X-linked mental retardation: focus on synaptic function and plasticity.
Among mental disorders, mental retardation has been shown to be caused by various factors including a large array of genetic mutations. On the basis of remarkable progress, the emerging view is that defects in the regulation of synaptic activity and morphogenesis of dendritic spines are apparently common features associated with mutations in several genes implicated in mental retardation. In this review, we will discuss X-linked MR-related gene products that are potentially involved in the normal structure and function of the synapses, with a particular focus on pre- and/or post-synaptic plasticity mechanisms. Progress in understanding the underlying conditions leading to mental retardation will undoubtedly be gained from a closer collaboration of geneticists, physiologists and cognitive neuroscientists, which should enable the establishment of standardized approaches.
Humeau
Yann
Y
Département Neurotransmission et Sécrétion Neuroendocrine, Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives, UPR-3212, CNRS and Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.
Gambino
Frédéric
F
Chelly
Jamel
J
Vitale
Nicolas
N
D000818:Animals; D049229:Dendritic Spines / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D038901:X-Linked Intellectual Disability / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000503:physiopathology; D009154:Mutation / Q000235:genetics; D009473:Neuronal Plasticity / Q000235:genetics; D010641:Phenotype; D013569:Synapses / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*