miRNA Archives

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, 2009August 5, 2021AFQ056, fenobam, fruit fly, LTD (Long-term depression), mGluR, miRNA, 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), mGluR5, miRNA, mRNAs, Novartis, prepulse inhibition, prepulse inhibition

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.

Genome-wide Epigenetic Markers in Fragile X

FRAXA Research Foundation 2006-2010 Grants • Completed Research Grants • Cornell University • Disease Mechanisms • Oh, Ji-eun • Toth, Miklos • Treatment Targets February 5, 2009January 16, 2019baclofen, epigenetics, miRNA, sound, startle

With $45,000 in grants from FRAXA Research Foundation over several years, Dr. Miklos Toth of Cornell University studied epigenetics (ie factors other than the gene itself) which can determine symptom severity in Fragile X.

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.