Targeting Notch signaling to restore neural development and behavior in mouse models of ASD [RNAseq_htr]

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with diverse genetic and environmental origins, yet whether these factors converge on common molecular pathways remains unclear. This study identifies dysregulation of the Notch signaling pathway as a shared mechanism in both hereditary and nonhereditary ASD models. Aberrant histone deacetylase 3-mediated epigenetic regulation of Notch signaling during embryonic forebrain development disrupts the specification of caudal ganglionic eminence (CGE) progenitors into vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP+) GABAergic interneuron subtypes (VIP-INs). CGE-specific ablation of Notch1/2 genes in ASD models restores the loss of VIP-INs, normalizes maladaptive excitatory and inhibitory balance, and selectively improves social behaviors. Remarkably, a single antenatal dose of a γ-secretase inhibitor ameliorates multiple ASD-associated neuronal, behavioral, and transcriptomic changes in adult models. The study indicates a strong convergence of ASD-related factors on Notch signaling dysregulation and establishes this pathway as a promising therapeutic target for developmental and behavioral deficits in ASD.