Capitol News

Genetic autism research expert Lucas Pozzo-Miller has been appointed as the inaugural Mall Family Endowed Professor in Genetic Autism Research at Michigan State University (MSU) College of Human Medicine. This position is made possible by a $2 million investment from the Mall Family Foundation.

Dean Aron Sousa of MSU's College of Human Medicine expressed gratitude for the foundation's support, stating, "The Mall family’s commitment to advancing and treating genetic autism has helped us to successfully recruit one of the nation’s top experts to MSU with the magnet of endowed funding." He further emphasized the potential impact on human health and research opportunities.

The Mall Family Foundation, established in 2007, supports various educational, community, and health-related nonprofits. The foundation's involvement in genetic autism research at MSU is driven by personal motivation; a family member was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder in 2003.

Tom Mall shared his optimism about Pozzo-Miller's appointment: “We are so excited at the research possibilities, and with Pozzo-Miller being right here in Grand Rapids, we feel incredibly hopeful.” He highlighted recent advances by MSU's team in using big data, AI technology, and CRISPR technology for genetic editing.

Pozzo-Miller joined MSU last December from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. His research focuses on neurobiological bases of syndromic forms of autism caused by single gene variants. As a scientific investigator at MSU, he aims to advance understanding and interventions for those affected by autism.

Autism spectrum disorder affects behavior as well as social and communication skills. The disorder is complex with no known single cause but involves interactions between genetic susceptibilities and environmental factors.

Pozzo-Miller cited joining MSU’s Grand Rapids research team as a key reason for his move. The team includes developmental neuroscience researchers Dan Campbell, Dan Vogt, Barbara Thompson, Michael Williams, Jeff MacKeigan, disease expert Andre Bachmann PhD., partnerships with Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital and Van Andel Institute.

Keith English from MSU Department of Pediatrics remarked on their collaborative efforts: “There are complex factors leading to an autism diagnosis... we are collectively working to share accurate fact-based information with the autism community.”

MSU's College of Human Medicine benefits from statewide partnerships with 13 community hospitals and a national database containing over 30 years of data which enhances its position in genetic autism research.