Understanding how brain cells affect sleep problems in Fragile X syndrome
Official title: Contribution of Glia to Sleep/Wake Disturbances in FXS
Funded at University of Nebraska Medical Center · NIH-11048579 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain cells called astrocytes might affect sleep problems in people with Fragile X syndrome and autism, using mice to learn more about how these cells behave during sleep and wakefulness.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Nebraska Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Omaha, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2025 |
| Project end | February 28, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $515,898 |
| NIH project number | 1R01NS137084-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11048579 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include children and adults diagnosed with Fragile X syndrome or autism spectrum disorders who experience sleep disturbances.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without Fragile X syndrome or autism spectrum disorders, or those who do not experience sleep issues, may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of astrocytes, a type of brain cell, in sleep disturbances associated with Fragile X syndrome (FXS) and autism spectrum disorders (ASD). By using advanced techniques like 2-photon microscopy, the study aims to explore how changes in astrocyte signaling during sleep and wakefulness contribute to sleep architecture issues in FXS. The research will involve monitoring brain rhythms and behaviors in mouse models to better understand these mechanisms and their implications for sleep health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights and treatments for sleep disturbances in patients with Fragile X syndrome and autism spectrum disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of astrocytes in sleep regulation, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Nebraska Medical Center
Omaha, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dunaevsky, Anna — University of Nebraska Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Dunaevsky, Anna
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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.