Oxytocin Treatment and Thinking Skills in Fragile X
Official title: Postnatal Oxytocin Treatment and Cognitive Function in Fragile X
Funded at University of California-Irvine · NIH-11369018 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This work explores if early oxytocin treatment can improve memory and thinking skills in a model of Fragile X Syndrome, which is related to autism.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California-Irvine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Irvine, United States) |
| Project start | April 5, 2021 |
| Project end | September 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $82,218 |
| NIH project number | 3R01HD101642-05S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11369018 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This foundational work is for patients with Fragile X Syndrome or Autism Spectrum Disorder who experience difficulties with memory and cognitive function.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without Fragile X Syndrome or Autism Spectrum Disorder, or those not experiencing cognitive difficulties, would likely not benefit from this specific research.
What this research studies
Many children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), including those with Fragile X Syndrome, experience difficulties with memory and organizing their thoughts. These challenges often begin in childhood, suggesting that early treatments could be very helpful. This project uses a model of Fragile X Syndrome to see if a hormone called oxytocin, given early in life, can help improve these memory and thinking abilities. We are looking at how oxytocin might affect brain connections and specific types of memory, like remembering 'what, when, and where'.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatment strategies using oxytocin to improve cognitive function and social interactions for individuals with Fragile X Syndrome and related autism spectrum disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has shown that oxytocin treatment can improve social behavior in animal models of ASD and social interactions in autistic individuals, suggesting promise for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California-Irvine
Irvine, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gall, Christine M — University of California-Irvine
- Study coordinator: Gall, Christine M
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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.