TCF20 dysfunction leads to cortical neurogenesis defects and autistic-like behaviors in mice

Resolving the three-dimensional interactome of Human Accelerated Regions during human and chimpanzee neurodevelopment

Human Accelerated Regions (HARs) are highly conserved across species but exhibit a significant excess of human-specific sequence changes, suggesting they may have gained novel functions in human evolution. HARs include transcriptional enhancers with human-specific activity and have been implicated in the evolution of the human brain. However, our understanding of how HARs contributed to uniquely human features of the brain is hindered by a lack of insight into the genes and pathways that HARs regulate. It is unclear whether HARs acted by altering the expression of gene targets conserved between HARs and their chimpanzee orthologs or by gaining new gene targets in human, a mechanism termed enhancer hijacking. We generated a high-resolution map of chromatin interactions for 1,590 HARs and their orthologs in human and chimpanzee neural stem cells (NSCs) to comprehensively identify gene targets in both species. HARs and their chimpanzee orthologs targeted a conserved set of 2,963 genes enriched for neurodevelopmental processes including neurogenesis and synaptic transmission. Changes in HAR enhancer activity were correlated with changes in conserved gene target expression. Conserved targets were enriched among genes differentially expressed between human and chimpanzee NSCs or between human and non-human primate developing and adult brain. Species-specific HAR gene targets did not converge on known biological functions and were not significantly enriched among differentially expressed genes, suggesting that HARs did not alter gene expression via enhancer hijacking. HAR gene targets, including differentially expressed targets, also showed cell type-specific expression patterns in the developing human brain, including outer radial glia, which are hypothesized to contribute to human cortical expansion. Our findings support that HARs influenced human brain evolution by altering the expression of conserved gene targets and provide the means to functionally link HARs with novel human brain features.

The role of Foxo3a in neuron-mediated cognitive impairment

Cognitive impairment (COI) is a prevalent complication across a spectrum of brain disorders, underpinned by intricate mechanisms yet to be fully elucidated. Neurons, the principal cell population of the nervous system, orchestrate cognitive processes and govern cognitive balance. Extensive inquiry has spotlighted the involvement of Foxo3a in COI. The regulatory cascade of Foxo3a transactivation implicates multiple downstream signaling pathways encompassing mitochondrial function, oxidative stress, autophagy, and apoptosis, collectively affecting neuronal activity. Notably, the expression and activity profile of neuronal Foxo3a are subject to modulation via various modalities, including methylation of promoter, phosphorylation and acetylation of protein. Furthermore, upstream pathways such as PI3K/AKT, the SIRT family, and diverse micro-RNAs intricately interface with Foxo3a, engendering alterations in neuronal function. Through several downstream routes, Foxo3a regulates neuronal dynamics, thereby modulating the onset or amelioration of COI in Alzheimer's disease, stroke, ischemic brain injury, Parkinson's disease, and traumatic brain injury. Foxo3a is a potential therapeutic cognitive target, and clinical drugs or multiple small molecules have been preliminarily shown to have cognitive-enhancing effects that indirectly affect Foxo3a. Particularly noteworthy are multiple randomized, controlled, placebo clinical trials illustrating the significant cognitive enhancement achievable through autophagy modulation. Here, we discussed the role of Foxo3a in neuron-mediated COI and common cognitively impaired diseases.

Trans-omic profiling uncovers molecular controls of early human cerebral organoid formation

Defining the molecular networks orchestrating human brain formation is crucial for understanding neurodevelopment and neurological disorders. Challenges in acquiring early brain tissue have incentivized the use of three-dimensional human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived neural organoids to recapitulate neurodevelopment. To elucidate the molecular programs that drive this highly dynamic process, here, we generate a comprehensive trans-omic map of the phosphoproteome, proteome, and transcriptome of the exit of pluripotency and neural differentiation toward human cerebral organoids (hCOs). These data reveal key phospho-signaling events and their convergence on transcriptional factors to regulate hCO formation. Comparative analysis with developing human and mouse embryos demonstrates the fidelity of our hCOs in modeling embryonic brain development. Finally, we demonstrate that biochemical modulation of AKT signaling can control hCO differentiation. Together, our data provide a comprehensive resource to study molecular controls in human embryonic brain development and provide a guide for the future development of hCO differentiation protocols.

Evidence for common mechanisms of pathology between SHANK3 and other genes of Phelan-McDermid syndrome

Chromosome 22q13.3 deletion (Phelan-McDermid) syndrome (PMS, OMIM 606232) is a rare genetic condition that impacts neurodevelopment. PMS most commonly results from heterozygous contiguous gene deletions that include the SHANK3 gene or likely pathogenic variants of SHANK3 (PMS-SHANK3 related). Rarely, chromosomal rearrangements that spare SHANK3 share the same general phenotype (PMS-SHANK3 unrelated). Very recent human and model system studies of genes that likely contribute to the PMS phenotype point to overlap in gene functions associated with neurodevelopment, synaptic formation, stress/inflammation and regulation of gene expression. In this review of recent findings, we describe the functional overlaps between SHANK3 and six partner genes of 22q13.3 (PLXNB2, BRD1, CELSR1, PHF21B, SULT4A1, and TCF20), which suggest a model that explains the commonality between PMS-SHANK3 related and PMS-SHANK3 unrelated classes of PMS. These genes are likely not the only contributors to neurodevelopmental impairments in the region, but they are the best documented to date. The review provides evidence for the overlapping and likely synergistic contributions of these genes to the PMS phenotype.

TrkB-dependent regulation of molecular signaling across septal cell types

The lateral septum (LS), a GABAergic structure located in the basal forebrain, is implicated in social behavior, learning, and memory. We previously demonstrated that expression of tropomyosin kinase receptor B (TrkB) in LS neurons is required for social novelty recognition. To better understand molecular mechanisms by which TrkB signaling controls behavior, we locally knocked down TrkB in LS and used bulk RNA-sequencing to identify changes in gene expression downstream of TrkB. TrkB knockdown induces upregulation of genes associated with inflammation and immune responses, and downregulation of genes associated with synaptic signaling and plasticity. Next, we generated one of the first atlases of molecular profiles for LS cell types using single nucleus RNA-sequencing (snRNA-seq). We identified markers for the septum broadly, and the LS specifically, as well as for all neuronal cell types. We then investigated whether the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) induced by TrkB knockdown map to specific LS cell types. Enrichment testing identified that downregulated DEGs are broadly expressed across neuronal clusters. Enrichment analyses of these DEGs demonstrated that downregulated genes are uniquely expressed in the LS, and associated with either synaptic plasticity or neurodevelopmental disorders. Upregulated genes are enriched in LS microglia, associated with immune response and inflammation, and linked to both neurodegenerative disease and neuropsychiatric disorders. In addition, many of these genes are implicated in regulating social behaviors. In summary, the findings implicate TrkB signaling in the LS as a critical regulator of gene networks associated with psychiatric disorders that display social deficits, including schizophrenia and autism, and with neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's.

Tcf20 deficiency is associated with increased liver fibrogenesis and alterations in mitochondrial metabolism in mice and humans

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Transcription co-activator factor 20 (TCF20) is a regulator of transcription factors involved in extracellular matrix remodelling. In addition, TCF20 genomic variants in humans have been associated with impaired intellectual disability. Therefore, we hypothesized that TCF20 has several functions beyond those described in neurogenesis, including the regulation of fibrogenesis.

METHODS

Tcf20 knock-out (Tcf20-/- ) and Tcf20 heterozygous mice were generated by homologous recombination. TCF20 gene genotyping and expression was assessed in patients with pathogenic variants in the TCF20 gene. Neural development was investigated by immufluorescense. Mitochondrial metabolic activity was evaluated with the Seahorse analyser. The proteome analysis was carried out by gas chromatography mass-spectrometry.

RESULTS

Characterization of Tcf20-/- newborn mice showed impaired neural development and death after birth. In contrast, heterozygous mice were viable but showed higher CCl4 -induced liver fibrosis and a differential expression of genes involved in extracellular matrix homeostasis compared to wild-type mice, along with abnormal behavioural patterns compatible with autism-like phenotypes. Tcf20-/- embryonic livers and mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF) cells revealed differential expression of structural proteins involved in the mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation chain, increased rates of mitochondrial metabolic activity and alterations in metabolites of the citric acid cycle. These results parallel to those found in patients with TCF20 pathogenic variants, including alterations of the fibrosis scores (ELF and APRI) and the elevation of succinate concentration in plasma.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrated a new role of Tcf20 in fibrogenesis and mitochondria metabolism in mice and showed the association of TCF20 deficiency with fibrosis and metabolic biomarkers in humans.

TrkB-dependent regulation of molecular signaling across septal cell types

The lateral septum (LS), a GABAergic structure located in the basal forebrain, is implicated in social behavior, learning and memory. We previously demonstrated that expression of tropomyosin kinase receptor B (TrkB) in LS neurons is required for social novelty recognition. To better understand molecular mechanisms by which TrkB signaling controls behavior, we locally knocked down TrkB in LS and used bulk RNA-sequencing to identify changes in gene expression downstream of TrkB. TrkB knockdown induces upregulation of genes associated with inflammation and immune responses, and downregulation of genes associated with synaptic signaling and plasticity. Next, we generated one of the first atlases of molecular profiles for LS cell types using single nucleus RNA-sequencing (snRNA-seq). We identified markers for the septum broadly, and the LS specifically, as well as for all neuronal cell types. We then investigated whether the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) induced by TrkB knockdown map to specific LS cell types. Enrichment testing identified that downregulated DEGs are broadly expressed across neuronal clusters. Enrichment analyses of these DEGs demonstrated that downregulated genes are uniquely expressed in the LS, and associated with either synaptic plasticity or neurodevelopmental disorders. Upregulated genes are enriched in LS microglia, associated with immune response and inflammation, and linked to both neurodegenerative disease and neuropsychiatric disorders. In addition, many of these genes are implicated in regulating social behaviors. In summary, the findings implicate TrkB signaling in the LS as a critical regulator of gene networks associated with psychiatric disorders that display social deficits, including schizophrenia and autism, and with neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's.

A syndrome featuring developmental disorder of the nervous system induced by a novel mutation in the TCF20 gene, rarely concurrent immune disorders: a case report

Background: The expression of TCF20 is the most widespread in brain tissue. TCF20 depletion or mutation can affect the proliferation and differentiation of embryonic neurons, leading to developmental disorder of the central nervous system and subsequent rare syndrome featuring. Case presentation: Here, we report a 3-year-old boy carrying a novel frameshift mutation in TCF20, c.1839_1872del (p.Met613IlefsTer159), resulting in multisystem disease. In addition to symptoms of neurodevelopmental disorder, a large head circumference, special appearance, overgrowth, abnormal testicular descent. Remarkably, previously infrequently reported symptoms of the immune system such as hyperimmunoglobulinemia E (hyper-IgE), immune thrombocytopenic purpura, cows milk protein allergy, and wheezy bronchitis, were observed. Conclusion: This study broadens the mutation spectrum of the TCF20 and the phenotypic spectrum of TCF20-associated disease.

A Human-Specific De Novo Gene Promotes Cortical Expansion and Folding

Newly originated de novo genes have been linked to the formation and function of the human brain. However, how a specific gene originates from ancestral noncoding DNAs and becomes involved in the preexisting network for functional outcomes remains elusive. Here, a human-specific de novo gene, SP0535, is identified that is preferentially expressed in the ventricular zone of the human fetal brain and plays an important role in cortical development and function. In human embryonic stem cell-derived cortical organoids, knockout of SP0535 compromises their growth and neurogenesis. In SP0535 transgenic (TG) mice, expression of SP0535 induces fetal cortex expansion and sulci and gyri-like structure formation. The progenitors and neurons in the SP0535 TG mouse cortex tend to proliferate and differentiate in ways that are unique to humans. SP0535 TG adult mice also exhibit improved cognitive ability and working memory. Mechanistically, SP0535 interacts with the membrane protein Na⁺ /K⁺ ATPase subunit alpha-1 (ATP1A1) and releases Src from the ATP1A1-Src complex, allowing increased level of Src phosphorylation that promotes cell proliferation. Thus, SP0535 is the first proven human-specific de novo gene that promotes cortical expansion and folding, and can function through incorporating into an existing conserved molecular network.

Dissecting the 22q13 region to explore the genetic and phenotypic diversity of patients with Phelan-McDermid syndrome

SHANK3-related Phelan-McDermid syndrome (PMS) is caused by a loss of the distal part of chromosome 22, including SHANK3, or by a pathological SHANK3 variant. There is an important genetic and phenotypic diversity among patients who can present with developmental delay, language impairments, autism, epilepsy, and other symptoms. SHANK3, encoding a synaptic scaffolding protein, is deleted in the majority of patients with PMS and is considered a major gene involved in the neurological impairments of the patients. However, differences in deletion size can influence clinical features, and in some rare cases, deletions at the 22q13 locus in individuals with SHANK3-unrelated PMS do not encompass SHANK3. These individuals with SHANK3-unrelated PMS still display a PMS-like phenotype. This suggests the participation of other 22q13 genes in the pathogenesis of PMS. Here, we review the biological function and potential implication in PMS symptoms of 110 genes located in the 22q13 region, focusing on 35 genes with evidence for association with neurodevelopmental disorders, including 13 genes for epilepsy and 11 genes for microcephaly and/or macrocephaly. Our review is restricted to the 22q13 region, but future large-scale studies using whole genome sequencing and deep-phenotyping are warranted to develop predictive models of clinical trajectories and to target specific medical and educational care for each individual with PMS.

In vivo models to study neurogenesis and associated neurodevelopmental disorders-Microcephaly and autism spectrum disorder

The genesis and functioning of the central nervous system are one of the most intricate and intriguing aspects of embryogenesis. The big lacuna in the field of human CNS development is the lack of accessibility of the human brain for direct observation during embryonic and fetal development. Thus, it is imperative to establish alternative animal models to gain deep mechanistic insights into neurodevelopment, establishment of neural circuitry, and its function. Neurodevelopmental events such as neural specification, differentiation, and generation of neuronal and non-neuronal cell types have been comprehensively studied using a variety of animal models and in vitro model systems derived from human cells. The experimentations on animal models have revealed novel, mechanistic insights into neurogenesis, formation of neural networks, and function. The models, thus serve as indispensable tools to understand the molecular basis of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) arising from aberrations during embryonic development. Here, we review the spectrum of in vivo models such as fruitfly, zebrafish, frog, mice, and nonhuman primates to study neurogenesis and NDDs like microcephaly and Autism Spectrum Disorder. We also discuss nonconventional models such as ascidians and the recent technological advances in the field to study neurogenesis, disease mechanisms, and pathophysiology of human NDDs. This article is categorized under: Cancer > Stem Cells and Development Congenital Diseases > Stem Cells and Development Neurological Diseases > Stem Cells and Development Congenital Diseases > Genetics/Genomics/Epigenetics.

Diagnosis and clinical presentation of two individuals with a rare TCF20 pathogenic variant

TCF20-associated neurodevelopmental disorder (TAND) is a rare and phenotypically variable genetic condition. Common features include intellectual disability, neurobehavioural concerns, postnatal tall stature and hypotonia.Two unrelated early adolescent males were referred to genetics for assessment of developmental delay. The first male of Caucasian descent had a history of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), mitral valve prolapse and subtle craniofacial dysmorphisms. The second male of Somali descent had a history of intellectual disability, thick corpus callosum and ASD. Whole-exome sequencing revealed a pathogenic variant in TCF20 in both individuals. Further testing revealed that the former individual's mother was mosaic for the TCF20 pathogenic variant.We report two individuals with TCF20 pathogenic variants presenting with unique findings, including thick corpus callosum, family history of mosaicism and cardiac anomalies. These examples expand the TAND phenotype, describe associated dysmorphism in a minority group and highlight the importance of rare disease research.

Prenatal and postnatal diagnosis of Phelan–McDermid syndrome: A report of 21 cases from a medical center and review of the literature

Background: Phelan–McDermid syndrome (PMS), caused by deletions at 22q13.3 and pathogenic variants in the SHANK3 gene, is a rare developmental disorder characterized by hypotonia, developmental delay (DD), intellectual disability (ID), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), dysmorphic features, absence of or delayed language, and other features.

Methods: Conventional karyotyping, chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA), and whole exome sequencing (WES) have been used to detect genetic defects causing PMS. We summarized the genetic and clinical findings from prenatal to postnatal stages of detected cases of PMS and mapped potential candidate haploinsufficient genes for deletions of 22q13. This study aimed to summarize the laboratory findings, genetic defects, and genotype–phenotype correlations for Chinese patients with PMS.

Results: Seven prenatal cases and fourteen postnatal cases were diagnosed with PMS in our center. Thirteen cases had a deletion ranging in size from 69 to 9.06 Mb at 22q13.2-q13.33, and five cases had a pathogenic variant or an intragenic deletion in the SHANK3 gene. Three familial cases with a parental carrier of a balanced translocation were noted. A review of the literature noted another case series of 29 cases and a report of five cases of PMS in China. Genotype–phenotype correlations confirmed haploinsufficiency of the SHANK3 gene for PMS and suggested other candidate haploinsufficient genes TNFRSFI3C and NFAM1 genes for immunological features and TCF20, SULT4A1, PARVB, SCO2, and UPK3A genes for intellectual impairment and behavioral abnormality, neurological features, macrocephaly/hypotonia, oculopathy, and renal adysplasia, respectively.

Conclusion: Indications for prenatal diagnosis of PMS are not specific, and approximately 85% prenatally diagnosed PMS elected termination of pregnancies after genetic counseling. For postnatal cases, 62.5% were caused by a deletion at 22q13 and 37.5% were caused by a pathogenic variant or an intragenic deletion in the SHANK3 gene. Approximately 6.7% of cases with a deletion were familial, and almost all pathogenic variants were de novo. Combined karyotype, CMA, and WES should be performed to increase the diagnostic yield. The identification of other candidate haploinsufficient genes in deletions of 22q13.2-q13.33 could relate to more severe dysmorphic features, neurologic defects, and immune deficiency. These results provided evidence for diagnostic interpretation, genetic counseling, and clinical management for the Chinese cases of PMS.

Disruption of MeCP2-TCF20 complex underlies distinct neurodevelopmental disorders

MeCP2 is associated with Rett syndrome (RTT), MECP2 duplication syndrome, and a number of conditions with isolated features of these diseases, including autism, intellectual disability, and motor dysfunction. MeCP2 is known to broadly bind methylated DNA, but the precise molecular mechanism driving disease pathogenesis remains to be determined. Using proximity-dependent biotinylation (BioID), we identified a transcription factor 20 (TCF20) complex that interacts with MeCP2 at the chromatin interface. Importantly, RTT-causing mutations in MECP2 disrupt this interaction. TCF20 and MeCP2 are highly coexpressed in neurons and coregulate the expression of key neuronal genes. Reducing Tcf20 partially rescued the behavioral deficits caused by MECP2 overexpression, demonstrating a functional relationship between MeCP2 and TCF20 in MECP2 duplication syndrome pathogenesis. We identified a patient exhibiting RTT-like neurological features with a missense mutation in the PHF14 subunit of the TCF20 complex that abolishes the MeCP2-PHF14-TCF20 interaction. Our data demonstrate the critical role of the MeCP2-TCF20 complex for brain function.

Identification of altered exosomal microRNAs and mRNAs in Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by decreased memory and cognitive functions. Exosomes carry a variety of important information such as proteins, lipids, DNA and RNA of mother cells. It is reported that exosomes play critical roles in nervous system physiology and neurodegenerative diseases. However, the functions of exosomes in AD progression are not fully elucidated. In this study, we detected the expression pattern of mRNAs and miRNAs in exosomes derived from the AD and health mice. A total of 1320 mRNAs and 29 miRNAs were differentially expressed in exosomes between the two groups. Subsequently, the downregulation of Chi3l1 and upregulation of Rhog in AD mice were verified by qRT-PCR. Meanwhile, the downregulation of miR-148a-5p and upregulation of miR-27a-5p in AD group were also tested by qRT-PCR. The functions of differentially expressed mRNAs and potential target genes of miRNAs were determined by GO and KEGG analysis. According to the ceRNA hypothesis, we established an integrated ceRNA network of circRNA-lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA. In conclusion, exosomal lncRNAs, mRNAs, circRNAs and miRNAs were identified to participate in the progression of AD which might be possible biomarkers and therapeutic targets for AD.

Rare and de novo duplications containing TCF20 are associated with a neurodevelopmental disorder

Transcriptor co-activator factor 20 gene (TCF20) encodes a nuclear chromatin-binding protein involved in regulation of gene expression. In human pathology, pathogenic variants or deletions in TCF20 were identified in patients with developmental delay, variable intellectual disability and behavioral impairment (OMIM: 618430). The shared core phenotype includes developmental delay, hypotonia, motor delay, autism spectrum disorders, neurobehavioral anomalies, neurological features such as ataxia, seizures, movement disorders, structural brain anomalies, craniofacial features and various congenital anomalies. Most pathogenic variants are loss-of-function variants. Duplication including TCF20 was suspected to cause a neurodevelopmental disorder (NDD) with mirror traits compared to patients with TCF20 deletions. In the present study, we report three patients from three unrelated families with NDD with a de novo duplication at 22q13.2 encompassing TCF20. We propose that the TCF20 duplication could be involved in a new 22q13.2 microduplication syndrome with high penetrance, enlarging the genotype-phenotype knowledge of TCF20-associated NDDs.

Potential crosstalk between sonic hedgehog-WNT signaling and neurovascular molecules: Implications for blood-brain barrier integrity in autism spectrum disorder

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disease originating from combined genetic and environmental factors. Post-mortem human studies and some animal ASD models have shown brain neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and changes in blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity. However, the signaling pathways leading to these inflammatory findings and vascular alterations are currently unclear. The BBB plays a critical role in controlling brain homeostasis and immune response. Its dysfunction can result from developmental genetic abnormalities or neuroinflammatory processes. In this review, we explore the role of the Sonic Hedgehog/Wingless-related integration site (Shh/Wnt) pathways in neurodevelopment, neuroinflammation, and BBB development. The balance between Wnt-β-catenin and Shh pathways controls angiogenesis, barriergenesis, neurodevelopment, central nervous system (CNS) morphogenesis, and neuronal guidance. These interactions are critical to maintain BBB function in the mature CNS to prevent the influx of pathogens and inflammatory cells. Genetic mutations of key components of these pathways have been identified in ASD patients and animal models, which correlate with the severity of ASD symptoms. Disruption of the Shh/Wnt crosstalk may therefore compromise BBB development and function. In turn, impaired Shh signaling and glial activation may cause neuroinflammation that could disrupt the BBB. Elucidating how ASD-related mutations of Shh/Wnt signaling could cause BBB leaks and neuroinflammation will contribute to our understanding of the role of their interactions in ASD pathophysiology. These observations may provide novel targeted therapeutic strategies to prevent or alleviate ASD symptoms while preserving normal developmental processes. Cover Image for this issue: https://doi.org/10.1111/jnc.15081.

Potential crosstalk between sonic hedgehog-WNT signaling and neurovascular molecules: Implications for blood-brain barrier integrity in autism spectrum disorder

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disease originating from combined genetic and environmental factors. Post-mortem human studies and some animal ASD models have shown brain neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and changes in blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity. However, the signaling pathways leading to these inflammatory findings and vascular alterations are currently unclear. The BBB plays a critical role in controlling brain homeostasis and immune response. Its dysfunction can result from developmental genetic abnormalities or neuroinflammatory processes. In this review, we explore the role of the Sonic Hedgehog/Wingless-related integration site (Shh/Wnt) pathways in neurodevelopment, neuroinflammation, and BBB development. The balance between Wnt-β-catenin and Shh pathways controls angiogenesis, barriergenesis, neurodevelopment, central nervous system (CNS) morphogenesis, and neuronal guidance. These interactions are critical to maintain BBB function in the mature CNS to prevent the influx of pathogens and inflammatory cells. Genetic mutations of key components of these pathways have been identified in ASD patients and animal models, which correlate with the severity of ASD symptoms. Disruption of the Shh/Wnt crosstalk may therefore compromise BBB development and function. In turn, impaired Shh signaling and glial activation may cause neuroinflammation that could disrupt the BBB. Elucidating how ASD-related mutations of Shh/Wnt signaling could cause BBB leaks and neuroinflammation will contribute to our understanding of the role of their interactions in ASD pathophysiology. These observations may provide novel targeted therapeutic strategies to prevent or alleviate ASD symptoms while preserving normal developmental processes.

TCF20 dysfunction leads to cortical neurogenesis defects and autistic-like behaviors in mice

Recently, de novo mutations of transcription factor 20 (TCF20) were found in patients with autism by large-scale exome sequencing. However, how TCF20 modulates brain development and whether its dysfunction causes ASD remain unclear. Here, we show that TCF20 deficits impair neurogenesis in mouse. TCF20 deletion significantly reduces the number of neurons, which leads to abnormal brain functions. Furthermore, transcriptome analysis and ChIP-qPCR reveal that the DNA demethylation factor TDG is a downstream target gene of TCF20. As a nonspecific DNA demethylation factor, TDG potentially affects many genes. Combined TDG ChIP-seq and GO analysis of TCF20 RNA-Seq identifies T-cell factor 4 (TCF-4) as a common target. TDG controls the DNA methylation level in the promoter area of TCF-4, affecting TCF-4 expression and modulating neural differentiation. Overexpression of TDG or TCF-4 rescues the deficient neurogenesis of TCF20 knockdown brains. Together, our data reveal that TCF20 is essential for neurogenesis and we suggest that defects in neurogenesis caused by TCF20 loss are associated with ASD.