Ppp2r1a haploinsufficiency increases excitatory synaptic transmission and decreases spatial learning by impairing endocannabinoid signaling

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Abstract

Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) is a serine/threonine phosphatase in the brain. Mutations in PPP2R1A, encoding the scaffolding subunit, are linked to intellectual disability, although the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study examined mice with heterozygous deletion of Ppp2r1a in forebrain excitatory neurons (NEX-het-conditional knockout [NEX-het-cKO]). These mice exhibited impaired spatial learning and memory, resembling Ppp2r1a-associated intellectual disability. Ppp2r1a haploinsufficiency also led to increased excitatory synaptic strength and reduced inhibitory synapse numbers on pyramidal neurons. The increased excitatory synaptic transmission was attributed to increased presynaptic release probability, likely due to reduced levels of 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG). This reduction in 2-AG was associated with increased transcription of monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL), driven by destabilization of enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) in NEX-het-cKO mice. Importantly, the MAGL inhibitor JZL184 effectively restored both synaptic and learning deficits. Our findings uncover an unexpected role of PPP2R1A in regulating endocannabinoid signaling, providing fresh molecular and synaptic insights into the mechanisms underlying intellectual disability.

Authors

Yirong Wang, Weicheng Duan, Hua Li, Zhiwei Tang, Ruyi Cai, Shangxuan Cai, Guanghao Deng, Liangpei Chen, Hongyan Luo, Liping Chen, Yulong Li, Jian-Zhi Wang, Bo Xiong, Man Jiang