ion channel Archives

Slack Potassium Channel Inhibitors to Normalize FMR1 Knockout Mice

August 14, 2023

FRAXA research grant enabled Yale researchers to investigate whether Slack potassium channel inhibitors can normalize behaviors in FMR1 knockout mice.

Reintroducing FMRP via Tat to Reduce Symptoms of Fragile X Syndrome

March 26, 2019

A FRAXA-funded team found that a shortened FMRP protein, delivered with a Tat “carrier,” restores brain signaling and improves behavior in Fragile X mice.

Novel Modulators of Potassium Channels to Treat Fragile X

January 2, 2019

FRAXA-funded Yale research showed disrupted Kv3.1 and Slack potassium channels impair neuronal timing in Fragile X. Published findings support Kv3.1 as a treatment target.

Newly Discovered Regulatory Pathways in Fragile X

October 31, 2017

Studies at Yale University and elsewhere are showing that FMRP plays a significant role in the regulation of potassium channels. Looking forward, potassium channel opener drugs could rescue some symptoms of Fragile X in humans.

Neural Markers of Fragile X: A Powerful New Tool for Clinical Trials

August 17, 2017

Once the neural marker is identified for a particular challenge, such as kids with poor language versus good language, neural markers can be measured during drug and behavioral therapy trials to see if a child is improving based on objective biological measures.

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.

Inherited Channelopathies in Cortical Circuits of Fmr1 KO Mice

August 22, 2012

Researchers found that Fragile X brain circuits show faulty ion channel activity (channelopathies). Fixing these channels may restore normal brain signalling.

Channelopathies: Altered Ion Channels in Fragile X Syndrome

September 15, 2011

With a $95,000 grant from FRAXA Research Foundation from 2010-2011, Dr. Daniel Johnston and Dr. Darrin Brager at the University of Texas at Austin investigated alterations in ion channels in Fragile X syndrome. They explored potential therapeutic effects of drugs which open and close these channels. Results published.

The Slack Potassium Ion channel is a Therapeutic Target for Fragile X

January 7, 2011

With $282,000 in funding from FRAXA Research Foundation, Dr. Leonard Kaczmarek and colleagues explored association of Slack channels with the Fragile X protein (FMRP).