Taking out the trash: New study finds clearing specific cell “trash” is possible and may be target for future treatments of neurodegenerative diseases

Cells make a lot of trash. Probably more than you’d think. So, cells have a trash disposal system that efficiently cleans up and recycles any waste that is produced. But when there are issues with the disposal system and trash builds up in the cell, that can lead to disease. This has led researchers to consider the trash disposal system as a target for potential disease treatments and therapies.

Building a better understanding of genetic repeats and their role in fragile X syndrome

Genetic repeats—a sequence or segment of DNA that is repeated over and over in a row—is a typical part of the genome. However, when there is an atypical number of repeats in the DNA sequence, it can lead to impaired gene function and be the cause of more than 50 expansion conditions including fragile X syndrome (FXS).

Waisman Center IDDRC funds three pilot projects on novel Down syndrome research

Three Waisman Center investigators and affiliates were awarded an internal grant to support Down syndrome research in its early stages. The funds were made possible through the Ann Dewey Down Syndrome Catalyst Fund at the Waisman Center.