Uytengsu-Hamilton 22q11 Neuropsychiatry Research Program

Overview

The Stanford Maternal and Child Health Research Institute (MCHRI) Uytengsu-Hamilton 22q11 Neuropsychiatry Research Program aims to promote research to improve the neurocognitive outcomes and behavioral symptoms of 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome with immediate (within 5 years) and long-term impact. 

22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome (22q11.2DS) is a genetic disorder caused by a deletion on chromosome 22 (at location 22q11.2). The prevalence of 22q11.2DS is estimated to be 1:2000 to 1:4000 and the disorder is associated with a broad spectrum of symptoms including immune dysfunction, congenital heart disease, palatal abnormalities and endocrine dysfunction. Children with 22q11.2DS are at increased risk for developmental delay, learning disabilities, neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders including attention-deficit / hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), anxiety and schizophrenia. 


The 22q11 Neuropsychiatry Research Program's goals are to better understand the causes of neuropsychiatric disorders in 22q11.2DS, improve the neurocognitive outcomes and behavioral symptoms associated with 22q11.2DS, and help children and their families lead their lives to the fullest potential.


Research in 22q11 Deletion Syndrome

The MCHRI Uytengsu-Hamilton 22q11 Neuropsychiatry Research Awards Program will support innovative research projects of up to $150,000 per year for up to 2 years, with the potential to improve the neurocognitive outcomes and behavioral symptoms of 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome with immediate (within 5 years) and long term impact. The Program will support research that could best (or only) be performed by faculty from different disciplines, utilizing a wide range of scientific approaches from basic stem cell biology, neuroscience, genetics and data science to clinical translational research, novel therapeutics and integrative medicine. Learn more.



Contact

Rachael Panizzo, PHD
Program Director

For inquiries, please contact rpanizzo@stanford.edu

Katja Weinacht, MD, PHD
Program Faculty Director

Assistant Professor, Pediatrics (Stem Cell Transplantation), Stanford School of Medicine