The CaV1.2 G406R mutation decreases synaptic inhibition and alters L-type Ca2+ channel-dependent LTP at hippocampal synapses in a mouse model of Timothy Syndrome

Abstract

Genetic alterations in autism spectrum disorders (ASD) frequently disrupt balance between synaptic excitation and inhibition and alter plasticity in the hippocampal CA1 region. Individuals with Timothy Syndrome (TS), a genetic disorder caused by Ca_V1.2 L-type Ca²⁺ channel (LTCC) gain-of function mutations, such as G406R, exhibit social deficits, repetitive behaviors, and cognitive impairments characteristic of ASD that are phenocopied in TS2-neo mice expressing G406R. Here, we characterized hippocampal CA1 synaptic function in male TS2-neo mice and found basal excitatory transmission was slightly increased and inhibitory transmission strongly decreased. We also found distinct impacts on two LTCC-dependent forms of long-term potentiation (LTP) synaptic plasticity that were not readily consistent with LTCC gain-of-function. LTP induced by high-frequency stimulation (HFS) was strongly impaired in TS2-neo mice, suggesting decreased LTCC function. Yet, Ca_V1.2 expression, basal phosphorylation, and current density were similar for WT and TS2-neo. However, this HFS-LTP also required GABA_A receptor activity, and thus may be impaired in TS2-neo due to decreased inhibitory transmission. In contrast, LTP induced in WT mice by prolonged theta-train (PTT) stimulation in the presence of a β-adrenergic receptor agonist to increase Ca_V1.2 phosphorylation was partially induced in TS2-neo mice by PTT stimulation alone, consistent with increased LTCC function. Overall, our findings provide insights regarding how altered Ca_V1.2 channel function disrupts basal transmission and plasticity that could be relevant for neurobehavioral alterations in ASD.

Keywords: Autism; Excitation; Inhibition; Isoproterenol; L-type calcium channel; Nimodipine; Picrotoxin; Synaptic plasticity; Timothy syndrome.