FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY
The official logo for the Florida Institute for Pediatric Rare Diseases at the FSU College of Medicine. The design features the classic "FSU" block lettering separated by a vertical line from the institute's name in garnet text.

FSU | Florida Institute for Pediatric Rare Diseases

2025 News & Events

IPRD RESEARCHERS

A maroon border surrounds the six fluorescent microscopy panels, featuring a maroon square in the top-left corner with the white text NOV. 26.

“Investigating the neuronal role of the proteasomal ATPase subunit gene PSMC5 in neuro-developmental proteasomopathies”

Janelle Stanton, Ph.D.
(Nov. 26, 2025)

A group of four smiling researchers—two men and two women—posing together in a laboratory with lab equipment in the background and an "OCT. 7" graphic in the top-left corner.

Yue “Julia” Wang Lab Shares Updates on Congenital Hyperinsulinemia

(Oct. 7, 2025)

A maroon border surrounds a close-up image of a hand using tweezers to handle a glowing blue DNA double helix model on a glass slide, with a maroon square in the top-left corner containing the white text SEPT. 9.

“Trends and Challenges of AAV-delivered gene editing therapeutics for CNS disorders: Implications for neurodegenerative disease”

Boris Kantor, Ph.D.
(Sept. 9, 2025)

An artistic 3D rendering of glowing purple and blue viruses with protruding spikes floats in a dark, shimmering space under the text "JULY 24."

“Tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte therapy: therapeutic advances and prospects”

Drishty B. Sarker, B.S.; Qing-Xiang Amy Sang, Ph.D.
(July 24, 2025)

A man in a dark suit and red tie speaks from a wooden podium featuring the Florida State University (FSU) seal. To his left is a large ceremonial check for $2,000,000 made out to the "Sunshine Genetics Pilot Program" and dated July 9, 2025.

Sunshine Genetics Act News Conference: Revolutionizing Newborn Genetic Screening & Pediatric Rare Disease Research

(July 9, 2025)

A side-profile photo of an older man with white hair and glasses, wearing a light pink shirt and blue tie, speaking into a handheld microphone. He is standing in front of a blurred audience in a darkened auditorium or lecture hall. A maroon square in the top-left corner displays "JUNE 26" in white.

Interview with David Ledbetter – Advancing Precision Medicine at IPRD

(June 26, 2025)

Height comparison diagram with the text "MAY 19"

“X & Y gene dosage effects are primary contributors to human sexual dimorphism: The case of height”

David Ledbetter, Ph.D.
(May 19, 2025)

A large, diverse group of ten researchers, mostly wearing white lab coats, pose for a group photo inside a laboratory. In the upper-left corner, a maroon graphic overlay displays the text "APRIL 8" in white. The setting includes lab benches, equipment, and storage cabinets in the background.

Qing-Xiang Amy Sang Lab Shares Research Updates on Atypical Teratoid Rhaboid Tumors & Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma

(April 8, 2025)

A group of three researchers—a man in a grey t-shirt, a woman in a white lab coat, and a woman in a maroon zip-up hoodie—pose together in a laboratory setting. Behind them are shelves filled with various chemical bottles and lab equipment. A graphic in the upper-left corner displays the text "MARCH 20" in white against a maroon background.

Michelle Parvatiyar Lab Shares Research Updates on Duchenne muscular dystrophy

(March 20, 2025)

A grid of 15 high-magnification microscopic images showing various cell cultures stained in vibrant fluorescent colors including blue, red, and green. A maroon box in the top-left corner features the text "MARCH 16" in white.

“Effects of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Astrocytes on Cisplatin Sensitivity in Pediatric Brain Cancer Cells”

Sonia Kiran, B.S.; Yu Xue, B.S.; Drishty B. Sarker, B.S.; Qing-Xiang Amy Sang, Ph.D.
(March 16, 2025)

“Tetraspanin CD9 alters cellular trafficking and endocytosis of tetraspanin CD63, affecting CD63 packaging into small extracellular vesicles”

Leanne Duke, Ph.D., Robert J. Tomko, Jr., Ph.D.
(March 12, 2025)

“Mainstreaming Diagnostic Genetic Testing and Precision Medicine for Autism Spectrum Disorder: The Role of Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists”

David Ledbetter, Ph.D.
(March 4, 2025)

Group photo of rare disease families with the text "FEB 28."

Rare Disease Day at FSU provides future promise for affected families

(Feb. 28, 2025)

Emily Shiel speaking at Heart Rhythm conference with the text "JAN 14."

Graduate Student Awarded Prestigious AHA Predoctoral Fellowship for Innovative Research in Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy

(Jan. 14, 2025)

RARE DISEASE NEWS

Logo for the Access to Genetic Counselor Services Act with the date "NOV. 24" in the top-left corner.

Support the Access to Genetic Counselor Services Act

(Nov. 24, 2025)

Close-up of a glowing, multicolored DNA double helix with the date "OCT. 13" in the top-left corner.

GeneDx to Partner with Florida’s Sunshine Genetics Network, Launching Nation’s First State-Backed Genomic Newborn Screening Program 

(Oct. 13, 2025)

A medical illustration shows a side-view of a human brain with the caudate nucleus highlighted in bright red. A maroon box in the top-left corner features the text "SEPT. 24" in white.

Huntington’s disease treated for the first time

(Sept. 24, 2025)

A graphic promoting the FSU Institute for Pediatric Rare Diseases (IPRD), featuring a stylized DNA double helix combined with a microphone icon. The text on the image highlights an event on AUG. 28 at the FSU College of Medicine, likely a lecture or news conference related to the institute's mission to advance precision medicine and genetic screening.

Mendelspod Podcast: Making Whole Genome Sequencing the Universal Genetic Test – with David Ledbetter 

(Aug. 28, 2025)

A commemorative poster for the Sunshine Genetics initiative, signed by various individuals and featuring the logos of partner institutions including FIU, Florida State University, Nicklaus Children's Hospital, UF, University of Miami, and USF Health. A maroon box in the top-left corner features the text "AUG. 15" in white.

USF Joins Statewide Effort to Expand Newborn Genetic Screening and Genomic Medicine

(Aug. 15, 2025)

Two men in suits engaged in a conversation in a hallway, with one man gesturing while holding a document. A maroon box in the top-left corner features the text "AUG. 12" in white.

Quest Diagnostics Collaborates with IPRD

(Aug. 12, 2025)

Article: “Systematic review: Biopsychosocial factors related to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children/adolescents with Neurofibromatosis type 1”

(Aug. 11, 2025)

A close-up of a researcher's hands in blue surgical gloves, carefully holding a small clear vial with a green cap over a tray of several other vials. A maroon box in the top-left corner features the text "JULY 25" in white, which coincided with Genetic Testing Action Day.

Genetic Testing Action Day

(July 25, 2025)

A portrait of Antonia Nemec, Ph.D., who joined the FSU Institute for Pediatric Rare Diseases as the Associate Director for Research Operations. She is a woman with long brown hair and glasses, wearing a white lab coat and a blue shirt, smiling in a laboratory setting. A maroon box in the top-left corner features the text "JULY 21" in white.

Antonia Nemec, Ph.D., Joining IPRD as Associate Director for Research Operations

(July 21, 2025)

A close-up of a small, square, black-and-gold electronic chip resting on the tip of a person's index finger in a laboratory setting. A maroon box in the top-left corner features the text "JULY 11" in white.

Florida Sunshine Genetics Act Becomes Law, Funding Newborn Genome Sequencing Pilot

(July 11, 2025)

Florida Representative Adam Anderson and FSU President Richard McCullough stand together outdoors on the FSU campus, smiling as they jointly hold an oversized ceremonial check. The check is made out to the Institute for Pediatric Rare Diseases in the amount of $2,000,000. A maroon box in the top-left corner features the text "JULY 9" in white.

Florida surges to forefront of rare disease research with boost from Sunshine Genetics Act

(July 9, 2025)

A close-up of a healthcare worker's hand in a blue surgical glove gently holding the foot of a newborn baby in a hospital setting. A maroon box in the top-left corner features the text "JUNE 21" in white.

NHS plans to DNA test all babies to assess disease risk

(June 21, 2025)

Representative Adam Anderson wearing a dark suit and tie, smiling at the camera. A maroon box in the top-left corner features the text "JUNE 17" in white, marking the announcement of his retirement after over 50 years of service to the university.

Celebrating a Milestone Legislative Session for Genomic Medicine and Rare Disease Care in Florida

(June 17, 2025)

Photo of Boris Kantor with the text "MAY 28."

Boris Kantor, Ph.D., Joining IPRD as Director of Viral Vector and Genome Editing Core Facility 

(May 28, 2025)

Group photo of Amy Sang's lab with the text "MAY 16."

FSU names Qing-Xiang Amy Sang as Distinguished Research Professor

(May 16, 2025)

Conceptual graphic of a human and robotic finger touching a "CRISPR" interface with the text "MAY 15"

World’s first personalized CRISPR therapy given to baby with genetic disease 

(May 15, 2025)

Pradeep Bhide speaking at the Florida capitol about Prader-Willi Syndrome with the text "MAY 1."

Florida Established May 1st as Prader-Willi Syndrome Awareness Day

(May 1, 2025)

A collage of photos showing various research and community activities, with the text "10 WAYS FSU IS MAKING AN IMPACT IN FLORIDA" and a maroon box in the top-left corner marked "APRIL 12."

FSUImpact: 10 ways Florida State University is helping Floridians

(April 12, 2025)

Rare Disease Day zebra mascot with the text "FEB 7."

Rare Disease Day 2025 shines light on IPRD’s growth, future 

(Feb. 7, 2025)

Photo of David Ledbetter with the text "FEB 5."

Acclaimed geneticist David H. Ledbetter, Ph.D., FACMG, joins the FSU Institute for Pediatric Rare Diseases

(Feb. 5, 2025)

Pradeep Bhide speaking at Florida capitol with the text "JAN 21."

IPRD Director Pradeep Bhide Advocates for HB-1043: Transforming Newborn Screening with Whole Genome Sequencing

(Jan. 21, 2025)

EVENTS

Four individuals stand together at an FSU Institute for Pediatric Rare Diseases booth during an event on November 4th.

IPRD Networking at the National Society of Genetic Counselors 2025 Conference

(Nov. 4, 2025)

People networking at a table with drinks and programs, featuring "OCT. 8" in the corner.

Launch of the IPRD Viral Vector & Gene Editing Core

(Oct. 8, 2025)

Florida Representative Adam Anderson and FSU President Richard McCullough stand together outdoors on the FSU campus, smiling as they jointly hold an oversized ceremonial check. The check is made out to the Institute for Pediatric Rare Diseases in the amount of $2,000,000. A maroon box in the top-left corner features the text "JULY 9" in white.

Sunshine Genetics Act News Conference

(July 9, 2025)

Rare Disease Day information table with brochures, flowers, and gift bags

Rare Disease Day 2025

(Feb. 25, 2025)

TIMELINE

2026
2025
2024