HDAC3 Inhibition Causes the Impairment in Development of Neocortical VIP Interneurons via dysregulation of Notch Signaling and Autism-like Behaviors

ABSTRACT: Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impairments in social interactions and stereotyped behaviors. While ASD has a strong genetic background, environmental factors including toxins, pesticides, infection and drugs are also known to confer autism susceptibility, likely by inducing epigenetic changes. Exposure to Valproic acid (VPA), a drug for epilepsy and bipolar disorders, during pregnancy is highly associated with the risk of ASD children. In rodents, in utero VPA exposure can precipitate behavioral phenotypes related to ASD in the offspring. Since VPA is an inhibitor of histone deacethytransferase (HDAC) activity, it thought to cause ASD with epigenetic modification. However, the core mechanism by which prenatal VPA exposure causes onset of ASD is still not fully uncovered. Here we revealed that prenatal VPA exposure strongly influences development of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) - positive neurons, a subtype of cortical GABAergic interneurons. The number of VIP+ interneurons was severely reduced in somatosensory area of VPA-exposed ASD animals. We then found that the reduction in VIP+ interneurons is caused by the inhibition of HDAC3 activity upon prenatal VPA exposure. Importantly, prenatal HDAC3 inhibition caused not only the selective reduction in VIP+ interneurons but also the ASD-like behaviors in mice. We then demonstrated that the HDAC3 inhibition aberrantly activates Notch signaling, which influences the cell fate determination of VIP+ interneuron progenitors in caudal ganglionic eminence. Thus, this study uncovers the mechanism by which specific HDAC inhibition during development influences a specific type of GABAergic interneurons in the ASD model. The findings provide a novel insight into the understanding of ASD pathophysiology.

ORGANISM(S): Mus musculus

PROVIDER: GSE133932 | GEO | 2022/06/20

REPOSITORIES: GEO