Fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) and the spinal sensory system

The purpose of this chapter is to discuss the role of the fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) in the spinal sensory system and the potential for use of the mouse model of fragile X syndrome to better understand some aspects of the human syndrome as well as advance knowledge in other areas of investigation, such as pain amplification, an important aspect of clinical pain disorders. We describe how the Fmr1 knockout mouse can be used to better understand the role of Fmrp in axons using cultures of sensory neurons and using manipulations to these neurons in vivo. We also discuss the established evidence for a role of Fmrp in nociceptive sensitization and how this evidence relates to an emerging role of translation control as a key process in pain amplification. Finally, we explore opportunities centered on the Fmr1 KO mouse for gaining further insight into the role of translation control in pain amplification and how this model may be used to identify novel therapeutic targets. We conclude that the study of the spinal sensory system in the Fmr1 KO mouse presents several unique prospects for gaining better insight into the human disorder and other clinical issues, such as chronic pain disorders, that affect millions of people worldwide.