[From intellectual disability to new treatment modalities of fragile X syndrome]

Aia Elise Jønch1, Susanne Timshel, Jytte Merete Carlsen Lunding

  • 1Center for fragilt X, Klinikken Kennedy Centret, Juliane Marie Centret, Rigshospitalet, Gl. Landevej 7, 2600 Glostrup. aia.elise.joench@regionh.dk.

Ugeskrift for Laeger
|October 29, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Fragile X syndrome, the most common inherited intellectual disability, is being studied for targeted genetic medicine treatments. Research into its gene, protein, and mechanisms enables new pharmacological trials for this condition.

Area of Science:

  • Genetics
  • Neuroscience
  • Medical Research

Context:

  • The Martin & Bell family study in 1943 identified X-linked mental retardation, now recognized as Fragile X syndrome.
  • Fragile X syndrome is the leading inherited cause of intellectual disability worldwide.

Purpose:

  • To review the clinical and therapeutic aspects of Fragile X syndrome.
  • To highlight Fragile X syndrome's role as a model disorder for targeted genetic medicine.
  • To discuss the progress in understanding the syndrome's genetic basis and pathophysiology.

Summary:

  • Advances in understanding the specific gene, protein, and pathophysiological mechanisms of Fragile X syndrome are facilitating the development of pharmacological treatment trials.
  • The syndrome serves as a key model for advancing targeted treatments within the field of genetic medicine.

Impact:

  • This review provides insights into the clinical manifestations and therapeutic strategies for Fragile X syndrome.
  • It underscores the potential for precision medicine approaches in treating inherited intellectual disabilities.

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