Heterozygosity for the mutated X-chromosome-linked L1 cell adhesion molecule gene leads to increased numbers of neurons and enhanced metabolism in the forebrain of female carrier mice

Mutations in the X-chromosomal L1CAM gene lead to severe neurological deficits. In this study, we analyzed brains of female mice heterozygous for L1 (L1+/−) to gain insights into the brain structure of human females carrying one mutated L1 allele. From postnatal day 7 onward into adulthood, L1+/− female mice show an increased density of neurons in the neocortex and basal ganglia in comparison to wild-type (L1+/+) mice, correlating with enhanced...