Genomic Applications in the Fight against SARS-CoV-2

After SARS-CoV-2 emerged in late 2019, virologists around the world began digging into the genetics of the disease to better understand the emergence of the virus, discover the rate of genomic variation, identify which strains were more virulent and/or infectious than others, develop effective testing, and use genomics insights to inform the development of therapeutics and vaccines. Genomics has emerged as a vital tool to better understand how SARS-CoV-2 affects patients, inform the development of rapid, accurate diagnostics, and monitor and track the spread of the deadly virus.

In this Clinical OMICs KEYNOTE Webinar, two leading researchers will show how genomic technologies are tackling the COVID-19 pandemic—Alex Greninger, MD, PhD, (University of Washington School of Medicine) and Darrell Dinwiddie PhD, (University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center). Dr. Greninger began work on developing a diagnostic test for SARS-CoV-2 at the end of 2019. His team is credited with delivering the bulk of early testing in Washington State, one of the early hotspots in the U.S. Dr. Dinwiddie, an expert in respiratory virus reproduction, joined the SARS-CoV-2 Sequencing for Public Health Emergency Response, Epidemiology, and Surveillance (SPHERES) consortium led by the CDC, taking responsibility for testing COVID-19 patients in New Mexico and Wyoming to help map disease transmission. His group has analyzed more than 400 SARS-CoV-2 genomes.

Darrell Dinwiddie, PhD
Assistant Professor
University of New Mexico

Alex Greninger MD, PhD
Assistant Professor
University of Washington