Immature choroid plexus in autism spectrum disorder
The choroid plexus (ChP) dysfunction has been linked to developmental neuropsychiatric disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as it produces protein-rich cerebrospinal fluid and matures prior to brain development but the mechanisms linking immature ChP to the onset of ASD remain unclear.
The researchers demonstrate the presence of an immature ChP in organoids derived from patients with ASD.
They also show that ChP-specific-knockout mice develop an immature ChP alongside decreased multiciliogenesis and expression of differentiation marker genes following disruption of the cerebrospinal fluid barrier. These mice exhibit ASD-like behaviors, including anxiety and impaired socialization.
The administration of metformin, an FDA-approved drug, before the social critical period achieves ChP maturation and restores social behaviors.
https://www.cell.com/cell-reports/fulltext/S2211-1247(24)01484-0
