The role of fragile X mental retardation protein in major mental disorders

Neuropharmacology. 2011 Jun;60(7-8):1221-6. doi: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2010.11.011. Epub 2010 Nov 22.

Abstract

Fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) is highly enriched in neurons and binds to approximately 4% of mRNAs in mammalian brain. Its loss is a hallmark of fragile X syndrome (FXS), the most common form of mental retardation. In this review we discuss the mutation in the fragile X mental retardation-1 gene (FMR1), that leads to FXS, the role FMRP plays in neuronal cells, experiments from our own laboratory that demonstrate reductions of FMRP in additional psychiatric disorders (autism, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder), and potential therapies to ameliorate the loss of FMRP. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled 'Trends in neuropharmacology: in memory of Erminio Costa'.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Autistic Disorder / genetics
  • Autistic Disorder / physiopathology
  • Cerebellum / physiopathology
  • Female
  • Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein / genetics
  • Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein / metabolism*
  • Fragile X Syndrome / genetics
  • Fragile X Syndrome / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Intellectual Disability / drug therapy
  • Intellectual Disability / genetics
  • Intellectual Disability / metabolism
  • Male
  • Mental Disorders / drug therapy
  • Mental Disorders / genetics
  • Mental Disorders / metabolism*
  • Mice
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy

Substances

  • Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein