Roles 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.

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Targeting 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.

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Validating 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.

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