Exploring Neural Activities in the Prefrontal Cortex of Fragile X Syndrome Mouse Models Using Electroencephalography

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common inherited cause of intellectual disability and a leading monogenic contributor to autism spectrum disorder. Human EEG studies have identified alterations in gamma power, alpha slowing, cross-frequency coupling, and reduced signal complexity, suggesting potential translational biomarkers of network dysfunction. However, the extent to which these signatures are conserved in preclinical models—especially in female mice—remains unclear. This thesis aimed to characterize oscillatory alterations in female Fmr1 knockout (KO) mice on a C57BL/6J background and to evaluate whether EEG-derived metrics align with human findings. Analyses of spectral power, peak alpha frequency, theta–beta ratio, cross-frequency coupling, and signal complexity revealed reduced alpha power, slowed peak alpha frequency, disrupted coupling, and altered gamma activity. These features partially mirror abnormalities reported in FXS patients, underscoring EEG’s translational relevance. By extending analysis beyond traditional spectral power, this work establishes a bridge between preclinical and clinical EEG metrics and highlights the importance of including female models to advance biomarker development and translational research in FXS.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science (MSc)

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Medicine – Neuroscience

Grantor

Cumming School of Medicine

Year dc:date.issued

2025

Author dc:creator

• Wang, Bosong

Advisors dc:contributor.advisor

• Cheng, Ning
• Yan, Jun

Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember

• Whelan, Patrick
• Bray, Signe
• Yang, Guang

• Fragile X syndrome
• Female
• Mouse model
• Electroencephalography
• Juvenile mice
• C57BL/6J
• Thalamocortical network

Statement dc:rights

• Unless otherwise indicated, this material is protected by copyright and has been made available with authorization from the copyright owner. You may use this material in any way that is permitted by the Copyright Act or through licensing that has been assigned to the document. For uses that are not allowable under copyright legislation or licensing, you are required to seek permission.

Language dc:language.iso

en

DOI

https://dx.doi.org/10.11575/PRISM/50875

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:ucalgary.scholaris.ca:1880/123616