miRNA Archives • Fragile X Research - FRAXA Research Foundation

Understanding the Mechanism of mGluR5 in Fragile X Mouse Models

FRAXA Research Foundation 1994-2000 Grants • 2001-2005 Grants • Completed Research Grants • Disease Mechanisms • Erasmus University Rotterdam • Oostra, Ben • Treatment Targets February 26, 2009January 21, 2019AFQ056, fenobam, fruit fly, LTD (Long-term depression), mGluR, mGluR5, miRNA, mRNAs, Novartis, prepulse inhibition, TAT (Trans-Activator of Transcription)

With $184,000 in funding from FRAXA Research Foundation from 1996-2005, Dr. Ben Oostra and his team at Erasmus University have done multiple studies related to Fragile X syndrome. This lab created the first Fragile X mouse models and went on to perform many critical studies in Fragile X mouse models. Results published.

Drs. Oostra, Warren, and Nelson discovered the Fragile X gene and its FRAXA mutation in 1991.

The miRNA Pathway in Fragile X Syndrome

FRAXA Research Foundation 2006-2010 Grants • de Vrij, Femke • Erasmus University Rotterdam • Oostra, Ben • Research Grant Results • Treatment Targets February 5, 2009October 10, 2019AFQ056, fenobam, fruit fly, LTD (Long-term depression), mGluR, mGluR5, miRNA, mRNAs, Novartis, prepulse inhibition, prepulse inhibition, TAT (Trans-Activator of Transcription)

With a $120,000 grant from FRAXA Research Foundation over 2008-2009, Drs. Oostra and deVrij at Erasmus University studied miRNA and Fragile X. miRNAs are RNAs that can repress the translation of target mRNAs – therefore they can play a role in protein synthesis within the neuron. Preliminary results showed large differences in miRNA expression in the Fragile X mouse brain compared to the wild type. This lab investigated the effect of mGluR5 antagonists on the levels of these specific miRNAs.

Role of MicroRNAs in Fragile X Syndrome

FRAXA Research Foundation 2001-2005 Grants • Completed Research Grants • Disease Mechanisms • Renwick, Neil • Rockefeller University • Tuschl, Thomas February 22, 2005March 21, 2019autism, miRNA, mRNAs, RNAi

With a $70,000 grant from FRAXA Research Foundation from 2004-2005, Drs. Thomas Tuschl and Neil Renwick and their team at Rockefeller University researched how FMRP interacts with miRNA in order to determine more effective treatment targets for Fragile X syndrome.