New Gene Linked To Fragile X Syndrome -- Suggests Potenti...

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New Gene Linked To Fragile X Syndrome -- Suggests Potential Targets For Autism And Other Neurological Disorders (Science Daily)

ScienceDaily (Feb. 1, 2008) — Scientists at The Scripps Research Institute have discovered a new gene involved in fragile X syndrome, a condition that often shares many symptoms of autism. The discovery may lead to new tests or treatments for several neurological disorders.

The new gene has been dubbed FMR4. "FMR4 is a novel gene that is located in the same chromosomal neighborhood as FMR1, a well established causative gene in fragile X syndrome," said Claes Wahlestedt, a professor at the Scripps Research campus in Jupiter, Florida. "Like FMR1, FMR4 is silenced in fragile X patients and up-regulated in FXTAS (fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome), a disease that resembles Parkinson's disease. Our discovery could lead to the development of new diagnostic tests or even to novel therapies for these defects."

Fragile X syndrome affects thousands of patients worldwide with severe learning disabilities, often accompanied by anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive behavior, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. There are currently no therapeutic treatments available for fragile X syndrome. Approximately one-third of all children diagnosed with fragile X syndrome also have some degree of autism, according to The National Fragile X Foundation, including such behaviors as social anxiety, poor eye contact, and hand biting.

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