摘要：SummaryAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with high genetic heterogeneity, affecting one in 44 children in the United States. Recent genomic sequencing studies from autistic human individuals indicate thatPARK2, a gene that has long been considered in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease, is involved in ASD. Here, we report thatPrknknockout (KO) mice demonstrate autistic-like behaviors including impaired social interaction, elevated repetitive behaviors, and deficits in communication. In addition,PrknKO mice show reduced neuronal activity in the context of sociability in the prelimbic cortex. Cell morphological examination of layer 5 prelimbic cortical neurons shows a reduction in dendritic arborization and spine number. Furthermore, biochemistry and immunocytochemistry analyses reveal alterations in synapse density and the molecular composition of synapses. These findings indicate thatPrknis implicated in brain development and suggest the potential use of thePrknKO mouse as a model for autism research.Graphical abstractDisplay OmittedHighlights•PrknKO mice show autistic-like behaviors•PrknKO mice show reduced sociability-related neuronal activity in the prelimbic cortex•Prknloss leads to a reduction in dendritic arborization•Prknloss alters synaptic proteins and reduces synapse densityBehavioral neuroscience; Molecular neuroscience; Developmental neuroscience; Model organism
