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Ye F, Du L, Liu B, Gao X, Yang A, Liu D, Chen Y, Lv K, Xu P, Chen Y, Liu J, Zhang L, Li S, Shmuel A, Zhang Q, Ma G. Application of pseudocontinuous arterial spin labeling perfusion imaging in children with autism spectrum disorders. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:1045585. [PMID: 36425476 PMCID: PMC9680558 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.1045585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Pseudocontinuous Arterial Spin Labeling (pCASL) perfusion imaging allows non-invasive quantification of regional cerebral blood flow (CBF) as part of a multimodal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocol. This study aimed to compare regional CBF in autism spectrum disorders (ASD) individuals with their age-matched typically developing (TD) children using pCASL perfusion imaging. Materials and methods This cross-sectional study enrolled 17 individuals with ASD and 13 TD children. All participants underwent pCASL examination on a 3.0 T MRI scanner. Children in two groups were assessed for clinical characteristics and developmental profiles using Autism Behavior Checklist (ABC) and Gesell development diagnosis scale (GDDS), respectively. We compared CBF in different cerebral regions of ASD and TD children. We also assessed the association between CBF and clinical characteristics/developmental profile. Results Compared with TD children, individuals with ASD demonstrated a reduction in CBF in the left frontal lobe, the bilateral parietal lobes, and the bilateral temporal lobes. Within the ASD group, CBF was significantly higher in the right parietal lobe than in the left side. Correlation analysis of behavior characteristics and CBF in different regions showed a positive correlation between body and object domain scores on the ABC and CBF of the bilateral occipital lobes, and separately, between language domain scores and CBF of the left frontal lobe. The score of the social and self-help domain was negatively correlated with the CBF of the left frontal lobe, the left parietal lobe, and the left temporal lobe. Conclusion Cerebral blood flow was found to be negatively correlated with scores in the social and self-help domain, and positively correlated with those in the body and object domain, indicating that CBF values are a potential MRI-based biomarker of disease severity in ASD patients. The findings may provide novel insight into the pathophysiological mechanisms of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Ye
- Department of Pediatrics, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Du
- Department of Radiology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research, Ministry of Education, Department of Radiology, Peking University, Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Bing Liu
- Department of Radiology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
- Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xinying Gao
- Department of Pediatrics, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Aocai Yang
- Department of Radiology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
- Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Die Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yue Chen
- Department of Radiology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
- Peking University China-Japan Friendship School of Clinical Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Kuan Lv
- Department of Radiology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
- Peking University China-Japan Friendship School of Clinical Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Pengfei Xu
- Department of Pediatrics, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yuanmei Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
- Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lipeng Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
- Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shijun Li
- Department of Radiology, First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Amir Shmuel
- McConnell Brain Imaging Centre, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Qi Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
- Qi Zhang,
| | - Guolin Ma
- Department of Radiology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Guolin Ma,
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From mechanisms to markers: novel noninvasive EEG proxy markers of the neural excitation and inhibition system in humans. Transl Psychiatry 2022; 12:467. [PMID: 36344497 PMCID: PMC9640647 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-022-02218-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain function is a product of the balance between excitatory and inhibitory (E/I) brain activity. Variation in the regulation of this activity is thought to give rise to normal variation in human traits, and disruptions are thought to potentially underlie a spectrum of neuropsychiatric conditions (e.g., Autism, Schizophrenia, Downs' Syndrome, intellectual disability). Hypotheses related to E/I dysfunction have the potential to provide cross-diagnostic explanations and to combine genetic and neurological evidence that exists within and between psychiatric conditions. However, the hypothesis has been difficult to test because: (1) it lacks specificity-an E/I dysfunction could pertain to any level in the neural system- neurotransmitters, single neurons/receptors, local networks of neurons, or global brain balance - most researchers do not define the level at which they are examining E/I function; (2) We lack validated methods for assessing E/I function at any of these neural levels in humans. As a result, it has not been possible to reliably or robustly test the E/I hypothesis of psychiatric disorders in a large cohort or longitudinal patient studies. Currently available, in vivo markers of E/I in humans either carry significant risks (e.g., deep brain electrode recordings or using Positron Emission Tomography (PET) with radioactive tracers) and/or are highly restrictive (e.g., limited spatial extent for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS). More recently, a range of novel Electroencephalography (EEG) features has been described, which could serve as proxy markers for E/I at a given level of inference. Thus, in this perspective review, we survey the theories and experimental evidence underlying 6 novel EEG markers and their biological underpinnings at a specific neural level. These cheap-to-record and scalable proxy markers may offer clinical utility for identifying subgroups within and between diagnostic categories, thus directing more tailored sub-grouping and, therefore, treatment strategies. However, we argue that studies in clinical populations are premature. To maximize the potential of prospective EEG markers, we first need to understand the link between underlying E/I mechanisms and measurement techniques.
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Chakraborty S, Parayil R, Mishra S, Nongthomba U, Clement JP. Epilepsy Characteristics in Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Research from Patient Cohorts and Animal Models Focusing on Autism Spectrum Disorder. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231810807. [PMID: 36142719 PMCID: PMC9501968 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy, a heterogeneous group of brain-related diseases, has continued to significantly burden society and families. Epilepsy comorbid with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) is believed to occur due to multifaceted pathophysiological mechanisms involving disruptions in the excitation and inhibition (E/I) balance impeding widespread functional neuronal circuitry. Although the field has received much attention from the scientific community recently, the research has not yet translated into actionable therapeutics to completely cure epilepsy, particularly those comorbid with NDDs. In this review, we sought to elucidate the basic causes underlying epilepsy as well as those contributing to the association of epilepsy with NDDs. Comprehensive emphasis is put on some key neurodevelopmental genes implicated in epilepsy, such as MeCP2, SYNGAP1, FMR1, SHANK1-3 and TSC1, along with a few others, and the main electrophysiological and behavioral deficits are highlighted. For these genes, the progress made in developing appropriate and valid rodent models to accelerate basic research is also detailed. Further, we discuss the recent development in the therapeutic management of epilepsy and provide a briefing on the challenges and caveats in identifying and testing species-specific epilepsy models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sukanya Chakraborty
- Neuroscience Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bengaluru 560064, India
| | - Rrejusha Parayil
- Neuroscience Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bengaluru 560064, India
| | - Shefali Mishra
- Molecular Reproduction, Development and Genetics (MRDG), Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru 560012, India
| | - Upendra Nongthomba
- Molecular Reproduction, Development and Genetics (MRDG), Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru 560012, India
| | - James P. Clement
- Neuroscience Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bengaluru 560064, India
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +91-08-2208-2613
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Biosca-Brull J, Guardia-Escote L, Blanco J, Basaure P, Cabré M, Sánchez-Santed F, Domingo JL, Colomina MT. Prenatal, but not postnatal exposure to chlorpyrifos affects social behavior of mice and the excitatory-inhibitory balance in a sex-dependent manner. Food Chem Toxicol 2022; 169:113423. [PMID: 36113784 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2022.113423] [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: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The balance between excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters is essential for proper brain development. An imbalance between these two systems has been associated with neurodevelopmental disorders. On the other hand, literature also associates the massive use of pesticides with the increase of these disorders, with a particular focus on chlorpyrifos (CPF) a world-wide used organophosphate pesticide. This study was aimed at assessing social autistic-like behaviors on mice pre or postnatally exposed to CPF (0 or 1 mg/kg/day), in both sexes. In prenatal exposure, C57BL/6J pregnant mice were exposed to CPF through the diet, between gestational days (GD) 12 and 18, while a positive control group for some autistic behaviors was exposed to valproic acid (VPA) on GD 12 and 13. To assess postnatal exposure, C57BL/6J mice were orally exposed to the vehicle (corn oil) or CPF, from postnatal days (PND) 10-15. Social behavior and gene expression analysis were assessed on PND 45. Results showed social alterations only in males prenatally treated. GABA system was upregulated in CPF-treated females, whereas an increase in both systems was observed in both treated males. These findings suggest that males are more sensitive to prenatal CPF exposure, favoring the sex bias observed in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judit Biosca-Brull
- Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Research Group in Neurobehavior and Health (NEUROLAB), Tarragona, Spain; Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Department of Psychology and Research Center for Behavior Assessment (CRAMC), Tarragona, Spain; Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health (TECNATOX), Reus, Spain.
| | - Laia Guardia-Escote
- Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Research Group in Neurobehavior and Health (NEUROLAB), Tarragona, Spain; Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Department of Psychology and Research Center for Behavior Assessment (CRAMC), Tarragona, Spain
| | - Jordi Blanco
- Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Research Group in Neurobehavior and Health (NEUROLAB), Tarragona, Spain; Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health (TECNATOX), Reus, Spain; Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Reus, Spain
| | - Pia Basaure
- Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Research Group in Neurobehavior and Health (NEUROLAB), Tarragona, Spain
| | - Maria Cabré
- Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Research Group in Neurobehavior and Health (NEUROLAB), Tarragona, Spain; Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Tarragona, Spain
| | - Fernando Sánchez-Santed
- Department of Psychology, Health Research Center (CEINSA), Almeria University, 04120, Almeria, Spain
| | - José L Domingo
- Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health (TECNATOX), Reus, Spain
| | - Maria Teresa Colomina
- Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Research Group in Neurobehavior and Health (NEUROLAB), Tarragona, Spain; Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Department of Psychology and Research Center for Behavior Assessment (CRAMC), Tarragona, Spain; Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health (TECNATOX), Reus, Spain.
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Li D, Wu Q, Han X. Application of Medial Ganglionic Eminence Cell Transplantation in Diseases Associated With Interneuron Disorders. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:939294. [PMID: 35865112 PMCID: PMC9294455 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.939294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Excitatory projection neurons and inhibitory interneurons primarily accomplish the neural activity of the cerebral cortex, and an imbalance of excitatory-inhibitory neural networks may lead to neuropsychiatric diseases. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic interneurons mediate inhibition, and the embryonic medial ganglionic eminence (MGE) is a source of GABAergic interneurons. After transplantation, MGE cells migrate to different brain regions, differentiate into multiple subtypes of GABAergic interneurons, integrate into host neural circuits, enhance synaptic inhibition, and have tremendous application value in diseases associated with interneuron disorders. In the current review, we describe the fate of MGE cells derived into specific interneurons and the related diseases caused by interneuron loss or dysfunction and explore the potential of MGE cell transplantation as a cell-based therapy for a variety of interneuron disorder-related diseases, such as epilepsy, schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorder, and Alzheimer’s disease.
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Scher MS. Gene-Environment Interactions During the First Thousand Days Influence Childhood Neurological Diagnosis. Semin Pediatr Neurol 2022; 42:100970. [PMID: 35868730 DOI: 10.1016/j.spen.2022.100970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/02/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Gene-environment (G x E) interactions significantly influence neurologic outcomes. The maternal-placental-fetal (MPF) triad, neonate, or child less than 2 years may first exhibit significant brain disorders. Neuroplasticity during the first 1000 days will more likely result in life-long effects given critical periods of development. Developmental origins and life-course principles help recognize changing neurologic phenotypes across ages. Dual diagnostic approaches are discussed using representative case scenarios to highlight time-dependent G x E interactions that contribute to neurologic sequelae. Horizontal analyses identify clinically relevant phenotypic form and function at different ages. Vertical analyses integrate the approach using systems-biology from genetic through multi-organ system interactions during each developmental age to understand etiopathogenesis. The process of ontogenetic adaptation results in immediate or delayed positive and negative outcomes specific to the developmental niche, expressed either as a healthy child or one with neurologic sequelae. Maternal immune activation, ischemic placental disease, and fetal inflammatory response represent prenatal disease pathways that contribute to fetal brain injuries. These processes involve G x E interactions within the MPF triad, phenotypically expressed as fetal brain malformations or destructive injuries within the MPF triad. A neonatal minority express encephalopathy, seizures, stroke, and encephalopathy of prematurity as a continuum of trimester-specific G x E interactions. This group may later present with childhood sequelae. A healthy neonatal majority present at older ages with sequelae such as developmental disorders, epilepsy, mental health diseases, tumors, and neurodegenerative disease, often during the first 1000 days. Effective preventive, rescue, and reparative neuroprotective strategies require consideration of G x E interactions interplay over time. Addressing maternal and pediatric health disparities will maximize medical equity with positive global outcomes that reduce the burden of neurologic diseases across the lifespan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark S Scher
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Neurology, Fetal/Neonatal Neurology Program, Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital/MacDonald Hospital for Women, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH.
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Halff EF, Hannan S, Kwanthongdee J, Lesept F, Smart TG, Kittler JT. Phosphorylation of neuroligin-2 by PKA regulates its cell surface abundance and synaptic stabilization. Sci Signal 2022; 15:eabg2505. [PMID: 35727864 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.abg2505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
The trans-synaptic adhesion molecule neuroligin-2 (NL2) is essential for the development and function of inhibitory synapses. NL2 recruits the postsynaptic scaffold protein gephyrin, which, in turn, stabilizes γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptors (GABAARs) in the postsynaptic domain. Thus, the amount of NL2 at the synapse can control synaptic GABAAR concentration to tune inhibitory neurotransmission efficacy. Here, using biochemistry, imaging, single-particle tracking, and electrophysiology, we uncovered a key role for cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) in the synaptic stabilization of NL2. We found that PKA-mediated phosphorylation of NL2 at Ser714 caused its dispersal from the synapse and reduced NL2 surface amounts, leading to a loss of synaptic GABAARs. Conversely, enhancing the stability of NL2 at synapses by abolishing PKA-mediated phosphorylation led to increased inhibitory signaling. Thus, PKA plays a key role in regulating NL2 function and GABA-mediated synaptic inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Els F Halff
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology, and Pharmacology, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Saad Hannan
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology, and Pharmacology, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Jaturon Kwanthongdee
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology, and Pharmacology, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK.,Princess Srisavangavadhana College of Medicine, Chulabhorn Royal Academy, Bangkok 10210, Thailand
| | - Flavie Lesept
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology, and Pharmacology, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Trevor G Smart
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology, and Pharmacology, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Josef T Kittler
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology, and Pharmacology, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
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Lamers D, Landi S, Mezzena R, Baroncelli L, Pillai V, Cruciani F, Migliarini S, Mazzoleni S, Pasqualetti M, Passafaro M, Bassani S, Ratto GM. Perturbation of Cortical Excitability in a Conditional Model of PCDH19 Disorder. Cells 2022; 11:cells11121939. [PMID: 35741068 PMCID: PMC9222106 DOI: 10.3390/cells11121939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
PCDH19 epilepsy (DEE9) is an X-linked syndrome associated with cognitive and behavioral disturbances. Since heterozygous females are affected, while mutant males are spared, it is likely that DEE9 pathogenesis is related to disturbed cell-to-cell communication associated with mosaicism. However, the effects of mosaic PCDH19 expression on cortical networks are unknown. We mimicked the pathology of DEE9 by introducing a patch of mosaic protein expression in one hemisphere of the cortex of conditional PCDH19 knockout mice one day after birth. In the contralateral area, PCDH19 expression was unaffected, thus providing an internal control. In this model, we characterized the physiology of the disrupted network using local field recordings and two photon Ca2+ imaging in urethane anesthetized mice. We found transient episodes of hyperexcitability in the form of brief hypersynchronous spikes or bursts of field potential oscillations in the 9–25 Hz range. Furthermore, we observed a strong disruption of slow wave activity, a crucial component of NREM sleep. This phenotype was present also when PCDH19 loss occurred in adult mice, demonstrating that PCDH19 exerts a function on cortical circuitry outside of early development. Our results indicate that a focal mosaic mutation of PCDH19 disrupts cortical networks and broaden our understanding of DEE9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Didi Lamers
- National Enterprise for NanoScience and NanoTchnology (NEST), Istituto Nanoscienze, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR) and Scuola Normale Superiore Pisa, 56127 Pisa, Italy; (D.L.); (S.L.); (R.M.); (V.P.); (F.C.)
| | - Silvia Landi
- National Enterprise for NanoScience and NanoTchnology (NEST), Istituto Nanoscienze, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR) and Scuola Normale Superiore Pisa, 56127 Pisa, Italy; (D.L.); (S.L.); (R.M.); (V.P.); (F.C.)
- Istituto di Neuroscienze, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), 56124 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Roberta Mezzena
- National Enterprise for NanoScience and NanoTchnology (NEST), Istituto Nanoscienze, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR) and Scuola Normale Superiore Pisa, 56127 Pisa, Italy; (D.L.); (S.L.); (R.M.); (V.P.); (F.C.)
| | - Laura Baroncelli
- Istituto di Neuroscienze, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), 56124 Pisa, Italy;
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, 56128 Pisa, Italy
| | - Vinoshene Pillai
- National Enterprise for NanoScience and NanoTchnology (NEST), Istituto Nanoscienze, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR) and Scuola Normale Superiore Pisa, 56127 Pisa, Italy; (D.L.); (S.L.); (R.M.); (V.P.); (F.C.)
| | - Federica Cruciani
- National Enterprise for NanoScience and NanoTchnology (NEST), Istituto Nanoscienze, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR) and Scuola Normale Superiore Pisa, 56127 Pisa, Italy; (D.L.); (S.L.); (R.M.); (V.P.); (F.C.)
| | - Sara Migliarini
- Unit of Cellular and Developmental Biology, Department of Biology, University of Pisa, 56127 Pisa, Italy; (S.M.); (M.P.)
| | - Sara Mazzoleni
- Institute of Neuroscience, CNR, 20854 Vedano al Lambro, Italy; (S.M.); (M.P.); (S.B.)
- NeuroMI Milan Center for Neuroscience, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milano, Italy
| | - Massimo Pasqualetti
- Unit of Cellular and Developmental Biology, Department of Biology, University of Pisa, 56127 Pisa, Italy; (S.M.); (M.P.)
| | - Maria Passafaro
- Institute of Neuroscience, CNR, 20854 Vedano al Lambro, Italy; (S.M.); (M.P.); (S.B.)
- NeuroMI Milan Center for Neuroscience, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milano, Italy
| | - Silvia Bassani
- Institute of Neuroscience, CNR, 20854 Vedano al Lambro, Italy; (S.M.); (M.P.); (S.B.)
- NeuroMI Milan Center for Neuroscience, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milano, Italy
| | - Gian Michele Ratto
- National Enterprise for NanoScience and NanoTchnology (NEST), Istituto Nanoscienze, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR) and Scuola Normale Superiore Pisa, 56127 Pisa, Italy; (D.L.); (S.L.); (R.M.); (V.P.); (F.C.)
- Correspondence:
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Wiggs KK, Sujan AC, Rickert ME, Quinn PD, Larsson H, Lichtenstein P, D'Onofrio BM, Oberg AS. Maternal Serotonergic Antidepressant Use in Pregnancy and Risk of Seizures in Children. Neurology 2022; 98:e2329-e2336. [PMID: 35545445 PMCID: PMC9202527 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000200516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES To evaluate whether children born to women who use serotonergic antidepressants during pregnancy have higher risk of neonatal seizures and epilepsy. METHODS We used Swedish register-based data to examine associations between maternal reported use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) in pregnancy and diagnosis of neonatal seizures or epilepsy in >1.2 million children. To account for systematic differences between exposed and unexposed children, we adjusted for a wide range of measured confounders. After first evaluating the role of maternal indication for SSRI/SNRI use (i.e., depression or anxiety) and parental epilepsy, we adjusted for remaining parental background factors (e.g., age, comorbidities, education, and family socioeconomic indices) and pregnancy-specific characteristics (e.g., maternal use of other psychotropic medications and tobacco smoking in early pregnancy). RESULTS Compared with all other children, children of women who reported use of SSRI/SNRI in pregnancy had an elevated risk of neonatal seizures and epilepsy (risk ratio [RR] 1.41, 95% CI 1.03-1.94; hazard ratio [HR] 1.21, 95% CI 1.03-1.43, respectively). The estimates of association were attenuated by adjustment for maternal indications for SSRI/SNRI use (RR 1.30, 95% CI 0.94-1.80; HR 1.13, 95% CI 0.95-1.33), but not by additional adjustment for parental history of epilepsy. Full adjustment for all measured parental and pregnancy-specific factors resulted in substantial attenuation of the remaining associations (RR 1.10, 95% CI 0.79-1.53; HR 0.96, 95% CI 0.81-1.14). DISCUSSION We found no support for the concern that maternal SSRI/SNRI use in pregnancy increases children's risk for neonatal seizures or epilepsy. CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE This study provides Class II evidence that exposure to SSRIs/SNRIs in the first trimester of pregnancy is not associated with an increased incidence of neonatal seizures/epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey Kathleen Wiggs
- From the Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences (K.K.W., M.E.R., B.M.D.) and Department of Applied Health Science, School of Public Health (P.D.Q.), Indiana University, Bloomington; Kaiser Permanente Northern California Division of Research (A.C.S.), Oakland; Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics (H.L., P.L., B.M.D., A.S.O.), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm; School of Medical Sciences (H.L.), Örebro University, Sweden; and Department of Epidemiology (A.S.O.), T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard, Boston, MA.
| | - Ayehsa C Sujan
- From the Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences (K.K.W., M.E.R., B.M.D.) and Department of Applied Health Science, School of Public Health (P.D.Q.), Indiana University, Bloomington; Kaiser Permanente Northern California Division of Research (A.C.S.), Oakland; Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics (H.L., P.L., B.M.D., A.S.O.), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm; School of Medical Sciences (H.L.), Örebro University, Sweden; and Department of Epidemiology (A.S.O.), T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard, Boston, MA
| | - Martin E Rickert
- From the Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences (K.K.W., M.E.R., B.M.D.) and Department of Applied Health Science, School of Public Health (P.D.Q.), Indiana University, Bloomington; Kaiser Permanente Northern California Division of Research (A.C.S.), Oakland; Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics (H.L., P.L., B.M.D., A.S.O.), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm; School of Medical Sciences (H.L.), Örebro University, Sweden; and Department of Epidemiology (A.S.O.), T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard, Boston, MA
| | - Patrick D Quinn
- From the Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences (K.K.W., M.E.R., B.M.D.) and Department of Applied Health Science, School of Public Health (P.D.Q.), Indiana University, Bloomington; Kaiser Permanente Northern California Division of Research (A.C.S.), Oakland; Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics (H.L., P.L., B.M.D., A.S.O.), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm; School of Medical Sciences (H.L.), Örebro University, Sweden; and Department of Epidemiology (A.S.O.), T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard, Boston, MA
| | - Henrik Larsson
- From the Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences (K.K.W., M.E.R., B.M.D.) and Department of Applied Health Science, School of Public Health (P.D.Q.), Indiana University, Bloomington; Kaiser Permanente Northern California Division of Research (A.C.S.), Oakland; Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics (H.L., P.L., B.M.D., A.S.O.), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm; School of Medical Sciences (H.L.), Örebro University, Sweden; and Department of Epidemiology (A.S.O.), T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard, Boston, MA
| | - Paul Lichtenstein
- From the Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences (K.K.W., M.E.R., B.M.D.) and Department of Applied Health Science, School of Public Health (P.D.Q.), Indiana University, Bloomington; Kaiser Permanente Northern California Division of Research (A.C.S.), Oakland; Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics (H.L., P.L., B.M.D., A.S.O.), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm; School of Medical Sciences (H.L.), Örebro University, Sweden; and Department of Epidemiology (A.S.O.), T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard, Boston, MA
| | - Brian M D'Onofrio
- From the Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences (K.K.W., M.E.R., B.M.D.) and Department of Applied Health Science, School of Public Health (P.D.Q.), Indiana University, Bloomington; Kaiser Permanente Northern California Division of Research (A.C.S.), Oakland; Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics (H.L., P.L., B.M.D., A.S.O.), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm; School of Medical Sciences (H.L.), Örebro University, Sweden; and Department of Epidemiology (A.S.O.), T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard, Boston, MA
| | - A Sara Oberg
- From the Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences (K.K.W., M.E.R., B.M.D.) and Department of Applied Health Science, School of Public Health (P.D.Q.), Indiana University, Bloomington; Kaiser Permanente Northern California Division of Research (A.C.S.), Oakland; Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics (H.L., P.L., B.M.D., A.S.O.), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm; School of Medical Sciences (H.L.), Örebro University, Sweden; and Department of Epidemiology (A.S.O.), T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard, Boston, MA
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Homeostatic plasticity and excitation-inhibition balance: The good, the bad, and the ugly. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2022; 75:102553. [PMID: 35594578 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2022.102553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
In this review, we discuss the significance of the synaptic excitation/inhibition (E/I) balance in the context of homeostatic plasticity, whose primary goal is thought to maintain neuronal firing rates at a set point. We first provide an overview of the processes through which patterned input activity drives synaptic E/I tuning and maturation of circuits during development. Next, we emphasize the importance of the E/I balance at the synaptic level (homeostatic control of message reception) as a means to achieve the goal (homeostatic control of information transmission) at the network level and consider how compromised homeostatic plasticity associated with neurological diseases leads to hyperactivity, network instability, and ultimately improper information processing. Lastly, we highlight several pathological conditions related to sensory deafferentation and describe how, in some cases, homeostatic compensation without appropriate sensory inputs can result in phantom perceptions.
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Sundelin H, Söderling J, Bang P, Bolk J. Risk of Autism After Pediatric Ischemic Stroke: A Nationwide Cohort Study. Neurology 2022; 98:e1953-e1963. [PMID: 35314504 PMCID: PMC9141625 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000200253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Ischemic stroke increases the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders; however, the risk of autism is not thoroughly explored. Our aim was to evaluate risk of autism and risk factors for autism in children with pediatric ischemic stroke and in their first-degree relatives. METHODS In this cohort study, individuals with ischemic stroke from 1969 to 2016, <18 years of age, alive 1 week after stroke, and without prior autism were identified in Swedish national registers. Ten matched controls per index individual and all first-degree relatives of index individuals and controls were identified. Conditional Cox regression was used to calculate the risk of autism. Unconditional logistic regression was performed to analyze sex, gestational age, age at stroke diagnoses, comorbid adverse motor outcome, comorbid epilepsy, and a sibling with autism as risk factors for autism in children with ischemic stroke. RESULTS Of the 1,322 index individuals, 46 (3.5%) were diagnosed with autism compared to 161 (1.2%) controls (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 3.02, 95% CI 2.15-4.25). There was no significant difference in risk of autism according to age at stroke: perinatal (aHR 2.69, 95% CI 1.44-5.03) and childhood stroke (aHR 3.18, 95% CI 2.12-4.78). The increased risk remained after exclusion of children born preterm or small for gestational age (aHR 3.78, 95% CI 2.55-5.60) and when children with stroke diagnosed from 1997 to 2014 were analyzed (aHR 2.91, 95% CI = 1.95-4.35). Compared to controls, the risk of autism was increased in individuals with ischemic stroke and comorbid epilepsy (aHR 7.05, 95% CI 3.74-13.30), as well as adverse motor outcome (aHR 4.28, 95% CI 2.44-7.51). When individuals with adverse motor outcome and epilepsy were censored, the risk of autism was still increased (aHR 2.37, 95% CI 1.45-3.85). Sex, gestational age, and having a sibling with autism were not associated with autism in individuals with pediatric ischemic stroke. DISCUSSION An increased risk of autism was seen after pediatric ischemic stroke, particularly in individuals with comorbid epilepsy, and could not be explained by being born preterm or small for gestational age. The risk was increased also in individuals free from epilepsy and adverse motor outcome, implying that all children with ischemic stroke should be readily screened for autism if the disorder is suspected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heléne Sundelin
- From the Department of Women's and Children's Health (H.S.), Neuropediatric Unit, Karolinska University Hospital; Department of Medicine Solna (J.S., J.B.), Clinical Epidemiology Division, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm; Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (H.S., P.B.), Division of Children's and Women's Health, Linköping University; Department of Clinical Science and Education Södersjukhuset (J.B.); and Sachs' Children and Youth Hospital (J.B.), Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jonas Söderling
- From the Department of Women's and Children's Health (H.S.), Neuropediatric Unit, Karolinska University Hospital; Department of Medicine Solna (J.S., J.B.), Clinical Epidemiology Division, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm; Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (H.S., P.B.), Division of Children's and Women's Health, Linköping University; Department of Clinical Science and Education Södersjukhuset (J.B.); and Sachs' Children and Youth Hospital (J.B.), Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Peter Bang
- From the Department of Women's and Children's Health (H.S.), Neuropediatric Unit, Karolinska University Hospital; Department of Medicine Solna (J.S., J.B.), Clinical Epidemiology Division, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm; Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (H.S., P.B.), Division of Children's and Women's Health, Linköping University; Department of Clinical Science and Education Södersjukhuset (J.B.); and Sachs' Children and Youth Hospital (J.B.), Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jenny Bolk
- From the Department of Women's and Children's Health (H.S.), Neuropediatric Unit, Karolinska University Hospital; Department of Medicine Solna (J.S., J.B.), Clinical Epidemiology Division, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm; Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (H.S., P.B.), Division of Children's and Women's Health, Linköping University; Department of Clinical Science and Education Södersjukhuset (J.B.); and Sachs' Children and Youth Hospital (J.B.), Stockholm, Sweden
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An aqueous extract of Khaya senegalensis (Desv.) A. Juss. (Meliaceae) prevents seizures and reduces anxiety in kainate-treated rats: modulation of GABA neurotransmission, oxidative stress, and neuronal loss in the hippocampus. Heliyon 2022; 8:e09549. [PMID: 35663738 PMCID: PMC9160348 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e09549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Ethnopharmacological relevance Temporal lobe epilepsy is the most common form of drug-resistant epilepsy. Therefore, medicinal plants provide an alternative source for the discovery of new antiepileptic drugs. Aim of the study This study was aimed at investigating the antiepileptic- and anxiolytic-like effects of an aqueous extract of Khaya senegalensis (K. senegalensis) in kainate-treated rats. Methods Seventy-two rats received a single dose of kainate (12 mg/kg) intraperitoneally. Those that exhibited two hours of status epilepticus were selected and monitored for the first spontaneous seizure. Then, animals that developed seizures were divided into 6 groups of 8 rats each and treated twice daily for 14 days as follows: negative control group received per os (p.o.) distilled water (10 ml/kg); two positive control groups received either sodium valproate (300 mg/kg, p.o.) or phenobarbital (20 mg/kg, p.o.); and three test groups received different doses of the extract (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg, p.o.). In addition, a group of 8 normal rats (normal control group) received distilled water (10 ml/kg, p.o.). During the treatment period, the animals were video-monitored 12 h/day for behavioral seizures. At the end of the treatment period, animals were subjected to elevated plus-maze and open field tests. Thereafter, rats were euthanized for the analysis of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) concentration, oxidative stress status, and neuronal loss in the hippocampus. Results The aqueous extract of K. senegalensis significantly reduced spontaneous recurrent seizures (generalized tonic-clonic seizures) and anxiety-like behavior compared to the negative control group. These effects were more marked than those of sodium valproate or phenobarbital. Furthermore, the extract significantly increased GABA concentration, alleviated oxidative stress, and mitigated neuronal loss in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus. Conclusion These findings suggest that the aqueous extract of K. senegalensis possesses antiepileptic- and anxiolytic-like effects. These effects were greater than those of sodium valproate or phenobarbital, standard antiepileptic drugs. Furthermore, these effects are accompanied by neuromodulatory and antioxidant activities that may be related to their behavioral effects. These data justify further studies to identify the bioactive molecules present in the extract for possible future therapeutic development and to unravel their mechanisms of action.
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Balasco L, Pagani M, Pangrazzi L, Chelini G, Viscido F, Chama AGC, Galbusera A, Provenzano G, Gozzi A, Bozzi Y. Somatosensory cortex hyperconnectivity and impaired whisker-dependent responses in Cntnap2 -/- mice. Neurobiol Dis 2022; 169:105742. [PMID: 35483565 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2022.105742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 04/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Sensory abnormalities are a common feature in autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Tactile responsiveness is altered in autistic individuals, with hypo-responsiveness being associated with the severity of ASD core symptoms. Similarly, sensory abnormalities have been described in mice lacking ASD-associated genes. Loss-of-function mutations in CNTNAP2 result in cortical dysplasia-focal epilepsy syndrome (CDFE) and autism. Likewise, Cntnap2-/- mice show epilepsy and deficits relevant with core symptoms of human ASDs, and are considered a reliable model to study ASDs. Altered synaptic transmission and synchronicity found in the cerebral cortex of Cntnap2-/- mice would suggest a network dysfunction. Here, we investigated the neural substrates of whisker-dependent responses in Cntnap2+/+ and Cntnap2-/- adult mice. When compared to controls, Cntnap2-/- mice showed focal hyper-connectivity within the primary somatosensory cortex (S1), in the absence of altered connectivity between S1 and other somatosensory areas. This data suggests the presence of impaired somatosensory processing in these mutants. Accordingly, Cntnap2-/- mice displayed impaired whisker-dependent discrimination in the textured novel object recognition test (tNORT) and increased c-fos mRNA induction within S1 following whisker stimulation. S1 functional hyperconnectivity might underlie the aberrant whisker-dependent responses observed in Cntnap2-/- mice, indicating that Cntnap2 mice are a reliable model to investigate sensory abnormalities that characterize ASDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Balasco
- Center for Mind/Brain Sciences - CIMeC, University of Trento, Piazza della Manifattura 1, 38068 Rovereto, TN, Italy
| | - Marco Pagani
- Functional Neuroimaging Laboratory, Center for Neuroscience and Cognitive Systems, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Corso Bettini 31, 38068 Rovereto, Italy
| | - Luca Pangrazzi
- Center for Mind/Brain Sciences - CIMeC, University of Trento, Piazza della Manifattura 1, 38068 Rovereto, TN, Italy
| | - Gabriele Chelini
- Center for Mind/Brain Sciences - CIMeC, University of Trento, Piazza della Manifattura 1, 38068 Rovereto, TN, Italy
| | - Francesca Viscido
- Center for Mind/Brain Sciences - CIMeC, University of Trento, Piazza della Manifattura 1, 38068 Rovereto, TN, Italy
| | | | - Alberto Galbusera
- Functional Neuroimaging Laboratory, Center for Neuroscience and Cognitive Systems, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Corso Bettini 31, 38068 Rovereto, Italy
| | - Giovanni Provenzano
- Department of Cellular, Computational, and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Alessandro Gozzi
- Functional Neuroimaging Laboratory, Center for Neuroscience and Cognitive Systems, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Corso Bettini 31, 38068 Rovereto, Italy
| | - Yuri Bozzi
- Center for Mind/Brain Sciences - CIMeC, University of Trento, Piazza della Manifattura 1, 38068 Rovereto, TN, Italy; CNR Neuroscience Institute, via Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy.
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Pathophysiological Heterogeneity of the BBSOA Neurodevelopmental Syndrome. Cells 2022; 11:cells11081260. [PMID: 35455940 PMCID: PMC9024734 DOI: 10.3390/cells11081260] [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: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The formation and maturation of the human brain is regulated by highly coordinated developmental events, such as neural cell proliferation, migration and differentiation. Any impairment of these interconnected multi-factorial processes can affect brain structure and function and lead to distinctive neurodevelopmental disorders. Here, we review the pathophysiology of the Bosch–Boonstra–Schaaf Optic Atrophy Syndrome (BBSOAS; OMIM 615722; ORPHA 401777), a recently described monogenic neurodevelopmental syndrome caused by the haploinsufficiency of NR2F1 gene, a key transcriptional regulator of brain development. Although intellectual disability, developmental delay and visual impairment are arguably the most common symptoms affecting BBSOAS patients, multiple additional features are often reported, including epilepsy, autistic traits and hypotonia. The presence of specific symptoms and their variable level of severity might depend on still poorly characterized genotype–phenotype correlations. We begin with an overview of the several mutations of NR2F1 identified to date, then further focuses on the main pathological features of BBSOAS patients, providing evidence—whenever possible—for the existing genotype–phenotype correlations. On the clinical side, we lay out an up-to-date list of clinical examinations and therapeutic interventions recommended for children with BBSOAS. On the experimental side, we describe state-of-the-art in vivo and in vitro studies aiming at deciphering the role of mouse Nr2f1, in physiological conditions and in pathological contexts, underlying the BBSOAS features. Furthermore, by modeling distinct NR2F1 genetic alterations in terms of dimer formation and nuclear receptor binding efficiencies, we attempt to estimate the total amounts of functional NR2F1 acting in developing brain cells in normal and pathological conditions. Finally, using the NR2F1 gene and BBSOAS as a paradigm of monogenic rare neurodevelopmental disorder, we aim to set the path for future explorations of causative links between impaired brain development and the appearance of symptoms in human neurological syndromes.
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Santos-Terra J, Deckmann I, Carello-Collar G, Nunes GDF, Bauer-Negrini G, Schwingel GB, Fontes-Dutra M, Riesgo R, Gottfried C. Resveratrol Prevents Cytoarchitectural and Interneuronal Alterations in the Valproic Acid Rat Model of Autism. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23084075. [PMID: 35456893 PMCID: PMC9027778 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23084075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by several alterations, including disorganized brain cytoarchitecture and excitatory/inhibitory (E/I) imbalance. We aimed to analyze aspects associated with the inhibitory components in ASD, using bioinformatics to develop notions about embryonic life and tissue analysis for postnatal life. We analyzed microarray and RNAseq datasets of embryos from different ASD models, demonstrating that regions involved in neuronal development are affected. We evaluated the effect of prenatal treatment with resveratrol (RSV) on the neuronal organization and quantity of parvalbumin-positive (PV+), somatostatin-positive (SOM+), and calbindin-positive (CB+) GABAergic interneurons, besides the levels of synaptic proteins and GABA receptors in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and hippocampus (HC) of the ASD model induced by valproic acid (VPA). VPA increased the total number of neurons in the mPFC, while it reduced the number of SOM+ neurons, as well as the proportion of SOM+, PV+, and CB+ neurons (subregion-specific manner), with preventive effects of RSV. In summary, metabolic alterations or gene expression impairments could be induced by VPA, leading to extensive damage in the late developmental stages. By contrast, due to its antioxidant, neuroprotective, and opposite action on histone properties, RSV may avoid damages induced by VPA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Júlio Santos-Terra
- Translational Research Group in Autism Spectrum Disorder—GETTEA, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre 90040-060, Brazil; (J.S.-T.); (I.D.); (G.C.-C.); (G.D.-F.N.); (G.B.-N.); (G.B.S.); (M.F.-D.); (R.R.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre 90040-060, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology in Neuroimmunomodulation—INCT-NIM, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil
- Autism Wellbeing and Research Development—AWARD—Initiative BR-UK-CA, Porto Alegre 90040-060, Brazil
| | - Iohanna Deckmann
- Translational Research Group in Autism Spectrum Disorder—GETTEA, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre 90040-060, Brazil; (J.S.-T.); (I.D.); (G.C.-C.); (G.D.-F.N.); (G.B.-N.); (G.B.S.); (M.F.-D.); (R.R.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre 90040-060, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology in Neuroimmunomodulation—INCT-NIM, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil
- Autism Wellbeing and Research Development—AWARD—Initiative BR-UK-CA, Porto Alegre 90040-060, Brazil
| | - Giovanna Carello-Collar
- Translational Research Group in Autism Spectrum Disorder—GETTEA, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre 90040-060, Brazil; (J.S.-T.); (I.D.); (G.C.-C.); (G.D.-F.N.); (G.B.-N.); (G.B.S.); (M.F.-D.); (R.R.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre 90040-060, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology in Neuroimmunomodulation—INCT-NIM, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Della-Flora Nunes
- Translational Research Group in Autism Spectrum Disorder—GETTEA, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre 90040-060, Brazil; (J.S.-T.); (I.D.); (G.C.-C.); (G.D.-F.N.); (G.B.-N.); (G.B.S.); (M.F.-D.); (R.R.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre 90040-060, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology in Neuroimmunomodulation—INCT-NIM, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Bauer-Negrini
- Translational Research Group in Autism Spectrum Disorder—GETTEA, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre 90040-060, Brazil; (J.S.-T.); (I.D.); (G.C.-C.); (G.D.-F.N.); (G.B.-N.); (G.B.S.); (M.F.-D.); (R.R.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre 90040-060, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology in Neuroimmunomodulation—INCT-NIM, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil
- Autism Wellbeing and Research Development—AWARD—Initiative BR-UK-CA, Porto Alegre 90040-060, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Brum Schwingel
- Translational Research Group in Autism Spectrum Disorder—GETTEA, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre 90040-060, Brazil; (J.S.-T.); (I.D.); (G.C.-C.); (G.D.-F.N.); (G.B.-N.); (G.B.S.); (M.F.-D.); (R.R.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre 90040-060, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology in Neuroimmunomodulation—INCT-NIM, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil
- Autism Wellbeing and Research Development—AWARD—Initiative BR-UK-CA, Porto Alegre 90040-060, Brazil
| | - Mellanie Fontes-Dutra
- Translational Research Group in Autism Spectrum Disorder—GETTEA, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre 90040-060, Brazil; (J.S.-T.); (I.D.); (G.C.-C.); (G.D.-F.N.); (G.B.-N.); (G.B.S.); (M.F.-D.); (R.R.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre 90040-060, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology in Neuroimmunomodulation—INCT-NIM, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil
- Autism Wellbeing and Research Development—AWARD—Initiative BR-UK-CA, Porto Alegre 90040-060, Brazil
| | - Rudimar Riesgo
- Translational Research Group in Autism Spectrum Disorder—GETTEA, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre 90040-060, Brazil; (J.S.-T.); (I.D.); (G.C.-C.); (G.D.-F.N.); (G.B.-N.); (G.B.S.); (M.F.-D.); (R.R.)
- National Institute of Science and Technology in Neuroimmunomodulation—INCT-NIM, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil
- Autism Wellbeing and Research Development—AWARD—Initiative BR-UK-CA, Porto Alegre 90040-060, Brazil
- Child Neurology Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre 90035-903, Brazil
| | - Carmem Gottfried
- Translational Research Group in Autism Spectrum Disorder—GETTEA, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre 90040-060, Brazil; (J.S.-T.); (I.D.); (G.C.-C.); (G.D.-F.N.); (G.B.-N.); (G.B.S.); (M.F.-D.); (R.R.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre 90040-060, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology in Neuroimmunomodulation—INCT-NIM, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil
- Autism Wellbeing and Research Development—AWARD—Initiative BR-UK-CA, Porto Alegre 90040-060, Brazil
- Correspondence:
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Montanari M, Martella G, Bonsi P, Meringolo M. Autism Spectrum Disorder: Focus on Glutamatergic Neurotransmission. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073861. [PMID: 35409220 PMCID: PMC8998955 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Disturbances in the glutamatergic system have been increasingly documented in several neuropsychiatric disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Glutamate-centered theories of ASD are based on evidence from patient samples and postmortem studies, as well as from studies documenting abnormalities in glutamatergic gene expression and metabolic pathways, including changes in the gut microbiota glutamate metabolism in patients with ASD. In addition, preclinical studies on animal models have demonstrated glutamatergic neurotransmission deficits and altered expression of glutamate synaptic proteins. At present, there are no approved glutamatergic drugs for ASD, but several ongoing clinical trials are currently focusing on evaluating in autistic patients glutamatergic pharmaceuticals already approved for other conditions. In this review, we provide an overview of the literature concerning the role of glutamatergic neurotransmission in the pathophysiology of ASD and as a potential target for novel treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Montanari
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology and Plasticity, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00179 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (G.M.)
- Department of Systems Neuroscience, University Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Martella
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology and Plasticity, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00179 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (G.M.)
| | - Paola Bonsi
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology and Plasticity, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00179 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (G.M.)
- Correspondence: (P.B.); (M.M.)
| | - Maria Meringolo
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology and Plasticity, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00179 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (G.M.)
- Correspondence: (P.B.); (M.M.)
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Watkins LV, O'Dwyer M, Shankar R. A review of the pharmacotherapeutic considerations for managing epilepsy in people with autism. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2022; 23:841-851. [PMID: 35341433 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2022.2055461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Autism, like other neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), has a strong association with epilepsy. There are known common genetic pathways in both autism and epilepsy. There are also specific genetic syndromes associated with both complex epilepsy and the autism phenotype. AREAS COVERED This review explores the evidence for common genetic etiologies and pathophysiological pathways in relation to both epilepsy and autism. Autism with comorbid epilepsy are associated with a high prevalence of medical and psychiatric comorbidities. This paper discusses how this influences assessment, treatment, and outcomes. The evidence for the treatment of specific seizure types in the context of NDDs is also examined alongside clinical commentary. EXPERT OPINION Despite the strong association, there is a limited evidence base to support the efficacy and tolerability of anti-seizure medications specifically in autism, with no Level 1 evidence or National Guidance available. Autism and epilepsy should be approached under a NDD model with cautious introduction and titration of anti-seizure medication. Alongside this, there is evidence to support a move toward precision medicine in specific genetic syndromes such as Tuberous Sclerosis Complex and other genetic seizure disorders. The first-line treatments that should be considered for focal seizures include carbamazepine, lamotrigine, and levetiracetam.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lance V Watkins
- Epilepsy Specialist Service Swansea Bay University Health Board, Cardiff, UK
| | - Maire O'Dwyer
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Trinity College, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Rohit Shankar
- Department of Intellectual Disability Neuropsychiatry, Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Truro, UK.,Cornwall Intellectual Disability Equitable Research (CIDER) University of Plymouth Medical School, Truro, UK
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68
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Following Excitation/Inhibition Ratio Homeostasis from Synapse to EEG in Monogenetic Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13020390. [PMID: 35205434 PMCID: PMC8872324 DOI: 10.3390/genes13020390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Pharmacological options for neurodevelopmental disorders are limited to symptom suppressing agents that do not target underlying pathophysiological mechanisms. Studies on specific genetic disorders causing neurodevelopmental disorders have elucidated pathophysiological mechanisms to develop more rational treatments. Here, we present our concerted multi-level strategy ‘BRAINMODEL’, focusing on excitation/inhibition ratio homeostasis across different levels of neuroscientific interrogation. The aim is to develop personalized treatment strategies by linking iPSC-based models and novel EEG measurements to patient report outcome measures in individual patients. We focus our strategy on chromatin- and SNAREopathies as examples of severe genetic neurodevelopmental disorders with an unmet need for rational interventions.
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69
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Adil KJ, Remonde CG, Gonzales EL, Boo KJ, Kwon KJ, Kim DH, Kim HJ, Cheong JH, Shin CY, Jeon SJ. Behavioral Deficits in Adolescent Mice after Sub-Chronic Administration of NMDA during Early Stage of Postnatal Development. Biomol Ther (Seoul) 2022; 30:320-327. [PMID: 35135902 PMCID: PMC9252881 DOI: 10.4062/biomolther.2021.194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders are complex conditions that pose difficulty in the modulation of proper motor, sensory and cognitive function due to dysregulated neuronal development. Previous studies have reported that an imbalance in the excitation/ inhibition (E/I) in the brain regulated by glutamatergic and/or GABAergic neurotransmission can cause neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric behavioral deficits such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD). NMDA acts as an agonist at the NMDA receptor and imitates the action of the glutamate on that receptor. NMDA however, unlike glutamate, only binds to and regulates the NMDA receptor subtypes and not the other glutamate receptors. This study seeks to determine whether NMDA administration in mice i.e., over-activation of the NMDA system would result in long-lasting behavioral deficits in the adolescent mice. Both gender mice were treated with NMDA or saline at early postnatal developmental period with significant synaptogenesis and synaptic maturation. On postnatal day 28, various behavioral experiments were conducted to assess and identify behavioral characteristics. NMDAtreated mice show social deficits, and repetitive behavior in both gender mice at adolescent periods. However, only the male mice but not female mice showed increased locomotor activity. This study implies that neonatal exposure to NMDA may illicit behavioral features similar to ASD. This study also confirms the validity of the E/I imbalance theory of ASD and that NMDA injection can be used as a pharmacologic model for ASD. Future studies may explore the mechanism behind the gender difference in locomotor activity as well as the human relevance and therapeutic significance of the present findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keremkleroo Jym Adil
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Chilly Gay Remonde
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Edson Luck Gonzales
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung-Jun Boo
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyong Ja Kwon
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Hyun Kim
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee Jin Kim
- Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Pharmacy, Sahmyook University, Seoul 01795, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Hoon Cheong
- School of Pharmacy, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju 54896, Republic of Korea
| | - Chan Young Shin
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Se Jin Jeon
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
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70
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Cho TS, Beigaitė E, Klein NE, Sweeney ST, Bhattacharya MRC. The Putative Drosophila TMEM184B Ortholog Tmep Ensures Proper Locomotion by Restraining Ectopic Firing at the Neuromuscular Junction. Mol Neurobiol 2022; 59:2605-2619. [PMID: 35107803 PMCID: PMC9018515 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-022-02760-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
TMEM184B is a putative seven-pass membrane protein that promotes axon degeneration after injury. TMEM184B mutation causes aberrant neuromuscular architecture and sensory and motor behavioral defects in mice. The mechanism through which TMEM184B causes neuromuscular defects is unknown. We employed Drosophila melanogaster to investigate the function of the closely related gene, Tmep (CG12004), at the neuromuscular junction. We show that Tmep is required for full adult viability and efficient larval locomotion. Tmep mutant larvae have a reduced body contraction rate compared to controls, with stronger deficits in females. In recordings from body wall muscles, Tmep mutants show substantial hyperexcitability, with many postsynaptic potentials fired in response to a single stimulation, consistent with a role for Tmep in restraining synaptic excitability. Additional branches and satellite boutons at Tmep mutant neuromuscular junctions are consistent with an activity-dependent synaptic overgrowth. Tmep is expressed in endosomes and synaptic vesicles within motor neurons, suggesting a possible role in synaptic membrane trafficking. Using RNAi knockdown, we show that Tmep is required in motor neurons for proper larval locomotion and excitability, and that its reduction increases levels of presynaptic calcium. Locomotor defects can be rescued by presynaptic knockdown of endoplasmic reticulum calcium channels or by reducing evoked release probability, further suggesting that excess synaptic activity drives behavioral deficiencies. Our work establishes a critical function for Tmep in the regulation of synaptic transmission and locomotor behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany S Cho
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Arizona, 1040 E 4th Street, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA
| | - Eglė Beigaitė
- Department of Biology, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK.,York Biomedical Research Institute, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Nathaniel E Klein
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Arizona, 1040 E 4th Street, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA
| | - Sean T Sweeney
- Department of Biology, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK.,York Biomedical Research Institute, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Martha R C Bhattacharya
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Arizona, 1040 E 4th Street, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA.
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71
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Mukhamedshina YO, Fayzullina RA, Nigmatullina IA, Rutland CS, Vasina VV. Health care providers' awareness on medical management of children with autism spectrum disorder: cross-sectional study in Russia. BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2022; 22:29. [PMID: 35012536 PMCID: PMC8751116 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-021-03095-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental range of conditions that involves difficulties with social interaction and restricted/repetitive behaviors. Unfortunately, health care providers often experience difficulties in diagnosis and management of individuals with ASD, and may have no knowledge about possible ways to overcome barriers in ASD patient interactions in healthcare settings. At the same time, the provision of appropriate medical services can have positive effects on habilitative progress, functional outcome, life expectancy and quality of life for individuals with ASD. METHODS This online survey research study evaluated the awareness and experience of students/residents (n = 247) and physicians (n = 100) in the medical management of children with ASD. It also gathered the views and experiences of caregivers to children with ASD (n = 158), all based in Russia. RESULTS We have established that the Russian medical community has limited ASD knowledge among providers, and have suggested possible reasons for this. Based on results from online surveys completed by students/residents, non-psychiatric physicians, and caregivers of children diagnosed with ASD, the main problems pertaining to medical management of individuals with ASD were identified. Possible problem solving solutions within medical practice were proposed. CONCLUSIONS The results from this study should be considered when implementing measures to improve healthcare practices, and when developing models for effective medical management, due to start not only in Russia but also in a number of other countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y O Mukhamedshina
- Clinical Research Center for Precision and Regenerative Medicine, Kazan Federal University, Kremlevskaya St 18, Kazan, 420008, Tatarstan, Russia.
- Department of Histology, Cytology and Embryology, Kazan State Medical University, Kazan, Russia.
| | - R A Fayzullina
- Department of Propaedeutics of Pediatric Diseases and Faculty Pediatrics, Kazan State Medical University, Kazan, Russia
| | - I A Nigmatullina
- Department of Psychology and Pedagogy of Special Education, Kazan (Volga region) Federal University, Kazan, Russia
| | - C S Rutland
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - V V Vasina
- Department of Psychology and Pedagogy of Special Education, Kazan (Volga region) Federal University, Kazan, Russia
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72
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Cherubini E, Di Cristo G, Avoli M. Dysregulation of GABAergic Signaling in Neurodevelomental Disorders: Targeting Cation-Chloride Co-transporters to Re-establish a Proper E/I Balance. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 15:813441. [PMID: 35069119 PMCID: PMC8766311 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.813441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The construction of the brain relies on a series of well-defined genetically and experience- or activity -dependent mechanisms which allow to adapt to the external environment. Disruption of these processes leads to neurological and psychiatric disorders, which in many cases are manifest already early in postnatal life. GABA, the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the adult brain is one of the major players in the early assembly and formation of neuronal circuits. In the prenatal and immediate postnatal period GABA, acting on GABAA receptors, depolarizes and excites targeted cells via an outwardly directed flux of chloride. In this way it activates NMDA receptors and voltage-dependent calcium channels contributing, through intracellular calcium rise, to shape neuronal activity and to establish, through the formation of new synapses and elimination of others, adult neuronal circuits. The direction of GABAA-mediated neurotransmission (depolarizing or hyperpolarizing) depends on the intracellular levels of chloride [Cl−]i, which in turn are maintained by the activity of the cation-chloride importer and exporter KCC2 and NKCC1, respectively. Thus, the premature hyperpolarizing action of GABA or its persistent depolarizing effect beyond the postnatal period, leads to behavioral deficits associated with morphological alterations and an excitatory (E)/inhibitory (I) imbalance in selective brain areas. The aim of this review is to summarize recent data concerning the functional role of GABAergic transmission in building up and refining neuronal circuits early in development and its dysfunction in neurodevelopmental disorders such as Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs), schizophrenia and epilepsy. In particular, we focus on novel information concerning the mechanisms by which alterations in cation-chloride co-transporters (CCC) generate behavioral and cognitive impairment in these diseases. We discuss also the possibility to re-establish a proper GABAA-mediated neurotransmission and excitatory (E)/inhibitory (I) balance within selective brain areas acting on CCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Cherubini
- European Brain Research Institute (EBRI)-Rita Levi-Montalcini, Roma, Italy
- *Correspondence: Enrico Cherubini
| | - Graziella Di Cristo
- Neurosciences Department, Université de Montréal and CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Massimo Avoli
- Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital and Departments of Neurology and Neurosurgery and of Physiology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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73
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Ban Y, Yu T, Wang J, Wang X, Liu C, Baker C, Zou Y. Mutation of the murine Prickle1 (R104Q) causes phenotypes analogous to human symptoms of epilepsy and autism. Exp Neurol 2022; 347:113880. [PMID: 34597683 PMCID: PMC8718102 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2021.113880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Epilepsy and autism spectrum disorders (ASD) frequently show comorbidity, suggesting shared or overlapping neurobiological basis underlying these conditions. R104Q is the first mutation in the PRICKLE 1(PK1) gene that was discovered in human patients with progressive myoclonus epilepsy (PME). Subsequently, a number of mutations in the PK1 gene were shown to be associated with either epilepsy, autism, or both, as well as other developmental disorders. Using CRISPR-Cas9-mediated gene editing, we generated a PK1R104Q mouse line. The mutant mice showed reduced density of excitatory synapses in hippocampus and impaired interaction between PK1 and the repressor element 1(RE-1) silencing transcription factor (REST). They also displayed reduced seizure threshold, impaired social interaction, and cognitive functions. Taken together, the PK1R104Q mice display characteristic behavioral features similar to the key symptoms of epilepsy and ASD, providing a useful model for studying the molecular and neural circuit mechanisms underlying the comorbidity of epilepsy and ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Ban
- Neurobiology Section, Biological Sciences Division, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States of America
| | - Ting Yu
- Neurobiology Section, Biological Sciences Division, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States of America
| | - Jingyi Wang
- Neurobiology Section, Biological Sciences Division, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States of America
| | - Xiaojia Wang
- Neurobiology Section, Biological Sciences Division, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States of America
| | - Can Liu
- Neurobiology Section, Biological Sciences Division, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States of America
| | - Clayton Baker
- Neurobiology Section, Biological Sciences Division, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States of America
| | - Yimin Zou
- Neurobiology Section, Biological Sciences Division, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States of America.
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Schiavi S, La Rosa P, Petrillo S, Carbone E, D'Amico J, Piemonte F, Trezza V. N-Acetylcysteine Mitigates Social Dysfunction in a Rat Model of Autism Normalizing Glutathione Imbalance and the Altered Expression of Genes Related to Synaptic Function in Specific Brain Areas. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:851679. [PMID: 35280167 PMCID: PMC8916240 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.851679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Prenatal exposure to valproic acid (VPA) is a risk factor for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in humans and it induces autistic-like behaviors in rodents. Imbalances between GABAergic and glutamatergic neurotransmission and increased oxidative stress together with altered glutathione (GSH) metabolism have been hypothesized to play a role in both VPA-induced embriotoxicity and in human ASD. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is an antioxidant precursor of glutathione and a modulator of glutamatergic neurotransmission that has been tested in ASD, although the clinical studies currently available provided controversial results. Here, we explored the effects of repeated NAC (150 mg/kg) administration on core autistic-like features and altered brain GSH metabolism in the VPA (500 mg/kg) rat model of ASD. Furthermore, we measured the mRNA expression of genes encoding for scaffolding and transcription regulation proteins, as well as the subunits of NMDA and AMPA receptors and metabotropic glutamate receptors mGLUR1 and mGLUR5 in brain areas that are relevant to ASD. NAC administration ameliorated the social deficit displayed by VPA-exposed rats in the three-chamber test, but not their stereotypic behavior in the hole board test. Furthermore, NAC normalized the altered GSH levels displayed by these animals in the hippocampus and nucleus accumbens, and it partially rescued the altered expression of post-synaptic terminal network genes found in VPA-exposed rats, such as NR2a, MGLUR5, GLUR1, and GLUR2 in nucleus accumbens, and CAMK2, NR1, and GLUR2 in cerebellum. These data indicate that NAC treatment selectively mitigates the social dysfunction displayed by VPA-exposed rats normalizing GSH imbalance and reestablishing the expression of genes related to synaptic function in a brain region-specific manner. Taken together, these data contribute to clarify the behavioral impact of NAC in ASD and the molecular mechanisms that underlie its effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Schiavi
- Department of Science, University "Roma Tre", Rome, Italy
| | - Piergiorgio La Rosa
- Division of Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Petrillo
- Neuromuscular and Neurodegenerative Diseases Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Emilia Carbone
- Department of Science, University "Roma Tre", Rome, Italy
| | - Jessica D'Amico
- Neuromuscular and Neurodegenerative Diseases Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Fiorella Piemonte
- Neuromuscular and Neurodegenerative Diseases Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Viviana Trezza
- Department of Science, University "Roma Tre", Rome, Italy
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van Andel DM, Sprengers JJ, Keijzer-Veen MG, Schulp AJA, Lillien MR, Scheepers FE, Bruining H. Bumetanide for Irritability in Children With Sensory Processing Problems Across Neurodevelopmental Disorders: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:780281. [PMID: 35211042 PMCID: PMC8861379 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.780281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Treatment development for neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is impeded by heterogeneity in clinical manifestation and underlying etiologies. Symptom traits such as aberrant sensory reactivity are present across NDDs and might reflect common mechanistic pathways. Here, we test the effectiveness of repurposing a drug candidate, bumetanide, on irritable behavior in a cross-disorder neurodevelopmental cohort defined by the presence of sensory reactivity problems. METHODS Participants, aged 5-15 years and IQ ≥ 55, with ASD, ADHD, and/or epilepsy and proven aberrant sensory reactivity according to deviant Sensory Profile scores were included. Participants were randomly allocated (1:1) to bumetanide (max 1 mg twice daily) or placebo tablets for 91 days followed by a 28-day wash-out period using permuted block design and minimization. Participants, parents, healthcare providers, and outcome assessors were blinded for treatment allocation. Primary outcome was the differences in ABC-irritability at day 91. Secondary outcomes were differences in SRS-2, RBS-R, SP-NL, BRIEF parent, BRIEF teacher at D91. Differences were analyzed in a modified intention-to-treat sample with linear mixed models and side effects in the intention-to-treat population. RESULTS A total of 38 participants (10.1 [SD 3.1] years) were enrolled between June 2017 and June 2019 in the Netherlands. Nineteen children were allocated to bumetanide and nineteen to placebo. Five patients discontinued (n = 3 bumetanide). Bumetanide was superior to placebo on the ABC-irritability [mean difference (MD) -4.78, 95%CI: -8.43 to -1.13, p = 0.0125]. No effects were found on secondary endpoints. No wash-out effects were found. Side effects were as expected: hypokalemia (p = 0.046) and increased diuresis (p = 0.020). CONCLUSION Despite the results being underpowered, this study raises important recommendations for future cross-diagnostic trial designs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorinde M van Andel
- Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Utrecht Brain Centre, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Jan J Sprengers
- Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Utrecht Brain Centre, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Mandy G Keijzer-Veen
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Annelien J A Schulp
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Marc R Lillien
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Floortje E Scheepers
- Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Utrecht Brain Centre, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Hilgo Bruining
- N=You Neurodevelopmental Precision Center, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Pietropaolo S, Marsicano G. The role of the endocannabinoid system as a therapeutic target for autism spectrum disorder: Lessons from behavioral studies on mouse models. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 132:664-678. [PMID: 34813825 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.11.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Recent years have seen an impressive amount of research devoted to understanding the etiopathology of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and developing therapies for this syndrome. Because of the lack of biomarkers of ASD, this work has been largely based on the behavioral characterization of rodent models, based on a multitude of genetic and environmental manipulations. Here we highlight how the endocannabinoid system (ECS) has recently emerged within this context of mouse behavioral studies as an etiopathological factor in ASD and a valid potential therapeutic target. We summarize the most recent results showing alterations of the ECS in rodent models of ASD, and demonstrating ASD-like behaviors in mice with altered ECS, induced either by genetic or pharmacological manipulations. We also give a critical overview of the most relevant advances in designing treatments and novel mouse models for ASD targeting the ECS, highlighting the relevance of thorough and innovative behavioral approaches to investigate the mechanisms acting underneath the complex features of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Giovanni Marsicano
- INSERM, U1215 NeuroCentre Magendie, 146 rue Léo Saignat, 33077, Bordeaux Cedex, France
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77
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Sears SMS, Roberts SH, Hewett SJ. Hyperexcitability and brain morphological differences in mice lacking the cystine/glutamate antiporter, system x c. J Neurosci Res 2021; 99:3339-3353. [PMID: 34747522 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
System xc - (Sxc - ) is a heteromeric antiporter (L-cystine/L-glutamate exchanger) expressed predominately on astrocytes in the central nervous system. Its activity contributes importantly to the maintenance of the ambient extracellular glutamate levels, as well as, to cellular redox homeostasis. Since alterations in glutamate levels and redox modifications could cause structural changes, we analyzed gross regional morphology of thionin-stained brain sections and cellular and subcellular morphology of Golgi-Cox stained layer V pyramidal neurons in the primary motor cortex (PM1) of mice naturally null for SLC7A11 (SLC7A11sut/sut )-the gene that encodes the substrate specific light chain (xCT) for Sxc - . Intriguingly, in comparison to age- and sex-matched wild-type (SLC7A11+/+ ) littermate controls, we found morphologic changes-including increased dendritic complexity and mushroom spine area in males and reduced corpus callosum and soma size in females-that have previously been described, in each case, as morphological correlates of excitability. Consistent with this, we found that both male and female SLC7A11sut/sut mice had lower convulsive seizure thresholds and greater seizure severity than their sex-matched wild-type (SLC7A11+/+ ) littermates after acute challenge with two pharmacologically distinct chemoconvulsants: the Glu receptor agonist, kainic acid (KA), or the GABAA receptor antagonist, pentylenetetrazole (PTZ). These results suggest that the loss of Sxc - signaling in males and females perturbs excitatory/inhibitory (E/I) balance in vivo, potentially through its regulation of cellular and subcellular morphology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheila M S Sears
- Department of Biology, Program in Neuroscience, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, USA
| | - Sarah H Roberts
- Department of Biology, Program in Neuroscience, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, USA
| | - Sandra J Hewett
- Department of Biology, Program in Neuroscience, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, USA
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78
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Braun CM, Elie-Fortier J. Epilepsy and autism: How does age at seizure onset factor in? JOURNAL OF EPILEPTOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.21307/jepil-2021-002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
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79
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Huang L, Wang J, Liang G, Gao Y, Jin SY, Hu J, Yang X, Lao J, Chen J, Luo ZC, Fan C, Xiong L, Zhu X, Gao TM, Zhong M, Yang X. Upregulated NMDAR-mediated GABAergic transmission underlies autistic-like deficits in Htr3a knockout mice. Am J Cancer Res 2021; 11:9296-9310. [PMID: 34646371 PMCID: PMC8490518 DOI: 10.7150/thno.60531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in serotonin pathway genes, especially the serotonergic receptor subunit gene HTR3A, are associated with autism. However, the association of HTR3A deficiency with autism and the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Methods: The Htr3a knockout (KO) mice were generated using transcription activator-like effector nuclease technology. Various behavior tests, including social interaction, social approach task, olfactory habituation/dishabituation, self-grooming, novel object recognition, contextual fear conditioning, elevated plus maze, open field and seizure susceptibility, were performed to assess the phenotypes. Transcriptome sequencing was carried out to search for molecular network and pathways underlying the phenotypes. Electrophysiological recordings, immunoblotting, immunofluorescence staining, immunoprecipitation, and quantitative real-time PCR were performed to verify the potential mechanisms. The N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antagonist memantine was used to treat the KO mice for rescuing the phenotypes. Results: The Htr3a KO mouse model showed three phenotypic domains: autistic-like behaviors (including impaired social behavior, cognitive deficits, and increased repetitive self-grooming), impaired memory, and attenuated susceptibility to pentylenetetrazol-induced seizures. We observed enhanced action potential-driven γ-aminobutyric acid-ergic (GABAergic) transmission in pyramidal neurons and decreased excitatory/inhibitory (E/I) ratio using the patch-clamp recording. Transcriptome sequencing on the hippocampus revealed the converged pathways of the dysregulated molecular networks underlying three phenotypic domains with upregulation of NMDAR. We speculated that Htr3a KO promotes an increase in GABA release through NMDAR upregulation. The electrophysiological recordings on hippocampal parvalbumin-positive (PV+) interneuron revealed increased NMDAR current and NMDAR-dependent excitability. The NMDAR antagonist memantine could rescue GABAergic transmission in the hippocampus and ameliorate autistic-like behaviors of the KO mice. Conclusion: Our data indicated that upregulation of the NMDAR in PV+ interneurons may play a critical role in regulating GABAergic input to pyramidal neurons and maybe involve in the pathogenesis of autism associated with HTR3A deficiency. Therefore, we suggest that the NMDAR system could be considered potential therapeutic target for autism.
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80
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Nomura T. Interneuron Dysfunction and Inhibitory Deficits in Autism and Fragile X Syndrome. Cells 2021; 10:cells10102610. [PMID: 34685590 PMCID: PMC8534049 DOI: 10.3390/cells10102610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The alteration of excitatory–inhibitory (E–I) balance has been implicated in various neurological and psychiatric diseases, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is a single-gene disorder that is the most common known cause of ASD. Understanding the molecular and physiological features of FXS is thought to enhance our knowledge of the pathophysiology of ASD. Accumulated evidence implicates deficits in the inhibitory circuits in FXS that tips E–I balance toward excitation. Deficits in interneurons, the main source of an inhibitory neurotransmitter, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), have been reported in FXS, including a reduced number of cells, reduction in intrinsic cellular excitability, or weaker synaptic connectivity. Manipulating the interneuron activity ameliorated the symptoms in the FXS mouse model, which makes it reasonable to conceptualize FXS as an interneuronopathy. While it is still poorly understood how the developmental profiles of the inhibitory circuit go awry in FXS, recent works have uncovered several developmental alterations in the functional properties of interneurons. Correcting disrupted E–I balance by potentiating the inhibitory circuit by targeting interneurons may have a therapeutic potential in FXS. I will review the recent evidence about the inhibitory alterations and interneuron dysfunction in ASD and FXS and will discuss the future directions of this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshihiro Nomura
- Department of Neuroscience, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
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81
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Simone M, Margari L, Pompamea F, De Giacomo A, Gabellone A, Marzulli L, Palumbi R. Autism Spectrum Disorder and Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: A Clinical Case on the Potential Role of the Dystrophin in Autism Neurobiology. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10194370. [PMID: 34640386 PMCID: PMC8509154 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10194370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
A diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder is reported in up to 19% of dystrophinopathies. However, over the last ten years, only a few papers have been published on this topic. Therefore, further studies are required to analyze this association in depth and ultimately to understand the role of the brain dystrophin isoform in the pathogenesis of ASD and other neurodevelopmental disorders. In this paper, we report a clinical case of a patient affected by ASD and Duchenne muscular dystrophy, who carries a large deletion of the dystrophin gene. Then we present a brief overview of the literature about similar cases and about the potential role of the dystrophin protein in the neurobiology of autism spectrum disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Simone
- Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology Department, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (M.S.); (F.P.); (A.G.); (L.M.)
| | - Lucia Margari
- Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology Department, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (M.S.); (F.P.); (A.G.); (L.M.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Francesco Pompamea
- Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology Department, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (M.S.); (F.P.); (A.G.); (L.M.)
| | - Andrea De Giacomo
- Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences, and Sensory Organs Department, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (A.D.G.); (R.P.)
| | - Alessandra Gabellone
- Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology Department, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (M.S.); (F.P.); (A.G.); (L.M.)
| | - Lucia Marzulli
- Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology Department, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (M.S.); (F.P.); (A.G.); (L.M.)
| | - Roberto Palumbi
- Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences, and Sensory Organs Department, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (A.D.G.); (R.P.)
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82
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Ohno Y, Kunisawa N, Shimizu S. Emerging Roles of Astrocyte Kir4.1 Channels in the Pathogenesis and Treatment of Brain Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910236. [PMID: 34638578 PMCID: PMC8508600 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Inwardly rectifying Kir4.1 channels in astrocytes mediate spatial potassium (K+) buffering, a clearance mechanism for excessive extracellular K+, in tripartite synapses. In addition to K+ homeostasis, astrocytic Kir4.1 channels also play an essential role in regulating extracellular glutamate levels via coupling with glutamate transporters. Moreover, Kir4.1 channels act as novel modulators of the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in astrocytes. Specifically, inhibition of astrocytic Kir4.1 channels elevates extracellular K+ and glutamate levels at synapses and facilitates BDNF expression in astrocytes. These changes elevate neural excitability, which may facilitate synaptic plasticity and connectivity. In this article, we summarize the functions and pharmacological features of Kir4.1 channels in astrocytes and highlight the importance of these channels in the treatment of brain diseases. Although further validation in animal models and human patients is required, astrocytic Kir4.1 channel could potentially serve as a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of depressive disorders and epilepsy.
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83
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Gómez de San José N, Massa F, Halbgebauer S, Oeckl P, Steinacker P, Otto M. Neuronal pentraxins as biomarkers of synaptic activity: from physiological functions to pathological changes in neurodegeneration. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2021; 129:207-230. [PMID: 34460014 PMCID: PMC8866268 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-021-02411-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The diagnosis of neurodegenerative disorders is often challenging due to the lack of diagnostic tools, comorbidities and shared pathological manifestations. Synaptic dysfunction is an early pathological event in many neurodegenerative disorders, but the underpinning mechanisms are still poorly characterised. Reliable quantification of synaptic damage is crucial to understand the pathophysiology of neurodegeneration, to track disease status and to obtain prognostic information. Neuronal pentraxins (NPTXs) are extracellular scaffolding proteins emerging as potential biomarkers of synaptic dysfunction in neurodegeneration. They are a family of proteins involved in homeostatic synaptic plasticity by recruiting post-synaptic receptors into synapses. Recent research investigates the dynamic changes of NPTXs in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) as an expression of synaptic damage, possibly related to cognitive impairment. In this review, we summarise the available data on NPTXs structure and expression patterns as well as on their contribution in synaptic function and plasticity and other less well-characterised roles. Moreover, we propose a mechanism for their involvement in synaptic damage and neurodegeneration and assess their potential as CSF biomarkers for neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Federico Massa
- Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Patrick Oeckl
- Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE E.V.), Ulm, Germany
| | | | - Markus Otto
- Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany.
- Department of Neurology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Ernst-Grube-Str. 40, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany.
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84
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Righes Marafiga J, Vendramin Pasquetti M, Calcagnotto ME. GABAergic interneurons in epilepsy: More than a simple change in inhibition. Epilepsy Behav 2021; 121:106935. [PMID: 32035792 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2020.106935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Revised: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The pathophysiology of epilepsy has been historically grounded on hyperexcitability attributed to the oversimplified imbalance between excitation (E) and inhibition (I) in the brain. The decreased inhibition is mostly attributed to deficits in gamma-aminobutyric acid-containing (GABAergic) interneurons, the main source of inhibition in the central nervous system. However, the cell diversity, the wide range of spatiotemporal connectivity, and the distinct effects of the neurotransmitter GABA especially during development, must be considered to critically revisit the concept of hyperexcitability caused by decreased inhibition as a key characteristic in the development of epilepsy. Here, we will discuss that behind this known mechanism, there is a heterogeneity of GABAergic interneurons with distinct functions and sources, which have specific roles in controlling the neural network activity within the recruited microcircuit and altered network during the epileptogenic process. This article is part of the Special Issue "NEWroscience 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseane Righes Marafiga
- Neurophysiology and Neurochemistry of Neuronal Excitability and Synaptic Plasticity Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, ICBS, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90035-003, RS, Brazil; Graduate Program in Biological Science: Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90035-003, RS, Brazil
| | - Mayara Vendramin Pasquetti
- Neurophysiology and Neurochemistry of Neuronal Excitability and Synaptic Plasticity Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, ICBS, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90035-003, RS, Brazil; Graduate Program in Biological Science: Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90035-003, RS, Brazil
| | - Maria Elisa Calcagnotto
- Neurophysiology and Neurochemistry of Neuronal Excitability and Synaptic Plasticity Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, ICBS, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90035-003, RS, Brazil; Graduate Program in Biological Science: Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90035-003, RS, Brazil; Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90046-900, RS, Brazil.
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85
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Fetit R, Hillary RF, Price DJ, Lawrie SM. The neuropathology of autism: A systematic review of post-mortem studies of autism and related disorders. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 129:35-62. [PMID: 34273379 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Post-mortem studies allow for the direct investigation of brain tissue in those with autism and related disorders. Several review articles have focused on aspects of post-mortem abnormalities but none has brought together the entire post-mortem literature. Here, we systematically review the evidence from post-mortem studies of autism, and of related disorders that present with autistic features. The literature consists of a small body of studies with small sample sizes, but several remarkably consistent findings are evident. Cortical layering is largely undisturbed, but there are consistent reductions in minicolumn numbers and aberrant myelination. Transcriptomics repeatedly implicate abberant synaptic, metabolic, proliferation, apoptosis and immune pathways. Sufficient replicated evidence is available to implicate non-coding RNA, aberrant epigenetic profiles, GABAergic, glutamatergic and glial dysfunction in autism pathogenesis. Overall, the cerebellum and frontal cortex are most consistently implicated, sometimes revealing distinct region-specific alterations. The literature on related disorders such as Rett syndrome, Fragile X and copy number variations (CNVs) predisposing to autism is particularly small and inconclusive. Larger studies, matched for gender, developmental stage, co-morbidities and drug treatment are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rana Fetit
- Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, UK.
| | - Robert F Hillary
- Centre for Genomic and Experimental Medicine, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, UK
| | - David J Price
- Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Stephen M Lawrie
- Division of Psychiatry, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH10 5HF, UK; Patrick Wild Centre, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH10 5HF, UK
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86
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Terejko K, Michałowski MA, Iżykowska I, Dominik A, Brzóstowicz A, Mozrzymas JW. Mutations at the M2 and M3 Transmembrane Helices of the GABA ARs α 1 and β 2 Subunits Affect Primarily Late Gating Transitions Including Opening/Closing and Desensitization. ACS Chem Neurosci 2021; 12:2421-2436. [PMID: 34101432 PMCID: PMC8291490 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.1c00151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
![]()
GABA type A receptors
(GABAARs) belong to the pentameric
ligand-gated ion channel (pLGIC) family and play a crucial role in
mediating inhibition in the adult mammalian brain. Recently, a major
progress in determining the static structure of GABAARs
was achieved, although precise molecular scenarios underlying conformational
transitions remain unclear. The ligand binding sites (LBSs) are located
at the extracellular domain (ECD), very distant from the receptor
gate at the channel pore. GABAAR gating is complex, comprising
three major categories of transitions: openings/closings, preactivation,
and desensitization. Interestingly, mutations at, e.g., the ligand
binding site affect not only binding but often also more than one
gating category, suggesting that structural determinants for distinct
conformational transitions are shared. Gielen and co-workers (2015)
proposed that the GABAAR desensitization gate is located
at the second and third transmembrane segment. However, studies of
our and others’ groups indicated that other parts of the GABAAR macromolecule might be involved in this process. In the
present study, we asked how selected point mutations (β2G254V, α1G258V, α1L300V,
and β2L296V) at the M2 and M3 transmembrane segments
affect gating transitions of the α1β2γ2 GABAAR. Using high resolution macroscopic
and single-channel recordings and analysis, we report that these substitutions,
besides affecting desensitization, also profoundly altered openings/closings,
having some minor effect on preactivation and agonist binding. Thus,
the M2 and M3 segments primarily control late gating transitions of
the receptor (desensitization, opening/closing), providing a further
support for the concept of diffuse gating mechanisms for conformational
transitions of GABAAR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Terejko
- Department of Biophysics and Neuroscience, Wrocław Medical University, ul. Chałubińskiego 3A, 50-368 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Michał A. Michałowski
- Department of Biophysics and Neuroscience, Wrocław Medical University, ul. Chałubińskiego 3A, 50-368 Wrocław, Poland
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Wrocław, ul. Sienkiewicza 21, 50-335 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Ilona Iżykowska
- Department of Biophysics and Neuroscience, Wrocław Medical University, ul. Chałubińskiego 3A, 50-368 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Anna Dominik
- Department of Biophysics and Neuroscience, Wrocław Medical University, ul. Chałubińskiego 3A, 50-368 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Brzóstowicz
- Department of Biophysics and Neuroscience, Wrocław Medical University, ul. Chałubińskiego 3A, 50-368 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Jerzy W. Mozrzymas
- Department of Biophysics and Neuroscience, Wrocław Medical University, ul. Chałubińskiego 3A, 50-368 Wrocław, Poland
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Wrocław, ul. Sienkiewicza 21, 50-335 Wrocław, Poland
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Nadeem MS, Murtaza BN, Al-Ghamdi MA, Ali A, Zamzami MA, Khan JA, Ahmad A, Rehman MU, Kazmi I. Autism - A Comprehensive Array of Prominent Signs and Symptoms. Curr Pharm Des 2021; 27:1418-1433. [PMID: 33494665 DOI: 10.2174/1381612827666210120095829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a multifaceted neurodevelopmental condition characterized by multiple psychological and physiological impairments in young children. According to the recent reports, 1 out of every 58 newly-born children is suffering from autism. The aetiology of the disorder is complex and poorly understood, hindering the adaptation of targeted and effective therapies. There are no well- established diagnostic biomarkers for autism. Hence the analysis of symptoms by the pediatricians plays a critical role in the early intervention. METHODS In the present report, we have emphasized 24 behavioral, psychological and clinical symptoms of autism. RESULTS Impaired social interaction, restrictive and narrow interests, anxiety, depression; aggressive, repetitive, rigid and self-injurious behavior, lack of consistency, short attention span, fear, shyness and phobias, hypersensitivity and rapid mood alterations, high level of food and toy selectivity; inability to establish friendships or follow the instructions; fascination by round spinning objects and eating non-food materials are common psychological characteristics of autism. Speech or hearing impairments, poor cognitive function, gastrointestinal problems, weak immunity, disturbed sleep and circadian rhythms, weak motor neuromuscular interaction, lower level of serotonin and neurotransmitters, headache and body pain are common physiological symptoms. CONCLUSION A variable qualitative and quantitative impact of this wide range of symptoms is perceived in each autistic individual, making him/her distinct, incomparable and exceptional. Selection and application of highly personalized medical and psychological therapies are therefore recommended for the management and treatment of autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Shahid Nadeem
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bibi Nazia Murtaza
- Department of Zoology, Abbottabad University of Science and Technology (AUST), Abbottabad, Pakistan
| | - Maryam A Al-Ghamdi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Akbar Ali
- College of Pharmacy, Northern Border University Rafha 1321, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mazin A Zamzami
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jalaluddin A Khan
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Aftab Ahmad
- College of Pharmacy, Northern Border University Rafha 1321, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mujaddad Ur Rehman
- Department of Zoology, Abbottabad University of Science and Technology (AUST), Abbottabad, Pakistan
| | - Imran Kazmi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
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88
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Sarlo GL, Holton KF. Brain concentrations of glutamate and GABA in human epilepsy: A review. Seizure 2021; 91:213-227. [PMID: 34233236 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2021.06.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
An imbalance between excitation and inhibition has been a longstanding proposed mechanism regarding ictogenesis and epileptogenesis. This imbalance is related to increased extracellular glutamate in the brain and/or reduction in GABA concentrations, leading to excitotoxicity, seizures, and cell death. This review aims to summarize the microdialysis and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) literature investigating glutamate and GABA concentrations in epilepsy patients, present limitations, and suggest future directions to help direct the search for novel epilepsy treatments. The majority of microdialysis studies demonstrated increased glutamate in epileptic regions either compared to control regions or to baseline levels; however, sample sizes were small, with some statistical comparisons missing. For the MRS research, two of six studies reported significant changes in glutamate levels compared to controls, though the results were mixed, with one reporting increased and the other reporting decreased glutamate levels. Eleven of 20 studies reported significant changes in Glx (glutamate + glutamine) or Glx ratios, with most reporting increased levels, except for a few epilepsy syndromes where reduced levels were reported. Few studies investigated GABA concentrations, with one microdialysis and four spectroscopy studies reporting increased GABA levels, and one study reporting decreased GABA in a different brain region. Based on this review, future research should account for medication use; include measurements of GABA, glutamate, and glutamine; use high-tesla strength MRI; and further evaluate the timing of microdialysis. Understanding the importance of brain glutamate and GABA levels in epilepsy may provide direction for future therapies and treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle L Sarlo
- Department of Psychology, Behavior, Cognition and Neuroscience Program, American University, Washington DC, United States
| | - Kathleen F Holton
- Department of Health Studies, American University, Washington DC, United States; Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, American University, Washington DC, United States.
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89
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Zieminska E, Ruszczynska A, Augustyniak J, Toczylowska B, Lazarewicz JW. Zinc and Copper Brain Levels and Expression of Neurotransmitter Receptors in Two Rat ASD Models. Front Mol Neurosci 2021; 14:656740. [PMID: 34267627 PMCID: PMC8277171 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2021.656740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Zinc and copper are important trace elements necessary for the proper functioning of neurons. Impaired zinc and/or copper metabolism and signaling are implicated in many brain diseases, including autism (ASD). In our studies, autistic-like behavior in rat offsprings was induced by application to pregnant mothers valproic acid or thalidomide. Zinc and copper contents were measured in serum and brain structures: hippocampus, cerebral cortex, and cerebellum. Our research shows no interconnections in the particular metal concentrations measured in autistic animal brains and their sera. Based on patient researches, we studied 26 genes belonging to disturbed neurotransmitter pathways. In the same brain regions, we examined the expression of genes encoding proteins of cholinergic, adrenergic, serotonin, and dopamine receptors. In both rats’ ASD models, 17 out of the tested gene expression were decreased. In the cerebellum and cerebral cortex, expression of genes encoding cholinergic, adrenergic, and dopaminergic receptors decreased, whereas in the hippocampus only expression of serotoninergic receptors genes was downregulated. The changes in metals content observed in the rat brain can be secondary phenomena, perhaps elements of mechanisms that compensate for neurotransmission dysfunctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elzbieta Zieminska
- Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Ruszczynska
- Faculty of Chemistry, Biological and Chemical Research Centre, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Justyna Augustyniak
- Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Beata Toczylowska
- Nalecz Institute of Biocybernetics and Biomedical Engineering, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jerzy W Lazarewicz
- Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
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90
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Li L, Zhang LZ, He ZX, Ma H, Zhang YT, Xun YF, Yuan W, Hou WJ, Li YT, Lv ZJ, Jia R, Tai FD. Dorsal raphe nucleus to anterior cingulate cortex 5-HTergic neural circuit modulates consolation and sociability. eLife 2021; 10:67638. [PMID: 34080539 PMCID: PMC8213405 DOI: 10.7554/elife.67638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Consolation is a common response to the distress of others in humans and some social animals, but the neural mechanisms underlying this behavior are not well characterized. By using socially monogamous mandarin voles, we found that optogenetic or chemogenetic inhibition of 5-HTergic neurons in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DR) or optogenetic inhibition of serotonin (5-HT) terminals in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) significantly decreased allogrooming time in the consolation test and reduced sociability in the three-chamber test. The release of 5-HT within the ACC and the activity of DR neurons were significantly increased during allogrooming, sniffing, and social approaching. Finally, we found that the activation of 5-HT1A receptors in the ACC was sufficient to reverse consolation and sociability deficits induced by the chemogenetic inhibition of 5-HTergic neurons in the DR. Our study provided the first direct evidence that DR-ACC 5-HTergic neural circuit is implicated in consolation-like behaviors and sociability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laifu Li
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China.,College of Life Sciences, Nanyang Normal University, Nanyang, China
| | - Li-Zi Zhang
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zhi-Xiong He
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China
| | - Huan Ma
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yu-Ting Zhang
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yu-Feng Xun
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China
| | - Wei Yuan
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China.,Provincial Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medications, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, China
| | - Wen-Juan Hou
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yi-Tong Li
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zi-Jian Lv
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China
| | - Rui Jia
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China
| | - Fa-Dao Tai
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China
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91
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Radhiyanti PT, Konno A, Matsuzaki Y, Hirai H. Comparative study of neuron-specific promoters in mouse brain transduced by intravenously administered AAV-PHP.eB. Neurosci Lett 2021; 756:135956. [PMID: 33989730 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2021.135956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV)- PHP.B and AAV-PHP.eB (PHP.eB), a capsid variant of AAV serotype 9, efficiently penetrates the mouse blood-brain barrier and predominantly infects neurons. Thus, the PHP.B / PHP.eB capsid and a neuron-specific promoter is a reasonable combination for effective neuronal transduction. However, the transduction characteristics of intravenously administered PHP.B / PHP.eB carrying different neuron-specific promoters have not been studied systematically. In this study, using an intravenous infusion of PHP.eB in mice, we performed a comparative study of the ubiquitous CBh and three neuron-specific promoters, the Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent kinase subunit α (CaMKII) promoter, neuron-specific enolase (NSE) promoter, and synapsin I with a minimal CMV sequence (SynI-minCMV) promoter. Expression levels of a transgene by three neuron-specific promoters were comparable to or higher than those of the CBh promoter. Among the promoters examined, the NSE promoter showed the highest transgene expression. All neuron-specific promoters were activated specifically in the neurons. PHP.eB carrying the CaMKII promoter, which is generally believed to exert its function exclusively in the excitatory neurons, transduced both the excitatory and inhibitory neurons without bias, whereas PHP.eB with the NSE and SynI-minCMV promoters transduced neurons with significant bias toward inhibitory neurons. These results are useful in neuron-targeted broad transgene expression through systemic infusion of blood-brain-barrier-penetrating AAV vectors carrying the neuron-specific promoter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Putri T Radhiyanti
- Department of Neurophysiology and Neural Repair, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-39-22, Gunma, 371-8511, Japan; Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung, Indonesia
| | - Ayumu Konno
- Department of Neurophysiology and Neural Repair, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-39-22, Gunma, 371-8511, Japan; Viral Vector Core, Gunma University Initiative for Advanced Research (GIAR), Gunma, 371-8511, Japan
| | - Yasunori Matsuzaki
- Department of Neurophysiology and Neural Repair, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-39-22, Gunma, 371-8511, Japan; Viral Vector Core, Gunma University Initiative for Advanced Research (GIAR), Gunma, 371-8511, Japan
| | - Hirokazu Hirai
- Department of Neurophysiology and Neural Repair, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-39-22, Gunma, 371-8511, Japan; Viral Vector Core, Gunma University Initiative for Advanced Research (GIAR), Gunma, 371-8511, Japan.
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92
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Baranova J, Dragunas G, Botellho MCS, Ayub ALP, Bueno-Alves R, Alencar RR, Papaiz DD, Sogayar MC, Ulrich H, Correa RG. Autism Spectrum Disorder: Signaling Pathways and Prospective Therapeutic Targets. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2021; 41:619-649. [PMID: 32468442 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-020-00882-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) consists of a prevalent and heterogeneous group of neurodevelopmental diseases representing a severe burden to affected individuals and their caretakers. Despite substantial improvement towards understanding of ASD etiology and pathogenesis, as well as increased social awareness and more intensive research, no effective drugs have been successfully developed to resolve the main and most cumbersome ASD symptoms. Hence, finding better treatments, which may act as "disease-modifying" agents, and novel biomarkers for earlier ASD diagnosis and disease stage determination are needed. Diverse mutations of core components and consequent malfunctions of several cell signaling pathways have already been found in ASD by a series of experimental platforms, including genetic associations analyses and studies utilizing pre-clinical animal models and patient samples. These signaling cascades govern a broad range of neurological features such as neuronal development, neurotransmission, metabolism, and homeostasis, as well as immune regulation and inflammation. Here, we review the current knowledge on signaling pathways which are commonly disrupted in ASD and autism-related conditions. As such, we further propose ways to translate these findings into the development of genetic and biochemical clinical tests for early autism detection. Moreover, we highlight some putative druggable targets along these pathways, which, upon further research efforts, may evolve into novel therapeutic interventions for certain ASD conditions. Lastly, we also refer to the crosstalk among these major signaling cascades as well as their putative implications in therapeutics. Based on this collective information, we believe that a timely and accurate modulation of these prominent pathways may shape the neurodevelopment and neuro-immune regulation of homeostatic patterns and, hopefully, rescue some (if not all) ASD phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Baranova
- Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry Institute, University of São Paulo, Avenida Professor Lineu Prestes 748, Butantã, São Paulo, SP, 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Dragunas
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Avenida Professor Lineu Prestes 1524, Butantã, São Paulo, SP, 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Mayara C S Botellho
- Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry Institute, University of São Paulo, Avenida Professor Lineu Prestes 748, Butantã, São Paulo, SP, 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Ana Luisa P Ayub
- Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of São Paulo, Rua Pedro de Toledo 669, Vila Clementino, São Paulo, SP, 04039-032, Brazil
| | - Rebeca Bueno-Alves
- Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry Institute, University of São Paulo, Avenida Professor Lineu Prestes 748, Butantã, São Paulo, SP, 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Rebeca R Alencar
- Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry Institute, University of São Paulo, Avenida Professor Lineu Prestes 748, Butantã, São Paulo, SP, 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Debora D Papaiz
- Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of São Paulo, Rua Pedro de Toledo 669, Vila Clementino, São Paulo, SP, 04039-032, Brazil
| | - Mari C Sogayar
- Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry Institute, University of São Paulo, Avenida Professor Lineu Prestes 748, Butantã, São Paulo, SP, 05508-000, Brazil
- Cell and Molecular Therapy Center, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Rua Pangaré 100 (Edifício NUCEL), Butantã, São Paulo, SP, 05360-130, Brazil
| | - Henning Ulrich
- Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry Institute, University of São Paulo, Avenida Professor Lineu Prestes 748, Butantã, São Paulo, SP, 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Ricardo G Correa
- NCI-Designated Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, 10901 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA.
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93
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Papariello A, Taylor D, Soderstrom K, Litwa K. CB 1 antagonism increases excitatory synaptogenesis in a cortical spheroid model of fetal brain development. Sci Rep 2021; 11:9356. [PMID: 33931678 PMCID: PMC8087674 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-88750-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays a complex role in the development of neural circuitry during fetal brain development. The cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1) controls synaptic strength at both excitatory and inhibitory synapses and thus contributes to the balance of excitatory and inhibitory signaling. Imbalances in the ratio of excitatory to inhibitory synapses have been implicated in various neuropsychiatric disorders associated with dysregulated central nervous system development including autism spectrum disorder, epilepsy, and schizophrenia. The role of CB1 in human brain development has been difficult to study but advances in induced pluripotent stem cell technology have allowed us to model the fetal brain environment. Cortical spheroids resemble the cortex of the dorsal telencephalon during mid-fetal gestation and possess functional synapses, spontaneous activity, an astrocyte population, and pseudo-laminar organization. We first characterized the ECS using STORM microscopy and observed synaptic localization of components similar to that which is observed in the fetal brain. Next, using the CB1-selective antagonist SR141716A, we observed an increase in excitatory, and to a lesser extent, inhibitory synaptogenesis as measured by confocal image analysis. Further, CB1 antagonism increased the variability of spontaneous activity within developing neural networks, as measured by microelectrode array. Overall, we have established that cortical spheroids express ECS components and are thus a useful model for exploring endocannabinoid mediation of childhood neuropsychiatric disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis Papariello
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, 27834, USA
| | - David Taylor
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, 27834, USA
| | - Ken Soderstrom
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, 27834, USA.
| | - Karen Litwa
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, 27834, USA.
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94
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Holmes H, Sawer F, Clark M. Autism spectrum disorders and epilepsy in children: A commentary on the occurrence of autism in epilepsy; how it can present differently and the challenges associated with diagnosis. Epilepsy Behav 2021; 117:107813. [PMID: 33642176 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2021.107813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Autism occurs more frequently in epilepsy, but is often not diagnosed. This could be due to a focus on medical issues, or because it presents differently from classic autism in its timing, phenotype, fluctuating profiles, and high level of comorbidity. Without a diagnosis, these children miss out on interventions that could modify outcome and their families and local teams will struggle to understand and support them. They also become a hidden group that does not participate in or benefit from research. This paper examined the issues and challenges of diagnosing autism in a population with a high-risk of epilepsy, drawing on more than 20 years' experience of a specialist multi-disciplinary Developmental Epilepsy Clinic (DEC).
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Affiliation(s)
- Harriet Holmes
- Developmental Epilepsy Clinic, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London WC1N3JH, UK
| | - Francesca Sawer
- Developmental Epilepsy Clinic, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London WC1N3JH, UK
| | - Maria Clark
- Developmental Epilepsy Clinic, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London WC1N3JH, UK.
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95
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Abstract
Epilepsy and autism frequently co-occur. Epilepsy confers an increased risk of autism and autism confers an increased risk of epilepsy. Specific epilepsy syndromes, intellectual disability, and female gender present a particular risk of autism in individuals with epilepsy. Epilepsy and autism are likely to share common etiologies, which predispose individuals to either or both conditions. Genetic factors, metabolic disorders, mitochondrial disorders, and immune dysfunction all can be implicated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank M C Besag
- East London NHS Foundation Trust, 5-7 Rush Court, Bedford MK40 3JT, UK; University College London, London, UK; King's College London, London, UK.
| | - Michael J Vasey
- East London NHS Foundation Trust, 5-7 Rush Court, Bedford MK40 3JT, UK
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96
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Supernumerary neurons within the cerebral cortical subplate in autism spectrum disorders. Brain Res 2021; 1760:147350. [PMID: 33607045 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2021.147350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) involve alterations to cortical connectivity that manifest as reduced coordinated activity between cortical regions. The neurons of the cortical subplate are a major contributor to establishing thalamocortical, corticothalamic and corticocortical long-range connections and only a subset of this cell population survives into adulthood. Previous reports of an indistinct gray-white matter boundary in subjects with ASD suggest that the adjacent subplate may also show organizational abnormalities. Frozen human postmortem tissue samples from the parietal lobe (BA7) were used to evaluate white-matter neuron densities adjacent to layer VI with an antibody to NeuN. In addition, fixed postmortem tissue samples from frontal (BA9), parietal (BA7) and temporal lobe (BA21) locations, were stained with a Golgi-Kopsch procedure, and used to examine the morphology of these neuronal profiles. Relative to control cases, ASD subjects showed a large average density increase of NeuN-positive profiles of 44.7 percent. The morphologies of these neurons were consistent with subplate cells of the fusiform, polymorphic and pyramidal cell types. Lower ratios of fusiform to other cell types are found early in development and although adult ASD subjects showed consistently lower ratios, these differences were not significant. The increased number of retained subplate profiles, along with cell type ratios redolent of earlier developmental stages, suggests either an abnormal initial population or a partial failure of the apoptosis seen in neurotypical development. These results indicate abnormalities within a neuron population that plays multiple roles in the developing and mature cerebral cortex, including the establishment of long-range cortical connections.
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97
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Prentzell MT, Rehbein U, Cadena Sandoval M, De Meulemeester AS, Baumeister R, Brohée L, Berdel B, Bockwoldt M, Carroll B, Chowdhury SR, von Deimling A, Demetriades C, Figlia G, de Araujo MEG, Heberle AM, Heiland I, Holzwarth B, Huber LA, Jaworski J, Kedra M, Kern K, Kopach A, Korolchuk VI, van 't Land-Kuper I, Macias M, Nellist M, Palm W, Pusch S, Ramos Pittol JM, Reil M, Reintjes A, Reuter F, Sampson JR, Scheldeman C, Siekierska A, Stefan E, Teleman AA, Thomas LE, Torres-Quesada O, Trump S, West HD, de Witte P, Woltering S, Yordanov TE, Zmorzynska J, Opitz CA, Thedieck K. G3BPs tether the TSC complex to lysosomes and suppress mTORC1 signaling. Cell 2021; 184:655-674.e27. [PMID: 33497611 PMCID: PMC7868890 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2020.12.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Revised: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Ras GTPase-activating protein-binding proteins 1 and 2 (G3BP1 and G3BP2, respectively) are widely recognized as core components of stress granules (SGs). We report that G3BPs reside at the cytoplasmic surface of lysosomes. They act in a non-redundant manner to anchor the tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) protein complex to lysosomes and suppress activation of the metabolic master regulator mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) by amino acids and insulin. Like the TSC complex, G3BP1 deficiency elicits phenotypes related to mTORC1 hyperactivity. In the context of tumors, low G3BP1 levels enhance mTORC1-driven breast cancer cell motility and correlate with adverse outcomes in patients. Furthermore, G3bp1 inhibition in zebrafish disturbs neuronal development and function, leading to white matter heterotopia and neuronal hyperactivity. Thus, G3BPs are not only core components of SGs but also a key element of lysosomal TSC-mTORC1 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirja Tamara Prentzell
- Brain Cancer Metabolism Group, German Consortium of Translational Cancer Research (DKTK) & German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg 69120, Germany; Department of Pediatrics, Section Systems Medicine of Metabolism and Signaling, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen 9700 RB, The Netherlands; Department of Bioinformatics and Molecular Genetics (Faculty of Biology), University of Freiburg, Freiburg 79104, Germany; Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine (SGBM), University of Freiburg, Freiburg 79104, Germany
| | - Ulrike Rehbein
- Department of Pediatrics, Section Systems Medicine of Metabolism and Signaling, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen 9700 RB, The Netherlands; Department for Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Oldenburg 26129, Germany; Institute of Biochemistry and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck 6020, Austria
| | - Marti Cadena Sandoval
- Department of Pediatrics, Section Systems Medicine of Metabolism and Signaling, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen 9700 RB, The Netherlands; Institute of Biochemistry and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck 6020, Austria
| | - Ann-Sofie De Meulemeester
- Laboratory for Molecular Biodiscovery, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Leuven, Leuven BE-3000, Belgium
| | - Ralf Baumeister
- Department of Bioinformatics and Molecular Genetics (Faculty of Biology), University of Freiburg, Freiburg 79104, Germany; Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine (SGBM), University of Freiburg, Freiburg 79104, Germany; Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS & ZBMZ Center for Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Research (Faculty of Medicine), University of Freiburg, Freiburg 79104, Germany
| | - Laura Brohée
- Cell Growth Control in Health and Age-Related Disease Group, Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing (MPI-AGE), Cologne 50931, Germany
| | - Bianca Berdel
- Brain Cancer Metabolism Group, German Consortium of Translational Cancer Research (DKTK) & German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg 69120, Germany
| | - Mathias Bockwoldt
- Department of Arctic and Marine Biology, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø 9037, Norway
| | - Bernadette Carroll
- School of Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences Building, University Walk, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Suvagata Roy Chowdhury
- Cell Signaling and Metabolism Group, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg 69120, Germany
| | - Andreas von Deimling
- German Consortium of Translational Cancer Research (DKTK), Clinical Cooperation Unit Neuropathology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg 69120, Germany; Department of Neuropathology, Institute of Pathology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
| | - Constantinos Demetriades
- Cell Growth Control in Health and Age-Related Disease Group, Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing (MPI-AGE), Cologne 50931, Germany; CECAD Cluster of Excellence, University of Cologne, Cologne 50931, Germany
| | - Gianluca Figlia
- Signal Transduction in Cancer and Metabolism, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg 69120, Germany; Heidelberg University, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
| | | | - Alexander M Heberle
- Department of Pediatrics, Section Systems Medicine of Metabolism and Signaling, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen 9700 RB, The Netherlands; Institute of Biochemistry and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck 6020, Austria
| | - Ines Heiland
- Department of Arctic and Marine Biology, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø 9037, Norway
| | - Birgit Holzwarth
- Department of Bioinformatics and Molecular Genetics (Faculty of Biology), University of Freiburg, Freiburg 79104, Germany
| | - Lukas A Huber
- Institute of Cell Biology, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck 6020, Austria; Austrian Drug Screening Institute (ADSI), Innsbruck 6020, Austria
| | - Jacek Jaworski
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, Warsaw 02-109, Poland
| | - Magdalena Kedra
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, Warsaw 02-109, Poland
| | - Katharina Kern
- Brain Cancer Metabolism Group, German Consortium of Translational Cancer Research (DKTK) & German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg 69120, Germany
| | - Andrii Kopach
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, Warsaw 02-109, Poland
| | - Viktor I Korolchuk
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Ineke van 't Land-Kuper
- Department of Pediatrics, Section Systems Medicine of Metabolism and Signaling, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen 9700 RB, The Netherlands; Department for Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Oldenburg 26129, Germany
| | - Matylda Macias
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, Warsaw 02-109, Poland
| | - Mark Nellist
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam 3015 GD, The Netherlands
| | - Wilhelm Palm
- Cell Signaling and Metabolism Group, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg 69120, Germany
| | - Stefan Pusch
- German Consortium of Translational Cancer Research (DKTK), Clinical Cooperation Unit Neuropathology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg 69120, Germany; Department of Neuropathology, Institute of Pathology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
| | - Jose Miguel Ramos Pittol
- Institute of Biochemistry and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck 6020, Austria
| | - Michèle Reil
- Brain Cancer Metabolism Group, German Consortium of Translational Cancer Research (DKTK) & German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg 69120, Germany
| | - Anja Reintjes
- Institute of Biochemistry and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck 6020, Austria
| | - Friederike Reuter
- Brain Cancer Metabolism Group, German Consortium of Translational Cancer Research (DKTK) & German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg 69120, Germany
| | - Julian R Sampson
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Division of Cancer and Genetics, Cardiff University Medical School, Cardiff CF14 4AY, UK
| | - Chloë Scheldeman
- Laboratory for Molecular Biodiscovery, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Leuven, Leuven BE-3000, Belgium; Neurogenetics Research Group, VUB, Brussels 1090, Belgium
| | - Aleksandra Siekierska
- Laboratory for Molecular Biodiscovery, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Leuven, Leuven BE-3000, Belgium
| | - Eduard Stefan
- Institute of Biochemistry and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck 6020, Austria
| | - Aurelio A Teleman
- Signal Transduction in Cancer and Metabolism, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg 69120, Germany; Heidelberg University, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
| | - Laura E Thomas
- Institute of Life Science, Swansea University, Swansea SA2 8PP, UK
| | - Omar Torres-Quesada
- Institute of Biochemistry and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck 6020, Austria
| | - Saskia Trump
- Molecular Epidemiology Unit, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin 13353, Germany
| | - Hannah D West
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Division of Cancer and Genetics, Cardiff University Medical School, Cardiff CF14 4AY, UK
| | - Peter de Witte
- Laboratory for Molecular Biodiscovery, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Leuven, Leuven BE-3000, Belgium
| | - Sandra Woltering
- Brain Cancer Metabolism Group, German Consortium of Translational Cancer Research (DKTK) & German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg 69120, Germany
| | - Teodor E Yordanov
- Institute of Cell Biology, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck 6020, Austria; Division of Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, St Lucia QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Justyna Zmorzynska
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, Warsaw 02-109, Poland
| | - Christiane A Opitz
- Brain Cancer Metabolism Group, German Consortium of Translational Cancer Research (DKTK) & German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg 69120, Germany; Department of Neurology, University Hospital Heidelberg and National Center for Tumor Diseases, Heidelberg 69120, Germany.
| | - Kathrin Thedieck
- Department of Pediatrics, Section Systems Medicine of Metabolism and Signaling, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen 9700 RB, The Netherlands; Department for Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Oldenburg 26129, Germany; Institute of Biochemistry and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck 6020, Austria.
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98
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Williams ZJ, He JL, Cascio CJ, Woynaroski TG. A review of decreased sound tolerance in autism: Definitions, phenomenology, and potential mechanisms. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 121:1-17. [PMID: 33285160 PMCID: PMC7855558 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.11.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Revised: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Atypical behavioral responses to environmental sounds are common in autistic children and adults, with 50-70 % of this population exhibiting decreased sound tolerance (DST) at some point in their lives. This symptom is a source of significant distress and impairment across the lifespan, contributing to anxiety, challenging behaviors, reduced community participation, and school/workplace difficulties. However, relatively little is known about its phenomenology or neurocognitive underpinnings. The present article synthesizes a large body of literature on the phenomenology and pathophysiology of DST-related conditions to generate a comprehensive theoretical account of DST in autism. Notably, we argue against conceptualizing DST as a unified construct, suggesting that it be separated into three phenomenologically distinct conditions: hyperacusis (the perception of everyday sounds as excessively loud or painful), misophonia (an acquired aversive reaction to specific sounds), and phonophobia (a specific phobia of sound), each responsible for a portion of observed DST behaviors. We further elaborate our framework by proposing preliminary neurocognitive models of hyperacusis, misophonia, and phonophobia that incorporate neurophysiologic findings from studies of autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary J Williams
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, 221 Eskind Biomedical Library and Learning Center, 2209 Garland Ave., Nashville, TN, 37240, United States; Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1215 21st Avenue South, Medical Center East, Room 8310, Nashville, TN, 37232, United States; Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, 7203 Medical Research Building III, 465 21st Avenue South, Nashville, TN, 37232, United States; Frist Center for Autism and Innovation, Vanderbilt University, 2414 Highland Avenue, Suite 115, Nashville, TN, 37212, United States.
| | - Jason L He
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopment, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, Strand Building, Strand Campus, Strand, London, WC2R 2LS, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Carissa J Cascio
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, 7203 Medical Research Building III, 465 21st Avenue South, Nashville, TN, 37232, United States; Frist Center for Autism and Innovation, Vanderbilt University, 2414 Highland Avenue, Suite 115, Nashville, TN, 37212, United States; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 2254 Village at Vanderbilt, 1500 21st Ave South, Nashville, TN, 37212, United States; Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 110 Magnolia Cir, Nashville, TN, 37203, United States.
| | - Tiffany G Woynaroski
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1215 21st Avenue South, Medical Center East, Room 8310, Nashville, TN, 37232, United States; Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, 7203 Medical Research Building III, 465 21st Avenue South, Nashville, TN, 37232, United States; Frist Center for Autism and Innovation, Vanderbilt University, 2414 Highland Avenue, Suite 115, Nashville, TN, 37212, United States; Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 110 Magnolia Cir, Nashville, TN, 37203, United States.
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Norouzi Ofogh S, Rasoolijazi H, Shahsavand Ananloo E, Shahrivar Z, Joghataei MT, Sadeghi B, Bozorgmehr A, Alizadeh F. Alteration of TRIM33 Expression at Transcriptional and Translational Levels is Correlated with Autism Symptoms. J Mol Neurosci 2021; 71:1368-1377. [PMID: 33481220 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-020-01783-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
As a complex neurodevelopmental disorder, autism affects children in three major cognitive domains including social interactions, language learning and repetitive stereotyped behaviors. Abnormal regulation of cell proliferation in the brain during the embryonic period via the TGF-β signaling pathway and TRIM33 gene that encodes a protein with a corepressor and regulatory role in this pathway has been considered as an etiology for autism. Here, we investigated the association of a variation of TRIM33 with autism symptoms at levels of mRNA and protein expression. We used Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) and Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) as behavioral diagnostic tools. Normal and autistic children were genotyped for a TRIM33 polymorphism (rs11102807), and then expression was assessed at transcriptional and translational levels. Results demonstrated that the frequency of the homozygous A allele (AA genotype of rs11102807) was significantly higher in children with autism (P < 0.001), whereas carriers of the G allele were mostly among healthy individuals. Children homozygous for the rs11102807 A allele were associated with an increase in CARS and ADI-R scores, indicating a significant correlation with autism symptoms. TRIM33 gene expression at both mRNA (P < 0.01) and protein (P < 0.001) levels was significantly higher in controls compared to autistic children. A remarkable association between higher TRIM33 gene expression at the transcriptional level and lower scores for both CARS and ADI-R was observed in non-autistic children. It seems that rs11102807 modulates the function and expression of the TRIM33 gene, implying that the A allele may increase the risk of autism in children by reducing gene expression and altering the TGF-β signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sattar Norouzi Ofogh
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Homa Rasoolijazi
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, Iran. .,Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, Iran. .,Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, Iran.
| | - Esmaeil Shahsavand Ananloo
- Department of Genomic Psychiatry and Behavioral Genomics (DGPBG), Roozbeh Hospital, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran. .,Department of Psychosomatic, Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex (IKHC), School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran.
| | - Zahra Shahrivar
- Department of Psychiatry, Roozbeh Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Taghi Joghataei
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, Iran.,Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, Iran.,Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Bahman Sadeghi
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics (IBB), University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Bozorgmehr
- Iran Psychiatric Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Alizadeh
- Department of Genomic Psychiatry and Behavioral Genomics (DGPBG), Roozbeh Hospital, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran
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100
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Peng J, Zhou Y, Wang K. Multiplex gene and phenotype network to characterize shared genetic pathways of epilepsy and autism. Sci Rep 2021; 11:952. [PMID: 33441621 PMCID: PMC7806931 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-78654-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
It is well established that epilepsy and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) commonly co-occur; however, the underlying biological mechanisms of the co-occurence from their genetic susceptibility are not well understood. Our aim in this study is to characterize genetic modules of subgroups of epilepsy and autism genes that have similar phenotypic manifestations and biological functions. We first integrate a large number of expert-compiled and well-established epilepsy- and ASD-associated genes in a multiplex network, where one layer is connected through protein-protein interaction (PPI) and the other layer through gene-phenotype associations. We identify two modules in the multiplex network, which are significantly enriched in genes associated with both epilepsy and autism as well as genes highly expressed in brain tissues. We find that the first module, which represents the Gene Ontology category of ion transmembrane transport, is more epilepsy-focused, while the second module, representing synaptic signaling, is more ASD-focused. However, because of their enrichment in common genes and association with both epilepsy and ASD phenotypes, these modules point to genetic etiologies and biological processes shared between specific subtypes of epilepsy and ASD. Finally, we use our analysis to prioritize new candidate genes for epilepsy (i.e. ANK2, CACNA1E, CACNA2D3, GRIA2, DLG4) for further validation. The analytical approaches in our study can be applied to similar studies in the future to investigate the genetic connections between different human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline Peng
- grid.25879.310000 0004 1936 8972School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA ,grid.239552.a0000 0001 0680 8770Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA
| | - Yunyun Zhou
- grid.239552.a0000 0001 0680 8770Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA
| | - Kai Wang
- grid.239552.a0000 0001 0680 8770Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA ,grid.25879.310000 0004 1936 8972Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA
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