Spatio-temporal gradient of cortical neuron death contributes to microcephaly in knock-in mouse model of ligase 4 syndrome

Abstract Cells of the developing central nervous system are particularly susceptible to formation of double-stranded DNA breaks (DSBs) arising from physiological and/or environmental insults. Therefore, efficient repair of DSBs is especially vital for maintaining cellular health and proper functioning in the developing brain. Here, we demonstrate increased expression of DSB initiating and non-homologous end joining repair machinery in newborn neurons in the developing brains of both mouse and human. In parallel, we provide the first characterization of the brain phenotype in the Lig4R278H/R278H (Lig4R/R) mouse model of DNA Ligase 4 (LIG4) syndrome, in which a hypomorphic Lig4 mutation, originally identified in patients, impedes non-homologous end joining. We show that Lig4R/R mice develop non-progressive microcephaly, resulting primarily from apoptotic death of newborn neurons that is both spatially and temporally specific during peak cortical neurogenesis. This apoptosis leads to a reduction in neurons throughout the postnatal cerebral cortex, but with a more prominent impact on those of the lower cortical layers. Together, our findings begin to uncover the pathogenesis of microcephaly in LIG4 syndrome and open avenues to more focused investigations on the critical roles of DSB formation and repair in vulnerable neuronal populations of the brain.