FRAXA Announces 2012 Fragile X Research Awards
2012 Fragile X Research Awards Total $1,132,923
$1,132,923 in New Program Grants, Postdoctoral Fellowships, and Renewals have been approved for the next year. We are funding over $846,000 in new projects; renewals total $285,678 and will increase as additional projects reach their one year mark.
Endocannabinoid Mediated Synaptic Plasticity in Fragile X Mice
FRAXA-funded studies found faulty endocannabinoid signaling in Fragile X brain circuits for reward and emotion, and boosting 2-AG restored normal function.
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Developing IPS cells to Screen Drugs which can Reactivate the FMR1 Gene
This project developed human stem cell and mouse models to test FMR1 gene reactivation in the brain, advancing future gene therapy strategies for Fragile X.
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Small Rho GTPases, a Potential Therapeutic Target for Fragile X Syndrome
Dr. MariVi Tejada from the University of Houston tested several potential therapeutic compounds in an attempt to rescue function in the mouse model of Fragile X.
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Evaluation of CamKII Dependent Regulation of mGluR5-Homer Scaffolds as a Potential Therapeutic for Fragile X Syndrome
Disrupted mGluR5–Homer scaffolding in Fragile X is linked to excess CaMKII activity. Restoring this interaction could rebalance signaling and improve symptoms.
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Ab-Mediated Translation in Fragile X Syndrome
This work found amyloid precursor protein (APP) overexpression and increased β-amyloid in Fragile X mice, implicating Alzheimer-related pathways in FXS pathology.
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Synaptic Actin Signaling Pathways in Fragile X
Fragile X neurons show excess or mis-timed actin remodeling at synapses caused by FMRP loss. Modulating actin regulators rescued connectivity in mice.
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Genetic and Pharmacologic Manipulation of PI3K Activity in FXS: Assessing Potential Therapeutic Value
Targeting the PI3K/mTOR cascade — specifically p110β — in Fragile X mice reversed neural and behavioral dysfunctions, validating it as a treatment pathway.
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Reward Function in Fragile X Syndrome
Loss of FMRP disrupts dopamine-driven reward function—Fragile X mice show impaired cocaine sensitization and place preference, revealing new plasticity defects.
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A Metabolomic Drug Efficacy Index to Test Treatments in the Fragile X Mouse
This work revealed small-molecule metabolic changes in Fragile X brains and is using them to build a drug-efficacy index for screening therapies.
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