Molecular basis of mental retardation uncovered

Scientists at last may have determined how mental retardation develops in people with fragile X syndrome, a condition caused by the inherited loss of an essential protein, termed the fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP). The new research demonstrates that FMRP controls the fate of several specific proteins in brain cells and thus may explain why the absence of this single protein can cause the range of physical, cognitive and behavioral abnormalities characteristic of fragile X syndrome.

Contact: Whitney Clavin
clavinw@rockefeller.edu
212-327-7900
Rockefeller University

Message posted by: Wouter Kalle