CYFIP1 Dosages Exhibit Divergent Behavioral Impact via Diametric Regulation of NMDA Receptor Complex Translation in Mouse Models of Psychiatric Disorders

Nam Shik Kim, Francisca Rojas Ringeling, Ying Zhou, Ha Nam Nguyen, Stephanie J. Temme, Yu Ting Lin, Stephen Eacker, Valina L. Dawson, Ted M. Dawson, Bo Xiao, Kuei sen Hsu, Stefan Canzar, Weidong Li, Paul Worley, Kimberly M. Christian, Ki Jun Yoon, Hongjun Song, Guo li Ming

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Background: Gene dosage imbalance caused by copy number variations (CNVs) is a prominent contributor to brain disorders. In particular, 15q11.2 CNV duplications and deletions have been associated with autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia, respectively. The mechanism underlying these diametric contributions remains unclear. Methods: We established both loss-of-function and gain-of-function mouse models of Cyfip1, one of four genes within 15q11.2 CNVs. To assess the functional consequences of altered CYFIP1 levels, we performed systematic investigations on behavioral, electrophysiological, and biochemical phenotypes in both mouse models. In addition, we utilized RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (RIP-seq) analysis to reveal molecular targets of CYFIP1 in vivo. Results: Cyfip1 loss-of-function and gain-of function mouse models exhibited distinct and shared behavioral abnormalities related to autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia. RIP-seq analysis identified messenger RNA targets of CYFIP1 in vivo, including postsynaptic NMDA receptor (NMDAR) complex components. In addition, these mouse models showed diametric changes in levels of postsynaptic NMDAR complex components at synapses because of dysregulated protein translation, resulting in bidirectional alteration of NMDAR-mediated signaling. Importantly, pharmacological balancing of NMDAR signaling in these mouse models with diametric Cyfip1 dosages rescues behavioral abnormalities. Conclusions: CYFIP1 regulates protein translation of NMDAR and associated complex components at synapses to maintain normal synaptic functions and behaviors. Our integrated analyses provide insight into how gene dosage imbalance caused by CNVs may contribute to divergent neuropsychiatric disorders.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)815-826
Number of pages12
JournalBiological psychiatry
Volume92
Issue number10
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 15 2022

Keywords

  • Autism spectrum disorder
  • Gene dosage
  • NMDA receptor
  • RNA binding protein
  • Schizophrenia
  • Synaptic protein translation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biological Psychiatry

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