Celebrating '20 Years of Discovery' at the Biodesign Institute

Editor’s note: The Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University wraps up its 20th anniversary with the sixth and final installment of its "20 Years of Discovery" series. Each story highlights key scientific breakthroughs and innovations since the institute's inception in 2004.

Over the past two decades, Arizona State University’s Biodesign Institute has pioneered research that has transformed our understanding of the natural world, human health and the future of science. From exploring the unseen world of viruses to unraveling the mysteries of neurodegenerative diseases and uncovering the complexities of sex and reproduction, this final installment in the "20 Years of Discovery" series highlights groundbreaking advances that promise to shape the next generation of innovation.

Biodesign researchers discovered 13 new papillomaviruses carried by Antarctic seals. This discovery was made by analyzing tissue samples from three species of Antarctic seals: Weddell, leopard and Antarctic fur seals. Papillomaviruses are a diverse group of DNA viruses that primarily infect the skin and mucous membranes of animals, including humans, and are known to cause warts, lesions and, in some cases, cancers. 

“The Antarctic ecosystems are the least impacted by human activity, and very little is known about their viral ecology,” says Arvind Varsani, a researcher with the Biodesign Center for Fundamental and Applied Microbiomics who led the study. “To ensure the health of wildlife and ecosystems, understanding disease ecology in this unique environment is crucial for making informed decisions about management and the creation of protected areas. Our work in the Antarctic focuses on studying viral evolution and dynamics in seals, penguins and ice fish species.”  

The research is part of a larger effort at the Biodesign Institute to study viruses across diverse species and environments, including avian species like parrots, penguins and waterfowl, as well as carnivores like big cats and coyotes. These studies highlight the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect Antarctic ecosystems and their inhabitants from the cascading effects of climate change and viral infections. (2024)

Biodesign researchers have uncovered groundbreaking insights into viruses, revealing an unexpected role as drivers of evolutionary change. One study redefined a major class of viruses known as CRESS viruses, characterized by their small, circular genomes and ability to infect a wide range of hosts.

The study demonstrates that CRESS DNA viruses have acquired their genetic components through complex evolutionary processes, borrowing genetic material from different sources including bacteria, archaea, eukaryotic cells, plasmids and other mobile genetic elements.

This genetic exchange has enhanced the diversity and adaptability of the viruses. The research suggests that CRESS DNA viruses have a polyphyletic origin, meaning they arose from more than a single common evolutionary ancestor. The findings challenge previous assumptions about viral evolution and highlight the complexity of their origins.

By identifying the profound influence of viruses like CRESS on genetic diversity and evolution, this work reframes our understanding of viruses — not simply as threats but as vital contributors to life’s complexity and resilience. Such explorations may also help shed light on the origins of Earth's earliest life. (2019)

In other research, Biodesign scientists are using viruses to develop novel cancer therapies. Studies demonstrate how careful engineering of viruses can significantly improve their ability to target and destroy cancer cells without harming healthy tissue. By modifying the genetic makeup of oncolytic viruses — viruses that naturally infect and kill cancer cells — researchers have amplified their potency and precision.

These engineered viruses work by exploiting vulnerabilities in tumor biology, releasing anti-cancer agents directly within the tumor and stimulating the immune system to attack cancer cells. This approach shows promise for treating cancers resistant to traditional therapies, including chemotherapy and radiation. Viral effectiveness can be improved by combining virotherapy with other cancer drugs or treatments.

Clinical trials are underway to test the safety and efficacy of these engineered viruses, and the results could mark a major step forward in precision medicine. The research emphasizes how the Biodesign Institute is transforming viruses from foes into powerful allies in the fight against cancer. (2021)

The Biodesign Institute is at the forefront of developing new approaches to combat Parkinson’s disease, supported by a series of grants totaling $5.2 million from the Michael J. Fox Foundation. This funding drives three innovative projects aimed at addressing the disease’s root causes.

The first project explores stem cell therapy, with researchers working to infuse specially designed stem cells into the brain to restore dopamine-producing neurons lost to Parkinson’s. This approach seeks to replenish dopamine levels and improve motor function. 

The second effort focuses on gene therapy to reduce the buildup of misfolded alpha-synuclein proteins, a hallmark of Parkinson’s. This strategy aims to slow disease progression and prevent associated cognitive decline. 

The third initiative involves converting brain support cells, called astrocytes, into functional dopamine-producing neurons. This cutting-edge approach seeks to repair damaged neural circuits and restore brain function.

These groundbreaking studies offer hope for more effective therapies that go beyond symptom management, potentially halting or slowing the disease’s progression and improving the quality of life for millions of people living with Parkinson’s disease. "There have been great advances in PD research recently, and we are confident that great strides will be made to help patients with Parkinson’s in the not-too-distant future,” says Jeff Kordower, director of the ASU-Banner Neurodegenerative Disease Research Center. (2022)

Biodesign researchers are exploring an intriguing connection between viral infections and neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. One study highlighted the role of microglial cells (the brain’s immune cells) in responding to viral infections and their potential to trigger harmful inflammation. Chronic inflammation in the brain is increasingly seen as a key factor in neurodegeneration, and this research suggests that past viral infections could cause lasting damage.

When activated, the brain’s immune cells can produce inflammatory factors that induce toxicity in the brain and the death of neurons. Chronic activation of microglia can lead to irreversible damage to the central nervous system. The study also examined how viruses may interact with genetic factors to increase the risk of developing diseases like Parkinson’s.

These findings open new avenues for therapeutic intervention, such as targeting inflammation or preventing viral infections that could contribute to neurodegeneration. This research underscores the complexity of Parkinson’s disease and highlights the need for multidisciplinary approaches to unravel its causes and develop effective treatments. (2018)

A revolutionary approach to Parkinson’s research at Biodesign involves the development of bio-inspired materials to aid in regenerative medicine. Next-generation intelligent materials mimic the structure and function of natural tissues, providing new hope for repairing damage in the brains of Parkinson’s patients. Researchers are exploring how these materials can be used to deliver therapeutic compounds, promote neuronal growth and support the survival of dopamine-producing cells.

One promising approach involves engineering materials that create a supportive environment for stem cells, encouraging them to develop into healthy neurons capable of replacing damaged ones. This work represents the convergence of biology and materials science, offering a novel way to address the challenges of neurodegenerative diseases.

By leveraging these innovative technologies, Biodesign scientists aim to move beyond symptom management and toward restoring lost brain function, opening new doors for Parkinson’s treatment and recovery. (2017)

Biodesign researchers are exploring the survival strategies of an all-female fish species, which reproduces without males. This unique reproductive strategy relies on "gynogenesis," a process where eggs are stimulated to develop by sperm from a different species without incorporating the male's genetic material.

This phenomenon raises intriguing questions about genetic diversity and evolutionary fitness. Researchers discovered that the species maintains genetic stability by purging harmful mutations and relying on a limited but efficient genetic tool kit passed down through generations. This study provides a window into alternative reproductive strategies in nature and highlights the adaptability of life under extreme conditions.

The findings could have broader implications for understanding genetic inheritance, biodiversity and even the development of reproductive technologies in humans. By examining this evolutionary outlier, scientists are expanding our understanding of the possibilities and limitations of reproduction. (2018)

Recent investigations highlight the critical importance of accounting for sex differences in genetic studies. Traditionally, genetic research has often overlooked these distinctions, potentially missing crucial information and leading to incomplete findings.

Biodesign researchers have developed a set of guidelines for incorporating sex as a biological variable in genetics and genomics analyses. This approach recognizes that factors such as hormones, reproductive organs and chromosomes can influence how genes are expressed and interact with other bodily systems

The new methodology aims to provide a more comprehensive understanding of how genes shape traits and contribute to disease development. By considering sex differences, researchers can uncover more precise and accurate results, which could have significant implications for precision medicine and personalized health care.

This sex-aware approach to genetic research is expected to significantly improve the field, leading to more targeted treatments and interventions. As scientists build upon these findings, a more inclusive and comprehensive understanding of genetics may emerge, potentially transforming the landscape of genetic research and medicine. (2023)

Researchers at ASU conducted a significant study on the relationship between reproductive rates and cancer susceptibility in birds. Analyzing data from over 5,700 bird necropsies across 108 species, the team found that birds laying more eggs per clutch tend to have higher rates of cancer. This suggests a trade-off between reproductive investment and bodily maintenance, through which energy allocated to reproduction may detract from the resources available for cancer defense mechanisms.

The study highlights how evolutionary pressures influence life history traits in birds. Species that prioritize high reproductive rates often face increased vulnerability to diseases, including cancer, due to less energy being available for cellular maintenance and DNA repair. Interestingly, factors such as body size and lifespan did not significantly correlate with cancer risk, challenging previous assumptions about these relationships.

"Evolution has had hundreds of millions of years to develop mechanisms to suppress cancer. We are seeking to learn from those innovations how to do better cancer prevention in humans," says Carlo Maley, a researcher in the Biodesign Center for Biocomputing, Security and Society and the director of the Arizona Cancer Evolution Center.

These findings not only enhance our understanding of avian biology but also provide insights that could inform cancer research in humans. By studying how birds manage cancer risks, scientists hope to uncover new strategies for prevention and treatment applicable across species, emphasizing the interconnectedness of health across the animal kingdom. (2024)