TBL1XR1 ensures balanced neural developmental through NCOR complex-mediated regulation of the MAPK pathway

TBL1XR1 gene is associated with multiple developmental disorders presenting several neurological aspects. The relative protein is involved in regulation of important cellular pathways and master regulators of transcriptional output including nuclear receptor repressors, Wnt signaling, and MECP2 protein. However, TBL1XR1 mutations (including complete loss of its functions) have not been experimentally studied in neurological context, leaving a lack of knowledge in the mechanisms at the basis of the diseases. We show that Tbl1xr1 knock-out mice exhibit behavioral and neuronal abnormalities. Either the absence of TBL1XR1, or point mutations interfering with stability/regulation of NCOR complex induced decreased proliferation and increased differentiation in neural progenitors. We suggest that this developmental unbalance is due to the failure in the regulation of MAPK cascade. Together, our results broaden the molecular and functional aftermath of TBL1XR1 deficiency associated with human disorders. 3x Tbl1xr1 flox/flox NSCs infected with Cre, 3x Tbl1xr1 flox/flox NSCs infected with GFP