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Stamenkovic V, Lautz JD, Harsh FM, Smith SEP. SRC family kinase inhibition rescues molecular and behavioral phenotypes, but not protein interaction network dynamics, in a mouse model of Fragile X syndrome. Mol Psychiatry 2024; 29:1392-1405. [PMID: 38297084 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-024-02418-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
Glutamatergic synapses encode information from extracellular inputs using dynamic protein interaction networks (PINs) that undergo widespread reorganization following synaptic activity, allowing cells to distinguish between signaling inputs and generate coordinated cellular responses. Here, we investigate how Fragile X Messenger Ribonucleoprotein (FMRP) deficiency disrupts signal transduction through a glutamatergic synapse PIN downstream of NMDA receptor or metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR) stimulation. In cultured cortical neurons or acute cortical slices from P7, P17 and P60 FMR1-/y mice, the unstimulated protein interaction network state resembled that of wildtype littermates stimulated with mGluR agonists, demonstrating resting state pre-activation of mGluR signaling networks. In contrast, interactions downstream of NMDAR stimulation were similar to WT. We identified the Src family kinase (SFK) Fyn as a network hub, because many interactions involving Fyn were pre-activated in FMR1-/y animals. We tested whether targeting SFKs in FMR1-/y mice could modify disease phenotypes, and found that Saracatinib (SCB), an SFK inhibitor, normalized elevated basal protein synthesis, novel object recognition memory and social behavior in FMR1-/y mice. However, SCB treatment did not normalize the PIN to a wild-type-like state in vitro or in vivo, but rather induced extensive changes to protein complexes containing Shank3, NMDARs and Fyn. We conclude that targeting abnormal nodes of a PIN can identify potential disease-modifying drugs, but behavioral rescue does not correlate with PIN normalization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera Stamenkovic
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jonathan D Lautz
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Felicia M Harsh
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Stephen E P Smith
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
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Leontiadis LJ, Trompoukis G, Felemegkas P, Tsotsokou G, Miliou A, Papatheodoropoulos C. Increased Inhibition May Contribute to Maintaining Normal Network Function in the Ventral Hippocampus of a Fmr1-Targeted Transgenic Rat Model of Fragile X Syndrome. Brain Sci 2023; 13:1598. [PMID: 38002556 PMCID: PMC10669536 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13111598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
A common neurobiological mechanism in several neurodevelopmental disorders, including fragile X syndrome (FXS), is alterations in the balance between excitation and inhibition in the brain. It is thought that in the hippocampus, as in other brain regions, FXS is associated with increased excitability and reduced inhibition. However, it is still not known whether these changes apply to both the dorsal and ventral hippocampus, which appear to be differently involved in neurodegenerative disorders. Using a Fmr1 knock-out (KO) rat model of FXS, we found increased neuronal excitability in both the dorsal and ventral KO hippocampus and increased excitatory synaptic transmission in the dorsal hippocampus. Interestingly, synaptic inhibition is significantly increased in the ventral but not the dorsal KO hippocampus. Furthermore, the ventral KO hippocampus displays increased expression of the α1GABAA receptor subtype and a remarkably reduced rate of epileptiform discharges induced by magnesium-free medium. In contrast, the dorsal KO hippocampus displays an increased rate of epileptiform discharges and similar expression of α1GABAA receptors compared with the dorsal WT hippocampus. Blockade of α5GABAA receptors by L-655,708 did not affect epileptiform discharges in any genotype or hippocampal segment, and the expression of α5GABAA receptors did not differ between WT and KO hippocampus. These results suggest that the increased excitability of the dorsal KO hippocampus contributes to its heightened tendency to epileptiform discharges, while the increased phasic inhibition in the Fmr1-KO ventral hippocampus may represent a homeostatic mechanism that compensates for the increased excitability reducing its vulnerability to epileptic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Costas Papatheodoropoulos
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Medicine, University of Patras, 26504 Rion, Greece; (L.J.L.); (G.T. (George Trompoukis)); (P.F.); (G.T. (Giota Tsotsokou)); (A.M.)
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3
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Schmitt LM, Arzuaga AL, Dapore A, Duncan J, Patel M, Larson JR, Erickson CA, Sweeney JA, Ragozzino ME. Parallel learning and cognitive flexibility impairments between Fmr1 knockout mice and individuals with fragile X syndrome. Front Behav Neurosci 2023; 16:1074682. [PMID: 36688132 PMCID: PMC9849779 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.1074682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) is a monogenic condition that leads to intellectual disability along with behavioral and learning difficulties. Among behavioral and learning difficulties, cognitive flexibility impairments are among the most commonly reported in FXS, which significantly impacts daily living. Despite the extensive use of the Fmr1 knockout (KO) mouse to understand molecular, synaptic and behavioral alterations related to FXS, there has been limited development of translational paradigms to understand cognitive flexibility that can be employed in both animal models and individuals with FXS to facilitate treatment development. Methods To begin addressing this limitation, a parallel set of studies were carried out that investigated probabilistic reversal learning along with other behavioral and cognitive tests in individuals with FXS and Fmr1 KO mice. Fifty-five adolescents and adults with FXS (67% male) and 34 age- and sex-matched typically developing controls (62% male) completed an initial probabilistic learning training task and a probabilistic reversal learning task. Results In males with FXS, both initial probabilistic learning and reversal learning deficits were found. However, in females with FXS, we only observed reversal learning deficits. Reversal learning deficits related to more severe psychiatric features in females with FXS, whereas increased sensitivity to negative feedback (lose:shift errors) unexpectedly appear to be adaptive in males with FXS. Male Fmr1 KO mice exhibited both an initial probabilistic learning and reversal learning deficit compared to that of wildtype (WT) mice. Female Fmr1 KO mice were selectively impaired on probabilistic reversal learning. In a prepotent response inhibition test, both male and female Fmr1 KO mice were impaired in learning to choose a non-preferred spatial location to receive a food reward compared to that of WT mice. Neither male nor female Fmr1 KO mice exhibited a change in anxiety compared to that of WT mice. Discussion Together, our findings demonstrate strikingly similar sex-dependent learning disturbances across individuals with FXS and Fmr1 KO mice. This suggests the promise of using analogous paradigms of cognitive flexibility across species that may speed treatment development to improve lives of individuals with FXS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren M. Schmitt
- Division of Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States,Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Anna L. Arzuaga
- Department of Psychology, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Ashley Dapore
- Department of Psychiatry, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Jason Duncan
- Department of Psychology, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Maya Patel
- Department of Psychology, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - John R. Larson
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Craig A. Erickson
- Department of Psychiatry, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - John A. Sweeney
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Michael E. Ragozzino
- Department of Psychology, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States,*Correspondence: Michael E. Ragozzino,
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Kenny A, Wright D, Stanfield AC. EEG as a translational biomarker and outcome measure in fragile X syndrome. Transl Psychiatry 2022; 12:34. [PMID: 35075104 PMCID: PMC8786970 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-022-01796-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Targeted treatments for fragile X syndrome (FXS) have frequently failed to show efficacy in clinical testing, despite success at the preclinical stages. This has highlighted the need for more effective translational outcome measures. EEG differences observed in FXS, including exaggerated N1 ERP amplitudes, increased resting gamma power and reduced gamma phase-locking in the sensory cortices, have been suggested as potential biomarkers of the syndrome. These abnormalities are thought to reflect cortical hyper excitability resulting from an excitatory (glutamate) and inhibitory (GABAergic) imbalance in FXS, which has been the target of several pharmaceutical remediation studies. EEG differences observed in humans also show similarities to those seen in laboratory models of FXS, which may allow for greater translational equivalence and better predict clinical success of putative therapeutics. There is some evidence from clinical trials showing that treatment related changes in EEG may be associated with clinical improvements, but these require replication and extension to other medications. Although the use of EEG characteristics as biomarkers is still in the early phases, and further research is needed to establish its utility in clinical trials, the current research is promising and signals the emergence of an effective translational biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aisling Kenny
- Patrick Wild Centre, Division of Psychiatry, Kennedy Tower, Royal Edinburgh Hospital, University of Edinburgh, EH10 5HF, Edinburgh, UK.
| | - Damien Wright
- grid.4305.20000 0004 1936 7988Patrick Wild Centre, Division of Psychiatry, Kennedy Tower, Royal Edinburgh Hospital, University of Edinburgh, EH10 5HF Edinburgh, UK
| | - Andrew C. Stanfield
- grid.4305.20000 0004 1936 7988Patrick Wild Centre, Division of Psychiatry, Kennedy Tower, Royal Edinburgh Hospital, University of Edinburgh, EH10 5HF Edinburgh, UK
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Barthelson K, Baer L, Dong Y, Hand M, Pujic Z, Newman M, Goodhill GJ, Richards RI, Pederson SM, Lardelli M. Zebrafish Chromosome 14 Gene Differential Expression in the fmr1 h u2787 Model of Fragile X Syndrome. Front Genet 2021; 12:625466. [PMID: 34135935 PMCID: PMC8203322 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.625466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Zebrafish represent a valuable model for investigating the molecular and cellular basis of Fragile X syndrome (FXS). Reduced expression of the zebrafish FMR1 orthologous gene, fmr1, causes developmental and behavioural phenotypes related to FXS. Zebrafish homozygous for the hu2787 non-sense mutation allele of fmr1 are widely used to model FXS, although FXS-relevant phenotypes seen from morpholino antisense oligonucleotide (morpholino) suppression of fmr1 transcript translation were not observed when hu2787 was first described. The subsequent discovery of transcriptional adaptation (a form of genetic compensation), whereby mutations causing non-sense-mediated decay of transcripts can drive compensatory upregulation of homologous transcripts independent of protein feedback loops, suggested an explanation for the differences reported. We examined the whole-embryo transcriptome effects of homozygosity for fmr1 h u2787 at 2 days post fertilisation. We observed statistically significant changes in expression of a number of gene transcripts, but none from genes showing sequence homology to fmr1. Enrichment testing of differentially expressed genes implied effects on lysosome function and glycosphingolipid biosynthesis. The majority of the differentially expressed genes are located, like fmr1, on Chromosome 14. Quantitative PCR tests did not support that this was artefactual due to changes in relative chromosome abundance. Enrichment testing of the "leading edge" differentially expressed genes from Chromosome 14 revealed that their co-location on this chromosome may be associated with roles in brain development and function. The differential expression of functionally related genes due to mutation of fmr1, and located on the same chromosome as fmr1, is consistent with R.A. Fisher's assertion that the selective advantage of co-segregation of particular combinations of alleles of genes will favour, during evolution, chromosomal rearrangements that place them in linkage disequilibrium on the same chromosome. However, we cannot exclude that the apparent differential expression of genes on Chromosome 14 genes was, (if only in part), caused by differences between the expression of alleles of genes unrelated to the effects of the fmr1 h u2787 mutation and made manifest due to the limited, but non-zero, allelic diversity between the genotypes compared.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karissa Barthelson
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Lachlan Baer
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Yang Dong
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Melanie Hand
- Bioinformatics Hub, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Zac Pujic
- Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Morgan Newman
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Geoffrey J. Goodhill
- Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- School of Mathematics and Physics, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Robert I. Richards
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | | | - Michael Lardelli
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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Brighi C, Salaris F, Soloperto A, Cordella F, Ghirga S, de Turris V, Rosito M, Porceddu PF, D’Antoni C, Reggiani A, Rosa A, Di Angelantonio S. Novel fragile X syndrome 2D and 3D brain models based on human isogenic FMRP-KO iPSCs. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:498. [PMID: 33993189 PMCID: PMC8124071 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-03776-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder, characterized by intellectual disability and sensory deficits, caused by epigenetic silencing of the FMR1 gene and subsequent loss of its protein product, fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP). Delays in synaptic and neuronal development in the cortex have been reported in FXS mouse models; however, the main goal of translating lab research into pharmacological treatments in clinical trials has been so far largely unsuccessful, leaving FXS a still incurable disease. Here, we generated 2D and 3D in vitro human FXS model systems based on isogenic FMR1 knock-out mutant and wild-type human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) lines. Phenotypical and functional characterization of cortical neurons derived from FMRP-deficient hiPSCs display altered gene expression and impaired differentiation when compared with the healthy counterpart. FXS cortical cultures show an increased number of GFAP positive cells, likely astrocytes, increased spontaneous network activity, and depolarizing GABAergic transmission. Cortical brain organoid models show an increased number of glial cells, and bigger organoid size. Our findings demonstrate that FMRP is required to correctly support neuronal and glial cell proliferation, and to set the correct excitation/inhibition ratio in human brain development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Brighi
- grid.25786.3e0000 0004 1764 2907Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy ,grid.7841.aDepartment of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Federico Salaris
- grid.25786.3e0000 0004 1764 2907Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy ,grid.7841.aDepartment of Biology and Biotechnologies “Charles Darwin”, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Soloperto
- grid.25786.3e0000 0004 1764 2907Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Cordella
- grid.25786.3e0000 0004 1764 2907Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy ,grid.7841.aDepartment of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Ghirga
- grid.25786.3e0000 0004 1764 2907Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy ,grid.7841.aDepartment of Physics, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria de Turris
- grid.25786.3e0000 0004 1764 2907Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Rosito
- grid.25786.3e0000 0004 1764 2907Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Pier Francesca Porceddu
- grid.25786.3e0000 0004 1764 2907D3 Validation Research Line, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy
| | - Chiara D’Antoni
- grid.25786.3e0000 0004 1764 2907Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy ,grid.7841.aDepartment of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Angelo Reggiani
- grid.25786.3e0000 0004 1764 2907D3 Validation Research Line, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy
| | - Alessandro Rosa
- grid.25786.3e0000 0004 1764 2907Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy ,grid.7841.aDepartment of Biology and Biotechnologies “Charles Darwin”, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Di Angelantonio
- grid.25786.3e0000 0004 1764 2907Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy ,grid.7841.aDepartment of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
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Quach TT, Stratton HJ, Khanna R, Kolattukudy PE, Honnorat J, Meyer K, Duchemin AM. Intellectual disability: dendritic anomalies and emerging genetic perspectives. Acta Neuropathol 2021; 141:139-158. [PMID: 33226471 PMCID: PMC7855540 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-020-02244-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Intellectual disability (ID) corresponds to several neurodevelopmental disorders of heterogeneous origin in which cognitive deficits are commonly associated with abnormalities of dendrites and dendritic spines. These histological changes in the brain serve as a proxy for underlying deficits in neuronal network connectivity, mostly a result of genetic factors. Historically, chromosomal abnormalities have been reported by conventional karyotyping, targeted fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and chromosomal microarray analysis. More recently, cytogenomic mapping, whole-exome sequencing, and bioinformatic mining have led to the identification of novel candidate genes, including genes involved in neuritogenesis, dendrite maintenance, and synaptic plasticity. Greater understanding of the roles of these putative ID genes and their functional interactions might boost investigations into determining the plausible link between cellular and behavioral alterations as well as the mechanisms contributing to the cognitive impairment observed in ID. Genetic data combined with histological abnormalities, clinical presentation, and transgenic animal models provide support for the primacy of dysregulation in dendrite structure and function as the basis for the cognitive deficits observed in ID. In this review, we highlight the importance of dendrite pathophysiology in the etiologies of four prototypical ID syndromes, namely Down Syndrome (DS), Rett Syndrome (RTT), Digeorge Syndrome (DGS) and Fragile X Syndrome (FXS). Clinical characteristics of ID have also been reported in individuals with deletions in the long arm of chromosome 10 (the q26.2/q26.3), a region containing the gene for the collapsin response mediator protein 3 (CRMP3), also known as dihydropyrimidinase-related protein-4 (DRP-4, DPYSL4), which is involved in dendritogenesis. Following a discussion of clinical and genetic findings in these syndromes and their preclinical animal models, we lionize CRMP3/DPYSL4 as a novel candidate gene for ID that may be ripe for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tam T Quach
- Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
- INSERM U1217/CNRS, UMR5310, Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | | | - Rajesh Khanna
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA
| | | | - Jérome Honnorat
- INSERM U1217/CNRS, UMR5310, Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
- French Reference Center on Paraneoplastic Neurological Syndromes and Autoimmune Encephalitis, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
- SynatAc Team, Institut NeuroMyoGène, Lyon, France
| | - Kathrin Meyer
- The Research Institute of Nationwide Children Hospital, Columbus, OH, 43205, USA
- Department of Pediatric, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Anne-Marie Duchemin
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.
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Goo N, Bae HJ, Park K, Kim J, Jeong Y, Cai M, Cho K, Jung SY, Kim DH, Ryu JH. The effect of fecal microbiota transplantation on autistic-like behaviors in Fmr1 KO mice. Life Sci 2020; 262:118497. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.118497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Feuge J, Scharkowski F, Michaelsen-Preusse K, Korte M. FMRP Modulates Activity-Dependent Spine Plasticity by Binding Cofilin1 mRNA and Regulating Localization and Local Translation. Cereb Cortex 2020; 29:5204-5216. [PMID: 30953439 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhz059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2018] [Revised: 02/14/2019] [Accepted: 02/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple variants of intellectual disability, e.g., the Fragile X Syndrome are associated with alterations in dendritic spine morphology, thereby pointing to dysregulated actin dynamics during development and processes of synaptic plasticity. Surprisingly, although the necessity of spine actin remodeling was demonstrated repeatedly, the importance and precise role of actin regulators is often undervalued. Here, we provide evidence that structural and functional plasticity are severely impaired after NMDAR-dependent LTP in the hippocampus of Fmr1 KO mice. We can link these defects to an aberrant activity-dependent regulation of Cofilin 1 (cof1) as activity-dependent modulations of local cof1 mRNA availability, local cof1 translation as well as total cof1 expression are impaired in the absence of FMRP. Finally, we can rescue activity-dependent structural plasticity in KO neurons by mimicking the regulation of cof1 observed in WT cells, thereby illustrating the potential of actin modulators to provide novel treatment strategies for the Fragile X Syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Feuge
- Division of Cellular Neurobiology, Zoological Institute, TU Braunschweig, Germany
| | | | | | - Martin Korte
- Division of Cellular Neurobiology, Zoological Institute, TU Braunschweig, Germany.,Helmholtz Center for Infection Research, Research group Neuroinflammation and Neurodegeneration, Braunschweig, Germany
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Cataloguing and Selection of mRNAs Localized to Dendrites in Neurons and Regulated by RNA-Binding Proteins in RNA Granules. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10020167. [PMID: 31978946 PMCID: PMC7072219 DOI: 10.3390/biom10020167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Revised: 01/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Spatiotemporal translational regulation plays a key role in determining cell fate and function. Specifically, in neurons, local translation in dendrites is essential for synaptic plasticity and long-term memory formation. To achieve local translation, RNA-binding proteins in RNA granules regulate target mRNA stability, localization, and translation. To date, mRNAs localized to dendrites have been identified by comprehensive analyses. In addition, mRNAs associated with and regulated by RNA-binding proteins have been identified using various methods in many studies. However, the results obtained from these numerous studies have not been compiled together. In this review, we have catalogued mRNAs that are localized to dendrites and are associated with and regulated by the RNA-binding proteins fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP), RNA granule protein 105 (RNG105, also known as Caprin1), Ras-GAP SH3 domain binding protein (G3BP), cytoplasmic polyadenylation element binding protein 1 (CPEB1), and staufen double-stranded RNA binding proteins 1 and 2 (Stau1 and Stau2) in RNA granules. This review provides comprehensive information on dendritic mRNAs, the neuronal functions of mRNA-encoded proteins, the association of dendritic mRNAs with RNA-binding proteins in RNA granules, and the effects of RNA-binding proteins on mRNA regulation. These findings provide insights into the mechanistic basis of protein-synthesis-dependent synaptic plasticity and memory formation and contribute to future efforts to understand the physiological implications of local regulation of dendritic mRNAs in neurons.
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Roy R, Shiina N, Wang DO. More dynamic, more quantitative, unexpectedly intricate: Advanced understanding on synaptic RNA localization in learning and memory. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2019; 168:107149. [PMID: 31881355 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2019.107149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2019] [Revised: 10/25/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Synaptic signaling exhibits great diversity, complexity, and plasticity which necessitates maintenance and rapid modification of a local proteome. One solution neurons actively exploit to meet such demands is the strategic deposition of mRNAs encoding proteins for both basal and experience-driven activities into ribonucleoprotein complexes at the synapse. Transcripts localized in this manner can be rapidly accessed for translation in response to a diverse range of stimuli in a temporal- and spatially-restricted manner. Here we review recent findings on localized RNAs and RNA binding proteins in the context of learning and memory, as revealed by cutting-edge in-vitro and in-vivo technologies capable of yielding quantitative and dynamic information. The new technologies include proteomic and transcriptomic analyses, high-resolution multiplexed RNA imaging, single-molecule RNA tracking in living neurons, animal models and human neuron cell models. Among many recent advances in the field, RNA chemical modification has emerged as one of the new regulatory layers of gene expression at synapse that is complex and yet largely unexplored. These exciting new discoveries have enhanced our understanding of the modulation mechanisms of synaptic gene expression and their roles in cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohini Roy
- Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences (iCeMS), Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan; Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Nobuyuki Shiina
- Laboratory of Neuronal Cell Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, Okazaki, Japan; Department of Basic Biology, SOKENDAI, Okazaki, Japan; Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems, Okazaki, Japan.
| | - Dan Ohtan Wang
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Liaoning, China; Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences (iCeMS), Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan; The Keihanshin Consortium for Fostering the Next Generation of Global Leaders in Research (K-CONNEX), Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.
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Monsalve‐Mercado MM, Roudi Y. Hippocampal spike‐time correlations and place field overlaps during open field foraging. Hippocampus 2019; 30:354-366. [DOI: 10.1002/hipo.23173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2019] [Revised: 10/05/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mauro M. Monsalve‐Mercado
- Physik‐Department Technische Universitat Munchen Munich Germany
- Center for Theoretical Neuroscience Zuckerman Institute, Columbia University New York New York
- Kavli Institute for Systems Neuroscience and Centre for Neural Computation, NTNU Trondheim Norway
| | - Yasser Roudi
- Kavli Institute for Systems Neuroscience and Centre for Neural Computation, NTNU Trondheim Norway
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13
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Reduced perineuronal net expression in Fmr1 KO mice auditory cortex and amygdala is linked to impaired fear-associated memory. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2019; 164:107042. [PMID: 31326533 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2019.107042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2019] [Revised: 06/20/2019] [Accepted: 07/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) is a leading cause of heritable intellectual disability and autism. Humans with FXS show anxiety, sensory hypersensitivity and impaired learning. The mechanisms of learning impairments can be studied in the mouse model of FXS, the Fmr1 KO mouse, using tone-associated fear memory paradigms. Our previous study reported impaired development of parvalbumin (PV) positive interneurons and perineuronal nets (PNN) in the auditory cortex of Fmr1 KO mice. A recent study suggested PNN dynamics in the auditory cortex following tone-shock association is necessary for fear expression. Together these data suggest that abnormal PNN regulation may underlie tone-fear association learning deficits in Fmr1 KO mice. We tested this hypothesis by quantifying PV and PNN expression in the amygdala, hippocampus and auditory cortex of Fmr1 KO mice following fear conditioning. We found impaired tone-associated memory formation in Fmr1 KO mice. This was paralleled by impaired learning-associated regulation of PNNs in the superficial layers of auditory cortex in Fmr1 KO mice. PV cell density decreased in the auditory cortex in response to fear conditioning in both WT and Fmr1 KO mice. Learning-induced increase of PV expression in the CA3 hippocampus was only observed in WT mice. We also found reduced PNN density in the amygdala and auditory cortex of Fmr1 KO mice in all conditions, as well as reduced PNN intensity in CA2 hippocampus. There was a positive correlation between tone-associated memory and PNN density in the amygdala and auditory cortex, consistent with a tone-association deficit. Altogether our studies suggest a link between impaired PV and PNN regulation within specific regions of the fear conditioning circuit and impaired tone memory formation in Fmr1 KO mice.
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Verma V, Paul A, Amrapali Vishwanath A, Vaidya B, Clement JP. Understanding intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorders from common mouse models: synapses to behaviour. Open Biol 2019; 9:180265. [PMID: 31185809 PMCID: PMC6597757 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.180265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Normal brain development is highly dependent on the timely coordinated actions of genetic and environmental processes, and an aberration can lead to neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). Intellectual disability (ID) and autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a group of co-occurring NDDs that affect between 3% and 5% of the world population, thus presenting a great challenge to society. This problem calls for the need to understand the pathobiology of these disorders and to design new therapeutic strategies. One approach towards this has been the development of multiple analogous mouse models. This review discusses studies conducted in the mouse models of five major monogenic causes of ID and ASDs: Fmr1, Syngap1, Mecp2, Shank2/3 and Neuroligins/Neurnexins. These studies reveal that, despite having a diverse molecular origin, the effects of these mutations converge onto similar or related aetiological pathways, consequently giving rise to the typical phenotype of cognitive, social and emotional deficits that are characteristic of ID and ASDs. This convergence, therefore, highlights common pathological nodes that can be targeted for therapy. Other than conventional therapeutic strategies such as non-pharmacological corrective methods and symptomatic alleviation, multiple studies in mouse models have successfully proved the possibility of pharmacological and genetic therapy enabling functional recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijaya Verma
- Neuroscience Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research , Jakkur, Bengaluru 560 064, Karnataka, India
| | - Abhik Paul
- Neuroscience Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research , Jakkur, Bengaluru 560 064, Karnataka, India
| | - Anjali Amrapali Vishwanath
- Neuroscience Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research , Jakkur, Bengaluru 560 064, Karnataka, India
| | - Bhupesh Vaidya
- Neuroscience Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research , Jakkur, Bengaluru 560 064, Karnataka, India
| | - James P Clement
- Neuroscience Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research , Jakkur, Bengaluru 560 064, Karnataka, India
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15
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Danesi C, Achuta VS, Corcoran P, Peteri UK, Turconi G, Matsui N, Albayrak I, Rezov V, Isaksson A, Castrén ML. Increased Calcium Influx through L-type Calcium Channels in Human and Mouse Neural Progenitors Lacking Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein. Stem Cell Reports 2018; 11:1449-1461. [PMID: 30503263 PMCID: PMC6294261 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2018.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2018] [Revised: 11/02/2018] [Accepted: 11/05/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The absence of FMR1 protein (FMRP) causes fragile X syndrome (FXS) and disturbed FMRP function is implicated in several forms of human psychopathology. We show that intracellular calcium responses to depolarization are augmented in neural progenitors derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells and mouse brain with FXS. Increased calcium influx via nifedipine-sensitive voltage-gated calcium (Cav) channels contributes to the exaggerated responses to depolarization and type 1 metabotropic glutamate receptor activation. The ratio of L-type/T-type Cav channel expression is increased in FXS progenitors and correlates with enhanced progenitor differentiation to glutamate-responsive cells. Genetic reduction of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in FXS mouse progenitors diminishes the expression of Cav channels and activity-dependent responses, which are associated with increased phosphorylation of the phospholipase C-γ1 site within TrkB receptors and changes of differentiating progenitor subpopulations. Our results show developmental effects of increased calcium influx via L-type Cav channels in FXS neural progenitors. Responses to activity are augmented in neural progenitors in fragile X syndrome (FXS). Increased Ca2+ influx contributes to the exaggerated FXS progenitor responses L-type voltage-gated channels are abnormally activated in FXS progenitors Reduced BDNF diminishes Ca2+ influx and modulates FXS progenitor differentiation
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Danesi
- Faculty of Medicine, Physiology, University of Helsinki, PO Box 63, FIN-00014 University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Venkat Swaroop Achuta
- Faculty of Medicine, Physiology, University of Helsinki, PO Box 63, FIN-00014 University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Padraic Corcoran
- Array and Analysis Facility, Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, PO Box 3056, 75003 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ulla-Kaisa Peteri
- Faculty of Medicine, Physiology, University of Helsinki, PO Box 63, FIN-00014 University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Giorgio Turconi
- Faculty of Medicine, Physiology, University of Helsinki, PO Box 63, FIN-00014 University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Nobuaki Matsui
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokushima Bunri University, Tokushima, 770-8514, Japan
| | - Ilyas Albayrak
- Faculty of Medicine, Physiology, University of Helsinki, PO Box 63, FIN-00014 University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Veronika Rezov
- Faculty of Medicine, Physiology, University of Helsinki, PO Box 63, FIN-00014 University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Anders Isaksson
- Array and Analysis Facility, Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, PO Box 3056, 75003 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Maija L Castrén
- Faculty of Medicine, Physiology, University of Helsinki, PO Box 63, FIN-00014 University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
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Melancia F, Trezza V. Modelling fragile X syndrome in the laboratory setting: A behavioral perspective. Behav Brain Res 2018; 350:149-163. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2018.04.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2018] [Revised: 04/24/2018] [Accepted: 04/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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17
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Bausch AE, Ehinger R, Straubinger J, Zerfass P, Nann Y, Lukowski R. Loss of Sodium-Activated Potassium Channel Slack and FMRP Differentially Affect Social Behavior in Mice. Neuroscience 2018; 384:361-374. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2018.05.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2017] [Revised: 05/22/2018] [Accepted: 05/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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18
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Michaelsen‐Preusse K, Feuge J, Korte M. Imbalance of synaptic actin dynamics as a key to fragile X syndrome? J Physiol 2018; 596:2773-2782. [PMID: 29380377 PMCID: PMC6046079 DOI: 10.1113/jp275571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2017] [Accepted: 01/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Our experiences and memories define who we are, and evidence has accumulated that memory formation is dependent on functional and structural adaptations of synaptic structures in our brain. Especially dendritic spines, the postsynaptic compartments of synapses show a strong structure-to-function relationship and a high degree of structural plasticity. Although the molecular mechanisms are not completely understood, it is known that these modifications are highly dependent on the actin cytoskeleton, the major cytoskeletal component of the spine. Given the crucial involvement of actin in these mechanisms, dysregulations of spine actin dynamics (reflected by alterations in dendritic spine morphology) can be found in a variety of neurological disorders ranging from schizophrenia to several forms of autism spectrum disorders such as fragile X syndrome (FXS). FXS is caused by a single mutation leading to an inactivation of the X-linked fragile X mental retardation 1 gene and loss of its gene product, the RNA-binding protein fragile X mental retardation protein 1 (FMRP), which normally can be found both pre- and postsynaptically. FMRP is involved in mRNA transport as well as regulation of local translation at the synapse, and although hundreds of FMRP-target mRNAs could be identified only a very few interactions between FMRP and actin-regulating proteins have been reported and validated. In this review we give an overview of recent work by our lab and others providing evidence that dysregulated actin dynamics might indeed be at the very base of a deeper understanding of neurological disorders ranging from cognitive impairment to the autism spectrum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin Michaelsen‐Preusse
- Zoological Institute, Division of Cellular NeurobiologyTU BraunschweigSpielmannstr. 7Braunschweig38106Germany
| | - Jonas Feuge
- Zoological Institute, Division of Cellular NeurobiologyTU BraunschweigSpielmannstr. 7Braunschweig38106Germany
| | - Martin Korte
- Zoological Institute, Division of Cellular NeurobiologyTU BraunschweigSpielmannstr. 7Braunschweig38106Germany
- Helmholtz Centre for Infection ResearchAG NINDInhoffenstr. 7Braunschweig38124Germany
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19
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Nolan SO, Lugo JN. Reversal learning paradigm reveals deficits in cognitive flexibility in the Fmr1 knockout male mouse. F1000Res 2018; 7:711. [PMID: 30057755 PMCID: PMC6051189 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.14969.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Loss of FMR1 is associated with Fragile X syndrome, amongst the most prevalent inherited intellectual disability. Despite extensive research in this area, previous studies have failed to detect consistent evidence of cognitive impairments in the Morris water maze (MWM) task in the Fmr1 knockout (KO) mouse. However, few studies have examined cognitive flexibility in a reversal form of the MWM task, which may illuminate subtle learning deficits. Methods: Adult male Fmr1 wildtype (WT) and KO mice were bred and tested in the MWM reversal paradigm. The testing paradigm consisted of two blocks per day, with 4 trials per block to locate a hidden platform. After the last trials on the fourth day of testing, the animals were given a probe trial with the platform removed. The following week, the location of the platform was switched to the opposite quadrant and the animals received 2 more days of testing, with 4 blocks in total. Results: As expected, Fmr1 KO mice did not display a learning deficit during the acquisition phase, F genotype (1, 24) = 0.034, p = 0.854, and performed similarly on the probe trial, F genotype (1, 23) = 0.024, p = 0.877. However, during the reversal phase of learning, Fmr1 KO mice showed deficits in their ability to learn the new location of the platform, F genotype (1, 23) = 3.93, p = 0.059. Further independent samples t-testing revealed that KO animals displayed significantly higher latency to reach the hidden platform during the third trial, t(23) = -2.96, p < 0.01. Conclusions: While previous studies have not demonstrated deficits in spatial memory in the Fmr1 KO model, it is possible that the acquisition phase of the task is less sensitive to deficits in learning. Future studies using this model to evaluate therapeutic interventions should consider utilizing the MWM reversal paradigm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne O. Nolan
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Baylor University, Waco, TX, 76798, USA
| | - Joaquin N. Lugo
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Baylor University, Waco, TX, 76798, USA
- Institute of Biomedical Studies, Baylor University, Waco, TX, 76798, USA
- Department of Biology, Baylor University, Waco, TX, 76798, USA
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20
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Boone CE, Davoudi H, Harrold JB, Foster DJ. Abnormal Sleep Architecture and Hippocampal Circuit Dysfunction in a Mouse Model of Fragile X Syndrome. Neuroscience 2018; 384:275-289. [PMID: 29775702 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2018.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2018] [Revised: 05/03/2018] [Accepted: 05/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common heritable cause of intellectual disability and single-gene cause of autism spectrum disorder. The Fmr1 null mouse models much of the human disease including hyperarousal, sensory hypersensitivity, seizure activity, and hippocampus-dependent cognitive impairment. Sleep architecture is disorganized in FXS patients, but has not been examined in Fmr1 knockout (Fmr1-KO) mice. Hippocampal neural activity during sleep, which is implicated in memory processing, also remains uninvestigated in Fmr1-KO mice. We performed in vivo electrophysiological studies of freely behaving Fmr1-KO mice to assess neural activity, in the form of single-unit spiking and local field potential (LFP), within the hippocampal CA1 region during multiple differentiated sleep and wake states. Here, we demonstrate that Fmr1-KO mice exhibited a deficit in rapid eye movement sleep (REM) due to a reduction in the frequency of bouts of REM, consistent with sleep architecture abnormalities of FXS patients. Fmr1-KO CA1 pyramidal cells (CA1-PCs) were hyperactive in all sleep and wake states. Increased low gamma power in CA1 suggests that this hyperactivity was related to increased input to CA1 from CA3. By contrast, slower sharp-wave ripple events (SWRs) in Fmr1-KO mice exhibited longer event duration, slower oscillation frequency, with reduced CA1-PC firing rates during SWRs, yet the incidence rate of SWRs remained intact. These results suggest abnormal neuronal activity in the Fmr1-KO mouse during SWRs, and hyperactivity during other wake and sleep states, with likely adverse consequences for memory processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine E Boone
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States; Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Heydar Davoudi
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States; Department of Psychology and Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Jon B Harrold
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - David J Foster
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States; Department of Psychology and Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA, United States.
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21
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Yeates J. Naturalness and Animal Welfare. Animals (Basel) 2018; 8:E53. [PMID: 29621140 PMCID: PMC5946137 DOI: 10.3390/ani8040053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2018] [Revised: 02/02/2018] [Accepted: 02/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Naturalness is considered important for animals, and is one criterion for assessing how we care for them. However, it is a vague and ambiguous term, which needs definition and assessments suitable for scientific and ethical questions. This paper makes a start on that aim. This paper differentiates the term from other related concepts, such as species-typical behaviour and wellbeing. It identifies contingent ways in which naturalness might be used, as: (i) prompts for further welfare assessment; (ii) a plausible hypothesis for what safeguards wellbeing; (iii) a threshold for what is acceptable; (iv) constraints on what improvements are unacceptable; and (v) demarcating what is not morally wrong, because of a lack of human agency. It then suggests an approach to evaluating animals' behaviour that is quantitative, is based on reality, and which assesses naturalness by degrees. It proposes classing unaffected wild populations as natural by definition. Where animals might have been affected by humans, they should be compared to the closest population(s) of unaffected animals. This approach could allow us both to assess naturalness scientifically, and to make practical decisions about the behaviour of domestic animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Yeates
- RSPCA Wilberforce Way, Southwater, Horsham, West Sussex RH13 9RS, UK.
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22
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Normal CA1 Place Fields but Discoordinated Network Discharge in a Fmr1-Null Mouse Model of Fragile X Syndrome. Neuron 2018; 97:684-697.e4. [PMID: 29358017 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2017.12.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2017] [Revised: 10/06/2017] [Accepted: 12/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Silence of FMR1 causes loss of fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) and dysregulated translation at synapses, resulting in the intellectual disability and autistic symptoms of fragile X syndrome (FXS). Synaptic dysfunction hypotheses for how intellectual disabilities like cognitive inflexibility arise in FXS predict impaired neural coding in the absence of FMRP. We tested the prediction by comparing hippocampus place cells in wild-type and FXS-model mice. Experience-driven CA1 synaptic function and synaptic plasticity changes are excessive in Fmr1-null mice, but CA1 place fields are normal. However, Fmr1-null discharge relationships to local field potential oscillations are abnormally weak, stereotyped, and homogeneous; also, discharge coordination within Fmr1-null place cell networks is weaker and less reliable than wild-type. Rather than disruption of single-cell neural codes, these findings point to invariant tuning of single-cell responses and inadequate discharge coordination within neural ensembles as a pathophysiological basis of cognitive inflexibility in FXS. VIDEO ABSTRACT.
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23
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Tian Y, Yang C, Shang S, Cai Y, Deng X, Zhang J, Shao F, Zhu D, Liu Y, Chen G, Liang J, Sun Q, Qiu Z, Zhang C. Loss of FMRP Impaired Hippocampal Long-Term Plasticity and Spatial Learning in Rats. Front Mol Neurosci 2017; 10:269. [PMID: 28894415 PMCID: PMC5581399 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2017.00269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2017] [Accepted: 08/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by mutations in the FMR1 gene that inactivate expression of the gene product, the fragile X mental retardation 1 protein (FMRP). In this study, we used clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) technology to generate Fmr1 knockout (KO) rats by disruption of the fourth exon of the Fmr1 gene. Western blotting analysis confirmed that the FMRP was absent from the brains of the Fmr1 KO rats (Fmr1exon4-KO ). Electrophysiological analysis revealed that the theta-burst stimulation (TBS)-induced long-term potentiation (LTP) and the low-frequency stimulus (LFS)-induced long-term depression (LTD) were decreased in the hippocampal Schaffer collateral pathway of the Fmr1exon4-KO rats. Short-term plasticity, measured as the paired-pulse ratio, remained normal in the KO rats. The synaptic strength mediated by the α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor (AMPAR) was also impaired. Consistent with previous reports, the Fmr1exon4-KO rats demonstrated an enhanced 3,5-dihydroxyphenylglycine (DHPG)-induced LTD in the present study, and this enhancement is insensitive to protein translation. In addition, the Fmr1exon4-KO rats showed deficits in the probe trial in the Morris water maze test. These results demonstrate that deletion of the Fmr1 gene in rats specifically impairs long-term synaptic plasticity and hippocampus-dependent learning in a manner resembling the key symptoms of FXS. Furthermore, the Fmr1exon4-KO rats displayed impaired social interaction and macroorchidism, the results consistent with those observed in patients with FXS. Thus, Fmr1exon4-KO rats constitute a novel rat model of FXS that complements existing mouse models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonglu Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, School of Life Sciences, Peking University-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Peking UniversityBeijing, China.,Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking UniversityBeijing, China
| | - Chaojuan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, School of Life Sciences, Peking University-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Peking UniversityBeijing, China
| | - Shujiang Shang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, School of Life Sciences, Peking University-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Peking UniversityBeijing, China
| | - Yijun Cai
- CAS Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, Institute of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of SciencesShanghai, China
| | - Xiaofei Deng
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, School of Life Sciences, Peking University-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Peking UniversityBeijing, China
| | - Feng Shao
- Department of Psychology, Peking UniversityBeijing, China
| | - Desheng Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, School of Life Sciences, Peking University-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Peking UniversityBeijing, China
| | - Yunbo Liu
- Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, Peking Union Medical College/Chinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijing, China
| | - Guiquan Chen
- MOE Key Laboratory of Model Animal for Disease Study, Model Animal Research Center, Nanjing UniversityNanjing, China
| | - Jing Liang
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing, China
| | - Qiang Sun
- CAS Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, Institute of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of SciencesShanghai, China
| | - Zilong Qiu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, Institute of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of SciencesShanghai, China
| | - Chen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, School of Life Sciences, Peking University-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Peking UniversityBeijing, China.,Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education/National Health and Family Planning Commission, Peking UniversityBeijing, China
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24
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Sinclair D, Oranje B, Razak KA, Siegel SJ, Schmid S. Sensory processing in autism spectrum disorders and Fragile X syndrome-From the clinic to animal models. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2017; 76:235-253. [PMID: 27235081 PMCID: PMC5465967 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.05.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2015] [Revised: 04/08/2016] [Accepted: 05/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Brains are constantly flooded with sensory information that needs to be filtered at the pre-attentional level and integrated into endogenous activity in order to allow for detection of salient information and an appropriate behavioral response. People with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) are often over- or under-reactive to stimulation, leading to a wide range of behavioral symptoms. This altered sensitivity may be caused by disrupted sensory processing, signal integration and/or gating, and is often being neglected. Here, we review translational experimental approaches that are used to investigate sensory processing in humans with ASD and FXS, and in relevant rodent models. This includes electroencephalographic measurement of event related potentials, neural oscillations and mismatch negativity, as well as habituation and pre-pulse inhibition of startle. We outline robust evidence of disrupted sensory processing in individuals with ASD and FXS, and in respective animal models, focusing on the auditory sensory domain. Animal models provide an excellent opportunity to examine common mechanisms of sensory pathophysiology in order to develop therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Sinclair
- Translational Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, 125 S 31st St., Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - B Oranje
- Department of Psychiatry, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, HP A 01.126 Heidelberglaan 100, CX Utrecht, 3584, The Netherlands; Center for Neuropsychiatric Schizophrenia Research (CNSR) and Center for Clinical Intervention and Neuropsychiatric Schizophrenia Research (CINS), Copenhagen University Hospital, Psychiatric Center Glostrup, Ndr. Ringvej 29-67, Glostrup, 2600, Denmark; Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Neurology, Psychiatry, and Sensory Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - K A Razak
- Psychology Department, University of California Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - S J Siegel
- Translational Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, 125 S 31st St., Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - S Schmid
- Anatomy & Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, MSB 470, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada.
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25
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Vershkov D, Benvenisty N. Human pluripotent stem cells in modeling human disorders: the case of fragile X syndrome. Regen Med 2017; 12:53-68. [DOI: 10.2217/rme-2016-0100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Human pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) generated from affected blastocysts or from patient-derived somatic cells are an emerging platform for disease modeling and drug discovery. Fragile X syndrome (FXS), the leading cause of inherited intellectual disability, was one of the first disorders modeled in both embryonic stem cells and induced PCSs and can serve as an exemplary case for the utilization of human PSCs in the study of human diseases. Over the past decade, FXS-PSCs have been used to address the fundamental questions regarding the pathophysiology of FXS. In this review we summarize the methodologies for generation of FXS-PSCs, discuss their advantages and disadvantages compared with existing modeling systems and describe their utilization in the study of FXS pathogenesis and in the development of targeted treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Vershkov
- The Azrieli Center for Stem Cells & Genetic Research, Department of Genetics, Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University, Jerusalem 91904, Israel
| | - Nissim Benvenisty
- The Azrieli Center for Stem Cells & Genetic Research, Department of Genetics, Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University, Jerusalem 91904, Israel
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Bostrom C, Yau SY, Majaess N, Vetrici M, Gil-Mohapel J, Christie BR. Hippocampal dysfunction and cognitive impairment in Fragile-X Syndrome. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2016; 68:563-574. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.06.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2016] [Revised: 06/21/2016] [Accepted: 06/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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Achuta VS, Grym H, Putkonen N, Louhivuori V, Kärkkäinen V, Koistinaho J, Roybon L, Castrén ML. Metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 responses dictate differentiation of neural progenitors to NMDA-responsive cells in fragile X syndrome. Dev Neurobiol 2016; 77:438-453. [PMID: 27411166 DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22419] [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: 03/15/2016] [Revised: 06/14/2016] [Accepted: 07/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Disrupted metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5) signaling is implicated in many neuropsychiatric disorders, including autism spectrum disorder, found in fragile X syndrome (FXS). Here we report that intracellular calcium responses to the group I mGluR agonist (S)-3,5-dihydroxyphenylglycine (DHPG) are augmented, and calcium-dependent mGluR5-mediated mechanisms alter the differentiation of neural progenitors in neurospheres derived from human induced pluripotent FXS stem cells and the brains of mouse model of FXS. Treatment with the mGluR5 antagonist 2-methyl-6-(phenylethynyl)-pyridine (MPEP) prevents an abnormal clustering of DHPG-responsive cells that are responsive to activation of ionotropic receptors in mouse FXS neurospheres. MPEP also corrects morphological defects of differentiated cells and enhanced migration of neuron-like cells in mouse FXS neurospheres. Unlike in mouse neurospheres, MPEP increases the differentiation of DHPG-responsive radial glial cells as well as the subpopulation of cells responsive to both DHPG and activation of ionotropic receptors in human neurospheres. However, MPEP normalizes the FXS-specific increase in the differentiation of cells responsive only to N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) present in human neurospheres. Exposure to MPEP prevents the accumulation of intermediate basal progenitors in embryonic FXS mouse brain suggesting that rescue effects of GluR5 antagonist are progenitor type-dependent and species-specific differences of basal progenitors may modify effects of MPEP on the cortical development. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 77: 419-437, 2017.
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Affiliation(s)
- Venkat Swaroop Achuta
- Faculty of Medicine, Physiology, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 63, Helsinki, FIN, 00014, Finland
| | - Heli Grym
- Faculty of Medicine, Physiology, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 63, Helsinki, FIN, 00014, Finland
| | - Noora Putkonen
- Faculty of Medicine, Physiology, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 63, Helsinki, FIN, 00014, Finland
| | - Verna Louhivuori
- Faculty of Medicine, Physiology, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 63, Helsinki, FIN, 00014, Finland
| | - Virve Kärkkäinen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, FI-70211, Finland
| | - Jari Koistinaho
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, FI-70211, Finland
| | - Laurent Roybon
- Stem Cell Laboratory for CNS Disease Modeling, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, BMC A10, Sölvegatan 19, Lund, SE-221 84, Sweden
| | - Maija L Castrén
- Faculty of Medicine, Physiology, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 63, Helsinki, FIN, 00014, Finland.,Autism Foundation, Kuortaneenkatu 7B, Helsinki, FI-00520, Finland
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Belagodu AP, Zendeli L, Slater BJ, Galvez R. Blocking elevated VEGF‐A attenuates non‐vasculature Fragile X syndrome abnormalities. Dev Neurobiol 2016; 77:14-25. [DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2015] [Revised: 03/15/2016] [Accepted: 05/31/2016] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Amogh P. Belagodu
- Neuroscience Program, University of Illinois at Urbana‐Champaign405 N Mathews AveUrbana Illinois61801
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana‐Champaign405 N Mathews AveUrbana Illinois61801
| | - Liridon Zendeli
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana‐Champaign405 N Mathews AveUrbana Illinois61801
| | - Bernard J. Slater
- Neuroscience Program, University of Illinois at Urbana‐Champaign405 N Mathews AveUrbana Illinois61801
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana‐Champaign405 N Mathews AveUrbana Illinois61801
| | - Roberto Galvez
- Neuroscience Program, University of Illinois at Urbana‐Champaign405 N Mathews AveUrbana Illinois61801
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana‐Champaign405 N Mathews AveUrbana Illinois61801
- Psychology DepartmentUniversity of Illinois at Urbana‐Champaign405 N Mathews AveUrbana Illinois61801
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Leung C, Jia Z. Mouse Genetic Models of Human Brain Disorders. Front Genet 2016; 7:40. [PMID: 27047540 PMCID: PMC4803727 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2016.00040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2016] [Accepted: 03/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the past three decades, genetic manipulations in mice have been used in neuroscience as a major approach to investigate the in vivo function of genes and their alterations. In particular, gene targeting techniques using embryonic stem cells have revolutionized the field of mammalian genetics and have been at the forefront in the generation of numerous mouse models of human brain disorders. In this review, we will first examine childhood developmental disorders such as autism, intellectual disability, Fragile X syndrome, and Williams-Beuren syndrome. We will then explore psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and lastly, neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. We will outline the creation of these mouse models that range from single gene deletions, subtle point mutations to multi-gene manipulations, and discuss the key behavioral phenotypes of these mice. Ultimately, the analysis of the models outlined in this review will enhance our understanding of the in vivo role and underlying mechanisms of disease-related genes in both normal brain function and brain disorders, and provide potential therapeutic targets and strategies to prevent and treat these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celeste Leung
- The Hospital for Sick Children, Program in Neurosciences and Mental Health, Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, TorontoON, Canada; Program in Physiology, University of Toronto, TorontoON, Canada
| | - Zhengping Jia
- The Hospital for Sick Children, Program in Neurosciences and Mental Health, Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, TorontoON, Canada; Program in Physiology, University of Toronto, TorontoON, Canada
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Normal Performance of Fmr1 Mice on a Touchscreen Delayed Nonmatching to Position Working Memory Task. eNeuro 2016; 3:eN-CFN-0143-15. [PMID: 27022628 PMCID: PMC4800045 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0143-15.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2015] [Revised: 02/10/2016] [Accepted: 02/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by mild-to-severe cognitive deficits. The complete absence of Fmr1 and its protein product in the mouse model of fragile X (Fmr1 KO) provides construct validity. A major conundrum in the field is the remarkably normal performance of Fmr1 mice on cognitive tests in most reports. One explanation may be insufficiently challenging cognitive testing procedures. Here we developed a delayed nonmatching to position touchscreen task to test the hypothesis that paradigms placing demands on working memory would reveal robust and replicable cognitive deficits in the Fmr1 KO mouse. We first tested Fmr1 KO mice (Fmr1) and their wild-type (WT) littermates in a simple visual discrimination task, followed by assessment of reversal learning. We then tested Fmr1 and WT mice in a new touchscreen nonmatch to position task and subsequently challenged their working memory abilities by adding delays, representing a higher cognitive load. The performance by Fmr1 KO mice was equal to WTs on both touchscreen tasks. Last, we replicated previous reports of normal performance by Fmr1 mice on Morris water maze spatial navigation and reversal. These results indicate that, while the Fmr1 mouse model effectively recapitulates many molecular and cellular aspects of fragile X syndrome, the cognitive profile of Fmr1 mice generally does not recapitulate the primary cognitive deficits in the human syndrome, even when diverse and challenging tasks are imposed.
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Kazdoba TM, Leach PT, Crawley JN. Behavioral phenotypes of genetic mouse models of autism. GENES, BRAIN, AND BEHAVIOR 2016; 15:7-26. [PMID: 26403076 PMCID: PMC4775274 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2015] [Revised: 08/27/2015] [Accepted: 09/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
More than a hundred de novo single gene mutations and copy-number variants have been implicated in autism, each occurring in a small subset of cases. Mutant mouse models with syntenic mutations offer research tools to gain an understanding of the role of each gene in modulating biological and behavioral phenotypes relevant to autism. Knockout, knockin and transgenic mice incorporating risk gene mutations detected in autism spectrum disorder and comorbid neurodevelopmental disorders are now widely available. At present, autism spectrum disorder is diagnosed solely by behavioral criteria. We developed a constellation of mouse behavioral assays designed to maximize face validity to the types of social deficits and repetitive behaviors that are central to an autism diagnosis. Mouse behavioral assays for associated symptoms of autism, which include cognitive inflexibility, anxiety, hyperactivity, and unusual reactivity to sensory stimuli, are frequently included in the phenotypic analyses. Over the past 10 years, we and many other laboratories around the world have employed these and additional behavioral tests to phenotype a large number of mutant mouse models of autism. In this review, we highlight mouse models with mutations in genes that have been identified as risk genes for autism, which work through synaptic mechanisms and through the mTOR signaling pathway. Robust, replicated autism-relevant behavioral outcomes in a genetic mouse model lend credence to a causal role for specific gene contributions and downstream biological mechanisms in the etiology of autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- T. M. Kazdoba
- MIND Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - P. T. Leach
- MIND Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - J. N. Crawley
- MIND Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
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Bondi CO, Semple BD, Noble-Haeusslein LJ, Osier ND, Carlson SW, Dixon CE, Giza CC, Kline AE. Found in translation: Understanding the biology and behavior of experimental traumatic brain injury. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2015; 58:123-46. [PMID: 25496906 PMCID: PMC4465064 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2014.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2014] [Revised: 10/26/2014] [Accepted: 12/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this review is to discuss in greater detail the topics covered in the recent symposium entitled "Traumatic brain injury: laboratory and clinical perspectives," presented at the 2014 International Behavioral Neuroscience Society annual meeting. Herein, we review contemporary laboratory models of traumatic brain injury (TBI) including common assays for sensorimotor and cognitive behavior. New modalities to evaluate social behavior after injury to the developing brain, as well as the attentional set-shifting test (AST) as a measure of executive function in TBI, will be highlighted. Environmental enrichment (EE) will be discussed as a preclinical model of neurorehabilitation, and finally, an evidence-based approach to sports-related concussion will be considered. The review consists predominantly of published data, but some discussion of ongoing or future directions is provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corina O Bondi
- Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Safar Center for Resuscitation Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Center for Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Center for the Neural Basis of Cognition, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Bridgette D Semple
- Neurological Surgery and the Graduate Program in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Science, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States; Department of Medicine (Royal Melbourne Hospital), University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Linda J Noble-Haeusslein
- Neurological Surgery and the Graduate Program in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Science, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Nicole D Osier
- Safar Center for Resuscitation Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; School of Nursing, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Shaun W Carlson
- Safar Center for Resuscitation Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Neurological Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - C Edward Dixon
- Safar Center for Resuscitation Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Center for Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Neurological Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Christopher C Giza
- Pediatric Neurology and Neurosurgery, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States; UCLA Brain Injury Research Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Anthony E Kline
- Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Safar Center for Resuscitation Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Center for Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Center for the Neural Basis of Cognition, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.
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Schaefer TL, Davenport MH, Erickson CA. Emerging pharmacologic treatment options for fragile X syndrome. APPLICATION OF CLINICAL GENETICS 2015; 8:75-93. [PMID: 25897255 PMCID: PMC4396424 DOI: 10.2147/tacg.s35673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common single gene cause of intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder. Caused by a silenced fragile X mental retardation 1 gene and the subsequent deficiency in fragile X mental retardation protein, patients with FXS experience a range of physical, behavioral, and intellectual debilitations. The FXS field, as a whole, has recently met with some challenges, as several targeted clinical trials with high expectations of success have failed to elucidate significant improvements in a variety of symptom domains. As new clinical trials in FXS are planned, there has been much discussion about the use of the commonly used clinical outcome measures, as well as study design considerations, patient stratification, and optimal age range for treatment. The evidence that modification of these drug targets and use of these failed compounds would prove to be efficacious in human clinical study were rooted in years of basic and translational research. There are questions arising as to the use of the mouse models for studying FXS treatment development. This issue is twofold: many of the symptom domains and molecular and biochemical changes assessed and indicative of efficacy in mouse model study are not easily amenable to clinical trials in people with FXS because of the intolerability of the testing paradigm or a lack of noninvasive techniques (prepulse inhibition, sensory hypersensitivity, startle reactivity, or electrophysiologic, biochemical, or structural changes in the brain); and capturing subtle yet meaningful changes in symptom domains such as sociability, anxiety, and hyperactivity in human FXS clinical trials is challenging with the currently used measures (typically parent/caregiver rating scales). Clinicians, researchers, and the pharmaceutical industry have all had to take a step back and critically evaluate the way we think about how to best optimize future investigations into pharmacologic FXS treatments. As new clinical trials are coming down the drug discovery pipeline, it is clear that the field is moving in a direction that values the development of molecular biomarkers, less subjective quantitative measures of symptom improvement, and rating scales developed specifically for use in FXS in conjunction with drug safety. While summarizing preclinical evidence, where applicable, and discussing challenges in FXS treatment development, this review details both completed clinical trials for the targeted and symptomatic treatment of FXS and introduces novel projects on the cusp of clinical trial investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tori L Schaefer
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Matthew H Davenport
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Craig A Erickson
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
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de Esch C, van den Berg W, Buijsen R, Jaafar I, Nieuwenhuizen-Bakker I, Gasparini F, Kushner S, Willemsen R. Fragile X mice have robust mGluR5-dependent alterations of social behaviour in the Automated Tube Test. Neurobiol Dis 2015; 75:31-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2014.12.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2014] [Revised: 12/08/2014] [Accepted: 12/23/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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Androschuk A, Bolduc FV. Modeling Intellectual Disability in Drosophila. ANIMAL MODELS OF NEURODEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-2709-8_14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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FXR1P limits long-term memory, long-lasting synaptic potentiation, and de novo GluA2 translation. Cell Rep 2014; 9:1402-1416. [PMID: 25456134 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2014.10.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2014] [Revised: 08/28/2014] [Accepted: 10/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Translational control of mRNAs allows for rapid and selective changes in synaptic protein expression that are required for long-lasting plasticity and memory formation in the brain. Fragile X Related Protein 1 (FXR1P) is an RNA-binding protein that controls mRNA translation in nonneuronal cells and colocalizes with translational machinery in neurons. However, its neuronal mRNA targets and role in the brain are unknown. Here, we demonstrate that removal of FXR1P from the forebrain of postnatal mice selectively enhances long-term storage of spatial memories, hippocampal late-phase long-term potentiation (L-LTP), and de novo GluA2 synthesis. Furthermore, FXR1P binds specifically to the 5' UTR of GluA2 mRNA to repress translation and limit the amount of GluA2 that is incorporated at potentiated synapses. This study uncovers a mechanism for regulating long-lasting synaptic plasticity and spatial memory formation and reveals an unexpected divergent role of FXR1P among Fragile X proteins in brain plasticity.
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Kazdoba TM, Leach PT, Silverman JL, Crawley JN. Modeling fragile X syndrome in the Fmr1 knockout mouse. Intractable Rare Dis Res 2014; 3:118-33. [PMID: 25606362 PMCID: PMC4298642 DOI: 10.5582/irdr.2014.01024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 165] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2014] [Accepted: 11/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) is a commonly inherited form of intellectual disability and one of the leading genetic causes for autism spectrum disorder. Clinical symptoms of FXS can include impaired cognition, anxiety, hyperactivity, social phobia, and repetitive behaviors. FXS is caused by a CGG repeat mutation which expands a region on the X chromosome containing the FMR1 gene. In FXS, a full mutation (> 200 repeats) leads to hypermethylation of FMR1, an epigenetic mechanism that effectively silences FMR1 gene expression and reduces levels of the FMR1 gene product, fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP). FMRP is an RNA-binding protein that is important for the regulation of protein expression. In an effort to further understand how loss of FMR1 and FMRP contribute to FXS symptomology, several FXS animal models have been created. The most well characterized rodent model is the Fmr1 knockout (KO) mouse, which lacks FMRP protein due to a disruption in its Fmr1 gene. Here, we review the behavioral phenotyping of the Fmr1 KO mouse to date, and discuss the clinical relevance of this mouse model to the human FXS condition. While much remains to be learned about FXS, the Fmr1 KO mouse is a valuable tool for understanding the repercussions of functional loss of FMRP and assessing the efficacy of pharmacological compounds in ameliorating the molecular and behavioral phenotypes relevant to FXS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana M. Kazdoba
- MIND Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
- Address correspondence to: Dr. Tatiana M. Kazdoba, MIND Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, Sacramento, Research II Building 96, 4625 2nd Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA. E-mail:
| | - Prescott T. Leach
- MIND Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Jill L. Silverman
- MIND Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Jacqueline N. Crawley
- MIND Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
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Santos AR, Kanellopoulos AK, Bagni C. Learning and behavioral deficits associated with the absence of the fragile X mental retardation protein: what a fly and mouse model can teach us. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 21:543-55. [PMID: 25227249 PMCID: PMC4175497 DOI: 10.1101/lm.035956.114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most frequent form of inherited mental disability and is considered a monogenic cause of autism spectrum disorder. FXS is caused by a triplet expansion that inhibits the expression of the FMR1 gene. The gene product, the Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein (FMRP), regulates mRNA metabolism in brain and nonneuronal cells. During brain development, FMRP controls the expression of key molecules involved in receptor signaling, cytoskeleton remodeling, protein synthesis and, ultimately, spine morphology. Symptoms associated with FXS include neurodevelopmental delay, cognitive impairment, anxiety, hyperactivity, and autistic-like behavior. Twenty years ago the first Fmr1 KO mouse to study FXS was generated, and several years later other key models including the mutant Drosophila melanogaster, dFmr1, have further helped the understanding of the cellular and molecular causes behind this complex syndrome. Here, we review to which extent these biological models are affected by the absence of FMRP, pointing out the similarities with the observed human dysfunction. Additionally, we discuss several potential treatments under study in animal models that are able to partially revert some of the FXS abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Rita Santos
- VIB Center for the Biology of Disease, 3000 Leuven, Belgium Center for Human Genetics, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium Leuven Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases (LIND), KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Alexandros K Kanellopoulos
- VIB Center for the Biology of Disease, 3000 Leuven, Belgium Center for Human Genetics, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium Leuven Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases (LIND), KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Claudia Bagni
- VIB Center for the Biology of Disease, 3000 Leuven, Belgium Center for Human Genetics, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium Leuven Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases (LIND), KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata" 00133, Rome, Italy
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Reorganization of circuits underlying cerebellar modulation of prefrontal cortical dopamine in mouse models of autism spectrum disorder. THE CEREBELLUM 2014; 12:547-56. [PMID: 23436049 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-013-0462-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Imaging, clinical, and pre-clinical studies have provided ample evidence for a cerebellar involvement in cognitive brain function including cognitive brain disorders, such as autism and schizophrenia. We previously reported that cerebellar activity modulates dopamine release in the mouse medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) via two distinct pathways: (1) cerebellum to mPFC via dopaminergic projections from the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and (2) cerebellum to mPFC via glutamatergic projections from the mediodorsal and ventrolateral thalamus (ThN md and vl). The present study compared functional adaptations of cerebello-cortical circuitry following developmental cerebellar pathology in a mouse model of developmental loss of Purkinje cells (Lurcher) and a mouse model of fragile X syndrome (Fmr1 KO mice). Fixed potential amperometry was used to measure mPFC dopamine release in response to cerebellar electrical stimulation. Mutant mice of both strains showed an attenuation in cerebellar-evoked mPFC dopamine release compared to respective wildtype mice. This was accompanied by a functional reorganization of the VTA and thalamic pathways mediating cerebellar modulation of mPFC dopamine release. Inactivation of the VTA pathway by intra-VTA lidocaine or kynurenate infusions decreased dopamine release by 50 % in wildtype and 20-30 % in mutant mice of both strains. Intra-ThN vl infusions of either drug decreased dopamine release by 15 % in wildtype and 40 % in mutant mice of both strains, while dopamine release remained relatively unchanged following intra-ThN md drug infusions. These results indicate a shift in strength towards the thalamic vl projection, away from the VTA. Thus, cerebellar neuropathologies associated with autism spectrum disorders may cause a reduction in cerebellar modulation of mPFC dopamine release that is related to a reorganization of the mediating neuronal pathways.
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Petrinovic MM, Künnecke B. Neuroimaging endophenotypes in animal models of autism spectrum disorders: lost or found in translation? Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2014; 231:1167-89. [PMID: 23852013 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-013-3200-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2013] [Accepted: 06/26/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Autism spectrum disorder(s) (ASDs) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by stereotyped behaviours and impairments in communication and social interactions. This heterogeneity has been a major obstacle in uncovering the aetiology and biomarkers of ASDs. Rodent models with genetic modifications or environmental insults have been created to study particular endophenotypes and bridge the gap between genetics and behavioural phenotypes. Translational neuroimaging modalities with their ability to screen the brain noninvasively and yield structural, biochemical and functional information provide a unique platform for discovery and evaluation of such endophenotypes in preclinical and clinical research. OBJECTIVES We reviewed literature on translational neuroimaging in rodent models of ASDs. The most prominent models will be described and the respective neuroimaging endophenotypes will be discussed with reference to human data. A perspective on future directions of translational neuroimaging in animal models of ASDs will be given. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS To date, we experience a proliferation of rodent models which recapitulate specific liabilities identified in ASDs patients. Translational neuroimaging in these models is emerging but is skewed towards magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) modalities. Volumetric and structural assessments of the brain are dominating and a host of endophenotypes have been reported that allude to findings in ASDs patients but with only few to converge among the models. Caveats of current studies are the diverging biological conditions related to genetic background and age of the animals. It is anticipated that longitudinal and functional assessments will gain much importance and will help elucidating mechanistic relationship between behavioural and structural endophenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marija M Petrinovic
- F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, pRED, Pharma Research and Early Development, DTA Neuroscience, Building 68, Room 327A, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070, Basel, Switzerland
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Uzunova G, Hollander E, Shepherd J. The role of ionotropic glutamate receptors in childhood neurodevelopmental disorders: autism spectrum disorders and fragile x syndrome. Curr Neuropharmacol 2014; 12:71-98. [PMID: 24533017 PMCID: PMC3915351 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x113116660046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2013] [Revised: 08/20/2013] [Accepted: 09/25/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and Fragile X syndrome (FXS) are relatively common childhood neurodevelopmental disorders with increasing incidence in recent years. They are currently accepted as disorders of the synapse with alterations in different forms of synaptic communication and neuronal network connectivity. The major excitatory neurotransmitter system in brain, the glutamatergic system, is implicated in learning and memory, synaptic plasticity, neuronal development. While much attention is attributed to the role of metabotropic glutamate receptors in ASD and FXS, studies indicate that the ionotropic glutamate receptors (iGluRs) and their regulatory proteins are also altered in several brain regions. Role of iGluRs in the neurobiology of ASD and FXS is supported by a weight of evidence that ranges from human genetics to in vitro cultured neurons. In this review we will discuss clinical, molecular, cellular and functional changes in NMDA, AMPA and kainate receptors and the synaptic proteins that regulate them in the context of ASD and FXS. We will also discuss the significance for the development of translational biomarkers and treatments for the core symptoms of ASD and FXS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genoveva Uzunova
- Autism and Obsessive Compulsive Spectrum Program, Department of Psychiatry, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 111 East 210th St, Bronx, New York 10467-2490
| | - Eric Hollander
- Autism and Obsessive Compulsive Spectrum Program, Department of Psychiatry, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 111 East 210th St, Bronx, New York 10467-2490
| | - Jason Shepherd
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, University of Utah School of Medicine, 531A Wintrobe, 20N 1900 E, Salt Lake City, Utah 84132
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Franklin AV, King MK, Palomo V, Martinez A, McMahon LL, Jope RS. Glycogen synthase kinase-3 inhibitors reverse deficits in long-term potentiation and cognition in fragile X mice. Biol Psychiatry 2014; 75:198-206. [PMID: 24041505 PMCID: PMC3874248 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2013.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2013] [Revised: 07/30/2013] [Accepted: 08/01/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Identifying feasible therapeutic interventions is crucial for ameliorating the intellectual disability and other afflictions of fragile X syndrome (FXS), the most common inherited cause of intellectual disability and autism. Hippocampal glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK3) is hyperactive in the mouse model of FXS (FX mice), and hyperactive GSK3 promotes locomotor hyperactivity and audiogenic seizure susceptibility in FX mice, raising the possibility that specific GSK3 inhibitors may improve cognitive processes. METHODS We tested if specific GSK3 inhibitors improve deficits in N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor-dependent long-term potentiation at medial perforant path synapses onto dentate granule cells and dentate gyrus-dependent cognitive behavioral tasks. RESULTS GSK3 inhibitors completely rescued deficits in long-term potentiation at medial perforant path-dentate granule cells synapses in FX mice. Furthermore, synaptosomes from the dentate gyrus of FX mice displayed decreased inhibitory serine-phosphorylation of GSK3β compared with wild-type littermates. The potential therapeutic utility of GSK3 inhibitors was further tested on dentate gyrus-dependent cognitive behaviors. In vivo administration of GSK3 inhibitors completely reversed impairments in several cognitive tasks in FX mice, including novel object detection, coordinate and categorical spatial processing, and temporal ordering for visual objects. CONCLUSIONS These findings establish that synaptic plasticity and cognitive deficits in FX mice can be improved by intervention with inhibitors of GSK3, which may prove therapeutically beneficial in FXS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aimee V. Franklin
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294
| | - Margaret K. King
- Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136
| | - Valle Palomo
- Instituto Quimica Medica-CSIC, Juan de la Cierva 3, 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Martinez
- Instituto Quimica Medica-CSIC, Juan de la Cierva 3, 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Lori L. McMahon
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294
| | - Richard S. Jope
- Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136,Corresponding author: Richard S. Jope, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, 1011 NW 15th Street, Gautier Building room 416, Miami, Florida 33136, phone: 305-243-0262,
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Amiri A, Sanchez-Ortiz E, Cho W, Birnbaum SG, Xu J, McKay RM, Parada LF. Analysis ofFmr1Deletion in a Subpopulation of Post-Mitotic Neurons in Mouse Cortex and Hippocampus. Autism Res 2014; 7:60-71. [DOI: 10.1002/aur.1342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2012] [Accepted: 09/08/2013] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Anahita Amiri
- Department of Developmental Biology; University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center; Dallas Texas USA
| | - Efrain Sanchez-Ortiz
- Department of Developmental Biology; University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center; Dallas Texas USA
| | - Woosung Cho
- Department of Developmental Biology; University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center; Dallas Texas USA
| | - Shari G. Birnbaum
- Department of Psychiatry; University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center; Dallas Texas USA
| | - Jing Xu
- Department of Developmental Biology; University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center; Dallas Texas USA
| | - Renée M. McKay
- Department of Developmental Biology; University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center; Dallas Texas USA
| | - Luis F. Parada
- Department of Developmental Biology; University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center; Dallas Texas USA
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King MK, Jope RS. Lithium treatment alleviates impaired cognition in a mouse model of fragile X syndrome. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2013; 12:723-31. [PMID: 23941202 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2013] [Revised: 07/20/2013] [Accepted: 08/08/2013] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is caused by suppressed expression of fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP), which results in intellectual disability accompanied by many variably manifested characteristics, such as hyperactivity, seizures and autistic-like behaviors. Treatment of mice that lack FMRP, Fmr1 knockout (KO) mice, with lithium has been reported to ameliorate locomotor hyperactivity, prevent hypersensitivity to audiogenic seizures, improve passive avoidance behavior and attenuate sociability deficits. To focus on the defining characteristic of FXS, which is cognitive impairment, we tested if lithium treatment ameliorated impairments in four cognitive tasks in Fmr1 KO mice, tested if the response to lithium differed in adolescent and adult mice and tested if therapeutic effects persisted after discontinuation of lithium administration. Fmr1 KO mice displayed impaired cognition in the novel object detection task, temporal ordering for objects task and coordinate and categorical spatial processing tasks. Chronic lithium treatment of adolescent (from 4 to 8 weeks of age) and adult (from 8 to 12 weeks of age) mice abolished cognitive impairments in all four cognitive tasks. Cognitive deficits returned after lithium treatment was discontinued for 4 weeks. These results show that Fmr1 KO mice exhibit severe impairments in these cognitive tasks, that lithium is equally effective in normalizing cognition in these tasks whether it is administered to young or adult mice and that lithium administration must be continued for the cognitive improvements to be sustained. These findings provide further evidence that lithium administration may be beneficial for individuals with FXS.
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Affiliation(s)
- M K King
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
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45
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Automated multi-day tracking of marked mice for the analysis of social behaviour. J Neurosci Methods 2013; 219:10-9. [PMID: 23810825 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2013.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2013] [Revised: 05/29/2013] [Accepted: 05/30/2013] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
A quantitative description of animal social behaviour is informative for behavioural biologists and clinicians developing drugs to treat social disorders. Social interaction in a group of animals has been difficult to measure because behaviour develops over long periods of time and requires tedious manual scoring, which is subjective and often non-reproducible. Computer-vision systems with the ability to measure complex social behaviour automatically would have a transformative impact on biology. Here, we present a method for tracking group-housed mice individually as they freely interact over multiple days. Each mouse is bleach-marked with a unique fur pattern. The patterns are automatically learned by the tracking software and used to infer identities. Trajectories are analysed to measure behaviour as it develops over days, beyond the range of acute experiments. We demonstrate how our system may be used to study the development of place preferences, associations and social relationships by tracking four mice continuously for five days. Our system enables accurate and reproducible characterisation of wild-type mouse social behaviour and paves the way for high-throughput long-term observation of the effects of genetic, pharmacological and environmental manipulations.
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46
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Castrén ML, Castrén E. BDNF in fragile X syndrome. Neuropharmacology 2013; 76 Pt C:729-36. [PMID: 23727436 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2013.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2013] [Revised: 05/07/2013] [Accepted: 05/08/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is a monogenic disorder that is caused by the absence of FMR1 protein (FMRP). FXS serves as an excellent model disorder for studies investigating disturbed molecular mechanisms and synapse function underlying cognitive impairment, autism, and behavioral disturbance. Abnormalities in dendritic spines and synaptic transmission in the brain of FXS individuals and mouse models for FXS indicate perturbations in the development, maintenance, and plasticity of neuronal network connectivity. However, numerous alterations are found during the early development in FXS, including abnormal differentiation of neural progenitors and impaired migration of newly born neurons. Several aspects of FMRP function are modulated by brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling. Here, we review the evidence of the role for BDNF in the developing and adult FXS brain. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'BDNF Regulation of Synaptic Structure, Function, and Plasticity'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maija L Castrén
- Institute of Biomedicine/Physiology, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 63, FIN-00014 Helsinki, Finland; Rinnekoti Foundation, Rinnekodintie 10, FIN-02980 Espoo, Finland.
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Huang HS, Burns AJ, Nonneman RJ, Baker LK, Riddick NV, Nikolova VD, Riday TT, Yashiro K, Philpot BD, Moy SS. Behavioral deficits in an Angelman syndrome model: effects of genetic background and age. Behav Brain Res 2013; 243:79-90. [PMID: 23295389 PMCID: PMC3629944 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2012.12.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2012] [Revised: 12/05/2012] [Accepted: 12/27/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Angelman syndrome (AS) is a severe neurodevelopmental disorder associated with disruption of maternally inherited UBE3A (ubiquitin protein ligase E3A) expression. At the present time, there is no effective treatment for AS. Mouse lines with loss of maternal Ube3a (Ube3a(m-/p+)) recapitulate multiple aspects of the clinical AS profile, including impaired motor coordination, learning deficits, and seizures. Thus, these genetic mouse models could serve as behavioral screens for preclinical efficacy testing, a critical component of drug discovery for AS intervention. However, the severity and consistency of abnormal phenotypes reported in Ube3a(m-/p+) mice can vary, dependent upon age and background strain, which is problematic for the detection of beneficial drug effects. As part of an ongoing AS drug discovery initiative, we characterized Ube3a(m-/p+) mice on either a 129S7/SvEvBrd-Hprt(b-m2) (129) or C57BL/6J (B6) background across a range of functional domains and ages to identify reproducible and sufficiently large phenotypes suitable for screening therapeutic compounds. The results from the study showed that Ube3a(m-/p+) mice have significant deficits in acquisition and reversal learning in the Morris water maze. The findings also demonstrated that Ube3a(m-/p+) mice exhibit motor impairment in a rotarod task, hypoactivity, reduced rearing and marble-burying, and deficient fear conditioning. Overall, these profiles of abnormal phenotypes can provide behavioral targets for evaluating effects of novel therapeutic strategies relevant to AS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsien-Sung Huang
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Andrew J. Burns
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Randal J. Nonneman
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Lorinda K. Baker
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Natallia V. Riddick
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Viktoriya D. Nikolova
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Thorfinn T. Riday
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Koji Yashiro
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Benjamin D. Philpot
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- UNC Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Sheryl S. Moy
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
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Yadav R, Hillman BG, Gupta SC, Suryavanshi P, Bhatt JM, Pavuluri R, Stairs DJ, Dravid SM. Deletion of glutamate delta-1 receptor in mouse leads to enhanced working memory and deficit in fear conditioning. PLoS One 2013; 8:e60785. [PMID: 23560106 PMCID: PMC3616134 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0060785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2012] [Accepted: 03/02/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Glutamate delta-1 (GluD1) receptors are expressed throughout the forebrain during development with high levels in the hippocampus during adulthood. We have recently shown that deletion of GluD1 receptor results in aberrant emotional and social behaviors such as hyperaggression and depression-like behaviors and social interaction deficits. Additionally, abnormal expression of synaptic proteins was observed in amygdala and prefrontal cortex of GluD1 knockout mice (GluD1 KO). However the role of GluD1 in learning and memory paradigms remains unknown. In the present study we evaluated GluD1 KO in learning and memory tests. In the eight-arm radial maze GluD1 KO mice committed fewer working memory errors compared to wildtype mice but had normal reference memory. Enhanced working memory in GluD1 KO was also evident by greater percent alternation in the spontaneous Y-maze test. No difference was observed in object recognition memory in the GluD1 KO mice. In the Morris water maze test GluD1 KO mice showed no difference in acquisition but had longer latency to find the platform in the reversal learning task. GluD1 KO mice showed a deficit in contextual and cue fear conditioning but had normal latent inhibition. The deficit in contextual fear conditioning was reversed by D-Cycloserine (DCS) treatment. GluD1 KO mice were also found to be more sensitive to foot-shock compared to wildtype. We further studied molecular changes in the hippocampus, where we found lower levels of GluA1, GluA2 and GluK2 subunits while a contrasting higher level of GluN2B in GluD1 KO. Additionally, we found higher postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD95) and lower glutamate decarboxylase 67 (GAD67) expression in GluD1 KO. We propose that GluD1 is crucial for normal functioning of synapses and absence of GluD1 leads to specific abnormalities in learning and memory. These findings provide novel insights into the role of GluD1 receptors in the central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roopali Yadav
- Department of Pharmacology, Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Brandon G. Hillman
- Department of Pharmacology, Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Subhash C. Gupta
- Department of Pharmacology, Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Pratyush Suryavanshi
- Department of Pharmacology, Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Jay M. Bhatt
- Department of Pharmacology, Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Ratnamala Pavuluri
- Department of Pharmacology, Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Dustin J. Stairs
- Department of Psychology, Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Shashank M. Dravid
- Department of Pharmacology, Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
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Oldknow KJ, Seebacher J, Goswami T, Villen J, Pitsillides AA, O'Shaughnessy PJ, Gygi SP, Schneyer AL, Mukherjee A. Follistatin-like 3 (FSTL3) mediated silencing of transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) signaling is essential for testicular aging and regulating testis size. Endocrinology 2013; 154:1310-20. [PMID: 23407452 PMCID: PMC3578998 DOI: 10.1210/en.2012-1886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Follistatin-like 3 (FSTL3) is a glycoprotein that binds and inhibits the action of TGFβ ligands such as activin. The roles played by FSTL3 and activin signaling in organ development and homeostasis are not fully understood. The authors show mice deficient in FSTL3 develop markedly enlarged testes that are also delayed in their age-related regression. These FSTL3 knockout mice exhibit increased Sertoli cell numbers, allowing for increased spermatogenesis but otherwise showing normal testicular function. The data show that FSTL3 deletion leads to increased AKT signaling and SIRT1 expression in the testis. This demonstrates a cross-talk between TGFβ ligand and AKT signaling and leads to a potential mechanism for increased cellular survival and antiaging. The findings identify crucial roles for FSTL3 in limiting testis organ size and promoting age-related testicular regression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karla J Oldknow
- Lifestyle Research Group, Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, London, United Kingdom
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Hovelsø N, Sotty F, Montezinho LP, Pinheiro PS, Herrik KF, Mørk A. Therapeutic potential of metabotropic glutamate receptor modulators. Curr Neuropharmacol 2012; 10:12-48. [PMID: 22942876 PMCID: PMC3286844 DOI: 10.2174/157015912799362805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2010] [Revised: 01/10/2011] [Accepted: 03/04/2011] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Glutamate is the main excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system (CNS) and is a major player in complex brain functions. Glutamatergic transmission is primarily mediated by ionotropic glutamate receptors, which include NMDA, AMPA and kainate receptors. However, glutamate exerts modulatory actions through a family of metabotropic G-protein-coupled glutamate receptors (mGluRs). Dysfunctions of glutamatergic neurotransmission have been implicated in the etiology of several diseases. Therefore, pharmacological modulation of ionotropic glutamate receptors has been widely investigated as a potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of several disorders associated with glutamatergic dysfunction. However, blockade of ionotropic glutamate receptors might be accompanied by severe side effects due to their vital role in many important physiological functions. A different strategy aimed at pharmacologically interfering with mGluR function has recently gained interest. Many subtype selective agonists and antagonists have been identified and widely used in preclinical studies as an attempt to elucidate the role of specific mGluRs subtypes in glutamatergic transmission. These studies have allowed linkage between specific subtypes and various physiological functions and more importantly to pathological states. This article reviews the currently available knowledge regarding the therapeutic potential of targeting mGluRs in the treatment of several CNS disorders, including schizophrenia, addiction, major depressive disorder and anxiety, Fragile X Syndrome, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Hovelsø
- Department of Neurophysiology, H. Lundbeck A/S, Ottiliavej 9, 2500 Copenhagen-Valby, Denmark
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