Abstracts

Summary: Activation of group I metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) can have deleterious long-lasting effects on hippocampal network excitability, enhancing its propensity for producing seizure-length synchronized discharges. Under normal circumstances, however, there appear to be built-in regulators that help prevent this epileptogenic process from proceeding. In this Investigator s Workshop, Randi Hagerman will kick off the session, setting the stage for the clinical relevance of group I mGluR-mediated epileptogenesis by describing the pathophysiology and resultant phenotype of Fragile X syndrome (FXS), a condition that results from group I mGluR hyperexcitability. With Eric Klann s presentation, we will return to basic science to understand the signaling pathways that couple group I mGluRs to translation initiation, and we will explore the relevance of such pathways to FXS. Finally, Henri Tiedge will conclude by discussing endogenous regulators of group I mGluR signaling (BC RNAs and the Fragile X mental retardation protein) and the phenotypical consequences of their functional interactions. Lisa Merlin, who was among the first to demonstrate the epileptogenic properties of the group I mGluRs, will serve as moderator for this session.