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Jiraanont P, Zafarullah M, Sulaiman N, Espinal GM, Randol JL, Durbin-Johnson B, Schneider A, Hagerman RJ, Hagerman PJ, Tassone F. FMR1 Protein Expression Correlates with Intelligence Quotient in Both Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells and Fibroblasts from Individuals with an FMR1 Mutation. J Mol Diagn 2024; 26:498-509. [PMID: 38522837 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmoldx.2024.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common heritable form of intellectual disability and is caused by CGG repeat expansions exceeding 200 (full mutation). Such expansions lead to hypermethylation and transcriptional silencing of the fragile X messenger ribonucleoprotein 1 (FMR1) gene. As a consequence, little or no FMR1 protein (FMRP) is produced; absence of the protein, which normally is responsible for neuronal development and maintenance, causes the syndrome. Previous studies have demonstrated the causal relationship between FMRP levels and cognitive abilities in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and dermal fibroblast cell lines of patients with FXS. However, it is arguable whether PBMCs or fibroblasts would be the preferred surrogate for measuring molecular markers, particularly FMRP, to represent the cognitive impairment, a core symptom of FXS. To address this concern, CGG repeats, methylation status, FMR1 mRNA, and FMRP levels were measured in both PBMCs and fibroblasts derived from 66 individuals. The findings indicated a strong association between FMR1 mRNA expression levels and CGG repeat numbers in PBMCs of premutation males after correcting for methylation status. Moreover, FMRP expression levels from both PBMCs and fibroblasts of male participants with a hypermethylated full mutation and with mosaicism demonstrated significant association between the intelligence quotient levels and FMRP levels, suggesting that PBMCs may be preferable for FXS clinical studies, because of their greater accessibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Poonnada Jiraanont
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Marwa Zafarullah
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, Davis, California
| | - Noor Sulaiman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, Davis, California
| | - Glenda M Espinal
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, Davis, California
| | - Jamie L Randol
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, Davis, California
| | - Blythe Durbin-Johnson
- Division of Biostatistics, University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, Davis, California
| | - Andrea Schneider
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, Davis, California; UC Davis MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, California
| | - Randi J Hagerman
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, Davis, California; UC Davis MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, California
| | - Paul J Hagerman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, Davis, California; UC Davis MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, California
| | - Flora Tassone
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, Davis, California; UC Davis MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, California.
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2
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Takarae Y, Zanesco A, Erickson CA, Pedapati EV. EEG Microstates as Markers for Cognitive Impairments in Fragile X Syndrome. Brain Topogr 2024; 37:432-446. [PMID: 37751055 DOI: 10.1007/s10548-023-01009-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is one of the most common inherited causes of intellectual disabilities. While there is currently no cure for FXS, EEG is considered an important method to investigate the pathophysiology and evaluate behavioral and cognitive treatments. We conducted EEG microstate analysis to investigate resting brain dynamics in FXS participants. Resting-state recordings from 70 FXS participants and 71 chronological age-matched typically developing control (TDC) participants were used to derive microstates via modified k-means clustering. The occurrence, mean global field power (GFP), and global explained variance (GEV) of microstate C were significantly higher in the FXS group compared to the TDC group. The mean GFP was significantly negatively correlated with non-verbal IQ (NVIQ) in the FXS group, where lower NVIQ scores were associated with greater GFP. In addition, the occurrence, mean duration, mean GFP, and GEV of microstate D were significantly greater in the FXS group than the TDC group. The mean GFP and occurrence of microstate D were also correlated with individual alpha frequencies in the FXS group, where lower IAF frequencies accompanied greater microstate GFP and occurrence. Alterations in microstates C and D may be related to the two well-established cognitive characteristics of FXS, intellectual disabilities and attention impairments, suggesting that microstate parameters could serve as markers to study cognitive impairments and evaluate treatment outcomes in this population. Slowing of the alpha peak frequency and its correlation to microstate D parameters may suggest changes in thalamocortical dynamics in FXS, which could be specifically related to attention control. (250 words).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukari Takarae
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA.
- M.I.N.D. Institute, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA.
| | - Anthony Zanesco
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
| | - Craig A Erickson
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Ernest V Pedapati
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Division of Neurology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
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Edwards N, Combrinck C, McCaughey-Chapman A, Connor B. Directly reprogrammed fragile X syndrome dorsal forebrain precursor cells generate cortical neurons exhibiting impaired neuronal maturation. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1254412. [PMID: 37810261 PMCID: PMC10552551 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1254412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The neurodevelopmental disorder fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common monogenic cause of intellectual disability associated with autism spectrum disorder. Inaccessibility to developing human brain cells is a major barrier to studying FXS. Direct-to-neural precursor reprogramming provides a unique platform to investigate the developmental profile of FXS-associated phenotypes throughout neural precursor and neuron generation, at a temporal resolution not afforded by post-mortem tissue and in a patient-specific context not represented in rodent models. Direct reprogramming also circumvents the protracted culture times and low efficiency of current induced pluripotent stem cell strategies. Methods We have developed a chemically modified mRNA (cmRNA) -based direct reprogramming protocol to generate dorsal forebrain precursors (hiDFPs) from FXS patient-derived fibroblasts, with subsequent differentiation to glutamatergic cortical neurons and astrocytes. Results We observed differential expression of mature neuronal markers suggesting impaired neuronal development and maturation in FXS- hiDFP-derived neurons compared to controls. FXS- hiDFP-derived cortical neurons exhibited dendritic growth and arborization deficits characterized by reduced neurite length and branching consistent with impaired neuronal maturation. Furthermore, FXS- hiDFP-derived neurons exhibited a significant decrease in the density of pre- and post- synaptic proteins and reduced glutamate-induced calcium activity, suggesting impaired excitatory synapse development and functional maturation. We also observed a reduced yield of FXS- hiDFP-derived neurons with a significant increase in FXS-affected astrocytes. Discussion This study represents the first reported derivation of FXS-affected cortical neurons following direct reprogramming of patient fibroblasts to dorsal forebrain precursors and subsequently neurons that recapitulate the key molecular hallmarks of FXS as it occurs in human tissue. We propose that direct to hiDFP reprogramming provides a unique platform for further study into the pathogenesis of FXS as well as the identification and screening of new drug targets for the treatment of FXS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Bronwen Connor
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, Centre for Brain Research, School of Medical Science, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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Chen YS, Dong J, Tan W, Liu H, Zhang SM, Zou J, Chen YQ, Bai SY, Zeng Y. The potential role of ribonucleic acid methylation in the pathological mechanisms of fragile X syndrome. Behav Brain Res 2023; 452:114586. [PMID: 37467965 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2023.114586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is a common inherited cause of intellectual disabilities and single-gene cause of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), resulting from the loss of functional fragile X messenger ribonucleoprotein (FMRP), an RNA-binding protein (RBP) encoded by the fragile X messenger ribonucleoprotein 1 (FMR1) gene. Ribonucleic acid (RNA) methylation can lead to developmental diseases, including FXS, through various mechanisms mediated by 5-hydroxymethylcytosine, 5-methylcytosine, N6-methyladenosine, etc. Emerging evidence suggests that modifications of some RNA species have been linked to FXS. However, the underlying pathological mechanism has yet to be elucidated. In this review, we reviewed the implication of RNA modification in FXS and summarized its specific characteristics for facilitating the identification of new therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Shan Chen
- Brain Science and Advanced Technology Institute, Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Hazard Identification and Control, School of Medicine, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Geriatric Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jing Dong
- Brain Science and Advanced Technology Institute, Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Hazard Identification and Control, School of Medicine, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wei Tan
- Geriatric Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hui Liu
- Brain Science and Advanced Technology Institute, Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Hazard Identification and Control, School of Medicine, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Geriatric Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Si-Ming Zhang
- Brain Science and Advanced Technology Institute, Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Hazard Identification and Control, School of Medicine, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Geriatric Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jia Zou
- Brain Science and Advanced Technology Institute, Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Hazard Identification and Control, School of Medicine, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Geriatric Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yi-Qi Chen
- Brain Science and Advanced Technology Institute, Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Hazard Identification and Control, School of Medicine, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Geriatric Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shu-Yuan Bai
- Brain Science and Advanced Technology Institute, Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Hazard Identification and Control, School of Medicine, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Geriatric Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yan Zeng
- Brain Science and Advanced Technology Institute, Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Hazard Identification and Control, School of Medicine, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Geriatric Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
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5
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Martin GE, Lee M, Bicknell K, Goodkind A, Maltman N, Losh M. A longitudinal investigation of pragmatic language across contexts in autism and related neurodevelopmental conditions. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1155691. [PMID: 37545730 PMCID: PMC10402743 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1155691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Pragmatic language, or the use of language in social contexts, is a critical skill in daily life, supporting social interactions and the development of meaningful social relationships. Pragmatic language is universally impacted in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and pragmatic deficits are also common in other neurodevelopmental conditions, particularly those related to ASD, such as fragile X syndrome (FXS). This study used a multi-method, longitudinal approach to characterize potentially unique pragmatic profiles across different neurodevelopmental disabilities, and across contexts that varied in degree of social demand. The utility of computational linguistic analyses, as an efficient tool for capturing pragmatic abilities, was also explored. Methods Pragmatic skills of boys with idiopathic ASD (ASD-O, n = 43), FXS with and without ASD (FXS-ASD, n = 57; FXS-O, n = 14), Down syndrome (DS, n = 22), and typical development (TD, n = 24) were compared using variables obtained from a standardized measure, narrative, and semi-naturalistic conversation at up to three time points. Results Pragmatic language was most significantly impacted among males with ASD-O and FXS-ASD across all three contexts, with more difficulties in the least structured context (conversation), and also some differences based on FXS comorbidity. Patterns of group differences were more nuanced for boys with FXS-O and DS, with context having less of an impact. Clinical groups demonstrated minimal changes in pragmatic skills with age, with some exceptions. Computational language measurement tools showed some utility for measuring pragmatic skills, but were not as successful as traditional methods at capturing differences between clinical groups. Conclusion Overlap and differences between ASD and other forms of neurodevelopmental disability in general, and between idiopathic and syndromic ASD in particular, have important implications for developing precisely tailored assessment and intervention approaches, consistent with a personalized medicine approach to clinical study and care in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary E. Martin
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, St. John’s University, Staten Island, NY, United States
| | - Michelle Lee
- Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, United States
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Child Study Center, Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital at NYU Langone, New York, NY, United States
| | - Klinton Bicknell
- Department of Linguistics, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, United States
- Duolingo, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Adam Goodkind
- Department of Linguistics, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, United States
- Department of Communication Studies, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, United States
| | - Nell Maltman
- Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, United States
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Molly Losh
- Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, United States
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6
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Louros SR, Seo SS, Maio B, Martinez-Gonzalez C, Gonzalez-Lozano MA, Muscas M, Verity NC, Wills JC, Li KW, Nolan MF, Osterweil EK. Excessive proteostasis contributes to pathology in fragile X syndrome. Neuron 2023; 111:508-525.e7. [PMID: 36495869 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2022.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
In fragile X syndrome (FX), the leading monogenic cause of autism, excessive neuronal protein synthesis is a core pathophysiology; however, an overall increase in protein expression is not observed. Here, we tested whether excessive protein synthesis drives a compensatory rise in protein degradation that is protective for FX mouse model (Fmr1-/y) neurons. Surprisingly, although we find a significant increase in protein degradation through ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS), this contributes to pathological changes. Normalizing proteasome activity with bortezomib corrects excessive hippocampal protein synthesis and hyperactivation of neurons in the inferior colliculus (IC) in response to auditory stimulation. Moreover, systemic administration of bortezomib significantly reduces the incidence and severity of audiogenic seizures (AGS) in the Fmr1-/y mouse, as does genetic reduction of proteasome, specifically in the IC. Together, these results identify excessive activation of the UPS pathway in Fmr1-/y neurons as a contributor to multiple phenotypes that can be targeted for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana R Louros
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK; Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Sang S Seo
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK; Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Beatriz Maio
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK; Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Cristina Martinez-Gonzalez
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK; Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Miguel A Gonzalez-Lozano
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Centre for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Melania Muscas
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK; Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Nick C Verity
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK; Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Jimi C Wills
- CRUK Edinburgh Centre, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Ka Wan Li
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Centre for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Matthew F Nolan
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK; Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Emily K Osterweil
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK; Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK.
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7
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Mushtaq A, Mir US, Altaf M. Multifaceted functions of RNA-binding protein vigilin in gene silencing, genome stability, and autism-related disorders. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:102988. [PMID: 36758804 PMCID: PMC10011833 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.102988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are emerging as important players in regulating eukaryotic gene expression and genome stability. Specific RBPs have been shown to mediate various chromatin-associated processes ranging from transcription to gene silencing and DNA repair. One of the prominent classes of RBPs is the KH domain-containing proteins. Vigilin, an evolutionarily conserved KH domain-containing RBP has been shown to be associated with diverse biological processes like RNA transport and metabolism, sterol metabolism, chromosome segregation, and carcinogenesis. We have previously reported that vigilin is essential for heterochromatin-mediated gene silencing in fission yeast. More recently, we have identified that vigilin in humans plays a critical role in efficient repair of DNA double-stranded breaks and functions in homology-directed DNA repair. In this review, we highlight the multifaceted functions of vigilin and discuss the findings in the context of gene expression, genome organization, cancer, and autism-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arjamand Mushtaq
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovations, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Ulfat Syed Mir
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovations, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Mohammad Altaf
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovations, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India.
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8
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Cabrera Zapata LE, Garcia-Segura LM, Cambiasso MJ, Arevalo MA. Genetics and Epigenetics of the X and Y Chromosomes in the Sexual Differentiation of the Brain. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232012288. [PMID: 36293143 PMCID: PMC9603441 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
For many decades to date, neuroendocrinologists have delved into the key contribution of gonadal hormones to the generation of sex differences in the developing brain and the expression of sex-specific physiological and behavioral phenotypes in adulthood. However, it was not until recent years that the role of sex chromosomes in the matter started to be seriously explored and unveiled beyond gonadal determination. Now we know that the divergent evolutionary process suffered by X and Y chromosomes has determined that they now encode mostly dissimilar genetic information and are subject to different epigenetic regulations, characteristics that together contribute to generate sex differences between XX and XY cells/individuals from the zygote throughout life. Here we will review and discuss relevant data showing how particular X- and Y-linked genes and epigenetic mechanisms controlling their expression and inheritance are involved, along with or independently of gonadal hormones, in the generation of sex differences in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas E. Cabrera Zapata
- Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra (INIMEC), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba 5016, Argentina
- Instituto Cajal (IC), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 28002 Madrid, Spain
| | | | - María Julia Cambiasso
- Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra (INIMEC), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba 5016, Argentina
- Cátedra de Biología Celular, Facultad de Odontología, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba 5000, Argentina
- Correspondence: (M.J.C.); (M.A.A.)
| | - Maria Angeles Arevalo
- Instituto Cajal (IC), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 28002 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (M.J.C.); (M.A.A.)
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9
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Lee A, Xu J, Wen Z, Jin P. Across Dimensions: Developing 2D and 3D Human iPSC-Based Models of Fragile X Syndrome. Cells 2022; 11:1725. [PMID: 35681419 PMCID: PMC9179297 DOI: 10.3390/cells11111725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common inherited cause of intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder. FXS is caused by a cytosine-guanine-guanine (CGG) trinucleotide repeat expansion in the untranslated region of the FMR1 gene leading to the functional loss of the gene's protein product FMRP. Various animal models of FXS have provided substantial knowledge about the disorder. However, critical limitations exist in replicating the pathophysiological mechanisms. Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) provide a unique means of studying the features and processes of both normal and abnormal human neurodevelopment in large sample quantities in a controlled setting. Human iPSC-based models of FXS have offered a better understanding of FXS pathophysiology specific to humans. This review summarizes studies that have used hiPSC-based two-dimensional cellular models of FXS to reproduce the pathology, examine altered gene expression and translation, determine the functions and targets of FMRP, characterize the neurodevelopmental phenotypes and electrophysiological features, and, finally, to reactivate FMR1. We also provide an overview of the most recent studies using three-dimensional human brain organoids of FXS and end with a discussion of current limitations and future directions for FXS research using hiPSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azalea Lee
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA;
- MD/PhD Program, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Jie Xu
- Genetics and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA;
| | - Zhexing Wen
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Peng Jin
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
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10
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Huang Y, Jiang Z, Gao X, Luo P, Jiang X. ARMC Subfamily: Structures, Functions, Evolutions, Interactions, and Diseases. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:791597. [PMID: 34912852 PMCID: PMC8666550 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.791597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Armadillo repeat-containing proteins (ARMCs) are widely distributed in eukaryotes and have important influences on cell adhesion, signal transduction, mitochondrial function regulation, tumorigenesis, and other processes. These proteins share a similar domain consisting of tandem repeats approximately 42 amino acids in length, and this domain constitutes a substantial platform for the binding between ARMCs and other proteins. An ARMC subfamily, including ARMC1∼10, ARMC12, and ARMCX1∼6, has received increasing attention. These proteins may have many terminal regions and play a critical role in various diseases. On the one hand, based on their similar central domain of tandem repeats, this ARMC subfamily may function similarly to other ARMCs. On the other hand, the unique domains on their terminals may cause these proteins to have different functions. Here, we focus on the ARMC subfamily (ARMC1∼10, ARMC12, and ARMCX1∼6), which is relatively conserved in vertebrates and highly conserved in mammals, particularly primates. We review the structures, biological functions, evolutions, interactions, and related diseases of the ARMC subfamily, which involve more than 30 diseases and 40 bypasses, including interactions and relationships between more than 100 proteins and signaling molecules. We look forward to obtaining a clearer understanding of the ARMC subfamily to facilitate further in-depth research and treatment of related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutao Huang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.,Institue of Neurosurgery of People's Liberation Army of China (PLA), PLA's Key Laboratory of Critical Care Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zijian Jiang
- Department of Hepato-biliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xiangyu Gao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.,State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Peng Luo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.,Institue of Neurosurgery of People's Liberation Army of China (PLA), PLA's Key Laboratory of Critical Care Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xiaofan Jiang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.,Institue of Neurosurgery of People's Liberation Army of China (PLA), PLA's Key Laboratory of Critical Care Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
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11
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Romagnoli A, Di Marino D. The Use of Peptides in the Treatment of Fragile X Syndrome: Challenges and Opportunities. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:754485. [PMID: 34803767 PMCID: PMC8599826 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.754485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) is the most frequent cause of inherited intellectual disabilities and autism spectrum disorders, characterized by cognitive deficits and autistic behaviors. The silencing of the Fmr1 gene and consequent lack of FMRP protein, is the major contribution to FXS pathophysiology. FMRP is an RNA binding protein involved in the maturation and plasticity of synapses and its absence culminates in a range of morphological, synaptic and behavioral phenotypes. Currently, there are no approved medications for the treatment of FXS, with the approaches under study being fairly specific and unsatisfying in human trials. Here we propose peptides/peptidomimetics as candidates in the pharmacotherapy of FXS; in the last years this class of molecules has catalyzed the attention of pharmaceutical research, being highly selective and well-tolerated. Thanks to their ability to target protein-protein interactions (PPIs), they are already being tested for a wide range of diseases, including cancer, diabetes, inflammation, Alzheimer's disease, but this approach has never been applied to FXS. As FXS is at the forefront of efforts to develop new drugs and approaches, we discuss opportunities, challenges and potential issues of peptides/peptidomimetics in FXS drug design and development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daniele Di Marino
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, New York-Marche Structural Biology Center (NY-MaSBiC), Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
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12
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Lee CH, Bartholomay KL, Marzelli MJ, Miller JG, Bruno JL, Lightbody AA, Reiss AL. Neuroanatomical Profile of Young Females with Fragile X Syndrome: A Voxel-Based Morphometry Analysis. Cereb Cortex 2021; 32:2310-2320. [PMID: 34546362 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhab319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome is a genetic condition associated with alterations in brain and subsequent cognitive development. However, due to a milder phenotype relative to males, females with fragile X syndrome are underrepresented in research studies. In the current study, we investigate neuroanatomical differences in young females (age range: 6.03-16.32 years) with fragile X syndrome (N = 46) as compared to age-, sex-, and verbal abilities-matched participants (comparison group; N = 35). Between-group analyses of whole-brain and regional brain volumes were assessed using voxel-based morphometry. Results demonstrate significantly larger total gray and white matter volumes in girls with fragile X syndrome compared to a matched comparison group (Ps < 0.001). In addition, the fragile X group showed significantly larger gray matter volume in a bilateral parieto-occipital cluster and a right parieto-occipital cluster (Ps < 0.001). Conversely, the fragile X group showed significantly smaller gray matter volume in the bilateral gyrus rectus (P < 0.03). Associations between these regional brain volumes and key socio-emotional variables provide insight into gene-brain-behavior relationships underlying the fragile X syndrome phenotype in females. These findings represent the first characterization of a neuroanatomical phenotype in a large sample of girls with fragile X syndrome and expand our knowledge about potential neurodevelopmental mechanisms underlying cognitive-behavioral outcomes in this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cindy H Lee
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Kristi L Bartholomay
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Matthew J Marzelli
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Jonas G Miller
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Jennifer L Bruno
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Amy A Lightbody
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Allan L Reiss
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.,Department of Radiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
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13
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Molecular Pathogenesis and Peripheral Monitoring of Adult Fragile X-Associated Syndromes. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22168368. [PMID: 34445074 PMCID: PMC8395059 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Abnormal trinucleotide expansions cause rare disorders that compromise quality of life and, in some cases, lifespan. In particular, the expansions of the CGG-repeats stretch at the 5’-UTR of the Fragile X Mental Retardation 1 (FMR1) gene have pleiotropic effects that lead to a variety of Fragile X-associated syndromes: the neurodevelopmental Fragile X syndrome (FXS) in children, the late-onset neurodegenerative disorder Fragile X-associated tremor-ataxia syndrome (FXTAS) that mainly affects adult men, the Fragile X-associated primary ovarian insufficiency (FXPOI) in adult women, and a variety of psychiatric and affective disorders that are under the term of Fragile X-associated neuropsychiatric disorders (FXAND). In this review, we will describe the pathological mechanisms of the adult “gain-of-function” syndromes that are mainly caused by the toxic actions of CGG RNA and FMRpolyG peptide. There have been intensive attempts to identify reliable peripheral biomarkers to assess disease progression and onset of specific pathological traits. Mitochondrial dysfunction, altered miRNA expression, endocrine system failure, and impairment of the GABAergic transmission are some of the affectations that are susceptible to be tracked using peripheral blood for monitoring of the motor, cognitive, psychiatric and reproductive impairment of the CGG-expansion carriers. We provided some illustrative examples from our own cohort. Understanding the association between molecular pathogenesis and biomarkers dynamics will improve effective prognosis and clinical management of CGG-expansion carriers.
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14
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Biembengut ÍV, Silva ILZ, Souza TDACBD, Shigunov P. Cytoplasmic FMR1 interacting protein (CYFIP) family members and their function in neural development and disorders. Mol Biol Rep 2021; 48:6131-6143. [PMID: 34327661 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-021-06585-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
In humans, the cytoplasmic FMR1 interacting protein (CYFIP) family is composed of CYFIP1 and CYFIP2. Despite their high similarity and shared interaction with many partners, CYFIP1 and CYFIP2 act at different points in cellular processes. CYFIP1 and CYFIP2 have different expression levels in human tissues, and knockout animals die at different time points of development. CYFIP1, similar to CYFIP2, acts in the WAVE regulatory complex (WRC) and plays a role in actin dynamics through the activation of the Arp2/3 complex and in a posttranscriptional regulatory complex with the fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP). Previous reports have shown that CYFIP1 and CYFIP2 may play roles in posttranscriptional regulation in different ways. While CYFIP1 is involved in translation initiation via the 5'UTR, CYFIP2 may regulate mRNA expression via the 3'UTR. In addition, this CYFIP protein family is involved in neural development and maturation as well as in different neural disorders, such as intellectual disabilities, autistic spectrum disorders, and Alzheimer's disease. In this review, we map diverse studies regarding the functions, regulation, and implications of CYFIP proteins in a series of molecular pathways. We also highlight mutations and their structural effects both in functional studies and in neural diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ísis Venturi Biembengut
- Carlos Chagas Institute-FIOCRUZ-PR, Rua Prof. Algacyr Munhoz Mader, 3775, CIC, Curitiba, Paraná, 81830-010, Brazil
| | | | | | - Patrícia Shigunov
- Carlos Chagas Institute-FIOCRUZ-PR, Rua Prof. Algacyr Munhoz Mader, 3775, CIC, Curitiba, Paraná, 81830-010, Brazil.
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15
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Brand BA, Blesson AE, Smith-Hicks CL. The Impact of X-Chromosome Inactivation on Phenotypic Expression of X-Linked Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11070904. [PMID: 34356138 PMCID: PMC8305405 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11070904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Nearly 20% of genes located on the X chromosome are associated with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD) due to their expression and role in brain functioning. Given their location, several of these genes are either subject to or can escape X-chromosome inactivation (XCI). The degree to which genes are subject to XCI can influence the NDD phenotype between males and females. We provide a general review of X-linked NDD genes in the context of XCI and detailed discussion of the sex-based differences related to MECP2 and FMR1, two common X-linked causes of NDD that are subject to XCI. Understanding the effects of XCI on phenotypic expression of NDD genes may guide the development of stratification biomarkers in X-linked disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boudewien A Brand
- Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; (B.A.B.); (A.E.B.)
| | - Alyssa E Blesson
- Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; (B.A.B.); (A.E.B.)
| | - Constance L. Smith-Hicks
- Department of Neurology and Developmental Medicine, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Correspondence:
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16
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Carotti S, Zingariello M, Francesconi M, D'Andrea L, Latasa MU, Colyn L, Fernandez-Barrena MG, Flammia RS, Falchi M, Righi D, Pedini G, Pantano F, Bagni C, Perrone G, Rana RA, Avila MA, Morini S, Zalfa F. Fragile X mental retardation protein in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: regulating the cancer cell behavior plasticity at the leading edge. Oncogene 2021; 40:4033-4049. [PMID: 34017076 PMCID: PMC8195741 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-021-01824-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2019] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) is a rare malignancy of the intrahepatic biliary tract with a very poor prognosis. Although some clinicopathological parameters can be prognostic factors for iCCA, the molecular prognostic markers and potential mechanisms of iCCA have not been well investigated. Here, we report that the Fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP), a RNA binding protein functionally absent in patients with the Fragile X syndrome (FXS) and also involved in several types of cancers, is overexpressed in human iCCA and its expression is significantly increased in iCCA metastatic tissues. The silencing of FMRP in metastatic iCCA cell lines affects cell migration and invasion, suggesting a role of FMRP in iCCA progression. Moreover, we show evidence that FMRP is localized at the invasive front of human iCCA neoplastic nests and in pseudopodia and invadopodia protrusions of migrating and invading iCCA cancer cells. Here FMRP binds several mRNAs encoding key proteins involved in the formation and/or function of these protrusions. In particular, we find that FMRP binds to and regulates the expression of Cortactin, a critical regulator of invadopodia formation. Altogether, our findings suggest that FMRP could promote cell invasiveness modulating membrane plasticity and invadopodia formation at the leading edges of invading iCCA cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Carotti
- Research Unit of Microscopic and Ultrastructural Anatomy, Department of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico University, Rome, Italy
- Predictive Molecular Diagnostic Unit, Department of Pathology, Campus Bio-Medico University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Zingariello
- Research Unit of Microscopic and Ultrastructural Anatomy, Department of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico University, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Francesconi
- Research Unit of Microscopic and Ultrastructural Anatomy, Department of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico University, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura D'Andrea
- Research Unit of Microscopic and Ultrastructural Anatomy, Department of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico University, Rome, Italy
| | - M Ujue Latasa
- Hepatology Program, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra and IdiSNA, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Leticia Colyn
- Hepatology Program, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra and IdiSNA, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Maite G Fernandez-Barrena
- Hepatology Program, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra and IdiSNA, Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Madrid, Spain
| | - Rocco Simone Flammia
- Research Unit of Microscopic and Ultrastructural Anatomy, Department of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico University, Rome, Italy
| | - Mario Falchi
- National AIDS Center, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Righi
- Predictive Molecular Diagnostic Unit, Department of Pathology, Campus Bio-Medico University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgia Pedini
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Pantano
- Medical Oncology Department, Campus Bio-Medico University, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Bagni
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- Department of Fundamental Neurosciences, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Giuseppe Perrone
- Predictive Molecular Diagnostic Unit, Department of Pathology, Campus Bio-Medico University Hospital, Rome, Italy
- Research Unit of Pathology, Campus Bio-Medico University, Rome, Italy
| | - Rosa Alba Rana
- Medicine and Aging Science Department, University G. D'Annunzio, Chieti-Pescara, Italy
| | - Matias A Avila
- Hepatology Program, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra and IdiSNA, Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Madrid, Spain
| | - Sergio Morini
- Research Unit of Microscopic and Ultrastructural Anatomy, Department of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico University, Rome, Italy.
| | - Francesca Zalfa
- Research Unit of Microscopic and Ultrastructural Anatomy, Department of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico University, Rome, Italy.
- Predictive Molecular Diagnostic Unit, Department of Pathology, Campus Bio-Medico University Hospital, Rome, Italy.
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17
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Winston M, Nayar K, Landau E, Maltman N, Sideris J, Zhou L, Sharp K, Berry-Kravis E, Losh M. A Unique Visual Attention Profile Associated With the FMR1 Premutation. Front Genet 2021; 12:591211. [PMID: 33633778 PMCID: PMC7901883 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.591211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Atypical visual attention patterns have been observed among carriers of the fragile X mental retardation gene (FMR1) premutation (PM), with some similarities to visual attention patterns observed in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and among clinically unaffected relatives of individuals with ASD. Patterns of visual attention could constitute biomarkers that can help to inform the neurocognitive profile of the PM, and that potentially span diagnostic boundaries. This study examined patterns of eye movement across an array of fixation measurements from three distinct eye-tracking tasks in order to investigate potentially overlapping profiles of visual attention among PM carriers, ASD parents, and parent controls. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine whether variables constituting a PM-specific looking profile were able to effectively predict group membership. Participants included 65PM female carriers, 188 ASD parents, and 84 parent controls. Analyses of fixations across the eye-tracking tasks, and their corresponding areas of interest, revealed a distinct visual attention pattern in carriers of the FMR1 PM, characterized by increased fixations on the mouth when viewing faces, more intense focus on bodies in socially complex scenes, and decreased fixations on salient characters and faces while narrating a wordless picture book. This set of variables was able to successfully differentiate individuals with the PM from controls (Sensitivity = 0.76, Specificity = 0.85, Accuracy = 0.77) as well as from ASD parents (Sensitivity = 0.70, Specificity = 0.80, Accuracy = 0.72), but did not show a strong distinction between ASD parents and controls (Accuracy = 0.62), indicating that this set of variables comprises a profile that is unique to PM carriers. Regarding predictive power, fixations toward the mouth when viewing faces was able to differentiate PM carriers from both ASD parents and controls, whereas fixations toward other social stimuli did not differentiate PM carriers from ASD parents, highlighting some overlap in visual attention patterns that could point toward shared neurobiological mechanisms. Results demonstrate a profile of visual attention that appears strongly associated with the FMR1 PM in women, and may constitute a meaningful biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly Winston
- Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, United States
| | - Kritika Nayar
- Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, United States
| | - Emily Landau
- Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, United States
| | - Nell Maltman
- Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, United States
| | - John Sideris
- Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Lili Zhou
- Department of Pediatrics, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Kevin Sharp
- Department of Pediatrics, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States
| | | | - Molly Losh
- Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, United States
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18
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Adenosine A 2A receptor inhibition reduces synaptic and cognitive hippocampal alterations in Fmr1 KO mice. Transl Psychiatry 2021; 11:112. [PMID: 33547274 PMCID: PMC7864914 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-021-01238-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In fragile X syndrome (FXS) the lack of the fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) leads to exacerbated signaling through the metabotropic glutamate receptors 5 (mGlu5Rs). The adenosine A2A receptors (A2ARs), modulators of neuronal damage, could play a role in FXS. A synaptic colocalization and a strong permissive interaction between A2A and mGlu5 receptors in the hippocampus have been previously reported, suggesting that blocking A2ARs might normalize the mGlu5R-mediated effects of FXS. To study the cross-talk between A2A and mGlu5 receptors in the absence of FMRP, we performed extracellular electrophysiology experiments in hippocampal slices of Fmr1 KO mouse. The depression of field excitatory postsynaptic potential (fEPSPs) slope induced by the mGlu5R agonist CHPG was completely blocked by the A2AR antagonist ZM241385 and strongly potentiated by the A2AR agonist CGS21680, suggesting that the functional synergistic coupling between the two receptors could be increased in FXS. To verify if chronic A2AR blockade could reverse the FXS phenotypes, we treated the Fmr1 KO mice with istradefylline, an A2AR antagonist. We found that hippocampal DHPG-induced long-term depression (LTD), which is abnormally increased in FXS mice, was restored to the WT level. Furthermore, istradefylline corrected aberrant dendritic spine density, specific behavioral alterations, and overactive mTOR, TrkB, and STEP signaling in Fmr1 KO mice. Finally, we identified A2AR mRNA as a target of FMRP. Our results show that the pharmacological blockade of A2ARs partially restores some of the phenotypes of Fmr1 KO mice, both by reducing mGlu5R functioning and by acting on other A2AR-related downstream targets.
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19
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Lu JX, Wang Y, Zhang YJ, Shen MF, Li HY, Yu ZQ, Chen G. Axonal mRNA localization and local translation in neurodegenerative disease. Neural Regen Res 2021; 16:1950-1957. [PMID: 33642365 PMCID: PMC8343310 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.308074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The regulation of mRNA localization and local translation play vital roles in the maintenance of cellular structure and function. Many human neurodegenerative diseases, such as fragile X syndrome, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, and spinal muscular atrophy, have been characterized by pathological changes in neuronal axons, including abnormal mRNA translation, the loss of protein expression, or abnormal axon transport. Moreover, the same protein and mRNA molecules have been associated with variable functions in different diseases due to differences in their interaction networks. In this review, we briefly examine fragile X syndrome, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, and spinal muscular atrophy, with a focus on disease pathogenesis with regard to local mRNA translation and axon transport, suggesting possible treatment directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Xin Lu
- Department of Neurosurgery & Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yang Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery & Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province; Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Yi-Jie Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery & Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Mei-Fen Shen
- Department of Neurosurgery & Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Hai-Ying Li
- Department of Neurosurgery & Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Zheng-Quan Yu
- Department of Neurosurgery & Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Gang Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery & Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
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20
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Briševac D, Scholz R, Du D, Elagabani MN, Köhr G, Kornau HC. The small GTPase Arf6 is dysregulated in a mouse model for fragile X syndrome. J Neurochem 2020; 157:666-683. [PMID: 33125726 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS), the most common inherited cause of intellectual disability, results from silencing of the fragile X mental retardation gene 1 (FMR1). The analyses of FXS patients' brain autopsies revealed an increased density of immature dendritic spines in cortical areas. We hypothesize that the small GTPase Arf6, an actin regulator critical for the development of glutamatergic synapses and dendritic spines, is implicated in FXS. Here, we determined the fraction of active, GTP-bound Arf6 in cortical neuron cultures and synaptoneurosomes from Fmr1 knockout mice, measured actin polymerization in neurons expressing Arf6 mutants with variant GTP- or GDP-binding properties, and recorded hippocampal long-term depression induced by metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluR-LTD) in acute brain slices. We detected a persistently elevated Arf6 activity, a loss of Arf6 sensitivity to synaptic stimulation and an increased Arf6-dependent dendritic actin polymerization in mature Fmr1 knockout neurons. Similar imbalances in Arf6-GTP levels and actin filament assembly were caused in wild-type neurons by RNAi-mediated depletion of the postsynaptic Arf6 guanylate exchange factors IQSEC1 (BRAG2) or IQSEC2 (BRAG1). Targeted deletion of Iqsec1 in hippocampal neurons of 3-week-old mice interfered with mGluR-LTD in wild-type, but not in Fmr1 knockout mice. Collectively, these data suggest an aberrant Arf6 regulation in Fmr1 knockout neurons with consequences for the actin cytoskeleton, spine morphology, and synaptic plasticity. Moreover, FXS and syndromes caused by genetic variants in IQSEC1 and IQSEC2 share intellectual disabilities and developmental delay as main symptoms. Therefore, dysregulation of Arf6 may contribute to the cognitive impairment in FXS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dušica Briševac
- Neuroscience Research Center (NWFZ), Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Biology, Chemistry, and Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ralf Scholz
- Center for Molecular Neurobiology (ZMNH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Dan Du
- Central Institute of Mental Health, Mannheim Center for Translational Neuroscience, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | | | - Georg Köhr
- Central Institute of Mental Health, Mannheim Center for Translational Neuroscience, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany.,Department of Neurophysiology, Mannheim Center for Translational Neuroscience, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Hans-Christian Kornau
- Neuroscience Research Center (NWFZ), Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Center for Molecular Neurobiology (ZMNH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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21
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Banke TG, Barria A. Transient Enhanced GluA2 Expression in Young Hippocampal Neurons of a Fragile X Mouse Model. Front Synaptic Neurosci 2020; 12:588295. [PMID: 33343326 PMCID: PMC7745073 DOI: 10.3389/fnsyn.2020.588295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
AMPA-type glutamate receptors (AMPARs) are tetrameric ligand-gated channels made up of combinations of GluA1-4 subunits and play important roles in synaptic transmission and plasticity. Here, we have investigated the development of AMPAR-mediated synaptic transmission in the hippocampus of the Fmr1 knock-out (KO) mouse, a widely used model of Fragile X syndrome (FXS). FXS is the leading monogenic cause of intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and it is considered a neurodevelopmental disorder. For that reason, we investigated synaptic properties and dendritic development in animals from an early stage when synapses are starting to form up to adulthood. We found that hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons in the Fmr1-KO mouse exhibit a higher AMPAR-NMDAR ratio early in development but reverses to normal values after P13. This increase was accompanied by a larger presence of the GluA2-subunit in synaptic AMPARs that will lead to altered Ca2+ permeability of AMPARs that could have a profound impact upon neural circuits, learning, and diseases. Following this, we found that young KO animals lack Long-term potentiation (LTP), a well-understood model of synaptic plasticity necessary for proper development of circuits, and exhibit an increased frequency of spontaneous miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents, a measure of synaptic density. Furthermore, post hoc morphological analysis of recorded neurons revealed altered dendritic branching in the KO group. Interestingly, all these anomalies are transitory and revert to normal values in older animals. Our data suggest that loss of FMRP during early development leads to temporary upregulation of the GluA2 subunit and this impacts synaptic plasticity and altering morphological dendritic branching.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tue G Banke
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Andres Barria
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
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22
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Telias M. Pharmacological Treatments for Fragile X Syndrome Based on Synaptic Dysfunction. Curr Pharm Des 2020; 25:4394-4404. [PMID: 31682210 DOI: 10.2174/1381612825666191102165206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common form of monogenic hereditary cognitive impairment, including intellectual disability, autism, hyperactivity, and epilepsy. METHODS This article reviews the literature pertaining to the role of synaptic dysfunction in FXS. RESULTS In FXS, synaptic dysfunction alters the excitation-inhibition ratio, dysregulating molecular and cellular processes underlying cognition, learning, memory, and social behavior. Decades of research have yielded important hypotheses that could explain, at least in part, the development of these neurological disorders in FXS patients. However, the main goal of translating lab research in animal models to pharmacological treatments in the clinic has been so far largely unsuccessful, leaving FXS a still incurable disease. CONCLUSION In this concise review, we summarize and analyze the main hypotheses proposed to explain synaptic dysregulation in FXS, by reviewing the scientific evidence that led to pharmaceutical clinical trials and their outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Telias
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
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23
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Methylated premutation of the FMR1 gene in three sisters: correlating CGG expansion and epigenetic inactivation. Eur J Hum Genet 2019; 28:567-575. [PMID: 31804632 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-019-0554-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2019] [Revised: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 11/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is a very frequent cause of inherited intellectual disability (ID) and autism. Most FXS patients have an expansion over 200 repeats of (CGG)n sequence ("full mutation" (FM)) located in the 5'UTR of the FMR1 gene, resulting in local DNA methylation (methylated "full mutation" (MFM)) and epigenetic silencing. The absence of the FMRP protein is responsible for the clinical phenotype of FXS. FM arises from a smaller maternal allele with 56-200 CGG repeats ("premutation" (PM)) during maternal meiosis. Carriers of PM alleles, which are typically unmethylated, can manifest other clinical features (primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) or FXS-associated tremor-ataxia syndrome (FXTAS)), known as fragile X-related disorders. In FXS families, rare males who have inherited an unmethylated "full mutation" (UFM) have been described. These individuals produce enough FMRP to allow normal intellectual functioning. Here we report the rare case of three sisters with a completely methylated PM of around 140 CGGs and detail their neuropsychological function. X inactivation analysis confirmed that the three sisters have a random inactivation of the X chromosome, suggesting that the PM allele is always methylated also when residing on the active X. We propose that in exceptional cases, just as the FM may be unmethylated, also a PM allele may be fully methylated. To our knowledge, females with a methylated PM allele and a mild impairment have reported only once. The study of these atypical individuals demonstrates that the size of the CGG expansion is not as tightly coupled to methylation as previously thought.
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24
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Li W, Pozzo-Miller L. Dysfunction of the corticostriatal pathway in autism spectrum disorders. J Neurosci Res 2019; 98:2130-2147. [PMID: 31758607 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Revised: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The corticostriatal pathway that carries sensory, motor, and limbic information to the striatum plays a critical role in motor control, action selection, and reward. Dysfunction of this pathway is associated with many neurological and psychiatric disorders. Corticostriatal synapses have unique features in their cortical origins and striatal targets. In this review, we first describe axonal growth and synaptogenesis in the corticostriatal pathway during development, and then summarize the current understanding of the molecular bases of synaptic transmission and plasticity at mature corticostriatal synapses. Genes associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have been implicated in axonal growth abnormalities, imbalance of the synaptic excitation/inhibition ratio, and altered long-term synaptic plasticity in the corticostriatal pathway. Here, we review a number of ASD-associated high-confidence genes, including FMR1, KMT2A, GRIN2B, SCN2A, NLGN1, NLGN3, MET, CNTNAP2, FOXP2, TSHZ3, SHANK3, PTEN, CHD8, MECP2, DYRK1A, RELN, FOXP1, SYNGAP1, and NRXN, and discuss their relevance to proper corticostriatal function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Li
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Lucas Pozzo-Miller
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
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25
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Winston M, Nayar K, Hogan AL, Barstein J, La Valle C, Sharp K, Berry-Kravis E, Losh M. Physiological regulation and social-emotional processing in female carriers of the FMR1 premutation. Physiol Behav 2019; 214:112746. [PMID: 31765665 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2019.112746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Revised: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The FMR1 gene is associated with a wide range of clinical and cognitive phenotypes, ranging from intellectual disability and autism symptoms in fragile X syndrome (caused by the FMR1 full mutation), to a more varied, and still poorly understood range of clinical and cognitive phenotypes among carriers of the gene in its premutation state. Because the FMR1 premutation is relatively common among women (as high as 1 in 150), investigations of its phenotypic impact could have broad implications for understanding gene-behavior relationships underlying complex human traits, with potential clinical implications. This study investigated physiological regulation measured by pupillary responses, along with fixation patterns while viewing facial expressions among women who carry the FMR1 premutation (PM group; n = 47), to examine whether the FMR1 gene may relate to physiological regulation, social-emotional functioning, and social language skills (where subclinical differences have been previously reported among PM carriers that resemble those documented in autism-related conditions). Relative to controls (n = 25), the PM group demonstrated atypical pupillary responses and fixation patterns, controlling for IQ. In the PM group, pupillary response and fixation patterns were related to social cognition, social language abilities, and FMR1-related variation. Results indicate a pattern of atypical attention allocation among women who carry the FMR1 PM that could reflect different emotion-processing strategies mediated by autonomic dysregulation and the FMR1 gene. These findings lend insight into the FMR1 gene's potential contributions to complex human traits such as social emotional processing and social language.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly Winston
- Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, Frances Searle Building, 2240 Campus Drive, Evanston IL 60208, United States
| | - Kritika Nayar
- Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, Frances Searle Building, 2240 Campus Drive, Evanston IL 60208, United States
| | - Abigail L Hogan
- Department of Psychology, University of South Carolina, 1512 Pendleton Street, Barnwell College, Suite 220, Columbia, SC 29208, United States
| | - Jamie Barstein
- Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, Frances Searle Building, 2240 Campus Drive, Evanston IL 60208, United States
| | - Chelsea La Valle
- Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, Frances Searle Building, 2240 Campus Drive, Evanston IL 60208, United States
| | - Kevin Sharp
- Rush University Medical Center, Jelke Building, Room 1565, 1750W. Harrison St., Chicago IL 60612, United States
| | - Elizabeth Berry-Kravis
- Rush University Medical Center, Jelke Building, Room 1565, 1750W. Harrison St., Chicago IL 60612, United States
| | - Molly Losh
- Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, Frances Searle Building, 2240 Campus Drive, Evanston IL 60208, United States.
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26
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Nussbacher JK, Tabet R, Yeo GW, Lagier-Tourenne C. Disruption of RNA Metabolism in Neurological Diseases and Emerging Therapeutic Interventions. Neuron 2019; 102:294-320. [PMID: 30998900 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2019.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 158] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Revised: 01/24/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
RNA binding proteins are critical to the maintenance of the transcriptome via controlled regulation of RNA processing and transport. Alterations of these proteins impact multiple steps of the RNA life cycle resulting in various molecular phenotypes such as aberrant RNA splicing, transport, and stability. Disruption of RNA binding proteins and widespread RNA processing defects are increasingly recognized as critical determinants of neurological diseases. Here, we describe distinct mechanisms by which the homeostasis of RNA binding proteins is compromised in neurological disorders through their reduced expression level, increased propensity to aggregate or sequestration by abnormal RNAs. These mechanisms all converge toward altered neuronal function highlighting the susceptibility of neurons to deleterious changes in RNA expression and the central role of RNA binding proteins in preserving neuronal integrity. Emerging therapeutic approaches to mitigate or reverse alterations of RNA binding proteins in neurological diseases are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia K Nussbacher
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Institute for Genomic Medicine, UCSD Stem Cell Program, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Ricardos Tabet
- Department of Neurology, The Sean M. Healey and AMG Center for ALS at Mass General, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA; Broad Institute of Harvard University and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Gene W Yeo
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Institute for Genomic Medicine, UCSD Stem Cell Program, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
| | - Clotilde Lagier-Tourenne
- Department of Neurology, The Sean M. Healey and AMG Center for ALS at Mass General, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA; Broad Institute of Harvard University and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.
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27
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Pena SA, Iyengar R, Eshraghi RS, Bencie N, Mittal J, Aljohani A, Mittal R, Eshraghi AA. Gene therapy for neurological disorders: challenges and recent advancements. J Drug Target 2019; 28:111-128. [DOI: 10.1080/1061186x.2019.1630415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie A. Pena
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hearing Research Laboratory, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Rahul Iyengar
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hearing Research Laboratory, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Rebecca S. Eshraghi
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hearing Research Laboratory, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Nicole Bencie
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hearing Research Laboratory, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Jeenu Mittal
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hearing Research Laboratory, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Abdulrahman Aljohani
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hearing Research Laboratory, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Rahul Mittal
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hearing Research Laboratory, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Adrien A. Eshraghi
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hearing Research Laboratory, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
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28
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Telias M. Molecular Mechanisms of Synaptic Dysregulation in Fragile X Syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorders. Front Mol Neurosci 2019; 12:51. [PMID: 30899214 PMCID: PMC6417395 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2019.00051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 02/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common form of monogenic hereditary cognitive impairment. FXS patient exhibit a high comorbidity rate with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). This makes FXS a model disease for understanding how synaptic dysregulation alters neuronal excitability, learning and memory, social behavior, and more. Since 1991, with the discovery of fragile X mental retardation 1 (FMR1) as the sole gene that is mutated in FXS, thousands of studies into the function of the gene and its encoded protein FMR1 protein (FMRP), have been conducted, yielding important information regarding the pathophysiology of the disease, as well as insight into basic synaptic mechanisms that control neuronal networking and circuitry. Among the most important, are molecular mechanisms directly involved in plasticity, including glutamate and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors, which can control synaptic transmission and signal transduction, including short- and long-term plasticity. More recently, several novel mechanisms involving growth factors, enzymatic cascades and transcription factors (TFs), have been proposed to have the potential of explaining some of the synaptic dysregulation in FXS. In this review article, I summarize the main mechanisms proposed to underlie synaptic disruption in FXS and ASDs. I focus on studies conducted on the Fmr1 knock-out (KO) mouse model and on FXS-human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs), emphasizing the differences and even contradictions between mouse and human, whenever possible. As FXS and ASDs are both neurodevelopmental disorders that follow a specific time-course of disease progression, I highlight those studies focusing on the differential developmental regulation of synaptic abnormalities in these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Telias
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
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29
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hnRNP Q Regulates Internal Ribosome Entry Site-Mediated fmr1 Translation in Neurons. Mol Cell Biol 2019; 39:MCB.00371-18. [PMID: 30478144 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.00371-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2018] [Accepted: 11/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) caused by loss of fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP), is the most common cause of inherited intellectual disability. Numerous studies show that FMRP is an RNA binding protein that regulates translation of its binding targets and plays key roles in neuronal functions. However, the regulatory mechanism for FMRP expression is incompletely understood. Conflicting results regarding internal ribosome entry site (IRES)-mediated fmr1 translation have been reported. Here, we unambiguously demonstrate that the fmr1 gene, which encodes FMRP, exploits both IRES-mediated translation and canonical cap-dependent translation. Furthermore, we find that heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein Q (hnRNP Q) acts as an IRES-transacting factor (ITAF) for IRES-mediated fmr1 translation in neurons. We also show that semaphorin 3A (Sema3A)-induced axonal growth cone collapse is due to upregulation of hnRNP Q and subsequent IRES-mediated expression of FMRP. These data elucidate the regulatory mechanism of FMRP expression and its role in axonal growth cone collapse.
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30
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Rosina E, Battan B, Siracusano M, Di Criscio L, Hollis F, Pacini L, Curatolo P, Bagni C. Disruption of mTOR and MAPK pathways correlates with severity in idiopathic autism. Transl Psychiatry 2019; 9:50. [PMID: 30705255 PMCID: PMC6355879 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-018-0335-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2018] [Revised: 11/04/2018] [Accepted: 11/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The molecular signature underlying autism spectrum disorder remains largely unknown. This study identifies differential expression of mTOR and MAPK pathways in patients affected by mild and severe idiopathic autism. A total of 55 subjects were enrolled, of which 22 were typically developing individuals and 33 were patients aged between 3 and 11 years, with autism spectrum disorder. A detailed history, including physical examination, developmental evaluation, mental health history and autism diagnostic observation schedule were performed for each patient. Components of the mTOR and MAPK signalling pathways were analysed from peripheral blood at the protein level. Patients were then stratified according to their clinical phenotypes, and the molecular profiling was analysed in relation to the degree of autism severity. In this cohort of patients, we identified increased activity of mTOR and the MAPK pathways, key regulators of synaptogenesis and protein synthesis. Specifically, rpS6, p-eIF4E, TSC1 and p-MNK1 expression discriminated patients according to their clinical diagnosis, suggesting that components of protein synthesis signalling pathways might constitute a molecular signature of clinical severity in autism spectrum disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Rosina
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- Department of Fundamental Neurosciences, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Barbara Battan
- Department of Systems Medicine, Division of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, University Hospital of Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Martina Siracusano
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Lorena Di Criscio
- Department of Systems Medicine, Division of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, University Hospital of Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Fiona Hollis
- Department of Fundamental Neurosciences, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Laura Pacini
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Curatolo
- Department of Systems Medicine, Division of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, University Hospital of Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Bagni
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.
- Department of Fundamental Neurosciences, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
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31
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Closing the Gender Gap in Fragile X Syndrome: Review on Females with FXS and Preliminary Research Findings. Brain Sci 2019; 9:brainsci9010011. [PMID: 30642066 PMCID: PMC6356553 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci9010011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2018] [Revised: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is a genetic condition known to increase the risk of cognitive impairment and socio-emotional challenges in affected males and females. To date, the vast majority of research on FXS has predominantly targeted males, who usually exhibit greater cognitive impairment compared to females. Due to their typically milder phenotype, females may have more potential to attain a higher level of independence and quality of life than their male counterparts. However, the constellation of cognitive, behavioral, and, particularly, socio-emotional challenges present in many females with FXS often preclude them from achieving their full potential. It is, therefore, critical that more research specifically focuses on females with FXS to elucidate the role of genetic, environmental, and socio-emotional factors on outcome in this often-overlooked population.
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Wegiel J, Brown WT, La Fauci G, Adayev T, Kascsak R, Kascsak R, Flory M, Kaczmarski W, Kuchna I, Nowicki K, Martinez-Cerdeno V, Wisniewski T, Wegiel J. The role of reduced expression of fragile X mental retardation protein in neurons and increased expression in astrocytes in idiopathic and syndromic autism (duplications 15q11.2-q13). Autism Res 2018; 11:1316-1331. [PMID: 30107092 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2018] [Revised: 05/29/2018] [Accepted: 06/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS), caused by lack of fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP), is associated with a high prevalence of autism. The deficit of FMRP reported in idiopathic autism suggests a mechanistic overlap between FXS and autism. The overall goal of this study is to detect neuropathological commonalities of FMRP deficits in the brains of people with idiopathic autism and with syndromic autism caused by dup15q11.2-q13 (dup15). This study tests the hypothesis based on our preliminary data that both idiopathic and syndromic autism are associated with brain region-specific deficits of neuronal FMRP and structural changes of the affected neurons. This immunocytochemical study revealed neuronal FMRP deficits and shrinkage of deficient neurons in the cerebral cortex, subcortical structures, and cerebellum in subjects with idiopathic and dup(15)/autism. Neuronal FMRP deficit coexists with surprising infiltration of the brains of autistic children and adults with FMRP-positive astrocytes known to be typical only for the fetal and short postnatal periods. In the examined autistic subjects, these astrocytes selectively infiltrate the border between white and gray matter in the cerebral and cerebellar cortex, the molecular layer of the cortex, part of the amygdala and thalamus, central cerebellar white matter, and dentate nucleus. Astrocyte pathology results in an additional local loss of FMRP in neurons and their shrinkage. Neuronal deficit of FMRP and shrinkage of affected neurons in structures free of FMRP-positive astrocytes and regions infiltrated with FMRP-expressing astrocytes appear to reflect mechanistic, neuropathological, and functional commonalities of FMRP abnormalities in FXS and autism spectrum disorder. Autism Res 2018, 11: 1316-1331. © 2018 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc. LAY SUMMARY: Immunocytochemistry reveals a deficit of fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) in neurons of cortical and subcortical brain structures but increased FMRP expression in astrocytes infiltrating gray and white matter. The detected shrinkage of FMRP-deficient neurons may provide a mechanistic explanation of reported neuronal structural and functional changes in autism. This study contributes to growing evidence of mechanistic commonalities between fragile X syndrome and autism spectrum disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jarek Wegiel
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, NYS Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, New York
| | - W Ted Brown
- Department of Human Genetics, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, New York
| | - Giuseppe La Fauci
- Department of Human Genetics, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, New York
| | - Tatyana Adayev
- Department of Human Genetics, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, New York
| | - Richard Kascsak
- Department of Developmental Biochemistry, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, New York
| | - Regina Kascsak
- Department of Developmental Biochemistry, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, New York
| | - Michael Flory
- Research Design and Analysis Service, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, New York
| | - Wojciech Kaczmarski
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, NYS Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, New York
| | - Izabela Kuchna
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, NYS Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, New York
| | - Krzysztof Nowicki
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, NYS Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, New York
| | - Veronica Martinez-Cerdeno
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, California
| | - Thomas Wisniewski
- Departments of Neurology, Pathology, and Psychiatry, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Jerzy Wegiel
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, NYS Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, New York
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Jiraanont P, Kumar M, Tang HT, Espinal G, Hagerman PJ, Hagerman RJ, Chutabhakdikul N, Tassone F. Size and methylation mosaicism in males with Fragile X syndrome. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2018; 17:1023-1032. [PMID: 28929824 DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2017.1377612] [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] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Size and methylation mosaicism are a common phenomenon in Fragile X syndrome (FXS). Here, the authors report a study on twelve fragile X males with atypical mosaicism, seven of whom presented with autism spectrum disorder. METHODS A combination of Southern Blot and PCR analysis was used for CGG allele sizing and methylation. FMR1 mRNA and FMRP expression were measured by qRT-PCR and by Homogeneous Time Resolved Fluorescence methodology, respectively. RESULTS DNA analysis showed atypical size- or methylation-mosaicism with both, full mutation and smaller (normal to premutation) alleles, as well as a combination of methylated and unmethylated alleles. Four individuals carried a deletion of the CGG repeat and portions of the flanking regions. The extent of methylation among the participants was reflected in the lower FMR1 mRNA and FMRP expression levels detected in these subjects. CONCLUSION Decreased gene expression is likely the main contributor to the cognitive impairment observed in these subjects; although the presence of a normal allele did not appear to compensate for the presence of the full mutation, it correlated with better cognitive function in some but not all of the reported cases emphasizing the complexity of the molecular and clinical profile in FXS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Poonnada Jiraanont
- a Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine , University of California, School of Medicine , Davis , CA , USA.,b Research Center for Neuroscience, Institute of Molecular Biosciences , Mahidol University , Nakornpathom , Thailand
| | - Madhur Kumar
- a Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine , University of California, School of Medicine , Davis , CA , USA
| | - Hiu-Tung Tang
- a Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine , University of California, School of Medicine , Davis , CA , USA
| | - Glenda Espinal
- a Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine , University of California, School of Medicine , Davis , CA , USA
| | - Paul J Hagerman
- a Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine , University of California, School of Medicine , Davis , CA , USA.,c M.I.N.D. Institute , University of California Davis Medical Center , Sacramento , CA , USA
| | - Randi J Hagerman
- c M.I.N.D. Institute , University of California Davis Medical Center , Sacramento , CA , USA.,d Department of Pediatrics , University of California, Davis Medical Center , Sacramento , CA , USA
| | - Nuanchan Chutabhakdikul
- b Research Center for Neuroscience, Institute of Molecular Biosciences , Mahidol University , Nakornpathom , Thailand
| | - Flora Tassone
- a Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine , University of California, School of Medicine , Davis , CA , USA.,c M.I.N.D. Institute , University of California Davis Medical Center , Sacramento , CA , USA
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Handling FMRP and its molecular partners: Structural insights into Fragile X Syndrome. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2018; 141:3-14. [PMID: 30905341 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2018.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2018] [Accepted: 07/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein (FMRP) is a RNA-binding protein (RBP) known to control different steps of mRNA metabolism, even though its complete function is not fully understood yet. Lack or mutations of FMRP lead to Fragile X Syndrome (FXS), the most common form of inherited intellectual disability and a leading monogenic cause of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It is well established that FMRP has a multi-domain architecture, a feature that allows this RBP to be engaged in a large interaction network with numerous proteins and mRNAs or non-coding RNAs. Insights into the three-dimensional (3D) structure of parts of its three domains (N-terminus, central domain and C-terminus) were obtained using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance and X-ray diffraction, but the complete 3D arrangement of each domain with respect to the others is still missing. Here, we review the structural features of FMRP and of the network of its protein and RNA interactions. Understanding these aspects is the first necessary step towards the design of novel compounds for new therapeutic interventions in FXS.
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35
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Napolitano F, D'Angelo L, de Girolamo P, Avallone L, de Lange P, Usiello A. The Thyroid Hormone-target Gene Rhes a Novel Crossroad for Neurological and Psychiatric Disorders: New Insights from Animal Models. Neuroscience 2018; 384:419-428. [PMID: 29857029 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2018.05.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2018] [Revised: 05/17/2018] [Accepted: 05/18/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Ras homolog enriched in striatum (Rhes) is predominantly expressed in the corpus striatum. Rhes mRNA is localized in virtually all dopamine D1 and D2 receptor-bearing medium-sized spiny neurons (MSNs), and cholinergic interneurons of striatum. Early studies in rodents showed that Rhes is developmentally regulated by thyroid hormone, as well as by dopamine innervation in adult rat, monkey and human brains. At cellular level, Rhes interferes with adenosine A2A- and dopamine D1 receptor-dependent cAMP/PKA pathway, upstream of the activation of the heterotrimeric G protein complex. Besides its involvement in GPCR-mediated signaling, Rhes modulates Akt pathway activation, acts as E3-ligase of mutant huntingtin, whose sumoylation accounts for neurotoxicity in Huntington's disease, and physically interacts with Beclin-1, suggesting its potential involvement in autophagy-related cellular events. In addition, this protein can also bind to and activate striatal mTORC1, one of the key players in l-DOPA-induced dyskinesia in rodent models of Parkinson's disease. Accordingly, lack of Rhes attenuated such motor disturbances in 6-OHDA-lesioned Rhes knockout mice. In support of its role in MSN-dependent functions, several studies documented that mutant animals displayed alterations in striatum-related phenotypes reminiscent of psychiatric illness in humans, including deficits in prepulse inhibition of startle reflex and, most interestingly, a striking enhancement of behavioral responses elicited by caffeine, phencyclidine or amphetamine. Overall, these data suggest that Rhes modulates molecular and biochemical events underlying striatal functioning, both in physiological and pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Napolitano
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy; Ceinge Biotecnologie Avanzate, Naples, Italy.
| | - Livia D'Angelo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy; Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy
| | - Paolo de Girolamo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Luigi Avallone
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Pieter de Lange
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | - Alessandro Usiello
- Ceinge Biotecnologie Avanzate, Naples, Italy; Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy.
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Scheller U, Pfisterer K, Uebe S, Ekici AB, Reis A, Jamra R, Ferrazzi F. Integrative bioinformatics analysis characterizing the role of EDC3 in mRNA decay and its association to intellectual disability. BMC Med Genomics 2018; 11:41. [PMID: 29685133 PMCID: PMC5914069 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-018-0358-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2018] [Accepted: 04/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Decapping of mRNA is an important step in the regulation of mRNA turnover and therefore of gene expression, which is a key process controlling development and homeostasis of all organisms. It has been shown that EDC3 plays a role in mRNA decapping, however its function is not well understood. Previously, we have associated a homozygous variant in EDC3 with autosomal recessive intellectual disability. Here, we investigate the functional role of EDC3. METHODS We performed transcriptome analyses in patients' samples. In addition, we established an EDC3 loss-of-function model using siRNA-based knockdown in the human neuroblastoma cell line SKNBE and carried out RNA sequencing. Integrative bioinformatics analyses were performed to identify EDC3-dependent candidate genes and/or pathways. RESULTS Our analyses revealed that 235 genes were differentially expressed in patients versus controls. In addition, AU-rich element (ARE)-containing mRNAs, whose degradation in humans has been suggested to involve EDC3, had higher fold changes than non-ARE-containing genes. The analysis of RNA sequencing data from the EDC3 in vitro loss-of-function model confirmed the higher fold changes of ARE-containing mRNAs compared to non-ARE-containing mRNAs and further showed an upregulation of long non-coding and coding RNAs. In total, 764 genes were differentially expressed. Integrative bioinformatics analyses of these genes identified dysregulated candidate pathways, including pathways related to synapses/coated vesicles and DNA replication/cell cycle. CONCLUSION Our data support the involvement of EDC3 in mRNA decay, including ARE-containing mRNAs, and suggest that EDC3 might be preferentially involved in the degradation of long coding and non-coding RNAs. Furthermore, our results associate ECD3 loss-of-function with synapses-related pathways. Collectively, our data provide novel information that might help elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the association of intellectual disability with the dysregulation of mRNA degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ute Scheller
- Institute of Human Genetics, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Schwabachanlage 10, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Kathrin Pfisterer
- Institute of Human Genetics, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Schwabachanlage 10, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Steffen Uebe
- Institute of Human Genetics, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Schwabachanlage 10, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Arif B. Ekici
- Institute of Human Genetics, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Schwabachanlage 10, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - André Reis
- Institute of Human Genetics, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Schwabachanlage 10, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Rami Jamra
- Institute of Human Genetics, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Schwabachanlage 10, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Leipzig, Philipp-Rosenthal-Straße 55, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Fulvia Ferrazzi
- Institute of Human Genetics, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Schwabachanlage 10, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
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Ostroff LE, Watson DJ, Cao G, Parker PH, Smith H, Harris KM. Shifting patterns of polyribosome accumulation at synapses over the course of hippocampal long-term potentiation. Hippocampus 2018; 28:416-430. [PMID: 29575288 DOI: 10.1002/hipo.22841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2017] [Revised: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 03/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP) is a cellular memory mechanism. For LTP to endure, new protein synthesis is required immediately after induction and some of these proteins must be delivered to specific, presumably potentiated, synapses. Local synthesis in dendrites could rapidly provide new proteins to synapses, but the spatial distribution of translation following induction of LTP is not known. Here, we quantified polyribosomes, the sites of local protein synthesis, in CA1 stratum radiatum dendrites and spines from postnatal day 15 rats. Hippocampal slices were rapidly fixed at 5, 30, or 120 min after LTP induction by theta-burst stimulation (TBS). Dendrites were reconstructed through serial section electron microscopy from comparable regions near the TBS or control electrodes in the same slice, and in unstimulated hippocampus that was perfusion-fixed in vivo. At 5 min after induction of LTP, polyribosomes were elevated in dendritic shafts and spines, especially near spine bases and in spine heads. At 30 min, polyribosomes remained elevated only in spine bases. At 120 min, both spine bases and spine necks had elevated polyribosomes. Polyribosomes accumulated in spines with larger synapses at 5 and 30 min, but not at 120 min. Small spines, meanwhile, proliferated dramatically by 120 min, but these largely lacked polyribosomes. The number of ribosomes per polyribosome is variable and may reflect differences in translation regulation. In dendritic spines, but not shafts, there were fewer ribosomes per polyribosome in the slice conditions relative to in vivo, but this recovered transiently in the 5 min LTP condition. Overall, our data show that LTP induces a rapid, transient upregulation of large polyribosomes in larger spines, and a persistent upregulation of small polyribosomes in the bases and necks of small spines. This is consistent with local translation supporting enlargement of potentiated synapses within minutes of LTP induction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linnaea E Ostroff
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269
| | - Deborah J Watson
- Department of Neuroscience, Center for Learning and Memory, Institute for Neuroscience, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78731
| | - Guan Cao
- Department of Neuroscience, Center for Learning and Memory, Institute for Neuroscience, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78731
| | - Patrick H Parker
- Department of Neuroscience, Center for Learning and Memory, Institute for Neuroscience, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78731
| | - Heather Smith
- Department of Neuroscience, Center for Learning and Memory, Institute for Neuroscience, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78731
| | - Kristen M Harris
- Department of Neuroscience, Center for Learning and Memory, Institute for Neuroscience, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78731
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Trifonova EA, Khlebodarova TM, Gruntenko NE. Molecular mechanisms of autism as a form of synaptic dysfunction. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017. [DOI: 10.1134/s2079059717080020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Zalfa F, Panasiti V, Carotti S, Zingariello M, Perrone G, Sancillo L, Pacini L, Luciani F, Roberti V, D'Amico S, Coppola R, Abate SO, Rana RA, De Luca A, Fiers M, Melocchi V, Bianchi F, Farace MG, Achsel T, Marine JC, Morini S, Bagni C. The fragile X mental retardation protein regulates tumor invasiveness-related pathways in melanoma cells. Cell Death Dis 2017; 8:e3169. [PMID: 29144507 PMCID: PMC5775405 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2017.521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2017] [Revised: 08/24/2017] [Accepted: 08/25/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) is lacking or mutated in patients with the fragile X syndrome (FXS), the most frequent form of inherited intellectual disability. FMRP affects metastasis formation in a mouse model for breast cancer. Here we show that FMRP is overexpressed in human melanoma with high Breslow thickness and high Clark level. Furthermore, meta-analysis of the TCGA melanoma data revealed that high levels of FMRP expression correlate significantly with metastatic tumor tissues, risk of relapsing and disease-free survival. Reduction of FMRP in metastatic melanoma cell lines impinges on cell migration, invasion and adhesion. Next-generation sequencing in human melanoma cells revealed that FMRP regulates a large number of mRNAs involved in relevant processes of melanoma progression. Our findings suggest an association between FMRP levels and the invasive phenotype in melanoma and might open new avenues towards the discovery of novel therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Zalfa
- Department of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico University, via Alvaro del Portillo 21, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Panasiti
- Department of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico University, via Alvaro del Portillo 21, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Simone Carotti
- Department of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico University, via Alvaro del Portillo 21, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Zingariello
- Department of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico University, via Alvaro del Portillo 21, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Perrone
- Department of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico University, via Alvaro del Portillo 21, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Sancillo
- Department of Medicine and Science of Aging, University of Chieti 'G d'Annunzio', via dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti-Pescara, Italy
| | - Laura Pacini
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Flavie Luciani
- VIB/Center for the Biology of Disease, KU Leuven, O&N 4, Herestraat 49 Box 602, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.,Center for Human Genetics, Leuven Institute for Neuroscience and Disease, KU Leuven, O&N 4, Herestraat 49 Box 602, Leuven, 3000, Belgium
| | - Vincenzo Roberti
- Department of Dermatology, University of Rome 'La Sapienza', viale dell'Università 1, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia D'Amico
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Rosa Coppola
- Department of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico University, via Alvaro del Portillo 21, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Simona Osella Abate
- Department of Medical Science and Human Oncology, Section of Dermato-Oncology, University of Turin, via Verdi 8, 10124 Turin, Italy
| | - Rosa Alba Rana
- Department of Medicine and Science of Aging, University of Chieti 'G d'Annunzio', via dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti-Pescara, Italy
| | - Anastasia De Luca
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Mark Fiers
- VIB/Center for the Biology of Disease, KU Leuven, O&N 4, Herestraat 49 Box 602, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.,Center for Human Genetics, Leuven Institute for Neuroscience and Disease, KU Leuven, O&N 4, Herestraat 49 Box 602, Leuven, 3000, Belgium
| | - Valentina Melocchi
- ISBREMIT, Institute for Stem-cell Biology, Regenerative Medicine and Innovative Therapies, IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, viale Padre Pio 7, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo (FG), Italy
| | - Fabrizio Bianchi
- ISBREMIT, Institute for Stem-cell Biology, Regenerative Medicine and Innovative Therapies, IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, viale Padre Pio 7, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo (FG), Italy
| | - Maria Giulia Farace
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Tilmann Achsel
- VIB/Center for the Biology of Disease, KU Leuven, O&N 4, Herestraat 49 Box 602, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.,Center for Human Genetics, Leuven Institute for Neuroscience and Disease, KU Leuven, O&N 4, Herestraat 49 Box 602, Leuven, 3000, Belgium
| | - Jean-Christophe Marine
- VIB/Center for the Biology of Disease, KU Leuven, O&N 4, Herestraat 49 Box 602, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.,Center for Human Genetics, Leuven Institute for Neuroscience and Disease, KU Leuven, O&N 4, Herestraat 49 Box 602, Leuven, 3000, Belgium
| | - Sergio Morini
- Department of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico University, via Alvaro del Portillo 21, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Bagni
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy.,VIB/Center for the Biology of Disease, KU Leuven, O&N 4, Herestraat 49 Box 602, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.,Center for Human Genetics, Leuven Institute for Neuroscience and Disease, KU Leuven, O&N 4, Herestraat 49 Box 602, Leuven, 3000, Belgium.,Department of Fundamental Neuroscience, University of Lausanne, Rue du Bugnon 9, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland
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Dysregulated NMDA-Receptor Signaling Inhibits Long-Term Depression in a Mouse Model of Fragile X Syndrome. J Neurosci 2017; 36:9817-27. [PMID: 27656021 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.3038-15.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2015] [Accepted: 08/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is a neurodevelopmental disease. It is one of the leading monogenic causes of intellectual disability among boys with most also displaying autism spectrum disorder traits. Here we investigated the role of NMDA receptors on mGluR-dependent long-term depression (mGluR-LTD), a key biomarker in the disease, at four different developmental stages. First, we applied the mGluR agonist 3,5-dihydroxyphenylglycine in the absence or presence of the NMDAR blocker, APV, hereby unmasking the NMDAR component in this process. As expected, in the presence of APV, we found more LTD in the mouse KO than in WT. This, however, was only observed in the p30-60 age group. At all other age groups tested, mGluR-LTD was almost identical between KO and WT. Interestingly, at p60, in the absence of APV, no or very little LTD was found in KO that was completely restored by application of APV. This suggests that the underlying cause of the enhanced mGluR-LTD in KO (at p30) is caused by dysregulated NMDAR signaling. To investigate this further, we next used NMDAR-subunit-specific antagonists. Inhibition of GluN2B, but not GluN2A, blocked mGluR-LTD only in WT. This was in contrast in the KO where blocking GluN2B rescued mGluR-LTD, suggesting GluN2B-containing NMDARs in the KO are hyperactive. Thus, these findings suggest strong involvement of GluN2B-containing-NMDARs in the pathophysiology of FXS and highlight a potential path for treatment for the disease. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT There is currently no cure for fragile X, although medications targeting specific FXS symptoms do exist. The FXS animal model, the Fmr1 knock-out mouse, has demonstrated an increased mGluR5-mediated long-term depression (LTD) leading to several clinical trials of mGluR5 inhibitors/modulators, yet all have failed. In addition, surprisingly little information exists about the possible role of other ion channels/receptors, including NMDA receptors (NMDAR), in mGluR-LTD. Here we focus on NMDARs and their regulation of mGluR-mediated LTD at different developmental stages using several different NMDAR blockers/antagonists. Our findings suggest dysregulated NMDARs in the pathophysiology of FXS leading to altered mGluR-mediated LTD. Together, these data will help to develop new drug candidates that could lead to reversal of the FXS phenotype.
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Phosphodiesterase-4B as a Therapeutic Target for Cognitive Impairment and Obesity-Related Metabolic Diseases. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2017; 17:103-131. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-58811-7_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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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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Lee M, Martin GE, Berry-Kravis E, Losh M. A developmental, longitudinal investigation of autism phenotypic profiles in fragile X syndrome. J Neurodev Disord 2016; 8:47. [PMID: 28050218 PMCID: PMC5203725 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-016-9179-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2016] [Accepted: 11/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Targeting overlapping behavioral phenotypes in neurogenetic disorders can help elucidate gene-behavior relationships. Fragile X syndrome (FXS) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have been studied as a model for this approach, and important areas of phenotypic overlap and divergence have been documented. However, few studies have examined how the manifestation of ASD-related phenotypes in FXS may change over development, a question which has important implications for conceptualizing shared etiologies of these disorders and their constituent phenotypes. The goal of this study was to characterize ASD phenotypes in boys and girls with FXS across development, as well as to compare individual component phenotypes among boys with FXS and boys with idiopathic ASD (ASD-O) over time. METHODS Sixty-five boys and girls with FXS and 19 boys with ASD-O completed a battery of diagnostic, cognitive, and language assessments at two time points (mean 2.5 years apart). Nonparametric tests assessed changes in diagnostic classification in FXS over time, and hierarchical linear modeling and repeated measures assessed changes in individual ASD symptoms in FXS over time. Additionally, ANCOVAs compared ASD symptom severity and component phenotypes in boys with FXS-O, FXS-ASD, and ASD-O at both time points. RESULTS Overall, ASD symptom manifestation for children with FXS significantly increased over time, and developmental predictors varied based on the domain of symptoms assessed. The greatest degree of overlap was observed between boys with FXS-ASD and ASD-O in the domain of reciprocal social communication across time points, whereas boys with ASD-O demonstrated greater impairment in restricted and repetitive behaviors at the later time point. CONCLUSIONS ASD symptoms increased in FXS with age, and social language impairment emerged as a potential core shared feature of FXS and ASD that may help elucidate underlying molecular genetic variation related to phenotypic variance, and aid intervention planning for subgroups of children showing distinct phenotypes. Results highlight the value of a developmental perspective, and longitudinal data in particular, in evaluating shared behavioral phenotypes across genetic conditions, lending insight into underlying cognitive, neural, and genetic mechanisms associated with key developmental phenotypes in ASD and FXS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Lee
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL USA
| | - Gary E. Martin
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, St. John’s University, Staten Island, NY USA
| | | | - Molly Losh
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL USA
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Mor-Shaked H, Eiges R. Modeling Fragile X Syndrome Using Human Pluripotent Stem Cells. Genes (Basel) 2016; 7:genes7100077. [PMID: 27690107 PMCID: PMC5083916 DOI: 10.3390/genes7100077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2016] [Revised: 09/02/2016] [Accepted: 09/12/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common heritable form of cognitive impairment. It results from a loss-of-function mutation by a CGG repeat expansion at the 5′ untranslated region of the X-linked fragile X mental retardation 1 (FMR1) gene. Expansion of the CGG repeats beyond 200 copies results in protein deficiency by leading to aberrant methylation of the FMR1 promoter and the switch from active to repressive histone modifications. Additionally, the CGGs become increasingly unstable, resulting in high degree of variation in expansion size between and within tissues of affected individuals. It is still unclear how the FMR1 protein (FMRP) deficiency leads to disease pathology in neurons. Nor do we know the mechanisms by which the CGG expansion results in aberrant DNA methylation, or becomes unstable in somatic cells of patients, at least in part due to the lack of appropriate animal or cellular models. This review summarizes the current contribution of pluripotent stem cells, mutant human embryonic stem cells, and patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells to disease modeling of FXS for basic and applied research, including the development of new therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hagar Mor-Shaked
- Stem Cell Research Laboratory, Medical Genetics Institute, Shaare Zedek Medical Center Affiliated with the Hebrew University School of Medicine, Jerusalem 91031, Israel.
| | - Rachel Eiges
- Stem Cell Research Laboratory, Medical Genetics Institute, Shaare Zedek Medical Center Affiliated with the Hebrew University School of Medicine, Jerusalem 91031, Israel.
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Somatosensory map expansion and altered processing of tactile inputs in a mouse model of fragile X syndrome. Neurobiol Dis 2016; 96:201-215. [PMID: 27616423 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2016.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2016] [Revised: 08/30/2016] [Accepted: 09/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is a common inherited form of intellectual disability caused by the absence or reduction of the fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) encoded by the FMR1 gene. In humans, one symptom of FXS is hypersensitivity to sensory stimuli, including touch. We used a mouse model of FXS (Fmr1 KO) to study sensory processing of tactile information conveyed via the whisker system. In vivo electrophysiological recordings in somatosensory barrel cortex showed layer-specific broadening of the receptive fields at the level of layer 2/3 but not layer 4, in response to whisker stimulation. Furthermore, the encoding of tactile stimuli at different frequencies was severely affected in layer 2/3. The behavioral effect of this broadening of the receptive fields was tested in the gap-crossing task, a whisker-dependent behavioral paradigm. In this task the Fmr1 KO mice showed differences in the number of whisker contacts with platforms, decrease in the whisker sampling duration and reduction in the whisker touch-time while performing the task. We propose that the increased excitability in the somatosensory barrel cortex upon whisker stimulation may contribute to changes in the whisking strategy as well as to other observed behavioral phenotypes related to tactile processing in Fmr1 KO mice.
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Tabolacci E, Palumbo F, Nobile V, Neri G. Transcriptional Reactivation of the FMR1 Gene. A Possible Approach to the Treatment of the Fragile X Syndrome. Genes (Basel) 2016; 7:genes7080049. [PMID: 27548224 PMCID: PMC4999837 DOI: 10.3390/genes7080049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2016] [Revised: 07/29/2016] [Accepted: 08/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common cause of inherited intellectual disability, caused by CGG expansion over 200 repeats (full mutation, FM) at the 5′ untranslated region (UTR) of the fragile X mental retardation 1 (FMR1) gene and subsequent DNA methylation of the promoter region, accompanied by additional epigenetic histone modifications that result in a block of transcription and absence of the fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP). The lack of FMRP, involved in multiple aspects of mRNA metabolism in the brain, is thought to be the direct cause of the FXS phenotype. Restoration of FMR1 transcription and FMRP production can be obtained in vitro by treating FXS lymphoblastoid cell lines with the demethylating agent 5-azadeoxycytidine, demonstrating that DNA methylation is key to FMR1 inactivation. This concept is strengthened by the existence of rare male carriers of a FM, who are unable to methylate the FMR1 promoter. These individuals produce limited amounts of FMRP and are of normal intelligence. Their inability to methylate the FMR1 promoter, whose cause is not yet fully elucidated, rescues them from manifesting the FXS. These observations demonstrate that a therapeutic approach to FXS based on the pharmacological reactivation of the FMR1 gene is conceptually tenable and worthy of being further pursued.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Tabolacci
- Institute of Genomic Medicine, School of Medicine, Catholic University, Largo Francesco Vito 1, Rome 00168, Italy.
| | - Federica Palumbo
- Institute of Genomic Medicine, School of Medicine, Catholic University, Largo Francesco Vito 1, Rome 00168, Italy.
| | - Veronica Nobile
- Institute of Genomic Medicine, School of Medicine, Catholic University, Largo Francesco Vito 1, Rome 00168, Italy.
| | - Giovanni Neri
- Institute of Genomic Medicine, School of Medicine, Catholic University, Largo Francesco Vito 1, Rome 00168, Italy.
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Kilburg D, Gallicchio E. Recent Advances in Computational Models for the Study of Protein-Peptide Interactions. ADVANCES IN PROTEIN CHEMISTRY AND STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY 2016; 105:27-57. [PMID: 27567483 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apcsb.2016.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
We review computational models and software tools in current use for the study of protein-peptide interactions. Peptides and peptide derivatives are growing in interest as therapeutic agents to target protein-protein interactions. Protein-protein interactions are pervasive in biological systems and are responsible for the regulation of critical functions within the cell. Mutations or dysregulation of expression can alter the network of interactions among proteins and cause diseases such as cancer. Protein-protein binding interfaces, which are often large, shallow, and relatively feature-less, are difficult to target with small-molecule inhibitors. Peptide derivatives based on the binding motifs present in the target protein complex are increasingly drawing interest as superior alternatives to conventional small-molecule inhibitors. However, the design of peptide-based inhibitors also presents novel challenges. Peptides are more complex and more flexible than standard medicinal compounds. They also tend to form more extended and more complex interactions with their protein targets. Computational modeling is increasingly being employed to supplement synthetic and biochemical work to offer guidance and energetic and structural insights. In this review, we discuss recent in silico structure-based and physics-based approaches currently employed to model protein-peptide interactions with a few examples of their applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Kilburg
- Brooklyn College, Brooklyn, NY, United States; The Graduate Center of the City University of New York, New York, NY, United States
| | - E Gallicchio
- Brooklyn College, Brooklyn, NY, United States; The Graduate Center of the City University of New York, New York, NY, United States.
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Cheng C, Lau SKM, Doering LC. Astrocyte-secreted thrombospondin-1 modulates synapse and spine defects in the fragile X mouse model. Mol Brain 2016; 9:74. [PMID: 27485117 PMCID: PMC4971702 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-016-0256-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2016] [Accepted: 07/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are key participants in various aspects of brain development and function, many of which are executed via secreted proteins. Defects in astrocyte signaling are implicated in neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by abnormal neural circuitry such as Fragile X syndrome (FXS). In animal models of FXS, the loss in expression of the Fragile X mental retardation 1 protein (FMRP) from astrocytes is associated with delayed dendrite maturation and improper synapse formation; however, the effect of astrocyte-derived factors on the development of neurons is not known. Thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) is an important astrocyte-secreted protein that is involved in the regulation of spine development and synaptogenesis. In this study, we found that cultured astrocytes isolated from an Fmr1 knockout (Fmr1 KO) mouse model of FXS displayed a significant decrease in TSP-1 protein expression compared to the wildtype (WT) astrocytes. Correspondingly, Fmr1 KO hippocampal neurons exhibited morphological deficits in dendritic spines and alterations in excitatory synapse formation following long-term culture. All spine and synaptic abnormalities were prevented in the presence of either astrocyte-conditioned media or a feeder layer derived from FMRP-expressing astrocytes, or following the application of exogenous TSP-1. Importantly, this work demonstrates the integral role of astrocyte-secreted signals in the establishment of neuronal communication and identifies soluble TSP-1 as a potential therapeutic target for Fragile X syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Connie Cheng
- McMaster Integrative Neuroscience Discovery and Study Program (MINDS), McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario, L8S 4L8, Canada.,Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, 1200 Main Street West, HSC 1R15A, Hamilton, Ontario, L8N 3Z5, Canada
| | - Sally K M Lau
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, 1200 Main Street West, HSC 1R15A, Hamilton, Ontario, L8N 3Z5, Canada
| | - Laurie C Doering
- McMaster Integrative Neuroscience Discovery and Study Program (MINDS), McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario, L8S 4L8, Canada. .,Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, 1200 Main Street West, HSC 1R15A, Hamilton, Ontario, L8N 3Z5, Canada.
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Daroles L, Gribaudo S, Doulazmi M, Scotto-Lomassese S, Dubacq C, Mandairon N, Greer CA, Didier A, Trembleau A, Caillé I. Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein and Dendritic Local Translation of the Alpha Subunit of the Calcium/Calmodulin-Dependent Kinase II Messenger RNA Are Required for the Structural Plasticity Underlying Olfactory Learning. Biol Psychiatry 2016; 80:149-159. [PMID: 26372002 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2015.07.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2015] [Revised: 07/16/2015] [Accepted: 07/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the adult brain, structural plasticity allowing gain or loss of synapses remodels circuits to support learning. In fragile X syndrome, the absence of fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) leads to defects in plasticity and learning deficits. FMRP is a master regulator of local translation but its implication in learning-induced structural plasticity is unknown. METHODS Using an olfactory learning task requiring adult-born olfactory bulb neurons and cell-specific ablation of FMRP, we investigated whether learning shapes adult-born neuron morphology during their synaptic integration and its dependence on FMRP. We used alpha subunit of the calcium/calmodulin-dependent kinase II (αCaMKII) mutant mice with altered dendritic localization of αCaMKII messenger RNA, as well as a reporter of αCaMKII local translation to investigate the role of this FMRP messenger RNA target in learning-dependent structural plasticity. RESULTS Learning induces profound changes in dendritic architecture and spine morphology of adult-born neurons that are prevented by ablation of FMRP in adult-born neurons and rescued by an metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 antagonist. Moreover, dendritically translated αCaMKII is necessary for learning and associated structural modifications and learning triggers an FMRP-dependent increase of αCaMKII dendritic translation in adult-born neurons. CONCLUSIONS Our results strongly suggest that FMRP mediates structural plasticity of olfactory bulb adult-born neurons to support olfactory learning through αCaMKII local translation. This reveals a new role for FMRP-regulated dendritic local translation in learning-induced structural plasticity. This might be of clinical relevance for the understanding of critical periods disruption in autism spectrum disorder patients, among which fragile X syndrome is the primary monogenic cause.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Daroles
- Sorbonne Universités, Université Pierre et Marie Curie Univ Paris 06, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique UMR8246, INSERM U1130, IBPS, Neuroscience Paris Seine, France
| | - Simona Gribaudo
- Sorbonne Universités, Université Pierre et Marie Curie Univ Paris 06, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique UMR8246, INSERM U1130, IBPS, Neuroscience Paris Seine, France
| | - Mohamed Doulazmi
- Sorbonne Universités, Université Pierre et Marie Curie Univ Paris 06, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique UMR8246, INSERM U1130, IBPS, Neuroscience Paris Seine, France
| | - Sophie Scotto-Lomassese
- Sorbonne Universités, Université Pierre et Marie Curie Univ Paris 06, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique UMR8246, INSERM U1130, IBPS, Neuroscience Paris Seine, France
| | - Caroline Dubacq
- Sorbonne Universités, Université Pierre et Marie Curie Univ Paris 06, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique UMR8246, INSERM U1130, IBPS, Neuroscience Paris Seine, France
| | - Nathalie Mandairon
- Université Lyon1, CNRS UMR 5292, INSERM U1028, Centre de Recherche en Neurosciences de Lyon
| | - Charles August Greer
- Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Neurosurgery, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Anne Didier
- Université Lyon1, CNRS UMR 5292, INSERM U1028, Centre de Recherche en Neurosciences de Lyon
| | - Alain Trembleau
- Sorbonne Universités, Université Pierre et Marie Curie Univ Paris 06, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique UMR8246, INSERM U1130, IBPS, Neuroscience Paris Seine, France
| | - Isabelle Caillé
- Sorbonne Universités, Université Pierre et Marie Curie Univ Paris 06, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique UMR8246, INSERM U1130, IBPS, Neuroscience Paris Seine, France; Sorbonne Paris Cité, Université Paris Diderot-Paris 7.
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50
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Telias M, Segal M, Ben-Yosef D. Immature Responses to GABA in Fragile X Neurons Derived from Human Embryonic Stem Cells. Front Cell Neurosci 2016; 10:121. [PMID: 27242433 PMCID: PMC4864171 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2016.00121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2016] [Accepted: 04/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) is the most common form of inherited cognitive disability. However, functional deficiencies in FX neurons have been described so far almost exclusively in animal models. In a recent study we found several functional deficits in FX neurons differentiated in-vitro from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), including their inability to fire repetitive action potentials, and their lack of synaptic activity. Here, we investigated the responses of such neurons to pulse application of the neurotransmitter GABA. We found two distinct types of responses to GABA and sensitivity to the GABA-A receptor antagonist bicuculline; type 1 (mature) characterized by non-desensitized responses to GABA as well as a high sensitivity to bicuculline, and type 2 (immature) which are desensitized to GABA and insensitive to bicuculline. Type 1 responses were age-dependent and dominant in mature WT neurons. In contrast, FX neurons expressed primarily type 2 phenotype. Expression analysis of GABA-A receptor subunits demonstrated that this bias in human FX neurons was associated with a significant alteration in the expression pattern of the GABA-A receptor subunits α2 and β2. Our results indicate that FMRP may play a role in the development of the GABAergic synapse during neurogenesis. This is the first demonstration of the lack of a mature response to GABA in human FX neurons and may explain the inappropriate synaptic functions in FXS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Telias
- Wolfe PGD-Stem Cell Lab, Racine IVF Unit, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Lis Maternity HospitalTel-Aviv, Israel; Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Sackler Medical School, Tel-Aviv UniversityTel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Menahem Segal
- Department of Neurobiology, The Weizmann Institute of Science Rehovot, Israel
| | - Dalit Ben-Yosef
- Wolfe PGD-Stem Cell Lab, Racine IVF Unit, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Lis Maternity HospitalTel-Aviv, Israel; Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Sackler Medical School, Tel-Aviv UniversityTel-Aviv, Israel
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