Downregulation of GABA(A) β subunits is transcriptionally controlled by Fmr1p

J Mol Neurosci. 2012 Feb;46(2):272-5. doi: 10.1007/s12031-011-9531-5. Epub 2011 May 6.

Abstract

Fragile X mental retardation syndrome is caused by the transcriptional silence of FMR1. Here, a quantitative PCR technique was used to examine the effect of Fmr1p on the expression of GABA(A) β subunits in different mouse brain regions. Our results demonstrated the reduction of GABA(A) β2 mRNA in all brain regions assessed, and the reduction of GABA(A) β3 mRNA in the cortex, suggesting that the expression of GABA(A) β subunits is transcriptionally regulated by Fmr1p. This finding may help to establish the link between the transcriptional profile of the GABAergic inhibitory system and the development of fragile X mental retardation syndrome.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Animals, Congenic
  • Brain / metabolism*
  • Cerebellum / metabolism
  • Cerebral Cortex / metabolism
  • Diencephalon / metabolism
  • Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein / genetics
  • Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein / physiology*
  • Hippocampus / metabolism
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / biosynthesis
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / genetics*
  • Organ Specificity
  • Protein Subunits
  • RNA, Messenger / biosynthesis
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics*
  • Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Receptors, GABA-A / biosynthesis
  • Receptors, GABA-A / genetics*
  • Transcription, Genetic

Substances

  • Fmr1 protein, mouse
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins
  • Protein Subunits
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Receptors, GABA-A
  • Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein