This book covers both molecular and clinical aspects of Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) and premutation disorders so that new targeted treatments can be understood by clinicians and parents.

Fragile X Syndrome: From Genetics to Targeted Treatment provides a structured overview of the molecular and clinical background of the disorder as well as treatment options. The book discusses the detailed molecular information on each of the pathways involved with sufficient details for all whose research touches this pathway. It provides a state-of-the-art update on all clinical aspects associated with this syndrome, including phenotype, diagnostics and epidemiology. It also includes an overview of the lessons learned from the preclinical research and pioneering trials on the fragile X syndrome for the investigators involved in clinical trials of neurodevelopmental disorders. This book is written for academic researchers, pharmaceutical investigators, and clinicians in the field who work on the disorder, and for researchers involved in clinical trials of the fragile X syndrome or related disorders. "This fascinating book, edited by Rob Willemsen and Frank Kooy, summarizes the current knowledge of the molecular aspects of fragile X syndrome (FXS), andthe potential for therapies resulting from this knowledge...Particularly interesting is a review "fragile X research from a parental perspective, which summarizes the results of an international survey of the attitudes of families with FXS relatives towards research...This book is also an essential reference book for genetic counselors...The book provides counselors with the necessary biological background for proper explanations to the relatives of FXS patients. Many parents acquire a substantial knowledge of the conditions afflicting their children. The book will be helpful for both families and counselors to manage the expectations of families participating in clinical trials...In conclusion, this book is essential for everyone who is involved in the diagnosis and treatment of FXS patients. - European Journal of Human Genetics (September 2018) - Provides a comprehensive overview of the molecular genetics, clinical trials, and treatment of Fragile X Syndrome - Written for academic researchers, pharmaceutical investigators, and clinicians in the field - Edited by international leaders in the field who have contributed greatly to the study of Fragile X Syndrome - Directs the reader through complex issues surrounding FXS and draws the literature together for researchers and clinicians

This new book is an up-to-date review of the clinical, epidemiological, and cytogenetic aspects of the fragile X (Martin-Bell) syndrome--the most common genetic cause of mental retardation after Down syndrome. The book includes the latest research findings concerning diagnosis on the basis of the appearance of a fragile site in cultured lymphocytes. It assumes little prior knowledge of the subject, and provides a clearly written, easy-to-understand discussion previously unavailable in a single reference source. The book will be of special interest to molecular biologists, cytogeneticists, medical geneticists, and clinicians and other professionals working with the mentally handicapped.

A tiny mutation on the X chromosome can shape a family’s history. Passed down from a “carrier” parent to a child, fragile X syndrome is the most common inherited cause of intellectual disability and autism. Beyond that—and a rarity among genetic disorders—some fragile X carriers not only transmit the mutation but also experience related conditions themselves. In such cases, carriers can have tremors, infertility, and psychiatric disorders that complicate raising children with fragile X syndrome—and all too often, they suffer in silence. The Carriers investigates this common but still little-known genetic condition and its life-altering consequences. Anne Skomorowsky reveals how this disorder afflicts families across generations, telling the stories of the mothers and grandparents of fragile X patients and considering how genes interact with family dynamics. She interweaves the personal narratives and family histories of the people affected by fragile X disorders with clear and accessible explanations of the science behind them. Skomorowsky unpacks the latest research on the fragile X mutation and explores the history of its discovery. She highlights the roles of women as carriers, caregivers, and researchers who have made astonishing scientific breakthroughs over the last three decades. The Carriers is an essential book for fragile X families, including those just learning they are carriers, and for all readers interested in the complexities of heredity, the ethical dilemmas of genetic medicine, and the relationship between genes and personality.

Fragile X syndrome is an inherited disease caused by an excessive length of the FMR protein due to mutations in the FMR1 gene located on the X chromosome. It is commonly described as one of the most common genetic diseases with autism-like behaviours and related developmental disabilities. Beside intellectual delays, behavioural problems, and communication difficulties, mood disorders usually occur. Diagnosis is based on laboratory tests and DNA results. Phenotypes including long and narrow face, large ears, hyper-arched palate, flat feet, ataxia, seizures, anxiety, aggression, and hand-related stereotypic behaviours are frequently observed. Although there is no specific cure, early interventions are highly encouraging, promising, and recommended. Pharmacological treatments may be combined with behavioural and/or cognitive behavioural interventions. Recently, assistive technology-based programs have been implemented. This volume includes seven chapters and addresses the newest advances in the diagnosis and treatment of individuals with Fragile X syndrome. Chapter One encompasses the molecular features and pathological bases of the disease. A comprehensive literature overview was conducted. The role of the FMR protein was emphasized although few studies evaluated its function. Chapter Two deals with the neuropsychiatric symptoms related to the syndrome. A complete conceptual framework was exhaustively detailed. Chapter Three emphasizes the role of pharmacotherapy in the treatment of Fragile X syndrome. A further literature review was carried out. Clinical relevance was outlined. Chapter Four provides the reader with a conceptual analysis. Besides molecular features, brain development was described. Challenging behaviours were included and the importance of the early combined intervention was critically discussed. Chapters Five, Six, and Seven detailed three case reports on the effectiveness and the suitability of assistive technology-based interventions. Specifically, Chapter Five argued for microswitch-cluster technology focused on pursuing the dual simultaneous goal of promoting an adaptive response (i.e., object manipulation) and reducing a challenging behaviour (i.e., hand mouthing). Chapter Six describes a combined microswitch and VOCA program useful to ensure the participant has the choice between independent access to positive stimulation and asking for social interaction. Finally, Chapter Seven includes choice opportunities through an assistive technology-mediated program involving a boy with Fragile X in a functional task. Targeted readers (i.e., caregivers, clinicians, speech therapists, professionals, psychologists, neurologists, parents of children with Fragile X syndrome, teachers) may find interesting and stimulating tips and insights for daily use in clinical research and practice, with the dual objective of diagnosis and treatment.

Expanded and revised, this unique book provides concise descriptions of the many causes of epilepsy, for use in clinical practice.

This volume discusses the latest technologies used to study all aspects of Fragile-X Syndrome (FXS). The chapters in this book cover topics such as monitoring for epigenetic modifications at the FMR1 locus; modeling FXS with human pluripotent stem cells, mouse neural progenitors; mouse versus human-based models for FXS pre-clinical research; and Fragile-X associated with Tremor/Ataxia Syndrome (FXTAS). Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Cutting-edge and thorough, Fragile-X Syndrome: Methods and Protocols is a valuable tool to help scientists working towards one day developing a therapeutic solution to improve the symptoms of FXS. Chapter "Induced Neurons for the Study of Neurodegenerative and Neurodevelopmental Disorders" is available open access under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License via link.springer.com.