Genetic Heterogeneity of Autism Spectrum Disorders

Swanwick, Catherine Croft; Larsen, Eric; Banerjee-Basu, Sharmila

doi:10.5772/19531

Cited by 2 publications

(1 citation statement)

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“…Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) encompasses a highly heterogeneous set of neurodevelopmental conditions characterized by a complex behavioral phenotype and deficits in both social and cognitive functions. Over 100 gene mutations have been associated with ASD suggesting very different underlying etiologies (Betancur, 2011;Betancur & Coleman, 2013;Butler, 2018;Croft et al, 2011;Grove et al, 2019). This complex neurodevelopmental disorder, which is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors, results from profound changes in brain function and connectivity.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Role of matrix metalloproteinase-9 in neurodevelopmental disorders and experience-dependent plasticity in Xenopus tadpoles

Gore

James

Huang

et al. 2020

Preprint

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Matrix metalloproteinase-9 is a secreted endopeptidase targeting extracellular matrix proteins, creating permissive environments for neuronal development and plasticity. Developmental dysregulation of MMP-9 may also lead to neurodevelopmental disorders (ND). Here we test the hypothesis that chronically elevated MMP-9 activity during early neurodevelopment is responsible for neural circuit hyperconnectivity observed in Xenopus tadpoles after early exposure to valproic acid (VPA), a known teratogen associated with ND in humans. In Xenopus tadpoles, VPA exposure results in excess local synaptic connectivity, disrupted social behavior and increased seizure susceptibility. We found that overexpressing MMP-9 in the brain copies effects of VPA on synaptic connectivity, and blocking MMP-9 activity either pharmacologically or genetically reverses effects of VPA on physiology and behavior. We further show that during normal neurodevelopment MMP-9 levels are tightly regulated by neuronal activity and required for structural plasticity. These studies show a critical role for MMP-9 in both normal and abnormal development. Summary:Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in social and cognitive functions. Prenatal exposure to valproic acid (VPA) results in ASD in humans and in neurodevelopmental abnormalities in other animal models. Similarly, exposure to VPA during a critical developmental period in Xenopus tadpoles causes behavioral and electrophysiological abnormalities consistent with hyperconnected neural networks. VPA exposure results in upregulation of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) levels in tadpole brains,

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%