In this episode of It Happened To Me, we are honored to speak with Dr. Susan W. Liebman, a trailblazing molecular geneticist whose work has revolutionized our understanding of protein misfolding diseases such as ALS and Alzheimer’s. Dr. Liebman has spent her career using yeast as a model organism to uncover the mechanisms behind these diseases, advancing the field of molecular genetics. With over 100 publications in leading journals, including Nature, Science, and Cell, and more than $13 million in research funding, her contributions to the field are substantial. Susan began her scientific journey as one of MIT’s early female undergraduates (B.S. 1968) and went on to earn advanced degrees from Harvard (M.S. 1969) and the University of Rochester (Ph.D. 1974) medical schools. In addition to her research, she taught genetics to undergraduate and graduate students for more than 35 years.
Dr. Liebman joins us to discuss her newly released book, “The Dressmaker’s Mirror: Sudden Death, Genetics, and a Jewish Family’s Secret”. The book delves into her family’s journey of uncovering a previously unknown heart disease gene, blending scientific discovery with a deeply personal narrative of love, loss, and resilience.
Key Topics Discussed in This Episode:
- The Discovery of a Genetic Mutation: Dr. Liebman shares how the sudden passing of her niece led to the identification of a deadly mutation in her family and how this discovery has impacted their lives.
- Understanding Genetic Risks: Insights into the FLNC gene, its role in cardiomyopathy, and how carriers can manage their health.
- The Role of Genetic Testing and Counseling: How family history and genetic counselors play pivotal roles in guiding families through difficult medical decisions.
- Barriers to Genetic Testing: Challenges in accessing cardiomyopathy genetic testing and how healthcare systems can address these issues.
- Balancing Science and Faith: Navigating religious beliefs and social stigmas while providing potentially life-saving medical care.
- Population-Wide Screening: Ethical and medical implications of screening for genetic mutations prevalent in specific populations, such as Ashkenazi Jews.
- Inspiring Women in Science: Dr. Liebman reflects on her groundbreaking career as a woman in molecular genetics during an era when the field was male-dominated.
Dr. Liebman’s story is a testament to the power of science, family, and resilience. Through her research and advocacy, she has brought attention to the FLNC gene, which is now recognized by the American College of Medical Genetics (ACMG) as actionable, paving the way for improved cardiac care and genetic testing protocols.
It Happened To Me Podcast Episodes Referenced:
Additional Resources:
- The American College of Medical Genetics Actionable Genes List including the FLNC Gene
- Dr. Liebman urges families to bank family’s DNA, so it’s available for genetic testing in the future. She specifically recommends Securigene during the interview.
You can win a free copy of “The Dressmaker’s Mirror”! Head over to our Executive Producer’s Kira Dineen’s podcast’s Instagram,
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