Progranulin improves neural development via the PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β pathway in the cerebellum of a VPA-induced rat model of ASD.

ABSTRACT: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disease featuring social interaction deficits and repetitive/stereotyped behaviours; the prevalence of this disorder has continuously increased. Progranulin (PGRN) is a neurotrophic factor that promotes neuronal survival and differentiation. However, there have not been sufficient studies investigating its effect in animal models of autism. This study investigated the effects of PGRN on autistic phenotypes in rats treated with valproic acid (VPA) and assessed the underlying molecular mechanisms. PGRN was significantly downregulated in the cerebellum at postnatal day 14 (PND14) and PND35 in VPA-exposed rats, which simultaneously showed defective social preference, increased repetitive behaviours, and uncoordinated movements. When human

SUBMITTER: Wang L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8941112 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature