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).
August 19, 2024Discovery reveals mitochondria as potential treatment target for fragile X syndrome
Fragile X syndrome, the most common form of inherited intellectual disability, may be unfolding in brain cells even before birth, despite typically going undiagnosed until age 3 or later.
October 11, 2023New research expands understanding of impact of rapamycin on fragile X syndrome
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common heritable form of intellectual and developmental disability. It is also the most common single genetic contributor to autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
July 6, 2023The large scope of research on fragile X syndrome at the Waisman Center
Research studies at the Waisman Center cover both basic science and behavioral research on FXS, starting with the individual, up to the family unit, from childhood, and into old age.
July 5, 2023Waisman investigator one of 12 to receive a Kellett Mid-Career Award
Xinyu Zhao, PhD, Waisman investigator and professor of neuroscience, was recently awarded a Kellett Mid-Career Award, among 11 others, by the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Education.
June 15, 2023Boys with fragile X syndrome + autism spectrum disorder and autistic boys show high rates of word omission during conversations
A recent study shows that boys with fragile X syndrome and co-occurring ASD (fragile X + ASD), and autistic boys have similar patterns of linguistic errors and omit more words in conversations compared to non-autistic boys.
June 14, 2023A college degree may protect against neurodegeneration in genetically at-risk populations
Obtaining a college degree may be protective against neurodegenerative symptoms in women with an elevated genetic risk.
February 16, 2023New NIH grant to study language use as potential predictor of neurodegenerative disorder in FMR1 premutation carriers
A new study will investigate if language differences can predict the development of a neurodegenerative disorder in people that carry a premutation of the gene FMR1.
December 19, 2022Waisman center funds six internal grants to expand DEI efforts in research and clinical services
Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are critically important goals for the Waisman Center and UW Madison.
October 31, 2022New Department of Defense grant to study fragile x syndrome in human cells
Xinyu Zhao, PhD, and Anita Bhattacharyya, PhD, will partner on research over the next four years to better understand the molecular underpinnings behind the diversity of FXS symptoms and how that diversity may inform the search for effective therapies.
September 29, 2022Cancer drug may be treatment option for fragile X syndrome
A newer cancer drug may also be a treatment option for a leading intellectual and developmental disability. Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common form of inherited intellectual disability.
May 13, 2022Celebrando los diez años de participación en investigación de la familia Manlick
English Pensamientos de gratitud: la familia Manlick Por Emily Leclerc, Escritora Científica, Waisman Center James Manlick irá al baile de bienvenida de la escuela este año y simplemente no puede contener su emoción. Una gran …
February 6, 2022- More Fragile X Syndrome posts
Advancing knowledge of human development, developmental disabilities, and neurodegenerative diseases.