Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC | Virginia Tech Health & Biomedical Research
Featured Story
July 27, 2026
Brain researchers find detour around genetic roadblock
Scientists at Virginia Tech's Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC have discovered how an experimental therapy can help brain cells overcome the effects of a disease-causing genetic deletion. Instead of repairing the deletion and its immediate consequences, the therapy redirects brain development by helping at-risk neurons grow and connect more normally.
The findings, published in Disease Models & Mechanisms, suggest that some genetic brain disorders may be treated by targeting the cellular mechanisms disrupted by a genetic change rather than repairing the genetic change itself.
The research focused on 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, the second most common genetic deletion disorder and among the strongest known genetic risk factors for schizophrenia in humans. The syndrome affects approximately one in every 2,000 to 4,000 births and is also associated with autism spectrum disorder and a range of cognitive and developmental challenges.
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2026 Vascular and Heart Research Symposium , redirectAug. 10-11, 2026 | Vascular and Heart Research Symposium | 4 Riverside Circle
Creating a healthier future. For everyone.
The Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC is one of the nation’s fastest-growing academic biomedical research enterprises and a destination for world-class biomedical, behavioral, and computational researchers focused on advancing scientific understanding of human health through groundbreaking research in preventing, diagnosing, and treating the world’s leading causes of death and suffering.
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Redirect ItemRadioIQ: Global exercise science conference lands in Roanoke , redirect Date: Jun 04, 2026 -
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VIDEOS
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Special Seminar: From Molecular Programs to Tissue Fate: Lung Tissue-Resident Memory T cells in Respiratory Health , homeAugust 5, 2026, 11 a.m.., Chaofan Li, Ph.D., Research Associate Professor, University of Virginia School of Medicine | Special Seminar
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2026 Vascular and Heart Research Symposium , redirectAug. 10-11, 2026 | Vascular and Heart Research Symposium | 4 Riverside Circle
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2026 Center for Neurobiology Research Welcome Symposium , homeAug. 28, 2026 | Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC | 4 Riverside Circle, Roanoke, Virginia
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Precision Therapeutics for Schizophrenia Symposium , homeSept. 23-24, 2026 | Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC | 4 Riverside Circle, Roanoke, Virginia
Giving to the Research Institute
Your generous support of the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute's rigorous biomedical research enterprise makes a difference for our faculty, students, and patients. Every donation helps accelerate the pace of new discoveries to help patients with cancer, neurological disorders, heart disease, and even rare genetic disorders. Private donations fast-track our progress.