A CRISPR-Cas9-engineered mouse model for GPI-anchor deficiency mirrors human phenotypes and exhibits hippocampal synaptic dysfunctions.
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-12-2021
Keywords
JGM
JAX Source
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021 Jan 12; 118(2):e2014481118
Volume
118
Issue
2
ISSN
1091-6490
PMID
33402532
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2014481118
Abstract
Pathogenic germline mutations in PIGV lead to glycosylphosphatidylinositol biosynthesis deficiency (GPIBD). Individuals with pathogenic biallelic mutations in genes of the glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchor pathway exhibit cognitive impairments, motor delay, and often epilepsy. Thus far, the pathophysiology underlying the disease remains unclear, and suitable rodent models that mirror all symptoms observed in human patients have not been available. Therefore, we used CRISPR-Cas9 to introduce the most prevalent hypomorphic missense mutation in European patients, Pigv:c.1022C > A (p.A341E), at a site that is conserved in mice. Mirroring the human pathology, mutant Pigv 341E mice exhibited deficits in motor coordination, cognitive impairments, and alterations in sociability and sleep patterns, as well as increased seizure susceptibility. Furthermore, immunohistochemistry revealed reduced synaptophysin immunoreactivity in Pigv 341Emice, and electrophysiology recordings showed decreased hippocampal synaptic transmission that could underlie impaired memory formation. In single-cell RNA sequencing, Pigv 341E-hippocampal cells exhibited changes in gene expression, most prominently in a subtype of microglia and subicular neurons. A significant reduction in Abl1 transcript levels in several cell clusters suggested a link to the signaling pathway of GPI-anchored ephrins. We also observed elevated levels of Hdctranscripts, which might affect histamine metabolism with consequences for circadian rhythm. This mouse model will not only open the doors to further investigation into the pathophysiology of GPIBD, but will also deepen our understanding of the role of GPI-anchor-related pathways in brain development.
Recommended Citation
Rodríguez de Los Santos M,
Rivalan M,
David F,
Stumpf A,
Pitsch J,
Tsortouktzidis D,
Velasquez L,
Voigt A,
Schilling K,
Mattei D,
Long M,
Vogt G,
Knaus A,
Fischer-Zirnsak B,
Wittler L,
Timmermann B,
Robinson P,
Horn D,
Mundlos S,
Kornak U,
Becker A,
Schmitz D,
Winter Y,
Krawitz P.
A CRISPR-Cas9-engineered mouse model for GPI-anchor deficiency mirrors human phenotypes and exhibits hippocampal synaptic dysfunctions. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021 Jan 12; 118(2):e2014481118