Intact spatial learning in Fmr1-/y , Syngap1+/-, and Grin2b+/- rat models of neurodevelopmental disorders

Introduction

FMR1, SYNGAP1, and GRIN2B gene mutations Q8 are known causes of mild to severe intellectual disability (ID) in humans, with affected individuals frequently co-diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). These three genes influence molecular mechanisms underlying synaptic plasticity, and thus spatial memory behaviors have been of interest in studying rodent models of these mutations. However, evidence of spatial memory impairment across these models is inconsistent, with some studies reporting deficits and others finding none.