scholarly journals Gene, brain, and behavior relationships in fragile X syndrome: Evidence from neuroimaging studies

2009 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 343-352 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy A. Lightbody ◽  
Allan L. Reiss
1991 ◽  
Vol 4 (5) ◽  
pp. 667-673 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa S. Freund ◽  
Michael T. Abrams ◽  
Allan L. Reiss

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tri Indah Winarni ◽  
Andrea Schneider ◽  
Mariya Borodyanskara ◽  
Randi J. Hagerman

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common inherited cause of intellectual disability due to an expansion in the full mutation range (>200 CGG repeats) of the promoter region of theFMR1gene leading to gene silencing. Lack of FMRP, a critical protein for dendritic spine formation and maturation, will cause FXS. Early environmental enrichment combined with pharmacological intervention has been proven to rescue dendritic spine abnormalities in the animal model of FXS. Here we report on 2 young children with FXS who were treated early with a combination of targeted treatment and intensive educational interventions leading to improvement in their cognition and behavior and a normal IQ.


Author(s):  
Bridgette L. Tonnsen ◽  
Svetlana V. Shinkareva ◽  
Sara C. Deal ◽  
Deborah D. Hatton ◽  
Jane E. Roberts

Abstract Anxiety is among the most impairing conditions associated with Fragile X syndrome (FXS) and is putatively linked to atypical physiological arousal. However, few studies have examined this association in young children with FXS. The authors examined whether patterns of arousal and behavior during an experimental stranger approach paradigm differ between a cross-sectional sample of 21 young children with FXS and 19 controls (12–58 months old). Groups did not differ in mean levels of behavioral fear. Unlike the control group, however, the FXS group demonstrated increased facial fear at older ages, as well as age-dependent changes in associations between heart activity and distress vocalizations. These findings may inform theoretical models of anxiety etiology in FXS and early detection efforts.


Cell Reports ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 727-736 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christina Gross ◽  
Chia-Wei Chang ◽  
Seth M. Kelly ◽  
Aditi Bhattacharya ◽  
Sean M.J. McBride ◽  
...  

2003 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 927-968 ◽  
Author(s):  
ALLAN L. REISS ◽  
CHRISTOPHER C. DANT

Analyzing gene–brain–behavior linkages in childhood neurodevelopmental disorders, a research approach called “behavioral neurogenetics,” has provided new insights into understanding how both genetic and environmental factors contribute to complex variations in typical and atypical human development. Research into etiologically more homogeneous disorders, such as fragile X syndrome, in particular, allows the use of more precise metrics of genetic risk so that we can more fully understand the complex pathophysiology of childhood onset neurodevelopmental disorders. In this paper, we review our laboratory's behavioral neurogenetics research by examining gene–brain–behavior relationships in fragile X syndrome, a single-gene disorder that has become a well-characterized model for studying neurodevelopmental dysfunction in childhood. Specifically, we examine genetic influences, trajectories of cognition and behavior, variation in brain structure and function, and biological and environmental factors that influence developmental and cognitive outcomes of children with fragile X. The converging approaches across these multilevel scientific domains indicate that fragile X, which arises from disruption of a single gene leading to the loss of a specific protein, is associated with a cascade of aberrations in neurodevelopment, resulting in a central nervous system that is suboptimal with respect to structure and function. In turn, structural and functional brain alterations lead to early disruption in emotion, cognition, and behavior in the child with fragile X. The combination of molecular genetics, neuroimaging, and behavioral research have advanced our understanding of the linkages between genetic variables, neurobiological measures, IQ, and behavior. Our research and that of others demonstrates that neurobehavior and neurocognition, genetics, and neuroanatomy are all different views of the same intriguing biological puzzle, a puzzle that today is rapidly emerging into a more complete picture of the intricate linkages among gene, brain, and behavior in developing children. Understanding the complex multilevel scientific perspective involved in fragile X will also contribute to our understanding of normal development by highlighting developmental events throughout the life span, thereby helping us to delineate the boundaries of pathology.


Author(s):  
Jan S. Greenberg ◽  
Marsha Mailick Seltzer ◽  
Jason K. Baker ◽  
Leann E. Smith ◽  
Steven F. Warren ◽  
...  

Abstract We examine how the family environment is associated with aspects of the Fragile X syndrome phenotype during childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. Mothers of children (n  =  48), adolescents (n  =  85), and adults (n  =  34) with Fragile X syndrome participated in a multisite study. For children and adults with Fragile X syndrome, the presence of warmth and positivity and the absence of criticism were associated with fewer behavior problems. Although a higher level of criticism was significantly associated with greater behavior problems, there were only trend-level associations between levels of warmth and positivity and behavior problems during the adolescent years. The provision of family psychoeducation programs, which can reduce parental criticism, would likely benefit both the individual with Fragile X syndrome and the family.


2002 ◽  
Vol 27 (7) ◽  
pp. 855-872 ◽  
Author(s):  
D Hessl ◽  
B Glaser ◽  
J Dyer-Friedman ◽  
C Blasey ◽  
T Hastie ◽  
...  

Author(s):  
Audra M. Sterling ◽  
Steven F. Warren ◽  
Nancy Brady ◽  
Kandace Fleming

Abstract This study investigated the influence of maternal and child variables on the maternal responsivity of 55 mothers with young children with fragile X syndrome. Data included video observations of mother-child interactions in four different contexts, standardized assessments with the children, and standardized questionnaires for the mothers. The video observations were coded for child communication acts; maternal responsivity was coded at two levels: a more general measure and a behavior-by-behavior measure. Results indicated that child developmental level and language ability strongly influenced behavior-by-behavior responsivity, while maternal IQ was the strongest predictor of both general and behavior-by-behavior responsivity, after controlling for child developmental level.


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