Reversing the Effects of Fragile X Syndrome

Abstract

This column focuses on recent research in which researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology reversed several morphological, neurophysiological, and behavioral consequences of fragile X syndrome in a mouse model of this disorder. In so doing, this column brings together several issues raised in all three previous columns 1 Ogren MP Lombroso PJ Epigenetics: behavioral influences on gene function: I. Maternal behavior permanently affects adult behavior in offspring. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2008; 47: 240-248 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (13) Google Scholar , 2 Ogren MP Lombroso PJ Epigenetics: behavioral influences on gene function: II. Molecular mechanisms. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2008; 47: 374-378 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (3) Google Scholar , 3 Lombroso PJ Ogren MP Fragile X syndrome: keys to the molecular genetics of synaptic plasticity. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2008; 47: 736-739 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (9) Google Scholar : the genetic basis of neuropsychiatric disease, the interaction of genes and the environment in developmental neuropsychiatric disorders, and how the molecular mechanisms underlying such disorders can point the way to effective therapies. Specifically, this issue's column focuses on how synaptic plasticity, which underlies brain development as well as learning and memory, is abnormally regulated in fragile X syndrome and how this abnormality may be modulated by therapeutic interventions.