Axin2 coupled excessive Wnt‐glycolysis signaling mediates social defect in autism spectrum disorders

Abstract

Social dysfunction is the core syndrome of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and lacks effective medicine. Although numerous risk genes and relevant environmental factors have been identified, the convergent molecular mechanism underlying ASD‐associated social dysfunction remains largely elusive. Here, we report aberrant activation of canonical Wnt signaling and increased glycolysis in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC, a key brain region of social function) of two ASD mouse models ( Shank3 −/− and valproic acid‐treated mice) and their corresponding human neurons. Overexpressing β‐catenin in the ACC of wild‐type mice induces both glycolysis and social deficits. Suppressing glycolysis in ASD mice partially rescued synaptic and social phenotype. Axin2, a key inhibitory molecule in Wnt signaling, interacts with the glycolytic enzyme enolase 1 (ENO1) in ASD neurons. Surprisingly, an Axin2 stabilizer, XAV939, effectively blocked Axin2/ENO1 interaction, switched glycolysis/oxidative phosphorylation balance, promoted synaptic maturation, and rescued social function. These data revealed excessive neuronal Wnt‐glycolysis signaling as an important underlying mechanism for ASD synaptic deficiency, indicating Axin2 as a potential therapeutic target for social dysfunction. image This study reveals excessive neuronal Wnt‐glycolysis signaling as an important underlying mechanism for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) synaptic deficiency. Axin2, an inhibitory molecule of Wnt signaling, is a potential therapeutic target for social dysfunction. Wnt signaling and glycolysis are aberrantly increased in the anterior cingulate cortical neurons of Shank3 −/− and VPA‐treated mice. Suppressing glycolysis partially rescues synaptic and social dysfunction. Increased Axin2 stimulates glycolysis via binding to ENO1 in both mouse and human ASD neurons. Stabilizing Axin2 restores Wnt‐glycolytic signaling and rescues synaptic and social deficits.