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Sofía-Avendaño-Lopez S, Rodríguez-Marín AJ, Lara-Castillo M, Agresott-Carrillo J, Lara-Cortés LE, Sánchez-Almanzar JF, Villamil-Cruz S, Rojas-Rodríguez LC, Ariza-Salamanca DF, Gaviria-Carrillo M, Calderon-Ospina CA, Rodríguez-Quintana J. Molecular, Pathophysiological, and Clinical Aspects of Corticosteroid-Induced Neuropsychiatric Effects: From Bench to Bedside. Biomedicines 2024; 12:2131. [PMID: 39335644 PMCID: PMC11429036 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12092131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2024] [Revised: 09/08/2024] [Accepted: 09/12/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Corticosteroids are frequently prescribed across medical disciplines, yet they are associated with various adverse effects, including neuropsychiatric symptoms, documented since their introduction over 60 years ago. The cellular mechanisms underlying neuropsychiatric symptoms are complex and somewhat obscure, involving multiple pathways. Notably, they include changes in excitability, cellular death of hippocampal and striatal neurons, and increased inflammation and oxidative stress. Clinical presentation varies, encompassing affective disorders (anxiety, euphoria, depression), psychotic episodes, and cognitive deficits. It is crucial to note that these manifestations often go unnoticed by treating physicians, leading to delayed detection of severe symptoms, complications, and underreporting. Discontinuation of corticosteroids constitutes the cornerstone of treatment, resolving symptoms in up to 80% of cases. Although the literature on this topic is scant, isolated cases and limited studies have explored the efficacy of psychotropic medications for symptomatic control and prophylaxis. Pharmacological intervention may be warranted in situations where corticosteroid reduction or withdrawal is not feasible or beneficial for the patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Sofía-Avendaño-Lopez
- Social Epidemiology Research Team, Institut Pierre Louis d'Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique, INSERM, Sorbonne Université, F 75012 Paris, France
- Pharmacology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111221, Colombia
| | - Angela Johanna Rodríguez-Marín
- Pharmacology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111221, Colombia
| | - Mateo Lara-Castillo
- Pharmacology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111221, Colombia
| | - Juanita Agresott-Carrillo
- Pharmacology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111221, Colombia
| | - Luna Estefanía Lara-Cortés
- Pharmacology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111221, Colombia
| | - Juan Felipe Sánchez-Almanzar
- Center for Research in Genetics and Genomics (CIGGUR), Institute of Translational Medicine (IMT), School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111221, Colombia
| | - Sophya Villamil-Cruz
- Center for Research in Genetics and Genomics (CIGGUR), Institute of Translational Medicine (IMT), School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111221, Colombia
- Research Group in Applied Biomedical Sciences (UR Biomed), School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111221, Colombia
| | - Luis Carlos Rojas-Rodríguez
- Pharmacology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111221, Colombia
| | - Daniel Felipe Ariza-Salamanca
- Department of Pharmacobiology, Center for Research and Advanced Studies (Cinvestav), National Polytechnic Institute, Mexico City 14300, Mexico
| | - Mariana Gaviria-Carrillo
- Neuroscience Research Group (NeURos), NeuroVitae Center for Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111221, Colombia
| | - Carlos Alberto Calderon-Ospina
- Pharmacology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111221, Colombia
- Center for Research in Genetics and Genomics (CIGGUR), Institute of Translational Medicine (IMT), School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111221, Colombia
- Research Group in Applied Biomedical Sciences (UR Biomed), School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111221, Colombia
| | - Jesús Rodríguez-Quintana
- Fundacion CardioInfantil-Instituto de Cardiología, Bogotá 111156, Colombia
- Hospital Universitario Mayor Mederi, Bogotá 111411, Colombia
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2
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Ugale A, Shunmugam D, Pimpale LG, Rebhan E, Baccarini M. Signaling proteins in HSC fate determination are unequally segregated during asymmetric cell division. J Cell Biol 2024; 223:e202310137. [PMID: 38874393 PMCID: PMC11178505 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202310137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) continuously replenish mature blood cells with limited lifespans. To maintain the HSC compartment while ensuring output of differentiated cells, HSCs undergo asymmetric cell division (ACD), generating two daughter cells with different fates: one will proliferate and give rise to the differentiated cells' progeny, and one will return to quiescence to maintain the HSC compartment. A balance between MEK/ERK and mTORC1 pathways is needed to ensure HSC homeostasis. Here, we show that activation of these pathways is spatially segregated in premitotic HSCs and unequally inherited during ACD. A combination of genetic and chemical perturbations shows that an ERK-dependent mechanism determines the balance between pathways affecting polarity, proliferation, and metabolism, and thus determines the frequency of asymmetrically dividing HSCs. Our data identify druggable targets that modulate HSC fate determination at the level of asymmetric division.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amol Ugale
- Department of Microbiology, Max Perutz Labs Vienna, University of Vienna, Immunobiology and Genetics, Vienna, Austria
| | - Dhanlakshmi Shunmugam
- Department of Microbiology, Max Perutz Labs Vienna, University of Vienna, Immunobiology and Genetics, Vienna, Austria
- Vienna BioCenter PhD Program, Doctoral School of the University of Vienna and Medical University of Vienna , Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Elisabeth Rebhan
- Department of Microbiology, Max Perutz Labs Vienna, University of Vienna, Immunobiology and Genetics, Vienna, Austria
| | - Manuela Baccarini
- Department of Microbiology, Max Perutz Labs Vienna, University of Vienna, Immunobiology and Genetics, Vienna, Austria
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3
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Lawson RJ, Lipovsek NJ, Brown SP, Jena AK, Osko JJ, Ransdell JL. Selective deletion of Tsc1 from mouse cerebellar Purkinje neurons drives sex-specific behavioral impairments linked to autism. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.08.07.607071. [PMID: 39211158 PMCID: PMC11361029 DOI: 10.1101/2024.08.07.607071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
There is a striking sex bias in the prevalence and severity of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with 80% of diagnoses occurring in males. Because the molecular etiology of ASD is likely combinatorial, including interactions across multiple genetic and environmental factors, it is difficult to investigate the physiological mechanisms driving sex-specific differences. Loss of function mutations in TSC1 result in dysregulated mTORC1 signaling and underlie a multi-system disorder known as tuberous sclerosis (TSC). Interestingly, more than 50% of individuals diagnosed with TSC are also diagnosed with ASD, making TSC mutations one of the most prevalent monogenic causes of ASD. Mice harboring targeted deletion of Tsc1 selectively in cerebellar Purkinje neurons, referred to here as Tsc1 mut/mut , have multiple ASD-linked behavioral impairments, including deficits in social interactions, motor coordination, and vocalizations. However, these ASD-linked behavioral deficits have only been investigated using male Tsc1 mut/mut animals. Here, we used cohorts of male and female Tsc1 mut/mut animals to determine if behavioral impairments, previously identified in this model, are similar across sex. Specifically, we measured balance and motor coordination and social interaction behaviors in two age groups across sex. W e determined balance and motor coordination deficits are similar in male and female Tsc1 mut/mut mice, and that deficits in the firing of Tsc1 mut/mut Purkinje neurons located in the cerebellar vermis are also similar across sex. However, impairments in social approach behavior were found to be significantly more severe in Tsc1 mut/mut males compared to females. These results indicate the selective deletion of Tsc1 in Purkinje neurons differentially impairs cerebellar circuits based on sex.
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Sosunov AA, McKhann Ii G, Tang G, Goldman JE. Cytoplasmic vacuolization and ectopic formation of perineuronal nets are characteristic pathologies of cytomegalic neurons in tuberous sclerosis. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 2024:nlae079. [PMID: 39024216 DOI: 10.1093/jnen/nlae079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Cytomegalic neurons, characterized by increased size and a hyperactive mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1), are pathognomonic for tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). To model these neurons, we recently generated a murine Tsc1 conditional knockout model in which Tsc1 deletion in late embryonic radial glia results in neuronal hypertrophy of a subset of isocortical pyramidal neurons. In the current study, we compared the cellular pathology of these cytomegalic neurons to those of the enlarged neurons in human cortical tubers. Neurons from the mice showed unique features, such as cytoplasmic vacuoles associated with Golgi complexes and the ectopic formation of perineuronal nets (PNNs), a feature of inhibitory neurons, rarely present in excitatory cortical neurons. The membranes of these vacuoles were enriched for the plasma membrane proteins CD44, KCC2, and Na+/K+ ATPase, suggesting deficits in Golgi membrane trafficking. These aberrant features in the mouse appeared only after the onset of seizures, probably due to the prolonged seizure activity in the context of constitutive mTORC1 activation. Similar PNNs and cytoplasmic vacuoles were present in the cytomegalic neurons of human cortical tubers. Our findings reveal novel pathological features of Golgi complexes and PNNs in the cytomegalic neurons in TSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander A Sosunov
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Guy McKhann Ii
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Guomei Tang
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - James E Goldman
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
- The Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
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5
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Le Belle JE, Condro M, Cepeda C, Oikonomou KD, Tessema K, Dudley L, Schoenfield J, Kawaguchi R, Geschwind D, Silva AJ, Zhang Z, Shokat K, Harris NG, Kornblum HI. Acute rapamycin treatment reveals novel mechanisms of behavioral, physiological, and functional dysfunction in a maternal inflammation mouse model of autism and sensory over-responsivity. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.07.08.602602. [PMID: 39026891 PMCID: PMC11257517 DOI: 10.1101/2024.07.08.602602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
Maternal inflammatory response (MIR) during early gestation in mice induces a cascade of physiological and behavioral changes that have been associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In a prior study and the current one, we find that mild MIR results in chronic systemic and neuro-inflammation, mTOR pathway activation, mild brain overgrowth followed by regionally specific volumetric changes, sensory processing dysregulation, and social and repetitive behavior abnormalities. Prior studies of rapamycin treatment in autism models have focused on chronic treatments that might be expected to alter or prevent physical brain changes. Here, we have focused on the acute effects of rapamycin to uncover novel mechanisms of dysfunction and related to mTOR pathway signaling. We find that within 2 hours, rapamycin treatment could rapidly rescue neuronal hyper-excitability, seizure susceptibility, functional network connectivity and brain community structure, and repetitive behaviors and sensory over-responsivity in adult offspring with persistent brain overgrowth. These CNS-mediated effects are also associated with alteration of the expression of several ASD-,ion channel-, and epilepsy-associated genes, in the same time frame. Our findings suggest that mTOR dysregulation in MIR offspring is a key contributor to various levels of brain dysfunction, including neuronal excitability, altered gene expression in multiple cell types, sensory functional network connectivity, and modulation of information flow. However, we demonstrate that the adult MIR brain is also amenable to rapid normalization of these functional changes which results in the rescue of both core and comorbid ASD behaviors in adult animals without requiring long-term physical alterations to the brain. Thus, restoring excitatory/inhibitory imbalance and sensory functional network modularity may be important targets for therapeutically addressing both primary sensory and social behavior phenotypes, and compensatory repetitive behavior phenotypes.
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6
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Doszyn O, Kedra M, Zmorzynska J. Hyperactive mTORC1 disrupts habenula function and light preference in zebrafish model of Tuberous sclerosis complex. iScience 2024; 27:110149. [PMID: 38947496 PMCID: PMC11214417 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.110149] [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: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 05/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) is an integration hub for extracellular and intracellular signals necessary for brain development. Hyperactive mTORC1 is found in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) characterized by atypical reactivity to sensory stimuli, among other symptoms. In Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) inactivating mutations in the TSC1 or TSC2 genes result in hyperactivation of the mTORC1 pathway and ASD. Here, we show that lack of light preference of the TSC zebrafish model, tsc2 vu242/vu242 is caused by aberrant processing of light stimuli in the left dorsal habenula and tsc2 vu242/vu242 fish have impaired function of the left dorsal habenula, in which neurons exhibited higher activity and lacked habituation to the light stimuli. These characteristics were rescued by rapamycin. We thus discovered that hyperactive mTorC1 caused aberrant habenula function resulting in lack of light preference. Our results suggest that mTORC1 hyperactivity contributes to atypical reactivity to sensory stimuli in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Doszyn
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, 02-109 Warsaw, Poland
- Laboratory of Developmental Neurobiology, International Institute of Molecular Mechanisms and Machines, 02-247 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Magdalena Kedra
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, 02-109 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Justyna Zmorzynska
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, 02-109 Warsaw, Poland
- Laboratory of Developmental Neurobiology, International Institute of Molecular Mechanisms and Machines, 02-247 Warsaw, Poland
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7
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Fard YA, Sadeghi EN, Pajoohesh Z, Gharehdaghi Z, Khatibi DM, Khosravifar S, Pishkari Y, Nozari S, Hijazi A, Pakmehr S, Shayan SK. Epigenetic underpinnings of the autistic mind: Histone modifications and prefrontal excitation/inhibition imbalance. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2024:e32986. [PMID: 38837296 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.32986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is complex neurobehavioral condition influenced by several cellular and molecular mechanisms that are often concerned with synaptogenesis and synaptic activity. Based on the excitation/inhibition (E/I) imbalance theory, ASD could be the result of disruption in excitatory and inhibitory synaptic transmission across the brain. The prefrontal cortex (PFC) is the chief regulator of executive function and can be affected by altered neuronal excitation and inhibition in the course of ASD. The molecular mechanisms involved in E/I imbalance are subject to epigenetic regulation. In ASD, altered enrichment and spreading of histone H3 and H4 modifications such as the activation-linked H3K4me2/3, H3K9ac, and H3K27ac, and repression-linked H3K9me2, H3K27me3, and H4K20me2 in the PFC result in dysregulation of molecules mediating synaptic excitation (ARC, EGR1, mGluR2, mGluR3, GluN2A, and GluN2B) and synaptic inhibition (BSN, EphA7, SLC6A1). Histone modifications are a dynamic component of the epigenetic regulatory elements with a pronounced effect on patterns of gene expression with regards to any biological process. The excitation/inhibition imbalance associated with ASD is based on the excitatory and inhibitory synaptic activity in different regions of the brain, including the PFC, the ultimate outcome of which is highly influenced by transcriptional activity of relevant genes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Zohreh Pajoohesh
- Faculty of Medicine, Zabol Univeristy of Medical Sciences, Zabol, Iran
| | - Zahra Gharehdaghi
- Department of Pharmacology, Zabol University of Medical Sciences, Zabol, Iran
| | | | | | - Yasamin Pishkari
- School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shadi Nozari
- School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Ahmed Hijazi
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Sepideh Karkon Shayan
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran
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8
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Dhaliwal NK, Weng OY, Dong X, Bhattacharya A, Ahmed M, Nishimura H, Choi WWY, Aggarwal A, Luikart BW, Shu Q, Li X, Wilson MD, Moffat J, Wang LY, Muffat J, Li Y. Synergistic hyperactivation of both mTORC1 and mTORC2 underlies the neural abnormalities of PTEN-deficient human neurons and cortical organoids. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114173. [PMID: 38700984 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) gene are associated with severe neurodevelopmental disorders. Loss of PTEN leads to hyperactivation of the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR), which functions in two distinct protein complexes, mTORC1 and mTORC2. The downstream signaling mechanisms that contribute to PTEN mutant phenotypes are not well delineated. Here, we show that pluripotent stem cell-derived PTEN mutant human neurons, neural precursors, and cortical organoids recapitulate disease-relevant phenotypes, including hypertrophy, electrical hyperactivity, enhanced proliferation, and structural overgrowth. PTEN loss leads to simultaneous hyperactivation of mTORC1 and mTORC2. We dissect the contribution of mTORC1 and mTORC2 by generating double mutants of PTEN and RPTOR or RICTOR, respectively. Our results reveal that the synergistic hyperactivation of both mTORC1 and mTORC2 is essential for the PTEN mutant human neural phenotypes. Together, our findings provide insights into the molecular mechanisms that underlie PTEN-related neural disorders and highlight novel therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Navroop K Dhaliwal
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, 686 Bay Street, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Octavia Yifang Weng
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, 686 Bay Street, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; Program in Neurosciences and Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, 686 Bay Street, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Xiaoxue Dong
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, 686 Bay Street, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; The Children's Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310052, China; The Institute of Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310029, China
| | - Afrin Bhattacharya
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, 686 Bay Street, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Mai Ahmed
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, 686 Bay Street, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Haruka Nishimura
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, 686 Bay Street, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Wendy W Y Choi
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, 686 Bay Street, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada; Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, 686 Bay Street, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Aditi Aggarwal
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, 686 Bay Street, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Bryan W Luikart
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
| | - Qiang Shu
- The Children's Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310052, China
| | - Xuekun Li
- The Children's Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310052, China; The Institute of Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310029, China
| | - Michael D Wilson
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, 686 Bay Street, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada; Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, 686 Bay Street, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Jason Moffat
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada; Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, 686 Bay Street, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Lu-Yang Wang
- Program in Neurosciences and Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, 686 Bay Street, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Julien Muffat
- Program in Neurosciences and Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, 686 Bay Street, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Yun Li
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, 686 Bay Street, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada.
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9
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Xia QQ, Singh A, Wang J, Xuan ZX, Singer JD, Powell CM. Autism risk gene Cul3 alters neuronal morphology via caspase-3 activity in mouse hippocampal neurons. Front Cell Neurosci 2024; 18:1320784. [PMID: 38803442 PMCID: PMC11129687 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2024.1320784] [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: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) are neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) in which children display differences in social interaction/communication and repetitive stereotyped behaviors along with variable associated features. Cul3, a gene linked to ASD, encodes CUL3 (CULLIN-3), a protein that serves as a key component of a ubiquitin ligase complex with unclear function in neurons. Cul3 homozygous deletion in mice is embryonic lethal; thus, we examine the role of Cul3 deletion in early synapse development and neuronal morphology in hippocampal primary neuronal cultures. Homozygous deletion of Cul3 significantly decreased dendritic complexity and dendritic length, as well as axon formation. Synaptic spine density significantly increased, mainly in thin and stubby spines along with decreased average spine volume in Cul3 knockouts. Both heterozygous and homozygous knockout of Cul3 caused significant reductions in the density and colocalization of gephyrin/vGAT puncta, providing evidence of decreased inhibitory synapse number, while excitatory synaptic puncta vGulT1/PSD95 density remained unchanged. Based on previous studies implicating elevated caspase-3 after Cul3 deletion, we demonstrated increased caspase-3 in our neuronal cultures and decreased neuronal cell viability. We then examined the efficacy of the caspase-3 inhibitor Z-DEVD-FMK to rescue the decrease in neuronal cell viability, demonstrating reversal of the cell viability phenotype with caspase-3 inhibition. Studies have also implicated caspase-3 in neuronal morphological changes. We found that caspase-3 inhibition largely reversed the dendrite, axon, and spine morphological changes along with the inhibitory synaptic puncta changes. Overall, these data provide additional evidence that Cul3 regulates the formation or maintenance of cell morphology, GABAergic synaptic puncta, and neuronal viability in developing hippocampal neurons in culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang-qiang Xia
- Department of Neurobiology, Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine & Civitan International Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Anju Singh
- Department of Neurobiology, Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine & Civitan International Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Neurobiology, Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine & Civitan International Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Zhong Xin Xuan
- Department of Neurobiology, Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine & Civitan International Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Jeffrey D. Singer
- Department of Biology, Portland State University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Craig M. Powell
- Department of Neurobiology, Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine & Civitan International Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
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10
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Meng J, Zhang L, Zhang YW. Microglial Dysfunction in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Neuroscientist 2024:10738584241252576. [PMID: 38712859 DOI: 10.1177/10738584241252576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a highly heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder with onset in childhood. The molecular mechanisms underlying ASD have not yet been elucidated completely. Evidence has emerged to support a link between microglial dysfunction and the etiology of ASD. This review summarizes current research on microglial dysfunction in neuroinflammation and synaptic pruning, which are associated with altered transcriptomes and autophagy in ASD. Dysbiosis of gut microbiota in ASD and its correlation with microglial dysfunction are also addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Meng
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease and Aging Research, Institute of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Brain Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Lingliang Zhang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease and Aging Research, Institute of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Brain Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yun-Wu Zhang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease and Aging Research, Institute of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Brain Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
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11
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Cullen ER, Safari M, Mittelstadt I, Weston MC. Hyperactivity of mTORC1- and mTORC2-dependent signaling mediates epilepsy downstream of somatic PTEN loss. eLife 2024; 12:RP91323. [PMID: 38446016 PMCID: PMC10942640 DOI: 10.7554/elife.91323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Gene variants that hyperactivate PI3K-mTOR signaling in the brain lead to epilepsy and cortical malformations in humans. Some gene variants associated with these pathologies only hyperactivate mTORC1, but others, such as PTEN, PIK3CA, and AKT, hyperactivate both mTORC1- and mTORC2-dependent signaling. Previous work established a key role for mTORC1 hyperactivity in mTORopathies, however, whether mTORC2 hyperactivity contributes is not clear. To test this, we inactivated mTORC1 and/or mTORC2 downstream of early Pten deletion in a new mouse model of somatic Pten loss-of-function (LOF) in the cortex and hippocampus. Spontaneous seizures and epileptiform activity persisted despite mTORC1 or mTORC2 inactivation alone, but inactivating both mTORC1 and mTORC2 simultaneously normalized brain activity. These results suggest that hyperactivity of both mTORC1 and mTORC2 can cause epilepsy, and that targeted therapies should aim to reduce activity of both complexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin R Cullen
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Larner College of Medicine, University of VermontBurlingtonUnited States
| | - Mona Safari
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, Center for Neurobiology ResearchRoanokeUnited States
- Translational Biology, Medicine, and Health Graduate ProgramRoanokeUnited States
| | - Isabelle Mittelstadt
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Larner College of Medicine, University of VermontBurlingtonUnited States
| | - Matthew C Weston
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Larner College of Medicine, University of VermontBurlingtonUnited States
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, Center for Neurobiology ResearchRoanokeUnited States
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Polytechnic and State UniversityBlacksburgUnited States
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12
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Nguyen LH, Xu Y, Nair M, Bordey A. The mTOR pathway genes MTOR, Rheb, Depdc5, Pten, and Tsc1 have convergent and divergent impacts on cortical neuron development and function. eLife 2024; 12:RP91010. [PMID: 38411613 PMCID: PMC10942629 DOI: 10.7554/elife.91010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Brain somatic mutations in various components of the mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) pathway have emerged as major causes of focal malformations of cortical development and intractable epilepsy. While these distinct gene mutations converge on excessive mTORC1 signaling and lead to common clinical manifestations, it remains unclear whether they cause similar cellular and synaptic disruptions underlying cortical network hyperexcitability. Here, we show that in utero activation of the mTORC1 activator genes, Rheb or MTOR, or biallelic inactivation of the mTORC1 repressor genes, Depdc5, Tsc1, or Pten in the mouse medial prefrontal cortex leads to shared alterations in pyramidal neuron morphology, positioning, and membrane excitability but different changes in excitatory synaptic transmission. Our findings suggest that, despite converging on mTORC1 signaling, mutations in different mTORC1 pathway genes differentially impact cortical excitatory synaptic activity, which may confer gene-specific mechanisms of hyperexcitability and responses to therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena H Nguyen
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at DallasRichardsonUnited States
- Departments of Neurosurgery and Cellular & Molecular Physiology, Wu Tsai Institute, Yale University School of MedicineNew HavenUnited States
| | - Youfen Xu
- Departments of Neurosurgery and Cellular & Molecular Physiology, Wu Tsai Institute, Yale University School of MedicineNew HavenUnited States
| | - Maanasi Nair
- Departments of Neurosurgery and Cellular & Molecular Physiology, Wu Tsai Institute, Yale University School of MedicineNew HavenUnited States
| | - Angelique Bordey
- Departments of Neurosurgery and Cellular & Molecular Physiology, Wu Tsai Institute, Yale University School of MedicineNew HavenUnited States
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13
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Cullen ER, Safari M, Mittelstadt I, Weston MC. Hyperactivity of mTORC1 and mTORC2-dependent signaling mediate epilepsy downstream of somatic PTEN loss. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.08.18.553856. [PMID: 37645923 PMCID: PMC10462128 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.18.553856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Gene variants that hyperactivate PI3K-mTOR signaling in the brain lead to epilepsy and cortical malformations in humans. Some gene variants associated with these pathologies only hyperactivate mTORC1, but others, such as PTEN, PIK3CA, and AKT, hyperactivate both mTORC1- and mTORC2-dependent signaling. Previous work established a key role for mTORC1 hyperactivity in mTORopathies, however, whether mTORC2 hyperactivity contributes is not clear. To test this, we inactivated mTORC1 and/or mTORC2 downstream of early Pten deletion in a new model of somatic Pten loss-of-function (LOF) in the cortex and hippocampus. Spontaneous seizures and epileptiform activity persisted despite mTORC1 or mTORC2 inactivation alone, but inactivating both mTORC1 and mTORC2 simultaneously normalized brain activity. These results suggest that hyperactivity of both mTORC1 and mTORC2 can cause epilepsy, and that targeted therapies should aim to reduce activity of both complexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin R. Cullen
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington VT, 05405, USA
| | - Mona Safari
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, Center for Neurobiology Research, Roanoke VA, 24016, USA
| | - Isabelle Mittelstadt
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington VT, 05405, USA
| | - Matthew C. Weston
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington VT, 05405, USA
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, Center for Neurobiology Research, Roanoke VA, 24016, USA
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Polytechnic and State University, Blacksburg VA, 24060, USA
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14
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Rodrigo Marinowic D, Bottega Pazzin D, Prates da Cunha de Azevedo S, Pinzetta G, Victor Machado de Souza J, Tonon Schneider F, Thor Ramos Previato T, Jean Varella de Oliveira F, Costa Da Costa J. Epileptogenesis and drug-resistant in focal cortical dysplasias: Update on clinical, cellular, and molecular markers. Epilepsy Behav 2024; 150:109565. [PMID: 38070410 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2023.109565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
Focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) is a cortical malformation in brain development and is considered as one of the major causes of drug-resistant epilepsiesin children and adults. The pathogenesis of FCD is yet to be fully understood. Imaging markers such as MRI are currently the surgeons major obstacle due to the difficulty in delimiting the precise dysplasic area and a mosaic brain where there is epileptogenic tissue invisible to MRI. Also increased gene expression and activity may be responsible for the alterations in cell proliferation, migration, growth, and survival. Altered expressions were found, particularly in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Surgery is still considered the most effective treatment option, due to drug-resistance, and up to 60 % of patients experience complete seizure control, varying according to the type and location of FCD. Both genetic and epigenetic factors may be involved in the pathogenesis of FCD, and there is no conclusive evidence whether these alterations are inherited or have an environmental origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Rodrigo Marinowic
- Brain Institute of Rio Grande do Sul (BraIns), Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil; Graduate Program in Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
| | - Douglas Bottega Pazzin
- Brain Institute of Rio Grande do Sul (BraIns), Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil; Graduate Program in Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | | | - Giulia Pinzetta
- Brain Institute of Rio Grande do Sul (BraIns), Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - João Victor Machado de Souza
- Brain Institute of Rio Grande do Sul (BraIns), Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Fernando Tonon Schneider
- Brain Institute of Rio Grande do Sul (BraIns), Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Thales Thor Ramos Previato
- Brain Institute of Rio Grande do Sul (BraIns), Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil; Graduate Program in Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Fábio Jean Varella de Oliveira
- Brain Institute of Rio Grande do Sul (BraIns), Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil; Graduate Program in Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Jaderson Costa Da Costa
- Brain Institute of Rio Grande do Sul (BraIns), Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil; Graduate Program in Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
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15
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Okoh J, Mays J, Bacq A, Oses-Prieto JA, Tyanova S, Chen CJ, Imanbeyev K, Doladilhe M, Zhou H, Jafar-Nejad P, Burlingame A, Noebels J, Baulac S, Costa-Mattioli M. Targeted suppression of mTORC2 reduces seizures across models of epilepsy. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7364. [PMID: 37963879 PMCID: PMC10645975 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42922-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that poses a major threat to public health. Hyperactivation of mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) is believed to lead to abnormal network rhythmicity associated with epilepsy, and its inhibition is proposed to provide some therapeutic benefit. However, mTOR complex 2 (mTORC2) is also activated in the epileptic brain, and little is known about its role in seizures. Here we discover that genetic deletion of mTORC2 from forebrain neurons is protective against kainic acid-induced behavioral and EEG seizures. Furthermore, inhibition of mTORC2 with a specific antisense oligonucleotide robustly suppresses seizures in several pharmacological and genetic mouse models of epilepsy. Finally, we identify a target of mTORC2, Nav1.2, which has been implicated in epilepsy and neuronal excitability. Our findings, which are generalizable to several models of human seizures, raise the possibility that inhibition of mTORC2 may serve as a broader therapeutic strategy against epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Okoh
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Memory and Brain Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Altos Labs Inc, Bay Area Institute, Redwood City, CA, USA
| | - Jacqunae Mays
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Memory and Brain Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Alexandre Bacq
- Institut du Cerveau-Paris Brain Institute-ICM, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, CNRS, Hôpital de la Pitié Salpêtrière, F-75013, Paris, France
| | - Juan A Oses-Prieto
- Departments of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California San Fransisco, San Fransisco, CA, USA
| | - Stefka Tyanova
- Altos Labs Inc, Bay Area Institute, Redwood City, CA, USA
| | - Chien-Ju Chen
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Memory and Brain Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Novartis Inc, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Khalel Imanbeyev
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Memory and Brain Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Marion Doladilhe
- Institut du Cerveau-Paris Brain Institute-ICM, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, CNRS, Hôpital de la Pitié Salpêtrière, F-75013, Paris, France
| | - Hongyi Zhou
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Memory and Brain Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Altos Labs Inc, Bay Area Institute, Redwood City, CA, USA
| | | | - Alma Burlingame
- Departments of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California San Fransisco, San Fransisco, CA, USA
| | - Jeffrey Noebels
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Molecular & Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Stephanie Baulac
- Institut du Cerveau-Paris Brain Institute-ICM, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, CNRS, Hôpital de la Pitié Salpêtrière, F-75013, Paris, France
| | - Mauro Costa-Mattioli
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
- Memory and Brain Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
- Altos Labs Inc, Bay Area Institute, Redwood City, CA, USA.
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16
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Jiang J, Zhang L, Zou J, Liu J, Yang J, Jiang Q, Duan P, Jiang B. Phosphorylated S6K1 and 4E-BP1 play different roles in constitutively active Rheb-mediated retinal ganglion cell survival and axon regeneration after optic nerve injury. Neural Regen Res 2023; 18:2526-2534. [PMID: 37282486 PMCID: PMC10360084 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.371372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Ras homolog enriched in brain (Rheb) is a small GTPase that activates mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1). Previous studies have shown that constitutively active Rheb can enhance the regeneration of sensory axons after spinal cord injury by activating downstream effectors of mTOR. S6K1 and 4E-BP1 are important downstream effectors of mTORC1. In this study, we investigated the role of Rheb/mTOR and its downstream effectors S6K1 and 4E-BP1 in the protection of retinal ganglion cells. We transfected an optic nerve crush mouse model with adeno-associated viral 2-mediated constitutively active Rheb and observed the effects on retinal ganglion cell survival and axon regeneration. We found that overexpression of constitutively active Rheb promoted survival of retinal ganglion cells in the acute (14 days) and chronic (21 and 42 days) stages of injury. We also found that either co-expression of the dominant-negative S6K1 mutant or the constitutively active 4E-BP1 mutant together with constitutively active Rheb markedly inhibited axon regeneration of retinal ganglion cells. This suggests that mTORC1-mediated S6K1 activation and 4E-BP1 inhibition were necessary components for constitutively active Rheb-induced axon regeneration. However, only S6K1 activation, but not 4E-BP1 knockdown, induced axon regeneration when applied alone. Furthermore, S6K1 activation promoted the survival of retinal ganglion cells at 14 days post-injury, whereas 4E-BP1 knockdown unexpectedly slightly decreased the survival of retinal ganglion cells at 14 days post-injury. Overexpression of constitutively active 4E-BP1 increased the survival of retinal ganglion cells at 14 days post-injury. Likewise, co-expressing constitutively active Rheb and constitutively active 4E-BP1 markedly increased the survival of retinal ganglion cells compared with overexpression of constitutively active Rheb alone at 14 days post-injury. These findings indicate that functional 4E-BP1 and S6K1 are neuroprotective and that 4E-BP1 may exert protective effects through a pathway at least partially independent of Rheb/mTOR. Together, our results show that constitutively active Rheb promotes the survival of retinal ganglion cells and axon regeneration through modulating S6K1 and 4E-BP1 activity. Phosphorylated S6K1 and 4E-BP1 promote axon regeneration but play an antagonistic role in the survival of retinal ganglion cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jikuan Jiang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University; Hunan Clinical Research Center of Ophthalmic Disease, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Lusi Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University; Hunan Clinical Research Center of Ophthalmic Disease, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Jingling Zou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University; Hunan Clinical Research Center of Ophthalmic Disease, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Jingyuan Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University; Hunan Clinical Research Center of Ophthalmic Disease, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Jia Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University; Hunan Clinical Research Center of Ophthalmic Disease, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Qian Jiang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University; Hunan Clinical Research Center of Ophthalmic Disease, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Peiyun Duan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University; Hunan Clinical Research Center of Ophthalmic Disease, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Bing Jiang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University; Hunan Clinical Research Center of Ophthalmic Disease, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
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17
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Zoungrana LI, Didik S, Wang H, Slotabec L, Li J. Activated protein C in epilepsy pathophysiology. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1251017. [PMID: 37901428 PMCID: PMC10603301 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1251017] [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: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is one of the most common neurologic disorders that is characterized by recurrent seizures, and depending on the type of seizure, it could lead to a severe outcome. Epilepsy's mechanism of development is not fully understood yet, but some of the common features of the disease are blood-brain barrier disruption, microglia activation, and neuroinflammation. Those are also targets of activated protein C (APC). In fact, by downregulating thrombin, known as a pro-inflammatory, APC acts as an anti-inflammatory. APC is also an anti-apoptotic protein, instance by blocking p53-mediated apoptosis. APC's neuroprotective effect could prevent blood-brain barrier dysfunction by acting on endothelial cells. Furthermore, through the downregulation of proapoptotic, and proinflammatory genes, APC's neuroprotection could reduce the effect or prevent epilepsy pathogenesis. APC's activity acts on blood-brain barrier disruption, inflammation, and apoptosis and causes neurogenesis, all hallmarks that could potentially treat or prevent epilepsy. Here we review both Activated Protein C and epilepsy mechanism, function, and the possible association between them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Ines Zoungrana
- Department of Surgery, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Steven Didik
- Department of Surgery, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Hao Wang
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, United States
| | - Lily Slotabec
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, United States
| | - Ji Li
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, United States
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18
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Yonan JM, Steward O. Vector-mediated PTEN deletion in the adult dentate gyrus initiates new growth of granule cell bodies and dendrites and expansion of mossy fiber terminal fields that continues for months. Neurobiol Dis 2023; 184:106190. [PMID: 37290578 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Embryonic and early postnatal deletion of the gene phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) results in neuronal hypertrophy, formation of aberrant neural networks and spontaneous seizures. Our previous studies document that deletion of PTEN in mature neurons also causes growth of cortical neuron cell bodies and dendrites, but it is unknown how this growth alters connectivity in mature circuits. Here, we explore consequences of deleting PTEN in a focal area of the dentate gyrus in adult male and female mice. PTEN deletion was accomplished by injecting AAV-Cre unilaterally into the dentate gyrus of double transgenic mice with lox-P sites flanking exon 5 of the PTEN gene and stop/flox tdTomato in the Rosa locus (PTENf/f/RosatdTomato). Focal deletion led to progressive increases in the size of the dentate gyrus at the injection site, enlargement of granule cell bodies, and increases in dendritic length and caliber. Quantitative analysis of dendrites by Golgi staining revealed dramatic increases in spine numbers throughout the proximo-distal extent of the dendritic tree, suggesting that dendritic growth is sufficient to induce new synapse formation by input neurons with intact PTEN expression. Tract tracing of input pathways to the dentate gyrus from the ipsilateral entorhinal cortex and commissural/associational system revealed that laminar specificity of termination of inputs is maintained. Mossy fiber axons from PTEN-deleted granule cells expanded their terminal field in CA3 where PTEN expression was intact and supra-granular mossy fibers developed in some mice. These findings document that persistent activation of mTOR via PTEN deletion in fully mature neurons re-initiates a state of robust cell-intrinsic growth, upending connectional homeostasis in fully mature hippocampal circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer M Yonan
- Reeve-Irvine Research Center, University of California at Irvine, 837 Health Sciences Rd., Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; University of California at Irvine School of Medicine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Oswald Steward
- Reeve-Irvine Research Center, University of California at Irvine, 837 Health Sciences Rd., Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Department of Neurobiology & Behavior, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; University of California at Irvine School of Medicine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA.
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19
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Aria F, Pandey K, Alberini CM. Excessive Protein Accumulation and Impaired Autophagy in the Hippocampus of Angelman Syndrome Modeled in Mice. Biol Psychiatry 2023; 94:68-83. [PMID: 36764852 PMCID: PMC10276539 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2022.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Angelman syndrome (AS), a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by abnormalities of the 15q11.2-q13.1 chromosome region, is characterized by impairment of cognitive and motor functions, sleep problems, and seizures. How the genetic defects of AS produce these neurological symptoms is unclear. Mice modeling AS (AS mice) accumulate activity-regulated cytoskeleton-associated protein (ARC/ARG3.1), a neuronal immediate early gene (IEG) critical for synaptic plasticity. This accumulation suggests an altered protein metabolism. METHODS Focusing on the dorsal hippocampus (dHC), a brain region critical for memory formation and cognitive functions, we assessed levels and tissue distribution of IEGs, de novo protein synthesis, and markers of protein synthesis, endosomes, autophagy, and synaptic functions in AS mice at baseline and following learning. We also tested autophagic flux and memory retention following autophagy-promoting treatment. RESULTS AS dHC exhibited accumulation of IEGs ARC, FOS, and EGR1; autophagy proteins MLP3B, SQSTM1, and LAMP1; and reduction of the endosomal protein RAB5A. AS dHC also had increased levels of de novo protein synthesis, impaired autophagic flux with accumulation of autophagosome, and altered synaptic protein levels. Contextual fear conditioning significantly increased levels of IEGs and autophagy proteins, de novo protein synthesis, and autophagic flux in the dHC of normal mice, but not in AS mice. Enhancing autophagy in the dHC alleviated AS-related memory and autophagic flux impairments. CONCLUSIONS A major biological deficit of AS brain is a defective protein metabolism, particularly that dynamically regulated by learning, resulting in stalled autophagy and accumulation of neuronal proteins. Activating autophagy ameliorates AS cognitive impairments and dHC protein accumulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Aria
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, New York
| | - Kiran Pandey
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, New York
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20
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Matthiesen M, Khlaifia A, Steininger CFD, Dadabhoy M, Mumtaz U, Arruda-Carvalho M. Maturation of nucleus accumbens synaptic transmission signals a critical period for the rescue of social deficits in a mouse model of autism spectrum disorder. Mol Brain 2023; 16:46. [PMID: 37226266 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-023-01028-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Social behavior emerges early in development, a time marked by the onset of neurodevelopmental disorders featuring social deficits, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Although social deficits are at the core of the clinical diagnosis of ASD, very little is known about their neural correlates at the time of clinical onset. The nucleus accumbens (NAc), a brain region extensively implicated in social behavior, undergoes synaptic, cellular and molecular alterations in early life, and is particularly affected in ASD mouse models. To explore a link between the maturation of the NAc and neurodevelopmental deficits in social behavior, we compared spontaneous synaptic transmission in NAc shell medium spiny neurons (MSNs) between the highly social C57BL/6J and the idiopathic ASD mouse model BTBR T+Itpr3tf/J at postnatal day (P) 4, P6, P8, P12, P15, P21 and P30. BTBR NAc MSNs display increased spontaneous excitatory transmission during the first postnatal week, and increased inhibition across the first, second and fourth postnatal weeks, suggesting accelerated maturation of excitatory and inhibitory synaptic inputs compared to C57BL/6J mice. BTBR mice also show increased optically evoked medial prefrontal cortex-NAc paired pulse ratios at P15 and P30. These early changes in synaptic transmission are consistent with a potential critical period, which could maximize the efficacy of rescue interventions. To test this, we treated BTBR mice in either early life (P4-P8) or adulthood (P60-P64) with the mTORC1 antagonist rapamycin, a well-established intervention for ASD-like behavior. Rapamycin treatment rescued social interaction deficits in BTBR mice when injected in infancy, but did not affect social interaction in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melina Matthiesen
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, ON, M1C1A4, Canada
| | - Abdessattar Khlaifia
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, ON, M1C1A4, Canada
| | | | - Maryam Dadabhoy
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, ON, M1C1A4, Canada
| | - Unza Mumtaz
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, ON, M1C1A4, Canada
| | - Maithe Arruda-Carvalho
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, ON, M1C1A4, Canada.
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S3G5, Canada.
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21
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Cheung SKK, Kwok J, Or PMY, Wong CW, Feng B, Choy KW, Chang RCC, Burbach JPH, Cheng ASL, Chan AM. Neuropathological signatures revealed by transcriptomic and proteomic analysis in Pten-deficient mouse models. Sci Rep 2023; 13:6763. [PMID: 37185447 PMCID: PMC10130134 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-33869-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
PTEN hamartoma tumour syndrome is characterised by mutations in the human PTEN gene. We performed transcriptomic and proteomic analyses of neural tissues and primary cultures from heterozygous and homozygous Pten-knockout mice. The somatosensory cortex of heterozygous Pten-knockout mice was enriched in immune response and oligodendrocyte development Gene Ontology (GO) terms. Parallel proteomic analysis revealed differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) related to dendritic spine development, keratinisation and hamartoma signatures. However, primary astrocytes (ASTs) from heterozygous Pten-knockout mice were enriched in the extracellular matrix GO term, while primary cortical neurons (PCNs) were enriched in immediate-early genes. In ASTs from homozygous Pten-knockout mice, cilium-related activity was enriched, while PCNs exhibited downregulation of forebrain neuron generation and differentiation, implying an altered excitatory/inhibitory balance. By integrating DEPs with pre-filtered differentially expressed genes, we identified the enrichment of traits of intelligence, cognitive function and schizophrenia, while DEPs in ASTs were significantly associated with intelligence and depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanley K K Cheung
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Jacinda Kwok
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Penelope M Y Or
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Chi Wai Wong
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China
- Louvain Institute of Biomolecular Science and Technology, Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Bo Feng
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Kwong Wai Choy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Raymond C C Chang
- Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - J Peter H Burbach
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Alfred S L Cheng
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Andrew M Chan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China.
- Brain and Mind Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, 4/F, Hui Yeung Shing Building, Hong Kong, SAR, China.
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22
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Thomas SD, Jha NK, Ojha S, Sadek B. mTOR Signaling Disruption and Its Association with the Development of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28041889. [PMID: 36838876 PMCID: PMC9964164 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28041889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impairments in social interaction and communication along with repetitive stereotypic behaviors. Currently, there are no specific biomarkers for diagnostic screening or treatments available for autistic patients. Numerous genetic disorders are associated with high prevalence of ASD, including tuberous sclerosis complex, phosphatase and tensin homolog, and fragile X syndrome. Preclinical investigations in animal models of these diseases have revealed irregularities in the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway as well as ASD-related behavioral defects. Reversal of the downstream molecular irregularities, associated with mTOR hyperactivation, improved the behavioral deficits observed in the preclinical investigations. Plant bioactive molecules have shown beneficial pre-clinical evidence in ASD treatment by modulating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. In this review, we summarize the involvement of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway as well as the genetic alterations of the pathway components and its critical impact on the development of the autism spectrum disorder. Mutations in negative regulators of mTORC1, such as TSC1, TSC2, and PTEN, result in ASD-like phenotypes through the disruption of the mTORC1-mediated signaling. We further discuss the various naturally occurring phytoconstituents that have been identified to be bioactive and modulate the pathway to prevent its disruption and contribute to beneficial therapeutic effects in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shilu Deepa Thomas
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
- Zayed Bin Sultan Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
| | - Niraj Kumar Jha
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering and Technology (SET), Sharda University, Greater Noida 201310, India
- School of Bioengineering & Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara 144411, India
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied & Life Sciences (SALS), Uttaranchal University, Dehradun 248007, India
| | - Shreesh Ojha
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
- Zayed Bin Sultan Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
| | - Bassem Sadek
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
- Zayed Bin Sultan Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
- Correspondence:
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23
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Peng Q, Liu Y, Yu L, Shen Y, Li F, Feng S, Chen F. Deletion of Arrb2 Down-regulates Autophagy in the Mouse Hippocampus via Akt-mTOR Pathway Activation. Neuroscience 2023; 519:120-130. [PMID: 36796753 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2023.01.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
The cytoplasmic multifunctional adaptor protein β-arrestin 2 (Arrb2) is involved in the occurrence of various nervous system diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. Previous laboratory studies have shown that the expression and function of the Arrb2 gene was increased in valproic acid-induced autistic mice models. However, few reports have examined the possible role of Arrb2 in the pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorder. Therefore, Arrb2-deficient (Arrb2-/-) mice were further studied to uncover the physiological function of Arrb2 in the nervous system. In this study, we found that Arrb2-/- mice had normal behavioral characteristics compared with wild-type mice. The autophagy marker protein LC3B was decreased in the hippocampus of Arrb2-/- mice compared to wild-type mice. Western blot analysis revealed that deletion of Arrb2 caused hyperactivation of Akt-mTOR signaling in the hippocampus. In addition, abnormal mitochondrial dysfunction was observed in Arrb2-/- hippocampal neurons, which was characterized by a reduction in mitochondrial membrane potential and adenosine triphosphate production and an increase in reactive oxygen species levels. Therefore, this study elucidates the interaction between Arrb2 and the Akt-mTOR signaling pathway and provides insights into the role of Arrb2 in hippocampal neuron autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingyu Peng
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, PR China
| | - Yamei Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, PR China
| | - Lele Yu
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, PR China
| | - Yizhe Shen
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, PR China
| | - Feng Li
- Department of Laboratory Animal Science, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 201508, PR China
| | - Shini Feng
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, PR China.
| | - Fuxue Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, PR China.
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24
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Cullen ER, Tariq K, Shore AN, Luikart BW, Weston MC. mTORC2 Inhibition Improves Morphological Effects of PTEN Loss, But Does Not Correct Synaptic Dysfunction or Prevent Seizures. J Neurosci 2023; 43:827-845. [PMID: 36526374 PMCID: PMC9899090 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1354-22.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Hyperactivation of PI3K/PTEN-mTOR signaling during neural development is associated with focal cortical dysplasia (FCD), autism, and epilepsy. mTOR can signal through two major hubs, mTORC1 and mTORC2, both of which are hyperactive following PTEN loss of function (LOF). Here, we tested the hypothesis that genetic inactivation of the mTORC2 complex via deletion of Rictor is sufficient to rescue morphologic and electrophysiological abnormalities in the dentate gyrus caused by PTEN loss, as well as generalized seizures. An established, early postnatal mouse model of PTEN loss in male and female mice showed spontaneous seizures that were not prevented by mTORC2 inactivation. This lack of rescue occurred despite the normalization or amelioration of many morphologic and electrophysiological phenotypes. However, increased excitatory connectivity proximal to dentate gyrus granule neuron somas was not normalized by mTORC2 inactivation. Further studies demonstrated that, although mTORC2 inactivation largely rescued the dendritic arbor overgrowth caused by PTEN LOF, it increased synaptic strength and caused additional impairments of presynaptic function. These results suggest that a constrained increase in excitatory connectivity and co-occurring synaptic dysfunction is sufficient to generate seizures downstream of PTEN LOF, even in the absence of characteristic changes in morphologic properties.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Homozygous deletion of the Pten gene in neuronal subpopulations in the mouse serves as a valuable model of epilepsy caused by mTOR hyperactivation. To better understand the physiological mechanisms downstream of Pten loss that cause epilepsy, as well as the therapeutic potential of targeted gene therapies, we tested whether genetic inactivation of the mTORC2 complex could improve the cellular, synaptic, and in vivo effects of Pten loss in the dentate gyrus. We found that mTORC2 inhibition improved or rescued all morphologic effects of Pten loss in the dentate gyrus, but synaptic changes and seizures persisted. These data suggest that synaptic dysfunction can drive epilepsy caused by hyperactivation of PI3K/PTEN-mTOR, and that future therapies should focus on this mechanistic link.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin R Cullen
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont 05405
| | - Kamran Tariq
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire 03755
| | - Amy N Shore
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont 05405
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Roanoke, Virginia 24016
| | - Bryan W Luikart
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire 03755
| | - Matthew C Weston
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont 05405
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Roanoke, Virginia 24016
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Polytechnic and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061
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25
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Developing Novel Experimental Models of m-TORopathic Epilepsy and Related Neuropathologies: Translational Insights from Zebrafish. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021530. [PMID: 36675042 PMCID: PMC9866103 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021530] [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: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is an important molecular regulator of cell growth and proliferation. Brain mTOR activity plays a crucial role in synaptic plasticity, cell development, migration and proliferation, as well as memory storage, protein synthesis, autophagy, ion channel expression and axonal regeneration. Aberrant mTOR signaling causes a diverse group of neurological disorders, termed 'mTORopathies'. Typically arising from mutations within the mTOR signaling pathway, these disorders are characterized by cortical malformations and other neuromorphological abnormalities that usually co-occur with severe, often treatment-resistant, epilepsy. Here, we discuss recent advances and current challenges in developing experimental models of mTOR-dependent epilepsy and other related mTORopathies, including using zebrafish models for studying these disorders, as well as outline future directions of research in this field.
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26
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Tibarewal P, Rathbone V, Constantinou G, Pearce W, Adil M, Varyova Z, Folkes L, Hampson A, Classen GAE, Alves A, Carvalho S, Scudamore CL, Vanhaesebroeck B. Long-term treatment of cancer-prone germline PTEN mutant mice with low-dose rapamycin extends lifespan and delays tumour development. J Pathol 2022; 258:382-394. [PMID: 36073856 PMCID: PMC9828006 DOI: 10.1002/path.6009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
PTEN is one of the most commonly inactivated tumour suppressor genes in sporadic cancer. Germline heterozygous PTEN gene alterations also underlie PTEN hamartoma tumour syndrome (PHTS), a rare human cancer-predisposition condition. A key feature of systemic PTEN deregulation is the inability to adequately dampen PI3-kinase (PI3K)/mTORC1 signalling. PI3K/mTORC1 pathway inhibitors such as rapamycin are therefore expected to neutralise the impact of PTEN loss, rendering this a more druggable context compared with those of other tumour suppressor pathways such as loss of TP53. However, this has not been explored in cancer prevention in a model of germline cancer predisposition, such as PHTS. Clinical trials of short-term treatment with rapamycin have recently been initiated for PHTS, focusing on cognition and colon polyposis. Here, we administered a low dose of rapamycin from the age of 6 weeks onwards to mice with heterozygous germline Pten loss, a mouse model that recapitulates most characteristics of human PHTS. Rapamycin was well tolerated and led to a highly significant improvement of survival in both male and female mice. This was accompanied by a delay in, but not full blockade of, the development of a range of proliferative lesions, including gastro-intestinal and thyroid tumours and endometrial hyperplasia, with no impact on mammary and prostate tumours, and no effect on brain overgrowth. Our data indicate that rapamycin may have cancer prevention potential in human PHTS. This might also be the case for sporadic cancers in which genetic PI3K pathway activation is an early event in tumour development, such as endometrial cancer and some breast cancers. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a long-term treatment of a germline cancer predisposition model with a PI3K/mTOR pathway inhibitor. © 2022 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Wayne Pearce
- Cancer Institute, University College London, London, UK
| | - Mahreen Adil
- Cancer Institute, University College London, London, UK
| | - Zofia Varyova
- Cancer Institute, University College London, London, UK
| | - Lisa Folkes
- Oxford Institute of Radiation Oncology, Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Alix Hampson
- Oxford Institute of Radiation Oncology, Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Adriana Alves
- Cancer Institute, University College London, London, UK
| | - Sara Carvalho
- Cancer Institute, University College London, London, UK
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27
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Kim NS, Ringeling FR, Zhou Y, Nguyen HN, Temme SJ, Lin YT, Eacker S, Dawson VL, Dawson TM, Xiao B, Hsu KS, Canzar S, Li W, Worley P, Christian KM, Yoon KJ, Song H, Ming GL. CYFIP1 Dosages Exhibit Divergent Behavioral Impact via Diametric Regulation of NMDA Receptor Complex Translation in Mouse Models of Psychiatric Disorders. Biol Psychiatry 2022; 92:815-826. [PMID: 34247782 PMCID: PMC8568734 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2021.04.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gene dosage imbalance caused by copy number variations (CNVs) is a prominent contributor to brain disorders. In particular, 15q11.2 CNV duplications and deletions have been associated with autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia, respectively. The mechanism underlying these diametric contributions remains unclear. METHODS We established both loss-of-function and gain-of-function mouse models of Cyfip1, one of four genes within 15q11.2 CNVs. To assess the functional consequences of altered CYFIP1 levels, we performed systematic investigations on behavioral, electrophysiological, and biochemical phenotypes in both mouse models. In addition, we utilized RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (RIP-seq) analysis to reveal molecular targets of CYFIP1 in vivo. RESULTS Cyfip1 loss-of-function and gain-of function mouse models exhibited distinct and shared behavioral abnormalities related to autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia. RIP-seq analysis identified messenger RNA targets of CYFIP1 in vivo, including postsynaptic NMDA receptor (NMDAR) complex components. In addition, these mouse models showed diametric changes in levels of postsynaptic NMDAR complex components at synapses because of dysregulated protein translation, resulting in bidirectional alteration of NMDAR-mediated signaling. Importantly, pharmacological balancing of NMDAR signaling in these mouse models with diametric Cyfip1 dosages rescues behavioral abnormalities. CONCLUSIONS CYFIP1 regulates protein translation of NMDAR and associated complex components at synapses to maintain normal synaptic functions and behaviors. Our integrated analyses provide insight into how gene dosage imbalance caused by CNVs may contribute to divergent neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nam-Shik Kim
- Department of Neuroscience, Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School for Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Francisca Rojas Ringeling
- Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; Gene Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Ying Zhou
- Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Ha Nam Nguyen
- Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Stephanie J Temme
- Department of Neuroscience, Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School for Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Yu-Ting Lin
- Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Stephen Eacker
- Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Valina L Dawson
- Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Ted M Dawson
- Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Bo Xiao
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Kuei-Sen Hsu
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Stefan Canzar
- Gene Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Weidong Li
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Development and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Paul Worley
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Kimberly M Christian
- Department of Neuroscience, Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School for Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Ki-Jun Yoon
- Department of Neuroscience, Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School for Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
| | - Hongjun Song
- Department of Neuroscience, Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School for Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School for Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Perelman School for Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Epigenetics Institute, Perelman School for Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Guo-Li Ming
- Department of Neuroscience, Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School for Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School for Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Perelman School for Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School for Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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28
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Tariq K, Cullen E, Getz SA, Conching AK, Goyette AR, Prina ML, Wang W, Li M, Weston MC, Luikart BW. Disruption of mTORC1 rescues neuronal overgrowth and synapse function dysregulated by Pten loss. Cell Rep 2022; 41:111574. [PMID: 36323257 PMCID: PMC9743803 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) is a negative regulator of AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. Mutations in PTEN are found in patients with autism, epilepsy, or macrocephaly. In mouse models, Pten loss results in neuronal hypertrophy, hyperexcitability, seizures, and ASD-like behaviors. The underlying molecular mechanisms of these phenotypes are not well delineated. We determined which of the Pten loss-driven aberrations in neuronal form and function are orchestrated by downstream mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1). Rapamycin-mediated inhibition of mTORC1 prevented increase in soma size, migration, spine density, and dendritic overgrowth in Pten knockout dentate gyrus granule neurons. Genetic knockout of Raptor to disrupt mTORC1 complex formation blocked Pten loss-mediated neuronal hypertrophy. Electrophysiological recordings revealed that genetic disruption of mTORC1 rescued Pten loss-mediated increase in excitatory synaptic transmission. We have identified an essential role for mTORC1 in orchestrating Pten loss-driven neuronal hypertrophy and synapse formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamran Tariq
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
| | - Erin Cullen
- Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA
| | - Stephanie A. Getz
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
| | - Andie K.S. Conching
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
| | - Andrew R. Goyette
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
| | - Mackenzi L. Prina
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
| | - Meijie Li
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
| | - Matthew C. Weston
- Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA,These authors contributed equally,Correspondence: (M.C.W.), (B.W.L.)
| | - Bryan W. Luikart
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA,These authors contributed equally,Lead contact,Correspondence: (M.C.W.), (B.W.L.)
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29
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Mapps AA, Boehm E, Beier C, Keenan WT, Langel J, Liu M, Thomsen MB, Hattar S, Zhao H, Tampakakis E, Kuruvilla R. Satellite glia modulate sympathetic neuron survival, activity, and autonomic function. eLife 2022; 11:74295. [PMID: 35997251 PMCID: PMC9433091 DOI: 10.7554/elife.74295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Satellite glia are the major glial cells in sympathetic ganglia, enveloping neuronal cell bodies. Despite this intimate association, the extent to which sympathetic functions are influenced by satellite glia in vivo remains unclear. Here, we show that satellite glia are critical for metabolism, survival, and activity of sympathetic neurons and modulate autonomic behaviors in mice. Adult ablation of satellite glia results in impaired mTOR signaling, soma atrophy, reduced noradrenergic enzymes, and loss of sympathetic neurons. However, persisting neurons have elevated activity, and satellite glia-ablated mice show increased pupil dilation and heart rate, indicative of enhanced sympathetic tone. Satellite glia-specific deletion of Kir4.1, an inward-rectifying potassium channel, largely recapitulates the cellular defects observed in glia-ablated mice, suggesting that satellite glia act in part via K+-dependent mechanisms. These findings highlight neuron–satellite glia as functional units in regulating sympathetic output, with implications for disorders linked to sympathetic hyper-activity such as cardiovascular disease and hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurelia A Mapps
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, United States
| | - Erica Boehm
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, United States
| | - Corinne Beier
- Section on Light and Circadian Rhythms (SLCR), National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, United States
| | - William T Keenan
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, United States
| | - Jennifer Langel
- Section on Light and Circadian Rhythms (SLCR), National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, United States
| | - Michael Liu
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, United States
| | - Michael B Thomsen
- Section on Light and Circadian Rhythms (SLCR), National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, United States
| | - Samer Hattar
- Section on Light and Circadian Rhythms (SLCR), National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, United States
| | - Haiqing Zhao
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, United States
| | | | - Rejji Kuruvilla
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, United States
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30
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Cardona E, Brunet V, Baranek E, Milhade L, Skiba-Cassy S, Bobe J, Calandreau L, Roy J, Colson V. Physical Enrichment Triggers Brain Plasticity and Influences Blood Plasma Circulating miRNA in Rainbow Trout ( Oncorhynchus mykiss). BIOLOGY 2022; 11:1093. [PMID: 35892949 PMCID: PMC9394377 DOI: 10.3390/biology11081093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Physical enrichment is known to improve living conditions of fish held in farming systems and has been shown to promote behavioral plasticity in captive fish. However, the brain's regulatory-mechanism systems underlying its behavioral effects remain poorly studied. The present study investigated the impact of a three-month exposure to an enriched environment (EE vs. barren environment, BE) on the modulation of brain function in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) juveniles. Using high-throughput RT-qPCR, we assessed mRNA genes related to brain function in several areas of the trout brain. These included markers of cerebral activity and plasticity, neurogenesis, synaptogenesis, or selected neurotransmitters pathways (dopamine, glutamate, GABA, and serotonin). Overall, the fish from EE displayed a series of differentially expressed genes (neurotrophic, neurogenesis, and synaptogenesis markers) essentially localized in the telencephalon, which could underpin the beneficial effects of complexifying the environment on fish brain plasticity. In addition, EE significantly affected blood plasma c-miRNA signatures, as revealed by the upregulation of four c-miRNAs (miR-200b/c-3p, miR-203a-3p, miR-205-1a-5p, miR-218a-5p) in fish blood plasma after 185 days of EE exposure. Overall, we concluded that complexifying the environment through the addition of physical structures that stimulate and encourage fish to explore promotes the trout's brain function in farming conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie Cardona
- INRAE, INRAE, Université de Pau & Pays Adour, NUMEA, 64310 Saint-Pée-sur-Nivelle, France; (E.C.); (E.B.); (S.S.-C.)
| | | | - Elodie Baranek
- INRAE, INRAE, Université de Pau & Pays Adour, NUMEA, 64310 Saint-Pée-sur-Nivelle, France; (E.C.); (E.B.); (S.S.-C.)
| | - Léo Milhade
- IRISA, INRIA, CNRS, Université de Rennes 1, 35000 Rennes, France;
| | - Sandrine Skiba-Cassy
- INRAE, INRAE, Université de Pau & Pays Adour, NUMEA, 64310 Saint-Pée-sur-Nivelle, France; (E.C.); (E.B.); (S.S.-C.)
| | - Julien Bobe
- INRAE, LPGP, 35000 Rennes, France; (V.B.); (J.B.)
| | | | - Jérôme Roy
- INRAE, INRAE, Université de Pau & Pays Adour, NUMEA, 64310 Saint-Pée-sur-Nivelle, France; (E.C.); (E.B.); (S.S.-C.)
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31
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Jiang CC, Lin LS, Long S, Ke XY, Fukunaga K, Lu YM, Han F. Signalling pathways in autism spectrum disorder: mechanisms and therapeutic implications. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:229. [PMID: 35817793 PMCID: PMC9273593 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01081-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Revised: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a prevalent and complex neurodevelopmental disorder which has strong genetic basis. Despite the rapidly rising incidence of autism, little is known about its aetiology, risk factors, and disease progression. There are currently neither validated biomarkers for diagnostic screening nor specific medication for autism. Over the last two decades, there have been remarkable advances in genetics, with hundreds of genes identified and validated as being associated with a high risk for autism. The convergence of neuroscience methods is becoming more widely recognized for its significance in elucidating the pathological mechanisms of autism. Efforts have been devoted to exploring the behavioural functions, key pathological mechanisms and potential treatments of autism. Here, as we highlight in this review, emerging evidence shows that signal transduction molecular events are involved in pathological processes such as transcription, translation, synaptic transmission, epigenetics and immunoinflammatory responses. This involvement has important implications for the discovery of precise molecular targets for autism. Moreover, we review recent insights into the mechanisms and clinical implications of signal transduction in autism from molecular, cellular, neural circuit, and neurobehavioural aspects. Finally, the challenges and future perspectives are discussed with regard to novel strategies predicated on the biological features of autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen-Chen Jiang
- International Joint Laboratory for Drug Target of Critical Illnesses; Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular & Cerebrovascular Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Li-Shan Lin
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Sen Long
- Department of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Seventh People's Hospital, Mental Health Center Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310013, China
| | - Xiao-Yan Ke
- Child Mental Health Research Center, Nanjing Brain Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Kohji Fukunaga
- Department of CNS Drug Innovation, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, 980-8578, Japan
| | - Ying-Mei Lu
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.
| | - Feng Han
- International Joint Laboratory for Drug Target of Critical Illnesses; Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular & Cerebrovascular Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.
- Institute of Brain Science, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China.
- Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, 215002, China.
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32
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Nguyen LH, Bordey A. Current Review in Basic Science: Animal Models of Focal Cortical Dysplasia and Epilepsy. Epilepsy Curr 2022; 22:234-240. [PMID: 36187145 PMCID: PMC9483763 DOI: 10.1177/15357597221098230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) is a malformation of cortical development that is a prevalent cause of intractable epilepsy in children. Of the three FCD subtypes, understanding the etiology and pathogenesis of FCD type II has seen the most progress owing to the recent advances in identifying gene mutations along the mTOR signaling pathway as a frequent cause of this disorder. Accordingly, numerous animal models of FCD type II based on genetic manipulation of the mTOR signaling pathway have emerged to investigate the mechanisms of epileptogenesis and novel therapeutics for epilepsy. These include transgenic and in utero electroporation-based animal models. Here, we review the histopathological and electroclinical features of existing FCD type II animal models and discuss the scientific and technical considerations, clinical applications, and limitations of current models. We also highlight other models of FCD based on early life acquired factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena H. Nguyen
- Departments of Neurosurgery and Cellular & Molecular
Physiology, Yale University School of
Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Angélique Bordey
- Departments of Neurosurgery and Cellular & Molecular
Physiology, Yale University School of
Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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33
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Rare CACNA1H and RELN variants interact through mTORC1 pathway in oligogenic autism spectrum disorder. Transl Psychiatry 2022; 12:234. [PMID: 35668055 PMCID: PMC9170683 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-022-01997-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Oligogenic inheritance of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has been supported by several studies. However, little is known about how the risk variants interact and converge on causative neurobiological pathways. We identified in an ASD proband deleterious compound heterozygous missense variants in the Reelin (RELN) gene, and a de novo splicing variant in the Cav3.2 calcium channel (CACNA1H) gene. Here, by using iPSC-derived neural progenitor cells (NPCs) and a heterologous expression system, we show that the variant in Cav3.2 leads to increased calcium influx into cells, which overactivates mTORC1 pathway and, consequently, further exacerbates the impairment of Reelin signaling. Also, we show that Cav3.2/mTORC1 overactivation induces proliferation of NPCs and that both mutant Cav3.2 and Reelin cause abnormal migration of these cells. Finally, analysis of the sequencing data from two ASD cohorts-a Brazilian cohort of 861 samples, 291 with ASD; the MSSNG cohort of 11,181 samples, 5,102 with ASD-revealed that the co-occurrence of risk variants in both alleles of Reelin pathway genes and in one allele of calcium channel genes confer significant liability for ASD. Our results support the notion that genes with co-occurring deleterious variants tend to have interconnected pathways underlying oligogenic forms of ASD.
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34
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Lim HK, Yoon JH, Song M. Autism Spectrum Disorder Genes: Disease-Related Networks and Compensatory Strategies. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:922840. [PMID: 35726297 PMCID: PMC9206533 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.922840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The mammalian brain comprises structurally and functionally distinct regions. Each of these regions has characteristic molecular mechanisms that mediate higher-order tasks, such as memory, learning, emotion, impulse, and motor control. Many genes are involved in neuronal signaling and contribute to normal brain development. Dysfunction of essential components of neural signals leads to various types of brain disorders. Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by social deficits, communication challenges, and compulsive repetitive behaviors. Long-term genetic studies have uncovered key genes associated with autism spectrum disorder, such as SH3 and multiple ankyrin repeat domains 3, methyl-CpG binding protein 2, neurexin 1, and chromodomain helicase DNA binding protein 8. In addition, disease-associated networks have been identified using animal models, and the understanding of the impact of these genes on disease susceptibility and compensation is deepening. In this review, we examine rescue strategies using key models of autism spectrum disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye Kyung Lim
- Department of Life Sciences, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, South Korea
| | - Jong Hyuk Yoon
- Neurodegenerative Diseases Research Group, Korea Brain Research Institute, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Minseok Song
- Department of Life Sciences, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, South Korea
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35
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Srivastava S, Jo B, Zhang B, Frazier T, Gallagher AS, Peck F, Levin AR, Mondal S, Li Z, Filip-Dhima R, Geisel G, Dies KA, Diplock A, Eng C, Hanna R, Sahin M, Hardan A. A randomized controlled trial of Everolimus for neurocognitive symptoms in PTEN hamartoma tumor syndrome. Hum Mol Genet 2022; 31:3393-3404. [PMID: 35594551 PMCID: PMC9558845 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddac111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND PTEN hamartoma tumor syndrome (PHTS) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by mTOR (mechanistic target of rapamycin) overactivity. Limited data suggest that mTOR inhibitors may be therapeutic. No placebo-controlled studies have examined mTOR inhibition on cognition and behavior in humans with PHTS with/without autism. METHODS We conducted a 6-month phase II, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial to examine the safety profile and efficacy of everolimus (4.5 mg/m2) in individuals (5-45 years) with PHTS. We measured several cognitive and behavioral outcomes, and electroencephalography (EEG) biomarkers. The primary endpoint was a neurocognitive composite derived from Stanford Binet-5 (SB-5) nonverbal working memory score, SB-5 verbal working memory, Conners' Continuous Performance Test hit reaction time, and Purdue Pegboard Test score. RESULTS Forty-six participants underwent 1:1 randomization: n = 24 (everolimus) and n = 22 (placebo). Gastrointestinal adverse events were more common in the everolimus group (p < 0.001). Changes in the primary endpoint between groups from baseline to month 6 were not apparent (Cohen's d = -0.10, p = 0.518). However, several measures were associated with modest effect sizes (≥0.2) in the direction of improvement, including measures of nonverbal IQ, verbal learning, autism symptoms, motor skills, adaptive behavior, and global improvement. There was a significant difference in EEG central alpha power (p = 0.049) and central beta power (p = 0.039) six months after everolimus treatment. CONCLUSIONS Everolimus is well tolerated in PHTS; adverse events were similar to previous reports. The primary efficacy endpoint did not reveal improvement. Several secondary efficacy endpoints moved in the direction of improvement. EEG measurements indicate target engagement following 6 months of daily oral everolimus. Trial Registration Information: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02991807 Classification of Evidence: I.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siddharth Srivastava
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Booil Jo
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Bo Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Thomas Frazier
- Department of Psychology, John Carroll University, University Heights, Ohio, USA
| | - Anne Snow Gallagher
- Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Fleming Peck
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - April R Levin
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sangeeta Mondal
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Zetan Li
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Rajna Filip-Dhima
- Rosamund Stone Zander Translational Neuroscience Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Gregory Geisel
- Rosamund Stone Zander Translational Neuroscience Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kira A Dies
- Rosamund Stone Zander Translational Neuroscience Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Amelia Diplock
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Rosamund Stone Zander Translational Neuroscience Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Charis Eng
- Genomic Medicine Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Rabi Hanna
- Department of Pediatrics, Hematology, Oncology, Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, USA
| | - Mustafa Sahin
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Rosamund Stone Zander Translational Neuroscience Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Antonio Hardan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
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36
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Nisar S, Bhat AA, Masoodi T, Hashem S, Akhtar S, Ali TA, Amjad S, Chawla S, Bagga P, Frenneaux MP, Reddy R, Fakhro K, Haris M. Genetics of glutamate and its receptors in autism spectrum disorder. Mol Psychiatry 2022; 27:2380-2392. [PMID: 35296811 PMCID: PMC9135628 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01506-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental impairment characterized by deficits in social interaction skills, impaired communication, and repetitive and restricted behaviors that are thought to be due to altered neurotransmission processes. The amino acid glutamate is an essential excitatory neurotransmitter in the human brain that regulates cognitive functions such as learning and memory, which are usually impaired in ASD. Over the last several years, increasing evidence from genetics, neuroimaging, protein expression, and animal model studies supporting the notion of altered glutamate metabolism has heightened the interest in evaluating glutamatergic dysfunction in ASD. Numerous pharmacological, behavioral, and imaging studies have demonstrated the imbalance in excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters, thus revealing the involvement of the glutamatergic system in ASD pathology. Here, we review the effects of genetic alterations on glutamate and its receptors in ASD and the role of non-invasive imaging modalities in detecting these changes. We also highlight the potential therapeutic targets associated with impaired glutamatergic pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabah Nisar
- Laboratory of Molecular and Metabolic Imaging, Sidra Medicine, P.O. Box 26999, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ajaz A Bhat
- Laboratory of Molecular and Metabolic Imaging, Sidra Medicine, P.O. Box 26999, Doha, Qatar
| | - Tariq Masoodi
- Laboratory of Molecular and Metabolic Imaging, Sidra Medicine, P.O. Box 26999, Doha, Qatar
| | - Sheema Hashem
- Laboratory of Molecular and Metabolic Imaging, Sidra Medicine, P.O. Box 26999, Doha, Qatar
| | - Sabah Akhtar
- Laboratory of Molecular and Metabolic Imaging, Sidra Medicine, P.O. Box 26999, Doha, Qatar
| | - Tayyiba Akbar Ali
- Laboratory of Molecular and Metabolic Imaging, Sidra Medicine, P.O. Box 26999, Doha, Qatar
| | - Sara Amjad
- Shibli National College, Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh, 276001, India
| | - Sanjeev Chawla
- Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Puneet Bagga
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Michael P Frenneaux
- Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, P.O. Box 3050, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ravinder Reddy
- Center for Advanced Metabolic Imaging in Precision Medicine, Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Khalid Fakhro
- Department of Human Genetics, Sidra Medicine, P.O. Box 26999, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, P.O. Box 24144, Doha, Qatar
| | - Mohammad Haris
- Laboratory of Molecular and Metabolic Imaging, Sidra Medicine, P.O. Box 26999, Doha, Qatar.
- Center for Advanced Metabolic Imaging in Precision Medicine, Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- Laboratory of Animal Research, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar.
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Brocchi A, Rebelos E, Dardano A, Mantuano M, Daniele G. Effects of Intermittent Fasting on Brain Metabolism. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14061275. [PMID: 35334932 PMCID: PMC8954770 DOI: 10.3390/nu14061275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
We are facing an obesity epidemic, and obesity itself and its close companion, type 2 diabetes, are independent risk factors for neurodegeneration. While most medical treatments fail to induce a clinically meaningful improvement in neurodegenerative disorders, lifestyle interventions have emerged in the spotlight. A recently rediscovered approach is intermittent fasting (IF), which, compared to the classic caloric restriction regimens, limits only the time of eating, rather than the number of calories allowed per day. There is already a large amount of evidence from preclinical and clinical studies showing the beneficial effects of IF. In this review, we specifically focus on the effects of IF on brain metabolism. Key molecular players modified during IF and involved in its beneficial central effects (ketone bodies, BDNF, GABA, GH/IGF-1, FGF2, sirtuin-3, mTOR, and gut microbiota) are identified and discussed. Studies suggest that IF induces several molecular and cellular adaptations in neurons, which, overall, enhance cellular stress resistance, synaptic plasticity, and neurogenesis. Still, the absence of guidelines regarding the application of IF to patients hampers its broad utilization in clinical practice, and further studies are needed to improve our knowledge on the different IF protocols and long-term effects of IF on brain metabolism before it can be widely prescribed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Brocchi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (A.B.); (A.D.); (M.M.)
| | - Eleni Rebelos
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council (CNR), 56124 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Angela Dardano
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (A.B.); (A.D.); (M.M.)
| | - Michele Mantuano
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (A.B.); (A.D.); (M.M.)
| | - Giuseppe Daniele
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (A.B.); (A.D.); (M.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-3404618257
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Silverman JL, Thurm A, Ethridge SB, Soller MM, Petkova SP, Abel T, Bauman MD, Brodkin ES, Harony‐Nicolas H, Wöhr M, Halladay A. Reconsidering animal models used to study autism spectrum disorder: Current state and optimizing future. GENES, BRAIN, AND BEHAVIOR 2022; 21:e12803. [PMID: 35285132 PMCID: PMC9189007 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), including autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual disability (ID), are pervasive, often lifelong disorders, lacking evidence-based interventions for core symptoms. With no established biological markers, diagnoses are defined by behavioral criteria. Thus, preclinical in vivo animal models of NDDs must be optimally utilized. For this reason, experts in the field of behavioral neuroscience convened a workshop with the goals of reviewing current behavioral studies, reports, and assessments in rodent models. Goals included: (a) identifying the maximal utility and limitations of behavior in animal models with construct validity; (b) providing recommendations for phenotyping animal models; and (c) guidelines on how in vivo models should be used and reported reliably and rigorously while acknowledging their limitations. We concluded by recommending minimal criteria for reporting in manuscripts going forward. The workshop elucidated a consensus of potential solutions to several problems, including revisiting claims made about animal model links to ASD (and related conditions). Specific conclusions included: mice (or other rodent or preclinical models) are models of the neurodevelopmental insult, not specifically any disorder (e.g., ASD); a model that perfectly recapitulates a disorder such as ASD is untenable; and greater attention needs be given to validation of behavioral testing methods, data analysis, and critical interpretation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill L. Silverman
- MIND Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral SciencesUniversity of California Davis School of MedicineSacramentoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Audrey Thurm
- Neurodevelopmental and Behavioral Phenotyping ServiceNational Institute of Mental HealthBethesdaMarylandUSA
| | - Sarah B. Ethridge
- Neurodevelopmental and Behavioral Phenotyping ServiceNational Institute of Mental HealthBethesdaMarylandUSA
| | - Makayla M. Soller
- MIND Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral SciencesUniversity of California Davis School of MedicineSacramentoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Stela P. Petkova
- MIND Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral SciencesUniversity of California Davis School of MedicineSacramentoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Ted Abel
- Department of Neuroscience and PharmacologyIowa Neuroscience Institute, University of IowaIowa CityIowaUSA
| | - Melissa D. Bauman
- MIND Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral SciencesUniversity of California Davis School of MedicineSacramentoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Edward S. Brodkin
- Department of PsychiatryPerelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Translational Research LaboratoryPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Hala Harony‐Nicolas
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and TreatmentIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Markus Wöhr
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Research Unit Brain and Cognition, Laboratory of Biological PsychologySocial and Affective Neuroscience Research Group, KU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium,Leuven Brain InstituteKU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium,Faculty of Psychology, Experimental and Biological Psychology, Behavioral NeurosciencePhilipps‐University of MarburgMarburgGermany,Center for Mind, Brain, and BehaviorPhilipps‐University of MarburgMarburgGermany
| | - Alycia Halladay
- Autism Science FoundationUSA,Department of Pharmacology and ToxicologyRutgers UniversityPiscatawayNew JerseyUSA
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39
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Linlin Z, Ciai L, Yanhong S, Huizhong G, Yongchun L, Zhen Y, Shan X, Fengying G, Ying L, Jingjun L, Qin F. A Multi-Target and Multi-Channel Mechanism of Action for Jiawei Yinhuo Tang in the Treatment of Social Communication Disorders in Autism: Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking Studies. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2022; 2022:4093138. [PMID: 35178102 PMCID: PMC8846994 DOI: 10.1155/2022/4093138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a highly heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder with complex pathogenesis. Currently, the pathogenesis of ASD is not fully understood. Moreover, current treatments do not effectively alleviate the primary symptoms of ASD social disorder (SCDA). Jiawei Yinhuo Tang (JWYHT) is an improved version of the classic prescription Yinhuo Tang. Although this medication has been shown to improve social behavior in ASD patients, the mechanism by which it works remains unknown. METHODS In this study, network pharmacology bioinformatics analysis was used to identify the key targets, biological functions, and signal pathways of JWYHT in SCDA. Then, molecular docking and molecular dynamic simulation were used to validate the activity and stability of the active ingredient and the target protein during the binding process. RESULTS The analysis identified 157 key targets and 9 core targets of JWYHT (including proto-oncogene (FOS), caspase 3 (CASP3), mitogen-activated protein kinase-3 (MAPK3), interleukin-6 (IL6), mitogen-activated protein kinase-1 (MAPK1), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), mitogen-activated protein kinase-8 (MAPK8), AKT serine/threonine kinase 1 (AKT1), and 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 1B (5HT1B)) in SCDA. In addition, the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Gene and Genome results, as well as the staggering network analyses, revealed 20 biological processes and 20 signal pathways targeted by JWYHT in SCDA. Finally, molecular docking analysis was used to determine the binding activity of the main active components of JWYHT to the key targets. The binding activity and stability of methyl arachidonate and MAPK8 were demonstrated using molecular dynamics simulation. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates that JWYHT regulates neuronal development, synaptic transmission, intestinal and cerebral inflammatory response, and other processes in SCDA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhang Linlin
- The Second School of Clinic Medicine, Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510410, China
| | - Lai Ciai
- The Second School of Clinic Medicine, Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510410, China
| | - Su Yanhong
- The Second School of Clinic Medicine, Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510410, China
| | - Gan Huizhong
- The Second School of Clinic Medicine, Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510410, China
| | - Li Yongchun
- Southern Medical University, Nanfang Hospital, Department of Ancient Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510610, China
| | - Yang Zhen
- Southern Medical University, Nanfang Hospital, Department of Ancient Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510610, China
| | - Xu Shan
- Southern Medical University, Nanfang Hospital, Department of Ancient Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510610, China
| | - Gong Fengying
- Southern Medical University, Nanfang Hospital, Department of Ancient Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510610, China
| | - Lv Ying
- Southern Medical University, Nanfang Hospital, Department of Ancient Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510610, China
| | - Li Jingjun
- Southern Medical University, Nanfang Hospital, Department of Ancient Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510610, China
| | - Fan Qin
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
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40
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Ko A, Sim NS, Choi HS, Yang D, Kim SH, Lee JS, Kim DS, Lee JH, Kim HD, Kang HC. Efficacy of the Ketogenic Diet for Pediatric Epilepsy According to the Presence of Detectable Somatic mTOR Pathway Mutations in the Brain. J Clin Neurol 2022; 18:71-78. [PMID: 35021279 PMCID: PMC8762511 DOI: 10.3988/jcn.2022.18.1.71] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Purpose A multifactorial antiepileptic mechanism underlies the ketogenic diet (KD), and one of the proposed mechanisms of action is that the KD inhibits the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway. To test this clinically, this study aimed to determine the efficacy of the KD in patients with pathologically confirmed focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) due to genetically identifiable mTOR pathway dysregulation. Methods A cohort of patients with pathologically confirmed FCD after epilepsy surgery and who were screened for the presence of germline and somatic mutations related to the mTOR pathway in peripheral blood and resected brain tissue was constructed prospectively. A retrospective review of the efficacy of the prior KD in these patients was performed. Results Twenty-five patients with pathologically confirmed FCD and who were screened for the presence of detectable somatic mTOR pathway mutations had received a sufficient KD. Twelve of these patients (48.0%) had germline or somatic detectable mTOR pathway mutations. A response was defined as a ≥50% reduction in seizure frequency. The efficacy of the KD after 3 months of dietary therapy was superior in patients with detectable mTOR pathway mutations than in patients without detectable mTOR pathway mutations, although the difference was not statistically significant (responder rates of 58.3% vs. 38.5%, p=0.434). Conclusions A greater proportion of patients with mTOR pathway responded to the KD, but there was no statistically significant difference in efficacy of the KD between patients with and without detectable mTOR pathway mutations. Further study is warranted due to the smallness of the sample and the limited number of mTOR pathway genes tested in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ara Ko
- Department of Pediatrics, Pusan National University Children's Hospital, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Yangsan, Korea
| | - Nam Suk Sim
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Korea
| | - Han Som Choi
- Department of Pediatrics, Ewha Womans University Seoul Hospital, Ewha Womans University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Severance Children's Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Donghwa Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, National Health Insurance Service Ilsan Hospital, Goyang, Korea
| | - Se Hee Kim
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Severance Children's Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Joon Soo Lee
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Severance Children's Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Dong Seok Kim
- Department of Neurosurgery, Pediatric Neurosurgery, Severance Children's Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jeong Ho Lee
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Korea
| | - Heung Dong Kim
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Severance Children's Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
| | - Hoon-Chul Kang
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Severance Children's Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
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41
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Sato A, Kotajima-Murakami H, Tanaka M, Katoh Y, Ikeda K. Influence of Prenatal Drug Exposure, Maternal Inflammation, and Parental Aging on the Development of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:821455. [PMID: 35222122 PMCID: PMC8863673 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.821455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects reciprocal social interaction and produces abnormal repetitive, restrictive behaviors and interests. The diverse causes of ASD are divided into genetic alterations and environmental risks. The prevalence of ASD has been rising for several decades, which might be related to environmental risks as it is difficult to consider that the prevalence of genetic disorders related to ASD would increase suddenly. The latter includes (1) exposure to medications, such as valproic acid (VPA) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (2), maternal complications during pregnancy, including infection and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, and (3) high parental age. Epidemiological studies have indicated a pathogenetic role of prenatal exposure to VPA and maternal inflammation in the development of ASD. VPA is considered to exert its deleterious effects on the fetal brain through several distinct mechanisms, such as alterations of γ-aminobutyric acid signaling, the inhibition of histone deacetylase, the disruption of folic acid metabolism, and the activation of mammalian target of rapamycin. Maternal inflammation that is caused by different stimuli converges on a higher load of proinflammatory cytokines in the fetal brain. Rodent models of maternal exposure to SSRIs generate ASD-like behavior in offspring, but clinical correlations with these preclinical findings are inconclusive. Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and advanced parental age increase the risk of ASD in humans, but the mechanisms have been poorly investigated in animal models. Evidence of the mechanisms by which environmental factors are related to ASD is discussed, which may contribute to the development of preventive and therapeutic interventions for ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Sato
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan.,Addictive Substance Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Miho Tanaka
- Addictive Substance Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Psychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshihisa Katoh
- Addictive Substance Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazutaka Ikeda
- Addictive Substance Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan
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42
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Postsynaptic autism spectrum disorder genes and synaptic dysfunction. Neurobiol Dis 2021; 162:105564. [PMID: 34838666 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2021.105564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
This review provides an overview of the synaptic dysfunction of neuronal circuits and the ensuing behavioral alterations caused by mutations in autism spectrum disorder (ASD)-linked genes directly or indirectly affecting the postsynaptic neuronal compartment. There are plenty of ASD risk genes, that may be broadly grouped into those involved in gene expression regulation (epigenetic regulation and transcription) and genes regulating synaptic activity (neural communication and neurotransmission). Notably, the effects mediated by ASD-associated genes can vary extensively depending on the developmental time and/or subcellular site of expression. Therefore, in order to gain a better understanding of the mechanisms of disruptions in postsynaptic function, an effort to better model ASD in experimental animals is required to improve standardization and increase reproducibility within and among studies. Such an effort holds promise to provide deeper insight into the development of these disorders and to improve the translational value of preclinical studies.
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43
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Vasic V, Jones MSO, Haslinger D, Knaus LS, Schmeisser MJ, Novarino G, Chiocchetti AG. Translating the Role of mTOR- and RAS-Associated Signalopathies in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Models, Mechanisms and Treatment. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12111746. [PMID: 34828352 PMCID: PMC8624393 DOI: 10.3390/genes12111746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations affecting mTOR or RAS signaling underlie defined syndromes (the so-called mTORopathies and RASopathies) with high risk for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). These syndromes show a broad variety of somatic phenotypes including cancers, skin abnormalities, heart disease and facial dysmorphisms. Less well studied are the neuropsychiatric symptoms such as ASD. Here, we assess the relevance of these signalopathies in ASD reviewing genetic, human cell model, rodent studies and clinical trials. We conclude that signalopathies have an increased liability for ASD and that, in particular, ASD individuals with dysmorphic features and intellectual disability (ID) have a higher chance for disruptive mutations in RAS- and mTOR-related genes. Studies on rodent and human cell models confirm aberrant neuronal development as the underlying pathology. Human studies further suggest that multiple hits are necessary to induce the respective phenotypes. Recent clinical trials do only report improvements for comorbid conditions such as epilepsy or cancer but not for behavioral aspects. Animal models show that treatment during early development can rescue behavioral phenotypes. Taken together, we suggest investigating the differential roles of mTOR and RAS signaling in both human and rodent models, and to test drug treatment both during and after neuronal development in the available model systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verica Vasic
- Institute for Microscopic Anatomy and Neurobiology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (V.V.); (M.J.S.)
| | - Mattson S. O. Jones
- Autism Therapy and Research Center of Excellence, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Frankfurt, 60528 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (M.S.O.J.); (D.H.)
- Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research (CePTER), Goethe University Frankfurt, 60528 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Denise Haslinger
- Autism Therapy and Research Center of Excellence, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Frankfurt, 60528 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (M.S.O.J.); (D.H.)
- Institute of Science and Technology (IST) Austria, 3400 Klosterneuburg, Austria; (L.S.K.); (G.N.)
| | - Lisa S. Knaus
- Institute of Science and Technology (IST) Austria, 3400 Klosterneuburg, Austria; (L.S.K.); (G.N.)
| | - Michael J. Schmeisser
- Institute for Microscopic Anatomy and Neurobiology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (V.V.); (M.J.S.)
- Focus Program Translational Neurosciences (FTN), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Gaia Novarino
- Institute of Science and Technology (IST) Austria, 3400 Klosterneuburg, Austria; (L.S.K.); (G.N.)
| | - Andreas G. Chiocchetti
- Autism Therapy and Research Center of Excellence, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Frankfurt, 60528 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (M.S.O.J.); (D.H.)
- Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research (CePTER), Goethe University Frankfurt, 60528 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-69-6301-80658
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44
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Mikhalkin AA, Merkulyeva NS. Peculiarities of Age-Related Dynamics of Neurons in the Cat Lateral Geniculate Nucleus as Revealed in Frontal versus Sagittal Slices. J EVOL BIOCHEM PHYS+ 2021. [DOI: 10.1134/s0022093021050021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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45
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PTEN mutations in autism spectrum disorder and congenital hydrocephalus: developmental pleiotropy and therapeutic targets. Trends Neurosci 2021; 44:961-976. [PMID: 34625286 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2021.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The lack of effective treatments for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and congenital hydrocephalus (CH) reflects the limited understanding of the biology underlying these common neurodevelopmental disorders. Although ASD and CH have been extensively studied as independent entities, recent human genomic and preclinical animal studies have uncovered shared molecular pathophysiology. Here, we review and discuss phenotypic, genomic, and molecular similarities between ASD and CH, and identify the PTEN-PI3K-mTOR (phosphatase and tensin homolog-phosphoinositide 3-kinase-mammalian target of rapamycin) pathway as a common underlying mechanism that holds diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic promise for individuals with ASD and CH.
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46
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Sato A, Ikeda K. Genetic and Environmental Contributions to Autism Spectrum Disorder Through Mechanistic Target of Rapamycin. BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY GLOBAL OPEN SCIENCE 2021; 2:95-105. [PMID: 36325164 PMCID: PMC9616270 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsgos.2021.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects an individual’s reciprocal social interaction and communication ability. Numerous genetic and environmental conditions are associated with ASD, including tuberous sclerosis complex, phosphatase and tensin homolog hamartoma tumor syndrome, fragile X syndrome, and neurofibromatosis 1. The pathogenic molecular mechanisms of these diseases are integrated into the hyperactivation of mTORC1 (mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1). Rodent models of these diseases have shown high mTORC1 activity in the brain and ASD-related behavioral deficits, which were reversed by the mTORC1 inhibitor rapamycin. Environmental stress can also affect this signaling pathway. In utero exposure to valproate caused ASD in offspring and enhanced mTORC1 activity in the brain, which was sensitive to mTORC1 inhibition. mTORC1 is a signaling hub for diverse cellular functions, including protein synthesis, through the phosphorylation of its targets, such as ribosomal protein S6 kinases. Metabotropic glutamate receptor 5–mediated synaptic function is also affected by the dysregulation of mTORC1 activity, such as in fragile X syndrome and tuberous sclerosis complex. Reversing these downstream changes that are associated with mTORC1 activation normalizes behavioral defects in rodents. Despite abundant preclinical evidence, few clinical studies have investigated the treatment of ASD and cognitive deficits. Therapeutics other than mTORC1 inhibitors failed to show efficacy in fragile X syndrome and neurofibromatosis 1. mTORC1 inhibitors have been tested mainly in tuberous sclerosis complex, and their effects on ASD and neuropsychological deficits are promising. mTORC1 is a promising target for the pharmacological treatment of ASD associated with mTORC1 activation.
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47
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Klofas LK, Short BP, Zhou C, Carson RP. Prevention of premature death and seizures in a Depdc5 mouse epilepsy model through inhibition of mTORC1. Hum Mol Genet 2021; 29:1365-1377. [PMID: 32280987 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddaa068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Revised: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in DEP domain containing 5 (DEPDC5) are increasingly appreciated as one of the most common causes of inherited focal epilepsy. Epilepsies due to DEPDC5 mutations are often associated with brain malformations, tend to be drug-resistant, and have been linked to an increased risk of sudden unexplained death in epilepsy (SUDEP). Generation of epilepsy models to define mechanisms of epileptogenesis remains vital for future therapies. Here, we describe a novel mouse model of Depdc5 deficiency with a severe epilepsy phenotype, generated by conditional deletion of Depdc5 in dorsal telencephalic neuroprogenitor cells. In contrast to control and heterozygous mice, Depdc5-Emx1-Cre conditional knockout (CKO) mice demonstrated macrocephaly, spontaneous seizures and premature death. Consistent with increased mTORC1 activation, targeted neurons were enlarged and both neurons and astrocytes demonstrated increased S6 phosphorylation. Electrophysiologic characterization of miniature inhibitory post-synaptic currents in excitatory neurons was consistent with impaired post-synaptic response to GABAergic input, suggesting a potential mechanism for neuronal hyperexcitability. mTORC1 inhibition with rapamycin significantly improved survival of CKO animals and prevented observed seizures, including for up to 40 days following rapamycin withdrawal. These data not only support a primary role for mTORC1 hyperactivation in epilepsy following homozygous loss of Depdc5, but also suggest a developmental window for treatment which may have a durable benefit for some time even after withdrawal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay K Klofas
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Brittany P Short
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Chengwen Zhou
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Robert P Carson
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.,Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.,Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
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48
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Chai AP, Chen XF, Xu XS, Zhang N, Li M, Li JN, Zhang L, Zhang D, Zhang X, Mao RR, Ding YQ, Xu L, Zhou QX. A Temporal Activity of CA1 Neurons Underlying Short-Term Memory for Social Recognition Altered in PTEN Mouse Models of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:699315. [PMID: 34335191 PMCID: PMC8319669 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.699315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Memory-guided social recognition identifies someone from previous encounters or experiences, but the mechanisms of social memory remain unclear. Here, we find that a short-term memory from experiencing a stranger mouse lasting under 30 min interval is essential for subsequent social recognition in mice, but that interval prolonged to hours by replacing the stranger mouse with a familiar littermate. Optogenetic silencing of dorsal CA1 neuronal activity during trials or inter-trial intervals disrupted short-term memory-guided social recognition, without affecting the ability of being sociable or long-term memory-guided social recognition. Postnatal knockdown or knockout of autism spectrum disorder (ASD)-associated phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) gene in dorsal hippocampal CA1 similarly impaired neuronal firing rate in vitro and altered firing pattern during social recognition. These PTEN mice showed deficits in social recognition with stranger mouse rather than littermate and exhibited impairment in T-maze spontaneous alternation task for testing short-term spatial memory. Thus, we suggest that a temporal activity of dorsal CA1 neurons may underlie formation of short-term memory to be critical for organizing subsequent social recognition but that is possibly disrupted in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- An-Ping Chai
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms, and Laboratory of Learning and Memory, and KIZ-SU Joint Laboratory of Animal Model and Drug Development, Kunming Institute of Zoology, The Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
- The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xue-Feng Chen
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms, and Laboratory of Learning and Memory, and KIZ-SU Joint Laboratory of Animal Model and Drug Development, Kunming Institute of Zoology, The Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
- School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
| | - Xiao-Shan Xu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms, and Laboratory of Learning and Memory, and KIZ-SU Joint Laboratory of Animal Model and Drug Development, Kunming Institute of Zoology, The Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Na Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui University, Hefei, China
| | - Meng Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms, and Laboratory of Learning and Memory, and KIZ-SU Joint Laboratory of Animal Model and Drug Development, Kunming Institute of Zoology, The Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Jin-Nan Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms, and Laboratory of Learning and Memory, and KIZ-SU Joint Laboratory of Animal Model and Drug Development, Kunming Institute of Zoology, The Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Dai Zhang
- Institute of Mental Health, The Sixth Hospital of Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Xia Zhang
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Institute of Mental Health Research at the Royal, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Mental Health Research at the Royal, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Rong-Rong Mao
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms, and Laboratory of Learning and Memory, and KIZ-SU Joint Laboratory of Animal Model and Drug Development, Kunming Institute of Zoology, The Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Yu-Qiang Ding
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lin Xu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms, and Laboratory of Learning and Memory, and KIZ-SU Joint Laboratory of Animal Model and Drug Development, Kunming Institute of Zoology, The Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
- School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Qi-Xin Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms, and Laboratory of Learning and Memory, and KIZ-SU Joint Laboratory of Animal Model and Drug Development, Kunming Institute of Zoology, The Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
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49
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Zapata-Muñoz J, Villarejo-Zori B, Largo-Barrientos P, Boya P. Towards a better understanding of the neuro-developmental role of autophagy in sickness and in health. Cell Stress 2021; 5:99-118. [PMID: 34308255 PMCID: PMC8283300 DOI: 10.15698/cst2021.07.253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is a critical cellular process by which biomolecules and cellular organelles are degraded in an orderly manner inside lysosomes. This process is particularly important in neurons: these post-mitotic cells cannot divide or be easily replaced and are therefore especially sensitive to the accumulation of toxic proteins and damaged organelles. Dysregulation of neuronal autophagy is well documented in a range of neurodegenerative diseases. However, growing evidence indicates that autophagy also critically contributes to neurodevelopmental cellular processes, including neurogenesis, maintenance of neural stem cell homeostasis, differentiation, metabolic reprogramming, and synaptic remodelling. These findings implicate autophagy in neurodevelopmental disorders. In this review we discuss the current understanding of the role of autophagy in neurodevelopment and neurodevelopmental disorders, as well as currently available tools and techniques that can be used to further investigate this association.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Zapata-Muñoz
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, CSIC, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Patricia Boya
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, CSIC, Madrid, Spain
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50
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D'Gama AM, Poduri A. Precision Therapy for Epilepsy Related to Brain Malformations. Neurotherapeutics 2021; 18:1548-1563. [PMID: 34608615 PMCID: PMC8608994 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-021-01122-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Malformations of cortical development (MCDs) represent a range of neurodevelopmental disorders that are collectively common causes of developmental delay and epilepsy, especially refractory childhood epilepsy. Initial treatment with antiseizure medications is empiric, and consideration of surgery is the standard of care for eligible patients with medically refractory epilepsy. In the past decade, advances in next generation sequencing technologies have accelerated progress in understanding the genetic etiologies of MCDs, and precision therapies for focal MCDs are emerging. Notably, mutations that lead to abnormal activation of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, which provides critical control of cell growth and proliferation, have emerged as a common cause of malformations. These include tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), hemimegalencephaly (HME), and some types of focal cortical dysplasia (FCD). TSC currently represents the best example for the pathway from gene discovery to relatively safe and efficacious targeted therapy for epilepsy related to MCDs. Based on extensive pre-clinical and clinical data, the mTOR inhibitor everolimus is currently approved for the treatment of focal refractory seizures in patients with TSC. Although clinical studies are just emerging for FCD and HME, we believe the next decade will bring significant advancements in precision therapies for epilepsy related to these and other MCDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alissa M D'Gama
- Divisions of Newborn Medicine and Genetics and Genomics, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Epilepsy Genetics Program, Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Annapurna Poduri
- Epilepsy Genetics Program, Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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