, goodbye.
All music and sound effects licensed from Envato and Epidemic Sound
Image: HeLa cells, immortal human epithelial cancer cell line, SEM. Credit: Anne Weston, Francis Crick Institute. Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)
