Gene, brain, and behavior relationships in fragile X syndrome: evidence from neuroimaging studies

Dev Disabil Res Rev. 2009;15(4):343-52. doi: 10.1002/ddrr.77.

Abstract

Fragile X syndrome (FraX) remains the most common inherited cause of intellectual disability and provides a valuable model for studying gene-brain-behavior relationships. Over the past 15 years, structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging studies have emerged with the goal of better understanding the neural pathways contributing to the cognitive and behavioral outcomes seen in individuals with FraX. Specifically, structural MRI studies have established and begun to refine the specific topography of neuroanatomical variation associated with FraX. In addition, functional neuroimaging studies have begun to elucidate the neural underpinnings of many of the unique characteristics of FraX including difficulties with eye gaze, executive functioning, and behavioral inhibition. This review highlights studies with a focus on the relevant gene-brain-behavior connections observed in FraX. The relationship of brain regions and activation patterns to FMRP are discussed as well as the clinical cognitive and behavioral correlates of these neuroimaging findings.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Brain / anatomy & histology*
  • Brain / physiopathology
  • Caudate Nucleus / anatomy & histology
  • Caudate Nucleus / physiopathology
  • Cerebellum / anatomy & histology
  • Cerebellum / physiopathology
  • Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein / genetics*
  • Fragile X Syndrome / epidemiology
  • Fragile X Syndrome / genetics*
  • Fragile X Syndrome / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Intellectual Disability / epidemiology
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Social Behavior*

Substances

  • FMR1 protein, human
  • Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein