Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein is Reduced in Cerebella of Subjects with Autism

Autism and fragile X syndrome have multiple behavioral phenotypes in common, however there has been little research into the potential role of fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) in autism. We sought to measure protein levels of FMRP in the lateral cerebella of subjects with autism and matched controls. We found significantly reduced levels of FMRP (p < 0.0063) in subjects with autism. The loss of FMRP expression in subjects with autism may help explain behavioral deficits, presence of seizure, and reduction in GABA receptors in subjects with autism.