The neuroligins and the synaptic pathway in Autism Spectrum Disorder

NEUROSCIENCE AND BIOBEHAVIORAL REVIEWS

卷:119

Review

Trobiani, Laura¹  Meringolo, Maria^2,3  Diamanti, Tamara¹  Bourne, Yves⁴  Marchot, Pascale⁴  Martella, Giuseppina^2,3  Dini, Luciana¹  Pisani, Antonio^2,3  De Jaco, Antonella¹  Bonsi, Paola² 

[1] Sapienza Univ Rome, Dept Biol & Biotechnol, Ple Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy

[2] Fdn Santa Lucia, IRCCS, Lab Neurophysiol & Plast, Via Fosso Fiorano 64, I-00143 Rome, Italy

[3] Univ Tor Vergata, Dept Syst Med, Via Montpellier 1, I-00133 Rome, Italy

[4] Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, Fac Sci, Lab Architecture & Fonct Macromol Biol, Campus Luminy,163 Ave Luminy, F-13288 Marseille 09, France

关键词: Animal model;    Genetics;    Behaviour;    Physiology;    excitatory/inhibitory balance;    Synaptic plasticity;    Homeostatic mechanisms;    Misfolding;    Trafficking;    Unfolded protein response;    Endoplasmic reticulum;   

DOI  :  10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.09.017

来源: Elsevier

【 摘 要 】

The genetics underlying autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is complex and heterogeneous, and de novo variants are found in genes converging in functional biological processes. Neuronal communication, including trans-synaptic signaling involving two families of cell-adhesion proteins, the presynaptic neurexins and the postsynaptic neuroligins, is one of the most recurrently affected pathways in ASD. Given the role of these proteins in determining synaptic function, abnormal synaptic plasticity and failure to establish proper synaptic contacts might represent mechanisms underlying risk of ASD. More than 30 mutations have been found in the neuroligin genes. Most of the resulting residue substitutions map in the extracellular, cholinesterase-like domain of the protein, and impair protein folding and trafficking. Conversely, the stalk and intracellular domains are less affected. Accordingly, several genetic animal models of ASD have been generated, showing behavioral and synaptic alterations. The aim of this review is to discuss the current knowledge on ASD-linked mutations in the neuroligin proteins and their effect on synaptic function, in various brain areas and circuits.

【 授权许可】

Free