Iqra Mumal, MSc,  —

Visual perception impairments in a mouse model of fragile X syndrome can be therapeutically targeted using designer therapies, according to a new study. People with fragile X demonstrate similar visual impairments, suggesting that these specific therapies could be used to treat them. The study, “Impaired perceptual learning in a mouse…

Neurotrope announced it will initiate a clinical trial in children with fragile X syndrome. The company, which will conduct the trial in collaboration with the The Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, in Wilmington, Delaware, have not given a date for the study’s start. The trial will assess the safety and…

A mouse model of fragile X syndrome reinforces the abnormal sleep structure observed in fragile X patients, revealing likely adverse consequences for memory processes, a study has found. The study, “Abnormal Sleep Architecture and Hippocampal Circuit Dysfunction in a Mouse Model of Fragile X Syndrome,” was published in the…

A small molecule called IGS-1.76 that inhibits excessive interactions between nerve cells could potentially be developed as a therapeutic candidate for fragile X syndrome, a study shows. The study, “Deciphering the Inhibition of the Neuronal Calcium Sensor 1 and the Guanine Exchange Factor Ric8a with a Small Phenothiazine Molecule…

Researchers have identified a possible biomarker to detect fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS), according to case report. The study, “In tracellular FMRpolyG-HSP70 complex: Possible use as biochemical marker of Fragile X Tremor Ataxia Syndrome,” was published in bioRxiv. FXTAS is a late-onset neurodegenerative disease that affects those who…

Social-environmental variables can influence self-injury behavior in a large proportion of boys with fragile X syndrome, according to researchers. Their study, “Examining the influence of social-environmental variables on self-injurious behaviour in adolescent boys with fragile X syndrome,” was published in the Journal of Intellectual Disability Research.

Patients with fragile X syndrome who don’t meet the cut-off for a diagnosis of autism show a decrease in impulsivity and repetitive questioning over time, when compared with patients who do, a new study shows. The study, “Overactivity, impulsivity and repetitive behaviour in males with fragile X syndrome: contrasting…

Cognitive behavioral therapy may help children with autism spectrum disorder, including fragile X syndrome, manage a range of emotional challenges such as anxiety, sadness, or anger, according to researchers. Their study, “A randomized waitlist-controlled trial of cognitive behavior therapy to improve emotion regulation in children with…

A mutation in the TSC2 gene leads to lower-than-usual levels of the fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) and its nerve cell targets, and might be of relevance to autism spectrum-related genetic disorders like fragile X, researchers report. Their study, “Purkinje cells derived from TSC patients display hypoexcitability and synaptic…

Carriers of the fragile X premutation who have not yet developed the disease have slower motor movements associated with mutation length and increased age. The study, “Age- and CGG Repeat-Related Slowing of Manual Movement in Fragile X Carriers: A Prodrome of Fragile X-Associated Tremor Ataxia Syndrome?” was published in the…