Synaptic Mechanisms of Motor Skill Learning in the Fragile-X Mouse Model

2012

Anna Dunaevsky
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402-559-1071

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common inherited form of an intellectual disability. Children with FXS can have a developmental impairment in the performance of learned skilled limb movements. Motor skill learning is thought to require synaptic plasticity in the primary motor cortex. To better understand how neuronal communication changes with motor learning, it is necessary to determine if learning can induce changes in number, morphology, efficacy, and molecular composition of synapses. Here we used the fmr1 KO mouse, a murine model for FXS, to study the mechanisms of learning in the primary motor cortex. We find that in the fmr1 KO mouse there is a mild deficit in motor skill learning that is accompanied by reduced changes in synaptic efficacy as compared to littermate controls. Moreover, in vivo 2-photon imaging reveals lack of learning induced increase in number of dendritic spines.

Conference presentations and posters presented

Professionals, Policymakers, Students

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