Dysregulation of Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling pathway via RNF146 upregulation in the prefrontal cortex is responsible for social deficit in a VPA-induced ASD mouse model

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder where patients have impaired social behavior, communication, repetitive behaviors, and restricted interest. Valproic acid (VPA) has been widely used to treat patients with epilepsy and bipolar disorder patients. However, VPA treatment during pregnancy has produced offspring with neurodevelopmental disorders, including ASD. To better understand the molecular function of ASD, we have used valproic acid, chemically induced ASD mice. We have performed LC-MS/MS analysis of VPA-induced offspring mice to the control to see the difference in their proteome difference. Our analysis showed that many neuronal network pathways were highly expressed in our differentially expressed proteins, and among them, Wnt/ β-catenin pathways showed clear enrichment. The RNF146 (E3 Ubiquitin-protein ligase) increase in VPA-exposed mice showed a highly significant effect on canonical Wnt/ β-catenin signaling pathways by disrupting the β-catenin destruction complex. The proteins like CREBBP, TCF4, and GSK3B also showed significant changes that indicate dysfunction of β-catenin destruction complex and activation of transcription factors.