Understanding social and spatial thinking challenges in Fragile X syndrome using rodent models
Official title: Investigating mechanisms underlying impaired social and spatial cognition in rodent models of Fragile X syndrome
Funded at University of Texas at Austin · NIH-11098452 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how Fragile X syndrome impacts social skills and memory by examining the brains of mice, hoping to uncover what causes these challenges so we can better understand the condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas at Austin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Austin, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2022 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $743,688 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH131317-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11098452 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Fragile X syndrome or those exhibiting symptoms related to autism spectrum disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without Fragile X syndrome or those who do not exhibit cognitive or social impairments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how Fragile X syndrome affects social and spatial cognition by studying rodent models. The team will explore the brain's hippocampus, particularly areas CA2 and CA1, to understand the underlying mechanisms that lead to cognitive impairments. Using advanced techniques, they will assess both cellular and neuronal activity to identify how these disruptions contribute to social behavior and memory issues. The goal is to fill the knowledge gap regarding the neurophysiological disturbances in Fragile X syndrome.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve social and cognitive functioning in individuals with Fragile X syndrome.
How similar studies have gone: While research on Fragile X syndrome is ongoing, this specific approach focusing on hippocampal mechanisms is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas at Austin
Austin, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Colgin, Laura L — University of Texas at Austin
- Study coordinator: Colgin, Laura L
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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.