The Role of Homer Scaffolding to Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor 5 in Mouse Models of Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Dr. Katie Collins 
Faculty, Department of Biological Sciences, 
CSU, Chico 

By studying behavior in mice, Dr. Katie Collins hopes to learn more about Fragile X syndrome in humans. Fragile X is the most common inherited form of intellectual disability in humans, affecting one out of every 4,000 males. It is a leading genetic cause of autism; those with the disease also have lower cognitive abilities (IQs of 40-70), sensory hypersensitivity, and epilepsy (about 20% of individuals). Dr. Collins’ research has focused on “mGluR5- homer,” which is the binding protein that acts as a scaffold and signaling molecule. She and other researchers hypothesize that disruptions to this scaffolding protein contribute to Fragile X syndrome. 

Recorded: September 19, 2014