Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is an inherited genetic developmental condition that strongly impacts brain development. Its symptoms are broad and highly variable, and there is currently no cure. Existing treatments are limited to medications and therapies to help manage symptoms. Nicola Allen, PhD, and team recently discovered how star-shaped brain cells called astrocytes contribute to some FXS symptoms. They found that a protein pathway commonly upregulated in FXS astrocytes could be suppressed to lessen those symptoms, meaning less severe seizures and restored molecular balances in a mouse model of FXS. The findings validate the importance of studying astrocytes in FXS research and represent a promising step toward future therapeutics for FXS and other developmental conditions, such as Down syndrome and Rett syndrome. 

Read news release