Brain circuit causes of social touch sensitivity in Fragile X
Circuit Defects Underlying Deficits in Social Touch in Fragile X Syndrome
This work looks at how problems in brain wiring lead to strong dislike or fear of social touch in people with Fragile X syndrome and related autism.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11325052 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will use mouse models that carry the Fragile X mutation and a separate autism model to mimic social touch and observe behavior. They will apply a new test that reproduces repetitive social touch and record brain activity in regions linked to emotion and touch. By comparing responses and neural patterns between typical and Fragile X mice, they aim to map the circuit differences that drive touch avoidance and anxiety. The goal is to connect those circuit findings to the touch sensitivity people with Fragile X often experience and suggest biological targets for future treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with Fragile X syndrome and autistic individuals who experience strong distress, avoidance, or anxiety around social touch would be most relevant to the goals of this research.
Not a fit: Individuals whose sensory challenges are unrelated to touch (for example, isolated auditory sensitivities) or whose condition has causes unrelated to Fragile X may not directly benefit from these findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal specific brain circuits that cause touch sensitivity and point to new treatment targets to reduce tactile defensiveness and social anxiety in Fragile X and some autistic people.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies in Fragile X mouse models have shown tactile defensiveness and related behaviors, supporting this approach, though focused work on social touch circuits is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, United States
- University of California Los Angeles — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Portera-Cailliau, Carlos — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Portera-Cailliau, Carlos
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.