Shank3 mutation impairs glutamate signaling and myelination in ASD mouse model and human iPSC-derived OPCs

Sci Adv. 2024 Oct 11;10(41):eadl4573. doi: 10.1126/sciadv.adl4573. Epub 2024 Oct 11.

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by social and neurocognitive impairments, with mutations of the SHANK3 gene being prominent in patients with monogenic ASD. Using the InsG3680 mouse model with a Shank3 mutation seen in humans, we revealed an unknown role for Shank3 in postsynaptic oligodendrocyte (OL) features, similar to its role in neurons. This was shown by impaired molecular and physiological glutamatergic traits of InsG3680-derived primary OL cultures. In vivo, InsG3680 mice exhibit significant reductions in the expression of key myelination-related transcripts and proteins, along with deficits in myelin ultrastructure, white matter, axonal conductivity, and motor skills. Last, we observed significant impairments, with clinical relevance, in induced pluripotent stem cell-derived OLs from a patient with the InsG3680 mutation. Together, our study provides insight into Shank3's role in OLs and reveals a mechanism of the crucial connection of myelination to ASD pathology.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder* / genetics
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder* / metabolism
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder* / pathology
  • Disease Models, Animal*
  • Glutamic Acid* / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells* / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Microfilament Proteins / genetics
  • Microfilament Proteins / metabolism
  • Mutation*
  • Myelin Sheath* / metabolism
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins* / genetics
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins* / metabolism
  • Oligodendroglia* / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction*

Substances

  • Nerve Tissue Proteins
  • Glutamic Acid
  • SHANK3 protein, human
  • Shank3 protein, mouse
  • Microfilament Proteins