Acting as a research ‘bridge’ between Scripps Health and The Scripps Research Institute, the goal of Scripps Translational Science Institute (STSI) is simply to make a difference with what we learn — to translate the latest advances in genomics into the clinical setting in the safest, most efficient and most effective way possible.

This effort has been made possible thanks to the continuing support of Scripps Health, as well as a $20 million Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) from the National Institutes of Health, which provides the infrastructural support for the research.

Investigating the genetic basis of good health and disease

A central part of the genomic medicine continuum, STSI’s work revolves around the creation and analysis of a tissue and DNA biorepository. DNA isolated from blood, tissues, and saliva is being collected from individuals in order to generate a comprehensive human DNA bank.

Researchers are currently screening DNA biorepository samples in order to identify potential genetic markers which could aid in the diagnosis or treatment of disease. Current diseases of interest include cardiovascular disease and breast, colon, and prostate cancers.

A focus on extending healthspan

Disease prevention is the ultimate goal of biomedical research, but most of its efforts are focused on disease. By contrast, STSI focuses on healthspan — the period of life in which people are generally healthy, and free from serious illness.

In the wellderly study, investigators hope to collect DNA from over 1,000 healthy elderly patients (80+ years of age) with no history of chronic illness or need for medications. By genotyping and sequencing these remarkable individuals, researchers hope to identify the precise mechanisms that promote healthspan.

STSI and Scripps Genomic Medicine investigators have also partnered with Affymetrix, Microsoft and Navigenics to conduct the Scripps Genomic Health Initiative (SGHI), a program designed to determine whether personal genomic testing will improve health by motivating people to make positive lifestyle changes. STSI is also providing participants with extensive ancestry information based on genomic markers.

Follow-up assessments with SGHI participants will ultimately help determine the psychological outcomes of individualized genetic knowledge.

Wireless health

Wireless medicine is the next frontier in the clinical setting: it involves personal biosensors which continuously monitor your health and transmit information to your doctor for early diagnosis. An outgrowth of the STSI Clinical and Translational Science Award, the West Wireless Health Institute (a partnership between Scripps Health, the Gary and Mary West Foundation, and Qualcomm) was established to develop and implement non-invasive wireless sensors that allow for remote real-time monitoring of physiologic metrics (e.g., vital signs, blood glucose).

STSI is highlighting the exciting opportunity to converge biologic data from genomic and physiologic data via wireless sensors.

Scholar training and innovative translational research

STSI is committed to supporting up-and-coming scientists. In conjunction with the Kellogg School at The Scripps Research Institute, STSI offers several research education and training programs.

Learn More

See stsiweb.org for more information about STSI.