Cell-type selective deletion of RSK2 reveals insights into altered signaling in Coffin-Lowry Syndrome

Abstract

Coffin-Lowry syndrome (CLS) is an X-linked syndromic form of mental retardation characterized by various skeletal dysmorphisms, moderate to severe mental retardation, and in . CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license It is made available under a (which was not peer-reviewed) is the author/funder, who has granted bioRxiv a license to display the preprint in perpetuity.The copyright holder for this preprint . http://dx.doi.org/10.1101/156257 doi: bioRxiv preprint first posted online Jun. 26, 2017; some cases, psychosis. CLS is caused by loss-of-function mutations of the p90 ribosomal S6 kinase 2 (RPS6KA3) gene encoding a growth factor-regulated serine/threonine kinase, ribosomal S6 kinase 2 (RSK2). We previously identified RSK2 as a novel interacting protein that tonically inhibits 5-HT2A receptor signaling by phosphorylating Ser-314 within the third intracellular loop.To determine if RSK2 inhibits 5-HT2A receptor signaling in vivo and whether disruption of RSK2 could lead to schizophrenia-like behaviors -as is seen in some CLS patients -we genetically disrupted the function of RSK2 either globally or selectively in forebrain pyramidal neurons in mice. Both global and forebrain-selective RSK2 deletion augmented the locomotor responses to the psychotomimetic drugs phencyclidine (PCP) and amphetamine (AMPH).Significantly, forebrain-selective deletion of RSK2 augmented 5-HT2A receptor signaling as exemplified by enhanced 5-HT2A-mediated c-fos activation and head-twitch response without altering the levels or distribution of 5-HT2A receptor protein. Thus, RSK2 modulates 5HT2A receptor function in vivo, and disruption of RSK2 leads to augmented psychostimulant-induced responses reminiscent of those seen in many animal models of schizophrenia. These findings strengthen the association between 5-HT2A receptor dysfunction and psychosis, and provide a potential mechanism underlying the schizophrenia-like symptoms present in some CLS patients. Highlights: Global and cell-type-specific RSK2 knock-out mice were assessed behaviorally and pharmacologically  Augmentation of amphetamine and PCP locomotor responses were seen in both global and forebrain-specific RSK2 KO mice  Augmentation of 5-HT2A serotonin receptor function but not number was also observed . CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license It is made available under a (which was not peer-reviewed) is the author/funder, who has granted bioRxiv a license to display the preprint in perpetuity.The copyright holder for this preprint . http://dx.doi.org/10.1101/156257 doi: bioRxiv preprint first posted online Jun. 26, 2017;  These alterations reveal insights into mechanisms potentially responsible for behavioral sequlae of Coffin-Lowry Syndrome