Close-up illustration of a neuron and synapses symbolizing brain signaling and BK channel activity in Fragile X syndrome

Opening the Gate: BK Channel Modulation as a Promising Treatment Strategy for Fragile X Syndrome

Fragile X syndrome research is opening the door to BK channel therapies that may calm hyperexcitable brain circuits and improve key symptoms.

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Craig Erickson, MD (left) and Stella Sarraf, PhD (right) on a video call for the Spinogenix SPG601 Fragile X clinical trial.

Spinogenix and FRAXA Advance SPG601 Into Phase 2b Trial for Fragile X Syndrome

Spinogenix and FRAXA are supporting a Phase 2b clinical trial of SPG601 in Fragile X syndrome, building on Phase 2 signals and FDA designations.

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Drs. Peng Jin, Zhexing Wen, and Jie Xu

FMRP Regulatory Role in Human Hippocampal Development and Therapeutic Interventions in Fragile X

Fragile X syndrome hippocampal organoids show neuron–glia imbalance. This team will map disrupted gene networks and test PDE inhibitors to restore brain function.

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Sex Differences and the Role of Estrogen Receptors in Fragile X

Fragile X syndrome researchers are studying how estrogen receptors shape brain activity and may explain why males and females experience symptoms differently.

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The Endocannabinoid System and Fragile X Syndrome

This project will examine how CBD and other drugs targeting the endocannabinoid system affect hyperexcitable Fragile X neurons to identify new treatment strategies.

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Characterization and Modulation of microRNAs in Fragile X Syndrome

MicroRNAs are disrupted in Fragile X; the team will work to understand this and explore ways to correct it with drugs which directly target microRNAs.

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Pharmacologically Activating mGluR7 as a Novel Therapy for Fragile X Syndrome

Join Dr. Tsai and Dr. Kumar on a journey into novel treatments for Fragile X syndrome. Activating mGluR7 could be a game-changer, opening up uncharted therapeutic territory.

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C-subunit Mitochondrial Leak Channel in Fragile X Syndrome

Explore Yale’s groundbreaking study on mitochondrial leak channels, set to revolutionize Fragile X syndrome treatment. Funded by a $100,000 FRAXA grant.

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Modeling Fragile X Syndrome using Multi-Region Human Brain Organoids

The team is developing new, more accurate Fragile X brain organoids to help researchers study neural circuit problems and accelerate testing of future treatments.

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Functional and Genomic Characterization of Interneurons in the Fmr1-KO Mouse Brain

The brain’s balance is maintained by two types of neurons: excitatory and inhibitory. This team has found fewer than normal inhibitory cells in Fragile X mice.

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Targeting Serotonin 1A Receptors in Fmr1 Knockout Mice

Boosting serotonin 1A receptors may reduce excess brain activity in Fragile X. This study will test serotonin-1A–targeting compounds in mice to guide future treatments.

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Cannabinoids as a Treatment for Fragile X Syndrome

This team uses EEG to study sensory hypersensitivity in Fragile X. By testing drugs in mice, they aim to find treatments that calm brain overactivity.

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Allos Pharma Revives Arbaclofen After 7 Years: New Hope for Fragile X Syndrome

Allos Pharma Inc launches a new development program for arbaclofen to treat Fragile X syndrome. This experimental drug missed its primary endpoint in clinical trials.

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Auditory System Dysfunction and Drug Tolerance in the Fragile X Mouse

A $90K FRAXA grant will help uncover why Fragile X causes sound hypersensitivity and test ways to correct brain circuit dysfunction linked to auditory overload.

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

Scientists Find a New Way to Reverse Symptoms of Fragile X

MIT Professor Mark Bear and colleagues have identified a new target for Fragile X therapeutics: GSK3 alpha. Several FRAXA research teams previously identified GSK3 beta as a treatment target.

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Potassium Channel Modulators to Treat Fragile X

FRAXA-backed Yale discoveries tied Fragile X to Kv3.1/Slack channel defects—leading to a partnership with Autifony to develop targeted treatments.

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Qionger He, PhD, and Anis Contractor, PhD

NKCC1 Inhibitor Bumetanide Corrects Synaptic and Circuit Hyperexcitability in Fragile X Mouse Model

Dr. Anis Contractor and Dr. Qionger He investigated the potential of the available drug bumetanide to correct altered GABA signalling in a mouse model of Fragile X syndrome.

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Devon Binder, PhD; Iryna Ethell, PhD, Patricia Pirbhoy, PhD, at UC Riverside School of Medicine

Understanding and Reversing Hypersensitivity to Sounds in Fragile X Syndrome

This FRAXA grant studied why people with Fragile X are overly sensitive to sound and tested drug strategies to calm the brain’s overactive auditory circuits.

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Impact of the Fragile X Community

Because of you, FRAXA invests $1M+ each year in Fragile X research and helped launch $35M more in studies leading to clinical trials.

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kaczmarek-Hassar-Brown

Newly Discovered Regulatory Pathways in Fragile X

Studies at Yale University and elsewhere show FMRP plays a significant role in regulation of potassium channels. Potassium channel opener drugs could rescue some symptoms of Fragile X.

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18th International Fragile X and Related Neurodevelopmental Disorders Workshop, Quebec, Canada

In Their Own Words: Reports From the International Fragile X Workshop

The 18th International Fragile X Workshop in Quebec was a great success, featuring more Fragile X research than ever before!

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Dr. Kimberly Huber

Kimberly Huber, PhD, Explores Hyperexcitability in Fragile X Syndrome

What causes hyperexcitability? Dr. Kimberly Huber seeks to understand how FMRP regulates connections between brain cells and the function of brain circuits.

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Fragile X Treatment: New Research Directions

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.

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Bradley Alger, PhD

The Endocannabinoid System in a Mouse Model of Fragile X Syndrome

Fragile X disrupts endocannabinoid signaling. This study in mice demonstrated that correcting it may calm brain hyperexcitability and improve symptoms.

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FRAXA Funded Research

Current Research Grants (38)