October 30, 2006

(SACRAMENTO, Calif.) — The UC Davis M.I.N.D. Institute will host Arthur L. Beaudet, distinguished professor and chair of the Department of Molecular and Human Genetics at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, on Wednesday, November 8, at the UC Davis M.I.N.D. Institute, 2825 50th St., Sacramento.

Beaudet will speak twice. During a 4 p.m. technical presentation, he will report on evidence for an epigenetic and genetic model for autism with both de novo and inherited contributions. At a 6 p.m. community-interest lecture, he will examine the debate surrounding whether or not autism incidence is actually increasing or an outcome of improved diagnosis, awareness and availability of services, along with the implications of this debate for research, prevention and treatment. Both presentations are free and open to the public; no reservations are needed.

Beaudet's research has made significant contributions to diverse aspects of mammalian genetics, ranging from the first demonstration of mutations in cultured somatic cells to characterization of multiple disorders related to inborn errors of metabolism. Recently, he has focused on genomic imprinting as it relates to Prader-Willi and Angelman syndromes, including identification of the gene causing Angelman syndrome. Beaudet has published over 200 original research articles, served as president of the American Society of Human Genetics and is an elected member of the Association of American Physicians and the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences. Beaudet is a graduate of the College of Holy Cross and received his medical degree from Yale University.

Beaudet is the second of nine distinguished lecturers in the M.I.N.D. Institute's 2006-07 series. Upcoming speakers are Stephen J. Suomi, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (Dec. 13); Lawrence Scahill, Yale University (Jan. 10); Temple Grandin, Colorado State University (Feb. 14); Joseph Piven, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Mar. 14); Susan Bookheimer, University of California, Los Angeles (Apr. 11); Leonard Abbeduto, University of Wisconsin (May 9, visit co-sponsored by the UC Davis School of Education); and Tony Charman, University College London (June 13).

For more information about this and future lectures, visit the UC Davis M.I.N.D. Institute Web site at www.mindinstitute.org or call (916) 703-0280.

The UC Davis M.I.N.D. (Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders) Institute is a unique collaborative center for research into the causes and treatments of neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism, fragile X syndrome, Tourette syndrome and learning disabilities.