Publication
Title
Expression of the GABAergic system in animal models for fragile X syndrome and fragile X associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS)
Author
Abstract
After our initial discovery of reduced expression of several subunits of the GABAA receptor in two different animal models for fragile X syndrome, a frequent form of inherited mental retardation, we analyzed further components of the GABAergic pathway. Interestingly, we found a down regulation of many additional elements of the GABA signalling system, strengthening our hypothesis of involvement of the GABAergic pathway in the pathophysiology of fragile X syndrome. This is of special interest with regard to new therapeutic opportunities for treatment of this disorder. Remarkably, under expression was predominantly observed in cortex, although some elements of the GABAergic system that are expressed presynaptically or in the glial cells were also down regulated in the cerebellum. Additionally, we assessed the GABAergic system in expanded CGG-repeat mice, a model for fragile X associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS). This late onset neurodegenerative disorder occurs in carriers of the fragile X premutation (55200 CGG repeats) and is completely distinct (from both clinical and molecular pathogenic perspectives) from the neurodevelopmental disorder fragile X syndrome. Here we found upregulation of many components of the GABAergic system in cerebellum, but not in cortex. This finding is consistent with the cerebellar phenotype of FXTAS patients and has implications for the mechanism causative of differential gene expression.
Language
English
Source (journal)
Brain research. - Amsterdam
Publication
Amsterdam : 2009
ISSN
0006-8993
0921-8246
DOI
10.1016/J.BRAINRES.2008.11.075
Volume/pages
1253 (2009) , p. 176-183
ISI
000263738600019
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 19.02.2009
Last edited 04.03.2024
To cite this reference