Discover how a $100,000 FRAXA grant supports research at MIT targeting neuron dysfunction in Fragile X, aiming to develop new therapies to improve sensory processing and behavior.
Read moreFRAXA Research Grants
As the pace of Fragile X research accelerates, FRAXA research teams are leading the way.
The research we fund spans the spectrum of basic science, pre-clinical, and clinical research — all coordinated to make the most of each dollar. We develop many treatment strategies in parallel, since success is never certain when developing a drug. We continue to fund research to define the precise defect in the Fragile X brain, because these studies may yield additional important treatment targets.
Gene Editing of FMR1 to Correct FXS Phenotypes in Mice
FRAXA awarded a $100,000 grant to Dr. Davidson and Dr. Yrigollen at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia to explore gene editing tools aimed at treating Fragile X syndrome by correcting FMR1 mutations in a unique mouse model.
Read moreFragile X Unplugged: Establishing Mobile EEG as the Next Frontier
Discover how a $100,000 FRAXA grant awarded to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital is advancing Fragile X research by simplifying EEG technology for home use, improving clinical trial accessibility and efficiency.
Read moreTo Interrogate the Developmental Timing for Treating Fragile X Syndrome
Are there critical periods in Fragile X syndrome? Will treatment work in adults as well as in children? This team aims to answer these questions.
Read morePharmacologically Activating mGluR7 as a Novel Therapy for Fragile X Syndrome
Join Dr. Tsai and Dr. Kumar on a journey into novel treatment avenues for Fragile X syndrome. Learn how activating mGluR7 could be a game-changer, opening up uncharted therapeutic territory.
Read moreRecruiting: Unveiling Probiotic Potential in Fragile X Syndrome Clinical Trial
First of its kind in Serbia, this clinical trial explores probiotic intervention as a potential treatment avenue for Fragile X syndrome.
Read morePharmacological Modulation of Nicotinic Signaling
Nicotine — familiar to any smoker — tickles nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the brain. These receptors are key to important brain functions including learning and memory. This team will explore whether drugs that dampen these receptors can improve cognitive function in Fragile X.
Read moreAstrocyte Contribution to Sensory Hypersensitivity in Fragile X Syndrome
Most Fragile X research has focused on one type of brain cells: neurons. But mounting evidence point to problems with astrocytes, star-shaped cells which are vitally important to normal brain function. This team is working to understand how astrocytes are involved in Fragile X and develop treatment approaches that targets astrocytes alone.
Read moreReactivating the FMR1 Gene to Reverse Fragile X Syndrome
FRAXA Research Foundation is dedicated to funding breakthrough research, providing $240,000 to reactivate the FMR1 gene to combat Fragile X Syndrome, with the goal of restoring vital protein function and advancing towards a cure.
Read moreC-subunit Mitochondrial Leak Channel in Fragile X Syndrome
Explore Yale’s groundbreaking study on mitochondrial leak channels, set to revolutionize Fragile X syndrome treatment. Funded by a $100,000 FRAXA grant.
Read moreSomatosensory Processing as a Therapeutic Target for Fragile X Syndrome
Awarded a FRAXA Research grant, Dr. Andrew Stanfield, Dr. Leena E. Williams, and Dr. Damien Wright are set to explore somatosensory processing (sense of touch) in Fragile X syndrome at the University of Edinburgh. Their aim? A noninvasive touch test that could set the stage for future clinical trials in FXS.
Read moreAntisense Oligonucleotides (ASOs) to restore FMRP in Human Fragile X Cerebral Organoids
Explore Dr. Richter’s encouraging results with ASOs for Fragile X syndrome. A $100,000 grant now fuels pivotal studies needed to advance toward ASO therapy.
Read moreSlack Potassium Channel Inhibitors to Normalize FMR1 Knockout Mice
Learn how a $100,000 FRAXA research grant supports Yale researchers in using Slack potassium channel inhibitors to treat Fragile X syndrome by normalizing behaviors in FMR1 knockout mice.
Read moreRoles of Postnatal Transient Connectivity in the Development of Fragile X Syndrome
A $100,000 FRAXA research grant awarded to Gabrielle Pouchelon, PhD, and Dimitri Dumontier, PhD, at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory fuels groundbreaking research on Fragile X syndrome. Their work focuses on understanding sensory sensitivities and developing a noninvasive screening method, a potential game-changer for families affected by Fragile X syndrome.
Read moreA Tat-Conjugate Approach to Treat Fragile X Syndrome
Explore Turner Lab’s novel approach to developing definitive treatment for Fragile X syndrome with a Tat-conjugated, truncated FMRP protein. This innovative strategy aims to restore brain circuit function and reduce abnormal behaviors linked to Fragile X by directly addressing the cause of Fragile X: a missing protein.
Read moreThe 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.
Read moreModeling 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.
Read moreSRC 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.
Read moreUsing 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.
Read moreTargeting Cognitive Function in Fragile X Syndrome
It has long been assumed that the differences between males and females with Fragile X were simply a matter of degree, with males being more severely affected. But gender differences may be far reaching. This team is working to understand imbalances in how the brain’s neurons transmit signals, with a focus on how differently males and females learn and experience anxiety. They are studying two neuronal pathways which are promising targets for treatment.
Read moreValidating Novel Inhibitors of ERK Signalling to Treat Fragile X Syndrome
One promising treatment approach for Fragile X syndrome is to inhibit on a neuronal pathway, ERK. ERK inhibitors are also being studied as treatments for other disorders including autism.
This team has conducted pilot studies showing that ERK inhibitors are very effective in reversing signs of disease in Fragile X mice. With this grant from FRAXA they will take the next steps toward possible clinical trials of an ERK inhibitor for individuals who have Fragile X syndrome.
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.
Read moreDevelopmental Motor Phenotype in Fragile X Syndrome
One of the lesser known signs of Fragile X is unsteady walking. This is also very easy to evaluate in the clinic: no blood tests are required! With a $100,000 grant from FRAXA Research Foundation, this team will develop objective new outcome measures of gait for future treatment trials and also to see if exercise could improve other symptoms of Fragile X.
Read moreSigma-1 Receptor as a Therapeutic Target for Fragile X Syndrome
Dr. Pouladi’s team is exploring a treatment of Fragile X via the sigma-1 receptor. Drugs that boost activity at sigma receptors tend to calm down overactive neurons. They are also powerful anti-inflammatory drugs.
Read moreFragile X Clinical Trial of New PDE4D Inhibitor from Tetra
With a $200,043 grant from FRAXA Research Foundation, Dr. Elizabeth Berry-Kravis completed a successful Phase 2 clinical trial of a PDE4 inhibitor for adult men with Fragile X syndrome. This trial treated 30 males, 18-45 years of age with a new PDE4D allosteric inhibitor from Tetra Discovery Partners using a crossover design, so that everyone got active drug for part of the time and placebo for part of the time.
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