Dr. Lawrence T. Reiter, a researcher from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, is conducting a research study to learn about the molecular changes that occur in neurons in individuals with autism.
Participation
Who can participate?
Any individual with a confirmed clinical genetic diagnosis of Fragile X syndrome who is losing baby teeth or having a tooth extracted for dental purposes may be eligible to participate. There is no formal age limit to participation. Your child does not need to have an autism diagnosis to participate. You will need to show a copy of a genetics report that says your child has FXS.
What will happen in the study?
You will be asked to provide your child’s genetic testing to confirm their Fragile X syndrome diagnosis.
If your child qualifies and you decide to participate in this research study, you will only need to request a collection kit. This kit includes the consent form, social communication questionnaire (SCQ), tube of media, and a return kit with free FedEx shipping included. The investigator will need your mailing address to send the kit. You do not need to travel for this study.
You will be asked to complete the social communication questionnaire and provide any previous autism diagnostic testing, if available in your child’s medical record. You will be asked to collect the tooth when it falls out or is extracted at the dentist. Using the provided return kit, you will package the tooth and forms and return via FedEx within 48 hours of the tooth exiting your child’s mouth.
What are the good things that can happen from this research?
Your child’s tooth will be made into neurons in Dr. Reiter’s laboratory. The neurons can be used for RNA sequencing and protein studies. These studies may reveal changes in neurons from individuals with Fragile X syndrome vs. other forms of autism. These studies could lead to better understanding the impact of the FMR1 protein and how to treat Fragile X.
What are the bad things that can happen from this research?
There are no physical risks to participation. There is risk of loss of confidentiality, including your child’s personal health information (PHI) and/or social communication questionnaire results. Safeguards are in place to ensure that no personal health information will be associated with the neurons made from your child’s tooth. Only diagnosis (i.e., FXS) and score on the social communication questionnaire will be associated with the de-identified neurons.
There may be other risks that we do not know about yet.
Will you/your child be paid to complete this survey?
Participants may receive up to $10 for the contribution of their tooth/teeth. The participant will not receive more than $10 for their participation.
Our Most Recent Opportunities
Study: Behavioral and Cognitive Inflexibility in Fragile X Syndrome
Individuals with FXS who are 18 years or older and able to talk fluently about own experiences, and their caregivers and providers may be eligible to participate. Eligible providers include teachers, psychologists, social workers, and physicians.
Study: Adult Fragile X Premutation Carriers Needed for Registry
NFXF has partnered with an advisory committee of international fragile X professionals to create an international fragile X premutation research registry. Find out how to participate.
Survey: Cannabidiol (CBD) Use with Fragile X Syndrome
A Mount Sinai Genetic Counseling graduate student is conducting a research study to learn about possible benefits and side effects of CBD supplements when used to treat FXS symptoms. This information will be obtained by using an anonymous online parental and caregiver survey. About the Survey Who can participate? Parents and caregivers caring for somebody with FXS who uses, or has used, CBD supplements may be eligible to participate. The parent or caregiver responding to the survey must be at least 18 years old. The individual with ...
Survey: How has the COVID-19 Pandemic Impacted Fragile X Families
Researchers at Teachers College at Columbia University are conducting a survey to learn about the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on multiple aspects of the lives of people with Fragile X Syndrome. We want to see how the Fragile X community specifically was impacted so that we can have a more focused plan of action for helping these families. The overall goal of this survey is to distribute our findings to medical professionals so that they can see what gaps have been created in their practices from the pandemic.
Exploring the Most Important Information for New Premutation Carriers
Participants of this study will explore what information is considered most important to recently diagnosed fragile X premutation carriers. Open to premutation carriers 18 and over who were diagnosed sometime since January 2018.
Parents and Caregivers of Adults with Fragile X Syndrome Needed for a Survey
Kaylynn Shuleski, a master’s in genetic counseling candidate, is conducting a research study to explore the concerns and challenges caregivers may face when planning long-term supports and living arrangements for their adult children with Fragile X syndrome (FXS). This information will be valuable for current and future families when considering long-term supports, as well as for healthcare professionals, counselors, and policy makers. About the Study Who can participate? Parents and caregivers of adults with full mutation ...
