Prader-Willi Syndrome Research

Energizing the Field!

FPWR has provided more than $2,000,000 in research support since 2003, with 50 research projects funded to date. We look forward to the findings of the new studies, just as we are beginning to see the payoffs from our investment of previous years.

FPWR support has now contributed to more than twenty publications in the medical literature, advancing our understanding of the genetic alterations underlying PWS, the metabolic disturbances in PWS, learning strengths and differences, and how the brain regulates hunger in normal individuals and in those with PWS.  Two new mouse models have been developed, which should allow therapeutic interventions to be quickly evaluated.  Additional studies aimed at understanding the DNA structure in the PWS critical region, examining the role of critical 'snoRNAs', and  developing new therapies  are all underway.

The 2009 Research Update is available here.