Leslie G. Bieseker, M.D.

Chief & Senior Investigator, Genetic Disease Research Branch, National Genome Research Institute

Education
B.S. University of California, Riverside, 1979
M.D. University of Illinois College of Medicine, 1983

Research Interests
Dr. Biesecker's research focuses on the clinical and molecular delineation of human malformation syndromes. Currently, his laboratory is working on two classes of disorders: classic multiple congenital anomaly syndromes and segmental overgrowth disorders. The goals of his research program are to improve the medical care of patients affected by these disorders, provide generalized knowledge about the broad field of birth defects, and better understand basic mechanisms of normal and abnormal human development.

Dr. Biesecker's group studies several multiple congenital anomaly syndromes, including Pallister-Hall syndrome, Greig cephalopolysyndactyly syndrome, McKusick-Kaufman syndrome, Bardet-Biedl syndrome, and Lenz microphthalmia syndrome. These disorders exhibit various combinations of central nervous system malformations, visceral malformations, and polydactyly (extra fingers and toes). Some patients have functional complications, such as mental retardation, seizures, and visual loss. To further elucidate the clinical manifestations of multiple congenital anomaly syndromes and improve treatment approaches, Dr. Biesecker's group conducts clinical research in the Mark O. Hatfield Clinical Research Center.