New research reinforces the link between a cellular quality control system and rare forms of autism

Just like a car factory relies on inspectors to ensure that every vehicle is built correctly, cells depend on internal quality control systems to keep proteins functioning as they should. New research from Waisman Center investigator Luigi Puglielli, MD, PhD, professor of medicine at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, reveals that disruptions in one such system—the endoplasmic reticulum’s acetylation pathway—can lead to rare forms of autism and progeria, offering fresh insights into the cellular roots of these complex conditions.

Wisconsin LEND trainees visit state legislators to share their personal stories and educate about the impact of Medicaid on Wisconsinites with disabilities

The Wisconsin LEND Program prepares individuals with disabilities to engage in policy discussions, giving them the tools and confidence to make their voices heard.

Health trajectory of mothers of children with developmental disabilities shows a ‘wear-and-tear’ effect starting around age 65

Mothers of children with developmental disabilities experience long-term stress, adapting for many years but showing signs of ‘wear-and-tear’ starting around age 65, affecting their physical and mental health.

CDC reports rising autism rates with Wisconsin notably higher than the national average

The prevalence of autism spectrum disorder among 8-year-old children in the U.S. has increased to 1 in 31 in 2022, up from 1 in 36 in 2020, according to a recently published report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network.