Abstract
Deletions in the 15q11.2 region of the human genome are associated with neurobehavioral deficits, and motor development delay, as well as in some cases, symptoms of autism or schizophrenia. The cytoplasmic FMRP-interacting protein 1 (CYFIP1) is one of the four genes contained within this locus and has been associated with other genetic forms of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). In mice, Cyfip1 haploinsufficiency leads to alteration of dendritic spine morphology and defects in synaptic plasticity, two pathophysiological hallmarks of mouse models of ASD. At the behavioral level, however, Cyfip1 haploinsufficiency leads to minor phenotypes, not directly relevant for 15q11.2 deletion syndrome or ASD. A fundamental question is whether neuronal phenotypes caused by the mutation of Cyfip1 are relevant for the human condition. Here, we describe a synaptic cluster of ASD-associated proteins centered on CYFIP1 and the adhesion protein Neuroligin-3. Cyfip1 haploinsufficiency in mice led to decreased dendritic spine density and stability associated with social behavior and motor learning phenotypes. Behavioral training early in development resulted in alleviating the motor learning deficits caused by Cyfip1 haploinsufficiency. Altogether, these data provide new insight into the neuronal and behavioral phenotypes caused by Cyfip1 mutation and proof-of-concept for the development of a behavioral therapy to treat phenotypes associated with 15q11.2 syndromes and ASD.
Highlights
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are defined by persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction accompanied by restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities
cytoplasmic fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP)-interacting protein 1 (CYFIP1) was detected in the three different brain regions indicating that the interaction between Neuroligin-3 and CYFIP1 is not restricted to a particular brain region
To determine if the interaction between Neuroligin-3 and CYFIP1 occurs in neurons, immunoprecipitations were performed on brain samples originating from mice expressing Neuroligin-3 only in Pvalbexpressing neurons (Nlgn3KOPvalbCre), as we previously showed that re-expressing Neuroligin-3 in these cells was sufficient to restore the autism spectrum disorders (ASD)-related deficits in Nlgn[3] knockout mice[21]
Summary
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are defined by persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction accompanied by restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities. In addition to these core symptoms, more than 70% of individuals with ASD have co-occurring medical, developmental, or psychiatric conditions[1]. The 15q11.2 locus contains four genes, tubulin gamma complex-associated protein 3 (TUBGCP3), cytoplasmic FMR1 interacting protein 1 (CYFIP1), and non-imprinted in Prader-Willi/Angelman syndrome 1 and 2 (NIPA1/2)), and is associated with larger 15q11–q13 type I deletions causing Prader-Willi or Angelman Syndromes[3]. The four genes in the 15q11.2 locus were shown to impact on the behavioral
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