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Rare Diseases

22 results.

August 7, 2025 DNA ‘organizer’ helps cells store and access genetic information

When it comes to organization, our cells give even the most popular tidiness influencers a run for their money.

Nowhere is this more evident than…

July 22, 2025 Reducing inflammation may offer new path for treating Peutz-Jehgers syndrome, GI cancers

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (July 22, 2025) — Targeting a common inflammatory protein linked to arthritis and allergies may lead to better treatments for gastrointestinal (GI) cancers and…

May 9, 2023 Study links bladder inflammation from UTIs with development of multiple system atrophy

A new study led by Van Andel Institute and KU Leuven scientists has linked bladder inflammation from urinary tract infections (UTIs) with an…

February 28, 2023 5 things to know on Rare Disease Day

Rare Disease Day is a time to recognize and raise awareness of the thousands of diseases that are considered “rare” but collectively affect millions. Here…

February 8, 2021 Early study points to potential therapeutic avenue for a pair of rare pediatric diseases

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (Feb. 9, 2021) — Scientists have devised a new approach for detecting and potentially heading off the effects of two rare pediatric…

September 16, 2020 Searching for new ways to treat a rare childhood cancer

In summer 2020, Van Andel Institute Graduate School Ph.D. candidate Maggie Chassé earned a prestigious Predoctoral to Postdoctoral Fellow Transition Award, also known as the…

September 15, 2020 Graduate student spotlight: Investigating a cancer linked to a rare genetic disorder

Throughout the year, we highlight Van Andel Institute Graduate School’s doctoral students. This month features Lauren McGee, a student in the lab of Dr.…

September 4, 2019 Explainer: What are prions?

What are prions?

Prions are infectious agents that cause a number of rare neurodegenerative diseases in humans and animals. Unlike bacteria or viruses, prions have…