Genetic Disorders- Fragile X Syndrome

Fragile X Syndrome was first discovered in the late 1970's. It is a genetic disease that causes mental retardation, autistic-like behavior, and ADHD. Some more minor symptoms are depression, very slurred or broken speech, and no attempt to verbal communication. Unfortunately, there is no cure, but there are various drugs that are used to help, such as antidepressants, sleeping medication, and anxiety medications. The good news for people with Fragile X Syndrome is that their life span is usually unaffected by it. In the world, this disease occurs in about 1 in 4,000 males and 1 in 8,000 females. Males are more vulnerable. The cause of it is cells that are mutated by the Fragile X Syndrome mental retardation gene, which contains the Fragile X Syndrome mental retardation protein. The mGluR Theory of Fragile X might lead to further treatments. FRAXA-funded scientists are currently studying animals, and trials of new compounds are being planned. A clinical trial of one drug is underway. I feel really bad for people with this disorder. I hope they find a cure very soon. For more information go to

http://www.ikm.jmu.edu/Buttsjl/ISAT493/Fragile%20X%20Syndrome/fragilexsymptoms.html

http://www.fraxa.org/research_summaryFindings.aspx

http://www.ikm.jmu.edu/Buttsjl/ISAT493/Fragile%20X%20Syndrome/fragilextreatment.html

http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/943776-overview

http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition=fragilexsyndrome

http://news.bio-medicine.org/biology-news-2/The-Fragile-X-syndrome-protein-as-RNA-distribution-hub-5717-1/

http://www.fraxa.org/research_summaryFindings.aspx