mGluR Archives • Page 2 of 2 • FRAXA Research Foundation

Kimberly Huber, Ph.D., FRAXA Investigator

Targeting mGluR-LTD to Treat Fragile X Syndrome

March 12, 2013

With FRAXA support, Dr. Kimberly Huber uncovered how mGluR signaling contributes to Fragile X, laying the foundation for major clinical advances.

Preclinical Evaluation of Serotonin Receptor Agonists as Novel Pharmacological Tools in Fragile X Syndrome

February 22, 2013

With FRAXA funding the team found that activating 5-HT7 receptors reversed excess mGluR-LTD in Fragile X mice, pointing to a new route to fix synapses.

Small Rho GTPases, a Potential Therapeutic Target for Fragile X Syndrome

January 30, 2013

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.

Synaptic Actin Signaling Pathways in Fragile X

September 11, 2012

Fragile X neurons show excess or mis-timed actin remodeling at synapses caused by FMRP loss. Modulating actin regulators rescued connectivity in mice.

Compound that Inhibits mGluR5 Corrects Signs of Fragile X in Adult Mice

April 13, 2012

A Roche and MIT study published in Neuron finds that an mGlu5 inhibitor, CTEP, can reverse many Fragile X symptoms in adult mice.

Role of JNK in FMRP Regulated Translation in Fragile X Syndrome

January 31, 2012

JNK kinase is abnormally active in Fragile X model mice and directly regulates mGluR-dependent translation of FMRP targets, pointing to JNK as a therapeutic target.

Role of Excessive Protein Synthesis in the Ontogeny of FXS

May 8, 2011

Excessive neuronal protein synthesis is not just a symptom but appears to cause early synaptic wiring defects in Fragile X — highlighting translation control as a key target.

Manipulating Basal and mGluR-Stimulated cAMP Level in FXS Model Mice

February 1, 2011

Fragile X mice show reduced basal cAMP and exaggerated mGluR-LTD; boosting cAMP or blocking specific adenylyl cyclases rescues synaptic and behavioral defects.

The Role of FMRP and Small, Non-Coding RNAs in Translation

February 1, 2010

Drs. Henri Tiedge and Jun Zhong investigated how BC1 RNA could restore balance in Fragile X brains, pointing toward RNA-targeted treatments.

Sean McBride, PhD, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, FRAZA research grant

Developing Fragile X Treatments in Fruit Flies and Mice

February 26, 2009

FRAXA’s $380K grant supported Drs. McBride, Jongens, and Choi in validating Fragile X treatments in mice to prepare for trials. Findings published.

Imaging Synaptic Structure and Function in Fragile X Mice

February 5, 2009

With $150K from FRAXA, Dr. Carlos Portera-Cailliau studied Fragile X mouse brains to examine dendrite structure and mGluR5 treatment effects.

Iryna Ethell, PhD, at University of California

Role of Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMP-9) in Fragile X

February 2, 2009

With a $220,000 FRAXA grant, Dr. Iryna Ethell’s team at UC Riverside uncovered MMP-9’s role in Fragile X—leading to a major treatment strategy using minocycline.

Basic Mechanisms of Disease and Potential Therapeutic Strategies

February 2, 2009

Dr. Stephen Warren’s FRAXA-funded research at Emory led to the Fragile X gene discovery and new breakthroughs using stem cells and model systems.

Role of FMRP in the Regulation of Synaptic Plasticity

February 2, 2009

FRAXA’s $1M support helped Drs. Greenough and Weiler reveal FMRP’s role at synapses, shaping today’s understanding of Fragile X syndrome.

Glutamate Metabolism in Fragile X Mouse Brain

February 15, 2008

Dr. Mary McKenna’s FRAXA-funded study at the University of Maryland examined how mGluR activity impacts key brain pathways linked to Fragile X.

Targeting the Role of Group 1 Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors

February 14, 2008

Dr. Huibert Mansvelder’s FRAXA-funded study at the University of Amsterdam examined receptor responses to drugs, revealing new therapeutic insights.

Jay Gibson, PhD, at University of Texas at Southwestern, FRAXA research grant

Decreased Excitatory Drive onto Parvalbumin-Positive Neocortical Inhibitory Neurons in a Mouse Model of Fragile X Syndrome

February 6, 2007

Drs. Jay Gibson and Kimberly Huber used FRAXA funding to uncover whether disrupted brain inhibition drives Fragile X, paving the way for targeted therapies.