Dr. Florence Haseltines resume is robust, if not intimidating: She has attended and taught at world-renowned universities, and received awards for championing womens health and advocating for womens rights. Most recently, she transformed the North Texas Genome Center at the University of Texas at Arlington into a COVID-19 testing facility for students.
Haseltine, 77, leveraged her personal connections, built on 27 years of working at the national level, to make sure that the center has the supplies necessary for testing. And that will promote her aspirations for the center: to study why the novel coronavirus appears to affect men more than women.
From a young age, she was determinedly curious about the differences between men and women. I kept asking my father, who was a scientist, why there are two sexes, and he tried hard to explain it, she said. I kept bugging him so much that finally one day he threw up his arms and said, When you grow up, you figure it out.
Haseltines career has centered on this question she asked her dad. After studying at the University of California at Berkeley and MIT, and getting her M.D. from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, she trained as a reproductive endocrinologist and researched in vitro fertilization at Yale University. Her work helped couples struggling to have children. The Yale Fertility Center was one of the first clinics in the U.S. to offer in vitro fertilization.
In 1985, Haseltine became the Director of the Center for Population Research at the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development at the National Institutes of Health. Working there for nearly three decades, she helped increase federal funding for womens health research.
In 2018, a few years after Haseltines retirement, the president of UTA recruited her as a faculty member. The prospect of studying the human genome, or all of our genetic material, seemed like a perfect reason for her to return to academia.
Her career was influenced by her younger brother, William Haseltine. He developed some of the methodologies and technology used in genomics research as the founder of the biotechnology company Human Genome Sciences. It was clear if I was to make a second jump [in academia], it would be into the genome, she said.
When Haseltine first came to UTA, she planned to study why certain diseases affect men and women differently, and why, in some cases, one sex might suffer from more severe symptoms.
She thought that it might be due to differences between the sexes when it comes to some genetic information that determines our immune response. In particular, she wants to investigate a group of genes called human leukocyte antigens, or HLA.
HLA genes serve as an early warning for the immune system. These genes provide pieces of proteins made by foreign invaders, like a virus, to specialized immune cells that can then fight and eliminate the pathogen.
To proceed with the research, the North Texas Genome Center needed federal certification for processing human samples to diagnose, prevent and treat diseases. Last summer, Haseltine brought Anajane Smith, a researcher who studied HLA genes in Seattle, out of her own retirement to help the center get certified.
Haseltine knew Smith since the age of 6. They parted ways after college when she took a job on the East Coast and Smith took a position on the West Coast. Even after all this time, Smith jumped in to help when Haseltine needed her expertise.
With Smiths guidance, the North Texas Genome Centers officials got their required certification in January. Then the pandemic struck Texas and the university encouraged the centers director, Jon Weidanz, to shift the centers focus to testing for COVID-19.
Through personal relationships, Haseltine got the supplies necessary to test for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. She reached out to Dr. Mary Lake Polan, whom she had mentored at Yale University in 1975.
She has the ability to deal with people, so that, as focused as she is, she doesnt put them off, said Polan. They want to help her.
Polan is a board member of Quidel Corp., a company that makes diagnostic health care products. Haseltine was able to get one of the companys SARS-CoV-2 assays or products that analyze COVID-19 tests the day that the assay was approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
Then she needed to make sure that the assays worked with the UTA centers equipment. She needed the genetic material, or the RNA, of SARS-CoV-2 to test the assays.
She contacted Scott Weaver, a colleague from the Global Virus Network, an international coalition of scientists dedicated to managing viral diseases.
Weaver, director of the Institute for Human Infections & Immunity at the University of Texas Medical Branch, gave Haseltine some SARS-CoV-2 RNA from the universitys World Reference Center on Emerging Viruses and Arboviruses.
With Haseltines help, staff at the North Texas Genome Center recently ran their first successful assays. Staff started processing tests from student athletes this month, and will continue to do so every four weeks thereafter. Other students can be tested after they return to campus if they show symptoms. And students will have no out-of-pocket costs for testing, according to a UTA spokesperson.
Haseltine now has the opportunity to join other members of the scientific community in studying why SARS-CoV-2 seems to affect men more than women. Haseltine and Weidanz have a hunch that certain forms of some HLA genes could offer a protective role against COVID-19 in women.
Science can be an incredibly competitive field. So the amount of cooperation by scientists to work together and fight COVID-19 stunned many, including Haseltine. Ive had a lot of people help me in my life, but Ive never seen this level of cooperation, she said. Everybody wants to do whatever they can.
Gina Mantica reports on science for The Dallas Morning News as part of a fellowship with the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
- ENCODE: Encyclopedia Of DNA Elements - Video [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2012]
- 07.05.2010 - The Human Genome [ Coast To Coast AM ] - Video [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2012]
- NOVA scienceNOW : 51 - Public Genomes, Algae Fuel, Mystery of the Gakkel Ridge, Yoky Matsuoka - Video [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2012]
- Vincent T. - Genome (Club Remix) - [Preview] - Video [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2012]
- Comparing The Human And Chimpanzee Genomes - Video [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2012]
- Whole Genome Sequencing and Its Impact on Clinical Care - Video [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2012]
- Carlos Bustamante -- "Reconstructing the Great Human Diasporas from Genome Variation Data" - Video [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2012]
- 3 Sad Surprises: The Human Genome Project - Video [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2012]
- The RFW interviews Genome - Video [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2012]
- Science Bulletins: Scientists Peer Inside "Superbug" Genome - Video [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2012]
- Genome : Live @ Smu's : June 3 2012 - Video [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2012]
- Inoki Genome Federation - Genome 19 - 04 02 2012 - Video [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2012]
- THE HUMAN GENOME MUSIC PROJECT - CHROMOSOME 1 - Video [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2012]
- Genomic Medicine - Bruce Korf (2012) - Video [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2012]
- Human Genome's 'Blockbuster' Potential Undervalued in Bid GSK vs HGSI - Video [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2012]
- Announcing the Completion of the First Survey of the Entire Human Genome at the White House - Video [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2012]
- DNA analysis Part I. Genomic Sequencing - Video [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2012]
- The Genome Question: Moore vs. Jevons with Bud Mishra - Video [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2012]
- Genome-Wide Association Studies - Karen Mohlke (2012) - Video [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2012]
- New human genome research aids understanding of disease [Last Updated On: September 8th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 8th, 2012]
- UNC Lineberger scientists lead definition of key lung cancer genome [Last Updated On: September 10th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 10th, 2012]
- Illumina Announces Expedited Individual Genome Sequencing Service (IGS) [Last Updated On: September 11th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 11th, 2012]
- Genome research given a boost with opening of bioscience facility [Last Updated On: September 11th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 11th, 2012]
- Re-Imagining Our Genes: ENCODE Project Reveals Genome as an Information Processing System [Last Updated On: September 11th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 11th, 2012]
- Illumina unveils upgraded genome sequence service [Last Updated On: September 12th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 12th, 2012]
- US Personalized Cancer Genome Sequencing Market [Last Updated On: September 18th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 18th, 2012]
- Yale maps “uncharted” genome regions [Last Updated On: September 18th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 18th, 2012]
- Research and Markets: US Personalized Cancer Genome Sequencing Market [Last Updated On: September 19th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 19th, 2012]
- 3Qs: New clues to unlocking the genome [Last Updated On: September 19th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 19th, 2012]
- Oyster Genome Pries Open Mollusk Evolutionary Shell [Last Updated On: September 20th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 20th, 2012]
- Bangladeshi scientist decodes genome of deadly fungus [Last Updated On: September 20th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 20th, 2012]
- Oyster genome uncover the stress adaptation and complexity of shell formation [Last Updated On: September 20th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 20th, 2012]
- The oyster genome reveals stress adaptation and complexity of shell formation [Last Updated On: September 20th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 20th, 2012]
- Diseases of aging map to a few 'hotspots' on the human genome [Last Updated On: September 20th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 20th, 2012]
- GnuBIO Awarded $4.5 Million in Funding from the National Human Genome Research Institute to Develop Lower Cost Genome ... [Last Updated On: September 20th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 20th, 2012]
- Oyster genome mystery unravelled [Last Updated On: September 20th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 20th, 2012]
- Devangshu Datta: What's in a genome [Last Updated On: September 20th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 20th, 2012]
- Pacific Oyster Genome Shows Stress Adaptation And Complexity Of Shell Formation [Last Updated On: September 20th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 20th, 2012]
- UNC Lineberger scientists lead cancer genome analysis of breast cancer [Last Updated On: September 24th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 24th, 2012]
- Encoding the human genome [Last Updated On: September 24th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 24th, 2012]
- Cancer genome analysis of breast cancer: Team identifies genetic causes and similarity to ovarian cancer [Last Updated On: September 24th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 24th, 2012]
- Fungus genome map paves way for 'Snow White' jute variety [Last Updated On: September 24th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 24th, 2012]
- New online, open access journal focuses on microbial genome announcements [Last Updated On: September 25th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 25th, 2012]
- By Simply Sharing, Doctors Could Unlock the Genome's Potential [Last Updated On: September 25th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 25th, 2012]
- Forget the Cloud—Knome Offers Genome Analysis in a Box [Last Updated On: September 28th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 28th, 2012]
- BGI@CHOP Joint Genome Center to Offer Clinical Next-Generation Sequencing Services [Last Updated On: September 28th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 28th, 2012]
- Holy Bat Virus! Genome Hints At Origin Of SARS-Like Virus [Last Updated On: September 29th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 29th, 2012]
- Community Fundraising Effort Helps Researchers Sequence Parrot Genome [Last Updated On: September 29th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 29th, 2012]
- UMass Med professors are sleuths of the genome [Last Updated On: September 30th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 30th, 2012]
- Knome Introduces the knoSYS™100; First Plug-and-Play Human Genome Interpretation System [Last Updated On: September 30th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 30th, 2012]
- First large scale trial of whole-genome cancer testing for clinical decision-making reported [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2012]
- Should You Get Your Genome Mapped? [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2012]
- Surprising differences between apples and pears [Last Updated On: October 2nd, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 2nd, 2012]
- 50-Hour Whole Genome Sequencing Provides Rapid Diagnosis for Children With Genetic Disorders [Last Updated On: October 3rd, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 3rd, 2012]
- A map of rice genome variation reveals the origin of cultivated rice [Last Updated On: October 3rd, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 3rd, 2012]
- Genome analysis promises hope for breast cancer patients [Last Updated On: October 3rd, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 3rd, 2012]
- Genome Alberta Welcomes Alberta Minister of Enterprise and Advanced Education, Stephen Khan and Federal Minister of ... [Last Updated On: October 3rd, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 3rd, 2012]
- Fifty-hour whole genome sequencing provides rapid diagnosis for children with genetic disorders [Last Updated On: October 3rd, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 3rd, 2012]
- Will Low-Cost Genome Sequencing Open 'Pandora's Box'? [Last Updated On: October 3rd, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 3rd, 2012]
- Genome testing could help individualize treatments [Last Updated On: October 3rd, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 3rd, 2012]
- Would you get your genome tested? [Last Updated On: October 3rd, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 3rd, 2012]
- The Genome — a Pandora's Box? [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2012]
- Fast genome test could help sick newborns [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2012]
- In-Depth Genome Analysis Moves Toward The Hospital Bed [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2012]
- Your Verdict On Getting A Genome Test? Bring It On [Last Updated On: October 6th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 6th, 2012]
- Genome-wide study identifies 8 new susceptibility loci for atopic dermatitis [Last Updated On: October 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 7th, 2012]
- Genome-wide study identifies eight new susceptibility loci for atopic dermatitis [Last Updated On: October 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 7th, 2012]
- Genome interpreter vies for place in clinical market [Last Updated On: October 10th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 10th, 2012]
- The $1,000 Genome: A Bait and Switch? [Last Updated On: October 10th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 10th, 2012]
- Mount Sinai School of Medicine Offers First-Ever Course with Whole Genome Sequencing [Last Updated On: October 10th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 10th, 2012]
- First whole genome sequencing of multiple pancreatic cancer patients has been outlined [Last Updated On: October 11th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2012]
- Cheap genome sequences demand new rules on privacy [Last Updated On: October 11th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2012]
- UConn Gets Grant For Genome Research [Last Updated On: October 11th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2012]
- Inconsistent Genome Privacy Laws Need Toughening, Panel Says [Last Updated On: October 12th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 12th, 2012]
- US panel calls for stronger privacy for genome data [Last Updated On: October 12th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 12th, 2012]
- Genome Canada Board Appoints New Chair [Last Updated On: October 12th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 12th, 2012]
- The $1,000 Genome Is Almost Here- Are We Ready? [Last Updated On: October 15th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 15th, 2012]
- Global genome effort seeks genetic roots of disease [Last Updated On: October 31st, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 31st, 2012]
- Massive encyclopedia helps explain how the human genome works [Last Updated On: October 31st, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 31st, 2012]
- Genome evolution and carbon dioxide dynamics [Last Updated On: October 31st, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 31st, 2012]