The human genome has many short tandem repeats, yet the normal functions of these repeats are unclear.
Xinyu Zhao
Genetic blueprint behind early brain development uncovered by team of Waisman investigators
Early neuronal maturation is not well understood. A new study at Waisman was able to map the gene and regulatory networks driving early neuronal maturation for the first time.
Building a better understanding of genetic repeats and their role in fragile X syndrome
Genetic repeats—a sequence or segment of DNA that is repeated over and over in a row—is a typical part of the genome. However, when there is an atypical number of repeats in the DNA sequence, it can lead to impaired gene function and be the cause of more than 50 expansion conditions including fragile X syndrome (FXS).
Waisman Center IDDRC funds three pilot projects on novel Down syndrome research
Three Waisman Center investigators and affiliates were awarded an internal grant to support Down syndrome research in its early stages. The funds were made possible through the Ann Dewey Down Syndrome Catalyst Fund at the Waisman Center.
Organoids are becoming more popular in research, consistency in their use is needed for more accurate results
To the naked eye, they look like tiny blobs free floating in a pink liquid. Under a light microscope, they look similar. But organoids, a 3-D mini version of an organ grown in a lab, may contain invaluable information about how the human brain develops.
A new grant from the Eagles Autism Foundation will help advance Waisman research on the genetic cause of autism
Studying the biological underpinnings of autism is exceptionally complex with more than 1000 genes thought to be associated with autism.
Graduate student Natasha Méndez Albelo is awarded fellowship from the UW-Madison Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Center
Natasha Méndez Albelo, graduate student in the lab of Waisman investigator Xinyu Zhao, PhD, was awarded the competitive SCRMC Graduate Training Award from the UW-Madison Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Center. This award recognizes and …
Discovery reveals mitochondria as potential treatment target for fragile X syndrome
Fragile X syndrome, the most common form of inherited intellectual disability, may be unfolding in brain cells even before birth, despite typically going undiagnosed until age 3 or later.
New research expands understanding of impact of rapamycin on fragile X syndrome
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common heritable form of intellectual and developmental disability. It is also the most common single genetic contributor to autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Xinyu Zhao, PhD – Slide of the Week
Fragile X messenger ribonucleoprotein 1 protein (FMRP) binds many mRNA targets in the brain. The contribution of these targets to fragile X syndrome (FXS) and related autism spectrum disorder (ASD) remain unclear.