Genetics Expert to Speak

The Hayward Genetics Center at Tulane is hosting Dr. Jess Thoene as a visiting professor of human genetics. Thoene was director of the Hayward Genetics Center and the Karen Gore Professor of Human Genetics at Tulane School of Medicine from January 2000 until June 2006.

He will speak today (March 12) at 11 a.m. at the medical school, 1430 Tulane Ave., room 6001. His topic is "Feasibility of Protein Replacement Therapy for Cystinosis."

Thoene is currently director of the Biochemical Genetics Laboratory and an active professor emeritus of pediatrics at the University of Michigan. Thoene's research interests include the biochemical and molecular bases of lysosomal membrane transport, especially nephropathic cystinosis, and the elucidation of the biochemical and clinical phenotypes of many inborn errors of metabolism.

The Hayward Genetics Center has been providing primary- and tertiary-care genetic services to patients for more than 20 years and is the referral center to the Louisiana State Genetic Diseases Program for metabolic diseases.