be re-established only in the adolescent stage of the BrainSpan data (WGCNA module preservation score > 2). Within the 22q11.2 region, there are six genes that are known to affect mitochondrial function: PRODH, MRPL40, SLC25A1, TXNRD2, T10, and ZDHHC8. Together they account for nearly 1/3 of the 22q11.2 genes expressed in brains [71]. The expression of these genes reaches their highest levels after birth (Additional file 12), supporting their essential roles in the late phase of neurodevelopment and neural function. It should be noted that a similar peak period of synapse formation occurs in the early postnatal primate brain, including humans. During this period, synaptic density reaches its maximum, followed by a progressive adjustment of synapses during adolescence [136, 137]. Hence, the diminished dosage of 22q11.2 genes that affect mitochondrial function, including PRODH, might further disrupt neural development by affecting metabolic/catabolic homeostasis during synapse formation.
