How do astrocytes contribute to fragile X syndrome? - Salk Institute for Biological Studies
Highlights Salk neuroscientists found how specialized brain cells called astrocytes contribute to fragile X syndrome symptoms They discovered a protein pathway that, when suppressed, can alleviate some symptoms in a mouse model of the syndrome The study demonstrates the value of studying astrocytes in disorders and points to the future potential of astrocyte-based therapeutics for fragile X syndrome and other conditions like Down or Rett syndromes LA JOLLA—Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is an inherited genetic developmental condition that strongly impacts brain development. Despite the syndrome stemming from altered genetic code for the single protein fragile X messenger ribonucleoprotein (FMRP), its symptoms are broad and variable; people with FXS can have a range of behavioral and physical symptoms, and around 40 percent of people with FXS also have autism spectrum disorder. There is currently no cure for FXS; treatments are limited to medications and therapies to help manage symptoms.
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