Fulfilling the Promise of Molecular Medicine In Autism

Metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) have been implicated in a diverse variety of neuronal functions. Data indicate that exaggerated signaling through mGluR5 can account for multiple cognitive and syndromic features of fragile X syndrome, the most common inherited form of mental retardation and autism. Since a reduction of mGluR5 signaling can reverse fragile X phenotypes, these studies provide a compelling rationale for the use of mGluR5 antagonists for the treatment of fragile X and autism.