MHFP Translational Research Grant Program
2023 MHFP Translational Grant Winners
Dr. Russell Taylor
Post-Doctoral Scholar
Dr. Taylor’s work focuses on the gene CACNA1C, which is implicated in a range of congenital disorders, occurring in brain, cardiac and other tissues. This gene is classically understood to produce a voltage-gated ion channel, Cav1.2, but recent work from my lab has established that it also produces a transcription factor, CCT. His working hypothesis is that dysregulation of this transcription factor CCT is at least partially responsible for the congenital anomalies seen within patients.
Dr. Runwei Yang
Post-Doctoral Scholar
Dr. Yang’s work focuses on Pathogenic SYNGAP1 mutations cause autism, epilepsy, and intellectual disability. His previous study developed splice-switching oligonucleotides (SSOs) targeting SYNGAP1 nonsense-mediated decay in human neurons and brain organoids, holding the possibility for treating SYNGAP1-associated disorders. This project will test the efficacy and toxicity of SSOs in a mouse model of SYNGAP1 haploinsufficiency.
