Research, Clinical Opportunities, & Events
Articles Published Based on Research
The Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases has published an article “The spectrum of neurological presentation in individuals affected by TBL1XR1 gene defects,” based on the work of Dr. Nagy, her team at Mass General, and those within the TBL1XR1 disease community who participated in the natural history survey on TBL1XR1.
Türkiye Today published an article about the development of a brain organoid to better study TBL1XR1. This research is being performed by Turkish researchers and sponsored by Herdem Care Association, our sister organization focused on TBL1XR1-related disorder.
TBL1XR1 Global Family Forum & Scientific Conference October 1-3, 2026
The TBL1XR1 Global Family Forum & Scientific Conference is set to take place in Istanbul from October 1-3, 2026. This event, hosted by Herdem Care Association, our sister organization based in Turkey, promises to be a valuable opportunity for patients, families, and researchers to connect, learn, and advance our understanding of and potential treatments for TBL1XR1-related disorder. A more detailed agenda is being developed. Please reach out to flylittlebirdfoundation@gmail.com if you’re interested in attending or learning more about this event.
TBL1XR1 Center of Excellence at Mass General
The Fly Little Bird Foundation has funded a TBL1XR1 Center of Excellence at Massachusetts General Hospital in the Department of Neurology. This includes access in the clinic of Neurogenetics Fellow Dr. Amanda Nagy, MD, who specializes in pediatric cases involving genetic neurological disorders. Dr. Nagy often sees children with rare and ultra-rare diseases in her clinic and, in fact, has already seen several children with TBL1XR1 gene variants, enabling her to offer a scientific presentation on this topic at two major pediatric genetic conferences already. With the considerable funding from the foundation, Dr. Nagy is now able to devote a significant portion of her clinical and research time to TBL1XR1 patients to specialize further in understanding this disorder.
The foundation is excited to have TBL1XR1 studied by Dr. Nagy and her colleagues because while she develops a deeper picture of this disorder, she can also begin to work with her colleagues to think about treatments.
Dr. Nagy’s clinic will work with each family’s insurance to schedule and approve the visits.
Apply for a Grant
Fly Little Bird Foundation seeks to fund research that has the potential to accomplish one or more of the following:
Better characterize patient populations with respect to TBL1XR1 gene variants;
Address an important or novel research question related to the TBL1XR1 gene and/or TBL1XR1 gene variants; or
Identify and develop therapies or treatments that could significantly improve the quality of life for individuals with TBL1XR1 gene variants.
Proposals must have specific relevance to the TBL1XR1 gene, and show promise for contributing to scientific advancement in the field of study.
Grant proposals should include a specific budget and a brief, bullet point timeline. Proposals are accepted on a rolling basis. Please submit proposals to flylittlebirdfoundation@gmail.com and reach out with any questions.