Inhibition of GSK3α,β rescues cognitive phenotypes in a preclinical mouse model of CTNNB1 syndrome

CTNNB1 syndrome is a rare monogenetic disorder caused by CTNNB1 de novo pathogenic heterozygous loss-of-function variants that result in cognitive and motor disabilities. Treatment is currently lacking; our study addresses this critical need. CTNNB1 encodes β-catenin which is essential for normal brain function via its dual roles in cadherin-based synaptic adhesion complexes and canonical Wnt signal transduction. We have generated a Ctnnb1 germline heterozygous mouse line that displays cognitive and motor deficits, resembling key features of CTNNB1 syndrome in humans. Compared with wild-type littermates, Ctnnb1 heterozygous mice also exhibit decreases in brain β-catenin, β-catenin association with N-cadherin, Wnt target gene expression, and Na/K ATPases, key regulators of changes in ion gradients during high activity. Consistently, hippocampal neuron functional properties and excitability are altered. Most important, we identify a highly selective inhibitor of glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)3α,β that significantly normalizes the phenotypes to closely meet wild-type littermate levels. Our data provide new insights into brain molecular and functional changes, and the first evidence for an efficacious treatment with therapeutic potential for individuals with CTNNB1 syndrome.