astrocytes Archives

Astrocyte Contribution to Sensory Hypersensitivity in Fragile X Syndrome

December 6, 2023

This team studied how faulty calcium signaling in astrocytes contributes to sensory hypersensitivity in Fragile X, aiming to find new astrocyte-targeted treatments.

2021 Fragile X Research Grants Funded by FRAXA Research Foundation

October 1, 2021

Each year, FRAXA funds a diverse portfolio of research. Our FRAXA Fellowships are seed funding for the future, the feedstock for the Fragile X treatment development pathway. While we are looking to promote as many promising new approaches as possible, prominent themes emerge each year, as scientists around the world tackle previously neglected areas.

Characterization of Microglia Transcriptional Profile in Fmr1 Knockout Mice Model

July 1, 2021

Microglia are excessively activated in Fragile X models. The team will investigate the mechanisms and attempt to correct this using drugs.

The Role of Astrocyte BMP Signaling in Fragile X Syndrome

June 17, 2021

Researchers found a pathway in astrocytes that is overactive in Fragile X syndrome, and they hope to bring this pathway back to normal with a drug.

Integrating Human and Mouse Studies in Fragile X Syndrome – an NIH Center Approach

December 23, 2020

Presentations by:
Craig Erickson – Translational medicine and mechanistic studies of brain neurophysiology in Fragile X Syndrome: A NIH Center Overview
Ernest Pedapati – Network Mechanisms, Biomarkers, and Pharmacology of Fragile X Syndrome in Humans
Devin Binder – Network Mechanisms of Neurophysiology and Behavior in mouse models of Fragile X Syndrome
Kimberly Huber – FMRP Regulation of local and long-range neocortical circuits in the mouse: Links with EEG phenotypes

Mechanisms and Biomarkers of Sensory Hypersensitivity in the fmr1 Knockout Mouse

August 27, 2020

In this Fragile X research webinar we hear from Devin K. Binder, MD, PhD, Professor, University of California at Riverside Medical School and Khaleel Razak, PhD, Professor, University of California at Riverside as they present about Mechanisms and Biomarkers of Sensory Hypersensitivity in the fmr1 Knockout Mouse.

Cholesterol-Dependent Changes in Fragile X Astrocytes

May 6, 2020

Astrocytes and cholesterol metabolism are altered in Fragile X. This research uncovers how these changes affect the brain and may reveal new treatment targets like lovastatin.

MicroRNA Mediated Astroglial GLT1 Dysregulation in Fragile X

September 30, 2017

The team studied how glial cells, especially astrocytes, affect Fragile X. They tested microRNAs to restore GLT1 and reduce excess glutamate linked to brain hyperexcitability.

Correcting Defects in Astrocyte Signaling in Fragile X Syndrome

September 14, 2016

Astrocytes, brain cells which support neurons, do not transmit signals. Fragile X treatment strategies have been proposed based on correction of “astrocyte phenotypes”.

Fragile X Treatment: New Research Directions

March 12, 2015

In the wake of negative results from several high-profile clinical trials in Fragile X, we find ourselves questioning many of our previous assumptions about the nature of this disorder. After all, understanding the basic pathology of disease is critical to development of new treatments — this is true across the board, in all branches of medicine.

Glutamate Metabolism in Fragile X Mouse Brain

February 15, 2008

With a $95,000 grant from FRAXA Research Foundation over 2 years, Mary McKenna at the University of Maryland studied the role of metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluR) and how they affect other cells and pathways.