Investigating Gene Reactivation to Treat Fragile X Syndrome

With a $180,000 grant from FRAXA Research Foundation from 2016-2018, Dr. Jeannie Lee and her team at Harvard are working to reactivate the gene that is silenced in Fragile X syndrome.

Results: Small Molecule Cocktail Can Reactivate Gene in Cells
Jeannie Lee - Fragile X researcher
$180,000 Grant
Jeannie T. Lee MD, PhD
Principal Investigator
Harvard University, Massachusetts General Hospital
2016-2017 FRAXA Research Grant
$180,000 over 2 Years

Dr. Lee is an expert in the mechanisms of X-chromosome inactivation. This is an essential process for females (who have two X chromosomes in every cell) because it is critical to have the proper dosage of X chromosome genes. In females with Fragile X, one of the two X chromosomes is not being used in each cell. So one way to treat Fragile X in females would be to unlock the potential of the silenced good gene.

Dr. Lee and colleagues are looking for combinations of specific drugs to reactivate the silenced gene. They are using state-of-the-art tools to pinpoint the exact point on the gene to target.

Interestingly, the specific mechanism that silences an X chromosome in females is similar to the mechanism that shuts down the FMR1 gene in males who have Fragile X syndrome. So, Dr. Lee’s studies may also point to a way to reactivate the silenced gene in males.

See also https://www.fraxa.org/x-chromosome-research/

Danya Martell-Smart

Danya Martell-Smart, PhD
Co-Investigator

Global Leader in Fragile X Research

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

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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