Scientists Uncover Trigger for Fragile X Syndrome

Samie Jaffrey, PhD, at Weill Medical College of Cornell University, FRAXA research grant

A new study led by Weill Cornell Medical College scientists shows that Fragile X syndrome occurs because of a mechanism that shuts off the gene associated with the disease. The findings, published today in Science, also show that a compound that blocks this silencing mechanism can prevent Fragile X syndrome – suggesting a similar therapy may be possible for 20 other diseases that range from mental retardation to multisystem failure.

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