mGluR5

Recent articles

Scientist Gül Dölen smiles while looking towards the window in her lab's office.

In deep water with Gül Dölen

A researcher's existential crisis led to a scientific breakthrough.

By Peter Hess
3 August 2022 | 14 min read

Plethora of protein-making machines in neurons may underlie fragile X

An overabundance of ribosomes drives an imbalance of proteins produced from long and short genetic transcripts in a mouse model of fragile X syndrome.

By Chloe Williams
21 July 2022 | 6 min read

Fragile X theory falters on amygdala test

Activating certain receptors in the amygdala — a treatment that runs counter to a leading theory of what causes the condition — can reverse some traits in rats.

By Angie Voyles Askham
10 November 2021 | 5 min read
Dr. Elizabeth Berry-Kravis stretching during a run.

Elizabeth Berry-Kravis: Running a marathon for fragile X syndrome

Elizabeth Berry-Kravis has spent decades uncovering molecular clues to fragile X syndrome and crafting trials of treatments. Her efforts are paying off.

By Esther Landhuis
26 May 2021 | 10 min read
Hands of researcher in two colors, one hand with Fragile X and the other with COIVD shapes connected by multicolored dots.

Fragile X researcher takes on COVID-19

Cara Westmark has spent the past year building the case that a drug designed for fragile X syndrome might help coronavirus patients, too.

By Laura Dattaro
2 March 2021 | 9 min read
Ralf Schmid, the research director in Neurodevelopmental diseases at the Gene Therapy Program Orphan Disease Center, loads replicated mouse dna into wells in the gel before applying electric current to test the viability of the dna.

A quest for Quincy: Gene therapies come of age for some forms of autism

A gene therapy for Angelman syndrome stands at the forefront of efforts to treat autism-linked conditions that stem from single genes.

By Lydia Denworth, Brendan Borrell
14 October 2020 | 24 min read
Photograph of a mouse on a gloved hand.

Mouse study hints at why fragile X drugs fail in trials

Drug after drug has failed in clinical trials for fragile X syndrome. A new study provides an explanation — a decrease in the drugs’ effectiveness over time — and points to a new strategy that could circumvent this problem.

By Sarah DeWeerdt
22 October 2019 | 3 min read
Illustration of research mice forming the letter 'X'.

Fragile X syndrome’s link to autism, explained

Fragile X syndrome is a leading genetic cause of autism. People who have either condition often share certain traits, such as difficulties in social situations.

By Hannah Furfaro
10 October 2018 | 6 min read
Drawing shows scientists moving in different directions in a matrix of molecules and and genetic material.

Newly discovered aspects of fragile X spur next wave of drugs

Many drugs for fragile X syndrome have failed in large clinical trials, but candidates that target new aspects of the condition may fare better.

By Nicholette Zeliadt
24 September 2018 | 6 min read

Smart genes; Neanderthal mini-brains; diabetes link and more

Autism and intelligence share genetic variants, researchers grow Neanderthal mini-brains and see overlap with autism, and maternal diabetes is an autism risk factor.

By Emily Willingham
29 June 2018 | 4 min read

Explore more from The Transmitter

Switching neural code may solve ongoing face-recognition debate

Face patch cells in macaque monkeys initially respond to images of any object but rapidly transition to attend to faces exclusively, a new study finds.

By Holly Barker
23 April 2026 | 5 min read

Liset de la Prida explains how neuron subtypes may control the activity of large neural populations, from manifolds to ripples

De la Prida's work analyzing the varieties of sharp wave ripples in the hippocampus led to her discovery that specific types of neurons control the properties of neural manifolds.

By Paul Middlebrooks
22 April 2026 | 104 min listen

At 25, INSAR needs to bring autism scientists together more than ever

As the International Society for Autism Research’s annual meeting in Prague this week celebrates its quarter-century anniversary, its president reflects on the field’s past successes, current challenges and needs for the future

By Brian Boyd
22 April 2026 | 5 min read