GREENWOOD, S.C. (October 21, 2026) - Heather Flanagan-Steet, PhD, Associate Director of Research at the Greenwood Genetic Center (GGC), has received a $1.4 million, five-year Maximizing Investigators’ Research Award (MIRA) R35 grant from the National Institutes of Health’s National Institute of General Medical Sciences. The award will support her research into understanding how metabolism and glycosylation — a process by which cells add sugar chains to proteins and lipids — work together during normal development and disease onset.
Dr. Flanagan-Steet studies multiple metabolic disorders, including the congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDG). The CDGs comprise a group of rare inherited diseases caused by changes in genes involved in glycosylation, which is essential for normal protein or lipid function. When glycosylation is disrupted, it can lead to a wide range of health problems including unexpected secondary changes in how the body utilizes sugar metabolites.
Nearly 200 inherited disorders involving problems with glycosylation have been identified, but researchers are still working to understand how these conditions cause disease, and treatment options remain limited.
Unlike a traditional grant that supports a specific research project, the MIRA award provides broader, long-term support for Dr. Flanagan-Steet’s evolving research program.
“MIRA awards are given to investigators with a proven track record of research and provide greater flexibility to follow promising discoveries as their work evolves,” said Steve Skinner, MD, President and CEO of GGC. “That flexibility is particularly valuable in rare disease research, where an unexpected finding can open an entirely new avenue of investigation. This award is an important recognition of Dr. Flanagan-Steet’s accomplishments as a scientist and the quality of the research program she has developed.”
Dr. Flanagan-Steet and her team use zebrafish models to study how changes in cellular metabolism and glycosylation contribute to disease. Their research includes several forms of CDG, including PMM2-CDG, the most common form of the disorder.
With the support of the new award, the team will investigate how changes in the basic building blocks needed for glycosylation affect cells and tissues, how those changes can disrupt development, and how they ultimately contribute to disease. By studying several forms of CDG using the same model system, the researchers hope to identify common biological pathways that contribute to disease.
“This funding gives us the opportunity to ask broader questions that address key gaps in our understanding of how metabolism and glycosylation are interconnected, following the science as we make new discoveries,” said Dr. Flanagan-Steet. “Ultimately, we hope our work will lead to a better understanding of these rare diseases and point toward new ways to help patients and families.”
The five-year award represents a significant investment in GGC’s research program and its ongoing commitment to advancing the understanding of rare genetic diseases and developing new approaches to improve the lives of patients and families.
About Greenwood Genetic Center
Established in 1974, The Greenwood Genetic Center (GGC) is a non-profit organization committed to advancing medical genetics and providing compassionate care for families affected by genetic diseases and birth defects. Situated in Greenwood, South Carolina, GGC’s expert team of physicians and scientists offers comprehensive clinical genetic services, state-of-the-art diagnostic laboratory testing, educational programs, and impactful research initiatives. With a mission to develop preventative and curative therapies, GGC extends its reach across South Carolina, offering essential resources through satellite offices in Charleston, Columbia, Florence, and Greenville. With over five decades of experience, the organization remains steadfast in its dedication to transforming lives and contributing to the field of medical genetics. For more information, visit ggc.org.