Reticular thalamic hyperexcitability drives autism spectrum disorder behaviors in the Cntnap2 model of autism.

ABSTRACT: Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are neurodevelopmental conditions characterized by social deficits, repetitive behaviors, and comorbidities such as sensory abnormalities, sleep disturbances, and seizures. Although thalamocortical circuit dysfunction has been implicated in these symptoms, its precise roles in ASD pathophysiology remain poorly understood. Here, we examine the specific contribution of the reticular thalamic nucleus (RT), a key modulator of thalamocortical activity, to ASD-related behavioral deficits using a Cntnap2 knockout mouse model. Cntnap2-/- mice displayed increased seizure susceptibility, locomotor activity, and repetitive behaviors. Electrophysiological recordings revealed enhanced intrathalamic oscillations and burst firing in RT neurons, accompanied by elevated T-t

SUBMITTER: Jang SS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12366697 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature