Compensation between FOXP transcription factors maintains proper striatal function

Abstract

AbstractSpiny projection neurons (SPNs) of the striatum are critical in integrating neurochemical information to coordinate motor and reward-based behavior. Mutations in the regulatory transcription factors expressed in SPNs can result in neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). Paralogous transcription factorsFoxp1andFoxp2, which are both expressed in the dopamine receptor 1 (D1) expressing SPNs, are known to have variants implicated in NDDs. Utilizing mice with a D1-SPN specific loss ofFoxp1,Foxp2, or both and a combination of behavior, electrophysiology, and cell-type specific genomic analysis, loss of both genes results in impaired motor and social behavior as well as increased firing of the D1-SPNs. Differential gene expression analysis implicates genes involved in autism risk, electrophysiological properties, and neuronal development and function. Viral mediated re-expression ofFoxp1into the double knockouts was sufficient to restore electrophysiological and behavioral deficits. These data indicate complementary roles betweenFoxp1andFoxp2in the D1-SPNs.