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

PTC, FDA to meet in December to discuss path to Upstaza approval

PTC Therapeutics will meet with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in December to review the data the company intends to include in a regulatory application seeking the approval of its gene therapy Upstaza (eladocagene exuparvovec) for aromatic l-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency. The meeting is expected…

Enzyme study may bring insights into AADC deficiency’s causes

The AADC enzyme can undergo a process called phosphorylation at a specific molecular site to increase its activity, a study shows. These findings provide deeper insight into the functionality of this enzyme, and may help scientists to better understand the effects of certain specific mutations that cause AADC deficiency.

FindZebra rare disease search engine enhanced by new AI tool

A new artificial intelligence (AI) tool — OpenAI’s GPT application programming interface (API) — has been integrated into FindZebra, an online search engine that aims to make it easier to find information about, and thereby diagnose, rare diseases. OpenAI’s GPT API is an innovative deep-learning tool that uses artificial…

AAN 2023: Children reaching motor milestones 10 years after Upstaza

Children with aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency are continuing to experience motor function gains up to 10 years after receiving a single dose of PTC Therapeutics’ gene therapy Upstaza (eladocagene exuparvovec), new clinical trial data show. Alexis Russell, PTC’s senior medical director, discussed the findings during…

IndoUSrare Hopes to Promote Global Efforts in Rare Disease Research

IndoUSrare, a U.S.-based humanitarian organization, is working to build international connections between scientists to accelerate research that aims to improve care for people affected by rare diseases, such as AADC deficiency. “The solution to the considerable economic and social challenges presented by rare diseases is global collaboration. The…

Study Shows Cognitive Range in AADC Deficiency Patients

People with AACD deficiency commonly experience emotional problems and intellectual disability, though the severity of cognitive impairment varies markedly among patients, a new study indicates. “Our study provides further evidence that AADCD requires specific neurological and neuropsychological assessments to monitor the disease,” the study’s researchers wrote. The study, “Long-term…

Scientists Test New Method That Can Help Diagnose AADC Deficiency

Scientists have discovered a new technique to measure the activity of the aromatic-L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) enzyme to help diagnose AADC deficiency. The assay, which uses liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, was detailed in a study, “Biochemical diagnosis of aromatic-L-amino acid decarboxylase deficiency (AADCD) by assay of…