Missense mutation of Fmr1 results in impaired AMPAR-mediated plasticity and socio-cognitive deficits in mice

Nat Commun. 2021 Mar 10;12(1):1557. doi: 10.1038/s41467-021-21820-1.

Abstract

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most frequent form of inherited intellectual disability and the best-described monogenic cause of autism. CGG-repeat expansion in the FMR1 gene leads to FMR1 silencing, loss-of-expression of the Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein (FMRP), and is a common cause of FXS. Missense mutations in the FMR1 gene were also identified in FXS patients, including the recurrent FMRP-R138Q mutation. To investigate the mechanisms underlying FXS caused by this mutation, we generated a knock-in mouse model (Fmr1R138Q) expressing the FMRP-R138Q protein. We demonstrate that, in the hippocampus of the Fmr1R138Q mice, neurons show an increased spine density associated with synaptic ultrastructural defects and increased AMPA receptor-surface expression. Combining biochemical assays, high-resolution imaging, electrophysiological recordings, and behavioural testing, we also show that the R138Q mutation results in impaired hippocampal long-term potentiation and socio-cognitive deficits in mice. These findings reveal the functional impact of the FMRP-R138Q mutation in a mouse model of FXS.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biotinylation
  • Brain / metabolism
  • Brain / physiopathology
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Cognitive Dysfunction / genetics*
  • Cognitive Dysfunction / metabolism
  • Cognitive Dysfunction / physiopathology*
  • Female
  • Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein / genetics
  • Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein / metabolism*
  • Hippocampus / metabolism
  • Hippocampus / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Immunoblotting
  • Long-Term Potentiation / genetics
  • Long-Term Potentiation / physiology
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mutation, Missense / genetics
  • Mutation, Missense / physiology*
  • Patch-Clamp Techniques
  • Receptors, Glutamate / genetics
  • Receptors, Glutamate / metabolism*

Substances

  • Fmr1 protein, mouse
  • Receptors, Glutamate
  • Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein