astrocytes Archives • Fragile X Research

MicroRNA Mediated Astroglial GLT1 Dysregulation in Fragile X

FRAXA Research Foundation 2017 Grants • Current Research Grants • Disease Mechanisms • Higashimori, Haruki • Men, Yuqin • Treatment Targets • Tufts University • Yang, Yongjie September 30, 2017August 6, 2018astrocytes, autism, glutamate, Pierce Family Fragile X Foundation

Almost all brain research focuses on neurons – nerve cells. However, the brain has many more glial cells which support, nourish, and protect the neurons. FRAXA Research Foundation awarded a 2017 grant $90,000 to support Dr. Yang’s studies of how changes in glial cells contribute to Fragile X syndrome. This grant is funded by a grant from the Pierce Family Fragile X Foundation.

Correcting Defects in Astrocyte Signaling in Fragile X Syndrome

FRAXA Research Foundation 2015 Grants • 2016 Grants • Completed Research Grant • Disease Mechanisms • Doering, Laurie • McMaster University, Canada • Scott, Angela • Treatment Targets September 14, 2016March 30, 2018astrocytes

With a $90,000 grant from the FRAXA Research Foundation from 2015-2016, Dr. Laurie Doering and Dr. Angela Scott at McMasters University studied astrocytes in Fragile X. Astrocytes, brain cells which support neurons, do not transmit signals. Several treatment strategies for Fragile X have been proposed based on correction of “astrocyte phenotypes”.

Fragile X Treatment: New Research Directions

Michael Tranfaglia, MD Research Updates March 12, 2015July 11, 2018astrocytes, BK channel, glutamate, hyperexcitability, mGluR, mGluR5, seizure, sound

Re-examining the Nature of Fragile X 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. In the early days of Fragile X research, shortly after the FMR1 gene was discovered and the normal protein product of the gene (FMRP) was identified, it was noted that FMRP is an RNA binding protein. Whatever the normal function of this single protein which Fragile X patients lack, it had something to do with RNA metabolism. Since RNA is the template used to make new proteins, this meant that the Fragile X protein is involved in regulating protein synthesis. A synapse showing the axon of neuron 1,Read more

Glutamate Metabolism in Fragile X Mouse Brain

FRAXA Research Foundation 2006-2010 Grants • Completed Research Grant • Disease Mechanisms • McKenna, Mary • Treatment Targets • University of Maryland February 15, 2008April 28, 2018astrocytes, GABA, glutamate, mGluR, mGluR5

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.