Gene-environment interaction counterbalances social impairment in mouse models of autism

Sci Rep. 2019 Aug 7;9(1):11490. doi: 10.1038/s41598-019-47680-w.

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by social communication deficits and repetitive/restricted behaviors. Although gene-environment interactions may explain the heterogeneous etiology of ASD, it is still largely unknown how the gene-environment interaction affects behavioral symptoms and pathophysiology in ASD. To address these questions, we used Cntnap2 knockout mice (genetic factor, G) exposed to valproic acid during embryonic development (environmental factor, E) as a gene-environment interaction (G × E) model. Paradoxically, the social deficits observed in the respective G and E models were improved in the G × E model; however, the high seizure susceptibility was more severe in the G × E -model than in the G and E models. Repetitive self-grooming and hyperactivity did not differ among the three models. The amplitudes of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents in layer 2/3 pyramidal neurons of the medial prefrontal cortex were aberrant and similar in the G × E model when compared to the control group. Our findings suggest that the interaction of two risk factors does not always aggravate ASD symptoms but can also alleviate them, which may be key to understanding individual differences in behavioral phenotypes and symptom intensity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder / etiology
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder / physiopathology*
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Excitatory Postsynaptic Potentials / drug effects
  • Excitatory Postsynaptic Potentials / genetics
  • Excitatory Postsynaptic Potentials / physiology
  • Female
  • Gene-Environment Interaction*
  • Grooming / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Maternal Exposure / adverse effects*
  • Membrane Proteins / genetics*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / genetics*
  • Prefrontal Cortex / cytology
  • Prefrontal Cortex / drug effects
  • Prefrontal Cortex / physiopathology*
  • Pyramidal Cells / drug effects
  • Pyramidal Cells / physiology
  • Risk Factors
  • Stereotyped Behavior / drug effects
  • Valproic Acid / toxicity*

Substances

  • CNTNAP2 protein, mouse
  • Membrane Proteins
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins
  • Valproic Acid