Peixoto et al. show that Shank3B−/− mice exhibit premature development and subsequent arrest of striatal afferent connectivity. This phenotype is a result of cortical hyperactivity during a period that is marked by robust synaptogenesis and enhanced excitability of spiny projection neurons, and indicates that early imbalances in cortical activity disrupt normal corticostriatal maturation.
- Rui T Peixoto
- Wengang Wang
- Bernardo L Sabatini