People with PWS experience abnormally high amounts of REM sleep and an inappropriate occurrence of REM sleep in the middle of active wake periods. Previous research has shown that neurons secreting a certain hormone (MCH) control REM sleep. To determine if MCH neurons are overactive in PWS, this research team will express ‘neural activity...
Investigation of Magel2 expression patterns in a novel rat model for Schaaf-Yang syndrome
Funded Year: 2025Our understanding of cellular MAGEL2 functions in brain development and SYS pathophysiology is limited due to insufficient data on cell type-specific and development- dependent MAGEL2 expression patterns. Dr. Althammer's project will provide unprecedented information about RNA expression patterns in a time and cell type-specific manner, which...
Analysis of Delayed Neural Development in PWS DPSC Neurons (Year 2)
Funded Year: 2024Dr. Reiter has used stem cells derived from baby teeth to look at differences in how PWS neurons in a dish develop compared to typical neurons. He has found changes in circadian rhythm and timing of development. Year 2 work will focus on ‘rescuing’ these characteristics by delivering different PWS-region genes to the cells.
