A world-renowned fragile X syndrome researcher, who was the first to identify the long-sought genetic abnormality responsible for this disorder, will be honored by the March of Dimes.
Stephen T. Warren, PhD, the William Patterson Timmie Professor of Human Genetics and Charles Howard Candler chair of the Department of Human Genetics, as well as professor of biochemistry and pediatrics at Emory University School of Medicine, will receive the March of Dimes/Colonel Harland Sanders Award for Lifetime Achievement in the field of genetic sciences. Dr. Michael Katz, senior vice president for Research and Global Programs of the March of Dimes, will present the award to Dr. Warren today during the annual Clinical Genetics Meeting of the American College of Medical Genetics at Vancouver Convention Centre.
Fragile X syndrome is an inherited genetic condition that involves changes in the X chromosome and specifically the FMR1 gene. It is the leading cause of inherited intellectual disability. Fragile X can be passed on in a family by individuals who have no signs of this genetic condition. In 1991, Dr. Warren -- initially funded by a March of Dimes Basil O'Connor Starter Scholar Award -- and colleagues published their work on the genetic abnormality responsible for fragile X syndrome, as well as the affected protein. Dr. Warren has successfully applied his research findings to clinical settings.