SMSRF increases research commitment
Smith-Magenis Syndrome Research Foundation ups research commitment
Houston, TX – Mar 4, 2015
A little more than a year after announcing the dedication of a new center for the study of Smith-Magenis Syndrome at Baylor College of Medicine, the Smith-Magenis Syndrome Research Foundation has announced an additional $200,000 gift.
When the new program was initially launched at Baylor in September 2013, it included a five-year, $300,000 commitment to establish a fellowship and research program.
The additional $200,000 will provide support for a graduate student to study Smith-Magenis syndrome, which is a genetic disability that affects many parts of the body. Individuals with the syndrome may have mild to moderate intellectual disability, delayed speech and language skills, distinctive facial features, obesity, sleep disturbance and behavioral problems.
The program is directed by Dr. Sarah Elsea, associate professor of molecular and human genetics at Baylor, and Dr. James R. Lupski, the Cullen Professor of Molecular and Human Genetics at Baylor.
“The ability to support more trainees infuses additional creativity into the project and increases understanding and interest in SMS that will remain with the trainees throughout their careers,” said Elsea, who also focuses on SMS research. “We are grateful that the SMS Research Foundation supports these efforts in training and that they continue to support our research goals.”
The program has a special interest in gaining a better understanding of the function and regulation of the RAI1 gene, which has been associated with the disease.
“The SMS Research Foundation is truly thrilled to increase our funding commitment to the SMS Initiative at Baylor College of Medicine,” said Dr. Christopher Iannuzzi, chair of the scientific advisory panel of the Foundation. “We firmly believe that it will bring us one step closer to understanding the biochemical basis of SMS and then lead to strategies that will improve the lives of these children. We know that supporting the laboratories of Drs. Elsea and Lupski is a critical component of reaching our goals.”
Founded in 2010 by parent advocates, the Smith-Magenis Syndrome Research Foundation seeks to improve the knowledge and understanding of Smith-Magenis Syndrome so that viable therapeutic options can be developed in order to improve the quality of life of those with the disease.
