Stefan Strack was awarded a research grant entitled “Deciphering molecular pathogenesis and developing mouse models of PPP2R5D mutations” from Jordan’s Guardian Angels, a private NPO.  The goals of this proposal are to 1) identify mechanisms by which recurrent de novo mutations in a regulatory subunit of protein phosphatase 2A cause a form of autosomal-dominant mental retardation (MRD35, a.k.a. Jordan’s Syndrome), and to 2) generate state-of-the-art mouse models of this neurodevelopmental disorder using CRISPR/Cas9 technologies.  Mouse models include inducible and reversible knock-in of pathogenic point mutations into the Ppp2r5d locus using the FLEX system.  The project is part of a larger initiative involving ten laboratories in the US and Europe aimed at finding cures for Jordan’s syndrome.