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Padmanabhan A, Lynch CJ, Schaer M, Menon V. The Default Mode Network in Autism. BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY. COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE AND NEUROIMAGING 2017; 2:476-486. [PMID: 29034353 PMCID: PMC5635856 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsc.2017.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 154] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by deficits in social communication and interaction. Since its discovery as a major functional brain system, the default mode network (DMN) has been implicated in a number of psychiatric disorders, including ASD. Here we review converging multimodal evidence for DMN dysfunction in the context of specific components of social cognitive dysfunction in ASD: 'self-referential processing' - the ability to process social information relative to oneself and 'theory of mind' or 'mentalizing' - the ability to infer the mental states such as beliefs, intentions, and emotions of others. We show that altered functional and structural organization of the DMN, and its atypical developmental trajectory, are prominent neurobiological features of ASD. We integrate findings on atypical cytoarchitectonic organization and imbalance in excitatory-inhibitory circuits, which alter local and global brain signaling, to scrutinize putative mechanisms underlying DMN dysfunction in ASD. Our synthesis of the extant literature suggests that aberrancies in key nodes of the DMN and their dynamic functional interactions contribute to atypical integration of information about the self in relation to 'other', as well as impairments in the ability to flexibly attend to socially relevant stimuli. We conclude by highlighting open questions for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aarthi Padmanabhan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
| | | | - Marie Schaer
- University of Geneva, Department of Psychiatry, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Vinod Menon
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
- Program in Neuroscience, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
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152
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Ju LS, Yang JJ, Gravenstein N, Seubert CN, Morey TE, Sumners C, Vasilopoulos T, Yang JJ, Martynyuk AE. Role of environmental stressors in determining the developmental outcome of neonatal anesthesia. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2017; 81:96-104. [PMID: 28433802 PMCID: PMC5492971 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2017.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2017] [Revised: 03/28/2017] [Accepted: 04/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The majority of studies evaluating neurocognition in humans who had procedures under anesthesia early in life found long-term deficits even though the typical anesthesia duration normalized to the human life span is much shorter than that shown to induce developmental abnormalities in rodents. Therefore, we studied whether subsequent environmental stressors contribute to deficiencies programmed by a brief neonatal etomidate exposure. METHODS Postnatal days (P) 4, 5, or 6, Sprague-Dawley rats, pretreated with vehicle or the Na+-K+-2Cl- (NKCC1) inhibitor, bumetanide, received two injections of etomidate resulting in anesthesia for 2h. To simulate stress after anesthesia, the animals were exposed to a single maternal separation for 3h at P10. 3-7days after exposure to etomidate the rats had increased hypothalamic NKCC1 mRNA and corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) mRNA and decreased K+-2Cl- (KCC2) mRNA levels with greater changes in males. In rats neonatally exposed to both etomidate and maternal separation, these abnormalities persisted into adulthood. These animals also exhibited extended corticosterone responses to restraint stress with increases in total plasma corticosterone more robust in males, as well as behavioral abnormalities. Pretreatment with the NKCC1 inhibitor ameliorated most of these effects. CONCLUSIONS Post-anesthesia stressors may exacerbate/unmask neurodevelopmental abnormalities even after a relatively short anesthetic with etomidate, leading to dysregulated stress response systems and neurobehavioral deficiencies in adulthood. Amelioration by bumetanide suggests a mechanistic role for etomidate-enhanced gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptor-mediated depolarization in initiating long-lasting alterations in gene expression that are further potentiated by subsequent maternal separation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling-Sha Ju
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Jiao-Jiao Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Nikolaus Gravenstein
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, United States; The McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Christoph N Seubert
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Timothy E Morey
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Colin Sumners
- The McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, United States; Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Terrie Vasilopoulos
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Jian-Jun Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Anatoly E Martynyuk
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, United States; The McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, United States.
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153
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Lee E, Lee J, Kim E. Excitation/Inhibition Imbalance in Animal Models of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Biol Psychiatry 2017; 81:838-847. [PMID: 27450033 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2016.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 302] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2016] [Revised: 05/02/2016] [Accepted: 05/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Imbalances between excitation and inhibition in synaptic transmission and neural circuits have been implicated in autism spectrum disorders. Excitation and inhibition imbalances are frequently observed in animal models of autism spectrum disorders, and their correction normalizes key autistic-like phenotypes in these animals. These results suggest that excitation and inhibition imbalances may contribute to the development and maintenance of autism spectrum disorders and represent an important therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunee Lee
- Center for Synaptic Brain Dysfunctions, Institute for Basic Science, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Jiseok Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Eunjoon Kim
- Center for Synaptic Brain Dysfunctions, Institute for Basic Science, Daejeon, Korea; Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Korea.
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154
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O’Reilly C, Lewis JD, Elsabbagh M. Is functional brain connectivity atypical in autism? A systematic review of EEG and MEG studies. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0175870. [PMID: 28467487 PMCID: PMC5414938 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0175870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 176] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2016] [Accepted: 03/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although it is well recognized that autism is associated with altered patterns of over- and under-connectivity, specifics are still a matter of debate. Little has been done so far to synthesize available literature using whole-brain electroencephalography (EEG) and magnetoencephalography (MEG) recordings. OBJECTIVES 1) To systematically review the literature on EEG/MEG functional and effective connectivity in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), 2) to synthesize and critically appraise findings related with the hypothesis that ASD is characterized by long-range underconnectivity and local overconnectivity, and 3) to provide, based on the literature, an analysis of tentative factors that are likely to mediate association between ASD and atypical connectivity (e.g., development, topography, lateralization). METHODS Literature reviews were done using PubMed and PsychInfo databases. Abstracts were screened, and only relevant articles were analyzed based on the objectives of this paper. Special attention was paid to the methodological characteristics that could have created variability in outcomes reported between studies. RESULTS Our synthesis provides relatively strong support for long-range underconnectivity in ASD, whereas the status of local connectivity remains unclear. This observation was also mirrored by a similar relationship with lower frequencies being often associated with underconnectivity and higher frequencies being associated with both under- and over-connectivity. Putting together these observations, we propose that ASD is characterized by a general trend toward an under-expression of lower-band wide-spread integrative processes compensated by more focal, higher-frequency, locally specialized, and segregated processes. Further investigation is, however, needed to corroborate the conclusion and its generalizability across different tasks. Of note, abnormal lateralization in ASD, specifically an elevated left-over-right EEG and MEG functional connectivity ratio, has been also reported consistently across studies. CONCLUSIONS The large variability in study samples and methodology makes a systematic quantitative analysis (i.e. meta-analysis) of this body of research impossible. Nevertheless, a general trend supporting the hypothesis of long-range functional underconnectivity can be observed. Further research is necessary to more confidently determine the status of the hypothesis of short-range overconnectivity. Frequency-band specific patterns and their relationships with known symptoms of autism also need to be further clarified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian O’Reilly
- Douglas Mental Health University Institute, 6875 Boulevard Lasalle, Verdun, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, 1033 Pine Avenue West, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - John D. Lewis
- McGill Center for Integrative Neuroscience, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, 3801 University Street, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Mayada Elsabbagh
- Douglas Mental Health University Institute, 6875 Boulevard Lasalle, Verdun, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, 1033 Pine Avenue West, Montreal, QC, Canada
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155
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Pressey JC, Mahadevan V, Khademullah CS, Dargaei Z, Chevrier J, Ye W, Huang M, Chauhan AK, Meas SJ, Uvarov P, Airaksinen MS, Woodin MA. A kainate receptor subunit promotes the recycling of the neuron-specific K +-Cl - co-transporter KCC2 in hippocampal neurons. J Biol Chem 2017; 292:6190-6201. [PMID: 28235805 PMCID: PMC5391750 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m116.767236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2016] [Revised: 02/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Synaptic inhibition depends on a transmembrane gradient of chloride, which is set by the neuron-specific K+-Cl- co-transporter KCC2. Reduced KCC2 levels in the neuronal membrane contribute to the generation of epilepsy, neuropathic pain, and autism spectrum disorders; thus, it is important to characterize the mechanisms regulating KCC2 expression. In the present study, we determined the role of KCC2-protein interactions in regulating total and surface membrane KCC2 expression. Using quantitative immunofluorescence in cultured mouse hippocampal neurons, we discovered that the kainate receptor subunit GluK2 and the auxiliary subunit Neto2 significantly increase the total KCC2 abundance in neurons but that GluK2 exclusively increases the abundance of KCC2 in the surface membrane. Using a live cell imaging assay, we further determined that KCC2 recycling primarily occurs within 1-2 h and that GluK2 produces an ∼40% increase in the amount of KCC2 recycled to the membrane during this time period. This GluK2-mediated increase in surface recycling translated to a significant increase in KCC2 expression in the surface membrane. Moreover, we found that KCC2 recycling is enhanced by protein kinase C-mediated phosphorylation of the GluK2 C-terminal residues Ser-846 and Ser-868. Lastly, using gramicidin-perforated patch clamp recordings, we found that the GluK2-mediated increase in KCC2 recycling to the surface membrane translates to a hyperpolarization of the reversal potential for GABA (EGABA). In conclusion, our results have revealed a mechanism by which kainate receptors regulate KCC2 expression in the hippocampus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica C Pressey
- From the Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G5, Canada and
| | - Vivek Mahadevan
- From the Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G5, Canada and
| | - C Sahara Khademullah
- From the Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G5, Canada and
| | - Zahra Dargaei
- From the Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G5, Canada and
| | - Jonah Chevrier
- From the Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G5, Canada and
| | - Wenqing Ye
- From the Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G5, Canada and
| | - Michelle Huang
- From the Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G5, Canada and
| | - Alamjeet K Chauhan
- From the Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G5, Canada and
| | - Steven J Meas
- From the Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G5, Canada and
| | - Pavel Uvarov
- the Department of Anatomy, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Matti S Airaksinen
- the Department of Anatomy, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Melanie A Woodin
- From the Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G5, Canada and
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156
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Contestabile A, Magara S, Cancedda L. The GABAergic Hypothesis for Cognitive Disabilities in Down Syndrome. Front Cell Neurosci 2017; 11:54. [PMID: 28326014 PMCID: PMC5339239 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2017.00054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2016] [Accepted: 02/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS) is a genetic disorder caused by the presence of a third copy of chromosome 21. DS affects multiple organs, but it invariably results in altered brain development and diverse degrees of intellectual disability. A large body of evidence has shown that synaptic deficits and memory impairment are largely determined by altered GABAergic signaling in trisomic mouse models of DS. These alterations arise during brain development while extending into adulthood, and include genesis of GABAergic neurons, variation of the inhibitory drive and modifications in the control of neural-network excitability. Accordingly, different pharmacological interventions targeting GABAergic signaling have proven promising preclinical approaches to rescue cognitive impairment in DS mouse models. In this review, we will discuss recent data regarding the complex scenario of GABAergic dysfunctions in the trisomic brain of DS mice and patients, and we will evaluate the state of current clinical research targeting GABAergic signaling in individuals with DS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Contestabile
- Department of Neuroscience and Brain Technologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT) Genova, Italy
| | - Salvatore Magara
- Department of Neuroscience and Brain Technologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT) Genova, Italy
| | - Laura Cancedda
- Department of Neuroscience and Brain Technologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT)Genova, Italy; Dulbecco Telethon InstituteGenova, Italy
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157
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Epilepsy and intellectual disability linked protein Shrm4 interaction with GABA BRs shapes inhibitory neurotransmission. Nat Commun 2017; 8:14536. [PMID: 28262662 PMCID: PMC5343488 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms14536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2016] [Accepted: 01/09/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Shrm4, a protein expressed only in polarized tissues, is encoded by the KIAA1202 gene, whose mutations have been linked to epilepsy and intellectual disability. However, a physiological role for Shrm4 in the brain is yet to be established. Here, we report that Shrm4 is localized to synapses where it regulates dendritic spine morphology and interacts with the C terminus of GABAB receptors (GABABRs) to control their cell surface expression and intracellular trafficking via a dynein-dependent mechanism. Knockdown of Shrm4 in rat severely impairs GABABR activity causing increased anxiety-like behaviour and susceptibility to seizures. Moreover, Shrm4 influences hippocampal excitability by modulating tonic inhibition in dentate gyrus granule cells, in a process involving crosstalk between GABABRs and extrasynaptic δ-subunit-containing GABAARs. Our data highlights a role for Shrm4 in synaptogenesis and in maintaining GABABR-mediated inhibition, perturbation of which may be responsible for the involvement of Shrm4 in cognitive disorders and epilepsy. Mutations in the gene encoding Shrm4 are associated with epilepsy and intellectual disability. The authors show that Shrm4 interacts with GABAB receptors and regulates tonic inhibition in the hippocampus, and knockdown of Shrm4 in rats leads to anxiety-like behaviour and seizures.
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158
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Abstract
WNK kinases, along with their upstream regulators (CUL3/KLHL3) and downstream targets (the SPAK/OSR1 kinases and the cation-Cl- cotransporters [CCCs]), comprise a signaling cascade essential for ion homeostasis in the kidney and nervous system. Recent work has furthered our understanding of the WNKs in epithelial transport, cell volume homeostasis, and GABA signaling, and uncovered novel roles for this pathway in immune cell function and cell proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masoud Shekarabi
- Department of Neuroscience, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Jinwei Zhang
- Departments of Neurosurgery, Centers for Mendelian Genomics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06477, USA; MRC Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, Scotland, UK
| | - Arjun R Khanna
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - David H Ellison
- Division of Nephrology & Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239, USA; VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Eric Delpire
- Department of Anesthesiology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Kristopher T Kahle
- Departments of Neurosurgery, Pediatrics, and Cellular & Molecular Physiology, Centers for Mendelian Genomics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06477, USA.
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159
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Nikolaus S, Beu M, de Souza Silva MA, Huston JP, Antke C, Müller HW, Hautzel H. GABAergic control of neostriatal dopamine D 2 receptor binding and behaviors in the rat. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2016; 153:76-87. [PMID: 28012732 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2016.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2016] [Revised: 12/15/2016] [Accepted: 12/19/2016] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The present study assessed the influence of the GABAA receptor agonist muscimol and the GABAA receptor antagonist bicuculline on neostriatal dopamine D2 receptor binding in relation to motor and exploratory behaviors in the rat. METHODS D2 receptor binding was measured in baseline and after challenge with either 1mg/kg muscimol or 1mg/kg bicuculline. In additional rats, D2 receptor binding was measured after injection of saline. After treatment with muscimol, bicuculline and saline, motor and exploratory behaviors were assessed for 30min in an open field prior to administration of [123I]S-3-iodo-N-(1-ethyl-2-pyrrolidinyl)methyl-2-hydroxy-6-methoxybenzamide ([123I]IBZM). For baseline and challenges, striatal equilibrium ratios (V3″) were computed as estimation of the binding potential. RESULTS Muscimol but not bicuculline reduced D2 receptor binding relative to baseline and to saline. Travelled distance, duration of rearing and frequency of rearing and of head-shoulder motility were lower after muscimol compared to saline. In contrast, duration of rearing and grooming and frequency of rearing, head-shoulder motility and grooming were elevated after bicuculline relative to saline. Moreover, bicuculline decreased duration of sitting and head-shoulder motility. CONCLUSIONS The muscimol-induced decrease of motor/exploratory behaviors can be related to an elevation of striatal dopamine levels. In contrast, bicuculline is likely to elicit a decline of synaptic dopamine, which, however, is compensated by the time of D2 receptor imaging studies. The results indicate direct GABAergic control over D2 receptor binding in the neostriatum in relation to behavioral action, and, thus, complement earlier pharmacological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Nikolaus
- Clinic of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Moorenstr. 5, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany.
| | - Markus Beu
- Clinic of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Moorenstr. 5, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Maria Angelica de Souza Silva
- Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Psychology, Heinrich-Heine University, Universitätsstr. 1, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Joseph P Huston
- Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Psychology, Heinrich-Heine University, Universitätsstr. 1, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Christina Antke
- Clinic of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Moorenstr. 5, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Hans-Wilhelm Müller
- Clinic of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Moorenstr. 5, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Hubertus Hautzel
- Clinic of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Moorenstr. 5, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
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160
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Harrington AJ, Raissi A, Rajkovich K, Berto S, Kumar J, Molinaro G, Raduazzo J, Guo Y, Loerwald K, Konopka G, Huber KM, Cowan CW. MEF2C regulates cortical inhibitory and excitatory synapses and behaviors relevant to neurodevelopmental disorders. eLife 2016; 5. [PMID: 27779093 PMCID: PMC5094851 DOI: 10.7554/elife.20059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2016] [Accepted: 10/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Numerous genetic variants associated with MEF2C are linked to autism, intellectual disability (ID) and schizophrenia (SCZ) – a heterogeneous collection of neurodevelopmental disorders with unclear pathophysiology. MEF2C is highly expressed in developing cortical excitatory neurons, but its role in their development remains unclear. We show here that conditional embryonic deletion of Mef2c in cortical and hippocampal excitatory neurons (Emx1-lineage) produces a dramatic reduction in cortical network activity in vivo, due in part to a dramatic increase in inhibitory and a decrease in excitatory synaptic transmission. In addition, we find that MEF2C regulates E/I synapse density predominantly as a cell-autonomous, transcriptional repressor. Analysis of differential gene expression in Mef2c mutant cortex identified a significant overlap with numerous synapse- and autism-linked genes, and the Mef2c mutant mice displayed numerous behaviors reminiscent of autism, ID and SCZ, suggesting that perturbing MEF2C function in neocortex can produce autistic- and ID-like behaviors in mice. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.20059.001 Abnormal development of the brain contributes to intellectual disability, as well as to a number of psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia and autism. As the brain develops, neurons establish connections with one another called synapses, which are either excitatory or inhibitory. At excitatory synapses, an electrical signal in the first cell increases the likelihood that the second cell will also produce an electrical signal. At inhibitory synapses, electrical activity in the first cell reduces the chances of the second cell producing an electrical signal. An imbalance between excitatory and inhibitory activity is one of the factors thought to give rise to neurodevelopmental disorders. Many individuals with schizophrenia, autism or intellectual disability possess mutations in, or near, a gene called MEF2C. This gene, which is active in both excitatory and inhibitory neurons, encodes a protein that regulates the activity of many other genes during brain development. Harrington, Raissi et al. therefore hypothesized that alterations in MEF2C might predispose individuals to neurodevelopmental disorders by disrupting the balance of excitatory and inhibitory synapses in the developing brain. To test this idea, Harrington, Raissi et al. generated mice that lack the Mef2c gene in a large proportion of their neurons throughout development. As predicted, the animals showed an imbalance of excitatory and inhibitory synapses in the brain’s outer layer, the cortex. They also displayed changes in behavior like those seen in autism. These included a loss of interest in social interaction and a reduction in vocalizations, suggesting impaired communication. Other behavioral changes included hyperactivity, repetitive movements and severe learning impairments: all features commonly observed in human neurodevelopmental disorders. The next challenge is to understand when, where and how MEF2C acts in the cortex to shape the balance of excitatory and inhibitory connections. Once this is known, further studies can test whether disrupting these processes leads directly to behaviors characteristic of autism, schizophrenia and intellectual disability. This may lead to the development of new drugs that can reverse or improve the symptoms of these conditions in affected individuals. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.20059.002
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam J Harrington
- Department of Neurosciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, United States.,Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Belmont, United States
| | - Aram Raissi
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Belmont, United States
| | - Kacey Rajkovich
- Department of Neuroscience, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States
| | - Stefano Berto
- Department of Neuroscience, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States
| | - Jaswinder Kumar
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Belmont, United States.,Medical Scientist Training Program, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States
| | - Gemma Molinaro
- Department of Neuroscience, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States
| | - Jonathan Raduazzo
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Belmont, United States
| | - Yuhong Guo
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Belmont, United States
| | - Kris Loerwald
- Department of Neuroscience, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States
| | - Genevieve Konopka
- Department of Neuroscience, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States
| | - Kimberly M Huber
- Department of Neuroscience, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States
| | - Christopher W Cowan
- Department of Neurosciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, United States.,Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Belmont, United States
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161
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Paine TA, Swedlow N, Swetschinski L. Decreasing GABA function within the medial prefrontal cortex or basolateral amygdala decreases sociability. Behav Brain Res 2016; 317:542-552. [PMID: 27732892 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2016.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2016] [Revised: 09/28/2016] [Accepted: 10/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Decreased sociability is a symptom of psychiatric conditions including autism-spectrum disorder and schizophrenia. Both of these conditions are associated with decreases in GABA function, particularly in the medial prefrontal cortex (PFC) and the basolateral amygdala (BLA); structures that are components of the social brain. Here, we determined if decreasing GABA transmission within either the PFC or the BLA decreases social behavior. METHODS Rats were implanted with cannulae aimed at either the medial PFC or the BLA and then were tested on up to 4 behavioral tests following bilateral infusions of 0.5μl bicuculline methiodide (BMI, a GABAA receptor antagonist) at doses of 0, 25, or 50ng/μl. Rats were tested in the social interaction test, the social preference test, the sucrose preference test and for locomotor activity (BLA infusions only). RESULTS Intra-BLA or PFC BMI infusions decreased the amount of time and the number of social interactions in the social interaction test. Further, in the social preference test, rats infused with 50ng BMI no longer exhibited a preference to explore a social over a non-social stimulus. The change in sociability was not due to a change in reward processing or locomotor behavior. DISCUSSION Decreasing GABA transmission in either the medial PFC or BLA decreased sociability. Thus, changes in GABA signaling observed in conditions such as autism or schizophrenia may mediate the social withdrawal characteristic of these conditions. Moreover, they suggest that social withdrawal may be treated by drugs that potentiate GABA transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracie A Paine
- Department of Neuroscience, Oberlin College, Oberlin, OH, 44074, United States.
| | - Nathan Swedlow
- Department of Neuroscience, Oberlin College, Oberlin, OH, 44074, United States
| | - Lucien Swetschinski
- Department of Neuroscience, Oberlin College, Oberlin, OH, 44074, United States
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162
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Early postnatal GABAA receptor modulation reverses deficits in neuronal maturation in a conditional neurodevelopmental mouse model of DISC1. Mol Psychiatry 2016; 21:1449-59. [PMID: 26728564 PMCID: PMC4935661 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2015.203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2014] [Revised: 10/21/2015] [Accepted: 11/09/2015] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Exploring drug targets based on disease-associated molecular mechanisms during development is crucial for the generation of novel prevention and treatment strategies for neurodevelopmental psychiatric conditions. We report that prefrontal cortex (PFC)-specific postnatal knockdown of DISC1 via in utero electroporation combined with an inducible knockdown expression system drives deficits in synaptic GABAA function and dendritic development in pyramidal neurons, as well as abnormalities in sensorimotor gating, albeit without profound memory deficits. We show for the first time that DISC1 is specifically involved in regulating cell surface expression of α2 subunit-containing GABAA receptors in immature developing neurons, but not after full maturation. Notably, pharmacological intervention with α2/3 subtype-selective GABAA receptor positive allosteric modulators during the early postnatal period ameliorates dendritic deficits and behavioral abnormalities induced by knockdown of DISC1. These findings highlight a critical role of DISC1-mediated disruption of postnatal GABA signaling in aberrant PFC maturation and function.
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163
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Brondino N, Fusar-Poli L, Panisi C, Damiani S, Barale F, Politi P. Pharmacological Modulation of GABA Function in Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Systematic Review of Human Studies. J Autism Dev Disord 2016; 46:825-39. [PMID: 26443675 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-015-2619-y] [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] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders are an emerging health problem worldwide, but little is known about their pathogenesis. It has been hypothesized that autism may result from an imbalance between excitatory glutamatergic and inhibitory GABAergic pathways. Commonly used medications such as valproate, acamprosate, and arbaclofen may act on the GABAergic system and be a potential treatment for people with ASD. The present systematic review aimed at evaluating the state-of-the-art of clinical trials of GABA modulators in autism. To date there is insufficient evidence to suggest the use of these drugs in autistic subjects, even if data are promising. Of note, short-term use of all the reviewed medications appears to be safe. Future well designed trials are needed to elucidate these preliminary findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natascia Brondino
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Via Bassi 21, 27100, Pavia, Italy.
| | - Laura Fusar-Poli
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Via Bassi 21, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Cristina Panisi
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Via Bassi 21, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Stefano Damiani
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Via Bassi 21, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Francesco Barale
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Via Bassi 21, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Pierluigi Politi
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Via Bassi 21, 27100, Pavia, Italy
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164
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Chau DKF, Choi AYT, Yang W, Leung WN, Chan CW. Downregulation of glutamatergic and GABAergic proteins in valproric acid associated social impairment during adolescence in mice. Behav Brain Res 2016; 316:255-260. [PMID: 27614006 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2016.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2016] [Revised: 08/26/2016] [Accepted: 09/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The etiology of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) remains controversial. Deficits in social communication are one of the key criteria for ASD diagnosis. Valproic acid (VPA), which is an anti-epileptic and anti-depressive drug, is one of the teratogens to cause ASD onset. Moreover, synaptic dysfunction is suggested as one of the major causative factor in VPA-induced ASD in vitro and in vivo studies. Herein, this study aimed to determine the excitatory/inhibitory synaptic mRNA and protein expression in VPA-induced autistic mice. Pregnant BALB/c mice were injected peritoneally with a single dose of 600mg/kg VPA on embryonic day (E) 12.5. Social impairment was verified by three chamber sociability tests on postnatal days (PND) 28, 35, 42 and 49. Cortical synaptic mRNA and protein expressions were examined on PND 50. The excitatory synaptic proteins NR2A, NR2B, NR2C were significantly down-regulated by 80.0% (p<0.01), 51.5% (p<0.05) and 81.5% (p<0.05) respectively. Furthermore, the NMDAR expression regulatory protein BDNF was also found to be significantly downregulated by 76.8% (p<0.05). GAD65, GAD67, GABRA1, GABRA5, GABRB2 from the GABAergic inhibitory synaptic pathway were significantly downregulated by 21.3% (p<0.05), 77.0% (p<0.05), 53.9% (p<0.05), 56.9% (p<0.05) and 55.2% (p<0.01) respectively in the cortex of VPA-induced mice. Taken together, our results suggested that synaptic dysfunction might be involved in the social impairments in VPA-induced ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davor Kin-Fan Chau
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Angus Yiu-Ting Choi
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Wen Yang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Wing Nang Leung
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Chun Wai Chan
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong.
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165
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Verkhratsky A, Steardo L, Parpura V, Montana V. Translational potential of astrocytes in brain disorders. Prog Neurobiol 2016; 144:188-205. [PMID: 26386136 PMCID: PMC4794425 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2015.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2015] [Revised: 09/03/2015] [Accepted: 09/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Fundamentally, all brain disorders can be broadly defined as the homeostatic failure of this organ. As the brain is composed of many different cells types, including but not limited to neurons and glia, it is only logical that all the cell types/constituents could play a role in health and disease. Yet, for a long time the sole conceptualization of brain pathology was focused on the well-being of neurons. Here, we challenge this neuron-centric view and present neuroglia as a key element in neuropathology, a process that has a toll on astrocytes, which undergo complex morpho-functional changes that can in turn affect the course of the disorder. Such changes can be grossly identified as reactivity, atrophy with loss of function and pathological remodeling. We outline the pathogenic potential of astrocytes in variety of disorders, ranging from neurotrauma, infection, toxic damage, stroke, epilepsy, neurodevelopmental, neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders, Alexander disease to neoplastic changes seen in gliomas. We hope that in near future we would witness glial-based translational medicine with generation of deliverables for the containment and cure of disorders. We point out that such as a task will require a holistic and multi-disciplinary approach that will take in consideration the concerted operation of all the cell types in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexei Verkhratsky
- Faculty of Life Science, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Achucarro Center for Neuroscience, IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
- University of Nizhny Novgorod, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - Luca Steardo
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Naples, SUN, Largo Madonna delle Grazie, Naples, Italy
| | - Vladimir Parpura
- Department of Neurobiology, Center for Glial Biology in Medicine and Atomic Force Microscopy & Nanotechnology Laboratories, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Vedrana Montana
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
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166
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Maternal Exposure to Valproic Acid Primarily Targets Interneurons Followed by Late Effects on Neurogenesis in the Hippocampal Dentate Gyrus in Rat Offspring. Neurotox Res 2016; 31:46-62. [DOI: 10.1007/s12640-016-9660-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2016] [Revised: 07/21/2016] [Accepted: 08/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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167
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Lim CS, Kim H, Yu NK, Kang SJ, Kim T, Ko HG, Lee J, Yang JE, Ryu HH, Park T, Gim J, Nam HJ, Baek SH, Wegener S, Schmitz D, Boeckers TM, Lee MG, Kim E, Lee JH, Lee YS, Kaang BK. Enhancing inhibitory synaptic function reverses spatial memory deficits in Shank2 mutant mice. Neuropharmacology 2016; 112:104-112. [PMID: 27544825 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2016.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2016] [Revised: 08/15/2016] [Accepted: 08/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a group of developmental disorders that cause variable and heterogeneous phenotypes across three behavioral domains such as atypical social behavior, disrupted communications, and highly restricted and repetitive behaviors. In addition to these core symptoms, other neurological abnormalities are associated with ASD, including intellectual disability (ID). However, the molecular etiology underlying these behavioral heterogeneities in ASD is unclear. Mutations in SHANK2 genes are associated with ASD and ID. Interestingly, two lines of Shank2 knockout mice (e6-7 KO and e7 KO) showed shared and distinct phenotypes. Here, we found that the expression levels of Gabra2, as well as of GABA receptor-mediated inhibitory neurotransmission, are reduced in Shank2 e6-7, but not in e7 KO mice compared with their own wild type littermates. Furthermore, treatment of Shank2 e6-7 KO mice with an allosteric modulator for the GABAA receptor reverses spatial memory deficits, indicating that reduced inhibitory neurotransmission may cause memory deficits in Shank2 e6-7 KO mice. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'Ionotropic glutamate receptors'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chae-Seok Lim
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, School of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, South Korea
| | - Hyopil Kim
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, School of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, South Korea
| | - Nam-Kyung Yu
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, School of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, South Korea
| | - Sukjae Joshua Kang
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, School of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, South Korea
| | - TaeHyun Kim
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, School of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, South Korea
| | - Hyoung-Gon Ko
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, School of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, South Korea
| | - Jaehyun Lee
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, School of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, South Korea
| | - Jung-Eun Yang
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, School of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, South Korea
| | - Hyun-Hee Ryu
- Department of Life Science, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, 06974, South Korea; Department of Physiology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, South Korea
| | - Taesung Park
- Department of Statistics, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, South Korea
| | - Jungsoo Gim
- Department of Statistics, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, South Korea
| | - Hye Jin Nam
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Genetics, School of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, South Korea
| | - Sung Hee Baek
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Genetics, School of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, South Korea
| | - Stephanie Wegener
- Neuroscience Research Center, Cluster of Excellence NeuroCure, Charite, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Dietmar Schmitz
- Neuroscience Research Center, Cluster of Excellence NeuroCure, Charite, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Tobias M Boeckers
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Min Goo Lee
- Department of Pharmacology, Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, South Korea
| | - Eunjoon Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, KAIST, Daejeon, 34141, South Korea
| | - Jae-Hyung Lee
- Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Maxillofacial Biomedical Engineering, School of Dentistry, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, South Korea.
| | - Yong-Seok Lee
- Department of Physiology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, South Korea.
| | - Bong-Kiun Kaang
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, School of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, South Korea.
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168
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Premature changes in neuronal excitability account for hippocampal network impairment and autistic-like behavior in neonatal BTBR T+tf/J mice. Sci Rep 2016; 6:31696. [PMID: 27526668 PMCID: PMC4985660 DOI: 10.1038/srep31696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2016] [Accepted: 07/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Coherent network oscillations (GDPs), generated in the immature hippocampus by the synergistic action of GABA and glutamate, both depolarizing and excitatory, play a key role in the construction of neuronal circuits. In particular, GDPs-associated calcium transients act as coincident detectors for enhancing synaptic efficacy at emerging GABAergic and glutamatergic synapses. Here, we show that, immediately after birth, in the CA3 hippocampal region of the BTBR T+tf/J mouse, an animal model of idiopathic autism, GDPs are severely impaired. This effect was associated with an increased GABAergic neurotransmission and a reduced neuronal excitability. In spite its depolarizing action on CA3 pyramidal cells (in single channel experiments EGABA was positive to Em), GABA exerted at the network level an inhibitory effect as demonstrated by isoguvacine-induced reduction of neuronal firing. We implemented a computational model in which experimental findings could be interpreted as the result of two competing effects: a reduction of the intrinsic excitability of CA3 principal cells and a reduction of the shunting activity in GABAergic interneurons projecting to principal cells. It is therefore likely that premature changes in neuronal excitability within selective hippocampal circuits of BTBR mice lead to GDPs dysfunction and behavioral deficits reminiscent of those found in autistic patients.
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169
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Inui K, Nakagawa K, Nishihara M, Motomura E, Kakigi R. Inhibition in the Human Auditory Cortex. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0155972. [PMID: 27219470 PMCID: PMC4878756 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0155972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2016] [Accepted: 05/06/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite their indispensable roles in sensory processing, little is known about inhibitory interneurons in humans. Inhibitory postsynaptic potentials cannot be recorded non-invasively, at least in a pure form, in humans. We herein sought to clarify whether prepulse inhibition (PPI) in the auditory cortex reflected inhibition via interneurons using magnetoencephalography. An abrupt increase in sound pressure by 10 dB in a continuous sound was used to evoke the test response, and PPI was observed by inserting a weak (5 dB increase for 1 ms) prepulse. The time course of the inhibition evaluated by prepulses presented at 10-800 ms before the test stimulus showed at least two temporally distinct inhibitions peaking at approximately 20-60 and 600 ms that presumably reflected IPSPs by fast spiking, parvalbumin-positive cells and somatostatin-positive, Martinotti cells, respectively. In another experiment, we confirmed that the degree of the inhibition depended on the strength of the prepulse, but not on the amplitude of the prepulse-evoked cortical response, indicating that the prepulse-evoked excitatory response and prepulse-evoked inhibition reflected activation in two different pathways. Although many diseases such as schizophrenia may involve deficits in the inhibitory system, we do not have appropriate methods to evaluate them; therefore, the easy and non-invasive method described herein may be clinically useful.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koji Inui
- Department of Integrative Physiology, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Japan
- * E-mail:
| | - Kei Nakagawa
- Department of Integrative Physiology, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Japan
| | | | - Eishi Motomura
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Ryusuke Kakigi
- Department of Integrative Physiology, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Japan
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170
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Tang BL. (WNK)ing at death: With-no-lysine (Wnk) kinases in neuropathies and neuronal survival. Brain Res Bull 2016; 125:92-8. [PMID: 27131446 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2016.04.017] [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: 02/13/2016] [Revised: 04/11/2016] [Accepted: 04/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Members of With-no-lysine (WNK) family of serine-threonine kinase are key regulators of chloride ion transport in diverse cell types, controlling the activity and the surface expression of cation-chloride (Na(+)/K(+)-Cl(-)) co-transporters. Mutations in WNK1 and WNK4 are linked to a hereditary form of hypertension, and WNKs have been extensively investigated pertaining to their roles in renal epithelial ion homeostasis. However, some members of the WNK family and their splice isoforms are also expressed in the mammalian brain, and have been implicated in aspects of hereditary neuropathy as well as neuronal and glial survival. WNK2, which is exclusively enriched in neurons, is well known as an anti-proliferative tumor suppressor. WNK3, on the other hand, appears to promote cell survival as its inhibition enhances neuronal apoptosis. However, loss of WNK3 has been recently shown to reduce ischemia-associated brain damage. In this review, I surveyed the potentially context-dependent roles of WNKs in neurological disorders and neuronal survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bor Luen Tang
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, Singapore; NUS Graduate School for Integrative Sciences and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
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171
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Ma Z, Niu B, Shi Z, Li J, Wang J, Zhang F, Gao X, Zhang K. Genetic Polymorphism of GABRR2 Modulates Individuals' General Cognitive Ability in Healthy Chinese Han People. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2016; 37:93-100. [PMID: 26922432 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-016-0347-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2015] [Accepted: 02/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies have indicated that the cognitive impairment or deficit is associated with GABAergic signaling in central nervous system. Inspired by the finding that receptor GABRR2 modulates concentration of GABA and phasic inhibitory GABAergic transmission in brain. This study investigated to what extent a genetic variant (c.1423C>T, rs282129) of GABRR2 gene modulates individuals' general cognitive ability in 987 Chinese Han people. Results showed a significant influence of GABRR2 gene polymorphism on individuals' Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices (RSPM) performance (F = 3.58, P = .028 by ANOVA and χ 2 = 9.35, P = .009 by K-W test, respectively), even if non-genetic factors were partialed out (gender, major, types of birthplace, and socioeconomic index) (B = -.67, SE = .26, t = 2.63, P = .009). The finding provided a strong evidence, to our knowledge, for the view that genetic variant of GABRR2 gene may contribute to the difference of individuals' general cognitive ability, independently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Ma
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China (Ministry of Education), Institute of Population and Health, College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Binbin Niu
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China (Ministry of Education), Institute of Population and Health, College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Zhangyan Shi
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China (Ministry of Education), Institute of Population and Health, College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Junlin Li
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China (Ministry of Education), Institute of Population and Health, College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Applied Psychology, Institute of Applied Psychology, College of Public Management, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Fuchang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China (Ministry of Education), Institute of Population and Health, College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China.,Department of Applied Psychology, Institute of Applied Psychology, College of Public Management, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Xiaocai Gao
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China (Ministry of Education), Institute of Population and Health, College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China. .,Department of Applied Psychology, Institute of Applied Psychology, College of Public Management, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China. .,School of Public Management, Institute of Application Psychology, Institute of Population and Health, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710127, China.
| | - Kejin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China (Ministry of Education), Institute of Population and Health, College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China.
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172
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Lussier SJ, Stevens HE. Delays in GABAergic interneuron development and behavioral inhibition after prenatal stress. Dev Neurobiol 2016; 76:1078-91. [PMID: 26724783 DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2015] [Revised: 12/08/2015] [Accepted: 12/29/2015] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Prenatal stress is associated with altered behavioral, cognitive, and psychiatric outcomes in offspring. Due to the importance of GABAergic systems in normal development and in psychiatric disorders, prenatal stress effects on these neurons have been investigated in animal models. Prenatal stress delays GABAergic progenitor migration, but the significance of these early developmental disruptions for the continued development of GABAergic cells in the juvenile brain is unclear. Here, we examined effects of prenatal stress on populations of GABAergic neurons in juvenile and adult medial frontal cortex (mFC) and hippocampus through stereological counting, gene expression, and relevant anxiety-like and social behaviors. Postnatally, the total GABAergic cell number that peaks in adolescence showed altered trajectories in mFC and hippocampus. Parvalbumin neuron proportion in juvenile brain was altered by prenatal stress, but parvalbumin gene expression showed no differences. In adult brain, parvalbumin neuron proportions were altered by prenatal stress with opposite gene expression changes. Adult prenatally stressed offspring showed a lack of social preference on a three-chambered task, increased anxiety-like behavior on the elevated plus maze, and reduced center time in an open field. Despite a lack of significant group differences in adult total GABAergic cell populations, performance of these tasks was correlated with GABAergic populations in mFC and hippocampus. In conclusion, prenatal stress resulted in a delay in GABAergic cell number and maturation of the parvalbumin subtype. Influences of prenatal stress on GABAergic populations during developmentally dynamic periods and during adulthood may be relevant to the anxiety-like behaviors that occur after prenatal stress. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 76: 1078-1091, 2016.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie J Lussier
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA
| | - Hanna E Stevens
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA.,Yale Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
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173
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Kahle KT, Delpire E. Kinase-KCC2 coupling: Cl- rheostasis, disease susceptibility, therapeutic target. J Neurophysiol 2016; 115:8-18. [PMID: 26510764 PMCID: PMC4760510 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00865.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2015] [Accepted: 10/25/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The intracellular concentration of Cl(-) ([Cl(-)]i) in neurons is a highly regulated variable that is established and modulated by the finely tuned activity of the KCC2 cotransporter. Despite the importance of KCC2 for neurophysiology and its role in multiple neuropsychiatric diseases, our knowledge of the transporter's regulatory mechanisms is incomplete. Recent studies suggest that the phosphorylation state of KCC2 at specific residues in its cytoplasmic COOH terminus, such as Ser940 and Thr906/Thr1007, encodes discrete levels of transporter activity that elicit graded changes in neuronal Cl(-) extrusion to modulate the strength of synaptic inhibition via Cl(-)-permeable GABAA receptors. In this review, we propose that the functional and physical coupling of KCC2 to Cl(-)-sensitive kinase(s), such as the WNK1-SPAK kinase complex, constitutes a molecular "rheostat" that regulates [Cl(-)]i and thereby influences the functional plasticity of GABA. The rapid reversibility of (de)phosphorylation facilitates regulatory precision, and multisite phosphorylation allows for the control of KCC2 activity by different inputs via distinct or partially overlapping upstream signaling cascades that may become more or less important depending on the physiological context. While this adaptation mechanism is highly suited to maintaining homeostasis, its adjustable set points may render it vulnerable to perturbation and dysregulation. Finally, we suggest that pharmacological modulation of this kinase-KCC2 rheostat might be a particularly efficacious strategy to enhance Cl(-) extrusion and therapeutically restore GABA inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristopher T Kahle
- Departments of Neurosurgery and Pediatrics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut; Yale Neurogenetics Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut; and
| | - Eric Delpire
- Department of Anesthesiology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
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174
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Nelson SB, Valakh V. Excitatory/Inhibitory Balance and Circuit Homeostasis in Autism Spectrum Disorders. Neuron 2015; 87:684-98. [PMID: 26291155 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2015.07.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 691] [Impact Index Per Article: 76.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and related neurological disorders are associated with mutations in many genes affecting the ratio between neuronal excitation and inhibition. However, understanding the impact of these mutations on network activity is complicated by the plasticity of these networks, making it difficult in many cases to separate initial deficits from homeostatic compensation. Here we explore the contrasting evidence for primary defects in inhibition or excitation in ASDs and attempt to integrate the findings in terms of the brain's ability to maintain functional homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sacha B Nelson
- Department of Biology and Center for Behavioral Genomics, Brandeis University, 415 South Street, Waltham, MA 02454, USA.
| | - Vera Valakh
- Department of Biology and Center for Behavioral Genomics, Brandeis University, 415 South Street, Waltham, MA 02454, USA
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175
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Li J, You Y, Yue W, Jia M, Yu H, Lu T, Wu Z, Ruan Y, Wang L, Zhang D. Genetic Evidence for Possible Involvement of the Calcium Channel Gene CACNA1A in Autism Pathogenesis in Chinese Han Population. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0142887. [PMID: 26566276 PMCID: PMC4643966 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0142887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2015] [Accepted: 10/28/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a group of neurodevelopmental disorders. Recent studies suggested that calcium channel genes might be involved in the genetic etiology of ASD. CACNA1A, encoding an alpha-1 subunit of voltage-gated calcium channel, has been reported to play an important role in neural development. Previous study detected that a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in CACNA1A confers risk to ASD in Central European population. However, the genetic relationship between autism and CACNA1A in Chinese Han population remains unclear. To explore the association of CACNA1A with autism, we performed a family-based association study. First, we carried out a family-based association test between twelve tagged SNPs and autism in 239 trios. To further confirm the association, the sample size was expanded to 553 trios by recruiting 314 additional trios. In a total of 553 trios, we identified association of rs7249246 and rs12609735 with autism though this would not survive after Bonferroni correction. Our findings suggest that CACNA1A might play a role in the etiology of autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Li
- Institute of Mental Health, The Sixth Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Ministry of Health & National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders (Peking University), Beijing, China
| | - Yang You
- Institute of Mental Health, The Sixth Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Ministry of Health & National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders (Peking University), Beijing, China
| | - Weihua Yue
- Institute of Mental Health, The Sixth Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Ministry of Health & National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders (Peking University), Beijing, China
| | - Meixiang Jia
- Institute of Mental Health, The Sixth Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Ministry of Health & National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders (Peking University), Beijing, China
| | - Hao Yu
- Institute of Mental Health, The Sixth Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Ministry of Health & National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders (Peking University), Beijing, China
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Tianlan Lu
- Institute of Mental Health, The Sixth Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Ministry of Health & National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders (Peking University), Beijing, China
| | - Zhiliu Wu
- Institute of Mental Health, The Sixth Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Ministry of Health & National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders (Peking University), Beijing, China
| | - Yanyan Ruan
- Institute of Mental Health, The Sixth Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Ministry of Health & National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders (Peking University), Beijing, China
| | - Lifang Wang
- Institute of Mental Health, The Sixth Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Ministry of Health & National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders (Peking University), Beijing, China
- * E-mail: (DZ); (LFW)
| | - Dai Zhang
- Institute of Mental Health, The Sixth Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Ministry of Health & National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders (Peking University), Beijing, China
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, P. R. China
- PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Peking University, Beijing, P. R. China
- * E-mail: (DZ); (LFW)
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176
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Corvino V, Di Maria V, Marchese E, Lattanzi W, Biamonte F, Michetti F, Geloso MC. Estrogen administration modulates hippocampal GABAergic subpopulations in the hippocampus of trimethyltin-treated rats. Front Cell Neurosci 2015; 9:433. [PMID: 26594149 PMCID: PMC4633568 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2015.00433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2015] [Accepted: 10/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Given the well-documented involvement of estrogens in the modulation of hippocampal functions in both physiological and pathological conditions, the present study investigates the effects of 17-beta estradiol (E2) administration in the rat model of hippocampal neurodegeneration induced by trimethyltin (TMT) administration (8 mg/kg), characterized by loss of pyramidal neurons in CA1, CA3/hilus hippocampal subfields, associated with astroglial and microglial activation, seizures and cognitive impairment. After TMT/saline treatment, ovariectomized animals received two doses of E2 (0.2 mg/kg intra-peritoneal) or vehicle, and were sacrificed 48 h or 7 days after TMT-treatment. Our results indicate that in TMT-treated animals E2 administration induces the early (48 h) upregulation of genes involved in neuroprotection and synaptogenesis, namely Bcl2, trkB, cadherin 2 and cyclin-dependent-kinase-5. Increased expression levels of glutamic acid decarboxylase (gad) 67, neuropeptide Y (Npy), parvalbumin, Pgc-1α and Sirtuin 1 genes, the latter involved in parvalbumin (PV) synthesis, were also evident. Unbiased stereology performed on rats sacrificed 7 days after TMT treatment showed that although E2 does not significantly influence the extent of TMT-induced neuronal death, significantly enhances the TMT-induced modulation of GABAergic interneuron population size in selected hippocampal subfields. In particular, E2 administration causes, in TMT-treated rats, a significant increase in the number of GAD67-expressing interneurons in CA1 stratum oriens, CA3 pyramidal layer, hilus and dentate gyrus, accompanied by a parallel increase in NPY-expressing cells, essentially in the same regions, and of PV-positive cells in CA1 pyramidal layer. The present results add information concerning the role of in vivo E2 administration on mechanisms involved in cellular plasticity in the adult brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Corvino
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Di Maria
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore Rome, Italy
| | - Elisa Marchese
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore Rome, Italy
| | - Wanda Lattanzi
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore Rome, Italy
| | - Filippo Biamonte
- Institute of Histology and Embryology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore Rome, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Michetti
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Concetta Geloso
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore Rome, Italy
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177
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Huang TN, Hsueh YP. Brain-specific transcriptional regulator T-brain-1 controls brain wiring and neuronal activity in autism spectrum disorders. Front Neurosci 2015; 9:406. [PMID: 26578866 PMCID: PMC4630302 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2015.00406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2015] [Accepted: 10/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
T-brain-1 (TBR1) is a brain-specific T-box transcription factor. In 1995, Tbr1 was first identified from a subtractive hybridization that compared mouse embryonic and adult telencephalons. Previous studies of Tbr1−∕− mice have indicated critical roles for TBR1 in the development of the cerebral cortex, amygdala, and olfactory bulb. Neuronal migration and axonal projection are two important developmental features controlled by TBR1. Recently, recurrent de novo disruptive mutations in the TBR1 gene have been found in patients with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Human genetic studies have identified TBR1 as a high-confidence risk factor for ASDs. Because only one allele of the TBR1 gene is mutated in these patients, Tbr1+∕− mice serve as a good genetic mouse model to explore the mechanism by which de novo TBR1 mutation leads to ASDs. Although neuronal migration and axonal projection defects of cerebral cortex are the most prominent phenotypes in Tbr1−∕− mice, these features are not found in Tbr1+∕− mice. Instead, inter- and intra-amygdalar axonal projections and NMDAR expression and activity in amygdala are particularly susceptible to Tbr1 haploinsufficiency. The studies indicated that both abnormal brain wiring (abnormal amygdalar connections) and excitation/inhibition imbalance (NMDAR hypoactivity), two prominent models for ASD etiology, are present in Tbr1+∕− mice. Moreover, calcium/calmodulin-dependent serine protein kinase (CASK) was found to interact with TBR1. The CASK–TBR1 complex had been shown to directly bind the promoter of the Grin2b gene, which is also known as Nmdar2b, and upregulate Grin2b expression. This molecular function of TBR1 provides an explanation for NMDAR hypoactivity in Tbr1+∕− mice. In addition to Grin2b, cell adhesion molecules—including Ntng1, Cdh8, and Cntn2—are also regulated by TBR1 to control axonal projections of amygdala. Taken together, the studies of Tbr1 provide an integrated picture of ASD etiology at the cellular and circuit levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tzyy-Nan Huang
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ping Hsueh
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica Taipei, Taiwan
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178
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Hammer M, Krueger-Burg D, Tuffy LP, Cooper BH, Taschenberger H, Goswami SP, Ehrenreich H, Jonas P, Varoqueaux F, Rhee JS, Brose N. Perturbed Hippocampal Synaptic Inhibition and γ-Oscillations in a Neuroligin-4 Knockout Mouse Model of Autism. Cell Rep 2015; 13:516-523. [PMID: 26456829 PMCID: PMC5862414 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2015.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2015] [Revised: 08/23/2015] [Accepted: 09/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Loss-of-function mutations in the synaptic adhesion protein Neuroligin-4 are among the most common genetic abnormalities associated with autism spectrum disorders, but little is known about the function of Neuroligin-4 and the consequences of its loss. We assessed synaptic and network characteristics in Neuroligin-4 knockout mice, focusing on the hippocampus as a model brain region with a critical role in cognition and memory, and found that Neuroligin-4 deletion causes subtle defects of the protein composition and function of GABAergic synapses in the hippocampal CA3 region. Interestingly, these subtle synaptic changes are accompanied by pronounced perturbations of γ-oscillatory network activity, which has been implicated in cognitive function and is altered in multiple psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders. Our data provide important insights into the mechanisms by which Neuroligin-4-dependent GABAergic synapses may contribute to autism phenotypes and indicate new strategies for therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthieu Hammer
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hermann-Rein-Straße 3, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Dilja Krueger-Burg
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hermann-Rein-Straße 3, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Liam Patrick Tuffy
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hermann-Rein-Straße 3, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Benjamin Hillman Cooper
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hermann-Rein-Straße 3, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Holger Taschenberger
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hermann-Rein-Straße 3, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Sarit Pati Goswami
- Institute of Science and Technology Austria, Am Campus 1, 3400 Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | - Hannelore Ehrenreich
- Clinical Neuroscience, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hermann-Rein-Straße 3, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Peter Jonas
- Institute of Science and Technology Austria, Am Campus 1, 3400 Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | - Frederique Varoqueaux
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hermann-Rein-Straße 3, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Jeong-Seop Rhee
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hermann-Rein-Straße 3, 37075 Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Nils Brose
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hermann-Rein-Straße 3, 37075 Göttingen, Germany.
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179
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Rao G, Croft B, Teng C, Awasthi V. Ubiquitin-Proteasome System in Neurodegenerative Disorders. JOURNAL OF DRUG METABOLISM & TOXICOLOGY 2015; 6:187. [PMID: 30761219 PMCID: PMC6370320 DOI: 10.4172/2157-7609.1000187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Cellular proteostasis is a highly dynamic process and is primarily carried out by the degradation tools of ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS). Abnormalities in UPS function result in the accumulation of damaged or misfolded proteins which can form intra- and extracellular aggregated proteinaceous deposits leading to cellular dysfunction and/or death. Deposition of abnormal protein aggregates and the cellular inability to clear them have been implicated in the pathogenesis of a number of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Contrary to the upregulation of proteasome function in oncogenesis and the use of proteasome inhibition as a therapeutic strategy, activation of proteasome function would serve therapeutic objectives of treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. This review describes the current understanding of the role of the proteasome in neurodegenerative disorders and potential utility of proteasomal modulation therein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geeta Rao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Brandon Croft
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Chengwen Teng
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Vibhudutta Awasthi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
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180
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Sastre A, Campillo NE, Gil C, Martinez A. Therapeutic approaches for the future treatment of Fragile X. Curr Opin Behav Sci 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cobeha.2015.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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181
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Kahle KT, Khanna AR, Alper SL, Adragna NC, Lauf PK, Sun D, Delpire E. K-Cl cotransporters, cell volume homeostasis, and neurological disease. Trends Mol Med 2015; 21:513-23. [PMID: 26142773 PMCID: PMC4834970 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2015.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2015] [Revised: 05/10/2015] [Accepted: 05/29/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
K(+)-Cl(-) cotransporters (KCCs) were originally characterized as regulators of red blood cell (RBC) volume. Since then, four distinct KCCs have been cloned, and their importance for volume regulation has been demonstrated in other cell types. Genetic models of certain KCCs, such as KCC3, and their inhibitory WNK-STE20/SPS1-related proline/alanine-rich kinase (SPAK) serine-threonine kinases, have demonstrated the evolutionary necessity of these molecules for nervous system cell volume regulation, structure, and function, and their involvement in neurological disease. The recent characterization of a swelling-activated dephosphorylation mechanism that potently stimulates the KCCs has pinpointed a potentially druggable switch of KCC activity. An improved understanding of WNK/SPAK-mediated KCC cell volume regulation in the nervous system might reveal novel avenues for the treatment of multiple neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristopher T Kahle
- Department of Neurosurgery, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research, Children's Hospital Boston, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
| | - Arjun R Khanna
- Department of Neurosurgery, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Seth L Alper
- Renal Division and Molecular and Vascular Medicine Division, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center; Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Norma C Adragna
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University, Dayton, OH 45435, USA
| | - Peter K Lauf
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University, Dayton, OH 45435, USA; Department of Pathology, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University, Dayton, OH 45435, USA
| | - Dandan Sun
- Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15217, USA; Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Health Care System, Geriatric Research, Educational and Clinical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Eric Delpire
- Department of Anesthesiology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.
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182
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Paine TA, Cooke EK, Lowes DC. Effects of chronic inhibition of GABA synthesis on attention and impulse control. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2015; 135:97-104. [PMID: 26044967 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2015.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2015] [Revised: 05/23/2015] [Accepted: 05/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cortical GABA regulates a number of cognitive functions including attention and working memory and is dysregulated in a number of psychiatric conditions. In schizophrenia for example, changes in GABA neurons [reduced expression of glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD), parvalbumin (PV) and the GABA reuptake transporter (GAT1)] suggest reduced cortical GABA synthesis and release; these changes are hypothesized to cause the cognitive deficits observed in this disorder. The goals of this experiment were to determine whether chronically reducing GAD function within the rat PFC causes attention deficits and alterations in PV and GAT1 expression. METHODS Male Sprague Dawley rats were trained on the 5-choice serial reaction time task (5CSRTT, a task of attention) until they reached criterion performance and then were implanted with a bilateral cannula aimed at the medial PFC. Cannulae were connected to osmotic minipumps that infused the GAD inhibitor l-allylglycine (LAG, 3.2μg/0.5μl/h) for 13days. Following a 5-day recovery from surgery rats were tested on the standard 5CSRTT for 5 consecutive days and then tested on two modifications of the 5CSRTT. Finally, locomotor activity was assessed and the rats sacrificed. Brains were rapidly extracted and flash frozen and analyzed for the expression of GAD67, PV, GAT1 and the obligatory NMDA receptor subunit NR1. RESULTS Chronic LAG infusions transiently impaired attention, persistently impaired impulse control and increased locomotor activity. Behavioral changes were associated with an upregulation of GAD67, but no change in PV, GAT1 or NR1 expression. SUMMARY Chronic inhibition of GABA synthesis within the medial PFC, increased impulsive behavior and locomotion, but did not impair attention; results consistent with previous research following acute inhibition of GABA synthesis. Moreover, our data do not support the hypothesis that decreasing GABA synthesis and release is sufficient to cause changes in other GABA-related proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracie A Paine
- Department of Neuroscience, Oberlin College, Oberlin OH, 44074, USA.
| | | | - Daniel C Lowes
- Department of Neuroscience, Oberlin College, Oberlin OH, 44074, USA
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183
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Canitano R, Bozzi Y. New treatment perspectives in autism spectrum disorders. Front Pediatr 2015; 3:22. [PMID: 25853112 PMCID: PMC4364165 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2015.00022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2015] [Accepted: 03/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Canitano
- Division of Child Neuropsychiatry, University Hospital of Siena , Siena , Italy
| | - Yuri Bozzi
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropathology, Centre for Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento , Trento , Italy ; CNR Neuroscience Institute , Pisa , Italy
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184
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Ashwin C, Chapman E, Howells J, Rhydderch D, Walker I, Baron-Cohen S. Enhanced olfactory sensitivity in autism spectrum conditions. Mol Autism 2014; 5:53. [PMID: 25908951 PMCID: PMC4407326 DOI: 10.1186/2040-2392-5-53] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2014] [Accepted: 11/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background People with autism spectrum conditions (ASC) report heightened olfaction. Previous sensory experiments in people with ASC have reported hypersensitivity across visual, tactile, and auditory domains, but not olfaction. The aims of the present study were to investigate olfactory sensitivity in ASC, and to test the association of sensitivity to autistic traits. Methods We recruited 17 adult males diagnosed with ASC and 17 typical adult male controls and tested their olfactory sensitivity using the Alcohol Sniff Test (AST), a standardised clinical evaluation of olfactory detection. The AST involves varying the distance between subject and stimulus until an odour is barely detected. Participants with ASC also completed the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) as a measure of autism traits. Results The ASC group detected the odour at a mean distance of 24.1 cm (SD =11.5) from the nose, compared to the control group, who detected it at a significantly shorter mean distance of 14.4 cm (SD =5.9). Detection distance was independent of age and IQ for both groups, but showed a significant positive correlation with autistic traits in the ASC group (r =0.522). Conclusions This is the first experimental demonstration, as far as the authors are aware, of superior olfactory perception in ASC and showing that greater olfactory sensitivity is correlated with a higher number of autistic traits. This is consistent with results from previous findings showing hypersensitivity in other sensory domains and may help explain anecdotal and questionnaire accounts of heightened olfactory sensitivity in ASC. Results are discussed in terms of possible underlying neurophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris Ashwin
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Douglas House, 18b Trumpington Road, Cambridge, CB2 8AH UK ; Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, BA2 7AY UK
| | - Emma Chapman
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Douglas House, 18b Trumpington Road, Cambridge, CB2 8AH UK
| | - Jessica Howells
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Douglas House, 18b Trumpington Road, Cambridge, CB2 8AH UK
| | - Danielle Rhydderch
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Douglas House, 18b Trumpington Road, Cambridge, CB2 8AH UK
| | - Ian Walker
- Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, BA2 7AY UK
| | - Simon Baron-Cohen
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Douglas House, 18b Trumpington Road, Cambridge, CB2 8AH UK ; Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, CLASS Clinic, Cambridge, CB21 5EF UK
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