Director, Cardiovascular Genetics Research Program
Boston Children’s Hospital Associate Professor of Pediatrics
Harvard Medical School
Dr. Roberts’s early work focused on gene discovery for one of
the Rasopathies, Noonan syndrome (NS), a multiple congenital anomaly disorder
that is the second most common genetic cause of congenital heart disease in
children after Trisomy 21. Over the last 14 years, there has been a rapid
evolution in our understanding of the molecular genetic causes of Noonan
syndrome, with nine genes now identified, explaining approximately 80% of
cases. These discoveries have enabled the widespread use of next-generation
sequencing testing by clinicians for earlier and more exact diagnosis. For more
than 10 years Dr. Roberts has followed a cohort of over 200 individuals with NS
for the purpose of genotype-phenotype analysis. She has also investigated the
influence of these gene mutations on learning, memory and long-term outcomes.
This work has informed anticipatory management guidelines published for
clinicians caring for children and adults with this diagnosis.
Dr. Roberts is Director of the Cardiovascular Genetics Research Program. and is an Attending Physician in Genetics and Cardiology and sees patients at Boston Children’s Hospital.
Director, Cardiovascular Genetics Research Program
Boston Children’s Hospital Associate Professor of Pediatrics
Harvard Medical School
Dr. Roberts’s early work focused on gene discovery for one of
the Rasopathies, Noonan syndrome (NS), a multiple congenital anomaly disorder
that is the second most common genetic cause of congenital heart disease in
children after Trisomy 21. Over the last 14 years, there has been a rapid
evolution in our understanding of the molecular genetic causes of Noonan
syndrome, with nine genes now identified, explaining approximately 80% of
cases. These discoveries have enabled the widespread use of next-generation
sequencing testing by clinicians for earlier and more exact diagnosis. For more
than 10 years Dr. Roberts has followed a cohort of over 200 individuals with NS
for the purpose of genotype-phenotype analysis. She has also investigated the
influence of these gene mutations on learning, memory and long-term outcomes.
This work has informed anticipatory management guidelines published for
clinicians caring for children and adults with this diagnosis.
Dr. Roberts is Director of the Cardiovascular Genetics Research Program. and is an Attending Physician in Genetics and Cardiology and sees patients at Boston Children’s Hospital.
Journal article
While exome and whole genome sequencing have transformed medicine by elucidating the genetic underpinnings of both rare and common complex disorders, its utility to predict clinical outcomes remains understudied. Here, we use artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to explore the predictive value of whole exome sequencing in forecasting clinical outcomes following surgery for congenital heart defects (CHD). We report results for a prospective observational cohort study of 2,253 CHD patients...
Journal article
CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that greater acculturation is associated with higher UPF consumption. Given the links between high UPF consumption and adverse health outcomes, targeted interventions that promote healthier dietary choices-while preserving culturally relevant eating habits-are essential to support the well-being of non-US born populations.