51
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Sun AX, Yuan Q, Fukuda M, Yu W, Yan H, Lim GGY, Nai MH, D'Agostino GA, Tran HD, Itahana Y, Wang D, Lokman H, Itahana K, Lim SWL, Tang J, Chang YY, Zhang M, Cook SA, Rackham OJL, Lim CT, Tan EK, Ng HH, Lim KL, Jiang YH, Je HS. Potassium channel dysfunction in human neuronal models of Angelman syndrome. Science 2020; 366:1486-1492. [PMID: 31857479 DOI: 10.1126/science.aav5386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2018] [Revised: 09/29/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Disruptions in the ubiquitin protein ligase E3A (UBE3A) gene cause Angelman syndrome (AS). Whereas AS model mice have associated synaptic dysfunction and altered plasticity with abnormal behavior, whether similar or other mechanisms contribute to network hyperactivity and epilepsy susceptibility in AS patients remains unclear. Using human neurons and brain organoids, we demonstrate that UBE3A suppresses neuronal hyperexcitability via ubiquitin-mediated degradation of calcium- and voltage-dependent big potassium (BK) channels. We provide evidence that augmented BK channel activity manifests as increased intrinsic excitability in individual neurons and subsequent network synchronization. BK antagonists normalized neuronal excitability in both human and mouse neurons and ameliorated seizure susceptibility in an AS mouse model. Our findings suggest that BK channelopathy underlies epilepsy in AS and support the use of human cells to model human developmental diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfred Xuyang Sun
- National Neuroscience Institute, 11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, Singapore 308433, Singapore. .,Genome Institute of Singapore, 60 Biopolis Street, Singapore 138672, Singapore
| | - Qiang Yuan
- Graduate School for Integrative Sciences and Engineering, National University of Singapore, 28 Medical Drive, Singapore 117456, Singapore.,Signature Program in Neuroscience and Behavioral Disorders, Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore 169857, Singapore
| | - Masahiro Fukuda
- Signature Program in Neuroscience and Behavioral Disorders, Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore 169857, Singapore
| | - Weonjin Yu
- Signature Program in Neuroscience and Behavioral Disorders, Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore 169857, Singapore
| | - Haidun Yan
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Grace Gui Yin Lim
- National Neuroscience Institute, 11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, Singapore 308433, Singapore
| | - Mui Hoon Nai
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117576, Singapore
| | | | - Hoang-Dai Tran
- Genome Institute of Singapore, 60 Biopolis Street, Singapore 138672, Singapore
| | - Yoko Itahana
- Program in Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Road, 169857, Singapore
| | - Danlei Wang
- National Neuroscience Institute, 11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, Singapore 308433, Singapore
| | - Hidayat Lokman
- Signature Program in Neuroscience and Behavioral Disorders, Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore 169857, Singapore
| | - Koji Itahana
- Program in Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Road, 169857, Singapore
| | - Stephanie Wai Lin Lim
- Signature Program in Neuroscience and Behavioral Disorders, Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore 169857, Singapore
| | - Jiong Tang
- Singapore Bioimaging Consortium, Agency for Science Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 138667, Singapore
| | - Ya Yin Chang
- National Neuroscience Institute, 11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, Singapore 308433, Singapore
| | - Menglan Zhang
- Signature Program in Neuroscience and Behavioral Disorders, Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore 169857, Singapore
| | - Stuart A Cook
- Program in Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders, Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore 169857, Singapore
| | - Owen J L Rackham
- Program in Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders, Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore 169857, Singapore
| | - Chwee Teck Lim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117576, Singapore
| | - Eng King Tan
- National Neuroscience Institute, 11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, Singapore 308433, Singapore.,Signature Program in Neuroscience and Behavioral Disorders, Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore 169857, Singapore
| | - Huck Hui Ng
- Genome Institute of Singapore, 60 Biopolis Street, Singapore 138672, Singapore
| | - Kah Leong Lim
- National Neuroscience Institute, 11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, Singapore 308433, Singapore.,Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597, Singapore.,Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, 11 Mandalay Road, Singapore 308232, Singapore
| | - Yong-Hui Jiang
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Hyunsoo Shawn Je
- Signature Program in Neuroscience and Behavioral Disorders, Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore 169857, Singapore. .,Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597, Singapore
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52
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Quemener AM, Bachelot L, Forestier A, Donnou-Fournet E, Gilot D, Galibert MD. The powerful world of antisense oligonucleotides: From bench to bedside. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-RNA 2020; 11:e1594. [PMID: 32233021 PMCID: PMC9285911 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2019] [Revised: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) represent a new and highly promising class of drugs for personalized medicine. In the last decade, major chemical developments and improvements of the backbone structure of ASOs have transformed them into true approved and commercialized drugs. ASOs target both DNA and RNA, including pre‐mRNA, mRNA, and ncRDA, based on sequence complementary. They are designed to be specific for each identified molecular and genetic alteration to restore a normal, physiological situation. Thus, the characterization of the underpinning mechanisms and alterations that sustain pathology is critical for accurate ASO‐design. ASOs can be used to cure both rare and common diseases, such as orphan genetic alterations and cancer. Through pioneering examples, this review shows the versatility of the mechanisms of action that provide ASOs with the potential capacity to achieve custom treatment, revolutionizing personalized medicine. This article is categorized under:RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Small Molecule–RNA Interactions
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Affiliation(s)
- Anaïs M Quemener
- Univ Rennes, CNRS, IGDR (Institut de Génétique et Développement de Rennes)-UMR6290, ARC Foundation Labellized Team, Rennes, France
| | - Laura Bachelot
- Univ Rennes, CNRS, IGDR (Institut de Génétique et Développement de Rennes)-UMR6290, ARC Foundation Labellized Team, Rennes, France
| | - Anne Forestier
- Univ Rennes, CNRS, IGDR (Institut de Génétique et Développement de Rennes)-UMR6290, ARC Foundation Labellized Team, Rennes, France
| | - Emmanuelle Donnou-Fournet
- Univ Rennes, CNRS, IGDR (Institut de Génétique et Développement de Rennes)-UMR6290, ARC Foundation Labellized Team, Rennes, France
| | - David Gilot
- Univ Rennes, CNRS, IGDR (Institut de Génétique et Développement de Rennes)-UMR6290, ARC Foundation Labellized Team, Rennes, France
| | - Marie-Dominique Galibert
- Univ Rennes, CNRS, IGDR (Institut de Génétique et Développement de Rennes)-UMR6290, ARC Foundation Labellized Team, Rennes, France.,Department of Molecular Genetics and Genomic, CHU Rennes, Hospital-University of Rennes, Rennes, France
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53
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Rotaru DC, Mientjes EJ, Elgersma Y. Angelman Syndrome: From Mouse Models to Therapy. Neuroscience 2020; 445:172-189. [PMID: 32088294 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2020.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Revised: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The UBE3A gene is part of the chromosome 15q11-q13 region that is frequently deleted or duplicated, leading to several neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD). Angelman syndrome (AS) is caused by the absence of functional maternally derived UBE3A protein, while the paternal UBE3A gene is present but silenced specifically in neurons. Patients with AS present with severe neurodevelopmental delay, with pronounced motor deficits, absence of speech, intellectual disability, epilepsy, and sleep problems. The pathophysiology of AS is still unclear and a treatment is lacking. Animal models of AS recapitulate the genotypic and phenotypic features observed in AS patients, and have been invaluable for understanding the disease process as well as identifying apropriate drug targets. Using these AS mouse models we have learned that loss of UBE3A probably affects many areas of the brain, leading to increased neuronal excitability and a loss of synaptic spines, along with changes in a number of distinct behaviours. Inducible AS mouse models have helped to identify the critical treatment windows for the behavioral and physiological phenotypes. Additionally, AS mouse models indicate an important role for the predominantly nuclear UBE3A isoform in generating the characteristic AS pathology. Last, but not least, the AS mice have been crucial in guiding Ube3a gene reactivation treatments, which present a very promising therapy to treat AS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana C Rotaru
- Department of Neuroscience, The ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Edwin J Mientjes
- Department of Neuroscience, The ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ype Elgersma
- Department of Neuroscience, The ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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54
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Salminen I, Read S, Hurd P, Crespi B. Does SNORD116 mediate aspects of psychosis in Prader-Willi syndrome? Evidence from a non-clinical population. Psychiatry Res 2020; 286:112858. [PMID: 32065983 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2020.112858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Revised: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The paternally expressed gene SNORD116 encodes a set of short nucleolar RNAs that affect the expression of hundreds of other genes via epigenetic interactions. Lack of expression for SNORD116 has been implicated in major phenotypes of Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS). Rates of psychosis and autism spectrum disorders are greatly increased in PWS, but the genetic and epigenetic causes of these increases remain unknown. We genotyped a large population of typical individuals for five SNPs within SNORD116 and phenotyped them for variation in schizotypal and autism spectrum traits. SNORD116 SNP and haplotype variation mediated variation exclusively in the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire - Ideas of Reference subscale, which reflects variation in aspects of paranoia. The effect was restricted to females. SNORD116 represents, in addition to UBE3A and NDN-MAGEL2, a third, independent locus in the 15q11-q13 imprinted region that preferentially or exclusively affects levels of paranoia. This convergent pattern may reflect a common neural pathway affected by multiple genes, or an effect of interactions between the imprinted loci.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iiro Salminen
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada.
| | - Silven Read
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Pete Hurd
- Department of Psychology and Centre for Neuroscience, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Bernard Crespi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
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55
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Abstract
Protein ubiquitylation is essential for the maintenance of cellular homeostasis. E3 ubiquitin ligases are key components of the enzymatic machinery catalyzing the attachment of ubiquitin to substrate proteins. Consequently, enzymatic dysfunction has been associated with medical conditions including cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular and neurodegenerative disorders. To safeguard substrate selection and ubiquitylation, the activity of E3 ligases is tightly regulated by post-translational modifications including phosphorylation, sumoylation, and ubiquitylation, as well as binding of alternative adaptor molecules and cofactors. Recent structural studies identified homotypic and heterotypic interactions between E3 ligases, adding another layer of control for rapid adaptation to changing environmental and physiological conditions. Here, we discuss the regulation of E3 ligase activity by combinatorial oligomerization and summarize examples of associated ubiquitylation pathways and mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vishnu Balaji
- Institute for Genetics and Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Thorsten Hoppe
- Institute for Genetics and Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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56
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Furumai R, Tamada K, Liu X, Takumi T. UBE3A regulates the transcription of IRF, an antiviral immunity. Hum Mol Genet 2020; 28:1947-1958. [PMID: 30690483 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddz019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Revised: 01/10/2019] [Accepted: 01/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
UBE3A is a gene responsible for the pathogenesis of Angelman syndrome (AS), a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by symptoms such as intellectual disability, delayed development and severe speech impairment. UBE3A encodes an E3 ubiquitin ligase, for which several targets have been identified, including synaptic molecules. Although proteolysis mainly occurs in the cytoplasm, UBE3A is localized to the cytoplasm and the nucleus. In fact, UBE3A is also known as a transcriptional regulator of the family of nuclear receptors. However, the function of UBE3A in the nucleus remains unclear. Therefore, we examined the involvement of UBE3A in transcription in the nuclei of neurons. Genome-wide transcriptome analysis revealed an enrichment of genes downstream of interferon regulatory factor (IRF) in a UBE3A-deficient AS mouse model. In vitro biochemical analyses further demonstrated that UBE3A interacted with IRF and, more importantly, that UBE3A enhanced IRF-dependent transcription. These results suggest a function for UBE3A as a transcriptional regulator of the immune system in the brain. These findings also provide informative molecular insights into the function of UBE3A in the brain and in AS pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryohei Furumai
- RIKEN Brain Science Institute, Wako, Saitama, Japan.,Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Hiroshima University, Minami, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Kota Tamada
- RIKEN Brain Science Institute, Wako, Saitama, Japan.,Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Hiroshima University, Minami, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Xiaoxi Liu
- RIKEN Brain Science Institute, Wako, Saitama, Japan
| | - Toru Takumi
- RIKEN Brain Science Institute, Wako, Saitama, Japan.,Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Hiroshima University, Minami, Hiroshima, Japan
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57
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Augmentative and Alternative Communication Intervention for People With Angelman Syndrome: a Systematic Review. CURRENT DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS REPORTS 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s40474-020-00187-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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58
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Chen X, Sun YZ, Guan NN, Qu J, Huang ZA, Zhu ZX, Li JQ. Computational models for lncRNA function prediction and functional similarity calculation. Brief Funct Genomics 2020; 18:58-82. [PMID: 30247501 DOI: 10.1093/bfgp/ely031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2018] [Revised: 07/17/2018] [Accepted: 08/30/2018] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
From transcriptional noise to dark matter of biology, the rapidly changing view of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) leads to deep understanding of human complex diseases induced by abnormal expression of lncRNAs. There is urgent need to discern potential functional roles of lncRNAs for further study of pathology, diagnosis, therapy, prognosis, prevention of human complex disease and disease biomarker detection at lncRNA level. Computational models are anticipated to be an effective way to combine current related databases for predicting most potential lncRNA functions and calculating lncRNA functional similarity on the large scale. In this review, we firstly illustrated the biological function of lncRNAs from five biological processes and briefly depicted the relationship between mutations or dysfunctions of lncRNAs and human complex diseases involving cancers, nervous system disorders and others. Then, 17 publicly available lncRNA function-related databases containing four types of functional information content were introduced. Based on these databases, dozens of developed computational models are emerging to help characterize the functional roles of lncRNAs. We therefore systematically described and classified both 16 lncRNA function prediction models and 9 lncRNA functional similarity calculation models into 8 types for highlighting their core algorithm and process. Finally, we concluded with discussions about the advantages and limitations of these computational models and future directions of lncRNA function prediction and functional similarity calculation. We believe that constructing systematic functional annotation systems is essential to strengthen the prediction accuracy of computational models, which will accelerate the identification process of novel lncRNA functions in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Chen
- School of Information and Control Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou, China
| | - Ya-Zhou Sun
- College of Computer Science and Software Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Na-Na Guan
- College of Computer Science and Software Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jia Qu
- School of Information and Control Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou, China
| | - Zhi-An Huang
- College of Computer Science and Software Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ze-Xuan Zhu
- College of Computer Science and Software Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jian-Qiang Li
- College of Computer Science and Software Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
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59
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Zylka MJ. Prenatal treatment path for angelman syndrome and other neurodevelopmental disorders. Autism Res 2020; 13:11-17. [PMID: 31490639 PMCID: PMC7968581 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Revised: 08/18/2019] [Accepted: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Angelman syndrome (AS) is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder caused by mutation or deletion of the maternally inherited UBE3A allele. These pathogenic mutations lead to loss of maternal UBE3A expression in neurons. Antisense oligonucleotides and gene therapies are in development, which activate the intact but epigenetically silenced paternal UBE3A allele. Preclinical studies indicate that treating during the prenatal period could greatly reduce the severity of symptoms or prevent AS from developing. Genetic tests can detect the chromosome 15q11-q13 deletion that is the most common cause of AS. New, highly sensitive noninvasive prenatal tests that take advantage of single-cell genome sequencing technologies are expected to enter the clinic in the coming years and make early genetic diagnosis of AS more common. Efforts are needed to identify fetuses and newborns with maternal 15q11-q13 deletions and to phenotype these babies relative to neurotypical controls. Clinical and parent observations suggest AS symptoms are detectable in infants, including reports of problems with feeding and motor function. Quantitative phenotypes in the 0- to 1-year age range will permit a more rapid assessment of efficacy when future treatments are administered prenatally or shortly after birth. Although prenatal therapies are currently not available for AS, prenatal testing combined with prenatal treatment has the potential to revolutionize how clinicians detect and treat babies before they are symptomatic. This pioneering prenatal treatment path for AS will lay the foundation for treating other syndromic neurodevelopmental disorders. Autism Res 2020, 13: 11-17. © 2019 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc. LAY SUMMARY: Prenatal treatment could benefit expectant parents whose babies test positive for the chromosome microdeletion that causes Angelman syndrome (AS). Prenatal treatment is predicted to have better outcomes than treating after symptoms develop and may even prevent AS altogether. This approach could generally be applied to the treatment of other syndromic neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark J Zylka
- UNC Neuroscience Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
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60
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Summers J. Using Behavioral Approaches to Assess Memory, Imitation and Motor Performance in Children with Angelman Syndrome: Results of a Pilot Study. Dev Neurorehabil 2019; 22:516-526. [PMID: 31116614 DOI: 10.1080/17518423.2019.1619857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: This study was designed to assess memory, imitation of motor actions and motor performance by 12 children (age range 40-151 months) with Angelman syndrome (AS), a rare neurogenetic disorder associated with learning and memory impairments. Methods: Children's functioning was assessed at several time points over a 3-month period. Results: Memory and motor performance tests had acceptable test-retest and inter-rater reliability whereas the motor imitation test did not. Children were able to recall action sequences after a 24-h delay. Memory and motor performance scores were correlated with children's chronological age and raw scores on subdomains of the Vineland-II. Conclusions: These behavioral tests require further development and evaluation but may show promise to accompany standardized assessments that are currently in use with children with AS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane Summers
- Hospital for Sick Children , Toronto , Ontario , Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto , Toronto , ON , Canada
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61
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Wang T, Wang J, Wang J, Mao L, Tang B, Vanderklish PW, Liao X, Xiong ZQ, Liao L. HAP1 is an in vivo UBE3A target that augments autophagy in a mouse model of Angelman syndrome. Neurobiol Dis 2019; 132:104585. [PMID: 31445164 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2019.104585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Revised: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Angelman syndrome (AS) is a severe neurodevelopmental disorder caused by maternal mutation and paternal imprinting of the gene encoding UBE3A, an E3 ubiquitin ligase. Although several potential target proteins of UBE3A have been reported, how these proteins regulate neuronal development remains unclear. We performed a large-scale quantitative proteomic analysis using stable-isotope labeling of amino acids in mammals (SILAM) in mice with maternal Ube3a mutation. We identified huntingtin (Htt)-associated protein (HAP1), a protein that is involved in Huntington's disease (HD), as a new target of UBE3A. We demonstrate that HAP1 regulates autophagy at the initiation stage by promoting PtdIns3K complex formation and enhancing its activity. HAP1 also co-localized with MAP1LC3 (LC3) and other proteins involved in autophagosome expansion. As a result, HAP1 increased autophagy flux. Strikingly, knocking down of HAP1 alleviated aberrant autophagy in primary neurons from AS mice. Concordantly, treatment of AS neurons with an autophagy inhibitor alleviated the reduction in density of dendritic spines. Furthermore, autophagy inhibition in AS mice partially alleviated a social interaction deficit as shown in open field test. Thus, our results identify HAP1 as an in vivo UBE3A target that contributes to deregulated autophagy and synaptic dysfunction in the central nervous system of AS mouse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Key Laboratory of Brain Functional Genomics of Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Jingyu Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Key Laboratory of Brain Functional Genomics of Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Lin Mao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Key Laboratory of Brain Functional Genomics of Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Bin Tang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Key Laboratory of Brain Functional Genomics of Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Peter W Vanderklish
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Scripps Research, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, United States
| | - Xun Liao
- Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Zhi-Qi Xiong
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Lujian Liao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Key Laboratory of Brain Functional Genomics of Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China.
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62
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O'Brien S, Ng-Cordell E, Astle DE, Scerif G, Baker K. STXBP1-associated neurodevelopmental disorder: a comparative study of behavioural characteristics. J Neurodev Disord 2019; 11:17. [PMID: 31387522 PMCID: PMC6683428 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-019-9278-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND De novo loss of function mutations in STXBP1 are a relatively common cause of epilepsy and intellectual disability (ID). However, little is known about the types and severities of behavioural features associated with this genetic diagnosis. METHODS To address this, we collected systematic phenotyping data encompassing neurological, developmental, and behavioural characteristics. Participants were 14 individuals with STXBP1-associated neurodevelopmental disorder, ascertained from clinical genetics and neurology services UK-wide. Data was collected via standardised questionnaires administered to parents at home, supplemented by researcher observations. To isolate discriminating phenotypes, the STXBP1 group was compared to 33 individuals with pathogenic mutations in other ID-associated genes (ID group). To account for the potential impact of global cognitive impairment, a secondary comparison was made to an ability-matched subset of the ID group (low-ability ID group). RESULTS The STXBP1 group demonstrated impairments across all assessed domains. In comparison to the ID group, the STXBP1 group had more severe global adaptive impairments, fine motor difficulties, and hyperactivity. In comparison to the low-ability ID group, severity of receptive language and social impairments discriminated the STXBP1 group. A striking feature of the STXBP1 group, with reference to both comparison groups, was preservation of social motivation. CONCLUSIONS De novo mutations in STXBP1 are associated with complex and variable neurodevelopmental impairments. Consistent features, which discriminate this disorder from other monogenic causes of ID, are severe language impairment and difficulties managing social interactions, despite strong social motivation. Future work could explore the physiological mechanisms linking motor, speech, and social development in this disorder. Understanding the developmental emergence of behavioural characteristics can help to focus clinical assessment and management after genetic diagnosis, with the long-term aim of improving outcomes for patients and families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sinéad O'Brien
- MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge, 15 Chaucer Road, Cambridge, CB2 7EF, UK
| | - Elise Ng-Cordell
- MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge, 15 Chaucer Road, Cambridge, CB2 7EF, UK.,Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Anna Watts Building, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Woodstock Road, Oxford, OX2 6GG, UK
| | | | - Duncan E Astle
- MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge, 15 Chaucer Road, Cambridge, CB2 7EF, UK
| | - Gaia Scerif
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Anna Watts Building, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Woodstock Road, Oxford, OX2 6GG, UK
| | - Kate Baker
- MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge, 15 Chaucer Road, Cambridge, CB2 7EF, UK. .,Department of Medical Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 0XY, UK.
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63
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Lauterborn JC, Schultz MN, Le AA, Amani M, Friedman AE, Leach PT, Gall CM, Lynch GS, Crawley JN. Spaced training improves learning in Ts65Dn and Ube3a mouse models of intellectual disabilities. Transl Psychiatry 2019; 9:166. [PMID: 31182707 PMCID: PMC6557858 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-019-0495-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2018] [Revised: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 03/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Benefits of distributed learning strategies have been extensively described in the human literature, but minimally investigated in intellectual disability syndromes. We tested the hypothesis that training trials spaced apart in time could improve learning in two distinct genetic mouse models of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by intellectual impairments. As compared to training with massed trials, spaced training significantly improved learning in both the Ts65Dn trisomy mouse model of Down syndrome and the maternally inherited Ube3a mutant mouse model of Angelman syndrome. Spacing the training trials at 1 h intervals accelerated acquisition of three cognitive tasks by Ts65Dn mice: (1) object location memory, (2) novel object recognition, (3) water maze spatial learning. Further, (4) spaced training improved water maze spatial learning by Ube3a mice. In contrast, (5) cerebellar-mediated rotarod motor learning was not improved by spaced training. Corroborations in three assays, conducted in two model systems, replicated within and across two laboratories, confirm the strength of the findings. Our results indicate strong translational relevance of a behavioral intervention strategy for improving the standard of care in treating the learning difficulties that are characteristic and clinically intractable features of many neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- J C Lauterborn
- Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, School of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - M N Schultz
- MIND Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - A A Le
- Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, School of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - M Amani
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, School of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - A E Friedman
- MIND Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
- Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - P T Leach
- MIND Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
- Biogen Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - C M Gall
- Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, School of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - G S Lynch
- Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, School of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, School of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - J N Crawley
- MIND Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA.
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64
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Salminen I, Read S, Hurd P, Crespi B. Genetic variation of UBE3A is associated with schizotypy in a population of typical individuals. Psychiatry Res 2019; 275:94-99. [PMID: 30897394 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2019.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2019] [Revised: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The maternally expressed imprinted gene UBE3A has been implicated in autism, schizophrenia and psychosis. The phenotype of Angelman syndrome, caused by loss of UBE3A expression, involves autism spectrum traits, while Prader-Willi syndrome, where the genotype of maternal disomy increases dosage of UBE3A, shows high penetrance for the development of psychosis. Maternal duplications of the 15q11-q13 chromosome region that overlap the imprinted region also show an association with schizophrenia, further implying a connection between increased dosage of UBE3A and the development of schizophrenia and psychosis. We phenotyped a large population of typical individuals for autism spectrum and schizotypal traits and genotyped them for a set of SNPs in UBE3A. Genetic variation of rs732739, an intronic SNP tagging a large haplotype spanning nearly the entire range of UBE3A, was significantly associated with variation in total schizotypy. Our results provide an independent line of evidence, connecting the imprinted UBE3A gene to the schizophrenia spectrum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iiro Salminen
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada.
| | - Silven Read
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Pete Hurd
- Department of Psychology and Centre for Neuroscience, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Bernard Crespi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
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65
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Hamrick LR, Tonnsen BL. Validating and Applying the CSBS-ITC in Neurogenetic Syndromes. AMERICAN JOURNAL ON INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2019; 124:263-285. [PMID: 31026205 PMCID: PMC7156276 DOI: 10.1352/1944-7558-124.3.263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Although social communication skills are commonly delayed in children with neurogenetic syndromes (NGS), skill profiles in very young children are largely under characterized, in part due to the lack of validated assessment measures appropriate for these populations. We addressed this gap by validating and applying a popular early social communication screening measure, the Communication and Symbolic Behavior Scales Developmental Profile - Infant-Toddler Checklist (CSBS-ITC) in three previously understudied neurogenetic groups: Angelman, Prader-Willi, and Williams syndromes. Our results suggest that when used within the appropriate scope of screening and surveillance, the CSBS-ITC detects meaningful variability in skills across ages in young children with NGS and may provide useful information about both individual- and population-level social communication profiles in these populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa R Hamrick
- Lisa R. Hamrick, Purdue University, Department of Psychological Sciences and Bridgette L. Tonnsen, Department of Psychological Sciences, Purdue University
| | - Bridgette L Tonnsen
- Lisa R. Hamrick, Purdue University, Department of Psychological Sciences and Bridgette L. Tonnsen, Department of Psychological Sciences, Purdue University
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66
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Khatri N, Man HY. The Autism and Angelman Syndrome Protein Ube3A/E6AP: The Gene, E3 Ligase Ubiquitination Targets and Neurobiological Functions. Front Mol Neurosci 2019; 12:109. [PMID: 31114479 PMCID: PMC6502993 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2019.00109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2019] [Accepted: 04/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
UBE3A is a gene implicated in neurodevelopmental disorders. The protein product of UBE3A is the E3 ligase E6-associated protein (E6AP), and its expression in the brain is uniquely regulated via genetic imprinting. Loss of E6AP expression leads to the development of Angelman syndrome (AS), clinically characterized by lack of speech, abnormal motor development, and the presence of seizures. Conversely, copy number variations (CNVs) that result in the overexpression of E6AP are strongly associated with the development of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), defined by decreased communication, impaired social interest, and increased repetitive behavior. In this review article, we focus on the neurobiological function of Ube3A/E6AP. As an E3 ligase, many functional target proteins of E6AP have been discovered, including p53, Arc, Ephexin5, and SK2. On a neuronal level, E6AP is widely expressed within the cell, including dendritic arbors, spines, and the nucleus. E6AP regulates neuronal morphological maturation and plays an important role in synaptic plasticity and cortical development. These molecular findings provide insight into our understanding of the molecular events underlying AS and ASDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha Khatri
- Department of Biology, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Heng-Ye Man
- Department of Biology, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
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Luo E, Shi B, Chen QM, Zhou XD. [Dental-craniofacial manifestation and treatment of rare diseases in China]. HUA XI KOU QIANG YI XUE ZA ZHI = HUAXI KOUQIANG YIXUE ZAZHI = WEST CHINA JOURNAL OF STOMATOLOGY 2019; 37:130-142. [PMID: 31168978 PMCID: PMC7030144 DOI: 10.7518/hxkq.2019.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2018] [Revised: 01/16/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Rare diseases are genetic, chronic, and incurable disorders with relatively low prevalence. Thus, diagnosis and management strategies for such diseases are currently limited. This situation is exacerbated by insufficient medical sources for these diseases. The National Health and Health Committee of China recently first provided a clear definition of 121 rare diseases in the Chinese population. In this study, we summarize several dental-craniofacial manifestations associated with some rare diseases to provide a reference for dentists and oral maxillofacial surgeons aiming at fast-tracking diagnosis for the management of these rare diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- En Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Bing Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Qian-Ming Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Xue-Dong Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
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68
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Luo E, Liu H, Zhao Q, Shi B, Chen Q. Dental-craniofacial manifestation and treatment of rare diseases. Int J Oral Sci 2019; 11:9. [PMID: 30783081 PMCID: PMC6381182 DOI: 10.1038/s41368-018-0041-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2018] [Revised: 10/22/2018] [Accepted: 10/28/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Rare diseases are usually genetic, chronic and incurable disorders with a relatively low incidence. Developments in the diagnosis and management of rare diseases have been relatively slow due to a lack of sufficient profit motivation and market to attract research by companies. However, due to the attention of government and society as well as economic development, rare diseases have been gradually become an increasing concern. As several dental-craniofacial manifestations are associated with rare diseases, we summarize them in this study to help dentists and oral maxillofacial surgeons provide an early diagnosis and subsequent management for patients with these rare diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- En Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hanghang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qiucheng Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Bing Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
| | - Qianming Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
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69
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Landi S, Petrucco L, Sicca F, Ratto GM. Transient Cognitive Impairment in Epilepsy. Front Mol Neurosci 2019; 11:458. [PMID: 30666185 PMCID: PMC6330286 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2018.00458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Accepted: 11/28/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Impairments of the dialog between excitation and inhibition (E/I) is commonly associated to neuropsychiatric disorders like autism, bipolar disorders and epilepsy. Moderate levels of hyperexcitability can lead to mild alterations of the EEG and are often associated with cognitive deficits even in the absence of overt seizures. Indeed, various testing paradigms have shown degraded performances in presence of acute or chronic non-ictal epileptiform activity. Evidences from both animal models and the clinics suggest that anomalous activity can cause cognitive deficits by transiently disrupting cortical processing, independently from the underlying etiology of the disease. Here, we will review our understanding of the influence of an abnormal EEG activity on brain computation in the context of the available clinical data and in genetic or pharmacological animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Landi
- NEST, Istituto Nanoscienze-CNR and Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa, Italy
| | - Luigi Petrucco
- Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Federico Sicca
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, Fondazione IRCCS Stella Maris, Pisa, Italy
| | - Gian Michele Ratto
- NEST, Istituto Nanoscienze-CNR and Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa, Italy
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70
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Abstract
UBE3A is a dual function protein consisting of ubiquitin ligase as well as transcriptional co-activator function. UBE3A gene is imprinted in the brain with preferential maternal-specific expression particularly in the neuron and loss of activity of the maternally inherited UBE3A causes Angelman syndrome (AS), characterized by severe mental retardation, lack of speech, seizures and autistic features. Interestingly, duplication, triplication, or gain-of-function mutations in the UBE3A gene are also linked with autism clinically distinguished by social impairments and stereotyped behaviors. These findings indicate that the expression and activity of UBE3A must be tightly regulated during brain development and UBE3A might be playing a crucial role in controlling synaptic function and plasticity through proteasome-mediated degradation as well as transcriptional regulation of its target proteins. In fact, several recent reports demonstrated the role of UBE3A in the modulation of synaptic function and plasticity. This review focuses on the critical role of UBE3A in regulating the synaptic function and how its altered activity is associated with autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naman Vatsa
- Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience Laboratory, National Brain Research Centre, Gurugram, India
| | - Nihar Ranjan Jana
- School of Bioscience, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, India
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71
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Kühnle S, Martínez-Noël G, Leclere F, Hayes SD, Harper JW, Howley PM. Angelman syndrome-associated point mutations in the Zn 2+-binding N-terminal (AZUL) domain of UBE3A ubiquitin ligase inhibit binding to the proteasome. J Biol Chem 2018; 293:18387-18399. [PMID: 30257870 PMCID: PMC6254356 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra118.004653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2018] [Revised: 08/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Deregulation of the HECT ubiquitin ligase UBE3A/E6AP has been implicated in Angelman syndrome as well as autism spectrum disorders. We and others have previously identified the 26S proteasome as one of the major UBE3A-interacting protein complexes. Here, we characterize the interaction of UBE3A and the proteasomal subunit PSMD4 (Rpn10/S5a). We map the interaction to the highly conserved Zn2+-binding N-terminal (AZUL) domain of UBE3A, the integrity of which is crucial for binding to PSMD4. Interestingly, two Angelman syndrome point mutations that affect the AZUL domain show an impaired ability to bind PSMD4. Although not affecting the ubiquitin ligase or the estrogen receptor α-mediated transcriptional regulation activities, these AZUL domain mutations prevent UBE3A from stimulating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Taken together, our data indicate that impaired binding to the 26S proteasome and consequential deregulation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling might contribute to the functional defect of these mutants in Angelman syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Kühnle
- From the Departments of Microbiology and Immunobiology and
| | | | | | | | - J Wade Harper
- Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
| | - Peter M Howley
- From the Departments of Microbiology and Immunobiology and.
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72
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Wei CW, Luo T, Zou SS, Wu AS. The Role of Long Noncoding RNAs in Central Nervous System and Neurodegenerative Diseases. Front Behav Neurosci 2018; 12:175. [PMID: 30323747 PMCID: PMC6172704 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2018.00175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2018] [Accepted: 07/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) refer to a group of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) that has a transcript of more than 200 nucleotides in length in eukaryotic cells. The lncRNAs regulate gene expression at epigenetic, transcriptional, and post-transcriptional levels by multiple action modes. In this review, we describe the diverse roles reported for lncRNAs, and discuss how they could mechanistically be involved in the development of central nervous system (CNS) and neurodegenerative diseases. Further studies on the function of lncRNAs and their mechanism will help deepen our understanding of the development, function, and diseases of the CNS, and provide new ideas for the design and development of some therapeutic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang-Wei Wei
- Department of Anesthesiology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Ting Luo
- Department of Anesthesiology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Shan-Shan Zou
- Department of Anesthesiology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - An-Shi Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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73
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Lee HM, Clark EP, Kuijer MB, Cushman M, Pommier Y, Philpot BD. Characterization and structure-activity relationships of indenoisoquinoline-derived topoisomerase I inhibitors in unsilencing the dormant Ube3a gene associated with Angelman syndrome. Mol Autism 2018; 9:45. [PMID: 30140420 PMCID: PMC6098585 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-018-0228-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Angelman syndrome (AS) is a severe neurodevelopmental disorder lacking effective therapies. AS is caused by mutations in ubiquitin protein ligase E3A (UBE3A), which is genomically imprinted such that only the maternally inherited copy is expressed in neurons. We previously demonstrated that topoisomerase I (Top1) inhibitors could successfully reactivate the dormant paternal allele of Ube3a in neurons of a mouse model of AS. We also previously showed that one such Top1 inhibitor, topotecan, could unsilence paternal UBE3A in induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neurons from individuals with AS. Although topotecan has been well-studied and is FDA-approved for cancer therapy, its limited CNS bioavailability will likely restrict the therapeutic use of topotecan in AS. The goal of this study was to identify additional Top1 inhibitors with similar efficacy as topotecan, with the expectation that these could be tested in the future for safety and CNS bioavailability to assess their potential as AS therapeutics. Methods We tested 13 indenoisoquinoline-derived Top1 inhibitors to identify compounds that unsilence the paternal allele of Ube3a in mouse neurons. Primary cortical neurons were isolated from embryonic day 14.5 (E14.5) mice with a Ube3a-YFP fluorescent tag on the paternal allele (Ube3am+/pYFP mice) or mice that lack the maternal Ube3a allele and hence model AS (Ube3am-/p+ mice). Neurons were cultured for 7 days, treated with drug for 72 h, and examined for paternal UBE3A protein expression by Western blot or fluorescence immunostaining. Dose responses of the compounds were determined across a log range of drug treatments, and cytotoxicity was tested using a luciferase-based assay. Results All 13 indenoisoquinoline-derived Top1 inhibitors unsilenced paternal Ube3a. Several compounds exhibited favorable paternal Ube3a unsilencing properties, similar to topotecan, and of these, indotecan (LMP400) was the most effective based on estimated Emax (maximum response of unsilencing paternal Ube3a) and EC50 (half maximal effective concentration). Conclusions We provide pharmacological profiles of indenoisoquinoline-derived Top1 inhibitors as paternal Ube3a unsilencers. All 13 tested compounds were effective at unsilencing paternal Ube3a, although with variable efficacy and potency. Indotecan (LMP400) demonstrated a better pharmacological profile of Ube3a unsilencing compared to our previous lead compound, topotecan. Taken together, indotecan and its structural analogues are potential AS therapeutics whose translational potential in AS treatment should be further assessed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyeong-Min Lee
- 1Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Neuroscience Research Building, Room 5119 115 Mason Farm Rd., Campus Box 7545, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7545 USA
| | - Ellen P Clark
- 1Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Neuroscience Research Building, Room 5119 115 Mason Farm Rd., Campus Box 7545, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7545 USA
| | - M Bram Kuijer
- 1Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Neuroscience Research Building, Room 5119 115 Mason Farm Rd., Campus Box 7545, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7545 USA
| | - Mark Cushman
- 2Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University School of Pharmacy and the Purdue Center for Cancer Research, West Lafayette, IN USA
| | - Yves Pommier
- 3Developmental Therapeutics Branch and Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Benjamin D Philpot
- 1Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Neuroscience Research Building, Room 5119 115 Mason Farm Rd., Campus Box 7545, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7545 USA.,4UNC Neuroscience Center, Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC USA
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Leach PT, Crawley JN. Touchscreen learning deficits in Ube3a, Ts65Dn and Mecp2 mouse models of neurodevelopmental disorders with intellectual disabilities. GENES, BRAIN, AND BEHAVIOR 2018; 17:e12452. [PMID: 29266714 PMCID: PMC6013336 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2017] [Revised: 11/29/2017] [Accepted: 12/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Mutant mouse models of neurodevelopmental disorders with intellectual disabilities provide useful translational research tools, especially in cases where robust cognitive deficits are reproducibly detected. However, motor, sensory and/or health issues consequent to the mutation may introduce artifacts that preclude testing in some standard cognitive assays. Touchscreen learning and memory tasks in small operant chambers have the potential to circumvent these confounds. Here we use touchscreen visual discrimination learning to evaluate performance in the maternally derived Ube3a mouse model of Angelman syndrome, the Ts65Dn trisomy mouse model of Down syndrome, and the Mecp2Bird mouse model of Rett syndrome. Significant deficits in acquisition of a 2-choice visual discrimination task were detected in both Ube3a and Ts65Dn mice. Procedural control measures showed no genotype differences during pretraining phases or during acquisition. Mecp2 males did not survive long enough for touchscreen training, consistent with previous reports. Most Mecp2 females failed on pretraining criteria. Significant impairments on Morris water maze spatial learning were detected in both Ube3a and Ts65Dn, replicating previous findings. Abnormalities on rotarod in Ube3a, and on open field in Ts65Dn, replicating previous findings, may have contributed to the observed acquisition deficits and swim speed abnormalities during water maze performance. In contrast, these motor phenotypes do not appear to have affected touchscreen procedural abilities during pretraining or visual discrimination training. Our findings of slower touchscreen learning in 2 mouse models of neurodevelopmental disorders with intellectual disabilities indicate that operant tasks offer promising outcome measures for the preclinical discovery of effective pharmacological therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- P T Leach
- MIND Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California
| | - J N Crawley
- MIND Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California
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Tordjman S, Cohen D, Anderson G, Botbol M, Canitano R, Coulon N, Roubertoux P. Repint of “Reframing autism as a behavioral syndrome and not a specific mental disorder: Implications of genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity”. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2018; 89:132-150. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2016] [Revised: 12/18/2016] [Accepted: 01/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Fink JJ, Levine ES. Uncovering True Cellular Phenotypes: Using Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Neurons to Study Early Insults in Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Front Neurol 2018; 9:237. [PMID: 29713304 PMCID: PMC5911479 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2018.00237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2017] [Accepted: 03/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Animal models of neurodevelopmental disorders have provided invaluable insights into the molecular-, cellular-, and circuit-level defects associated with a plethora of genetic disruptions. In many cases, these deficits have been linked to changes in disease-relevant behaviors, but very few of these findings have been translated to treatments for human disease. This may be due to significant species differences and the difficulty in modeling disorders that involve deletion or duplication of multiple genes. The identification of primary underlying pathophysiology in these models is confounded by the accumulation of secondary disease phenotypes in the mature nervous system, as well as potential compensatory mechanisms. The discovery of induced pluripotent stem cell technology now provides a tool to accurately model complex genetic neurogenetic disorders. Using this technique, patient-specific cell lines can be generated and differentiated into specific subtypes of neurons that can be used to identify primary cellular and molecular phenotypes. It is clear that impairments in synaptic structure and function are a common pathophysiology across neurodevelopmental disorders, and electrophysiological analysis at the earliest stages of neuronal development is critical for identifying changes in activity and excitability that can contribute to synaptic dysfunction and identify targets for disease-modifying therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- James J Fink
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, United States
| | - Eric S Levine
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, United States
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Martínez-Noël G, Luck K, Kühnle S, Desbuleux A, Szajner P, Galligan JT, Rodriguez D, Zheng L, Boyland K, Leclere F, Zhong Q, Hill DE, Vidal M, Howley PM. Network Analysis of UBE3A/E6AP-Associated Proteins Provides Connections to Several Distinct Cellular Processes. J Mol Biol 2018; 430:1024-1050. [PMID: 29426014 PMCID: PMC5866790 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2018.01.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2017] [Revised: 01/28/2018] [Accepted: 01/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Perturbations in activity and dosage of the UBE3A ubiquitin-ligase have been linked to Angelman syndrome and autism spectrum disorders. UBE3A was initially identified as the cellular protein hijacked by the human papillomavirus E6 protein to mediate the ubiquitylation of p53, a function critical to the oncogenic potential of these viruses. Although a number of substrates have been identified, the normal cellular functions and pathways affected by UBE3A are largely unknown. Previously, we showed that UBE3A associates with HERC2, NEURL4, and MAPK6/ERK3 in a high-molecular-weight complex of unknown function that we refer to as the HUN complex (HERC2, UBE3A, and NEURL4). In this study, the combination of two complementary proteomic approaches with a rigorous network analysis revealed cellular functions and pathways in which UBE3A and the HUN complex are involved. In addition to finding new UBE3A-associated proteins, such as MCM6, SUGT1, EIF3C, and ASPP2, network analysis revealed that UBE3A-associated proteins are connected to several fundamental cellular processes including translation, DNA replication, intracellular trafficking, and centrosome regulation. Our analysis suggests that UBE3A could be involved in the control and/or integration of these cellular processes, in some cases as a component of the HUN complex, and also provides evidence for crosstalk between the HUN complex and CAMKII interaction networks. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the cellular functions of UBE3A and its potential role in pathways that may be affected in Angelman syndrome, UBE3A-associated autism spectrum disorders, and human papillomavirus-associated cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Martínez-Noël
- Department of Microbiology and Immunobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Katja Luck
- Center for Cancer Systems Biology (CCSB), Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Simone Kühnle
- Department of Microbiology and Immunobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Alice Desbuleux
- Center for Cancer Systems Biology (CCSB), Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02115, USA; GIGA-R, University of Liège, Liège 4000, Belgium
| | - Patricia Szajner
- Department of Microbiology and Immunobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Jeffrey T Galligan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Diana Rodriguez
- Department of Microbiology and Immunobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Leon Zheng
- Department of Microbiology and Immunobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Kathleen Boyland
- Department of Microbiology and Immunobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Flavian Leclere
- Department of Microbiology and Immunobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Quan Zhong
- Center for Cancer Systems Biology (CCSB), Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - David E Hill
- Center for Cancer Systems Biology (CCSB), Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Marc Vidal
- Center for Cancer Systems Biology (CCSB), Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Peter M Howley
- Department of Microbiology and Immunobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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78
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Cubillos-Rojas M, Schneider T, Hadjebi O, Pedrazza L, de Oliveira JR, Langa F, Guénet JL, Duran J, de Anta JM, Alcántara S, Ruiz R, Pérez-Villegas EM, Aguilar-Montilla FJ, Carrión ÁM, Armengol JA, Baple E, Crosby AH, Bartrons R, Ventura F, Rosa JL. The HERC2 ubiquitin ligase is essential for embryonic development and regulates motor coordination. Oncotarget 2018; 7:56083-56106. [PMID: 27528230 PMCID: PMC5302898 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.11270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2016] [Accepted: 08/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
A mutation in the HERC2 gene has been linked to a severe neurodevelopmental disorder with similarities to the Angelman syndrome. This gene codifies a protein with ubiquitin ligase activity that regulates the activity of tumor protein p53 and is involved in important cellular processes such as DNA repair, cell cycle, cancer, and iron metabolism. Despite the critical role of HERC2 in these physiological and pathological processes, little is known about its relevance in vivo. Here, we described a mouse with targeted inactivation of the Herc2 gene. Homozygous mice were not viable. Distinct from other ubiquitin ligases that interact with p53, such as MDM2 or MDM4, p53 depletion did not rescue the lethality of homozygous mice. The HERC2 protein levels were reduced by approximately one-half in heterozygous mice. Consequently, HERC2 activities, including ubiquitin ligase and stimulation of p53 activity, were lower in heterozygous mice. A decrease in HERC2 activities was also observed in human skin fibroblasts from individuals with an Angelman-like syndrome that express an unstable mutant protein of HERC2. Behavioural analysis of heterozygous mice identified an impaired motor synchronization with normal neuromuscular function. This effect was not observed in p53 knockout mice, indicating that a mechanism independent of p53 activity is involved. Morphological analysis showed the presence of HERC2 in Purkinje cells and a specific loss of these neurons in the cerebella of heterozygous mice. In these animals, an increase of autophagosomes and lysosomes was observed. Our findings establish a crucial role of HERC2 in embryonic development and motor coordination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Cubillos-Rojas
- Departament de Ciències Fisiològiques, IDIBELL, Campus de Bellvitge, Universitat de Barcelona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Taiane Schneider
- Departament de Ciències Fisiològiques, IDIBELL, Campus de Bellvitge, Universitat de Barcelona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ouadah Hadjebi
- Departament de Ciències Fisiològiques, IDIBELL, Campus de Bellvitge, Universitat de Barcelona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Leonardo Pedrazza
- Departament de Ciències Fisiològiques, IDIBELL, Campus de Bellvitge, Universitat de Barcelona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.,Laboratório de Pesquisa em Biofísica Celular e Inflamação, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Jarbas Rodrigues de Oliveira
- Laboratório de Pesquisa em Biofísica Celular e Inflamação, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Francina Langa
- Département de Biologie du Développement, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Jean-Louis Guénet
- Département de Biologie du Développement, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Joan Duran
- Departament de Patologia i Terapèutica Experimental, Campus de Bellvitge, Universitat de Barcelona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josep Maria de Anta
- Departament de Patologia i Terapèutica Experimental, Campus de Bellvitge, Universitat de Barcelona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Soledad Alcántara
- Departament de Patologia i Terapèutica Experimental, Campus de Bellvitge, Universitat de Barcelona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rocio Ruiz
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain.,Departamento de Fisiología, Anatomía y Biología Celular, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Eva María Pérez-Villegas
- Departamento de Fisiología, Anatomía y Biología Celular, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Sevilla, Spain
| | | | - Ángel M Carrión
- Departamento de Fisiología, Anatomía y Biología Celular, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Jose Angel Armengol
- Departamento de Fisiología, Anatomía y Biología Celular, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Emma Baple
- Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Science, University of Exeter Medical School, RILD Wellcome Wolfson Centre, Exeter, UK
| | - Andrew H Crosby
- Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Science, University of Exeter Medical School, RILD Wellcome Wolfson Centre, Exeter, UK
| | - Ramon Bartrons
- Departament de Ciències Fisiològiques, IDIBELL, Campus de Bellvitge, Universitat de Barcelona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Francesc Ventura
- Departament de Ciències Fisiològiques, IDIBELL, Campus de Bellvitge, Universitat de Barcelona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jose Luis Rosa
- Departament de Ciències Fisiològiques, IDIBELL, Campus de Bellvitge, Universitat de Barcelona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
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79
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Gilbert J, Man HY. Fundamental Elements in Autism: From Neurogenesis and Neurite Growth to Synaptic Plasticity. Front Cell Neurosci 2017; 11:359. [PMID: 29209173 PMCID: PMC5701944 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2017.00359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 161] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2017] [Accepted: 10/31/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a set of neurodevelopmental disorders with a high prevalence and impact on society. ASDs are characterized by deficits in both social behavior and cognitive function. There is a strong genetic basis underlying ASDs that is highly heterogeneous; however, multiple studies have highlighted the involvement of key processes, including neurogenesis, neurite growth, synaptogenesis and synaptic plasticity in the pathophysiology of neurodevelopmental disorders. In this review article, we focus on the major genes and signaling pathways implicated in ASD and discuss the cellular, molecular and functional studies that have shed light on common dysregulated pathways using in vitro, in vivo and human evidence. HighlightsAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) has a prevalence of 1 in 68 children in the United States. ASDs are highly heterogeneous in their genetic basis. ASDs share common features at the cellular and molecular levels in the brain. Most ASD genes are implicated in neurogenesis, structural maturation, synaptogenesis and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Gilbert
- Department of Biology, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Heng-Ye Man
- Department of Biology, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States.,Department of Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
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80
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Valnegri P, Huang J, Yamada T, Yang Y, Mejia LA, Cho HY, Oldenborg A, Bonni A. RNF8/UBC13 ubiquitin signaling suppresses synapse formation in the mammalian brain. Nat Commun 2017; 8:1271. [PMID: 29097665 PMCID: PMC5668370 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-017-01333-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2016] [Accepted: 09/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Although ubiquitin ligases have been implicated in autism, their roles and mechanisms in brain development remain incompletely understood. Here, we report that in vivo knockdown or conditional knockout of the autism-linked ubiquitin ligase RNF8 or associated ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme UBC13 in rodent cerebellar granule neurons robustly increases the number of parallel fiber presynaptic boutons and functional parallel fiber/Purkinje cell synapses. In contrast to the role of nuclear RNF8 in proliferating cells, RNF8 operates in the cytoplasm in neurons to suppress synapse differentiation in vivo. Proteomics analyses reveal that neuronal RNF8 interacts with the HECT domain protein HERC2 and scaffold protein NEURL4, and knockdown of HERC2 or NEURL4 phenocopies the inhibition of RNF8/UBC13 signaling on synapse differentiation. In behavior analyses, granule neuron-specific knockout of RNF8 or UBC13 impairs cerebellar-dependent learning. Our study defines RNF8 and UBC13 as components of a novel cytoplasmic ubiquitin-signaling network that suppresses synapse formation in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela Valnegri
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Ju Huang
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Tomoko Yamada
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
| | - Yue Yang
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Luis A Mejia
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Ha Y Cho
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Anna Oldenborg
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Azad Bonni
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
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81
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Foster JD, Vaughan RA. Phosphorylation mechanisms in dopamine transporter regulation. J Chem Neuroanat 2017; 83-84:10-18. [PMID: 27836487 PMCID: PMC6705611 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2016.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2016] [Revised: 10/26/2016] [Accepted: 10/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The dopamine transporter (DAT) is a plasma membrane phosphoprotein that actively translocates extracellular dopamine (DA) into presynaptic neurons. The transporter is the primary mechanism for control of DA levels and subsequent neurotransmission, and is the target for abused and therapeutic drugs that exert their effects by suppressing reuptake. The transport capacity of DAT is acutely regulated by signaling systems and drug exposure, providing neurons the ability to fine-tune DA clearance in response to specific conditions. Kinase pathways play major roles in these mechanisms, and this review summarizes the current status of DAT phosphorylation characteristics and the evidence linking transporter phosphorylation to control of reuptake and other functions. Greater understanding of these processes may aid in elucidation of their possible contributions to DA disease states and suggest specific phosphorylation sites as targets for therapeutic manipulation of reuptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- James D Foster
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Grand Forks ND 58202 United States
| | - Roxanne A Vaughan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Grand Forks ND 58202 United States.
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82
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Enhanced Nociception in Angelman Syndrome Model Mice. J Neurosci 2017; 37:10230-10239. [PMID: 28931574 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1018-17.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2017] [Revised: 09/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Angelman syndrome (AS) is a severe neurodevelopmental disorder caused by mutation or deletion of the maternal UBE3A allele. The maternal UBE3A allele is expressed in nearly all neurons of the brain and spinal cord, whereas the paternal UBE3A allele is repressed by an extremely long antisense transcript (UBE3A-ATS). Little is known about expression of UBE3A in the peripheral nervous system, where loss of maternal UBE3A might contribute to AS phenotypes. Here we sought to examine maternal and paternal Ube3a expression in DRGs neurons and to evaluate whether nociceptive responses were affected in AS model mice (global deletion of maternal Ube3a allele; Ube3am-/p+). We found that most large-diameter proprioceptive and mechanosensitive DRG neurons expressed maternal Ube3a and paternal Ube3a-ATS In contrast, most small-diameter neurons expressed Ube3a biallelically and had low to undetectable levels of Ube3a-ATS Analysis of single-cell DRG transcriptomes further suggested that Ube3a is expressed monoallelically in myelinated large-diameter neurons and biallelically in unmyelinated small-diameter neurons. Behavioral responses to some noxious thermal and mechanical stimuli were enhanced in male and female AS model mice; however, nociceptive responses were not altered by the conditional deletion of maternal Ube3a in the DRG. These data suggest that the enhanced nociceptive responses in AS model mice are due to loss of maternal Ube3a in the central, but not peripheral, nervous system. Our study provides new insights into sensory processing deficits associated with AS.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Angelman syndrome (AS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by loss or mutation of the maternal UBE3A allele. While sensory processing deficits are frequently associated with AS, it is currently unknown whether Ube3a is expressed in peripheral sensory neurons or whether maternal deletion of Ube3a affects somatosensory responses. Here, we found that Ube3a is primarily expressed from the maternally inherited allele in myelinated large-diameter sensory neurons and biallelically expressed in unmyelinated small-diameter neurons. Nociceptive responses to select noxious thermal and mechanical stimuli were enhanced following global, but not sensory neuron-specific, deletion of maternal Ube3a in mice. These data suggest that maternal loss of Ube3a affects nociception via a central, but not peripheral mechanism, with implications for AS.
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83
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Tserga A, Binder AM, Michels KB. Impact of folic acid intake during pregnancy on genomic imprinting of IGF2/H19 and 1-carbon metabolism. FASEB J 2017; 31:5149-5158. [PMID: 28778973 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201601214rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2016] [Accepted: 07/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Folic acid is an essential component of 1-carbon metabolism, which generates methyl groups for DNA methylation. Disruption of genomic imprinting leads to biallelic expression which may affect disease susceptibility possibly reflected in high levels of S-adenosyl-homocysteine (SAH) and low levels of S-adenosyl-methionine (SAM). We investigated the association between folic acid supplementation during pregnancy and loss of imprinting (LOI) of IGF2 and H19 genes in placentas and cord blood of 90 mother-child dyads in association with the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) genotype. Pyrosequencing was used to evaluate deviation from monoallelic expression among 47 placentas heterozygous for H19 and 37 placentas and cord blood tissues heterozygous for IGF2 and H19 methylation levels of 48 placentas. We detected relaxation of imprinting (ROI) and LOI of H19 in placentas not associated with differences in methylation levels of the H19ICR. Placentas retained monoallelic allele-specific gene expression of IGF2, but 32.4% of cord blood samples displayed LOI of IGF2 and 10.8% showed ROI. High SAH levels were significantly associated with low H19 methylation. An interesting positive association between SAM/SAH ratio and high H19 methylation levels was detected among infants with low B12 levels. Our data suggest profound differences in regulation of imprinting in placenta and cord blood; a lack of correlation of the methylome, transcriptome, and proteome; and a complex regulatory feedback network between free methyl groups and genomic imprinting at birth.-Tserga, A., Binder, A. M., Michels, K. B. Impact of folic acid intake during pregnancy on genomic imprinting of IGF2/H19 and 1-carbon metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aggeliki Tserga
- Institute for Prevention and Cancer Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Alexandra M Binder
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Epidemiology Center, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; and.,Department of Epidemiology, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Karin B Michels
- Institute for Prevention and Cancer Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; .,Obstetrics and Gynecology Epidemiology Center, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; and.,Department of Epidemiology, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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84
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Yi JJ, Paranjape SR, Walker MP, Choudhury R, Wolter JM, Fragola G, Emanuele MJ, Major MB, Zylka MJ. The autism-linked UBE3A T485A mutant E3 ubiquitin ligase activates the Wnt/β-catenin pathway by inhibiting the proteasome. J Biol Chem 2017; 292:12503-12515. [PMID: 28559284 PMCID: PMC5535025 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m117.788448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2017] [Revised: 05/23/2017] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
UBE3A is a HECT domain E3 ubiquitin ligase whose dysfunction is linked to autism, Angelman syndrome, and cancer. Recently, we characterized a de novo autism-linked UBE3A mutant (UBE3AT485A) that disrupts phosphorylation control of UBE3A activity. Through quantitative proteomics and reporter assays, we found that the UBE3AT485A protein ubiquitinates multiple proteasome subunits, reduces proteasome subunit abundance and activity, stabilizes nuclear β-catenin, and stimulates canonical Wnt signaling more effectively than wild-type UBE3A. We also found that UBE3AT485A activates Wnt signaling to a greater extent in cells with low levels of ongoing Wnt signaling, suggesting that cells with low basal Wnt activity are particularly vulnerable to UBE3AT485A mutation. Ligase-dead UBE3A did not stimulate Wnt pathway activation. Overexpression of several proteasome subunits reversed the effect of UBE3AT485A on Wnt signaling. We also observed that subunits that interact with UBE3A and affect Wnt signaling are located along one side of the 19S regulatory particle, indicating a previously unrecognized spatial organization to the proteasome. Altogether, our findings indicate that UBE3A regulates Wnt signaling in a cell context-dependent manner and that an autism-linked mutation exacerbates these signaling effects. Our study has broad implications for human disorders associated with UBE3A gain or loss of function and suggests that dysfunctional UBE3A might affect additional proteins and pathways that are sensitive to proteasome activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason J Yi
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri 63110
| | - Smita R Paranjape
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599; UNC Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Matthew P Walker
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599; Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Rajarshi Choudhury
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599; Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Justin M Wolter
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599; UNC Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Giulia Fragola
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599; UNC Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Michael J Emanuele
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599; Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Michael B Major
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599; Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Mark J Zylka
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599; UNC Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599; Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599.
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85
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Decreased Axon Caliber Underlies Loss of Fiber Tract Integrity, Disproportional Reductions in White Matter Volume, and Microcephaly in Angelman Syndrome Model Mice. J Neurosci 2017; 37:7347-7361. [PMID: 28663201 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0037-17.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2017] [Revised: 05/24/2017] [Accepted: 06/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Angelman syndrome (AS) is a debilitating neurodevelopmental disorder caused by loss of function of the maternally inherited UBE3A allele. It is currently unclear how the consequences of this genetic insult unfold to impair neurodevelopment. We reasoned that by elucidating the basis of microcephaly in AS, a highly penetrant syndromic feature with early postnatal onset, we would gain new insights into the mechanisms by which maternal UBE3A loss derails neurotypical brain growth and function. Detailed anatomical analysis of both male and female maternal Ube3a-null mice reveals that microcephaly in the AS mouse model is primarily driven by deficits in the growth of white matter tracts, which by adulthood are characterized by densely packed axons of disproportionately small caliber. Our results implicate impaired axon growth in the pathogenesis of AS and identify noninvasive structural neuroimaging as a potentially valuable tool for gauging therapeutic efficacy in the disorder.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT People who maternally inherit a deletion or nonfunctional copy of the UBE3A gene develop Angelman syndrome (AS), a severe neurodevelopmental disorder. To better understand how loss of maternal UBE3A function derails brain development, we analyzed brain structure in a maternal Ube3a knock-out mouse model of AS. We report that the volume of white matter (WM) is disproportionately reduced in AS mice, indicating that deficits in WM development are a major factor underlying impaired brain growth and microcephaly in the disorder. Notably, we find that axons within the WM pathways of AS model mice are abnormally small in caliber. This defect is associated with slowed nerve conduction, which could contribute to behavioral deficits in AS, including motor dysfunction.
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86
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Jamal I, Kumar V, Vatsa N, Shekhar S, Singh BK, Sharma A, Jana NR. Rescue of altered HDAC activity recovers behavioural abnormalities in a mouse model of Angelman syndrome. Neurobiol Dis 2017; 105:99-108. [PMID: 28576709 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2017.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2017] [Accepted: 05/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Angelman syndrome (AS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by severe intellectual and developmental disabilities. The disease is caused by the loss of function of maternally inherited UBE3A, a gene that exhibits paternal-specific imprinting in neuronal tissues. Ube3a-maternal deficient mice (AS mice) display many classical features of AS, although, the underlying mechanism of these behavioural deficits is poorly understood. Here we report that the absence of Ube3a in AS mice brain caused aberrant increase in HDAC1/2 along with decreased acetylation of histone H3/H4. Partial knockdown of Ube3a in cultured neuronal cells also lead to significant up-regulation of HDAC1/2 and consequent down-regulation of histones H3/H4 acetylation. Treatment of HDAC inhibitor, sodium valproate, to AS mice showed significant improvement in social, cognitive and motor impairment along with restoration of various proteins linked with synaptic function and plasticity. Interestingly, HDAC inhibitor also significantly increased the expression of Ube3a in cultured neuronal cells and in the brain of wild type mice but not in AS mice. These results indicate that anomalous HDAC1/2 activity might be linked with synaptic dysfunction and behavioural deficits in AS mice and suggests that HDAC inhibitors could be potential therapeutic molecule for the treatment of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imran Jamal
- Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience Laboratory, National Brain Research Centre, Manesar, Gurgaon - 122 051, India
| | - Vipendra Kumar
- Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience Laboratory, National Brain Research Centre, Manesar, Gurgaon - 122 051, India
| | - Naman Vatsa
- Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience Laboratory, National Brain Research Centre, Manesar, Gurgaon - 122 051, India
| | - Shashi Shekhar
- Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience Laboratory, National Brain Research Centre, Manesar, Gurgaon - 122 051, India
| | - Brijesh Kumar Singh
- Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience Laboratory, National Brain Research Centre, Manesar, Gurgaon - 122 051, India
| | - Ankit Sharma
- Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience Laboratory, National Brain Research Centre, Manesar, Gurgaon - 122 051, India
| | - Nihar Ranjan Jana
- Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience Laboratory, National Brain Research Centre, Manesar, Gurgaon - 122 051, India.
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87
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Abstract
Angelman syndrome (AS) is a neurobehavioral and genetically determined condition, which affects approximately 1 in 15,000 individuals. It is caused by various genetic mutations and deletions of the maternally-inherited UBE3A gene, on the 15q11-13 chromosomal region. The UBE3A gene, which encodes E3 ubiquitin ligase, shows tissue-specific imprinting, being expressed entirely from the maternal allele.The diagnosis of AS is confirmed either by methylation test or by mutation analysis. A more severe clinical picture is linked with the deletion phenotype.Patients with AS have a behavioral and motor pattern defined as "happy puppet" because it is characterized by puppet-like ataxic jerky movements; a happy, sociable disposition; and paroxysms of laughter. There is currently no cure for AS, and management is mainly symptomatic. Novel therapeutic options are directed toward the possibility of activating the silenced paternal copy of the UBE3A gene.
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88
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Fink JJ, Robinson TM, Germain ND, Sirois CL, Bolduc KA, Ward AJ, Rigo F, Chamberlain SJ, Levine ES. Disrupted neuronal maturation in Angelman syndrome-derived induced pluripotent stem cells. Nat Commun 2017; 8:15038. [PMID: 28436452 PMCID: PMC5413969 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms15038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2016] [Accepted: 02/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Angelman syndrome (AS) is a neurogenetic disorder caused by deletion of the maternally inherited UBE3A allele and is characterized by developmental delay, intellectual disability, ataxia, seizures and a happy affect. Here, we explored the underlying pathophysiology using induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neurons from AS patients and unaffected controls. AS-derived neurons showed impaired maturation of resting membrane potential and action potential firing, decreased synaptic activity and reduced synaptic plasticity. These patient-specific differences were mimicked by knocking out UBE3A using CRISPR/Cas9 or by knocking down UBE3A using antisense oligonucleotides. Importantly, these phenotypes could be rescued by pharmacologically unsilencing paternal UBE3A expression. Moreover, selective effects of UBE3A disruption at late stages of in vitro development suggest that changes in action potential firing and synaptic activity may be secondary to altered resting membrane potential. Our findings provide a cellular phenotype for investigating pathogenic mechanisms underlying AS and identifying novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- James J Fink
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, 263 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, Connecticut 06030, USA
| | - Tiwanna M Robinson
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, 263 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, Connecticut 06030, USA
| | - Noelle D Germain
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, 263 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, Connecticut 06030, USA
| | - Carissa L Sirois
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, 263 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, Connecticut 06030, USA
| | - Kaitlyn A Bolduc
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, 263 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, Connecticut 06030, USA
| | - Amanda J Ward
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Carlsbad, California 92010, USA
| | - Frank Rigo
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Carlsbad, California 92010, USA
| | - Stormy J Chamberlain
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, 263 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, Connecticut 06030, USA
| | - Eric S Levine
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, 263 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, Connecticut 06030, USA
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89
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Robert C, Pasquier L, Cohen D, Fradin M, Canitano R, Damaj L, Odent S, Tordjman S. Role of Genetics in the Etiology of Autistic Spectrum Disorder: Towards a Hierarchical Diagnostic Strategy. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:E618. [PMID: 28287497 PMCID: PMC5372633 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18030618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2016] [Revised: 02/17/2017] [Accepted: 02/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Progress in epidemiological, molecular and clinical genetics with the development of new techniques has improved knowledge on genetic syndromes associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The objective of this article is to show the diversity of genetic disorders associated with ASD (based on an extensive review of single-gene disorders, copy number variants, and other chromosomal disorders), and consequently to propose a hierarchical diagnostic strategy with a stepwise evaluation, helping general practitioners/pediatricians and child psychiatrists to collaborate with geneticists and neuropediatricians, in order to search for genetic disorders associated with ASD. The first step is a clinical investigation involving: (i) a child psychiatric and psychological evaluation confirming autism diagnosis from different observational sources and assessing autism severity; (ii) a neuropediatric evaluation examining neurological symptoms and developmental milestones; and (iii) a genetic evaluation searching for dysmorphic features and malformations. The second step involves laboratory and if necessary neuroimaging and EEG studies oriented by clinical results based on clinical genetic and neuropediatric examinations. The identification of genetic disorders associated with ASD has practical implications for diagnostic strategies, early detection or prevention of co-morbidity, specific treatment and follow up, and genetic counseling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cyrille Robert
- Pôle Hospitalo-Universitaire de Psychiatrie de l'Enfant et de l'Adolescent (PHUPEA), University of Rennes 1 and Centre Hospitalier Guillaume Régnier, 35200 Rennes, France.
- Service de Génétique Clinique, Centre de Référence Maladies Rares Anomalies du Développement (Centre Labellisé pour les Anomalies du Développement de l'Ouest: CLAD Ouest), Hôpital Sud, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Rennes, 35200 Rennes, France.
| | - Laurent Pasquier
- Service de Génétique Clinique, Centre de Référence Maladies Rares Anomalies du Développement (Centre Labellisé pour les Anomalies du Développement de l'Ouest: CLAD Ouest), Hôpital Sud, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Rennes, 35200 Rennes, France.
| | - David Cohen
- Hospital-University Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Pitié-Salpétrière Hospital, Paris 6 University, 75013 Paris, France.
| | - Mélanie Fradin
- Service de Génétique Clinique, Centre de Référence Maladies Rares Anomalies du Développement (Centre Labellisé pour les Anomalies du Développement de l'Ouest: CLAD Ouest), Hôpital Sud, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Rennes, 35200 Rennes, France.
| | - Roberto Canitano
- Division of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, University Hospital of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy.
| | - Léna Damaj
- Service de Génétique Clinique, Centre de Référence Maladies Rares Anomalies du Développement (Centre Labellisé pour les Anomalies du Développement de l'Ouest: CLAD Ouest), Hôpital Sud, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Rennes, 35200 Rennes, France.
| | - Sylvie Odent
- Service de Génétique Clinique, Centre de Référence Maladies Rares Anomalies du Développement (Centre Labellisé pour les Anomalies du Développement de l'Ouest: CLAD Ouest), Hôpital Sud, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Rennes, 35200 Rennes, France.
| | - Sylvie Tordjman
- Pôle Hospitalo-Universitaire de Psychiatrie de l'Enfant et de l'Adolescent (PHUPEA), University of Rennes 1 and Centre Hospitalier Guillaume Régnier, 35200 Rennes, France.
- Laboratory of Psychology of Perception, University Paris Descartes, 75270 Paris, France.
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90
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Sato M. Early Origin and Evolution of the Angelman Syndrome Ubiquitin Ligase Gene Ube3a. Front Cell Neurosci 2017; 11:62. [PMID: 28326016 PMCID: PMC5339648 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2017.00062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2016] [Accepted: 02/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The human Ube3a gene encodes an E3 ubiquitin ligase and exhibits brain-specific genomic imprinting. Genetic abnormalities that affect the maternal copy of this gene cause the neurodevelopmental disorder Angelman syndrome (AS), which is characterized by severe mental retardation, speech impairment, seizure, ataxia and some unique behavioral phenotypes. In this review article, I highlight the evolution of the Ube3a gene and its imprinting to provide evolutionary insights into AS. Recent comparative genomic studies have revealed that Ube3a is most phylogenetically similar to HECTD2 among the human HECT (homologous to the E6AP carboxyl terminus) family of E3 ubiquitin ligases, and its distant evolutionary origin can be traced to common ancestors of fungi and animals. Moreover, a gene more similar to Ube3a than HECTD2 is found in a range of eukaryotes from amoebozoans to basal metazoans, but is lost in later lineages. Unlike in mice and humans, Ube3a expression is biallelic in birds, monotremes, marsupials and insects. The imprinting domain that governs maternal expression of Ube3a was formed from non-imprinted elements following multiple chromosomal rearrangements after diversification of marsupials and placental mammals. Hence, the evolutionary origins of Ube3a date from long before the emergence of the nervous system, although its imprinted expression was acquired relatively recently. These observations suggest that exogenous expression and functional analyses of ancient Ube3a orthologs in mammalian neurons will facilitate the evolutionary understanding of AS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaaki Sato
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering and Brain and Body System Science Institute, Saitama UniversitySaitama, Japan
- RIKEN Brain Science InstituteWako, Japan
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91
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Tordjman S, Cohen D, Coulon N, Anderson GM, Botbol M, Canitano R, Roubertoux PL. Reframing autism as a behavioral syndrome and not a specific mental disorder: Implications of genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2017; 80:210. [PMID: 28153685 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2017.01.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2016] [Revised: 12/18/2016] [Accepted: 01/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Clinical and molecular genetics have advanced current knowledge on genetic disorders associated with autism. A review of diverse genetic disorders associated with autism is presented and for the first time discussed extensively with regard to possible common underlying mechanisms leading to a similar cognitive-behavioral phenotype of autism. The possible role of interactions between genetic and environmental factors, including epigenetic mechanisms, is in particular examined. Finally, the pertinence of distinguishing non-syndromic autism (isolated autism) from syndromic autism (autism associated with genetic disorders) will be reconsidered. Given the high genetic and etiological heterogeneity of autism, autism can be viewed as a behavioral syndrome related to known genetic disorders (syndromic autism) or currently unknown disorders (apparent non-syndromic autism), rather than a specific categorical mental disorder. It highlights the need to study autism phenotype and developmental trajectory through a multidimensional, non-categorical approach with multivariate analyses within autism spectrum disorder but also across mental disorders, and to conduct systematically clinical genetic examination searching for genetic disorders in all individuals (children but also adults) with autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Tordjman
- Pôle Hospitalo-Universitaire de Psychiatrie de l'Enfant et de l'Adolescent, Université de Rennes 1 and Centre Hospitalier Guillaume Régnier, 154 rue de Châtillon, 35200 Rennes, France; Laboratoire Psychologie de la Perception, Université Paris Descartes and CNRS UMR 8158, Paris, France.
| | - D Cohen
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, AP-HP, GH Pitié-Salpétrière, CNRS FRE 2987, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris, France
| | - N Coulon
- Laboratoire Psychologie de la Perception, Université Paris Descartes and CNRS UMR 8158, Paris, France
| | - G M Anderson
- Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - M Botbol
- Departement Hospitalo-Universitaire de Psychiatrie de l'Enfant et de l'Adolescent, Université de Bretagne Occidentale, Brest, France
| | - R Canitano
- Division of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, University Hospital of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - P L Roubertoux
- Aix Marseille Université, GMGF, Inserm, UMR_S 910, 13385, Marseille, France
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92
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Abstract
The advent of next-generation sequencing has demonstrated that eukaryotic genomes are extremely complex than what were previously thought. Recent studies revealed that in addition to protein-coding genes, nonprotein-coding genes have allocated a large fraction of the genome. Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) genes are classified as nonprotein-coding genes, serving as a molecular signal, decoy, guide and scaffold. They were suggested to play important roles in chromatin states, epigenetic and posttranscriptional regulation of genes. Aberrant expression of lncRNAs and changes in their structure are associated with a wide spectrum of diseases ranging from different types of cancer and neurodegeneration to ?-thalassaemia. The purpose of this study was to summarize the current progress in understanding the genomic bases and origin of lncRNAs. Moreover, this study focusses on the diverse functions of lncRNAs in normal cells as well as various types of disease to illustrate the potential impacts of lncRNAs on diverse biological processes and their therapeutic significance.
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93
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Pommier Y, Sun Y, Huang SYN, Nitiss JL. Roles of eukaryotic topoisomerases in transcription, replication and genomic stability. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2016; 17:703-721. [DOI: 10.1038/nrm.2016.111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 540] [Impact Index Per Article: 67.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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94
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Aghakhanyan G, Bonanni P, Randazzo G, Nappi S, Tessarotto F, De Martin L, Frijia F, De Marchi D, De Masi F, Kuppers B, Lombardo F, Caramella D, Montanaro D. From Cortical and Subcortical Grey Matter Abnormalities to Neurobehavioral Phenotype of Angelman Syndrome: A Voxel-Based Morphometry Study. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0162817. [PMID: 27626634 PMCID: PMC5023118 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0162817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2016] [Accepted: 08/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Angelman syndrome (AS) is a rare neurogenetic disorder due to loss of expression of maternal ubiquitin-protein ligase E3A (UBE3A) gene. It is characterized by severe developmental delay, speech impairment, movement or balance disorder and typical behavioral uniqueness. Affected individuals show normal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, although mild dysmyelination may be observed. In this study, we adopted a quantitative MRI analysis with voxel-based morphometry (FSL-VBM) method to investigate disease-related changes in the cortical/subcortical grey matter (GM) structures. Since 2006 to 2013 twenty-six AS patients were assessed by our multidisciplinary team. From those, sixteen AS children with confirmed maternal 15q11-q13 deletions (mean age 7.7 ± 3.6 years) and twenty-one age-matched controls were recruited. The developmental delay and motor dysfunction were assessed using Bayley III and Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM). Principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to the clinical and neuropsychological datasets. High-resolution T1-weighted images were acquired and FSL-VBM approach was applied to investigate differences in the local GM volume and to correlate clinical and neuropsychological changes in the regional distribution of GM. We found bilateral GM volume loss in AS compared to control children in the striatum, limbic structures, insular and orbitofrontal cortices. Voxel-wise correlation analysis with the principal components of the PCA output revealed a strong relationship with GM volume in the superior parietal lobule and precuneus on the left hemisphere. The anatomical distribution of cortical/subcortical GM changes plausibly related to several clinical features of the disease and may provide an important morphological underpinning for clinical and neurobehavioral symptoms in children with AS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gayane Aghakhanyan
- Unit of Neuroradiology, Fondazione CNR/Regione Toscana G. Monasterio, Pisa, Italy
| | - Paolo Bonanni
- Epilepsy and Clinical Neurophysiology Unit, E. Medea Scientific Institute, Conegliano (TV), Italy
| | - Giovanna Randazzo
- Epilepsy and Clinical Neurophysiology Unit, E. Medea Scientific Institute, Conegliano (TV), Italy
| | - Sara Nappi
- Epilepsy and Clinical Neurophysiology Unit, E. Medea Scientific Institute, Conegliano (TV), Italy
| | - Federica Tessarotto
- Epilepsy and Clinical Neurophysiology Unit, E. Medea Scientific Institute, Conegliano (TV), Italy
| | - Lara De Martin
- Epilepsy and Clinical Neurophysiology Unit, E. Medea Scientific Institute, Conegliano (TV), Italy
| | - Francesca Frijia
- Unit of Neuroradiology, Fondazione CNR/Regione Toscana G. Monasterio, Pisa, Italy
| | - Daniele De Marchi
- Unit of Neuroradiology, Fondazione CNR/Regione Toscana G. Monasterio, Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesco De Masi
- Division of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Beate Kuppers
- Division of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesco Lombardo
- Unit of Neuroradiology, Fondazione CNR/Regione Toscana G. Monasterio, Pisa, Italy
| | - Davide Caramella
- Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Domenico Montanaro
- Unit of Neuroradiology, Fondazione CNR/Regione Toscana G. Monasterio, Pisa, Italy
- * E-mail:
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95
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Parent-of-origin effects of A1CF and AGO2 on testicular germ-cell tumors, testicular abnormalities, and fertilization bias. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2016; 113:E5425-33. [PMID: 27582469 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1604773113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Testicular tumors, the most common cancer in young men, arise from abnormalities in germ cells during fetal development. Unconventional inheritance for testicular germ cell tumor (TGCT) risk both in humans and mice implicates epigenetic mechanisms. Apolipoprotein B mRNA-editing enzyme complex 1 (APOBEC1) cytidine deaminase and Deadend-1, which are involved in C-to-U RNA editing and microRNA-dependent mRNA silencing, respectively, are potent epigenetic modifiers of TGCT susceptibility in the genetically predisposed 129/Sv inbred mouse strain. Here, we show that partial loss of either APOBEC1 complementation factor (A1CF), the RNA-binding cofactor of APOBEC1 in RNA editing, or Argonaute 2 (AGO2), a key factor in the biogenesis of certain noncoding RNAs, modulates risk for TGCTs and testicular abnormalities in both parent-of-origin and conventional genetic manners. In addition, non-Mendelian inheritance was found among progeny of A1cf and Ago2 mutant intercrosses but not in backcrosses and without fetal loss. Together these findings suggest nonrandom union of gametes rather than meiotic drive or preferential lethality. Finally, this survey also suggested that A1CF contributes to long-term reproductive performance. These results directly implicate the RNA-binding proteins A1CF and AGO2 in the epigenetic control of germ-cell fate, urogenital development, and gamete functions.
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96
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Vester A, Caudle WM. The Synapse as a Central Target for Neurodevelopmental Susceptibility to Pesticides. TOXICS 2016; 4:toxics4030018. [PMID: 29051423 PMCID: PMC5606656 DOI: 10.3390/toxics4030018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2016] [Revised: 08/07/2016] [Accepted: 08/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The developmental period of the nervous system is carefully orchestrated and highly vulnerable to alterations. One crucial factor of a properly-functioning nervous system is the synapse, as synaptic signaling is critical for the formation and maturation of neural circuits. Studies show that genetic and environmental impacts can affect diverse components of synaptic function. Importantly, synaptic dysfunction is known to be associated with neurologic and psychiatric disorders, as well as more subtle cognitive, psychomotor, and sensory defects. Given the importance of the synapse in numerous domains, we wanted to delineate the effects of pesticide exposure on synaptic function. In this review, we summarize current epidemiologic and molecular studies that demonstrate organochlorine, organophosphate, and pyrethroid pesticide exposures target the developing synapse. We postulate that the synapse plays a central role in synaptic vulnerability to pesticide exposure during neurodevelopment, and the synapse is a worthy candidate for investigating more subtle effects of chronic pesticide exposure in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aimee Vester
- Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
| | - W Michael Caudle
- Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
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97
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Louros SR, Osterweil EK. Perturbed proteostasis in autism spectrum disorders. J Neurochem 2016; 139:1081-1092. [PMID: 27365114 PMCID: PMC5215415 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.13723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2016] [Revised: 06/10/2016] [Accepted: 06/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Dynamic changes in synaptic strength rely on de novo protein synthesis and protein degradation by the ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS). Disruption of either of these cellular processes will result in significant impairments in synaptic plasticity and memory formation. Mutations in several genes encoding regulators of mRNA translation and members of the UPS have been associated with an increased risk for the development of autism spectrum disorders. It is possible that these mutations result in a similar imbalance in protein homeostasis (proteostasis) at the synapse. This review will summarize recent work investigating the role of the UPS in synaptic plasticity at glutamatergic synapses, and propose that dysfunctional proteostasis is a common consequence of several genetic mutations linked to autism spectrum disorders.
Dynamic changes in synaptic strength rely on de novo protein synthesis and protein degradation by the ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS). Disruption of either of these cellular processes will result in significant impairments in synaptic plasticity and memory formation. Mutations in several genes encoding regulators of mRNA translation (i.e. FMR1) and protein degradation (i.e. UBE3A) have been associated with an increased risk for autism spectrum disorders and intellectual disability (ASD/ID). These mutations similarly disrupt protein homeostasis (proteostasis). Compensatory changes that reset the rate of proteostasis may contribute to the neurological symptoms of ASD/ID. This review summarizes recent work investigating the role of the UPS in synaptic plasticity at glutamatergic synapses, and proposes that dysfunctional proteostasis is a common consequence of several genetic mutations linked to ASD.
This article is part of a mini review series: “Synaptic Function and Dysfunction in Brain Diseases”.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana R Louros
- Centre for Integrative Physiology/Patrick Wild Centre, University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Emily K Osterweil
- Centre for Integrative Physiology/Patrick Wild Centre, University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, UK
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98
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Meng X, Wang W, Lu H, He LJ, Chen W, Chao ES, Fiorotto ML, Tang B, Herrera JA, Seymour ML, Neul JL, Pereira FA, Tang J, Xue M, Zoghbi HY. Manipulations of MeCP2 in glutamatergic neurons highlight their contributions to Rett and other neurological disorders. eLife 2016; 5. [PMID: 27328325 PMCID: PMC4946906 DOI: 10.7554/elife.14199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2016] [Accepted: 06/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Many postnatal onset neurological disorders such as autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and intellectual disability are thought to arise largely from disruption of excitatory/inhibitory homeostasis. Although mouse models of Rett syndrome (RTT), a postnatal neurological disorder caused by loss-of-function mutations in MECP2, display impaired excitatory neurotransmission, the RTT phenotype can be largely reproduced in mice simply by removing MeCP2 from inhibitory GABAergic neurons. To determine what role excitatory signaling impairment might play in RTT pathogenesis, we generated conditional mouse models with Mecp2 either removed from or expressed solely in glutamatergic neurons. MeCP2 deficiency in glutamatergic neurons leads to early lethality, obesity, tremor, altered anxiety-like behaviors, and impaired acoustic startle response, which is distinct from the phenotype of mice lacking MeCP2 only in inhibitory neurons. These findings reveal a role for excitatory signaling impairment in specific neurobehavioral abnormalities shared by RTT and other postnatal neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangling Meng
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States.,Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, United States
| | - Wei Wang
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, United States.,Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
| | - Hui Lu
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, United States.,Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
| | - Ling-Jie He
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, United States.,Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
| | - Wu Chen
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States.,The Cain Foundation Laboratories, Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, United States
| | - Eugene S Chao
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States.,The Cain Foundation Laboratories, Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, United States
| | - Marta L Fiorotto
- Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
| | - Bin Tang
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
| | - Jose A Herrera
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, United States.,Interdepartmental Program in Translational Biology and Molecular Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
| | - Michelle L Seymour
- Huffington Center on Aging, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States.,Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
| | - Jeffrey L Neul
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, United States
| | - Fred A Pereira
- Huffington Center on Aging, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States.,Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States.,Bobby R Alford Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
| | - Jianrong Tang
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
| | - Mingshan Xue
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States.,The Cain Foundation Laboratories, Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, United States
| | - Huda Y Zoghbi
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States.,Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, United States.,Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
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99
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Jones KA, Han JE, DeBruyne JP, Philpot BD. Persistent neuronal Ube3a expression in the suprachiasmatic nucleus of Angelman syndrome model mice. Sci Rep 2016; 6:28238. [PMID: 27306933 PMCID: PMC4910164 DOI: 10.1038/srep28238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2016] [Accepted: 05/31/2016] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations or deletions of the maternal allele of the UBE3A gene cause Angelman syndrome (AS), a severe neurodevelopmental disorder. The paternal UBE3A/Ube3a allele becomes epigenetically silenced in most neurons during postnatal development in humans and mice; hence, loss of the maternal allele largely eliminates neuronal expression of UBE3A protein. However, recent studies suggest that paternal Ube3a may escape silencing in certain neuron populations, allowing for persistent expression of paternal UBE3A protein. Here we extend evidence in AS model mice (Ube3a(m-/p+)) of paternal UBE3A expression within the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), the master circadian pacemaker. Paternal UBE3A-positive cells in the SCN show partial colocalization with the neuropeptide arginine vasopressin (AVP) and clock proteins (PER2 and BMAL1), supporting that paternal UBE3A expression in the SCN is often of neuronal origin. Paternal UBE3A also partially colocalizes with a marker of neural progenitors, SOX2, implying that relaxed or incomplete imprinting of paternal Ube3a reflects an overall immature molecular phenotype. Our findings highlight the complexity of Ube3a imprinting in the brain and illuminate a subpopulation of SCN neurons as a focal point for future studies aimed at understanding the mechanisms of Ube3a imprinting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly A. Jones
- Department of Cell Biology & Physiology, UNC Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Ji Eun Han
- Department of Cell Biology & Physiology, UNC Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Jason P. DeBruyne
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Neuroscience Institute, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30310, USA
| | - Benjamin D. Philpot
- Department of Cell Biology & Physiology, UNC Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
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Li W, Yao A, Zhi H, Kaur K, Zhu YC, Jia M, Zhao H, Wang Q, Jin S, Zhao G, Xiong ZQ, Zhang YQ. Angelman Syndrome Protein Ube3a Regulates Synaptic Growth and Endocytosis by Inhibiting BMP Signaling in Drosophila. PLoS Genet 2016; 12:e1006062. [PMID: 27232889 PMCID: PMC4883773 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1006062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2015] [Accepted: 04/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Altered expression of the E3 ubiquitin ligase UBE3A, which is involved in protein degradation through the proteasome-mediated pathway, is associated with neurodevelopmental and behavioral defects observed in Angelman syndrome (AS) and autism. However, little is known about the neuronal function of UBE3A and the pathogenesis of UBE3A-associated disorders. To understand the in vivo function of UBE3A in the nervous system, we generated multiple mutations of ube3a, the Drosophila ortholog of UBE3A. We found a significantly increased number of total boutons and satellite boutons in conjunction with compromised endocytosis in the neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) of ube3a mutants compared to the wild type. Genetic and biochemical analysis showed upregulation of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling in the nervous system of ube3a mutants. An immunochemical study revealed a specific increase in the protein level of Thickveins (Tkv), a type I BMP receptor, but not other BMP receptors Wishful thinking (Wit) and Saxophone (Sax), in ube3a mutants. Ube3a was associated with and specifically ubiquitinated lysine 227 within the cytoplasmic tail of Tkv, and promoted its proteasomal degradation in Schneider 2 cells. Negative regulation of Tkv by Ube3a was conserved in mammalian cells. These results reveal a critical role for Ube3a in regulating NMJ synapse development by repressing BMP signaling. This study sheds new light onto the neuronal functions of UBE3A and provides novel perspectives for understanding the pathogenesis of UBE3A-associated disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhua Li
- Key Laboratory of Molecular and Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Aiyu Yao
- Key Laboratory of Molecular and Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- * E-mail: (AY); (YQZ)
| | - Hui Zhi
- Key Laboratory of Molecular and Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Kuldeep Kaur
- Key Laboratory of Molecular and Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yong-chuan Zhu
- Institute of Neuroscience and State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Shanghai Institute of Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Mingyue Jia
- Key Laboratory of Molecular and Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Molecular and Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qifu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular and Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shan Jin
- College of Life Science, Hubei University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Guoli Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Molecular and Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhi-Qi Xiong
- Institute of Neuroscience and State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Shanghai Institute of Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yong Q. Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular and Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- * E-mail: (AY); (YQZ)
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