Tissue Donations
The role of tissue donations in our FXTAS research
Stem cell images - Schwartz et al. (2005) BMC Med Genet
Nearly all of the major discoveries in FXTAS research, particularly those that relate to the molecular basis of the disorder, have been made possible through the donation of body tissues, both at the time of surgical procedures, as volunteer skin biopsies, or as a donation upon the passing of a family member. These tissue donations allow us to study the specific causes of FXTAS that would not have been possible otherwise.
For example, from our work with brain cells, we have been able to identify over thirty proteins that may be related to FXTAS. We have also been able to isolate living neural stem cells from brain tissue (image) and keep those cells alive in culture to study the processes related to FXTAS in more detail. This research is critical to our understanding and eventual development of treatments for FXTAS.
For those women who are carriers and are soon to be moms, we also place great value on the umbilical cords themselves (not cord blood), which would otherwise be discarded, so please contact us.
We regard all tissue donations to be truly a gift to fragile X research and to those families who may benefit from such research.
