Marisa Wexler, MS, senior science writer —

Marisa holds a Master of Science in cellular and molecular pathology from the University of Pittsburgh, where she studied novel genetic drivers of ovarian cancer. Her areas of expertise include cancer biology, immunology, and genetics, and she has worked as a science writing and communications intern for the Genetics Society of America.

Articles by Marisa Wexler

Siblings have same gene mutations, but different symptoms: Report

Three siblings with Pompe disease caused by the same mutations were described in a recent report. Despite all having the same disease-causing mutations, the clinical presentation of the three children differed dramatically — one began showing symptoms in infancy, while another had not shown clinical abnormalities at the age…

Change in Brain Structure Found on MRI Scans in 1 Pompe Type

MRI scans of people with classic infantile Pompe disease showed a change in the microscopic structure of certain brain regions — but no damage was seen in patients with the late-onset form of the disease, a new study reports. “We conclude that, while no deviations from typical neurodevelopment were…

NIH Grants $3.8M to Improve Newborn Screening for 3 Diseases

Scientists at the University at Buffalo (UB) in New York have received a five-year $3.8-million grant to develop methods to improve the accuracy of newborn screening for Pompe disease and two other rare genetic disorders. The project, “Enhancement of Newborn Screening Diagnostic Paradigms to Improve the Efficacy of…

LOPD Diagnosis of Newborns Requires Support for Parents

Parents of children with late-onset Pompe disease (LOPD) that is identified via newborn screening report not receiving enough information, guidance, and support, which leads to feelings of frustration and anxiety. That’s according to the study “Newborn screening for Pompe disease: Parental experiences and follow-up care for…