Understanding how sensory issues affect social touch in Fragile X Syndrome
Circuit Defects Underlying Deficits in Social Touch in Fragile X Syndrome
This study is looking at how people with Fragile X Syndrome feel and react to different kinds of social touch, like hugs or handshakes, to help us understand their social interactions better and find ways to support them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11144607 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the sensory hypersensitivity experienced by individuals with Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) and its impact on social interactions. By using a novel assay in mice, the study aims to explore how these individuals respond to different types of social touch, such as hugging or handshakes, and how these responses may be linked to their brain activity. The goal is to better understand the relationship between sensory processing and social behavior, which could lead to improved interventions for those affected by FXS and autism.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with Fragile X Syndrome or autism, particularly those who experience sensory hypersensitivity.
Not a fit: Patients without Fragile X Syndrome or autism, or those who do not experience sensory processing issues, may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for helping individuals with Fragile X Syndrome and autism manage their sensory sensitivities and improve their social interactions.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of examining social touch in animal models of FXS is novel, related research has shown promising results in understanding sensory processing in autism.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, United States
- University of California Los Angeles — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Portera-Cailliau, Carlos — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Portera-Cailliau, Carlos
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.