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Afzal S, Dürrast N, Hassan I, Soleimanpour E, Tsai PL, Dieterich DC, Fendt M. Probing cognitive flexibility in Shank2-deficient mice: Effects of D-cycloserine and NMDAR signaling hub dynamics. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2024; 134:111051. [PMID: 38849086 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2024.111051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have a heterogeneous etiology but are largely associated with genetic factors. Robust evidence from recent human genetic studies has linked mutations in the Shank2 gene to idiopathic ASD. Modeling these Shank2 mutations in animal models recapitulates behavioral changes, e.g. impaired social interaction and repetitive behavior of ASD patients. Shank2-deficient mice exhibit NMDA receptor (NMDAR) hypofunction and associated behavioral deficits. Of note, NMDARs are strongly implicated in cognitive flexibility. Their hypofunction, e.g. observed in schizophrenia, or their pharmacological inhibition leads to impaired cognitive flexibility. However, the association between Shank2 mutations and cognitive flexibility is poorly understood. Using Shank2-deficient mice, we explored the role of Shank2 in cognitive flexibility measured by the attentional set shifting task (ASST) and whether ASST performance in Shank2-deficient mice can be modulated by treatment with the partial NMDAR agonist D-cycloserine (DCS). Furthermore, we investigated the effects of Shank2 deficiency, ASST training, and DCS treatment on the expression level of NMDAR signaling hub components in the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), including NMDAR subunits (GluN2A, GluN2B, GluN2C), phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase and serine racemase. Surprisingly, Shank2 deficiency did not affect ASST performance or alter the expression of the investigated NMDAR signaling hub components. Importantly, however, DCS significantly improved ASST performance, demonstrating that positive NMDAR modulation facilitates cognitive flexibility. Furthermore, DCS increased the expression of GluN2A in the OFC, but not that of other NMDAR signaling hub components. Our findings highlight the potential of DCS as a pharmacological intervention to improve cognitive flexibility impairments downstream of NMDAR modulation and substantiate the key role of NMDAR in cognitive flexibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samia Afzal
- Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany.
| | - Nora Dürrast
- Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Iman Hassan
- Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Elaheh Soleimanpour
- Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Pei-Ling Tsai
- Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Daniela C Dieterich
- Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany; Center of Behavioral Brain Sciences, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Markus Fendt
- Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany; Center of Behavioral Brain Sciences, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
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Kreutzmann JC, Kahl E, Fendt M. Sex-specific modulation of safety learning in Shank2-deficient mice. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2024; 132:110973. [PMID: 38369099 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2024.110973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impaired perceptual processing and social communication, intellectual disabilities, and repetitive behaviors. Interestingly, while not a core symptom, anxiety disorders frequently co-occur in individuals with ASD and deficits in safety learning have been described in patients with anxiety-related disorders. Because genetic factors, such as SHANK deficiency (loss-of-function mutations), have been linked to ASD, the aim of the present study was to investigate whether Shank2 deficiency interferes with associative fear and safety signal learning. To first investigate trait anxiety, male and female Shank2-deficient mice were exposed to a light-dark box test. Mice were then submitted to a combination of contextual fear conditioning and single-cue safety conditioning. The results show that Shank2 deficiency increases trait anxiety but reduces contextual fear learning. In male but not female Shank2-deficient mice, reduced single-cued safety learning was observed. This safety learning deficit was not caused by altered anxiety levels, increased locomotor activity, or reduced contextual fear since these changes were also observed in female Shank2-deficient mice. Concluding, our data indicate that the observed safety learning deficits in Shank2-deficient male mice could contribute to the emotional symptoms observed in ASD and the high comorbidity with anxiety-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith C Kreutzmann
- Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Germany.; Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Evelyn Kahl
- Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Markus Fendt
- Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Germany.; Center of Behavioral Brain Sciences, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Germany.
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Li Z, Liu D, Wang G, Zheng Y, Chen L, Cheng Z, Zhang Z, Cai Q, Ge F, Fan Y, Guan X. METH exposure alters sperm DNA methylation in F0 mice and mPFC transcriptome in male F1 mice. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2024; 241:897-911. [PMID: 38092953 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-023-06516-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
RATIONALE Methamphetamine (METH) exposure has toxicity in sperm epigenetic phenotype and increases the risk for developing addiction in their offspring. However, the underlying transgenerational mechanism remains unclear. OBJECTIVES The current study aims to investigate the profiles of sperm epigenetic modifications in male METH-exposed mice (F0) and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) transcriptome in their male first-generation offspring (F1). METHODS METH-related male F0 and F1 mice model was established to investigate the effects of paternal METH exposure on reproductive functions and sperm DNA methylation in F0 and mPFC transcriptomic profile in F1. During adulthood, F1 was subjected to a conditioned place preference (CPP) test to evaluate sensitivity to METH. The gene levels were verified with qPCR. RESULTS METH exposure obviously altered F0 sperms DNA methylated profile and male F1 mPFC transcriptomic profile, many of which being related to neuronal system and brain development. In METH-sired male F1, subthreshold dose of METH administration effectively elicited CPP, along with more mPFC activation. After qPCR verification, Sort1 and Shank2 were at higher levels in F0 sperm and F1 mPFC. CONCLUSIONS Our findings put new insights into paternal METH exposure-altered profiles of F0 sperm DNA methylation and male F1 mPFC transcriptomics. Several genes, such as Sort1 and Shank2, might be used as potential molecules for further research on the transgenerational vulnerability to drug addiction in offspring by paternal drug exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaosu Li
- Department of Human Anatomy and Histoembryology, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Dekang Liu
- Department of Human Anatomy and Histoembryology, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Guanxiong Wang
- Department of Human Anatomy and Histoembryology, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Yanyan Zheng
- Department of Human Anatomy and Histoembryology, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Liying Chen
- Department of Human Anatomy and Histoembryology, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Zhen Cheng
- Department of Human Anatomy and Histoembryology, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Zijing Zhang
- Department of Human Anatomy and Histoembryology, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Qinglong Cai
- Department of Human Anatomy and Histoembryology, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Feifei Ge
- Department of Human Anatomy and Histoembryology, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Yu Fan
- Department of Human Anatomy and Histoembryology, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Xiaowei Guan
- Department of Human Anatomy and Histoembryology, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
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4
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Zhuang H, Liang Z, Ma G, Qureshi A, Ran X, Feng C, Liu X, Yan X, Shen L. Autism spectrum disorder: pathogenesis, biomarker, and intervention therapy. MedComm (Beijing) 2024; 5:e497. [PMID: 38434761 PMCID: PMC10908366 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has become a common neurodevelopmental disorder. The heterogeneity of ASD poses great challenges for its research and clinical translation. On the basis of reviewing the heterogeneity of ASD, this review systematically summarized the current status and progress of pathogenesis, diagnostic markers, and interventions for ASD. We provided an overview of the ASD molecular mechanisms identified by multi-omics studies and convergent mechanism in different genetic backgrounds. The comorbidities, mechanisms associated with important physiological and metabolic abnormalities (i.e., inflammation, immunity, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction), and gut microbial disorder in ASD were reviewed. The non-targeted omics and targeting studies of diagnostic markers for ASD were also reviewed. Moreover, we summarized the progress and methods of behavioral and educational interventions, intervention methods related to technological devices, and research on medical interventions and potential drug targets. This review highlighted the application of high-throughput omics methods in ASD research and emphasized the importance of seeking homogeneity from heterogeneity and exploring the convergence of disease mechanisms, biomarkers, and intervention approaches, and proposes that taking into account individuality and commonality may be the key to achieve accurate diagnosis and treatment of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongbin Zhuang
- College of Life Science and OceanographyShenzhen UniversityShenzhenP. R. China
| | - Zhiyuan Liang
- College of Life Science and OceanographyShenzhen UniversityShenzhenP. R. China
| | - Guanwei Ma
- College of Life Science and OceanographyShenzhen UniversityShenzhenP. R. China
| | - Ayesha Qureshi
- College of Life Science and OceanographyShenzhen UniversityShenzhenP. R. China
| | - Xiaoqian Ran
- College of Life Science and OceanographyShenzhen UniversityShenzhenP. R. China
| | - Chengyun Feng
- Maternal and Child Health Hospital of BaoanShenzhenP. R. China
| | - Xukun Liu
- College of Life Science and OceanographyShenzhen UniversityShenzhenP. R. China
| | - Xi Yan
- College of Life Science and OceanographyShenzhen UniversityShenzhenP. R. China
| | - Liming Shen
- College of Life Science and OceanographyShenzhen UniversityShenzhenP. R. China
- Shenzhen‐Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science‐Shenzhen Fundamental Research InstitutionsShenzhenP. R. China
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Veeraraghavan P, Engmann AK, Hatch JJ, Itoh Y, Nguyen D, Addison T, Macklis JD. Dynamic subtype- and context-specific subcellular RNA regulation in growth cones of developing neurons of the cerebral cortex. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.09.24.559186. [PMID: 38328182 PMCID: PMC10849483 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.24.559186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Molecular mechanisms that cells employ to compartmentalize function via localization of function-specific RNA and translation are only partially elucidated. We investigate long-range projection neurons of the cerebral cortex as highly polarized exemplars to elucidate dynamic regulation of RNA localization, stability, and translation within growth cones (GCs), leading tips of growing axons. Comparison of GC-localized transcriptomes between two distinct subtypes of projection neurons- interhemispheric-callosal and corticothalamic- across developmental stages identifies both distinct and shared subcellular machinery, and intriguingly highlights enrichment of genes associated with neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders. Developmental context-specific components of GC-localized transcriptomes identify known and novel potential regulators of distinct phases of circuit formation: long-distance growth, target area innervation, and synapse formation. Further, we investigate mechanisms by which transcripts are enriched and dynamically regulated in GCs, and identify GC-enriched motifs in 3' untranslated regions. As one example, we identify cytoplasmic adenylation element binding protein 4 (CPEB4), an RNA binding protein regulating localization and translation of mRNAs encoding molecular machinery important for axonal branching and complexity. We also identify RNA binding motif single stranded interacting protein 1 (RBMS1) as a dynamically expressed regulator of RNA stabilization that enables successful callosal circuit formation. Subtly aberrant associative and integrative cortical circuitry can profoundly affect cortical function, often causing neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders. Elucidation of context-specific subcellular RNA regulation for GC- and soma-localized molecular controls over precise circuit development, maintenance, and function offers generalizable insights for other polarized cells, and might contribute substantially to understanding neurodevelopmental and behavioral-cognitive disorders and toward targeted therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priya Veeraraghavan
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, and Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Anne K. Engmann
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, and Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - John J. Hatch
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, and Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Yasuhiro Itoh
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, and Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Duane Nguyen
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, and Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Thomas Addison
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, and Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jeffrey D. Macklis
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, and Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
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6
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Evans MM, Kim J, Abel T, Nickl-Jockschat T, Stevens HE. Developmental Disruptions of the Dorsal Striatum in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Biol Psychiatry 2024; 95:102-111. [PMID: 37652130 PMCID: PMC10841118 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2023.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is an increasingly prevalent neurodevelopmental condition characterized by social and communication deficits as well as patterns of restricted, repetitive behavior. Abnormal brain development has long been postulated to underlie ASD, but longitudinal studies aimed at understanding the developmental course of the disorder have been limited. More recently, abnormal development of the striatum in ASD has become an area of interest in research, partially due to overlap of striatal functions and deficit areas in ASD, as well as the critical role of the striatum in early development, when ASD is first detected. Focusing on the dorsal striatum and the associated symptom domain of restricted, repetitive behavior, we review the current literature on dorsal striatal abnormalities in ASD, including studies on functional connectivity, morphometry, and cellular and molecular substrates. We highlight that observed striatal abnormalities in ASD are often dynamic across development, displaying disrupted developmental trajectories. Important findings include an abnormal trajectory of increasing corticostriatal functional connectivity with age and increased striatal growth during childhood in ASD. We end by discussing striatal findings from animal models of ASD. In sum, the studies reviewed here demonstrate a key role for developmental disruptions of the dorsal striatum in the pathogenesis of ASD. Directing attention toward these findings will improve our understanding of ASD and of how associated deficits may be better addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya M Evans
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa; Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Jaekyoon Kim
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa; Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Ted Abel
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa; Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Thomas Nickl-Jockschat
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa; Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa; Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Hanna E Stevens
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa; Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa.
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7
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Wang D, Perera D, He J, Cao C, Kossinna P, Li Q, Zhang W, Guo X, Platt A, Wu J, Zhang Q. cLD: Rare-variant linkage disequilibrium between genomic regions identifies novel genomic interactions. PLoS Genet 2023; 19:e1011074. [PMID: 38109434 PMCID: PMC10758262 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1011074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Linkage disequilibrium (LD) is a fundamental concept in genetics; critical for studying genetic associations and molecular evolution. However, LD measurements are only reliable for common genetic variants, leaving low-frequency variants unanalyzed. In this work, we introduce cumulative LD (cLD), a stable statistic that captures the rare-variant LD between genetic regions, which reflects more biological interactions between variants, in addition to lack of recombination. We derived the theoretical variance of cLD using delta methods to demonstrate its higher stability than LD for rare variants. This property is also verified by bootstrapped simulations using real data. In application, we find cLD reveals an increased genetic association between genes in 3D chromatin interactions, a phenomenon recently reported negatively by calculating standard LD between common variants. Additionally, we show that cLD is higher between gene pairs reported in interaction databases, identifies unreported protein-protein interactions, and reveals interacting genes distinguishing case/control samples in association studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dinghao Wang
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Deshan Perera
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jingni He
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Chen Cao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Pathum Kossinna
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Qing Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - William Zhang
- The Harker School, San Jose, California, United States of America
| | - Xingyi Guo
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt Epidemiology Center, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Alexander Platt
- Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Jingjing Wu
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Qingrun Zhang
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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8
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An S, Zhen Z, Wang S, Sang M, Zhang S. Intestinal Microbiota Is a Key Target for Load Swimming to Improve Anxiety Behavior and Muscle Strength in Shank 3 -/- Rats. Mol Neurobiol 2023:10.1007/s12035-023-03670-8. [PMID: 37966684 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03670-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by social disorder and stereotypical behavior, and its incidence rate is increasing yearly. It is considered that acritical period for the prognosis of young children with ASD exists, thus early treatment is crucial. Swimming, due to its comforting effect, is often used to induce enthusiasm in young children for completing activities and has a good effect in the treatment of ASD, but the effective path of swimming has yet to be reported. The intestinal microbiota of ASD patients and animal models has been reported to be different from that of healthy controls, and these changes may affect the brain environment. Therefore, whether the intestinal microbiota is involved in the treatment of ASD by early swimming is our concern. In this study, we used 8-day old Shank3 gene knockout rats with 8 weeks of early load swimming training and conducted behavioral, small intestine morphology, and intestinal content sequencing after training. The results showed that early load swimming significantly reduced the stereotyped and anxious behaviors of Shank3-/- rats, increased their muscle strength, increased the length of intestinal villi and the width of the muscular layer after Shank3 knockout, and affected the abundance of intestinal microorganisms. The abundances with statistical significance were Lactobacillus, Lachnospiraceae, and Alloprevotella. To further confirm the role of intestinal microorganisms in it, we designed a 14-day intestinal stool transplantation experiment. Fecal microbiota transplantation demonstrated that load swimming can significantly reduce the anxiety behavior of Shank3 rats, increase their muscle strength, change the structure of the small intestine, and affect the abundance of intestinal contents. The abundance of Epsilonbateraeota, Prevotella, and Bacteroides significantly changed after transplantation. Our findings confirm the possibility of early load swimming therapy for individuals with ASD and explain that the intestinal microbiota is a key pathway for early exercise therapy for patients with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shasha An
- College of Physical Education and Sports, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Zhiping Zhen
- College of Physical Education and Sports, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China.
| | - Shijiao Wang
- College of Physical Education and Sports, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Mingze Sang
- College of Physical Education and Sports, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Shuai Zhang
- College of Physical Education and Sports, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
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9
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Réthelyi JM, Vincze K, Schall D, Glennon J, Berkel S. The role of insulin/IGF1 signalling in neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders - Evidence from human neuronal cell models. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 153:105330. [PMID: 37516219 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023]
Abstract
Insulin and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) signalling play a central role in the development and maintenance of neurons in the brain, and human neurodevelopmental as well as neuropsychiatric disorders have been linked to impaired insulin and IGF1 signalling. This review focuses on the impairments of the insulin and IGF1 signalling cascade in the context of neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders, based on evidence from human neuronal cell models. Clear evidence was obtained for impaired insulin and IGF1 receptor downstream signalling in neurodevelopmental disorders, while the evidence for its role in neuropsychiatric disorders was less substantial. Human neuronal model systems can greatly add to our knowledge about insulin/IGF1 signalling in the brain, its role in restoring dendritic maturity, and complement results from clinical studies and animal models. Moreover, they represent a useful model for the development of new therapeutic strategies. Further research is needed to systematically investigate the exact role of the insulin/IGF1 signalling cascades in neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders, and to elucidate the respective therapeutic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- János M Réthelyi
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Katalin Vincze
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary; Doctoral School of Mental Health Sciences, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Dorothea Schall
- Institute of Human Genetics, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jeffrey Glennon
- Conway Institute of Biomedical and Biomolecular Research, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Simone Berkel
- Institute of Human Genetics, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany; Interdisciplinary Centre of Neurosciences (IZN), Heidelberg University, Germany.
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10
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Rolland T, Cliquet F, Anney RJL, Moreau C, Traut N, Mathieu A, Huguet G, Duan J, Warrier V, Portalier S, Dry L, Leblond CS, Douard E, Amsellem F, Malesys S, Maruani A, Toro R, Børglum AD, Grove J, Baron-Cohen S, Packer A, Chung WK, Jacquemont S, Delorme R, Bourgeron T. Phenotypic effects of genetic variants associated with autism. Nat Med 2023; 29:1671-1680. [PMID: 37365347 PMCID: PMC10353945 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-023-02408-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
While over 100 genes have been associated with autism, little is known about the prevalence of variants affecting them in individuals without a diagnosis of autism. Nor do we fully appreciate the phenotypic diversity beyond the formal autism diagnosis. Based on data from more than 13,000 individuals with autism and 210,000 undiagnosed individuals, we estimated the odds ratios for autism associated to rare loss-of-function (LoF) variants in 185 genes associated with autism, alongside 2,492 genes displaying intolerance to LoF variants. In contrast to autism-centric approaches, we investigated the correlates of these variants in individuals without a diagnosis of autism. We show that these variants are associated with a small but significant decrease in fluid intelligence, qualification level and income and an increase in metrics related to material deprivation. These effects were larger for autism-associated genes than in other LoF-intolerant genes. Using brain imaging data from 21,040 individuals from the UK Biobank, we could not detect significant differences in the overall brain anatomy between LoF carriers and non-carriers. Our results highlight the importance of studying the effect of the genetic variants beyond categorical diagnosis and the need for more research to understand the association between these variants and sociodemographic factors, to best support individuals carrying these variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Rolland
- Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions, Institut Pasteur, UMR3571 CNRS, IUF, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France.
| | - Freddy Cliquet
- Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions, Institut Pasteur, UMR3571 CNRS, IUF, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Richard J L Anney
- Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Clara Moreau
- Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions, Institut Pasteur, UMR3571 CNRS, IUF, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Nicolas Traut
- Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions, Institut Pasteur, UMR3571 CNRS, IUF, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Center for Research and Interdisciplinarity (CRI), Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Alexandre Mathieu
- Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions, Institut Pasteur, UMR3571 CNRS, IUF, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Guillaume Huguet
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Jinjie Duan
- The Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research, iPSYCH, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Biomedicine and the iSEQ Centre, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Center for Genomics and Personalized Medicine, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Varun Warrier
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Swan Portalier
- Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions, Institut Pasteur, UMR3571 CNRS, IUF, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Louise Dry
- Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions, Institut Pasteur, UMR3571 CNRS, IUF, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Claire S Leblond
- Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions, Institut Pasteur, UMR3571 CNRS, IUF, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Elise Douard
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Département de Pédiatrie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Frédérique Amsellem
- Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions, Institut Pasteur, UMR3571 CNRS, IUF, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Robert Debré Hospital, APHP, Paris, France
| | - Simon Malesys
- Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions, Institut Pasteur, UMR3571 CNRS, IUF, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Anna Maruani
- Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions, Institut Pasteur, UMR3571 CNRS, IUF, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Robert Debré Hospital, APHP, Paris, France
| | - Roberto Toro
- Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions, Institut Pasteur, UMR3571 CNRS, IUF, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Center for Research and Interdisciplinarity (CRI), Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Anders D Børglum
- The Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research, iPSYCH, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Biomedicine and the iSEQ Centre, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Center for Genomics and Personalized Medicine, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Jakob Grove
- The Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research, iPSYCH, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Biomedicine and the iSEQ Centre, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Center for Genomics and Personalized Medicine, Aarhus, Denmark
- Bioinformatics Research Centre, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Simon Baron-Cohen
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Wendy K Chung
- Simons Foundation, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sébastien Jacquemont
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Département de Pédiatrie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Richard Delorme
- Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions, Institut Pasteur, UMR3571 CNRS, IUF, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Robert Debré Hospital, APHP, Paris, France
| | - Thomas Bourgeron
- Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions, Institut Pasteur, UMR3571 CNRS, IUF, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France.
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11
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Papp C, Mukundan VT, Jenjaroenpun P, Winnerdy FR, Ow GS, Phan AT, Kuznetsov VA. Stable bulged G-quadruplexes in the human genome: identification, experimental validation and functionalization. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:4148-4177. [PMID: 37094040 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA sequence composition determines the topology and stability of G-quadruplexes (G4s). Bulged G-quadruplex structures (G4-Bs) are a subset of G4s characterized by 3D conformations with bulges. Current search algorithms fail to capture stable G4-B, making their genome-wide study infeasible. Here, we introduced a large family of computationally defined and experimentally verified potential G4-B forming sequences (pG4-BS). We found 478 263 pG4-BS regions that do not overlap 'canonical' G4-forming sequences in the human genome and are preferentially localized in transcription regulatory regions including R-loops and open chromatin. Over 90% of protein-coding genes contain pG4-BS in their promoter or gene body. We observed generally higher pG4-BS content in R-loops and their flanks, longer genes that are associated with brain tissue, immune and developmental processes. Also, the presence of pG4-BS on both template and non-template strands in promoters is associated with oncogenesis, cardiovascular disease and stemness. Our G4-BS models predicted G4-forming ability in vitro with 91.5% accuracy. Analysis of G4-seq and CUT&Tag data strongly supports the existence of G4-BS conformations genome-wide. We reconstructed a novel G4-B 3D structure located in the E2F8 promoter. This study defines a large family of G4-like sequences, offering new insights into the essential biological functions and potential future therapeutic uses of G4-B.
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Affiliation(s)
- Csaba Papp
- Department of Urology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
| | - Vineeth T Mukundan
- School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637371, Singapore
| | - Piroon Jenjaroenpun
- Division of Bioinformatics and Data Management for Research, Research Group and Research Network Division, Research Department, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Bioinformatics Institute, A*STAR Biomedical Institutes, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Fernaldo Richtia Winnerdy
- School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637371, Singapore
| | - Ghim Siong Ow
- Bioinformatics Institute, A*STAR Biomedical Institutes, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Anh Tuân Phan
- School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637371, Singapore
- NTU Institute of Structural Biology, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 636921, Singapore
| | - Vladimir A Kuznetsov
- Department of Urology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
- Bioinformatics Institute, A*STAR Biomedical Institutes, Singapore, Singapore
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12
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Perini S, Filosi M, Domenici E. Candidate biomarkers from the integration of methylation and gene expression in discordant autistic sibling pairs. Transl Psychiatry 2023; 13:109. [PMID: 37012247 PMCID: PMC10070641 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02407-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
While the genetics of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) has been intensively studied, resulting in the identification of over 100 putative risk genes, the epigenetics of ASD has received less attention, and results have been inconsistent across studies. We aimed to investigate the contribution of DNA methylation (DNAm) to the risk of ASD and identify candidate biomarkers arising from the interaction of epigenetic mechanisms with genotype, gene expression, and cellular proportions. We performed DNAm differential analysis using whole blood samples from 75 discordant sibling pairs of the Italian Autism Network collection and estimated their cellular composition. We studied the correlation between DNAm and gene expression accounting for the potential effects of different genotypes on DNAm. We showed that the proportion of NK cells was significantly reduced in ASD siblings suggesting an imbalance in their immune system. We identified differentially methylated regions (DMRs) involved in neurogenesis and synaptic organization. Among candidate loci for ASD, we detected a DMR mapping to CLEC11A (neighboring SHANK1) where DNAm and gene expression were significantly and negatively correlated, independently from genotype effects. As reported in previous studies, we confirmed the involvement of immune functions in the pathophysiology of ASD. Notwithstanding the complexity of the disorder, suitable biomarkers such as CLEC11A and its neighbor SHANK1 can be discovered using integrative analyses even with peripheral tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Perini
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Trento (TN), Italy
| | - Michele Filosi
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Trento (TN), Italy
- EURAC Research, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Enrico Domenici
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Trento (TN), Italy.
- Fondazione The Microsoft Research - University of Trento Centre for Computational and Systems Biology (COSBI), Rovereto (TN), Italy.
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13
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Damiani F, Cornuti S, Tognini P. The gut-brain connection: Exploring the influence of the gut microbiota on neuroplasticity and neurodevelopmental disorders. Neuropharmacology 2023; 231:109491. [PMID: 36924923 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2023.109491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
Abstract
Neuroplasticity refers to the ability of brain circuits to reorganize and change the properties of the network, resulting in alterations in brain function and behavior. It is traditionally believed that neuroplasticity is influenced by external stimuli, learning, and experience. Intriguingly, there is new evidence suggesting that endogenous signals from the body's periphery may play a role. The gut microbiota, a diverse community of microorganisms living in harmony with their host, may be able to influence plasticity through its modulation of the gut-brain axis. Interestingly, the maturation of the gut microbiota coincides with critical periods of neurodevelopment, during which neural circuits are highly plastic and potentially vulnerable. As such, dysbiosis (an imbalance in the gut microbiota composition) during early life may contribute to the disruption of normal developmental trajectories, leading to neurodevelopmental disorders. This review aims to examine the ways in which the gut microbiota can affect neuroplasticity. It will also discuss recent research linking gastrointestinal issues and bacterial dysbiosis to various neurodevelopmental disorders and their potential impact on neurological outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sara Cornuti
- Laboratory of Biology, Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa, Italy
| | - Paola Tognini
- Laboratory of Biology, Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa, Italy; Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
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14
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Burgdorf JS, Yoon S, Dos Santos M, Lammert CR, Moskal JR, Penzes P. An IGFBP2-derived peptide promotes neuroplasticity and rescues deficits in a mouse model of Phelan-McDermid syndrome. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:1101-1111. [PMID: 36481930 PMCID: PMC10084719 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01904-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
We developed an IGFBP2-mimetic peptide fragment, JB2, and showed that it promotes basal synaptic structural and functional plasticity in cultured neurons and mice. We demonstrate that JB2 directly binds to dendrites and synapses, and its biological activity involves NMDA receptor activation, gene transcription and translation, and IGF2 receptors. It is not IGF1 receptor-dependent. In neurons, JB2 induced extensive remodeling of the membrane phosphoproteome. Synapse and cytoskeletal regulation, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) risk factors, and a Shank3-associated protein network were significantly enriched among phosphorylated and dephosphorylated proteins. Haploinsufficiency of the SHANK3 gene on chromosome 22q13.3 often causes Phelan-McDermid Syndrome (PMS), a genetically defined form of autism with profound deficits in motor behavior, sensory processing, language, and cognitive function. We identified multiple disease-relevant phenotypes in a Shank3 heterozygous mouse and showed that JB2 rescued deficits in synaptic function and plasticity, learning and memory, ultrasonic vocalizations, and motor function; it also normalized neuronal excitability and seizure susceptibility. Notably, JB2 rescued deficits in the auditory evoked response latency, alpha peak frequency, and steady-state electroencephalography response, measures with direct translational value to human subjects. These data demonstrate that JB2 is a potent modulator of neuroplasticity with therapeutic potential for the treatment of PMS and ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey S Burgdorf
- Falk Center for Molecular Therapeutics, Department of Biomedical Engineering, McCormick School of Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60201, USA
- Gate neurosciences, Inc., Carmel, IN, 46032, USA
| | - Sehyoun Yoon
- Department of Neuroscience, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Marc Dos Santos
- Department of Neuroscience, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Catherine R Lammert
- Department of Neuroscience, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Joseph R Moskal
- Falk Center for Molecular Therapeutics, Department of Biomedical Engineering, McCormick School of Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60201, USA
- Gate neurosciences, Inc., Carmel, IN, 46032, USA
| | - Peter Penzes
- Department of Neuroscience, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
- Northwestern University, Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
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15
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Sex-Related Changes in the Clinical, Genetic, Electrophysiological, Connectivity, and Molecular Presentations of ASD: A Comparison between Human and Animal Models of ASD with Reference to Our Data. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043287. [PMID: 36834699 PMCID: PMC9965966 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The etiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is genetic, environmental, and epigenetic. In addition to sex differences in the prevalence of ASD, which is 3-4 times more common in males, there are also distinct clinical, molecular, electrophysiological, and pathophysiological differences between sexes. In human, males with ASD have more externalizing problems (i.e., attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder), more severe communication and social problems, as well as repetitive movements. Females with ASD generally exhibit fewer severe communication problems, less repetitive and stereotyped behavior, but more internalizing problems, such as depression and anxiety. Females need a higher load of genetic changes related to ASD compared to males. There are also sex differences in brain structure, connectivity, and electrophysiology. Genetic or non-genetic experimental animal models of ASD-like behavior, when studied for sex differences, showed some neurobehavioral and electrophysiological differences between male and female animals depending on the specific model. We previously carried out studies on behavioral and molecular differences between male and female mice treated with valproic acid, either prenatally or early postnatally, that exhibited ASD-like behavior and found distinct differences between the sexes, the female mice performing better on tests measuring social interaction and undergoing changes in the expression of more genes in the brain compared to males. Interestingly, co-administration of S-adenosylmethionine alleviated the ASD-like behavioral symptoms and the gene-expression changes to the same extent in both sexes. The mechanisms underlying the sex differences are not yet fully understood.
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16
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Advancing research on early autism through an integrated risk and resilience perspective. Dev Psychopathol 2023; 35:44-61. [PMID: 35379370 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579421001437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
To date, a deficit-oriented approach dominates autism spectrum disorder (ASD) research, including studies of infant siblings of children with ASD at high risk (HR) for the disabilities associated with this disorder. Despite scientific advances regarding early ASD-related risk, there remains little systematic investigation of positive development, limiting the scope of research and quite possibly a deeper understanding of pathways toward and away from ASD-related impairments. In this paper, we argue that integrating a resilience framework into early ASD research has the potential to enhance knowledge on prodromal course, phenotypic heterogeneity, and developmental processes of risk and adaptation. We delineate a developmental systems resilience framework with particular reference to HR infants. To illustrate the utility of a resilience perspective, we consider the "female protective effect" and other evidence of adaptation in the face of ASD-related risk. We suggest that a resilience framework invites focal questions about the nature, timing, levels, interactions, and mechanisms by which positive adaptation occurs in relation to risk and developmental pathways toward and away from ASD-related difficulties. We conclude with recommendations for future research, including more focus on adaptive development and multisystem processes, pathways away from disorder, and reconsideration of extant evidence within an integrated risk-and-resilience framework.
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17
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Li QS, Shabalin AA, DiBlasi E, Gopal S, Canuso CM, Palotie A, Drevets WC, Docherty AR, Coon H. Genome-wide association study meta-analysis of suicide death and suicidal behavior. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:891-900. [PMID: 36253440 PMCID: PMC9908547 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01828-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Suicide is a worldwide health crisis. We aimed to identify genetic risk variants associated with suicide death and suicidal behavior. Meta-analysis for suicide death was performed using 3765 cases from Utah and matching 6572 controls of European ancestry. Meta-analysis for suicidal behavior using data across five cohorts (n = 8315 cases and 256,478 psychiatric or populational controls of European ancestry) was also performed. One locus in neuroligin 1 (NLGN1) passing the genome-wide significance threshold for suicide death was identified (top SNP rs73182688, with p = 5.48 × 10-8 before and p = 4.55 × 10-8 after mtCOJO analysis conditioning on MDD to remove genetic effects on suicide mediated by MDD). Conditioning on suicidal attempts did not significantly change the association strength (p = 6.02 × 10-8), suggesting suicide death specificity. NLGN1 encodes a member of a family of neuronal cell surface proteins. Members of this family act as splice site-specific ligands for beta-neurexins and may be involved in synaptogenesis. The NRXN-NLGN pathway was previously implicated in suicide, autism, and schizophrenia. We additionally identified ROBO2 and ZNF28 associations with suicidal behavior in the meta-analysis across five cohorts in gene-based association analysis using MAGMA. Lastly, we replicated two loci including variants near SOX5 and LOC101928519 associated with suicidal attempts identified in the ISGC and MVP meta-analysis using the independent FinnGen samples. Suicide death and suicidal behavior showed positive genetic correlations with depression, schizophrenia, pain, and suicidal attempt, and negative genetic correlation with educational attainment. These correlations remained significant after conditioning on depression, suggesting pleiotropic effects among these traits. Bidirectional generalized summary-data-based Mendelian randomization analysis suggests that genetic risk for the suicidal attempt and suicide death are both bi-directionally causal for MDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingqin S Li
- Neuroscience, Janssen Research & Development, Titusville, NJ, 08560, USA.
- R&D Data Science, Janssen Research & Development, Titusville, NJ, 08560, USA.
| | - Andrey A Shabalin
- Huntsman Mental Health Institute, Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
| | - Emily DiBlasi
- Huntsman Mental Health Institute, Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
| | - Srihari Gopal
- Neuroscience, Janssen Research & Development, Titusville, NJ, 08560, USA
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc, Tarrytown, NY, 10591, USA
| | - Carla M Canuso
- Neuroscience, Janssen Research & Development, Titusville, NJ, 08560, USA
| | - Aarno Palotie
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Wayne C Drevets
- Neuroscience, Janssen Research & Development, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA
| | - Anna R Docherty
- Huntsman Mental Health Institute, Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
- Virginia Institute for Psychiatric & Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Hilary Coon
- Huntsman Mental Health Institute, Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
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18
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The Role of Gut Dysbiosis in the Pathophysiology of Neuropsychiatric Disorders. Cells 2022; 12:cells12010054. [PMID: 36611848 PMCID: PMC9818777 DOI: 10.3390/cells12010054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Mounting evidence shows that the complex gut microbial ecosystem in the human gastrointestinal (GI) tract regulates the physiology of the central nervous system (CNS) via microbiota and the gut-brain (MGB) axis. The GI microbial ecosystem communicates with the brain through the neuroendocrine, immune, and autonomic nervous systems. Recent studies have bolstered the involvement of dysfunctional MGB axis signaling in the pathophysiology of several neurodegenerative, neurodevelopmental, and neuropsychiatric disorders (NPDs). Several investigations on the dynamic microbial system and genetic-environmental interactions with the gut microbiota (GM) have shown that changes in the composition, diversity and/or functions of gut microbes (termed "gut dysbiosis" (GD)) affect neuropsychiatric health by inducing alterations in the signaling pathways of the MGB axis. Interestingly, both preclinical and clinical evidence shows a positive correlation between GD and the pathogenesis and progression of NPDs. Long-term GD leads to overstimulation of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the neuroimmune system, along with altered neurotransmitter levels, resulting in dysfunctional signal transduction, inflammation, increased oxidative stress (OS), mitochondrial dysfunction, and neuronal death. Further studies on the MGB axis have highlighted the significance of GM in the development of brain regions specific to stress-related behaviors, including depression and anxiety, and the immune system in the early life. GD-mediated deregulation of the MGB axis imbalances host homeostasis significantly by disrupting the integrity of the intestinal and blood-brain barrier (BBB), mucus secretion, and gut immune and brain immune functions. This review collates evidence on the potential interaction between GD and NPDs from preclinical and clinical data. Additionally, we summarize the use of non-therapeutic modulators such as pro-, pre-, syn- and post-biotics, and specific diets or fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), which are promising targets for the management of NPDs.
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19
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Camasio A, Panzeri E, Mancuso L, Costa T, Manuello J, Ferraro M, Duca S, Cauda F, Liloia D. Linking neuroanatomical abnormalities in autism spectrum disorder with gene expression of candidate ASD genes: A meta-analytic and network-oriented approach. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0277466. [PMID: 36441779 PMCID: PMC9704678 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0277466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a set of developmental conditions with widespread neuroanatomical abnormalities and a strong genetic basis. Although neuroimaging studies have indicated anatomical changes in grey matter (GM) morphometry, their associations with gene expression remain elusive. METHODS Here, we aim to understand how gene expression correlates with neuroanatomical atypicalities in ASD. To do so, we performed a coordinate-based meta-analysis to determine the common GM variation pattern in the autistic brain. From the Allen Human Brain Atlas, we selected eight genes from the SHANK, NRXN, NLGN family and MECP2, which have been implicated with ASD, particularly in regards to altered synaptic transmission and plasticity. The gene expression maps for each gene were built. We then assessed the correlation between the gene expression maps and the GM alteration maps. Lastly, we projected the obtained clusters of GM alteration-gene correlations on top of the canonical resting state networks, in order to provide a functional characterization of the structural evidence. RESULTS We found that gene expression of most genes correlated with GM alteration (both increase and decrease) in regions located in the default mode network. Decreased GM was also correlated with gene expression of some ASD genes in areas associated with the dorsal attention and cerebellar network. Lastly, single genes were found to be significantly correlated with increased GM in areas located in the somatomotor, limbic and ganglia/thalamus networks. CONCLUSIONS This approach allowed us to combine the well beaten path of genetic and brain imaging in a novel way, to specifically investigate the relation between gene expression and brain with structural damage, and individuate genes of potential interest for further investigation in the functional domain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Camasio
- GCS-fMRI, Koelliker Hospital, Turin, Italy
- Department of Physics, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Elisa Panzeri
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Lorenzo Mancuso
- Focus Lab, Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Tommaso Costa
- GCS-fMRI, Koelliker Hospital, Turin, Italy
- Focus Lab, Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- * E-mail:
| | - Jordi Manuello
- GCS-fMRI, Koelliker Hospital, Turin, Italy
- Focus Lab, Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Mario Ferraro
- Department of Physics, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Sergio Duca
- GCS-fMRI, Koelliker Hospital, Turin, Italy
- Focus Lab, Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Franco Cauda
- GCS-fMRI, Koelliker Hospital, Turin, Italy
- Focus Lab, Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Donato Liloia
- GCS-fMRI, Koelliker Hospital, Turin, Italy
- Focus Lab, Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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20
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De Gregorio R, Subah G, Chan JC, Speranza L, Zhang X, Ramakrishnan A, Shen L, Maze I, Stanton PK, Sze JY. Sex-biased effects on hippocampal circuit development by perinatal SERT expression in CA3 pyramidal neurons. Development 2022; 149:dev200549. [PMID: 36178075 PMCID: PMC10655925 DOI: 10.1242/dev.200549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders ranging from autism to intellectual disability display sex-biased prevalence and phenotypical presentations. Despite increasing knowledge about temporospatial cortical map development and genetic variants linked to neurodevelopmental disorders, when and how sex-biased neural circuit derailment may arise in diseased brain remain unknown. Here, we identify in mice that serotonin uptake transporter (SERT) in non-serotonergic neurons - hippocampal and prefrontal pyramidal neurons - confers sex-biased effects specifically during neural circuit development. A set of gradient-patterned CA3 pyramidal neurons transiently express SERT to clear extracellular serotonin, coinciding with hippocampal synaptic circuit establishment. Ablating pyramidal neuron SERT (SERTPyramidΔ) alters dendritic spine developmental trajectory in the hippocampus, and precipitates sex-biased impairments in long-term activity-dependent hippocampal synaptic plasticity and cognitive behaviors. Transcriptomic analyses identify sex-biased alterations in gene sets associated with autism, dendritic spine structure, synaptic function and male-specific enrichment of dysregulated genes in glial cells in early postnatal SERTPyramidΔ hippocampus. Our data suggest that SERT function in these pyramidal neurons underscores a temporal- and brain region-specific regulation of normal sex-dimorphic circuit development and a source for sex-biased vulnerability to cognitive and behavioral impairments. This article has an associated 'The people behind the papers' interview.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto De Gregorio
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Galadu Subah
- Department of Cell Biology & Anatomy, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY 10595, USA
| | - Jennifer C. Chan
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, NY 10029, USA
| | - Luisa Speranza
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Xiaolei Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology & Anatomy, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY 10595, USA
| | - Aarthi Ramakrishnan
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, NY 10029, USA
| | - Li Shen
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, NY 10029, USA
| | - Ian Maze
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, NY 10029, USA
| | - Patric K. Stanton
- Department of Cell Biology & Anatomy, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY 10595, USA
| | - Ji Y. Sze
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
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21
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Li QS, Morrison RL, Turecki G, Drevets WC. Meta-analysis of epigenome-wide association studies of major depressive disorder. Sci Rep 2022; 12:18361. [PMID: 36319817 PMCID: PMC9626569 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-22744-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic mechanisms have been hypothesized to play a role in the etiology of major depressive disorder (MDD). In this study, we performed a meta-analysis between two case-control MDD cohorts to identify differentially methylated positions (DMPs) and differentially methylated regions (DMRs) in MDD. Using samples from two Cohorts (a total of 298 MDD cases and 63 controls with repeated samples, on average ~ 1.8 samples/subject), we performed an EWAS meta-analysis. Multiple cytosine-phosphate-guanine sites annotated to TNNT3 were associated with MDD reaching study-wide significance, including cg08337959 (p = 2.3 × 10-11). Among DMPs with association p values less than 0.0001, pathways from REACTOME such as Ras activation upon Ca2+ influx through the NMDA receptor (p = 0.0001, p-adjusted = 0.05) and long-term potentiation (p = 0.0002, p-adjusted = 0.05) were enriched in this study. A total of 127 DMRs with Sidak-corrected p value < 0.05 were identified from the meta-analysis, including DMRs annotated to TNNT3 (chr11: 1948933 to 1949130 [6 probes], Sidak corrected P value = 4.32 × 10-41), S100A13 (chr1: 153599479 to 153600972 [22 probes], Sidak corrected P value = 5.32 × 10-18), NRXN1 (chr2: 50201413 to 50201505 [4 probes], Sidak corrected P value = 1.19 × 10-11), IL17RA (chr22: 17564750 to 17565149, Sidak corrected P value = 9.31 × 10-8), and NPFFR2 (chr4: 72897565 to 72898212, Sidak corrected P value = 8.19 × 10-7). Using 2 Cohorts of depression case-control samples, we identified DMPs and DMRs associated with MDD. The molecular pathways implicated by these data include mechanisms involved in neuronal synaptic plasticity, calcium signaling, and inflammation, consistent with reports from previous genetic and protein biomarker studies indicating that these mechanisms are involved in the neurobiology of depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingqin S. Li
- grid.497530.c0000 0004 0389 4927Neuroscience, Janssen Research and Development, LLC, Titusville, NJ USA ,grid.497530.c0000 0004 0389 4927JRD Data Science, Janssen Research and Development, LLC, Titusville, NJ USA
| | - Randall L. Morrison
- grid.497530.c0000 0004 0389 4927Neuroscience, Janssen Research and Development, LLC, Titusville, NJ USA ,Present Address: RLM Consulting LLC, 200 S Landmark Lane, Fort Washington, PA 19034 USA
| | - Gustavo Turecki
- grid.14709.3b0000 0004 1936 8649Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC Canada
| | - Wayne C. Drevets
- Neuroscience, Janssen Research and Development, LLC, La Jolla, CA USA
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22
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Qi C, Luo LD, Feng I, Ma S. Molecular mechanisms of synaptogenesis. Front Synaptic Neurosci 2022; 14:939793. [PMID: 36176941 PMCID: PMC9513053 DOI: 10.3389/fnsyn.2022.939793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Synapses are the basic units for information processing and storage in the nervous system. It is only when the synaptic connection is established, that it becomes meaningful to discuss the structure and function of a circuit. In humans, our unparalleled cognitive abilities are correlated with an increase in the number of synapses. Additionally, genes involved in synaptogenesis are also frequently associated with neurological or psychiatric disorders, suggesting a relationship between synaptogenesis and brain physiology and pathology. Thus, understanding the molecular mechanisms of synaptogenesis is the key to the mystery of circuit assembly and neural computation. Furthermore, it would provide therapeutic insights for the treatment of neurological and psychiatric disorders. Multiple molecular events must be precisely coordinated to generate a synapse. To understand the molecular mechanisms underlying synaptogenesis, we need to know the molecular components of synapses, how these molecular components are held together, and how the molecular networks are refined in response to neural activity to generate new synapses. Thanks to the intensive investigations in this field, our understanding of the process of synaptogenesis has progressed significantly. Here, we will review the molecular mechanisms of synaptogenesis by going over the studies on the identification of molecular components in synapses and their functions in synaptogenesis, how cell adhesion molecules connect these synaptic molecules together, and how neural activity mobilizes these molecules to generate new synapses. Finally, we will summarize the human-specific regulatory mechanisms in synaptogenesis and results from human genetics studies on synaptogenesis and brain disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cai Qi
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
- *Correspondence: Cai Qi,
| | - Li-Da Luo
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Program in Cellular Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration and Repair, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Irena Feng
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Shaojie Ma
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
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23
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Jung S, Park M. Shank postsynaptic scaffolding proteins in autism spectrum disorder: Mouse models and their dysfunctions in behaviors, synapses, and molecules. Pharmacol Res 2022; 182:106340. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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24
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Jefri M, Zhang X, Stumpf PS, Zhang L, Peng H, Hettige N, Theroux JF, Aouabed Z, Wilson K, Deshmukh S, Antonyan L, Ni A, Alsuwaidi S, Zhang Y, Jabado N, Garcia BA, Schuppert A, Bjornsson HT, Ernst C. Kabuki syndrome stem cell models reveal locus specificity of histone methyltransferase 2D (KMT2D/MLL4). Hum Mol Genet 2022; 31:3715-3728. [PMID: 35640156 PMCID: PMC9616574 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddac121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Kabuki syndrome is frequently caused by loss-of-function mutations in one allele of histone 3 lysine 4 (H3K4) methyltransferase KMT2D and is associated with problems in neurological, immunological and skeletal system development. We generated heterozygous KMT2D knockout and Kabuki patient-derived cell models to investigate the role of reduced dosage of KMT2D in stem cells. We discovered chromosomal locus-specific alterations in gene expression, specifically a 110 Kb region containing Synaptotagmin 3 (SYT3), C-Type Lectin Domain Containing 11A (CLEC11A), Chromosome 19 Open Reading Frame 81 (C19ORF81) and SH3 And Multiple Ankyrin Repeat Domains 1 (SHANK1), suggesting locus-specific targeting of KMT2D. Using whole genome histone methylation mapping, we confirmed locus-specific changes in H3K4 methylation patterning coincident with regional decreases in gene expression in Kabuki cell models. Significantly reduced H3K4 peaks aligned with regions of stem cell maps of H3K27 and H3K4 methylation suggesting KMT2D haploinsufficiency impact bivalent enhancers in stem cells. Preparing the genome for subsequent differentiation cues may be of significant importance for Kabuki-related genes. This work provides a new insight into the mechanism of action of an important gene in bone and brain development and may increase our understanding of a specific function of a human disease-relevant H3K4 methyltransferase family member.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malvin Jefri
- Psychiatric Genetics Group, McGill University, 6875 LaSalle Boulevard, Frank Common Building, Room 2101.2, Verdun, Montreal, QC H4H 1R3, Canada,Department of Psychiatry, McGill University and Douglas Hospital Research Institute, Montreal, QC H4H 1R3, Canada
| | - Xin Zhang
- Psychiatric Genetics Group, McGill University, 6875 LaSalle Boulevard, Frank Common Building, Room 2101.2, Verdun, Montreal, QC H4H 1R3, Canada,Department of Psychiatry, McGill University and Douglas Hospital Research Institute, Montreal, QC H4H 1R3, Canada
| | - Patrick S Stumpf
- Institute for Computational Biomedicine, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen 52056, Germany
| | - Li Zhang
- McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Huashan Peng
- Psychiatric Genetics Group, McGill University, 6875 LaSalle Boulevard, Frank Common Building, Room 2101.2, Verdun, Montreal, QC H4H 1R3, Canada,Department of Psychiatry, McGill University and Douglas Hospital Research Institute, Montreal, QC H4H 1R3, Canada
| | - Nuwan Hettige
- Psychiatric Genetics Group, McGill University, 6875 LaSalle Boulevard, Frank Common Building, Room 2101.2, Verdun, Montreal, QC H4H 1R3, Canada,Department of Psychiatry, McGill University and Douglas Hospital Research Institute, Montreal, QC H4H 1R3, Canada
| | - Jean-Francois Theroux
- Psychiatric Genetics Group, McGill University, 6875 LaSalle Boulevard, Frank Common Building, Room 2101.2, Verdun, Montreal, QC H4H 1R3, Canada,Department of Psychiatry, McGill University and Douglas Hospital Research Institute, Montreal, QC H4H 1R3, Canada
| | - Zahia Aouabed
- Psychiatric Genetics Group, McGill University, 6875 LaSalle Boulevard, Frank Common Building, Room 2101.2, Verdun, Montreal, QC H4H 1R3, Canada,Department of Psychiatry, McGill University and Douglas Hospital Research Institute, Montreal, QC H4H 1R3, Canada
| | - Khadija Wilson
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Shriya Deshmukh
- Division of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Lilit Antonyan
- Psychiatric Genetics Group, McGill University, 6875 LaSalle Boulevard, Frank Common Building, Room 2101.2, Verdun, Montreal, QC H4H 1R3, Canada,Department of Psychiatry, McGill University and Douglas Hospital Research Institute, Montreal, QC H4H 1R3, Canada
| | - Anjie Ni
- Psychiatric Genetics Group, McGill University, 6875 LaSalle Boulevard, Frank Common Building, Room 2101.2, Verdun, Montreal, QC H4H 1R3, Canada,Department of Psychiatry, McGill University and Douglas Hospital Research Institute, Montreal, QC H4H 1R3, Canada
| | - Shaima Alsuwaidi
- Psychiatric Genetics Group, McGill University, 6875 LaSalle Boulevard, Frank Common Building, Room 2101.2, Verdun, Montreal, QC H4H 1R3, Canada,Department of Psychiatry, McGill University and Douglas Hospital Research Institute, Montreal, QC H4H 1R3, Canada
| | - Ying Zhang
- Psychiatric Genetics Group, McGill University, 6875 LaSalle Boulevard, Frank Common Building, Room 2101.2, Verdun, Montreal, QC H4H 1R3, Canada,Department of Psychiatry, McGill University and Douglas Hospital Research Institute, Montreal, QC H4H 1R3, Canada
| | - Nada Jabado
- Division of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada,Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0C7, Canada,Department of Pediatrics, McGill University and The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Benjamin A Garcia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Andreas Schuppert
- Institute for Computational Biomedicine, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen 52056, Germany
| | - Hans T Bjornsson
- McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA,Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland,Department of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Landspitali University Hospital, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Carl Ernst
- To whom correspondence should be addressed at: Department of Psychiatry, McGill University and Douglas Hospital Research Institute, 6875 LaSalle boulevard, Frank Common building, Room 2101.2 Verdun, QC H4H 1R3, Canada. Tel: +1 514-761-6131 ext 3382; Fax: +1 514-762-3023;
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25
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Napolitano A, Schiavi S, La Rosa P, Rossi-Espagnet MC, Petrillo S, Bottino F, Tagliente E, Longo D, Lupi E, Casula L, Valeri G, Piemonte F, Trezza V, Vicari S. Sex Differences in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Diagnostic, Neurobiological, and Behavioral Features. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:889636. [PMID: 35633791 PMCID: PMC9136002 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.889636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder with a worldwide prevalence of about 1%, characterized by impairments in social interaction, communication, repetitive patterns of behaviors, and can be associated with hyper- or hypo-reactivity of sensory stimulation and cognitive disability. ASD comorbid features include internalizing and externalizing symptoms such as anxiety, depression, hyperactivity, and attention problems. The precise etiology of ASD is still unknown and it is undoubted that the disorder is linked to some extent to both genetic and environmental factors. It is also well-documented and known that one of the most striking and consistent finding in ASD is the higher prevalence in males compared to females, with around 70% of ASD cases described being males. The present review looked into the most significant studies that attempted to investigate differences in ASD males and females thus trying to shade some light on the peculiar characteristics of this prevalence in terms of diagnosis, imaging, major autistic-like behavior and sex-dependent uniqueness. The study also discussed sex differences found in animal models of ASD, to provide a possible explanation of the neurological mechanisms underpinning the different presentation of autistic symptoms in males and females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Napolitano
- Medical Physics Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Schiavi
- Section of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, Science Department, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
| | - Piergiorgio La Rosa
- Division of Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Camilla Rossi-Espagnet
- Neuroradiology Unit, Imaging Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- NESMOS, Neuroradiology Department, S. Andrea Hospital Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Petrillo
- Head Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Unit, Neuroscience Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Bottino
- Medical Physics Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuela Tagliente
- Medical Physics Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Longo
- Neuroradiology Unit, Imaging Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Lupi
- Head Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Unit, Neuroscience Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Casula
- Head Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Unit, Neuroscience Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Valeri
- Head Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Unit, Neuroscience Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Fiorella Piemonte
- Neuromuscular and Neurodegenerative Diseases Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Viviana Trezza
- Section of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, Science Department, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Vicari
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Neuroscience Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Life Sciences and Public Health Department, Catholic University, Rome, Italy
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26
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Shared Etiology in Autism Spectrum Disorder and Epilepsy with Functional Disability. Behav Neurol 2022; 2022:5893519. [PMID: 35530166 PMCID: PMC9068331 DOI: 10.1155/2022/5893519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders and epilepsies are heterogeneous human disorders that have miscellaneous etiologies and pathophysiology. There is considerable risk of frequent epilepsy in autism that facilitates amplified morbidity and mortality. Several biological pathways appear to be involved in disease progression, including gene transcription regulation, cellular growth, synaptic channel function, and maintenance of synaptic structure. Here, abnormalities in excitatory/inhibitory (E/I) balance ratio are reviewed along with part of an epileptiform activity that may drive both overconnectivity and genetic disorders where autism spectrum disorders and epilepsy frequently co-occur. The most current ideas concerning common etiological and molecular mechanisms for co-occurrence of both autism spectrum disorders and epilepsy are discussed along with the powerful pharmacological therapies that protect the cognition and behavior of patients. Better understanding is necessary to identify a biological mechanism that might lead to possible treatments for these neurological disorders.
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27
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Yao M, Meng M, Yang X, Wang S, Zhang H, Zhang F, Shi L, Zhang Y, Zhang X, Xu Z. POSH regulates assembly of the NMDAR/PSD-95/Shank complex and synaptic function. Cell Rep 2022; 39:110642. [PMID: 35385725 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.110642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 01/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutation or disruption of the Shank/ProSAP family of genes is a high risk factor for autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and intellectual disability. N-methyl-D-aspartate glutamate receptor (NMDAR) dysfunction contributes to the development of autism-like behaviors. However, the molecular mechanism of Shank-mediated NMDAR modulation is still not clear. Here, we show that the scaffold protein plenty of SH3s (POSH) directly interacts with two other scaffold proteins, PSD95 and SHANK2/3, at excitatory synapses. In POSH conditional knockout (cKO) mice, normal synaptic clustering of NMDAR/PSD-95/SHANK complex is disrupted, accompanied by abnormal dendritic spine development and glutamatergic transmission in hippocampal neurons. POSH cKO mice display profound autism-like behaviors, including impairments in social interactions, social communication, repetitive behaviors, and deficits in learning and memory. Thus, POSH clusters at the postsynaptic density (PSD) with PSD-95 and SHANK2/3 and plays important roles in the signaling mechanisms of the NMDAR/PSD-95/POSH/SHANK complex as well as in spine development and brain function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minghui Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
| | - Meizhen Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Xiyu Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Shuo Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Hongsheng Zhang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease and Aging Research, Institute of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Lei Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Yongqing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Xiaohui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China.
| | - Zhiheng Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Parkinson's Disease Center, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing 100101, China.
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28
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Mapelli L, Soda T, D’Angelo E, Prestori F. The Cerebellar Involvement in Autism Spectrum Disorders: From the Social Brain to Mouse Models. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073894. [PMID: 35409253 PMCID: PMC8998980 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are pervasive neurodevelopmental disorders that include a variety of forms and clinical phenotypes. This heterogeneity complicates the clinical and experimental approaches to ASD etiology and pathophysiology. To date, a unifying theory of these diseases is still missing. Nevertheless, the intense work of researchers and clinicians in the last decades has identified some ASD hallmarks and the primary brain areas involved. Not surprisingly, the areas that are part of the so-called “social brain”, and those strictly connected to them, were found to be crucial, such as the prefrontal cortex, amygdala, hippocampus, limbic system, and dopaminergic pathways. With the recent acknowledgment of the cerebellar contribution to cognitive functions and the social brain, its involvement in ASD has become unmistakable, though its extent is still to be elucidated. In most cases, significant advances were made possible by recent technological developments in structural/functional assessment of the human brain and by using mouse models of ASD. Mouse models are an invaluable tool to get insights into the molecular and cellular counterparts of the disease, acting on the specific genetic background generating ASD-like phenotype. Given the multifaceted nature of ASD and related studies, it is often difficult to navigate the literature and limit the huge content to specific questions. This review fulfills the need for an organized, clear, and state-of-the-art perspective on cerebellar involvement in ASD, from its connections to the social brain areas (which are the primary sites of ASD impairments) to the use of monogenic mouse models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Mapelli
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (T.S.); (E.D.)
- Correspondence: (L.M.); (F.P.)
| | - Teresa Soda
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (T.S.); (E.D.)
| | - Egidio D’Angelo
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (T.S.); (E.D.)
- Brain Connectivity Center, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Francesca Prestori
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (T.S.); (E.D.)
- Correspondence: (L.M.); (F.P.)
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29
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Chen QN, Ding XL, Guo XX, Zhou G, Guan JS. Suv39h1 regulates memory stability by inhibiting the expression of Shank1 in hippocampal newborn neurons. Eur J Neurosci 2022; 55:1424-1441. [PMID: 35181969 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Adult newborn neurons are involved in memory encoding and extinction, but the neural mechanism is unclear. We found the adult newborn neurons at 4 weeks are recruited by learning and subjected to epigenetic regulations, consequently reducing their ability to be re-recruited later. After removal of the epigenetic blockage, Suv39h1 KO mice showed an increased recruiting number of aged newborn neurons and enhanced flexibility in learning tasks. Besides NRXN1, we found SHANK1, the synaptic scaffold protein, is one of the major targets of Suv39h1, regulating memory stability. Expression of Shank1 is transiently engaged to enhance synaptogenesis during learning and is strongly suppressed by Suv39h1 from 5 hours after learning. Exogenously overexpression of Shank1 in dentate gyrus increased the density of mushroom spines and decreased the persistency of old memories. Our study indicated the activity-regulated epigenetic modification in newly matured newborn neurons in hippocampus insulates temporally distinct experiences and stabilizes old memories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi-Nan Chen
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Neuroscience, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xin-Lu Ding
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiu-Xian Guo
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Gang Zhou
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ji-Song Guan
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China.,CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
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30
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Terashima H, Minatohara K, Maruoka H, Okabe S. Imaging neural circuit pathology of autism spectrum disorders: autism-associated genes, animal models and the application of in vivo two-photon imaging. Microscopy (Oxf) 2022; 71:i81-i99. [DOI: 10.1093/jmicro/dfab039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Recent advances in human genetics identified genetic variants involved in causing autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Mouse models that mimic mutations found in patients with ASD exhibit behavioral phenotypes consistent with ASD symptoms. These mouse models suggest critical biological factors of ASD etiology. Another important implication of ASD genetics is the enrichment of ASD risk genes in molecules involved in developing synapses and regulating neural circuit function. Sophisticated in vivo imaging technologies applied to ASD mouse models identify common synaptic impairments in the neocortex, with genetic-mutation-specific defects in local neural circuits. In this article, we review synapse- and circuit-level phenotypes identified by in vivo two-photon imaging in multiple mouse models of ASD and discuss the contributions of altered synapse properties and neural circuit activity to ASD pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Terashima
- Department of Cellular Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Keiichiro Minatohara
- Department of Cellular Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Hisato Maruoka
- Department of Cellular Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Shigeo Okabe
- Department of Cellular Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
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31
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Vyas Y, Cheyne JE, Lee K, Jung Y, Cheung PY, Montgomery JM. Shankopathies in the Developing Brain in Autism Spectrum Disorders. Front Neurosci 2022; 15:775431. [PMID: 35002604 PMCID: PMC8727517 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.775431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The SHANK family of proteins play critical structural and functional roles in the postsynaptic density (PSD) at excitatory glutamatergic synapses. Through their multidomain structure they form a structural platform across the PSD for protein–protein interactions, as well as recruiting protein complexes to strengthen excitatory synaptic transmission. Mutations in SHANKs reflect their importance to synapse development and plasticity. This is evident in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a neurodevelopmental disorder resulting in behavioural changes including repetitive behaviours, lack of sociability, sensory issues, learning, and language impairments. Human genetic studies have revealed ASD mutations commonly occur in SHANKs. Rodent models expressing these mutations display ASD behavioural impairments, and a subset of these deficits are rescued by reintroduction of Shank in adult animals, suggesting that lack of SHANK during key developmental periods can lead to permanent changes in the brain’s wiring. Here we explore the differences in synaptic function and plasticity from development onward in rodent Shank ASD models. To date the most explored brain regions, relate to the behavioural changes observed, e.g., the striatum, hippocampus, sensory, and prefrontal cortex. In addition, less-studied regions including the hypothalamus, cerebellum, and peripheral nervous system are also affected. Synaptic phenotypes include weakened but also strengthened synaptic function, with NMDA receptors commonly affected, as well as changes in the balance of excitation and inhibition especially in cortical brain circuits. The effects of shankopathies in activity-dependent brain wiring is an important target for therapeutic intervention. We therefore highlight areas of research consensus and identify remaining questions and challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukti Vyas
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Juliette E Cheyne
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Kevin Lee
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.,Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Yewon Jung
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.,Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Pang Ying Cheung
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Johanna M Montgomery
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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Juarez P, Martínez Cerdeño V. Parvalbumin and parvalbumin chandelier interneurons in autism and other psychiatric disorders. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:913550. [PMID: 36311505 PMCID: PMC9597886 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.913550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Parvalbumin (PV) is a calcium binding protein expressed by inhibitory fast-spiking interneurons in the cerebral cortex. By generating a fast stream of action potentials, PV+ interneurons provide a quick and stable inhibitory input to pyramidal neurons and contribute to the generation of gamma oscillations in the cortex. Their fast-firing rates, while advantageous for regulating cortical signaling, also leave them vulnerable to metabolic stress. Chandelier (Ch) cells are a type of PV+ interneuron that modulate the output of pyramidal neurons and synchronize spikes within neuron populations by directly innervating the pyramidal axon initial segment. Changes in the morphology and/or function of PV+ interneurons, mostly of Ch cells, are linked to neurological disorders. In ASD, the number of PV+ Ch cells is decreased across several cortical areas. Changes in the morphology and/or function of PV+ interneurons have also been linked to schizophrenia, epilepsy, and bipolar disorder. Herein, we review the role of PV and PV+ Ch cell alterations in ASD and other psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Juarez
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine (IPRM), Shriners Hospital for Children and UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, United States.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - Verónica Martínez Cerdeño
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine (IPRM), Shriners Hospital for Children and UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, United States.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, United States.,MIND Institute, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, United States
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33
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A recurrent SHANK1 mutation implicated in autism spectrum disorder causes autistic-like core behaviors in mice via downregulation of mGluR1-IP3R1-calcium signaling. Mol Psychiatry 2022; 27:2985-2998. [PMID: 35388181 PMCID: PMC9205781 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01539-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The genetic etiology and underlying mechanism of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) remain elusive. SHANK family genes (SHANK1/2/3) are well known ASD-related genes. However, little is known about how SHANK missense mutations contribute to ASD. Here, we aimed to clarify the molecular mechanism of and the multilevel neuropathological features induced by Shank1 mutations in knock-in (KI) mice. In this study, by sequencing the SHANK1 gene in a cohort of 615 ASD patients and 503 controls, we identified an ASD-specific recurrent missense mutation, c.2621 G > A (p.R874H). This mutation demonstrated strong pathogenic potential in in vitro experiments, and we generated the corresponding Shank1 R882H-KI mice. Shank1 R882H-KI mice displayed core symptoms of ASD, namely, social disability and repetitive behaviors, without confounding comorbidities of abnormal motor function and heightened anxiety. Brain structural changes in the frontal cortex, hippocampus and cerebellar cortex were observed in Shank1 R882H-KI mice via structural magnetic resonance imaging. These key brain regions also showed severe and consistent downregulation of mGluR1-IP3R1-calcium signaling, which subsequently affected the release of intracellular calcium. Corresponding cellular structural and functional changes were present in Shank1 R882H-KI mice, including decreased spine size, reduced spine density, abnormal morphology of postsynaptic densities, and impaired hippocampal long-term potentiation and basal excitatory transmission. These findings demonstrate the causative role of SHANK1 in ASD and elucidate the underlying biological mechanism of core symptoms of ASD. We also provide a reliable model of ASD with core symptoms for future studies, such as biomarker identification and therapeutic intervention studies.
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Genome-wide tandem repeat expansions contribute to schizophrenia risk. Mol Psychiatry 2022; 27:3692-3698. [PMID: 35546631 PMCID: PMC9708556 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01575-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Tandem repeat expansions (TREs) can cause neurological diseases but their impact in schizophrenia is unclear. Here we analyzed genome sequences of adults with schizophrenia and found that they have a higher burden of TREs that are near exons and rare in the general population, compared with non-psychiatric controls. These TREs are disproportionately found at loci known to be associated with schizophrenia from genome-wide association studies, in individuals with clinically-relevant genetic variants at other schizophrenia loci, and in families where multiple individuals have schizophrenia. We showed that rare TREs in schizophrenia may impact synaptic functions by disrupting the splicing process of their associated genes in a loss-of-function manner. Our findings support the involvement of genome-wide rare TREs in the polygenic nature of schizophrenia.
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Paprocka J, Ziętkiewicz S, Kosińska J, Kaczorowska E, Płoski R. Case Report: Lennox-Gastaut Epileptic Encephalopathy Responsive to Cannabidiol Treatment Associated With a Novel de novo Mosaic SHANK1 Variant. Front Genet 2021; 12:735292. [PMID: 34912368 PMCID: PMC8667173 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.735292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The SH3 and multiple ankyrin repeat domains (SHANKs) are a family of scaffolding proteins located in excitatory synapses required for their development and function. Molecular defects of SHANK3 are a well-known cause of several neurodevelopmental entities, in particular autism spectrum disorders and epilepsy, whereas relatively little is known about disease associations of SHANK1. Here, we propose a novel de novo mosaic p.(Gly126Arg) SHANK1 variant as the monogenic cause of disease in a patient who presented, from the age of 2 years, moderate intellectual disability, autism, and refractory epilepsy of the Lennox–Gastaut type. The epilepsy responded remarkably well to cannabidiol add-on therapy. In silico analyses including homology modeling and molecular dynamics simulations indicated the deleterious effect of SHANK1 p.(Gly126Arg) on the protein structure and the related function associated with protein–protein interactions. In particular, the variant was predicted to disrupt a hitherto unknown conserved region of SHANK1 protein with high homology to a recently recognized functionally relevant domain in SHANK3 implicated in ligand binding, including the “non-canonical” binding of Rap1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justyna Paprocka
- Department of Pediatric Neurologsluy, Faculty of Medical Science in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Szymon Ziętkiewicz
- Department of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland.,Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Gdansk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Joanna Kosińska
- Department of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ewa Kaczorowska
- Department of Biology and Medical Genetics, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Rafał Płoski
- Department of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
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Qi M, Stenson PD, Ball EV, Tainer JA, Bacolla A, Kehrer-Sawatzki H, Cooper DN, Zhao H. Distinct sequence features underlie microdeletions and gross deletions in the human genome. Hum Mutat 2021; 43:328-346. [PMID: 34918412 PMCID: PMC9069542 DOI: 10.1002/humu.24314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Microdeletions and gross deletions are important causes (~20%) of human inherited disease and their genomic locations are strongly influenced by the local DNA sequence environment. This notwithstanding, no study has systematically examined their underlying generative mechanisms. Here, we obtained 42,098 pathogenic microdeletions and gross deletions from the Human Gene Mutation Database (HGMD) that together form a continuum of germline deletions ranging in size from 1 to 28,394,429 bp. We analyzed the DNA sequence within 1 kb of the breakpoint junctions and found that the frequencies of non‐B DNA‐forming repeats, GC‐content, and the presence of seven of 78 specific sequence motifs in the vicinity of pathogenic deletions correlated with deletion length for deletions of length ≤30 bp. Further, we found that the presence of DR, GQ, and STR repeats is important for the formation of longer deletions (>30 bp) but not for the formation of shorter deletions (≤30 bp) while significantly (χ2, p < 2E−16) more microhomologies were identified flanking short deletions than long deletions (length >30 bp). We provide evidence to support a functional distinction between microdeletions and gross deletions. Finally, we propose that a deletion length cut‐off of 25–30 bp may serve as an objective means to functionally distinguish microdeletions from gross deletions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengling Qi
- Department of Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangzhou, China
| | - Peter D Stenson
- Institute of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Edward V Ball
- Institute of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4XN, UK
| | - John A Tainer
- Departments of Cancer Biology and of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Albino Bacolla
- Departments of Cancer Biology and of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | | | - David N Cooper
- Institute of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Huiying Zhao
- Department of Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangzhou, China
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37
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Lutz AK, Pérez Arévalo A, Ioannidis V, Stirmlinger N, Demestre M, Delorme R, Bourgeron T, Boeckers TM. SHANK2 Mutations Result in Dysregulation of the ERK1/2 Pathway in Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells-Derived Neurons and Shank2(-/-) Mice. Front Mol Neurosci 2021; 14:773571. [PMID: 34899182 PMCID: PMC8662699 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2021.773571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
SHANK2 (ProSAP1) is a postsynaptic scaffolding protein of excitatory synapses in the central nervous system and implicated in the development of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Patients with mutations in SHANK2 show autism-like behaviors, developmental delay, and intellectual disability. We generated human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC) from a patient carrying a heterozygous deletion of SHANK2 and from the unaffected parents. In patient hiPSCs and derived neurons SHANK2 mRNA and protein expression was reduced. During neuronal maturation, a reduction in growth cone size and a transient increase in neuronal soma size were observed. Neuronal proliferation was increased, and apoptosis was decreased in young and mature neurons. Additionally, mature patient hiPSC-derived neurons showed dysregulated excitatory signaling and a decrease of a broad range of signaling molecules of the ERK-MAP kinase pathway. These findings could be confirmed in brain samples from Shank2(−/−) mice, which also showed decreased mGluR5 and phospho-ERK1/2 expression. Our study broadens the current knowledge of SHANK2-related ASD. We highlight the importance of excitatory-inhibitory balance and mGluR5 dysregulation with disturbed downstream ERK1/2 signaling in ASD, which provides possible future therapeutic strategies for SHANK2-related ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Kathrin Lutz
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Maria Demestre
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | | | - Thomas Bourgeron
- Génétique Humaine et Fonctions Cognitives, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Diderot, Paris, France
| | - Tobias M Boeckers
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany.,Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE), Ulm Site, Ulm, Germany
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38
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Martin LJ, Poulson SJ, Mannan E, Sivaselvachandran S, Cho M, Setak F, Chan C. Altered nociceptive behavior and emotional contagion of pain in mouse models of autism. GENES, BRAIN, AND BEHAVIOR 2021; 21:e12778. [PMID: 34812576 PMCID: PMC9744566 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have altered sensory processing but may ineffectively communicate their experiences. Here, we used a battery of nociceptive behavioral tests to assess sensory alterations in two commonly used mouse models of ASD, BTBR T+ Itpr3tf /J (BTBR), and fragile-X mental retardation-1 knockout (Fmr1-KO) mice. We also asked whether emotional contagion, a primitive form of empathy, was altered in BTBR and Fmr1 KO mice when experiencing pain with a social partner. BTBR mice demonstrated mixed nociceptive responses with hyporesponsivity to mechanical/thermal stimuli and intraplantar injections of formalin and capsaicin while displaying hypersensitivity on the acetic acid test. Fmr1-KO mice were hyposensitive to mechanical stimuli and intraplantar injections of capsaicin and formalin. BTBR and Fmr1-KO mice developed significantly less mechanical allodynia following intraplantar injections of complete Freund's adjuvant, while BTBR mice developed slightly more thermal hyperalgesia. Finally, as measured by the formalin and acetic acid writhing tests, BTBR and Fmr1-KO mice did not show emotional contagion of pain. In sum, our findings indicate that depending on the sensation, pain responses may be mixed, which reflects findings in ASD individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loren J. Martin
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of Toronto MississaugaMississaugaOntarioCanada,Cell and Systems BiologyUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - Sandra J. Poulson
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of Toronto MississaugaMississaugaOntarioCanada
| | - Emma Mannan
- Cell and Systems BiologyUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
| | | | - Moonjeong Cho
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of Toronto MississaugaMississaugaOntarioCanada
| | - Fatima Setak
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of Toronto MississaugaMississaugaOntarioCanada
| | - Claire Chan
- Cell and Systems BiologyUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
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Park J, Khan S, Yun DH, Ku T, Villa KL, Lee JE, Zhang Q, Park J, Feng G, Nedivi E, Chung K. Epitope-preserving magnified analysis of proteome (eMAP). SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:eabf6589. [PMID: 34767453 PMCID: PMC8589305 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abf6589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic tissue-hydrogel methods have enabled superresolution investigation of biological systems using diffraction-limited microscopy. However, chemical modification by fixatives can cause loss of antigenicity, limiting molecular interrogation of the tissue gel. Here, we present epitope-preserving magnified analysis of proteome (eMAP) that uses purely physical tissue-gel hybridization to minimize the loss of antigenicity while allowing permanent anchoring of biomolecules. We achieved success rates of 96% and 94% with synaptic antibodies for mouse and marmoset brains, respectively. Maximal preservation of antigenicity allows imaging of nanoscopic architectures in 1000-fold expanded tissues without additional signal amplification. eMAP-processed tissue gel can endure repeated staining and destaining without epitope loss or structural damage, enabling highly multiplexed proteomic analysis. We demonstrated the utility of eMAP as a nanoscopic proteomic interrogation tool by investigating molecular heterogeneity in inhibitory synapses in the mouse brain neocortex and characterizing the spatial distributions of synaptic proteins within synapses in mouse and marmoset brains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joha Park
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Sarim Khan
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Roorkee, Uttarakhand 247667, India
| | - Dae Hee Yun
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Taeyun Ku
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Katherine L. Villa
- Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Jiachen E. Lee
- Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Qiangge Zhang
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Juhyuk Park
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Center for Nanomedicine, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Guoping Feng
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Elly Nedivi
- Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Kwanghun Chung
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Center for Nanomedicine, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
- Graduate Program of Nano Biomedical Engineering (NanoBME), Advanced Science Institute, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
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40
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Vallés AS, Barrantes FJ. Dendritic spine membrane proteome and its alterations in autistic spectrum disorder. ADVANCES IN PROTEIN CHEMISTRY AND STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY 2021; 128:435-474. [PMID: 35034726 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apcsb.2021.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Dendritic spines are small protrusions stemming from the dendritic shaft that constitute the primary specialization for receiving and processing excitatory neurotransmission in brain synapses. The disruption of dendritic spine function in several neurological and neuropsychiatric diseases leads to severe information-processing deficits with impairments in neuronal connectivity and plasticity. Spine dysregulation is usually accompanied by morphological alterations to spine shape, size and/or number that may occur at early pathophysiological stages and not necessarily be reflected in clinical manifestations. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is one such group of diseases involving changes in neuronal connectivity and abnormal morphology of dendritic spines on postsynaptic neurons. These alterations at the subcellular level correlate with molecular changes in the spine proteome, with alterations in the copy number, topography, or in severe cases in the phenotype of the molecular components, predominantly of those proteins involved in spine recognition and adhesion, reflected in abnormally short lifetimes of the synapse and compensatory increases in synaptic connections. Since cholinergic neurotransmission participates in the regulation of cognitive function (attention, memory, learning processes, cognitive flexibility, social interactions) brain acetylcholine receptors are likely to play an important role in the dysfunctional synapses in ASD, either directly or indirectly via the modulatory functions exerted on other neurotransmitter receptor proteins and spine-resident proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Sofía Vallés
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca (UNS-CONICET), Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | - Francisco J Barrantes
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (BIOMED), UCA-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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Gawlińska K, Gawliński D, Borczyk M, Korostyński M, Przegaliński E, Filip M. A Maternal High-Fat Diet during Early Development Provokes Molecular Changes Related to Autism Spectrum Disorder in the Rat Offspring Brain. Nutrients 2021; 13:3212. [PMID: 34579089 PMCID: PMC8467420 DOI: 10.3390/nu13093212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a disruptive neurodevelopmental disorder manifested by abnormal social interactions, communication, emotional circuits, and repetitive behaviors and is more often diagnosed in boys than in girls. It is postulated that ASD is caused by a complex interaction between genetic and environmental factors. Epigenetics provides a mechanistic link between exposure to an unbalanced maternal diet and persistent modifications in gene expression levels that can lead to phenotype changes in the offspring. To better understand the impact of the early development environment on the risk of ASD in offspring, we assessed the effect of maternal high-fat (HFD), high-carbohydrate, and mixed diets on molecular changes in adolescent and young adult offspring frontal cortex and hippocampus. Our results showed that maternal HFD significantly altered the expression of 48 ASD-related genes in the frontal cortex of male offspring. Moreover, exposure to maternal HFD led to sex- and age-dependent changes in the protein levels of ANKRD11, EIF4E, NF1, SETD1B, SHANK1 and TAOK2, as well as differences in DNA methylation levels in the frontal cortex and hippocampus of the offspring. Taken together, it was concluded that a maternal HFD during pregnancy and lactation periods can lead to abnormal brain development within the transcription and translation of ASD-related genes mainly in male offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kinga Gawlińska
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Drug Addiction Pharmacology, Smętna Street 12, 31-343 Kraków, Poland; (K.G.); (E.P.); (M.F.)
| | - Dawid Gawliński
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Drug Addiction Pharmacology, Smętna Street 12, 31-343 Kraków, Poland; (K.G.); (E.P.); (M.F.)
| | - Małgorzata Borczyk
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, Laboratory of Pharmacogenomics, Department of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Smętna Street 12, 31-343 Kraków, Poland; (M.B.); (M.K.)
| | - Michał Korostyński
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, Laboratory of Pharmacogenomics, Department of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Smętna Street 12, 31-343 Kraków, Poland; (M.B.); (M.K.)
| | - Edmund Przegaliński
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Drug Addiction Pharmacology, Smętna Street 12, 31-343 Kraków, Poland; (K.G.); (E.P.); (M.F.)
| | - Małgorzata Filip
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Drug Addiction Pharmacology, Smętna Street 12, 31-343 Kraków, Poland; (K.G.); (E.P.); (M.F.)
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42
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Gawlińska K, Gawliński D, Kowal-Wiśniewska E, Jarmuż-Szymczak M, Filip M. Alteration of the Early Development Environment by Maternal Diet and the Occurrence of Autistic-like Phenotypes in Rat Offspring. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22189662. [PMID: 34575826 PMCID: PMC8472469 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22189662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Epidemiological and preclinical studies suggest that maternal obesity increases the risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in offspring. Here, we assessed the effects of exposure to modified maternal diets limited to pregnancy and lactation on brain development and behavior in rat offspring of both sexes. Among the studied diets, a maternal high-fat diet (HFD) disturbed the expression of ASD-related genes (Cacna1d, Nlgn3, and Shank1) and proteins (SHANK1 and TAOK2) in the prefrontal cortex of male offspring during adolescence. In addition, a maternal high-fat diet induced epigenetic changes by increasing cortical global DNA methylation and the expression of miR-423 and miR-494. As well as the molecular changes, behavioral studies have shown male-specific disturbances in social interaction and an increase in repetitive behavior during adolescence. Most of the observed changes disappeared in adulthood. In conclusion, we demonstrated the contribution of a maternal HFD to the predisposition to an ASD-like phenotype in male adolescent offspring, while a protective effect occurred in females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kinga Gawlińska
- Department of Drug Addiction Pharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, Smętna Street 12, 31-343 Kraków, Poland; (D.G.); (M.F.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Dawid Gawliński
- Department of Drug Addiction Pharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, Smętna Street 12, 31-343 Kraków, Poland; (D.G.); (M.F.)
| | - Ewelina Kowal-Wiśniewska
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Strzeszyńska 32, 60-479 Poznań, Poland; (E.K.-W.); (M.J.-S.)
| | - Małgorzata Jarmuż-Szymczak
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Strzeszyńska 32, 60-479 Poznań, Poland; (E.K.-W.); (M.J.-S.)
| | - Małgorzata Filip
- Department of Drug Addiction Pharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, Smętna Street 12, 31-343 Kraków, Poland; (D.G.); (M.F.)
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Saleh S, Beyyumi E, Al Kaabi A, Hertecant J, Barakat D, Al Dhaheri NS, Al-Gazali L, Al Shamsi A. Spectrum of neuro-genetic disorders in the United Arab Emirates national population. Clin Genet 2021; 100:573-600. [PMID: 34374989 DOI: 10.1111/cge.14044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Clinical and molecular characterization of neuro-genetic disorders among UAE national patients seen in the Genetic Clinic at Tawam hospital over a period of 3 years. A retrospective chart review of all Emirati patients assessed by clinical geneticists due to neuro-genetic disorders including global developmental delay, ASD, ID, ADHD, and epilepsy in combination with abnormalities of other organ systems. Each patient had proper assessment including detailed history, three-generation family history, developmental history and detailed physical examination looking for other system involvement. Hearing test and ophthalmological examination were performed when needed. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain, echocardiogram, and renal ultrasound were pursued as indicated. Detailed psychological evaluation and psychometric assessment were done when indicated. The review was done for a period between January 2018 and December 2020. Genetic investigations included chromosome karyotype, FISH study, metabolic/biochemical tests, chromosome microarray, gene sequencing, targeted mutation testing, trio whole exome and trio genome sequencing. A total of 644 patients with developmental delay, ID, learning difficulty, ASD, ADHD, or NNDs, were seen in genetic clinic from January 2018 to December 2020. A total of 506 patients were included in this review, all completed the genetic evaluations during the study period. There were 398 (61.8%) males and 246 (38.2%) females, with a ratio of 1.6:1. Positive family history of NDD was documented in 132 families, while 115 families had negative history and family history was unknown/unclear in the remaining. Fifty seven (11.26% [57/506]) patients had positive microarray results. Hundred ninety seven (38.9% [197/506]) patients had positive molecular testing. Genetic disorders were found in 133 (67.5% [133/197]) and inborn errors of metabolism were found in 42 (21.3% [42/197]). Consanguinity was documented in 139 patients with positive molecular diagnoses (139/197, 70.5%). Sixty nine (35% [69/197]) patients had autosomal dominant disorders, majority were De Novo (84%). Ninety-five (48% [95/197]) patients had autosomal recessive diseases, 40 mutations involved inborn errors of metabolism and 50 mutations involved genetic disorders. Pathogenic variants causing both autosomal dominant and recessive disorders were found in 98 patients (49.7% [98/197]), likely pathogenic variants causing both autosomal dominant and recessive disorders were found in 66 patients (33.5% [66/197]). X-linked related disorders were found in 10 patients (5% [10/197]). Mitochondrial mutation was found in one patient. Novel mutations were found in 76 patients (76/197 i.e., 38.56%). Twenty two patients had variants of unknown significant. The remaining 252 studied patients (252/506 i.e., 49.8%), remained undiagnosed. This study shows that neuro-genetic disorders in the UAE are very heterogeneous at clinical and molecular levels. Using microarray, WES and WGS a diagnosis was reached in 50% of the patients while no diagnosis was reached in other half of the studied patients. It is possible that some mutations were missed by WGS and WES. However, it is also possible that many of disorders in UAE population are novel and the causative mutation is not yet discovered. More researches need to be done in this population to uncover the molecular basis of these disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sirine Saleh
- Pediatrics Department, Tawam Hospital, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ela Beyyumi
- Pediatrics Department, Tawam Hospital, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Aysha Al Kaabi
- Pediatrics Department, Tawam Hospital, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Jozef Hertecant
- Genetic Division, Pediatrics Department, Tawam Hospital, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Doaa Barakat
- Psychiatry Department, Behvioral Sciences Institute, Al Ain Hospital, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Noura S Al Dhaheri
- Department of Pediatrics & Department of Genetics & Genomics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Lihadh Al-Gazali
- Departments of Pediatrics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Aisha Al Shamsi
- Genetic Division, Pediatrics Department, Tawam Hospital, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
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Chatterjee R, Paluh JL, Chowdhury S, Mondal S, Raha A, Mukherjee A. SyNC, a Computationally Extensive and Realistic Neural Net to Identify Relative Impacts of Synaptopathy Mechanisms on Glutamatergic Neurons and Their Networks in Autism and Complex Neurological Disorders. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:674030. [PMID: 34354570 PMCID: PMC8330424 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.674030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Synaptic function and experience-dependent plasticity across multiple synapses are dependent on the types of neurons interacting as well as the intricate mechanisms that operate at the molecular level of the synapse. To understand the complexity of information processing at synaptic networks will rely in part on effective computational models. Such models should also evaluate disruptions to synaptic function by multiple mechanisms. By co-development of algorithms alongside hardware, real time analysis metrics can be co-prioritized along with biological complexity. The hippocampus is implicated in autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and within this region glutamatergic neurons constitute 90% of the neurons integral to the functioning of neuronal networks. Here we generate a computational model referred to as ASD interrogator (ASDint) and corresponding hardware to enable in silicon analysis of multiple ASD mechanisms affecting glutamatergic neuron synapses. The hardware architecture Synaptic Neuronal Circuit, SyNC, is a novel GPU accelerator or neural net, that extends discovery by acting as a biologically relevant realistic neuron synapse in real time. Co-developed ASDint and SyNC expand spiking neural network models of plasticity to comparative analysis of retrograde messengers. The SyNC model is realized in an ASIC architecture, which enables the ability to compute increasingly complex scenarios without sacrificing area efficiency of the model. Here we apply the ASDint model to analyse neuronal circuitry dysfunctions associated with autism spectral disorder (ASD) synaptopathies and their effects on the synaptic learning parameter and demonstrate SyNC on an ideal ASDint scenario. Our work highlights the value of secondary pathways in regard to evaluating complex ASD synaptopathy mechanisms. By comparing the degree of variation in the synaptic learning parameter to the response obtained from simulations of the ideal scenario we determine the potency and time of the effect of a particular evaluated mechanism. Hence simulations of such scenarios in even a small neuronal network now allows us to identify relative impacts of changed parameters and their effect on synaptic function. Based on this, we can estimate the minimum fraction of a neuron exhibiting a particular dysfunction scenario required to lead to complete failure of a neural network to coordinate pre-synaptic and post-synaptic outputs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rounak Chatterjee
- Department of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, India
| | - Janet L Paluh
- SUNY Polytechnic Institute, College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering, Nanobioscience, Albany, NY, United States
| | - Souradeep Chowdhury
- Department of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, India
| | - Soham Mondal
- Flash Controller Team, Memory Solutions, Samsung Semiconductor India Research, Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., Bangalore, India
| | - Arnab Raha
- Advanced Architecture Research, Intel Intelligent Systems Group, Intel Edge AI, Intel Corporation, Santa Clara, CA, United States
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45
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Policarpo R, Sierksma A, De Strooper B, d'Ydewalle C. From Junk to Function: LncRNAs in CNS Health and Disease. Front Mol Neurosci 2021; 14:714768. [PMID: 34349622 PMCID: PMC8327212 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2021.714768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent advances in RNA sequencing technologies helped to uncover the existence of tens of thousands of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) that arise from the dark matter of the genome. These lncRNAs were originally thought to be transcriptional noise but an increasing number of studies demonstrate that these transcripts can modulate protein-coding gene expression by a wide variety of transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms. The spatiotemporal regulation of lncRNA expression is particularly evident in the central nervous system, suggesting that they may directly contribute to specific brain processes, including neurogenesis and cellular homeostasis. Not surprisingly, lncRNAs are therefore gaining attention as putative novel therapeutic targets for disorders of the brain. In this review, we summarize the recent insights into the functions of lncRNAs in the brain, their role in neuronal maintenance, and their potential contribution to disease. We conclude this review by postulating how these RNA molecules can be targeted for the treatment of yet incurable neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafaela Policarpo
- VIB-KU Leuven Center For Brain & Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium.,Laboratory for the Research of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Neuroscience Discovery, Janssen Research & Development, Janssen Pharmaceutica N.V., Beerse, Belgium
| | - Annerieke Sierksma
- VIB-KU Leuven Center For Brain & Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium.,Laboratory for the Research of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bart De Strooper
- VIB-KU Leuven Center For Brain & Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium.,Laboratory for the Research of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,UK Dementia Research Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Constantin d'Ydewalle
- Neuroscience Discovery, Janssen Research & Development, Janssen Pharmaceutica N.V., Beerse, Belgium
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May HJ, Jeong J, Revah-Politi A, Cohen JS, Chassevent A, Baptista J, Baugh EH, Bier L, Bottani A, Carminho A Rodrigues MT, Conlon C, Fluss J, Guipponi M, Kim CA, Matsumoto N, Person R, Primiano M, Rankin J, Shinawi M, Smith-Hicks C, Telegrafi A, Toy S, Uchiyama Y, Aggarwal V, Goldstein DB, Roche KW, Anyane-Yeboa K. Truncating variants in the SHANK1 gene are associated with a spectrum of neurodevelopmental disorders. Genet Med 2021; 23:1912-1921. [PMID: 34113010 DOI: 10.1038/s41436-021-01222-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE In this study, we aimed to characterize the clinical phenotype of a SHANK1-related disorder and define the functional consequences of SHANK1 truncating variants. METHODS Exome sequencing (ES) was performed for six individuals who presented with neurodevelopmental disorders. Individuals were ascertained with the use of GeneMatcher and Database of Chromosomal Imbalance and Phenotype in Humans Using Ensembl Resources (DECIPHER). We evaluated potential nonsense-mediated decay (NMD) of two variants by making knock-in cell lines of endogenous truncated SHANK1, and expressed the truncated SHANK1 complementary DNA (cDNA) in HEK293 cells and cultured hippocampal neurons to examine the proteins. RESULTS ES detected de novo truncating variants in SHANK1 in six individuals. Evaluation of NMD resulted in stable transcripts, and the truncated SHANK1 completely lost binding with Homer1, a linker protein that binds to the C-terminus of SHANK1. These variants may disrupt protein-protein networks in dendritic spines. Dispersed localization of the truncated SHANK1 variants within the spine and dendritic shaft was also observed when expressed in neurons, indicating impaired synaptic localization of truncated SHANK1. CONCLUSION This report expands the clinical spectrum of individuals with truncating SHANK1 variants and describes the impact these variants may have on the pathophysiology of neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Halie J May
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Jaehoon Jeong
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Anya Revah-Politi
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Julie S Cohen
- Department of Neurology and Developmental Medicine, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Anna Chassevent
- Department of Neurology and Developmental Medicine, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Julia Baptista
- Exeter Genomics Laboratory, Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter, UK.,Institute of Biomedical & Clinical Science, University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, UK
| | - Evan H Baugh
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Louise Bier
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Armand Bottani
- Division of Genetic Medicine, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Charles Conlon
- Department of Neurology and Developmental Medicine, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Joel Fluss
- Pediatric Neurology Unit, Pediatrics Subspecialties Service, Geneva Children's Hospital, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Michel Guipponi
- Division of Genetic Medicine, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Chong Ae Kim
- Genetics Unit, Instituto da Crianca, Hospital das Clinicas, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Naomichi Matsumoto
- Department of Human Genetics, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Richard Person
- Clinical Genomics Program, GeneDx, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Michelle Primiano
- Division of Clinical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Julia Rankin
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter, UK
| | - Marwan Shinawi
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Genetics and Genomic Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Constance Smith-Hicks
- Department of Neurology and Developmental Medicine, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Aida Telegrafi
- Clinical Genomics Program, GeneDx, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Samantha Toy
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Genetics and Genomic Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Yuri Uchiyama
- Department of Human Genetics, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan.,Department of Rare Disease Genomics, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Vimla Aggarwal
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - David B Goldstein
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Katherine W Roche
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Kwame Anyane-Yeboa
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA. .,Division of Clinical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
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Keller R, Costa T, Imperiale D, Bianco A, Rondini E, Hassiotis A, Bertelli MO. Stereotypies in the Autism Spectrum Disorder: Can We Rely on an Ethological Model? Brain Sci 2021; 11:762. [PMID: 34201177 PMCID: PMC8230333 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11060762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stereotypic behaviour can be defined as a clear behavioural pattern where a specific function or target cannot be identified, although it delays on time. Nonetheless, repetitive and stereotypical behaviours play a key role in both animal and human behaviour. Similar behaviours are observed across species, in typical human developmental phases, and in some neuropsychiatric conditions, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Intellectual Disability. This evidence led to the spread of animal models of repetitive behaviours to better understand the neurobiological mechanisms underlying these dysfunctional behaviours and to gain better insight into their role and origin within ASD and other disorders. This, in turn, could lead to new treatments of those disorders in humans. METHOD This paper maps the literature on repetitive behaviours in animal models of ASD, in order to improve understanding of stereotypies in persons with ASD in terms of characterization, pathophysiology, genomic and anatomical factors. RESULTS Literature mapping confirmed that phylogenic approach and animal models may help to improve understanding and differentiation of stereotypies in ASD. Some repetitive behaviours appear to be interconnected and mediated by common genomic and anatomical factors across species, mainly by alterations of basal ganglia circuitry. A new distinction between stereotypies and autotypies should be considered. CONCLUSIONS Phylogenic approach and studies on animal models may support clinical issues related to stereotypies in persons with ASD and provide new insights in classification, pathogenesis, and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Keller
- Adult Autism Centre, Mental Health Department, ASL Città di Torino, 10138 Turin, Italy; (R.K.); (T.C.)
| | - Tatiana Costa
- Adult Autism Centre, Mental Health Department, ASL Città di Torino, 10138 Turin, Italy; (R.K.); (T.C.)
| | - Daniele Imperiale
- Neurology Unit, Maria Vittoria Hospital, ASL Città di Torino, 10144 Turin, Italy;
| | - Annamaria Bianco
- CREA (Research and Clinical Centre), San Sebastiano Foundation, Misericordia di Firenze, 50142 Florence, Italy; (A.B.); (E.R.)
| | - Elisa Rondini
- CREA (Research and Clinical Centre), San Sebastiano Foundation, Misericordia di Firenze, 50142 Florence, Italy; (A.B.); (E.R.)
| | - Angela Hassiotis
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London W1T 7NF, UK;
| | - Marco O. Bertelli
- CREA (Research and Clinical Centre), San Sebastiano Foundation, Misericordia di Firenze, 50142 Florence, Italy; (A.B.); (E.R.)
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Engeln M, Song Y, Chandra R, La A, Fox ME, Evans B, Turner MD, Thomas S, Francis TC, Hertzano R, Lobo MK. Individual differences in stereotypy and neuron subtype translatome with TrkB deletion. Mol Psychiatry 2021; 26:1846-1859. [PMID: 32366954 PMCID: PMC8480032 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-020-0746-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2019] [Revised: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Motor stereotypies occurring in early-onset neuropsychiatric diseases are associated with dysregulated basal ganglia direct-pathway activity. Disruptions in network connectivity through impaired neuronal structure have been implicated in both rodents and humans. However, the neurobiological mechanisms leading to direct-pathway neuron disconnectivity in stereotypy remain poorly understood. We have a mouse line with Tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) receptor deletion from D1-expressing cells (D1-Cre-flTrkB) in which a subset of animals shows repetitive rotations and head tics with juvenile onset. Here we demonstrate these behaviors may be associated with abnormal direct-pathway activity by reducing rotations using chemogenetic inhibition of dorsal striatum D1-medium spiny neurons (D1-MSNs) in both juvenile and young-adult mice. Taking advantage of phenotypical differences in animals with similar genotypes, we then interrogated the D1-MSN specific translatome associated with repetitive behavior by using RNA sequencing of ribosome-associated mRNA. Detailed translatome analysis followed by multiplexed gene expression assessment revealed profound alterations in neuronal projection and synaptic structure related genes in stereotypy mice. Examination of neuronal morphology demonstrated dendritic atrophy and dendritic spine loss in dorsal striatum D1-MSNs from mice with repetitive behavior. Together, our results uncover phenotype-specific molecular alterations in D1-MSNs that relate to morphological adaptations in mice displaying stereotypy behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michel Engeln
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Yang Song
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ramesh Chandra
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ashley La
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Megan E. Fox
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Brianna Evans
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Makeda D. Turner
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Shavin Thomas
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - T. Chase Francis
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ronna Hertzano
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA., Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA., Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Mary Kay Lobo
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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Premoli M, Memo M, Bonini SA. Ultrasonic vocalizations in mice: relevance for ethologic and neurodevelopmental disorders studies. Neural Regen Res 2021; 16:1158-1167. [PMID: 33269765 PMCID: PMC8224126 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.300340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Mice use ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) to communicate each other and to convey their emotional state. USVs have been greatly characterized in specific life phases and contexts, such as mother isolation-induced USVs for pups or female-induced USVs for male mice during courtship. USVs can be acquired by means of specific tools and later analyzed on the base of both quantitative and qualitative parameters. Indeed, different ultrasonic call categories exist and have already been defined. The understanding of different calls meaning is still missing, and it will represent an essential step forward in the field of USVs. They have long been studied in the ethological context, but recently they emerged as a precious instrument to study pathologies characterized by deficits in communication, in particular neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), such as autism spectrum disorders. This review covers the topics of USVs characteristics in mice, contexts for USVs emission and factors that modulate their expression. A particular focus will be devoted to mouse USVs in the context of NDDs. Indeed, several NDDs murine models exist and an intense study of USVs is currently in progress, with the aim of both performing an early diagnosis and to find a pharmacological/behavioral intervention to improve patients' quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marika Premoli
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, Brescia, Italy
| | - Maurizio Memo
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, Brescia, Italy
| | - Sara Anna Bonini
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, Brescia, Italy
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50
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CaMKII Phosphorylation Regulates Synaptic Enrichment of Shank3. eNeuro 2021; 8:ENEURO.0481-20.2021. [PMID: 33568460 PMCID: PMC8152369 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0481-20.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
SHANK3 is a large scaffolding protein in the postsynaptic density (PSD) that organizes protein networks, which are critical for synaptic structure and function. The strong genetic association of SHANK3 with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) emphasizes the importance of SHANK3 in neuronal development. SHANK3 has a critical role in organizing excitatory synapses and is tightly regulated by alternative splicing and posttranslational modifications. In this study, we examined basal and activity-dependent phosphorylation of Shank3 using mass spectrometry (MS) analysis from in vitro phosphorylation assays, in situ experiments, and studies with cultured neurons. We found that Shank3 is highly phosphorylated, and we identified serine 782 (S782) as a potent CaMKII phosphorylation site. Using a phosphorylation state-specific antibody, we demonstrate that CaMKII can phosphorylate Shank3 S782 in vitro and in heterologous cells on cotransfection with CaMKII. We also observed an effect of a nearby ASD-associated variant (Shank3 S685I), which increased S782 phosphorylation. Notably, eliminating phosphorylation of Shank3 with a S782A mutation increased Shank3 and PSD-95 synaptic puncta size without affecting Shank3 colocalization with PSD-95 in cultured hippocampal neurons. Taken together, our study revealed that CaMKII phosphorylates Shank3 S782 and that the phosphorylation affects Shank3 synaptic properties.
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