Dataset Information

Foxp1 expression in forebrain pyramidal neurons controls gene expression required for spatial learning and synaptic plasticity

ABSTRACT: Genetic perturbations of the transcription factor, Forkhead Box P1 (FOXP1), occur in patients with autism spectrum disorder who have an increased risk for comorbidity with intellectual disability. Recent work has begun to reveal an important role for Foxp1 in brain development, but the brain region-specific contribution of Foxp1 to autism and intellectual disability phenotypes has yet to be fully determined. Here, we characterize Foxp1 conditional knockout (Foxp1cKO) mice with loss of Foxp1 in the pyramidal neurons of the neocortex and the CA1/CA2 subfields of the hippocampus. Foxp1cKO mice exhibit behavioral phenotypes that are relevant to autism spectrum disorder, including hyperactivity, increased anxiety, and decreased sociability. In addition, Foxp1cKO mice have gross deficits in learning and memory tasks that are relevant to intellectual disability. Using a genome-wide approach, we identified genes differentially expressed in the hippocampus of Foxp1cKO mice that are associated with synaptic function and physiology that could represent molecular networks related to the observed behavioral deficits. Finally, we observed reduced maintenance of long-term potentiation in the CA1 subfield of these animals. Together, these data suggest that expression of Foxp1 in pyramidal neurons of the forebrain is important for regulating gene expression pathways that contribute to specific behaviors relevant to autism and intellectual disability. In particular, Foxp1 regulation of gene expression in the hippocampus appears to be crucial for normal CA1 physiology and spatial learning.

ORGANISM(S): Mus musculus

PROVIDER: GSE97181 | GEO | 2018/02/13

REPOSITORIES: GEO

ACCESS DATA

Dataset's files

Source:

			Action	DRS
		Other

Items per page:

1 - 1 of 1

Similar Datasets

Project description:Background: Mutations in the X-linked gene cyclin-dependent kinase-like 5 (CDKL5) cause a severe neurological disorder characterised by early-onset epileptic seizures, autism and intellectual disability (ID). Impaired hippocampal function has been implicated in other models of monogenic forms of autism spectrum disorders and ID and is often linked to epilepsy and behavioural abnormalities. Many individuals with CDKL5 deficiency disorder (CDD) have null mutations and complete loss of CDKL5 protein, therefore in the current study we used a Cdkl5-/y rat model to elucidate the impact of CDKL5 loss on cellular excitability and synaptic function of CA1 pyramidal cells (PCs). We hypothesised abnormal pre and/or post synaptic function underlie the enhanced LTP we observe in the hippocampus of Cdkl5-/y rats. Methods: To allow cross-species comparisons of phenotypes associated with the loss of CDKL5, we generated a loss of function mutation in exon 5 of the rat Cdkl5 gene and assessed the impact of the loss of CDLK5 using a combination of extracellular and whole-cell electrophysiological recordings, biochemistry, and histology. Results: Our results indicate that CA1 hippocampal LTP is enhanced in slices prepared from juvenile, but not adult, Cdkl5-/y rats. Enhanced LTP does not result from changes in NMDA receptor function or subunit expression as these remain unaltered throughout development. Furthermore, Ca2+ permeable AMPA receptor mediated currents are unchanged in Cdkl5-/y rats. We observe reduced mEPSC frequency accompanied by increased spine density in basal dendrites of CA1 PCs, however we find no evidence supporting an increase in silent synapses when assessed using a minimal stimulation protocol in slices. Additionally, we found no change in paired-pulse ratio, consistent with normal release probability at Schaffer collateral to CA1 PC synapses. Conclusions: Our data indicate a role for CDKL5 in hippocampal synaptic function and raise the possibility that altered intracellular signalling rather than synaptic deficits contribute to the altered plasticity. Limitations: This study has focussed on the electrophysiological and anatomical properties of hippocampal CA1 PCs across early postnatal development. Studies involving other brains regions, older animals and behavioural phenotypes associated with the loss of CDKL5 are needed to understand the pathophysiology of CDD.

Dataset Information

Foxp1 expression in forebrain pyramidal neurons controls gene expression required for spatial learning and synaptic plasticity

Dataset's files

Similar Datasets

OmicsDI is part of the ELIXIR infrastructure

Tweets