Jan 16 2025

LIN Seminar: “Identifying New Druggable Targets for Fragile X Syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorders” by Nien-Pei Tsai (UIUC)

January 16, 2025

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Location

SELE 4289

Please join us January 16th at 4pm in SELE 4289 for a LIN Seminar featuring "Identifying New Druggable Targets for Fragile X Syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorders" by Dr. Nien-Pei Tsai (UIUC)

Tsai Lab

Host: Chieh Chang

Abstract: Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common form of inherited autism and cognitive impairment. FXS is caused by the absence of an RNA-binding protein called fragile X messenger ribonucleoprotein (FMRP). Because of numerous targets that are regulated by FMRP, the altered protein synthesis and behavioral defects associated with FXS are complex and involve many indirect pathways independent of RNA-binding. The failure of promising clinical trials prompts us to search for new therapeutic targets for FXS that are beyond traditional FMRP signaling pathways. In the seminar, I will describe our discoveries of two new druggable targets for FXS that act through completely different mechanisms. Our discoveries have the potential to foster future development of therapies for FXS and other autism spectrum disorders.

Contact

Emily Beaufort

Date posted

Aug 23, 2024

Date updated

Dec 6, 2024