Neuronal Igfbp2 deficiency in the prefrontal cortex impairs cognition through synaptic dysfunction in male mice

Insulin-like growth factor binding protein 2 (Igfbp2) is known to participate in brain development and synaptic regulation, but its specific contribution to prefrontal cortex (PFC)-dependent cognitive function remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate that neuronal Igfbp2 in the PFC plays a critical role in maintaining cognitive performance and synaptic integrity. Neuron-specific Igfbp2 knockdown impaired recognition and spatial memory without altering emotional or locomotor behaviors. Mechanistically, loss of Igfbp2 reduced dendritic spine density, downregulated synapsin-1 and PSD-95 expression, and weakened excitatory synaptic transmission. Remarkably, the local infusion of recombinant Igfbp2 protein restored synaptic architecture and rescued cognitive deficits. Together, these findings identify neuronal Igfbp2 as an essential regulator of PFC-dependent cognition and highlight its potential as a therapeutic target for cognitive dysfunction.