Family genetics linking autism and fragile X syndrome
Official title: A Family Genetic Study of Autism and Fragile X Syndrome
Funded at Northwestern University · NIH-11403972 · Data updated 2026-11-12
The team looks at whether changes in the FMR1 gene are linked to social language difficulties in people with autism, fragile X syndrome, and their family members.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2012 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $789,570 |
| NIH project number | 7R01MH091131-13 |
| Project ID | NIH-11403972 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include individuals with fragile X syndrome, people who carry the FMR1 premutation (often family members), people with autism spectrum disorder, and their first-degree relatives, including children.
✕Less likely to help
People without autism, fragile X, or family ties to someone with these conditions are unlikely to directly benefit from participating.
What this research studies
You and family members could take part in detailed language and social communication tests and brain-based measurements to look for patterns tied to genes. The team compares people with fragile X syndrome, carriers of the FMR1 premutation, individuals with autism, and first-degree relatives to find shared or distinct pragmatic language features. Researchers apply deep behavioral and neural phenotyping plus advanced computer/AI analyses to connect genetic variation to specific social-communication skills. Findings aim to clarify how FMR1-related biology contributes to everyday language and social challenges.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to genetic and brain-based markers that support earlier diagnosis and more personalized communication supports for people with autism or fragile X.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work from this group found parallels in pragmatic language between the broad autism phenotype and FMR1 premutation carriers, while the combined deep behavioral, neural, and AI-driven approach is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Losh, Molly C — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Losh, Molly C
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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.