Impact of KDM6B mosaic brain knockout on synaptic function and behavior

Bastian Brauer, Carlos Ancatén-González, Constanza Ahumada-Marchant, Rodrigo C. Meza, Nicolas Merino-Veliz, Gino Nardocci, Lorena Varela-Nallar, Gloria Arriagada, Andrés E. Chávez*, Fernando J. Bustos*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are complex neurodevelopmental conditions characterized by impairments in social communication, repetitive behaviors, and restricted interests. Epigenetic modifications serve as critical regulators of gene expression playing a crucial role in controlling brain function and behavior. Lysine (K)-specific demethylase 6B (KDM6B), a stress-inducible H3K27me3 demethylase, has emerged as one of the highest ASD risk genes, but the precise effects of KDM6B mutations on neuronal activity and behavioral function remain elusive. Here we show the impact of KDM6B mosaic brain knockout on the manifestation of different autistic-like phenotypes including repetitive behaviors, social interaction, and significant cognitive deficits. Moreover, KDM6B mosaic knockout display abnormalities in hippocampal excitatory synaptic transmission decreasing NMDA receptor mediated synaptic transmission and plasticity. Understanding the intricate interplay between epigenetic modifications and neuronal function may provide novel insights into the pathophysiology of ASD and potentially inform the development of targeted therapeutic interventions.

Original languageEnglish
Article number20416
JournalScientific Reports
Volume14
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2024

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© The Author(s) 2024.

Keywords

  • ASD
  • Behavior
  • Gene editing
  • KDM6B
  • NMDA

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