[HTML][HTML] Delayed loss of UBE3A reduces the expression of Angelman syndrome-associated phenotypes
M Sonzogni, J Hakonen, M Bernabé Kleijn… - Molecular Autism, 2019 - Springer
M Sonzogni, J Hakonen, M Bernabé Kleijn, S Silva-Santos, MC Judson, BD Philpot…
Molecular Autism, 2019•SpringerBackground Angelman syndrome (AS) is a severe neurodevelopmental disorder caused by
mutations affecting UBE3A gene expression. Previous studies in mice revealed distinct
critical periods during neurodevelopment in which reactivation of Ube3a gene expression
can prevent the onset of behavioral deficits. Whether UBE3A is required for brain function
throughout life is unknown. Here, we address the importance of maintaining UBE3A
expression after normal brain development. Findings Using a conditional mouse, we deleted …
mutations affecting UBE3A gene expression. Previous studies in mice revealed distinct
critical periods during neurodevelopment in which reactivation of Ube3a gene expression
can prevent the onset of behavioral deficits. Whether UBE3A is required for brain function
throughout life is unknown. Here, we address the importance of maintaining UBE3A
expression after normal brain development. Findings Using a conditional mouse, we deleted …
Background
Angelman syndrome (AS) is a severe neurodevelopmental disorder caused by mutations affecting UBE3A gene expression. Previous studies in mice revealed distinct critical periods during neurodevelopment in which reactivation of Ube3a gene expression can prevent the onset of behavioral deficits. Whether UBE3A is required for brain function throughout life is unknown. Here, we address the importance of maintaining UBE3A expression after normal brain development.
Findings
Using a conditional mouse, we deleted the Ube3a gene at three ages spanning brain maturation. We assessed the consequences of Ube3a gene deletion by testing the mice in behavioral tasks previously shown to produce robust phenotypes in AS model mice. Early embryonic deletion of Ube3a recapitulated all behavioral deficits of AS mice. In contrast, Ube3a gene deletion at 3 or 12 weeks of age did not have a significant effect on most behavioral tasks and did not increase seizure sensitivity.
Conclusions
Taken together, these results emphasize that UBE3A critically impacts early brain development, but plays a more limited role in adulthood. Our findings provide important considerations for upcoming clinical trials in which UBE3A gene expression is reactivated and suggest that even transient UBE3A reinstatement during a critical window of early development is likely to prevent most adverse Angelman syndrome phenotypes. However, sustained UBE3A expression into adulthood is probably needed for optimal clinical benefit.
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