This is also believed to be part of the mechanism responsible for synapses forming, growing and changing during the process of learning. This phenomenon is referred to as neuronal plasticity. The neurotransmitter then triggers a nerve impulse in the post-synaptic neuron when it attaches to specific receptor sites on its surface. There are many different neurotransmitters utilized by different networks of neurons within the brain. Dr. Avoli s lab will look in detail at one particular neurotransmitter 4 known as acetylcholine and its specific receptors in wild and in FMR1 knockout mice.
Muscarinic receptors are one subclass of receptors that utilize acteylcholine as a neurotransmitter.
Muscarinic receptors play a role in some forms of learning and memory, and the part of the brain known as the subiculum is a major synaptic relay station between the hippocampus and various limbic structures that are involved in learning and memory. Does the Fragile X mutation modify the way the neurons transmit their electrochemical impulses to one another after they have been stimulated by a chemical called carbachol and 2. Does the mutation affect the production of acetylcholine receptors as measured by quantitative autoradiography and by examining the mRNA levels that encode for muscarinic receptors. There has been very little work done in this area. It will also give us more detailed information about the exact molecular role of the FMRP in order to guide future gene therapy or protein replacement therapy.