Roles of Postnatal Transient Connectivity in the Development of Fragile X Syndrome
This team is studying why people with Fragile X are overly sensitive to sound and light, using advanced imaging to find brain changes and test ways to prevent them.
The Endocannabinoid System and Fragile X Syndrome
Explore groundbreaking research on the potential of Cannabidiol (CBD) in modulating the endocannabinoid system for Fragile X syndrome therapy. Discover how CBD could change the natural course of Fragile X.
Modeling Fragile X Syndrome using Multi-Region Human Brain Organoids
Discover groundbreaking research at UCI by Dr. Watanabe and Dr. Tsai. Using cutting-edge organoid technology, they’re modeling Fragile X brain function and advancing potential treatment testing.
SRC Family Kinase Inhibitor as a Potential Treatment for Fragile X Syndrome
Discover the Smith lab’s new approach to treating Fragile X syndrome using Saracatinib, originally a cancer drug. Learn how this $100,000 FRAXA research grant-funded study opens up hopeful avenues.
Using Exosomes to Discover Fragile X Biomarkers
How can a blood test give an accurate picture of brain activity? With this grant from FRAXA, Dr. Martire and Dr. Boussadia will try to use unique particles called exosomes – which can travel from brain cells to the blood stream – to evaluate the effects treatments are having on the brain.
Targeting Cognitive Function in Fragile X Syndrome
This project explores how Fragile X affects males and females differently by studying two brain signaling systems, endocannabinoid and cholecystokinin (CCK), to find new treatment targets.
Validating Novel Inhibitors of ERK Signalling to Treat Fragile X Syndrome
This team is testing ERK inhibitors — drugs that may calm overactive brain signaling in Fragile X. Early results in mice show strong benefits with minimal side effects.
Targeting Serotonin 1a Receptors to Reverse Neurobehavioral Phenotypes
Neurolixis’ new drug targets serotonin 1A receptors, showing promise in preclinical studies for Fragile X syndrome, funded by a FRAXA grant for future clinical trials.
Developmental Motor Phenotype in Fragile X Syndrome
A little known sign of Fragile X is unsteady walking. This is very easy to evaluate in the clinic: no blood tests required! This team is developing outcome measures of gait for future treatment trials.
Versatile Drug Screening Platform for Fragile X Syndrome
Many experts believe that combinations of drugs may be needed to best treat Fragile X syndrome. How can we find the best combinations in the ideal doses? This project — a collaboration between a top university research team and an innovative AI startup both based in Belgium — tackles this challenge.
Functional and Genomic Characterization of Interneurons in the Fmr1-KO Mouse Brain
The brain’s balance is maintained by two types of neurons: those that excite and those that inhibit activity. Like yin and yang, this balance is essential. This team has found fewer than normal inhibitory cells in the brains of Fragile X mice. They are now working to pinpoint this abnormality and find ways to restore the normal balance and function.
Repurposing FDA-Approved Drugs to Treat Major Depressive Disorder in Fragile X Syndrome
Did you know that depression is more common in those with autism and/or Fragile X? Even more disturbing is the discovery that current treatments for depression do not work in Fragile X mice. With this grant, the team will work to develop a rapid screening tool to identify FDA-approved drugs which can treat depression in people with Fragile X syndrome.
mRNA Therapy for Fragile X Syndrome
Dr. Kathryn Whitehead, Associate Professor at Carnegie Mellon University, helped develop the revolutionary science behind the COVID-19 vaccines. With a $103,000 grant from FRAXA, her team will now adapt this technology to deliver the missing Fragile X protein, to treat people who have Fragile X syndrome.
Characterization of a Novel CYFIP1 – Derived Peptidomimetic Restoring the Dysregulated mRNAs Translation: Toward An Innovative Therapeutic Strategy for FXS
The researchers are developing next-generation drugs called peptidomimetics, using the functional features of FMRP. If they succeed, the hope is that we will have new drugs that could make up for the loss of FMRP, thus treating Fragile X syndrome.
Cannabinoids as a Treatment for Fragile X Syndrome
Many people with Fragile X syndrome are hyper-sensitive to sights and sounds, and Electroencephalography (EEG) studies show that there are abnormalities in brain circuits. EEG studies show similar changes in Fragile X mice. So the team will use EEG tests in mice to find which drugs best reduce hypersensitivity. They can then easily move on to human EEG-based clinical trials. What they learn will tell us much more about why people with Fragile X are hypersensitive – and which drugs could best help them.
Inhibiting Nonsense – Mediated mRNA Decay: A Potential Treatment Approach for Fragile X
All cells have a kind of housecleaning service which sweeps away genetic errors. This is called nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD). With a previous FRAXA grant, this team discovered runaway NMD in cells of Fragile X patients. It’s not yet known how this impacts people with Fragile X. With this grant, Dr. Maquat and Dr. Kurosaki will test drugs which can bring NMD back to normal levels.
Exploring Drug Repurposing to Restore Hippocampal Function in FXS Mouse Models
This team found a key mechanism by which FMRP controls brain connections. They’ll test existing drugs that target this pathway to restore learning and memory in Fragile X.
Contribution of Microglia to the Therapeutic Effects of Metformin and Adiponectin in Fragile X Syndrome
The research team of Brian Christie, PhD and Marie-Eve Tremblay is developing ways to balance hormones, including drugs like metformin and changes in diet, which could not only reduce hunger and obesity, but ultimately also improve learning and behavior in Fragile X syndrome.
Characterization of Microglia Transcriptional Profile in Fmr1 Knockout Mice Model
With this grant, the team will identify the pathways responsible for this excessive activation and attempt to reverse the excess. If they can correct this using drugs, they will be able to identify a new potential treatment for Fragile X syndrome solving one more piece of the Fragile X brain puzzle.
Identifying Cellular and Molecular Signatures in Human Neurons That Distinguish Fragile X Syndrome Patients with Divergent EEG Profiles
Why is it so hard to find the right medications to help people with Fragile X syndrome? Just as Fragile X affects individuals differently, medications do as well. This project aims to bring personalized medicine to Fragile X syndrome.
Preclinical Testing of High Fat/Low Carb Diets in Fragile X Mice and Cells
With a $90,000 research grant from FRAXA, Dr. Cara Westmark’s team will use mice to determine if more palatable Atkins-type diets can improve sleep and boost learning skills for those with Fragile X syndrome.
Screening Combinatorial Pharmacological Therapies for Fragile X Syndrome
FRAXA Research Foundation has awarded a $90,000 research grant to Stanford University principal investigators Dr. Philippe Jacques Mourrain and Dr. Gordon Wang, along with postdoctoral fellow, Dr. Rochelle Coulson. They are evaluating additive effects of combinatorial drug treatments to correct a broad spectrum of deficits observed in Fragile X syndrome.