Genes expression of WT and KLF12 overexpression mouse fetues at 9.0 dpc

Background: Although adequate periconceptional folic acid (FA) supplementation has reduced the occurrence of neural tube defects (NTDs)-affected pregnancies, mechanisms underlie FA resistant NTDs are poorly understood, so that NTDs still remain a global public health concern now. It has been proven that high level of Krüppel-like factor 12 (KLF12) has bad effects on heath in most cases, but there is no evidence concerning its roles during development. Methods: We used KLF12-overexpression mice to study the effects of high level of KLF12 on neural tube development. Findings: We showed KLF12-overexpression fetuses died in utero at around 10.5 days post coitus with 100% cranial NTDs. Neither FA or formate benefited normal neural tube closure in mutant fetuses. Further anylasis revealed high level of KLF12 caused NTDs in mice via overactivating Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling pathway, leading to upregulation of Ptch1, Gli1, Hhip etc. PF-5274857, an antagonist of Shh signaling pathway could significantly promote dorsolateral hinge point formation and partially rescue the phynotype. Interpretation: The regulatory hierarchy between high level of KLF12 and FA-resistant NTDs might provide new insights for the diagnosis and treatment of unexplained NTDs in the future. To illustrate the mechanisms of NTDs caused by high level of KLF12, we performed RNA-seq analysis of 9.0 dpc WT (n=3) and KLF12-overexpression fetuses (n=3).