Presenter: Jayne Dixon Weber

In case you don’t have time, or would prefer the information in written form, we are now providing NFXF Webinar recaps. These are summaries of the webinars, using paraphrases rather than word-for-word dictation of the actual webinars.

For this webinar, we were joined by Dr. Craig Erickson of the Cincinnati Fragile X Clinic. Our topics:

  • Introduction to the NFXF International Fragile X Conference
  • Research Opportunities at the Conference
  • A Short Q&A

The conference is a large part of accomplishing the NFXF’s mission to provide support and education by allowing attendees to discover the latest research, plus learn new techniques, behavior, and coping strategies.

Getting Help at the Conference

This year, we are providing green lanyards which will designate you as “new to the conference.” If you are wearing it, it will help us to give you a better experience and provide you more guidance. However, even if this isn’t your first time, you may still have a green lanyard if you’d like extra guidance and support getting around the Conference.

Conference Mentors will be wearing red buttons to help you identify them, in case you need any help! They will be available to anyone who is new to the conference or has questions.

The Conference Schedule

To help you organize your day, we’ve come up with tracks on topics like young children, behavior, education, adults, premutation carrier issues, and more. They will be provided via the Conference App which will also be released around June 25.

Highlights

  • We’ve got a great lineup of morning keynotes for you this year.
  • There will be a special session called Industry Updates, which will provide information on the latest in Fragile X clinical trials.
  • Expanded Poster Reception on Friday will give you more time with the presenters.
  • David’s Dance Session: For the past two conferences, this has been a delightful experience for self-advocates who never realized they could dance! After several sessions, they will be ready to perform at the Saturday Night Banquet (if they choose).

Tips and Frequently Asked Questions

  • Every hotel tends to turn up its A/C. Even though it’s summertime, we recommend bringing an extra layer because rooms can get a little cold.
  • Look at the schedule before you go! There are a lot of interesting topics, which might make it overwhelming. It’s good to plan before the day begins.
  • What if there are two sessions scheduled at the same time?
    • This is a great time to make friends! Connect with someone also interested in the same sessions as you, then exchange information afterward!
    • We also require that the presenters upload their presentation materials, which will be available for you on the Conference App.
  • Research Opportunities at the Conference

Presenter: Dr. Craig Erickson

Dr. Erickson says there’s no other meeting in the world where the best scientists, family advocates, self-advocates, and therapists are all together in a collegial environment. Cincinnati is his hometown, so having the Conference come to his city is special to him.

“Once we got the program established,” Dr. Erickson said, “There was nothing more I wanted than to partner with our local group to host this conference.” This is a town where he says Fragile X “is given the respect it deserves.”

Dr. Erickson will be joined at the Conference by members of his Fragile X clinic, which includes nearly 20 professionals who will set up a booth to answer your questions.

Here are some research opportunities that attendees can participate in before/during/after the conference:

Behavioral EEG Studies of Cognitive Flexibility in Fragile X Syndrome

This study is examining the trouble some individuals with FXS have with Cognitive Flexibility. Cognitive Flexibility is the ability to change your approach, like transitioning from one thought to another, trying new things, coping with routine changes, or shifting topics.

  • Uses a computer-based test to examine learning and changing patterns.
  • It is non-invasive: “EEG Net” worn on the head which communicates how the brain responds to the test.
  • The test itself takes about 30 minutes, but 2 hours total with consent forms, etc.

NIH Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

This study examines how the brain functions via magnetic pulses so that we can understand how treatments affect the brain.

  • Participants are fully awake, watching a video. A TMS coil is held above the skull which generates a magnetic pulse. The readout is worn on the finger.
  • This is a very safe study for participants aged 8 to 55 years old who have had no experience of seizures.
  • Potential travel support is available for up to $1000

Baby Imaging Study

This study uses MRI in infants and toddlers to determine the factors in the brain that cause autism risk in Fragile X. They feel they might also find insight into seizure risks.

There aren’t a lot of babies available in Fragile X research, because early diagnosis is not common, so this is an exciting project for you to participate in.

  • The researchers are looking for participants aged 3 months to 3 years old.
  • This is non-invasive, with no radiation, and no sedation.
  • Often have success at night time or bedtime, while the child is sleeping.

Fragile X Protein Sampling in Blood

Researchers have discovered that there is variation in Fragile X protein production within the full mutation and premutation. Participants will give a simple blood sample which the researchers can examine.

They are hoping to be able to predict developmental outcomes via protein production.

Later, during the Q&A session, an audience member asked for clarification about this study. Dr. Erickson replied that a third of boys with the full mutation have measurable protein (often, the full mutation means little to none of the Fragile X protein is produced).  Some of his cells might have 120 repeats, others might have 500. The goal is to figure out who these people are, and why do some people who appear to be high-functioning produce very little protein.

For instance, Dr. Erickson has run into his sixth patient with the full mutation that can drive. He wants to know how that works and why it’s possible. Is that a protein issue?

Many treatments for Fragile X target protein production. We need to know how much protein can and should be changed for it to be meaningful.

This will also be measured against the general population.

Repeat testing will also be necessary. As researchers understand it, it might be possible for protein production to change from day to day or even from moment to moment. If researchers are focused on adjusting the levels, they need to know that based on nature itself.

  • Looking for participants who either have the full mutation or premutation of Fragile X.

BOSCC

This study is to learn more about a potential communication outcome measure to use when evaluating treatments with FXS.

This is an observational study. A structured play scenario will be recorded and then coded.

The session will occur over two days – two-time points must be recorded to see change over time.

  • Looking for boys aged 3-12 years with FXS.

NeuroNEXT

This is a multi-site clinical trial with Dr. Liz Berry-Kravis of Rush University as the principal investigator. You can learn more here (LINK TO STUDY).

  • For children aged 3-6 years old with FXS.

Three Drug Single-Dose Study

This study will use minocycline, lovastatin, and baclofen (the generic version of the drug used in Seaside’s STX209 study) to observe what effect it has on brain activation.

FORWARD Registry and Database

Cincinnati is also doing studies using the FORWARD Registry and Database for both the very young and the older. Please visit the Cincinnati table for more information on this.

How to Schedule

  • Email fragilex@cchmc.org to schedule
  • Clinic research is open all day Monday-Wednesday before the conference and Sunday-Monday after the conference.
  • Evening hours are also available
  • Some testing is available in the meeting hotel
  • Travel reimbursement is available based on the project and time spent

Special Conference Event: Thursday Evening Visit to Clinic

Come for dinner, a movie, and a tour of the facility. Food will be available as soon as you arrive! There is no obligation to participate in research. Dr. Erickson and the team just want you to enjoy the evening.

Q&A

Question:

A recent episode of the Nova TV show featured CRISPR technology and included a case involving boys who had an X-based genetic condition that involved the brain microglia, 3 of 4 were successfully treated.  What are the prospects for FX with CRISPR?

Answer:

Stephen Warren, who discovered Fragile X, believes we are still at least a few years away from CRISPR to reactivate the gene.

Fulcrum Therapeutics is one company focused on gene activation that has funds and interest in Fragile X, not necessarily using CRISPR.

Then there is also viral vector technology: using benign viruses as a way to get into a cell and turn a gene on or off or delete repeats.

Dr. Erickson’s group is particularly interested in viral vector technology. It’s already been used in rare genetic disorders, including spinal muscular atrophy.

But there’s a lot to work out, such as, “How do you deliver the virus to the brain in a safe way?”

The point: There are several methods for gene reactivation.

“I view CRISPR as one bullet in the gun aimed at gene reactivation… There is a heck of a lot going on with gene reactivation. I think it’s meaningful,” Dr. Erickson says. “I think we’re at the dawning of a new age of treatment opportunities.”

Question:

Zynerba is doing synthetic CBD. Will they be starting this year?

Answer:

“What I can say is that they are taking early open-label data from Australia and doing a large “Phase 2” Fragile X study. This is published on the Internet as public knowledge.”

Dr. Erickson believes it will start in the US in late summer. The Cincinnati anticipates being involved with that as will a lot of Fragile x centers.

The confusion people often have is between CBD and THC. Cannabidiol will be applied to the skin and is much different from THC, which is the part of marijuana/cannabis that is related to drug abuse or causing the feeling of being “high.”

Unfortunately, the USFDA does not differentiate between them. So, Federal law regulates the same way (Schedule 1), which is very strict. This slows down the process of moving forward with the study, but it is not impossible to move forward.

Thank you to Dr. Erickson for joining us for this webinar. NFXF webinars are supported by the generous gifts given by our donors. Please help us continue this free service by donating at fragilex.org/donate.