Prenatal Hyperandrogen Exposure Impairs Hippocampal Development and Induces Autism-Like Behavior in Offspring Through Nr4a2 Dysregulation

This study demonstrates that excessive prenatal dihydrotestosterone (DHT) exposure in mice impairs neuronal development and dendritic spine formation, producing autism-like behavioral changes. The research identifies Nr4a2 as a key molecular mediator and shows that Nr4a2 overexpression and amodiaquine treatment can reverse these adverse effects, offering insight into prenatal androgens as a potential risk factor for ASD.