NGL-2 Deletion Leads to Autistic-like Behaviors Responsive to NMDAR Modulation

Publication date: 26 June 2018
Source:Cell Reports, Volume 23, Issue 13
Author(s): Seung Min Um, Seungmin Ha, Hyejin Lee, Jihye Kim, Kyungdeok Kim, Wangyong Shin, Yi Sul Cho, Junyeop Daniel Roh, Jaeseung Kang, Taesun Yoo, Young Woo Noh, Yeonsoo Choi, Yong Chul Bae, Eunjoon Kim
Netrin-G ligand 2 (NGL-2)/LRRC4, implicated in autism spectrum disorders and schizophrenia, is a leucine-rich repeat-containing postsynaptic adhesion molecule that interacts intracellularly with the excitatory postsynaptic scaffolding protein PSD-95 and trans-synaptically with the presynaptic adhesion molecule netrin-G2. Functionally, NGL-2 regulates excitatory synapse development and synaptic transmission. However, whether it regulates synaptic plasticity and disease-related specific behaviors is not known. Here, we report that mice lacking NGL-2 (Lrrc4^−/− mice) show suppressed N-Methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR)-dependent synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus. NGL-2 associates with NMDARs through both PSD-95-dependent and -independent mechanisms. Moreover, Lrrc4^−/− mice display mild social interaction deficits and repetitive behaviors that are rapidly improved by pharmacological NMDAR activation. These results suggest that NGL-2 promotes synaptic stabilization of NMDARs, regulates NMDAR-dependent synaptic plasticity, and prevents autistic-like behaviors from developing in mice, supporting the hypothesis that NMDAR dysfunction contributes to autism spectrum disorders.

Graphical abstract

Teaser

NGL-2 is a postsynaptic adhesion molecule known to regulate synaptic transmission, but whether NGL-2 regulates synaptic plasticity and specific behaviors remains unknown. Um et al. find that mice lacking NGL-2 display suppressed NMDA receptor-dependent synaptic plasticity and autistic-like social deficits and repetitive behaviors that are responsive to NMDA receptor activation.


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