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Song JHT, Grant RL, Behrens VC, Kučka M, Roberts Kingman GA, Soltys V, Chan YF, Kingsley DM. Genetic studies of human-chimpanzee divergence using stem cell fusions. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:e2117557118. [PMID: 34921118 PMCID: PMC8713981 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2117557118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Complete genome sequencing has identified millions of DNA changes that differ between humans and chimpanzees. Although a subset of these changes likely underlies important phenotypic differences between humans and chimpanzees, it is currently difficult to distinguish causal from incidental changes and to map specific phenotypes to particular genome locations. To facilitate further genetic study of human-chimpanzee divergence, we have generated human and chimpanzee autotetraploids and allotetraploids by fusing induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) of each species. The resulting tetraploid iPSCs can be stably maintained and retain the ability to differentiate along ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm lineages. RNA sequencing identifies thousands of genes whose expression differs between humans and chimpanzees when assessed in single-species diploid or autotetraploid iPSCs. Analysis of gene expression patterns in interspecific allotetraploid iPSCs shows that human-chimpanzee expression differences arise from substantial contributions of both cis-acting changes linked to the genes themselves and trans-acting changes elsewhere in the genome. To enable further genetic mapping of species differences, we tested chemical treatments for stimulating genome-wide mitotic recombination between human and chimpanzee chromosomes, and CRISPR methods for inducing species-specific changes on particular chromosomes in allotetraploid cells. We successfully generated derivative cells with nested deletions or interspecific recombination on the X chromosome. These studies confirm an important role for the X chromosome in trans regulation of expression differences between species and illustrate the potential of this system for more detailed cis and trans mapping of the molecular basis of human and chimpanzee evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet H T Song
- Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Rachel L Grant
- Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Veronica C Behrens
- Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Marek Kučka
- Friedrich Miescher Laboratory of the Max Planck Society, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | | | - Volker Soltys
- Friedrich Miescher Laboratory of the Max Planck Society, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Yingguang Frank Chan
- Friedrich Miescher Laboratory of the Max Planck Society, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - David M Kingsley
- Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305;
- HHMI, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
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52
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Bach S, Shovlin S, Moriarty M, Bardoni B, Tropea D. Rett Syndrome and Fragile X Syndrome: Different Etiology With Common Molecular Dysfunctions. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:764761. [PMID: 34867203 PMCID: PMC8640214 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.764761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT) and Fragile X syndrome (FXS) are two monogenetic neurodevelopmental disorders with complex clinical presentations. RTT is caused by mutations in the Methyl-CpG binding protein 2 gene (MECP2) altering the function of its protein product MeCP2. MeCP2 modulates gene expression by binding methylated CpG dinucleotides, and by interacting with transcription factors. FXS is caused by the silencing of the FMR1 gene encoding the Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein (FMRP), a RNA binding protein involved in multiple steps of RNA metabolism, and modulating the translation of thousands of proteins including a large set of synaptic proteins. Despite differences in genetic etiology, there are overlapping features in RTT and FXS, possibly due to interactions between MeCP2 and FMRP, and to the regulation of pathways resulting in dysregulation of common molecular signaling. Furthermore, basic physiological mechanisms are regulated by these proteins and might concur to the pathophysiology of both syndromes. Considering that RTT and FXS are disorders affecting brain development, and that most of the common targets of MeCP2 and FMRP are involved in brain activity, we discuss the mechanisms of synaptic function and plasticity altered in RTT and FXS, and we consider the similarities and the differences between these two disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Snow Bach
- School of Mathematical Sciences, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland.,Neuropsychiatric Genetics, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, St James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Stephen Shovlin
- Neuropsychiatric Genetics, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, St James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Barbara Bardoni
- Inserm, CNRS UMR 7275, Institute of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Université Côte d'Azur, Valbonne, France
| | - Daniela Tropea
- Neuropsychiatric Genetics, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, St James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.,Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,FutureNeuro, The SFI Research Centre for Chronic and Rare Neurological Diseases, Dublin, Ireland
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53
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HDAC inhibitor ameliorates behavioral deficits in Mecp2 308/y mouse model of Rett syndrome. Brain Res 2021; 1772:147670. [PMID: 34582789 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2021.147670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT) is a rare X-linked neurodevelopmental disorder. More than 95% of classic RETT syndrome cases result from pathogenic variants in the methyl-CpG binding protein 2 (MECP2) gene. Nevertheless, it has been established that a spectrum of neuropsychiatric phenotypes is associated with MECP2 variants in both females and males. We previously reported that microtubule growth velocity and vesicle transport directionality are altered in Mecp2-deficient astrocytes from newborn Mecp2-deficient mice compared to that of their wild-type littermates suggesting deficit in microtubule dynamics. In this study, we report that administration of tubastatin A, a selective HDAC6 inhibitor, restored microtubule dynamics in Mecp2-deficient astrocytes. We furthermore report that daily doses of tubastatin A reversed early impaired exploratory behavior in male Mecp2308/y mice. These findings are a first step toward the validation of a novel treatment for RTT.
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54
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Xu W, Zhang X, Liang F, Cao Y, Li Z, Qu W, Zhang J, Bi Y, Sun C, Zhang J, Sun B, Shu Q, Li X. Tet1 Regulates Astrocyte Development and Cognition of Mice Through Modulating GluA1. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:644375. [PMID: 34778243 PMCID: PMC8581465 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.644375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Tet (Ten eleven translocation) family proteins-mediated 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) is highly enriched in the neuronal system, and is involved in diverse biological processes and diseases. However, the function of 5hmC in astrocyte remains completely unknown. In the present study, we show that Tet1 deficiency alters astrocyte morphology and impairs neuronal function. Specific deletion of Tet1 in astrocyte impairs learning and memory ability of mice. Using 5hmC high-throughput DNA sequencing and RNA sequencing, we present the distribution of 5hmC among genomic features in astrocyte and show that Tet1 deficiency induces differentially hydroxymethylated regions (DhMRs) and alters gene expression. Mechanistically, we found that Tet1 deficiency leads to the abnormal Ca2+ signaling by regulating the expression of GluA1, which can be rescued by ectopic GluA1. Collectively, our findings suggest that Tet1 plays important function in astrocyte physiology by regulating Ca2+ signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weize Xu
- The Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xicheng Zhang
- The Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, China
| | - Feng Liang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuhang Cao
- The Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, China.,The Institute of Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ziyi Li
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Wenzheng Qu
- The Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jinyu Zhang
- The Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, China.,The Institute of Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yanhua Bi
- The Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chongran Sun
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jianmin Zhang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Binggui Sun
- Department of Neurobiology and Department of Neurology of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qiang Shu
- The Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xuekun Li
- The Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, China.,The Institute of Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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55
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Gourine AV, Spyer KM. Geoff Burnstock, purinergic signalling, and chemosensory control of breathing. Auton Neurosci 2021; 235:102839. [PMID: 34198056 DOI: 10.1016/j.autneu.2021.102839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
This article is the authors' contribution to the tribute issue in honour of Geoffrey Burnstock, the founder of this journal and the field of purinergic signalling. We give a brief account of the results of experimental studies which at the beginning received valuable input from Geoff, who both directly and indirectly influenced our research undertaken over the last two decades. Research into the mechanisms controlling breathing identified ATP as the common mediator of the central and peripheral chemosensory transduction. Studies of the sources and mechanisms of chemosensory ATP release in the CNS suggested that this signalling pathway is universally engaged in conditions of increased metabolic demand by brain glial cells - astrocytes. Astrocytes appear to function as versatile CNS metabolic sensors that detect changes in brain tissue pH, CO2, oxygen, and cerebral perfusion pressure. Experimental studies on various aspects of astrocyte biology generated data indicating that the function of these omnipresent glial cells and communication between astrocytes and neurons are governed by purinergic signalling, - first discovered by Geoff Burnstock in the 70's and researched through his entire scientific career.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander V Gourine
- Centre for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, Physiology & Pharmacology, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK.
| | - K Michael Spyer
- Centre for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, Physiology & Pharmacology, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
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56
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Milla BM. Loss of MeCP2 increases GABA uptake by astrocytes to suppress tonic inhibition of CA1 pyramidal neurons. J Neurophysiol 2021; 126:1310-1313. [PMID: 34495776 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00222.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized a spectrum of phenotypes affecting neuronal and glial populations. Recent work by Dong et al. (Dong Q, Kim J, Nguyen L, Bu Q, Chang Q. J Neurosci 40: 6250-6261, 2020) suggests that augmented GABA uptake by astrocytes diminishes tonic inhibition in the hippocampus and contributes to increased seizure propensity in RTT. Here, I will review evidence supporting this possibility and critically evaluate how increased expression of a GABA transporter might contribute to this mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenda M Milla
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut
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57
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Liu X, Ying J, Wang X, Zheng Q, Zhao T, Yoon S, Yu W, Yang D, Fang Y, Hua F. Astrocytes in Neural Circuits: Key Factors in Synaptic Regulation and Potential Targets for Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Front Mol Neurosci 2021; 14:729273. [PMID: 34658786 PMCID: PMC8515196 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2021.729273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are the major glial cells in the brain, which play a supporting role in the energy and nutritional supply of neurons. They were initially regarded as passive space-filling cells, but the latest progress in the study of the development and function of astrocytes highlights their active roles in regulating synaptic transmission, formation, and plasticity. In the concept of "tripartite synapse," the bidirectional influence between astrocytes and neurons, in addition to their steady-state and supporting function, suggests that any negative changes in the structure or function of astrocytes will affect the activity of neurons, leading to neurodevelopmental disorders. The role of astrocytes in the pathophysiology of various neurological and psychiatric disorders caused by synaptic defects is increasingly appreciated. Understanding the roles of astrocytes in regulating synaptic development and the plasticity of neural circuits could help provide new treatments for these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, China
| | - Jun Ying
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, China
| | - Xifeng Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Qingcui Zheng
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, China
| | - Tiancheng Zhao
- Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Sungtae Yoon
- Helping Minds International Charitable Foundation, New York, NY, United States
| | - Wen Yu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, China
| | - Danying Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, China
| | - Yang Fang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, China
| | - Fuzhou Hua
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, China
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58
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Chen J, Ma XL, Zhao H, Wang XY, Xu MX, Wang H, Yang TQ, Peng C, Liu SS, Huang M, Zhou YD, Shen Y. Increasing astrogenesis in the developing hippocampus induces autistic-like behavior in mice via enhancing inhibitory synaptic transmission. Glia 2021; 70:106-122. [PMID: 34498776 PMCID: PMC9291003 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder characterized primarily by impaired social communication and rigid, repetitive, and stereotyped behaviors. Many studies implicate abnormal synapse development and the resultant abnormalities in synaptic excitatory–inhibitory (E/I) balance may underlie many features of the disease, suggesting aberrant neuronal connections and networks are prone to occur in the developing autistic brain. Astrocytes are crucial for synaptic formation and function, and defects in astrocytic activation and function during a critical developmental period may also contribute to the pathogenesis of ASD. Here, we report that increasing hippocampal astrogenesis during development induces autistic‐like behavior in mice and a concurrent decreased E/I ratio in the hippocampus that results from enhanced GABAergic transmission in CA1 pyramidal neurons. Suppressing the aberrantly elevated GABAergic synaptic transmission in hippocampal CA1 area rescues autistic‐like behavior and restores the E/I balance. Thus, we provide direct evidence for a developmental role of astrocytes in driving the behavioral phenotypes of ASD, and our results support that targeting the altered GABAergic neurotransmission may represent a promising therapeutic strategy for ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Chen
- Department of Neurobiology and Department of General Intensive Care Unit of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Lin Ma
- Department of Neurobiology and Department of Ophthalmology of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Research and Brain-Machine Integration, School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hui Zhao
- Department of Neurobiology and Department of General Intensive Care Unit of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Research and Brain-Machine Integration, School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Yu Wang
- Department of Neurobiology and Department of Ophthalmology of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Research and Brain-Machine Integration, School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Min-Xin Xu
- Department of Neurobiology and Department of General Intensive Care Unit of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Research and Brain-Machine Integration, School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hua Wang
- Department of Neurobiology and Department of Ophthalmology of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Research and Brain-Machine Integration, School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Tian-Qi Yang
- Department of Neurobiology and Department of General Intensive Care Unit of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Research and Brain-Machine Integration, School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Cheng Peng
- Department of Neurobiology and Department of Ophthalmology of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Research and Brain-Machine Integration, School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shuang-Shuang Liu
- Core Facilities, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Man Huang
- Department of General Intensive Care Unit of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yu-Dong Zhou
- Department of Neurobiology and Department of Ophthalmology of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Research and Brain-Machine Integration, School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Department of Pharmacology, Zhejiang University City College School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yi Shen
- Department of Neurobiology and Department of General Intensive Care Unit of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Research and Brain-Machine Integration, School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,National Human Brain Bank for Health and Disease, Hangzhou, China
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59
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Mao Y, Evans EE, Mishra V, Balch L, Eberhardt A, Zauderer M, Gold WA. Anti-Semaphorin 4D Rescues Motor, Cognitive, and Respiratory Phenotypes in a Rett Syndrome Mouse Model. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22179465. [PMID: 34502373 PMCID: PMC8431088 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22179465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Rett syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by mutations of the methyl-CpG binding protein 2 gene. Abnormal physiological functions of glial cells contribute to pathogenesis of Rett syndrome. Semaphorin 4D (SEMA4D) regulates processes central to neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration including cytoskeletal structures required for process extension, communication, and migration of glial cells. Blocking SEMA4D-induced gliosis may preserve normal glial and neuronal function and rescue neurological dysfunction in Rett syndrome. We evaluated the pre-clinical therapeutic efficacy of an anti-SEMA4D monoclonal antibody in the Rett syndrome Mecp2T158A transgenic mouse model and investigated the contribution of glial cells as a proposed mechanism of action in treated mice and in primary glial cultures isolated from Mecp2T158A/y mutant mice. SEMA4D is upregulated in neurons while glial fibrillary acidic protein and ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1-positive cells are upregulated in Mecp2T158A/y mice. Anti-SEMA4D treatment ameliorates Rett syndrome-specific symptoms and improves behavioural functions in both pre-symptomatic and symptomatic cohorts of hemizygous Mecp2T158A/y male mice. Anti-SEMA4D also reduces astrocyte and microglia activation in vivo. In vitro experiments demonstrate an abnormal cytoskeletal structure in mutant astrocytes in the presence of SEMA4D, while anti-SEMA4D antibody treatment blocks SEMA4D–Plexin B1 signaling and mitigates these abnormalities. These results suggest that anti-SEMA4D immunotherapy may be an effective treatment option to alleviate symptoms and improve cognitive and motor function in Rett syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yilin Mao
- Molecular Neurobiology Research Laboratory, Kids Neuroscience Centre, Kids Research, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia;
- Discipline of Child and Adolescent Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Elizabeth E. Evans
- Vaccinex Inc., Rochester, NY 14620, USA; (E.E.E.); (V.M.); (L.B.); (A.E.); (M.Z.)
| | - Vikas Mishra
- Vaccinex Inc., Rochester, NY 14620, USA; (E.E.E.); (V.M.); (L.B.); (A.E.); (M.Z.)
| | - Leslie Balch
- Vaccinex Inc., Rochester, NY 14620, USA; (E.E.E.); (V.M.); (L.B.); (A.E.); (M.Z.)
| | - Allison Eberhardt
- Vaccinex Inc., Rochester, NY 14620, USA; (E.E.E.); (V.M.); (L.B.); (A.E.); (M.Z.)
| | - Maurice Zauderer
- Vaccinex Inc., Rochester, NY 14620, USA; (E.E.E.); (V.M.); (L.B.); (A.E.); (M.Z.)
| | - Wendy A. Gold
- Molecular Neurobiology Research Laboratory, Kids Neuroscience Centre, Kids Research, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia;
- Discipline of Child and Adolescent Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
- Molecular Neurobiology Research Laboratory, The Children’s Medical Research Institute, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
- Correspondence:
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60
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Rodrigues DC, Mufteev M, Ellis J. Regulation, diversity and function of MECP2 exon and 3'UTR isoforms. Hum Mol Genet 2021; 29:R89-R99. [PMID: 32681172 PMCID: PMC7530521 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddaa154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Revised: 07/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MECP2) is a critical global regulator of gene expression. Mutations in MECP2 cause neurodevelopmental disorders including Rett syndrome (RTT). MECP2 exon 2 is spliced into two alternative messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) isoforms encoding MECP2-E1 or MECP2-E2 protein isoforms that differ in their N-termini. MECP2-E2, isolated first, was used to define the general roles of MECP2 in methyl-deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) binding, targeting of transcriptional regulatory complexes, and its disease-causing impact in RTT. It was later found that MECP2-E1 is the most abundant isoform in the brain and its exon 1 is also mutated in RTT. MECP2 transcripts undergo alternative polyadenylation generating mRNAs with four possible 3'untranslated region (UTR) lengths ranging from 130 to 8600 nt. Together, the exon and 3'UTR isoforms display remarkable abundance disparity across cell types and tissues during development. These findings indicate discrete means of regulation and suggest that protein isoforms perform non-overlapping roles. Multiple regulatory programs have been explored to explain these disparities. DNA methylation patterns of the MECP2 promoter and first intron impact MECP2-E1 and E2 isoform levels. Networks of microRNAs and RNA-binding proteins also post-transcriptionally regulate the stability and translation efficiency of MECP2 3'UTR isoforms. Finally, distinctions in biophysical properties in the N-termini between MECP2-E1 and E2 lead to variable protein stabilities and DNA binding dynamics. This review describes the steps taken from the discovery of MECP2, the description of its key functions, and its association with RTT, to the emergence of evidence revealing how MECP2 isoforms are differentially regulated at the transcriptional, post-transcriptional and post-translational levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deivid Carvalho Rodrigues
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Marat Mufteev
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto ON M5G 0A4, Canada.,Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - James Ellis
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto ON M5G 0A4, Canada.,Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto ON M5S 1A8, Canada
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61
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Haase FD, Coorey B, Riley L, Cantrill LC, Tam PPL, Gold WA. Pre-clinical Investigation of Rett Syndrome Using Human Stem Cell-Based Disease Models. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:698812. [PMID: 34512241 PMCID: PMC8423999 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.698812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT) is an X-linked neurodevelopmental disorder, mostly caused by mutations in MECP2. The disorder mainly affects girls and it is associated with severe cognitive and physical disabilities. Modeling RTT in neural and glial cell cultures and brain organoids derived from patient- or mutation-specific human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) has advanced our understanding of the pathogenesis of RTT, such as disease-causing mechanisms, disease progression, and cellular and molecular pathology enabling the identification of actionable therapeutic targets. Brain organoid models that recapitulate much of the tissue architecture and the complexity of cell types in the developing brain, offer further unprecedented opportunity for elucidating human neural development, without resorting to conventional animal models and the limited resource of human neural tissues. This review focuses on the new knowledge of RTT that has been gleaned from the iPSC-based models as well as limitations of the models and strategies to refine organoid technology in the quest for clinically relevant disease models for RTT and the broader spectrum of neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florencia D. Haase
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Kids Neuroscience Centre, Kids Research, Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW, Australia
- Molecular Neurobiology Research Laboratory, Kids Research, Children’s Hospital at Westmead, and Children’s Medical Research Institute, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Bronte Coorey
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Kids Neuroscience Centre, Kids Research, Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW, Australia
- Molecular Neurobiology Research Laboratory, Kids Research, Children’s Hospital at Westmead, and Children’s Medical Research Institute, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Lisa Riley
- Rare Diseases Functional Genomics Laboratory, Kids Research, Children’s Hospital at Westmead, and Children’s Medical Research Institute, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Laurence C. Cantrill
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Kids Research, Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Patrick P. L. Tam
- Embryology Research Unit, Children’s Medical Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Wendy A. Gold
- Kids Neuroscience Centre, Kids Research, Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW, Australia
- Molecular Neurobiology Research Laboratory, Kids Research, Children’s Hospital at Westmead, and Children’s Medical Research Institute, Westmead, NSW, Australia
- Rare Diseases Functional Genomics Laboratory, Kids Research, Children’s Hospital at Westmead, and Children’s Medical Research Institute, Westmead, NSW, Australia
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62
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Carstens KE, Lustberg DJ, Shaughnessy EK, McCann KE, Alexander GM, Dudek SM. Perineuronal net degradation rescues CA2 plasticity in a mouse model of Rett syndrome. J Clin Invest 2021; 131:e137221. [PMID: 34228646 DOI: 10.1172/jci137221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Perineuronal nets (PNNs), a specialized form of extracellular matrix, are abnormal in the brains of people with Rett syndrome (RTT). We previously reported that PNNs function to restrict synaptic plasticity in hippocampal area CA2, which is unusually resistant to long-term potentiation (LTP) and has been linked to social learning in mice. Here we report that PNNs appear elevated in area CA2 of the hippocampus of an individual with RTT and that PNNs develop precociously and remain elevated in area CA2 of a mouse model of RTT (Mecp2-null). Further, we provide evidence that LTP could be induced at CA2 synapses prior to PNN maturation (postnatal day 8-11) in wild-type mice and that this window of plasticity was prematurely restricted at CA2 synapses in Mecp2-null mice. Degrading PNNs in Mecp2-null hippocampus was sufficient to rescue the premature disruption of CA2 plasticity. We identified several molecular targets that were altered in the developing Mecp2-null hippocampus that may explain aberrant PNNs and CA2 plasticity, and we discovered that CA2 PNNs are negatively regulated by neuronal activity. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that CA2 PNN development is regulated by Mecp2 and identify a window of hippocampal plasticity that is disrupted in a mouse model of RTT.
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63
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Yamada A, Hirasawa T, Nishimura K, Shimura C, Kogo N, Fukuda K, Kato M, Yokomori M, Hayashi T, Umeda M, Yoshimura M, Iwakura Y, Nikaido I, Itohara S, Shinkai Y. Derepression of inflammation-related genes link to microglia activation and neural maturation defect in a mouse model of Kleefstra syndrome. iScience 2021; 24:102741. [PMID: 34258564 PMCID: PMC8258976 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.102741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Haploinsufficiency of EHMT1, which encodes histone H3 lysine 9 (H3K9) methyltransferase G9a-like protein (GLP), causes Kleefstra syndrome (KS), a complex disorder of developmental delay and intellectual disability. Here, we examined whether postnatal supply of GLP can reverse the neurological phenotypes seen in Ehmt1Δ/+ mice as a KS model. Ubiquitous GLP supply from the juvenile stage ameliorated behavioral abnormalities in Ehmt1Δ/+ mice. Postnatal neuron-specific GLP supply was not sufficient for the improvement of abnormal behaviors but still reversed the reduction of H3K9me2 and spine number in Ehmt1Δ/+ mice. Interestingly, some inflammatory genes, including IL-1β (Il1b), were upregulated and activated microglial cells increased in the Ehmt1Δ/+ brain, and such phenotypes were also reversed by neuron-specific postnatal GLP supply. Il1b inactivation canceled the microglial and spine number phenotypes in the Ehmt1Δ/+ mice. Thus, H3K9me2 and some neurological phenotypes are reversible, but behavioral abnormalities are more difficult to improve depending on the timing of GLP supply. Activated microglias increase in a Ehmt1Δ/+ mouse model of Kleefstra syndrome Diminished H3K9me2 in Ehmt1Δ/+ mouse neurons is reversed by post-natal GLP supply GLP supply from the juvenile stage can improve abnormal behaviors of Ehmt1Δ/+ mice Il1b KO cancelles the microglial and spine number phenotypes in the Ehmt1Δ/+ mice
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayumi Yamada
- Cellular Memory Laboratory, Cluster for Pioneering Research, RIKEN, Wako, Saitama, Japan
| | - Takae Hirasawa
- Department of Biosciences, School of Science and Engineering, Teikyo University, 1-1 Toyosatodai, Utsunomiya, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Kayako Nishimura
- Cellular Memory Laboratory, Cluster for Pioneering Research, RIKEN, Wako, Saitama, Japan
| | - Chikako Shimura
- Cellular Memory Laboratory, Cluster for Pioneering Research, RIKEN, Wako, Saitama, Japan
| | - Naomi Kogo
- Laboratory for Behavioral Genetics, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako, Saitama, Japan
| | - Kei Fukuda
- Cellular Memory Laboratory, Cluster for Pioneering Research, RIKEN, Wako, Saitama, Japan
| | - Madoka Kato
- Department of Biosciences, School of Science and Engineering, Teikyo University, 1-1 Toyosatodai, Utsunomiya, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Masaki Yokomori
- Department of Biosciences, School of Science and Engineering, Teikyo University, 1-1 Toyosatodai, Utsunomiya, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Tetsutaro Hayashi
- Laboratory for Bioinformatics Research, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Wako, Saitama, Japan
| | - Mana Umeda
- Laboratory for Bioinformatics Research, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Wako, Saitama, Japan
| | - Mika Yoshimura
- Laboratory for Bioinformatics Research, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Wako, Saitama, Japan
| | - Yoichiro Iwakura
- Research Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science, Noda, Chiba 278-8510, Japan
| | - Itoshi Nikaido
- Laboratory for Bioinformatics Research, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Wako, Saitama, Japan.,Functional Genome Informatics, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan.,Bioinformatics Course, Master's/Doctoral Program in Life Science Innovation (T-LSI), School of Integrative and Global Majors (SIGMA), University of Tsukuba, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Shigeyoshi Itohara
- Laboratory for Behavioral Genetics, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako, Saitama, Japan
| | - Yoichi Shinkai
- Cellular Memory Laboratory, Cluster for Pioneering Research, RIKEN, Wako, Saitama, Japan
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64
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Sinnamon JR, Kim SY, Fisk JR, Song Z, Nakai H, Jeng S, McWeeney SK, Mandel G. In Vivo Repair of a Protein Underlying a Neurological Disorder by Programmable RNA Editing. Cell Rep 2021; 32:107878. [PMID: 32668243 PMCID: PMC7449137 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.107878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Revised: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Programmable RNA editing is gaining momentum as an approach to repair mutations, but its efficiency in repairing endogenous mutant RNA in complex tissue is unknown. Here we apply this approach to the brain and successfully repair a guanosine-to-adenosine mutation in methyl CpG binding protein 2 RNA that causes the neurodevelopmental disease Rett syndrome. Repair is mediated by hippocampal injections of juvenile Mecp2317G>A mice with an adeno-associated virus expressing the hyperactive catalytic domain of adenosine deaminase acting on RNA 2 and Mecp2 guide. After 1 month, 50% of Mecp2 RNA is recoded in three different hippocampal neuronal populations. MeCP2 protein localization to heterochromatin is restored in neurons to 50% of wild-type levels. Whole-transcriptome RNA analysis of one neuronal population indicates that the majority of off-target editing sites exhibit rates of 30% or less. This study demonstrates that programmable RNA editing can be utilized to repair mutations in mouse models of neurological disease. Sinnamon et al. show that the Mecp2 guide-targeted “editase,” introduced by an adeno-associated virus into the hippocampus of a Rett syndrome mouse model, repairs a large fraction of pathological Mecp2G>A RNA. MeCP2 function, visualized by chromatin association in neurons, is repaired to similar levels. The results point toward a potential therapy for Rett syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- John R Sinnamon
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Susan Y Kim
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Jenna R Fisk
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Zhen Song
- Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Hiroyuki Nakai
- Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Sophia Jeng
- Division of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Department of Medical Informatics and Clinical Epidemiology, Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Shannon K McWeeney
- Division of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Department of Medical Informatics and Clinical Epidemiology, Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Gail Mandel
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA.
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65
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Sharifi O, Yasui DH. The Molecular Functions of MeCP2 in Rett Syndrome Pathology. Front Genet 2021; 12:624290. [PMID: 33968128 PMCID: PMC8102816 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.624290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
MeCP2 protein, encoded by the MECP2 gene, binds to DNA and affects transcription. Outside of this activity the true range of MeCP2 function is still not entirely clear. As MECP2 gene mutations cause the neurodevelopmental disorder Rett syndrome in 1 in 10,000 female births, much of what is known about the biologic function of MeCP2 comes from studying human cell culture models and rodent models with Mecp2 gene mutations. In this review, the full scope of MeCP2 research available in the NIH Pubmed (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/) data base to date is considered. While not all original research can be mentioned due to space limitations, the main aspects of MeCP2 and Rett syndrome research are discussed while highlighting the work of individual researchers and research groups. First, the primary functions of MeCP2 relevant to Rett syndrome are summarized and explored. Second, the conflicting evidence and controversies surrounding emerging aspects of MeCP2 biology are examined. Next, the most obvious gaps in MeCP2 research studies are noted. Finally, the most recent discoveries in MeCP2 and Rett syndrome research are explored with a focus on the potential and pitfalls of novel treatments and therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osman Sharifi
- LaSalle Laboratory, Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, UC Davis School of Medicine, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Dag H Yasui
- LaSalle Laboratory, Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, UC Davis School of Medicine, Davis, CA, United States
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66
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Lotun A, Gessler DJ, Gao G. Canavan Disease as a Model for Gene Therapy-Mediated Myelin Repair. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:661928. [PMID: 33967698 PMCID: PMC8102781 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.661928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the scientific and therapeutic fields for rare, genetic central nervous system (CNS) diseases such as leukodystrophies, or white matter disorders, have expanded significantly in part due to technological advancements in cellular and clinical screenings as well as remedial therapies using novel techniques such as gene therapy. However, treatments aimed at normalizing the pathological changes associated with leukodystrophies have especially been complicated due to the innate and variable effects of glial abnormalities, which can cause large-scale functional deficits in developmental myelination and thus lead to downstream neuronal impairment. Emerging research in the past two decades have depicted glial cells, particularly oligodendrocytes and astrocytes, as key, regulatory modulators in constructing and maintaining myelin function and neuronal viability. Given the significance of myelin formation in the developing brain, myelin repair in a time-dependent fashion is critical in restoring homeostatic functionality to the CNS of patients diagnosed with white matter disorders. Using Canavan Disease (CD) as a leukodystrophy model, here we review the hypothetical roles of N-acetylaspartate (NAA), one of the brain's most abundant amino acid derivatives, in Canavan disease's CNS myelinating pathology, as well as discuss the possible functions astrocytes serve in both CD and other leukodystrophies' time-sensitive disease correction. Through this analysis, we also highlight the potential remyelinating benefits of gene therapy for other leukodystrophies in which alternative CNS cell targeting for white matter disorders may be an applicable path for reparative treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anoushka Lotun
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States.,Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Dominic J Gessler
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States.,Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States.,Department of Neurosurgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Guangping Gao
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States.,Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States.,Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
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67
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Analysis of Astroglial Secretomic Profile in the Mecp2-Deficient Male Mouse Model of Rett Syndrome. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22094316. [PMID: 33919253 PMCID: PMC8122273 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the X-linked MECP2 gene are responsible for Rett syndrome (RTT), a severe neurological disorder. MECP2 is a transcriptional modulator that finely regulates the expression of many genes, specifically in the central nervous system. Several studies have functionally linked the loss of MECP2 in astrocytes to the appearance and progression of the RTT phenotype in a non-cell autonomous manner and mechanisms are still unknown. Here, we used primary astroglial cells from Mecp2-deficient (KO) pups to identify deregulated secreted proteins. Using a differential quantitative proteomic analysis, twenty-nine proteins have been identified and four were confirmed by Western blotting with new samples as significantly deregulated. To further verify the functional relevance of these proteins in RTT, we tested their effects on the dendritic morphology of primary cortical neurons from Mecp2 KO mice that are known to display shorter dendritic processes. Using Sholl analysis, we found that incubation with Lcn2 or Lgals3 for 48 h was able to significantly increase the dendritic arborization of Mecp2 KO neurons. To our knowledge, this study, through secretomic analysis, is the first to identify astroglial secreted proteins involved in the neuronal RTT phenotype in vitro, which could open new therapeutic avenues for the treatment of Rett syndrome.
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68
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Rett Syndrome: A Timely Review From Recognition to Current Clinical Approaches and Clinical Study Updates. Semin Pediatr Neurol 2021; 37:100881. [PMID: 33892852 DOI: 10.1016/j.spen.2021.100881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Since the discovery of the genetic basis of Rett syndrome in 1999, our understanding has grown considerably both in the scientific and the clinical realms. In the last two decades, we have learned about the far-reaching effects of the aberrant MeCP2 protein, the growing list of involved genetic factors, and the genotype-phenotype clinical expression of common MECP2 mutations. This knowledge has led to several basic science research and clinical trials, focusing specifically on emerging treatments of Rett syndrome. As the pathophysiology behind the disease is better understood, treatments aimed at specific molecular targets will become available for clinicians to improve the life of individuals with Rett syndrome.
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69
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Mossink B, Negwer M, Schubert D, Nadif Kasri N. The emerging role of chromatin remodelers in neurodevelopmental disorders: a developmental perspective. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:2517-2563. [PMID: 33263776 PMCID: PMC8004494 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-020-03714-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), including intellectual disability (ID) and autism spectrum disorders (ASD), are a large group of disorders in which early insults during brain development result in a wide and heterogeneous spectrum of clinical diagnoses. Mutations in genes coding for chromatin remodelers are overrepresented in NDD cohorts, pointing towards epigenetics as a convergent pathogenic pathway between these disorders. In this review we detail the role of NDD-associated chromatin remodelers during the developmental continuum of progenitor expansion, differentiation, cell-type specification, migration and maturation. We discuss how defects in chromatin remodelling during these early developmental time points compound over time and result in impaired brain circuit establishment. In particular, we focus on their role in the three largest cell populations: glutamatergic neurons, GABAergic neurons, and glia cells. An in-depth understanding of the spatiotemporal role of chromatin remodelers during neurodevelopment can contribute to the identification of molecular targets for treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Britt Mossink
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboudumc, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Geert Grooteplein 10, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboudumc, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Moritz Negwer
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboudumc, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Geert Grooteplein 10, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboudumc, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Dirk Schubert
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboudumc, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Nael Nadif Kasri
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboudumc, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Geert Grooteplein 10, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboudumc, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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70
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D'Mello SR. MECP2 and the Biology of MECP2 Duplication Syndrome. J Neurochem 2021; 159:29-60. [PMID: 33638179 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
MECP2 duplication syndrome (MDS), a rare X-linked genomic disorder affecting predominantly males, is caused by duplication of the chromosomal region containing the methyl CpG binding protein-2 (MECP2) gene, which encodes methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MECP2), a multi-functional protein required for proper brain development and maintenance of brain function during adulthood. Disease symptoms include severe motor and cognitive impairment, delayed or absent speech development, autistic features, seizures, ataxia, recurrent respiratory infections and shortened lifespan. The cellular and molecular mechanisms by which a relatively modest increase in MECP2 protein causes such severe disease symptoms are poorly understood and consequently there are no treatments available for this fatal disorder. This review summarizes what is known to date about the structure and complex regulation of MECP2 and its many functions in the developing and adult brain. Additionally, recent experimental findings on the cellular and molecular underpinnings of MDS based on cell culture and mouse models of the disorder are reviewed. The emerging picture from these studies is that MDS is a neurodegenerative disorder in which neurons die in specific parts of the central nervous system, including the cortex, hippocampus, cerebellum and spinal cord. Neuronal death likely results from astrocytic dysfunction, including a breakdown of glutamate homeostatic mechanisms. The role of elevations in the expression of glial acidic fibrillary protein (GFAP) in astrocytes and the microtubule-associated protein, Tau, in neurons to the pathogenesis of MDS is discussed. Lastly, potential therapeutic strategies to potentially treat MDS are discussed.
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71
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Ren B, Dunaevsky A. Modeling Neurodevelopmental and Neuropsychiatric Diseases with Astrocytes Derived from Human-Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:1692. [PMID: 33567562 PMCID: PMC7915337 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22041692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Accumulating studies demonstrate the morphological and functional diversity of astrocytes, a subtype of glial cells in the central nervous system. Animal models are instrumental in advancing our understanding of the role of astrocytes in brain development and their contribution to neurological disease; however, substantial interspecies differences exist between rodent and human astrocytes, underscoring the importance of studying human astrocytes. Human pluripotent stem cell differentiation approaches allow the study of patient-specific astrocytes in the etiology of neurological disorders. In this review, we summarize the structural and functional properties of astrocytes, including the unique features of human astrocytes; demonstrate the necessity of the stem cell platform; and discuss how this platform has been applied to the research of neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baiyan Ren
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA;
- Department of Neurological Science, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Anna Dunaevsky
- Department of Neurological Science, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
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72
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Unraveling Molecular Pathways Altered in MeCP2-Related Syndromes, in the Search for New Potential Avenues for Therapy. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9020148. [PMID: 33546327 PMCID: PMC7913493 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9020148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2) is an X-linked epigenetic modulator whose dosage is critical for neural development and function. Loss-of-function mutations in MECP2 cause Rett Syndrome (RTT, OMIM #312750) while duplications in the Xq28 locus containing MECP2 and Interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase 1 (IRAK1) cause MECP2 duplication syndrome (MDS, OMIM #300260). Both are rare neurodevelopmental disorders that share clinical symptoms, including intellectual disability, loss of speech, hand stereotypies, vasomotor deficits and seizures. The main objective of this exploratory study is to identify novel signaling pathways and potential quantitative biomarkers that could aid early diagnosis and/or the monitoring of disease progression in clinical trials. We analyzed by RT-PCR gene expression in whole blood and microRNA (miRNA) expression in plasma, in a cohort of 20 females with Rett syndrome, 2 males with MECP2 duplication syndrome and 28 healthy controls, and correlated RNA expression with disease and clinical parameters. We have identified a set of potential biomarker panels for RTT diagnostic and disease stratification of patients with microcephaly and vasomotor deficits. Our study sets the basis for larger studies leading to the identification of specific miRNA signatures for early RTT detection, stratification, disease progression and segregation from other neurodevelopmental disorders. Nevertheless, these data will require verification and validation in further studies with larger sample size including a whole range of ages.
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73
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Fujita Y, Yamashita T. Alterations in Chromatin Structure and Function in the Microglia. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 8:626541. [PMID: 33553166 PMCID: PMC7858661 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.626541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Microglia are resident immune cells in the central nervous system (CNS). Microglia exhibit diversity in their morphology, density, electrophysiological properties, and gene expression profiles, and play various roles in neural development and adulthood in both physiological and pathological conditions. Recent transcriptomic analysis using bulk and single-cell RNA-seq has revealed that microglia can shift their gene expression profiles in various contexts, such as developmental stages, aging, and disease progression in the CNS, suggesting that the heterogeneity of microglia may be associated with their distinct functions. Epigenetic changes, including histone modifications and DNA methylation, coordinate gene expression, thereby contributing to the regulation of cellular state. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge regarding the epigenetic mechanisms underlying spatiotemporal and functional diversity of microglia that are altered in response to developmental stages and disease conditions. We also discuss how this knowledge may lead to advances in therapeutic approaches for diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Fujita
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan.,WPI Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Toshihide Yamashita
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan.,WPI Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan.,Graduate School of Frontier Bioscience, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan.,Department of Neuro-Medical Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
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74
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Qiu B, de Vries RJ, Caiazzo M. Direct Cell Reprogramming of Mouse Fibroblasts into Functional Astrocytes Using Lentiviral Overexpression of the Transcription Factors NFIA, NFIB, and SOX9. Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2352:31-43. [PMID: 34324178 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1601-7_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes play an important role in maintaining brain homeostasis and their dysfunction is involved in a number of neurological disorders. An accessible source of astrocytes is essential to model neurological diseases and potential cell therapy approaches. Cell reprogramming techniques offer possibilities to reprogram terminally differentiated cells into other cell types. By overexpressing the three astrocytic transcription factors NFIA, NFIB, and SOX9, we showed that it is possible to directly transdifferentiate fibroblasts into functional astrocytes. These induced astrocytes (iAstrocytes) express glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and S100 calcium binding protein B (S100B), as well as other astrocytic markers. Moreover, electrophysiological properties indicate that iAstrocytes are functionally comparable to native brain astrocytes. Here we describe an optimized protocol to generate iAstrocytes starting from skin fibroblasts and this approach can be adapted for a wide range of somatic cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boning Qiu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ruben J de Vries
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Massimiliano Caiazzo
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands. .,Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples 'Federico II', Naples, Italy.
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75
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Lago-Baldaia I, Fernandes VM, Ackerman SD. More Than Mortar: Glia as Architects of Nervous System Development and Disease. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:611269. [PMID: 33381506 PMCID: PMC7767919 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.611269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Glial cells are an essential component of the nervous system of vertebrates and invertebrates. In the human brain, glia are as numerous as neurons, yet the importance of glia to nearly every aspect of nervous system development has only been expounded over the last several decades. Glia are now known to regulate neural specification, synaptogenesis, synapse function, and even broad circuit function. Given their ubiquity, it is not surprising that the contribution of glia to neuronal disease pathogenesis is a growing area of research. In this review, we will summarize the accumulated evidence of glial participation in several distinct phases of nervous system development and organization-neural specification, circuit wiring, and circuit function. Finally, we will highlight how these early developmental roles of glia contribute to nervous system dysfunction in neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inês Lago-Baldaia
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Vilaiwan M. Fernandes
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah D. Ackerman
- Institute of Neuroscience, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, United States
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76
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A Discussion on Microglia and Astrocytes in Neuroimmunology: Insights from Richard Ransohoff. Trends Immunol 2020; 41:749-752. [PMID: 32857959 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2020.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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77
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Javed S, Selliah T, Lee YJ, Huang WH. Dosage-sensitive genes in autism spectrum disorders: From neurobiology to therapy. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 118:538-567. [PMID: 32858083 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 07/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a group of heterogenous neurodevelopmental disorders affecting 1 in 59 children. Syndromic ASDs are commonly associated with chromosomal rearrangements or dosage imbalance involving a single gene. Many of these genes are dosage-sensitive and regulate transcription, protein homeostasis, and synaptic function in the brain. Despite vastly different molecular perturbations, syndromic ASDs share core symptoms including social dysfunction and repetitive behavior. However, each ASD subtype has a unique pathogenic mechanism and combination of comorbidities that require individual attention. We have learned a great deal about how these dosage-sensitive genes control brain development and behaviors from genetically-engineered mice. Here we describe the clinical features of eight monogenic neurodevelopmental disorders caused by dosage imbalance of four genes, as well as recent advances in using genetic mouse models to understand their pathogenic mechanisms and develop intervention strategies. We propose that applying newly developed quantitative molecular and neuroscience technologies will advance our understanding of the unique neurobiology of each disorder and enable the development of personalized therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sehrish Javed
- Centre for Research in Neuroscience, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Tharushan Selliah
- Centre for Research in Neuroscience, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Yu-Ju Lee
- Centre for Research in Neuroscience, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Wei-Hsiang Huang
- Centre for Research in Neuroscience, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Québec, Canada.
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78
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Lateralized Expression of Cortical Perineuronal Nets during Maternal Experience is Dependent on MECP2. eNeuro 2020; 7:ENEURO.0500-19.2020. [PMID: 32332080 PMCID: PMC7294466 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0500-19.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Revised: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cortical neuronal circuits along the sensorimotor pathways are shaped by experience during critical periods of heightened plasticity in early postnatal development. After closure of critical periods, measured histologically by the formation and maintenance of extracellular matrix structures called perineuronal nets (PNNs), the adult mouse brain exhibits restricted plasticity and maturity. Mature PNNs are typically considered to be stable structures that restrict synaptic plasticity on cortical parvalbumin+ (PV+) GABAergic neurons. Changes in environment (i.e., novel behavioral training) or social contexts (i.e., motherhood) are known to elicit synaptic plasticity in relevant neural circuitry. However, little is known about concomitant changes in the PNNs surrounding the cortical PV+ GABAergic neurons. Here, we show novel changes in PNN density in the primary somatosensory cortex (SS1) of adult female mice after maternal experience [called surrogate (Sur)], using systematic microscopy analysis of a whole brain region. On average, PNNs were increased in the right barrel field and decreased in the left forelimb regions. Individual mice had left hemisphere dominance in PNN density. Using adult female mice deficient in methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MECP2), an epigenetic regulator involved in regulating experience-dependent plasticity, we found that MECP2 is critical for this precise and dynamic expression of PNN. Adult naive Mecp2-heterozygous (Het) females had increased PNN density in specific subregions in both hemispheres before maternal experience, compared with wild-type (WT) littermate controls. The laterality in PNN expression seen in naive Het (NH) was lost after maternal experience in Sur Het (SH) mice, suggesting possible intact mechanisms for plasticity. Together, our results identify subregion and hemisphere-specific alterations in PNN expression in adult females, suggesting extracellular matrix plasticity as a possible neurobiological mechanism for adult behaviors in rodents.
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79
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Vitamin D Supplementation Rescues Aberrant NF-κB Pathway Activation and Partially Ameliorates Rett Syndrome Phenotypes in Mecp2 Mutant Mice. eNeuro 2020; 7:ENEURO.0167-20.2020. [PMID: 32393583 PMCID: PMC7253640 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0167-20.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT) is a severe, progressive X-linked neurodevelopmental disorder caused by mutations in the transcriptional regulator MECP2. We previously identified aberrant NF-κB pathway upregulation in brains of Mecp2-null mice and demonstrated that genetically attenuating NF-κB rescues some characteristic neuronal RTT phenotypes. These results raised the intriguing question of whether NF-κB pathway inhibitors might provide a therapeutic avenue in RTT. Here, we investigate whether the known NF-κB pathway inhibitor vitamin D ameliorates neuronal phenotypes in Mecp2-mutant mice. Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent among RTT patients, and we find that Mecp2-null mice similarly have significantly reduced 25(OH)D serum levels compared with wild-type littermates. We identify that vitamin D rescues aberrant NF-κB pathway activation and reduced neurite outgrowth of Mecp2 knock-down cortical neurons in vitro. Further, dietary supplementation with vitamin D in early symptomatic male Mecp2 hemizygous null and female Mecp2 heterozygous mice ameliorates reduced neocortical dendritic morphology and soma size phenotypes and modestly improves reduced lifespan of Mecp2-nulls. These results elucidate fundamental neurobiology of RTT and provide foundation that NF-κB pathway inhibition might be a therapeutic target for RTT.
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80
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The role of neuroglia in autism spectrum disorders. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2020; 173:301-330. [PMID: 32711814 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2020.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Neuroglia are a large class of neural cells of ectodermal (astroglia, oligodendroglia, and peripheral glial cells) and mesodermal (microglia) origin. Neuroglial cells provide homeostatic support, protection, and defense to the nervous tissue. Pathological potential of neuroglia has been acknowledged since their discovery. Research of the recent decade has shown the key role of all classes of glial cells in autism spectrum disorders (ASD), although molecular mechanisms defining glial contribution to ASD are yet to be fully characterized. This narrative conceptualizes recent findings of the broader roles of glial cells, including their active participation in the control of cerebral environment and regulation of synaptic development and scaling, highlighting their putative involvement in the etiopathogenesis of ASD.
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81
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Fagiolini M, Patrizi A, LeBlanc J, Jin LW, Maezawa I, Sinnett S, Gray SJ, Molholm S, Foxe JJ, Johnston MV, Naidu S, Blue M, Hossain A, Kadam S, Zhao X, Chang Q, Zhou Z, Zoghbi H. Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Centers: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Understand the Pathogenesis of Methyl-CpG Binding Protein 2-related Disorders. Neuroscience 2020; 445:190-206. [PMID: 32360592 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2020.04.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Disruptions in the gene encoding methyl-CpG binding protein 2 (MECP2) underlie complex neurodevelopmental disorders including Rett Syndrome (RTT), MECP2 duplication disorder, intellectual disabilities, and autism. Significant progress has been made on the molecular and cellular basis of MECP2-related disorders providing a new framework for understanding how altered epigenetic landscape can derail the formation and refinement of neuronal circuits in early postnatal life and proper neurological function. This review will summarize selected major findings from the past years and particularly highlight the integrated and multidisciplinary work done at eight NIH-funded Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Centers (IDDRC) across the US. Finally, we will outline a path forward with identification of reliable biomarkers and outcome measures, longitudinal preclinical and clinical studies, reproducibility of results across centers as a synergistic effort to decode and treat the pathogenesis of the complex MeCP2 disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Fagiolini
- Children's Hospital Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Annarita Patrizi
- Children's Hospital Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jocelyn LeBlanc
- Children's Hospital Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lee-Way Jin
- UC Davis MIND Institute, University of California, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Izumi Maezawa
- UC Davis MIND Institute, University of California, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Sarah Sinnett
- UNC Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, University of North Carolina, Gene Therapy Center and Dept. of Ophthalmology, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Department of Pediatrics, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Steven J Gray
- UNC Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, University of North Carolina, Gene Therapy Center and Dept. of Ophthalmology, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Department of Pediatrics, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Sophie Molholm
- The Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, Departments of Pediatrics, Neuroscience, and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - John J Foxe
- The Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, Ernest J. Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Michael V Johnston
- Kennedy Krieger Institute Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center/Hugo Moser Research Institute at Kennedy Krieger and Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, USA
| | - Sakkubai Naidu
- Kennedy Krieger Institute Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center/Hugo Moser Research Institute at Kennedy Krieger and Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, USA
| | - Mary Blue
- Kennedy Krieger Institute Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center/Hugo Moser Research Institute at Kennedy Krieger and Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, USA
| | - Ahamed Hossain
- Kennedy Krieger Institute Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center/Hugo Moser Research Institute at Kennedy Krieger and Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, USA
| | - Shilpa Kadam
- Kennedy Krieger Institute Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center/Hugo Moser Research Institute at Kennedy Krieger and Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, USA
| | - Xinyu Zhao
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Quiang Chang
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Zhaolan Zhou
- Department of Genetic, Epigenetic Institute, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Huda Zoghbi
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
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82
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Holt LM, Stoyanof ST, Olsen ML. Magnetic Cell Sorting for In Vivo and In Vitro Astrocyte, Neuron, and Microglia Analysis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 88:e71. [PMID: 31216394 DOI: 10.1002/cpns.71] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Interest in evaluating individual cellular populations in the central nervous system has prompted the development of several techniques enabling the enrichment of single-cell populations. Herein we detail a relatively inexpensive method to specifically isolate neurons, astrocytes, and microglia from a mixed homogenate utilizing magnetic beads conjugated to cell-type specific antibodies. We have used this technique to isolate astrocytes across development and into late adulthood. Finally, we detail the utilization of this technique in novel astrocyte and astrocyte/neuron co-culture paradigms. © 2019 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leanne M Holt
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama.,School of Neuroscience, Virginia Polytechnic and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia
| | - S Tristan Stoyanof
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Polytechnic and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia
| | - Michelle L Olsen
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Polytechnic and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia
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83
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Wang T, Morency DT, Harris N, Davis GW. Epigenetic Signaling in Glia Controls Presynaptic Homeostatic Plasticity. Neuron 2020; 105:491-505.e3. [PMID: 31810838 PMCID: PMC7518042 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2019.10.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2018] [Revised: 08/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetic gene regulation shapes neuronal fate in the embryonic nervous system. Post-embryonically, epigenetic signaling within neurons has been associated with impaired learning, autism, ataxia, and schizophrenia. Epigenetic factors are also enriched in glial cells. However, little is known about epigenetic signaling in glia and nothing is known about the intersection of glial epigenetic signaling and presynaptic homeostatic plasticity. During a screen for genes involved in presynaptic homeostatic synaptic plasticity, we identified an essential role for the histone acetyltransferase and deubiquitinase SAGA complex in peripheral glia. We present evidence that the SAGA complex is necessary for homeostatic plasticity, demonstrating involvement of four new genes in homeostatic plasticity. This is also evidence that glia participate in presynaptic homeostatic plasticity, invoking previously unexplored intercellular, homeostatic signaling at a tripartite synapse. We show, mechanistically, SAGA signaling regulates the composition of and signaling from the extracellular matrix during homeostatic plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Kavli Institute for Fundamental Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Danielle T Morency
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Nathan Harris
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Kavli Institute for Fundamental Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Graeme W Davis
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Kavli Institute for Fundamental Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA.
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84
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Ribeiro MC, MacDonald JL. Sex differences in Mecp2-mutant Rett syndrome model mice and the impact of cellular mosaicism in phenotype development. Brain Res 2020; 1729:146644. [PMID: 31904347 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2019.146644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Revised: 12/08/2019] [Accepted: 12/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
There is currently no effective treatment for Rett syndrome (RTT), a severe X-linked progressive neurodevelopmental disorder caused by mutations in the transcriptional regulator MECP2. Because MECP2 is subjected to X-inactivation, most affected individuals are female heterozygotes who display cellular mosaicism for normal and mutant MECP2. Males who are hemizygous for mutant MECP2 are more severely affected than heterozygous females and rarely survive. Mecp2 loss-of-function is less severe in mice, however, and male hemizygous null mice not only survive until adulthood, they have been the most commonly studied model system. Although heterozygous female mice better recapitulate human RTT, they have not been as thoroughly characterized. This is likely because of the added experimental challenges that they present, including delayed and more variable phenotypic progression and cellular mosaicism due to X-inactivation. In this review, we compare phenotypes of Mecp2 heterozygous female mice and male hemizygous null mouse models. Further, we discuss the complexities that arise from the many cell-type and tissue-type specific roles of MeCP2, as well as the combination of cell-autonomous and non-cell-autonomous disruptions that result from Mecp2 loss-of-function. This is of particular importance in the context of the female heterozygous brain, composed of a mixture of MeCP2+ and MeCP2- cells, the ratio of which can alter RTT phenotypes in the case of skewed X-inactivation. The goal of this review is to provide a clearer understanding of the pathophysiological differences between the mouse models, which is an essential consideration in the design of future pre-clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayara C Ribeiro
- Department of Biology, Program in Neuroscience, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, United States
| | - Jessica L MacDonald
- Department of Biology, Program in Neuroscience, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, United States.
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85
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Freitas BC, Beltrão-Braga PCB, Marchetto MC. Modeling Inflammation on Neurodevelopmental Disorders Using Pluripotent Stem Cells. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2020; 25:207-218. [PMID: 32578148 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-45493-7_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders (ND) are characterized by an impairment of the nervous system during its development, with a wide variety of phenotypes based on genetic or environmental cues. There are currently several disorders grouped under ND including intellectual disabilities (ID), attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Although NDs can have multiple culprits with varied diagnostics, several NDs present an inflammatory component. Taking advantage of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC), several disorders were modeled in a dish complementing in vivo data from rodent models or clinical data. Monogenic syndromes displaying ND are more feasible to be modeled using iPSCs also due to the ability to recruit patients and clinical data available. Some of these genetic disorders are Fragile X Syndrome (FXS), Rett Syndrome (RTT), and Down Syndrome (DS). Environmental NDs can be caused by maternal immune activation (MIA), such as the infection with Zika virus during pregnancy known to cause neural damage to the fetus. Our goal in this chapter is to review the advances of using stem cell research in NDs, focusing on the role of neuroinflammation on ASD and environmental NDs studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz C Freitas
- Laboratory of Disease Modeling, Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Patricia C B Beltrão-Braga
- Laboratory of Disease Modeling, Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.,School of Arts, Sciences and Humanities, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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86
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Petrelli F, Dallérac G, Pucci L, Calì C, Zehnder T, Sultan S, Lecca S, Chicca A, Ivanov A, Asensio CS, Gundersen V, Toni N, Knott GW, Magara F, Gertsch J, Kirchhoff F, Déglon N, Giros B, Edwards RH, Mothet JP, Bezzi P. Dysfunction of homeostatic control of dopamine by astrocytes in the developing prefrontal cortex leads to cognitive impairments. Mol Psychiatry 2020; 25:732-749. [PMID: 30127471 PMCID: PMC7156348 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-018-0226-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2017] [Revised: 06/28/2018] [Accepted: 07/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes orchestrate neural development by powerfully coordinating synapse formation and function and, as such, may be critically involved in the pathogenesis of neurodevelopmental abnormalities and cognitive deficits commonly observed in psychiatric disorders. Here, we report the identification of a subset of cortical astrocytes that are competent for regulating dopamine (DA) homeostasis during postnatal development of the prefrontal cortex (PFC), allowing for optimal DA-mediated maturation of excitatory circuits. Such control of DA homeostasis occurs through the coordinated activity of astroglial vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) together with organic cation transporter 3 and monoamine oxidase type B, two key proteins for DA uptake and metabolism. Conditional deletion of VMAT2 in astrocytes postnatally produces loss of PFC DA homeostasis, leading to defective synaptic transmission and plasticity as well as impaired executive functions. Our findings show a novel role for PFC astrocytes in the DA modulation of cognitive performances with relevance to psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Petrelli
- 0000 0001 2165 4204grid.9851.5Department of Fundamental Neurosciences, University of Lausanne, CH-1005 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Glenn Dallérac
- 0000 0001 2176 4817grid.5399.6Centre de Recherche en Neurobiologie et Neurophysiologie de Marseille, Aix-Marseille Université UMR7286 CNRS, 13344 Marseille, Cedex 15 France
| | - Luca Pucci
- 0000 0001 2165 4204grid.9851.5Department of Fundamental Neurosciences, University of Lausanne, CH-1005 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Corrado Calì
- 0000 0001 2165 4204grid.9851.5Department of Fundamental Neurosciences, University of Lausanne, CH-1005 Lausanne, Switzerland ,0000 0001 1926 5090grid.45672.32BESE division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, 23955-69000 Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tamara Zehnder
- 0000 0001 2165 4204grid.9851.5Department of Fundamental Neurosciences, University of Lausanne, CH-1005 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sébastien Sultan
- 0000 0001 2165 4204grid.9851.5Department of Fundamental Neurosciences, University of Lausanne, CH-1005 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Salvatore Lecca
- 0000 0001 2165 4204grid.9851.5Department of Fundamental Neurosciences, University of Lausanne, CH-1005 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Chicca
- 0000 0001 0726 5157grid.5734.5Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine (IBMM), University of Bern, Buehlstrasse, 28 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Andrei Ivanov
- “Biophotonics and Synapse Physiopathology” Team, UMR9188 CNRS – ENS Paris Saclay, 91405 Orsay, France
| | - Cédric S. Asensio
- 0000 0001 2297 6811grid.266102.1Departments of Neurology and Physiology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158 USA
| | - Vidar Gundersen
- 0000 0004 1936 8921grid.5510.1CMBN, Rikshospitalet, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Nicolas Toni
- 0000 0001 2165 4204grid.9851.5Department of Fundamental Neurosciences, University of Lausanne, CH-1005 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Graham William Knott
- 0000000121839049grid.5333.6BioEM Facility, School of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Fulvio Magara
- 0000 0001 2165 4204grid.9851.5Centre for Psychiatric Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry, Lausanne University Hospital Center, University of Lausanne, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jürg Gertsch
- 0000 0001 0726 5157grid.5734.5Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine (IBMM), University of Bern, Buehlstrasse, 28 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Frank Kirchhoff
- 0000 0001 2167 7588grid.11749.3aDepartment of Molecular Physiology, University of Saarland, D-66421 Homburg, Germany
| | - Nicole Déglon
- 0000 0001 0423 4662grid.8515.9Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland ,0000 0001 0423 4662grid.8515.9Neuroscience Research Center, Lausanne University Hospital, CH-1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Bruno Giros
- 0000 0004 1936 8649grid.14709.3bDepartment of Psychiatry, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H4H1R3 Canada ,0000 0001 2112 9282grid.4444.0INSERM, UMRS 1130; CNRS, UMR 8246; Sorbonne University UPMC, Neuroscience Paris-Seine, F-75005 Paris, France
| | - Robert H. Edwards
- 0000 0001 2297 6811grid.266102.1Departments of Neurology and Physiology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158 USA
| | - Jean-Pierre Mothet
- Centre de Recherche en Neurobiologie et Neurophysiologie de Marseille, Aix-Marseille Université UMR7286 CNRS, 13344, Marseille, Cedex 15, France. .,"Biophotonics and Synapse Physiopathology" Team, UMR9188 CNRS - ENS Paris Saclay, 91405, Orsay, France.
| | - Paola Bezzi
- Department of Fundamental Neurosciences, University of Lausanne, CH-1005, Lausanne, Switzerland.
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87
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Cordone V, Pecorelli A, Amicarelli F, Hayek J, Valacchi G. The complexity of Rett syndrome models: Primary fibroblasts as a disease-in-a-dish reliable approach. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ddmod.2019.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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88
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Jorge-Torres OC, Szczesna K, Roa L, Casal C, Gonzalez-Somermeyer L, Soler M, Velasco CD, Martínez-San Segundo P, Petazzi P, Sáez MA, Delgado-Morales R, Fourcade S, Pujol A, Huertas D, Llobet A, Guil S, Esteller M. Inhibition of Gsk3b Reduces Nfkb1 Signaling and Rescues Synaptic Activity to Improve the Rett Syndrome Phenotype in Mecp2-Knockout Mice. Cell Rep 2019; 23:1665-1677. [PMID: 29742424 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2018.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2017] [Revised: 02/07/2018] [Accepted: 03/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT) is the second leading cause of mental impairment in girls and is currently untreatable. RTT is caused, in more than 95% of cases, by loss-of-function mutations in the methyl CpG-binding protein 2 gene (MeCP2). We propose here a molecular target involved in RTT: the glycogen synthase kinase-3b (Gsk3b) pathway. Gsk3b activity is deregulated in Mecp2-knockout (KO) mice models, and SB216763, a specific inhibitor, is able to alleviate the clinical symptoms with consequences at the molecular and cellular levels. In vivo, inhibition of Gsk3b prolongs the lifespan of Mecp2-KO mice and reduces motor deficits. At the molecular level, SB216763 rescues dendritic networks and spine density, while inducing changes in the properties of excitatory synapses. Gsk3b inhibition can also decrease the nuclear activity of the Nfkb1 pathway and neuroinflammation. Altogether, our findings indicate that Mecp2 deficiency in the RTT mouse model is partially rescued following treatment with SB216763.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga C Jorge-Torres
- Cancer Epigenetics and Biology Program (PEBC), Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), 08908 L'Hospitalet, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Karolina Szczesna
- Cancer Epigenetics and Biology Program (PEBC), Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), 08908 L'Hospitalet, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Laura Roa
- Cancer Epigenetics and Biology Program (PEBC), Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), 08908 L'Hospitalet, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Carme Casal
- Cancer Epigenetics and Biology Program (PEBC), Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), 08908 L'Hospitalet, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Louisa Gonzalez-Somermeyer
- Cancer Epigenetics and Biology Program (PEBC), Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), 08908 L'Hospitalet, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Marta Soler
- Cancer Epigenetics and Biology Program (PEBC), Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), 08908 L'Hospitalet, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Cecilia D Velasco
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), 08907 L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Department of Pathology and Experimental Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, 08907 L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, 08907 L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Pablo Martínez-San Segundo
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), 08907 L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Department of Pathology and Experimental Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, 08907 L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, 08907 L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Paolo Petazzi
- Cancer Epigenetics and Biology Program (PEBC), Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), 08908 L'Hospitalet, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Mauricio A Sáez
- Cancer Epigenetics and Biology Program (PEBC), Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), 08908 L'Hospitalet, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Raúl Delgado-Morales
- Cancer Epigenetics and Biology Program (PEBC), Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), 08908 L'Hospitalet, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNs), Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Stephane Fourcade
- Neurometabolic Diseases Laboratory, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), 08908 L'Hospitalet, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Institute of Neuropathology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Center for Biomedical Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | - Aurora Pujol
- Neurometabolic Diseases Laboratory, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), 08908 L'Hospitalet, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Institute of Neuropathology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Center for Biomedical Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain; Institucio Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Dori Huertas
- Cancer Epigenetics and Biology Program (PEBC), Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), 08908 L'Hospitalet, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Artur Llobet
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), 08907 L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Department of Pathology and Experimental Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, 08907 L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, 08907 L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Sonia Guil
- Cancer Epigenetics and Biology Program (PEBC), Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), 08908 L'Hospitalet, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
| | - Manel Esteller
- Cancer Epigenetics and Biology Program (PEBC), Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), 08908 L'Hospitalet, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Institucio Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Physiological Sciences Department, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona (UB), 08907 Catalonia, Spain.
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89
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Yang H, Li K, Han S, Zhou A, Zhou ZJ. Leveraging the genetic basis of Rett syndrome to ascertain pathophysiology. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2019; 165:106961. [PMID: 30447288 PMCID: PMC6635128 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2018.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2018] [Revised: 09/18/2018] [Accepted: 11/14/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Mutations in the methyl-CpG binding protein 2 (MECP2) gene cause Rett syndrome (RTT), a progressive X-linked neurological disorder characterized by loss of developmental milestones, intellectual disability and breathing abnormality. Despite being a monogenic disorder, the pathogenic mechanisms by which mutations in MeCP2 impair neuronal function and underlie the RTT symptoms have been challenging to elucidate. The seemingly simple genetic root and the availability of genetic data from RTT patients have led to the generation and characterization of a series of mouse models recapitulating RTT-associated genetic mutations. This review focuses on the studies of RTT mouse models and describe newly obtained pathogenic insights from these studies. We also highlight the potential of studying pathophysiology using genetics-based modeling approaches in rodents and suggest a future direction to tackle the pathophysiology of intellectual disability with known or complex genetic causes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Yang
- Qingdao Jiaozhou Central Hospital, Jiaozhou City, Shandong Province 266300, China
| | - Kequan Li
- Qingdao Jiaozhou Central Hospital, Jiaozhou City, Shandong Province 266300, China
| | - Song Han
- Jiaozhou People's Hospital, Jiaozhou City, Shandong Province 266300, China
| | - Ailing Zhou
- Jiaozhou People's Hospital, Jiaozhou City, Shandong Province 266300, China
| | - Zhaolan Joe Zhou
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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90
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Kadam SD, Sullivan BJ, Goyal A, Blue ME, Smith-Hicks C. Rett Syndrome and CDKL5 Deficiency Disorder: From Bench to Clinic. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20205098. [PMID: 31618813 PMCID: PMC6834180 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20205098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2019] [Revised: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT) and CDKL5 deficiency disorder (CDD) are two rare X-linked developmental brain disorders with overlapping but distinct phenotypic features. This review examines the impact of loss of methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2) and cyclin-dependent kinase-like 5 (CDKL5) on clinical phenotype, deficits in synaptic- and circuit-homeostatic mechanisms, seizures, and sleep. In particular, we compare the overlapping and contrasting features between RTT and CDD in clinic and in preclinical studies. Finally, we discuss lessons learned from recent clinical trials while reviewing the findings from pre-clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shilpa D Kadam
- The Hugo Moser Research Institute at Kennedy Krieger, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
| | - Brennan J Sullivan
- The Hugo Moser Research Institute at Kennedy Krieger, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
| | - Archita Goyal
- The Hugo Moser Research Institute at Kennedy Krieger, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
| | - Mary E Blue
- The Hugo Moser Research Institute at Kennedy Krieger, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
| | - Constance Smith-Hicks
- The Hugo Moser Research Institute at Kennedy Krieger, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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91
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Yang G, Shcheglovitov A. Probing disrupted neurodevelopment in autism using human stem cell-derived neurons and organoids: An outlook into future diagnostics and drug development. Dev Dyn 2019; 249:6-33. [PMID: 31398277 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2019] [Revised: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) represent a spectrum of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by impaired social interaction, repetitive or restrictive behaviors, and problems with speech. According to a recent report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in 68 children in the US is diagnosed with ASDs. Although ASD-related diagnostics and the knowledge of ASD-associated genetic abnormalities have improved in recent years, our understanding of the cellular and molecular pathways disrupted in ASD remains very limited. As a result, no specific therapies or medications are available for individuals with ASDs. In this review, we describe the neurodevelopmental processes that are likely affected in the brains of individuals with ASDs and discuss how patient-specific stem cell-derived neurons and organoids can be used for investigating these processes at the cellular and molecular levels. Finally, we propose a discovery pipeline to be used in the future for identifying the cellular and molecular deficits and developing novel personalized therapies for individuals with idiopathic ASDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guang Yang
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah.,Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Alex Shcheglovitov
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah.,Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
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92
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Plazaola-Sasieta H, Zhu Q, Gaitán-Peñas H, Rios M, Estévez R, Morey M. Drosophila ClC-a is required in glia of the stem cell niche for proper neurogenesis and wiring of neural circuits. Glia 2019; 67:2374-2398. [PMID: 31479171 PMCID: PMC6851788 DOI: 10.1002/glia.23691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2019] [Revised: 07/10/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Glial cells form part of the neural stem cell niche and express a wide variety of ion channels; however, the contribution of these channels to nervous system development is poorly understood. We explored the function of the Drosophila ClC‐a chloride channel, since its mammalian ortholog CLCN2 is expressed in glial cells, and defective channel function results in leukodystrophies, which in humans are accompanied by cognitive impairment. We found that ClC‐a was expressed in the niche in cortex glia, which are closely associated with neurogenic tissues. Characterization of loss‐of‐function ClC‐a mutants revealed that these animals had smaller brains and widespread wiring defects. We showed that ClC‐a is required in cortex glia for neurogenesis in neuroepithelia and neuroblasts, and identified defects in a neuroblast lineage that generates guidepost glial cells essential for photoreceptor axon guidance. We propose that glia‐mediated ionic homeostasis could nonautonomously affect neurogenesis, and consequently, the correct assembly of neural circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haritz Plazaola-Sasieta
- Departament de Genètica, Microbiologia i Estadística, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Qi Zhu
- Departament de Genètica, Microbiologia i Estadística, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Héctor Gaitán-Peñas
- Departament de Ciencies Fisiològiques, Genes, Disease and Therapy Program IDIBELL-Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat de Barcelona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Martín Rios
- Departament de Genètica, Microbiologia i Estadística, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Raúl Estévez
- Departament de Ciencies Fisiològiques, Genes, Disease and Therapy Program IDIBELL-Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat de Barcelona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Morey
- Departament de Genètica, Microbiologia i Estadística, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), Programa de Biologia Integrativa, Barcelona, Spain
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93
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Walkley SU, Abbeduto L, Batshaw ML, Bhattacharyya A, Bookheimer SY, Christian BT, Constantino JN, de Vellis J, Doherty DA, Nelson DL, Piven J, Poduri A, Pomeroy SL, Samaco RC, Zoghbi HY, Guralnick MJ. Intellectual and developmental disabilities research centers: Fifty years of scientific accomplishments. Ann Neurol 2019; 86:332-343. [PMID: 31206741 PMCID: PMC8320680 DOI: 10.1002/ana.25531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Revised: 06/12/2019] [Accepted: 06/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Progress in addressing the origins of intellectual and developmental disabilities accelerated with the establishment 50 years ago of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development of the National Institutes of Health and associated Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Centers. Investigators at these Centers have made seminal contributions to understanding human brain and behavioral development and defining mechanisms and treatments of disorders of the developing brain. ANN NEUROL 2019;86:332-343.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven U. Walkley
- Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Rose F. Kennedy Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Bronx, NY
| | - Leonard Abbeduto
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Davis, University of California, Davis Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders Institute, Sacramento, CA
| | - Mark L. Batshaw
- Children’s Research Institute, Children’s National Medical Center, Washington, DC
| | - Anita Bhattacharyya
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
| | - Susan Y. Bookheimer
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Intellectual and Developmental Research Center, University of California, Los Angeles School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Bradley T. Christian
- Departments of Medical Physics and Psychiatry, Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI
| | - John N. Constantino
- Departments of Psychiatry and Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, Washington University in St Louis Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, St Louis, MO
| | - Jean de Vellis
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Intellectual and Developmental Research Center, University of California, Los Angeles School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Daniel A. Doherty
- Department of Pediatrics, Center on Human Development and Disability, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - David L. Nelson
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Houston, TX
| | - Joseph Piven
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, University of North Carolina, University of North Carolina Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Annapurna Poduri
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Boston, MA
| | - Scott L. Pomeroy
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Boston, MA
| | - Rodney C. Samaco
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Houston, TX
| | - Huda Y. Zoghbi
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Houston, TX
| | - Michael J. Guralnick
- Departments of Psychology and Pediatrics, Center on Human Development and Disability, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
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94
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Abstract
Our understanding of astrocytes and their role in neurological diseases has increased considerably over the past two decades as the diverse roles of these cells have become recognized. Our evolving understanding of these cells suggests that they are more than support cells for neurons and that they play important roles in CNS homeostasis under normal conditions, in neuroprotection and in disease exacerbation. These multiple functions make them excellent candidates for targeted therapies to treat neurological disorders. New technological advances, including in vivo imaging, optogenetics and chemogenetics, have allowed us to examine astrocytic functions in ways that have uncovered new insights into the dynamic roles of these cells. Furthermore, the use of induced pluripotent stem cell-derived astrocytes from patients with a host of neurological disorders can help to tease out the contributions of astrocytes to human disease. In this Review, we explore some of the technological advances developed over the past decade that have aided our understanding of astrocyte function. We also highlight neurological disorders in which astrocyte function or dysfunction is believed to have a role in disease pathogenesis or propagation and discuss how the technological advances have been and could be used to study each of these diseases.
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95
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Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT) is a severe neurological disorder caused by mutations in the gene encoding methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2). Almost two decades of research into RTT have greatly advanced our understanding of the function and regulation of the multifunctional protein MeCP2. Here, we review recent advances in understanding how loss of MeCP2 impacts different stages of brain development, discuss recent findings demonstrating the molecular role of MeCP2 as a transcriptional repressor, assess primary and secondary effects of MeCP2 loss and examine how loss of MeCP2 can result in an imbalance of neuronal excitation and inhibition at the circuit level along with dysregulation of activity-dependent mechanisms. These factors present challenges to the search for mechanism-based therapeutics for RTT and suggest specific approaches that may be more effective than others.
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96
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Saleh A, Macia A, Muotri AR. Transposable Elements, Inflammation, and Neurological Disease. Front Neurol 2019; 10:894. [PMID: 31481926 PMCID: PMC6710400 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2019.00894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2019] [Accepted: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Transposable Elements (TE) are mobile DNA elements that can replicate and insert themselves into different locations within the host genome. Their propensity to self-propagate has a myriad of consequences and yet their biological significance is not well-understood. Indeed, retrotransposons have evaded evolutionary attempts at repression and may contribute to somatic mosaicism. Retrotransposons are emerging as potent regulatory elements within the human genome. In the diseased state, there is mounting evidence that endogenous retroelements play a role in etiopathogenesis of inflammatory diseases, with a disposition for both autoimmune and neurological disorders. We postulate that active mobile genetic elements contribute more to human disease pathogenesis than previously thought.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurian Saleh
- Department of Pediatrics, Rady Children's Hospital San Diego, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Angela Macia
- Department of Pediatrics, Rady Children's Hospital San Diego, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Alysson R Muotri
- Department of Pediatrics, Rady Children's Hospital San Diego, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
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97
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Robinson HA, Pozzo-Miller L. The role of MeCP2 in learning and memory. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 26:343-350. [PMID: 31416907 PMCID: PMC6699413 DOI: 10.1101/lm.048876.118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Gene transcription is a crucial step in the sequence of molecular, synaptic, cellular, and systems mechanisms underlying learning and memory. Here, we review the experimental evidence demonstrating that alterations in the levels and functionality of the methylated DNA-binding transcriptional regulator MeCP2 are implicated in the learning and memory deficits present in mouse models of Rett syndrome and MECP2 duplication syndrome. The significant impact that MeCP2 has on gene transcription through a variety of mechanisms, combined with well-defined models of learning and memory, make MeCP2 an excellent candidate to exemplify the role of gene transcription in learning and memory. Together, these studies have strengthened the concept that precise control of activity-dependent gene transcription is a fundamental mechanism that ensures long-term adaptive behaviors necessary for the survival of individuals interacting with their congeners in an ever-changing environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly A Robinson
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama 35294, USA
| | - Lucas Pozzo-Miller
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama 35294, USA
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98
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Kahanovitch U, Patterson KC, Hernandez R, Olsen ML. Glial Dysfunction in MeCP2 Deficiency Models: Implications for Rett Syndrome. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20153813. [PMID: 31387202 PMCID: PMC6696322 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20153813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Revised: 08/01/2019] [Accepted: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT) is a rare, X-linked neurodevelopmental disorder typically affecting females, resulting in a range of symptoms including autistic features, intellectual impairment, motor deterioration, and autonomic abnormalities. RTT is primarily caused by the genetic mutation of the Mecp2 gene. Initially considered a neuronal disease, recent research shows that glial dysfunction contributes to the RTT disease phenotype. In the following manuscript, we review the evidence regarding glial dysfunction and its effects on disease etiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uri Kahanovitch
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Polytechnic and State University, Life Sciences I Building Room 212, 970 Washington St. SW, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Kelsey C Patterson
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1918 University Blvd., Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Raymundo Hernandez
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Polytechnic and State University, Life Sciences I Building Room 212, 970 Washington St. SW, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
- Graduate Program in Translational Biology Medicine and Health, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VL 24014, USA
| | - Michelle L Olsen
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Polytechnic and State University, Life Sciences I Building Room 212, 970 Washington St. SW, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA.
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99
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Liu T, Li G, Noble KV, Li Y, Barth JL, Schulte BA, Lang H. Age-dependent alterations of Kir4.1 expression in neural crest-derived cells of the mouse and human cochlea. Neurobiol Aging 2019; 80:210-222. [PMID: 31220650 PMCID: PMC6679794 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2019.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2018] [Revised: 04/02/2019] [Accepted: 04/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Age-related hearing loss (or presbyacusis) is a progressive pathophysiological process. This study addressed the hypothesis that degeneration/dysfunction of multiple nonsensory cell types contributes to presbyacusis by evaluating tissues obtained from young and aged CBA/CaJ mouse ears and human temporal bones. Ultrastructural examination and transcriptomic analysis of mouse cochleas revealed age-dependent pathophysiological alterations in 3 types of neural crest-derived cells, namely intermediate cells in the stria vascularis, outer sulcus cells in the cochlear lateral wall, and satellite cells in the spiral ganglion. A significant decline in immunoreactivity for Kir4.1, an inwardly rectifying potassium channel, was seen in strial intermediate cells and outer sulcus cells in the ears of older mice. Age-dependent alterations in Kir4.1 immunostaining also were observed in satellite cells ensheathing spiral ganglion neurons. Expression alterations of Kir4.1 were observed in these same cell populations in the aged human cochlea. These results suggest that degeneration/dysfunction of neural crest-derived cells maybe an important contributing factor to both metabolic and neural forms of presbyacusis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Liu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA; Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Key Laboratory of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Gang Li
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA; Department of Otolaryngology, Tinnitus and Hyperacusis Center, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Kenyaria V Noble
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Yongxi Li
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Key Laboratory of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Jeremy L Barth
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Bradley A Schulte
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA; Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Hainan Lang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.
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Tang X, Drotar J, Li K, Clairmont CD, Brumm AS, Sullins AJ, Wu H, Liu XS, Wang J, Gray NS, Sur M, Jaenisch R. Pharmacological enhancement of KCC2 gene expression exerts therapeutic effects on human Rett syndrome neurons and Mecp2 mutant mice. Sci Transl Med 2019; 11:eaau0164. [PMID: 31366578 PMCID: PMC8140401 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aau0164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2018] [Revised: 04/14/2019] [Accepted: 07/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT) is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by mutations in the methyl CpG binding protein 2 (MECP2) gene. There are currently no approved treatments for RTT. The expression of K+/Cl- cotransporter 2 (KCC2), a neuron-specific protein, has been found to be reduced in human RTT neurons and in RTT mouse models, suggesting that KCC2 might play a role in the pathophysiology of RTT. To develop neuron-based high-throughput screening (HTS) assays to identify chemical compounds that enhance the expression of the KCC2 gene, we report the generation of a robust high-throughput drug screening platform that allows for the rapid assessment of KCC2 gene expression in genome-edited human reporter neurons. From an unbiased screen of more than 900 small-molecule chemicals, we have identified a group of compounds that enhance KCC2 expression termed KCC2 expression-enhancing compounds (KEECs). The identified KEECs include U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved drugs that are inhibitors of the fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) or glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) pathways and activators of the sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) and transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1 (TRPV1) pathways. Treatment with hit compounds increased KCC2 expression in human wild-type (WT) and isogenic MECP2 mutant RTT neurons, and rescued electrophysiological and morphological abnormalities of RTT neurons. Injection of KEEC KW-2449 or piperine in Mecp2 mutant mice ameliorated disease-associated respiratory and locomotion phenotypes. The small-molecule compounds described in our study may have therapeutic effects not only in RTT but also in other neurological disorders involving dysregulation of KCC2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Tang
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Jesse Drotar
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Keji Li
- Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | | | | | - Austin J Sullins
- Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Hao Wu
- Fulcrum Therapeutics, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | | | - Jinhua Wang
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Nathanael S Gray
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Mriganka Sur
- Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Rudolf Jaenisch
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
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