Shank2/3 double knockout-based screening of cortical subregions links the retrosplenial area to the loss of social memory in autism spectrum disorders

Members of the Shank protein family are master scaffolds of the postsynaptic architecture and mutations within the SHANK genes are causally associated with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). We generated a Shank2-Shank3 double knockout mouse that is showing severe autism related core symptoms, as well as a broad spectrum of comorbidities. We exploited this animal model to identify cortical brain areas linked to specific autistic traits by locally deleting Shank2 and Shank3 simultaneously. Our screening of 10 cortical subregions revealed that a Shank2/3 deletion within the retrosplenial area severely impairs social memory, a core symptom of ASD. Notably, DREADD-mediated neuronal activation could rescue the social impairment triggered by Shank2/3 depletion. Data indicate that the retrosplenial area has to be added to the list of defined brain regions that contribute to the spectrum of behavioural alterations seen in ASDs.

Automated summary

Members of the Shank protein family are linked to autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Researchers created a double knockout mouse model for Shank2 and Shank3 genes, which exhibited severe symptoms of autism and other comorbidities. By deleting Shank2 and Shank3, researchers identified the involvement of the retrosplenial area in social memory impairment, a core symptom of ASD. Neuronal activation could rescue the social impairment caused by Shank2/3 depletion.