151
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Ecker C, Schmeisser MJ, Loth E, Murphy DG. Neuroanatomy and Neuropathology of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Humans. ADVANCES IN ANATOMY, EMBRYOLOGY, AND CELL BIOLOGY 2017; 224:27-48. [PMID: 28551749 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-52498-6_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a lifelong heterogeneous neurodevelopmental condition that is associated with differences in brain anatomy and connectivity. Yet, the molecular and cellular mechanisms that underpin the atypical developmental of the brain in ASD remain poorly understood. Here, we review the findings of in vivo neuroimaging studies examining the time course of atypical brain development in ASD and relate the different neurodevelopmental stages that are atypical in ASD to the known neurobiological mechanisms that drive the maturation of the typically developing brain. In particular, we focus on the notion of 'early brain overgrowth' in ASD, which may lead to differences in the formation of the brain's micro- and macro-circuitry. Moreover, we attempt to link the in vivo reports describing differences in brain anatomy and connectivity on the macroscopic level to the increasing number of post-mortem studies examining the neural architecture of the brain in ASD on the microscopic level. In addition, we discuss future directions and outstanding questions in this particular field of research and highlight the need for establishing the link between micro- and macro-pathology in the same set of individuals with ASD based on advances in genetic, molecular and imaging techniques. In combination, these may proof to be invaluable for patient stratification and the development of novel pharmacotherapies in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Ecker
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College, London, UK.
| | - Michael J Schmeisser
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
- Division of Neuroanatomy, Institute of Anatomy, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
- Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Eva Loth
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College, London, UK
| | - Declan G Murphy
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College, London, UK
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152
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Main SL, Kulesza RJ. Repeated prenatal exposure to valproic acid results in cerebellar hypoplasia and ataxia. Neuroscience 2017; 340:34-47. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2016.10.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2016] [Revised: 09/30/2016] [Accepted: 10/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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153
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Peripheral Inflammatory Markers Contributing to Comorbidities in Autism. Behav Sci (Basel) 2016; 6:bs6040029. [PMID: 27983615 PMCID: PMC5197942 DOI: 10.3390/bs6040029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2016] [Revised: 12/08/2016] [Accepted: 12/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
This study evaluates the contribution of peripheral biomarkers to comorbidities and clinical findings in autism. Seventeen autistic children and age-matched typically developing (AMTD), between three to nine years old were evaluated. The diagnostic followed the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 4th Edition (DMS-IV) and the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) was applied to classify the severity. Cytokine profile was evaluated in plasma using a sandwich type ELISA. Paraclinical events included electroencephalography (EEG) record. Statistical analysis was done to explore significant differences in cytokine profile between autism and AMTD groups and respect clinical and paraclinical parameters. Significant differences were found to IL-1β, IL-6, IL-17, IL-12p40, and IL-12p70 cytokines in individuals with autism compared with AMTD (p < 0.05). All autistic patients showed interictalepileptiform activity at EEG, however, only 37.5% suffered epilepsy. There was not a regional focalization of the abnormalities that were detectable with EEG in autistic patients with history of epilepsy. A higher IL-6 level was observed in patients without history of epilepsy with interictalepileptiform activity in the frontal brain region, p < 0.05. In conclusion, peripheral inflammatory markers might be useful as potential biomarkers to predict comorbidities in autism as well as reinforce and aid informed decision-making related to EEG findings in children with Autism spectrum disorders (ASD).
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154
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Choi H, Song J, Park G, Kim J. Modeling of Autism Using Organoid Technology. Mol Neurobiol 2016; 54:7789-7795. [DOI: 10.1007/s12035-016-0274-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2016] [Accepted: 10/30/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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155
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Constantin L. The Role of MicroRNAs in Cerebellar Development and Autism Spectrum Disorder During Embryogenesis. Mol Neurobiol 2016; 54:6944-6959. [PMID: 27774573 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-016-0220-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2016] [Accepted: 10/12/2016] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small non-coding RNA molecules with wide-ranging and subtle effects on protein production. Their activity during the development of the cerebellum provides a valuable exemplar of how non-coding molecules may assist the development and function of the central nervous system and drive neurodevelopmental disorders. Three distinct aspects of miRNA contribution to early cerebellar development will here be reviewed. Aspects are the establishment of the cerebellar anlage, the generation and maturation of at least two principal cell types of the developing cerebellar microcircuit, and the etiology and early progression of autism spectrum disorder. It will be argued here that the autism spectrum is an adept model to explore miRNA impact on the cognitive and affective processes that descend from the developing cerebellum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Constantin
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia. .,Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia.
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156
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Fatemi SH, Folsom TD, Liesch SB, Kneeland RE, Karkhane Yousefi M, Thuras PD. The effects of prenatal H1N1 infection at E16 on FMRP, glutamate, GABA, and reelin signaling systems in developing murine cerebellum. J Neurosci Res 2016; 95:1110-1122. [PMID: 27735078 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.23949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2016] [Revised: 08/30/2016] [Accepted: 09/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Prenatal viral infection has been identified as a potential risk factor for the development of neurodevelopmental disorders such as schizophrenia and autism. Additionally, dysfunction in gamma-aminobutyric acid, Reelin, and fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP)-metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 signaling systems has also been demonstrated in these two disorders. In the current report, we have characterized the developmental profiles of selected markers for these systems in cerebella of mice born to pregnant mice infected with human influenza (H1N1) virus on embryonic day 16 or sham-infected controls using SDS-PAGE and Western blotting techniques and evaluated the presence of abnormalities in the above-mentioned markers during brain development. The cerebellum was selected in light of emerging evidence that it plays roles in learning, memory, and emotional processing-all of which are disrupted in autism and schizophrenia. We identified unique patterns of gene and protein expression at birth (postnatal day 0 [P0]), childhood (P14), adolescence (P35), and young adulthood (P56) in both exposed and control mouse progeny. We also identified significant differences in protein expression for FMRP, very-low-density lipoprotein receptor, and glutamic acid decarboxylase 65 and 67 kDa proteins at specific postnatal time points in cerebella of the offspring of exposed mice. Our results provide evidence of disrupted FMRP, glutamatergic, and Reelin signaling in the exposed mouse offspring that explains the multiple brain abnormalities observed in this animal model. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Hossein Fatemi
- Department of Psychiatry, Division of Neuroscience Research, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota.,Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Timothy D Folsom
- Department of Psychiatry, Division of Neuroscience Research, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Stephanie B Liesch
- Department of Psychiatry, Division of Neuroscience Research, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Rachel E Kneeland
- Department of Psychiatry, Division of Neuroscience Research, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Mahtab Karkhane Yousefi
- Department of Psychiatry, Division of Neuroscience Research, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Paul D Thuras
- VA Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry, Minneapolis, Minnesota
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157
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Early Postnatal Lipopolysaccharide Exposure Leads to Enhanced Neurogenesis and Impaired Communicative Functions in Rats. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0164403. [PMID: 27723799 PMCID: PMC5056722 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0164403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2016] [Accepted: 09/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Perinatal infection is a well-identified risk factor for a number of neurodevelopmental disorders, including brain white matter injury (WMI) and Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). The underlying mechanisms by which early life inflammatory events cause aberrant neural, cytoarchitectural, and network organization, remain elusive. This study is aimed to investigate how systemic lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced neuroinflammation affects microglia phenotypes and early neural developmental events in rats. We show here that LPS exposure at early postnatal day 3 leads to a robust microglia activation which is characterized with mixed microglial proinflammatory (M1) and anti-inflammatory (M2) phenotypes. More specifically, we found that microglial M1 markers iNOS and MHC-II were induced at relatively low levels in a regionally restricted manner, whereas M2 markers CD206 and TGFβ were strongly upregulated in a sub-set of activated microglia in multiple white and gray matter structures. This unique microglial response was associated with a marked decrease in naturally occurring apoptosis, but an increase in cell proliferation in the subventricular zone (SVZ) and the dentate gyrus (DG) of hippocampus. LPS exposure also leads to a significant increase in oligodendrocyte lineage population without causing discernible hypermyelination. Moreover, LPS-exposed rats exhibited significant impairments in communicative and cognitive functions. These findings suggest a possible role of M2-like microglial activation in abnormal neural development that may underlie ASD-like behavioral impairments.
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158
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Westmark CJ, Sokol DK, Maloney B, Lahiri DK. Novel roles of amyloid-beta precursor protein metabolites in fragile X syndrome and autism. Mol Psychiatry 2016; 21:1333-41. [PMID: 27573877 PMCID: PMC5580495 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2016.134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2016] [Revised: 06/20/2016] [Accepted: 06/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common form of inherited intellectual disability and is associated with up to 5% of autism cases. Several promising drugs are in preclinical testing for FXS; however, bench-to-bedside plans for the clinic are severely limited due to lack of validated biomarkers and outcome measures. Published work from our laboratories has demonstrated altered levels of amyloid-beta (Aβ) precursor protein (APP) and its metabolites in FXS and idiopathic autism. Westmark and colleagues have focused on β-secretase (amyloidogenic) processing and the accumulation of Aβ peptides in adult FXS models, whereas Lahiri and Sokol have studied α-secretase (non-amyloidogenic or anabolic) processing and altered levels of sAPPα and Aβ in pediatric autism and FXS. Thus, our groups have hypothesized a pivotal role for these Alzheimer's disease (AD)-related proteins in the neurodevelopmental disorders of FXS and autism. In this review, we discuss the contribution of APP metabolites to FXS and autism pathogenesis as well as the potential use of these metabolites as blood-based biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Our future focus is to identify key underlying mechanisms through which APP metabolites contribute to FXS and autism condition-to-disease pathology. Positive outcomes will support utilizing APP metabolites as blood-based biomarkers in clinical trials as well as testing drugs that modulate APP processing as potential disease therapeutics. Our studies to understand the role of APP metabolites in developmental conditions such as FXS and autism are a quantum leap for the neuroscience field, which has traditionally restricted any role of APP to AD and aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cara J. Westmark
- University of Wisconsin, Department of Neurology, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Deborah K. Sokol
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatric Research, Indianapolis, IN USA
| | - Bryan Maloney
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatric Research, Indianapolis, IN USA
| | - Debomoy K. Lahiri
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatric Research, Indianapolis, IN USA
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159
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Peter S, ten Brinke MM, Stedehouder J, Reinelt CM, Wu B, Zhou H, Zhou K, Boele HJ, Kushner SA, Lee MG, Schmeisser MJ, Boeckers TM, Schonewille M, Hoebeek FE, De Zeeuw CI. Dysfunctional cerebellar Purkinje cells contribute to autism-like behaviour in Shank2-deficient mice. Nat Commun 2016; 7:12627. [PMID: 27581745 PMCID: PMC5025785 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms12627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2016] [Accepted: 07/19/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Loss-of-function mutations in the gene encoding the postsynaptic scaffolding protein SHANK2 are a highly penetrant cause of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) involving cerebellum-related motor problems. Recent studies have implicated cerebellar pathology in the aetiology of ASD. Here we evaluate the possibility that cerebellar Purkinje cells (PCs) represent a critical locus of ASD-like pathophysiology in mice lacking Shank2. Absence of Shank2 impairs both PC intrinsic plasticity and induction of long-term potentiation at the parallel fibre to PC synapse. Moreover, inhibitory input onto PCs is significantly enhanced, most prominently in the posterior lobe where simple spike (SS) regularity is most affected. Using PC-specific Shank2 knockouts, we replicate alterations of SS regularity in vivo and establish cerebellar dependence of ASD-like behavioural phenotypes in motor learning and social interaction. These data highlight the importance of Shank2 for PC function, and support a model by which cerebellar pathology is prominent in certain forms of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saša Peter
- Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Amsterdam 1105 CA, Netherlands
| | | | | | - Claudia M. Reinelt
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, Ulm 89081, Germany
| | - Bin Wu
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam 3000 DR, Netherlands
| | - Haibo Zhou
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam 3000 DR, Netherlands
| | - Kuikui Zhou
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam 3000 DR, Netherlands
| | - Henk-Jan Boele
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam 3000 DR, Netherlands
| | - Steven A. Kushner
- Department of Psychiatry, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam 3000 DR, Netherlands
| | - Min Goo Lee
- Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 120–752, Korea
| | - Michael J. Schmeisser
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, Ulm 89081, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Ulm 89081, Germany
| | - Tobias M. Boeckers
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, Ulm 89081, Germany
| | | | - Freek E. Hoebeek
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam 3000 DR, Netherlands
| | - Chris I. De Zeeuw
- Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Amsterdam 1105 CA, Netherlands
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam 3000 DR, Netherlands
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160
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Cho HS, Kim TW, Ji ES, Park HS, Shin MS, Baek SS. Treadmill exercise ameliorates motor dysfunction through inhibition of Purkinje cell loss in cerebellum of valproic acid-induced autistic rats. J Exerc Rehabil 2016; 12:293-8. [PMID: 27656625 PMCID: PMC5031390 DOI: 10.12965/jer.1632696.348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2016] [Accepted: 07/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism is a complex developmental disorder with impairments in social interaction, communication, repetitive behavior and motor skills. Exercise enhances cognitive function, ameliorates motor dysfunction, and provides protective profits against neurodegeneration. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of treadmill exercise on the motor coordination and Purkinje cell loss in relation with reactive astrocytes and microglial activation in the cerebellum using valproic acid (VPA)-induced autism rat model. On the 12th day of pregnancy, the pregnant rats in the VPA-exposed group received intraperitoneal injections of 600-mg/kg VPA. After birth, the rat pups were divided into four groups: the control group, the exercise group, the VPA-treated group, the VPA-treated and exercise group. The rat pups in the exercise groups were forced to run on a treadmill for 30 min once a day, 5 times a week for 4 weeks. In the present results, motor balance and coordination was disturbed by induction of autism, in contrast, treadmill exercise alleviated motor dysfunction in the autistic rats. Purkinje cell loss, reactive astrocytes, and microglial activation were occurred by induction of autism, in contrast, treadmill exercise enhanced survival rate of Purkinje neurons through inhibition of reactive astrocytes and microglia in the autistic rats. The present study showed that exercise may provide a potential therapeutic strategy for the alleviation of motor dysfunction in autistic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han-Sam Cho
- Department of Sport & Health Science, College of Natural Science, Sangmyung University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Tae-Woon Kim
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Eun-Sang Ji
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hye-Sang Park
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Mal-Soon Shin
- School of Sports and Leisure Studies, Korea University, Sejong, Korea
| | - Seung-Soo Baek
- Department of Sport & Health Science, College of Natural Science, Sangmyung University, Seoul, Korea
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161
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Behavioral characterization of prediction and internal models in adolescents with autistic spectrum disorders. Neuropsychologia 2016; 91:335-345. [PMID: 27553268 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2016.08.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2016] [Revised: 07/19/2016] [Accepted: 08/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Autism has been considered as a deficit in prediction of the upcoming event or of the sensory consequences of our own movements. To test this hypothesis, we recorded eye movements from high-functioning autistic adolescents and from age-matched controls during a blanking paradigm. In this paradigm, adolescents were instructed to follow a moving target with their eyes even during its transient disappearance. Given the absence of visual information during the blanking period, eye movements during this period are solely controlled on the basis of the prediction of the ongoing target motion. Typical markers of predictive eye movements such as the number and accuracy of predictive saccades and the predictive reacceleration before target reappearance were identical in the two populations. In addition, the synergy of predictive saccades and smooth pursuit observed during the blanking periods, which is a marker for the quality of internal models about target/eye motions, was comparable between these two populations. These results suggest that, in our large population of high-functioning autistic adolescent, both predictive abilities and internal models are left intact in Autism, at least for low-level sensorimotor transformations.
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162
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Johnson BP, Lum JAG, Rinehart NJ, Fielding J. Ocular motor disturbances in autism spectrum disorders: Systematic review and comprehensive meta-analysis. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2016; 69:260-79. [PMID: 27527824 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2016] [Revised: 07/25/2016] [Accepted: 08/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
There has been considerable focus placed on how individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) visually perceive and attend to social information, such as facial expressions or social gaze. The role of eye movements is inextricable from visual perception, however this aspect is often overlooked. We performed a series of meta-analyses based on data from 28 studies of eye movements in ASD to determine whether there is evidence for ocular motor dysfunction in ASD. Tasks assessed included visually-guided saccade tasks, gap/overlap, anti-saccade, pursuit tasks and ocular fixation. These analyses revealed evidence for ocular motor dysfunction in ASD, specifically relating to saccade dysmetria, difficulty inhibiting saccades and impaired tracking of moving targets. However there was no evidence for deficits relating to initiating eye movements, or engaging and disengaging from simple visual targets. Characterizing ocular motor abnormalities in ASD may provide insight into the functional integrity of brain networks in ASD across development, and assist our understanding of visual and social attention in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beth P Johnson
- Monash Institute of Cognitive and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Psychological Sciences, 18 Innovation Walk, Monash University, VIC 3800, Australia.
| | - Jarrad A G Lum
- Deakin Child Study Centre, School of Psychology, Deakin Unviersity, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, VIC 3125, Australia
| | - Nicole J Rinehart
- Monash Institute of Cognitive and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Psychological Sciences, 18 Innovation Walk, Monash University, VIC 3800, Australia; Deakin Child Study Centre, School of Psychology, Deakin Unviersity, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, VIC 3125, Australia
| | - Joanne Fielding
- Monash Institute of Cognitive and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Psychological Sciences, 18 Innovation Walk, Monash University, VIC 3800, Australia
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163
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Patak J, Hess JL, Zhang-James Y, Glatt SJ, Faraone SV. SLC9A9 Co-expression modules in autism-associated brain regions. Autism Res 2016; 10:414-429. [PMID: 27439572 DOI: 10.1002/aur.1670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2016] [Revised: 05/27/2016] [Accepted: 06/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
SLC9A9 is a sodium hydrogen exchanger present in the recycling endosome and highly expressed in the brain. It is implicated in neuropsychiatric disorders, including autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Little research concerning its gene expression patterns and biological pathways has been conducted. We sought to investigate its possible biological roles in autism-associated brain regions throughout development. We conducted a weighted gene co-expression network analysis on RNA-seq data downloaded from Brainspan. We compared prenatal and postnatal gene expression networks for three ASD-associated brain regions known to have high SLC9A9 gene expression. We also performed an ASD-associated single nucleotide polymorphism enrichment analysis and a cell signature enrichment analysis. The modules showed differences in gene constituents (membership), gene number, and connectivity throughout time. SLC9A9 was highly associated with immune system functions, metabolism, apoptosis, endocytosis, and signaling cascades. Gene list comparison with co-immunoprecipitation data was significant for multiple modules. We found a disproportionately high autism risk signal among genes constituting the prenatal hippocampal module. The modules were enriched with astrocyte and oligodendrocyte markers. SLC9A9 is potentially involved in the pathophysiology of ASDs. Our investigation confirmed proposed functions for SLC9A9, such as endocytosis and immune regulation, while also revealing potential roles in mTOR signaling and cell survival.. By providing a concise molecular map and interactions, evidence of cell type and implicated brain regions we hope this will guide future research on SLC9A9. Autism Res 2017, 10: 414-429. © 2016 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jameson Patak
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York
| | - Jonathan L Hess
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York
| | - Yanli Zhang-James
- Department of Psychiatry, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York
| | - Stephen J Glatt
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York.,Department of Psychiatry, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York
| | - Stephen V Faraone
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York.,Department of Psychiatry, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York.,Department of Biomedicine, K.G. Jebsen Centre for Neuropsychiatric Disorders, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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164
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Catani M, Dell'Acqua F, Budisavljevic S, Howells H, Thiebaut de Schotten M, Froudist-Walsh S, D'Anna L, Thompson A, Sandrone S, Bullmore ET, Suckling J, Baron-Cohen S, Lombardo MV, Wheelwright SJ, Chakrabarti B, Lai MC, Ruigrok ANV, Leemans A, Ecker C, Consortium MA, Craig MC, Murphy DGM. Frontal networks in adults with autism spectrum disorder. Brain 2016; 139:616-30. [PMID: 26912520 PMCID: PMC4805089 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awv351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
It has been postulated that autism spectrum disorder is underpinned by an 'atypical connectivity' involving higher-order association brain regions. To test this hypothesis in a large cohort of adults with autism spectrum disorder we compared the white matter networks of 61 adult males with autism spectrum disorder and 61 neurotypical controls, using two complementary approaches to diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging. First, we applied tract-based spatial statistics, a 'whole brain' non-hypothesis driven method, to identify differences in white matter networks in adults with autism spectrum disorder. Following this we used a tract-specific analysis, based on tractography, to carry out a more detailed analysis of individual tracts identified by tract-based spatial statistics. Finally, within the autism spectrum disorder group, we studied the relationship between diffusion measures and autistic symptom severity. Tract-based spatial statistics revealed that autism spectrum disorder was associated with significantly reduced fractional anisotropy in regions that included frontal lobe pathways. Tractography analysis of these specific pathways showed increased mean and perpendicular diffusivity, and reduced number of streamlines in the anterior and long segments of the arcuate fasciculus, cingulum and uncinate--predominantly in the left hemisphere. Abnormalities were also evident in the anterior portions of the corpus callosum connecting left and right frontal lobes. The degree of microstructural alteration of the arcuate and uncinate fasciculi was associated with severity of symptoms in language and social reciprocity in childhood. Our results indicated that autism spectrum disorder is a developmental condition associated with abnormal connectivity of the frontal lobes. Furthermore our findings showed that male adults with autism spectrum disorder have regional differences in brain anatomy, which correlate with specific aspects of autistic symptoms. Overall these results suggest that autism spectrum disorder is a condition linked to aberrant developmental trajectories of the frontal networks that persist in adult life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Catani
- 1 Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopment, and Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College, London, UK 2 NatBrainLab, Centre for Neuroimaging Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College, London, UK
| | - Flavio Dell'Acqua
- 2 NatBrainLab, Centre for Neuroimaging Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College, London, UK
| | - Sanja Budisavljevic
- 1 Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopment, and Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College, London, UK
| | - Henrietta Howells
- 1 Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopment, and Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College, London, UK
| | - Michel Thiebaut de Schotten
- 1 Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopment, and Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College, London, UK
| | - Seán Froudist-Walsh
- 1 Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopment, and Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College, London, UK
| | - Lucio D'Anna
- 1 Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopment, and Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College, London, UK
| | - Abigail Thompson
- 1 Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopment, and Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College, London, UK
| | - Stefano Sandrone
- 1 Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopment, and Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College, London, UK
| | - Edward T Bullmore
- 3 Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust 4 Brain Mapping Unit, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, UK
| | - John Suckling
- 3 Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust 4 Brain Mapping Unit, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, UK 5 Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, UK
| | - Simon Baron-Cohen
- 3 Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust 5 Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, UK
| | - Michael V Lombardo
- 5 Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, UK 6 Department of Psychology and Center for Applied Neuroscience, University of Cyprus, Cyprus
| | - Sally J Wheelwright
- 5 Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, UK
| | - Bhismadev Chakrabarti
- 5 Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, UK 7 Centre for Integrative Neuroscience and Neurodynamics, School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, UK
| | - Meng-Chuan Lai
- 5 Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, UK 8 Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Canada 9 Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine, Taiwan
| | - Amber N V Ruigrok
- 5 Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, UK
| | - Alexander Leemans
- 10 Image Sciences Institute, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Christine Ecker
- 1 Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopment, and Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College, London, UK
| | | | - Michael C Craig
- 1 Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopment, and Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College, London, UK 11 National Autism Unit, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Bethlem Royal Hospital, Beckenham, UK
| | - Declan G M Murphy
- 1 Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopment, and Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College, London, UK
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165
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Libero LE, Nordahl CW, Li DD, Ferrer E, Rogers SJ, Amaral DG. Persistence of megalencephaly in a subgroup of young boys with autism spectrum disorder. Autism Res 2016; 9:1169-1182. [PMID: 27273931 DOI: 10.1002/aur.1643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2015] [Revised: 04/13/2016] [Accepted: 04/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
A recurring finding in autism spectrum disorder research is that head and brain growth is disproportionate to body growth in early childhood. Nordahl et al. (2011) demonstrated that this occurs in approximately 15% of boys with autism. While the literature suggests that brain growth normalizes at older ages, this has never been evaluated in a longitudinal study. The current study evaluated head circumference and total cerebral volume in 129 male children with autism and 49 age-matched, typically developing controls. We determined whether 3-year-old boys with brain size disproportionate to height (which we call disproportionate megalencephaly) demonstrated an abnormal trajectory of head growth from birth and whether they maintained an enlarged brain at 5 years of age. Findings were based on longitudinal, structural MRI data collected around 3, 4, and 5 years of age and head circumference data from medical records. At 3 years of age, 19 boys with autism had enlarged brains while 110 had brain sizes in the normal range. Boys with disproportionate megalencephaly had greater total cerebral, gray matter, and white matter volumes from 3-5 years compared to boys with autism and normal sized brains and typically developing boys, but no differences in body size. While head circumference did not differ between groups at birth, it was significantly greater in the disproportionate megalencephaly group by around 2 years. These data suggest that there is a subgroup of boys with autism who have brains disproportionate to body size and that this continues until at least 5 years of age. Autism Res 2016, 9: 1169-1182. © 2016 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren E Libero
- UC Davis MIND Institute and the UC Davis Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, Sacramento, California
| | - Christine W Nordahl
- UC Davis MIND Institute and the UC Davis Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, Sacramento, California
| | - Deana D Li
- UC Davis MIND Institute and the UC Davis Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, Sacramento, California
| | - Emilio Ferrer
- UC Davis Department of Psychology, Davis, California
| | - Sally J Rogers
- UC Davis MIND Institute and the UC Davis Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, Sacramento, California
| | - David G Amaral
- UC Davis MIND Institute and the UC Davis Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, Sacramento, California
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166
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Wong CT, Ussyshkin N, Ahmad E, Rai-Bhogal R, Li H, Crawford DA. Prostaglandin E2promotes neural proliferation and differentiation and regulates Wnt target gene expression. J Neurosci Res 2016; 94:759-75. [DOI: 10.1002/jnr.23759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2015] [Revised: 04/06/2016] [Accepted: 04/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Christine T. Wong
- School of Kinesiology and Health Science; York University; Toronto Ontario Canada
- Neuroscience Graduate Diploma Program; York University; Toronto Ontario Canada
| | - Netta Ussyshkin
- Department of Biology; York University; Toronto Ontario Canada
| | - Eizaaz Ahmad
- Neuroscience Graduate Diploma Program; York University; Toronto Ontario Canada
- Department of Biology; York University; Toronto Ontario Canada
| | - Ravneet Rai-Bhogal
- Neuroscience Graduate Diploma Program; York University; Toronto Ontario Canada
- Department of Biology; York University; Toronto Ontario Canada
| | - Hongyan Li
- School of Kinesiology and Health Science; York University; Toronto Ontario Canada
| | - Dorota A. Crawford
- School of Kinesiology and Health Science; York University; Toronto Ontario Canada
- Neuroscience Graduate Diploma Program; York University; Toronto Ontario Canada
- Department of Biology; York University; Toronto Ontario Canada
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167
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Carson TB, Wilkes BJ, Patel K, Pineda JL, Ko JH, Newell KM, Bodfish JW, Schubert MC, Radonovich K, White KD, Lewis MH. Vestibulo-ocular reflex function in children with high-functioning autism spectrum disorders. Autism Res 2016; 10:251-266. [PMID: 27220548 DOI: 10.1002/aur.1642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2015] [Revised: 04/02/2016] [Accepted: 04/18/2016] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Sensorimotor processing alterations are a growing focus in the assessment and treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). The rotational vestibulo-ocular reflex (rVOR), which functions to maintain stable vision during head movements, is a sensorimotor system that may be useful in understanding such alterations and their underlying neurobiology. In this study, we assessed post-rotary nystagmus elicited by continuous whole body rotation among children with high-functioning ASD and typically developing children. Children with ASD exhibited increased rVOR gain, the ratio of eye velocity to head velocity, indicating a possible lack of cerebellar inhibitory input to brainstem vestibular nuclei in this population. The ASD group also showed less regular or periodic horizontal eye movements as indexed by greater variance accounted for by multiple higher frequency bandwidths as well as greater entropy scores compared to typically developing children. The decreased regularity or dysrhythmia in the temporal structure of nystagmus beats in children with ASD may be due to alterations in cerebellum and brainstem circuitry. These findings could potentially serve as a model to better understand the functional effects of differences in these brain structures in ASD. Autism Res 2017, 10: 251-266. © 2016 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tana B Carson
- Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.,Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Bradley J Wilkes
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Kunal Patel
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Jill L Pineda
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Ji H Ko
- Department of Health and Human Development, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana
| | - Karl M Newell
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
| | - James W Bodfish
- Department of Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Michael C Schubert
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | | | - Keith D White
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Mark H Lewis
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
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168
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Ismail MMT, Keynton RS, Mostapha MMMO, ElTanboly AH, Casanova MF, Gimel'farb GL, El-Baz A. Studying Autism Spectrum Disorder with Structural and Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging: A Survey. Front Hum Neurosci 2016; 10:211. [PMID: 27242476 PMCID: PMC4862981 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2016.00211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2016] [Accepted: 04/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) modalities have emerged as powerful means that facilitate non-invasive clinical diagnostics of various diseases and abnormalities since their inception in the 1980s. Multiple MRI modalities, such as different types of the sMRI and DTI, have been employed to investigate facets of ASD in order to better understand this complex syndrome. This paper reviews recent applications of structural magnetic resonance imaging (sMRI) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), to study autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Main reported findings are sometimes contradictory due to different age ranges, hardware protocols, population types, numbers of participants, and image analysis parameters. The primary anatomical structures, such as amygdalae, cerebrum, and cerebellum, associated with clinical-pathological correlates of ASD are highlighted through successive life stages, from infancy to adulthood. This survey demonstrates the absence of consistent pathology in the brains of autistic children and lack of research investigations in patients under 2 years of age in the literature. The known publications also emphasize advances in data acquisition and analysis, as well as significance of multimodal approaches that combine resting-state, task-evoked, and sMRI measures. Initial results obtained with the sMRI and DTI show good promise toward the early and non-invasive ASD diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwa M. T. Ismail
- BioImaging Laboratory, Department of Bioengineering, University of LouisvilleLouisville, KY, USA
| | - Robert S. Keynton
- BioImaging Laboratory, Department of Bioengineering, University of LouisvilleLouisville, KY, USA
| | | | - Ahmed H. ElTanboly
- BioImaging Laboratory, Department of Bioengineering, University of LouisvilleLouisville, KY, USA
| | - Manuel F. Casanova
- Departments of Pediatrics and Biomedical Sciences, University of South CarolinaColumbia, SC, USA
| | | | - Ayman El-Baz
- BioImaging Laboratory, Department of Bioengineering, University of LouisvilleLouisville, KY, USA
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169
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Barak B, Feng G. Neurobiology of social behavior abnormalities in autism and Williams syndrome. Nat Neurosci 2016; 19:647-655. [PMID: 29323671 PMCID: PMC4896837 DOI: 10.1038/nn.4276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 141] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2015] [Accepted: 02/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Social behavior is a basic behavior mediated by multiple brain regions and neural circuits, and is crucial for the survival and development of animals and humans. Two neuropsychiatric disorders that have prominent social behavior abnormalities are autism spectrum disorders (ASD), which is characterized mainly by hyposociability, and Williams syndrome (WS), whose subjects exhibit hypersociability. Here we review the unique properties of social behavior in ASD and WS, and discuss the major theories in social behavior in the context of these disorders. We conclude with a discussion of the research questions needing further exploration to enhance our understanding of social behavior abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boaz Barak
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Brain &Cognitive Sciences, MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Guoping Feng
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Brain &Cognitive Sciences, MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
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170
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Ben-Reuven L, Reiner O. Modeling the autistic cell: iPSCs recapitulate developmental principles of syndromic and nonsyndromic ASD. Dev Growth Differ 2016; 58:481-91. [PMID: 27111774 DOI: 10.1111/dgd.12280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2016] [Revised: 02/26/2016] [Accepted: 03/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The opportunity to model autism spectrum disorders (ASD) through generation of patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) is currently an emerging topic. Wide-scale research of altered brain circuits in syndromic ASD, including Rett Syndrome, Fragile X Syndrome, Angelman's Syndrome and sporadic Schizophrenia, was made possible through animal models. However, possibly due to species differences, and to the possible contribution of epigenetics in the pathophysiology of these diseases, animal models fail to recapitulate many aspects of ASD. With the advent of iPSCs technology, 3D cultures of patient-derived cells are being used to study complex neuronal phenotypes, including both syndromic and nonsyndromic ASD. Here, we review recent advances in using iPSCs to study various aspects of the ASD neuropathology, with emphasis on the efforts to create in vitro model systems for syndromic and nonsyndromic ASD. We summarize the main cellular activity phenotypes and aberrant genetic interaction networks that were found in iPSC-derived neurons of syndromic and nonsyndromic autistic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lihi Ben-Reuven
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Orly Reiner
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
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171
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Mercer AA, Palarz KJ, Tabatadze N, Woolley CS, Raman IM. Sex differences in cerebellar synaptic transmission and sex-specific responses to autism-linked Gabrb3 mutations in mice. eLife 2016; 5. [PMID: 27077953 PMCID: PMC4878876 DOI: 10.7554/elife.07596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2015] [Accepted: 04/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurons of the cerebellar nuclei (CbN) transmit cerebellar signals to premotor areas. The cerebellum expresses several autism-linked genes, including GABRB3, which encodes GABAA receptor β3 subunits and is among the maternal alleles deleted in Angelman syndrome. We tested how this Gabrb3 m-/p+ mutation affects CbN physiology in mice, separating responses of males and females. Wild-type mice showed sex differences in synaptic excitation, inhibition, and intrinsic properties. Relative to females, CbN cells of males had smaller synaptically evoked mGluR1/5-dependent currents, slower Purkinje-mediated IPSCs, and lower spontaneous firing rates, but rotarod performances were indistinguishable. In mutant CbN cells, IPSC kinetics were unchanged, but mutant males, unlike females, showed enlarged mGluR1/5 responses and accelerated spontaneous firing. These changes appear compensatory, since mutant males but not females performed indistinguishably from wild-type siblings on the rotarod task. Thus, sex differences in cerebellar physiology produce similar behavioral output, but provide distinct baselines for responses to mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey A Mercer
- Northwestern University Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Northwestern University, Evanston, United States.,Department of Neurobiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, United States
| | - Kristin J Palarz
- Department of Neurobiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, United States.,Integrated Science Program, Northwestern University, Evanston, United States
| | - Nino Tabatadze
- Department of Neurobiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, United States
| | - Catherine S Woolley
- Northwestern University Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Northwestern University, Evanston, United States.,Department of Neurobiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, United States
| | - Indira M Raman
- Northwestern University Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Northwestern University, Evanston, United States.,Department of Neurobiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, United States.,Integrated Science Program, Northwestern University, Evanston, United States
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172
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Jumah F, Ghannam M, Jaber M, Adeeb N, Tubbs RS. Neuroanatomical variation in autism spectrum disorder: A comprehensive review. Clin Anat 2016; 29:454-65. [PMID: 27004599 DOI: 10.1002/ca.22717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2016] [Accepted: 03/18/2016] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impairments in socialization, communication, and behavior. Many investigators have described the anatomical abnormalities in autistic brains, in an attempt to correlate them with the manifestations of ASD. Herein, we reviewed all the available literature about the neuroanatomical findings in ASD available via "PubMed" and "Google Scholar." References found in review articles were also searched manually. There was substantial discrepancy throughout the literature regarding the reported presence and significance of neuroanatomical findings in ASD, and this is thoroughly discussed in the present review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fareed Jumah
- Department of Neuroscience, an-Najah National University Hospital, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Malik Ghannam
- Department of Neuroscience, an-Najah National University Hospital, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Mohammad Jaber
- Department of Neuroscience, an-Najah National University Hospital, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Nimer Adeeb
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - R Shane Tubbs
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, St. George's University, Grenada.,Seattle Science Foundation, Seattle, Washington
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173
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Tuand K, Stijnen P, Volders K, Declercq J, Nuytens K, Meulemans S, Creemers J. Nuclear Localization of the Autism Candidate Gene Neurobeachin and Functional Interaction with the NOTCH1 Intracellular Domain Indicate a Role in Regulating Transcription. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0151954. [PMID: 26999814 PMCID: PMC4801420 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0151954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2015] [Accepted: 03/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurobeachin (NBEA) is an autism spectrum disorders (ASD) candidate gene. NBEA deficiency affects regulated secretion, receptor trafficking, synaptic architecture and protein kinase A (PKA)-mediated phosphorylation. NBEA is a large multidomain scaffolding protein. From N- to C-terminus, NBEA has a concanavalin A-like lectin domain flanked by armadillo repeats (ACA), an A-kinase anchoring protein domain that can bind to PKA, a domain of unknown function (DUF1088) and a BEACH domain, preceded by a pleckstrin homology-like domain and followed by WD40 repeats (PBW). Although most of these domains mediate protein-protein interactions, no interaction screen has yet been performed. METHODS Yeast two-hybrid screens with the ACA and PBW domain modules of NBEA gave a list of interaction partners, which were analyzed for Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment. Neuro-2a cells were used for confocal microscopy and nuclear extraction analysis. NOTCH-mediated transcription was studied with luciferase reporter assays and qRT-PCR, combined with NBEA knockdown or overexpression. RESULTS Both domain modules showed a GO enrichment for the nucleus. PBW almost exclusively interacted with transcription regulators, while ACA interacted with a number of PKA substrates. NBEA was partially localized in the nucleus of Neuro-2a cells, albeit much less than in the cytoplasm. A nuclear localization signal was found in the DUF1088 domain, which was shown to contribute to the nuclear localization of an EGFP-DPBW fusion protein. Yeast two-hybrid identified the Notch1 intracellular domain as a physical interactor of the PBW domain and a role for NBEA as a negative regulator in Notch-mediated transcription was demonstrated. CONCLUSION Defining novel interaction partners of conserved NBEA domain modules identified a role for NBEA as transcriptional regulator in the nucleus. The physical interaction of NBEA with NOTCH1 is most relevant for ASD pathogenesis because NOTCH signaling is essential for neural development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krizia Tuand
- Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Leuven Autism Research consortium (LAuRes), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Pieter Stijnen
- Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Karolien Volders
- Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Leuven Autism Research consortium (LAuRes), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Kim Nuytens
- Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Leuven Autism Research consortium (LAuRes), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - John Creemers
- Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- * E-mail:
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174
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Erturk O, Korkmaz B, Alev G, Demirbilek V, Kiziltan M. Startle and blink reflex in high functioning autism. Neurophysiol Clin 2016; 46:189-92. [PMID: 26997128 DOI: 10.1016/j.neucli.2016.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2015] [Revised: 02/10/2016] [Accepted: 02/10/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
An important clinical feature of autism is the presence of atypical responses to sensory stimuli. In this study, we investigated if high functioning autistic patients had abnormalities in the blink reflex and the startle reaction to auditory or somatosensory stimuli. Fourteen patients aged between 7 and 16 years were included in the study. We found a longer latency of the blink reflex, an increased duration and amplitude of the auditory startle reaction and a lower presence rate of the somatosensorial startle reaction in autistic patients. To better define the sensorial characteristics of the disease could improve the therapeutic management of children with autism spectrum disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ozdem Erturk
- Department of neurology, Cerrahpasa faculty of medicine, Istanbul university, 34098 KMPasa, Fatih, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Baris Korkmaz
- Department of neurology, Cerrahpasa faculty of medicine, Istanbul university, 34098 KMPasa, Fatih, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Gulce Alev
- Institute of health sciences, speech and language therapy, Anadolu university, Eskisehir, Turkey
| | - Veysi Demirbilek
- Department of neurology, Cerrahpasa faculty of medicine, Istanbul university, 34098 KMPasa, Fatih, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Meral Kiziltan
- Department of neurology, Cerrahpasa faculty of medicine, Istanbul university, 34098 KMPasa, Fatih, Istanbul, Turkey
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175
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Kaushik G, Zarbalis KS. Prenatal Neurogenesis in Autism Spectrum Disorders. Front Chem 2016; 4:12. [PMID: 27014681 PMCID: PMC4791366 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2016.00012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2015] [Accepted: 02/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
An ever-increasing body of literature describes compelling evidence that a subset of young children on the autism spectrum show abnormal cerebral growth trajectories. In these cases, normal cerebral size at birth is followed by a period of abnormal growth and starting in late childhood often by regression compared to unaffected controls. Recent work has demonstrated an abnormal increase in the number of neurons of the prefrontal cortex suggesting that cerebral size increase in autism is driven by excess neuronal production. In addition, some affected children display patches of abnormal laminar positioning of cortical projection neurons. As both cortical projection neuron numbers and their correct layering within the developing cortex requires the undisturbed proliferation of neural progenitors, it appears that neural progenitors lie in the center of the autism pathology associated with early brain overgrowth. Consequently, autism spectrum disorders associated with cerebral enlargement should be viewed as birth defects of an early embryonic origin with profound implications for their early diagnosis, preventive strategies, and therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaurav Kaushik
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California at DavisSacramento, CA, USA; Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, Shriners Hospitals for ChildrenSacramento, CA, USA
| | - Konstantinos S Zarbalis
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California at DavisSacramento, CA, USA; Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, Shriners Hospitals for ChildrenSacramento, CA, USA
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176
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Lv MN, Zhang H, Shu Y, Chen S, Hu YY, Zhou M. The neonatal levels of TSB, NSE and CK-BB in autism spectrum disorder from Southern China. Transl Neurosci 2016; 7:6-11. [PMID: 28123815 DOI: 10.1515/tnsci-2016-0002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2015] [Accepted: 11/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background" Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a serious neurodevelopmental disorder that impairs a child's ability to communicate with others. It also includes restricted repetitive behaviors, interests and activities. Symptoms manifest before the age of 3. In the previous studies, we found structural abnormalities of the temporal lobe cortex. High spine densities were most commonly found in ASD subjects with lower levels of cognitive functioning. In the present study, we retrospectively analyzed medical records in relation to the neonatal levels of total serum bilirubin (TSB), neuron-specific enolase (NSE), creatine kinase brain band isoenzyme (CK-BB), and neonatal behavior in ASD patients from Southern China. METHODS A total of 80 patients with ASD (ASD group) were screened for this retrospective study. Among them, 34 were low-functioning ASD (L-ASD group) and 46 were high-functioning ASD (H-ASD group). Identification of the ASD cases was confirmed with a Revised Autism Diagnostic Inventory. For comparison with ASD cases, 80 normal neonates (control group) were selected from the same period. Biochemical parameters, including TSB, NSE and CK-BB in the neonatal period and medical records on neonatal behavior were collected. RESULTS The levels of serum TSB, NSE and CK-BB in the ASD group were significantly higher when compared with those from the control group (P < 0.01, or P < 0.05). The amounts of serum TSB, NSE and CK-BB in the L-ASD group were significantly higher when compared with those in the H-ASD group (P < 0.01, or P < 0.05). The Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale (NBAS) scores in the ASD group were significantly lower than that in the control group (P < 0.05). Likewise, the NBAS scores in the L-ASD group were significantly lower than that in the H-ASD group (P < 0.05). There was no association between serum TSB, NSE, CK-BB and NBAS scores (P > 0.05) in the ASD group. CONCLUSIONS The neonatal levels of TSB, NSE and CK-BB in ASD from Southern China were significantly higher than those of healthy controls. These findings need to be investigated thoroughly by future studies with large sample.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Na Lv
- Department of Neurology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, P. R. China
| | - Hong Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, P. R. China; Teaching and research section of Neuropsychiatry, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, P. R. China
| | - Yi Shu
- Department of Neurology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, P. R. China
| | - Shan Chen
- Department of Pediatric, Union Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350001, China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Hu
- Department of Biologic and Materials Sciences, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States of America
| | - Min Zhou
- Joint Sino-US Food Safety Research Center and Bor Luh Food Safety Center, School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 200240, P. R. China
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177
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Wolk L, Edwards ML, Brennan C. Phonological difficulties in children with autism: An overview. SPEECH, LANGUAGE AND HEARING 2016. [DOI: 10.1080/2050571x.2015.1133488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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178
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Hutton J. Does Rubella Cause Autism: A 2015 Reappraisal? Front Hum Neurosci 2016; 10:25. [PMID: 26869906 PMCID: PMC4734211 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2016.00025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2015] [Accepted: 01/18/2016] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
In the 1970s, Stella Chess found a high prevalence of autism in children with congenital rubella syndrome (CRS), 200 times that of the general population at the time. Many researchers quote this fact to add proof to the current theory that maternal infection with immune system activation in pregnancy leads to autism in the offspring. This rubella and autism association is presented with the notion that rubella has been eliminated in today’s world. CRS cases are no longer typically seen; yet, autistic children often share findings of CRS including deafness, congenital heart defects, and to a lesser extent visual changes. Autistic children commonly have hyperactivity and spasticity, as do CRS children. Both autistic and CRS individuals may develop type 1 diabetes as young adults. Neuropathology of CRS infants may reveal cerebral vasculitis with narrowed lumens and cerebral necrosis. Neuroradiological findings of children with CRS show calcifications, periventricular leukomalacia, and dilated perivascular spaces. Neuroradiology of autism has also demonstrated hyperintensities, leukomalacia, and prominent perivascular spaces. PET studies of autistic individuals exhibit decreased perfusion to areas of the brain similarly affected by rubella. In both autism and CRS, certain changes in the brain have implicated the immune system. Several children with autism lack antibodies to rubella, as do children with CRS. These numerous similarities increase the probability of an association between rubella virus and autism. Rubella and autism cross many ethnicities in many countries. Contrary to current belief, rubella has not been eradicated and globally affects up to 5% of pregnant women. Susceptibility continues as vaccines are not given worldwide and are not fully protective. Rubella might still cause autism, even in vaccinated populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill Hutton
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Woman's Hospital of Texas , Houston, TX , USA
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179
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Chrobak AA, Soltys Z. Bergmann Glia, Long-Term Depression, and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Mol Neurobiol 2016; 54:1156-1166. [PMID: 26809583 PMCID: PMC5310553 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-016-9719-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2015] [Accepted: 01/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Bergmann glia (BG), a specific type of radial astrocytes in the cerebellum, play a variety of vital functions in the development of this structure. However, the possible role of BG in the development of abnormalities observed in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) seems to be underestimated. One of the most consistent findings observed in ASD patients is loss of Purkinje cells (PCs). Such a defect may be caused by dysregulation of glutamate homeostasis, which is maintained mainly by BG. Moreover, these glial cells are involved in long-term depression (LTD), a form of plasticity which can additionally subserve neuroprotective functions. The aim of presented review is to summarize the current knowledge about interactions which occur between PC and BG, with special emphasis on those which are relevant to the survival and proper functioning of cerebellar neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Andrzej Chrobak
- Department of Neuroanatomy, Institute of Zoology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa St. 9, Cracow, 30-387, Poland. .,Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kopernika St. 21A, Cracow, 31-501, Poland.
| | - Zbigniew Soltys
- Department of Neuroanatomy, Institute of Zoology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa St. 9, Cracow, 30-387, Poland
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180
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Hanaie R, Mohri I, Kagitani-Shimono K, Tachibana M, Matsuzaki J, Hirata I, Nagatani F, Watanabe Y, Fujita N, Taniike M. White matter volume in the brainstem and inferior parietal lobule is related to motor performance in children with autism spectrum disorder: A voxel-based morphometry study. Autism Res 2016; 9:981-92. [PMID: 26808675 DOI: 10.1002/aur.1605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2014] [Revised: 11/26/2015] [Accepted: 12/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Many studies have reported poor motor performance in autism spectrum disorder (ASD); however, the underlying brain mechanisms remain unclear. Recent neuroimaging studies have suggested that abnormalities of the white matter (WM) are related to the features of ASD. In this study, we used voxel-based morphometry (VBM) to investigate which WM regions correlate with motor performance in children with ASD, and whether the WM volume in those brain regions differed between children with ASD and typically developing (TD) children. The subjects included 19 children with ASD and 20 TD controls. Motor performance was assessed using the Movement Assessment Battery for Children 2 (M-ABC 2). Children with ASD showed poorer motor performance than did the controls. There was a significant positive correlation between the total test score on the M-ABC 2 and the volume of WM in the brainstem and WM adjacent to the left supramarginal gyrus (SMG). In addition, compared with the TD controls, children with ASD had a decreased volume of WM in the brainstem and adjacent to the left intraparietal sulcus, which is close to the SMG. These findings suggest that structural changes in the WM in the brainstem and left inferior parietal lobule may contribute to poor motor performance in children with ASD. Autism Res 2016, 9: 981-992. © 2016 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryuzo Hanaie
- Molecular Research Center for Children's Mental Development, United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Ikuko Mohri
- Molecular Research Center for Children's Mental Development, United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.,Division of Developmental Neuroscience, United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.,Department of Pediatrics, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Kuriko Kagitani-Shimono
- Division of Developmental Neuroscience, United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.,Department of Pediatrics, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Masaya Tachibana
- Division of Developmental Neuroscience, United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.,Department of Pediatrics, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Junko Matsuzaki
- Molecular Research Center for Children's Mental Development, United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.,Division of Developmental Neuroscience, United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Ikuko Hirata
- Department of Pediatrics, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Fumiyo Nagatani
- Molecular Research Center for Children's Mental Development, United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Yoshiyuki Watanabe
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Norihiko Fujita
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Masako Taniike
- Molecular Research Center for Children's Mental Development, United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan. .,Division of Developmental Neuroscience, United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan. .,Department of Pediatrics, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.
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181
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Kern JK, Geier DA, Sykes LK, Geier MR. Relevance of Neuroinflammation and Encephalitis in Autism. Front Cell Neurosci 2016; 9:519. [PMID: 26834565 PMCID: PMC4717322 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2015.00519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2015] [Accepted: 12/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, many studies indicate that children with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis have brain pathology suggestive of ongoing neuroinflammation or encephalitis in different regions of their brains. Evidence of neuroinflammation or encephalitis in ASD includes: microglial and astrocytic activation, a unique and elevated proinflammatory profile of cytokines, and aberrant expression of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells. A conservative estimate based on the research suggests that at least 69% of individuals with an ASD diagnosis have microglial activation or neuroinflammation. Encephalitis, which is defined as inflammation of the brain, is medical diagnosis code G04.90 in the International Classification of Disease, 10th revision; however, children with an ASD diagnosis are not generally assessed for a possible medical diagnosis of encephalitis. This is unfortunate because if a child with ASD has neuroinflammation, then treating the underlying brain inflammation could lead to improved outcomes. The purpose of this review of the literature is to examine the evidence of neuroinflammation/encephalitis in those with an ASD diagnosis and to address how a medical diagnosis of encephalitis, when appropriate, could benefit these children by driving more immediate and targeted treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet K. Kern
- Institute of Chronic Illnesses, Inc., Silver SpringMD, USA
| | - David A. Geier
- Institute of Chronic Illnesses, Inc., Silver SpringMD, USA
| | | | - Mark R. Geier
- Institute of Chronic Illnesses, Inc., Silver SpringMD, USA
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182
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Postnatal Stress Induced by Injection with Valproate Leads to Developing Emotional Disorders Along with Molecular and Cellular Changes in the Hippocampus and Amygdala. Mol Neurobiol 2015; 53:6774-6785. [DOI: 10.1007/s12035-015-9600-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2015] [Accepted: 12/01/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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183
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Sundberg M, Sahin M. Cerebellar Development and Autism Spectrum Disorder in Tuberous Sclerosis Complex. J Child Neurol 2015; 30:1954-62. [PMID: 26303409 PMCID: PMC4644486 DOI: 10.1177/0883073815600870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2015] [Accepted: 07/15/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Approximately 50% of patients with the genetic disease tuberous sclerosis complex present with autism spectrum disorder. Although a number of studies have investigated the link between autism and tuberous sclerosis complex, the etiology of autism spectrum disorder in these patients remains unclear. Abnormal cerebellar function during critical phases of development could disrupt functional processes in the brain, leading to development of autistic features. Accordingly, the authors review the potential role of cerebellar dysfunction in the pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorder in tuberous sclerosis complex. The authors also introduce conditional knockout mouse models of Tsc1 and Tsc2 that link cerebellar circuitry to the development of autistic-like features. Taken together, these preclinical and clinical investigations indicate the cerebellum has a profound regulatory role during development of social communication and repetitive behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Sundberg
- The F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Department of Neurology, Children’s Hospital Boston, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mustafa Sahin
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital Boston, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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184
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Lee HJ, Dreyfus C, DiCicco-Bloom E. Valproic acid stimulates proliferation of glial precursors during cortical gliogenesis in developing rat. Dev Neurobiol 2015; 76:780-98. [PMID: 26505176 DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2015] [Revised: 10/16/2015] [Accepted: 10/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Valproic acid (VPA) is a neurotherapeutic drug prescribed for seizures, bipolar disorder, and migraine, including women of reproductive age. VPA is a well-known teratogen that produces congenital malformations in many organs including the nervous system, as well as later neurodevelopmental disorders, including mental retardation and autism. In developing brain, few studies have examined VPA effects on glial cells, particularly astrocytes. To investigate effects on primary glial precursors, we developed new cell culture and in vivo models using frontal cerebral cortex of postnatal day (P2) rat. In vitro, VPA exposure elicited dose-dependent, biphasic effects on DNA synthesis and proliferation. In vivo VPA (300 mg/kg) exposure from P2 to P4 increased both DNA synthesis and cell proliferation, affecting primarily astrocyte precursors, as >75% of mitotic cells expressed brain lipid-binding protein. Significantly, the consequence of early VPA exposure was increased astrocytes, as both S100-β+ cells and glial fibrillary acidic protein were increased in adolescent brain. Molecularly, VPA served as an HDAC inhibitor in vitro and in vivo as enhanced proliferation was accompanied by increased histone acetylation, whereas it elicited changes in culture in cell-cycle regulators, including cyclin D1 and E, and cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitors, p21 and p27. Collectively, these data suggest clinically relevant VPA exposures stimulate glial precursor proliferation, though at higher doses can elicit inhibition through differential regulation of CDK inhibitors. Because changes in glial cell functions are proposed as mechanisms contributing to neuropsychiatric disorders, these observations suggest that VPA teratogenic actions may be mediated through changes in astrocyte generation during development. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 76: 780-798, 2016.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hee Jae Lee
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey.,Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Cheryl Dreyfus
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey
| | - Emanuel DiCicco-Bloom
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey.,Department of Pediatrics, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey
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185
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Reiner O, Karzbrun E, Kshirsagar A, Kaibuchi K. Regulation of neuronal migration, an emerging topic in autism spectrum disorders. J Neurochem 2015; 136:440-56. [PMID: 26485324 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.13403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2015] [Revised: 09/04/2015] [Accepted: 10/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) encompass a group of neurodevelopmental diseases that demonstrate strong heritability, however, the inheritance is not simple and many genes have been associated with these disorders. ASD is regarded as a neurodevelopmental disorder, and abnormalities at different developmental stages are part of the disease etiology. This review provides a general background on neuronal migration during brain development and discusses recent advancements in the field connecting ASD and aberrant neuronal migration. We propose that neuronal migration impairment may be an important common pathophysiology in autism spectrum disorders (ASD). This review provides a general background on neuronal migration during brain development and discusses recent advancements in the field connecting ASD and aberrant neuronal migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orly Reiner
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Eyal Karzbrun
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Aditya Kshirsagar
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Kozo Kaibuchi
- Department of Cell Pharmacology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Showa, Nagoya, Japan
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186
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Hampson DR, Blatt GJ. Autism spectrum disorders and neuropathology of the cerebellum. Front Neurosci 2015; 9:420. [PMID: 26594141 PMCID: PMC4635214 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2015.00420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2015] [Accepted: 10/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The cerebellum contains the largest number of neurons and synapses of any structure in the central nervous system. The concept that the cerebellum is solely involved in fine motor function has become outdated; substantial evidence has accumulated linking the cerebellum with higher cognitive functions including language. Cerebellar deficits have been implicated in autism for more than two decades. The computational power of the cerebellum is essential for many, if not most of the processes that are perturbed in autism including language and communication, social interactions, stereotyped behavior, motor activity and motor coordination, and higher cognitive functions. The link between autism and cerebellar dysfunction should not be surprising to those who study its cellular, physiological, and functional properties. Postmortem studies have revealed neuropathological abnormalities in cerebellar cellular architecture while studies on mouse lines with cell loss or mutations in single genes restricted to cerebellar Purkinje cells have also strongly implicated this brain structure in contributing to the autistic phenotype. This connection has been further substantiated by studies investigating brain damage in humans restricted to the cerebellum. In this review, we summarize advances in research on idiopathic autism and three genetic forms of autism that highlight the key roles that the cerebellum plays in this spectrum of neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- David R Hampson
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toronto Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Gene J Blatt
- Program in Neuroscience, Hussman Institute for Autism Baltimore, MD, USA
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187
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Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS), a trinucleotide repeat disorder, is the most common heritable form of cognitive impairment. Since the discovery of the FMR1 gene in 1991, great strides have been made in the field of molecular diagnosis for FXS. Cytogenetic analysis, which was the method of diagnosis in the early 1990, was replaced by Southern blot and PCR analysis albeit with some limitations. In the past few years many PCR-based methodologies, able to amplify large full mutation expanded alleles, with or without methylation, have been proposed. Reviewed here are the advantages, disadvantages and limitations of the most recent developments in the field of FXS diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flora Tassone
- a Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine , University of California, Davis, School of Medicine , Davis , CA 95616 , USA.,b MIND Institute , University of California Davis Medical Center , Sacramento , CA 95817 , USA
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188
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Miron O, Ari-Even Roth D, Gabis LV, Henkin Y, Shefer S, Dinstein I, Geva R. Prolonged auditory brainstem responses in infants with autism. Autism Res 2015; 9:689-95. [PMID: 26477791 PMCID: PMC5057307 DOI: 10.1002/aur.1561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2015] [Accepted: 08/18/2015] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Numerous studies have attempted to identify early physiological abnormalities in infants and toddlers who later develop autism spectrum disorder (ASD). One potential measure of early neurophysiology is the auditory brainstem response (ABR), which has been reported to exhibit prolonged latencies in children with ASD. We examined whether prolonged ABR latencies appear in infancy, before the onset of ASD symptoms, and irrespective of hearing thresholds. To determine how early in development these differences appear, we retrospectively examined clinical ABR recordings of infants who were later diagnosed with ASD. Of the 118 children in the participant pool, 48 were excluded due to elevated ABR thresholds, genetic aberrations, or old testing age, leaving a sample of 70 children: 30 of which were tested at 0–3 months, and 40 were tested at toddlerhood (1.5–3.5 years). In the infant group, the ABR wave‐V was significantly prolonged in those who later developed ASD as compared with case‐matched controls (n = 30). Classification of infants who later developed ASD and case‐matched controls using this measure enabled accurate identification of ASD infants with 80% specificity and 70% sensitivity. In the group of toddlers with ASD, absolute and interpeak latencies were prolonged compared to clinical norms. Findings indicate that ABR latencies are significantly prolonged in infants who are later diagnosed with ASD irrespective of their hearing thresholds; suggesting that abnormal responses might be detected soon after birth. Further research is needed to determine if ABR might be a valid marker for ASD risk. Autism Res2016, 9: 689–695. © 2015 The Authors Autism Research published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Society for Autism Research
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Affiliation(s)
- Oren Miron
- Department of Psychology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel.,Developmental Neuropsychology Laboratory, The Gonda Multidisciplinary Brain Research Center, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel.,Zlotowski Center for Neuroscience, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Daphne Ari-Even Roth
- Hearing, Speech and Language Center, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel.,Department of Communication Disorders, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Lidia V Gabis
- The Weinberg Child Development Center, Safra Children's Hospital, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Yael Henkin
- Hearing, Speech and Language Center, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel.,Department of Communication Disorders, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Shahar Shefer
- The Weinberg Child Development Center, Safra Children's Hospital, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Ilan Dinstein
- Department of Psychology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel.,Zlotowski Center for Neuroscience, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Ronny Geva
- Developmental Neuropsychology Laboratory, The Gonda Multidisciplinary Brain Research Center, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel.,Department of Psychology, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
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189
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Postural Control Deficits in Autism Spectrum Disorder: The Role of Sensory Integration. J Autism Dev Disord 2015; 46:853-61. [DOI: 10.1007/s10803-015-2621-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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190
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Nestor MW, Phillips AW, Artimovich E, Nestor JE, Hussman JP, Blatt GJ. Human Inducible Pluripotent Stem Cells and Autism Spectrum Disorder: Emerging Technologies. Autism Res 2015; 9:513-35. [DOI: 10.1002/aur.1570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2015] [Revised: 09/03/2015] [Accepted: 09/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Michael W. Nestor
- The Hussman Institute for Autism; 801 W. Baltimore St., Suite 301 Baltimore Maryland 21201
| | - Andre W. Phillips
- The Hussman Institute for Autism; 801 W. Baltimore St., Suite 301 Baltimore Maryland 21201
| | - Elena Artimovich
- The Hussman Institute for Autism; 801 W. Baltimore St., Suite 301 Baltimore Maryland 21201
| | - Jonathan E. Nestor
- The Hussman Institute for Autism; 801 W. Baltimore St., Suite 301 Baltimore Maryland 21201
| | - John P. Hussman
- The Hussman Institute for Autism; 801 W. Baltimore St., Suite 301 Baltimore Maryland 21201
| | - Gene J. Blatt
- The Hussman Institute for Autism; 801 W. Baltimore St., Suite 301 Baltimore Maryland 21201
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191
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Mosconi MW, Sweeney JA. Sensorimotor dysfunctions as primary features of autism spectrum disorders. SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2015; 58:1016-23. [PMID: 26335740 PMCID: PMC5304941 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-015-4894-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Motor impairments in autism spectrum disorders (ASD) have received far less research attention than core social-communication and cognitive features. Yet, behavioral, neurophysiological, neuroimaging and histopathological studies have documented abnormal motor system development in the majority of individuals with ASD suggesting that these deficits may be primary to the disorder. There are several unique advantages to studying motor development in ASD. First, the neurophysiological substrates of motor skills have been well-characterized via animal and human lesion studies. Second, many of the single- gene disorders associated with ASD also are characterized by motor dysfunctions. Third, recent evidence suggests that the onset of motor dysfunctions may precede the emergence of social and communication deficits during the first year of life in ASD. Motor deficits documented in ASD indicate disruptions throughout the neuroaxis affecting cortex, striatum, the cerebellum and brainstem. Questions remain regarding the timing and development of motor system alterations in ASD, their association with defining clinical features, and their potential for parsing heterogeneity in ASD. Pursuing these questions through neurobiologically informed translational research holds great promise for identifying gene-brain pathways associated with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew W Mosconi
- Departments of Psychiatry and Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390-9086, USA.
| | - John A Sweeney
- Departments of Psychiatry and Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390-9086, USA
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192
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Hua R, Wei M, Zhang C. The complex genetics in autism spectrum disorders. SCIENCE CHINA-LIFE SCIENCES 2015; 58:933-45. [PMID: 26335739 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-015-4893-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a pervasive neurodevelopmental disease characterized by deficits in social interaction and nonverbal communication, as well as restricted interests and stereotypical behavior. Genetic changes/heritability is one of the major contributing factors, and hundreds to thousands of causative and susceptible genes, copy number variants (CNVs), linkage regions, and microRNAs have been associated with ASD which clearly indicates that ASD is a complex genetic disorder. Here, we will briefly summarize some of the high-confidence genetic changes in ASD and their possible roles in their pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Hua
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, School of Life Sciences; PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - MengPing Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, School of Life Sciences; PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Chen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, School of Life Sciences; PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China.
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193
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Mosconi MW, Wang Z, Schmitt LM, Tsai P, Sweeney JA. The role of cerebellar circuitry alterations in the pathophysiology of autism spectrum disorders. Front Neurosci 2015; 9:296. [PMID: 26388713 PMCID: PMC4555040 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2015.00296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2015] [Accepted: 08/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The cerebellum has been repeatedly implicated in gene expression, rodent model and post-mortem studies of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). How cellular and molecular anomalies of the cerebellum relate to clinical manifestations of ASD remains unclear. Separate circuits of the cerebellum control different sensorimotor behaviors, such as maintaining balance, walking, making eye movements, reaching, and grasping. Each of these behaviors has been found to be impaired in ASD, suggesting that multiple distinct circuits of the cerebellum may be involved in the pathogenesis of patients' sensorimotor impairments. We will review evidence that the development of these circuits is disrupted in individuals with ASD and that their study may help elucidate the pathophysiology of sensorimotor deficits and core symptoms of the disorder. Preclinical studies of monogenetic conditions associated with ASD also have identified selective defects of the cerebellum and documented behavioral rescues when the cerebellum is targeted. Based on these findings, we propose that cerebellar circuits may prove to be promising targets for therapeutic development aimed at rescuing sensorimotor and other clinical symptoms of different forms of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew W Mosconi
- Clinical Child Psychology Program and Schiefelbusch Institute for Life Span Studies, University of Kansas Lawrence, KS, USA ; Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities, University of Texas Southwestern Dallas, TX, USA ; Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Dallas, TX, USA ; Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Zheng Wang
- Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities, University of Texas Southwestern Dallas, TX, USA ; Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Lauren M Schmitt
- Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities, University of Texas Southwestern Dallas, TX, USA ; Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Peter Tsai
- Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities, University of Texas Southwestern Dallas, TX, USA ; Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Dallas, TX, USA ; Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Dallas, TX, USA ; Department of Neurology and Neurotherapeutics, University of Texas Southwestern Dallas, TX, USA ; Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Dallas, TX, USA
| | - John A Sweeney
- Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities, University of Texas Southwestern Dallas, TX, USA ; Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Dallas, TX, USA ; Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Dallas, TX, USA
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Cerliani L, Mennes M, Thomas RM, Di Martino A, Thioux M, Keysers C. Increased Functional Connectivity Between Subcortical and Cortical Resting-State Networks in Autism Spectrum Disorder. JAMA Psychiatry 2015; 72:767-77. [PMID: 26061743 PMCID: PMC5008437 DOI: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2015.0101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 211] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) exhibit severe difficulties in social interaction, motor coordination, behavioral flexibility, and atypical sensory processing, with considerable interindividual variability. This heterogeneous set of symptoms recently led to investigating the presence of abnormalities in the interaction across large-scale brain networks. To date, studies have focused either on constrained sets of brain regions or whole-brain analysis, rather than focusing on the interaction between brain networks. OBJECTIVES To compare the intrinsic functional connectivity between brain networks in a large sample of individuals with ASD and typically developing control subjects and to estimate to what extent group differences would predict autistic traits and reflect different developmental trajectories. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS We studied 166 male individuals (mean age, 17.6 years; age range, 7-50 years) diagnosed as having DSM-IV-TR autism or Asperger syndrome and 193 typical developing male individuals (mean age, 16.9 years; age range, 6.5-39.4 years) using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Participants were matched for age, IQ, head motion, and eye status (open or closed) in the MRI scanner. We analyzed data from the Autism Brain Imaging Data Exchange (ABIDE), an aggregated MRI data set from 17 centers, made public in August 2012. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES We estimated correlations between time courses of brain networks extracted using a data-driven method (independent component analysis). Subsequently, we associated estimates of interaction strength between networks with age and autistic traits indexed by the Social Responsiveness Scale. RESULTS Relative to typically developing control participants, individuals with ASD showed increased functional connectivity between primary sensory networks and subcortical networks (thalamus and basal ganglia) (all t ≥ 3.13, P < .001 corrected). The strength of such connections was associated with the severity of autistic traits in the ASD group (all r ≥ 0.21, P < .0067 corrected). In addition, subcortico-cortical interaction decreased with age in the entire sample (all r ≤ -0.09, P < .012 corrected), although this association was significant only in typically developing participants (all r ≤ -0.13, P < .009 corrected). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Our results showing ASD-related impairment in the interaction between primary sensory cortices and subcortical regions suggest that the sensory processes they subserve abnormally influence brain information processing in individuals with ASD. This might contribute to the occurrence of hyposensitivity or hypersensitivity and of difficulties in top-down regulation of behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Cerliani
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Groningen, The University Medical Center, Groningen, the Netherlands,Social Brain Laboratory, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Maarten Mennes
- Radboud University, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Rajat M. Thomas
- Social Brain Laboratory, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Adriana Di Martino
- Autism Spectrum Disorder Research and Clinical Program and Phyllis Green and Randolph Cowen Institute for Pediatric Neuroscience at The Child Study Center, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York
| | - Marc Thioux
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Groningen, The University Medical Center, Groningen, the Netherlands,Social Brain Laboratory, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Christian Keysers
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Groningen, The University Medical Center, Groningen, the Netherlands,Social Brain Laboratory, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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195
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Ning Z, McLellan AS, Ball M, Wynne F, O'Neill C, Mills W, Quinn JP, Kleinjan DA, Anney RJ, Carmody RJ, O'Keeffe G, Moore T. Regulation of SPRY3 by X chromosome and PAR2-linked promoters in an autism susceptibility region. Hum Mol Genet 2015; 24:5126-41. [PMID: 26089202 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddv231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2015] [Accepted: 06/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Sprouty proteins are regulators of cell growth and branching morphogenesis. Unlike mouse Spry3, which is X-linked, human SPRY3 maps to the pseudoautosomal region 2; however, the human Y-linked allele is not expressed due to epigenetic silencing by an unknown mechanism. SPRY3 maps adjacent to X-linked Trimethyllysine hydroxylase epsilon (TMLHE), recently identified as an autism susceptibility gene. We report that Spry3 is highly expressed in central and peripheral nervous system ganglion cells in mouse and human, including cerebellar Purkinje cells and retinal ganglion cells. Transient over-expression or knockdown of Spry3 in cultured mouse superior cervical ganglion cells inhibits and promotes, respectively, neurite growth and branching. A 0.7 kb gene fragment spanning the human SPRY3 transcriptional start site recapitulates the endogenous Spry3-expression pattern in LacZ reporter mice. In the human and mouse the SPRY3 promoter contains an AG-rich repeat and we found co-expression, and promoter binding and/or regulation of SPRY3 expression by transcription factors MAZ, EGR1, ZNF263 and PAX6. We identified eight alleles of the human SPRY3 promoter repeat in Caucasians, and similar allele frequencies in autism families. We characterized multiple SPRY3 transcripts originating at two CpG islands in the X-linked F8A3-TMLHE region, suggesting X chromosome regulation of SPRY3. These findings provide an explanation for differential regulation of X and Y-linked SPRY3 alleles. In addition, the presence of a SPRY3 transcript exon in a previously described X chromosome deletion associated with autism, and the cerebellar interlobular variation in Spry3 expression coincident with the reported pattern of Purkinje cell loss in autism, suggest SPRY3 as a candidate susceptibility locus for autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenfei Ning
- School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University College Cork, Western Gateway Building, Western Road, Cork, Ireland
| | - Andrew S McLellan
- School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University College Cork, Western Gateway Building, Western Road, Cork, Ireland
| | - Melanie Ball
- School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University College Cork, Western Gateway Building, Western Road, Cork, Ireland
| | - Freda Wynne
- School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University College Cork, Western Gateway Building, Western Road, Cork, Ireland
| | - Cora O'Neill
- School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University College Cork, Western Gateway Building, Western Road, Cork, Ireland
| | - Walter Mills
- School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University College Cork, Western Gateway Building, Western Road, Cork, Ireland
| | - John P Quinn
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3GE, UK
| | - Dirk A Kleinjan
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute for Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Richard J Anney
- Department of Psychiatry, Neuropsychiatric Genetics Research Group, Institute of Molecular Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Ruaidhre J Carmody
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Sir Graeme Davies Building, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK and
| | - Gerard O'Keeffe
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, Biosciences Institute, University College Cork, College Road, Cork, Ireland
| | - Tom Moore
- School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University College Cork, Western Gateway Building, Western Road, Cork, Ireland,
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196
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Chen JA, Peñagarikano O, Belgard TG, Swarup V, Geschwind DH. The emerging picture of autism spectrum disorder: genetics and pathology. ANNUAL REVIEW OF PATHOLOGY-MECHANISMS OF DISEASE 2015; 10:111-44. [PMID: 25621659 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pathol-012414-040405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 180] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is defined by impaired social interaction and communication accompanied by stereotyped behaviors and restricted interests. Although ASD is common, its genetic and clinical features are highly heterogeneous. A number of recent breakthroughs have dramatically advanced our understanding of ASD from the standpoint of human genetics and neuropathology. These studies highlight the period of fetal development and the processes of chromatin structure, synaptic function, and neuron-glial signaling. The initial efforts to systematically integrate findings of multiple levels of genomic data and studies of mouse models have yielded new clues regarding ASD pathophysiology. This early work points to an emerging convergence of disease mechanisms in this complex and etiologically heterogeneous disorder.
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197
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Blackmon K. Structural MRI biomarkers of shared pathogenesis in autism spectrum disorder and epilepsy. Epilepsy Behav 2015; 47:172-82. [PMID: 25812936 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2015.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2014] [Revised: 02/11/2015] [Accepted: 02/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Etiological factors that contribute to a high comorbidity between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and epilepsy are the subject of much debate. Does epilepsy cause ASD or are there common underlying brain abnormalities that increase the risk of developing both disorders? This review summarizes evidence from quantitative MRI studies to suggest that abnormalities of brain structure are not necessarily the consequence of ASD and epilepsy but are antecedent to disease expression. Abnormal gray and white matter volumes are present prior to onset of ASD and evident at the time of onset in pediatric epilepsy. Aberrant brain growth trajectories are also common in both disorders, as evidenced by blunted gray matter maturation and white matter maturation. Although the etiological factors that explain these abnormalities are unclear, high heritability estimates for gray matter volume and white matter microstructure demonstrate that genetic factors assert a strong influence on brain structure. In addition, histopathological studies of ASD and epilepsy brain tissue reveal elevated rates of malformations of cortical development (MCDs), such as focal cortical dysplasia and heterotopias, which supports disruption of neuronal migration as a contributing factor. Although MCDs are not always visible on MRI with conventional radiological analysis, quantitative MRI detection methods show high sensitivity to subtle malformations in epilepsy and can be potentially applied to MCD detection in ASD. Such an approach is critical for establishing quantitative neuroanatomic endophenotypes that can be used in genetic research. In the context of emerging drug treatments for seizures and autism symptoms, such as rapamycin and rapalogs, in vivo neuroimaging markers of subtle structural brain abnormalities could improve sample stratification in human clinical trials and potentially extend the range of patients that might benefit from treatment. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled "Autism and Epilepsy".
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Blackmon
- Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Department of Neurology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA; Center for Mind/Brain Sciences, University of Trento, Rovereto, Trento 38068, Italy.
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198
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Hutsler JJ, Casanova MF. Review: Cortical construction in autism spectrum disorder: columns, connectivity and the subplate. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2015; 42:115-34. [PMID: 25630827 DOI: 10.1111/nan.12227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2014] [Accepted: 01/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The cerebral cortex undergoes protracted maturation during human development and exemplifies how biology and environment are inextricably intertwined in the construction of complex neural circuits. Autism spectrum disorders are characterized by a number of pathological changes arising from this developmental process. These include: (i) alterations to columnar structure that have significant implications for the organization of cortical circuits and connectivity; (ii) alterations to synaptic spines on individual cortical units that may underlie specific types of connectional changes; and (iii) alterations within the cortical subplate, a region that plays a role in proper cortical development and in regulating interregional communication in the mature brain. Although the cerebral cortex is not the only structure affected in the disorder, it is a fundamental contributor to the behaviours that characterize autism. These alterations to cortical circuitry likely underlie the behavioural phenotype in autism and contribute to the unique pattern of deficits and strengths that characterize cognitive functioning. Recent findings within the cortical subplate may indicate that alterations to cortical construction begin prenatally, before activity-dependent connections are established, and are in need of further study. A better understanding of cortical development in autism spectrum disorders will draw bridges between the microanatomical computational circuitry and the atypical behaviours that arise when that circuitry is modified. In addition, it will allow us to better exploit the constructional plasticity within the brain to design more targeted interventions that better manage atypical cortical construction and that can be applied very early in postnatal life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey J Hutsler
- Department of Psychology, Program in Neuroscience, University of Nevada, Reno, USA
| | - Manuel F Casanova
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, USA
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Codagnone MG, Podestá MF, Uccelli NA, Reinés A. Differential Local Connectivity and Neuroinflammation Profiles in the Medial Prefrontal Cortex and Hippocampus in the Valproic Acid Rat Model of Autism. Dev Neurosci 2015; 37:215-31. [DOI: 10.1159/000375489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2014] [Accepted: 01/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a group of developmental disabilities characterized by impaired social interaction, communication deficit and repetitive and stereotyped behaviors. Neuroinflammation and synaptic alterations in several brain areas have been suggested to contribute to the physiopathology of ASD. Although the limbic system plays an important role in the functions found impaired in ASD, reports on these areas are scarce and results controversial. In the present study we searched in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and hippocampus of rats exposed to the valproic acid (VPA) model of ASD for early structural and molecular changes, coincident in time with the behavioral alterations. After confirming delayed growth and maturation in VPA rats, we were able to detect decreased exploratory activity and social interaction at an early time point (postnatal day 35). In mPFC, although typical cortical column organization was preserved in VPA animals, we found that interneuronal space was wider than in controls. Hippocampal CA3 (cornu ammonis 3) pyramidal layer and the granular layer of the dentate gyrus both showed a disorganized spatial arrangement in VPA animals. Neuronal alterations were accompanied with increased tomato lectin and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) immunostainings both in the mPFC and hippocampus. In the latter region, the increased GFAP immunoreactivity was CA3 specific. At the synaptic level, while mPFC from VPA animals showed increased synaptophysin (SYN) immunostaining, a SYN deficit was found in all hippocampal subfields. Additionally, both the mPFC and the hippocampus of VPA rats showed increased neuronal cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) immunostaining together with decreased levels of its polysialylated form (PSA-NCAM). Interestingly, these changes were more robust in the CA3 hippocampal subfield. Our results indicate that exploratory and social deficits correlate with region-dependent neuronal disorganization and reactive gliosis in the mPFC and hippocampus of VPA rats. While microgliosis is spread in these two limbic areas, astrogliosis, although extended in the mPFC, is circumscribed to the CA3 hippocampal subfield. Our work indicates that neuroinflammation and synaptic alterations do coexist in VPA rats, making this model suitable for studying novel aspects of neuron-glia interactions. Moreover, it suggests that the mPFC and hippocampus might behave differently in the context of the local hyperconnectivity and synaptic hypotheses of autism.
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Sivaratnam CS, Newman LK, Tonge BJ, Rinehart NJ. Attachment and Emotion Processing in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: Neurobiological, Neuroendocrine, and Neurocognitive Considerations. REVIEW JOURNAL OF AUTISM AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s40489-015-0048-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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