The focus of the seminar series is to call for experts related to academia and research in the areas related to biomechanics, variability, motor disorders, physical therapy, and related studies.

Presentation Title: Neural Mechanisms of Fragile X Syndrome

Presentation Abstract:

Fragile X syndrome (FXS), caused by the loss of FMRP expression, is the leading monogenic cause of autism spectrum disorders. Clinical studies have identified several cognitive and behavioral impairments in children with FXS, such as learning deficits, sensory hypersensitivity and dysregulated sleep. Using the Fmr1 KO mouse model, we have recapitulated these behavioral impairments in adolescent mice. I will discuss our findings, using multiphoton imaging and electrophysiology approaches, that studied the neural mechanisms that underlie these behavioral impairments in mouse models of FXS. 

About the speaker:

Dr. Anna Dunaevsky is a Professor of Developmental Neuroscience at the University of Nebraska Medical Center for Genetics and Rehabilitation at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. She received her postdoctoral training studying neuronal development at Columbia University.