Genetic background mutations drive neural circuit hyperconnectivity in a fragile X syndrome model.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Neural circuits are initially assembled during development when neurons synapse with potential partners and later refined as appropriate connections stabilize into mature synapses while inappropriate contacts are eliminated. Disruptions to this synaptogenic process impair connectivity optimization and can cause neurodevelopmental disorders. Intellectual disability (ID) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are often characterized by synaptic overgrowth, with the maintenance of immature or inappropriate synapses. Such synaptogenic defects can occur through mutation of a single gene, such as fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) loss causing the neurodevelopmental disorder fragile X syndrome (FXS). FXS represents the leading heritable cause of ID and ASD, but many other

SUBMITTER: Kennedy T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7392683 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature