Press Release

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BALTIMORE, Maryland, December 27, 2022  -  The KBG Foundation, a U.S.-based nonprofit organization working to improve the lives of people with KBG syndrome, has awarded its second 2022 Seed Funding grant to Dr. Anastassia Voronova, an assistant professor and Canada Research Chair in neural stem cell biology at the University of Alberta and a member of the KBG Foundation Scientific Advisory Board. 

KBG syndrome is a rare genetic disorder caused by a mutation on the ANKRD11 gene and associated with a spectrum of challenges, including developmental delays, cognitive disabilities, behavioral disorders, autism, seizures, hearing loss, skeletal anomalies, heart complications and gastrointestinal problems. Most people with KBG share at least some physical traits, including a triangular face, heavy eyebrows, curved fingers and spine, and short stature.

The $10,000 KBG Foundation Seed Funding grant will support Dr. Voronova’s research into identifying  the crucial time window where the function of ANKRD11 is critical for brain development. Her work will be important to laying the groundwork for potential therapeutics focusing on the ANKRD11 function rescue.

“I am incredibly grateful to the KBG Foundation for this support. It will help us to develop preliminary data using the KBG syndrome mouse model to identify when, where and why certain KBG syndrome specific pathologies occur,” Voronova said. “This information will be invaluable for future translational efforts.”

The first Seed Funding grant was awarded to Dr. Gholson Lyon, another member of the KBG Foundation Scientific Advisory Board. In 2022, Lyon and Voronova were instrumental in expanding and connecting the KBG syndrome scientific community by co-hosting two international research summits.

“The Foundation is ecstatic to assist in funding Dr. Voronova's important work of understanding KBG syndrome. The Voronova lab has already produced exciting research demonstrating how mutations in the ANKRD11 gene cause some of the symptoms associated with KBG syndrome,” said Annette Maughan, CEO of the KBG Foundation. “We are grateful for the commitment she has shown to the KBG community.”

Applications for the 2023 KBG Foundation Seed Funding grant cycle are due April 30, 2023. For information about the grant and how to apply, see the KBG Foundation website.

KBG syndrome is a rare genetic disorder caused by a mutation on the ANKRD11 gene and associated with a spectrum of challenges, including developmental delays, cognitive disabilities, behavioral disorders, autism, seizures, hearing loss, skeletal anomalies, heart complications and gastrointestinal problems. Most people with KBG share at least some physical traits, including a triangular face, heavy eyebrows, curved fingers and spine, and short stature.

The KBG Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, dedicated to providing support, assisting in research programs and advocating to raise awareness about KBG syndrome. For more information about the Seed Funding program and other initiatives or to donate, visit https://www.kbgfoundation.com/home.html.