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.
Xinyu Zhao
New 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).
Xinyu Zhao, PhD – Slide of the Week
Fragile X messenger ribonucleoprotein 1 protein (FMRP) binds many mRNA targets in the brain. The contribution of these targets to fragile X syndrome (FXS) and related autism spectrum disorder (ASD) remain unclear.
Waisman 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.
New Machine Learning Tool Helps Researchers Demonstrate Effectiveness of Stem Cell Based Models
Today, many researchers are using brain organoids – miniaturized and simplified versions of organs produced in a dish typically from stem cells – as analogs for studying the development of the human brain.
Lab-grown retinal eye cells make successful connections, open door for clinical trials to treat blindness
Retinal cells grown from stem cells can reach out and connect with neighbors, according to a new study, completing a “handshake” that may show the cells are ready for trials in humans with degenerative eye disorders.
One mutation, many challenges: Unraveling the mystery behind fragile X syndrome
One mutation in a single gene, as straightforward as it may sound, can cause a broad range of symptoms and severity among those who carry it. This is the case for fragile X syndrome (FXS), the most common hereditary form of intellectual disability.
Four Waisman investigators receive prestigious Simons Foundation award to study autism
Four Waisman Center investigators will dig deeper into the function of genes implicated in autism and brain development with support from the prestigious Simons Foundation 2022 Pilot Award.
New 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.
Lawrence Students get firsthand look at research at Waisman through summer internship program
Since 2016, the Waisman Center has partnered with Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin to provide summer research internships for undergraduate Lawrence students in the labs of Waisman researchers.