Proteomic Analysis of Proteins Downstream of Autism-Associated Gene DIXDC1

Dix domain containing 1 (Dixdc1) is an important regulator of neuronal development including cortical neurogenesis, neuronal migration and synaptic connectivity, and sequence variants in the gene have been linked to autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Previous studies indicate that Dixdc1 controls neurogenesis through Wnt signaling, while its regulation of dendrite and synapse development requires Wnt and cytoskeletal signaling. However, the prediction of these signaling pathways is primarily based on the structure of Dixdc1. Given the role of Dixdc1 in neural development and brain disorders, we hypothesized that Dixdc1 may regulate additional signaling pathways in the brain. We performed proteomic analyses of Dixdc1 KO mouse cortices to reveal such alterations.