Increased glycine contributes to synaptic dysfunction and early mortality in Nprl2 seizure model

Brianne Dentel, Lidiette Angeles-Perez, Chongyu Ren, Vikram Jakkamsetti, Andrew J. Holley, Daniel Caballero, Emily Oh, Jay Gibson, Juan M. Pascual, Kimberly M. Huber, Benjamin P. Tu, Peter T. Tsai

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Targeted therapies for epilepsies associated with the mTORC1 signaling negative regulator GATOR1 are lacking. NPRL2 is a subunit of the GATOR1 complex and mutations in GATOR1 subunits, including NPRL2, are associated with epilepsy. To delineate the mechanisms underlying NPRL2-related epilepsies, we created a mouse (Mus musculus) model with neocortical loss of Nprl2. Mutant mice have increased mTORC1 signaling and exhibit spontaneous seizures. They also display abnormal synaptic function characterized by increased evoked and spontaneous EPSC and decreased evoked and spontaneous IPSC frequencies, respectively. Proteomic and metabolomics studies of Nprl2 mutants revealed alterations in known epilepsy-implicated proteins and metabolic pathways, including increases in the neurotransmitter, glycine. Furthermore, glycine actions on the NMDA receptor contribute to the electrophysiological and survival phenotypes of these mice. Taken together, in this neuronal Nprl2 model, we delineate underlying molecular, metabolic, and electrophysiological mechanisms contributing to mTORC1-related epilepsy, providing potential therapeutic targets for epilepsy.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number104334
JournaliScience
Volume25
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - May 20 2022

Keywords

  • metabolomics
  • molecular neuroscience
  • neuroscience
  • omics

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General

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