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Narita A, Asano H, Kudo H, Miyata S, Shutoh F, Miyoshi G. A novel quadrant spatial assay reveals environmental preference in mouse spontaneous and parental behaviors. Neurosci Res 2024:S0168-0102(24)00102-0. [PMID: 39134225 DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2024.08.002] [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: 08/01/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024]
Abstract
Environmental factors have well-documented impacts on brain development and mental health. Therefore, it is crucial to employ a reliable assay system to assess the spatial preference of model animals. In this study, we introduced an unbiased quadrant chamber assay system and discovered that parental pup-gathering behavior takes place in a very efficient manner. Furthermore, we found that test mice exhibited preferences for specific environments in both spontaneous and parental pup-gathering behavior contexts. Notably, the spatial preferences of autism spectrum disorder model animals were initially suppressed but later equalized during the spontaneous behavior assay, accompanied by increased time spent in the preferred chamber. In conclusion, our novel quadrant chamber assay system provides an ideal platform for investigating the spatial preference of mice, offering potential applications in studying environmental impacts and exploring neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorder models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aito Narita
- Department of Developmental Genetics and Behavioral Neuroscience, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-39-22 Showa-machi, Maebashi city, Gunma 371-8511, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Asano
- Department of Developmental Genetics and Behavioral Neuroscience, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-39-22 Showa-machi, Maebashi city, Gunma 371-8511, Japan
| | - Hayato Kudo
- Department of Developmental Genetics and Behavioral Neuroscience, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-39-22 Showa-machi, Maebashi city, Gunma 371-8511, Japan
| | - Shigeo Miyata
- Department of Developmental Genetics and Behavioral Neuroscience, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-39-22 Showa-machi, Maebashi city, Gunma 371-8511, Japan
| | - Fumihiro Shutoh
- Division of Informatics, Bioengineering and Bioscience, Maebashi Institute of Technology, 460-1 Kamisadori-machi, Maebashi city, Gunma 371-0816, Japan
| | - Goichi Miyoshi
- Department of Developmental Genetics and Behavioral Neuroscience, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-39-22 Showa-machi, Maebashi city, Gunma 371-8511, Japan.
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2
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Bartol TM, Ordyan M, Sejnowski TJ, Rangamani P, Kennedy MB. A spatial model of autophosphorylation of Ca 2+ /calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II in a glutamatergic spine reveals dynamics of kinase activation in the first several seconds after a complex synaptic stimulus. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.02.578696. [PMID: 38352446 PMCID: PMC10862815 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.02.578696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Long-term potentiation (LTP) is a biochemical process in excitatory glutamatergic synapses in the Central Nervous System (CNS). It is initiated by a bout of synaptic activation that is strong enough to contribute to production of an action potential in the axon of the postsynaptic neuron, and it results in an increase in the size of postsynaptic depolarization during subsequent activity. The first step leading to LTP is activation and autophosphorylation of an abundant postsynaptic enzyme, Ca 2+ /calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII). We use simulation of activation of CaMKII holoenzymes in a realistic spatial model of a spine synapse, created in MCell4, to test three hypotheses about how the autophosphorylation response of CaMKII is shaped during a repeated high-frequency stimulus. First, the simulation results indicate that autophosphorylation of CaMKII does not constitute a bistable switch under biologically realistic conditions. Instead, prolonged autophosphorylation of CaMKII may contribute to a biochemical "kinetic proof-reading" mechanism that controls induction of synaptic plasticity. Second, concentration of CaMKII near the postsynaptic membrane increases the local concentration of kinase activity. However, neither localization nor "Ca 2+ -calmodulin-trapping (CaM-trapping)" increase the proportion of autophosphorylated subunits in holoenzymes after a complex stimulus, as previously hypothesized. Finally, we show that, as hypothesized, the amplitude of autophosphorylation in the first 30 seconds after a stimulus is extremely sensitive to the level and location of PP1 activity when PP1 is present in biologically accurate amounts. We further show that prolonged steric hindrance of dephosphorylation of CaMKII, caused by CaM-trapping, can increase the amplitude of autophosphorylation after a complex stimulus. These simulation results sharpen our quantitative understanding of the early events leading to LTP at excitatory synapses. Author Summary Neurons in the brain are interconnected in an organized fashion by synapses that transmit neuronal activity from one neuron to another. Most of the billions of neurons in the brain have about 10,000 synapses spread over the neuronal membrane. Information is stored in the brain when the ability of specific synapses to pass along neuronal activity is strengthened resulting in formation of new networks. The increase in strength of a synapse is tightly controlled by the frequency and amplitude of its activity, and by neurohormonal signals, which, in combination, can cause long-lasting biochemical changes at the synapse that underlie learning and memory. Defects in these biochemical pathways cause mental and neurological diseases. To develop treatments, we need to understand the precise choreography of these critical biochemical changes. However, the tiny size of the synaptic compartment makes precise measurements of the biochemical reactions impossible. We have used computer simulation techniques and information gathered from experiments on purified synaptic proteins to simulate, within a single synapse, the choreography of the first biochemical step in synaptic strengthening: activation of the enzyme Ca 2+ / calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II. Our results provide insights that can be used in future studies to develop treatments for neuronal diseases.
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3
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Noguchi J, Watanabe S, Oga T, Isoda R, Nakagaki K, Sakai K, Sumida K, Hoshino K, Saito K, Miyawaki I, Sugano E, Tomita H, Mizukami H, Watakabe A, Yamamori T, Ichinohe N. Altered projection-specific synaptic remodeling and its modification by oxytocin in an idiopathic autism marmoset model. Commun Biol 2024; 7:642. [PMID: 38802535 PMCID: PMC11130163 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06345-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Alterations in the experience-dependent and autonomous elaboration of neural circuits are assumed to underlie autism spectrum disorder (ASD), though it is unclear what synaptic traits are responsible. Here, utilizing a valproic acid-induced ASD marmoset model, which shares common molecular features with idiopathic ASD, we investigate changes in the structural dynamics of tuft dendrites of upper-layer pyramidal neurons and adjacent axons in the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex through two-photon microscopy. In model marmosets, dendritic spine turnover is upregulated, and spines are generated in clusters and survived more often than in control marmosets. Presynaptic boutons in local axons, but not in commissural long-range axons, demonstrate hyperdynamic turnover in model marmosets, suggesting alterations in projection-specific plasticity. Intriguingly, nasal oxytocin administration attenuates clustered spine emergence in model marmosets. Enhanced clustered spine generation, possibly unique to certain presynaptic partners, may be associated with ASD and be a potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Noguchi
- Department of Ultrastructural Research, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira, Japan.
| | - Satoshi Watanabe
- Department of Ultrastructural Research, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira, Japan
| | - Tomofumi Oga
- Department of Ultrastructural Research, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira, Japan
| | - Risa Isoda
- Department of Ultrastructural Research, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira, Japan
| | - Keiko Nakagaki
- Department of Ultrastructural Research, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira, Japan
| | - Kazuhisa Sakai
- Department of Ultrastructural Research, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira, Japan
| | - Kayo Sumida
- Environmental Health Science Laboratory, Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd., Osaka, Japan
| | - Kohei Hoshino
- Preclinical Research Laboratories, Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd., Osaka, Japan
| | - Koichi Saito
- Environmental Health Science Laboratory, Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd., Osaka, Japan
| | - Izuru Miyawaki
- Preclinical Research Laboratories, Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd., Osaka, Japan
| | - Eriko Sugano
- Laboratory of Visual Neuroscience, Graduate Course in Biological Sciences, Iwate University, Morioka, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Tomita
- Laboratory of Visual Neuroscience, Graduate Course in Biological Sciences, Iwate University, Morioka, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Mizukami
- Division of Genetic Therapeutics, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Japan
| | - Akiya Watakabe
- Laboratory for Molecular Analysis of Higher Brain Function, Center for Brain Science, RIKEN, Wako, Japan
| | - Tetsuo Yamamori
- Laboratory for Molecular Analysis of Higher Brain Function, Center for Brain Science, RIKEN, Wako, Japan
- Laboratory for Haptic Perception and Cognitive Physiology, Center for Brain Science, RIKEN, Wako, Japan
- Department of Marmoset Biology and Medicine, CIEM, Kawasaki, Japan
| | - Noritaka Ichinohe
- Department of Ultrastructural Research, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira, Japan.
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4
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Yang F, You H, Mizui T, Ishikawa Y, Takao K, Miyakawa T, Li X, Bai T, Xia K, Zhang L, Pang D, Xu Y, Zhu C, Kojima M, Lu B. Inhibiting proBDNF to mature BDNF conversion leads to ASD-like phenotypes in vivo. Mol Psychiatry 2024:10.1038/s41380-024-02595-5. [PMID: 38762692 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-024-02595-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) comprise a range of early age-onset neurodevelopment disorders with genetic heterogeneity. Most ASD related genes are involved in synaptic function, which is regulated by mature brain-derived neurotrophic factor (mBDNF) and its precursor proBDNF in a diametrically opposite manner: proBDNF inhibits while mBDNF potentiates synapses. Here we generated a knock-in mouse line (BDNFmet/leu) in which the conversion of proBDNF to mBDNF is attenuated. Biochemical experiments revealed residual mBDNF but excessive proBDNF in the brain. Similar to other ASD mouse models, the BDNFmet/leu mice showed reduced dendritic arborization, altered spines, and impaired synaptic transmission and plasticity in the hippocampus. They also exhibited ASD-like phenotypes, including stereotypical behaviors and deficits in social interaction. Moreover, the plasma proBDNF/mBDNF ratio was significantly increased in ASD patients compared to normal children in a case-control study. Thus, deficits in proBDNF to mBDNF conversion in the brain may contribute to ASD-like behaviors, and plasma proBDNF/mBDNF ratio may be a potential biomarker for ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Yang
- China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Basic and Translational Medicine Center, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, 100070, Beijing, China
- Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, 100070, Beijing, China
| | - He You
- Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, 100070, Beijing, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, China
| | - Toshiyuki Mizui
- Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology (CREST), Kawaguchi, 332-0012, Japan
| | - Yasuyuki Ishikawa
- Department of Systems Life Engineering, Maebashi Institute of Technology, Maebashi, 371-0816, Japan
| | - Keizo Takao
- Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology (CREST), Kawaguchi, 332-0012, Japan
- Life Science Research Center, University of Toyama, Toyama, 930-0194, Japan
- Department of Behavioral Physiology, Graduate School of Innovative Life Science, University of Toyama, Toyama, 930-0194, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Miyakawa
- Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology (CREST), Kawaguchi, 332-0012, Japan
- Division of Systems Medical Science, Institute for Comprehensive Medical Science, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Aichi, 470-1192, Japan
| | - Xiaofei Li
- China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Basic and Translational Medicine Center, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, 100070, Beijing, China
- Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, 100070, Beijing, China
| | - Ting Bai
- Centre for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Kun Xia
- Centre for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Lingling Zhang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Child Brain Injury and Henan Pediatric Clinical Research Center, Institute of Neuroscience and the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Dizhou Pang
- Center for Child Behavioral Development, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Yiran Xu
- Henan Key Laboratory of Child Brain Injury and Henan Pediatric Clinical Research Center, Institute of Neuroscience and the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Changlian Zhu
- Henan Key Laboratory of Child Brain Injury and Henan Pediatric Clinical Research Center, Institute of Neuroscience and the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Masami Kojima
- Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology (CREST), Kawaguchi, 332-0012, Japan.
- Biomedical Department of Applied Bioscience, College of Bioscience and Chemistry, Kanazawa Institute of Technology (KIT), Ishikawa, 924-0838, Japan.
| | - Bai Lu
- Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, 100070, Beijing, China.
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, China.
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5
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Lyu TJ, Ma J, Zhang XY, Xie GG, Liu C, Du J, Xu YN, Yang DC, Cen C, Wang MY, Lyu NY, Wang Y, Zhang HQ. Deficiency of FRMD5 results in neurodevelopmental dysfunction and autistic-like behavior in mice. Mol Psychiatry 2024; 29:1253-1264. [PMID: 38228891 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-024-02407-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
The pathophysiology of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) is causally linked to postsynaptic scaffolding proteins, as evidenced by numerous large-scale genomic studies [1, 2] and in vitro and in vivo neurobiological studies of mutations in animal models [3, 4]. However, due to the distinct phenotypic and genetic heterogeneity observed in ASD patients, individual mutation genes account for only a small proportion (<2%) of cases [1, 5]. Recently, a human genetic study revealed a correlation between de novo variants in FERM domain-containing-5 (FRMD5) and neurodevelopmental abnormalities [6]. In this study, we demonstrate that deficiency of the scaffolding protein FRMD5 leads to neurodevelopmental dysfunction and ASD-like behavior in mice. FRMD5 deficiency results in morphological abnormalities in neurons and synaptic dysfunction in mice. Frmd5-deficient mice display learning and memory dysfunction, impaired social function, and increased repetitive stereotyped behavior. Mechanistically, tandem mass tag (TMT)-labeled quantitative proteomics revealed that FRMD5 deletion affects the distribution of synaptic proteins involved in the pathological process of ASD. Collectively, our findings delineate the critical role of FRMD5 in neurodevelopment and ASD pathophysiology, suggesting potential therapeutic implications for the treatment of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian-Jie Lyu
- Neuroscience Research Institute and Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education/National Health Commission, National Health Commission and State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Peking University, 100191, Beijing, China
| | - Ji Ma
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and International Cancer Institute, Peking University Health Science Center, 100191, Beijing, China
| | - Xi-Yin Zhang
- Neuroscience Research Institute and Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education/National Health Commission, National Health Commission and State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Peking University, 100191, Beijing, China
| | - Guo-Guang Xie
- Neuroscience Research Institute and Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education/National Health Commission, National Health Commission and State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Peking University, 100191, Beijing, China
| | - Cheng Liu
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and International Cancer Institute, Peking University Health Science Center, 100191, Beijing, China
| | - Juan Du
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and International Cancer Institute, Peking University Health Science Center, 100191, Beijing, China
| | - Yi-Nuo Xu
- Neuroscience Research Institute and Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education/National Health Commission, National Health Commission and State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Peking University, 100191, Beijing, China
| | - De-Cao Yang
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and International Cancer Institute, Peking University Health Science Center, 100191, Beijing, China
| | - Cheng Cen
- Neuroscience Research Institute and Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education/National Health Commission, National Health Commission and State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Peking University, 100191, Beijing, China
| | - Meng-Yuan Wang
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and International Cancer Institute, Peking University Health Science Center, 100191, Beijing, China
| | - Na-Yun Lyu
- Neuroscience Research Institute and Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education/National Health Commission, National Health Commission and State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Peking University, 100191, Beijing, China
| | - Yun Wang
- Neuroscience Research Institute and Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education/National Health Commission, National Health Commission and State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Peking University, 100191, Beijing, China.
- PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Peking University, 100871, Beijing, China.
| | - Hong-Quan Zhang
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and International Cancer Institute, Peking University Health Science Center, 100191, Beijing, China.
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6
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Stamenkovic V, Lautz JD, Harsh FM, Smith SEP. SRC family kinase inhibition rescues molecular and behavioral phenotypes, but not protein interaction network dynamics, in a mouse model of Fragile X syndrome. Mol Psychiatry 2024; 29:1392-1405. [PMID: 38297084 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-024-02418-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
Glutamatergic synapses encode information from extracellular inputs using dynamic protein interaction networks (PINs) that undergo widespread reorganization following synaptic activity, allowing cells to distinguish between signaling inputs and generate coordinated cellular responses. Here, we investigate how Fragile X Messenger Ribonucleoprotein (FMRP) deficiency disrupts signal transduction through a glutamatergic synapse PIN downstream of NMDA receptor or metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR) stimulation. In cultured cortical neurons or acute cortical slices from P7, P17 and P60 FMR1-/y mice, the unstimulated protein interaction network state resembled that of wildtype littermates stimulated with mGluR agonists, demonstrating resting state pre-activation of mGluR signaling networks. In contrast, interactions downstream of NMDAR stimulation were similar to WT. We identified the Src family kinase (SFK) Fyn as a network hub, because many interactions involving Fyn were pre-activated in FMR1-/y animals. We tested whether targeting SFKs in FMR1-/y mice could modify disease phenotypes, and found that Saracatinib (SCB), an SFK inhibitor, normalized elevated basal protein synthesis, novel object recognition memory and social behavior in FMR1-/y mice. However, SCB treatment did not normalize the PIN to a wild-type-like state in vitro or in vivo, but rather induced extensive changes to protein complexes containing Shank3, NMDARs and Fyn. We conclude that targeting abnormal nodes of a PIN can identify potential disease-modifying drugs, but behavioral rescue does not correlate with PIN normalization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera Stamenkovic
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jonathan D Lautz
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Felicia M Harsh
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Stephen E P Smith
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
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7
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Sun SED, Levenstein D, Li B, Mandelberg N, Chenouard N, Suutari BS, Sanchez S, Tian G, Rinzel J, Buzsáki G, Tsien RW. Synaptic homeostasis transiently leverages Hebbian mechanisms for a multiphasic response to inactivity. Cell Rep 2024; 43:113839. [PMID: 38507409 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.113839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Homeostatic regulation of synapses is vital for nervous system function and key to understanding a range of neurological conditions. Synaptic homeostasis is proposed to operate over hours to counteract the destabilizing influence of long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD). The prevailing view holds that synaptic scaling is a slow first-order process that regulates postsynaptic glutamate receptors and fundamentally differs from LTP or LTD. Surprisingly, we find that the dynamics of scaling induced by neuronal inactivity are not exponential or monotonic, and the mechanism requires calcineurin and CaMKII, molecules dominant in LTD and LTP. Our quantitative model of these enzymes reconstructs the unexpected dynamics of homeostatic scaling and reveals how synapses can efficiently safeguard future capacity for synaptic plasticity. This mechanism of synaptic adaptation supports a broader set of homeostatic changes, including action potential autoregulation, and invites further inquiry into how such a mechanism varies in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simón E D Sun
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, NY 10003, USA; Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, Neuroscience Institute, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA; Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
| | - Daniel Levenstein
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, NY 10003, USA; Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, Neuroscience Institute, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA; Montreal Neurological Institute, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, 3810 University Street, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Boxing Li
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, Neuroscience Institute, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA; Neuroscience Program, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of Medicine and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510810, China
| | - Nataniel Mandelberg
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, Neuroscience Institute, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Nicolas Chenouard
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, Neuroscience Institute, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA; Sorbonne Université, INSERM U1127, UMR CNRS 7225, Institut du Cerveau (ICM), 47 bld de l'hôpital, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Benjamin S Suutari
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, NY 10003, USA; Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, Neuroscience Institute, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Sandrine Sanchez
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, Neuroscience Institute, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Guoling Tian
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, Neuroscience Institute, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - John Rinzel
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, NY 10003, USA
| | - György Buzsáki
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, Neuroscience Institute, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Richard W Tsien
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, NY 10003, USA; Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, Neuroscience Institute, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA.
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8
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Ahrens AP, Hyötyläinen T, Petrone JR, Igelström K, George CD, Garrett TJ, Orešič M, Triplett EW, Ludvigsson J. Infant microbes and metabolites point to childhood neurodevelopmental disorders. Cell 2024; 187:1853-1873.e15. [PMID: 38574728 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2024.02.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
This study has followed a birth cohort for over 20 years to find factors associated with neurodevelopmental disorder (ND) diagnosis. Detailed, early-life longitudinal questionnaires captured infection and antibiotic events, stress, prenatal factors, family history, and more. Biomarkers including cord serum metabolome and lipidome, human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genotype, infant microbiota, and stool metabolome were assessed. Among the 16,440 Swedish children followed across time, 1,197 developed an ND. Significant associations emerged for future ND diagnosis in general and for specific ND subtypes, spanning intellectual disability, speech disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and autism. This investigation revealed microbiome connections to future diagnosis as well as early emerging mood and gastrointestinal problems. The findings suggest links to immunodysregulation and metabolism, compounded by stress, early-life infection, and antibiotics. The convergence of infant biomarkers and risk factors in this prospective, longitudinal study on a large-scale population establishes a foundation for early-life prediction and intervention in neurodevelopment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelica P Ahrens
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32603, USA
| | - Tuulia Hyötyläinen
- School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, Örebro 702 81, Sweden
| | - Joseph R Petrone
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32603, USA
| | - Kajsa Igelström
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Division of Neurobiology, Linköping University, Linköping 58185, Sweden
| | - Christian D George
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32603, USA
| | - Timothy J Garrett
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Matej Orešič
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro 702 81, Sweden; Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku 20520, Finland; Department of Life Technologies, University of Turku, Turku 20014, Finland
| | - Eric W Triplett
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32603, USA.
| | - Johnny Ludvigsson
- Crown Princess Victoria Children's Hospital and Division of Pediatrics, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping 58185, Sweden
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9
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Thompson AC, Aizenman CD. Characterization of Na + currents regulating intrinsic excitability of optic tectal neurons. Life Sci Alliance 2024; 7:e202302232. [PMID: 37918964 PMCID: PMC10622587 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202302232] [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: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Developing neurons adapt their intrinsic excitability to maintain stable output despite changing synaptic input. The mechanisms behind this process remain unclear. In this study, we examined Xenopus optic tectal neurons and found that the expressions of Nav1.1 and Nav1.6 voltage-gated Na+ channels are regulated during changes in intrinsic excitability, both during development and becsuse of changes in visual experience. Using whole-cell electrophysiology, we demonstrate the existence of distinct, fast, persistent, and resurgent Na+ currents in the tectum, and show that these Na+ currents are co-regulated with changes in Nav channel expression. Using antisense RNA to suppress the expression of specific Nav subunits, we found that up-regulation of Nav1.6 expression, but not Nav1.1, was necessary for experience-dependent increases in Na+ currents and intrinsic excitability. Furthermore, this regulation was also necessary for normal development of sensory guided behaviors. These data suggest that the regulation of Na+ currents through the modulation of Nav1.6 expression, and to a lesser extent Nav1.1, plays a crucial role in controlling the intrinsic excitability of tectal neurons and guiding normal development of the tectal circuitry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian C Thompson
- https://ror.org/05gq02987 Department of Neuroscience, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Carlos D Aizenman
- https://ror.org/05gq02987 Department of Neuroscience, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
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10
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Ming Y, Deng Z, Tian X, Jia Y, Ning M, Cheng S. Anti-apoptotic capacity of MALAT1 on hippocampal neurons correlates with CASP3 DNA methylation in a mouse model of autism. Metab Brain Dis 2023; 38:2591-2602. [PMID: 37751122 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-023-01285-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
Prior evidence has suggested the alleviatory effect of metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) on neuroinflammation in neurodegenerative diseases. This study primarily investigates the underlying mechanism of how the long non-coding RNA MALAT1 affects neuronal apoptosis in the hippocampus of mice with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The findings demonstrate that CASP3 is highly expressed while MALAT1 is downregulated in the hippocampal neurons of autistic mice. MALAT1 mainly localizes within the cell nucleus and recruits DNA methyltransferases (including DNMT1, DNMT3a, and DNMT3b) to the promoter region of CASP3, promoting its methylation and further inhibiting its expression. In vitro experiments reveal that reducing MALAT1 expression promotes the expression of CASP3 and Bax while suppressing Bcl-2 expression, thereby enhancing cellular apoptosis. Conversely, increasing MALAT1 expression yields the opposite effect. Consequently, these results further confirm the role of MALAT1 in suppressing neuronal apoptosis in the hippocampus of mice with ASD through the regulation of CASP3 promoter methylation. Thus, this research unveils the significant roles of MALAT1 and CASP3 in the pathogenesis of ASD, offering new possibilities for future therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Ming
- Department of Applied Psychology, College of Teacher Education, Qiqihar University, No. 32, Zhonghua West Road, Jianhua District, Qiqihar, Heilongjiang Province, 161006, P.R. China
| | - Zhihui Deng
- Institute of Medicine and Pharmacy, Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar, 161006, P.R. China
| | - Xianhua Tian
- Department of Applied Psychology, College of Teacher Education, Qiqihar University, No. 32, Zhonghua West Road, Jianhua District, Qiqihar, Heilongjiang Province, 161006, P.R. China
| | - Yuerong Jia
- Department of Applied Psychology, College of Teacher Education, Qiqihar University, No. 32, Zhonghua West Road, Jianhua District, Qiqihar, Heilongjiang Province, 161006, P.R. China
| | - Meng Ning
- Department of Applied Psychology, College of Teacher Education, Qiqihar University, No. 32, Zhonghua West Road, Jianhua District, Qiqihar, Heilongjiang Province, 161006, P.R. China
| | - Shuhua Cheng
- Department of Applied Psychology, College of Teacher Education, Qiqihar University, No. 32, Zhonghua West Road, Jianhua District, Qiqihar, Heilongjiang Province, 161006, P.R. China.
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11
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Niere F, Uneri A, McArdle CJ, Deng Z, Egido-Betancourt HX, Cacheaux LP, Namjoshi SV, Taylor WC, Wang X, Barth SH, Reynoldson C, Penaranda J, Stierer MP, Heaney CF, Craft S, Keene CD, Ma T, Raab-Graham KF. Aberrant DJ-1 expression underlies L-type calcium channel hypoactivity in dendrites in tuberous sclerosis complex and Alzheimer's disease. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2301534120. [PMID: 37903257 PMCID: PMC10636362 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2301534120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023] Open
Abstract
L-type voltage-gated calcium (Ca2+) channels (L-VGCC) dysfunction is implicated in several neurological and psychiatric diseases. While a popular therapeutic target, it is unknown whether molecular mechanisms leading to disrupted L-VGCC across neurodegenerative disorders are conserved. Importantly, L-VGCC integrate synaptic signals to facilitate a plethora of cellular mechanisms; however, mechanisms that regulate L-VGCC channel density and subcellular compartmentalization are understudied. Herein, we report that in disease models with overactive mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling (or mTORopathies), deficits in dendritic L-VGCC activity are associated with increased expression of the RNA-binding protein (RBP) Parkinsonism-associated deglycase (DJ-1). DJ-1 binds the mRNA coding for the alpha and auxiliary Ca2+ channel subunits CaV1.2 and α2δ2, and represses their mRNA translation, only in the disease states, specifically preclinical models of tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). In agreement, DJ-1-mediated repression of CaV1.2/α2δ2 protein synthesis in dendrites is exaggerated in mouse models of AD and TSC, resulting in deficits in dendritic L-VGCC calcium activity. Finding of DJ-1-regulated L-VGCC activity in dendrites in TSC and AD provides a unique signaling pathway that can be targeted in clinical mTORopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farr Niere
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC27157
- Department of Biology, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Greensboro, NC27411
| | - Ayse Uneri
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC27157
| | - Colin J. McArdle
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC27157
| | - Zhiyong Deng
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC27157
| | - Hailey X. Egido-Betancourt
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC27157
| | - Luisa P. Cacheaux
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC27157
| | - Sanjeev V. Namjoshi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC27157
| | - William C. Taylor
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC27157
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC27157
| | - Samuel H. Barth
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC27157
| | - Cameron Reynoldson
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC27157
| | - Juan Penaranda
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC27157
| | - Michael P. Stierer
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC27157
| | - Chelcie F. Heaney
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC27157
| | - Suzanne Craft
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC27157
- Wake Forest Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC27157
| | - C. Dirk Keene
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA98104
| | - Tao Ma
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC27157
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC27157
| | - Kimberly F. Raab-Graham
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC27157
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12
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Aimino MA, Humenik J, Parisi MJ, Duhart JC, Mosca TJ. SynLight: a bicistronic strategy for simultaneous active zone and cell labeling in the Drosophila nervous system. G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2023; 13:jkad221. [PMID: 37757863 PMCID: PMC10627267 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkad221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
At synapses, chemical neurotransmission mediates the exchange of information between neurons, leading to complex movement, behaviors, and stimulus processing. The immense number and variety of neurons within the nervous system make discerning individual neuron populations difficult, necessitating the development of advanced neuronal labeling techniques. In Drosophila, Bruchpilot-Short and mCD8-GFP, which label presynaptic active zones and neuronal membranes, respectively, have been widely used to study synapse development and organization. This labeling is often achieved via the expression of 2 independent constructs by a single binary expression system, but expression can weaken when multiple transgenes are expressed by a single driver. Recent work has sought to circumvent these drawbacks by developing methods that encode multiple proteins from a single transcript. Self-cleaving peptides, specifically 2A peptides, have emerged as effective sequences for accomplishing this task. We leveraged 2A ribosomal skipping peptides to engineer a construct that produces both Bruchpilot-Short-mStraw and mCD8-GFP from the same mRNA, which we named SynLight. Using SynLight, we visualized the putative synaptic active zones and membranes of multiple classes of olfactory, visual, and motor neurons and observed the correct separation of signal, confirming that both proteins are being generated separately. Furthermore, we demonstrate proof of principle by quantifying synaptic puncta number and neurite volume in olfactory neurons and finding no difference between the synapse densities of neurons expressing SynLight or neurons expressing both transgenes separately. At the neuromuscular junction, we determined that the synaptic puncta number labeled by SynLight was comparable to the endogenous puncta labeled by antibody staining. Overall, SynLight is a versatile tool for examining synapse density in any nervous system region of interest and allows new questions to be answered about synaptic development and organization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A Aimino
- Department of Neuroscience, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute of Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson University, Bluemle Life Sciences Building, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Jesse Humenik
- Department of Neuroscience, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute of Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson University, Bluemle Life Sciences Building, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Michael J Parisi
- Department of Neuroscience, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute of Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson University, Bluemle Life Sciences Building, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Juan Carlos Duhart
- Department of Neuroscience, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute of Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson University, Bluemle Life Sciences Building, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Timothy J Mosca
- Department of Neuroscience, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute of Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson University, Bluemle Life Sciences Building, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
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13
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Wang HC, Feldman DE. Degraded tactile coding in the Cntnap2 mouse model of autism. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.29.560240. [PMID: 37808857 PMCID: PMC10557772 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.29.560240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Atypical sensory processing in autism involves altered neural circuit function and neural coding in sensory cortex, but the nature of coding disruption is poorly understood. We characterized neural coding in L2/3 of whisker somatosensory cortex (S1) of Cntnap2-/- mice, an autism model with pronounced hypofunction of parvalbumin (PV) inhibitory circuits. We tested for both excess spiking, which is often hypothesized in autism models with reduced inhibition, and alterations in somatotopic coding, using c-fos immunostaining and 2-photon calcium imaging in awake mice. In Cntnap2-/- mice, c-fos-(+) neuron density was elevated in L2/3 of S1 under spontaneous activity conditions, but comparable to control mice after whisker stimulation, suggesting that sensory-evoked spiking was relatively normal. 2-photon GCaMP8m imaging in L2/3 pyramidal cells revealed no increase in whisker-evoked response magnitude, but instead showed multiple signs of degraded somatotopic coding. These included broadening of whisker tuning curves, blurring of the whisker map, and blunting of the point representation of each whisker. These altered properties were more pronounced in noisy than sparse sensory conditions. Tuning instability, assessed over 2-3 weeks of longitudinal imaging, was also significantly increased in Cntnap2-/- mice. Thus, Cntnap2-/- mice show no excess spiking, but a degraded and unstable tactile code in S1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Chin Wang
- Department of Molecular & Cell Biology, and Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720, USA
| | - Daniel E. Feldman
- Department of Molecular & Cell Biology, and Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720, USA
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14
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Monday HR, Wang HC, Feldman DE. Circuit-level theories for sensory dysfunction in autism: convergence across mouse models. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1254297. [PMID: 37745660 PMCID: PMC10513044 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1254297] [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: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) exhibit a diverse range of behavioral features and genetic backgrounds, but whether different genetic forms of autism involve convergent pathophysiology of brain function is unknown. Here, we analyze evidence for convergent deficits in neural circuit function across multiple transgenic mouse models of ASD. We focus on sensory areas of neocortex, where circuit differences may underlie atypical sensory processing, a central feature of autism. Many distinct circuit-level theories for ASD have been proposed, including increased excitation-inhibition (E-I) ratio and hyperexcitability, hypofunction of parvalbumin (PV) interneuron circuits, impaired homeostatic plasticity, degraded sensory coding, and others. We review these theories and assess the degree of convergence across ASD mouse models for each. Behaviorally, our analysis reveals that innate sensory detection behavior is heightened and sensory discrimination behavior is impaired across many ASD models. Neurophysiologically, PV hypofunction and increased E-I ratio are prevalent but only rarely generate hyperexcitability and excess spiking. Instead, sensory tuning and other aspects of neural coding are commonly degraded and may explain impaired discrimination behavior. Two distinct phenotypic clusters with opposing neural circuit signatures are evident across mouse models. Such clustering could suggest physiological subtypes of autism, which may facilitate the development of tailored therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah R. Monday
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | | | - Daniel E. Feldman
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
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15
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Aimino MA, Humenik J, Parisi MJ, Duhart JC, Mosca TJ. SynLight: a dicistronic strategy for simultaneous active zone and cell labeling in the Drosophila nervous system. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.17.549367. [PMID: 37502901 PMCID: PMC10370149 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.17.549367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
At synapses, chemical neurotransmission mediates the exchange of information between neurons, leading to complex movement behaviors and stimulus processing. The immense number and variety of neurons within the nervous system makes discerning individual neuron populations difficult, necessitating the development of advanced neuronal labeling techniques. In Drosophila , Bruchpilot-Short and mCD8-GFP, which label presynaptic active zones and neuronal membranes, respectively, have been widely used to study synapse development and organization. This labeling is often achieved via expression of two independent constructs by a single binary expression system, but expression can weaken when multiple transgenes are expressed by a single driver. Ensuring adequate expression of each transgene is essential to enable more complex experiments; as such, work has sought to circumvent these drawbacks by developing methods that encode multiple proteins from a single transcript. Self-cleaving peptides, specifically 2A peptides, have emerged as effective sequences for accomplishing this task. We leveraged 2A ribosomal skipping peptides to engineer a construct that produces both Bruchpilot-Short and mCD8-GFP from the same mRNA, which we named SynLight. Using SynLight, we visualized the putative synaptic active zones and membranes of multiple classes of olfactory, visual, and motor neurons and observed correct separation of signal, confirming that both proteins are being generated separately. Furthermore, we demonstrate proof-of-principle by quantifying synaptic puncta number and neurite volume in olfactory neurons and finding no difference between the synapse densities of neurons expressing SynLight or neurons expressing both transgenes separately. At the neuromuscular junction, we determined that synaptic puncta number labeled by SynLight was comparable to endogenous puncta labeled by antibody staining. Overall, SynLight is a versatile tool for examining synapse density in any nervous system region of interest and allows new questions to be answered about synaptic development and organization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A. Aimino
- Department of Neuroscience, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute of Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson University, Bluemle Life Sciences Building, Philadelphia, PA 19107
| | - Jesse Humenik
- Department of Neuroscience, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute of Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson University, Bluemle Life Sciences Building, Philadelphia, PA 19107
| | - Michael J. Parisi
- Department of Neuroscience, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute of Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson University, Bluemle Life Sciences Building, Philadelphia, PA 19107
| | - Juan Carlos Duhart
- Department of Neuroscience, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute of Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson University, Bluemle Life Sciences Building, Philadelphia, PA 19107
| | - Timothy J. Mosca
- Department of Neuroscience, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute of Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson University, Bluemle Life Sciences Building, Philadelphia, PA 19107
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16
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Yu G, Xu M, Chen Y, Ke H. 25(OH)Vitamin D and autism spectrum disorder: genetic overlap and causality. GENES & NUTRITION 2023; 18:8. [PMID: 37101109 PMCID: PMC10134540 DOI: 10.1186/s12263-023-00727-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify whether there exists a genetic correlation and causal relationship between 25(OH)D and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). METHODS Based on large-scale genome-wide association studies, a series of genetic approaches were adopted to obtain summary statistics. Using linkage disequilibrium score regression, we assessed the shared polygenic structure between traits and performed pleiotropic analysis under composite null hypothesis (PLACO) to identify pleiotropic loci between complex traits. A bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was applied to investigate whether there is a causal relationship between 25(OH)D and ASD. RESULTS The linkage disequilibrium score regression (LDSC) showed a negative genetic correlation between 25(OH)D and ASD (rg = - 0.227, P < 0.05), and PLACO analysis identified 20 independent pleiotropic loci matched to 24 pleiotropic genes, of which the function reveals an underlying mechanism on 25(OH)D and ASD. In Mendelian randomization analysis, the inverse variance-weighted (IVW) method with OR = 0.941 (0.796, 1.112) and p < 0.474 did not show a causal relationship between 25(OH)D and ASD, while, in the reverse Mendelian randomization analysis, IVW method showed OR = 1.042 (0.930, 1.169), indicating no causal relationship either. CONCLUSION This study provides evidence for a shared genetic overlap between 25(OH)D and ASD. Bidirectional MR analysis also did not show a definite causal relationship between 25(OH)D and ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- GuoSheng Yu
- Department of Pediatrics, Li shui People’s Hospital, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Li shui, Zhejiang, 323000 China
| | - MinZhi Xu
- Department of Pediatrics, Li shui People’s Hospital, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Li shui, Zhejiang, 323000 China
| | - Yao Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, Li shui People’s Hospital, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Li shui, Zhejiang, 323000 China
| | - HaiYan Ke
- Department of Pediatrics, Tongde hospital of Zhejiang Province, 234 Gucui Road, Xihu District, Hangzhou City, 310006 China
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17
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Wang Y, Lin J, Li J, Yan L, Li W, He X, Ma H. Chronic Neuronal Inactivity Utilizes the mTOR-TFEB Pathway to Drive Transcription-Dependent Autophagy for Homeostatic Up-Scaling. J Neurosci 2023; 43:2631-2652. [PMID: 36868861 PMCID: PMC10089247 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0146-23.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Activity-dependent changes in protein expression are critical for neuronal plasticity, a fundamental process for the processing and storage of information in the brain. Among the various forms of plasticity, homeostatic synaptic up-scaling is unique in that it is induced primarily by neuronal inactivity. However, precisely how the turnover of synaptic proteins occurs in this homeostatic process remains unclear. Here, we report that chronically inhibiting neuronal activity in primary cortical neurons prepared from embryonic day (E)18 Sprague Dawley rats (both sexes) induces autophagy, thereby regulating key synaptic proteins for up-scaling. Mechanistically, chronic neuronal inactivity causes dephosphorylation of ERK and mTOR, which induces transcription factor EB (TFEB)-mediated cytonuclear signaling and drives transcription-dependent autophagy to regulate αCaMKII and PSD95 during synaptic up-scaling. Together, these findings suggest that mTOR-dependent autophagy, which is often triggered by metabolic stressors such as starvation, is recruited and sustained during neuronal inactivity to maintain synaptic homeostasis, a process that ensures proper brain function and if impaired can cause neuropsychiatric disorders such as autism.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT In the mammalian brain, protein turnover is tightly controlled by neuronal activation to ensure key neuronal functions during long-lasting synaptic plasticity. However, a long-standing question is how this process occurs during synaptic up-scaling, a process that requires protein turnover but is induced by neuronal inactivation. Here, we report that mTOR-dependent signaling, which is often triggered by metabolic stressors such as starvation, is "hijacked" by chronic neuronal inactivation, which then serves as a nucleation point for transcription factor EB (TFEB) cytonuclear signaling that drives transcription-dependent autophagy for up-scaling. These results provide the first evidence of a physiological role of mTOR-dependent autophagy in enduing neuronal plasticity, thereby connecting major themes in cell biology and neuroscience via a servo loop that mediates autoregulation in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Wang
- Department of Neurobiology, Affiliated Mental Health Center and Hangzhou Seventh People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science and Brain-machine Integration, State Key Laboratory of Brain-machine Intelligence, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 311121, China
- National Health Commission of the PRC (NHC) and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Jingran Lin
- Department of Neurobiology, Affiliated Mental Health Center and Hangzhou Seventh People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science and Brain-machine Integration, State Key Laboratory of Brain-machine Intelligence, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 311121, China
- National Health Commission of the PRC (NHC) and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Jiarui Li
- Department of Neurobiology, Affiliated Mental Health Center and Hangzhou Seventh People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science and Brain-machine Integration, State Key Laboratory of Brain-machine Intelligence, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 311121, China
- National Health Commission of the PRC (NHC) and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Lu Yan
- Department of Neurobiology, Affiliated Mental Health Center and Hangzhou Seventh People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science and Brain-machine Integration, State Key Laboratory of Brain-machine Intelligence, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 311121, China
- National Health Commission of the PRC (NHC) and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Wenwen Li
- Department of Neurobiology, Affiliated Mental Health Center and Hangzhou Seventh People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science and Brain-machine Integration, State Key Laboratory of Brain-machine Intelligence, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 311121, China
- National Health Commission of the PRC (NHC) and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xingzhi He
- Department of Neurobiology, Affiliated Mental Health Center and Hangzhou Seventh People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science and Brain-machine Integration, State Key Laboratory of Brain-machine Intelligence, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 311121, China
- National Health Commission of the PRC (NHC) and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Huan Ma
- Department of Neurobiology, Affiliated Mental Health Center and Hangzhou Seventh People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science and Brain-machine Integration, State Key Laboratory of Brain-machine Intelligence, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 311121, China
- National Health Commission of the PRC (NHC) and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Research Units for Emotion and Emotion disorders, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100050, China
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18
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Munz M, Bharioke A, Kosche G, Moreno-Juan V, Brignall A, Rodrigues TM, Graff-Meyer A, Ulmer T, Haeuselmann S, Pavlinic D, Ledergerber N, Gross-Scherf B, Rózsa B, Krol J, Picelli S, Cowan CS, Roska B. Pyramidal neurons form active, transient, multilayered circuits perturbed by autism-associated mutations at the inception of neocortex. Cell 2023; 186:1930-1949.e31. [PMID: 37071993 PMCID: PMC10156177 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.03.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/20/2023]
Abstract
Cortical circuits are composed predominantly of pyramidal-to-pyramidal neuron connections, yet their assembly during embryonic development is not well understood. We show that mouse embryonic Rbp4-Cre cortical neurons, transcriptomically closest to layer 5 pyramidal neurons, display two phases of circuit assembly in vivo. At E14.5, they form a multi-layered circuit motif, composed of only embryonic near-projecting-type neurons. By E17.5, this transitions to a second motif involving all three embryonic types, analogous to the three adult layer 5 types. In vivo patch clamp recordings and two-photon calcium imaging of embryonic Rbp4-Cre neurons reveal active somas and neurites, tetrodotoxin-sensitive voltage-gated conductances, and functional glutamatergic synapses, from E14.5 onwards. Embryonic Rbp4-Cre neurons strongly express autism-associated genes and perturbing these genes interferes with the switch between the two motifs. Hence, pyramidal neurons form active, transient, multi-layered pyramidal-to-pyramidal circuits at the inception of neocortex, and studying these circuits could yield insights into the etiology of autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Munz
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Department of Ophthalmology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Neural Circuit Laboratories, Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Arjun Bharioke
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Department of Ophthalmology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Neural Circuit Laboratories, Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Georg Kosche
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Department of Ophthalmology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Verónica Moreno-Juan
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Department of Ophthalmology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alexandra Brignall
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Department of Ophthalmology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Tiago M Rodrigues
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Department of Ophthalmology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alexandra Graff-Meyer
- Neural Circuit Laboratories, Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Talia Ulmer
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Department of Ophthalmology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Neural Circuit Laboratories, Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Stephanie Haeuselmann
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Department of Ophthalmology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Dinko Pavlinic
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Department of Ophthalmology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Nicole Ledergerber
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Department of Ophthalmology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Neural Circuit Laboratories, Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Brigitte Gross-Scherf
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Department of Ophthalmology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Neural Circuit Laboratories, Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Balázs Rózsa
- Two-Photon Imaging Center, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Jacek Krol
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Department of Ophthalmology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Neural Circuit Laboratories, Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Simone Picelli
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Department of Ophthalmology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Cameron S Cowan
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Department of Ophthalmology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Botond Roska
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Department of Ophthalmology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
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19
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Transition from Animal-Based to Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs)-Based Models of Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Opportunities and Challenges. Cells 2023; 12:cells12040538. [PMID: 36831205 PMCID: PMC9954744 DOI: 10.3390/cells12040538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) arise from the disruption of highly coordinated mechanisms underlying brain development, which results in impaired sensory, motor and/or cognitive functions. Although rodent models have offered very relevant insights to the field, the translation of findings to clinics, particularly regarding therapeutic approaches for these diseases, remains challenging. Part of the explanation for this failure may be the genetic differences-some targets not being conserved between species-and, most importantly, the differences in regulation of gene expression. This prompts the use of human-derived models to study NDDS. The generation of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hIPSCs) added a new suitable alternative to overcome species limitations, allowing for the study of human neuronal development while maintaining the genetic background of the donor patient. Several hIPSC models of NDDs already proved their worth by mimicking several pathological phenotypes found in humans. In this review, we highlight the utility of hIPSCs to pave new paths for NDD research and development of new therapeutic tools, summarize the challenges and advances of hIPSC-culture and neuronal differentiation protocols and discuss the best way to take advantage of these models, illustrating this with examples of success for some NDDs.
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20
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Synaptic Development in Diverse Olfactory Neuron Classes Uses Distinct Temporal and Activity-Related Programs. J Neurosci 2023; 43:28-55. [PMID: 36446587 PMCID: PMC9838713 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0884-22.2022] [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: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Developing neurons must meet core molecular, cellular, and temporal requirements to ensure the correct formation of synapses, resulting in functional circuits. However, because of the vast diversity in neuronal class and function, it is unclear whether or not all neurons use the same organizational mechanisms to form synaptic connections and achieve functional and morphologic maturation. Moreover, it remains unknown whether neurons united in a common goal and comprising the same sensory circuit develop on similar timescales and use identical molecular approaches to ensure the formation of the correct number of synapses. To begin to answer these questions, we took advantage of the Drosophila antennal lobe (AL), a model olfactory circuit with remarkable genetic access and synapse-level resolution. Using tissue-specific genetic labeling of active zones, we performed a quantitative analysis of synapse formation in multiple classes of neurons of both sexes throughout development and adulthood. We found that olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs), projection neurons (PNs), and local interneurons (LNs) each have unique time courses of synaptic development, addition, and refinement, demonstrating that each class follows a distinct developmental program. This raised the possibility that these classes may also have distinct molecular requirements for synapse formation. We genetically altered neuronal activity in each neuronal subtype and observed differing effects on synapse number based on the neuronal class examined. Silencing neuronal activity in ORNs, PNs, and LNs impaired synaptic development but only in ORNs did enhancing neuronal activity influence synapse formation. ORNs and LNs demonstrated similar impairment of synaptic development with enhanced activity of a master kinase, GSK-3β, suggesting that neuronal activity and GSK-3β kinase activity function in a common pathway. ORNs also, however, demonstrated impaired synaptic development with GSK-3β loss-of-function, suggesting additional activity-independent roles in development. Ultimately, our results suggest that the requirements for synaptic development are not uniform across all neuronal classes with considerable diversity existing in both their developmental time frames and molecular requirements. These findings provide novel insights into the mechanisms of synaptic development and lay the foundation for future work determining their underlying etiologies.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Distinct olfactory neuron classes in Drosophila develop a mature synaptic complement over unique timelines and using distinct activity-dependent and molecular programs, despite having the same generalized goal of olfactory sensation.
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21
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Orr BO, Fetter RD, Davis GW. Activation and expansion of presynaptic signaling foci drives presynaptic homeostatic plasticity. Neuron 2022; 110:3743-3759.e6. [PMID: 36087584 PMCID: PMC9671843 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2022.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Presynaptic homeostatic plasticity (PHP) adaptively regulates synaptic transmission in health and disease. Despite identification of numerous genes that are essential for PHP, we lack a dynamic framework to explain how PHP is initiated, potentiated, and limited to achieve precise control of vesicle fusion. Here, utilizing both mice and Drosophila, we demonstrate that PHP progresses through the assembly and physical expansion of presynaptic signaling foci where activated integrins biochemically converge with trans-synaptic Semaphorin2b/PlexinB signaling. Each component of the identified signaling complexes, including alpha/beta-integrin, Semaphorin2b, PlexinB, talin, and focal adhesion kinase (FAK), and their biochemical interactions, are essential for PHP. Complex integrity requires the Sema2b ligand and complex expansion includes a ∼2.5-fold expansion of active-zone associated puncta composed of the actin-binding protein talin. Finally, complex pre-expansion is sufficient to accelerate the rate and extent of PHP. A working model is proposed incorporating signal convergence with dynamic molecular assemblies that instruct PHP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian O Orr
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Kavli Institute for Fundamental Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158 USA
| | - Richard D Fetter
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Kavli Institute for Fundamental Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158 USA
| | - Graeme W Davis
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Kavli Institute for Fundamental Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158 USA.
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22
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Statistical perspective on functional and causal neural connectomics: The Time-Aware PC algorithm. PLoS Comput Biol 2022; 18:e1010653. [DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1010653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The representation of the flow of information between neurons in the brain based on their activity is termed the causal functional connectome. Such representation incorporates the dynamic nature of neuronal activity and causal interactions between them. In contrast to connectome, the causal functional connectome is not directly observed and needs to be inferred from neural time series. A popular statistical framework for inferring causal connectivity from observations is the directed probabilistic graphical modeling. Its common formulation is not suitable for neural time series since it was developed for variables with independent and identically distributed static samples. In this work, we propose to model and estimate the causal functional connectivity from neural time series using a novel approach that adapts directed probabilistic graphical modeling to the time series scenario. In particular, we develop the Time-Aware PC (TPC) algorithm for estimating the causal functional connectivity, which adapts the PC algorithm—a state-of-the-art method for statistical causal inference. We show that the model outcome of TPC has the properties of reflecting causality of neural interactions such as being non-parametric, exhibits the directed Markov property in a time-series setting, and is predictive of the consequence of counterfactual interventions on the time series. We demonstrate the utility of the methodology to obtain the causal functional connectome for several datasets including simulations, benchmark datasets, and recent multi-array electro-physiological recordings from the mouse visual cortex.
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23
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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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24
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Jiang CC, Lin LS, Long S, Ke XY, Fukunaga K, Lu YM, Han F. Signalling pathways in autism spectrum disorder: mechanisms and therapeutic implications. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:229. [PMID: 35817793 PMCID: PMC9273593 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01081-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Revised: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a prevalent and complex neurodevelopmental disorder which has strong genetic basis. Despite the rapidly rising incidence of autism, little is known about its aetiology, risk factors, and disease progression. There are currently neither validated biomarkers for diagnostic screening nor specific medication for autism. Over the last two decades, there have been remarkable advances in genetics, with hundreds of genes identified and validated as being associated with a high risk for autism. The convergence of neuroscience methods is becoming more widely recognized for its significance in elucidating the pathological mechanisms of autism. Efforts have been devoted to exploring the behavioural functions, key pathological mechanisms and potential treatments of autism. Here, as we highlight in this review, emerging evidence shows that signal transduction molecular events are involved in pathological processes such as transcription, translation, synaptic transmission, epigenetics and immunoinflammatory responses. This involvement has important implications for the discovery of precise molecular targets for autism. Moreover, we review recent insights into the mechanisms and clinical implications of signal transduction in autism from molecular, cellular, neural circuit, and neurobehavioural aspects. Finally, the challenges and future perspectives are discussed with regard to novel strategies predicated on the biological features of autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen-Chen Jiang
- International Joint Laboratory for Drug Target of Critical Illnesses; Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular & Cerebrovascular Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Li-Shan Lin
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Sen Long
- Department of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Seventh People's Hospital, Mental Health Center Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310013, China
| | - Xiao-Yan Ke
- Child Mental Health Research Center, Nanjing Brain Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Kohji Fukunaga
- Department of CNS Drug Innovation, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, 980-8578, Japan
| | - Ying-Mei Lu
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.
| | - Feng Han
- International Joint Laboratory for Drug Target of Critical Illnesses; Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular & Cerebrovascular Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China. .,Institute of Brain Science, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China. .,Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, 215002, China.
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25
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Baccino-Calace M, Schmidt K, Müller M. The E3 ligase Thin controls homeostatic plasticity through neurotransmitter release repression. eLife 2022; 11:71437. [PMID: 35796533 PMCID: PMC9299833 DOI: 10.7554/elife.71437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Synaptic proteins and synaptic transmission are under homeostatic control, but the relationship between these two processes remains enigmatic. Here, we systematically investigated the role of E3 ubiquitin ligases, key regulators of protein degradation-mediated proteostasis, in presynaptic homeostatic plasticity (PHP). An electrophysiology-based genetic screen of 157 E3 ligase-encoding genes at the Drosophila neuromuscular junction identified thin, an ortholog of human tripartite motif-containing 32 (TRIM32), a gene implicated in several neurological disorders, including autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia. We demonstrate that thin functions presynaptically during rapid and sustained PHP. Presynaptic thin negatively regulates neurotransmitter release under baseline conditions by limiting the number of release-ready vesicles, largely independent of gross morphological defects. We provide genetic evidence that thin controls release through dysbindin, a schizophrenia-susceptibility gene required for PHP. Thin and Dysbindin localize in proximity within presynaptic boutons, and Thin degrades Dysbindin in vitro. Thus, the E3 ligase Thin links protein degradation-dependent proteostasis of Dysbindin to homeostatic regulation of neurotransmitter release.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Katharina Schmidt
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Martin Müller
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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26
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Shao E, Chang CW, Li Z, Yu X, Ho K, Zhang M, Wang X, Simms J, Lo I, Speckart J, Holtzman J, Yu GQ, Roberson ED, Mucke L. TAU ablation in excitatory neurons and postnatal TAU knockdown reduce epilepsy, SUDEP, and autism behaviors in a Dravet syndrome model. Sci Transl Med 2022; 14:eabm5527. [PMID: 35476595 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abm5527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Intracellular accumulation of TAU aggregates is a hallmark of several neurodegenerative diseases. However, global genetic reduction of TAU is beneficial also in models of other brain disorders that lack such TAU pathology, suggesting a pathogenic role of nonaggregated TAU. Here, conditional ablation of TAU in excitatory, but not inhibitory, neurons reduced epilepsy, sudden unexpected death in epilepsy, overactivation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase-AKT-mammalian target of rapamycin pathway, brain overgrowth (megalencephaly), and autism-like behaviors in a mouse model of Dravet syndrome, a severe epileptic encephalopathy of early childhood. Furthermore, treatment with a TAU-lowering antisense oligonucleotide, initiated on postnatal day 10, had similar therapeutic effects in this mouse model. Our findings suggest that excitatory neurons are the critical cell type in which TAU has to be reduced to counteract brain dysfunctions associated with Dravet syndrome and that overall cerebral TAU reduction could have similar benefits, even when initiated postnatally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Shao
- Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Che-Wei Chang
- Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Zhiyong Li
- Alzheimer's Disease Center, Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Xinxing Yu
- Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Kaitlyn Ho
- Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Michelle Zhang
- Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Xin Wang
- Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Jeffrey Simms
- Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Iris Lo
- Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Jessica Speckart
- Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Julia Holtzman
- Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Gui-Qiu Yu
- Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Erik D Roberson
- Alzheimer's Disease Center, Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Lennart Mucke
- Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA.,Department of Neurology and Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
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27
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Fu Y, Zhou Y, Zhang YL, Zhao B, Zhang XL, Zhang WT, Lu YJ, Lu A, Zhang J, Zhang J. Loss of neurodevelopmental-associated miR-592 impairs neurogenesis and causes social interaction deficits. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:292. [PMID: 35365601 PMCID: PMC8976077 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-04721-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
microRNA-592 (miR-592) has been linked to neurogenesis, but the influence of miR-592 knockout in vivo remains unknown. Here, we report that miR-592 knockout represses IPC-to-mature neuron transition, impairs motor coordination and reduces social interaction. Combining the RNA-seq and tandem mass tagging-based quantitative proteomics analysis (TMT protein quantification) and luciferase reporter assays, we identified MeCP2 as the direct targetgene of miR-592 in the mouse cortex. In Tg(MECP2) mice, lipofection of miR-592 efficiently reduced MECP2 expression in the brains of Tg(MECP2) mice at E14.5. Furthermore, treatment with miR-592 partially ameliorated the autism-like phenotypes observed in adult Tg(MECP2) mice. The findings demonstrate that miR-592 might play a novel role in treating the neurodevelopmental-associated disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Fu
- Research Centre for Translational Medicine at East Hospital, School of Life Science and Technology, Tongji University, 200010, Shanghai, China
| | - Yang Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration of Ministry of Education, Orthopaedic Department of Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, 200065, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuan-Lin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration of Ministry of Education, Orthopaedic Department of Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, 200065, Shanghai, China
| | - Bo Zhao
- Research Centre for Translational Medicine at East Hospital, School of Life Science and Technology, Tongji University, 200010, Shanghai, China
| | - Xing-Liao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration of Ministry of Education, Orthopaedic Department of Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, 200065, Shanghai, China
| | - Wan-Ting Zhang
- Research Centre for Translational Medicine at East Hospital, School of Life Science and Technology, Tongji University, 200010, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi-Jun Lu
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration of Ministry of Education, Orthopaedic Department of Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, 200065, Shanghai, China
| | - Aiping Lu
- Research Centre for Translational Medicine at East Hospital, School of Life Science and Technology, Tongji University, 200010, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration of Ministry of Education, Orthopaedic Department of Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, 200065, Shanghai, China.
- Research Centre for Translational Medicine at East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, 200010, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Institute of Stem Cell Research and Clinical Translation, 200092, Shanghai, China.
| | - Jing Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration of Ministry of Education, Orthopaedic Department of Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, 200065, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Institute of Stem Cell Research and Clinical Translation, 200092, Shanghai, China.
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28
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Deemyad T. Lateralized Changes in Language Associated Auditory and Somatosensory Cortices in Autism. Front Syst Neurosci 2022; 16:787448. [PMID: 35300070 PMCID: PMC8923120 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2022.787448] [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: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Lateralized specialization of the two cerebral hemispheres is a fundamental structural hallmark of the human brain and underlies many cognitive functions and behavioral abilities. In typical developing individuals the influence of handedness on performance of various sensory modalities and the cortical processing has been well recognized. Increasing evidence suggests that several neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are associated with abnormal patterns of cerebral lateralization. Individuals with ASD exhibit abnormal structural and functional lateralization of circuits subserving motor, auditory, somatosensory, visual face processing, and language-related functions. Furthermore, a high prevalence of atypical handedness has been reported in ASD individuals. While the hemispheric dominance is also related to functions other than handedness, there is a clear relationship between handedness and language-related cortical dominance. This minireview summarizes these recent findings on asymmetry in somatosensory and auditory cortical structures associated with language processing in ASD. I will also discuss the importance of cortical dominance and interhemispheric disruption of balance between excitatory and inhibitory synapses as pathophysiological mechanisms in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara Deemyad
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
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29
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Zarhin D, Atsmon R, Ruggiero A, Baeloha H, Shoob S, Scharf O, Heim LR, Buchbinder N, Shinikamin O, Shapira I, Styr B, Braun G, Harel M, Sheinin A, Geva N, Sela Y, Saito T, Saido T, Geiger T, Nir Y, Ziv Y, Slutsky I. Disrupted neural correlates of anesthesia and sleep reveal early circuit dysfunctions in Alzheimer models. Cell Rep 2022; 38:110268. [PMID: 35045289 PMCID: PMC8789564 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.110268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysregulated homeostasis of neural activity has been hypothesized to drive Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis. AD begins with a decades-long presymptomatic phase, but whether homeostatic mechanisms already begin failing during this silent phase is unknown. We show that before the onset of memory decline and sleep disturbances, familial AD (fAD) model mice display no deficits in CA1 mean firing rate (MFR) during active wakefulness. However, homeostatic down-regulation of CA1 MFR is disrupted during non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep and general anesthesia in fAD mouse models. The resultant hyperexcitability is attenuated by the mitochondrial dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH) enzyme inhibitor, which tunes MFR toward lower set-point values. Ex vivo fAD mutations impair downward MFR homeostasis, resulting in pathological MFR set points in response to anesthetic drug and inhibition blockade. Thus, firing rate dyshomeostasis of hippocampal circuits is masked during active wakefulness but surfaces during low-arousal brain states, representing an early failure of the silent disease stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Zarhin
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Refaela Atsmon
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel; Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Antonella Ruggiero
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Halit Baeloha
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Shiri Shoob
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Oded Scharf
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel; Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Leore R Heim
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Nadav Buchbinder
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel; Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Ortal Shinikamin
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Ilana Shapira
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Boaz Styr
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Gabriella Braun
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel; Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Michal Harel
- Department of Human Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Anton Sheinin
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Nitzan Geva
- Department of Neurobiology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Yaniv Sela
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel; Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Takashi Saito
- Laboratory for Proteolytic Neuroscience, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Saitama 351-0198, Japan; Department of Neurocognitive Science, Institute of Brain Science, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Aichi 467-8601, Japan
| | - Takaomi Saido
- Laboratory for Proteolytic Neuroscience, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Tamar Geiger
- Department of Human Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Yuval Nir
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel; Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Yaniv Ziv
- Department of Neurobiology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Inna Slutsky
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel; Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel.
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30
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Jenks KR, Tsimring K, Ip JPK, Zepeda JC, Sur M. Heterosynaptic Plasticity and the Experience-Dependent Refinement of Developing Neuronal Circuits. Front Neural Circuits 2021; 15:803401. [PMID: 34949992 PMCID: PMC8689143 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2021.803401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurons remodel the structure and strength of their synapses during critical periods of development in order to optimize both perception and cognition. Many of these developmental synaptic changes are thought to occur through synapse-specific homosynaptic forms of experience-dependent plasticity. However, homosynaptic plasticity can also induce or contribute to the plasticity of neighboring synapses through heterosynaptic interactions. Decades of research in vitro have uncovered many of the molecular mechanisms of heterosynaptic plasticity that mediate local compensation for homosynaptic plasticity, facilitation of further bouts of plasticity in nearby synapses, and cooperative induction of plasticity by neighboring synapses acting in concert. These discoveries greatly benefited from new tools and technologies that permitted single synapse imaging and manipulation of structure, function, and protein dynamics in living neurons. With the recent advent and application of similar tools for in vivo research, it is now feasible to explore how heterosynaptic plasticity contribute to critical periods and the development of neuronal circuits. In this review, we will first define the forms heterosynaptic plasticity can take and describe our current understanding of their molecular mechanisms. Then, we will outline how heterosynaptic plasticity may lead to meaningful refinement of neuronal responses and observations that suggest such mechanisms are indeed at work in vivo. Finally, we will use a well-studied model of cortical plasticity—ocular dominance plasticity during a critical period of visual cortex development—to highlight the molecular overlap between heterosynaptic and developmental forms of plasticity, and suggest potential avenues of future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle R Jenks
- Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Katya Tsimring
- Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Jacque Pak Kan Ip
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jose C Zepeda
- Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Mriganka Sur
- Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
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31
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Axonal CB1 Receptors Mediate Inhibitory Bouton Formation via cAMP Increase and PKA. J Neurosci 2021; 41:8279-8296. [PMID: 34413209 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0851-21.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Experience-dependent formation and removal of inhibitory synapses are essential throughout life. For instance, GABAergic synapses are removed to facilitate learning, and strong excitatory activity is accompanied by the formation of inhibitory synapses to maintain coordination between excitation and inhibition. We recently discovered that active dendrites trigger the growth of inhibitory synapses via CB1 receptor-mediated endocannabinoid signaling, but the underlying mechanism remained unclear. Using two-photon microscopy to monitor the formation of individual inhibitory boutons in hippocampal organotypic slices from mice (both sexes), we found that CB1 receptor activation mediated the formation of inhibitory boutons and promoted their subsequent stabilization. Inhibitory bouton formation did not require neuronal activity and was independent of Gi/o-protein signaling, but was directly induced by elevating cAMP levels using forskolin and by activating Gs-proteins using DREADDs. Blocking PKA activity prevented CB1 receptor-mediated inhibitory bouton formation. Our findings reveal that axonal CB1 receptors signal via unconventional downstream pathways and that inhibitory bouton formation is triggered by an increase in axonal cAMP levels. Our results demonstrate an unexpected role for axonal CB1 receptors in axon-specific, and context-dependent, inhibitory synapse formation.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Coordination between excitation and inhibition is required for proper brain function throughout life. It was previously shown that new inhibitory synapses can be formed in response to strong excitation to maintain this coordination, and this was mediated by endocannabinoid signaling via CB1 receptors. As activation of CB1 receptors generally results in the suppression of synaptic transmission, it remained unclear how CB1 receptors can mediate the formation of inhibitory synapses. Here we show that CB1 receptors on inhibitory axons signal via unconventional intracellular pathways and that inhibitory bouton formation is triggered by an increase in axonal cAMP levels and requires PKA activity. Our findings point to a central role for axonal cAMP signaling in activity-dependent inhibitory synapse formation.
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32
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Mencer S, Kartawy M, Lendenfeld F, Soluh H, Tripathi MK, Khaliulin I, Amal H. Proteomics of autism and Alzheimer's mouse models reveal common alterations in mTOR signaling pathway. Transl Psychiatry 2021; 11:480. [PMID: 34535637 PMCID: PMC8448888 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-021-01578-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) are two different neurological disorders that share common clinical features, such as language impairment, executive functions, and motor problems. A genetic convergence has been proposed as well. However, the molecular mechanisms of these pathologies are still not well understood. Protein S-nitrosylation (SNO), the nitric oxide (NO)-mediated posttranslational modification, targets key proteins implicated in synaptic and neuronal functions. Previously, we have shown that NO and SNO are involved in the InsG3680(+/+) ASD and P301S AD mouse models. Here, we performed large-scale computational biology analysis of the SNO-proteome followed by biochemical validation to decipher the shared mechanisms between the pathologies. This analysis pointed to the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling pathway as one of the shared molecular mechanisms. Activation of mTOR in the cortex of both mouse models was confirmed by western blots that showed increased phosphorylation of RPS6, a major substrate of mTORC1. Other molecular alterations affected by SNO and shared between the two mouse models, such as synaptic-associated processes, PKA signaling, and cytoskeleton-related processes were also detected. This is the first study to decipher the SNO-related shared mechanisms between SHANK3 and MAPT mutations. Understanding the involvement of SNO in neurological disorders and its intersection between ASD and AD might help developing an effective novel therapy for both neuropathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shira Mencer
- Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Maryam Kartawy
- Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Felix Lendenfeld
- Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Huda Soluh
- Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Manish Kumar Tripathi
- Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Igor Khaliulin
- Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Haitham Amal
- Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel.
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33
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Ciptasari U, van Bokhoven H. The phenomenal epigenome in neurodevelopmental disorders. Hum Mol Genet 2021; 29:R42-R50. [PMID: 32766754 PMCID: PMC7530535 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddaa175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Disruption of chromatin structure due to epimutations is a leading genetic etiology of neurodevelopmental disorders, collectively known as chromatinopathies. We show that there is an increasing level of convergence from the high diversity of genes that are affected by mutations to the molecular networks and pathways involving the respective proteins, the disrupted cellular and subcellular processes, and their consequence for higher order cellular network function. This convergence is ultimately reflected by specific phenotypic features shared across the various chromatinopathies. Based on these observations, we propose that the commonly disrupted molecular and cellular anomalies might provide a rational target for the development of symptomatic interventions for defined groups of genetically distinct neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ummi Ciptasari
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud university medical center, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Hans van Bokhoven
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud university medical center, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud university medical center, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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34
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Deemyad T, Puig S, Papale AE, Qi H, LaRocca GM, Aravind D, LaNoce E, Urban NN. Lateralized Decrease of Parvalbumin+ Cells in the Somatosensory Cortex of ASD Models Is Correlated with Unilateral Tactile Hypersensitivity. Cereb Cortex 2021; 32:554-568. [PMID: 34347040 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhab233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Inhibitory control of excitatory networks contributes to cortical functions. Increasing evidence indicates that parvalbumin (PV+)-expressing basket cells (BCs) are a major player in maintaining the balance between excitation (E) and inhibition (I). Disruption of E/I balance in cortical networks is believed to be a hallmark of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Here, we report a lateralized decrease in the number of PV+ BCs in L2/3 of the somatosensory cortex in the dominant hemisphere of Shank3-/- and Cntnap2-/- mouse models of ASD. The dominant hemisphere was identified during a reaching task to establish each animal's dominant forepaw. Double labeling with anti-PV antibody and a biotinylated lectin (Vicia villosa lectin [VVA]) showed that the number of BCs was not different but rather, some BCs did not express PV (PV-), resulting in an elevated number of PV- VVA+ BCs. Finally, we showed that dominant hindpaws had higher mechanical sensitivity when compared with the other hindpaws. This mechanical hypersensitivity in the dominant paw strongly correlated with the decrease in the number of PV+ interneurons and reduced PV expression in the corresponding cortex. Together, these results suggest that the hypersensitivity in ASD patients could be due to decreased inhibitory inputs to the dominant somatosensory cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara Deemyad
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Translational Neuroscience Program, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
| | - Stephanie Puig
- Department of Psychiatry, Translational Neuroscience Program, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
| | - Andrew E Papale
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Hang Qi
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Gregory M LaRocca
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Deepthi Aravind
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Emma LaNoce
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Nathaniel N Urban
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.,Center for Neuroscience at the University of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
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35
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Zieger HL, Choquet D. Nanoscale synapse organization and dysfunction in neurodevelopmental disorders. Neurobiol Dis 2021; 158:105453. [PMID: 34314857 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2021.105453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2021] [Revised: 07/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders such as those linked to intellectual disabilities or autism spectrum disorder are thought to originate in part from genetic defects in synaptic proteins. Single gene mutations linked to synapse dysfunction can broadly be separated in three categories: disorders of transcriptional regulation, disorders of synaptic signaling and disorders of synaptic scaffolding and structures. The recent developments in super-resolution imaging technologies and their application to synapses have unraveled a complex nanoscale organization of synaptic components. On the one hand, part of receptors, adhesion proteins, ion channels, scaffold elements and the pre-synaptic release machinery are partitioned in subsynaptic nanodomains, and the respective organization of these nanodomains has tremendous impact on synaptic function. For example, pre-synaptic neurotransmitter release sites are partly aligned with nanometer precision to postsynaptic receptor clusters. On the other hand, a large fraction of synaptic components is extremely dynamic and constantly exchanges between synaptic domains and extrasynaptic or intracellular compartments. It is largely the combination of the exquisitely precise nanoscale synaptic organization of synaptic components and their high dynamic that allows the rapid and profound regulation of synaptic function during synaptic plasticity processes that underlie adaptability of brain function, learning and memory. It is very tempting to speculate that genetic defects that lead to neurodevelopmental disorders and target synaptic scaffolds and structures mediate their deleterious impact on brain function through perturbing synapse nanoscale dynamic organization. We discuss here how applying super-resolution imaging methods in models of neurodevelopmental disorders could help in addressing this question.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna L Zieger
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Interdisciplinary Institute for Neuroscience, IINS, UMR 5297, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Daniel Choquet
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Interdisciplinary Institute for Neuroscience, IINS, UMR 5297, F-33000 Bordeaux, France; Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, INSERM, Bordeaux Imaging Center, BIC, UMS 3420, US 4, F-33000 Bordeaux, France.
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36
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Garay PM, Chen A, Tsukahara T, Rodríguez Díaz JC, Kohen R, Althaus JC, Wallner MA, Giger RJ, Jones KS, Sutton MA, Iwase S. RAI1 Regulates Activity-Dependent Nascent Transcription and Synaptic Scaling. Cell Rep 2021; 32:108002. [PMID: 32783930 PMCID: PMC7418709 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.108002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Long-lasting forms of synaptic plasticity such as synaptic scaling are critically dependent on transcription. Activity-dependent transcriptional dynamics in neurons, however, remain incompletely characterized because most previous efforts relied on measurement of steady-state mRNAs. Here, we use nascent RNA sequencing to profile transcriptional dynamics of primary neuron cultures undergoing network activity shifts. We find pervasive transcriptional changes, in which ∼45% of expressed genes respond to network activity shifts. We further link retinoic acid-induced 1 (RAI1), the Smith-Magenis syndrome gene, to the transcriptional program driven by reduced network activity. Remarkable agreement among nascent transcriptomes, dynamic chromatin occupancy of RAI1, and electrophysiological properties of Rai1-deficient neurons demonstrates the essential roles of RAI1 in suppressing synaptic upscaling in the naive network, while promoting upscaling triggered by activity silencing. These results highlight the utility of bona fide transcription profiling to discover mechanisms of activity-dependent chromatin remodeling that underlie normal and pathological synaptic plasticity. BrU-seq reveals nascent transcription during synaptic up- or downscaling Smith-Magenis syndrome protein RAI1 regulates upscaling-associated transcription RAI1 departs chromatin in response to network activity shifts RAI1 blocks upscaling in naive networks and promotes inactivity-induced upscaling
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia M Garay
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Alex Chen
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Takao Tsukahara
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Michigan Neuroscience Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | | | - Rafi Kohen
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - J Christian Althaus
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Michigan Neuroscience Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Margarete A Wallner
- College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Roman J Giger
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA; Cellular and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA; Department of Neurology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Kevin S Jones
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Michael A Sutton
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Michigan Neuroscience Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
| | - Shigeki Iwase
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
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37
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Letellier M, Cingolani LA. Editorial: Homeostatic Synaptic Plasticity: From Synaptic Circuit Assembly to Neurological Disorders. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:695313. [PMID: 34054435 PMCID: PMC8160234 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.695313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu Letellier
- University of Bordeaux, CNRS, Interdisciplinary Institute for Neuroscience, IINS, UMR 5297, Bordeaux, France
| | - Lorenzo A Cingolani
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy.,Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
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38
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Longo F, Klann E. Reciprocal control of translation and transcription in autism spectrum disorder. EMBO Rep 2021; 22:e52110. [PMID: 33977633 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202052110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Revised: 02/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in social communication and the presence of restricted patterns of interest and repetitive behaviors. ASD is genetically heterogeneous and is believed to be caused by both inheritable and de novo gene variations. Studies have revealed an extremely complex genetic landscape of ASD, favoring the idea that mutations in different clusters of genes interfere with interconnected downstream signaling pathways and circuitry, resulting in aberrant behavior. In this review, we describe a select group of candidate genes that represent both syndromic and non-syndromic forms of ASD and encode proteins that are important in transcriptional and translational regulation. We focus on the interplay between dysregulated translation and transcription in ASD with the hypothesis that dysregulation of each synthetic process triggers a feedback loop to act on the other, which ultimately exacerbates ASD pathophysiology. Finally, we summarize findings from interdisciplinary studies that pave the way for the investigation of the cooperative impact of different genes and pathways underlying the development of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Longo
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Eric Klann
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, NY, USA
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39
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Fingleton E, Li Y, Roche KW. Advances in Proteomics Allow Insights Into Neuronal Proteomes. Front Mol Neurosci 2021; 14:647451. [PMID: 33935646 PMCID: PMC8084103 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2021.647451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein–protein interaction networks and signaling complexes are essential for normal brain function and are often dysregulated in neurological disorders. Nevertheless, unraveling neuron- and synapse-specific proteins interaction networks has remained a technical challenge. New techniques, however, have allowed for high-resolution and high-throughput analyses, enabling quantification and characterization of various neuronal protein populations. Over the last decade, mass spectrometry (MS) has surfaced as the primary method for analyzing multiple protein samples in tandem, allowing for the precise quantification of proteomic data. Moreover, the development of sophisticated protein-labeling techniques has given MS a high temporal and spatial resolution, facilitating the analysis of various neuronal substructures, cell types, and subcellular compartments. Recent studies have leveraged these novel techniques to reveal the proteomic underpinnings of well-characterized neuronal processes, such as axon guidance, long-term potentiation, and homeostatic plasticity. Translational MS studies have facilitated a better understanding of complex neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Schizophrenia (SCZ), and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Proteomic investigation of these diseases has not only given researchers new insight into disease mechanisms but has also been used to validate disease models and identify new targets for research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Fingleton
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Yan Li
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Katherine W Roche
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), Bethesda, MD, United States
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40
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Targeted sequencing and integrative analysis to prioritize candidate genes in neurodevelopmental disorders. Mol Neurobiol 2021; 58:3863-3873. [PMID: 33860439 PMCID: PMC8280036 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-021-02377-y] [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: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) are a group of diseases characterized by high heterogeneity and frequently co-occurring symptoms. The mutational spectrum in patients with NDDs is largely incomplete. Here, we sequenced 547 genes from 1102 patients with NDDs and validated 1271 potential functional variants, including 108 de novo variants (DNVs) in 78 autosomal genes and seven inherited hemizygous variants in six X chromosomal genes. Notably, 36 of these 78 genes are the first to be reported in Chinese patients with NDDs. By integrating our genetic data with public data, we prioritized 212 NDD candidate genes with FDR < 0.1, including 17 novel genes. The novel candidate genes interacted or were co-expressed with known candidate genes, forming a functional network involved in known pathways. We highlighted MSL2, which carried two de novo protein-truncating variants (p.L192Vfs*3 and p.S486Ifs*11) and was frequently connected with known candidate genes. This study provides the mutational spectrum of NDDs in China and prioritizes 212 NDD candidate genes for further functional validation and genetic counseling.
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41
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Ruggiero A, Katsenelson M, Slutsky I. Mitochondria: new players in homeostatic regulation of firing rate set points. Trends Neurosci 2021; 44:605-618. [PMID: 33865626 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2021.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Neural circuit functions are stabilized by homeostatic processes at long timescales in response to changes in behavioral states, experience, and learning. However, it remains unclear which specific physiological variables are being stabilized and which cellular or neural network components compose the homeostatic machinery. At this point, most evidence suggests that the distribution of firing rates among neurons in a neuronal circuit is the key variable that is maintained around a set-point value in a process called 'firing rate homeostasis.' Here, we review recent findings that implicate mitochondria as central players in mediating firing rate homeostasis. While mitochondria are known to regulate neuronal variables such as synaptic vesicle release or intracellular calcium concentration, the mitochondrial signaling pathways that are essential for firing rate homeostasis remain largely unknown. We used basic concepts of control theory to build a framework for classifying possible components of the homeostatic machinery that stabilizes firing rate, and we particularly emphasize the potential role of sleep and wakefulness in this homeostatic process. This framework may facilitate the identification of new homeostatic pathways whose malfunctions drive instability of neural circuits in distinct brain disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Ruggiero
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, 69978 Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Maxim Katsenelson
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, 69978 Tel Aviv, Israel; Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, 69978 Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Inna Slutsky
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, 69978 Tel Aviv, Israel; Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, 69978 Tel Aviv, Israel.
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42
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Lu MH, Hsueh YP. Protein synthesis as a modifiable target for autism-related dendritic spine pathophysiologies. FEBS J 2021; 289:2282-2300. [PMID: 33511762 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is increasingly recognized as a condition of altered brain connectivity. As synapses are fundamental subcellular structures for neuronal connectivity, synaptic pathophysiology has become one of central themes in autism research. Reports disagree upon whether the density of dendritic spines, namely excitatory synapses, is increased or decreased in ASD and whether the protein synthesis that is critical for dendritic spine formation and function is upregulated or downregulated. Here, we review recent evidence supporting a subgroup of ASD models with decreased dendritic spine density (hereafter ASD-DSD), including Nf1 and Vcp mutant mice. We discuss the relevance of branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) insufficiency in relation to unmet protein synthesis demand in ASD-DSD. In contrast to ASD-DSD, ASD models with hyperactive mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) may represent the opposite end of the disease spectrum, often characterized by increases in protein synthesis and dendritic spine density (denoted ASD-ISD). Finally, we propose personalized dietary leucine as a strategy tailored to balancing protein synthesis demand, thereby ameliorating dendritic spine pathophysiologies and autism-related phenotypes in susceptible patients, especially those with ASD-DSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Hsuan Lu
- Department of Medical Education, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Yi-Ping Hsueh
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
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43
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Jin X, Simmons SK, Guo A, Shetty AS, Ko M, Nguyen L, Jokhi V, Robinson E, Oyler P, Curry N, Deangeli G, Lodato S, Levin JZ, Regev A, Zhang F, Arlotta P. In vivo Perturb-Seq reveals neuronal and glial abnormalities associated with autism risk genes. Science 2021; 370:370/6520/eaaz6063. [PMID: 33243861 DOI: 10.1126/science.aaz6063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Revised: 05/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The number of disease risk genes and loci identified through human genetic studies far outstrips the capacity to systematically study their functions. We applied a scalable genetic screening approach, in vivo Perturb-Seq, to functionally evaluate 35 autism spectrum disorder/neurodevelopmental delay (ASD/ND) de novo loss-of-function risk genes. Using CRISPR-Cas9, we introduced frameshift mutations in these risk genes in pools, within the developing mouse brain in utero, followed by single-cell RNA-sequencing of perturbed cells in the postnatal brain. We identified cell type-specific and evolutionarily conserved gene modules from both neuronal and glial cell classes. Recurrent gene modules and cell types are affected across this cohort of perturbations, representing key cellular effects across sets of ASD/ND risk genes. In vivo Perturb-Seq allows us to investigate how diverse mutations affect cell types and states in the developing organism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Jin
- Society of Fellows, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA. .,Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, MA, USA.,Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.,McGovern Institute of Brain Science, Department of Brain and Cognitive Science, Department of Biological Engineering, Massachussetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Sean K Simmons
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Klarman Cell Observatory, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Amy Guo
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Ashwin S Shetty
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, MA, USA.,Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Michelle Ko
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, MA, USA
| | - Lan Nguyen
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Klarman Cell Observatory, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Vahbiz Jokhi
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, MA, USA
| | - Elise Robinson
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Paul Oyler
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, MA, USA
| | - Nathan Curry
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, MA, USA
| | - Giulio Deangeli
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, MA, USA
| | - Simona Lodato
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | - Joshua Z Levin
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Klarman Cell Observatory, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Aviv Regev
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA. .,Klarman Cell Observatory, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Koch Institute of Integrative Cancer Research, Department of Biology, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
| | - Feng Zhang
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA. .,McGovern Institute of Brain Science, Department of Brain and Cognitive Science, Department of Biological Engineering, Massachussetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
| | - Paola Arlotta
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, MA, USA. .,Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
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44
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Cunniff MM, Markenscoff-Papadimitriou E, Ostrowski J, Rubenstein JLR, Sohal VS. Altered hippocampal-prefrontal communication during anxiety-related avoidance in mice deficient for the autism-associated gene Pogz. eLife 2020; 9:e54835. [PMID: 33155545 PMCID: PMC7682992 DOI: 10.7554/elife.54835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Many genes have been linked to autism. However, it remains unclear what long-term changes in neural circuitry result from disruptions in these genes, and how these circuit changes might contribute to abnormal behaviors. To address these questions, we studied behavior and physiology in mice heterozygous for Pogz, a high confidence autism gene. Pogz+/- mice exhibit reduced anxiety-related avoidance in the elevated plus maze (EPM). Theta-frequency communication between the ventral hippocampus (vHPC) and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) is known to be necessary for normal avoidance in the EPM. We found deficient theta-frequency synchronization between the vHPC and mPFC in vivo. When we examined vHPC-mPFC communication at higher resolution, vHPC input onto prefrontal GABAergic interneurons was specifically disrupted, whereas input onto pyramidal neurons remained intact. These findings illustrate how the loss of a high confidence autism gene can impair long-range communication by causing inhibitory circuit dysfunction within pathways important for specific behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret M Cunniff
- Department of Psychiatry, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, and Kavli Institute for Fundamental Neuroscience, University of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoUnited States
| | - Eirene Markenscoff-Papadimitriou
- Department of Psychiatry, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, and Kavli Institute for Fundamental Neuroscience, University of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoUnited States
| | - Julia Ostrowski
- Department of Psychiatry, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, and Kavli Institute for Fundamental Neuroscience, University of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoUnited States
| | - John LR Rubenstein
- Department of Psychiatry, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, and Kavli Institute for Fundamental Neuroscience, University of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoUnited States
| | - Vikaas Singh Sohal
- Department of Psychiatry, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, and Kavli Institute for Fundamental Neuroscience, University of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoUnited States
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45
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Fernandes D, Santos SD, Coutinho E, Whitt JL, Beltrão N, Rondão T, Leite MI, Buckley C, Lee HK, Carvalho AL. Disrupted AMPA Receptor Function upon Genetic- or Antibody-Mediated Loss of Autism-Associated CASPR2. Cereb Cortex 2020; 29:4919-4931. [PMID: 30843029 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhz032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2018] [Revised: 02/01/2019] [Accepted: 02/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuropsychiatric disorders share susceptibility genes, suggesting a common origin. One such gene is CNTNAP2 encoding contactin-associated protein 2 (CASPR2), which harbours mutations associated to autism, schizophrenia, and intellectual disability. Antibodies targeting CASPR2 have also been recently described in patients with several neurological disorders, such as neuromyotonia, Morvan's syndrome, and limbic encephalitis. Despite the clear implication of CNTNAP2 and CASPR2 in neuropsychiatric disorders, the pathogenic mechanisms associated with alterations in CASPR2 function are unknown. Here, we show that Caspr2 is expressed in excitatory synapses in the cortex, and that silencing its expression in vitro or in vivo decreases the synaptic expression of α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid (AMPA) receptors and the amplitude of AMPA receptor-mediated currents. Furthermore, Caspr2 loss of function blocks synaptic scaling in vitro and experience-dependent homoeostatic synaptic plasticity in the visual cortex. Patient CASPR2 antibodies decrease the dendritic levels of Caspr2 and synaptic AMPA receptor trafficking, and perturb excitatory transmission in the visual cortex. These results suggest that mutations in CNTNAP2 may contribute to alterations in AMPA receptor function and homoeostatic plasticity, and indicate that antibodies from anti-CASPR2 encephalitis patients affect cortical excitatory transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominique Fernandes
- Synapse Biology Group, CNC-Centre for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal.,PDBEB, Doctoral Programme in Experimental Biology and Biomedicine, CNC & Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra (IIIUC), 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal.,Solomon Snyder Department of Neurosciences, Zanvyl Krieger Mind/Brain Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Sandra D Santos
- Synapse Biology Group, CNC-Centre for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ester Coutinho
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Jessica L Whitt
- Solomon Snyder Department of Neurosciences, Zanvyl Krieger Mind/Brain Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Nuno Beltrão
- Synapse Biology Group, CNC-Centre for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Tiago Rondão
- Synapse Biology Group, CNC-Centre for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal.,Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - M Isabel Leite
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Camilla Buckley
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Hey-Kyoung Lee
- Solomon Snyder Department of Neurosciences, Zanvyl Krieger Mind/Brain Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Ana Luísa Carvalho
- Synapse Biology Group, CNC-Centre for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal.,Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
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46
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Mercado E, Chow K, Church BA, Lopata C. Perceptual category learning in autism spectrum disorder: Truth and consequences. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 118:689-703. [PMID: 32910926 PMCID: PMC7744437 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Revised: 08/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The ability to categorize is fundamental to cognitive development. Some categories emerge effortlessly and rapidly while others can take years of experience to acquire. Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are often able to name and sort objects, suggesting that their categorization abilities are largely intact. However, recent experimental work shows that the categories formed by individuals with ASD may diverge substantially from those that most people learn. This review considers how atypical perceptual category learning can affect cognitive development in children with ASD and how atypical categorization may contribute to many of the socially problematic symptoms associated with this disorder. Theoretical approaches to understanding perceptual processing and category learning at both the behavioral and neural levels are assessed in relation to known alterations in perceptual category learning associated with ASD. Mismatches between the ways in which children learn to organize perceived events relative to their peers and adults can accumulate over time, leading to difficulties in communication, social interactions, academic performance, and behavioral flexibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Mercado
- University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Dept. of Psychology, Buffalo, NY, 14260, USA.
| | - Karen Chow
- University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Dept. of Psychology, Buffalo, NY, 14260, USA
| | - Barbara A Church
- Georgia State University, Language Research Center, 3401 Panthersville Rd., Decatur, GA, 30034, USA
| | - Christopher Lopata
- Canisius College, Institute for Autism Research, Science Hall, 2001 Main St., Buffalo, NY, 14208, USA
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47
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Schieweck R, Ninkovic J, Kiebler MA. RNA-binding proteins balance brain function in health and disease. Physiol Rev 2020; 101:1309-1370. [PMID: 33000986 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00047.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Posttranscriptional gene expression including splicing, RNA transport, translation, and RNA decay provides an important regulatory layer in many if not all molecular pathways. Research in the last decades has positioned RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) right in the center of posttranscriptional gene regulation. Here, we propose interdependent networks of RBPs to regulate complex pathways within the central nervous system (CNS). These are involved in multiple aspects of neuronal development and functioning, including higher cognition. Therefore, it is not sufficient to unravel the individual contribution of a single RBP and its consequences but rather to study and understand the tight interplay between different RBPs. In this review, we summarize recent findings in the field of RBP biology and discuss the complex interplay between different RBPs. Second, we emphasize the underlying dynamics within an RBP network and how this might regulate key processes such as neurogenesis, synaptic transmission, and synaptic plasticity. Importantly, we envision that dysfunction of specific RBPs could lead to perturbation within the RBP network. This would have direct and indirect (compensatory) effects in mRNA binding and translational control leading to global changes in cellular expression programs in general and in synaptic plasticity in particular. Therefore, we focus on RBP dysfunction and how this might cause neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. Based on recent findings, we propose that alterations in the entire regulatory RBP network might account for phenotypic dysfunctions observed in complex diseases including neurodegeneration, epilepsy, and autism spectrum disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rico Schieweck
- Biomedical Center (BMC), Department for Cell Biology and Anatomy, Medical Faculty, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Jovica Ninkovic
- Biomedical Center (BMC), Department for Cell Biology and Anatomy, Medical Faculty, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Michael A Kiebler
- Biomedical Center (BMC), Department for Cell Biology and Anatomy, Medical Faculty, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
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48
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Chan WK, Griffiths R, Price DJ, Mason JO. Cerebral organoids as tools to identify the developmental roots of autism. Mol Autism 2020; 11:58. [PMID: 32660622 PMCID: PMC7359249 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-020-00360-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Some autism spectrum disorders (ASD) likely arise as a result of abnormalities during early embryonic development of the brain. Studying human embryonic brain development directly is challenging, mainly due to ethical and practical constraints. However, the recent development of cerebral organoids provides a powerful tool for studying both normal human embryonic brain development and, potentially, the origins of neurodevelopmental disorders including ASD. Substantial evidence now indicates that cerebral organoids can mimic normal embryonic brain development and neural cells found in organoids closely resemble their in vivo counterparts. However, with prolonged culture, significant differences begin to arise. We suggest that cerebral organoids, in their current form, are most suitable to model earlier neurodevelopmental events and processes such as neurogenesis and cortical lamination. Processes implicated in ASDs which occur at later stages of development, such as synaptogenesis and neural circuit formation, may also be modeled using organoids. The accuracy of such models will benefit from continuous improvements to protocols for organoid differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wai Kit Chan
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences and Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, University of Edinburgh, George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Rosie Griffiths
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences and Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, University of Edinburgh, George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, UK
| | - David J Price
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences and Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, University of Edinburgh, George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, UK
| | - John O Mason
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences and Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, University of Edinburgh, George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, UK.
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49
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Brain Translation: A Feather Tips the Scale. Mol Cell 2020; 77:1155-1156. [PMID: 32200794 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2020.02.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
In this issue of Molecular Cell, Gonatopoulos-Pournatzis et al. (2020) report a neuron-specific microexon in eIF4G translation initiation factors that dampens synaptic protein translation. Autism-associated disruption of this exon results in increased protein production, likely through reduced coalescence with cytoplasmic ribonucleoprotein granule components, including FMRP.
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50
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Marcantoni A, Calorio C, Hidisoglu E, Chiantia G, Carbone E. Cav1.2 channelopathies causing autism: new hallmarks on Timothy syndrome. Pflugers Arch 2020; 472:775-789. [PMID: 32621084 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-020-02430-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Revised: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cav1.2 L-type calcium channels play key roles in long-term synaptic plasticity, sensory transduction, muscle contraction, and hormone release. De novo mutations in the gene encoding Cav1.2 (CACNA1C) causes two forms of Timothy syndrome (TS1, TS2), characterized by a multisystem disorder inclusive of cardiac arrhythmias, long QT, autism, and adrenal gland dysfunction. In both TS1 and TS2, the missense mutation G406R is on the alternatively spliced exon 8 and 8A coding for the IS6-helix of Cav1.2 and is responsible for the penetrant form of autism in most TS individuals. The mutation causes specific gain-of-function changes to Cav1.2 channel gating: a "leftward shift" of voltage-dependent activation, reduced voltage-dependent inactivation, and a "leftward shift" of steady-state inactivation. How this occurs and how Cav1.2 gating changes alter neuronal firing and synaptic plasticity is still largely unexplained. Trying to better understanding the molecular basis of Cav1.2 gating dysfunctions leading to autism, here, we will present and discuss the properties of recently reported typical and atypical TS phenotypes and the effective gating changes exhibited by missense mutations associated with long QTs without extracardiac symptoms, unrelated to TS. We will also discuss new emerging views achieved from using iPSCs-derived neurons and the newly available autistic TS2-neo mouse model, both appearing promising for understanding neuronal mistuning in autistic TS patients. We will also analyze and describe recent proposals of molecular pathways that might explain mistuned Ca2+-mediated and Ca2+-independent excitation-transcription signals to the nucleus. Briefly, we will also discuss possible pharmacological approaches to treat autism associated with L-type channelopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Marcantoni
- Department of Drug Science, Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience, N.I.S. Centre, Corso Raffaello 30, 10125, Torino, Italy
| | - Chiara Calorio
- Department of Drug Science, Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience, N.I.S. Centre, Corso Raffaello 30, 10125, Torino, Italy
| | - Enis Hidisoglu
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Giuseppe Chiantia
- Department of Drug Science, Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience, N.I.S. Centre, Corso Raffaello 30, 10125, Torino, Italy
| | - Emilio Carbone
- Department of Drug Science, Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience, N.I.S. Centre, Corso Raffaello 30, 10125, Torino, Italy.
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