Human genetic studies are rapidly identifying variants that increase risk for neurodevelopmental disorders. However, it remains unclear how specific mutations impact brain function and contribute to neuropsychiatric risk. Chromosome 16p11.2 deletion is one of the most common copy number variations in autism and related neurodevelopmental disorders. Using resting state functional MRI data from the Simons Variation in Individuals Project (VIP) database, we show that 16p11.2 deletion carriers exhibit impaired prefrontal connectivity, resulting in weaker long-range functional coupling with temporal-parietal regions. These functional changes are associated with socio-cognitive impairments. We also document that a mouse with the same genetic deficiency exhibits similarly diminished prefrontal connectivity, together with thalamo-prefrontal miswiring and reduced long-range functional synchronization. These results reveal a mechanistic link between specific genetic risk for neurodevelopmental disorders and long-range functional coupling, and suggest that deletion in 16p11.2 may lead to impaired socio-cognitive function via dysregulation of prefrontal connectivity.

Autism-associated 16p11.2 microdeletion impairs prefrontal functional connectivity in mouse and human

Sarica A.;Cerasa A.;
2018-01-01

Abstract

Human genetic studies are rapidly identifying variants that increase risk for neurodevelopmental disorders. However, it remains unclear how specific mutations impact brain function and contribute to neuropsychiatric risk. Chromosome 16p11.2 deletion is one of the most common copy number variations in autism and related neurodevelopmental disorders. Using resting state functional MRI data from the Simons Variation in Individuals Project (VIP) database, we show that 16p11.2 deletion carriers exhibit impaired prefrontal connectivity, resulting in weaker long-range functional coupling with temporal-parietal regions. These functional changes are associated with socio-cognitive impairments. We also document that a mouse with the same genetic deficiency exhibits similarly diminished prefrontal connectivity, together with thalamo-prefrontal miswiring and reduced long-range functional synchronization. These results reveal a mechanistic link between specific genetic risk for neurodevelopmental disorders and long-range functional coupling, and suggest that deletion in 16p11.2 may lead to impaired socio-cognitive function via dysregulation of prefrontal connectivity.
2018
DMN
fMRI
imaging
resting-state
thalamus
Adolescent
Animals
Autistic Disorder
Child
Chromosome Deletion
Chromosome Disorders
Chromosomes, Human, Pair 16
Cognition
Cognitive Dysfunction
DNA Copy Number Variations
Disease Models, Animal
Female
Humans
Intellectual Disability
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Male
Membrane Potentials
Mice
Mice, Knockout
Nerve Net
Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Prefrontal Cortex
Temporal Lobe
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12317/74822
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