A research study at Massachusetts General Hospital
The Massachusetts General Hospital Martinos Center is looking to enroll males with Fragile X Syndrome (FXS), 18 years of age or older, for a federally-funded research study of the impaired glutamatergic system in the brain, as it relates to sensorimotor and cognitive problems in this population. Dr. Anna-Liisa Brownell and Dr. Maria Mody are the Principal Investigators on this grant. The study involves behavioral testing and brain imaging (MRI, PET, MEG) over three sessions and a return visit after a year. Each session will last 60-90 mins, and participants will be compensated for their time ($350; additional reimbursement for return visit). For more information, please email mmody@mgh.harvard.edu or call 617-726-6913.
Findings from studies of FXS suggest that it may be related to problems with a neurotransmitter or chemical messenger in the brain called glutamate. In the face of recent failures of clinical trials targeting glutamate receptors in individuals with FXS, the current study goes beyond symptom alleviation to focus on mechanisms that will serve as targets for improved drug development aimed at MGluR5.
All sessions will be held at the MGH Martinos Center in the Charlestown Navy Yard. All procedures have been approved by the hospital IRB (Protocol # 2017P001039/PHS)