Swiss Life Grant awarded to Lisa Pavinato

Congratulations to Dr. Lisa Pavinato, postdoctoral researcher in the Baggiolini Lab, on receiving a Swiss Life Grant to support her research on CAPRIN1-associated neurodevelopmental disorders (NEDLAAD).

NEDLAAD is an ultra-rare genetic disorder caused by variants in the CAPRIN1 gene that affects brain development. It can lead to language and learning difficulties, attention and behavioral challenges, autism spectrum features, and seizures.

Lisa's project, "Giving Ultra-Rare Patients a Voice: New Diagnostic Tests and Therapy Pathways for CAPRIN1-Associated Neurodevelopmental Disorders," aims to improve the diagnosis and understanding of this rare condition. By combining genetic analyses with patient-derived stem cells and brain organoids, the project will investigate how CAPRIN1 variants affect brain development and help identify new diagnostic and therapeutic opportunities.

This award recognizes the importance of research on rare diseases and will support Lisa's efforts to better understand NEDLAAD and contribute to future treatment.