The RNA-binding fragile-X mental retardation protein and its role beyond the brain

It is well-established that variations of a CGG repeat expansion in the gene FMR1, which encodes the fragile-X mental retardation protein (FMRP), cause the neurocognitive disorder, fragile-X syndrome (FXS). However, multiple observations suggest a general and complex regulatory role of FMRP in processes outside the brain: (1) FMRP is ubiquitously expressed in the body, suggesting it functions in multiple organ systems; (2) patients with FXS can...