UCD Wins Grant For Neurological Research

UCD Wins Grant For Neurological Research

DAVIS -- The University of California, Davis, will receive more than $21 million to develop treatments for an age-related neurological disorder called FXTAS, or fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome.

The five-year grant from the National Institutes of Health will fund an international interdisciplinary research team based in Davis, including the scientists who discovered FXTAS, Paul Hagerman, a molecular geneticist, and Randi Hagerman, a developmental-behavioral pediatrician.

FXTAS is caused by a mutation of the gene that causes fragile X syndrome, which has been linked to autism. The mutation is responsible for debilitating balance problems, tremors and dementia in older adults.

"This new funding allows us to move forward quickly with all of our best ideas about treatment options that can significantly alter the course of the disease, improve quality of life and perhaps completely eliminate symptoms and save lives," Randi Hagerman said.

-- Dorsey Griffith