151
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Sathyanesan A, Zhou J, Scafidi J, Heck DH, Sillitoe RV, Gallo V. Emerging connections between cerebellar development, behaviour and complex brain disorders. Nat Rev Neurosci 2019; 20:298-313. [PMID: 30923348 DOI: 10.1038/s41583-019-0152-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The human cerebellum has a protracted developmental timeline compared with the neocortex, expanding the window of vulnerability to neurological disorders. As the cerebellum is critical for motor behaviour, it is not surprising that most neurodevelopmental disorders share motor deficits as a common sequela. However, evidence gathered since the late 1980s suggests that the cerebellum is involved in motor and non-motor function, including cognition and emotion. More recently, evidence indicates that major neurodevelopmental disorders such as intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and Down syndrome have potential links to abnormal cerebellar development. Out of recent findings from clinical and preclinical studies, the concept of the 'cerebellar connectome' has emerged that can be used as a framework to link the role of cerebellar development to human behaviour, disease states and the design of better therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Sathyanesan
- Center for Neuroscience Research, Children's Research Institute, Children's National Health System, Washington, DC, USA.
| | - Joy Zhou
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute of Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Joseph Scafidi
- Center for Neuroscience Research, Children's Research Institute, Children's National Health System, Washington, DC, USA.,George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Detlef H Heck
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Roy V Sillitoe
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute of Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Vittorio Gallo
- Center for Neuroscience Research, Children's Research Institute, Children's National Health System, Washington, DC, USA. .,George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA.
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152
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Wang S, Tan N, Zhu X, Yao M, Wang Y, Zhang X, Xu Z. Sh3rf2 Haploinsufficiency Leads to Unilateral Neuronal Development Deficits and Autistic-Like Behaviors in Mice. Cell Rep 2019; 25:2963-2971.e6. [PMID: 30540932 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2018.11.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2018] [Revised: 09/20/2018] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) include a variety of developmental brain disorders with clinical findings implicating the dysfunction of the left hemisphere. Here, we generate mice lacking one copy of Sh3rf2, which was detected in ASD patients, to determine whether Sh3rf2 is involved in brain development and whether mutation of SH3RF2 is causative for ASD and the mechanisms linking it to ASD traits. We find that mice with Sh3rf2 haploinsufficiency display significant deficits in social interaction and communication, as well as stereotyped or repetitive behaviors and hyperactivity and seizures. Disturbances in hippocampal dendritic spine development, aberrant composition of glutamatergic receptor subunits, and abnormal excitatory synaptic transmission were detected in heterozygous mutants. Remarkably, these defects are selectively unilateral. Our results support a notion that Sh3rf2 haploinsufficiency is a highly penetrant risk factor for ASD, with disease pathogenesis most likely resulting from deficits in synaptic function in the left hemisphere of the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Ningdong Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Xingliang Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Minghui Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Yaqing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Xiaohui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China.
| | - Zhiheng Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Parkinson's Disease Center, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing 100101, China.
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153
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Abstract
Brain injury in the full-term and near-term neonates is a significant cause of mortality and long-term morbidity, resulting in injury patterns distinct from that seen in premature infants and older patients. Therapeutic hypothermia improves long-term outcomes for many of these infants, but there is a continued search for therapies to enhance the plasticity of the newborn brain, resulting in long-term repair. It is likely that a combination strategy utilizing both early and late interventions may have the most benefit, capitalizing on endogenous mechanisms triggered by hypoxia or ischemia. Optimizing care of these critically ill newborns in the acute setting is also vital for improving both short- and long-term outcomes.
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154
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Servili E, Trus M, Atlas D. Ion occupancy of the channel pore is critical for triggering excitation-transcription (ET) coupling. Cell Calcium 2019; 84:102102. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ceca.2019.102102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Revised: 10/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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155
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Linaro D, Vermaercke B, Iwata R, Ramaswamy A, Libé-Philippot B, Boubakar L, Davis BA, Wierda K, Davie K, Poovathingal S, Penttila PA, Bilheu A, De Bruyne L, Gall D, Conzelmann KK, Bonin V, Vanderhaeghen P. Xenotransplanted Human Cortical Neurons Reveal Species-Specific Development and Functional Integration into Mouse Visual Circuits. Neuron 2019; 104:972-986.e6. [PMID: 31761708 PMCID: PMC6899440 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2019.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Revised: 08/12/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
How neural circuits develop in the human brain has remained almost impossible to study at the neuronal level. Here, we investigate human cortical neuron development, plasticity, and function using a mouse/human chimera model in which xenotransplanted human cortical pyramidal neurons integrate as single cells into the mouse cortex. Combined neuronal tracing, electrophysiology, and in vivo structural and functional imaging of the transplanted cells reveal a coordinated developmental roadmap recapitulating key milestones of human cortical neuron development. The human neurons display a prolonged developmental timeline, indicating the neuron-intrinsic retention of juvenile properties as an important component of human brain neoteny. Following maturation, human neurons in the visual cortex display tuned, decorrelated responses to visual stimuli, like mouse neurons, demonstrating their capacity for physiological synaptic integration in host cortical circuits. These findings provide new insights into human neuronal development and open novel avenues for the study of human neuronal function and disease. Video Abstract
Cell-intrinsic mechanisms of human neoteny in mouse-human chimeric cerebral cortex Human neurons show prolonged maturation and single-cell integration in mouse cortex Stable dendritic spines and long-term synaptic plasticity in xenotransplanted neurons Human neurons show decorrelated activity and tuned responses to visual stimuli
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Linaro
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; Department of Neurosciences and Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; Institut de Recherches en Biologie Humaine et Moléculaire (IRIBHM) and ULB Neuroscience Institute (UNI), Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 1070 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ben Vermaercke
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; Department of Neurosciences and Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; Neuro-Electronics Research Flanders, Kapeldreef 75, 3001 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ryohei Iwata
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; Department of Neurosciences and Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; Institut de Recherches en Biologie Humaine et Moléculaire (IRIBHM) and ULB Neuroscience Institute (UNI), Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 1070 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Arjun Ramaswamy
- Department of Neurosciences and Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; Neuro-Electronics Research Flanders, Kapeldreef 75, 3001 Leuven, Belgium; imec, 3001 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Baptiste Libé-Philippot
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; Department of Neurosciences and Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; Institut de Recherches en Biologie Humaine et Moléculaire (IRIBHM) and ULB Neuroscience Institute (UNI), Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 1070 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Leila Boubakar
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; Department of Neurosciences and Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; Institut de Recherches en Biologie Humaine et Moléculaire (IRIBHM) and ULB Neuroscience Institute (UNI), Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 1070 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Brittany A Davis
- Institut de Recherches en Biologie Humaine et Moléculaire (IRIBHM) and ULB Neuroscience Institute (UNI), Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 1070 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Keimpe Wierda
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Kristofer Davie
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | | | | | - Angéline Bilheu
- Institut de Recherches en Biologie Humaine et Moléculaire (IRIBHM) and ULB Neuroscience Institute (UNI), Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 1070 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Lore De Bruyne
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; Department of Neurosciences and Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - David Gall
- Institut de Recherches en Biologie Humaine et Moléculaire (IRIBHM) and ULB Neuroscience Institute (UNI), Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 1070 Brussels, Belgium; Laboratoire de Physiologie et Pharmacologie and ULB Neuroscience Institute (UNI), Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 1070 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Karl-Klaus Conzelmann
- Max von Pettenkofer-Institute and Gene Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munchen, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Vincent Bonin
- Neuro-Electronics Research Flanders, Kapeldreef 75, 3001 Leuven, Belgium; imec, 3001 Leuven, Belgium; Department of Biology and Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; VIB, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Pierre Vanderhaeghen
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; Department of Neurosciences and Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; Institut de Recherches en Biologie Humaine et Moléculaire (IRIBHM) and ULB Neuroscience Institute (UNI), Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 1070 Brussels, Belgium; VIB, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; Welbio, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 1070 Brussels, Belgium.
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156
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Hyvärinen T, Hyysalo A, Kapucu FE, Aarnos L, Vinogradov A, Eglen SJ, Ylä-Outinen L, Narkilahti S. Functional characterization of human pluripotent stem cell-derived cortical networks differentiated on laminin-521 substrate: comparison to rat cortical cultures. Sci Rep 2019; 9:17125. [PMID: 31748598 PMCID: PMC6868015 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-53647-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 11/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived neurons provide exciting opportunities for in vitro modeling of neurological diseases and for advancing drug development and neurotoxicological studies. However, generating electrophysiologically mature neuronal networks from hPSCs has been challenging. Here, we report the differentiation of functionally active hPSC-derived cortical networks on defined laminin-521 substrate. We apply microelectrode array (MEA) measurements to assess network events and compare the activity development of hPSC-derived networks to that of widely used rat embryonic cortical cultures. In both of these networks, activity developed through a similar sequence of stages and time frames; however, the hPSC-derived networks showed unique patterns of bursting activity. The hPSC-derived networks developed synchronous activity, which involved glutamatergic and GABAergic inputs, recapitulating the classical cortical activity also observed in rodent counterparts. Principal component analysis (PCA) based on spike rates, network synchronization and burst features revealed the segregation of hPSC-derived and rat network recordings into different clusters, reflecting the species-specific and maturation state differences between the two networks. Overall, hPSC-derived neural cultures produced with a defined protocol generate cortical type network activity, which validates their applicability as a human-specific model for pharmacological studies and modeling network dysfunctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanja Hyvärinen
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology and BioMediTech, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Anu Hyysalo
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology and BioMediTech, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Fikret Emre Kapucu
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Danish Research Institute of Translational Neuroscience - DANDRITE, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Laura Aarnos
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology and BioMediTech, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Andrey Vinogradov
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology and BioMediTech, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Stephen J Eglen
- Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Ylä-Outinen
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology and BioMediTech, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Susanna Narkilahti
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology and BioMediTech, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland.
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157
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Ma X, Qiu S. Control of cortical synapse development and plasticity by MET receptor tyrosine kinase, a genetic risk factor for autism. J Neurosci Res 2019; 98:2115-2129. [PMID: 31746037 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2019] [Revised: 10/04/2019] [Accepted: 10/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The key developmental milestone events of the human brain, such as neurogenesis, synapse formation, maturation, and plasticity, are determined by a myriad of molecular signaling events, including those mediated by a number of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) and their cognate ligands. Aberrant or mistimed brain development and plasticity can lead to maladaptive changes, such as dysregulated synaptic connectivity and breakdown of circuit functions necessary for cognition and adaptive behaviors, which are hypothesized pathophysiologies of many neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders. Here we review recent literature that supports autism spectrum disorder as a likely result of aberrant synapse development due to mistimed maturation and plasticity. We focus on MET RTK, a prominent genetic risk factor for autism, and discuss how a pleiotropic molecular signaling system engaged by MET exemplifies a genetic program that controls cortical circuit development and plasticity by modulating the anatomical and functional connectivity of cortical circuits, thus conferring genetic risk for neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaokuang Ma
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Shenfeng Qiu
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, USA
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158
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Martinez M, Torres VI, Vio CP, Inestrosa NC. Canonical Wnt Signaling Modulates the Expression of Pre- and Postsynaptic Components in Different Temporal Patterns. Mol Neurobiol 2019; 57:1389-1404. [DOI: 10.1007/s12035-019-01785-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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159
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Sun H, Takesian AE, Wang TT, Lippman-Bell JJ, Hensch TK, Jensen FE. Early Seizures Prematurely Unsilence Auditory Synapses to Disrupt Thalamocortical Critical Period Plasticity. Cell Rep 2019; 23:2533-2540. [PMID: 29847785 PMCID: PMC6446922 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2018.04.108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2016] [Revised: 01/02/2018] [Accepted: 04/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Heightened neural excitability in infancy and childhood results in increased susceptibility to seizures. Such early-life seizures are associated with language deficits and autism that can result from aberrant development of the auditory cortex. Here, we show that early-life seizures disrupt a critical period (CP) for tonotopic map plasticity in primary auditory cortex (A1). We show that this CP is characterized by a prevalence of “silent,” NMDA-receptor (NMDAR)-only, glutamate receptor synapses in auditory cortex that become “unsilenced” due to activity-dependent AMPA receptor (AMPAR) insertion. Induction of seizures prior to this CP occludes tonotopic map plasticity by prematurely unsilencing NMDAR-only synapses. Further, brief treatment with the AMPAR antagonist NBQX following seizures, prior to the CP, prevents synapse unsilencing and permits subsequent A1 plasticity. These findings reveal that early-life seizures modify CP regulators and suggest that therapeutic targets for early post-seizure treatment can rescue CP plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyu Sun
- Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Anne E Takesian
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Ave., Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Ting Ting Wang
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Jocelyn J Lippman-Bell
- Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Takao K Hensch
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Ave., Boston, MA 02115, USA; Center for Brain Science, Department of Molecular & Cellular Biology, Harvard University, 52 Oxford St., Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.
| | - Frances E Jensen
- Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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160
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A comparative study of the genetic components of three subcategories of autism spectrum disorder. Mol Psychiatry 2019; 24:1720-1731. [PMID: 29875476 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-018-0081-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2017] [Revised: 02/07/2018] [Accepted: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) controversially combined previously distinct subcategories of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) into a single diagnostic category. However, genetic convergences and divergences between different ASD subcategories are unclear. By retrieving 1725 exonic de novo mutations (DNMs) from 1628 subjects with autistic disorder (AD), 1873 from 1564 subjects with pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS), 276 from 247 subjects with Asperger's syndrome (AS), and 2077 from 2299 controls, we found that rates of putative functional DNMs (loss-of-function, predicted deleterious missense, and frameshift) in all three subcategories were significantly higher than those in control. We then investigated the convergences and divergences of the three ASD subcategories based on four genetic aspects: whether any two ASD subcategories (1) shared significantly more genes with functional DNMs, (2) exhibited similar spatio-temporal expression patterns, (3) shared significantly more candidate genes, and (4) shared some ASD-associated functional pathways. It is revealed that AD and PDD-NOS were broadly convergent in terms of all four genetic aspects, suggesting these two ASD subcategories may be genetically combined. AS was divergent to AD and PDD-NOS for aspects of functional DNMs and expression patterns, whereas AS and AD/PDD-NOS were convergent for aspects of candidate genes and functional pathways. Our results indicated that the three ASD subcategories present more genetic convergences than divergences, favouring DSM-5's new classification. This study suggests that specifically defined genotypes and their corresponding phenotypes should be integrated analyzed for precise diagnosis of complex disorders, such as ASD.
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161
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Flint
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Trey Ideker
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
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162
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Wu T, Donohoe ME. Yy1 regulates Senp1 contributing to AMPA receptor GluR1 expression following neuronal depolarization. J Biomed Sci 2019; 26:79. [PMID: 31629407 PMCID: PMC6800989 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-019-0582-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuronal activity-induced changes in gene expression patterns are important mediators of neuronal plasticity. Many neuronal genes can be activated or inactivated in response to neuronal depolarization. Mechanisms that activate gene transcription are well established, but activity-dependent mechanisms that silence transcription are less understood. It is also not clear what is the significance of inhibiting these genes during neuronal activity. METHODS Quantitative Real Time-PCR, western blot and immunofluorescence staining were performed to examine the expression of Senp1 and GluR1 in mouse cortical neurons. The alterations of Yy1 phosphorylation upon neuronal depolarization and the interaction of Yy1 with Brd4 were studied by protein co-immunoprecipitation. The regulators of Yy1 phosphorylation were identified by phosphatase inhibitors. Chromatin immunoprecipitation, in vitro DNA binding assay, luciferase assay and gene knockdown experiments were used to validate the roles of Yy1 and its phosphorylation as well as Brd4 in regulating Senp1 expression. RESULTS We report that neuronal depolarization deactivates the transcription of the SUMO protease Senp1, an important component regulating synaptic transmission, scaling, and plasticity, through Yy1. In un-stimulated neurons, Senp1 transcription is activated by a Yy1-Brd4 transcription factor protein complex assembled on the Senp1 promoter. Upon membrane depolarization, however, Yy1 is dephosphorylated and the Yy1-Brd4 complex is evicted from the Senp1 promoter, reducing Senp1 transcription levels. Both Yy1 and Senp1 promote the expression of AMPA receptor subunit GluR1, a pivotal component in learning and memory. CONCLUSIONS These results reveal an axis of Yy1/Brd4-Senp1 which regulates the expression of GluR1 during neuronal depolarization. This implicates a regulation mechanism in silencing gene expression upon neuronal activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Wu
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, People's Republic of China.
- Burke Medical Research Institute, White Plains, NY, 10605, USA.
- Department of Neuroscience, Brain Mind Research Institute, Department of Cell & Development, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, 10065, USA.
| | - Mary E Donohoe
- Burke Medical Research Institute, White Plains, NY, 10605, USA.
- Department of Neuroscience, Brain Mind Research Institute, Department of Cell & Development, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, 10065, USA.
- Present address: Department of Medicine, Division of Regenerative Medicine, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA.
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163
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Rivell A, Mattson MP. Intergenerational Metabolic Syndrome and Neuronal Network Hyperexcitability in Autism. Trends Neurosci 2019; 42:709-726. [PMID: 31495451 PMCID: PMC6779523 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2019.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Revised: 07/17/2019] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
We review evidence that suggests a role for excessive consumption of energy-dense foods, particularly fructose, and consequent obesity and insulin resistance (metabolic syndrome) in the recent increase in prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Maternal insulin resistance, obesity, and diabetes may predispose offspring to ASD by mechanisms involving chronic activation of anabolic cellular pathways and a lack of metabolic switching to ketosis resulting in a deficit in GABAergic signaling and neuronal network hyperexcitability. Metabolic reprogramming by epigenetic DNA and chromatin modifications may contribute to alterations in gene expression that result in ASD. These mechanistic insights suggest that interventions that improve metabolic health such as intermittent fasting and exercise may ameliorate developmental neuronal network abnormalities and consequent behavioral manifestations in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aileen Rivell
- Laboratory of Neurosciences, National Institute on Aging Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Mark P Mattson
- Laboratory of Neurosciences, National Institute on Aging Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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164
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Nishiyama J. Plasticity of dendritic spines: Molecular function and dysfunction in neurodevelopmental disorders. Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2019; 73:541-550. [PMID: 31215705 DOI: 10.1111/pcn.12899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2018] [Revised: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Dendritic spines are tiny postsynaptic protrusions from a dendrite that receive most of the excitatory synaptic input in the brain. Functional and structural changes in dendritic spines are critical for synaptic plasticity, a cellular model of learning and memory. Conversely, altered spine morphology and plasticity are common hallmarks of human neurodevelopmental disorders, such as intellectual disability and autism. The advances in molecular and optical techniques have allowed for exploration of dynamic changes in structure and signal transduction at single-spine resolution, providing significant insights into the molecular regulation underlying spine structural plasticity. Here, I review recent findings on: how synaptic stimulation leads to diverse forms of spine structural plasticity; how the associated biochemical signals are initiated and transmitted into neuronal compartments; and how disruption of single genes associated with neurodevelopmental disorders can lead to abnormal spine structure in human and mouse brains. In particular, I discuss the functions of the Ras superfamily of small GTPases in spatiotemporal regulation of the actin cytoskeleton and protein synthesis in dendritic spines. Multiple lines of evidence implicate disrupted Ras signaling pathways in the spine structural abnormalities observed in neurodevelopmental disorders. Both deficient and excessive Ras activities lead to disrupted spine structure and deficits in learning and memory. Dysregulation of spine Ras signaling, therefore, may play a key role in the pathogenesis of multiple neurodevelopmental disorders with distinct etiologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Nishiyama
- Program in Neuroscience and Behavioral Disorders, Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore
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165
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Sohal VS, Rubenstein JLR. Excitation-inhibition balance as a framework for investigating mechanisms in neuropsychiatric disorders. Mol Psychiatry 2019; 24:1248-1257. [PMID: 31089192 PMCID: PMC6742424 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-019-0426-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 438] [Impact Index Per Article: 87.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2018] [Revised: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 04/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
In 2003 Rubenstein and Merzenich hypothesized that some forms of Autism (ASD) might be caused by a reduction in signal-to-noise in key neural circuits, which could be the result of changes in excitatory-inhibitory (E-I) balance. Here, we have clarified the concept of E-I balance, and updated the original hypothesis in light of the field's increasingly sophisticated understanding of neuronal circuits. We discuss how specific developmental mechanisms, which reduce inhibition, affect cortical and hippocampal functions. After describing how mutations of some ASD genes disrupt inhibition in mice, we close by suggesting that E-I balance represents an organizing framework for understanding findings related to pathophysiology and for identifying appropriate treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vikaas S. Sohal
- Department of Psychiatry, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, and Kavli Institute for Fundamental Neuroscience, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - John L. R. Rubenstein
- Department of Psychiatry, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, and Kavli Institute for Fundamental Neuroscience, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
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166
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Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT) is a severe neurological disorder caused by mutations in the gene encoding methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2). Almost two decades of research into RTT have greatly advanced our understanding of the function and regulation of the multifunctional protein MeCP2. Here, we review recent advances in understanding how loss of MeCP2 impacts different stages of brain development, discuss recent findings demonstrating the molecular role of MeCP2 as a transcriptional repressor, assess primary and secondary effects of MeCP2 loss and examine how loss of MeCP2 can result in an imbalance of neuronal excitation and inhibition at the circuit level along with dysregulation of activity-dependent mechanisms. These factors present challenges to the search for mechanism-based therapeutics for RTT and suggest specific approaches that may be more effective than others.
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167
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Inhibitory interneurons mediate autism-associated behaviors via 4E-BP2. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:18060-18067. [PMID: 31427534 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1908126116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Translational control plays a key role in regulation of neuronal activity and behavior. Deletion of the translational repressor 4E-BP2 in mice alters excitatory and inhibitory synaptic functions, engendering autistic-like behaviors. The contribution of 4E-BP2-dependent translational control in excitatory and inhibitory neurons and astrocytic cells to these behaviors remains unknown. To investigate this, we generated cell-type-specific conditional 4E-BP2 knockout mice and tested them for the salient features of autism, including repetitive stereotyped behaviors (self-grooming and marble burying), sociability (3-chamber social and direct social interaction tests), and communication (ultrasonic vocalizations in pups). We found that deletion of 4E-BP2 in GABAergic inhibitory neurons, defined by Gad2, resulted in impairments in social interaction and vocal communication. In contrast, deletion of 4E-BP2 in forebrain glutamatergic excitatory neurons, defined by Camk2a, or in astrocytes, defined by Gfap, failed to cause autistic-like behavioral abnormalities. Taken together, we provide evidence for an inhibitory-cell-specific role of 4E-BP2 in engendering autism-related behaviors.
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168
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Yap EL, Greenberg ME. Activity-Regulated Transcription: Bridging the Gap between Neural Activity and Behavior. Neuron 2019; 100:330-348. [PMID: 30359600 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2018.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 322] [Impact Index Per Article: 64.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2018] [Revised: 10/02/2018] [Accepted: 10/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Gene transcription is the process by which the genetic codes of organisms are read and interpreted as a set of instructions for cells to divide, differentiate, migrate, and mature. As cells function in their respective niches, transcription further allows mature cells to interact dynamically with their external environment while reliably retaining fundamental information about past experiences. In this Review, we provide an overview of the field of activity-dependent transcription in the vertebrate brain and highlight contemporary work that ranges from studies of activity-dependent chromatin modifications to plasticity mechanisms underlying adaptive behaviors. We identify key gaps in knowledge and propose integrated approaches toward a deeper understanding of how activity-dependent transcription promotes the refinement and plasticity of neural circuits for cognitive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ee-Lynn Yap
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Program in Neuroscience, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Michael E Greenberg
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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169
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Dvir H, Kantelhardt JW, Zinkhan M, Pillmann F, Szentkiralyi A, Obst A, Ahrens W, Bartsch RP. A Biased Diffusion Approach to Sleep Dynamics Reveals Neuronal Characteristics. Biophys J 2019; 117:987-997. [PMID: 31422824 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2019.07.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2019] [Revised: 06/20/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
We propose a biased diffusion model of accumulated subthreshold voltage fluctuations in wake-promoting neurons to account for stochasticity in sleep dynamics and to explain the occurrence of brief arousals during sleep. Utilizing this model, we derive four neurophysiological parameters related to neuronal noise level, excitability threshold, deep-sleep threshold, and sleep inertia. We provide the first analytic expressions for these parameters, and we show that there is good agreement between empirical findings from sleep recordings and our model simulation results. Our work suggests that these four parameters can be of clinical importance because we find them to be significantly altered in elderly subjects and in children with autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hila Dvir
- Department of Physics, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel.
| | - Jan W Kantelhardt
- Institute of Physics, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Melanie Zinkhan
- Institute of Clinical Epidemiology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Frank Pillmann
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Andras Szentkiralyi
- Institute of Epidemiology and Social Medicine, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Anne Obst
- Department of Internal Medicine B, Ernst-Moritz-Arndt University Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Ahrens
- Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology, Bremen, Germany
| | - Ronny P Bartsch
- Department of Physics, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel.
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170
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Microglia as possible therapeutic targets for autism spectrum disorders. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2019; 167:223-245. [PMID: 31601405 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2019.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Malfunctions of the nervous and immune systems are now recognized to be fundamental causes of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Studies have suggested that the brain's resident immune cells, microglia are possible key players in ASDs. Specifically, deficits in synaptic pruning by microglia may underlie the pathogenesis of ASDs, in which excess synapses are occasionally reported. This idea has driven researchers to investigate causal links between microglial dysfunction and ASDs. In this review, we first introduce the characteristics of microglia in ASD brains and discuss their possible roles in the pathogenesis of ASDs. We also refer to immunomodulatory agents that could be potentially used as symptomatic therapies for ASDs in light of their ability to modify microglial functions. Finally, we will mention a possible strategy to radically cure some of the symptoms reported in ASDs through reorganizing neural circuits via microglia-dependent synaptic pruning.
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171
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Bertoldi ML, Zalosnik MI, Fabio MC, Aja S, Roth GA, Ronnett GV, Degano AL. MeCP2 Deficiency Disrupts Kainate-Induced Presynaptic Plasticity in the Mossy Fiber Projections in the Hippocampus. Front Cell Neurosci 2019; 13:286. [PMID: 31333414 PMCID: PMC6619486 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2019.00286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2019] [Accepted: 06/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Methyl cytosine binding protein 2 (MeCP2) is a structural chromosomal protein involved in the regulation of gene expression. Mutations in the gene encoding MeCP2 result in Rett Syndrome (RTT), a pervasive neurodevelopmental disorder. RTT is one of few autism spectrum disorders whose cause was identified as a single gene mutation. Remarkably, abnormal levels of MeCP2 have been associated to other neurodevelopmental disorders, as well as neuropsychiatric disorders. Therefore, many studies have been oriented to investigate the role of MeCP2 in the nervous system. In the present work, we explore cellular and molecular mechanisms affecting synaptic plasticity events in vivo in the hippocampus of MeCP2 mutant mice. While most studies addressed postsynaptic defects in the absence of MeCP2, we took advantage of an in vivo activity-paradigm (seizures), two models of MeCP2 deficiency, and neurobiological assays to reveal novel defects in presynaptic structural plasticity in the hippocampus in RTT rodent models. These approaches allowed us to determine that MeCP2 mutations alter presynaptic components, i.e., disrupts the plastic response of mossy fibers to synaptic activity and results in reduced axonal growth which is correlated with imbalanced trophic and guidance support, associated with aberrant expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and semaphorin 3F. Our results also revealed that adult-born granule cells recapitulate maturational defects that have been only shown at early postnatal ages. As these cells do not mature timely, they may not integrate properly into the adult hippocampal circuitry. Finally, we performed a hippocampal-dependent test that revealed defective spatial memory in these mice. Altogether, our studies establish a model that allows us to evaluate the effect of the manipulation of specific pathways involved in axonal guidance, synaptogenesis, or maturation in specific circuits and correlate it with changes in behavior. Understanding the mechanisms underlying the neuronal compromise caused by mutations in MeCP2 could provide information on the pathogenic mechanism of autistic spectrum disorders and improve our understanding of brain development and molecular basis of behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Laura Bertoldi
- Departamento de Química Biológica Ranwel Caputto, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Córdoba, Argentina.,Centro de Investigaciones en Química Biológica de Córdoba (CIQUIBIC), CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Maria Ines Zalosnik
- Departamento de Química Biológica Ranwel Caputto, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Córdoba, Argentina.,Centro de Investigaciones en Química Biológica de Córdoba (CIQUIBIC), CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Maria Carolina Fabio
- Instituto de Investigaciones Médicas Mercedes y Martin Ferreyra (INIMEC), CONICET, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Susan Aja
- Center for Metabolism and Obesity Research, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - German A Roth
- Departamento de Química Biológica Ranwel Caputto, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Córdoba, Argentina.,Centro de Investigaciones en Química Biológica de Córdoba (CIQUIBIC), CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Gabriele V Ronnett
- Center for Metabolism and Obesity Research, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States.,Department of Neuroscience, The Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Alicia L Degano
- Departamento de Química Biológica Ranwel Caputto, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Córdoba, Argentina.,Centro de Investigaciones en Química Biológica de Córdoba (CIQUIBIC), CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
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172
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Maussion G, Rocha C, Bernard G, Beitel LK, Durcan TM. Patient-Derived Stem Cells, Another in vitro Model, or the Missing Link Toward Novel Therapies for Autism Spectrum Disorders? Front Pediatr 2019; 7:225. [PMID: 31245336 PMCID: PMC6562499 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2019.00225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2018] [Accepted: 05/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) is a multigenic and multifactorial neurodevelopmental group of disorders diagnosed in early childhood, leading to deficits in social interaction, verbal and non-verbal communication and characterized by restricted and repetitive behaviors and interests. To date, genetic, descriptive and mechanistic aspects of the ASDs have been investigated using mouse models and post-mortem brain tissue. More recently, the technology to generate stem cells from patients' samples has brought a new avenue for modeling ASD through 2D and 3D neuronal models that are derived from a patient's own cells, with the goal of building new therapeutic strategies for treating ASDs. This review analyses how studies performed on mouse models and human samples can complement each other, advancing our current knowledge into the pathophysiology of the ASDs. Regardless of the genetic and phenotypic heterogeneities of ASDs, convergent information regarding the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in these disorders can be extracted from these models. Thus, considering the complexities of these disorders, patient-derived models have immense potential to elucidate molecular deregulations that contributed to the different autistic phenotypes. Through these direct investigations with the human in vitro models, they offer the potential for opening new therapeutic avenues that can be translated into the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilles Maussion
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Cecilia Rocha
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Geneviève Bernard
- Departments of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Pediatrics and Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Internal Medicine, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Child Health and Human Development Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
- MyeliNeuroGene Laboratory, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Lenore K. Beitel
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Thomas M. Durcan
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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173
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Qu L, Pan C, He SM, Lang B, Gao GD, Wang XL, Wang Y. The Ras Superfamily of Small GTPases in Non-neoplastic Cerebral Diseases. Front Mol Neurosci 2019; 12:121. [PMID: 31213978 PMCID: PMC6555388 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2019.00121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Accepted: 04/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The small GTPases from the Ras superfamily play crucial roles in basic cellular processes during practically the entire process of neurodevelopment, including neurogenesis, differentiation, gene expression, membrane and protein traffic, vesicular trafficking, and synaptic plasticity. Small GTPases are key signal transducing enzymes that link extracellular cues to the neuronal responses required for the construction of neuronal networks, as well as for synaptic function and plasticity. Different subfamilies of small GTPases have been linked to a number of non-neoplastic cerebral diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), intellectual disability, epilepsy, drug addiction, Huntington’s disease (HD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and a large number of idiopathic cerebral diseases. Here, we attempted to make a clearer illustration of the relationship between Ras superfamily GTPases and non-neoplastic cerebral diseases, as well as their roles in the neural system. In future studies, potential treatments for non-neoplastic cerebral diseases which are based on small GTPase related signaling pathways should be explored further. In this paper, we review all the available literature in support of this possibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Qu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Chao Pan
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
| | - Shi-Ming He
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.,Department of Neurosurgery, Xi'an International Medical Center, Xi'an, China
| | - Bing Lang
- The School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom.,Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Guo-Dong Gao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xue-Lian Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yuan Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
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174
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Zhao W, Tan J, Zhu T, Ou J, Li Y, Shen L, Wu H, Han L, Liu Y, Jia X, Bai T, Li H, Ke X, Zhao J, Zou X, Hu Z, Guo H, Xia K. Rare inherited missense variants of POGZ associate with autism risk and disrupt neuronal development. J Genet Genomics 2019; 46:247-257. [PMID: 31196716 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2019.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2018] [Revised: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 04/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Excess de novo likely gene-disruptive and missense variants within dozens of genes have been identified in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other neurodevelopmental disorders. However, many rare inherited missense variants of these high-risk genes have not been thoroughly evaluated. In this study, we analyzed the rare missense variant burden of POGZ in a large cohort of ASD patients from the Autism Clinical and Genetic Resources in China (ACGC) and further dissected the functional effect of disease-associated missense variants on neuronal development. Our results showed a significant burden of rare missense variants in ASD patients compared to the control population (P = 4.6 × 10-5, OR = 3.96), and missense variants in ASD patients showed more severe predicted functional outcomes than those in controls. Furthermore, by leveraging published large-scale sequencing data of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) and sporadic case reports, we identified 8 de novo missense variants of POGZ in NDD patients. Functional analysis revealed that two inherited, but not de novo, missense variants influenced the cellular localization of POGZ and failed to rescue the defects in neurite and dendritic spine development caused by Pogz knockdown in cultured mouse primary cortical neurons. Significantly, L1CAM, an autism candidate risk gene, is differentially expressed in POGZ deficient cell lines. Reduced expression of L1cam was able to partially rescue the neurite length defects caused by Pogz knockdown. Our study showed the important roles of rare inherited missense variants of POGZ in ASD risk and neuronal development and identified the potential downstream targets of POGZ, which are important for further molecular mechanism studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjing Zhao
- Center of Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China
| | - Jieqiong Tan
- Center of Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China
| | - Tengfei Zhu
- Center of Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China
| | - Jianjun Ou
- Mental Health Institute of the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Ying Li
- Center of Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China
| | - Lu Shen
- Center of Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China
| | - Huidan Wu
- Center of Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China
| | - Lin Han
- Center of Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China
| | - Yanling Liu
- Center of Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China
| | - Xiangbin Jia
- Center of Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China
| | - Ting Bai
- Center of Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China
| | - Honghui Li
- Key Laboratory of Developmental Disorders in Children, Liuzhou Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Liuzhou, 545001, China
| | - Xiaoyan Ke
- Child Mental Health Research Center, Nanjing Brain Hospital Affiliated of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Jingping Zhao
- Mental Health Institute of the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Xiaobing Zou
- Children Development Behavior Center of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Zhengmao Hu
- Center of Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China
| | - Hui Guo
- Center of Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China; Mental Health Institute of the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China.
| | - Kun Xia
- Center of Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China; School of Life Sciences and Technology, Xinjiang University, Ürümqi, 830046, China; CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology (CEBSIT), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200030, China.
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175
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Sokol DK, Maloney B, Westmark CJ, Lahiri DK. Novel Contribution of Secreted Amyloid-β Precursor Protein to White Matter Brain Enlargement in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:165. [PMID: 31024350 PMCID: PMC6469489 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The most replicated neuroanatomical finding in autism is the tendency toward brain overgrowth, especially in younger children. Research shows that both gray and white matter are enlarged. Proposed mechanisms underlying brain enlargement include abnormal inflammatory and neurotrophic signals that lead to excessive, aberrant dendritic connectivity via disrupted pruning and cell adhesion, and enlargement of white matter due to excessive gliogenesis and increased myelination. Amyloid-β protein precursor (βAPP) and its metabolites, more commonly associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD), are also dysregulated in autism plasma and brain tissue samples. This review highlights findings that demonstrate how one βAPP metabolite, secreted APPα, and the ADAM family α-secretases, may lead to increased brain matter, with emphasis on increased white matter as seen in autism. sAPPα and the ADAM family α-secretases contribute to the anabolic, non-amyloidogenic pathway, which is in contrast to the amyloid (catabolic) pathway known to contribute to Alzheimer disease. The non-amyloidogenic pathway could produce brain enlargement via genetic mechanisms affecting mRNA translation and polygenic factors that converge on molecular pathways (mitogen-activated protein kinase/MAPK and mechanistic target of rapamycin/mTOR), promoting neuroinflammation. A novel mechanism linking the non-amyloidogenic pathway to white matter enlargement is proposed: α-secretase and/or sAPPα, activated by ERK receptor signaling activates P13K/AKt/mTOR and then Rho GTPases favoring myelination via oligodendrocyte progenitor cell (OPC) activation of cofilin. Applying known pathways in AD to autism should allow further understanding and provide options for new drug targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah K. Sokol
- Pediatrics Section, Department of Neurology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Bryan Maloney
- Indiana Alzheimers Disease Center, Department of Psychiatry, Stark Neuroscience Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Cara J. Westmark
- Department of Neurology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Debomoy K. Lahiri
- Indiana Alzheimers Disease Center, Department of Psychiatry, Stark Neuroscience Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
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176
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Granillo L, Sethi S, Keil KP, Lin Y, Ozonoff S, Iosif AM, Puschner B, Schmidt RJ. Polychlorinated biphenyls influence on autism spectrum disorder risk in the MARBLES cohort. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2019; 171:177-184. [PMID: 30665119 PMCID: PMC6382542 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2018.12.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2018] [Revised: 12/22/2018] [Accepted: 12/24/2018] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is suspected to have environmental and genetic contributions. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are environmental risk factors of interest due to their potential as neurodevelopmental toxicants and environmental persistence despite a US production ban in the 1970s. METHODS Participants were mother-child pairs from MARBLES, a high-risk pregnancy cohort that enrolls families who have one child diagnosed with ASD and are planning to have another child. PCB concentrations were measured in maternal blood at each trimester of pregnancy using gas chromatography coupled with triple quadruple mass spectrometry. Concentrations were summed into total PCB and two categories based on function/mechanisms of action: dioxin-like (DL), and ryanodine receptor (RyR)-activating PCBs. Multinomial logistic regression assessed risk of clinical outcome classification of ASD and non-typical development (Non-TD) compared to typically developing (TD) in the children at 3 years old. RESULTS A total of 104 mother-child pairs were included. There were no significant associations for total PCB; however, there were borderline significant associations between DL-PCBs and decreased risk for Non-TD outcome classification (adjusted OR: 0.41 (95% CI 0.15-1.14)) and between RyR-activating PCBs and increased risk for ASD outcome classification (adjusted OR: 2.63 (95% CI 0.87-7.97)). CONCLUSION This study does not provide strong supporting evidence that PCBs are risk factors for ASD or Non-TD. However, these analyses suggest the need to explore more deeply into subsets of PCBs as risk factors based on their function and structure in larger cohort studies where non-monotonic dose-response patterns can be better evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Granillo
- Graduate Group in Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA.
| | - Sunjay Sethi
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Kimberly P Keil
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Yanping Lin
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Sally Ozonoff
- MIND Institute, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Ana-Maria Iosif
- Department of Public Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Birgit Puschner
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Rebecca J Schmidt
- MIND Institute, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA; Department of Public Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
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177
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Histone deacetylase inhibitors restore normal hippocampal synaptic plasticity and seizure threshold in a mouse model of Tuberous Sclerosis Complex. Sci Rep 2019; 9:5266. [PMID: 30918308 PMCID: PMC6437206 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-41744-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2018] [Accepted: 03/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Abnormal synaptic plasticity has been implicated in several neurological disorders including epilepsy, dementia and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC) is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder that manifests with seizures, autism, and cognitive deficits. The abnormal intracellular signaling underlying TSC has been the focus of many studies. However, nothing is known about the role of histone modifications in contributing to the neurological manifestations in TSC. Dynamic regulation of chromatin structure via post translational modification of histone tails has been implicated in learning, memory and synaptic plasticity. Histone acetylation and associated gene activation plays a key role in plasticity and so we asked whether histone acetylation might be dysregulated in TSC. In this study, we report a general reduction in hippocampal histone H3 acetylation levels in a mouse model of TSC2. Pharmacological inhibition of Histone Deacetylase (HDAC) activity restores histone H3 acetylation levels and ameliorates the aberrant plasticity in TSC2+/− mice. We describe a novel seizure phenotype in TSC2+/− mice that is also normalized with HDAC inhibitors (HDACis). The results from this study suggest an unanticipated role for chromatin modification in TSC and may inform novel therapeutic strategies for TSC patients.
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178
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Martins BP, Bandarra NM, Figueiredo-Braga M. The role of marine omega-3 in human neurodevelopment, including Autism Spectrum Disorders and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder – a review. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2019; 60:1431-1446. [DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2019.1573800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Bárbara P. Martins
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences and Mental Health, Medical Psychology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Narcisa M. Bandarra
- Department of Sea and Marine Resources, Portuguese Institute for the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA, IP), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Margarida Figueiredo-Braga
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences and Mental Health, Medical Psychology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Research Group: Metabolism, Nutrition & Endocrinology, i3S Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Porto, Portugal
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179
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Postnatal development and maturation of layer 1 in the lateral prefrontal cortex and its disruption in autism. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2019; 7:40. [PMID: 30867066 PMCID: PMC6417186 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-019-0684-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2018] [Accepted: 02/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism is a neurodevelopmental connectivity disorder characterized by cortical network disorganization and imbalance in excitation/inhibition. However, little is known about the development of autism pathology and the disruption of laminar-specific excitatory and inhibitory cortical circuits. To begin to address these issues, we examined layer 1 of the lateral prefrontal cortex (LPFC), an area with prolonged development and maturation that is affected in autism. We focused on layer 1 because it contains a distinctive, diverse population of interneurons and glia, receives input from feedback and neuromodulatory pathways, and plays a critical role in the development, maturation, and function of the cortex. We used unbiased quantitative methods at high resolution to study the morphology, neurochemistry, distribution, and density of neurons and myelinated axons in post-mortem brain tissue from children and adults with and without autism. We cross-validated our findings through comparisons with neighboring anterior cingulate cortices and optimally-fixed non-human primate tissue. In neurotypical controls we found an increase in the density of myelinated axons from childhood to adulthood. Neuron density overall declined with age, paralleled by decreased density of inhibitory interneurons labeled by calretinin (CR), calbindin (CB), and parvalbumin (PV). Importantly, we found PV neurons in layer 1 of typically developing children, previously detected only perinatally. In autism there was disorganization of cortical networks within layer 1: children with autism had increased variability in the trajectories and thickness of myelinated axons in layer 1, while adults with autism had a reduction in the relative proportion of thin axons. Neurotypical postnatal changes in layer 1 of LPFC likely underlie refinement of cortical activity during maturation of cortical networks involved in cognition. Our findings suggest that disruption of the maturation of feedback pathways, rather than interneurons in layer 1, has a key role in the development of imbalance between excitation and inhibition in autism.
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180
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Sharma N, Pollina EA, Nagy MA, Yap EL, DiBiase FA, Hrvatin S, Hu L, Lin C, Greenberg ME. ARNT2 Tunes Activity-Dependent Gene Expression through NCoR2-Mediated Repression and NPAS4-Mediated Activation. Neuron 2019; 102:390-406.e9. [PMID: 30846309 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2019.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2018] [Revised: 11/20/2018] [Accepted: 02/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Neuronal activity-dependent transcription is tuned to ensure precise gene induction during periods of heightened synaptic activity, allowing for appropriate responses of activated neurons within neural circuits. The consequences of aberrant induction of activity-dependent genes on neuronal physiology are not yet clear. Here, we demonstrate that, in the absence of synaptic excitation, the basic-helix-loop-helix (bHLH)-PAS family transcription factor ARNT2 recruits the NCoR2 co-repressor complex to suppress neuronal activity-dependent regulatory elements and maintain low basal levels of inducible genes. This restricts inhibition of excitatory neurons, maintaining them in a state that is receptive to future sensory stimuli. By contrast, in response to heightened neuronal activity, ARNT2 recruits the neuronal-specific bHLH-PAS factor NPAS4 to activity-dependent regulatory elements to induce transcription and thereby increase somatic inhibitory input. Thus, the interplay of bHLH-PAS complexes at activity-dependent regulatory elements maintains temporal control of activity-dependent gene expression and scales somatic inhibition with circuit activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikhil Sharma
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | | | - M Aurel Nagy
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Ee-Lynn Yap
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Florence A DiBiase
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Sinisa Hrvatin
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Linda Hu
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Cindy Lin
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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181
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Izumi H, Ishimoto T, Yamamoto H, Mori H. Bioluminescence imaging of Arc expression in mouse brain under acute and chronic exposure to pesticides. Neurotoxicology 2019; 71:52-59. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2018.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2018] [Revised: 11/27/2018] [Accepted: 12/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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182
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Liu Q, Chen MX, Sun L, Wallis CU, Zhou JS, Ao LJ, Li Q, Sham PC. Rational use of mesenchymal stem cells in the treatment of autism spectrum disorders. World J Stem Cells 2019; 11:55-72. [PMID: 30842805 PMCID: PMC6397804 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v11.i2.55] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2018] [Revised: 12/30/2018] [Accepted: 01/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism and autism spectrum disorders (ASD) refer to a range of conditions characterized by impaired social and communication skills and repetitive behaviors caused by different combinations of genetic and environmental influences. Although the pathophysiology underlying ASD is still unclear, recent evidence suggests that immune dysregulation and neuroinflammation play a role in the etiology of ASD. In particular, there is direct evidence supporting a role for maternal immune activation during prenatal life in neurodevelopmental conditions. Currently, the available options of behavioral therapies and pharmacological and supportive nutritional treatments in ASD are only symptomatic. Given the disturbing rise in the incidence of ASD, and the fact that there is no effective pharmacological therapy for ASD, there is an urgent need for new therapeutic options. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) possess immunomodulatory properties that make them relevant to several diseases associated with inflammation and tissue damage. The paracrine regenerative mechanisms of MSCs are also suggested to be therapeutically beneficial for ASD. Thus the underlying pathology in ASD, including immune system dysregulation and inflammation, represent potential targets for MSC therapy. This review will focus on immune dysfunction in the pathogenesis of ASD and will further discuss the therapeutic potential for MSCs in mediating ASD-related immunological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Liu
- Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Mo-Xian Chen
- School of Rehabilitation, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Lin Sun
- Department of Psychology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, Shandong Province, China
| | - Chloe U Wallis
- Medical Sciences Division, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, United Kingdom
| | - Jian-Song Zhou
- Mental Health Institute of the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan Province, China
| | - Li-Juan Ao
- School of Rehabilitation, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Qi Li
- Department of Psychiatry, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Pak C Sham
- Department of Psychiatry, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Center for Genomic Sciences, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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183
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Phosphoregulated FMRP phase separation models activity-dependent translation through bidirectional control of mRNA granule formation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:4218-4227. [PMID: 30765518 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1814385116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 208] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Activity-dependent translation requires the transport of mRNAs within membraneless protein assemblies known as neuronal granules from the cell body toward synaptic regions. Translation of mRNA is inhibited in these granules during transport but quickly activated in response to neuronal stimuli at the synapse. This raises an important question: how does synaptic activity trigger translation of once-silenced mRNAs? Here, we demonstrate a strong connection between phase separation, the process underlying the formation of many different types of cellular granules, and in vitro inhibition of translation. By using the Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein (FMRP), an abundant neuronal granule component and translational repressor, we show that FMRP phase separates in vitro with RNA into liquid droplets mediated by its C-terminal low-complexity disordered region (i.e., FMRPLCR). FMRPLCR posttranslational modifications by phosphorylation and methylation have opposing effects on in vitro translational regulation, which corroborates well with their critical concentrations for phase separation. Our results, combined with bioinformatics evidence, are supportive of phase separation as a general mechanism controlling activity-dependent translation.
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184
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Increased expression of BDNF mRNA in the frontal cortex of autistic patients. Behav Brain Res 2019; 359:903-909. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2018.06.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2018] [Revised: 06/15/2018] [Accepted: 06/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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185
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Guo QY, Ebihara K, Shimodaira T, Fujiwara H, Toume K, Dibwe DF, Awale S, Araki R, Yabe T, Matsumoto K. Kami-shoyo-san improves ASD-like behaviors caused by decreasing allopregnanolone biosynthesis in an SKF mouse model of autism. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0211266. [PMID: 30703109 PMCID: PMC6354989 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0211266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysfunctions in the GABAergic system are associated with the pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, the mechanisms by which GABAergic system dysfunctions induce the pathophysiology of ASD remain unclear. We previously demonstrated that a selective type I 5α-reductase inhibitor SKF105111 (SKF) induced ASD-like behaviors, such as impaired sociability-related performance and repetitive grooming behaviors, in male mice. Moreover, the effects of SKF were caused by a decrease in the endogenous levels of allopregnanolone (ALLO), a positive allosteric modulator of the GABAA receptor. In this study, we used SKF-treated male mice as a putative animal model of ASD and examined the effects of Kami-shoyo-san (KSS) as an experimental therapeutic strategy for ASD. KSS is a traditional Kampo formula consisting of 10 different crude drugs and has been used for the treatment of neuropsychiatric symptoms. KSS dose-dependently attenuated sociability deficits and suppressed an increase in grooming behaviors in SKF-treated mice without affecting ALLO content in the prefrontal cortex. The systemic administration of the dopamine D1 receptor antagonist SCH23390 reversed the ameliorative effects of KSS. On the other hand, the dopamine D2 receptor antagonist sulpiride and GABAA receptor antagonist bicuculline only attenuated the ameliorative effect of KSS on repetitive self-grooming behaviors. The present results indicate that KSS improves SKF-induced ASD-like behaviors by facilitating dopamine receptor-mediated mechanisms and partly by neurosteroid-independent GABAA receptor-mediated neurotransmission. Therefore, KSS is a potential candidate for the treatment of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing-Yun Guo
- Institute of Natural Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Ken Ebihara
- Institute of Natural Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | | | - Hironori Fujiwara
- Institute of Natural Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
- * E-mail:
| | - Kazufumi Toume
- Institute of Natural Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Dya Fita Dibwe
- Institute of Natural Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Suresh Awale
- Institute of Natural Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Ryota Araki
- Laboratory of Functional Biomolecules and Chemical Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Setsunan University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Takeshi Yabe
- Laboratory of Functional Biomolecules and Chemical Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Setsunan University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kinzo Matsumoto
- Institute of Natural Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
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186
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Corti A, Sota R, Dugo M, Calogero RA, Terragni B, Mantegazza M, Franceschetti S, Restelli M, Gasparini P, Lecis D, Chrzanowska KH, Delia D. DNA damage and transcriptional regulation in iPSC-derived neurons from Ataxia Telangiectasia patients. Sci Rep 2019; 9:651. [PMID: 30679601 PMCID: PMC6346060 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-36912-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Accepted: 11/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Ataxia Telangiectasia (A-T) is neurodegenerative syndrome caused by inherited mutations inactivating the ATM kinase, a master regulator of the DNA damage response (DDR). What makes neurons vulnerable to ATM loss remains unclear. In this study we assessed on human iPSC-derived neurons whether the abnormal accumulation of DNA-Topoisomerase 1 adducts (Top1ccs) found in A-T impairs transcription elongation, thus favoring neurodegeneration. Furthermore, whether neuronal activity-induced immediate early genes (IEGs), a process involving the formation of DNA breaks, is affected by ATM deficiency. We found that Top1cc trapping by CPT induces an ATM-dependent DDR as well as an ATM-independent induction of IEGs and repression especially of long genes. As revealed by nascent RNA sequencing, transcriptional elongation and recovery were found to proceed with the same rate, irrespective of gene length and ATM status. Neuronal activity induced by glutamate receptors stimulation, or membrane depolarization with KCl, triggered a DDR and expression of IEGs, the latter independent of ATM. In unperturbed A-T neurons a set of genes (FN1, DCN, RASGRF1, FZD1, EOMES, SHH, NR2E1) implicated in the development, maintenance and physiology of central nervous system was specifically downregulated, underscoring their potential involvement in the neurodegenerative process in A-T patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Corti
- Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Milano, Via Amadeo 42, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Raina Sota
- Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Milano, Via Amadeo 42, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Matteo Dugo
- Department of Applied Research and Technological Development, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Via Amadeo 42, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Raffaele A Calogero
- Universita' degli Studi di Torino, Bioinformatics and Genomics Unit, Molecular Biotechnology Centre, Via Nizza 52, 10126, Torino, Italy
| | - Benedetta Terragni
- Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Department of Neurophysiopathology and Diagnostic Epileptology, Via Celoria 11, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Massimo Mantegazza
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology (IPMC) LabEx ICST, CNRS UMR7275, Route des Lucioles, 06560, Valbonne, Sophia Antipolis, France.,University Côte d'Azur, 660 Route des Lucioles, 06560, Valbonne, Sophia Antipolis, France
| | - Silvana Franceschetti
- Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Department of Neurophysiopathology and Diagnostic Epileptology, Via Celoria 11, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Michela Restelli
- Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Via Amadeo 42, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Patrizia Gasparini
- Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Milano, Via G Venezian 1, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Daniele Lecis
- Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Milano, Via Amadeo 42, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Krystyna H Chrzanowska
- Department of Medical Genetics, The Children's Memorial Health Institute, Al. Dzieci Polskich 20, 04-730, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Domenico Delia
- Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Milano, Via Amadeo 42, 20133, Milano, Italy. .,IFOM, FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Via Adamello 16, 20139, Milano, Italy.
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187
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Wiśniowiecka-Kowalnik B, Nowakowska BA. Genetics and epigenetics of autism spectrum disorder-current evidence in the field. J Appl Genet 2019; 60:37-47. [PMID: 30627967 PMCID: PMC6373410 DOI: 10.1007/s13353-018-00480-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2018] [Revised: 12/14/2018] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is a heterogenous group of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by problems in social interaction and communication as well as the presence of repetitive and stereotyped behavior. It is estimated that the prevalence of ASD is 1–2% in the general population with the average male to female ratio 4–5:1. Although the causes of ASD remain largely unknown, the studies have shown that both genetic and environmental factors play an important role in the etiology of these disorders. Array comparative genomic hybridization and whole exome/genome sequencing studies identified common and rare copy number or single nucleotide variants in genes encoding proteins involved in brain development, which play an important role in neuron and synapse formation and function. The genetic etiology is recognized in ~ 25–35% of patients with ASD. In this article, we review the current state of knowledge about the genetic etiology of ASD and also propose a diagnostic algorithm for patients.
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188
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Modi B, Pimpinella D, Pazienti A, Zacchi P, Cherubini E, Griguoli M. Possible Implication of the CA2 Hippocampal Circuit in Social Cognition Deficits Observed in the Neuroligin 3 Knock-Out Mouse, a Non-Syndromic Animal Model of Autism. Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:513. [PMID: 31379628 PMCID: PMC6659102 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2019] [Accepted: 06/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) comprise a heterogeneous group of neuro-developmental abnormalities with a strong genetic component, characterized by deficits in verbal and non-verbal communication, impaired social interactions, and stereotyped behaviors. In a small percentage of cases, ASDs are associated with alterations of genes involved in synaptic function. Among these, relatively frequent are mutations/deletions of genes encoding for neuroligins (NLGs). NLGs are postsynaptic adhesion molecules that, interacting with their presynaptic partners neurexins, ensure the cross talk between pre- and postsynaptic specializations and synaptic stabilization, a condition needed for maintaining a proper excitatory/inhibitory balance within local neuronal circuits. We have focused on mice lacking NLG3 (NLG3 knock-out mice), animal models of a non-syndromic form of autism, which exhibit deficits in social behavior reminiscent of those found in ASDs. Among different brain areas involved in social cognition, the CA2 region of the hippocampus has recently emerged as a central structure for social memory processing. Here, in vivo recordings from anesthetized animals and ex vivo recordings from hippocampal slices have been used to assess the dynamics of neuronal signaling in the CA2 hippocampal area. In vivo experiments from NLG3-deficient mice revealed a selective impairment of spike-related slow wave activity in the CA2 area and a significant reduction in oscillatory activity in the theta and gamma frequencies range in both CA2 and CA3 regions of the hippocampus. These network effects were associated with an increased neuronal excitability in the CA2 hippocampal area. Ex vivo recordings from CA2 principal cells in slices obtained from NLG3 knock-out animals unveiled a strong excitatory/inhibitory imbalance in this region accompanied by a strong reduction of perisomatic inhibition mediated by CCK-containing GABAergic interneurons. These data clearly suggest that the selective alterations in network dynamics and GABAergic signaling observed in the CA2 hippocampal region of NLG3 knock-out mice may account for deficits in social memory reminiscent of those observed in autistic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brijesh Modi
- European Brain Research Institute (EBRI), Rome, Italy.,Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Domenico Pimpinella
- European Brain Research Institute (EBRI), Rome, Italy.,Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Pazienti
- European Brain Research Institute (EBRI), Rome, Italy.,National Center for Radiation Protection and Computational Physics, Italian National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Zacchi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Enrico Cherubini
- European Brain Research Institute (EBRI), Rome, Italy.,Department of Neuroscience, International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA), Trieste, Italy
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189
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Courchesne E, Pramparo T, Gazestani VH, Lombardo MV, Pierce K, Lewis NE. The ASD Living Biology: from cell proliferation to clinical phenotype. Mol Psychiatry 2019; 24:88-107. [PMID: 29934544 PMCID: PMC6309606 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-018-0056-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2017] [Revised: 02/08/2018] [Accepted: 02/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has captured the attention of scientists, clinicians and the lay public because of its uncertain origins and striking and unexplained clinical heterogeneity. Here we review genetic, genomic, cellular, postmortem, animal model, and cell model evidence that shows ASD begins in the womb. This evidence leads to a new theory that ASD is a multistage, progressive disorder of brain development, spanning nearly all of prenatal life. ASD can begin as early as the 1st and 2nd trimester with disruption of cell proliferation and differentiation. It continues with disruption of neural migration, laminar disorganization, altered neuron maturation and neurite outgrowth, disruption of synaptogenesis and reduced neural network functioning. Among the most commonly reported high-confidence ASD (hcASD) genes, 94% express during prenatal life and affect these fetal processes in neocortex, amygdala, hippocampus, striatum and cerebellum. A majority of hcASD genes are pleiotropic, and affect proliferation/differentiation and/or synapse development. Proliferation and subsequent fetal stages can also be disrupted by maternal immune activation in the 1st trimester. Commonly implicated pathways, PI3K/AKT and RAS/ERK, are also pleiotropic and affect multiple fetal processes from proliferation through synapse and neural functional development. In different ASD individuals, variation in how and when these pleiotropic pathways are dysregulated, will lead to different, even opposing effects, producing prenatal as well as later neural and clinical heterogeneity. Thus, the pathogenesis of ASD is not set at one point in time and does not reside in one process, but rather is a cascade of prenatal pathogenic processes in the vast majority of ASD toddlers. Despite this new knowledge and theory that ASD biology begins in the womb, current research methods have not provided individualized information: What are the fetal processes and early-age molecular and cellular differences that underlie ASD in each individual child? Without such individualized knowledge, rapid advances in biological-based diagnostic, prognostic, and precision medicine treatments cannot occur. Missing, therefore, is what we call ASD Living Biology. This is a conceptual and paradigm shift towards a focus on the abnormal prenatal processes underlying ASD within each living individual. The concept emphasizes the specific need for foundational knowledge of a living child's development from abnormal prenatal beginnings to early clinical stages. The ASD Living Biology paradigm seeks this knowledge by linking genetic and in vitro prenatal molecular, cellular and neural measurements with in vivo post-natal molecular, neural and clinical presentation and progression in each ASD child. We review the first such study, which confirms the multistage fetal nature of ASD and provides the first in vitro fetal-stage explanation for in vivo early brain overgrowth. Within-child ASD Living Biology is a novel research concept we coin here that advocates the integration of in vitro prenatal and in vivo early post-natal information to generate individualized and group-level explanations, clinically useful prognoses, and precision medicine approaches that are truly beneficial for the individual infant and toddler with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Courchesne
- Autism Center of Excellence, Department of Neuroscience, University of California, San Diego, 8110 La Jolla Shores Drive, Suite 201, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA.
| | - Tiziano Pramparo
- Autism Center of Excellence, Department of Neuroscience, University of California, San Diego, 8110 La Jolla Shores Drive, Suite 201, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Vahid H Gazestani
- Autism Center of Excellence, Department of Neuroscience, University of California, San Diego, 8110 La Jolla Shores Drive, Suite 201, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Michael V Lombardo
- Department of Psychology, Center for Applied Neuroscience, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Karen Pierce
- Autism Center of Excellence, Department of Neuroscience, University of California, San Diego, 8110 La Jolla Shores Drive, Suite 201, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Nathan E Lewis
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability at University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
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190
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Lainez NM, Coss D. Leukemia Inhibitory Factor Represses GnRH Gene Expression via cFOS during Inflammation in Male Mice. Neuroendocrinology 2019; 108:291-307. [PMID: 30630179 PMCID: PMC6561803 DOI: 10.1159/000496754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2018] [Accepted: 01/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The mechanisms whereby neuroinflammation negatively affects neuronal function in the hypothalamus are not clear. Our previous study determined that obesity-mediated chronic inflammation elicits sex-specific impairment in reproductive function via reduction in spine density in gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons. Neuroinflammation and subsequent decrease in GnRH neuron spine density was specific for male mice, while protection in females was independent of ovarian estrogens. METHODS To examine if neuroinflammation-induced cytokines can directly regulate GnRH gene expression, herein we examined signaling pathways and mechanisms in males in vivo and in GnRH-expressing cell line, GT1-7. RESULTS GnRH neurons express cytokine receptors, and chronic or acute neuroinflammation represses GnRH gene expression in vivo. Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) in particular represses GnRH expression in GT1-7 cells, while other cytokines do not. STAT3 and MAPK pathways are activated following LIF treatment, but only MAPK pathway, specifically p38α, is sufficient to repress the GnRH gene. LIF induces cFOS that represses the GnRH gene via the -1,793 site in the enhancer region. In vivo, following high-fat diet, cFOS is induced in GnRH neurons and neurons juxtaposed to the leaky blood brain barrier of the organum vasculosum of the lamina terminalis, but not in the neurons further away. CONCLUSION Our results indicate that the increase in LIF due to neuroinflammation induces cFOS and represses the GnRH gene. Therefore, in addition to synaptic changes in GnRH neurons, neuroinflammatory cytokines directly regulate gene expression and reproductive function, and the specificity for neuronal targets may stem from the proximity to the fenestrated capillaries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy M Lainez
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, California, USA
| | - Djurdjica Coss
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, California, USA,
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191
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Li M, Santpere G, Imamura Kawasawa Y, Evgrafov OV, Gulden FO, Pochareddy S, Sunkin SM, Li Z, Shin Y, Zhu Y, Sousa AMM, Werling DM, Kitchen RR, Kang HJ, Pletikos M, Choi J, Muchnik S, Xu X, Wang D, Lorente-Galdos B, Liu S, Giusti-Rodríguez P, Won H, de Leeuw CA, Pardiñas AF, Hu M, Jin F, Li Y, Owen MJ, O'Donovan MC, Walters JTR, Posthuma D, Reimers MA, Levitt P, Weinberger DR, Hyde TM, Kleinman JE, Geschwind DH, Hawrylycz MJ, State MW, Sanders SJ, Sullivan PF, Gerstein MB, Lein ES, Knowles JA, Sestan N. Integrative functional genomic analysis of human brain development and neuropsychiatric risks. Science 2018; 362:eaat7615. [PMID: 30545854 PMCID: PMC6413317 DOI: 10.1126/science.aat7615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 421] [Impact Index Per Article: 70.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2018] [Accepted: 11/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
To broaden our understanding of human neurodevelopment, we profiled transcriptomic and epigenomic landscapes across brain regions and/or cell types for the entire span of prenatal and postnatal development. Integrative analysis revealed temporal, regional, sex, and cell type-specific dynamics. We observed a global transcriptomic cup-shaped pattern, characterized by a late fetal transition associated with sharply decreased regional differences and changes in cellular composition and maturation, followed by a reversal in childhood-adolescence, and accompanied by epigenomic reorganizations. Analysis of gene coexpression modules revealed relationships with epigenomic regulation and neurodevelopmental processes. Genes with genetic associations to brain-based traits and neuropsychiatric disorders (including MEF2C, SATB2, SOX5, TCF4, and TSHZ3) converged in a small number of modules and distinct cell types, revealing insights into neurodevelopment and the genomic basis of neuropsychiatric risks.
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192
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Gray JM, Spiegel I. Cell-type-specific programs for activity-regulated gene expression. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2018; 56:33-39. [PMID: 30529822 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2018.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2018] [Revised: 11/04/2018] [Accepted: 11/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Experience leaves a lasting mark on neural circuit function in part through activity-regulated gene (ARG) expression. New genome wide approaches have revealed that ARG programs are highly cell-type-specific, raising the possibility that they mediate different forms of experience-dependent plasticity in different cell types. The cell-type specificity of these gene programs is achieved by a combination of cell-intrinsic mechanisms that determine the transcriptional response of each neuronal subtype to a given stimulus and by cell-extrinsic mechanisms that influence the nature of the stimulus a cell receives. A better understanding of these mechanisms could usher in an era of molecular systems neuroscience in which genetic perturbations of cell-type-specific plasticities are assessed using electrophysiology and in vivo imaging to reveal the neural basis of adaptive behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse M Gray
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, United States.
| | - Ivo Spiegel
- Department of Neurobiology, Weizmann Institute of Science, 76100 Rehovot, Israel.
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193
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Sex separation induces differences in the olfactory sensory receptor repertoires of male and female mice. Nat Commun 2018; 9:5081. [PMID: 30514924 PMCID: PMC6279840 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-07120-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2018] [Accepted: 10/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Within the mammalian olfactory sensory epithelium, experience-dependent changes in the rate of neuronal turnover can alter the relative abundance of neurons expressing specific chemoreceptors. Here we investigate how the mouse olfactory sensory receptor repertoire changes as a function of exposure to odors emitted from members of the opposite sex, which are highly complex and sexually dimorphic. Upon housing mice either sex-separated or sex-combined until six months of age, we find that sex-separated mice exhibit significantly more numerous differentially expressed genes within their olfactory epithelia. A subset of these chemoreceptors exhibit altered expression frequencies following both sex-separation and olfactory deprivation. We show that several of these receptors detect either male- or female-specific odors. We conclude that the distinct odor experiences of sex-separated male and female mice induce sex-specific differences in the abundance of neurons that detect sexually dimorphic odors.
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194
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Santoro SW, Jakob S. Gene expression profiling of the olfactory tissues of sex-separated and sex-combined female and male mice. Sci Data 2018; 5:180260. [PMID: 30512012 PMCID: PMC6278690 DOI: 10.1038/sdata.2018.260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2018] [Accepted: 06/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Olfactory experience can alter the molecular and cellular composition of chemosensory neurons within the olfactory sensory epithelia of mice. We sought to investigate the scope of cellular and molecular changes within a mouse's olfactory system as a function of its exposure to complex and salient sets of odors: those emitted from members of the opposite sex. We housed mice either separated from members of the opposite sex (sex-separated) or together with members of the opposite sex (sex-combined) until six months of age, resulting in the generation of four cohorts of mice. From each mouse, the main olfactory epithelium (MOE), vomeronasal organ (VNO), and olfactory bulb (OB) were removed and RNA-extracted. A total of 36 RNA samples, representing three biological replicates per sex/condition/tissue combination, were analyzed for integrity and used to prepare RNA-seq libraries, which were subsequently analyzed via qPCR for the presence of tissue- or sex-specific markers. Libraries were paired-end sequenced to a depth of ~20 million fragments per replicate and the data were analyzed using the Tuxedo suite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen W. Santoro
- Neuroscience Program, Dept. of Zoology & Physiology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, USA
| | - Susanne Jakob
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
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195
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Quesnel-Vallières M, Weatheritt RJ, Cordes SP, Blencowe BJ. Autism spectrum disorder: insights into convergent mechanisms from transcriptomics. Nat Rev Genet 2018; 20:51-63. [DOI: 10.1038/s41576-018-0066-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
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196
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Genome-wide CRISPR-Cas9 Interrogation of Splicing Networks Reveals a Mechanism for Recognition of Autism-Misregulated Neuronal Microexons. Mol Cell 2018; 72:510-524.e12. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2018.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2018] [Revised: 08/27/2018] [Accepted: 10/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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197
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Abstract
The MAPK pathway is a prominent intracellular signaling pathway regulating various intracellular functions. Components of this pathway are mutated in a related collection of congenital syndromes collectively referred to as neuro-cardio-facio-cutaneous syndromes (NCFC) or Rasopathies. Recently, it has been appreciated that these disorders are associated with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). In addition, idiopathic ASD has also implicated the MAPK signaling cascade as a common pathway that is affected by many of the genetic variants that have been found to be linked to ASDs. This chapter describes the components of the MAPK pathway and how it is regulated. Furthermore, this chapter will highlight the various functions of the MAPK pathway during both embryonic development of the central nervous system (CNS) and its roles in neuronal physiology and ultimately, behavior. Finally, we will summarize the perturbations to MAPK signaling in various models of autism spectrum disorders and Rasopathies to highlight how dysregulation of this pivotal pathway may contribute to the pathogenesis of autism.
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198
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Fourie C, Vyas Y, Lee K, Jung Y, Garner CC, Montgomery JM. Dietary Zinc Supplementation Prevents Autism Related Behaviors and Striatal Synaptic Dysfunction in Shank3 Exon 13-16 Mutant Mice. Front Cell Neurosci 2018; 12:374. [PMID: 30405356 PMCID: PMC6204368 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2018.00374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2018] [Accepted: 10/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The SHANK family of synaptic proteins (SHANK1–3) are master regulators of the organizational structure of excitatory synapses in the brain. Mutations in SHANK1–3 are prevalent in patients with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), and loss of one copy of SHANK3 causes Phelan-McDermid Syndrome, a syndrome in which Autism occurs in >80% of cases. The synaptic stability of SHANK3 is highly regulated by zinc, driving the formation of postsynaptic protein complexes and increases in excitatory synaptic strength. As ASD-associated SHANK3 mutations retain responsiveness to zinc, here we investigated how increasing levels of dietary zinc could alter behavioral and synaptic deficits that occur with ASD. We performed behavioral testing together with cortico-striatal slice electrophysiology on a Shank3−/− mouse model of ASD (Shank3ex13–1616−/−), which displays ASD-related behaviors and structural and functional deficits at striatal synapses. We observed that 6 weeks of dietary zinc supplementation in Shank3ex13–16−/− mice prevented ASD-related repetitive and anxiety behaviors and deficits in social novelty recognition. Dietary zinc supplementation also increased the recruitment of zinc sensitive SHANK2 to synapses, reduced synaptic transmission specifically through N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-type glutamate receptors, reversed the slowed decay tau of NMDA receptor (NMDAR)-mediated currents and occluded long term potentiation (LTP) at cortico-striatal synapses. These data suggest that alterations in NMDAR function underlie the lack of NMDAR-dependent cortico-striatal LTP and contribute to the reversal of ASD-related behaviors such as compulsive grooming. Our data reveal that dietary zinc alters neurological function from synapses to behavior, and identifies dietary zinc as a potential therapeutic agent in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chantelle Fourie
- Department of Physiology and Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Yukti Vyas
- Department of Physiology and Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Kevin Lee
- Department of Physiology and Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Yewon Jung
- Department of Physiology and Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Craig C Garner
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Disorders, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Johanna M Montgomery
- Department of Physiology and Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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199
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Wu J, Yu P, Jin X, Xu X, Li J, Li Z, Wang M, Wang T, Wu X, Jiang Y, Cai W, Mei J, Min Q, Xu Q, Zhou B, Guo H, Wang P, Zhou W, Hu Z, Li Y, Cai T, Wang Y, Xia K, Jiang YH, Sun ZS. Genomic landscapes of Chinese sporadic autism spectrum disorders revealed by whole-genome sequencing. J Genet Genomics 2018; 45:527-538. [PMID: 30392784 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2018.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2018] [Revised: 08/25/2018] [Accepted: 09/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with considerable clinical and genetic heterogeneity. In this study, we identified all classes of genomic variants from whole-genome sequencing (WGS) dataset of 32 Chinese trios with ASD, including de novo mutations, inherited variants, copy number variants (CNVs) and genomic structural variants. A higher mutation rate (Poisson test, P < 2.2 × 10-16) in exonic (1.37 × 10-8) and 3'-UTR regions (1.42 × 10-8) was revealed in comparison with that of whole genome (1.05 × 10-8). Using an integrated model, we identified 87 potentially risk genes (P < 0.01) from 4832 genes harboring various rare deleterious variants, including CHD8 and NRXN2, implying that the disorders may be in favor to multiple-hit. In particular, frequent rare inherited mutations of several microcephaly-associated genes (ASPM, WDR62, and ZNF335) were found in ASD. In chromosomal structure analyses, we found four de novo CNVs and one de novo chromosomal rearrangement event, including a de novo duplication of UBE3A-containing region at 15q11.2-q13.1, which causes Angelman syndrome and microcephaly, and a disrupted TNR due to de novo chromosomal translocation t(1; 5)(q25.1; q33.2). Taken together, our results suggest that abnormalities of centrosomal function and chromatin remodeling of the microcephaly-associated genes may be implicated in pathogenesis of ASD. Adoption of WGS as a new yet efficient technique to illustrate the full genetic spectrum in complex disorders, such as ASD, could provide novel insights into pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinyu Wu
- Institute of Genomic Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Ping Yu
- Institute of Genomic Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Xin Jin
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518083, China
| | - Xiu Xu
- Department of Child Healthcare, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jinchen Li
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China
| | - Zhongshan Li
- Institute of Genomic Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | | | - Tao Wang
- Institute of Genomic Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Xueli Wu
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518083, China
| | - Yi Jiang
- Institute of Genomic Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Wanshi Cai
- Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Junpu Mei
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518083, China
| | - Qingjie Min
- Institute of Genomic Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Qiong Xu
- Department of Child Healthcare, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Bingrui Zhou
- Department of Child Healthcare, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Hui Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China
| | - Ping Wang
- Department of Pediatrics and Neurobiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Wenhao Zhou
- Department of Child Healthcare, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Zhengmao Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China
| | | | - Tao Cai
- Institute of Genomic Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Child Healthcare, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Kun Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China.
| | - Yong-Hui Jiang
- Department of Pediatrics and Neurobiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
| | - Zhong Sheng Sun
- Institute of Genomic Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China; Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
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200
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Comhair J, Devoght J, Morelli G, Harvey RJ, Briz V, Borrie SC, Bagni C, Rigo JM, Schiffmann SN, Gall D, Brône B, Molchanova SM. Alpha2-Containing Glycine Receptors Promote Neonatal Spontaneous Activity of Striatal Medium Spiny Neurons and Support Maturation of Glutamatergic Inputs. Front Mol Neurosci 2018; 11:380. [PMID: 30374290 PMCID: PMC6196267 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2018.00380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2018] [Accepted: 09/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Glycine receptors (GlyRs) containing the α2 subunit are highly expressed in the developing brain, where they regulate neuronal migration and maturation, promote spontaneous network activity and subsequent development of synaptic connections. Mutations in GLRA2 are associated with autism spectrum disorder, but the underlying pathophysiology is not described yet. Here, using Glra2-knockout mice, we found a GlyR-dependent effect on neonatal spontaneous activity of dorsal striatum medium spiny neurons (MSNs) and maturation of the incoming glutamatergic innervation. Our data demonstrate that functional GlyRs are highly expressed in MSNs of one-week-old mice, but they do not generate endogenous chloride-mediated tonic or phasic current. Despite of that, knocking out the Glra2 severely affects the shape of action potentials and impairs spontaneous activity and the frequency of miniature AMPA receptor-mediated currents in MSNs. This reduction in spontaneous activity and glutamatergic signaling can attribute to the observed changes in neonatal behavioral phenotypes as seen in ultrasonic vocalizations and righting reflex. In adult Glra2-knockout animals, the glutamatergic synapses in MSNs remain functionally underdeveloped. The number of glutamatergic synapses and release probability at presynaptic site remain unaffected, but the amount of postsynaptic AMPA receptors is decreased. This deficit is a consequence of impaired development of the neuronal circuitry since acute inhibition of GlyRs by strychnine in adult MSNs does not affect the properties of glutamatergic synapses. Altogether, these results demonstrate that GlyR-mediated signaling supports neonatal spontaneous MSN activity and, in consequence, promotes the functional maturation of glutamatergic synapses on MSNs. The described mechanism might shed light on the pathophysiological mechanisms in GLRA2-linked autism spectrum disorder cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joris Comhair
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, ULB-Neuroscience Institute, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium.,BIOMED Research Institute, University of Hasselt, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Jens Devoght
- BIOMED Research Institute, University of Hasselt, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Giovanni Morelli
- BIOMED Research Institute, University of Hasselt, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Robert J Harvey
- School of Health and Sport Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD, Australia.,Sunshine Coast Health Institute, Birtinya, QLD, Australia
| | - Victor Briz
- Center for Human Genetics and Leuven Research Institute for Neuroscience and Disease, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,VIB Center for the Biology of Disease, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sarah C Borrie
- Center for Human Genetics and Leuven Research Institute for Neuroscience and Disease, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,VIB Center for the Biology of Disease, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Claudia Bagni
- Center for Human Genetics and Leuven Research Institute for Neuroscience and Disease, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,VIB Center for the Biology of Disease, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jean-Michel Rigo
- BIOMED Research Institute, University of Hasselt, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Serge N Schiffmann
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, ULB-Neuroscience Institute, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - David Gall
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, ULB-Neuroscience Institute, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Bert Brône
- BIOMED Research Institute, University of Hasselt, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Svetlana M Molchanova
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, ULB-Neuroscience Institute, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
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