Professor Dr. Raymond Turner

Biography

Dr. Raymond William Turner’s work focuses on neuronal membrane excitability studies at molecular physiological levels using animal models. He is exploring new potential therapeutic treatments for the genetic disorder Fragile X Syndrome (FXS). Dr. Turner discovered a fragment missing protein, FMRP, and reintroduced this into the brain using a cell-permeable peptide (tat) that crosses the blood-brain barrier to enter neurons. Remarkably, FMRP N-tat restores ion channel function at the circuit level output (EEG) in a FXS mouse model with a single injection. The success of his work has attracted donor support, leading to the formation of a company (BowensFX) aimed at rapidly advancing fragments towards initial clinical trials to achieve translational outcomes. His research is currently funded by CIHR, NSERC, DCNS/HBI, and FRAXA.

Research Interests

Experience