Dendritic spine structural anomalies in fragile-X mental retardation syndrome

Scott A. Irwin, Roberto Galvez, William T. Greenough

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

Fragile-X syndrome is the most common single-gene inherited form of mental retardation. Morphological studies suggest a possible failure of the synapse maturation process. Cerebral cortical spine morphology in fragile-X syndrome and in a knockout mouse model of it appears immature, with long, thin spines much more common than the stubby and mushroom-shaped spines more characteristic of normal development. In human fragile-X syndrome there is also a higher density of spines along dendrites, suggesting a possible failure of synapse elimination. While variously misshapen spines are characteristic of a number of mental retardation syndromes, the overabundance of spines seen in fragile-X syndrome is unusual. Taken with evidence of neurotransmitter activation of the synthesis of the fragile-X protein (FMRP) at synapses in vitro and evidence for behaviorally induced FMRP expression in vivo, and with evidence compatible with a role for FMRP in regulating the synthesis of other proteins, it is possible that FMRP serves as an 'immediate early protein' at the synapse that orchestratos aspects of synaptic development and plasticity.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1038-1044
Number of pages7
JournalCerebral Cortex
Volume10
Issue number10
DOIs
StatePublished - 2000

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Cognitive Neuroscience
  • Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Dendritic spine structural anomalies in fragile-X mental retardation syndrome'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this