Longitudinal Changes in Functional Neural Activation and Sensitization During Face Processing in Fragile X Syndrome

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Developmental Psychology
• Genetics

Background:

• Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is linked to social anxiety and avoidance.
• Previous research indicated atypical face processing neural activity in young girls with FXS.
• This study investigates the longitudinal progression of neural abnormalities in girls with FXS.

Purpose of the Study:

• To test if neural activation and sensitization to faces increase with age in girls with FXS.
• To compare longitudinal neural profiles in girls with FXS and controls.
• To examine the relationship between neural sensitization and clinical symptoms.

Main Methods:

• Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) was used to collect brain activity data at two time points.
• Data were analyzed using linear mixed-effect models to assess longitudinal changes.
• Correlational analyses explored the link between neural sensitization and clinical ratings.

Main Results:

• Girls with FXS showed higher brain activation in the superior frontal gyrus compared to controls.
• Neural sensitization to upright faces increased at a higher rate in girls with FXS.
• Increased sensitization in the superior frontal gyrus correlated with rising anxiety and social avoidance scores.

Conclusions:

• Girls with FXS demonstrate progressively abnormal neural responses and sensitization to faces over time.
• Aberrant neural sensitization in FXS is associated with developmental changes in anxiety and social skills.