Deciphering the Role of Shank3 in Dendritic Morphology and Synaptic Function Across Postnatal Developmental Stages in the Shank3B KO Mouse.
10.1007/s12264-024-01330-y
- Author:
Jing YANG
1
;
Guaiguai MA
2
;
Xiaohui DU
1
;
Jinyi XIE
2
;
Mengmeng WANG
2
;
Wenting WANG
2
;
Baolin GUO
3
;
Shengxi WU
4
Author Information
1. Department of Basic Medicine, School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, 310015, China.
2. Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.
3. Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China. baolguo@fmmu.edu.cn.
4. Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China. shengxi@fmmu.edu.cn.
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Shank3;
Autism;
Dendritic development;
Neuronal development;
Synaptic function
- MeSH:
Animals;
Nerve Tissue Proteins/metabolism*;
Mice, Knockout;
Dendrites/metabolism*;
Mice;
Synapses/metabolism*;
Gyrus Cinguli/metabolism*;
Male;
Mice, Inbred C57BL;
Autism Spectrum Disorder/genetics*;
Microfilament Proteins
- From:
Neuroscience Bulletin
2025;41(4):583-599
- CountryChina
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is marked by early-onset neurodevelopmental anomalies, yet the temporal dynamics of genetic contributions to these processes remain insufficiently understood. This study aimed to elucidate the role of the Shank3 gene, known to be associated with monogenic causes of autism, in early developmental processes to inform the timing and mechanisms for potential interventions for ASD. Utilizing the Shank3B knockout (KO) mouse model, we examined Shank3 expression and its impact on neuronal maturation through Golgi staining for dendritic morphology and electrophysiological recordings to measure synaptic function in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) across different postnatal stages. Our longitudinal analysis revealed that, while Shank3B KO mice displayed normal neuronal morphology at one week postnatal, significant impairments in dendritic growth and synaptic activity emerged by two to three weeks. These findings highlight the critical developmental window during which Shank3 is essential for neuronal and synaptic maturation in the ACC.
