Sex-and Region-Dependent Expression of the Autism-Linked ADNP Correlates with Social- and Speech-Related Genes in the Canary Brain

AbstractThe activity-dependent neuroprotective protein (ADNP) syndrome is an autistic-like disorder, instigated by mutations inADNP. This syndrome is characterized by developmental delays, impairments in speech, motor function, abnormal hearing, and intellectual disabilities. In theAdnp-haploinsufficient mouse model, many of these impediments are evident, appearing in a sex-dependent manner. In zebra finch songbird (ZF;Taeniopygia guttata), an animal model used for song/language studies,ADNP mRNA most robust expression is observed in the cerebrum of young males, potentially corroborating with male ZF exclusive singing behavior and developed cerebral song system. Herein, we report a similar sex-dependentADNP expression profile, with the highest expression in the cerebrum (qRT-PCR) in the brain of another songbird, the domesticated canary (Serinus canaria domestica). Additional analyses for the mRNA transcripts of theADNP regulator, vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), sister geneADNP2, and speech-related Forkhead box protein P2 (FoxP2) revealed multiple sex and brain region –dependent positive correlations between the genes (includingADNP). Parallel transcript expression patterns forFoxP2 andVIP were observed alongside specificFoxP2 increase in males compared with females as well asVIP/ADNP2 correlations. In spatial view, a sexually independent extensive form of expression was found forADNP in the canary cerebrum (RNA in situ hybridization). The songbird cerebral mesopallium...

Source: Journal of Molecular Neuroscience - October 16, 2020 Category: Neuroscience Source Type: research