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Authors & Affiliations
Anat Mavashov Arzuan, Shaked Turk, Marina Brusel, Shir Quinn, Yael Sarusi, Igor Ulitsky, Moran Rubinstein
Abstract
Mutations in dozens of chromatin regulators have been implicated in neurodevelopmental disorders. One of these genes is chromodomain helicase DNA binding 2 (CHD2), encoding for a chromatin modifier with largely unknown neuronal functions. In humans, heterozygous loss of function mutations in CHD2 are associated with severe childhood-onset epilepsy, global developmental delay, intellectual disability, and autistic-like features. Here, we characterized the epileptic and behavioral phenotypes of a mouse model with Chd2 haploinsufficiency (Chd2+/m and Chd2m/m mice). Interestingly, we discovered that the genetic background dramatically affected the phenotypes. While no phenotypes were observed on the pure C57BL/6J background, backcrossing these mice onto the 129X1/SvJ genetic background gradually uncovered neurodevelopmental phenotypes. On this background, Chd2m/m were smaller, with reduced weight and length at 34 days post-natal. Moreover, Chd2+/m and Chd2m/m showed motor deficits, with clasping behavior and reduced motor learning, while Chd2m/m also showed hyperactivity in the open field. Autistic-like features were also observed, with Chd2+/m demonstrating increased repetitive-like behavior in the marble burying test and Chd2+/m and Chd2m/m showing reduced nest-building abilities. Furthermore, quantitative analysis of background electrocorticography (ECoG) activity showed a global reduction in total power in Chd2+/m and Chd2m/m mice, observed in all frequency bands up to 100 Hz. Together, these results reinforce that this Chd2 mouse model displays motor deficits, autistic-related behaviors, and abnormal neuronal activity, providing a new avenue for studying the molecular basis and treatment options for this intractable disease.