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Carbonell AU, Freire-Cobo C, Deyneko IV, Dobariya S, Erdjument-Bromage H, Clipperton-Allen AE, Page DT, Neubert TA, Jordan BA. Comparing synaptic proteomes across five mouse models for autism reveals converging molecular similarities including deficits in oxidative phosphorylation and Rho GTPase signaling. Front Aging Neurosci 2023; 15:1152562. [PMID: 37255534 PMCID: PMC10225639 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1152562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Specific and effective treatments for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are lacking due to a poor understanding of disease mechanisms. Here we test the idea that similarities between diverse ASD mouse models are caused by deficits in common molecular pathways at neuronal synapses. To do this, we leverage the availability of multiple genetic models of ASD that exhibit shared synaptic and behavioral deficits and use quantitative mass spectrometry with isobaric tandem mass tagging (TMT) to compare their hippocampal synaptic proteomes. Comparative analyses of mouse models for Fragile X syndrome (Fmr1 knockout), cortical dysplasia focal epilepsy syndrome (Cntnap2 knockout), PTEN hamartoma tumor syndrome (Pten haploinsufficiency), ANKS1B syndrome (Anks1b haploinsufficiency), and idiopathic autism (BTBR+) revealed several common altered cellular and molecular pathways at the synapse, including changes in oxidative phosphorylation, and Rho family small GTPase signaling. Functional validation of one of these aberrant pathways, Rac1 signaling, confirms that the ANKS1B model displays altered Rac1 activity counter to that observed in other models, as predicted by the bioinformatic analyses. Overall similarity analyses reveal clusters of synaptic profiles, which may form the basis for molecular subtypes that explain genetic heterogeneity in ASD despite a common clinical diagnosis. Our results suggest that ASD-linked susceptibility genes ultimately converge on common signaling pathways regulating synaptic function and propose that these points of convergence are key to understanding the pathogenesis of this disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail U. Carbonell
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Carmen Freire-Cobo
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Ilana V. Deyneko
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Saunil Dobariya
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Hediye Erdjument-Bromage
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Amy E. Clipperton-Allen
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute Florida, Jupiter, FL, United States
| | - Damon T. Page
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute Florida, Jupiter, FL, United States
| | - Thomas A. Neubert
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Bryen A. Jordan
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
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52
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Fu S, Bury LAD, Eum J, Wynshaw-Boris A. Autism-specific PTEN p.Ile135Leu variant and an autism genetic background combine to dysregulate cortical neurogenesis. Am J Hum Genet 2023; 110:826-845. [PMID: 37098352 PMCID: PMC10183467 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2023.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Alterations in cortical neurogenesis are implicated in neurodevelopmental disorders including autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). The contribution of genetic backgrounds, in addition to ASD risk genes, on cortical neurogenesis remains understudied. Here, using isogenic induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived neural progenitor cells (NPCs) and cortical organoid models, we report that a heterozygous PTEN c.403A>C (p.Ile135Leu) variant found in an ASD-affected individual with macrocephaly dysregulates cortical neurogenesis in an ASD-genetic-background-dependent fashion. Transcriptome analysis at both bulk and single-cell level revealed that the PTEN c.403A>C variant and ASD genetic background affected genes involved in neurogenesis, neural development, and synapse signaling. We also found that this PTEN p.Ile135Leu variant led to overproduction of NPC subtypes as well as neuronal subtypes including both deep and upper layer neurons in its ASD background, but not when introduced into a control genetic background. These findings provide experimental evidence that both the PTEN p.Ile135Leu variant and ASD genetic background contribute to cellular features consistent with ASD associated with macrocephaly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Fu
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA; Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Luke A D Bury
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Jaejin Eum
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Anthony Wynshaw-Boris
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA.
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53
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Guilfoyle J, Winston M, Sideris J, Martin GE, Nayar K, Bush L, Wassink T, Losh M. Childhood Academic Performance: A Potential Marker of Genetic Liability to Autism. J Autism Dev Disord 2023; 53:1989-2005. [PMID: 35194728 PMCID: PMC9932999 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-022-05459-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a heritable neurodevelopmental disorder, confers genetic liability that is often expressed among relatives through subclinical, genetically-meaningful traits, or endophenotypes. For instance, relative to controls, parents of individuals with ASD differ in language-related skills, with differences emerging in childhood. To examine ASD-related endophenotypes, this study investigated developmental academic profiles among clinically unaffected siblings of individuals with ASD (n = 29). Lower performance in language-related skills among siblings mirrored previously-reported patterns among parents, which were also associated with greater subclinical ASD-related traits in themselves and their parents, and with greater symptom severity in their sibling with ASD. Findings demonstrated specific phenotypes, derived from standardized academic testing, that may represent childhood indicators of genetic liability to ASD in first-degree relatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janna Guilfoyle
- Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, 2240 N Campus Dr., Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
| | - Molly Winston
- Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, 2240 N Campus Dr., Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
| | - John Sideris
- University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA
| | | | - Kritika Nayar
- Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, 2240 N Campus Dr., Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
| | - Lauren Bush
- Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, 2240 N Campus Dr., Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
| | | | - Molly Losh
- Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, 2240 N Campus Dr., Evanston, IL, 60208, USA.
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54
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Falkovich R, Danielson EW, Perez de Arce K, Wamhoff EC, Strother J, Lapteva AP, Sheng M, Cottrell JR, Bathe M. A synaptic molecular dependency network in knockdown of autism- and schizophrenia-associated genes revealed by multiplexed imaging. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112430. [PMID: 37099425 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The complex functions of neuronal synapses depend on their tightly interconnected protein network, and their dysregulation is implicated in the pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorders and schizophrenia. However, it remains unclear how synaptic molecular networks are altered biochemically in these disorders. Here, we apply multiplexed imaging to probe the effects of RNAi knockdown of 16 autism- and schizophrenia-associated genes on the simultaneous joint distribution of 10 synaptic proteins, observing several protein composition phenotypes associated with these risk genes. We apply Bayesian network analysis to infer hierarchical dependencies among eight excitatory synaptic proteins, yielding predictive relationships that can only be accessed with single-synapse, multiprotein measurements performed simultaneously in situ. Finally, we find that central features of the network are affected similarly across several distinct gene knockdowns. These results offer insight into the convergent molecular etiology of these widespread disorders and provide a general framework to probe subcellular molecular networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reuven Falkovich
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Eric W Danielson
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Karen Perez de Arce
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Eike-C Wamhoff
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Juliana Strother
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Anna P Lapteva
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Morgan Sheng
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA; Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jeffrey R Cottrell
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Mark Bathe
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School Initiative for RNA Medicine, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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Murari K, Abushaibah A, Rho JM, Turner RW, Cheng N. A clinically relevant selective ERK-pathway inhibitor reverses core deficits in a mouse model of autism. EBioMedicine 2023; 91:104565. [PMID: 37088035 PMCID: PMC10149189 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2023.104565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK/MAPK) pathway in the brain is hypothesized to be a critical convergent node in the development of autism spectrum disorder. We reasoned that selectively targeting this pathway could reverse core autism-like phenotype in animal models. METHODS Here we tested a clinically relevant, selective inhibitor of ERK pathway, PD325901 (Mirdametinib), in a mouse model of idiopathic autism, the BTBR mice. FINDINGS We report that treating juvenile mice with PD325901 reduced ERK pathway activation, dose and duration-dependently reduced core disease-modeling deficits in sociability, vocalization and repetitive behavior, and reversed abnormal EEG signals. Further analysis revealed that subchronic treatment did not affect weight gain, locomotion, or neuronal density in the brain. Parallel treatment in the C57BL/6J mice did not alter their phenotype. INTERPRETATION Our data indicate that selectively inhibiting ERK pathway using PD325901 is beneficial in the BTBR model, thus further support the notion that ERK pathway is critically involved in the pathophysiology of autism. These results suggest that a similar approach could be applied to animal models of syndromic autism with dysregulated ERK signaling, to further test selectively targeting ERK pathway as a new approach for treating autism. FUNDING This has beenwork was supported by Alberta Children's Hospital Research Foundation (JMR & NC), University of Calgary Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (NC), Kids Brain Health Network (NC), and Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NC).
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Affiliation(s)
- Kartikeya Murari
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Canada; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Schulich School of Engineering, University of Calgary, Canada; Department of Electrical and Software Engineering, Schulich School of Engineering, University of Calgary, Canada
| | - Abdulrahman Abushaibah
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Canada; Bachelor of Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Canada
| | - Jong M Rho
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Canada; Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Canada
| | - Ray W Turner
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Canada; Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Canada; Department of Cell Biology & Anatomy, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Canada
| | - Ning Cheng
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Canada; Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Canada; Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Canada.
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56
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Perini S, Filosi M, Domenici E. Candidate biomarkers from the integration of methylation and gene expression in discordant autistic sibling pairs. Transl Psychiatry 2023; 13:109. [PMID: 37012247 PMCID: PMC10070641 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02407-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
While the genetics of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) has been intensively studied, resulting in the identification of over 100 putative risk genes, the epigenetics of ASD has received less attention, and results have been inconsistent across studies. We aimed to investigate the contribution of DNA methylation (DNAm) to the risk of ASD and identify candidate biomarkers arising from the interaction of epigenetic mechanisms with genotype, gene expression, and cellular proportions. We performed DNAm differential analysis using whole blood samples from 75 discordant sibling pairs of the Italian Autism Network collection and estimated their cellular composition. We studied the correlation between DNAm and gene expression accounting for the potential effects of different genotypes on DNAm. We showed that the proportion of NK cells was significantly reduced in ASD siblings suggesting an imbalance in their immune system. We identified differentially methylated regions (DMRs) involved in neurogenesis and synaptic organization. Among candidate loci for ASD, we detected a DMR mapping to CLEC11A (neighboring SHANK1) where DNAm and gene expression were significantly and negatively correlated, independently from genotype effects. As reported in previous studies, we confirmed the involvement of immune functions in the pathophysiology of ASD. Notwithstanding the complexity of the disorder, suitable biomarkers such as CLEC11A and its neighbor SHANK1 can be discovered using integrative analyses even with peripheral tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Perini
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Trento (TN), Italy
| | - Michele Filosi
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Trento (TN), Italy
- EURAC Research, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Enrico Domenici
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Trento (TN), Italy.
- Fondazione The Microsoft Research - University of Trento Centre for Computational and Systems Biology (COSBI), Rovereto (TN), Italy.
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57
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Cotter M, Reisli S, Francisco AA, Wakim KM, Oakes L, Crosse MJ, Foxe JJ, Molholm S. Neurophysiological measures of auditory sensory processing are associated with adaptive behavior in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Neurodev Disord 2023; 15:11. [PMID: 37005597 PMCID: PMC10068141 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-023-09480-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Atypical auditory cortical processing is consistently found in scalp electrophysiological and magnetoencephalographic studies of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and may provide a marker of neuropathological brain development. However, the relationship between atypical cortical processing of auditory information and adaptive behavior in ASD is not yet well understood. METHODS We sought to test the hypothesis that early (100-175 ms) auditory processing in ASD is related to everyday adaptive behavior through the examination of auditory event-related potentials (AEPs) in response to simple tones and Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales in a large cohort of children with ASD (N = 84), aged 6-17, and in age- and IQ- matched neurotypically (NT) developing controls (N = 132). RESULTS Statistical analyses revealed significant group differences in early AEPs over temporal scalp regions (150-175 ms), and the expected rightward lateralization of the AEP (100-125 ms and 150-175 ms) to tonal stimuli in both groups. Lateralization of the AEP (150-175 ms) was significantly associated with adaptive functioning in the socialization domain. CONCLUSIONS These results lend support to the hypothesis that atypical processing of sensory information is related to everyday adaptive behavior in autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mairin Cotter
- The Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
- Department of Psychology, Fordham University, Bronx, NY, 10458, USA
| | - Seydanur Reisli
- The Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
| | - Ana Alves Francisco
- The Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
| | - Kathryn-Mary Wakim
- The Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
| | - Leona Oakes
- The Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
- The Frederick J. and Marion A. Schindler Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, The Ernest J. Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA
| | - Michael J Crosse
- Segotia, Galway, Ireland
- Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - John J Foxe
- The Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
- The Frederick J. and Marion A. Schindler Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, The Ernest J. Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA
| | - Sophie Molholm
- The Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA.
- Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA.
- The Frederick J. and Marion A. Schindler Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, The Ernest J. Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA.
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Usui N, Kobayashi H, Shimada S. Neuroinflammation and Oxidative Stress in the Pathogenesis of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065487. [PMID: 36982559 PMCID: PMC10049423 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder (NDD) characterized by impairments in social communication, repetitive behaviors, restricted interests, and hyperesthesia/hypesthesia caused by genetic and/or environmental factors. In recent years, inflammation and oxidative stress have been implicated in the pathogenesis of ASD. In this review, we discuss the inflammation and oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of ASD, particularly focusing on maternal immune activation (MIA). MIA is a one of the common environmental risk factors for the onset of ASD during pregnancy. It induces an immune reaction in the pregnant mother’s body, resulting in further inflammation and oxidative stress in the placenta and fetal brain. These negative factors cause neurodevelopmental impairments in the developing fetal brain and subsequently cause behavioral symptoms in the offspring. In addition, we also discuss the effects of anti-inflammatory drugs and antioxidants in basic studies on animals and clinical studies of ASD. Our review provides the latest findings and new insights into the involvements of inflammation and oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noriyoshi Usui
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita 565-0871, Japan
- United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Suita 565-0871, Japan
- Global Center for Medical Engineering and Informatics, Osaka University, Suita 565-0871, Japan
- Addiction Research Unit, Osaka Psychiatric Research Center, Osaka Psychiatric Medical Center, Osaka 541-8567, Japan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-668-79-3124
| | - Hikaru Kobayashi
- SANKEN (Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research), Osaka University, Suita 567-0047, Japan
| | - Shoichi Shimada
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita 565-0871, Japan
- United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Suita 565-0871, Japan
- Global Center for Medical Engineering and Informatics, Osaka University, Suita 565-0871, Japan
- Addiction Research Unit, Osaka Psychiatric Research Center, Osaka Psychiatric Medical Center, Osaka 541-8567, Japan
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Bicks LK, Eyring KW, Geschwind DH. Neuronal protein interaction networks in autism spectrum disorder. CELL GENOMICS 2023; 3:100279. [PMID: 36950377 PMCID: PMC10025519 DOI: 10.1016/j.xgen.2023.100279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
How rare protein-disrupting risk variants implicated in autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) interact or functionally converge is unknown. Pintacuda et al.1 perform proteomics in induced human neurons and identify more than 1,000 interactions, 90% of which were not previously reported, emphasizing the importance of cell-type- and isoform-specific protein interactions in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy K. Bicks
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Katherine Wade Eyring
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Daniel H. Geschwind
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Semel Institue, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Center for Autism Research and Treatment, Semel Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Corresponding author
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60
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Juarez-Martinez EL, Sprengers JJ, Cristian G, Oranje B, van Andel DM, Avramiea AE, Simpraga S, Houtman SJ, Hardstone R, Gerver C, Jan van der Wilt G, Mansvelder HD, Eijkemans MJC, Linkenkaer-Hansen K, Bruining H. Prediction of Behavioral Improvement Through Resting-State Electroencephalography and Clinical Severity in a Randomized Controlled Trial Testing Bumetanide in Autism Spectrum Disorder. BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY. COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE AND NEUROIMAGING 2023; 8:251-261. [PMID: 34506972 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsc.2021.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mechanism-based treatments such as bumetanide are being repurposed for autism spectrum disorder. We recently reported beneficial effects on repetitive behavioral symptoms that might be related to regulating excitation-inhibition (E/I) balance in the brain. Here, we tested the neurophysiological effects of bumetanide and the relationship to clinical outcome variability and investigated the potential for machine learning-based predictions of meaningful clinical improvement. METHODS Using modified linear mixed models applied to intention-to-treat population, we analyzed E/I-sensitive electroencephalography (EEG) measures before and after 91 days of treatment in the double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled Bumetanide in Autism Medication and Biomarker study. Resting-state EEG of 82 subjects out of 92 participants (7-15 years) were available. Alpha frequency band absolute and relative power, central frequency, long-range temporal correlations, and functional E/I ratio treatment effects were related to the Repetitive Behavior Scale-Revised (RBS-R) and the Social Responsiveness Scale 2 as clinical outcomes. RESULTS We observed superior bumetanide effects on EEG, reflected in increased absolute and relative alpha power and functional E/I ratio and in decreased central frequency. Associations between EEG and clinical outcome change were restricted to subgroups with medium to high RBS-R improvement. Using machine learning, medium and high RBS-R improvement could be predicted by baseline RBS-R score and EEG measures with 80% and 92% accuracy, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Bumetanide exerts neurophysiological effects related to clinical changes in more responsive subsets, in whom prediction of improvement was feasible through EEG and clinical measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika L Juarez-Martinez
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Neuroscience, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; NBT Analytics BV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychosocial Care, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jan J Sprengers
- Department of Psychiatry, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Gianina Cristian
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychosocial Care, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Health Evidence, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Department of Health Evidence, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Bob Oranje
- Department of Psychiatry, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Dorinde M van Andel
- Department of Psychiatry, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Arthur-Ervin Avramiea
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Neuroscience, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sonja Simpraga
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Neuroscience, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; NBT Analytics BV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Simon J Houtman
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Neuroscience, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Richard Hardstone
- Neuroscience Institute, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Cathalijn Gerver
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychosocial Care, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Psychiatry, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands; N=You Neurodevelopmental Precision Center, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gert Jan van der Wilt
- Department of Health Evidence, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Huibert D Mansvelder
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Neuroscience, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marinus J C Eijkemans
- Department of Psychiatry, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands; Department of Biostatistics & Research Support, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Klaus Linkenkaer-Hansen
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Neuroscience, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hilgo Bruining
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychosocial Care, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Psychiatry, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands; N=You Neurodevelopmental Precision Center, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Levvel, Center for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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Pérez-Cano L, Azidane Chenlo S, Sabido-Vera R, Sirci F, Durham L, Guney E. Translating precision medicine for autism spectrum disorder: A pressing need. Drug Discov Today 2023; 28:103486. [PMID: 36623795 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogenous group of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) with a high unmet medical need. Currently, ASD is diagnosed according to behavior-based criteria that overlook clinical and genomic heterogeneity, thus repeatedly resulting in failed clinical trials. Here, we summarize the scientific evidence pointing to the pressing need to create a precision medicine framework for ASD and other NDDs. We discuss the role of omics and systems biology to characterize more homogeneous disease subtypes with different underlying pathophysiological mechanisms and to determine corresponding tailored treatments. Finally, we provide recent initiatives towards tackling the complexity in NDDs for precision medicine and cost-effective drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Pérez-Cano
- Discovery and Data Science (DDS) Unit, STALICLA SL, Moll de Barcelona, s/n, Edif Este, 08039 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sara Azidane Chenlo
- Discovery and Data Science (DDS) Unit, STALICLA SL, Moll de Barcelona, s/n, Edif Este, 08039 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rubén Sabido-Vera
- Discovery and Data Science (DDS) Unit, STALICLA SL, Moll de Barcelona, s/n, Edif Este, 08039 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Francesco Sirci
- Discovery and Data Science (DDS) Unit, STALICLA SL, Moll de Barcelona, s/n, Edif Este, 08039 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lynn Durham
- Discovery and Data Science (DDS) Unit, STALICLA SL, Moll de Barcelona, s/n, Edif Este, 08039 Barcelona, Spain; Drug Development Unit (DDU), STALICLA SA, Avenue de Sécheron 15, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Emre Guney
- Discovery and Data Science (DDS) Unit, STALICLA SL, Moll de Barcelona, s/n, Edif Este, 08039 Barcelona, Spain.
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Tabbaa M, Knoll A, Levitt P. Mouse population genetics phenocopies heterogeneity of human Chd8 haploinsufficiency. Neuron 2023; 111:539-556.e5. [PMID: 36738737 PMCID: PMC9960295 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2023.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Preclinical models of neurodevelopmental disorders typically use single inbred mouse strains, which fail to capture the genetic diversity and symptom heterogeneity that is common clinically. We tested whether modeling genetic background diversity in mouse genetic reference panels would recapitulate population and individual differences in responses to a syndromic mutation in the high-confidence autism risk gene, CHD8. We measured clinically relevant phenotypes in >1,000 mice from 33 strains, including brain and body weights and cognition, activity, anxiety, and social behaviors, using 5 behavioral assays: cued fear conditioning, open field tests in dark and bright light, direct social interaction, and social dominance. Trait disruptions mimicked those seen clinically, with robust strain and sex differences. Some strains exhibited large effect-size trait disruptions, sometimes in opposite directions, and-remarkably-others expressed resilience. Therefore, systematically introducing genetic diversity into models of neurodevelopmental disorders provides a better framework for discovering individual differences in symptom etiologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manal Tabbaa
- Children's Hospital Los Angeles, The Saban Research Institute, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA; Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Allison Knoll
- Children's Hospital Los Angeles, The Saban Research Institute, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA; Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Pat Levitt
- Children's Hospital Los Angeles, The Saban Research Institute, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA; Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
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63
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Liu P, Zhao Y, Xiong W, Pan Y, Zhu M, Zhu X. Degradation of Perineuronal Nets in the Cerebellar Interpositus Nucleus Ameliorated Social Deficits in Shank3-deficient Mice. Neuroscience 2023; 511:29-38. [PMID: 36587867 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2022.12.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Perineuronal nets (PNNs) are structures that contain extracellular matrix chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan and surround the soma and dendrites of various neuronal cell types. They are involved in synaptic plasticity and undertake important physiological functions. Altered expression of PNNs has been demonstrated in the brains of autism-related animal models. However, the underlying mechanism is still unknown. In this study, we demonstrated that the PNNs in the cerebellum are involved in modulating social and repetitive/inflexible behaviors in Shank3B-/- mice, an established animal model of autism spectrum disorder. First, we performed wisteria floribunda agglutinin staining of the whole brain of Shank3B-/- mice, and found wisteria floribunda agglutinin-positive PNNs are significantly increased in the cerebellar interpositus nucleus (IntP) in Shank3B-/- mice compared to control littermates. After degradation of PNNs in the IntP by chondroitinase ABC, the repetitive behaviors of Shank3B-/- mice were decreased, while their social behaviors were ameliorated. These results suggested that PNNs homeostasis is involved in the regulation of social behavior, revealing a potential therapeutic strategy targeting PNNs in the IntP for the treatment of autism spectrum disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Liu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Yulu Zhao
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Wenchao Xiong
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China.
| | - Yida Pan
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Minzhen Zhu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Xinhong Zhu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China; School of Psychology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China; Research Center for Brain Health, Pazhou Lab, Guangzhou 510330, China.
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64
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Akaba Y, Takahashi S, Suzuki K, Kosaki K, Tsujimura K. miR-514a promotes neuronal development in human iPSC-derived neurons. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1096463. [PMID: 36824367 PMCID: PMC9941156 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1096463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Proper development and function of the central nervous system require precise regulation of gene expression. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a group of small non-coding RNAs that can negatively regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level, are critical regulators of neuronal development, and dysregulation of microRNAs has been implicated in various neurological disorders. Changes in microRNA expression and repertoire are related to the emergence of social and behavioral variations in closely related primates, including humans, during evolution. MicroRNA-514a (miR-514a) is an X-linked miRNA that is conserved in species with higher social and cognitive functions, and frequent tandem duplications of miR-514a have been found in primate genomes. Here, we demonstrate that miR-514a plays a crucial role in neuronal development in neurons derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Overexpression of miR-514a increased dendritic length, soma size, and activity levels of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling in induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neurons, whereas blocking of endogenous miR-514a inhibited neuronal development. Furthermore, we performed a functional analysis of the miR-514a variation found during primate evolution, to investigate the impact of miR-514a sequence variation and associated changes in expression on brain development during evolution. We found that mutation in miR-514a significantly reduced the expression of the mature form and abolished the effects observed when native miR-514a was expressed. Our findings provide new insights into the functional role of miR-514a in the regulation of neuronal development and evolution of primate brain development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuichi Akaba
- Group of Brain Function and Development, Neuroscience Institute of the Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan,Research Unit for Developmental Disorders, Institute for Advanced Research, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan,Department of Pediatrics, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Satoru Takahashi
- Department of Pediatrics, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Keiichiro Suzuki
- Institute for Advanced Co-Creation Studies, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan,Graduate School of Engineering Science, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan,Graduate School of Frontier Bioscience, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kenjiro Kosaki
- Center for Medical Genetics, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Keita Tsujimura
- Group of Brain Function and Development, Neuroscience Institute of the Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan,Research Unit for Developmental Disorders, Institute for Advanced Research, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan,*Correspondence: Keita Tsujimura,
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Qiu S, Qiu Y, Li Y, Zhu X, Liu Y, Qiao Y, Cheng Y, Liu Y. Nexus between genome-wide copy number variations and autism spectrum disorder in Northeast Han Chinese population. BMC Psychiatry 2023; 23:96. [PMID: 36750796 PMCID: PMC9906952 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-04565-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder, with an increasing prevalence worldwide. Copy number variation (CNV), as one of genetic factors, is involved in ASD etiology. However, there exist substantial differences in terms of location and frequency of some CNVs in the general Asian population. Whole-genome studies of CNVs in Northeast Han Chinese samples are still lacking, necessitating our ongoing work to investigate the characteristics of CNVs in a Northeast Han Chinese population with clinically diagnosed ASD. METHODS We performed a genome-wide CNVs screening in Northeast Han Chinese individuals with ASD using array-based comparative genomic hybridization. RESULTS We found that 22 kinds of CNVs (6 deletions and 16 duplications) were potentially pathogenic. These CNVs were distributed in chromosome 1p36.33, 1p36.31, 1q42.13, 2p23.1-p22.3, 5p15.33, 5p15.33-p15.2, 7p22.3, 7p22.3-p22.2, 7q22.1-q22.2, 10q23.2-q23.31, 10q26.2-q26.3, 11p15.5, 11q25, 12p12.1-p11.23, 14q11.2, 15q13.3, 16p13.3, 16q21, 22q13.31-q13.33, and Xq12-q13.1. Additionally, we found 20 potential pathogenic genes of ASD in our population, including eight protein coding genes (six duplications [DRD4, HRAS, OPHN1, SHANK3, SLC6A3, and TSC2] and two deletions [CHRNA7 and PTEN]) and 12 microRNAs-coding genes (ten duplications [MIR202, MIR210, MIR3178, MIR339, MIR4516, MIR4717, MIR483, MIR675, MIR6821, and MIR940] and two deletions [MIR107 and MIR558]). CONCLUSION We identified CNVs and genes implicated in ASD risks, conferring perception to further reveal ASD etiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Qiu
- grid.64924.3d0000 0004 1760 5735Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021 Jilin China ,grid.64924.3d0000 0004 1760 5735Department of Laboratory Medicine, Jilin University Hospital, Changchun, 130000 Jilin China
| | - Yingjia Qiu
- grid.415954.80000 0004 1771 3349China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, 130033 Jilin China
| | - Yong Li
- grid.64924.3d0000 0004 1760 5735Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021 Jilin China
| | - Xiaojuan Zhu
- grid.27446.330000 0004 1789 9163The Key Laboratory of Molecular Epigenetics of Ministry of Education, Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, 130021 Jilin China
| | - Yunkai Liu
- grid.430605.40000 0004 1758 4110Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021 Jilin China ,Key Laboratory for Cardiovascular Mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun, 130021 Jilin China ,grid.430605.40000 0004 1758 4110Institute of Translational Medicine, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021 Jilin China
| | - Yichun Qiao
- grid.64924.3d0000 0004 1760 5735Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021 Jilin China
| | - Yi Cheng
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, China. .,Key Laboratory for Cardiovascular Mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, China. .,Institute of Translational Medicine, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, China.
| | - Yawen Liu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, China.
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Mazón-Cabrera R, Liesenborgs J, Brône B, Vandormael P, Somers V. Novel maternal autoantibodies in autism spectrum disorder: Implications for screening and diagnosis. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1067833. [PMID: 36816132 PMCID: PMC9932693 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1067833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder for which early recognition is a major challenge. Autoantibodies against fetal brain antigens have been found in the blood of mothers of children with ASD (m-ASD) and can be transferred to the fetus where they can impact neurodevelopment by binding to fetal brain proteins. This study aims to identify novel maternal autoantibodies reactive against human fetal brain antigens, and explore their use as biomarkers for ASD screening and diagnosis. Methods A custom-made human fetal brain cDNA phage display library was constructed, and screened for antibody reactivity in m-ASD samples from the Simons Simplex Collection (SSC) of the Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative (SFARI). Antibody reactivity against 6 identified antigens was determined in plasma samples of 238 m-ASD and 90 mothers with typically developing children (m-TD). Results We identified antibodies to 6 novel University Hasselt (UH)-ASD antigens, including three novel m-ASD autoantigens, i.e., ribosomal protein L23 (RPL23), glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) and calmodulin-regulated spectrin-associated protein 3 (CAMSAP3). Antibody reactivity against a panel of four of these targets was found in 16% of m-ASD samples, compared to 4% in m-TD samples (p = 0.0049). Discussion Maternal antibodies against 4 UH-ASD antigens could therefore provide a novel tool to support the diagnosis of ASD in a subset of individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rut Mazón-Cabrera
- Department of Immunology and Infection, Biomedical Research Institute, UHasselt, Transnational University Limburg, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Jori Liesenborgs
- Expertise Centre for Digital Media, UHasselt, Transnational University Limburg, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Bert Brône
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedical Research Institute, UHasselt, Transnational University Limburg, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Patrick Vandormael
- Department of Immunology and Infection, Biomedical Research Institute, UHasselt, Transnational University Limburg, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Veerle Somers
- Department of Immunology and Infection, Biomedical Research Institute, UHasselt, Transnational University Limburg, Diepenbeek, Belgium,*Correspondence: Veerle Somers,
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Kashii H, Kasai S, Sato A, Hagino Y, Nishito Y, Kobayashi T, Hino O, Mizuguchi M, Ikeda K. Tsc2 mutation rather than Tsc1 mutation dominantly causes a social deficit in a mouse model of tuberous sclerosis complex. Hum Genomics 2023; 17:4. [PMID: 36732866 PMCID: PMC9893559 DOI: 10.1186/s40246-023-00450-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is an autosomal dominant disorder that is associated with neurological symptoms, including autism spectrum disorder. Tuberous sclerosis complex is caused by pathogenic germline mutations of either the TSC1 or TSC2 gene, but somatic mutations were identified in both genes, and the combined effects of TSC1 and TSC2 mutations have been unknown. METHODS The present study investigated social behaviors by the social interaction test and three-chambered sociability tests, effects of rapamycin treatment, and gene expression profiles with a gene expression microarray in Tsc1 and Tsc2 double heterozygous mutant (TscD+/-) mice. RESULTS TscD+/- mice exhibited impairments in social behaviors, and the severity of impairments was similar to Tsc2+/- mice rather than Tsc1+/- mice. Impairments in social behaviors were rescued by rapamycin treatment in all mutant mice. Gene expression profiles in the brain were greatly altered in TscD+/- mice more than in Tsc1+/- and Tsc2+/- mice. The gene expression changes compared with wild type (WT) mice were similar between TscD+/- and Tsc2+/- mice, and the overlapping genes whose expression was altered in mutant mice compared with WT mice were enriched in the neoplasm- and inflammation-related canonical pathways. The "signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, interferon regulatory factor 1, interferon regulatory factor 4, interleukin-2R α chain, and interferon-γ" signaling pathway, which is initiated from signal transducer and activator of transcription 4 and PDZ and LIM domain protein 2, was associated with impairments in social behaviors in all mutant mice. LIMITATIONS It is unclear whether the signaling pathway also plays a critical role in autism spectrum disorders not caused by Tsc1 and Tsc2 mutations. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that TSC1 and TSC2 double mutations cause autistic behaviors similarly to TSC2 mutations, although significant changes in gene expression were attributable to the double mutations. These findings contribute to the knowledge of genotype-phenotype correlations in TSC and suggest that mutations in both the TSC1 and TSC2 genes act in concert to cause neurological symptoms, including autism spectrum disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hirofumi Kashii
- grid.272456.00000 0000 9343 3630Addictive Substance Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, 2-1-6 Kamikitazawa, Setagaya-Ku, Tokyo, 156-8506 Japan ,grid.417106.5Department of Neuropediatrics, Tokyo Metropolitan Neurological Hospital, 2-6-1 Musashidai, Fuchu, Tokyo, 183-0042 Japan
| | - Shinya Kasai
- grid.272456.00000 0000 9343 3630Addictive Substance Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, 2-1-6 Kamikitazawa, Setagaya-Ku, Tokyo, 156-8506 Japan
| | - Atsushi Sato
- grid.272456.00000 0000 9343 3630Addictive Substance Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, 2-1-6 Kamikitazawa, Setagaya-Ku, Tokyo, 156-8506 Japan ,grid.412708.80000 0004 1764 7572Department of Pediatrics, The University of Tokyo Hospital, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-8655 Japan
| | - Yoko Hagino
- grid.272456.00000 0000 9343 3630Addictive Substance Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, 2-1-6 Kamikitazawa, Setagaya-Ku, Tokyo, 156-8506 Japan
| | - Yasumasa Nishito
- grid.272456.00000 0000 9343 3630Center for Basic Technology Research, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, 2-1-6 Kamikitazawa, Setagaya-Ku, Tokyo, 156-8506 Japan
| | - Toshiyuki Kobayashi
- grid.258269.20000 0004 1762 2738Department of Pathology and Oncology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-8421 Japan
| | - Okio Hino
- grid.258269.20000 0004 1762 2738Department of Pathology and Oncology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-8421 Japan
| | - Masashi Mizuguchi
- Department of Pediatrics, National Rehabilitation Center for Children with Disabilities, 1-1-10 Komone, Itabashi-Ku, Tokyo, 173-0037 Japan
| | - Kazutaka Ikeda
- Addictive Substance Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, 2-1-6 Kamikitazawa, Setagaya-Ku, Tokyo, 156-8506, Japan.
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Ahmed NY, Knowles R, Liu L, Yan Y, Li X, Schumann U, Wang Y, Sontani Y, Reynolds N, Natoli R, Wen J, Del Pino I, Mi D, Dehorter N. Developmental deficits of MGE-derived interneurons in the Cntnap2 knockout mouse model of autism spectrum disorder. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1112062. [PMID: 36819097 PMCID: PMC9930104 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1112062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Interneurons are fundamental cells for maintaining the excitation-inhibition balance in the brain in health and disease. While interneurons have been shown to play a key role in the pathophysiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in adult mice, little is known about how their maturation is altered in the developing striatum in ASD. Here, we aimed to track striatal developing interneurons and elucidate the molecular and physiological alterations in the Cntnap2 knockout mouse model. Using Stereo-seq and single-cell RNA sequencing data, we first characterized the pattern of expression of Cntnap2 in the adult brain and at embryonic stages in the medial ganglionic eminence (MGE), a transitory structure producing most cortical and striatal interneurons. We found that Cntnap2 is enriched in the striatum, compared to the cortex, particularly in the developing striatal cholinergic interneurons. We then revealed enhanced MGE-derived cell proliferation, followed by increased cell loss during the canonical window of developmental cell death in the Cntnap2 knockout mice. We uncovered specific cellular and molecular alterations in the developing Lhx6-expressing cholinergic interneurons of the striatum, which impacts interneuron firing properties during the first postnatal week. Overall, our work unveils some of the mechanisms underlying the shift in the developmental trajectory of striatal interneurons which greatly contribute to the ASD pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noorya Yasmin Ahmed
- The Australian National University, The John Curtin School of Medical Research, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Rhys Knowles
- The Australian National University, The John Curtin School of Medical Research, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Lixinyu Liu
- The Australian National University, The John Curtin School of Medical Research, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Yiming Yan
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaohan Li
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Ulrike Schumann
- The Australian National University, The John Curtin School of Medical Research, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Yumeng Wang
- The Australian National University, The John Curtin School of Medical Research, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Yovina Sontani
- The Australian National University, The John Curtin School of Medical Research, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Nathan Reynolds
- The Australian National University, The John Curtin School of Medical Research, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Riccardo Natoli
- The Australian National University, The John Curtin School of Medical Research, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Jiayu Wen
- The Australian National University, The John Curtin School of Medical Research, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Isabel Del Pino
- Institute of Neurosciences, Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Sant Joan d’Alacant, Spain
| | - Da Mi
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Nathalie Dehorter
- The Australian National University, The John Curtin School of Medical Research, Canberra, ACT, Australia,*Correspondence: Nathalie Dehorter,
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Rapanelli M, Wang W, Hurley E, Feltri ML, Pittenger C, Frick LR, Yan Z. Cholinergic neurons in the basal forebrain are involved in behavioral abnormalities associated with Cul3 deficiency: Role of prefrontal cortex projections in cognitive deficits. Transl Psychiatry 2023; 13:22. [PMID: 36693858 PMCID: PMC9873627 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02306-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Loss-of-function mutations of the gene Cul3 have been identified as a risk factor for autism-spectrum disorder (ASD), but the pathogenic mechanisms are not well understood. Conditional Cul3 ablation in cholinergic neurons of mice (ChatCRECul3F/+) recapitulated ASD-like social and sensory gating phenotypes and caused significant cognitive impairments, with diminished activity of cholinergic neurons in the basal forebrain (BF). Chemogenetic inhibition of BF cholinergic neurons in healthy mice induced similar social and cognitive deficits. Conversely, chemogenetic stimulation of BF cholinergic neurons in ChatCRECul3F/+ mice reversed abnormalities in sensory gating and cognition. Cortical hypofunction was also found after ChAT-specific Cul3 ablation and stimulation of cholinergic projections from the BF to the prefrontal cortex (PFC) mitigated cognitive deficits. Overall, we demonstrate that cholinergic dysfunction due to Cul3 deficiency is involved in ASD-like behavioral abnormalities, and that BF cholinergic neurons are particularly critical for cognitive component through their projections to the PFC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximiliano Rapanelli
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Jacobs School of Medicine, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, USA
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Jacobs School of Medicine, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, USA
| | - Edward Hurley
- Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, USA
- Institute for Myelin and Glia Exploration, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, USA
| | - Maria Laura Feltri
- Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, USA
- Institute for Myelin and Glia Exploration, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Jacobs School of Medicine, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program. Jacobs School of Medicine, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, USA
| | - Christopher Pittenger
- Departments of Psychiatry and Psychology, Yale Child Study Center, and Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Yale University School of Medicine, Buffalo, USA
| | - Luciana Romina Frick
- Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, USA.
- Neuroscience Graduate Program. Jacobs School of Medicine, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Jacobs School of Medicine, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, USA.
- Clinical and Translational Research Center, Jacobs School of Medicine, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, USA.
| | - Zhen Yan
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Jacobs School of Medicine, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, USA.
- Neuroscience Graduate Program. Jacobs School of Medicine, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, USA.
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Li M, Usui N, Shimada S. Prenatal Sex Hormone Exposure Is Associated with the Development of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032203. [PMID: 36768521 PMCID: PMC9916422 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Sexual differentiation is a major developmental process. Sex differences resulting from sexual differentiation have attracted the attention of researchers. Unraveling what contributes to and underlies sex differences will provide valuable insights into the development of neurodevelopmental disorders that exhibit sex biases. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects an individual's social interaction and communication abilities, and its male preponderance has been consistently reported in clinical studies. The etiology of male preponderance remains unclear, but progress has been made in studying prenatal sex hormone exposure. The present review examined studies that focused on the association between prenatal testosterone exposure and ASD development, as well as sex-specific behaviors in individuals with ASD. This review also included studies on maternal immune activation-induced developmental abnormalities that also showed striking sex differences in offspring and discussed its possible interacting roles in ASD so as to present a potential approach for future studies on sex biases in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengwei Li
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita 565-0871, Japan
| | - Noriyoshi Usui
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita 565-0871, Japan
- United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Suita 565-0871, Japan
- Global Center for Medical Engineering and Informatics, Osaka University, Suita 565-0871, Japan
- Addiction Research Unit, Osaka Psychiatric Research Center, Osaka Psychiatric Medical Center, Osaka 541-8567, Japan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-6-6879-3124
| | - Shoichi Shimada
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita 565-0871, Japan
- United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Suita 565-0871, Japan
- Global Center for Medical Engineering and Informatics, Osaka University, Suita 565-0871, Japan
- Addiction Research Unit, Osaka Psychiatric Research Center, Osaka Psychiatric Medical Center, Osaka 541-8567, Japan
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71
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Octavia A, Sitthisettapong T, Dewanto I. Structural-visual approach for dental examination in children with autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review. SPECIAL CARE IN DENTISTRY 2023. [PMID: 36653965 DOI: 10.1111/scd.12827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Conducting Dental examination in children with autism is challenging due to the limitation in cooperativeness that is caused by impairment of communication, social interaction, and sensory sensitivities. AIMS This study aims to provide evidence base for the structural-visual approach in reducing uncooperativeness behavior to dental care in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). METHODS Searches were conducted in the electronic databases PubMed, PsycINFO, and Cochrane from inception to October 2021 (CRD42022383409). Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), non-RCTs, and pre/post-test and qualitative studies that conducting visual pedagogy and visual learning methods were included. The quality of evidence was assessed with Cochrane Collaboration's Risk of Bias Tool for RCTs, Risk of Bias in Non-randomized Studies-of Interventions (ROBINS-I) for non-RCTs, and Critical Appraisal Skill Program (CASP) for qualitative studies. RESULTS The initial search identified 270 studies, and 256 remained after removing duplicates. After screening titles and abstracts, 62 studies were remained for full-text assessed, and finally 13 eligible studies were selected for reviews. The studies analyzed various structural-visual interventions, participants, study design, countries, and outcomes. CONCLUSION The structural-visual approach could reduce uncooperative behavior in children with ASD. Future study should investigate the wide range of age and varied behavior approach as the evidence-based of the clinical management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfini Octavia
- School of Dentistry, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Thanya Sitthisettapong
- Pediatric Dentistry Department, Faculty of Dentistry Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, Thailand
| | - Iwan Dewanto
- School of Dentistry, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
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72
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Wang L, Wang B, Wu C, Wang J, Sun M. Autism Spectrum Disorder: Neurodevelopmental Risk Factors, Biological Mechanism, and Precision Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24031819. [PMID: 36768153 PMCID: PMC9915249 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24031819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous, behaviorally defined neurodevelopmental disorder. Over the past two decades, the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders has progressively increased, however, no clear diagnostic markers and specifically targeted medications for autism have emerged. As a result, neurobehavioral abnormalities, neurobiological alterations in ASD, and the development of novel ASD pharmacological therapy necessitate multidisciplinary collaboration. In this review, we discuss the development of multiple animal models of ASD to contribute to the disease mechanisms of ASD, as well as new studies from multiple disciplines to assess the behavioral pathology of ASD. In addition, we summarize and highlight the mechanistic advances regarding gene transcription, RNA and non-coding RNA translation, abnormal synaptic signaling pathways, epigenetic post-translational modifications, brain-gut axis, immune inflammation and neural loop abnormalities in autism to provide a theoretical basis for the next step of precision therapy. Furthermore, we review existing autism therapy tactics and limits and present challenges and opportunities for translating multidisciplinary knowledge of ASD into clinical practice.
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73
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Koevoet D, Deschamps PKH, Kenemans JL. Catecholaminergic and cholinergic neuromodulation in autism spectrum disorder: A comparison to attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Front Neurosci 2023; 16:1078586. [PMID: 36685234 PMCID: PMC9853424 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.1078586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by social impairments and restricted, repetitive behaviors. Treatment of ASD is notoriously difficult and might benefit from identification of underlying mechanisms that overlap with those disturbed in other developmental disorders, for which treatment options are more obvious. One example of the latter is attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), given the efficacy of especially stimulants in treatment of ADHD. Deficiencies in catecholaminergic systems [dopamine (DA), norepinephrine (NE)] in ADHD are obvious targets for stimulant treatment. Recent findings suggest that dysfunction in catecholaminergic systems may also be a factor in at least a subgroup of ASD. In this review we scrutinize the evidence for catecholaminergic mechanisms underlying ASD symptoms, and also include in this analysis a third classic ascending arousing system, the acetylcholinergic (ACh) network. We complement this with a comprehensive review of DA-, NE-, and ACh-targeted interventions in ASD, and an exploratory search for potential treatment-response predictors (biomarkers) in ASD, genetically or otherwise. Based on this review and analysis we propose that (1) stimulant treatment may be a viable option for an ASD subcategory, possibly defined by genetic subtyping; (2) cerebellar dysfunction is pronounced for a relatively small ADHD subgroup but much more common in ASD and in both cases may point toward NE- or ACh-directed intervention; (3) deficiency of the cortical salience network is sizable in subgroups of both disorders, and biomarkers such as eye blink rate and pupillometric data may predict the efficacy of targeting this underlying deficiency via DA, NE, or ACh in both ASD and ADHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damian Koevoet
- Experimental Psychology, Helmholtz Institute, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands,*Correspondence: Damian Koevoet,
| | - P. K. H. Deschamps
- Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - J. L. Kenemans
- Experimental Psychology, Helmholtz Institute, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
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74
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Granak S, Tuckova K, Kutna V, Vojtechova I, Bajkova L, Petrasek T, Ovsepian SV. Developmental effects of constitutive mTORC1 hyperactivity and environmental enrichment on structural synaptic plasticity and behaviour in a rat model of autism spectrum disorder. Eur J Neurosci 2023; 57:17-31. [PMID: 36380588 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition causing a range of social and communication impairments. Although the role of multiple genes and environmental factors has been reported, the effects of the interplay between genes and environment on the onset and progression of the disease remains elusive. We housed wild-type (Tsc2+/+) and tuberous sclerosis 2 deficient (Tsc2+/-) Eker rats (ASD model) in individually ventilated cages or enriched conditions and conducted a series of behavioural tests followed by the histochemical analysis of dendritic spines and plasticity in three age groups (days 45, 90 and 365). The elevated plus-maze test revealed a reduction of anxiety by enrichment, whereas the mobility of young and adult Eker rats in the open field was lower compared to the wild type. In the social interaction test, an enriched environment reduced social contact in the youngest group and increased anogenital exploration in 90- and 365-day-old rats. Self-grooming was increased by environmental enrichment in young and adult rats and decreased in aged Eker rats. Dendritic spine counts revealed an increased spine density in the cingulate gyrus in adult Ekers irrespective of housing conditions, whereas spine density in hippocampal pyramidal neurons was comparable across all genotypes and groups. Morphometric analysis of dendritic spines revealed age-related changes in spine morphology and density, which were responsive to animal genotype and environment. Taken together, our findings suggest that under TSC2 haploinsufficiency and mTORC1 hyperactivity, the expression of behavioural signs and neuroplasticity in Eker rats can be differentially influenced by the developmental stage and environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Granak
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic.,Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Klara Tuckova
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic.,Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Viera Kutna
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic
| | - Iveta Vojtechova
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic.,Laboratory of Neurophysiology of Memory, Institute of Physiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Laura Bajkova
- Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Tomas Petrasek
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic.,Laboratory of Neurophysiology of Memory, Institute of Physiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Saak V Ovsepian
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Greenwich London, Chatham Maritime, UK
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75
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Scott DN, Frank MJ. Adaptive control of synaptic plasticity integrates micro- and macroscopic network function. Neuropsychopharmacology 2023; 48:121-144. [PMID: 36038780 PMCID: PMC9700774 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-022-01374-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Synaptic plasticity configures interactions between neurons and is therefore likely to be a primary driver of behavioral learning and development. How this microscopic-macroscopic interaction occurs is poorly understood, as researchers frequently examine models within particular ranges of abstraction and scale. Computational neuroscience and machine learning models offer theoretically powerful analyses of plasticity in neural networks, but results are often siloed and only coarsely linked to biology. In this review, we examine connections between these areas, asking how network computations change as a function of diverse features of plasticity and vice versa. We review how plasticity can be controlled at synapses by calcium dynamics and neuromodulatory signals, the manifestation of these changes in networks, and their impacts in specialized circuits. We conclude that metaplasticity-defined broadly as the adaptive control of plasticity-forges connections across scales by governing what groups of synapses can and can't learn about, when, and to what ends. The metaplasticity we discuss acts by co-opting Hebbian mechanisms, shifting network properties, and routing activity within and across brain systems. Asking how these operations can go awry should also be useful for understanding pathology, which we address in the context of autism, schizophrenia and Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel N Scott
- Cognitive Linguistic, and Psychological Sciences, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.
- Carney Institute for Brain Science, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.
| | - Michael J Frank
- Cognitive Linguistic, and Psychological Sciences, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.
- Carney Institute for Brain Science, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.
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76
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Xie Y, Wang H, Hu B, Zhang X, Liu A, Cai C, Li S, Chen C, Wang Z, Yin Z, Wang M. Dendritic Spine in Autism Genetics: Whole-Exome Sequencing Identifying De Novo Variant of CTTNBP2 in a Quad Family Affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 10:children10010080. [PMID: 36670631 PMCID: PMC9856540 DOI: 10.3390/children10010080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects around 1% of children with no effective blood test or cure. Recent studies have suggested that these are neurological disorders with a strong genetic basis and that they are associated with the abnormal formation of dendritic spines. Chromosome microarray (CMA) together with high-throughput sequencing technology has been used as a powerful tool to identify new candidate genes for ASD. In the present study, CMA was first used to scan for genome-wide copy number variants in a proband, and no clinically significant copy number variants were found. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was used further for genetic testing of the whole quad family affected by ASD, including the proband, his non-autistic sister, and his parents. Sanger sequencing and MassARRAY-based validation were used to identify and confirm variants associated with ASD. WES yielded a 151-fold coverage depth for each sample. A total of 98.65% of the targeted whole-exome region was covered at >20-fold depth. A de novo variant in CTTNBP2, p.M115T, was identified. The CTTNBP2 gene belongs to a family of ankyrin repeat domain-containing proteins associated with dendritic spine formation. Although CTTNBP2 has been associated with ASD, limited studies have been developed to identify clinically relevant de novo mutations of CTTNBP2 in children with ASD; family-based WES successfully identified a clinically relevant mutation in the CTTNBP2 gene in a quad family affected by ASD. Considering the neuron-specific expression of CTTNBP2 and its role in dendritic spine formation, our results suggest a correlation between the CTTNBP2 mutation and ASD, providing genetic evidence for ASD spine pathology. Although the present study is currently insufficient to support the assertion that the de novo mutation M115T in CTTNBP2 directly causes the autism phenotype, our study provides support for the assertion that this mutation is a candidate clinically relevant variant in autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingmei Xie
- Division of Neonatology, Longgang District Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Shenzhen 518172, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Division of Child Health Care, Xiamen Branch of Children’s Hospital of Fudan University (Xiamen Children’s Hospital), Xiamen 361006, China
| | - Bing Hu
- Division of Neonatology, Longgang District Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Shenzhen 518172, China
| | - Xueli Zhang
- Division of Neonatology, Shenzhen Longhua People’s Hospital, Shenzhen 518109, China
| | - Aiping Liu
- The Department of Laboratory, Baoan Public Health Service Center of Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518108, China
| | - Chunquan Cai
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Birth Defects for Prevention and Treatment, Tianjin Children’s Hospital (Children’s Hospital of Tianjin University), Tianjin Pediatric Research Institute, Tianjin 300134, China
| | - Shijun Li
- First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Department of Radiology, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Cheng Chen
- Division of Neonatology, Longgang District Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Shenzhen 518172, China
| | - Zhangxing Wang
- Division of Neonatology, Shenzhen Longhua People’s Hospital, Shenzhen 518109, China
| | - Zhaoqing Yin
- The People’s Hospital of Dehong Autonomous Prefecture, Division of Pediatrics, Dehong Hospital of Kun-ming Medical University, Mangshi 678400, China
- Correspondence: (Z.Y.); (M.W.)
| | - Mingbang Wang
- Microbiome Therapy Center, South China Hospital, Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518116, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defects, Division of Neonatology, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, National Center for Children’s Health, Shanghai 201102, China
- Correspondence: (Z.Y.); (M.W.)
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77
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Lee K, Mills Z, Cheung P, Cheyne JE, Montgomery JM. The Role of Zinc and NMDA Receptors in Autism Spectrum Disorders. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 16:ph16010001. [PMID: 36678498 PMCID: PMC9866730 DOI: 10.3390/ph16010001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
NMDA-type glutamate receptors are critical for synaptic plasticity in the central nervous system. Their unique properties and age-dependent arrangement of subunit types underpin their role as a coincidence detector of pre- and postsynaptic activity during brain development and maturation. NMDAR function is highly modulated by zinc, which is co-released with glutamate and concentrates in postsynaptic spines. Both NMDARs and zinc have been strongly linked to autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), suggesting that NMDARs are an important player in the beneficial effects observed with zinc in both animal models and children with ASDs. Significant evidence is emerging that these beneficial effects occur via zinc-dependent regulation of SHANK proteins, which form the backbone of the postsynaptic density. For example, dietary zinc supplementation enhances SHANK2 or SHANK3 synaptic recruitment and rescues NMDAR deficits and hypofunction in Shank3ex13-16-/- and Tbr1+/- ASD mice. Across multiple studies, synaptic changes occur in parallel with a reversal of ASD-associated behaviours, highlighting the zinc-dependent regulation of NMDARs and glutamatergic synapses as therapeutic targets for severe forms of ASDs, either pre- or postnatally. The data from rodent models set a strong foundation for future translational studies in human cells and people affected by ASDs.
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78
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Exposure to Antibiotics and Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Could Probiotics Modulate the Gut-Brain Axis? Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11121767. [PMID: 36551423 PMCID: PMC9774196 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11121767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In order to develop properly, the brain requires the intricate interconnection of genetic factors and pre-and postnatal environmental events. The gut-brain axis has recently raised considerable interest for its involvement in regulating the development and functioning of the brain. Consequently, alterations in the gut microbiota composition, due to antibiotic administration, could favor the onset of neurodevelopmental disorders. Literature data suggest that the modulation of gut microbiota is often altered in individuals affected by neurodevelopmental disorders. It has been shown in animal studies that metabolites released by an imbalanced gut-brain axis, leads to alterations in brain function and deficits in social behavior. Here, we report the potential effects of antibiotic administration, before and after birth, in relation to the risk of developing neurodevelopmental disorders. We also review the potential role of probiotics in treating gastrointestinal disorders associated with gut dysbiosis after antibiotic administration, and their possible effect in ameliorating neurodevelopmental disorder symptoms.
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79
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Haartsen R, Charman T, Pasco G, Johnson MH, Jones EJH. Modulation of EEG theta by naturalistic social content is not altered in infants with family history of autism. Sci Rep 2022; 12:20758. [PMID: 36456597 PMCID: PMC9715667 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-24870-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Theta oscillations (spectral power and connectivity) are sensitive to the social content of an experience in typically developing infants, providing a possible marker of early social brain development. Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition affecting early social behaviour, but links to underlying social brain function remain unclear. We explored whether modulations of theta spectral power and connectivity by naturalistic social content in infancy are related to family history for autism. Fourteen-month-old infants with (family history; FH; N = 75) and without (no family history; NFH; N = 26) a first-degree relative with autism watched social and non-social videos during EEG recording. We calculated theta (4-5 Hz) spectral power and connectivity modulations (social-non-social) and associated them with outcomes at 36 months. We replicated previous findings of increased theta power and connectivity during social compared to non-social videos. Theta modulations with social content were similar between groups, for both power and connectivity. Together, these findings suggest that neural responses to naturalistic social stimuli may not be strongly altered in 14-month-old infants with family history of autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rianne Haartsen
- Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, Birkbeck College, University of London, London, WC1E 7HX, UK.
- ToddlerLab, Birkbeck, University of London, Malet Street, London, WC1E 7HX, UK.
| | - Tony Charman
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, De Crespigny Park, London, SE5 8AF, UK
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Bethlem Royal Hospital, Monks Orchard Road, Beckenham, Kent, BR3 3BX, UK
| | - Greg Pasco
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, De Crespigny Park, London, SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Mark H Johnson
- Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, Birkbeck College, University of London, London, WC1E 7HX, UK
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Emily J H Jones
- Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, Birkbeck College, University of London, London, WC1E 7HX, UK
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80
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Shevell M. The evolution of our understanding of the conceptualization and genetics of cerebral palsy: Implications for genetic testing. Mol Genet Metab 2022; 137:449-453. [PMID: 33423928 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2020.12.294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Shevell
- Department of Pediatrics, McGill University, Montreal Children's Hospital-McGill University Health Centre, Room B.RC. 6354, 1001 Decarie Blvd, Montreal, Quebec H4A 3J1, Canada.
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81
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Chen GT, Geschwind DH. Challenges and opportunities for precision medicine in neurodevelopmental disorders. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 191:114564. [PMID: 36183905 PMCID: PMC10409256 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2022.114564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental Disorders (NDDs) encompass a broad spectrum of disorders, linked because of their origins in brain developmental processes, including diverse conditions across the age span, including autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and schizophrenia (SCZ). Clinical treatment of these disorders has traditionally focused on symptom management, as the severity of developmental disruption varies widely and the precise molecular mechanisms, timing, and progression of these disorders is usually not known. Several hundred genes have been identified as major risk factors for ASD and SCZ, which creates new potential therapeutic avenues, and there is strong evidence that these genes converge upon key molecular pathways, pointing to opportunities for precision medicine. In this review, we focus on forms of ASD and SCZ with known genetic etiologies and discuss advances in research technologies that enable a more systemic understanding of disease progression. We highlight recent advances in targeted clinical treatment and discuss ongoing preclinical efforts as well as new initiatives aimed at developing scalable platforms for NDD precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- George T Chen
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, United States; Center for Autism Research and Treatment, Semel Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, United States
| | - Daniel H Geschwind
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, United States; Center for Autism Research and Treatment, Semel Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, United States; Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Semel Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, United States; Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, United States; Institute of Precision Health, UCLA, United States.
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82
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Abstract
Recent advances in genomics have revealed a wide spectrum of genetic variants associated with neurodevelopmental disorders at an unprecedented scale. An increasing number of studies have consistently identified mutations-both inherited and de novo-impacting the function of specific brain circuits. This suggests that, during brain development, alterations in distinct neural circuits, cell types, or broad regulatory pathways ultimately shaping synapses might be a dysfunctional process underlying these disorders. Here, we review findings from human studies and animal model research to provide a comprehensive description of synaptic and circuit mechanisms implicated in neurodevelopmental disorders. We discuss how specific synaptic connections might be commonly disrupted in different disorders and the alterations in cognition and behaviors emerging from imbalances in neuronal circuits. Moreover, we review new approaches that have been shown to restore or mitigate dysfunctional processes during specific critical windows of brain development. Considering the heterogeneity of neurodevelopmental disorders, we also highlight the recent progress in developing improved clinical biomarkers and strategies that will help to identify novel therapeutic compounds and opportunities for early intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Exposito-Alonso
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
- MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, London, United Kingdom;
- Current affiliation: Division of Genetics and Genomics, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA;
| | - Beatriz Rico
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
- MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, London, United Kingdom;
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83
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Alterations in Cerebellar Microtubule Cytoskeletal Network in a ValproicAcid-Induced Rat Model of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10123031. [PMID: 36551785 PMCID: PMC9776106 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10123031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are neurodevelopmental diseases characterised by deficits in social communication, restricted interests, and repetitive behaviours. The growing body of evidence points to a role for cerebellar changes in ASD pathology. Some of the findings suggest that not only motor problems but also social deficits, repetitive behaviours, and mental inflexibility associated with ASD are connected with damage to the cerebellum. However, the understanding of this brain structure's functions in ASD pathology needs future investigations. Therefore, in this study, we generated a rodent model of ASD through a single prenatal administration of valproic acid (VPA) into pregnant rats, followed by cerebellar morphological studies of the offspring, focusing on the alterations of key cytoskeletal elements. The expression (Western blot) of α/β-tubulin and the major neuronal MT-associated proteins (MAP) such as MAP-Tau and MAP1B, MAP2, MAP6 (STOP) along with actin-crosslinking αII-spectrin and neurofilament light polypeptide (NF-L) was investigated. We found that maternal exposure to VPA induces a significant decrease in the protein levels of α/β-tubulin, MAP-Tau, MAP1B, MAP2, and αII-spectrin. Moreover, excessive MAP-Tau phosphorylation at (Ser396) along with key Tau-kinases activation was indicated. Immunohistochemical staining showed chromatolysis in the cerebellum of autistic-like rats and loss of Purkinje cells shedding light on one of the possible molecular mechanisms underpinning neuroplasticity alterations in the ASD brain.
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84
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Wang J, Weatheritt R, Voineagu I. Alu-minating the Mechanisms Underlying Primate Cortex Evolution. Biol Psychiatry 2022; 92:760-771. [PMID: 35981906 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2022.04.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
The higher-order cognitive functions observed in primates correlate with the evolutionary enhancement of cortical volume and folding, which in turn are driven by the primate-specific expansion of cellular diversity in the developing cortex. Underlying these changes is the diversification of molecular features including the creation of human and/or primate-specific genes, the activation of specific molecular pathways, and the interplay of diverse layers of gene regulation. We review and discuss evidence for connections between Alu elements and primate brain evolution, the evolutionary milestones of which are known to coincide along primate lineages. Alus are repetitive elements that contribute extensively to the acquisition of novel genes and the expansion of diverse gene regulatory layers, including enhancers, alternative splicing, RNA editing, and microRNA pathways. By reviewing the impact of Alus on molecular features linked to cortical expansions or gyrification or implications in cognitive deficits, we suggest that future research focusing on the role of Alu-derived molecular events in the context of brain development may greatly advance our understanding of higher-order cognitive functions and neurologic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juli Wang
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Robert Weatheritt
- St Vincent Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia; Garvan Institute of Medical Research, EMBL Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Irina Voineagu
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia; Cellular Genomics Futures Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
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85
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Wang T, Kim CN, Bakken TE, Gillentine MA, Henning B, Mao Y, Gilissen C, Nowakowski TJ, Eichler EE. Integrated gene analyses of de novo variants from 46,612 trios with autism and developmental disorders. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2203491119. [PMID: 36350923 PMCID: PMC9674258 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2203491119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Most genetic studies consider autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and developmental disorder (DD) separately despite overwhelming comorbidity and shared genetic etiology. Here, we analyzed de novo variants (DNVs) from 15,560 ASD (6,557 from SPARK) and 31,052 DD trios independently and also combined as broader neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) using three models. We identify 615 NDD candidate genes (false discovery rate [FDR] < 0.05) supported by ≥1 models, including 138 reaching Bonferroni exome-wide significance (P < 3.64e-7) in all models. The genes group into five functional networks associating with different brain developmental lineages based on single-cell nuclei transcriptomic data. We find no evidence for ASD-specific genes in contrast to 18 genes significantly enriched for DD. There are 53 genes that show mutational bias, including enrichments for missense (n = 41) or truncating (n = 12) DNVs. We also find 10 genes with evidence of male- or female-bias enrichment, including 4 X chromosome genes with significant female burden (DDX3X, MECP2, WDR45, and HDAC8). This large-scale integrative analysis identifies candidates and functional subsets of NDD genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyun Wang
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195
- Department of Medical Genetics, Center for Medical Genetics, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Peking University, Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education of China & National Health Commission of China, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Chang N. Kim
- Department of Anatomy, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143
| | | | - Madelyn A. Gillentine
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195
| | - Barbara Henning
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195
| | - Yafei Mao
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Christian Gilissen
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Tomasz J. Nowakowski
- Department of Anatomy, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143
- The Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143
| | - Evan E. Eichler
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195
- HHMI, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195
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86
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Deficits in Cerebellum-Dependent Learning and Cerebellar Morphology in Male and Female BTBR Autism Model Mice. NEUROSCI 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/neurosci3040045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, there has been increased interest in the role of the cerebellum in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). To better understand the pathophysiological role of the cerebellum in ASD, it is necessary to have a variety of mouse models that have face validity for cerebellar disruption in humans. Here, we add to the literature on the cerebellum in mouse models of autism with the characterization of the cerebellum in the idiopathic BTBR T + Itpr3tf/J (BTBR) inbred mouse strain, which has behavioral phenotypes that are reminiscent of ASD in patients. When we examined both male and female BTBR mice in comparison to C57BL/6J (C57) controls, we noted that both sexes of BTBR mice showed motor coordination deficits characteristic of cerebellar dysfunction, but only the male mice showed differences in delay eyeblink conditioning, a cerebellum-dependent learning task that is known to be disrupted in ASD patients. Both male and female BTBR mice showed considerable expansion of, and abnormal foliation in, the cerebellum vermis—including a significant expansion of specific lobules in the anterior cerebellum. In addition, we found a slight but significant decrease in Purkinje cell density in both male and female BTBR mice, irrespective of the lobule. Finally, there was a marked reduction of Purkinje cell dendritic spine density in both male and female BTBR mice. These findings suggest that, for the most part, the BTBR mouse model phenocopies many of the characteristics of the subpopulation of ASD patients that have a hypertrophic cerebellum. We discuss the significance of strain differences in the cerebellum as well as the importance of this first effort to identify both similarities and differences between male and female BTBR mice with regard to the cerebellum.
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87
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Scharrenberg R, Richter M, Johanns O, Meka DP, Rücker T, Murtaza N, Lindenmaier Z, Ellegood J, Naumann A, Zhao B, Schwanke B, Sedlacik J, Fiehler J, Hanganu-Opatz IL, Lerch JP, Singh KK, de Anda FC. TAOK2 rescues autism-linked developmental deficits in a 16p11.2 microdeletion mouse model. Mol Psychiatry 2022; 27:4707-4721. [PMID: 36123424 PMCID: PMC9734055 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01785-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The precise development of the neocortex is a prerequisite for higher cognitive and associative functions. Despite numerous advances that have been made in understanding neuronal differentiation and cortex development, our knowledge regarding the impact of specific genes associated with neurodevelopmental disorders on these processes is still limited. Here, we show that Taok2, which is encoded in humans within the autism spectrum disorder (ASD) susceptibility locus 16p11.2, is essential for neuronal migration. Overexpression of de novo mutations or rare variants from ASD patients disrupts neuronal migration in an isoform-specific manner. The mutated TAOK2α variants but not the TAOK2β variants impaired neuronal migration. Moreover, the TAOK2α isoform colocalizes with microtubules. Consequently, neurons lacking Taok2 have unstable microtubules with reduced levels of acetylated tubulin and phosphorylated JNK1. Mice lacking Taok2 develop gross cortical and cortex layering abnormalities. Moreover, acute Taok2 downregulation or Taok2 knockout delayed the migration of upper-layer cortical neurons in mice, and the expression of a constitutively active form of JNK1 rescued these neuronal migration defects. Finally, we report that the brains of the Taok2 KO and 16p11.2 del Het mouse models show striking anatomical similarities and that the heterozygous 16p11.2 microdeletion mouse model displayed reduced levels of phosphorylated JNK1 and neuronal migration deficits, which were ameliorated upon the introduction of TAOK2α in cortical neurons and in the developing cortex of those mice. These results delineate the critical role of TAOK2 in cortical development and its contribution to neurodevelopmental disorders, including ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin Scharrenberg
- Institute of Developmental Neurophysiology, Center for Molecular Neurobiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Melanie Richter
- Institute of Developmental Neurophysiology, Center for Molecular Neurobiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Ole Johanns
- Institute of Developmental Neurophysiology, Center for Molecular Neurobiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Durga Praveen Meka
- Institute of Developmental Neurophysiology, Center for Molecular Neurobiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Tabitha Rücker
- Institute of Developmental Neurophysiology, Center for Molecular Neurobiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Nadeem Murtaza
- Krembil Research Institute, Donald K. Johnson Eye Institute, University Health Network, 60 Leonard Ave, Toronto, ON, M5T 0S8, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 1 King's College Cir, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4A9, Canada
| | - Zsuzsa Lindenmaier
- Mouse Imaging Centre, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, M5T 3H7, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A1, Canada
| | - Jacob Ellegood
- Mouse Imaging Centre, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, M5T 3H7, Canada
| | - Anne Naumann
- Institute of Developmental Neurophysiology, Center for Molecular Neurobiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Bing Zhao
- Institute of Developmental Neurophysiology, Center for Molecular Neurobiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Birgit Schwanke
- Institute of Developmental Neurophysiology, Center for Molecular Neurobiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jan Sedlacik
- Department of Neuroradiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jens Fiehler
- Department of Neuroradiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ileana L Hanganu-Opatz
- Institute of Developmental Neurophysiology, Center for Molecular Neurobiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jason P Lerch
- Mouse Imaging Centre, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, M5T 3H7, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A1, Canada
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, The University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Karun K Singh
- Krembil Research Institute, Donald K. Johnson Eye Institute, University Health Network, 60 Leonard Ave, Toronto, ON, M5T 0S8, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 1 King's College Cir, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Froylan Calderon de Anda
- Institute of Developmental Neurophysiology, Center for Molecular Neurobiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251, Hamburg, Germany.
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88
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Gandal MJ, Haney JR, Wamsley B, Yap CX, Parhami S, Emani PS, Chang N, Chen GT, Hoftman GD, de Alba D, Ramaswami G, Hartl CL, Bhattacharya A, Luo C, Jin T, Wang D, Kawaguchi R, Quintero D, Ou J, Wu YE, Parikshak NN, Swarup V, Belgard TG, Gerstein M, Pasaniuc B, Geschwind DH. Broad transcriptomic dysregulation occurs across the cerebral cortex in ASD. Nature 2022; 611:532-539. [PMID: 36323788 PMCID: PMC9668748 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-022-05377-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Neuropsychiatric disorders classically lack defining brain pathologies, but recent work has demonstrated dysregulation at the molecular level, characterized by transcriptomic and epigenetic alterations1-3. In autism spectrum disorder (ASD), this molecular pathology involves the upregulation of microglial, astrocyte and neural-immune genes, the downregulation of synaptic genes, and attenuation of gene-expression gradients in cortex1,2,4-6. However, whether these changes are limited to cortical association regions or are more widespread remains unknown. To address this issue, we performed RNA-sequencing analysis of 725 brain samples spanning 11 cortical areas from 112 post-mortem samples from individuals with ASD and neurotypical controls. We find widespread transcriptomic changes across the cortex in ASD, exhibiting an anterior-to-posterior gradient, with the greatest differences in primary visual cortex, coincident with an attenuation of the typical transcriptomic differences between cortical regions. Single-nucleus RNA-sequencing and methylation profiling demonstrate that this robust molecular signature reflects changes in cell-type-specific gene expression, particularly affecting excitatory neurons and glia. Both rare and common ASD-associated genetic variation converge within a downregulated co-expression module involving synaptic signalling, and common variation alone is enriched within a module of upregulated protein chaperone genes. These results highlight widespread molecular changes across the cerebral cortex in ASD, extending beyond association cortex to broadly involve primary sensory regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Gandal
- Center for Neurobehavioral Genetics, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Center for Autism Research and Treatment, Semel Institute of Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Lifespan Brain Institute at Penn Medicine and The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Jillian R Haney
- Center for Neurobehavioral Genetics, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Center for Autism Research and Treatment, Semel Institute of Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Brie Wamsley
- Center for Neurobehavioral Genetics, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Center for Autism Research and Treatment, Semel Institute of Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Chloe X Yap
- Center for Neurobehavioral Genetics, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Mater Research Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Institute for Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Sepideh Parhami
- Center for Neurobehavioral Genetics, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Center for Autism Research and Treatment, Semel Institute of Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Prashant S Emani
- Computational Biology & Bioinformatics Program, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Nathan Chang
- Computational Biology & Bioinformatics Program, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - George T Chen
- Center for Autism Research and Treatment, Semel Institute of Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Gil D Hoftman
- Center for Neurobehavioral Genetics, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Diego de Alba
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Gokul Ramaswami
- Center for Neurobehavioral Genetics, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Center for Autism Research and Treatment, Semel Institute of Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Christopher L Hartl
- Center for Neurobehavioral Genetics, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Center for Autism Research and Treatment, Semel Institute of Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Arjun Bhattacharya
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Chongyuan Luo
- Center for Neurobehavioral Genetics, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Ting Jin
- Waisman Center and Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Daifeng Wang
- Waisman Center and Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Riki Kawaguchi
- Center for Autism Research and Treatment, Semel Institute of Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Diana Quintero
- Center for Autism Research and Treatment, Semel Institute of Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jing Ou
- Center for Autism Research and Treatment, Semel Institute of Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Ye Emily Wu
- Center for Neurobehavioral Genetics, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Center for Autism Research and Treatment, Semel Institute of Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Neelroop N Parikshak
- Center for Autism Research and Treatment, Semel Institute of Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Vivek Swarup
- Center for Autism Research and Treatment, Semel Institute of Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | | | - Mark Gerstein
- Computational Biology & Bioinformatics Program, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Bogdan Pasaniuc
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Daniel H Geschwind
- Center for Neurobehavioral Genetics, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Center for Autism Research and Treatment, Semel Institute of Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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89
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Di Gesù CM, Matz LM, Bolding IJ, Fultz R, Hoffman KL, Marino Gammazza A, Petrosino JF, Buffington SA. Maternal gut microbiota mediate intergenerational effects of high-fat diet on descendant social behavior. Cell Rep 2022; 41:111461. [PMID: 36223744 PMCID: PMC9597666 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysbiosis of the maternal gut microbiome during pregnancy is associated with adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes. We previously showed that maternal high-fat diet (MHFD) in mice induces gut dysbiosis, social dysfunction, and underlying synaptic plasticity deficits in male offspring (F1). Here, we reason that, if HFD-mediated changes in maternal gut microbiota drive offspring social deficits, then MHFD-induced dysbiosis in F1 female MHFD offspring would likewise impair F2 social behavior. Metataxonomic sequencing reveals reduced microbial richness among female F1 MHFD offspring. Despite recovery of microbial richness among MHFD-descendant F2 mice, they display social dysfunction. Post-weaning Limosilactobacillus reuteri treatment increases the abundance of short-chain fatty acid-producing taxa and rescues MHFD-descendant F2 social deficits. L. reuteri exerts a sexually dimorphic impact on gut microbiota configuration, increasing discriminant taxa between female cohorts. Collectively, these results show multigenerational impacts of HFD-induced dysbiosis in the maternal lineage and highlight the potential of maternal microbiome-targeted interventions for neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia M. Di Gesù
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA,Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (BIND), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy,Current address: Department of Neurology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston,These authors contributed equally
| | - Lisa M. Matz
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA,These authors contributed equally
| | - Ian J. Bolding
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Robert Fultz
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Kristi L. Hoffman
- Alkek Center for Metagenomics and Microbiome Research, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA,Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Antonella Marino Gammazza
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (BIND), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Joseph F. Petrosino
- Alkek Center for Metagenomics and Microbiome Research, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA,Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Shelly A. Buffington
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA,Sealy Center for Microbiome Research, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA,Lead contact,Correspondence:
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90
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Stelzer JA, Yi JJ. A Scalable, Cell-based Method for the Functional Assessment of Ube3a Variants. J Vis Exp 2022:10.3791/64454. [PMID: 36282706 PMCID: PMC10563361 DOI: 10.3791/64454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The increased use of sequencing in medicine has identified millions of coding variants in the human genome. Many of these variants occur in genes associated with neurodevelopmental disorders, but the functional significance of the vast majority of variants remains unknown. The present protocol describes the study of variants for Ube3a, a gene that encodes an E3 ubiquitin ligase linked to both autism and Angelman syndrome. Duplication or triplication of Ube3a is strongly linked to autism, whereas its deletion causes Angelman syndrome. Thus, understanding the valence of changes in UBE3A protein activity is important for clinical outcomes. Here, a rapid, cell-based method that pairs Ube3a variants with a Wnt pathway reporter is described. This simple assay is scalable and can be used to determine the valence and magnitude of activity changes in any Ube3a variant. Moreover, the facility of this method allows the generation of a wealth of structure-function information, which can be used to gain deep insights into the enzymatic mechanisms of UBE3A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jalin A Stelzer
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine
| | - Jason J Yi
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine;
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91
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Xing M, Zhang Q, Song W. GIGYF1-disturbed IGF-1R recycling: a potential contributor to autism spectrum disorder pathogenesis? J Clin Invest 2022; 132:163553. [PMID: 36189799 PMCID: PMC9525114 DOI: 10.1172/jci163553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a highly variable and heritable neurodevelopmental disease (NDD) with strong genetic underpinnings. In this issue of the JCI, Chen et al. analyzed 2 previously reported, large-scale sequenced ASD cohorts and reported that GIGYF1 is the second most mutated among ASD risk genes. In this issue of the JCI, Chen et al. used a conditional mouse model combined with molecular technologies based on human genetic analyses to determine the critical role of GIGYF1 in ASD. GIGYF1-deficiency affected the recycling of IGF-1R, thereby suppressing the IGF-1R/ERK signaling pathway. Disruption of GIGYF1 in the developing mouse brain led to social deficits and cognitive impairments. These findings extend our understanding of ASD pathogenesis and provide an avenue for developing potentially effective preventions and treatments for patients with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengen Xing
- Institute of Aging, Key Laboratory of Alzheimer's Disease of Zhejiang Province, School of Mental Health and Affiliated Kangning Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University.,Oujiang Laboratory, Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qing Zhang
- Townsend Family Laboratories, Department of Psychiatry, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Weihong Song
- Institute of Aging, Key Laboratory of Alzheimer's Disease of Zhejiang Province, School of Mental Health and Affiliated Kangning Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University.,Oujiang Laboratory, Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
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92
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Haartsen R, Mason L, Garces P, Gui A, Charman T, Tillmann J, Johnson MH, Buitelaar JK, Loth E, Murphy D, Jones EJH. Qualitative differences in the spatiotemporal brain states supporting configural face processing emerge in adolescence in autism. Cortex 2022; 155:13-29. [PMID: 35961249 DOI: 10.1016/j.cortex.2022.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studying the neural processing of faces can illuminate the mechanisms of compromised social expertise in autism. To resolve a longstanding debate, we examined whether differences in configural face processing in autism are underpinned by quantitative differences in the activation of typical face processing pathways, or the recruitment of non-typical neural systems. METHODS We investigated spatial and temporal characteristics of event-related EEG responses to upright and inverted faces in a large sample of children, adolescents, and adults with and without autism. We examined topographic analyses of variance and global field power to identify group differences in the spatial and temporal response to face inversion. We then examined how quasi-stable spatiotemporal profiles - microstates - are modulated by face orientation and diagnostic group. RESULTS Upright and inverted faces produced distinct profiles of topography and strength in the topographical analyses. These topographical profiles differed between diagnostic groups in adolescents, but not in children or adults. In the microstate analysis, the autistic group showed differences in the activation strength of normative microstates during early-stage processing at all ages, suggesting consistent quantitative differences in the operation of typical processing pathways; qualitative differences in microstate topographies during late-stage processing became prominent in adults, suggesting the increasing involvement of non-typical neural systems with processing time and over development. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that early difficulties with configural face processing may trigger later compensatory processes in autism that emerge in later development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rianne Haartsen
- Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, Birkbeck College, University of London, United Kingdom.
| | - Luke Mason
- Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, Birkbeck College, University of London, United Kingdom
| | - Pilar Garces
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Anna Gui
- Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, Birkbeck College, University of London, United Kingdom
| | - Tony Charman
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom; South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Bethlem Royal Hospital, Kent, United Kingdom
| | - Julian Tillmann
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Mark H Johnson
- Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, Birkbeck College, University of London, United Kingdom; Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Jan K Buitelaar
- Radboud University Medical Centre, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Eva Loth
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Science, King's College London, United Kingdom
| | - Declan Murphy
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Science, King's College London, United Kingdom
| | - Emily J H Jones
- Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, Birkbeck College, University of London, United Kingdom
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93
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Kim S, Oh H, Choi SH, Yoo YE, Noh YW, Cho Y, Im GH, Lee C, Oh Y, Yang E, Kim G, Chung WS, Kim H, Kang H, Bae Y, Kim SG, Kim E. Postnatal age-differential ASD-like transcriptomic, synaptic, and behavioral deficits in Myt1l-mutant mice. Cell Rep 2022; 40:111398. [PMID: 36130507 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Myelin transcription factor 1 like (Myt1l), a zinc-finger transcription factor, promotes neuronal differentiation and is implicated in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual disability. However, it remains unclear whether Myt1l promotes neuronal differentiation in vivo and its deficiency in mice leads to disease-related phenotypes. Here, we report that Myt1l-heterozygous mutant (Myt1l-HT) mice display postnatal age-differential ASD-related phenotypes: newborn Myt1l-HT mice, with strong Myt1l expression, show ASD-like transcriptomic changes involving decreased synaptic gene expression and prefrontal excitatory synaptic transmission and altered righting reflex. Juvenile Myt1l-HT mice, with markedly decreased Myt1l expression, display reverse ASD-like transcriptomes, increased prefrontal excitatory transmission, and largely normal behaviors. Adult Myt1l-HT mice show ASD-like transcriptomes involving astrocytic and microglial gene upregulation, increased prefrontal inhibitory transmission, and behavioral deficits. Therefore, Myt1l haploinsufficiency leads to ASD-related phenotypes in newborn mice, which are temporarily normalized in juveniles but re-appear in adults, pointing to continuing phenotypic changes long after a marked decrease of Myt1l expression in juveniles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seongbin Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute for Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Korea
| | - Hyoseon Oh
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute for Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Korea
| | - Sang Han Choi
- Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Suwon 16419, Korea; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Korea
| | - Ye-Eun Yoo
- Center for Synaptic Brain Dysfunctions, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon 34141, Korea
| | - Young Woo Noh
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute for Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Korea
| | - Yisul Cho
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Dentistry, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41940, Korea
| | - Geun Ho Im
- Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Suwon 16419, Korea
| | - Chanhee Lee
- Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Suwon 16419, Korea
| | - Yusang Oh
- Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute for Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Korea
| | - Esther Yang
- Department of Anatomy and BK21 Graduate Program, Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Gyuri Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute for Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Korea
| | - Won-Suk Chung
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute for Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Korea
| | - Hyun Kim
- Department of Anatomy and BK21 Graduate Program, Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Hyojin Kang
- Division of National Supercomputing, Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information (KISTI), Daejeon 34141, Korea
| | - Yongchul Bae
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Dentistry, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41940, Korea
| | - Seong-Gi Kim
- Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Suwon 16419, Korea; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Korea
| | - Eunjoon Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute for Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Korea; Center for Synaptic Brain Dysfunctions, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon 34141, Korea.
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94
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Moore S, Amatya DN, Chu MM, Besterman AD. Catatonia in autism and other neurodevelopmental disabilities: a state-of-the-art review. NPJ MENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2022; 1:12. [PMID: 38609506 PMCID: PMC10955936 DOI: 10.1038/s44184-022-00012-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
Individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities (NDDs) may be at increased risk for catatonia, which can be an especially challenging condition to diagnose and treat. There may be symptom overlap between catatonia and NDD-associated behaviors, such as stereotypies. The diagnosis of catatonia should perhaps be adjusted to address symptom overlap and to include extreme behaviors observed in patients with NDDs, such as severe self-injury. Risk factors for catatonia in individuals with NDDs may include trauma and certain genetic variants, such as those that disrupt SHANK3. Common etiologic features between neurodevelopmental disabilities and catatonia, such as excitatory/inhibitory imbalance and neuroimmune dysfunction, may partially account for comorbidity. New approaches leveraging genetic testing and neuroimmunologic evaluation may allow for more precise diagnoses and effective treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shavon Moore
- University of California San Diego, Department of Psychiatry, San Diego, CA, USA
- Rady Children's Hospital San Diego, Division of Behavioral Health Services, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Debha N Amatya
- University of California San Diego, Department of Psychiatry, San Diego, CA, USA
- UCLA Semel Institute of Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Michael M Chu
- University of California San Diego, Department of Psychiatry, San Diego, CA, USA
- Rady Children's Hospital San Diego, Division of Behavioral Health Services, San Diego, CA, USA
- Children's Hospital of Orange County, Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Orange, CA, USA
- University of California Irvine, Department of Psychiatry, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Aaron D Besterman
- University of California San Diego, Department of Psychiatry, San Diego, CA, USA.
- Rady Children's Hospital San Diego, Division of Behavioral Health Services, San Diego, CA, USA.
- Rady Children's Institute for Genomic Medicine, San Diego, CA, USA.
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95
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Nowakowski TJ, Salama SR. Cerebral Organoids as an Experimental Platform for Human Neurogenomics. Cells 2022; 11:2803. [PMID: 36139380 PMCID: PMC9496777 DOI: 10.3390/cells11182803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The cerebral cortex forms early in development according to a series of heritable neurodevelopmental instructions. Despite deep evolutionary conservation of the cerebral cortex and its foundational six-layered architecture, significant variations in cortical size and folding can be found across mammals, including a disproportionate expansion of the prefrontal cortex in humans. Yet our mechanistic understanding of neurodevelopmental processes is derived overwhelmingly from rodent models, which fail to capture many human-enriched features of cortical development. With the advent of pluripotent stem cells and technologies for differentiating three-dimensional cultures of neural tissue in vitro, cerebral organoids have emerged as an experimental platform that recapitulates several hallmarks of human brain development. In this review, we discuss the merits and limitations of cerebral organoids as experimental models of the developing human brain. We highlight innovations in technology development that seek to increase its fidelity to brain development in vivo and discuss recent efforts to use cerebral organoids to study regeneration and brain evolution as well as to develop neurological and neuropsychiatric disease models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomasz J. Nowakowski
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Department of Anatomy, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Sofie R. Salama
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA
- UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA
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96
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Tissue-wide cell-specific proteogenomic modeling reveals novel candidate risk genes in autism spectrum disorders. NPJ Syst Biol Appl 2022; 8:31. [PMID: 36068227 PMCID: PMC9448731 DOI: 10.1038/s41540-022-00243-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a set of complex neurodevelopmental diseases characterized with repetitive behavioral patterns and communication disabilities. Using a systems biology method called MAPSD (Markov Affinity-based Proteogenomic Signal Diffusion) for joint modeling of proteome dynamics and a wide array of omics datasets, we identified a list of candidate ASD risk genes. Leveraging the collected biological signals as well as a large-scale protein-protein interaction network adjusted based on single cell resolution proteome properties in four brain regions, we observed an agreement between the known and the newly identified candidate genes that are spatially enriched in neuronal cells within cerebral cortex at the protein level. Moreover, we created a detailed subcellular localization enrichment map of the known and the identified genes across 32 micro-domains and showed that neuronal cells and neuropils share the largest fraction of signal enrichment in cerebral cortex. Notably, we showed that the identified genes are among the transcriptional biomarkers of inhibitory and excitatory neurons in human frontal cortex. Intersecting the identified genes with a single cell RNA-seq data on ASD brains further evidenced that 20 candidate genes, including GRIK1, EMX2, STXBP6, and KCNJ3 are disrupted in distinct cell-types. Moreover, we showed that ASD risk genes are predominantly distributed in certain human interactome modules, and that the identified genes may act as the regulator for some of the known ASD loci. In summary, our study demonstrated how tissue-wide cell-specific proteogenomic modeling can reveal candidate genes for brain disorders that can be supported by convergent lines of evidence.
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97
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Jaudon F, Thalhammer A, Zentilin L, Cingolani LA. CRISPR-mediated activation of autism gene Itgb3 restores cortical network excitability via mGluR5 signaling. MOLECULAR THERAPY - NUCLEIC ACIDS 2022; 29:462-480. [PMID: 36035754 PMCID: PMC9382421 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2022.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Many mutations in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affect a single allele, indicating a key role for gene dosage in ASD susceptibility. Recently, haplo-insufficiency of ITGB3, the gene encoding the extracellular matrix receptor β3 integrin, was associated with ASD. Accordingly, Itgb3 knockout (KO) mice exhibit autism-like phenotypes. The pathophysiological mechanisms of Itgb3 remain, however, unknown, and the potential of targeting this gene for developing ASD therapies uninvestigated. By combining molecular, biochemical, imaging, and pharmacological analyses, we establish that Itgb3 haplo-insufficiency impairs cortical network excitability by promoting extra-synaptic over synaptic signaling of the metabotropic glutamate receptor mGluR5, which is similarly dysregulated in fragile X syndrome, the most frequent monogenic form of ASD. To assess the therapeutic potential of regulating Itgb3 gene dosage, we implemented CRISPR activation and compared its efficacy with that of a pharmacological rescue strategy for fragile X syndrome. Correction of neuronal Itgb3 haplo-insufficiency by CRISPR activation rebalanced network excitability as effectively as blockade of mGluR5 with the selective antagonist MPEP. Our findings reveal an unexpected functional interaction between two ASD genes, thereby validating the pathogenicity of ITGB3 haplo-insufficiency. Further, they pave the way for exploiting CRISPR activation as gene therapy for normalizing gene dosage and network excitability in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanny Jaudon
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology (NSYN), Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), 16132 Genoa, Italy
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Agnes Thalhammer
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Lorena Zentilin
- AAV Vector Unit, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Lorenzo A. Cingolani
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology (NSYN), Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), 16132 Genoa, Italy
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
- Corresponding author Lorenzo A. Cingolani, Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy.
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98
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Mason L, Moessnang C, Chatham C, Ham L, Tillmann J, Dumas G, Ellis C, Leblond CS, Cliquet F, Bourgeron T, Beckmann C, Charman T, Oakley B, Banaschewski T, Meyer-Lindenberg A, Baron-Cohen S, Bölte S, Buitelaar JK, Durston S, Loth E, Oranje B, Persico A, Dell'Acqua F, Ecker C, Johnson MH, Murphy D, Jones EJH. Stratifying the autistic phenotype using electrophysiological indices of social perception. Sci Transl Med 2022; 14:eabf8987. [PMID: 35976994 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abf8987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by difficulties in social communication, but also great heterogeneity. To offer individualized medicine approaches, we need to better target interventions by stratifying autistic people into subgroups with different biological profiles and/or prognoses. We sought to validate neural responses to faces as a potential stratification factor in ASD by measuring neural (electroencephalography) responses to faces (critical in social interaction) in N = 436 children and adults with and without ASD. The speed of early-stage face processing (N170 latency) was on average slower in ASD than in age-matched controls. In addition, N170 latency was associated with responses to faces in the fusiform gyrus, measured with functional magnetic resonance imaging, and polygenic scores for ASD. Within the ASD group, N170 latency predicted change in adaptive socialization skills over an 18-month follow-up period; data-driven clustering identified a subgroup with slower brain responses and poor social prognosis. Use of a distributional data-driven cutoff was associated with predicted improvements of power in simulated clinical trials targeting social functioning. Together, the data provide converging evidence for the utility of the N170 as a stratification factor to identify biologically and prognostically defined subgroups in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke Mason
- Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, Birkbeck, University of London, WC1E 7HX, London, UK
| | - Carolin Moessnang
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, 68159 Mannheim, Germany
| | | | - Lindsay Ham
- F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Julian Tillmann
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College, London, London, UK
| | - Guillaume Dumas
- Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions, Institut Pasteur, UMR3571 CNRS, Université de Paris, 75015 Paris, France.,Precision Psychiatry and Social Physiology laboratory, CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Montreal, H3T 1C5 Quebec, Canada
| | - Claire Ellis
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College, London, London, UK
| | - Claire S Leblond
- Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions, Institut Pasteur, UMR3571 CNRS, Université de Paris, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Freddy Cliquet
- Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions, Institut Pasteur, UMR3571 CNRS, Université de Paris, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Thomas Bourgeron
- Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions, Institut Pasteur, UMR3571 CNRS, Université de Paris, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Christian Beckmann
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboudumc, 6525 EN Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Tony Charman
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College, London, London, UK
| | - Beth Oakley
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College, London, London, UK
| | - Tobias Banaschewski
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, 68159 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Andreas Meyer-Lindenberg
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, 68159 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Simon Baron-Cohen
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, CB2 3EB Cambridge, UK
| | - Sven Bölte
- Center of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (KIND), Centre for Psychiatry Research Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Stockholm 171 77, Sweden
| | - Jan K Buitelaar
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboudumc, 6525 EN Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Sarah Durston
- NICHE-lab, Department of Psychiatry, Brain Center of University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Eva Loth
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College, London, London, UK
| | - Bob Oranje
- NICHE-lab, Department of Psychiatry, Brain Center of University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, Netherlands
| | | | - Flavio Dell'Acqua
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College, London, London, UK
| | - Christine Ecker
- Curtin Autism Research Group, School of Occupational Therapy, Social Work and Speech Pathology, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia 6102, Australia
| | - Mark H Johnson
- Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, Birkbeck, University of London, WC1E 7HX, London, UK.,Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, CB2 3EB Cambridge, UK
| | - Declan Murphy
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College, London, London, UK
| | - Emily J H Jones
- Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, Birkbeck, University of London, WC1E 7HX, London, UK
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99
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Fóthi Á, Pintér C, Pollner P, Lőrincz A. Peripheral gene interactions define interpretable clusters of core ASD genes in a network-based investigation of the omnigenic theory. NPJ Syst Biol Appl 2022; 8:28. [PMID: 35948596 PMCID: PMC9365765 DOI: 10.1038/s41540-022-00240-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
According to the recently proposed omnigenic theory, all expressed genes in a relevant tissue are contributing directly or indirectly to the manifestation of complex disorders such as autism. Thus, holistic approaches can be complementary in studying genetics of these complex disorders to focusing on a limited number of candidate genes. Gene interaction networks can be used for holistic studies of the omnigenic nature of autism. We used Louvain clustering on tissue-specific gene interaction networks and their subgraphs exclusively containing autism-related genes to study the effects of peripheral gene interactions. We observed that the autism gene clusters are significantly weaker connected to each other and the peripheral genes in non-neuronal tissues than in brain-related tissues. The biological functions of the brain clusters correlated well with previous findings on autism, such as synaptic signaling, regulation of DNA methylation, or regulation of lymphocyte activation, however, on the other tissues they did not enrich as significantly. Furthermore, ASD subjects with disruptive mutations in specific gene clusters show phenotypical differences compared to other disruptive variants carrying ASD individuals. Our results strengthen the omnigenic theory and can advance our understanding of the genetic background of autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ábel Fóthi
- Department of Artificial Intelligence, Faculty of Informatics, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary.
- Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest, Hungary.
- Institute of Archaeogenomics, Research Centre for the Humanities, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Csaba Pintér
- Department of Artificial Intelligence, Faculty of Informatics, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Péter Pollner
- MTA-ELTE Statistical and Biological Physics Research Group, Eötvös Loránd Research Network (ELKH), Department of Biological Physics, Eötvös University, Budapest, Hungary
- Health Services Management Training Centre, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - András Lőrincz
- Department of Artificial Intelligence, Faculty of Informatics, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
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100
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A common epigenetic mechanism across different cellular origins underlies systemic immune dysregulation in an idiopathic autism mouse model. Mol Psychiatry 2022; 27:3343-3354. [PMID: 35491410 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01566-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Immune dysregulation plays a key role in the pathogenesis of autism. Changes occurring at the systemic level, from brain inflammation to disturbed innate/adaptive immune in the periphery, are frequently observed in patients with autism; however, the intrinsic mechanisms behind them remain elusive. We hypothesize a common etiology may lie in progenitors of different types underlying widespread immune dysregulation. By single-cell RNA sequencing (sc-RNA seq), we trace the developmental origins of immune dysregulation in a mouse model of idiopathic autism. It is found that both in aorta-gonad-mesonephros (AGM) and yolk sac (YS) progenitors, the dysregulation of HDAC1-mediated epigenetic machinery alters definitive hematopoiesis during embryogenesis and downregulates the expression of the AP-1 complex for microglia development. Subsequently, these changes result in the dysregulation of the immune system, leading to gut dysbiosis and hyperactive microglia in the brain. We further confirm that dysregulated immune profiles are associated with specific microbiota composition, which may serve as a biomarker to identify autism of immune-dysregulated subtypes. Our findings elucidate a shared mechanism for the origin of immune dysregulation from the brain to the gut in autism and provide new insight to dissecting the heterogeneity of autism, as well as the therapeutic potential of targeting immune-dysregulated autism subtypes.
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