Perineuronal net abnormalities in Slc13a4+/- mice are rescued by postnatal administration of N-acetylcysteine

Disruptions to either sulfate supply or sulfation enzymes can affect brain development and have long-lasting effects on brain function, yet our understanding of the molecular mechanisms governing this are incomplete. Perineuronal nets (PNNs) are highly sulfated, specialized extracellular matrix structures that regulate the maturation of synaptic connections and neuronal plasticity. We have previously shown that mice heterozygous for the brain sulfate transporter Slc13a4 have abnormal social interactions, memory, exploratory behaviors, stress and anxiety of postnatal origin, pointing to potential deficits in PNN biology, and implicate SLC13A4 as a critical factor required for regulating normal synaptic connectivity and function. Here, we sought to investigate aberrant PNN formation as a potential mechanism contributing to the functional deficits displayed by Slc13a4+/mice. Following social interactions, we reveal reduced neuronal activation in the somatosensory cortex of Slc13a4+/- mice, and altered inhibitory and excitatory postsynaptic currents. In line with this, we found a reduction in parvalbumin-expressing neurons decorated with PNNs, as well as reduced expression of markers for PNN maturation. Finally, we reveal that postnatal administration of N-acetylcysteine prevented PNN abnormalities from manifesting in Slc13a4+/- adult animals. Collectively, these data highlight a central role for postnatal SLC13A4 in normal PNN formation, circuit function and subsequent animal behavior.

Automated summary

Disruptions to sulfate supply or sulfation enzymes can impact brain development and function, with PNNs playing a key role in synaptic maturation and plasticity. The study reveals that mice with a mutation in the Slc13a4 gene exhibit abnormalities in social interaction and memory, potentially linked to deficits in PNN biology.