What causes Fragile X syndrome?
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is caused by a change (mutation) in a gene on the X chromosome. Genes contain codes, or recipes, for proteins. Proteins are very important biological components (parts) in all forms of life. The gene on the X chromosome that causes FXS is called the Fragile X Mental Retardation 1 (FMR1) gene. The FMR1 gene makes a protein that is needed for normal brain development. In FXS, the protein is not made. Please see About genes and mutations for more information.