How the Fragile X protein shapes primate brain development
Interrogate FMRP functions in primate brain development
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON · NIH-11287869
This work looks at how the Fragile X protein affects brain development to help people with Fragile X Syndrome and autism.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (MADISON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11287869 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will use primate brain tissue and models to map where and when the Fragile X protein (FMRP) binds to RNAs, with a focus on the prefrontal cortex that supports thinking, planning, and language. They will compare those primate findings to prior mouse data and apply molecular tools such as CLIP-Seq to identify the RNAs and pathways controlled by FMRP. The project examines both prenatal and postnatal stages to see when developmental problems first appear and how they affect neuron maturation and synapse formation. The team aims to reveal specific molecular mechanisms and developmental windows that could guide future therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with Fragile X Syndrome or autism spectrum disorder would be the eventual candidates for therapies informed by this research.
Not a fit: Individuals whose conditions arise from causes unrelated to FMRP or Fragile X biology may not receive direct benefit from these findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to biological targets and critical timing for new treatments to improve cognition and autism-related symptoms in Fragile X patients.
How similar studies have performed: Mouse studies have identified many FMRP roles but clinical trials based on rodent models have largely missed primary endpoints, so primate-focused work is relatively novel and aimed at better translation.
Where this research is happening
MADISON, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON — MADISON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: ZHAO, XINYU — UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON
- Study coordinator: ZHAO, XINYU
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.
Conditions: Autistic Disorder