How brain support cells (astroglia) contribute to Fragile X syndrome
Official title: Astroglia-Mediated Pathogenic Mechanisms in Fragile X Syndrome (FXS)
Funded at Tufts University Boston · NIH-11358362 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are looking at how changes in brain support cells and small RNA molecules may drive symptoms in people with Fragile X syndrome.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tufts University Boston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2016 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $954,677 |
| NIH project number | 4RF1MH106490-09 |
| Project ID | NIH-11358362 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with Fragile X syndrome (a confirmed FMR1 mutation) or families willing to provide clinical information or biological samples would be most relevant to this research.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without Fragile X or with unrelated causes of intellectual disability are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this specific project.
What this research studies
This project looks at how loss of the Fragile X protein (FMRP) changes the development and function of astroglia, the brain's support cells. The team is focusing on microRNAs that bind to the 3' untranslated regions of messenger RNAs and how those microRNAs control astroglial maturation after birth. They will use biochemical and genetic experiments in cells and animal models and examine molecular and structural changes in astroglia. The goal is to reveal pathways in astroglia that could be targeted to improve brain development and behavior in Fragile X.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new molecular targets for treatments that improve thinking, behavior, or sensory issues in people with Fragile X.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has shown FMRP and certain microRNAs affect neurons and some astrocyte functions, but targeting astroglial microRNA pathways in Fragile X is a relatively new and largely untested approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Tufts University Boston
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yang, Yongjie — Tufts University Boston
- Study coordinator: Yang, Yongjie
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Understanding Fragile X Syndrome: How it progresses and affects daily life
A long-term study using existing Fragile X data to map how the condition changes over time in children and young adults, including how autism, race, and location influence outcomes.
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Sleep and mood links in Fragile X Syndrome
A short, patient-friendly study to understand how sleep problems relate to mood and depressive symptoms in people with Fragile X–linked autism.
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Connecting 3D genome misfolding to gene silencing in Fragile X syndrome
A study in people with Fragile X syndrome focuses on how 3D genome folding errors may turn off important genes, contributing to the condition’s features.
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Cortical circuit problems in Fragile X mice and people
Researchers are studying how brain circuits go awry in Fragile X syndrome by comparing mice and people to understand why certain brain rhythms and responses are altered.
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Brain biology in fragile X syndrome: how brain signals unfold and vary in patients
This grant supports research to understand brain signals and why symptoms vary in people with fragile X syndrome, aiming to translate findings into better care.
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Brain research on Fragile X Syndrome to improve therapies
A multi-year program studies brain function and differences in Fragile X Syndrome to help develop better treatments for people with FXS.
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.