Pacific Northwest Research Institute

Pacific Northwest Research Institute We’re a nonprofit genetics research institute. We believe genetic research holds untapped potential.

02/09/2026

Sometimes genetics surprises us.

New coverage in The Scientist features research from PNRI’s Dudley Lab showing that two damaging genetic variants don’t always make things worse. In many cases, they can interact in ways that restore protein function — overturning long-held assumptions in genetics.

By testing thousands of variant combinations, researchers found these unexpected interactions are especially common in genes tied to rare disease. The work could help improve how genetic results are interpreted, leading to clearer diagnoses and more personalized care.

Read The Scientist article: https://bit.ly/4rdvgfm

01/16/2026

In genetics, two wrongs can sometimes make a right.

PNRI scientists have overturned a long-held belief that inheriting two damaging variants in the same gene must always make disease worse. In a new study published today in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, researchers show that pairs of variants—each harmful on its own—can often work together to restore normal protein function.

By experimentally testing thousands of variant combinations and developing an AI-based predictive model, the team found this kind of genetic “rescue” in more than 60% of cases studied, particularly in genes linked to rare disease.

This discovery could lead to more accurate diagnoses and more personalized care for people with rare genetic disorders.

Read more at: https://bit.ly/4qKEGhK

12/30/2025

There’s just one day left to double your impact for families waiting for answers. Through tomorrow, Dec. 31, PNRI's Board of Trustees is matching all gifts, dollar-for-dollar, up to $27,000.

Your support helps protect rare disease and type 1 diabetes research families depend on – especially at a time when federal funding cuts threaten long-term progress.

👉 Make a matched gift before year-end: https://pnri.org/support/science2025/

Every dollar counts—and every dollar will be doubled.

Support families waiting for answers. Support science.

12/22/2025

At PNRI, scientists are reaching a pivotal moment in rare disease and type 1 diabetes research.

New technologies and decades-long studies are converging to:
• identify early signs of type 1 diabetes before symptoms appear
• deliver faster, more accurate diagnoses for children with rare genetic conditions
• solve complex genetic cases other institutions can’t.

At the same time, federal funding cuts are creating real uncertainty for the continuity this work depends on. When long-term studies are disrupted, progress slows—and families wait longer for answers.

That’s why every gift to PNRI is matched dollar-for-dollar through Dec. 31, helping protect research that can’t simply be paused.

Please consider giving before Dec. 31 to help keep this research moving forward.
🔗 https://pnri.org/support/science2025/

12/18/2025

Federal funding cuts are having real consequences for biomedical research — including at PNRI. These cuts threaten the continuity of long-term rare disease and type 1 diabetes studies that families rely on for answers. To help meet this moment, PNRI’s Board is matching every gift dollar-for-dollar through Dec. 31. Your support helps sustain research that cannot simply be paused. 👉 https://pnri.org/support/science2025/

12/16/2025

Federal funding cuts are putting vital research at risk— but right now, you can help protect the discoveries families depend on. PNRI’s Board of Trustees is matching all donations, dollar for dollar, up to $27,000 through December 31.

Your gift supports research in rare diseases and type 1 diabetes — helping scientists uncover early drivers of disease, develop diagnostic tools, and deliver answers when they matter most.

🔗 Double your impact before year-end: pnri.org/support/science2025

12/09/2025

What happens when cutting-edge genomic technologies meet one of the most genetically diverse populations in the world?

Find out at our Science Matters seminar tomorrow, Dec. 10, 10:00–11:00 am PT with Dr. Shahida Moosa of Tygerberg Hospital and Stellenbosch University.

She’ll share how researchers and clinicians in South Africa are using exome and genome sequencing, long-read platforms, and RNA sequencing to uncover the causes of rare and undiagnosed conditions—and transform patient care across the lifespan.

Register now for this free virtual seminar at: https://bit.ly/48xCMtj

12/05/2025

South Africa is transforming rare disease diagnosis with omics-driven precision care — and you’re invited to learn how.

Join us this Wednesday, Dec. 10 at 10am PT for a free virtual seminar with Dr. Shahida Moosa of Tygerberg Hospital and Stellenbosch University, who will explore how genomic technologies are helping families finally get answers to long-standing medical mysteries.

🔗 Register now for this free virtual seminar at: https://bit.ly/48xCMtj

Today is Giving Tuesday and it comes at a critical moment for PNRI. Federal funding cuts are threatening research famili...
12/02/2025

Today is Giving Tuesday and it comes at a critical moment for PNRI. Federal funding cuts are threatening research families depend on. PNRI scientists are developing diagnostic tools that help clinicians rapidly identify life-threatening genetic conditions, and long-term studies like TEDDY and CASCADE are identifying early signs of type 1 diabetes before a medical crisis happens.
Your support helps protect this work when families need answers the most. If you’re able, please make a Giving Tuesday gift:
👉 https://pnri.org/support/science2025/

Thank you for standing with our scientists — and with the families counting on this research.

11/25/2025

Cold. Rain. Darkness by 4:30. You know what that means? Indoor pickleball season. 🎾 Beat the December gloom and join us for the Hope on the Court Pickleball Tournament on Dec. 7 — a perfect indoor escape and a chance to support families living with rare diseases. Sign up today before spots fill: https://hopeonthecourt.com

Genetic testing can sometimes raise more questions than answers — especially when results reveal a rare disease variant....
11/11/2025

Genetic testing can sometimes raise more questions than answers — especially when results reveal a rare disease variant.
A new PNRI study, conducted in collaboration with clinicians at Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, Children’s National Hospital, and researchers at the University of Virginia, helps clarify how specific OTC gene variants impact a person’s health and response to metabolic stress.

Their findings shed light on why some people develop late-onset OTC deficiency while others remain symptom-free — and how early awareness can guide prevention and care. 🔗 Read the full story: https://bit.ly/48d8WdJ

11/07/2025

🔬 Don’t miss PNRI’s next Science Matters seminar on Wednesday, Nov. 19 from 10:00–11:00 am PT!

Join Dr. Isidro Cortés-Ciriano from the European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI) and the Wellcome Sanger Institute for a fascinating talk on how computational tools are transforming cancer genome research. Discover how his group’s new algorithms and sequencing approaches are revealing how cancers evolve — paving the way for earlier detection and improved treatments. ✅ Register for FREE at: https://bit.ly/3JD4AEo

Address

720 Broadway
Seattle, WA
98122

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5pm
Friday 8:30am - 5pm

Telephone

+12067261200

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Pacific Northwest Research Institute posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to Pacific Northwest Research Institute:

Shortcuts

Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn
Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share via Email
Share on WhatsApp Share on Instagram Share on Telegram