2021 Fragile X Research Grants Funded by FRAXA Research Foundation

Each year, FRAXA funds a diverse portfolio of research. Our FRAXA Fellowships are seed funding for the future, the feedstock for the Fragile X treatment development pathway. While we are looking to promote as many promising new approaches as possible, prominent themes emerge each year, as scientists around the world tackle previously neglected areas.

Key Themes for 2021 FRAXA-Funded Fragile X Research

CBD

Investigators are studying endocannabinoid function in a number of ways; while cannabidiol is already in trials for Fragile X, there are many other ways to manipulate the endocannabinoid system which have therapeutic potential for Fragile X.

Glia

The brain does not work via neurons alone. FRAXA’s 2021 projects reflect a newfound appreciation of the importance of glial function to the overall pathology of Fragile X. Our FRAXA Fellows are now examining multiple aspects of glial dysfunction in multiple cell types.

Microbiome

The influence of the gut microbiome is another relatively neglected area of research in the Fragile X field, and abnormalities here may intersect with endocannabinoid function. This specific interaction will be studied by an accomplished group of clinical scientists in Quebec, in collaboration with other groups around the world.

Drug Repurposing

Available drugs repurposed for Fragile X is a strong theme in applications, and a high priority overall. FRAXA-funded scientists are using innovative methods to identify available treatments which can improve basic cellular and neural function in Fragile X, and several of our funded projects will test novel repurposing strategies.

We are excited about the power and potential of these new projects. They are driven by some of the most innovative and dedicated scientists worldwide, powered by new technologies (organoids, CRISPR, and AI, to name a few).

We look forward eagerly to the results of these grants and to funding even more exciting projects during 2022.

2021 FRAXA-Funded Fragile X Research Grants

An Exploratory Single Blind Study of Ergoloid Mesylates, 5-Hydroxytryptophan, and the Combination in Adult Males with Fragile X Syndrome

Researchers

Elizabeth Berry-Kravis, MD, PhD

Organization

Rush University Medical Center, Chicago

Amount

106,600

Cannabinoids as a Treatment for Fragile X Syndrome

Researchers

Devin Binder, MD, PhD
Patricia Salgado Pirbhoy, PhD

Organization

University of California, Riverside

Amount

$45,000

Researchers

Antonella Borreca, PhD
Zaira Boussadia, PhD

Organization

CNR – Institute of Neuroscience

Amount

$45,000

Researchers

Artuela Çaku, MD
Armita Abolghasemi, PhD

Organization

Université de Sherbrooke

Amount

$45,000

Researchers

Brian Christie, PhD
Marie-Eve Tremblay

Organization

University of Victoria

Amount

$40,000

Researchers

Nicola Allen, PhD
James Deng

Organization

Salk Institute for Biological Studies

Amount

$45,000

Characterization of a Novel CYFIP1 – Derived Peptidomimetic Restoring the Dysregulated mRNAs Translation: Toward An Innovative Therapeutic Strategy for FXS

Researchers

Daniele Di Marino, PhD
Alice Romagnoli, PhD

Organization

Polytechnic University of Marche

Amount

$45,000

Researchers

Ilse Gantois, PhD
Nahum Sonenberg, PhD

Organization

McGill University

Amount

$45,000

Researchers

Kimberly F Raab-Graham, PhD
Chelcie F Heaney, PhD

Organization

Wake Forest School of Medicine

Amount

$45,000

Researchers

Stéphane Martin, PhD
Marie Pronto

Organization

Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire

Amount

$45,000

Researchers

Joel Richter, PhD
Sneha Shah, PhD

Organization

University of Massachusetts Medical School

Amount

$81,401

Researcher

Elizabeth Berry-Kravis, MD, PhD

Organization

University of Massachusetts Medical School

Amount

$12,024

Researchers

Xinyu Zhao, PhD
Carissa Sirois, PhD

Organization

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Amount

$45,000

Researchers

Cara Westmark, PhD
Alejandra Gutierrez

Organization

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Amount

$45,000

Contribution of Astrocytes to Beneficial Responses of Lovastatin in Fragile X Syndrome

Researcher

Maija Castrén, MD, PhD

Organization

University of Helsinki

Amount

$8,000

Researcher

Iryna Ethell, PhD

Organization

University of California, Riverside

Amount

$35,000

FMR1 silencing and stability during human brain development; from early stage of pluripotency to 3D cortical organoids of FXS patients

Researchers

Nicola Elvasorre

Organization

University of Padova

Amount

$45,000

Global Leader in Fragile X Research

FRAXA-funded researchers around the world are leading the way towards effective treatments and ultimately a cure.

Explore Current Research Grants
Help Fund the Cure

Global Leader in Fragile X Research

FRAXA-funded researchers around the world are leading the way towards effective treatments and ultimately a cure.

Explore Current Research Grants
Help Fund the Cure