Fragile X Syndrome is estimated to cause 10 per cent of all mental retardation and to be significantly linked to childhood autism. This volume provides a coherent, comprehensive overview of the disorder. The authors are leaders in the field and their approaches span the range of biological and psychological perspectives. The prevalence and historical roots of the Syndrome are examined, as are the wide range of symptomatic behaviours. Recommendations for intervention and treatment are discussed and current scientific findings are presented in a way that makes them accessible to a wide range of readers, including clinicians, teachers and parents.
Epigenetics in Psychiatry, Second Edition covers all major areas of psychiatry in which extensive epigenetic research has been performed, fully encompassing a diverse and maturing field, including drug addiction, bipolar disorder, epidemiology, cognitive disorders, and the uses of putative epigenetic-based psychotropic drugs. Uniquely, each chapter correlates epigenetics with relevant advances across genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics. The book acts as a catalyst for further research in this growing area of psychiatry. This new edition has been fully revised to address recent advances in epigenetic understanding of psychiatric disorders, evoking data consortia (e.g., CommonMind, ATAC-seq), single cell analysis, and epigenome-wide association studies to empower new research. The book also examines epigenetic effects of the microbiome on psychiatric disorders, and the use of neuroimaging in studying the role of epigenetic mechanisms of gene expression. Ongoing advances in epigenetic therapy are explored in-depth. - Fully revised to discuss new areas of research across neuronal stem cells, cognitive disorders, and transgenerational epigenetics in psychiatric disease - Relates broad advances in psychiatric epigenetics to a modern understanding of the genome, transcriptome, and proteins - Catalyzes knowledge discovery in both basic epigenetic biology and epigenetic targets for drug discovery - Provides guidance in research methods and protocols, as well how to employ data from consortia, single cell analysis, and epigenome-wide association studies (EWAS) - Features chapter contributions from international leaders in the field
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.
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.
This new edition of Fragile X Syndrome includes updated information on the latest research findings -- especially in molecular biology -- as well as new photographs highlighting clinical features and thorough coverage of treatment and intervention, diagnosis, and research. Praise for the first edition: "Answers nearly all the questions that parents or clinicians might raise about fragile X syndrome....Can be recommended confidently as a thoroughly up-to-date, reliable, and informative account of the condition." -- Lancet "The clinical and cytogenetic material in this book is excellent and provides a strong background for physicians and students... Fragile X Syndrome still presents the best comprehensive treatment of this complex disorder. Physicians, students, and other interested professionals can either read this book from cover to cover or select the chapters that interest or apply to them." -- New England Journal of Medicine
It has been more than 25 years since the identification of the FMR1 gene and the demonstration of the causative role of CGG-repeat expansion in the disease pathology of fragile X syndrome (FXS), but the underlying mechanisms involved in the expansion mutation and the resulting gene silencing still remain elusive. Our understanding of the pathways impacted by the loss of FMRP function has grown tremendously, and has opened new avenues for targeted treatments for FXS. However, the failure of recent clinical trials that were based on successful preclinical studies using the Fmr1 knockout mouse model has forced the scientific community to revisit clinical trial design and identify objective outcome measures. There has also been a renewed interest in restoring FMR1 gene expression as a possible treatment approach for FXS. This special issue of Brain Sciences highlights the progress that has been made towards understanding the disease mechanisms and how this has informed the development of treatment strategies that are being explored for FXS.
Neuronal and Synaptic Dysfunction in Autism Spectrum Disorder and Intellectual Disability provides the latest information on Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), the lifelong neurodevelopmental disorders that present in early childhood and affect how individuals communicate and relate to others and their surroundings. In addition, three quarters of ASD patients also manifest severe intellectual disability. Though certain genes have been implicated, ASDs remain largely a mystery, and research looking into causes and cellular deficits are crucial for better understanding of neurodevelopmental disorders. Despite the prevalence and insidious nature of this disorder, this book remains to be an extensive resource of information and background on the state of current research in the field. The book serves as a reference for this purpose, and discusses the crucial role synaptic activity plays in proper brain function. In addition, the volume discusses the neurodevelopmental synaptopathies and serves as a resource for scientists and clinicians in all biomedical science specialties. This research has been crucial for recent studies that have provided a rationale for the development of pharmacological agents able to counteract functional synaptic anomalies and potentially ameliorate some ASD symptoms. - Introduces the genetic and non-genetic causes of autism and associated intellectual disabilities - Describes the genes implicated in autistic spectrum disorders and their function - Considers major individual genetic causes of autism, Rett syndrome, Fragile X syndrome, and other autism spectrum disorders, as well as their classification as synaptopathies - Presents a thorough discussion of the clinical aspects of multiple neurodevelopmental disorders and the experimental models that exist to study their pathophysiology in vitro and in vivo, including animal models and patient-derived stem cell culture
Volume 39 of the Advances in Child Development and Behavior series is concerned with Developmental Disorders and Interventions. This volume provides an overview of contemporary research into cognitive, neurodevelopmental and genetic disorders of learning. The social, emotional and cognitive functioning of children with William's syndrome, Down syndrome, Fragile X and autism, reading difficulties, mathematical difficulties and working memory problems are discussed by some of the leading researchers in the field. Within each chapter, the authors consider current interventions and methods for remediating difficulties associated with each disorder, which will be of particular interest to clinical and educational practitioners. - Goes in depth to address contemporary research into neurodevelopmental and genetic disorders of learning - A necessary resource for both psychology researchers and students - The authors are either leaders in their chosen fields or have worked in some of the leading research teams in the world - This volume covers a broad range of developmental disorders of learning, from genetic disorders such as Down syndrome to cognitive problems such as poor working memory function. The focus on interventions within each chapter will be of particular interest both to academics and clinical and educational practitioners
Increasing interest over recent years in the study of the influences of environment and genetic factors on behavioural disorder has come from a wide range of disciplines. These studies have subsequently been focused through the foundation of the Society for the Study of Behavioural Phenotypes, which forms the basis for assimilating new information and coordinating future research in this field. This volume from founder members of the society presents a distillation of thinking and reviews appropriate measurement schedules. Including research findings, explanation of concepts, genetic scientific techniques and methodological issues, this work will be welcomed by those with an interest in behavioural disorder at every level.
