Fragile X family members have important and non-overlapping functions

8Citations
Citations of this article
12Readers
Mendeley users who have this article in their library.

Abstract

The fragile X family of genes encodes a small family of RNA binding proteins including FMRP, FXR1P and FXR2P that were identified in the 1990s. All three members are encoded by 17 exons and show alternative splicing at the 3′ ends of their respective transcripts. They share significant homology in the protein functional domains, including the Tudor domains, the nuclear localization sequence, a protein-protein interaction domain, the KH1 and KH2 domains and the nuclear export sequence. Fragile X family members are found throughout the animal kingdom, although all three members are not consistently present in species outside of mammals: only two family members are present in the avian species examined, Gallus gallus and Taeniopygia guttata, and in the frog Xenopus tropicalis. Although present in many tissues, the functions of the fragile X family members differ, which are particularly evident in knockout studies performed in animals. The fragile X family members play roles in normal neuronal function and in the case of FXR1, in muscle function.

Cite

CITATION STYLE

APA

Winograd, C., & Ceman, S. (2011, October 1). Fragile X family members have important and non-overlapping functions. Biomolecular Concepts. De Gruyter Mouton. https://doi.org/10.1515/BMC.2011.033

Register to see more suggestions

Mendeley helps you to discover research relevant for your work.

Already have an account?

Save time finding and organizing research with Mendeley

Sign up for free