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Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) is the most common single gene cause of inherited mental impairment, and cognitive deficits can range from simple learning disabilities to mental retardation. Human FXS is caused by a loss of the Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein (FMRP). The fragile X knockout (FX KO) mouse also shows a loss of FMRP, as well as many of the physical and behavioural characteristics of human FXS. This work aims to characterize the anatomical changes between the FX KO and a corresponding wild type mouse. Significant volume decreases were found in two regions within the deep cerebellar nuclei, namely the nucleus interpositus and the fastigial nucleus, which may be caused by a loss of neurons as indicated by histological analysis. Well-known links between these nuclei and previously established behavioural and physical characteristics of FXS are discussed. The loss of FMRP has a significant effect on these two nuclei, and future studies of FXS should evaluate the biochemical, physiological, and behavioral consequences of alterations in these key nuclei.

Original publication

DOI

10.1016/j.neuroimage.2010.03.038

Type

Journal article

Journal

Neuroimage

Publication Date

15/11/2010

Volume

53

Pages

1023 - 1029

Keywords

Animals, Cerebellar Nuclei, Disease Models, Animal, Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein, Fragile X Syndrome, Image Processing, Computer-Assisted, Immunohistochemistry, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Mice, Mice, Inbred C57BL, Mice, Knockout, Phenotype, Tomography, X-Ray Computed