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Guerra M, Medici V, La Sala G, Farini D. Unravelling the Cerebellar Involvement in Autism Spectrum Disorders: Insights into Genetic Mechanisms and Developmental Pathways. Cells 2024; 13:1176. [PMID: 39056758 PMCID: PMC11275240 DOI: 10.3390/cells13141176] [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: 05/30/2024] [Revised: 07/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are complex neurodevelopmental conditions characterized by deficits in social interaction and communication, as well as repetitive behaviors. Although the etiology of ASD is multifactorial, with both genetic and environmental factors contributing to its development, a strong genetic basis is widely recognized. Recent research has identified numerous genetic mutations and genomic rearrangements associated with ASD-characterizing genes involved in brain development. Alterations in developmental programs are particularly harmful during critical periods of brain development. Notably, studies have indicated that genetic disruptions occurring during the second trimester of pregnancy affect cortical development, while disturbances in the perinatal and early postnatal period affect cerebellar development. The developmental defects must be viewed in the context of the role of the cerebellum in cognitive processes, which is now well established. The present review emphasizes the genetic complexity and neuropathological mechanisms underlying ASD and aims to provide insights into the cerebellar involvement in the disorder, focusing on recent advances in the molecular landscape governing its development in humans. Furthermore, we highlight when and in which cerebellar neurons the ASD-associated genes may play a role in the development of cortico-cerebellar circuits. Finally, we discuss improvements in protocols for generating cerebellar organoids to recapitulate the long period of development and maturation of this organ. These models, if generated from patient-induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC), could provide a valuable approach to elucidate the contribution of defective genes to ASD pathology and inform diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marika Guerra
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Human Anatomy, Catholic University of the Sacred Hearth, 00168 Rome, Italy; (M.G.); (V.M.)
| | - Vanessa Medici
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Human Anatomy, Catholic University of the Sacred Hearth, 00168 Rome, Italy; (M.G.); (V.M.)
| | - Gina La Sala
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Italian National Research Council (CNR), 00015 Monterotondo Scalo, Italy
| | - Donatella Farini
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
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Dowrey TW, Cranston SF, Skvir N, Lok Y, Gould B, Petrowitz B, Villar D, Shan J, James M, Dodge M, Belkina AC, Giadone RM, Sebastiani P, Perls TT, Andersen SL, Murphy GJ. A longevity-specific bank of induced pluripotent stem cells from centenarians and their offspring. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.12.584663. [PMID: 38559230 PMCID: PMC10979955 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.12.584663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Centenarians provide a unique lens through which to study longevity, healthy aging, and resiliency. Moreover, models of human aging and resilience to disease that allow for the testing of potential interventions are virtually non-existent. We obtained and characterized over 50 centenarian and offspring peripheral blood samples including those connected to functional independence data highlighting resistance to disability and cognitive impairment. Targeted methylation arrays were used in molecular aging clocks to compare and contrast differences between biological and chronological age in these specialized subjects. Isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were then successfully reprogrammed into high-quality induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines which were functionally characterized for pluripotency, genomic stability, and the ability to undergo directed differentiation. The result of this work is a one-of-a-kind resource for studies of human longevity and resilience that can fuel the discovery and validation of novel therapeutics for aging-related disease.
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Chadwick W, Angulo-Herrera I, Cogram P, Deacon RJM, Mason DJ, Brown D, Roberts I, O’Donovan DJ, Tranfaglia MR, Guilliams T, Thompson NT. A novel combination treatment for fragile X syndrome predicted using computational methods. Brain Commun 2024; 6:fcad353. [PMID: 38226317 PMCID: PMC10789243 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcad353] [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: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by silencing of the fragile X messenger ribonucleotide gene. Patients display a wide spectrum of symptoms ranging from intellectual and learning disabilities to behavioural challenges including autism spectrum disorder. In addition to this, patients also display a diversity of symptoms due to mosaicism. These factors make fragile X syndrome a difficult syndrome to manage and suggest that a single targeted therapeutic approach cannot address all the symptoms. To this end, we utilized Healx's data-driven drug discovery platform to identify a treatment strategy to address the wide range of diverse symptoms among patients. Computational methods identified the combination of ibudilast and gaboxadol as a treatment for several pathophysiological targets that could potentially reverse multiple symptoms associated with fragile X syndrome. Ibudilast is an approved broad-spectrum phosphodiesterase inhibitor, selective against both phosphodiesterase 4 and phosphodiesterase 10, and has demonstrated to have several beneficial effects in the brain. Gaboxadol is a GABAA receptor agonist, selective against the delta subunit, which has previously displayed encouraging results in a fragile X syndrome clinical trial. Alterations in GABA and cyclic adenosine monophosphate metabolism have long since been associated with the pathophysiology of fragile X syndrome; however, targeting both pathways simultaneously has never been investigated. Both drugs have a good safety and tolerability profile in the clinic making them attractive candidates for repurposing. We set out to explore whether the combination of ibudilast and gaboxadol could demonstrate therapeutic efficacy in a fragile X syndrome mouse model. We found that daily treatment with ibudilast significantly enhanced the ability of fragile X syndrome mice to perform a number of different cognitive assays while gaboxadol treatment improved behaviours such as hyperactivity, aggression, stereotypy and anxiety. Importantly, when ibudilast and gaboxadol were co-administered, the cognitive deficits as well as the aforementioned behaviours were rescued. Moreover, this combination treatment showed no evidence of tolerance, and no adverse effects were reported following chronic dosing. This work demonstrates for the first time that by targeting multiple pathways, with a combination treatment, we were able to rescue more phenotypes in a fragile X syndrome mouse model than either ibudilast or gaboxadol could achieve as monotherapies. This combination treatment approach holds promise for addressing the wide spectrum of diverse symptoms in this heterogeneous patient population and may have therapeutic potential for idiopathic autism.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Patricia Cogram
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Science, Institute of Ecology and Biodiversity (IEB), University of Chile, Santiago 7800024, Chile
- Center for Neural Circuit Mapping, UCI, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA 92617, USA
| | - Robert J M Deacon
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Science, Institute of Ecology and Biodiversity (IEB), University of Chile, Santiago 7800024, Chile
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Roy B, Amemasor E, Hussain S, Castro K. UBE3A: The Role in Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) and a Potential Candidate for Biomarker Studies and Designing Therapeutic Strategies. Diseases 2023; 12:7. [PMID: 38248358 PMCID: PMC10814747 DOI: 10.3390/diseases12010007] [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: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Published reports from the CDC's Autism and Development Disabilities Monitoring Networks have shown that an average of 1 in every 44 (2.3%) 8-year-old children were estimated to have ASD in 2018. Many of the ASDs exhibiting varying degrees of autism-like phenotypes have chromosomal anomalies in the Chr15q11-q13 region. Numerous potential candidate genes linked with ASD reside in this chromosomal segment. However, several clinical, in vivo, and in vitro studies selected one gene more frequently than others randomly and unbiasedly. This gene codes for UBE3A or Ubiquitin protein ligase E3A [also known as E6AP ubiquitin-protein ligase (E6AP)], an enzyme involved in the cellular degradation of proteins. This gene has been listed as one of the several genes with a high potential of causing ASD in the Autism Database. The gain of function mutations, triplication, or duplication in the UBE3A gene is also associated with ASDs like Angelman Syndrome (AS) and Dup15q Syndrome. The genetic imprinting of UBE3A in the brain and a preference for neuronal maternal-specific expression are the key features of various ASDs. Since the UBE3A gene is involved in two main important diseases associated with autism-like symptoms, there has been widespread research going on in understanding the link between this gene and autism. Additionally, since no universal methodology or mechanism exists for identifying UBE3A-mediated ASD, it continues to be challenging for neurobiologists, neuroscientists, and clinicians to design therapies or diagnostic tools. In this review, we focus on the structure and functional aspects of the UBE3A protein, discuss the primary relevance of the 15q11-q13 region in the cause of ASDs, and highlight the link between UBE3A and ASD. We try to broaden the knowledge of our readers by elaborating on the possible mechanisms underlying UBE3A-mediated ASDs, emphasizing the usage of UBE3A as a prospective biomarker in the preclinical diagnosis of ASDs and discuss the positive outcomes, advanced developments, and the hurdles in the field of therapeutic strategies against UBE3A-mediated ASDs. This review is novel as it lays a very detailed and comprehensive platform for one of the most important genes associated with diseases showing autistic-like symptoms. Additionally, this review also attempts to lay optimistic feedback on the possible steps for the diagnosis, prevention, and therapy of these UBE3A-mediated ASDs in the upcoming years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bidisha Roy
- Life Science Centre, Department of Biological Sciences, Rutgers University-Newark, Newark, NJ 07102, USA; (E.A.); (S.H.); (K.C.)
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Dan B. Translational research for the development of treatment of patients with neurogenetic diseases: An important step for Angelman syndrome. Eur J Paediatr Neurol 2023; 47:A2. [PMID: 37989651 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpn.2023.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Bernard Dan
- Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Faculty of Psychology, Educational Sciences and Speech and Language Therapy, CP-122, Brussels, Belgium.
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Keary C, Bird LM, de Wit MC, Hatti S, Heimer G, Heussler H, Kolevzon A, Mathews A, Ochoa-Lubinoff C, Tan WH, Yan Y, Adams M. Gaboxadol in angelman syndrome: A double-blind, parallel-group, randomized placebo-controlled phase 3 study. Eur J Paediatr Neurol 2023; 47:6-12. [PMID: 37639777 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpn.2023.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate efficacy and safety of gaboxadol for treatment of children with Angelman syndrome (AS). METHOD In this international, double-blind, phase 3 trial, we randomized children 4-12 years old with a molecular diagnosis of AS and a Clinical Global Impression (CGI)-severity score ≥3 to either daily administration of weight-based gaboxadol or matching placebo for 12 weeks. The primary endpoint was the CGI-Improvement-AS (CGI-I-AS) score at week 12. Secondary endpoints included the proportion of participants with CGI-I-AS response of ≤3 (i.e., at least "minimal improvement") and ≤2 (i.e., at least "much improvement") at week 12. Safety and tolerability were monitored throughout the study. Weight based dosing of study drug ranged from 0.125 mg/kg to 0.24 mg/kg depending on weight range. RESULTS Between August 2019 and November 2020, 104 participants were enrolled: participants 4-12 years old were randomly (1:1) assigned to gaboxadol (n = 47) or placebo (n = 50), and 7 other participants 2─3 years old who received gaboxadol and were assessed for safety only. All gaboxadol-treated participants and 48 of 50 placebo-treated participants completed treatment. There was no significant difference in CGI-I-AS between groups: at week 12, mean CGI-I-AS score was 3.3 (SD, 1.00) and 3.2 (SD, 1.05) in the gaboxadol and placebo groups, respectively, yielding a least squares mean difference of zero (p = 0.83). There were no between-group significant differences with respect to CGI-I-AS responses. Gaboxadol was well tolerated in all age groups of this study. CONCLUSIONS There was no significant difference in CGI-I-AS between gaboxadol and placebo after 12 weeks of study treatment in pediatric AS participants. CLINICALTRIALS GOV: NCT04106557.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lynne M Bird
- University of California, San Diego and Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Marie-Claire de Wit
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, ENCORE Expertise Center, ERN-Ithaca Erasmus MC Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Gali Heimer
- Sheba Medical Center, The Tel Aviv University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Helen Heussler
- Centre for Children's Health Research, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia; Centre for Clinical Trials in Rare Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Queensland Children's Hospital, Brisbane, Australia
| | | | | | | | - Wen-Hann Tan
- Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ying Yan
- Ovid Therapeutics, Cambridge, MA, USA
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Camões dos Santos J, Appleton C, Cazaux Mateus F, Covas R, Bekman EP, da Rocha ST. Stem cell models of Angelman syndrome. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1274040. [PMID: 37928900 PMCID: PMC10620611 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1274040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Angelman syndrome (AS) is an imprinted neurodevelopmental disorder that lacks a cure, characterized by developmental delay, intellectual impairment, seizures, ataxia, and paroxysmal laughter. The condition arises due to the loss of the maternally inherited copy of the UBE3A gene in neurons. The paternally inherited UBE3A allele is unable to compensate because it is silenced by the expression of an antisense transcript (UBE3A-ATS) on the paternal chromosome. UBE3A, encoding enigmatic E3 ubiquitin ligase variants, regulates target proteins by either modifying their properties/functions or leading them to degradation through the proteasome. Over time, animal models, particularly the Ube3a mat-/pat+ Knock-Out (KO) mice, have significantly contributed to our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying AS. However, a shift toward human pluripotent stem cell models (PSCs), such as human embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), has gained momentum. These stem cell models accurately capture human genetic and cellular characteristics, offering an alternative or a complement to animal experimentation. Human stem cells possess the remarkable ability to recapitulate neurogenesis and generate "brain-in-a-dish" models, making them valuable tools for studying neurodevelopmental disorders like AS. In this review, we provide an overview of the current state-of-the-art human stem cell models of AS and explore their potential to become the preclinical models of choice for drug screening and development, thus propelling AS therapeutic advancements and improving the lives of affected individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Camões dos Santos
- iBB—Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Department of Bioengineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Carolina Appleton
- iBB—Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Department of Bioengineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Department of Animal Biology, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Francisca Cazaux Mateus
- iBB—Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Department of Bioengineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Rita Covas
- iBB—Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Department of Bioengineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Evguenia Pavlovna Bekman
- iBB—Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Department of Bioengineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- The Egas Moniz Center for Interdisciplinary Research (CiiEM), Caparica, Portugal
| | - Simão Teixeira da Rocha
- iBB—Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Department of Bioengineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
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Egawa K, Watanabe M, Shiraishi H, Sato D, Takahashi Y, Nishio S, Fukuda A. Imbalanced expression of cation-chloride cotransporters as a potential therapeutic target in an Angelman syndrome mouse model. Sci Rep 2023; 13:5685. [PMID: 37069177 PMCID: PMC10110603 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-32376-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Angelman syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by loss of function of the maternally expressed UBE3A gene. Treatments for the main manifestations, including cognitive dysfunction or epilepsy, are still under development. Recently, the Cl- importer Na+-K+-Cl- cotransporter 1 (NKCC1) and the Cl- exporter K+-Cl- cotransporter 2 (KCC2) have garnered attention as therapeutic targets for many neurological disorders. Dysregulation of neuronal intracellular Cl- concentration ([Cl-]i) is generally regarded as one of the mechanisms underlying neuronal dysfunction caused by imbalanced expression of these cation-chloride cotransporters (CCCs). Here, we analyzed the regulation of [Cl-]i and the effects of bumetanide, an NKCC1 inhibitor, in Angelman syndrome models (Ube3am-/p+ mice). We observed increased NKCC1 expression and decreased KCC2 expression in the hippocampi of Ube3am-/p+ mice. The average [Cl-]i of CA1 pyramidal neurons was not significantly different but demonstrated greater variance in Ube3am-/p+ mice. Tonic GABAA receptor-mediated Cl- conductance was reduced, which may have contributed to maintaining the normal average [Cl-]i. Bumetanide administration restores cognitive dysfunction in Ube3am-/p+ mice. Seizure susceptibility was also reduced regardless of the genotype. These results suggest that an imbalanced expression of CCCs is involved in the pathophysiological mechanism of Ube3am-/p+ mice, although the average [Cl-]i is not altered. The blockage of NKCC1 may be a potential therapeutic strategy for patients with Angelman syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiyoshi Egawa
- Department of Pediatrics, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Kita 15, Nishi 7, Kita-Ku, Sapporo, 060-8638, Japan.
| | - Miho Watanabe
- Department of Neurophysiology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Higashi-Ku, Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka, 431-3192, Japan
| | - Hideaki Shiraishi
- Department of Pediatrics, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Kita 15, Nishi 7, Kita-Ku, Sapporo, 060-8638, Japan
| | - Daisuke Sato
- Department of Pediatrics, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Kita 15, Nishi 7, Kita-Ku, Sapporo, 060-8638, Japan
| | - Yukitoshi Takahashi
- Department of Clinical Research, National Epilepsy Center, NHO, Shizuoka Institute of Epilepsy and Neurological Disorders, Urushiyama 886, Aoi-Ku, Shizuoka, 420-8688, Japan
| | - Saori Nishio
- Department of Rheumatology, Endocrinology, and Nephrology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Kita 15, Nishi 7, Kita-Ku, Sapporo, 060-8638, Japan
| | - Atsuo Fukuda
- Department of Neurophysiology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Higashi-Ku, Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka, 431-3192, Japan
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Therapeutic strategies for autism: targeting three levels of the central dogma of molecular biology. Transl Psychiatry 2023; 13:58. [PMID: 36792602 PMCID: PMC9931756 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02356-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The past decade has yielded much success in the identification of risk genes for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), with many studies implicating loss-of-function (LoF) mutations within these genes. Despite this, no significant clinical advances have been made so far in the development of therapeutics for ASD. Given the role of LoF mutations in ASD etiology, many of the therapeutics in development are designed to rescue the haploinsufficient effect of genes at the transcriptional, translational, and protein levels. This review will discuss the various therapeutic techniques being developed from each level of the central dogma with examples including: CRISPR activation (CRISPRa) and gene replacement at the DNA level, antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) at the mRNA level, and small-molecule drugs at the protein level, followed by a review of current delivery methods for these therapeutics. Since central nervous system (CNS) penetrance is of utmost importance for ASD therapeutics, it is especially necessary to evaluate delivery methods that have higher efficiency in crossing the blood-brain barrier (BBB).
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Viho EMG, Punt AM, Distel B, Houtman R, Kroon J, Elgersma Y, Meijer OC. The Hippocampal Response to Acute Corticosterone Elevation Is Altered in a Mouse Model for Angelman Syndrome. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010303. [PMID: 36613751 PMCID: PMC9820460 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Angelman Syndrome (AS) is a severe neurodevelopmental disorder, caused by the neuronal absence of the ubiquitin protein ligase E3A (UBE3A). UBE3A promotes ubiquitin-mediated protein degradation and functions as a transcriptional coregulator of nuclear hormone receptors, including the glucocorticoid receptor (GR). Previous studies showed anxiety-like behavior and hippocampal-dependent memory disturbances in AS mouse models. Hippocampal GR is an important regulator of the stress response and memory formation, and we therefore investigated whether the absence of UBE3A in AS mice disrupted GR signaling in the hippocampus. We first established a strong cortisol-dependent interaction between the GR ligand binding domain and a UBE3A nuclear receptor box in a high-throughput interaction screen. In vivo, we found that UBE3A-deficient AS mice displayed significantly more variation in circulating corticosterone levels throughout the day compared to wildtypes (WT), with low to undetectable levels of corticosterone at the trough of the circadian cycle. Additionally, we observed an enhanced transcriptomic response in the AS hippocampus following acute corticosterone treatment. Surprisingly, chronic corticosterone treatment showed less contrast between AS and WT mice in the hippocampus and liver transcriptomic responses. This suggests that UBE3A limits the acute stimulation of GR signaling, likely as a member of the GR transcriptional complex. Altogether, these data indicate that AS mice are more sensitive to acute glucocorticoid exposure in the brain compared to WT mice. This suggests that stress responsiveness is altered in AS which could lead to anxiety symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva M. G. Viho
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
- Einthoven Laboratory for Experimental Vascular Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
- Correspondence:
| | - A. Mattijs Punt
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus MC, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ben Distel
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus MC, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - René Houtman
- Precision Medicine Lab, 5349 AB Oss, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Kroon
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
- Einthoven Laboratory for Experimental Vascular Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Ype Elgersma
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus MC, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Onno C. Meijer
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
- Einthoven Laboratory for Experimental Vascular Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
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Janz P, Bainier M, Marashli S, Schoenenberger P, Valencia M, Redondo RL. Neurexin1α knockout rats display oscillatory abnormalities and sensory processing deficits back-translating key endophenotypes of psychiatric disorders. Transl Psychiatry 2022; 12:455. [PMID: 36307390 PMCID: PMC9616904 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-022-02224-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurexins are presynaptic transmembrane proteins crucial for synapse development and organization. Deletion and missense mutations in all three Neurexin genes have been identified in psychiatric disorders, with mutations in the NRXN1 gene most strongly linked to schizophrenia (SZ) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). While the consequences of NRXN1 deletion have been extensively studied on the synaptic and behavioral levels, circuit endophenotypes that translate to the human condition have not been characterized yet. Therefore, we investigated the electrophysiology of cortico-striatal-thalamic circuits in Nrxn1α-/- rats and wildtype littermates focusing on a set of translational readouts, including spontaneous oscillatory activity, auditory-evoked oscillations and potentials, as well as mismatch negativity-like (MMN) responses and responses to social stimuli. On the behavioral level Nrxn1α-/- rats showed locomotor hyperactivity. In vivo freely moving electrophysiology revealed pronounced increases of spontaneous oscillatory power within the gamma band in all studied brain areas and elevation of gamma coherence in cortico-striatal and thalamocortical circuits of Nrxn1α-/- rats. In contrast, auditory-evoked oscillations driven by chirp-modulated tones showed reduced power in cortical areas confined to slower oscillations. Finally, Nrxn1α-/- rats exhibited altered auditory evoked-potentials and profound deficits in MMN-like responses, explained by reduced prediction error. Despite deficits for auditory stimuli, responses to social stimuli appeared intact. A central hypothesis for psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders is that a disbalance of excitation-to-inhibition is underlying oscillatory and sensory deficits. In a first attempt to explore the impact of inhibitory circuit modulation, we assessed the effects of enhancing tonic inhibition via δ-containing GABAA receptors (using Gaboxadol) on endophenotypes possibly associated with network hyperexcitability. Pharmacological experiments applying Gaboxadol showed genotype-specific differences, but failed to normalize oscillatory or sensory processing abnormalities. In conclusion, our study revealed endophenotypes in Nrxn1α-/- rats that could be used as translational biomarkers for drug development in psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Janz
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Neuroscience and Rare Diseases Discovery & Translational Area, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Marie Bainier
- grid.417570.00000 0004 0374 1269Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Neuroscience and Rare Diseases Discovery & Translational Area, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Samuel Marashli
- grid.417570.00000 0004 0374 1269Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Neuroscience and Rare Diseases Discovery & Translational Area, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Philipp Schoenenberger
- grid.417570.00000 0004 0374 1269Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Neuroscience and Rare Diseases Discovery & Translational Area, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Miguel Valencia
- grid.5924.a0000000419370271Universidad de Navarra, CIMA, Program of Neuroscience, 31080 Pamplona, Spain ,grid.508840.10000 0004 7662 6114IdiSNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research, 31080 Pamplona, Spain ,grid.5924.a0000000419370271Institute of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, Universidad de Navarra, 31080 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Roger L. Redondo
- grid.417570.00000 0004 0374 1269Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Neuroscience and Rare Diseases Discovery & Translational Area, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
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12
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Samanta D. Pharmacotherapeutic management of seizures in patients with Angleman syndrome. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2022; 23:1511-1522. [PMID: 35862628 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2022.2105141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Approximately 80-90% of patients with Angelman syndrome (AS) develop childhood-onset intractable seizures with major negative impact on the quality of life.Thus adequate management of seizures is the most critical priority to improve health-related quality of life in children with AS. AREAS COVERED The primary focus of the review is on pharmacotherapeutic management of seizures. The first part of the review briefly discusses epileptogenesis and polymorphic seizure phenotypes associated with AS to understand pharmacotherapeutic decision-making better. Next, the review explores individual antiseizure medicines (ASMs) and their potential therapeutic utility. Lastly, some future and emerging treatment options are discussed that can transform the management of seizures in patients with AS. EXPERT OPINION Evidence for treating seizures in AS mainly derives from low-quality studies. Levetiracetam and clobazam are the most commonly used ASMs. Although the potential utility of several other ASMs(valproate, topiramate, lamotrigine, ethosuximide, clonazepam) has been well documented for some time, the treatment landscape may rapidly evolve due to the availability of newer and better tolerated ASMs(cannabidiol oil, brivaracetam, perampanel). In addition, a better understanding of the underlying pathogenesis and the development of molecular therapeutics offer hope for precision therapies for seizures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debopam Samanta
- Child Neurology Section, Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas
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13
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Aberrant NOVA1 function disrupts alternative splicing in early stages of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Acta Neuropathol 2022; 144:413-435. [PMID: 35778567 PMCID: PMC9381448 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-022-02450-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal disease characterized by aberrant alternative splicing (AS). Nuclear loss and cytoplasmic accumulation of the splicing factor TDP-43 in motor neurons (MN) are hallmarks of ALS at late stages of the disease. However, it is unknown if altered AS is present before TDP-43 pathology occurs. Here, we investigate altered AS and its origins in early stages of ALS using human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived motor neurons (MNs) from sporadic and familial ALS patients. We find high levels of the RNA-binding proteins NOVA1, NOVA2, and RBFOX2 in the insoluble protein fractions and observe that AS events in ALS-associated MNs are enriched for binding sites of these proteins. Our study points to an early disrupted function of NOVA1 that drives AS changes in a complex fashion, including events caused by a consistent loss of NOVA1 function. NOVA1 exhibits increased cytoplasmic protein levels in early stage MNs without TDP-43 pathology in ALS postmortem tissue. As nuclear TDP-43 protein level depletes, NOVA1 is reduced. Potential indications for a reduction of NOVA1 also came from mice over-expressing TDP-43 lacking its nuclear localization signal and iPSC-MN stressed with puromycin. This study highlights that additional RBP-RNA perturbations in ALS occur in parallel to TDP-43.
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14
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Electrophysiological and Behavioral Evidence for Hyper- and Hyposensitivity in Rare Genetic Syndromes Associated with Autism. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13040671. [PMID: 35456477 PMCID: PMC9027402 DOI: 10.3390/genes13040671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Our study reviewed abnormalities in spontaneous, as well as event-related, brain activity in syndromes with a known genetic underpinning that are associated with autistic symptomatology. Based on behavioral and neurophysiological evidence, we tentatively subdivided the syndromes on primarily hyper-sensitive (Fragile X, Angelman) and hypo-sensitive (Phelan–McDermid, Rett, Tuberous Sclerosis, Neurofibromatosis 1), pointing to the way of segregation of heterogeneous idiopathic ASD, that includes both hyper-sensitive and hypo-sensitive individuals. This segmentation links abnormalities in different genes, such as FMR1, UBE3A, GABRB3, GABRA5, GABRG3, SHANK3, MECP2, TSC1, TSC2, and NF1, that are causative to the above-mentioned syndromes and associated with synaptic transmission and cell growth, as well as with translational and transcriptional regulation and with sensory sensitivity. Excitation/inhibition imbalance related to GABAergic signaling, and the interplay of tonic and phasic inhibition in different brain regions might underlie this relationship. However, more research is needed. As most genetic syndromes are very rare, future investigations in this field will benefit from multi-site collaboration with a common protocol for electrophysiological and event-related potential (EEG/ERP) research that should include an investigation into all modalities and stages of sensory processing, as well as potential biomarkers of GABAergic signaling (such as 40-Hz ASSR).
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15
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Mapelli L, Soda T, D’Angelo E, Prestori F. The Cerebellar Involvement in Autism Spectrum Disorders: From the Social Brain to Mouse Models. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073894. [PMID: 35409253 PMCID: PMC8998980 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are pervasive neurodevelopmental disorders that include a variety of forms and clinical phenotypes. This heterogeneity complicates the clinical and experimental approaches to ASD etiology and pathophysiology. To date, a unifying theory of these diseases is still missing. Nevertheless, the intense work of researchers and clinicians in the last decades has identified some ASD hallmarks and the primary brain areas involved. Not surprisingly, the areas that are part of the so-called “social brain”, and those strictly connected to them, were found to be crucial, such as the prefrontal cortex, amygdala, hippocampus, limbic system, and dopaminergic pathways. With the recent acknowledgment of the cerebellar contribution to cognitive functions and the social brain, its involvement in ASD has become unmistakable, though its extent is still to be elucidated. In most cases, significant advances were made possible by recent technological developments in structural/functional assessment of the human brain and by using mouse models of ASD. Mouse models are an invaluable tool to get insights into the molecular and cellular counterparts of the disease, acting on the specific genetic background generating ASD-like phenotype. Given the multifaceted nature of ASD and related studies, it is often difficult to navigate the literature and limit the huge content to specific questions. This review fulfills the need for an organized, clear, and state-of-the-art perspective on cerebellar involvement in ASD, from its connections to the social brain areas (which are the primary sites of ASD impairments) to the use of monogenic mouse models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Mapelli
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (T.S.); (E.D.)
- Correspondence: (L.M.); (F.P.)
| | - Teresa Soda
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (T.S.); (E.D.)
| | - Egidio D’Angelo
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (T.S.); (E.D.)
- Brain Connectivity Center, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Francesca Prestori
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (T.S.); (E.D.)
- Correspondence: (L.M.); (F.P.)
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16
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Dodge A, Morrill N, Weeber EJ, Nash KR. Recovery of Angelman syndrome rat deficits with UBE3A protein supplementation. Mol Cell Neurosci 2022; 120:103724. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2022.103724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
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17
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Sieghart W, Chiou LC, Ernst M, Fabjan J, M Savić M, Lee MT. α6-Containing GABA A Receptors: Functional Roles and Therapeutic Potentials. Pharmacol Rev 2022; 74:238-270. [PMID: 35017178 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.121.000293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
GABAA receptors containing the α6 subunit are highly expressed in cerebellar granule cells and less abundantly in many other neuronal and peripheral tissues. Here, we for the first time summarize their importance for the functions of the cerebellum and the nervous system. The cerebellum is not only involved in motor control but also in cognitive, emotional, and social behaviors. α6βγ2 GABAA receptors located at cerebellar Golgi cell/granule cell synapses enhance the precision of inputs required for cerebellar timing of motor activity and are thus involved in cognitive processing and adequate responses to our environment. Extrasynaptic α6βδ GABAA receptors regulate the amount of information entering the cerebellum by their tonic inhibition of granule cells, and their optimal functioning enhances input filtering or contrast. The complex roles of the cerebellum in multiple brain functions can be compromised by genetic or neurodevelopmental causes that lead to a hypofunction of cerebellar α6-containing GABAA receptors. Animal models mimicking neuropsychiatric phenotypes suggest that compounds selectively activating or positively modulating cerebellar α6-containing GABAA receptors can alleviate essential tremor and motor disturbances in Angelman and Down syndrome as well as impaired prepulse inhibition in neuropsychiatric disorders and reduce migraine and trigeminal-related pain via α6-containing GABAA receptors in trigeminal ganglia. Genetic studies in humans suggest an association of the human GABAA receptor α6 subunit gene with stress-associated disorders. Animal studies support this conclusion. Neuroimaging and post-mortem studies in humans further support an involvement of α6-containing GABAA receptors in various neuropsychiatric disorders, pointing to a broad therapeutic potential of drugs modulating α6-containing GABAA receptors. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: α6-Containing GABAA receptors are abundantly expressed in cerebellar granule cells, but their pathophysiological roles are widely unknown, and they are thus out of the mainstream of GABAA receptor research. Anatomical and electrophysiological evidence indicates that these receptors have a crucial function in neuronal circuits of the cerebellum and the nervous system, and experimental, genetic, post-mortem, and pharmacological studies indicate that selective modulation of these receptors offers therapeutic prospects for a variety of neuropsychiatric disorders and for stress and its consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Werner Sieghart
- Center for Brain Research, Department of Molecular Neurosciences (W.S.), and Center for Brain Research, Department of Pathobiology of the Nervous System (M.E., J.F.), Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Graduate Institute of Pharmacology (L.-C.C., M.T.L.), and Graduate Institute of Brain and Mind Sciences, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan (L.-C.C., M.T.L.); Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia (M.M.S.); Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (M.T.L.); and Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan (L.-C.C.)
| | - Lih-Chu Chiou
- Center for Brain Research, Department of Molecular Neurosciences (W.S.), and Center for Brain Research, Department of Pathobiology of the Nervous System (M.E., J.F.), Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Graduate Institute of Pharmacology (L.-C.C., M.T.L.), and Graduate Institute of Brain and Mind Sciences, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan (L.-C.C., M.T.L.); Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia (M.M.S.); Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (M.T.L.); and Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan (L.-C.C.)
| | - Margot Ernst
- Center for Brain Research, Department of Molecular Neurosciences (W.S.), and Center for Brain Research, Department of Pathobiology of the Nervous System (M.E., J.F.), Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Graduate Institute of Pharmacology (L.-C.C., M.T.L.), and Graduate Institute of Brain and Mind Sciences, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan (L.-C.C., M.T.L.); Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia (M.M.S.); Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (M.T.L.); and Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan (L.-C.C.)
| | - Jure Fabjan
- Center for Brain Research, Department of Molecular Neurosciences (W.S.), and Center for Brain Research, Department of Pathobiology of the Nervous System (M.E., J.F.), Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Graduate Institute of Pharmacology (L.-C.C., M.T.L.), and Graduate Institute of Brain and Mind Sciences, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan (L.-C.C., M.T.L.); Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia (M.M.S.); Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (M.T.L.); and Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan (L.-C.C.)
| | - Miroslav M Savić
- Center for Brain Research, Department of Molecular Neurosciences (W.S.), and Center for Brain Research, Department of Pathobiology of the Nervous System (M.E., J.F.), Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Graduate Institute of Pharmacology (L.-C.C., M.T.L.), and Graduate Institute of Brain and Mind Sciences, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan (L.-C.C., M.T.L.); Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia (M.M.S.); Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (M.T.L.); and Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan (L.-C.C.)
| | - Ming Tatt Lee
- Center for Brain Research, Department of Molecular Neurosciences (W.S.), and Center for Brain Research, Department of Pathobiology of the Nervous System (M.E., J.F.), Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Graduate Institute of Pharmacology (L.-C.C., M.T.L.), and Graduate Institute of Brain and Mind Sciences, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan (L.-C.C., M.T.L.); Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia (M.M.S.); Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (M.T.L.); and Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan (L.-C.C.)
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18
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Pandya NJ, Meier S, Tyanova S, Terrigno M, Wang C, Punt AM, Mientjes EJ, Vautheny A, Distel B, Kremer T, Elgersma Y, Jagasia R. A cross-species spatiotemporal proteomic analysis identifies UBE3A-dependent signaling pathways and targets. Mol Psychiatry 2022; 27:2590-2601. [PMID: 35264729 PMCID: PMC9135630 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01484-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Angelman syndrome (AS) is a severe neurodevelopmental disorder caused by the loss of neuronal E3 ligase UBE3A. Restoring UBE3A levels is a potential disease-modifying therapy for AS and has recently entered clinical trials. There is paucity of data regarding the molecular changes downstream of UBE3A hampering elucidation of disease therapeutics and biomarkers. Notably, UBE3A plays an important role in the nucleus but its targets have yet to be elucidated. Using proteomics, we assessed changes during postnatal cortical development in an AS mouse model. Pathway analysis revealed dysregulation of proteasomal and tRNA synthetase pathways at all postnatal brain developmental stages, while synaptic proteins were altered in adults. We confirmed pathway alterations in an adult AS rat model across multiple brain regions and highlighted region-specific differences. UBE3A reinstatement in AS model mice resulted in near complete and partial rescue of the proteome alterations in adolescence and adults, respectively, supporting the notion that restoration of UBE3A expression provides a promising therapeutic option. We show that the nuclear enriched transketolase (TKT), one of the most abundantly altered proteins, is a novel direct UBE3A substrate and is elevated in the neuronal nucleus of rat brains and human iPSC-derived neurons. Taken together, our study provides a comprehensive map of UBE3A-driven proteome remodeling in AS across development and species, and corroborates an early UBE3A reinstatement as a viable therapeutic option. To support future disease and biomarker research, we present an accessible large-scale multi-species proteomic resource for the AS community ( https://www.angelman-proteome-project.org/ ).
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikhil J. Pandya
- Neuroscience and Rare Diseases Discovery & Translational Area, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sonja Meier
- Neuroscience and Rare Diseases Discovery & Translational Area, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Stefka Tyanova
- grid.417570.00000 0004 0374 1269pRED Informatics Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marco Terrigno
- Neuroscience and Rare Diseases Discovery & Translational Area, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Congwei Wang
- Neuroscience and Rare Diseases Discovery & Translational Area, Basel, Switzerland
| | - A. Mattijs Punt
- grid.5645.2000000040459992XDepartment of Clinical Genetics and Department of Neuroscience, The ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - E. J. Mientjes
- grid.5645.2000000040459992XDepartment of Clinical Genetics and Department of Neuroscience, The ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Audrey Vautheny
- Neuroscience and Rare Diseases Discovery & Translational Area, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ben Distel
- grid.5645.2000000040459992XDepartment of Clinical Genetics and Department of Neuroscience, The ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands ,grid.7177.60000000084992262Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Thomas Kremer
- Neuroscience and Rare Diseases Discovery & Translational Area, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ype Elgersma
- Department of Clinical Genetics and Department of Neuroscience, The ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Ravi Jagasia
- Neuroscience and Rare Diseases Discovery & Translational Area, Basel, Switzerland.
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19
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Excessive Laughter-like Vocalizations, Microcephaly, and Translational Outcomes in the Ube3a Deletion Rat Model of Angelman Syndrome. J Neurosci 2021; 41:8801-8814. [PMID: 34475199 PMCID: PMC8528495 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0925-21.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Angelman syndrome (AS) is a rare genetic neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by intellectual disabilities, motor and balance deficits, impaired communication, and a happy, excitable demeanor with frequent laughter. We sought to elucidate a preclinical outcome measure in male and female rats that addressed communication abnormalities of AS and other neurodevelopmental disorders in which communication is atypical and/or lack of speech is a core feature. We discovered, and herein report for the first time, excessive laughter-like 50 kHz ultrasonic emissions in the Ube3a mat-/pat+ rat model of AS, which suggests an excitable, playful demeanor and elevated positive affect, similar to the demeanor of individuals with AS. Also in line with the AS phenotype, Ube3a mat-/pat+ rats demonstrated aberrant social interactions with a novel partner, distinctive gait abnormalities, impaired cognition, an underlying LTP deficit, and profound reductions in brain volume. These unique, robust phenotypes provide advantages compared with currently available mouse models and will be highly valuable as outcome measures in the evaluation of therapies for AS.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Angelman syndrome (AS) is a severe neurogenetic disorder for which there is no cure, despite decades of research using mouse models. This study used a recently developed rat model of AS to delineate disease-relevant outcome measures to facilitate therapeutic development. We found the rat to be a strong model of AS, offering several advantages over mouse models by exhibiting numerous AS-relevant phenotypes, including overabundant laughter-like vocalizations, reduced hippocampal LTP, and volumetric anomalies across the brain. These findings are unconfounded by detrimental motor abilities and background strain, issues plaguing mouse models. This rat model represents an important advancement in the field of AS, and the outcome metrics reported herein will be central to the therapeutic pipeline.
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20
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ATG4D is the main ATG8 delipidating enzyme in mammalian cells and protects against cerebellar neurodegeneration. Cell Death Differ 2021; 28:2651-2672. [PMID: 33795848 PMCID: PMC8408152 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-021-00776-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the great advances in autophagy research in the last years, the specific functions of the four mammalian Atg4 proteases (ATG4A-D) remain unclear. In yeast, Atg4 mediates both Atg8 proteolytic activation, and its delipidation. However, it is not clear how these two roles are distributed along the members of the ATG4 family of proteases. We show that these two functions are preferentially carried out by distinct ATG4 proteases, being ATG4D the main delipidating enzyme. In mammalian cells, ATG4D loss results in accumulation of membrane-bound forms of mATG8s, increased cellular autophagosome number and reduced autophagosome average size. In mice, ATG4D loss leads to cerebellar neurodegeneration and impaired motor coordination caused by alterations in trafficking/clustering of GABAA receptors. We also show that human gene variants of ATG4D associated with neurodegeneration are not able to fully restore ATG4D deficiency, highlighting the neuroprotective role of ATG4D in mammals.
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21
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Copping NA, McTighe SM, Fink KD, Silverman JL. Emerging Gene and Small Molecule Therapies for the Neurodevelopmental Disorder Angelman Syndrome. Neurotherapeutics 2021; 18:1535-1547. [PMID: 34528170 PMCID: PMC8608975 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-021-01082-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Angelman syndrome (AS) is a rare (~1:15,000) neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by severe developmental delay and intellectual disability, impaired communication skills, and a high prevalence of seizures, sleep disturbances, ataxia, motor deficits, and microcephaly. AS is caused by loss-of-function of the maternally inherited UBE3A gene. UBE3A is located on chromosome 15q11-13 and is biallelically expressed throughout the body but only maternally expressed in the brain due to an RNA antisense transcript that silences the paternal copy. There is currently no cure for AS, but advancements in small molecule drugs and gene therapies offer a promising approach for the treatment of the disorder. Here, we review AS and how loss-of-function of the maternal UBE3A contributes to the disorder. We also discuss the strengths and limitations of current animal models of AS. Furthermore, we examine potential small molecule drug and gene therapies for the treatment of AS and associated challenges faced by the therapeutic design. Finally, gene therapy offers the opportunity for precision medicine in AS and advancements in the treatment of this disorder can serve as a foundation for other single-gene neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nycole A Copping
- School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, MIND Institute, University of California, Research II Building 96, 4625 2nd Avenue, Suite 1001B, Davis, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
- Stem Cell Program and Gene Therapy Center, Department of Neurology, MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | | | - Kyle D Fink
- Stem Cell Program and Gene Therapy Center, Department of Neurology, MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Jill L Silverman
- School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, MIND Institute, University of California, Research II Building 96, 4625 2nd Avenue, Suite 1001B, Davis, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA.
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22
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Elgersma Y, Sonzogni M. UBE3A reinstatement as a disease-modifying therapy for Angelman syndrome. Dev Med Child Neurol 2021; 63:802-807. [PMID: 33543479 PMCID: PMC8248324 DOI: 10.1111/dmcn.14831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Half a century ago, Harry Angelman reported three patients with overlapping clinical features, now well known as Angelman syndrome. Angelman syndrome is caused by mutations affecting the maternally inherited UBE3A gene, which encodes an E3-ubiquitin ligase that is critical for typical postnatal brain development. Emerging evidence indicates that UBE3A plays a particularly important role in the nucleus. However, the critical substrates that are controlled by UBE3A remain elusive, which hinders the search for effective treatments. Moreover, given the multitude of signalling mechanisms that are derailed, it is unlikely that targeting a single pathway is going to be very effective. Therefore, expectations are very high for approaches that aim to restore UBE3A protein levels. A particular promising strategy is an antisense oligonucleotide approach, which activates the silenced paternal UBE3A gene. When successful, such treatments potentially offer a disease-modifying therapy for Angelman syndrome and several other neurodevelopmental disorders. What this paper adds Loss of UBE3A affects multiple signalling pathways in the brain. Emerging evidence suggests that UBE3A plays a critical role in the cell nucleus. Trials using antisense oligonucleotides to restore UBE3A levels are continuing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ype Elgersma
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- Deptartment of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- The ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Monica Sonzogni
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- The ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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23
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Markati T, Duis J, Servais L. Therapies in preclinical and clinical development for Angelman syndrome. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2021; 30:709-720. [PMID: 34112038 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2021.1939674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Angelman syndrome is a rare genetic neurodevelopmental disorder, caused by deficiency or abnormal function of the maternal ubiquitin protein-ligase E3A, known as UBE3A, in the central nervous system. There is no disease-modifying treatment available, but the therapeutic pipeline of Angelman syndrome includes at least 15 different approaches at preclinical or clinical development. In the coming years, several clinical trials will be enrolling patients, which prompted this comprehensive review.Areas covered: We summarize and critically review the different therapeutic approaches. Some approaches attempt to restore the missing or nonfunctional UBE3A protein in the neurons via gene replacement or enzyme replacement therapies. Other therapies aim to induce expression of the normal paternal copy of the UBE3A gene by targeting a long non-coding RNA, the UBE3A-ATS, which interferes with its own expression. Another therapeutic category includes compounds that target molecular pathways and effector proteins known to be involved in Angelman syndrome pathophysiology.Expert opinion: We believe that by 2022-2023, more than five disease-modifying treatments will be simultaneously at clinical testing. However, the are several challenges with regards to safety and efficacy, which need to be addressed. Additionally, there is still a significant unmet need for clinical trial readiness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theodora Markati
- MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Center, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Jessica Duis
- Section of Genetics & Inherited Metabolic Disease, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Laurent Servais
- MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Center, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Division of Child Neurology, Centre De Références Des Maladies Neuromusculaires, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Liège & University of Liège, Belgium
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Moreira-de-Sá A, Gonçalves FQ, Lopes JP, Silva HB, Tomé ÂR, Cunha RA, Canas PM. Motor Deficits Coupled to Cerebellar and Striatal Alterations in Ube3a m-/p+ Mice Modelling Angelman Syndrome Are Attenuated by Adenosine A 2A Receptor Blockade. Mol Neurobiol 2021; 58:2543-2557. [PMID: 33464534 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-020-02275-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Angelman syndrome (AS) is a neurogenetic disorder involving ataxia and motor dysfunction, resulting from the absence of the maternally inherited functional Ube3a protein in neurons. Since adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR) blockade relieves synaptic and motor impairments in Parkinson's or Machado-Joseph's diseases, we now tested if A2AR blockade was also effective in attenuating motor deficits in an AS (Ube3am-/p+) mouse model and if this involved correction of synaptic alterations in striatum and cerebellum. Chronic administration of the A2AR antagonist SCH58261 (0.1 mg/kg/day, ip) promoted motor learning of AS mice in the accelerating-rotarod task and rescued the grip strength impairment of AS animals. These motor impairments were accompanied by synaptic alterations in cerebellum and striatum typified by upregulation of synaptophysin and vesicular GABA transporters (vGAT) in the cerebellum of AS mice along with a downregulation of vGAT, vesicular glutamate transporter 1 (vGLUT1) and the dopamine active transporter in AS striatum. Notably, A2AR blockade prevented the synaptic alterations found in AS mice cerebellum as well as the downregulation of striatal vGAT and vGLUT1. This provides the first indications that A2AR blockade may counteract the characteristic motor impairments and synaptic changes of AS, although more studies are needed to unravel the underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Moreira-de-Sá
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, Faculty of Medicine Building-Polo 1, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Francisco Q Gonçalves
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, Faculty of Medicine Building-Polo 1, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - João P Lopes
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, Faculty of Medicine Building-Polo 1, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Henrique B Silva
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, Faculty of Medicine Building-Polo 1, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ângelo R Tomé
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, Faculty of Medicine Building-Polo 1, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, 3000-456, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rodrigo A Cunha
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, Faculty of Medicine Building-Polo 1, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Paula M Canas
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, Faculty of Medicine Building-Polo 1, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal.
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Ostrowski LM, Spencer ER, Bird LM, Thibert R, Komorowski RW, Kramer MA, Chu CJ. Delta power robustly predicts cognitive function in Angelman syndrome. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2021; 8:1433-1445. [PMID: 34047077 PMCID: PMC8283185 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.51385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Angelman syndrome (AS) is a severe neurodevelopmental disorder caused by loss of function of the maternally inherited UBE3A gene in neurons. Promising disease‐modifying treatments to reinstate UBE3A expression are under development and an early measure of treatment response is critical to their deployment in clinical trials. Increased delta power in EEG recordings, reflecting abnormal neuronal synchrony, occurs in AS across species and correlates with genotype. Whether delta power provides a reliable biomarker for clinical symptoms remains unknown. Methods We analyzed combined EEG recordings and developmental assessments in a large cohort of individuals with AS (N = 82 subjects, 133 combined EEG and cognitive assessments, 1.08–28.16 years; 32F) and evaluated delta power as a biomarker for cognitive function, as measured by the Bayley Cognitive Score. We examined the robustness of this biomarker to varying states of consciousness, recording techniques and analysis procedures. Results Delta power predicted the Bayley Scale cognitive score (P < 10−5, R2 = 0.9374) after controlling for age (P < 10−24), genotype:age (P < 10−11), and repeat assessments (P < 10−8), with the excellent fit on cross validation (R2 = 0.95). There were no differences in model performance across states of consciousness or bipolar versus average montages (ΔAIC < 2). Models using raw data excluding frontal channels outperformed other models (ΔAIC > 4) and predicted performance in expressive (P = 0.0209) and receptive communication (P < 10−3) and fine motor skills (P < 10−4). Interpretation Delta power is a simple, direct measure of neuronal activity that reliably correlates with cognitive function in AS. This electrophysiological biomarker offers an objective, clinically relevant endpoint for treatment response in emerging clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren M. Ostrowski
- Department of NeurologyMassachusetts General HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
- School of MedicineUniversity of CaliforniaSan DiegoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Elizabeth R. Spencer
- Department of NeurologyMassachusetts General HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Department of Mathematics and StatisticsBoston UniversityBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Lynne M. Bird
- Department of PediatricsUniversity of CaliforniaSan DiegoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Ronald Thibert
- Department of NeurologyMassachusetts General HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | | | - Mark A. Kramer
- Department of Mathematics and StatisticsBoston UniversityBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Catherine J. Chu
- Department of NeurologyMassachusetts General HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
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The role of GABAergic signalling in neurodevelopmental disorders. Nat Rev Neurosci 2021; 22:290-307. [PMID: 33772226 PMCID: PMC9001156 DOI: 10.1038/s41583-021-00443-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
GABAergic inhibition shapes the connectivity, activity and plasticity of the brain. A series of exciting new discoveries provides compelling evidence that disruptions in a number of key facets of GABAergic inhibition have critical roles in the aetiology of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). These facets include the generation, migration and survival of GABAergic neurons, the formation of GABAergic synapses and circuit connectivity, and the dynamic regulation of the efficacy of GABAergic signalling through neuronal chloride transporters. In this Review, we discuss recent work that elucidates the functions and dysfunctions of GABAergic signalling in health and disease, that uncovers the contribution of GABAergic neural circuit dysfunction to NDD aetiology and that leverages such mechanistic insights to advance precision medicine for the treatment of NDDs.
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Egawa K, Nakakubo S, Kimura S, Goto T, Manabe A, Shiraishi H. Flurothyl-induced seizure paradigm revealed higher seizure susceptibility in middle-aged Angelman syndrome mouse model. Brain Dev 2021; 43:515-520. [PMID: 33408038 DOI: 10.1016/j.braindev.2020.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Epilepsy is one of the main clinical problems in Angelman syndrome (AS). Seizures typically start in early childhood then decrease or are often alleviated by young adulthood. Several studies using AS model mice showed comparable seizure susceptibility during young adulthood. In contrast, the course of epilepsy post young adulthood differs from persistently relieved to rerising among reports. To elucidate this, we evaluated the seizure susceptibility of AS model mice of two different ages. METHODS Mice lacking maternal Ube3a gene (Ube3am-/p+) of C57BL/6 background or their littermate wild type (WT) were divided into two groups by age, 2 to 3 months (2-3 M) and 6 to 12 months (6-12 M), corresponding to adolescent to young adult aged and middle aged humans, respectively. Seizure susceptibility was evaluated by flurothyl inhalation or intraperitoneal injection of pentylenetetrazole (PTZ IP)-induced acute seizure protocol. RESULTS In the flurothyl-induced seizure paradigm, the latency to seizure occurrence had a significant interaction with genotype and age. Post-hoc analysis revealed that the latency was significantly shorter at 6-12 M than at 2-3 M in Ube3am-/p+ mice, and in Ube3am-/p+ mice than in WT mice at 6-12 M. No significant interaction or difference was observed by PTZ IP. CONCLUSION The flurothyl-induced seizure paradigm revealed that seizure susceptibility of Ube3am-/p+ mice increased with age, similar to clinical studies reporting the reappearance of epilepsy in older age. The flurothyl-induced seizure paradigm applied to middle-aged Ube3am-/p+ mice could be a suitable protocol for screening drugs against seizures in AS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiyoshi Egawa
- Department of Pediatrics, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, North 15 West 7, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-8638, Japan
| | - Sachiko Nakakubo
- Department of Pediatrics, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, North 15 West 7, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-8638, Japan
| | - Shuhei Kimura
- Department of Pediatrics, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, North 15 West 7, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-8638, Japan
| | - Takeru Goto
- Department of Pediatrics, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, North 15 West 7, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-8638, Japan
| | - Atsushi Manabe
- Department of Pediatrics, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, North 15 West 7, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-8638, Japan
| | - Hideaki Shiraishi
- Department of Pediatrics, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, North 15 West 7, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-8638, Japan.
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Egawa K, Saitoh S, Asahina N, Shiraishi H. Variance in the pathophysiological impact of the hemizygosity of gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptor subunit genes between Prader-Willi syndrome and Angelman syndrome. Brain Dev 2021; 43:521-527. [PMID: 33419637 DOI: 10.1016/j.braindev.2020.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 11/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Angelman syndrome (AS) and Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) are neurodevelopmental disorders caused by loss of function of maternally expressed UBE3A and paternally expressed contiguous genes on chromosome 15q11-13, respectively. A majority of these syndromes suffer from a large deletion of the relevant chromosome (AS Del or PWS Del), which includes biallelically expressed gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptor subunit (GABAaR) genes, while remaining individuals present without the deletion (AS non-Del or PWS non-Del). We previously reported that AS Del, but not AS non-Del individuals, show aberrantly desynchronized somatosensory-evoked magnetic fields (SEFs) and speculated that it might reflect GABAergic dysfunction due to the hemizygosity of GABAaR genes. To verify its pathophysiological impact on PWS and AS, we analyzed the SEFs of PWS individuals. METHOD SEFs were recorded from eight PWS Del and two PWS non-Del individuals. The latency and strength of the first peak (N1m) were compared with those of AS Del/non-Del individuals and controls, most of which were obtained earlier. RESULTS In contrast to AS, both PWS Del and PWS non-Del showed normal SEF waveforms. Desynchronized response with delayed N1m peak latency was exclusively indicated in AS Del. N1m strength was statistically higher in AS Del and AS non-Del, but not in PWS Del and PWS non-Del. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that the pathophysiological impact of the hemizygosity of GABAaR genes is lower in PWS than AS. UBE3A deficiency and the hemizygosity of GABAaR genes could synergistically deteriorate neuronal function, resulting in aberrant SEFs in AS Del.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiyoshi Egawa
- Department of Pediatrics, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, North 15 West 7, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-8638, Japan
| | - Shinji Saitoh
- Department of Pediatrics and Neonatology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, 1 Kawasumi, Mizuho-cho, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya 467-8601, Japan
| | - Naoko Asahina
- Department of Pediatrics, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, North 15 West 7, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-8638, Japan
| | - Hideaki Shiraishi
- Department of Pediatrics, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, North 15 West 7, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-8638, Japan.
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Wu K, Han W, Tian Q, Li Y, Lu W. Activity- and sleep-dependent regulation of tonic inhibition by Shisa7. Cell Rep 2021; 34:108899. [PMID: 33761345 PMCID: PMC8025742 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.108899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Tonic inhibition mediated by extrasynaptic γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptors (GABAARs) critically regulates neuronal excitability and brain function. However, the mechanisms regulating tonic inhibition remain poorly understood. Here, we report that Shisa7 is critical for tonic inhibition regulation in hippocampal neurons. In juvenile Shisa7 knockout (KO) mice, α5-GABAAR-mediated tonic currents are significantly reduced. Mechanistically, Shisa7 is crucial for α5-GABAAR exocytosis. Additionally, Shisa7 regulation of tonic inhibition requires protein kinase A (PKA) that phosphorylates Shisa7 serine 405 (S405). Importantly, tonic inhibition undergoes activity-dependent regulation, and Shisa7 is required for homeostatic potentiation of tonic inhibition. Interestingly, in young adult Shisa7 KOs, basal tonic inhibition in hippocampal neurons is unaltered, largely due to the diminished α5-GABAAR component of tonic inhibition. However, at this stage, tonic inhibition oscillates during the daily sleep/wake cycle, a process requiring Shisa7. Together, these data demonstrate that intricate signaling mechanisms regulate tonic inhibition at different developmental stages and reveal a molecular link between sleep and tonic inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kunwei Wu
- Synapse and Neural Circuit Research Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Wenyan Han
- Synapse and Neural Circuit Research Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Qingjun Tian
- Synapse and Neural Circuit Research Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Yan Li
- Proteomics Core Facility, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Wei Lu
- Synapse and Neural Circuit Research Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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Samanta D. Epilepsy in Angelman syndrome: A scoping review. Brain Dev 2021; 43:32-44. [PMID: 32893075 PMCID: PMC7688500 DOI: 10.1016/j.braindev.2020.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Angelman Syndrome (AS) is characterized by severe developmental delays including marked speech impairment, movement abnormalities(ataxia, tremor), and unique behaviors such as frequent laughter and is caused by dysfunctional maternal UBE3A gene (maternal 15q11-13 deletions, maternal specific UBE3A mutation, uniparental disomy, and imprinting defect). Intractable epileptic seizures since early childhood with characteristic EEG abnormalities are present in 80-90% patients with AS. Underlying pathophysiology may involve neocortical and thalamocortical hyperexcitability secondary to severe reduction of GABAergic input, as well as dysfunctional synaptic plasticity, deficient synaptogenesis, and neuronal morphological immaturity. The onset of epilepsy is most prevalent between 1 and 3 years of age; however, approximately 25% of patients developed epilepsy before one year of age. Various types of generalized seizures are most prevalent, with most common types are myoclonic and atypical absence.More than 95% of epilepsy patients may have daily seizures at least for a limited time during early childhood, and two-third patients develop disabling seizures. Fever provoked seizures, and frequent occurrence of nonconvulsive status epilepticus are two unique features. Seizures are frequently pharmacoresistant. Considering underlying prominent GABAergic dysfunction, clinicians had used AEDs that target GABAergic signaling such as valproate, phenobarbital, and clonazepam as first-line therapies for AS. However, due to the unfavorable side effect profile of these AEDs, a recent treatment approach involves priority use of levetiracetam, clobazam, topiramate, lamotrigine, ethosuximide, VNS, and carbohydrate-restricted diets. Besides symptomatic management, there has been recent progress to find a curative treatment with the following approaches: 1. Gene/protein replacement therapy (Adeno and lentiviral vector therapy to deliver a gene or secretory protein); 2. Activation of the intact but silent paternal copy of UBE3A (antisense oligonucleotide therapy and artificial transcription factors); and 3. Downstream therapies (OV101/gaboxadol, ketone supplement, novel compounds/peptides, anti-inflammatory/regenerative therapy).
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Affiliation(s)
- Debopam Samanta
- Child Neurology Section, Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Debopam Samanta 1 Children's Way, Little Rock, AR 72202, USA.
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Bird LM, Ochoa-Lubinoff C, Tan WH, Heimer G, Melmed RD, Rakhit A, Visootsak J, During MJ, Holcroft C, Burdine RD, Kolevzon A, Thibert RL. The STARS Phase 2 Study: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Gaboxadol in Angelman Syndrome. Neurology 2020; 96:e1024-e1035. [PMID: 33443117 PMCID: PMC8055330 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000011409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate safety and tolerability and exploratory efficacy end points for gaboxadol (OV101) compared with placebo in individuals with Angelman syndrome (AS). METHODS Gaboxadol is a highly selective orthosteric agonist that activates δ-subunit-containing extrasynaptic γ-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptors. In a multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial, adolescent and adult individuals with a molecular diagnosis of AS were randomized (1:1:1) to 1 of 3 dosing regimens for a duration of 12 weeks: placebo morning dose and gaboxadol 15 mg evening dose (qd), gaboxadol 10 mg morning dose and 15 mg evening dose (bid), or placebo morning and evening dose. Safety and tolerability were monitored throughout the study. Prespecified exploratory efficacy end points included adapted Clinical Global Impression-Severity and Clinical Global Impression-Improvement (CGI-I) scales, which documented the clinical severity at baseline and change after treatment, respectively. RESULTS Eighty-eight individuals were randomized. Of 87 individuals (aged 13-45 years) who received at least 1 dose of study drug, 78 (90%) completed the study. Most adverse events (AEs) were mild to moderate, and no life-threatening AEs were reported. Efficacy of gaboxadol, as measured by CGI-I improvement in an exploratory analysis, was observed in gaboxadol qd vs placebo (p = 0.0006). CONCLUSION After 12 weeks of treatment, gaboxadol was found to be generally well-tolerated with a favorable safety profile. The efficacy as measured by the AS-adapted CGI-I scale warrants further studies. CLINICALTRIALSGOV IDENTIFIER NCT02996305. CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE This study provides Class I evidence that, for individuals with AS, gaboxadol is generally safe and well-tolerated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynne M Bird
- From the University of California, San Diego (L.M.B.); Rady Children's Hospital (L.M.B.), San Diego, CA; Division of Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics (C.O.-L.), Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL; Division of Genetics and Genomics (W.-H.T.), Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, MA; Pediatric Neurology Unit (G.H.), Safra Children's Hospital, the Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan; The Sackler School of Medicine (G.H.), Tel Aviv University, Israel; Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center (R.D.M.), Phoenix, AZ; Ovid Therapeutics Inc. (A.R., M.J.D.); Neurogene (J.V.), New York, NY; Prometrika, LLC (C.H.), Cambridge, MA; Department of Molecular Biology (R.D.B.), Princeton University, NJ; Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Department of Psychiatry (A.K.), Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY; and Angelman Syndrome Clinic, Department of Neurology (R.L.T.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
| | - Cesar Ochoa-Lubinoff
- From the University of California, San Diego (L.M.B.); Rady Children's Hospital (L.M.B.), San Diego, CA; Division of Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics (C.O.-L.), Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL; Division of Genetics and Genomics (W.-H.T.), Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, MA; Pediatric Neurology Unit (G.H.), Safra Children's Hospital, the Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan; The Sackler School of Medicine (G.H.), Tel Aviv University, Israel; Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center (R.D.M.), Phoenix, AZ; Ovid Therapeutics Inc. (A.R., M.J.D.); Neurogene (J.V.), New York, NY; Prometrika, LLC (C.H.), Cambridge, MA; Department of Molecular Biology (R.D.B.), Princeton University, NJ; Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Department of Psychiatry (A.K.), Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY; and Angelman Syndrome Clinic, Department of Neurology (R.L.T.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
| | - Wen-Hann Tan
- From the University of California, San Diego (L.M.B.); Rady Children's Hospital (L.M.B.), San Diego, CA; Division of Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics (C.O.-L.), Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL; Division of Genetics and Genomics (W.-H.T.), Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, MA; Pediatric Neurology Unit (G.H.), Safra Children's Hospital, the Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan; The Sackler School of Medicine (G.H.), Tel Aviv University, Israel; Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center (R.D.M.), Phoenix, AZ; Ovid Therapeutics Inc. (A.R., M.J.D.); Neurogene (J.V.), New York, NY; Prometrika, LLC (C.H.), Cambridge, MA; Department of Molecular Biology (R.D.B.), Princeton University, NJ; Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Department of Psychiatry (A.K.), Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY; and Angelman Syndrome Clinic, Department of Neurology (R.L.T.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
| | - Gali Heimer
- From the University of California, San Diego (L.M.B.); Rady Children's Hospital (L.M.B.), San Diego, CA; Division of Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics (C.O.-L.), Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL; Division of Genetics and Genomics (W.-H.T.), Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, MA; Pediatric Neurology Unit (G.H.), Safra Children's Hospital, the Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan; The Sackler School of Medicine (G.H.), Tel Aviv University, Israel; Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center (R.D.M.), Phoenix, AZ; Ovid Therapeutics Inc. (A.R., M.J.D.); Neurogene (J.V.), New York, NY; Prometrika, LLC (C.H.), Cambridge, MA; Department of Molecular Biology (R.D.B.), Princeton University, NJ; Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Department of Psychiatry (A.K.), Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY; and Angelman Syndrome Clinic, Department of Neurology (R.L.T.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
| | - Raun D Melmed
- From the University of California, San Diego (L.M.B.); Rady Children's Hospital (L.M.B.), San Diego, CA; Division of Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics (C.O.-L.), Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL; Division of Genetics and Genomics (W.-H.T.), Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, MA; Pediatric Neurology Unit (G.H.), Safra Children's Hospital, the Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan; The Sackler School of Medicine (G.H.), Tel Aviv University, Israel; Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center (R.D.M.), Phoenix, AZ; Ovid Therapeutics Inc. (A.R., M.J.D.); Neurogene (J.V.), New York, NY; Prometrika, LLC (C.H.), Cambridge, MA; Department of Molecular Biology (R.D.B.), Princeton University, NJ; Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Department of Psychiatry (A.K.), Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY; and Angelman Syndrome Clinic, Department of Neurology (R.L.T.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
| | - Amit Rakhit
- From the University of California, San Diego (L.M.B.); Rady Children's Hospital (L.M.B.), San Diego, CA; Division of Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics (C.O.-L.), Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL; Division of Genetics and Genomics (W.-H.T.), Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, MA; Pediatric Neurology Unit (G.H.), Safra Children's Hospital, the Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan; The Sackler School of Medicine (G.H.), Tel Aviv University, Israel; Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center (R.D.M.), Phoenix, AZ; Ovid Therapeutics Inc. (A.R., M.J.D.); Neurogene (J.V.), New York, NY; Prometrika, LLC (C.H.), Cambridge, MA; Department of Molecular Biology (R.D.B.), Princeton University, NJ; Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Department of Psychiatry (A.K.), Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY; and Angelman Syndrome Clinic, Department of Neurology (R.L.T.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
| | - Jeannie Visootsak
- From the University of California, San Diego (L.M.B.); Rady Children's Hospital (L.M.B.), San Diego, CA; Division of Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics (C.O.-L.), Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL; Division of Genetics and Genomics (W.-H.T.), Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, MA; Pediatric Neurology Unit (G.H.), Safra Children's Hospital, the Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan; The Sackler School of Medicine (G.H.), Tel Aviv University, Israel; Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center (R.D.M.), Phoenix, AZ; Ovid Therapeutics Inc. (A.R., M.J.D.); Neurogene (J.V.), New York, NY; Prometrika, LLC (C.H.), Cambridge, MA; Department of Molecular Biology (R.D.B.), Princeton University, NJ; Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Department of Psychiatry (A.K.), Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY; and Angelman Syndrome Clinic, Department of Neurology (R.L.T.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
| | - Matthew J During
- From the University of California, San Diego (L.M.B.); Rady Children's Hospital (L.M.B.), San Diego, CA; Division of Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics (C.O.-L.), Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL; Division of Genetics and Genomics (W.-H.T.), Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, MA; Pediatric Neurology Unit (G.H.), Safra Children's Hospital, the Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan; The Sackler School of Medicine (G.H.), Tel Aviv University, Israel; Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center (R.D.M.), Phoenix, AZ; Ovid Therapeutics Inc. (A.R., M.J.D.); Neurogene (J.V.), New York, NY; Prometrika, LLC (C.H.), Cambridge, MA; Department of Molecular Biology (R.D.B.), Princeton University, NJ; Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Department of Psychiatry (A.K.), Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY; and Angelman Syndrome Clinic, Department of Neurology (R.L.T.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
| | - Christina Holcroft
- From the University of California, San Diego (L.M.B.); Rady Children's Hospital (L.M.B.), San Diego, CA; Division of Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics (C.O.-L.), Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL; Division of Genetics and Genomics (W.-H.T.), Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, MA; Pediatric Neurology Unit (G.H.), Safra Children's Hospital, the Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan; The Sackler School of Medicine (G.H.), Tel Aviv University, Israel; Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center (R.D.M.), Phoenix, AZ; Ovid Therapeutics Inc. (A.R., M.J.D.); Neurogene (J.V.), New York, NY; Prometrika, LLC (C.H.), Cambridge, MA; Department of Molecular Biology (R.D.B.), Princeton University, NJ; Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Department of Psychiatry (A.K.), Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY; and Angelman Syndrome Clinic, Department of Neurology (R.L.T.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
| | - Rebecca D Burdine
- From the University of California, San Diego (L.M.B.); Rady Children's Hospital (L.M.B.), San Diego, CA; Division of Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics (C.O.-L.), Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL; Division of Genetics and Genomics (W.-H.T.), Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, MA; Pediatric Neurology Unit (G.H.), Safra Children's Hospital, the Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan; The Sackler School of Medicine (G.H.), Tel Aviv University, Israel; Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center (R.D.M.), Phoenix, AZ; Ovid Therapeutics Inc. (A.R., M.J.D.); Neurogene (J.V.), New York, NY; Prometrika, LLC (C.H.), Cambridge, MA; Department of Molecular Biology (R.D.B.), Princeton University, NJ; Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Department of Psychiatry (A.K.), Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY; and Angelman Syndrome Clinic, Department of Neurology (R.L.T.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
| | - Alexander Kolevzon
- From the University of California, San Diego (L.M.B.); Rady Children's Hospital (L.M.B.), San Diego, CA; Division of Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics (C.O.-L.), Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL; Division of Genetics and Genomics (W.-H.T.), Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, MA; Pediatric Neurology Unit (G.H.), Safra Children's Hospital, the Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan; The Sackler School of Medicine (G.H.), Tel Aviv University, Israel; Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center (R.D.M.), Phoenix, AZ; Ovid Therapeutics Inc. (A.R., M.J.D.); Neurogene (J.V.), New York, NY; Prometrika, LLC (C.H.), Cambridge, MA; Department of Molecular Biology (R.D.B.), Princeton University, NJ; Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Department of Psychiatry (A.K.), Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY; and Angelman Syndrome Clinic, Department of Neurology (R.L.T.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston.
| | - Ronald L Thibert
- From the University of California, San Diego (L.M.B.); Rady Children's Hospital (L.M.B.), San Diego, CA; Division of Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics (C.O.-L.), Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL; Division of Genetics and Genomics (W.-H.T.), Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, MA; Pediatric Neurology Unit (G.H.), Safra Children's Hospital, the Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan; The Sackler School of Medicine (G.H.), Tel Aviv University, Israel; Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center (R.D.M.), Phoenix, AZ; Ovid Therapeutics Inc. (A.R., M.J.D.); Neurogene (J.V.), New York, NY; Prometrika, LLC (C.H.), Cambridge, MA; Department of Molecular Biology (R.D.B.), Princeton University, NJ; Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Department of Psychiatry (A.K.), Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY; and Angelman Syndrome Clinic, Department of Neurology (R.L.T.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
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Egawa K, Saitoh S, Asahina N, Shiraishi H. Short-latency somatosensory-evoked potentials demonstrate cortical dysfunction in patients with Angelman syndrome. eNeurologicalSci 2020; 22:100298. [PMID: 33313428 PMCID: PMC7721653 DOI: 10.1016/j.ensci.2020.100298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Angelman syndrome (AS) is neurodevelopmental disorder, causal gene of which is maternally expressed UBE3A. A majority of patients results from the large deletion of relevant chromosome which includes GABAA receptor subunit genes (GABARs) as well as UBE3A (AS Del). We previously reported aberrantly desynchronized primary somatosensory response in AS Del by using magnetoencephalography. The purpose of this study is to estimate cortical and subcortical involvement in the deficit of primary somatosensory processing in AS. Methods We analyzed short-latency somatosensory-evoked potentials (SSEPs) in 8 patients with AS Del. SSEPs were recorded on a 4-channel system comprising of two cortical electrodes which were placed on the frontal and centro-parietal areas. The peak and onset latency of each component were measured to compare latency and interval times. Results The first-cortical peak latency (N20, P20), and N13-N20 peak interval times were significantly prolonged in AS Del compared to healthy controls. In contrast, there was no difference in latencies between subcortical components up to N20 onset or for N11-N20 onset interval times. Conclusion Highly desynchronized first-cortical SSEP components and normal latencies of subcortical components indicated cortical dysfunction rather than impairment of afferent pathways in AS Del patients, which might be attributed to GABAergic dysfunction due to loss of UBE3A function and heterozygosity of GABARs Somatosensory-evoked potentials (SEPs) were evaluated in Angelman syndrome (AS). All subjects had a 15q11-13 deletion, which includes the GABAA receptor subunit genes. The duration of the first-cortical SEP components was significantly prolonged. Latencies between subcortical components were comparable to controls. Desynchronized cortical response suggests GABAergic dysfunction in AS with deletion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiyoshi Egawa
- Department of Pediatrics, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, North 15 West 7, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-8638, Japan
| | - Shinji Saitoh
- Department of Pediatrics and Neonatology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, 1 Kawasumi, Mizuho-cho, Mizuho -ku, Nagoya 467-8601, Japan
| | - Naoko Asahina
- Department of Pediatrics, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, North 15 West 7, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-8638, Japan
| | - Hideaki Shiraishi
- Department of Pediatrics, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, North 15 West 7, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-8638, Japan
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Panov J, Kaphzan H. Bioinformatics analyses show dysregulation of calcium-related genes in Angelman syndrome mouse model. Neurobiol Dis 2020; 148:105180. [PMID: 33212289 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2020.105180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Angelman syndrome (AS) is a genetic neurodevelopmental disorder caused by the loss of function of the UBE3A protein in the brain. In a previous study, we showed that activity-dependent calcium dynamics in hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons of AS mice is compromised, and its normalization rescues the hippocampal-dependent deficits. Therefore, we expected that the expression profiles of calcium-related genes would be altered in AS mice hippocampi. METHODS We analyzed mRNA sequencing data from AS model mice and WT controls in light of the newly published CaGeDB database of calcium-related genes. We validated our results in two independent RNA sequencing datasets from two additional different AS models: first one, a human neuroblastoma cell line where UBE3A expression was knocked down by siRNA, and the second, an iPSC-derived neurons from AS patient and healthy donor control. FINDINGS We found signatures of dysregulated calcium-related genes in AS mouse model hippocampus. Additionally, we show that these calcium-related genes function as signatures for AS in other human cellular models of AS, thus strengthening our findings. INTERPRETATION Our findings suggest the downstream implications and significance of the compromised calcium signaling in Angelman syndrome. Moreover, since AS share similar features with other autism spectrum disorders, we believe that these findings entail meaningful data and approach for other neurodevelopmental disorders, especially those with known alterations of calcium signaling. FUNDING This work was supported by the Angelman Syndrome Foundation and by the Israel Science Foundation, Grant Number 248/20.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Panov
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
| | - Hanoch Kaphzan
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel.
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Townsend LB, Jones KA, Dorsett CR, Philpot BD, Smith SL. Deficits in higher visual area representations in a mouse model of Angelman syndrome. J Neurodev Disord 2020; 12:28. [PMID: 33076843 PMCID: PMC7574469 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-020-09329-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Sensory processing deficits are common in individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders. One hypothesis is that deficits may be more detectable in downstream, “higher” sensory areas. A mouse model of Angelman syndrome (AS), which lacks expression of the maternally inherited Ube3a allele, has deficits in synaptic function and experience-dependent plasticity in the primary visual cortex. Thus, we hypothesized that AS model mice have deficits in visually driven neuronal responsiveness in downstream higher visual areas (HVAs). Methods Here, we used intrinsic signal optical imaging and two-photon calcium imaging to map visually evoked neuronal activity in the primary visual cortex and HVAs in response to an array of stimuli. Results We found a highly specific deficit in HVAs. Drifting gratings that changed speed caused a strong response in HVAs in wildtype mice, but this was not observed in littermate AS model mice. Further investigation with two-photon calcium imaging revealed the effect to be largely driven by aberrant responses of inhibitory interneurons, suggesting a cellular basis for higher level, stimulus-selective cortical dysfunction in AS. Conclusion Assaying downstream, or “higher” circuitry may provide a more sensitive measure for circuit dysfunction in mouse models of neurodevelopmental disorders. Trial registration Not applicable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah B Townsend
- Neuroscience Curriculum, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Kelly A Jones
- Neuroscience Curriculum, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.,Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Christopher R Dorsett
- Neuroscience Curriculum, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Benjamin D Philpot
- Neuroscience Curriculum, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.,Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.,Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.,Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Spencer L Smith
- Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, Neuroscience Research Institute, Center for BioEngineering, University of California Santa Barbara, 2002 BioEngineering Building; Mail code 5100, Santa Barbara, CA, 93106-5100, USA.
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Dutta R, Crawley JN. Behavioral Evaluation of Angelman Syndrome Mice at Older Ages. Neuroscience 2020; 445:163-171. [PMID: 31730795 PMCID: PMC7214203 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2019.10.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Revised: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Angelman syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder presenting with severe deficits in motor, speech, and cognitive abilities. The primary genetic cause of Angelman syndrome is a maternally transmitted mutation in the Ube3a gene, which has been successfully modeled in Ube3a mutant mice. Phenotypes have been extensively reported in young adult Ube3a mice. Because symptoms continue throughout life in Angelman syndrome, we tested multiple behavioral phenotypes of male Ube3a mice and WT littermate controls at older adult ages. Social behaviors on both the 3-chambered social approach and male-female social interaction tests showed impairments in Ube3a at 12 months of age. Anxiety-related scores on both the elevated plus-maze and the light ↔ dark transitions assays indicated anxiety-like phenotypes in 12 month old Ube3a mice. Open field locomotion parameters were consistently lower at 12 months. Reduced general exploratory locomotion at this age prevented the interpretation of an anxiety-like phenotype, and likely impacted social tasks. Robust phenotypes in middle-aged Ube3a mice appear to result from continued motor decline. Motor deficits may provide the best outcome measures for preclinical testing of pharmacological targets, towards reductions of symptoms in adults with Angelman syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Dutta
- MIND Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Jacqueline N Crawley
- MIND Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA.
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Schultz MN, Crawley JN. Evaluation of a TrkB agonist on spatial and motor learning in the Ube3a mouse model of Angelman syndrome. Learn Mem 2020; 27:346-354. [PMID: 32817301 PMCID: PMC7433657 DOI: 10.1101/lm.051201.119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Angelman syndrome is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder caused by a mutation in the maternal allele of the gene Ube3a The primary symptoms of Angelman syndrome are severe cognitive deficits, impaired motor functions, and speech disabilities. Analogous phenotypes have been detected in young adult Ube3a mice. Here, we investigate cognitive phenotypes of Ube3a mice as compared to wild-type littermate controls at an older adult age. Water maze spatial learning, swim speed, and rotarod motor coordination and balance were impaired at 6 mo of age, as predicted. Based on previous findings of reduced brain-derived neurotrophic factor in Ube3a mice, a novel therapeutic target, the TrkB agonist 7,8-DHF, was interrogated. Semichronic daily treatment with 7,8-DHF, 5 mg/kg i.p., did not significantly improve the impairments in performance during the acquisition of the water maze hidden platform location in Ube3a mice, after training with either massed or spaced trials, and had no effect on the swim speed and rotarod deficits. Robust behavioral phenotypes in middle-aged Ube3a mice appear to result from continued motor decline. Our results suggest that motor deficits could offer useful outcome measures for preclinical testing of many pharmacological targets, with the goal of reducing symptoms in adults with Angelman syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria N Schultz
- MIND Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California 95821, USA
| | - Jacqueline N Crawley
- MIND Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California 95821, USA
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Javed S, Selliah T, Lee YJ, Huang WH. Dosage-sensitive genes in autism spectrum disorders: From neurobiology to therapy. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 118:538-567. [PMID: 32858083 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 07/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a group of heterogenous neurodevelopmental disorders affecting 1 in 59 children. Syndromic ASDs are commonly associated with chromosomal rearrangements or dosage imbalance involving a single gene. Many of these genes are dosage-sensitive and regulate transcription, protein homeostasis, and synaptic function in the brain. Despite vastly different molecular perturbations, syndromic ASDs share core symptoms including social dysfunction and repetitive behavior. However, each ASD subtype has a unique pathogenic mechanism and combination of comorbidities that require individual attention. We have learned a great deal about how these dosage-sensitive genes control brain development and behaviors from genetically-engineered mice. Here we describe the clinical features of eight monogenic neurodevelopmental disorders caused by dosage imbalance of four genes, as well as recent advances in using genetic mouse models to understand their pathogenic mechanisms and develop intervention strategies. We propose that applying newly developed quantitative molecular and neuroscience technologies will advance our understanding of the unique neurobiology of each disorder and enable the development of personalized therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sehrish Javed
- Centre for Research in Neuroscience, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Tharushan Selliah
- Centre for Research in Neuroscience, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Yu-Ju Lee
- Centre for Research in Neuroscience, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Wei-Hsiang Huang
- Centre for Research in Neuroscience, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Québec, Canada.
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Saravanapandian V, Frohlich J, Hipp JF, Hyde C, Scheffler AW, Golshani P, Cook EH, Reiter LT, Senturk D, Jeste SS. Properties of beta oscillations in Dup15q syndrome. J Neurodev Disord 2020; 12:22. [PMID: 32791992 PMCID: PMC7425173 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-020-09326-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Duplications of 15q11.2-q13.1 (Dup15q syndrome) are highly penetrant for autism, intellectual disability, hypotonia, and epilepsy. The 15q region harbors genes critical for brain development, particularly UBE3A and a cluster of gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptor (GABAAR) genes. We recently described an electrophysiological biomarker of the syndrome, characterized by excessive beta oscillations (12–30 Hz), resembling electroencephalogram (EEG) changes induced by allosteric modulation of GABAARs. In this follow-up study, we tested a larger cohort of children with Dup15q syndrome to comprehensively examine properties of this EEG biomarker that would inform its use in future clinical trials, specifically, its (1) relation to basic clinical features, such as age, duplication type, and epilepsy; (2) relation to behavioral characteristics, such as cognition and adaptive function; (3) stability over time; and (4) reproducibility of the signal in clinical EEG recordings. Methods We computed EEG power and beta peak frequency (BPF) in a cohort of children with Dup15q syndrome (N = 41, age range 9–189 months). To relate EEG parameters to clinical (study 1) and behavioral features (study 2), we examined age, duplication type, epilepsy, cognition, and daily living skills (DLS) as predictors of beta power and BPF. To evaluate stability over time (study 3), we derived the intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) from beta power and BPF computed from children with multiple EEG recordings (N = 10, age range 18–161 months). To evaluate reproducibility in a clinical setting (study 4), we derived ICCs from beta power computed from children (N = 8, age range 19–96 months), who had undergone both research EEG and clinical EEG. Results The most promising relationships between EEG and clinical traits were found using BPF. BPF was predicted both by epilepsy status (R2 = 0.11, p = 0.038) and the DLS component of the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale (R2 = 0.17, p = 0.01). Beta power and peak frequency showed high stability across repeated visits (beta power ICC = 0.93, BPF ICC = 0.92). A reproducibility analysis revealed that beta power estimates are comparable between research and clinical EEG (ICC = 0.94). Conclusions In this era of precision health, with pharmacological and neuromodulatory therapies being developed and tested for specific genetic etiologies of neurodevelopmental disorders, quantification and examination of mechanistic biomarkers can greatly improve clinical trials. To this end, the robust beta oscillations evident in Dup15q syndrome are clinically reproducible and stable over time. With future preclinical and computational studies that will help disentangle the underlying mechanism, it is possible that this biomarker could serve as a robust measure of drug target engagement or a proximal outcome measure in future disease modifying intervention trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vidya Saravanapandian
- Center for Autism Research and Treatment, Semel Institute for Neuroscience, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90024, USA.
| | - Joel Frohlich
- Center for Autism Research and Treatment, Semel Institute for Neuroscience, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90024, USA.,Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Neuroscience, Ophthalmology and Rare Diseases, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Department of Psychology, University of California Los Angeles, 3423 Franz Hall, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Joerg F Hipp
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Neuroscience, Ophthalmology and Rare Diseases, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Carly Hyde
- Center for Autism Research and Treatment, Semel Institute for Neuroscience, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90024, USA
| | - Aaron W Scheffler
- Department of Biostatistics, University of California Los Angeles School of Public Health, Room 21-254C CHS, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Peyman Golshani
- Department of Neurology and Semel Institute for Neuroscience, David Geffen School of Medicine, 710 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.,West Los Angeles VA Medical Center, 11301 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, 90073, USA
| | - Edwin H Cook
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1747 W Roosevelt Road, Chicago, IL, 60608, USA
| | - Lawrence T Reiter
- Department of Neurology, Pediatrics and Anatomy & Neurobiology, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 855 Monroe Ave., Link, Memphis, TN, 415, USA
| | - Damla Senturk
- Department of Biostatistics, University of California Los Angeles School of Public Health, Room 21-254C CHS, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Shafali S Jeste
- Center for Autism Research and Treatment, Semel Institute for Neuroscience, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90024, USA
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The HECT E3 Ligase E6AP/UBE3A as a Therapeutic Target in Cancer and Neurological Disorders. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12082108. [PMID: 32751183 PMCID: PMC7464832 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12082108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The HECT (Homologous to the E6-AP Carboxyl Terminus)-family protein E6AP (E6-associated protein), encoded by the UBE3A gene, is a multifaceted ubiquitin ligase that controls diverse signaling pathways involved in cancer and neurological disorders. The oncogenic role of E6AP in papillomavirus-induced cancers is well known, with its action to trigger p53 degradation in complex with the E6 viral oncoprotein. However, the roles of E6AP in non-viral cancers remain poorly defined. It is well established that loss-of-function alterations of the UBE3A gene cause Angelman syndrome, a severe neurodevelopmental disorder with autosomal dominant inheritance modified by genomic imprinting on chromosome 15q. Moreover, excess dosage of the UBE3A gene markedly increases the penetrance of autism spectrum disorders, suggesting that the expression level of UBE3A must be regulated tightly within a physiologically tolerated range during brain development. In this review, current the knowledge about the substrates of E6AP-mediated ubiquitination and their functions in cancer and neurological disorders is discussed, alongside with the ongoing efforts to pharmacologically modulate this ubiquitin ligase as a promising therapeutic target.
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An Astrocytic Influence on Impaired Tonic Inhibition in Hippocampal CA1 Pyramidal Neurons in a Mouse Model of Rett Syndrome. J Neurosci 2020; 40:6250-6261. [PMID: 32616668 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.3042-19.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2019] [Revised: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT) is a severe neurodevelopmental disease caused by mutations in the methyl-CpG binding protein 2 (MECP2) gene. Although altered interneuron development and function are clearly demonstrated in RTT mice, a particular mode of inhibition, tonic inhibition, has not been carefully examined. We report here that tonic inhibition is significantly reduced in pyramidal neurons in the CA1 region of the hippocampus in mice where Mecp2 is deleted either in all cells or specifically in astrocytes. Since no change is detected in the level of GABA receptors, such a reduction in tonic inhibition is likely a result of decreased ambient GABA level in the extracellular space. Consistent with this explanation, we observed increased expression of a GABA transporter, GABA transporter 3 (GAT3), in the hippocampus of the Mecp2 KO mice, as well as a corresponding increase of GAT3 current in hippocampal astrocytes. These phenotypes are relevant to RTT because pharmacological blockage of GAT3 can normalize tonic inhibition and intrinsic excitability in CA1 pyramidal neurons, and rescue the phenotype of increased network excitability in acute hippocampal slices from the Mecp2 KO mice. Finally, chronic administration of a GAT3 antagonist improved a composite symptom score and extended lifespan in the Mecp2 KO mice. Only male mice were used in this study. These results not only advance our understanding of RTT etiology by defining a new neuronal phenotype and revealing how it can be influenced by astrocytic alterations, but also reveal potential targets for intervention.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Our study reports a novel phenotype of reduced tonic inhibition in hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons in the Rett syndrome mice, reveal a potential mechanism of increased GABA transporter expression/activity in the neighboring astrocytes, describe a disease-relevant consequence in hyperexcitability, and provide preliminary evidence that targeting this phenotype may slow down disease progression in Rett syndrome mice. These results help our understanding of the disease etiology and identify a new therapeutic target for treating Rett syndrome.
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Maranga C, Fernandes TG, Bekman E, da Rocha ST. Angelman syndrome: a journey through the brain. FEBS J 2020; 287:2154-2175. [PMID: 32087041 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 02/02/2020] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Angelman syndrome (AS) is an incurable neurodevelopmental disease caused by loss of function of the maternally inherited UBE3A gene. AS is characterized by a defined set of symptoms, namely severe developmental delay, speech impairment, uncontrolled laughter, and ataxia. Current understanding of the pathophysiology of AS relies mostly on studies using the murine model of the disease, although alternative models based on patient-derived stem cells are now emerging. Here, we summarize the literature of the last decade concerning the three major brain areas that have been the subject of study in the context of AS: hippocampus, cortex, and the cerebellum. Our comprehensive analysis highlights the major phenotypes ascribed to the different brain areas. Moreover, we also discuss the major drawbacks of current models and point out future directions for research in the context of AS, which will hopefully lead us to an effective treatment of this condition in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carina Maranga
- Department of Bioengineering and iBB-Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal.,Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Tiago G Fernandes
- Department of Bioengineering and iBB-Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Evguenia Bekman
- Department of Bioengineering and iBB-Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal.,The Discoveries Centre for Regenerative and Precision Medicine, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal.,Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Simão Teixeira da Rocha
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
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42
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Rotaru DC, Mientjes EJ, Elgersma Y. Angelman Syndrome: From Mouse Models to Therapy. Neuroscience 2020; 445:172-189. [PMID: 32088294 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2020.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Revised: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The UBE3A gene is part of the chromosome 15q11-q13 region that is frequently deleted or duplicated, leading to several neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD). Angelman syndrome (AS) is caused by the absence of functional maternally derived UBE3A protein, while the paternal UBE3A gene is present but silenced specifically in neurons. Patients with AS present with severe neurodevelopmental delay, with pronounced motor deficits, absence of speech, intellectual disability, epilepsy, and sleep problems. The pathophysiology of AS is still unclear and a treatment is lacking. Animal models of AS recapitulate the genotypic and phenotypic features observed in AS patients, and have been invaluable for understanding the disease process as well as identifying apropriate drug targets. Using these AS mouse models we have learned that loss of UBE3A probably affects many areas of the brain, leading to increased neuronal excitability and a loss of synaptic spines, along with changes in a number of distinct behaviours. Inducible AS mouse models have helped to identify the critical treatment windows for the behavioral and physiological phenotypes. Additionally, AS mouse models indicate an important role for the predominantly nuclear UBE3A isoform in generating the characteristic AS pathology. Last, but not least, the AS mice have been crucial in guiding Ube3a gene reactivation treatments, which present a very promising therapy to treat AS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana C Rotaru
- Department of Neuroscience, The ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Edwin J Mientjes
- Department of Neuroscience, The ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ype Elgersma
- Department of Neuroscience, The ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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43
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Furumai R, Tamada K, Liu X, Takumi T. UBE3A regulates the transcription of IRF, an antiviral immunity. Hum Mol Genet 2020; 28:1947-1958. [PMID: 30690483 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddz019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Revised: 01/10/2019] [Accepted: 01/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
UBE3A is a gene responsible for the pathogenesis of Angelman syndrome (AS), a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by symptoms such as intellectual disability, delayed development and severe speech impairment. UBE3A encodes an E3 ubiquitin ligase, for which several targets have been identified, including synaptic molecules. Although proteolysis mainly occurs in the cytoplasm, UBE3A is localized to the cytoplasm and the nucleus. In fact, UBE3A is also known as a transcriptional regulator of the family of nuclear receptors. However, the function of UBE3A in the nucleus remains unclear. Therefore, we examined the involvement of UBE3A in transcription in the nuclei of neurons. Genome-wide transcriptome analysis revealed an enrichment of genes downstream of interferon regulatory factor (IRF) in a UBE3A-deficient AS mouse model. In vitro biochemical analyses further demonstrated that UBE3A interacted with IRF and, more importantly, that UBE3A enhanced IRF-dependent transcription. These results suggest a function for UBE3A as a transcriptional regulator of the immune system in the brain. These findings also provide informative molecular insights into the function of UBE3A in the brain and in AS pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryohei Furumai
- RIKEN Brain Science Institute, Wako, Saitama, Japan.,Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Hiroshima University, Minami, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Kota Tamada
- RIKEN Brain Science Institute, Wako, Saitama, Japan.,Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Hiroshima University, Minami, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Xiaoxi Liu
- RIKEN Brain Science Institute, Wako, Saitama, Japan
| | - Toru Takumi
- RIKEN Brain Science Institute, Wako, Saitama, Japan.,Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Hiroshima University, Minami, Hiroshima, Japan
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44
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Yang X. Towards an understanding of Angelman syndrome in mice studies. J Neurosci Res 2019; 98:1162-1173. [PMID: 31867793 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2019] [Revised: 11/28/2019] [Accepted: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Angelman syndrome (AS) is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by severe mental retardation, absence of speech, abnormal motor coordination, abnormal EEG, and spontaneous seizure. AS is caused by a deficiency in the ubiquitin ligase E3A (Ube3a) gene product, known to play a dual role as both ubiquitin ligase and transcription coactivator. In AS animal models, multiple Ube3a substrates are accumulated in neurons. So far, studies in mouse models have either aimed at re-expressing Ube3a or manipulating downstream signaling pathways. Reintroducing Ube3a in AS mice showed promising results but may have two caveats. First, it may cause an overdosage in the Ube3a expression, which in turn is known to contribute to autism spectrum disorders. Second, in mutation cases, the exogenous Ube3a may have to compete with the mutated endogenous form. Such two caveats left spaces for developing therapies or interventions directed to targets downstream Ube3a. Notably, Ube3a expression is dynamically regulated by neuronal activity and plays a crucial role in synaptic plasticity. The abnormal synaptic plasticity uncovered in AS mice has been frequently rescued, but circuits symptoms like seizure are resistant to treatment. Future investigations are needed to further clarify the function (s) of Ube3a during development. Here I reviewed the recently identified major Ube3a substrates and signaling pathways involved in AS pathology, the Ube3a expression, imprinting and evolution, the AS mouse models that have been generated and inspired therapeutic potentials, and finally proposed some future explorations to better understand the AS pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Yang
- Division of Life Science, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
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45
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Meng X, McGraw CM, Wang W, Jing J, Yeh SY, Wang L, Lopez J, Brown AM, Lin T, Chen W, Xue M, Sillitoe RV, Jiang X, Zoghbi HY. Neurexophilin4 is a selectively expressed α-neurexin ligand that modulates specific cerebellar synapses and motor functions. eLife 2019; 8:e46773. [PMID: 31524598 PMCID: PMC6763262 DOI: 10.7554/elife.46773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurexophilins are secreted neuropeptide-like glycoproteins, and neurexophilin1 and neurexophilin3 are ligands for the presynaptic cell adhesion molecule α-neurexin. Neurexophilins are more selectively expressed in the brain than α-neurexins, however, which led us to ask whether neurexophilins modulate the function of α-neurexin in a context-specific manner. We characterized the expression and function of neurexophilin4 in mice and found it to be expressed in subsets of neurons responsible for feeding, emotion, balance, and movement. Deletion of Neurexophilin4 caused corresponding impairments, most notably in motor learning and coordination. We demonstrated that neurexophilin4 interacts with α-neurexin and GABAARs in the cerebellum. Loss of Neurexophilin4 impaired cerebellar Golgi-granule inhibitory neurotransmission and synapse number, providing a partial explanation for the motor learning and coordination deficits observed in the Neurexophilin4 null mice. Our data illustrate how selectively expressed Neurexophilin4, an α-neurexin ligand, regulates specific synapse function and modulates cerebellar motor control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangling Meng
- Department of NeuroscienceBaylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s HospitalHoustonUnited States
| | - Christopher M McGraw
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s HospitalHoustonUnited States
- Program in Developmental BiologyBaylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
| | - Wei Wang
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s HospitalHoustonUnited States
- Department of Molecular and Human GeneticsBaylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
| | - Junzhan Jing
- Department of NeuroscienceBaylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s HospitalHoustonUnited States
| | - Szu-Ying Yeh
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s HospitalHoustonUnited States
- Program in Developmental BiologyBaylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
| | - Li Wang
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s HospitalHoustonUnited States
- Department of Molecular and Human GeneticsBaylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
| | - Joanna Lopez
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s HospitalHoustonUnited States
- Department of Molecular and Human GeneticsBaylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
| | - Amanda M Brown
- Department of NeuroscienceBaylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s HospitalHoustonUnited States
- Department of Pathology and ImmunologyBaylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
| | - Tao Lin
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s HospitalHoustonUnited States
- Department of Pathology and ImmunologyBaylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
| | - Wu Chen
- Department of NeuroscienceBaylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s HospitalHoustonUnited States
- The Cain Foundation LaboratoriesJan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s HospitalHoustonUnited States
| | - Mingshan Xue
- Department of NeuroscienceBaylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s HospitalHoustonUnited States
- Program in Developmental BiologyBaylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
- Department of Molecular and Human GeneticsBaylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
- The Cain Foundation LaboratoriesJan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s HospitalHoustonUnited States
| | - Roy V Sillitoe
- Department of NeuroscienceBaylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s HospitalHoustonUnited States
- Program in Developmental BiologyBaylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
- Department of Pathology and ImmunologyBaylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
| | - Xiaolong Jiang
- Department of NeuroscienceBaylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s HospitalHoustonUnited States
| | - Huda Y Zoghbi
- Department of NeuroscienceBaylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s HospitalHoustonUnited States
- Program in Developmental BiologyBaylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
- Department of Molecular and Human GeneticsBaylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Baylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
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46
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de Miguel E, Vekovischeva O, Elsilä LV, Panhelainen A, Kankuri E, Aitta-Aho T, Korpi ER. Conditioned Aversion and Neuroplasticity Induced by a Superagonist of Extrasynaptic GABA A Receptors: Correlation With Activation of the Oval BNST Neurons and CRF Mechanisms. Front Mol Neurosci 2019; 12:130. [PMID: 31178693 PMCID: PMC6543524 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2019.00130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 05/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
THIP (gaboxadol), a superagonist of the δ subunit-containing extrasynaptic GABAA receptors, produces persistent neuroplasticity in dopamine (DA) neurons of the ventral tegmental area (VTA), similarly to rewarding drugs of abuse. However, unlike them THIP lacks abuse potential and induces conditioned place aversion in mice. The mechanism underlying the aversive effects of THIP remains elusive. Here, we show that mild aversive effects of THIP were detected 2 h after administration likely reflecting an anxiety-like state with increased corticosterone release and with central recruitment of corticotropin-releasing factor corticotropin-releasing factor receptor 1 (CRF1) receptors. A detailed immunohistochemical c-Fos expression mapping for THIP-activated brain areas revealed a correlation between the activation of CRF-expressing neurons in the oval nucleus of the bed nuclei of stria terminalis and THIP-induced aversive effects. In addition, the neuroplasticity of mesolimbic DA system (24 h after administration) and conditioned place aversion by THIP after four daily acute sessions were dependent on extrasynaptic GABAA receptors (abolished in δ-GABAA receptor knockout mice) and activation of the CRF1 receptors (abolished in wildtype mice by a CRF1 receptor antagonist). A selective THIP-induced activation of CRF-expressing neurons in the oval part of the bed nucleus of stria terminalis may constitute a novel mechanism for inducing plasticity in a population of VTA DA neurons and aversive behavioral states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena de Miguel
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Olga Vekovischeva
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Lauri V Elsilä
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Anne Panhelainen
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Esko Kankuri
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Teemu Aitta-Aho
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Esa R Korpi
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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47
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L’Estrade E, Hansen HD, Falk-Petersen C, Haugaard A, Griem-Krey N, Jung S, Lüddens H, Schirmeister T, Erlandsson M, Ohlsson T, Knudsen GM, Herth MM, Wellendorph P, Frølund B. Synthesis and Pharmacological Evaluation of [ 11C]4-Methoxy- N-[2-(thiophen-2-yl)imidazo[1,2- a]pyridin-3-yl]benzamide as a Brain Penetrant PET Ligand Selective for the δ-Subunit-Containing γ-Aminobutyric Acid Type A Receptors. ACS OMEGA 2019; 4:8846-8851. [PMID: 31459972 PMCID: PMC6648289 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.9b00434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The α4/6βδ-containing GABAA receptors are involved in a number of brain diseases. Despite the potential of a δ-selective imaging agent, no PET radioligand is currently available for in vivo imaging. Here, we report the characterization of DS2OMe (1) as a candidate radiotracer, 11C-labeling, and subsequent evaluation of [11C]DS2OMe in a domestic pig as a PET radioligand for visualization of the δ-containing GABAA receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elina
T. L’Estrade
- Department
of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Neurobiology
Research Unit and CIMBI, Copenhagen University
Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Radiation
Physics, Nuclear Medicine Physics Unit, Skånes University Hospital, Barngatan 3, 222 42 Lund, Sweden
| | - Hanne D. Hansen
- Neurobiology
Research Unit and CIMBI, Copenhagen University
Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Christina Falk-Petersen
- Department
of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anne Haugaard
- Department
of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Nane Griem-Krey
- Department
of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sascha Jung
- Institute
of Pharmacy & Biochemistry, Johannes
Gutenberg University, D-55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Hartmut Lüddens
- Department
of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Medical Center, D-55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Tanja Schirmeister
- Institute
of Pharmacy & Biochemistry, Johannes
Gutenberg University, D-55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Maria Erlandsson
- Radiation
Physics, Nuclear Medicine Physics Unit, Skånes University Hospital, Barngatan 3, 222 42 Lund, Sweden
| | - Tomas Ohlsson
- Radiation
Physics, Nuclear Medicine Physics Unit, Skånes University Hospital, Barngatan 3, 222 42 Lund, Sweden
| | - Gitte M. Knudsen
- Neurobiology
Research Unit and CIMBI, Copenhagen University
Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Matthias M. Herth
- Department
of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Neurobiology
Research Unit and CIMBI, Copenhagen University
Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department
of Clinical Physiology, Nuclear Medicine and PET, University Hospital Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Petrine Wellendorph
- Department
of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Bente Frølund
- Department
of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
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48
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Frohlich J, Miller MT, Bird LM, Garces P, Purtell H, Hoener MC, Philpot BD, Sidorov MS, Tan WH, Hernandez MC, Rotenberg A, Jeste SS, Krishnan M, Khwaja O, Hipp JF. Electrophysiological Phenotype in Angelman Syndrome Differs Between Genotypes. Biol Psychiatry 2019; 85:752-759. [PMID: 30826071 PMCID: PMC6482952 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2019.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2018] [Revised: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 01/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Angelman syndrome (AS) is a severe neurodevelopmental disorder caused by either disruptions of the gene UBE3A or deletion of chromosome 15 at 15q11-q13, which encompasses UBE3A and several other genes, including GABRB3, GABRA5, GABRG3, encoding gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptor subunits (β3, α5, γ3). Individuals with deletions are generally more impaired than those with other genotypes, but the underlying pathophysiology remains largely unknown. Here, we used electroencephalography (EEG) to test the hypothesis that genes other than UBE3A located on 15q11-q13 cause differences in pathophysiology between AS genotypes. METHODS We compared spectral power of clinical EEG recordings from children (1-18 years of age) with a deletion genotype (n = 37) or a nondeletion genotype (n = 21) and typically developing children without Angelman syndrome (n = 48). RESULTS We found elevated theta power (peak frequency: 5.3 Hz) and diminished beta power (peak frequency: 23 Hz) in the deletion genotype compared with the nondeletion genotype as well as excess broadband EEG power (1-32 Hz) peaking in the delta frequency range (peak frequency: 2.8 Hz), shared by both genotypes but stronger for the deletion genotype at younger ages. CONCLUSIONS Our results provide strong evidence for the contribution of non-UBE3A neuronal pathophysiology in deletion AS and suggest that hemizygosity of the GABRB3-GABRA5-GABRG3 gene cluster causes abnormal theta and beta EEG oscillations that may underlie the more severe clinical phenotype. Our work improves the understanding of AS pathophysiology and has direct implications for the development of AS treatments and biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel Frohlich
- Neuroscience, Ophthalmology and Rare Diseases, Roche Innovation Center, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Basel, Switzerland; Center for Autism Research and Treatment, Semel Institute for Neuroscience, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles.
| | - Meghan T Miller
- Neuroscience, Ophthalmology and Rare Diseases, Roche Innovation Center, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Lynne M Bird
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, Massachusetts; Division of Genetics/Dysmorphology, Rady Children's Hospital San Diego, San Diego, Massachusetts
| | - Pilar Garces
- Neuroscience, Ophthalmology and Rare Diseases, Roche Innovation Center, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Hannah Purtell
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Marius C Hoener
- Neuroscience, Ophthalmology and Rare Diseases, Roche Innovation Center, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Benjamin D Philpot
- Neuroscience Center, Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Michael S Sidorov
- Neuroscience Center, Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Wen-Hann Tan
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Maria-Clemencia Hernandez
- Neuroscience, Ophthalmology and Rare Diseases, Roche Innovation Center, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alexander Rotenberg
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Shafali S Jeste
- Center for Autism Research and Treatment, Semel Institute for Neuroscience, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles
| | - Michelle Krishnan
- Neuroscience, Ophthalmology and Rare Diseases, Roche Innovation Center, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Omar Khwaja
- Neuroscience, Ophthalmology and Rare Diseases, Roche Innovation Center, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Joerg F Hipp
- Neuroscience, Ophthalmology and Rare Diseases, Roche Innovation Center, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Basel, Switzerland.
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49
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Khatri N, Man HY. The Autism and Angelman Syndrome Protein Ube3A/E6AP: The Gene, E3 Ligase Ubiquitination Targets and Neurobiological Functions. Front Mol Neurosci 2019; 12:109. [PMID: 31114479 PMCID: PMC6502993 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2019.00109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2019] [Accepted: 04/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
UBE3A is a gene implicated in neurodevelopmental disorders. The protein product of UBE3A is the E3 ligase E6-associated protein (E6AP), and its expression in the brain is uniquely regulated via genetic imprinting. Loss of E6AP expression leads to the development of Angelman syndrome (AS), clinically characterized by lack of speech, abnormal motor development, and the presence of seizures. Conversely, copy number variations (CNVs) that result in the overexpression of E6AP are strongly associated with the development of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), defined by decreased communication, impaired social interest, and increased repetitive behavior. In this review article, we focus on the neurobiological function of Ube3A/E6AP. As an E3 ligase, many functional target proteins of E6AP have been discovered, including p53, Arc, Ephexin5, and SK2. On a neuronal level, E6AP is widely expressed within the cell, including dendritic arbors, spines, and the nucleus. E6AP regulates neuronal morphological maturation and plays an important role in synaptic plasticity and cortical development. These molecular findings provide insight into our understanding of the molecular events underlying AS and ASDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha Khatri
- Department of Biology, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Heng-Ye Man
- Department of Biology, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
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50
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Enhancement of synaptic plasticity and reversal of impairments in motor and cognitive functions in a mouse model of Angelman Syndrome by a small neurogenic molecule, NSI-189. Neuropharmacology 2019; 144:337-344. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2018.10.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2018] [Revised: 10/22/2018] [Accepted: 10/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
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