McCamphill, Patrick Archives • Fragile X Research

Scientists Find a New Way to Reverse Symptoms of Fragile X

FRAXA Research Foundation Bear, Mark • McCamphill, Patrick • Research Updates • Senter, Rebecca May 20, 2020May 26, 2020Alzheimer's, autism, cancer, glutamate, GSK3, hyperexcitability, hypersensitivity, lithium, mGluR, mGluR5, NIH, seizure

FRAXA Investigator and MIT Professor Mark Bear and his colleagues have identified a valuable new target for Fragile X therapeutics: GSK3 alpha. Several FRAXA research teams previously identified GSK3 beta as a treatment target for Fragile X. The catch is that, so far, GSK3 beta inhibitors have proven too toxic for regular use. Dr. Bear’s new discovery opens up the possibility of developing more selective compounds with less toxicity and fewer side effects. Interestingly, lithium inhibits both GSK3 versions – alpha and beta.

Bear lab (Bear 3rd from left, McCamphill on right)

Drug Tolerance is Likely Culprit Behind the Failure of MGluR5 Clinical Trials

FRAXA Research Foundation Bear, Mark • Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) • McCamphill, Patrick • Research Updates November 19, 2019AFQ056, autism, drug tolerance, GSK3, lithium, mGluR, mGluR5, Novartis, Roche

We have long suspected that the clinical trials of mGluR5 blockers from Novartis and Roche failed because the drug triggered tolerance, losing effect over time. With a $90,000 grant from FRAXA, Dr. Patrick McCamphill, a Postdoctoral Fellow in the MIT lab of Dr. Mark Bear, is investigating. He does indeed find tolerance, and now he is looking for ways to overcome it.

Pharmacological Tolerance in the Treatment of Fragile X Syndrome

FRAXA Research Foundation 2018 Grants • 2019 Grants • 2020 Grants • Bear, Mark • Current Research Grants • Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) • McCamphill, Patrick • Treatment Targets May 9, 2018May 18, 2020AFQ056, arbaclofen, drug tolerance, GABA, GSK3, lithium, mGluR5, Novartis, Roche

With a $90,000 grant from FRAXA Research Foundation over 2018-2019, Dr. Patrick McCamphill, postdoctoral fellow in Dr. Mark Bear’s lab at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), is investigating drug tolerance to mGluR5 antagonists, arbaclofen, and other potential Fragile X treatments. He is also exploring ways to overcome it.