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Ricarte M, Tagkalidou N, Bellot M, Bedrossiantz J, Prats E, Gomez-Canela C, Garcia-Reyero N, Raldúa D. Short- and Long-Term Neurobehavioral Effects of Developmental Exposure to Valproic Acid in Zebrafish. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7688. [PMID: 39062930 PMCID: PMC11277053 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25147688] [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: 06/20/2024] [Revised: 07/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impairments in social interaction and communication, anxiety, hyperactivity, and interest restricted to specific subjects. In addition to the genetic factors, multiple environmental factors have been related to the development of ASD. Animal models can serve as crucial tools for understanding the complexity of ASD. In this study, a chemical model of ASD has been developed in zebrafish by exposing embryos to valproic acid (VPA) from 4 to 48 h post-fertilization, rearing them to the adult stage in fish water. For the first time, an integrative approach combining behavioral analysis and neurotransmitters profile has been used for determining the effects of early-life exposure to VPA both in the larval and adult stages. Larvae from VPA-treated embryos showed hyperactivity and decreased visual and vibrational escape responses, as well as an altered neurotransmitters profile, with increased glutamate and decreased acetylcholine and norepinephrine levels. Adults from VPA-treated embryos exhibited impaired social behavior characterized by larger shoal sizes and a decreased interest for their conspecifics. A neurotransmitter analysis revealed a significant decrease in dopamine and GABA levels in the brain. These results support the potential predictive validity of this model for ASD research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Ricarte
- Institute for Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), 08034 Barcelona, Spain; (M.R.); (N.T.); (J.B.)
- Department of Analytical and Applied Chemistry, School of Engineering, Institut Químic de Sarrià, Universitat Ramon Llull, 08017 Barcelona, Spain; (M.B.); (C.G.-C.)
| | - Niki Tagkalidou
- Institute for Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), 08034 Barcelona, Spain; (M.R.); (N.T.); (J.B.)
| | - Marina Bellot
- Department of Analytical and Applied Chemistry, School of Engineering, Institut Químic de Sarrià, Universitat Ramon Llull, 08017 Barcelona, Spain; (M.B.); (C.G.-C.)
| | - Juliette Bedrossiantz
- Institute for Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), 08034 Barcelona, Spain; (M.R.); (N.T.); (J.B.)
| | - Eva Prats
- Research and Development Center (CID-CSIC), 08034 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Cristian Gomez-Canela
- Department of Analytical and Applied Chemistry, School of Engineering, Institut Químic de Sarrià, Universitat Ramon Llull, 08017 Barcelona, Spain; (M.B.); (C.G.-C.)
| | - Natalia Garcia-Reyero
- Institute for Genomics, Biocomputing & Biotechnology (IGBB), Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS 39762, USA;
| | - Demetrio Raldúa
- Institute for Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), 08034 Barcelona, Spain; (M.R.); (N.T.); (J.B.)
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Pravikova PD, Arssan MA, Zalivina EA, Kondaurova EM, Kulikova EA, Belokopytova II, Naumenko VS. Dopamine receptors and key elements of the neurotrophins (BDNF, CDNF) expression patterns during critical periods of ontogenesis in the brain structures of mice with autism-like behavior (BTBR) or its absence (С57BL/6 J). Vavilovskii Zhurnal Genet Selektsii 2024; 28:407-415. [PMID: 39027124 PMCID: PMC11253014 DOI: 10.18699/vjgb-24-46] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Analysis of the mechanisms underlying autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is an urgent task due to the ever-increasing prevalence of this condition. The study of critical periods of neuroontogenesis is of interest, since the manifestation of ASD is often associated with prenatal disorders of the brain development. One of the currently promising hypotheses postulates a connection between the pathogenesis of ASD and the dysfunction of neurotransmitters and neurotrophins. In this study, we investigated the expression of key dopamine receptors (Drd1, Drd2), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (Bdnf), its receptors (Ntrkb2, Ngfr) and the transcription factor Creb1 that mediates BDNF action, as well as cerebral dopamine neurotrophic factor (Cdnf) during the critical periods of embryogenesis (e14 and e18) and postnatal development (p14, p28, p60) in the hippocampus and frontal cortex of BTBR mice with autism-like behavior compared to the neurotypical C57BL/6 J strain. In BTBR embryos, on the 14th day of prenatal development, an increase in the expression of the Ngfr gene encoding the p75NTR receptor, which may lead to the activation of apoptosis, was found in the hippocampus and frontal cortex. A decrease in the expression of Cdnf, Bdnf and its receptor Ntrkb2, as well as dopamine receptors (Drd1, Drd2) was detected in BTBR mice in the postnatal period of ontogenesis mainly in the frontal cortex, while in the hippocampus of mature mice (p60), only a decrease in the Drd2 mRNA level was revealed. The obtained results suggest that the decrease in the expression levels of CDNF, BDNF-TrkB and dopamine receptors in the frontal cortex in the postnatal period can lead to significant changes in both the morphology of neurons and dopamine neurotransmission in cortical brain structures. At the same time, the increase in p75NTR receptor gene expression observed on the 14th day of embryogenesis, crucial for hippocampus and frontal cortex development, may have direct relevance to the manifestation of early autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- P D Pravikova
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - M A Arssan
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - E A Zalivina
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - E M Kondaurova
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - E A Kulikova
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - I I Belokopytova
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - V S Naumenko
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
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Yang J, Wang H, Chen H, Hou H, Hu Q. The association of genetic polymorphisms within the dopaminergic system with nicotine dependence: A narrative review. Heliyon 2024; 10:e33158. [PMID: 39021905 PMCID: PMC11253068 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e33158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Nicotine, the main compound in cigarettes, leads to smoking addiction. Nicotine acts on the limbic dopamine reward loop in the midbrain by binding to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, promoting the release of dopamine, and resulting in a rewarding effect or satisfaction. This satisfaction is essential for continued and compulsive tobacco use, and therefore dopamine plays a crucial role in nicotine dependence. Numerous studies have identified genetic polymorphisms of dopaminergic pathways which may influence susceptibility to nicotine addiction. Dopamine levels are greatly influenced by synthesis, storage, release, degradation, and reuptake-related genes, including genes encoding tyrosine hydroxylase, dopamine decarboxylase, dopamine transporter, dopamine receptor, dopamine 3-hydroxylase, catechol-O-methyltransferase, and monoamine oxidase. In this paper, we review research progress on the effects of polymorphisms in the above genes on downstream smoking behavior and nicotine dependence, to offer a theoretical basis for the elucidation of the genetic mechanism underlying nicotine dependence and future personalized treatment for smoking cessation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Yang
- China National Tobacco Quality Supervision & Test Center, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
- Key Laboratory of Tobacco Biological Effects, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
- Beijing Life Science Academy, Beijing, 102209, China
- Key Laboratory of Tobacco Biological Effects and Biosynthesis, Beijing, 102209, China
| | - Hongjuan Wang
- China National Tobacco Quality Supervision & Test Center, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
- Key Laboratory of Tobacco Biological Effects, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
- Beijing Life Science Academy, Beijing, 102209, China
- Key Laboratory of Tobacco Biological Effects and Biosynthesis, Beijing, 102209, China
| | - Huan Chen
- China National Tobacco Quality Supervision & Test Center, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
- Key Laboratory of Tobacco Biological Effects, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
- Beijing Life Science Academy, Beijing, 102209, China
- Key Laboratory of Tobacco Biological Effects and Biosynthesis, Beijing, 102209, China
| | - Hongwei Hou
- China National Tobacco Quality Supervision & Test Center, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
- Key Laboratory of Tobacco Biological Effects, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
- Beijing Life Science Academy, Beijing, 102209, China
- Key Laboratory of Tobacco Biological Effects and Biosynthesis, Beijing, 102209, China
| | - Qingyuan Hu
- China National Tobacco Quality Supervision & Test Center, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
- Key Laboratory of Tobacco Biological Effects, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
- Beijing Life Science Academy, Beijing, 102209, China
- Key Laboratory of Tobacco Biological Effects and Biosynthesis, Beijing, 102209, China
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Zhang Q, Wang Y, Tao J, Xia R, Zhang Y, Liu Z, Cheng J. Sex-biased single-cell genetic landscape in mice with autism spectrum disorder. J Genet Genomics 2024; 51:338-351. [PMID: 37703921 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2023.08.012] [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: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
Autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) is a male-biased, heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder that affects approximately 1%-2% of the population. Prenatal exposure to valproic acid (VPA) is a recognized risk factor for ASD, but the cellular and molecular basis of VPA-induced ASD at the single-cell resolution is unclear. Here, we aim to compare the cellular and molecular differences in the hippocampus between male and female prenatal mice with ASD at the single-cell transcriptomic level. The transcriptomes of more than 45,000 cells are assigned to 12 major cell types, including neurons, glial cells, vascular cells, and immune cells. Cell type-specific genes with altered expression after prenatal VPA exposure are analyzed, and the largest number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) are found in neurons, choroid plexus epithelial cells, and microglia. In microglia, several pathways related to inflammation are found in both males and females, including the tumor necrosis factor (TNF), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), toll-like receptor (TLR), and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways, which are important for the induction of autistic-like behavior. Additionally, we note that several X-linked genes, including Bex1, Bex3, and Gria3, were among the male-specific DEGs of neurons. This pioneering study describes the landscape of the transcriptome in the hippocampus of autistic mice. The elucidation of sexual differences could provide innovative strategies for the prevention and treatment of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Zhang
- Department of Neurology and Central Laboratory, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Yongjie Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311121, China
| | - Jie Tao
- Department of Neurology and Central Laboratory, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Ruixue Xia
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Henan University Huaihe Hospital, Kaifeng, Henan 475099, China
| | - Yijie Zhang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Henan University Huaihe Hospital, Kaifeng, Henan 475099, China
| | - Zhirui Liu
- Department of Neurology and Central Laboratory, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200062, China.
| | - Jiwei Cheng
- Department of Neurology and Central Laboratory, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200062, China.
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5
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Eghan K, Lee S, Yoo D, Kim CH, Kim WK. Adverse effects of bifenthrin exposure on neurobehavior and neurodevelopment in a zebrafish embryo/larvae model. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 341:140099. [PMID: 37690556 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Bifenthrin, a third-generation synthetic pyrethroid, is widely used as an agricultural insecticide. However, it can flow into surface and groundwater, leading to adverse consequences such as immunotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, hormone dysregulation, or neurotoxicity. Nevertheless, the entire range of its neurotoxic consequences, particularly in aquatic organisms, remains unclear. In this study, we conducted an extensive examination of how exposure to bifenthrin affects the behavior and nervous system function of aquatic vertebrates, using a zebrafish model and multiple-layered assays. We exposed wild-type and transgenic lines [tg(elavl3:eGFP) and tg(mbp:mGFP)] to bifenthrin from <3 h post-fertilization (hpf) to 120 hpf. Our findings indicate that bifenthrin exposure concentrations of 103.9 and 362.1 μg/L significantly affects the tail-coiling response at 24 hpf and the touch-evoked responses at 72 hpf. Moreover, it has a significant effect on various aspects of behavior such as body contact, distance between subjects, distance moved, and turn angle. We attribute these effects to changes in acetylcholinesterase and dopamine levels, which decrease in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, neuroimaging revealed neurogenesis defects, e.g., shortened brain and axon widths, and demyelination of oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells. Additionally, the transcription of genes related to neurodevelopment (e.g., gap43, manf, gfap, nestin, sox2) were significantly upregulated and neurotransmitters (e.g., nlgn1, drd1, slc6a4a, ache) was significantly downregulated. In summary, our data shows that bifenthrin exposure has detrimental effects on neurodevelopmental and neurotransmission systems in the zebrafish embryo/larvae model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kojo Eghan
- Human and Environmental Toxicology, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, 34113, South Korea; Department of Predictive Toxicology, Korea Institute of Toxicology, Daejeon, 34114, South Korea.
| | - Sangwoo Lee
- Department of Predictive Toxicology, Korea Institute of Toxicology, Daejeon, 34114, South Korea.
| | - Donggon Yoo
- Human and Environmental Toxicology, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, 34113, South Korea; Department of Predictive Toxicology, Korea Institute of Toxicology, Daejeon, 34114, South Korea.
| | - Cheol-Hee Kim
- Department of Biology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 34134, South Korea.
| | - Woo-Keun Kim
- Human and Environmental Toxicology, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, 34113, South Korea; Department of Predictive Toxicology, Korea Institute of Toxicology, Daejeon, 34114, South Korea.
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6
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Maurer JJ, Choi A, An I, Sathi N, Chung S. Sleep disturbances in autism spectrum disorder: Animal models, neural mechanisms, and therapeutics. Neurobiol Sleep Circadian Rhythms 2023; 14:100095. [PMID: 37188242 PMCID: PMC10176270 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbscr.2023.100095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Sleep is crucial for brain development. Sleep disturbances are prevalent in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Strikingly, these sleep problems are positively correlated with the severity of ASD core symptoms such as deficits in social skills and stereotypic behavior, indicating that sleep problems and the behavioral characteristics of ASD may be related. In this review, we will discuss sleep disturbances in children with ASD and highlight mouse models to study sleep disturbances and behavioral phenotypes in ASD. In addition, we will review neuromodulators controlling sleep and wakefulness and how these neuromodulatory systems are disrupted in animal models and patients with ASD. Lastly, we will address how the therapeutic interventions for patients with ASD improve various aspects of sleep. Together, gaining mechanistic insights into the neural mechanisms underlying sleep disturbances in children with ASD will help us to develop better therapeutic interventions.
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Eissa N, Awad MA, Thomas SD, Venkatachalam K, Jayaprakash P, Zhong S, Stark H, Sadek B. Simultaneous Antagonism at H3R/D2R/D3R Reduces Autism-like Self-Grooming and Aggressive Behaviors by Mitigating MAPK Activation in Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010526. [PMID: 36613969 PMCID: PMC9820264 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysregulation in brain neurotransmitters underlies several neuropsychiatric disorders, e.g., autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Also, abnormalities in the extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK)/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway pave the way for neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, and altered learning phenotype in ASD. Therefore, the effects of chronic systemic administration of the multiple-targeting antagonist ST-713 at the histamine H3 receptor (H3R) and dopamine D2/D3 receptors (D2/D3R) on repetitive self-grooming, aggressive behaviors, and abnormalities in the MAPK pathway in BTBR T + Itpr3tf/J (BTBR) mice were assessed. The results showed that ST-713 (2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg, i.p.) mitigated repetitive self-grooming and aggression in BTBR mice (all p < 0.05), and the ameliorative effects of the most promising dose of ST-713 (5 mg/kg, i.p.) on behaviors were completely abrogated by co-administration of the H3R agonist (R)-α-methylhistamine or the anticholinergic drug scopolamine. Moreover, the elevated levels of several MAPK pathway proteins and induced proinflammatory markers such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and IL-6 were significantly suppressed following chronic administration of ST-713 (5 mg/kg, i.p.) (all p < 0.01). Furthermore, ST-713 significantly increased the levels of histamine and dopamine in hippocampal tissue of treated BTBR mice (all p < 0.01). The current observations signify the potential role of such multiple-targeting compounds, e.g., ST-713, in multifactorial neurodevelopmental disorders such as ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nermin Eissa
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
- Zayed Bin Sultan Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Abu Dhabi University, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 59911, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mohamed Al Awad
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
- Zayed Bin Sultan Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
| | - Shilu Deepa Thomas
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
- Zayed Bin Sultan Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
| | - Karthikkumar Venkatachalam
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
- Zayed Bin Sultan Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
| | - Petrilla Jayaprakash
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
- Zayed Bin Sultan Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sicheng Zhong
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Universitaetsstr. 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Holger Stark
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Universitaetsstr. 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Bassem Sadek
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
- Zayed Bin Sultan Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
- Correspondence:
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Tallafuss A, Stednitz SJ, Voeun M, Levichev A, Larsch J, Eisen J, Washbourne P. Egr1 Is Necessary for Forebrain Dopaminergic Signaling during Social Behavior. eNeuro 2022; 9:ENEURO.0035-22.2022. [PMID: 35346959 PMCID: PMC8994534 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0035-22.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Finding the link between behaviors and their regulatory molecular pathways is a major obstacle in treating neuropsychiatric disorders. The immediate early gene (IEG) EGR1 is implicated in the etiology of neuropsychiatric disorders, and is linked to gene pathways associated with social behavior. Despite extensive knowledge of EGR1 gene regulation at the molecular level, it remains unclear how EGR1 deficits might affect the social component of these disorders. Here, we examined the social behavior of zebrafish with a mutation in the homologous gene egr1 Mutant fish exhibited reduced social approach and orienting, whereas other sensorimotor behaviors were unaffected. On a molecular level, expression of the dopaminergic biosynthetic enzyme, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), was strongly decreased in TH-positive neurons of the anterior parvocellular preoptic nucleus. These neurons are connected with basal forebrain (BF) neurons associated with social behavior. Chemogenetic ablation of around 30% of TH-positive neurons in this preoptic region reduced social attraction to a similar extent as the egr1 mutation. These results demonstrate the requirement of Egr1 and dopamine signaling during social interactions, and identify novel circuitry underlying this behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mae Voeun
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403
| | | | - Johannes Larsch
- Max Planck Institut für Neurobiologie, Martinsried, D-82152, Munich Germany
| | - Judith Eisen
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403
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Kuo HY, Liu FC. Pathophysiological Studies of Monoaminergic Neurotransmission Systems in Valproic Acid-Induced Model of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Biomedicines 2022; 10:560. [PMID: 35327362 PMCID: PMC8945169 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10030560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with complex etiology. The core syndromes of ASD are deficits in social communication and self-restricted interests and repetitive behaviors. Social communication relies on the proper integration of sensory and motor functions, which is tightly interwoven with the limbic function of reward, motivation, and emotion in the brain. Monoamine neurotransmitters, including serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, are key players in the modulation of neuronal activity. Owing to their broad distribution, the monoamine neurotransmitter systems are well suited to modulate social communication by coordinating sensory, motor, and limbic systems in different brain regions. The complex and diverse functions of monoamine neurotransmission thus render themselves as primary targets of pathophysiological investigation of the etiology of ASD. Clinical studies have reported that children with maternal exposure to valproic acid (VPA) have an increased risk of developing ASD. Extensive animal studies have confirmed that maternal treatments of VPA include ASD-like phenotypes, including impaired social communication and repetitive behavior. Here, given that ASD is a neurodevelopmental disorder, we begin with an overview of the neural development of monoaminergic systems with their neurochemical properties in the brain. We then review and discuss the evidence of human clinical and animal model studies of ASD with a focus on the VPA-induced pathophysiology of monoamine neurotransmitter systems. We also review the potential interactions of microbiota and monoamine neurotransmitter systems in ASD pathophysiology. Widespread and complex changes in monoamine neurotransmitters are detected in the brains of human patients with ASD and validated in animal models. ASD animal models are not only essential to the characterization of pathogenic mechanisms, but also provide a preclinical platform for developing therapeutic approaches to ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsiao-Ying Kuo
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan
| | - Fu-Chin Liu
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan
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10
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Rodriguez-Gomez DA, Garcia-Guaqueta DP, Charry-Sánchez JD, Sarquis-Buitrago E, Blanco M, Velez-van-Meerbeke A, Talero-Gutiérrez C. A systematic review of common genetic variation and biological pathways in autism spectrum disorder. BMC Neurosci 2021; 22:60. [PMID: 34627165 PMCID: PMC8501721 DOI: 10.1186/s12868-021-00662-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction. Common genetic variation appears to play a key role in the development of this condition. In this systematic review, we describe the relationship between genetic variations and autism. We created a gene dataset of the genes involved in the pathogenesis of autism and performed an over-representation analysis to evaluate the biological functions and molecular pathways that may explain the associations between these variants and the development of ASD. Results 177 studies and a gene set composed of 139 were included in this qualitative systematic review. Enriched pathways in the over-representation analysis using the KEGG pathway database were mostly associated with neurotransmitter receptors and their subunits. Major over-represented biological processes were social behavior, vocalization behavior, learning and memory. The enriched cellular component of the proteins encoded by the genes identified in this systematic review were the postsynaptic membrane and the cell junction. Conclusions Among the biological processes that were examined, genes involved in synaptic integrity, neurotransmitter metabolism, and cell adhesion molecules were significantly involved in the development of autism. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12868-021-00662-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Alejandro Rodriguez-Gomez
- Neuroscience Research Group (NeURos), NeuroVitae Center for Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Carrera 24 No. 63C-69, 111221, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
| | - Danna Paola Garcia-Guaqueta
- Neuroscience Research Group (NeURos), NeuroVitae Center for Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Carrera 24 No. 63C-69, 111221, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
| | - Jesús David Charry-Sánchez
- Neuroscience Research Group (NeURos), NeuroVitae Center for Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Carrera 24 No. 63C-69, 111221, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
| | - Elias Sarquis-Buitrago
- Neuroscience Research Group (NeURos), NeuroVitae Center for Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Carrera 24 No. 63C-69, 111221, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
| | - Mariana Blanco
- Neuroscience Research Group (NeURos), NeuroVitae Center for Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Carrera 24 No. 63C-69, 111221, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
| | - Alberto Velez-van-Meerbeke
- Neuroscience Research Group (NeURos), NeuroVitae Center for Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Carrera 24 No. 63C-69, 111221, Bogotá D.C., Colombia.,NeuroVitae Center for Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Carrera 24 No. 63C-69, 111221, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
| | - Claudia Talero-Gutiérrez
- Neuroscience Research Group (NeURos), NeuroVitae Center for Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Carrera 24 No. 63C-69, 111221, Bogotá D.C., Colombia. .,NeuroVitae Center for Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Carrera 24 No. 63C-69, 111221, Bogotá D.C., Colombia.
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11
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Mariggiò MA, Palumbi R, Vinella A, Laterza R, Petruzzelli MG, Peschechera A, Gabellone A, Gentile O, Vincenti A, Margari L. DRD1 and DRD2 Receptor Polymorphisms: Genetic Neuromodulation of the Dopaminergic System as a Risk Factor for ASD, ADHD and ASD/ADHD Overlap. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:705890. [PMID: 34658761 PMCID: PMC8511701 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.705890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The dopaminergic system (DS) is one of the most important neuromodulator systems involved in complex functions that are compromised in both autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), conditions that frequently occur in overlap. This evidence suggests that both disorders might have common neurobiological pathways involving the DS. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the DRD1 and DRD2 dopamine receptor single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) as potential risk factors for ASD, ADHD, and ASD/ADHD overlap. Genetic data were obtained from four groups: 75 ASD patients, 75 ADHD patients, 30 patients with ASD/ADHD overlap, and 75 healthy controls. All participants were between 2 and 17 years old. We compared the genotypic and allelic frequency of 18 SNPs among all of the study groups. Moreover, in the case of statistically significant differences, odds ratios (OR) were obtained to evaluate if the presence of SNPs might be a risk factor of developing a specific clinical phenotype. This study found that DRD1 and DRD2 receptors SNPs might be considered as potential risk factors for ASD and ADHD. However, only DRD2-12 (rs7131465) was significantly associated with a higher risk for the ASD/ADHD overlap. These data support the hypothesis of the genetic neuromodulation of the DS in the neurobiology of these conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Roberto Palumbi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Angela Vinella
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Riccardo Laterza
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | | | - Antonia Peschechera
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Alessandra Gabellone
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Ottavio Gentile
- Pediatric Surgery Unit, Giovanni XXIII Hospital, Bari, Italy
| | - Alessandra Vincenti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Lucia Margari
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
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12
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Kosillo P, Bateup HS. Dopaminergic Dysregulation in Syndromic Autism Spectrum Disorders: Insights From Genetic Mouse Models. Front Neural Circuits 2021; 15:700968. [PMID: 34366796 PMCID: PMC8343025 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2021.700968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder defined by altered social interaction and communication, and repetitive, restricted, inflexible behaviors. Approximately 1.5-2% of the general population meet the diagnostic criteria for ASD and several brain regions including the cortex, amygdala, cerebellum and basal ganglia have been implicated in ASD pathophysiology. The midbrain dopamine system is an important modulator of cellular and synaptic function in multiple ASD-implicated brain regions via anatomically and functionally distinct dopaminergic projections. The dopamine hypothesis of ASD postulates that dysregulation of dopaminergic projection pathways could contribute to the behavioral manifestations of ASD, including altered reward value of social stimuli, changes in sensorimotor processing, and motor stereotypies. In this review, we examine the support for the idea that cell-autonomous changes in dopaminergic function are a core component of ASD pathophysiology. We discuss the human literature supporting the involvement of altered dopamine signaling in ASD including genetic, brain imaging and pharmacologic studies. We then focus on genetic mouse models of syndromic neurodevelopmental disorders in which single gene mutations lead to increased risk for ASD. We highlight studies that have directly examined dopamine neuron number, morphology, physiology, or output in these models. Overall, we find considerable support for the idea that the dopamine system may be dysregulated in syndromic ASDs; however, there does not appear to be a consistent signature and some models show increased dopaminergic function, while others have deficient dopamine signaling. We conclude that dopamine dysregulation is common in syndromic forms of ASD but that the specific changes may be unique to each genetic disorder and may not account for the full spectrum of ASD-related manifestations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Polina Kosillo
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Helen S. Bateup
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA, United States
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13
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Facial Emotion Recognition and Polymorphisms of Dopaminergic Pathway Genes in Children with ASD. Behav Neurol 2020; 2020:6376842. [PMID: 33204361 PMCID: PMC7657692 DOI: 10.1155/2020/6376842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Revised: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background It is inconclusive whether children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience a deficit in facial emotion recognition. The dopaminergic pathway has been implicated in the pathogenesis of ASD. This study was aimed at determining facial emotion recognition and its correlation with polymorphisms in the dopaminergic pathway genes in children with ASD. Methods Facial emotion recognition was examined in 98 children with ASD and 60 age- and gender-matched healthy controls. The severity of ASD was evaluated using the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS). DNA from blood cells was used to analyze the genotypes of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in dopaminergic pathway genes. SNPs of DBH rs1611115, DDC rs6592961, DRD1 rs251937, DRD2 rs4630328, and DRD3 rs167771 were analyzed. Results Children with ASD took a significantly longer time to recognize all facial emotions, and their interpretations were less accurate for anger at low intensity and fear at both low and high intensities. The severity of the disease was associated with significant delays in recognition of all facial emotions and with a decrease in accuracy in recognition of happiness and anger at low intensity. Accuracy in recognizing fear at high intensity and sadness at low intensity was associated with rs251937 and rs4630328, respectively, in children with ASD. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that SNP rs167771, response time for the recognition of happiness, sadness and fear, and accuracy in recognition of anger and fear were all associated with the risk of childhood ASD. Conclusions Children with ASD experience a deficit in facial emotion recognition. Certain SNPs in the dopaminergic pathway genes are associated with accuracy in recognizing selective facial emotions in children with ASD.
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14
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Seo M, Anderson G. Gut-Amygdala Interactions in Autism Spectrum Disorders: Developmental Roles via regulating Mitochondria, Exosomes, Immunity and microRNAs. Curr Pharm Des 2020; 25:4344-4356. [PMID: 31692435 DOI: 10.2174/1381612825666191105102545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) have long been conceived as developmental disorder. A growing body of data highlights a role for alterations in the gut in the pathoetiology and/or pathophysiology of ASD. Recent work shows alterations in the gut microbiome to have a significant impact on amygdala development in infancy, suggesting that the alterations in the gut microbiome may act to modulate not only amygdala development but how the amygdala modulates the development of the frontal cortex and other brain regions. METHODS This article reviews wide bodies of data pertaining to the developmental roles of the maternal and foetal gut and immune systems in the regulation of offspring brain development. RESULTS A number of processes seem to be important in mediating how genetic, epigenetic and environmental factors interact in early development to regulate such gut-mediated changes in the amygdala, wider brain functioning and inter-area connectivity, including via regulation of microRNA (miR)-451, 14-3-3 proteins, cytochrome P450 (CYP)1B1 and the melatonergic pathways. As well as a decrease in the activity of monoamine oxidase, heightened levels of in miR-451 and CYP1B1, coupled to decreased 14-3-3 act to inhibit the synthesis of N-acetylserotonin and melatonin, contributing to the hyperserotonemia that is often evident in ASD, with consequences for mitochondria functioning and the content of released exosomes. These same factors are likely to play a role in regulating placental changes that underpin the association of ASD with preeclampsia and other perinatal risk factors, including exposure to heavy metals and air pollutants. Such alterations in placental and gut processes act to change the amygdala-driven biological underpinnings of affect-cognitive and affect-sensory interactions in the brain. CONCLUSION Such a perspective readily incorporates previously disparate bodies of data in ASD, including the role of the mu-opioid receptor, dopamine signaling and dopamine receptors, as well as the changes occurring to oxytocin and taurine levels. This has a number of treatment implications, the most readily applicable being the utilization of sodium butyrate and melatonin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moonsang Seo
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - George Anderson
- CRC Scotland & London, Eccleston Square, London, United Kingdom
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15
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Wiegersma AM, Dalman C, Lee BK, Karlsson H, Gardner RM. Association of Prenatal Maternal Anemia With Neurodevelopmental Disorders. JAMA Psychiatry 2019; 76:1294-1304. [PMID: 31532497 PMCID: PMC6751782 DOI: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2019.2309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Importance Given the critical role that iron plays in neurodevelopment, an association between prenatal iron deficiency and later risk of neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and intellectual disability (ID), is plausible. Objective To test the a priori hypothesis that anemia diagnosed in mothers during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of ASD, ADHD, and ID in offspring and that the magnitude of the risk varies with regard to the timing of anemia in pregnancy. Design, Setting, and Participants This cohort study used health and population register data from the Stockholm Youth Cohort to evaluate 532 232 nonadoptive children born from January 1, 1987, to December 31, 2010, in Sweden, with follow-up in health registers until December 31, 2016. Data analysis was performed from January 15, 2018, to June 20, 2018. Exposures Registered diagnoses of anemia during pregnancy. Gestational timing of the first recorded anemia diagnosis (≤30 weeks or >30 weeks) was considered to assess potential critical windows of development. Main Outcomes and Measures Registered diagnoses of ASD, ADHD, or ID or co-occurring combinations of these disorders. Results The cohort included 532 232 individuals (272 884 [51.3%] male) between 6 and 29 years of age at the end of follow-up (mean [SD] age, 17.6 [7.1] years) and their 299 768 mothers. The prevalence of ASD, ADHD, and ID was higher among children born to mothers diagnosed with anemia within the first 30 weeks of pregnancy (4.9% ASD, 9.3% ADHD, and 3.1% ID) compared with mothers with anemia diagnosed later in pregnancy (3.8% ASD, 7.2% ADHD, and 1.1% ID) or mothers not diagnosed with anemia (3.5% ASD, 7.1% ADHD, and 1.3% ID). Anemia diagnosed during the first 30 weeks of pregnancy but not later was associated with increased risk of diagnosis of ASD (odds ratio [OR], 1.44; 95% CI, 1.13-1.84), ADHD (OR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.14-1.64), and ID (OR, 2.20; 95% CI, 1.61-3.01) in offspring in models that included socioeconomic, maternal, and pregnancy-related factors. Early anemia diagnosis was similarly associated with risk of ASD (OR, 2.25; 95% CI, 1.24-4.11) and ID (OR, 2.59; 95% CI, 1.08-6.22) in a matched sibling comparison. Considering mutually exclusive diagnostic groups, we observed the strongest association between anemia and ID without co-occurring ASD (OR, 2.72; 95% CI, 1.84-4.01). Associations of these disorders with anemia diagnosed later in pregnancy were greatly diminished. Conclusions and Relevance In contrast to maternal anemia diagnosed toward the end of pregnancy, anemia diagnosed earlier in pregnancy was associated with increased risk of the development of ASD, ADHD, and particularly ID in offspring. Given that iron deficiency and anemia are common among women of childbearing age, our findings emphasize the importance of early screening for iron status and nutritional counseling in antenatal care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Christina Dalman
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Centre for Epidemiology and Community Medicine, Stockholm County Council, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Brian K. Lee
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Drexel University Dornsife School of Public Health, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- A. J. Drexel Autism Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Håkan Karlsson
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Renee M. Gardner
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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16
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Lee Y, Han PL. Early-Life Stress in D2 Heterozygous Mice Promotes Autistic-like Behaviors through the Downregulation of the BDNF-TrkB Pathway in the Dorsal Striatum. Exp Neurobiol 2019; 28:337-351. [PMID: 31308794 PMCID: PMC6614072 DOI: 10.5607/en.2019.28.3.337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Revised: 05/30/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
A number of specific genetic variants including gene mutations and single nucleotide variations have been identified in genomewide association studies of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). ASD phenotypes in individuals carrying specific genetic variations are manifest mostly in a heterozygous state. Furthermore, individuals with most genetic variants show incomplete penetrance and phenotypic variability, suggesting that non-genetic factors are also involved in developing ASD. However, the mechanisms of how genetic and environmental factors interactively promote ASD are not clearly understood. In the present study, we investigated whether early-life stress (ELS) in D2 dopamine receptor heterozygous knockout (D2+/−) mice induces ASD-like symptoms. To address that, we exposed D2 heterozygous pups to maternal separation stress for 3 h daily for 13 days beginning on postnatal day 2. D2+/− adult mice that had experienced ELS exhibited impaired sociability in the three-chamber test and home-cage social interaction test and increased grooming behavior, whereas wildtype littermates exposed to ELS did not show those phenotypes. ELS-exposed D2+/− mice had decreased levels of BDNF, TrkB, phospho-ERK1/2 and phospho-CREB in the dorsal striatum. Administration of the TrkB agonist 7,8-dihydroxyflavone (7,8-DHF) to ELS-exposed D2+/− mice rescued the sociability deficits and repetitive behavior. In contrast, behavioral rescue by 7,8-DHF in ELS-exposed D2+/− mice was blocked when TrkB expression in the dorsal striatum was locally inhibited by the injection of TrkB-siRNA. Together, our results suggest that the interaction between ELS and defective D2 gene function promotes autistic-like behaviors by downregulating the BDNF-TrkB pathway in the dorsal striatum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunjin Lee
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Korea
| | - Pyung-Lim Han
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Korea.,Department of Chemistry and Nano Science, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Korea
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17
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Beu ND, Burns NR, Baetu I. Polymorphisms in dopaminergic genes predict proactive processes of response inhibition. Eur J Neurosci 2019; 49:1127-1148. [DOI: 10.1111/ejn.14323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Revised: 11/28/2018] [Accepted: 12/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Nathan D. Beu
- The School of Psychology University of Adelaide Adelaide South Australia Australia
| | - Nicholas R. Burns
- The School of Psychology University of Adelaide Adelaide South Australia Australia
| | - Irina Baetu
- The School of Psychology University of Adelaide Adelaide South Australia Australia
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18
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Kuo HY, Liu FC. Molecular Pathology and Pharmacological Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder-Like Phenotypes Using Rodent Models. Front Cell Neurosci 2018; 12:422. [PMID: 30524240 PMCID: PMC6262306 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2018.00422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder with a high prevalence rate. The core symptoms of ASD patients are impaired social communication and repetitive behavior. Genetic and environmental factors contribute to pathophysiology of ASD. Regarding environmental risk factors, it is known that valproic acid (VPA) exposure during pregnancy increases the chance of ASD among offspring. Over a decade of animal model studies have shown that maternal treatment with VPA in rodents recapitulates ASD-like pathophysiology at a molecular, cellular and behavioral level. Here, we review the prevailing theories of ASD pathogenesis, including excitatory/inhibitory imbalance, neurotransmitter dysfunction, dysfunction of mTOR and endocannabinoid signaling pathways, neuroinflammation and epigenetic alterations that have been associated with ASD. We also describe the evidence linking neuropathological changes to ASD-like behavioral abnormalities in maternal VPA-treated rodents. In addition to obtaining an understanding of the neuropathological mechanisms, the VPA-induced ASD-like animal models also serve as a good platform for testing pharmacological reagents that might be use treating ASD. We therefore have summarized the various pharmacological studies that have targeted the classical neurotransmitter systems, the endocannabinoids, the Wnt signal pathway and neuroinflammation. These approaches have been shown to often be able to ameliorate the ASD-like phenotypes induced by maternal VPA treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsiao-Ying Kuo
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Fu-Chin Liu
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Brain Research Center, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
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19
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Eissa N, Al-Houqani M, Sadeq A, Ojha SK, Sasse A, Sadek B. Current Enlightenment About Etiology and Pharmacological Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Front Neurosci 2018; 12:304. [PMID: 29867317 PMCID: PMC5964170 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2018.00304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2017] [Accepted: 04/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental brain disorder characterized by two core behavioral symptoms, namely impairments in social communication and restricted/repetitive behavior. The molecular mechanisms underlying ASD are not well understood. Recent genetic as well as non-genetic animal models contributed significantly in understanding the pathophysiology of ASD, as they establish autism-like behavior in mice and rats. Among the genetic causes, several chromosomal mutations including duplications or deletions could be possible causative factors of ASD. In addition, the biochemical basis suggests that several brain neurotransmitters, e.g., dopamine (DA), serotonin (5-HT), gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA), acetylcholine (ACh), glutamate (Glu) and histamine (HA) participate in the onset and progression of ASD. Despite of convincible understanding, risperidone and aripiprazole are the only two drugs available clinically for improving behavioral symptoms of ASD following approval by Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Till date, up to our knowledge there is no other drug approved for clinical usage specifically for ASD symptoms. However, many novel drug candidates and classes of compounds are underway for ASD at different phases of preclinical and clinical drug development. In this review, the diversity of numerous aetiological factors and the alterations in variety of neurotransmitter generation, release and function linked to ASD are discussed with focus on drugs currently used to manage neuropsychiatric symptoms related to ASD. The review also highlights the clinical development of drugs with emphasis on their pharmacological targets aiming at improving core symptoms in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nermin Eissa
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mohammed Al-Houqani
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Adel Sadeq
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University of Science and Technology, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Shreesh K. Ojha
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Astrid Sasse
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Bassem Sadek
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
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20
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Aziz-Zadeh L, Kilroy E, Corcelli G. Understanding Activation Patterns in Shared Circuits: Toward a Value Driven Model. Front Hum Neurosci 2018; 12:180. [PMID: 29867409 PMCID: PMC5949354 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2018.00180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2017] [Accepted: 04/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the past decade many studies indicate that we utilize our own motor system to understand the actions of other people. This mirror neuron system (MNS) has been proposed to be involved in social cognition and motor learning. However, conflicting findings regarding the underlying mechanisms that drive these shared circuits make it difficult to decipher a common model of their function. Here we propose adapting a “value-driven” model to explain discrepancies in the human mirror system literature and to incorporate this model with existing models. We will use this model to explain discrepant activation patterns in multiple shared circuits in the human data, such that a unified model may explain reported activation patterns from previous studies as a function of value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Aziz-Zadeh
- Brain and Creativity Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States.,Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Emily Kilroy
- Brain and Creativity Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States.,Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Giorgio Corcelli
- Department of Economics, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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21
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Abstract
Examining sex differences in the brain has been historically contentious but is nonetheless important for advancing mental health for both girls and boys. Unfortunately, females in biomedical research remain underrepresented in most mental health conditions including autism spectrum disorders (ASD), even though equal inclusion of females would improve treatment for girls and yield benefits to boys. This review examines sex differences in the relationship between neuroanatomy and neurogenetics of ASD. Recent findings reveal that girls diagnosed with ASD exhibit more intellectual and behavioral problems compared to their male counterparts, suggesting that girls may be less likely diagnosed in the absence of such problems or that they require a higher mutational load to meet the diagnostic criteria. Thus far, the female biased effect of chromosome 4, 5p15.33, 8p, 9p24.1, 11p12-13, 15q, and Xp22.3 and the male biased effect of 1p31.3, 5q12.3, 7q, 9q33.3, 11q13.4, 13q33.3, 16p11.2, 17q11-21, Xp22.33/Yp11.31, DRD1, NLGN3, MAOA, and SHANK1 deletion have been discovered in ASD. The SNPs of genes such as RYR2, UPP2, and the androgen receptor gene have been shown to have sex-biasing factors in both girls and boys diagnosed with ASD. These sex-related genetic factors may drive sex differences in the neuroanatomy of these girls and boys, including abnormal enlargement in temporal gray and white matter volumes, and atypical reduction in cerebellar gray matter volumes and corpus callosum fibers projecting to the anterior frontal cortex in ASD girls relative to boys. Such factors may also be responsible for the attenuation of brain sexual differentiation in adult men and women with ASD; however, much remains to be uncovered or replicated. Future research should leverage further the association between neuroanatomy and genetics in girls for an integrated and interdisciplinary understanding of ASD.
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22
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Zebrafish models of autism spectrum disorder. Exp Neurol 2018; 299:207-216. [DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2017.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2016] [Revised: 01/23/2017] [Accepted: 02/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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23
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Lee Y, Kim H, Kim JE, Park JY, Choi J, Lee JE, Lee EH, Han PL. Excessive D1 Dopamine Receptor Activation in the Dorsal Striatum Promotes Autistic-Like Behaviors. Mol Neurobiol 2017; 55:5658-5671. [PMID: 29027111 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-017-0770-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2017] [Accepted: 09/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The dopamine system has been characterized in motor function, goal-directed behaviors, and rewards. Recent studies recognize various dopamine system genes as being associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, how dopamine system dysfunction induces ASD pathophysiology remains unknown. In the present study, we demonstrated that mice with increased dopamine functions in the dorsal striatum via the suppression of dopamine transporter expression in substantia nigra neurons or the optogenetic stimulation of the nigro-striatal circuitry exhibited sociability deficits and repetitive behaviors relevant to ASD pathology in animal models, while these behavioral changes were blocked by a D1 receptor antagonist. Pharmacological activation of D1 dopamine receptors in normal mice or the genetic knockout (KO) of D2 dopamine receptors also produced typical autistic-like behaviors. Moreover, the siRNA-mediated inhibition of D2 dopamine receptors in the dorsal striatum was sufficient to replicate autistic-like phenotypes in D2 KO mice. Intervention of D1 dopamine receptor functions or the signaling pathways-related D1 receptors in D2 KO mice produced anti-autistic effects. Together, our results indicate that increased dopamine function in the dorsal striatum promotes autistic-like behaviors and that the dorsal striatum is the neural correlate of ASD core symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunjin Lee
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Ewha Womans University, 11-1 Daehyun-Dong, Seodaemoon-Gu, Seoul, 120-750, Republic of Korea
| | - Hannah Kim
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Ewha Womans University, 11-1 Daehyun-Dong, Seodaemoon-Gu, Seoul, 120-750, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Eun Kim
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Ewha Womans University, 11-1 Daehyun-Dong, Seodaemoon-Gu, Seoul, 120-750, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Young Park
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Ewha Womans University, 11-1 Daehyun-Dong, Seodaemoon-Gu, Seoul, 120-750, Republic of Korea
| | - Juli Choi
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Ewha Womans University, 11-1 Daehyun-Dong, Seodaemoon-Gu, Seoul, 120-750, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Eun Lee
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Ewha Womans University, 11-1 Daehyun-Dong, Seodaemoon-Gu, Seoul, 120-750, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Hwa Lee
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Ewha Womans University, 11-1 Daehyun-Dong, Seodaemoon-Gu, Seoul, 120-750, Republic of Korea
| | - Pyung-Lim Han
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Ewha Womans University, 11-1 Daehyun-Dong, Seodaemoon-Gu, Seoul, 120-750, Republic of Korea. .,Brain Disease Research Institute, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea. .,Department of Chemistry and Nano Science, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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Reilly J, Gallagher L, Chen JL, Leader G, Shen S. Bio-collections in autism research. Mol Autism 2017; 8:34. [PMID: 28702161 PMCID: PMC5504648 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-017-0154-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2017] [Accepted: 06/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a group of complex neurodevelopmental disorders with diverse clinical manifestations and symptoms. In the last 10 years, there have been significant advances in understanding the genetic basis for ASD, critically supported through the establishment of ASD bio-collections and application in research. Here, we summarise a selection of major ASD bio-collections and their associated findings. Collectively, these include mapping ASD candidate genes, assessing the nature and frequency of gene mutations and their association with ASD clinical subgroups, insights into related molecular pathways such as the synapses, chromatin remodelling, transcription and ASD-related brain regions. We also briefly review emerging studies on the use of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to potentially model ASD in culture. These provide deeper insight into ASD progression during development and could generate human cell models for drug screening. Finally, we provide perspectives concerning the utilities of ASD bio-collections and limitations, and highlight considerations in setting up a new bio-collection for ASD research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie Reilly
- Regenerative Medicine Institute, School of Medicine, BioMedical Sciences Building, National University of Ireland (NUI), Galway, Ireland
| | - Louise Gallagher
- Trinity Translational Medicine Institute and Department of Psychiatry, Trinity Centre for Health Sciences, St. James Hospital Street, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - June L Chen
- Department of Special Education, Faculty of Education, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200062 China
| | - Geraldine Leader
- Irish Centre for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Research (ICAN), Department of Psychology, National University of Ireland Galway, University Road, Galway, Ireland
| | - Sanbing Shen
- Regenerative Medicine Institute, School of Medicine, BioMedical Sciences Building, National University of Ireland (NUI), Galway, Ireland
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Bozorgmehr A, Ghadirivasfi M, Shahsavand Ananloo E. Obsessive–compulsive disorder, which genes? Which functions? Which pathways? An integrated holistic view regarding OCD and its complex genetic etiology. J Neurogenet 2017; 31:153-160. [DOI: 10.1080/01677063.2017.1336236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ali Bozorgmehr
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ghadirivasfi
- Research Center for Addiction and Risky Behavior (ReCARB), Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Esmaeil Shahsavand Ananloo
- Department of Genomic Psychiatry and Behavioral Genomics (DGPBG), Roozbeh Hospital, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran
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Basal ganglia impairments in autism spectrum disorder are related to abnormal signal gating to prefrontal cortex. Neuropsychologia 2016; 91:268-281. [PMID: 27542318 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2016.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2016] [Revised: 07/19/2016] [Accepted: 08/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Research on the biological basis of autism spectrum disorder has yielded a list of brain abnormalities that are arguably as diverse as the set of behavioral symptoms that characterize the disorder. Among these are patterns of abnormal cortical connectivity and abnormal basal ganglia development. In attempts to integrate the existing literature, the current paper tests the hypothesis that impairments in the basal ganglia's function to flexibly select and route task-relevant neural signals to the prefrontal cortex underpins patterns of abnormal synchronization between the prefrontal cortex and other cortical processing centers observed in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We tested this hypothesis using a Dynamic Causal Modeling analysis of neuroimaging data collected from 16 individuals with ASD (mean age=25.3 years; 6 female) and 17 age- and IQ-matched neurotypical controls (mean age=25.6, 6 female), who performed a Go/No-Go test of executive functioning. Consistent with the hypothesis tested, a random-effects Bayesian model selection procedure determined that a model of network connectivity in which basal ganglia activation modulated connectivity between the prefrontal cortex and other key cortical processing centers best fit the data of both neurotypicals and individuals with ASD. Follow-up analyses suggested that the largest group differences were observed for modulation of connectivity between prefrontal cortex and the sensory input region in the occipital lobe [t(31)=2.03, p=0.025]. Specifically, basal ganglia activation was associated with a small decrease in synchronization between the occipital region and prefrontal cortical regions in controls; however, in individuals with ASD, basal ganglia activation resulted in increased synchronization between the occipital region and the prefrontal cortex. We propose that this increased synchronization may reflect a failure in basal ganglia signal gating mechanisms, resulting in a non-selective copying of signals to prefrontal cortex. Such a failure to prioritize and filter signals to the prefrontal cortex could result in the pervasive impairments in cognitive flexibility and executive functioning that characterize autism spectrum disorder, and may offer a mechanistic explanation of some of the observed abnormalities in patterns of cortical synchronization in ASD.
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Dopaminergic Neurotransmission in the Nucleus Accumbens Modulates Social Play Behavior in Rats. Neuropsychopharmacology 2016; 41:2215-23. [PMID: 26860202 PMCID: PMC4946055 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2016.22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2015] [Revised: 01/25/2016] [Accepted: 02/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Social play behavior is a highly rewarding form of social interaction displayed by young mammals. Social play is important for neurobehavioral development and it has been found to be impaired in several developmental psychiatric disorders. In line with the rewarding properties of social play, we have previously identified the nucleus accumbens (NAc) as an important site of action for endocannabinoid and opioid modulation of this behavior. NAc dopamine has a well-known role in certain components of reward processes, such as incentive motivation. However, its contribution to the positive emotional aspects of social interactions is less clear. Therefore, we investigated the role of dopaminergic neurotransmission in the NAc in social play behavior in rats. We found that intra-NAc infusion of the dopamine releaser/reuptake inhibitor amphetamine increased social play behavior that was dependent on activation of both D1 and D2 dopamine receptors. This increase in social play behavior was mimicked by intra-NAc infusion of the dopamine receptor agonist apomorphine, but not of the dopamine reuptake inhibitor GBR-12909. Blockade of either D1 or D2 NAc dopamine receptors reduced social play in animals highly motivated to play as a result of longer social isolation before testing. Last, blockade of NAc dopamine receptors prevented the play-enhancing effects of endocannabinoid and opioid receptor stimulation. These findings demonstrate an important modulatory role of NAc dopaminergic neurotransmission in social play. Thus, functional activity in the mesolimbic dopamine pathway plays an important role in adaptive social development, whereas abnormal NAc dopamine function may underlie the social impairments observed in developmental psychiatric disorders such as autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or early-onset schizophrenia.
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Yu H, Liu J, Yang A, Yang G, Yang W, Lei H, Quan J, Zhang Z. Lack of Association Between Polymorphisms in Dopa Decarboxylase and Dopamine Receptor-1 Genes With Childhood Autism in Chinese Han Population. J Child Neurol 2016; 31:560-4. [PMID: 26337060 DOI: 10.1177/0883073815601496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2015] [Accepted: 07/14/2015] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Genetic factors play an important role in childhood autism. This study is to determine the association of single-nucleotide polymorphisms in dopa decarboxylase (DDC) and dopamine receptor-1 (DRD1) genes with childhood autism, in a Chinese Han population. A total of 211 autistic children and 250 age- and gender-matched healthy controls were recruited. The severity of disease was determined by Children Autism Rating Scale scores. TaqMan Probe by real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to determine genotypes and allele frequencies of single-nucleotide polymorphism rs6592961 in DDC and rs251937 in DRD1. Case-control and case-only studies were respectively performed, to determine the contribution of both single-nucleotide polymorphisms to the predisposition of disease and its severity. Our results showed that there was no significant association of the genotypes and allele frequencies of both single-nucleotide polymorphisms concerning childhood autism and its severity. More studies with larger samples are needed to corroborate their predicting roles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Yu
- Department of Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Zhejiang Xiaoshan Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jun Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhejiang Xiaoshan Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Aiping Yang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhejiang Xiaoshan Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Guohui Yang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhejiang Xiaoshan Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wenjun Yang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhejiang Xiaoshan Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Heyue Lei
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhejiang Xiaoshan Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jianjun Quan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhejiang Xiaoshan Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zengyu Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiaoshan First Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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Andreou D, Söderman E, Axelsson T, Sedvall GC, Terenius L, Agartz I, Jönsson EG. Associations between a locus downstream DRD1 gene and cerebrospinal fluid dopamine metabolite concentrations in psychosis. Neurosci Lett 2016; 619:126-30. [PMID: 26957229 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2016.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2015] [Revised: 02/13/2016] [Accepted: 03/02/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Dopamine activity, mediated by the catecholaminergic neurotransmitter dopamine, is prominent in the human brain and has been implicated in schizophrenia. Dopamine targets five different receptors and is then degraded to its major metabolite homovanillic acid (HVA). We hypothesized that genes encoding dopamine receptors may be associated with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) HVA concentrations in patients with psychotic disorder. We searched for association between 67 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the five dopamine receptor genes i.e., DRD1, DRD2, DRD3, DRD4 and DRD5, and the CSF HVA concentrations in 74 patients with psychotic disorder. Nominally associated SNPs were also tested in 111 healthy controls. We identified a locus, located downstream DRD1 gene, where four SNPs, rs11747728, rs11742274, rs265974 and rs11747886, showed association with CSF HVA concentrations in psychotic patients. The associations between rs11747728, which is a regulatory region variant, and rs11742274 with HVA remained significant after correction for multiple testing. These associations were restricted to psychotic patients and were absent in healthy controls. The results suggest that the DRD1 gene is implicated in the pathophysiology of psychosis and support the dopamine hypothesis of schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Andreou
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Psychiatry Section, HUBIN Project, Karolinska Institutet and Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Erik Söderman
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Psychiatry Section, HUBIN Project, Karolinska Institutet and Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tomas Axelsson
- Department of Medical Sciences, Molecular Medicine, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Göran C Sedvall
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Psychiatry Section, HUBIN Project, Karolinska Institutet and Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lars Terenius
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Psychiatry Section, HUBIN Project, Karolinska Institutet and Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ingrid Agartz
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Psychiatry Section, HUBIN Project, Karolinska Institutet and Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden; NORMENT, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Department of Psychiatric Research, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Erik G Jönsson
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Psychiatry Section, HUBIN Project, Karolinska Institutet and Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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Rothwell PE. Autism Spectrum Disorders and Drug Addiction: Common Pathways, Common Molecules, Distinct Disorders? Front Neurosci 2016; 10:20. [PMID: 26903789 PMCID: PMC4742554 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2016.00020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2015] [Accepted: 01/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and drug addiction do not share substantial comorbidity or obvious similarities in etiology or symptomatology. It is thus surprising that a number of recent studies implicate overlapping neural circuits and molecular signaling pathways in both disorders. The purpose of this review is to highlight this emerging intersection and consider implications for understanding the pathophysiology of these seemingly distinct disorders. One area of overlap involves neural circuits and neuromodulatory systems in the striatum and basal ganglia, which play an established role in addiction and reward but are increasingly implicated in clinical and preclinical studies of ASDs. A second area of overlap relates to molecules like Fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) and methyl CpG-binding protein-2 (MECP2), which are best known for their contribution to the pathogenesis of syndromic ASDs, but have recently been shown to regulate behavioral and neurobiological responses to addictive drug exposure. These shared pathways and molecules point to common dimensions of behavioral dysfunction, including the repetition of behavioral patterns and aberrant reward processing. The synthesis of knowledge gained through parallel investigations of ASDs and addiction may inspire the design of new therapeutic interventions to correct common elements of striatal dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick E Rothwell
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota Minneapolis, MN, USA
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31
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Hara Y, Ago Y, Taruta A, Katashiba K, Hasebe S, Takano E, Onaka Y, Hashimoto H, Matsuda T, Takuma K. Improvement by methylphenidate and atomoxetine of social interaction deficits and recognition memory impairment in a mouse model of valproic acid-induced autism. Autism Res 2015; 9:926-39. [DOI: 10.1002/aur.1596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2015] [Accepted: 12/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yuta Hara
- Laboratory of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Osaka University; Suita Osaka Japan
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University; Suita Osaka Japan
| | - Yukio Ago
- Laboratory of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Osaka University; Suita Osaka Japan
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University; Suita Osaka Japan
| | - Atsuki Taruta
- Laboratory of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Osaka University; Suita Osaka Japan
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University; Suita Osaka Japan
| | - Keisuke Katashiba
- Laboratory of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Osaka University; Suita Osaka Japan
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University; Suita Osaka Japan
| | - Shigeru Hasebe
- Laboratory of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Osaka University; Suita Osaka Japan
- Department of Pharmacology; Graduate School of Dentistry, Osaka University; Suita Osaka Japan
| | - Erika Takano
- Laboratory of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Osaka University; Suita Osaka Japan
| | - Yusuke Onaka
- Laboratory of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Osaka University; Suita Osaka Japan
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University; Suita Osaka Japan
| | - Hitoshi Hashimoto
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University; Suita Osaka Japan
- United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University and University of Fukui; Suita Osaka Japan
| | - Toshio Matsuda
- Laboratory of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Osaka University; Suita Osaka Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Takuma
- Department of Pharmacology; Graduate School of Dentistry, Osaka University; Suita Osaka Japan
- United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University and University of Fukui; Suita Osaka Japan
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Daimon CM, Jasien JM, Wood WH, Zhang Y, Becker KG, Silverman JL, Crawley JN, Martin B, Maudsley S. Hippocampal Transcriptomic and Proteomic Alterations in the BTBR Mouse Model of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Front Physiol 2015; 6:324. [PMID: 26635614 PMCID: PMC4656818 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2015.00324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2015] [Accepted: 10/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are complex heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorders of an unclear etiology, and no cure currently exists. Prior studies have demonstrated that the black and tan, brachyury (BTBR) T+ Itpr3tf/J mouse strain displays a behavioral phenotype with ASD-like features. BTBR T+ Itpr3tf/J mice (referred to simply as BTBR) display deficits in social functioning, lack of communication ability, and engagement in stereotyped behavior. Despite extensive behavioral phenotypic characterization, little is known about the genes and proteins responsible for the presentation of the ASD-like phenotype in the BTBR mouse model. In this study, we employed bioinformatics techniques to gain a wide-scale understanding of the transcriptomic and proteomic changes associated with the ASD-like phenotype in BTBR mice. We found a number of genes and proteins to be significantly altered in BTBR mice compared to C57BL/6J (B6) control mice controls such as BDNF, Shank3, and ERK1, which are highly relevant to prior investigations of ASD. Furthermore, we identified distinct functional pathways altered in BTBR mice compared to B6 controls that have been previously shown to be altered in both mouse models of ASD, some human clinical populations, and have been suggested as a possible etiological mechanism of ASD, including “axon guidance” and “regulation of actin cytoskeleton.” In addition, our wide-scale bioinformatics approach also discovered several previously unidentified genes and proteins associated with the ASD phenotype in BTBR mice, such as Caskin1, suggesting that bioinformatics could be an avenue by which novel therapeutic targets for ASD are uncovered. As a result, we believe that informed use of synergistic bioinformatics applications represents an invaluable tool for elucidating the etiology of complex disorders like ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin M Daimon
- Metabolism Unit, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Joan M Jasien
- Metabolism Unit, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - William H Wood
- Gene Expression and Genomics Unit, National Institutes of Health Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Yongqing Zhang
- Gene Expression and Genomics Unit, National Institutes of Health Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kevin G Becker
- Gene Expression and Genomics Unit, National Institutes of Health Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jill L Silverman
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Mental Health Bethesda, MD, USA ; MIND Institute, University of California Davis School of Medicine Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Jacqueline N Crawley
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Mental Health Bethesda, MD, USA ; MIND Institute, University of California Davis School of Medicine Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Bronwen Martin
- Metabolism Unit, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Stuart Maudsley
- Receptor Pharmacology Unit, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health Baltimore, MD, USA ; Translational Neurobiology Group, VIB Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Antwerp Antwerp, Belgium ; Laboratory of Neurogenetics, Institute Born-Bunge, University of Antwerp Antwerpen, Belgium
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33
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Reduced prefrontal dopaminergic activity in valproic acid-treated mouse autism model. Behav Brain Res 2015; 289:39-47. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2015.04.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2015] [Revised: 04/08/2015] [Accepted: 04/11/2015] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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Kaur H, Jajodia A, Grover S, Agarwal N, Baghel R, Kukreti R. Pharmacogenomics of neuropsychiatric disorders: analysis of genetic variability in 162 identified neuroreceptors using 1000 Genomes Project data. Pharmacogenomics 2015; 15:1575-87. [PMID: 25340732 DOI: 10.2217/pgs.14.113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuroreceptors are considered to be primary drug targets and their abrupt signaling is a notable cause of interindividual drug response variability and treatment failure for complex neuropsychiatric diseases. In view of recent evidence, it is believed that common genetic risk factors mainly highly polymorphic neuroreceptors are being shared among neuropsychiatric disorders. MATERIALS & METHODS We identified 162 neuroreceptors from the 639 known receptors in Homo sapiens and investigated 231,683 SNPs using 1000 Genomes Project data and evaluated their biological effect using in silico tools including RegulomeDB, SIFT, PolyPhen-2 and CAROL. Furthermore, data from the 1000 Genomes Project was utilized to retrieve minor allele frequency and calculate pairwise logartithm of the odds score among these SNPs for African, American, Asian and European populations separately as well as when combined together using Haploview v4.2. LRTag was used to identify tagSNPs in populations. RESULTS A total of 52,381 (22.60%) SNPs were predicted as functionally important genetic variations. We identified sets of 603, 495, 450, 453 and 646 informative tagSNPs for African, American, Asian, European and combined populations, respectively. We propose construction of a 'neuroreceptor variants array' with these informative SNPs for future pharmacogenomic studies of neuropsychiatric disorders. CONCLUSION Such an approach might improve genotype-phenotype correlation across different populations and lead to identification of reliable genetic markers and novel drug targets. Integration of these SNPs in literature would further provide evidence relevant to underlying mechanisms of genetics based nosology, pathophysiology and development of new drugs for the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harpreet Kaur
- Genomics & Molecular Medicine Unit, CSIR-Institute of Genomics & Integrative Biology, Mall Road, Delhi-110007, India
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35
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Loke H, Harley V, Lee J. Biological factors underlying sex differences in neurological disorders. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2015; 65:139-50. [PMID: 26028290 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2015.05.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2015] [Revised: 05/25/2015] [Accepted: 05/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The prevalence, age of onset, pathophysiology, and symptomatology of many neurological and neuropsychiatric conditions differ significantly between males and females. Females suffer more from mood disorders such as depression and anxiety, whereas males are more susceptible to deficits in the dopamine system including Parkinson's disease (PD), attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), schizophrenia, and autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Until recently, these sex differences have been explained solely by the neuroprotective actions of sex hormones in females. Emerging evidence however indicates that the sex chromosome genes (i.e. X- and Y-linked genes) also contribute to brain sex differences. In particular, the Y-chromosome gene, SRY (Sex-determining Region on the Y chromosome) is an interesting candidate as it is expressed in dopamine-abundant brain regions, where it regulates dopamine biosynthesis and dopamine-mediated functions such as voluntary movement in males. Furthermore, SRY expression is dysregulated in a toxin-induced model of PD, suggesting a role for SRY in the pathogenesis of dopamine cells. Taken together, these studies highlight the importance of understanding the interplay between sex-specific hormones and sex-specific genes in healthy and diseased brain. In particular, better understanding of regulation and function of SRY in the male brain could provide entirely novel and important insights into genetic factors involved in the susceptibility of men to neurological disorders, as well as development of novel sex-specific therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Loke
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia; Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Vincent Harley
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia; Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia; Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.
| | - Joohyung Lee
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia; Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia; Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.
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36
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Chuang HC, Huang TN, Hsueh YP. T-Brain-1--A Potential Master Regulator in Autism Spectrum Disorders. Autism Res 2015; 8:412-26. [PMID: 25600067 DOI: 10.1002/aur.1456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2014] [Revised: 09/30/2014] [Accepted: 11/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
T-Brain-1 (TBR1), a causative gene in autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), encodes a brain-specific T-box transcription factor. It is therefore possible that TBR1 controls the expression of other autism risk factors. The downstream genes of TBR1 have been identified using microarray and promoter analyses. In this study, we annotated individual genes downstream of TBR1 and investigated any associations with ASDs through extensive literature searches. Of 124 TBR1 target genes, 23 were reported to be associated with ASDs. In addition, one gene, Kiaa0319, is a known causative gene for dyslexia, a disorder frequently associated with autism. A change in expression level in 10 of these 24 genes has been previously confirmed. We further validated the alteration of RNA expression levels of Kiaa0319, Baiap2, and Gad1 in Tbr1 deficient mice. Among these 24 genes, four transcription factors Auts2, Nfia, Nr4a2, and Sox5 were found, suggesting that TBR1 controls a transcriptional cascade relevant to autism pathogenesis. A further five of the 24 genes (Cd44, Cdh8, Cntn6, Gpc6, and Ntng1) encode membrane proteins that regulate cell adhesion and axonal outgrowth. These genes likely contribute to the role of TBR1 in regulation of neuronal migration and axonal extension. Besides, decreases in Grin2b expression and increases in Gad1 expression imply that neuronal activity may be aberrant in Tbr1 deficient mice. These analyses provide direction for future experiments to reveal the pathogenic mechanism of autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsiu-Chun Chuang
- Graduate Institute of Life Sciences, National Defense Medical Center.,Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tzyy-Nan Huang
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ping Hsueh
- Graduate Institute of Life Sciences, National Defense Medical Center.,Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
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37
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Bowton E, Saunders C, Reddy IA, Campbell NG, Hamilton PJ, Henry LK, Coon H, Sakrikar D, Veenstra-VanderWeele JM, Blakely RD, Sutcliffe J, Matthies HJG, Erreger K, Galli A. SLC6A3 coding variant Ala559Val found in two autism probands alters dopamine transporter function and trafficking. Transl Psychiatry 2014; 4:e464. [PMID: 25313507 PMCID: PMC4350523 DOI: 10.1038/tp.2014.90] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2013] [Revised: 08/11/2014] [Accepted: 08/12/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence associates dysfunction in the dopamine (DA) transporter (DAT) with the pathophysiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The human DAT (hDAT; SLC6A3) rare variant with an Ala to Val substitution at amino acid 559 (hDAT A559V) was previously reported in individuals with bipolar disorder or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). We have demonstrated that this variant is hyper-phosphorylated at the amino (N)-terminal serine (Ser) residues and promotes an anomalous DA efflux phenotype. Here, we report the novel identification of hDAT A559V in two unrelated ASD subjects and provide the first mechanistic description of its impaired trafficking phenotype. DAT surface expression is dynamically regulated by DAT substrates including the psychostimulant amphetamine (AMPH), which causes hDAT trafficking away from the plasma membrane. The integrity of DAT trafficking directly impacts DA transport capacity and therefore dopaminergic neurotransmission. Here, we show that hDAT A559V is resistant to AMPH-induced cell surface redistribution. This unique trafficking phenotype is conferred by altered protein kinase C β (PKCβ) activity. Cells expressing hDAT A559V exhibit constitutively elevated PKCβ activity, inhibition of which restores the AMPH-induced hDAT A559V membrane redistribution. Mechanistically, we link the inability of hDAT A559V to traffic in response to AMPH to the phosphorylation of the five most distal DAT N-terminal Ser. Mutation of these N-terminal Ser to Ala restores AMPH-induced trafficking. Furthermore, hDAT A559V has a diminished ability to transport AMPH, and therefore lacks AMPH-induced DA efflux. Pharmacological inhibition of PKCβ or Ser to Ala substitution in the hDAT A559V background restores AMPH-induced DA efflux while promoting intracellular AMPH accumulation. Although hDAT A559V is a rare variant, it has been found in multiple probands with neuropsychiatric disorders associated with imbalances in DA neurotransmission, including ADHD, bipolar disorder, and now ASD. These findings provide valuable insight into a new cellular phenotype (altered hDAT trafficking) supporting dysregulated DA function in these disorders. They also provide a novel potential target (PKCβ) for therapeutic interventions in individuals with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Bowton
- Departments of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA,Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - C Saunders
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA,Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - I A Reddy
- Departments of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA,Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - N G Campbell
- Departments of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA,Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - P J Hamilton
- Departments of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA,Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - L K Henry
- Department of Basic Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, USA
| | - H Coon
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - D Sakrikar
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA,Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - J M Veenstra-VanderWeele
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA,Department of Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - R D Blakely
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA,Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - J Sutcliffe
- Departments of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA,Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA,Department of Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - H J G Matthies
- Departments of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA,Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA,N-PISA Neuroscience Program In Substance Abuse, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA,Departments of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 465 21st Avenue South, MRB3, Room 7124, Nashville, TN 37232, USA E-mail: or
| | - K Erreger
- Departments of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA,Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA,N-PISA Neuroscience Program In Substance Abuse, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA,Departments of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 465 21st Avenue South, MRB3, Room 7124, Nashville, TN 37232, USA E-mail: or
| | - A Galli
- Departments of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA,Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA,N-PISA Neuroscience Program In Substance Abuse, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA,Departments of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 465 21st Avenue South, MRB3, Room 7130A, Nashville, TN 37232, USA. E-mail:
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Squillace M, Dodero L, Federici M, Migliarini S, Errico F, Napolitano F, Krashia P, Di Maio A, Galbusera A, Bifone A, Scattoni ML, Pasqualetti M, Mercuri NB, Usiello A, Gozzi A. Dysfunctional dopaminergic neurotransmission in asocial BTBR mice. Transl Psychiatry 2014; 4:e427. [PMID: 25136890 PMCID: PMC4150243 DOI: 10.1038/tp.2014.69] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2014] [Revised: 05/28/2014] [Accepted: 06/23/2014] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are neurodevelopmental conditions characterized by pronounced social and communication deficits and stereotyped behaviours. Recent psychosocial and neuroimaging studies have highlighted reward-processing deficits and reduced dopamine (DA) mesolimbic circuit reactivity in ASD patients. However, the neurobiological and molecular determinants of these deficits remain undetermined. Mouse models recapitulating ASD-like phenotypes could help generate hypotheses about the origin and neurophysiological underpinnings of clinically relevant traits. Here we used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), behavioural and molecular readouts to probe dopamine neurotransmission responsivity in BTBR T(+) Itpr3(tf)/J mice (BTBR), an inbred mouse line widely used to model ASD-like symptoms owing to its robust social and communication deficits, and high level of repetitive stereotyped behaviours. C57BL/6J (B6) mice were used as normosocial reference comparators. DA reuptake inhibition with GBR 12909 produced significant striatal DA release in both strains, but failed to elicit fMRI activation in widespread forebrain areas of BTBR mice, including mesolimbic reward and striatal terminals. In addition, BTBR mice exhibited no appreciable motor responses to GBR 12909. DA D1 receptor-dependent behavioural and signalling responses were found to be unaltered in BTBR mice, whereas dramatic reductions in pre- and postsynaptic DA D2 and adenosine A2A receptor function was observed in these animals. Overall these results document profoundly compromised DA D2-mediated neurotransmission in BTBR mice, a finding that is likely to have a role in the distinctive social and behavioural deficits exhibited by these mice. Our results call for a deeper investigation of the role of dopaminergic dysfunction in mouse lines exhibiting ASD-like phenotypes, and possibly in ASD patient populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Squillace
- Ceinge Biotecnologie Avanzate, Naples, Italy
| | - L Dodero
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Center for Neuroscience and Cognitive Systems, Rovereto, Italy,Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Pavis, Genoa, Italy
| | - M Federici
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy,Laboratorio di Neurologia Sperimentale, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - S Migliarini
- Department of Biology, Unit of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - F Errico
- Ceinge Biotecnologie Avanzate, Naples, Italy,Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples ‘Federico II', Naples, Italy
| | - F Napolitano
- Ceinge Biotecnologie Avanzate, Naples, Italy,Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples ‘Federico II', Naples, Italy
| | - P Krashia
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - A Di Maio
- Ceinge Biotecnologie Avanzate, Naples, Italy
| | - A Galbusera
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Center for Neuroscience and Cognitive Systems, Rovereto, Italy
| | - A Bifone
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Center for Neuroscience and Cognitive Systems, Rovereto, Italy
| | - M L Scattoni
- Neurotoxicology and Neuroendocrinology Section, Department of Cell Biology and Neurosciences, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - M Pasqualetti
- Department of Biology, Unit of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - N B Mercuri
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy,Laboratorio di Neurologia Sperimentale, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - A Usiello
- Ceinge Biotecnologie Avanzate, Naples, Italy,Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, Second University of Naples (SUN), Caserta, Italy, Dr , Ceinge Biotecnologie Avanzate, Naples, Italy E-mail:
| | - A Gozzi
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Center for Neuroscience and Cognitive Systems, Rovereto, Italy,Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Centre for Neuroscience and Cognitive Sciences@uniTn, Corso Bettini 31, 38068 Rovereto, Italy. E-mail:
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39
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Anderson G, Maes M. Redox Regulation and the Autistic Spectrum: Role of Tryptophan Catabolites, Immuno-inflammation, Autoimmunity and the Amygdala. Curr Neuropharmacol 2014; 12:148-67. [PMID: 24669209 PMCID: PMC3964746 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x11666131120223757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2013] [Revised: 08/18/2013] [Accepted: 11/02/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The autistic spectrum disorders (ASD) form a set of multi-faceted disorders with significant genetic, epigenetic and environmental determinants. Oxidative and nitrosative stress (O&NS), immuno-inflammatory pathways, mitochondrial dysfunction and dysregulation of the tryptophan catabolite (TRYCATs) pathway play significant interactive roles in driving the early developmental etiology and course of ASD. O&NS interactions with immuno-inflammatory pathways mediate their effects centrally via the regulation of astrocyte and microglia responses, including regional variations in TRYCATs produced. Here we review the nature of these interactions and propose an early developmental model whereby different ASD genetic susceptibilities interact with environmental and epigenetic processes, resulting in glia biasing the patterning of central interarea interactions. A role for decreased local melatonin and N-acetylserotonin production by immune and glia cells may be a significant treatment target.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael Maes
- Department of Psychiatry, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Psychiatry, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
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40
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Nguyen M, Roth A, Kyzar EJ, Poudel MK, Wong K, Stewart AM, Kalueff AV. Decoding the contribution of dopaminergic genes and pathways to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Neurochem Int 2014; 66:15-26. [PMID: 24412511 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2014.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2013] [Revised: 12/24/2013] [Accepted: 01/06/2014] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a debilitating brain illness causing social deficits, delayed development and repetitive behaviors. ASD is a heritable neurodevelopmental disorder with poorly understood and complex etiology. The central dopaminergic system is strongly implicated in ASD pathogenesis. Genes encoding various elements of this system (including dopamine receptors, the dopamine transporter or enzymes of synthesis and catabolism) have been linked to ASD. Here, we comprehensively evaluate known molecular interactors of dopaminergic genes, and identify their potential molecular partners within up/down-steam signaling pathways associated with dopamine. These in silico analyses allowed us to construct a map of molecular pathways, regulated by dopamine and involved in ASD. Clustering these pathways reveals groups of genes associated with dopamine metabolism, encoding proteins that control dopamine neurotransmission, cytoskeletal processes, synaptic release, Ca(2+) signaling, as well as the adenosine, glutamatergic and gamma-aminobutyric systems. Overall, our analyses emphasize the important role of the dopaminergic system in ASD, and implicate several cellular signaling processes in its pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Nguyen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, 415 Lane Road, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; ZENEREI Institute, 309 Palmer Court, Slidell, LA 70458, USA
| | - Andrew Roth
- School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 3601 4th Street, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
| | - Evan J Kyzar
- College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, 808 S. Wood Street, Room 165 CME, M/C 783, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Manoj K Poudel
- ZENEREI Institute, 309 Palmer Court, Slidell, LA 70458, USA
| | - Keith Wong
- University of California San Diego (UCSD) School of Medicine, 9500 Gilman Dr, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Adam Michael Stewart
- ZENEREI Institute, 309 Palmer Court, Slidell, LA 70458, USA; Department of Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, A210 Langley Hall, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Allan V Kalueff
- ZENEREI Institute, 309 Palmer Court, Slidell, LA 70458, USA.
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41
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Money KM, Stanwood GD. Developmental origins of brain disorders: roles for dopamine. Front Cell Neurosci 2013; 7:260. [PMID: 24391541 PMCID: PMC3867667 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2013.00260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2013] [Accepted: 12/01/2013] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurotransmitters and neuromodulators, such as dopamine, participate in a wide range of behavioral and cognitive functions in the adult brain, including movement, cognition, and reward. Dopamine-mediated signaling plays a fundamental neurodevelopmental role in forebrain differentiation and circuit formation. These developmental effects, such as modulation of neuronal migration and dendritic growth, occur before synaptogenesis and demonstrate novel roles for dopaminergic signaling beyond neuromodulation at the synapse. Pharmacologic and genetic disruptions demonstrate that these effects are brain region- and receptor subtype-specific. For example, the striatum and frontal cortex exhibit abnormal neuronal structure and function following prenatal disruption of dopamine receptor signaling. Alterations in these processes are implicated in the pathophysiology of neuropsychiatric disorders, and emerging studies of neurodevelopmental disruptions may shed light on the pathophysiology of abnormal neuronal circuitry in neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelli M Money
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Vanderbilt University Nashville, TN, USA ; Vanderbilt Medical Scientist Training Program, Vanderbilt University Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Gregg D Stanwood
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Nashville, TN, USA ; Vanderbilt Kennedy Center for Research on Human Development, Vanderbilt University Nashville, TN, USA
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42
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De novo mutation in the dopamine transporter gene associates dopamine dysfunction with autism spectrum disorder. Mol Psychiatry 2013; 18:1315-23. [PMID: 23979605 PMCID: PMC4046646 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2013.102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 154] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2013] [Revised: 07/08/2013] [Accepted: 07/15/2013] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
De novo genetic variation is an important class of risk factors for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Recently, whole-exome sequencing of ASD families has identified a novel de novo missense mutation in the human dopamine (DA) transporter (hDAT) gene, which results in a Thr to Met substitution at site 356 (hDAT T356M). The dopamine transporter (DAT) is a presynaptic membrane protein that regulates dopaminergic tone in the central nervous system by mediating the high-affinity reuptake of synaptically released DA, making it a crucial regulator of DA homeostasis. Here, we report the first functional, structural and behavioral characterization of an ASD-associated de novo mutation in the hDAT. We demonstrate that the hDAT T356M displays anomalous function, characterized as a persistent reverse transport of DA (substrate efflux). Importantly, in the bacterial homolog leucine transporter, substitution of A289 (the homologous site to T356) with a Met promotes an outward-facing conformation upon substrate binding. In the substrate-bound state, an outward-facing transporter conformation is required for substrate efflux. In Drosophila melanogaster, the expression of hDAT T356M in DA neurons-lacking Drosophila DAT leads to hyperlocomotion, a trait associated with DA dysfunction and ASD. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that alterations in DA homeostasis, mediated by aberrant DAT function, may confer risk for ASD and related neuropsychiatric conditions.
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43
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Laine VN, Herczeg G, Shikano T, Vilkki J, Merilä J. QTL analysis of behavior in nine-spined sticklebacks (Pungitius pungitius). Behav Genet 2013; 44:77-88. [PMID: 24190427 DOI: 10.1007/s10519-013-9624-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2013] [Accepted: 10/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The genetic architecture of behavioral traits is yet relatively poorly understood in most non-model organisms. Using an F2-intercross (n = 283 offspring) between behaviorally divergent nine-spined stickleback (Pungitius pungitius) populations, we tested for and explored the genetic basis of different behavioral traits with the aid of quantitative trait locus (QTL) analyses based on 226 microsatellite markers. The behaviors were analyzed both separately (viz. feeding activity, risk-taking and exploration) and combined in order to map composite behavioral type. Two significant QTL-explaining on average 6 % of the phenotypic variance-were detected for composite behavioral type on the experiment-wide level, located on linkage groups 3 and 8. In addition, several suggestive QTL located on six other linkage groups were detected on the chromosome-wide level. Apart from providing evidence for the genetic basis of behavioral variation, the results provide a good starting point for finer-scale analyses of genetic factors influencing behavioral variation in the nine-spined stickleback.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronika N Laine
- Division of Genetics and Physiology, Department of Biology, University of Turku, 20014, Turku, Finland,
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44
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Chang SC, Pauls DL, Lange C, Sasanfar R, Santangelo SL. Sex-specific association of a common variant of the XG gene with autism spectrum disorders. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2013; 162B:742-50. [PMID: 24132906 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.32165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2013] [Accepted: 03/26/2013] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are much more common in males than in females. Studies using both linkage and candidate gene association approaches have identified genetic variants specific to families in which all affected cases were male, suggesting that sex may interact with or otherwise influence the expression of specific genes in association with ASD. In this study, we specifically evaluated the sex-specific genetic effects of ASD with a family-based genome-wide association study approach using the data from the Autism Genetic Resource Exchange repository. We evaluated the male-specific genetic effects of ASD in 374 multiplex families of European ancestry in which all affected were male (male-only; MO) and identified a novel genome-wide significant association in the pseudoautosomal boundary on chromosome Xp22.33/Yp11.31 in the MO families of predominantly paternal origin (rs2535443, p = 3.8 × 10(-8) ). Five markers that reside within a 550 kb intergenic region on chromosome 13q33.3, between the MYO16 and IRS2 genes, also showed suggestive association with ASD in the MO families (p = 3.3 × 10(-5) to 5.3 × 10(-7) ). In contrast, none of these markers appeared to be associated with ASD in the families containing any affected females. Our results suggest that the pseudoautosomal boundary on Xp22.33/Yp11.31 may harbor male-specific genetic variants for ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shun-Chiao Chang
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
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Toma C, Hervás A, Balmaña N, Salgado M, Maristany M, Vilella E, Aguilera F, Orejuela C, Cuscó I, Gallastegui F, Pérez-Jurado LA, Caballero-Andaluz R, Diego-Otero YD, Guzmán-Alvarez G, Ramos-Quiroga JA, Ribasés M, Bayés M, Cormand B. Neurotransmitter systems and neurotrophic factors in autism: association study of 37 genes suggests involvement of DDC. World J Biol Psychiatry 2013; 14:516-27. [PMID: 22397633 DOI: 10.3109/15622975.2011.602719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Neurotransmitter systems and neurotrophic factors can be considered strong candidates for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The serotoninergic and dopaminergic systems are involved in neurotransmission, brain maturation and cortical organization, while neurotrophic factors (NTFs) participate in neurodevelopment, neuronal survival and synapses formation. We aimed to test the contribution of these candidate pathways to autism through a case-control association study of genes selected both for their role in central nervous system functions and for pathophysiological evidences. METHODS The study sample consisted of 326 unrelated autistic patients and 350 gender-matched controls from Spain. We genotyped 369 tagSNPs to perform a case-control association study of 37 candidate genes. RESULTS A significant association was obtained between the DDC gene and autism in the single-marker analysis (rs6592961, P = 0.00047). Haplotype-based analysis pinpointed a four-marker combination in this gene associated with the disorder (rs2329340C-rs2044859T-rs6592961A-rs11761683T, P = 4.988e-05). No significant results were obtained for the remaining genes after applying multiple testing corrections. However, the rs167771 marker in DRD3, associated with ASD in a previous study, displayed a nominal association in our analysis (P = 0.023). CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest that common allelic variants in the DDC gene may be involved in autism susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Toma
- Departament de Genètica, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona , Spain
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Zhu F, Yan CX, Wen YC, Wang J, Bi J, Zhao YL, Wei L, Gao CG, Jia W, Li SB. Dopamine D1 receptor gene variation modulates opioid dependence risk by affecting transition to addiction. PLoS One 2013; 8:e70805. [PMID: 23976958 PMCID: PMC3745389 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0070805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2013] [Accepted: 06/21/2013] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Dopamine D1 receptor (DRD1) modulates opioid reinforcement, reward, and opioid-induced neuroadaptation. We propose that DRD1 polymorphism affects susceptibility to opioid dependence (OD), the efficiency of transition to OD, and opioid-induced pleasure response. We analyzed potential association between seven DRD1 polymorphisms with the following traits: duration of transition from the first use to dependence (DTFUD), subjective pleasure responses to opioid on first use and post-dependence use, and OD risk in 425 Chinese with OD and 514 healthy controls. DTFUD and level of pleasure responses were examined using a semi-structured interview. The DTFUD of opioid addicts ranged from 5 days to 11 years. Most addicts (64.0%) reported non-comfortable response upon first opioid use, while after dependence, most addicts (53.0%) felt strong opioid-induced pleasure. Survival analysis revealed a correlation of prolonged DTFUD with the minor allele-carrying genotypes of DRD1 rs4532 (hazard ratios (HR) = 0.694; p = 0.001) and rs686 (HR = 0.681, p = 0.0003). Binary logistic regression indicated that rs10063995 GT genotype (vs. GG+TT, OR = 0.261) could predict decreased pleasure response to first-time use and the minor alleles of rs686 (OR = 0.535) and rs4532 (OR = 0.537) could predict decreased post-dependence pleasure. Moreover, rs686 minor allele was associated with a decreased risk for rapid transition from initial use to dependence (DTFUD≤30 days; OR = 0.603) or post-dependence euphoria (OR = 0.603) relative to major allele. In conclusion, DRD1 rs686 minor allele decreases the OD risk by prolonging the transition to dependence and attenuating opioid-induced pleasure in Chinese.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Zhu
- College of Medicine and Forensics, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of the Health Ministry for Forensic Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of the Education Ministry for Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Chun-xia Yan
- College of Medicine and Forensics, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of the Health Ministry for Forensic Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of the Education Ministry for Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi-chong Wen
- College of Medicine and Forensics, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of the Health Ministry for Forensic Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of the Education Ministry for Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiayin Wang
- The Genome Institute, Washington University, Saint Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Jinbo Bi
- The Genome Institute, Washington University, Saint Louis, Missouri, United States of America
- Department of Community Medicine and Health Care, School of Medicine University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Ya-ling Zhao
- Key Laboratory of the Education Ministry for Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
- School of Public Health, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Lai Wei
- College of Medicine and Forensics, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of the Health Ministry for Forensic Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of the Education Ministry for Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Cheng-ge Gao
- Department of Psychiatry, First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Jia
- Methadone Maintenance Therapy Clinic, Xi'an Mental Health Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Sheng-bin Li
- College of Medicine and Forensics, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of the Health Ministry for Forensic Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of the Education Ministry for Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
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Kim HN, Roh SJ, Sung YA, Chung HW, Lee JY, Cho J, Shin H, Kim HL. Genome-wide association study of the five-factor model of personality in young Korean women. J Hum Genet 2013; 58:667-74. [PMID: 23903073 DOI: 10.1038/jhg.2013.75] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2013] [Revised: 05/30/2013] [Accepted: 06/07/2013] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Personality is a determinant of behavior and lifestyle associated with health and human diseases. Although personality is known to be a heritable trait, its polygenic nature has made the identification of genetic variants elusive. We performed a genome-wide association study on 1089 Korean women aged 18-40 years whose personality traits were measured with the Revised NEO Personality Inventory for the five-factor model of personality. To reduce environmental factors that may influence personality traits, this study was restricted to young adult women. In the discovery phase, we identified variants of PTPRD (protein tyrosine phosphatase, receptor type D) that associated this gene with the Openness domain. Other genes that were previously reported to be associated with neurological phenotypes were also associated with personality traits. In particular, DRD1 and OR1A2 were linked to Neuroticism, NKAIN2 with Extraversion, HTR5A with Openness and DRD3 with Agreeableness. Data from our replication study of 2090 subjects confirmed the association between OR1A2 and Neuroticism. We first identified and confirmed a novel region on OR1A2 associated with Neuroticism [corrected]. Candidate genes for psychiatric disorders were also enriched. These findings contribute to our understanding of the genetic architecture of personality traits and provide critical clues to the neurobiological mechanisms that influence them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han-Na Kim
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Korea
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Scarr E, Gibbons AS, Neo J, Udawela M, Dean B. Cholinergic connectivity: it's implications for psychiatric disorders. Front Cell Neurosci 2013; 7:55. [PMID: 23653591 PMCID: PMC3642390 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2013.00055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2013] [Accepted: 04/12/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Acetylcholine has been implicated in both the pathophysiology and treatment of a number of psychiatric disorders, with most of the data related to its role and therapeutic potential focusing on schizophrenia. However, there is little thought given to the consequences of the documented changes in the cholinergic system and how they may affect the functioning of the brain. This review looks at the cholinergic system and its interactions with the intrinsic neurotransmitters glutamate and gamma-amino butyric acid as well as those with the projection neurotransmitters most implicated in the pathophysiologies of psychiatric disorders; dopamine and serotonin. In addition, with the recent focus on the role of factors normally associated with inflammation in the pathophysiologies of psychiatric disorders, links between the cholinergic system and these factors will also be examined. These interfaces are put into context, primarily for schizophrenia, by looking at the changes in each of these systems in the disorder and exploring, theoretically, whether the changes are interconnected with those seen in the cholinergic system. Thus, this review will provide a comprehensive overview of the connectivity between the cholinergic system and some of the major areas of research into the pathophysiologies of psychiatric disorders, resulting in a critical appraisal of the potential outcomes of a dysregulated central cholinergic system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Scarr
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of MelbourneParkville, VIC, Australia
- Molecular Psychiatry Laboratories, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental HealthParkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Andrew S. Gibbons
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of MelbourneParkville, VIC, Australia
- Molecular Psychiatry Laboratories, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental HealthParkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Jaclyn Neo
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of MelbourneParkville, VIC, Australia
- Molecular Psychiatry Laboratories, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental HealthParkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Madhara Udawela
- Molecular Psychiatry Laboratories, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental HealthParkville, VIC, Australia
- Centre for Neuroscience, The University of MelbourneParkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Brian Dean
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of MelbourneParkville, VIC, Australia
- Molecular Psychiatry Laboratories, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental HealthParkville, VIC, Australia
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Abstract
Deficits in social and communication behaviors are common features of a number of neurodevelopmental disorders. However, the molecular and cellular substrates of these higher order brain functions are not well understood. Here we report that specific alterations in social and communication behaviors in mice occur as a result of loss of the EPAC2 gene, which encodes a protein kinase A-independent cAMP target. Epac2-deficient mice exhibited robust deficits in social interactions and ultrasonic vocalizations, but displayed normal olfaction, working and reference memory, motor abilities, anxiety, and repetitive behaviors. Epac2-deficient mice displayed abnormal columnar organization in the anterior cingulate cortex, a region implicated in social behavior in humans, but not in somatosensory cortex. In vivo two-photon imaging revealed reduced dendritic spine motility and density on cortical neurons in Epac2-deficient mice, indicating deficits at the synaptic level. Together, these findings provide novel insight into the molecular and cellular substrates of social and communication behavior.
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Gadow KD. Schizophrenia spectrum and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms in autism spectrum disorder and controls. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2012; 51:1076-84. [PMID: 23021482 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaac.2012.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2012] [Revised: 06/29/2012] [Accepted: 08/01/2012] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study compared the differential severity of specific symptoms of schizophrenia spectrum disorder (SSD) in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and child psychiatry outpatient referrals (controls). Each group was further subdivided into subgroups with and without co-occurring attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). METHOD Children with ASD (n = 147) and controls (n = 335) were evaluated with parent and teacher versions of a psychometrically established DSM-IV-referenced rating scale. RESULTS The two ASD groups (with and without ADHD) had a larger number of more severe SSD symptoms than their respective control groups (with and without ADHD), extending the observation of an association between ASD and SSD to subgroups with and without co-occurring ADHD. The ASD groups exhibited more severe schizoid personality symptoms than controls, but findings for schizophrenia symptoms were mixed. The ASD + ADHD group generally had more severe disorganized thought, disorganized behavior, and negative schizophrenia symptoms than controls (with and without ADHD); nevertheless, findings varied according to ADHD status (present versus absent), individual symptom (symptom specificity), and informant (informant specificity). Ratings of hallucinations and delusions indicated mild severity and few group differences. Negative symptoms such as inappropriate emotional reactions evidenced considerable group divergence. CONCLUSION Findings provide additional support for an interrelation between ASD and SSD symptoms and the differential influence of neurobehavioral syndromes on co-occurring symptom severity, underscore the multidimensionality of SSD in children with ASD, and suggest how symptom phenotypes may contribute to a better understanding of the etiology, nosology, and possibly clinical management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth D Gadow
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stony Brook University, NY 11794-8790, USA.
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