1
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Hung LY, Margolis KG. Autism spectrum disorders and the gastrointestinal tract: insights into mechanisms and clinical relevance. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 21:142-163. [PMID: 38114585 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-023-00857-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are recognized as central neurodevelopmental disorders diagnosed by impairments in social interactions, communication and repetitive behaviours. The recognition of ASD as a central nervous system (CNS)-mediated neurobehavioural disorder has led most of the research in ASD to be focused on the CNS. However, gastrointestinal function is also likely to be affected owing to the neural mechanistic nature of ASD and the nervous system in the gastrointestinal tract (enteric nervous system). Thus, it is unsurprising that gastrointestinal disorders, particularly constipation, diarrhoea and abdominal pain, are highly comorbid in individuals with ASD. Gastrointestinal problems have also been repeatedly associated with increased severity of the core symptoms diagnostic of ASD and other centrally mediated comorbid conditions, including psychiatric issues, irritability, rigid-compulsive behaviours and aggression. Despite the high prevalence of gastrointestinal dysfunction in ASD and its associated behavioural comorbidities, the specific links between these two conditions have not been clearly delineated, and current data linking ASD to gastrointestinal dysfunction have not been extensively reviewed. This Review outlines the established and emerging clinical and preclinical evidence that emphasizes the gut as a novel mechanistic and potential therapeutic target for individuals with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Y Hung
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kara Gross Margolis
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Cell Biology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine and Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, NYU Grossman School of Medicine and Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
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2
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Reaney L, Collins A. Complex visceral hyperalgesia in an adolescent with Pitt-Hopkins syndrome. BMJ Case Rep 2024; 17:e258257. [PMID: 38373809 PMCID: PMC10882374 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2023-258257] [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] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
An early-adolescent boy with a background of Pitt-Hopkins syndrome was transferred to a tertiary paediatric hospital with symptoms of a functional large bowel obstruction. He required extensive surgical intervention including a transverse colectomy, drainage of an abdominal abscess, laparotomy and adhesionolysis, and insertion of a gastrostomy and jejunostomy. He had significant ongoing issues with visceral hyperalgesia that was refractory to a wide range of pharmacological treatments and required admission to the intensive care unit on multiple occasions, and consultations with international experts in Pitt-Hopkins syndrome and pain specialists. An individualised pain plan was created and adjusted over time, with eventual good effect, and he was transferred back to his regional hospital and subsequently discharged home.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Reaney
- General Paediatrics, Children's Health Ireland at Crumlin, Dublin 12, Ireland
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3
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Wang X, Tang R, Wei Z, Zhan Y, Lu J, Li Z. The enteric nervous system deficits in autism spectrum disorder. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1101071. [PMID: 37694110 PMCID: PMC10484716 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1101071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders are common comorbidities in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and abnormalities in these issues have been found to be closely related to the severity of core behavioral deficits in autism. The enteric nervous system (ENS) plays a crucial role in regulating various aspects of gut functions, including gastrointestinal motility. Dysfunctional wiring in the ENS not only results in various gastrointestinal issues, but also correlates with an increasing number of central nervous system (CNS) disorders, such as ASD. However, it remains unclear whether the gastrointestinal dysfunctions are a consequence of ASD or if they directly contribute to its pathogenesis. This review focuses on the deficits in the ENS associated with ASD, and highlights several high-risk genes for ASD, which are expressed widely in the gut and implicated in gastrointestinal dysfunction among both animal models and human patients with ASD. Furthermore, we provide a brief overview of environmental factors associated with gastrointestinal tract in individuals with autism. This could offer fresh perspectives on our understanding of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinnian Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- School of Life Science, USTC Life Sciences and Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Ruijin Tang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhen Wei
- Department of Child Psychiatry and Rehabilitation, Affiliated Shenzhen Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yang Zhan
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jianping Lu
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Shenzhen Kangning Hospital, Shenzhen Mental Health Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhiling Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
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4
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Comisi F, Esposito E, Marras M, Soddu C, Savasta S. Unusual Inconsolable Crying: An Insight, Case Report, and Review of the Literature on the Pitt-Hopkins Gastrointestinal Phenotype. Cureus 2023; 15:e43781. [PMID: 37731434 PMCID: PMC10507423 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.43781] [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] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Pitt-Hopkins syndrome (PTHS) is a rare, neurodevelopmental genetic disorder caused by mutations in the TCF4 gene. This gene encodes a ubiquitous, class I, basic helix-loop-helix factor, which is implicated in various developmental and regulatory processes. Predominant clinical manifestations of PTHS include facial dysmorphisms, intellectual disability, absence of expressive language, epilepsy, as well as visual and musculoskeletal impairments. Gastrointestinal (GI) complications, such as chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction, gastroparesis with delayed bowel transit, chronic constipation culminating in failure to thrive, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), are also prevalent in these patients. The early identification of pain etiology in PTHS patients poses a significant clinical challenge. This report presents two cases of PTHS patients suffering from gastrointestinal dysmotility, evaluated at our Pediatrics Clinic at the "Microcitemico" Hospital. A review of existing literature was conducted via the PubMed database to elucidate the current understanding of the GI phenotype in PTHS. Twenty articles were deemed most relevant and selected for this purpose. In both patients, severe constipation and abdominal distension resulted in persistent agitation and inconsolable crying. These distress symptoms were completely ameliorated following prompt pharmacological intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elena Esposito
- Pediatrics Department, Ospedale Microcitemico, Cagliari, ITA
| | | | | | - Salvatore Savasta
- Pediatric and Rare Diseases Clinic, Ospedale Microcitemico, Cagliari, ITA
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5
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Bohlen JF, Cleary CM, Das D, Sripathy SR, Sadowski N, Shim G, Kenney RF, Buchler IP, Banerji T, Scanlan TS, Mulkey DK, Maher BJ. Promyelinating drugs promote functional recovery in an autism spectrum disorder mouse model of Pitt-Hopkins syndrome. Brain 2023; 146:3331-3346. [PMID: 37068912 PMCID: PMC10393406 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awad057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Pitt-Hopkins syndrome is an autism spectrum disorder caused by autosomal dominant mutations in the human transcription factor 4 gene (TCF4). One pathobiological process caused by murine Tcf4 mutation is a cell autonomous reduction in oligodendrocytes and myelination. In this study, we show that the promyelinating compounds, clemastine, sobetirome and Sob-AM2 are effective at restoring myelination defects in a Pitt-Hopkins syndrome mouse model. In vitro, clemastine treatment reduced excess oligodendrocyte precursor cells and normalized oligodendrocyte density. In vivo, 2-week intraperitoneal administration of clemastine also normalized oligodendrocyte precursor cell and oligodendrocyte density in the cortex of Tcf4 mutant mice and appeared to increase the number of axons undergoing myelination, as EM imaging of the corpus callosum showed a significant increase in the proportion of uncompacted myelin and an overall reduction in the g-ratio. Importantly, this treatment paradigm resulted in functional rescue by improving electrophysiology and behaviour. To confirm behavioural rescue was achieved via enhancing myelination, we show that treatment with the thyroid hormone receptor agonist sobetirome or its brain penetrating prodrug Sob-AM2, was also effective at normalizing oligodendrocyte precursor cell and oligodendrocyte densities and behaviour in the Pitt-Hopkins syndrome mouse model. Together, these results provide preclinical evidence that promyelinating therapies may be beneficial in Pitt-Hopkins syndrome and potentially other neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by dysmyelination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph F Bohlen
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Johns Hopkins Medical Campus, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Colin M Cleary
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
| | - Debamitra Das
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Johns Hopkins Medical Campus, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Srinidhi Rao Sripathy
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Johns Hopkins Medical Campus, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Norah Sadowski
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Johns Hopkins Medical Campus, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Gina Shim
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Johns Hopkins Medical Campus, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Rakaia F Kenney
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Johns Hopkins Medical Campus, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Ingrid P Buchler
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Johns Hopkins Medical Campus, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Tapasree Banerji
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology and Program in Chemical Biology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Thomas S Scanlan
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology and Program in Chemical Biology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Daniel K Mulkey
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
| | - Brady J Maher
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Johns Hopkins Medical Campus, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
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6
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Davidson EA, Holingue C, Jimenez-Gomez A, Dallman JE, Moshiree B. Gastrointestinal Dysfunction in Genetically Defined Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Semin Neurol 2023; 43:645-660. [PMID: 37586397 PMCID: PMC10895389 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1771460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
Gastrointestinal symptoms are common in most forms of neurodevelopment disorders (NDDs) such as in autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The current patient-reported outcome measures with validated questionnaires used in the general population of children without NDDS cannot be used in the autistic individuals. We explore here the multifactorial pathophysiology of ASD and the role of genetics and the environment in this disease spectrum and focus instead on possible diagnostics that could provide future objective insight into the connection of the gut-brain-microbiome in this disease entity. We provide our own data from both humans and a zebrafish model of ASD called Phelan-McDermid Syndrome. We hope that this review highlights the gaps in our current knowledge on many of these profound NDDs and that it provides a future framework upon which clinicians and researchers can build and network with other interested multidisciplinary specialties.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Calliope Holingue
- Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Andres Jimenez-Gomez
- Neuroscience Center, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, Hollywood, Florida
- Department of Child Neurology, Florida Atlantic University Stiles - Nicholson Brain Institute, Jupiter, Florida
| | - Julia E. Dallman
- Department of Biology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Miami, Florida
| | - Baharak Moshiree
- Atrium Health, Wake Forest Medical University, Charlotte, North Carolina
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7
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Koppen IJN, Menke LA, Westra WM, Struik F, Mesman S, van Wijk MP, Huisman SA. Fatal gastrointestinal complications in Pitt-Hopkins syndrome. Am J Med Genet A 2023; 191:855-858. [PMID: 36511359 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.63079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Pitt-Hopkins syndrome (PTHS) is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder caused by mutations of the transcription factor 4 (Tcf4) gene. Individuals with PTHS often suffer from severe abdominal bloating and constipation. In this short communication, we discuss two individuals with PTHS who died unexpectedly due to gastrointestinal complications. We aim to increase awareness among healthcare professionals who care for individuals with PTHS, to ensure adequate screening and management of gastrointestinal symptoms in this population. Moreover, we discuss how fatal gastrointestinal complications may be related to PTHS and provide an overview of the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilan J N Koppen
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Leonie A Menke
- Department of Pediatrics, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Wytske M Westra
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Meander Medisch Centrum, Amersfoort, The Netherlands
| | - Femke Struik
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Simone Mesman
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, FNWI, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Michiel P van Wijk
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sylvia A Huisman
- Department of Pediatrics, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Zodiak, Prinsenstichting, Purmerend, The Netherlands
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8
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Coe A, Ciricillo J, Mansi S, El-Chammas K, Santucci N, Bali N, Lu PL, Damrongmanee A, Fei L, Liu C, Kaul A, Williams KC. Evaluation of Chronic Constipation in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2023; 76:154-159. [PMID: 36705696 DOI: 10.1097/mpg.0000000000003662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Chronic constipation occurs frequently in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The primary objective was to determine whether chronic constipation is associated with a higher rate of abnormal colonic motor activity in ASD children than in non-ASD children. A secondary goal was to determine if clinical variables could identify children with ASD at risk for possessing abnormal colonic motility. METHODS A retrospective, propensity-matched, case-control study compared colonic manometry (CM) of an ASD cohort and non-ASD controls with chronic constipation. Clinical variables were evaluated as potential predictors for abnormal colonic motility. RESULTS Fifty-six patients with ASD and 123 controls without the diagnosis of ASD who underwent CM were included. Propensity score resulted in 35 matched cohorts of ASD and controls. The rate of abnormal CM findings between ASD and matched controls (24% vs 20%, P = 0.78) did not differ significantly. A prediction model of abnormal CM that included ASD diagnosis, duration of constipation, and soiling achieved a sensitivity of 0.94 and specificity of 0.65. The risk for abnormal colonic motility increased 11% for every 1-year increase in duration of constipation. Odds for abnormal motility were 30 times higher in ASD children with soiling than controls with soiling (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Chronic constipation does not appear to be associated with a higher rate of abnormal colonic motility in children with ASD. Clinical information of disease duration and presence of soiling due to constipation show promise in identifying patients with ASD at a greater risk for abnormal colonic motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Coe
- From the Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
| | | | - Sherief Mansi
- the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Khalil El-Chammas
- the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Neha Santucci
- the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Neetu Bali
- the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH
| | - Peter L Lu
- the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH
| | - Alisara Damrongmanee
- the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Lin Fei
- the Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Chunyan Liu
- the Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Ajay Kaul
- the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Kent C Williams
- the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH
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9
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Effects of 'Healthy' Fecal Microbiota Transplantation against the Deterioration of Depression in Fawn-Hooded Rats. mSystems 2022; 7:e0021822. [PMID: 35481347 PMCID: PMC9239139 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.00218-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Depression is a recurrent, heterogeneous mood disorder occurring in more than 260 million people worldwide. Gut microbiome dysbiosis is associated with the development of depressive-like behaviors by modulating neuro-biochemical metabolism through the microbiome-gut-brain (MGB) axis. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has been proposed as a potential therapeutic solution for depression, but the therapeutic efficiency and mechanism are unknown. Here, we performed an FMT from Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats (‘healthy’ controls) to Fawn-hooded (FH) rats (depression model). Pre-FMT, the FH rats exhibited significantly elevated depressive-like behaviors and distinct neurotransmitter and cytokine levels compared with SD rats. Post-FMT, FH recipients receiving FH fecal microbiota (FH-FH rats) showed aggravated depressive-like behaviors, while the ones receiving SD microbiota (FH-SD rats) had significantly alleviated depressive symptoms, a significant increase in hippocampal neurotransmitters, and a significant decrease of some hippocampal cytokines than FH-FH rats. SD-FMT resulted in the FH-SD rats’ gut microbiome resembling the SD donors, and a significant shift in the serum metabolome but not the hippocampal metabolome. Co-occurrence analysis suggests that SD-FMT prevented recipients’ depression development via the significant decrease of gut microbial species such as Dialister sp., which led to the recipients’ metabolic modulation in serum and hippocampus through the enteric nervous system, the intestinal barrier, and the blood-brain barrier. Our results provided new data pointing to multiple mechanisms of interaction for the impact of gut microbiome modulation on depression therapy. IMPORTANCE Depression is a chronic, recurrent mental disease, which could make the patients commit suicide in severe cases. Considering that gut microbiome dysbiosis could cause depressive symptoms in animals through the MGB axis, the modification of gut microbiota is expected to be a potential therapy for depression, but the daily administration of probiotics is invalid or transient. In this study, we demonstrated that the gut microbiome transferred from a healthy rat model to a depressive rat model could regulate the recipient’s neurobiology and behavior via the systematic alternation of the depressive gut microbiota followed by the serum and hippocampal metabolism. These results underline the significance of understanding the impact of gut microbiota on mental disorders and suggest that ‘healthy’ microbiota transplantation with the function to solve the host’s cerebral inflammation may serve as a novel therapeutic strategy for depression.
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10
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Abstract
Alterations to the gut microbiome have been reported between children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and typically developing (TD) children. Characterizing these differences has led to the proposal of new treatments for ASD, such as probiotic interventions and fecal matter transplants. However, no study to date has characterized the gut microbiome or metabolome in Pitt Hopkins syndrome (PTHS), a severe ASD with a high incidence of gastrointestinal (GI) disturbances such as constipation. Here, we surveyed the gut microbiome and metabolome in a cohort of PTHS individuals and their unaffected parents. We focused our analysis on Clostridium bolteae, a microbe previously associated with ASD known to chemically modify bile acids in the gut. PTHS individuals carry a higher load of C. bolteae than their parents as well as both ASD and non-ASD individuals from the American Gut Project cohort. Specific metabolites were associated with PTHS, including bile acids and sphingosines. With a metadata reanalysis tool, we found that PTHS-associated metabolites have previously been identified in inflammatory bowel disease and obesity patients. These results suggest microbial involvement in PTHS, but further research must be performed to clarify the exact mechanisms through which microbes may act. Furthermore, new associations between PTHS-specific metabolites and other conditions may lead to additional therapeutic options for PTHS individuals. IMPORTANCE GI disturbances in ASD such as severe constipation can be medically significant and often require medication. This is especially true for individuals with PTHS, suggesting that the gut microbiome may be involved in PTHS’s pathology. Revealing associations between specific gut microbes and PTHS may allow the development of new therapeutics or the application of existing therapeutics to ease day-to-day challenges encountered by PTHS individuals. In this study, we characterized an association between C. bolteae and PTHS, in addition to metabolites linked to both PTHS and C. bolteae. We also identified other microbiome-involved medical conditions where PTHS-associated metabolites have been isolated. Utilizing common metabolites to identify conditions with similar phenotypes may suggest new therapeutic options for GI-related symptoms.
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11
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Niesler B, Rappold GA. Emerging evidence for gene mutations driving both brain and gut dysfunction in autism spectrum disorder. Mol Psychiatry 2021; 26:1442-1444. [PMID: 32461615 PMCID: PMC8159735 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-020-0778-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2019] [Revised: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Beate Niesler
- grid.7700.00000 0001 2190 4373Institute of Human Genetics, Department of Human Molecular Genetics, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany ,grid.7700.00000 0001 2190 4373Interdisciplinary Center for Neurosciences (IZN), Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Gudrun A. Rappold
- grid.7700.00000 0001 2190 4373Institute of Human Genetics, Department of Human Molecular Genetics, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany ,grid.7700.00000 0001 2190 4373Interdisciplinary Center for Neurosciences (IZN), Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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12
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Molecular Characterization of Constipation Disease as Novel Phenotypes in CRISPR-Cas9-Generated Leptin Knockout Mice with Obesity. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21249464. [PMID: 33322729 PMCID: PMC7763920 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21249464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: We characterized a novel animal model with obesity-induced constipation because constipation is rarely known in genetically engineered mice (GEM); (2) Methods: The changes in the constipation parameters and mechanisms were analyzed in CRISPR-Cas9-mediated leptin (Lep) knockout (KO) mice from eight to 24 weeks; (3) Results: Significant constipation phenotypes were observed in the Lep KO mice since 16 weeks old. These mice showed a significant decrease in the gastrointestinal motility, mucosal layer thickness and ability for mucin secretion as well as the abnormal ultrastructure of Lieberkühn crypts in the transverse colon. The density or function of the enteric neurons, intestinal Cajal cells (ICC), smooth muscle cells, and the concentration of gastrointestinal (GI) hormones for the GI motility were remarkably changed in Lep KO mice. The downstream signaling pathway of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs) were activated in Lep KO mice, while the expression of adipogenesis-regulating genes were alternatively reduced in the transverse colon of the same mice; (4) Conclusions: These results provide the first strong evidence that Lep KO mice can represent constipation successfully through dysregulation of the GI motility mediated by myenteric neurons, ICC, and smooth muscle cells in the transverse colon during an abnormal function of the lipid metabolism.
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13
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Mesman S, Bakker R, Smidt MP. Tcf4 is required for correct brain development during embryogenesis. Mol Cell Neurosci 2020; 106:103502. [PMID: 32474139 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2020.103502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Revised: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Tcf4 has been linked to autism, schizophrenia, and Pitt-Hopkins Syndrome (PTHS) in humans, suggesting a role for Tcf4 in brain development and importantly cortical development. However, the mechanisms behind its role in disease and brain development are still elusive. We provide evidence that Tcf4 has a critical function in the differentiation of cortical regions, corpus callosum and anterior commissure formation, and development of the hippocampus during murine embryonic development. In the present study, we show that Tcf4 is expressed throughout the developing brain at the peak of neurogenesis. Deletion of Tcf4 results in mis-specification of the cortical neurons, malformation of the corpus callosum and anterior commissure, and hypoplasia of the hippocampus. Furthermore, the Tcf4 mutant shows an absence of midline remodeling, underlined by the loss of GFAP-expressing midline glia in the indusium griseum and callosal wedge and midline zipper glia in the telencephalic midline. RNA-sequencing on E14.5 cortex material shows that Tcf4 functions as a transcriptional activator and loss of Tcf4 results in downregulation of genes linked to neurogenesis and neuronal maturation. Furthermore, many genes that are differentially expressed after Tcf4 ablation are linked to other neurodevelopmental disorders. Taken together, we show that correct brain development and neuronal differentiation are severely affected in Tcf4 mutants, phenocopying morphological brain defects detected in PTHS patients. The presented data identifies new leads to understand the mechanisms behind brain and specifically cortical development and can provide novel insights in developmental mechanisms underlying human brain defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Mesman
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, FNWI University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098XH Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Reinier Bakker
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, FNWI University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098XH Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marten P Smidt
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, FNWI University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098XH Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
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14
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Zollino M, Zweier C, Van Balkom ID, Sweetser DA, Alaimo J, Bijlsma EK, Cody J, Elsea SH, Giurgea I, Macchiaiolo M, Smigiel R, Thibert RL, Benoist I, Clayton-Smith J, De Winter CF, Deckers S, Gandhi A, Huisman S, Kempink D, Kruisinga F, Lamacchia V, Marangi G, Menke L, Mulder P, Nordgren A, Renieri A, Routledge S, Saunders CJ, Stembalska A, Van Balkom H, Whalen S, Hennekam RC. Diagnosis and management in Pitt-Hopkins syndrome: First international consensus statement. Clin Genet 2019; 95:462-478. [PMID: 30677142 DOI: 10.1111/cge.13506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Revised: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 01/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Pitt-Hopkins syndrome (PTHS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by intellectual disability, specific facial features, and marked autonomic nervous system dysfunction, especially with disturbances of regulating respiration and intestinal mobility. It is caused by variants in the transcription factor TCF4. Heterogeneity in the clinical and molecular diagnostic criteria and care practices has prompted a group of international experts to establish guidelines for diagnostics and care. For issues, for which there was limited information available in international literature, we collaborated with national support groups and the participants of a syndrome specific international conference to obtain further information. Here, we discuss the resultant consensus, including the clinical definition of PTHS and a molecular diagnostic pathway. Recommendations for managing particular health problems such as dysregulated respiration are provided. We emphasize the need for integration of care for physical and behavioral issues. The recommendations as presented here will need to be evaluated for improvements to allow for continued optimization of diagnostics and care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcella Zollino
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A.Gemelli, IRCCS, UOC Genetica.,Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, Istituto di Medicina Genomica, Roma, Italy
| | - Christiane Zweier
- Institute of Human Genetics, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Ingrid D Van Balkom
- Jonx Department of (Youth) Mental Health and Autism, Lentis Psychiatric Institute, Groningen, The Netherlands.,Rob Giel Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - David A Sweetser
- Division of Medical Genetics and Metabolism, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Joseph Alaimo
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Emilia K Bijlsma
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Jannine Cody
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Sarah H Elsea
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Irina Giurgea
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, UMR_S 933, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Département de Génétique Médicale, Hôpital Trousseau, Paris, France
| | - Marina Macchiaiolo
- Rare and Genetic Diseases Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Robert Smigiel
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatrics and Rare Disorders, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Ronald L Thibert
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ingrid Benoist
- Dutch Pitt-Hopkins Syndrome Foundation, Vlaggeschip, Oosterhout, The Netherlands
| | - Jill Clayton-Smith
- Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, St Mary's Hospital, and Division of Evolution and Genomic Sciences School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Channa F De Winter
- Organisation for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities, Trajectum, Zwolle, The Netherlands
| | - Stijn Deckers
- Department of Pedagogical Sciences, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Anusha Gandhi
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Sylvia Huisman
- Department of Pediatrics, Academic Medical Centre, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Dagmar Kempink
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Sophia Children's Hospital, UMCR, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Frea Kruisinga
- Department of Pediatrics, Academic Medical Centre, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Giuseppe Marangi
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A.Gemelli, IRCCS, UOC Genetica.,Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, Istituto di Medicina Genomica, Roma, Italy
| | - Leonie Menke
- Department of Pediatrics, Academic Medical Centre, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Paul Mulder
- Jonx Department of (Youth) Mental Health and Autism, Lentis Psychiatric Institute, Groningen, The Netherlands.,Rob Giel Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ann Nordgren
- Karolinska Center for Rare Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | | | - Carol J Saunders
- Center for Pediatric Genomic Medicine, Children's Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, Missouri
| | | | - Hans Van Balkom
- Behavioral Science Institute, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Sandra Whalen
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, UMR_S 933, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Département de Génétique Médicale, Hôpital Trousseau, Paris, France
| | - Raoul C Hennekam
- Department of Pediatrics, Academic Medical Centre, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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15
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Schneider S, Wright CM, Heuckeroth RO. Unexpected Roles for the Second Brain: Enteric Nervous System as Master Regulator of Bowel Function. Annu Rev Physiol 2019; 81:235-259. [DOI: 10.1146/annurev-physiol-021317-121515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
At the most fundamental level, the bowel facilitates absorption of small molecules, regulates fluid and electrolyte flux, and eliminates waste. To successfully coordinate this complex array of functions, the bowel relies on the enteric nervous system (ENS), an intricate network of more than 500 million neurons and supporting glia that are organized into distinct layers or plexi within the bowel wall. Neuron and glial diversity, as well as neurotransmitter and receptor expression in the ENS, resembles that of the central nervous system. The most carefully studied ENS functions include control of bowel motility, epithelial secretion, and blood flow, but the ENS also interacts with enteroendocrine cells, influences epithelial proliferation and repair, modulates the intestinal immune system, and mediates extrinsic nerve input. Here, we review the many different cell types that communicate with the ENS, integrating data about ENS function into a broader view of human health and disease. In particular, we focus on exciting new literature highlighting relationships between the ENS and its lesser-known interacting partners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Schneider
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
| | - Christina M. Wright
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
| | - Robert O. Heuckeroth
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
- Abramson Research Center, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
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16
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James DM, Kozol RA, Kajiwara Y, Wahl AL, Storrs EC, Buxbaum JD, Klein M, Moshiree B, Dallman JE. Intestinal dysmotility in a zebrafish ( Danio rerio) shank3a;shank3b mutant model of autism. Mol Autism 2019; 10:3. [PMID: 30733854 PMCID: PMC6357389 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-018-0250-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2018] [Accepted: 11/26/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and aims Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is currently estimated to affect more than 1% of the world population. For people with ASD, gastrointestinal (GI) distress is a commonly reported but a poorly understood co-occurring symptom. Here, we investigate the physiological basis for GI distress in ASD by studying gut function in a zebrafish model of Phelan-McDermid syndrome (PMS), a condition caused by mutations in the SHANK3 gene. Methods To generate a zebrafish model of PMS, we used CRISPR/Cas9 to introduce clinically related C-terminal frameshift mutations in shank3a and shank3b zebrafish paralogues (shank3abΔC). Because PMS is caused by SHANK3 haploinsufficiency, we assessed the digestive tract (DT) structure and function in zebrafish shank3abΔC+/− heterozygotes. Human SHANK3 mRNA was then used to rescue DT phenotypes in larval zebrafish. Results Significantly slower rates of DT peristaltic contractions (p < 0.001) with correspondingly prolonged passage time (p < 0.004) occurred in shank3abΔC+/− mutants. Rescue injections of mRNA encoding the longest human SHANK3 isoform into shank3abΔC+/− mutants produced larvae with intestinal bulb emptying similar to wild type (WT), but still deficits in posterior intestinal motility. Serotonin-positive enteroendocrine cells (EECs) were significantly reduced in both shank3abΔC+/− and shank3abΔC−/− mutants (p < 0.05) while enteric neuron counts and overall structure of the DT epithelium, including goblet cell number, were unaffected in shank3abΔC+/− larvae. Conclusions Our data and rescue experiments support mutations in SHANK3 as causal for GI transit and motility abnormalities. Reductions in serotonin-positive EECs and serotonin-filled ENS boutons suggest an endocrine/neural component to this dysmotility. This is the first study to date demonstrating DT dysmotility in a zebrafish single gene mutant model of ASD. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13229-018-0250-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- David M James
- 1Department of Biology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL USA
| | - Robert A Kozol
- 1Department of Biology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL USA
| | - Yuji Kajiwara
- 2Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Department of Psychiatry, Friedman Brain Institute and Mindich Child Health and Development Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY USA.,5Denali Therapeutics, South San Francisco, CA USA
| | - Adam L Wahl
- 1Department of Biology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL USA
| | - Emily C Storrs
- 1Department of Biology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL USA
| | - Joseph D Buxbaum
- 2Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Department of Psychiatry, Friedman Brain Institute and Mindich Child Health and Development Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY USA
| | - Mason Klein
- 3Department of Physics, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL USA
| | - Baharak Moshiree
- Division of Gastroenterology, Atrium Health, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, NC USA
| | - Julia E Dallman
- 1Department of Biology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL USA
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17
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Jung M, Häberle BM, Tschaikowsky T, Wittmann MT, Balta EA, Stadler VC, Zweier C, Dörfler A, Gloeckner CJ, Lie DC. Analysis of the expression pattern of the schizophrenia-risk and intellectual disability gene TCF4 in the developing and adult brain suggests a role in development and plasticity of cortical and hippocampal neurons. Mol Autism 2018; 9:20. [PMID: 29588831 PMCID: PMC5863811 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-018-0200-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2017] [Accepted: 02/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Haploinsufficiency of the class I bHLH transcription factor TCF4 causes Pitt-Hopkins syndrome (PTHS), a severe neurodevelopmental disorder, while common variants in the TCF4 gene have been identified as susceptibility factors for schizophrenia. It remains largely unknown, which brain regions are dependent on TCF4 for their development and function. Methods We systematically analyzed the expression pattern of TCF4 in the developing and adult mouse brain. We used immunofluorescent staining to identify candidate regions whose development and function depend on TCF4. In addition, we determined TCF4 expression in the developing rhesus monkey brain and in the developing and adult human brain through analysis of transcriptomic datasets and compared the expression pattern between species. Finally, we morphometrically and histologically analyzed selected brain structures in Tcf4-haploinsufficient mice and compared our morphometric findings to neuroanatomical findings in PTHS patients. Results TCF4 is broadly expressed in cortical and subcortical structures in the developing and adult mouse brain. The TCF4 expression pattern was highly similar between humans, rhesus monkeys, and mice. Moreover, Tcf4 haploinsufficiency in mice replicated structural brain anomalies observed in PTHS patients. Conclusion Our data suggests that TCF4 is involved in the development and function of multiple brain regions and indicates that its regulation is evolutionary conserved. Moreover, our data validate Tcf4-haploinsufficient mice as a model to study the neurodevelopmental basis of PTHS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Jung
- 1Institute of Biochemistry, Emil Fischer Center, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Benjamin M Häberle
- 1Institute of Biochemistry, Emil Fischer Center, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Tristan Tschaikowsky
- 1Institute of Biochemistry, Emil Fischer Center, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Marie-Theres Wittmann
- 1Institute of Biochemistry, Emil Fischer Center, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany.,2Institute of Human Genetics, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Elli-Anna Balta
- 1Institute of Biochemistry, Emil Fischer Center, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Vivien-Charlott Stadler
- 1Institute of Biochemistry, Emil Fischer Center, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Christiane Zweier
- 2Institute of Human Genetics, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Arnd Dörfler
- Department of Neuroradiology, University Clinic Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Christian Johannes Gloeckner
- 4German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.,5Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Center for Ophthalmology, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - D Chichung Lie
- 1Institute of Biochemistry, Emil Fischer Center, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
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18
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Goodspeed K, Newsom C, Morris MA, Powell C, Evans P, Golla S. Pitt-Hopkins Syndrome: A Review of Current Literature, Clinical Approach, and 23-Patient Case Series. J Child Neurol 2018; 33:233-244. [PMID: 29318938 PMCID: PMC5922265 DOI: 10.1177/0883073817750490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Pitt-Hopkins syndrome (PTHS) is a rare, genetic disorder caused by a molecular variant of TCF4 which is involved in embryologic neuronal differentiation. PTHS is characterized by syndromic facies, psychomotor delay, and intellectual disability. Other associated features include early-onset myopia, seizures, constipation, and hyperventilation-apneic spells. Many also meet criteria for autism spectrum disorder. Here the authors present a series of 23 PTHS patients with molecularly confirmed TCF4 variants and describe 3 unique individuals. The first carries a small deletion but does not exhibit the typical facial features nor the typical pattern of developmental delay. The second exhibits typical facial features, but has attained more advanced motor and verbal skills than other reported cases to date. The third displays typical features of PTHS, however inherited a large chromosomal duplication involving TCF4 from his unaffected father with somatic mosaicism. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first chromosomal duplication case reported to date.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cassandra Newsom
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical School
- Children’s Health Dallas
| | | | | | - Patricia Evans
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical School
- Children’s Health Dallas
| | - Sailaja Golla
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical School
- Children’s Health Dallas
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19
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Li W, Huang L, Zeng J, Lin W, Li K, Sun J, Huang W, Chen J, Wang G, Ke Q, Duan J, Lai X, Chen R, Liu M, Liu Y, Wang T, Yang X, Chen Y, Xia H, Xiang AP. Characterization and transplantation of enteric neural crest cells from human induced pluripotent stem cells. Mol Psychiatry 2018; 23:499-508. [PMID: 27777423 PMCID: PMC5822467 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2016.191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2015] [Revised: 08/07/2015] [Accepted: 09/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The enteric nervous system (ENS) is recognized as a second brain because of its complexity and its largely autonomic control of bowel function. Recent progress in studying the interactions between the ENS and the central nervous system (CNS) has implicated alterations of the gut/brain axis as a possible mechanism in the pathophysiology of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), Parkinson's disease (PD) and other human CNS disorders, whereas the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown because of the lack of good model systems. Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) have the ability to proliferate indefinitely and differentiate into cells of all three germ layers, thus making iPSCs an ideal source of cells for disease modelling and cell therapy. Here, hiPSCs were induced to differentiate into neural crest stem cells (NCSCs) efficiently. When co-cultured with smooth muscle layers of ganglionic gut tissue, the NCSCs differentiated into different subtypes of mature enteric-like neurons expressing nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) or calretinin with typical electrophysiological characteristics of functional neurons. Furthermore, when they were transplanted into aneural or aganglionic chick, mouse or human gut tissues in ovo, in vitro or in vivo, hiPSC-derived NCSCs showed extensive migration and neural differentiation capacity, generating neurons and glial cells that expressed phenotypic markers characteristic of the enteric nervous system. Our results indicate that enteric NCSCs derived from hiPSCs supply a powerful tool for studying the pathogenesis of gastrointestinal disorders and brain/gut dysfunction and represent a potentially ideal cell source for enteric neural transplantation treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Li
- Program of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Affiliated Guangzhou Women and Children’s Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China,Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China,Department of Biochemistry, Zhongshan Medical School, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China,Guangdong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - L Huang
- Program of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Affiliated Guangzhou Women and Children’s Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China,Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - J Zeng
- Program of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Affiliated Guangzhou Women and Children’s Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China,Department of Pediatric Surgery, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Centre, Guangzhou, China
| | - W Lin
- Department of Blood Transfusion, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - K Li
- Department of Ultrasound, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - J Sun
- Program of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Affiliated Guangzhou Women and Children’s Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China,Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - W Huang
- Program of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Affiliated Guangzhou Women and Children’s Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China,Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - J Chen
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - G Wang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Q Ke
- Program of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Affiliated Guangzhou Women and Children’s Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China,Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China,Department of Cell Biology, Zhongshan Medical School, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - J Duan
- Center for Neurobiology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - X Lai
- Program of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Affiliated Guangzhou Women and Children’s Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China,Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - R Chen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - M Liu
- Program of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Affiliated Guangzhou Women and Children’s Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China,Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Y Liu
- Shenzhen Beike Cell Engineering Research Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - T Wang
- Program of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Affiliated Guangzhou Women and Children’s Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China,Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China,Department of Biochemistry, Zhongshan Medical School, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - X Yang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Y Chen
- Center for Neurobiology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - H Xia
- Program of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Affiliated Guangzhou Women and Children’s Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China,Department of Pediatric Surgery, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Centre, Guangzhou, China,Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Centre, No. 9, Jinsui Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510623, China
| | - A P Xiang
- Program of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Affiliated Guangzhou Women and Children’s Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China,Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China,Department of Biochemistry, Zhongshan Medical School, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China,Guangdong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China,Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, No. 74, Zhongshan 2nd Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China. E-mail: or
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20
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Common Pathophysiology in Multiple Mouse Models of Pitt-Hopkins Syndrome. J Neurosci 2017; 38:918-936. [PMID: 29222403 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1305-17.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2017] [Revised: 11/08/2017] [Accepted: 11/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations or deletions of the transcription factor TCF4 are linked to Pitt-Hopkins syndrome (PTHS) and schizophrenia, suggesting that the precise pathogenic mutations dictate cellular, synaptic, and behavioral consequences. Here, we generated two novel mouse models of PTHS, one that mimics the most common pathogenic TCF4 point mutation (human R580W, mouse R579W) and one that deletes three pathogenic arginines, and explored phenotypes of these lines alongside models of pan-cellular or CNS-specific heterozygous Tcf4 disruption. We used mice of both sexes to show that impaired Tcf4 function results in consistent microcephaly, hyperactivity, reduced anxiety, and deficient spatial learning. All four PTHS mouse models demonstrated exaggerated hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP), consistent with deficits in hippocampus-mediated behaviors. We further examined R579W mutant mice and mice with pan-cellular Tcf4 heterozygosity and found that they exhibited hippocampal NMDA receptor hyperfunction, which likely drives the enhanced LTP. Together, our data pinpoint convergent neurobiological features in PTHS mouse models and provide a foundation for preclinical studies and a rationale for testing whether NMDAR antagonists might be used to treat PTHS.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Pitt-Hopkins syndrome (PTHS) is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder associated with TCF4 mutations/deletions. Despite this genetic insight, there is a need to identify the function of TCF4 in the brain. Toward this goal, we developed two mouse lines, including one harboring the most prevalent pathogenic point mutation, and compared them with two existing models that conditionally delete Tcf4 Our data identify a set of overlapping phenotypes that may serve as outcome measures for preclinical studies of PTHS treatments. We also discovered penetrant enhanced synaptic plasticity across mouse models that may be linked to increased NMDA receptor function. These data reveal convergent neurobiological characteristics of PTHS mouse models and support the further investigation of NMDA receptor antagonists as a possible PTHS treatment.
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21
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Hennig KM, Fass DM, Zhao WN, Sheridan SD, Fu T, Erdin S, Stortchevoi A, Lucente D, Cody JD, Sweetser D, Gusella JF, Talkowski ME, Haggarty SJ. WNT/β-Catenin Pathway and Epigenetic Mechanisms Regulate the Pitt-Hopkins Syndrome and Schizophrenia Risk Gene TCF4. MOLECULAR NEUROPSYCHIATRY 2017; 3:53-71. [PMID: 28879201 DOI: 10.1159/000475666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2017] [Accepted: 04/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Genetic variation within the transcription factor TCF4 locus can cause the intellectual disability and developmental disorder Pitt-Hopkins syndrome (PTHS), whereas single-nucleotide polymorphisms within noncoding regions are associated with schizophrenia. These genetic findings position TCF4 as a link between transcription and cognition; however, the neurobiology of TCF4 remains poorly understood. Here, we quantitated multiple distinct TCF4 transcript levels in human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neural progenitors and differentiated neurons, and PTHS patient fibroblasts. We identify two classes of pharmacological treatments that regulate TCF4 expression: WNT pathway activation and inhibition of class I histone deacetylases. In PTHS fibroblasts, both of these perturbations upregulate a subset of TCF4 transcripts. Finally, using chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing in conjunction with genome-wide transcriptome analysis, we identified TCF4 target genes that may mediate the effect of TCF4 loss on neuroplasticity. Our studies identify new pharmacological assays, tools, and targets for the development of therapeutics for cognitive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krista M Hennig
- Chemical Neurobiology Laboratory, Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Daniel M Fass
- Chemical Neurobiology Laboratory, Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Wen-Ning Zhao
- Chemical Neurobiology Laboratory, Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Steven D Sheridan
- Chemical Neurobiology Laboratory, Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ting Fu
- Chemical Neurobiology Laboratory, Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Serkan Erdin
- Molecular Neurogenetics Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Alexei Stortchevoi
- Molecular Neurogenetics Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Diane Lucente
- Molecular Neurogenetics Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jannine D Cody
- Chromosome 18 Clinical Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Health Sciences Center, San Antonio, Texas, USA.,The Chromosome 18 Registry and Research Society, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - David Sweetser
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Divisions of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - James F Gusella
- Molecular Neurogenetics Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Michael E Talkowski
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Molecular Neurogenetics Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Stephen J Haggarty
- Chemical Neurobiology Laboratory, Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.,Molecular Neurogenetics Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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22
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Abstract
Purpose of Review Pitt Hopkins syndrome (PTHS) is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder that results from mutations of the clinically pleiotropic Transcription Factor 4 (TCF4) gene. Mutations in the genomic locus of TCF4 on chromosome 18 have been linked to multiple disorders including 18q syndrome, schizophrenia, Fuch's corneal dystrophy, and sclerosing cholangitis. For PTHS, TCF4 mutation or deletion leads to the production of a dominant negative TCF4 protein and/or haploinsufficiency that results in abnormal brain development. The biology of TCF4 has been studied for several years in regards to its role in immune cell differentiation, although its role in neurodevelopment and the mechanisms resulting in the severe symptoms of PTHS are not well studied. Recent Findings Here, we summarize the current understanding of PTHS and recent findings that have begun to describe the biological implications of TCF4 deficiency during brain development and into adulthood. In particular, we focus on recent work that has looked at the role of TCF4 biology within the context of PTHS and highlight the potential for identification of therapeutic targets for PTHS. Summary PTHS research continues to uncover mutations in TCF4 that underlie the genetic cause of this rare disease, and emerging evidence for molecular mechanisms that TCF4 regulates in brain development and neuronal function is contributing to a more complete picture of how pathology arises from this genetic basis, with important implications for the potential of future clinical care.
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23
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Grubišić V, Parpura V. Two modes of enteric gliotransmission differentially affect gut physiology. Glia 2017; 65:699-711. [PMID: 28168732 DOI: 10.1002/glia.23121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2016] [Revised: 01/07/2017] [Accepted: 01/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Enteric glia (EG) in the enteric nervous system can modulate neuronally regulated gut functions. Using molecular genetics, we assessed the effects that molecular entities expressed in EG and otherwise mediating two distinct mechanisms of gliotransmitter release, connexin 43 (Cx43) hemichannel vs. Ca2+ -dependent exocytosis, have on gut function. The expression of mutated Cx43G138R (which favors hemichannel, as opposed to gap-junctional activity) in EG increased gut motility in vivo, while a knock-down of Cx43 in EG resulted in the reduction of gut motility. However, inhibition of Ca2+ -dependent exocytosis in EG did not affect gut motility in vivo; rather, it increased the fecal pellet fluid content. Hampering either Cx43 expression or Ca2+ -dependent exocytosis in EG had an effect on colonic migrating motor complexes, mainly decreasing frequency and velocity of contractions ex vivo. Thus, EG can differentially modulate gut reflexes using the above two distinct mechanisms of gliotransmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir Grubišić
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama.,Department of Physiology, Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
| | - Vladimir Parpura
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
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24
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Aquino A, Perini M, Cosmai S, Zanon S, Pisa V, Castagna C, Uberti S. Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment Limits Chronic Constipation in a Child with Pitt-Hopkins Syndrome. Case Rep Pediatr 2017; 2017:5437830. [PMID: 28251008 PMCID: PMC5306969 DOI: 10.1155/2017/5437830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2016] [Accepted: 01/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Pitt-Hopkins Syndrome (PTHS) is a rare genetic disorder caused by insufficient expression of the TCF4 gene. Children with PTHS typically present with gastrointestinal disorders and early severe chronic constipation is frequently found (75%). Here we describe the case of a PTHS male 10-year-old patient with chronic constipation in whom Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) resulted in improved bowel functions, as assessed by the diary, the QPGS-Form A Section C questionnaire, and the Paediatric Bristol Stool Form Scale. The authors suggested that OMT may be a valid tool to improve the defecation frequency and reduce enema administration in PTHS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Aquino
- Research Department, Istituto Superiore di Osteopatia, 20126 Milan, Italy
- Department of Clinical Paediatrics & Obstetrics-Gynaecology, Istituto Superiore di Osteopatia, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Mattia Perini
- Department of Clinical Paediatrics & Obstetrics-Gynaecology, Istituto Superiore di Osteopatia, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Cosmai
- Department of Clinical Paediatrics & Obstetrics-Gynaecology, Istituto Superiore di Osteopatia, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Zanon
- Department of Clinical Paediatrics & Obstetrics-Gynaecology, Istituto Superiore di Osteopatia, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Viviana Pisa
- Research Department, Istituto Superiore di Osteopatia, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Carmine Castagna
- Research Department, Istituto Superiore di Osteopatia, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Uberti
- Research Department, Istituto Superiore di Osteopatia, 20126 Milan, Italy
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25
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Kennedy AJ, Rahn EJ, Paulukaitis BS, Savell KE, Kordasiewicz HB, Wang J, Lewis JW, Posey J, Strange SK, Guzman-Karlsson MC, Phillips SE, Decker K, Motley ST, Swayze EE, Ecker DJ, Michael TP, Day JJ, Sweatt JD. Tcf4 Regulates Synaptic Plasticity, DNA Methylation, and Memory Function. Cell Rep 2016; 16:2666-2685. [PMID: 27568567 PMCID: PMC5710002 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2016.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2015] [Revised: 05/31/2016] [Accepted: 07/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Human haploinsufficiency of the transcription factor Tcf4 leads to a rare autism spectrum disorder called Pitt-Hopkins syndrome (PTHS), which is associated with severe language impairment and development delay. Here, we demonstrate that Tcf4 haploinsufficient mice have deficits in social interaction, ultrasonic vocalization, prepulse inhibition, and spatial and associative learning and memory. Despite learning deficits, Tcf4(+/-) mice have enhanced long-term potentiation in the CA1 area of the hippocampus. In translationally oriented studies, we found that small-molecule HDAC inhibitors normalized hippocampal LTP and memory recall. A comprehensive set of next-generation sequencing experiments of hippocampal mRNA and methylated DNA isolated from Tcf4-deficient and WT mice before or shortly after experiential learning, with or without administration of vorinostat, identified "memory-associated" genes modulated by HDAC inhibition and dysregulated by Tcf4 haploinsufficiency. Finally, we observed that Hdac2 isoform-selective knockdown was sufficient to rescue memory deficits in Tcf4(+/-) mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J Kennedy
- Department of Neurobiology and Evelyn F. McKnight Brain Institute, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA; Department of Chemistry, Bates College, Lewiston, ME 04240, USA
| | - Elizabeth J Rahn
- Department of Neurobiology and Evelyn F. McKnight Brain Institute, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Brynna S Paulukaitis
- Department of Neurobiology and Evelyn F. McKnight Brain Institute, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Katherine E Savell
- Department of Neurobiology and Evelyn F. McKnight Brain Institute, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | | | - Jing Wang
- Department of Neurobiology and Evelyn F. McKnight Brain Institute, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - John W Lewis
- Department of Neurobiology and Evelyn F. McKnight Brain Institute, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Jessica Posey
- Department of Neurobiology and Evelyn F. McKnight Brain Institute, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Sarah K Strange
- Department of Neurobiology and Evelyn F. McKnight Brain Institute, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Mikael C Guzman-Karlsson
- Department of Neurobiology and Evelyn F. McKnight Brain Institute, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Scott E Phillips
- Department of Neurobiology and Evelyn F. McKnight Brain Institute, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Kyle Decker
- Department of Neurobiology and Evelyn F. McKnight Brain Institute, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Jeremy J Day
- Department of Neurobiology and Evelyn F. McKnight Brain Institute, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - J David Sweatt
- Department of Neurobiology and Evelyn F. McKnight Brain Institute, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.
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26
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Rao M, Gershon MD. The bowel and beyond: the enteric nervous system in neurological disorders. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2016; 13:517-28. [PMID: 27435372 PMCID: PMC5005185 DOI: 10.1038/nrgastro.2016.107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 342] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The enteric nervous system (ENS) is large, complex and uniquely able to orchestrate gastrointestinal behaviour independently of the central nervous system (CNS). An intact ENS is essential for life and ENS dysfunction is often linked to digestive disorders. The part the ENS plays in neurological disorders, as a portal or participant, has also become increasingly evident. ENS structure and neurochemistry resemble that of the CNS, therefore pathogenic mechanisms that give rise to CNS disorders might also lead to ENS dysfunction, and nerves that interconnect the ENS and CNS can be conduits for disease spread. We review evidence for ENS dysfunction in the aetiopathogenesis of autism spectrum disorder, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, transmissible spongiform encephalopathies, Parkinson disease and Alzheimer disease. Animal models suggest that common pathophysiological mechanisms account for the frequency of gastrointestinal comorbidity in these conditions. Moreover, the neurotropic pathogen, varicella zoster virus (VZV), unexpectedly establishes latency in enteric and other autonomic neurons that do not innervate skin. VZV reactivation in these neurons produces no rash and is therefore a clandestine cause of gastrointestinal disease, meningitis and strokes. The gut-brain alliance has raised consciousness as a contributor to health, but a gut-brain axis that contributes to disease merits equal attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meenakshi Rao
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, 622 West 168th Street, New York, New York 10032, USA
| | - Michael D. Gershon
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, 630 West 168th Street, New York, New York 10032, USA
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27
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Rannals MD, Hamersky GR, Page SC, Campbell MN, Briley A, Gallo RA, Phan BN, Hyde TM, Kleinman JE, Shin JH, Jaffe AE, Weinberger DR, Maher BJ. Psychiatric Risk Gene Transcription Factor 4 Regulates Intrinsic Excitability of Prefrontal Neurons via Repression of SCN10a and KCNQ1. Neuron 2016; 90:43-55. [PMID: 26971948 PMCID: PMC4824652 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2016.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2015] [Revised: 10/09/2015] [Accepted: 02/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Transcription Factor 4 (TCF4) is a clinically pleiotropic gene associated with schizophrenia and Pitt-Hopkins syndrome (PTHS). To gain insight about the neurobiology of TCF4, we created an in vivo model of PTHS by suppressing Tcf4 expression in rat prefrontal neurons immediately prior to neurogenesis. This cell-autonomous genetic insult attenuated neuronal spiking by increasing the afterhyperpolarization. At the molecular level, using a novel technique called iTRAP that combined in utero electroporation and translating ribosome affinity purification, we identified increased translation of two ion channel genes, Kcnq1 and Scn10a. These ion channel candidates were validated by pharmacological rescue and molecular phenocopy. Remarkably, similar excitability deficits were observed in prefrontal neurons from a Tcf4(+/tr) mouse model of PTHS. Thus, we identify TCF4 as a regulator of neuronal intrinsic excitability in part by repression of Kcnq1 and Scn10a and suggest that this molecular function may underlie pathophysiology associated with neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew D Rannals
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Johns Hopkins Medical Campus, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Gregory R Hamersky
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Johns Hopkins Medical Campus, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Stephanie Cerceo Page
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Johns Hopkins Medical Campus, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Morganne N Campbell
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Johns Hopkins Medical Campus, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Aaron Briley
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Johns Hopkins Medical Campus, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Ryan A Gallo
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Johns Hopkins Medical Campus, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - BaDoi N Phan
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Johns Hopkins Medical Campus, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Thomas M Hyde
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Johns Hopkins Medical Campus, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; Department of Neurology and the McKusick Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Joel E Kleinman
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Johns Hopkins Medical Campus, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; Department of Neurology and the McKusick Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Joo Heon Shin
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Johns Hopkins Medical Campus, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Andrew E Jaffe
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Johns Hopkins Medical Campus, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Daniel R Weinberger
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Johns Hopkins Medical Campus, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Neurology and the McKusick Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Brady J Maher
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Johns Hopkins Medical Campus, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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28
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McClain JL, Fried DE, Gulbransen BD. Agonist-evoked Ca 2+ signaling in enteric glia drives neural programs that regulate intestinal motility in mice. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2015; 1:631-645. [PMID: 26693173 PMCID: PMC4673674 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2015.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2015] [Accepted: 08/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Gastrointestinal motility is regulated by enteric neural circuitry that includes enteric neurons and glia. Enteric glia monitor synaptic activity and exhibit responses to neurotransmitters that are encoded by intracellular calcium (Ca2+) signaling. What role evoked glial responses play in the neural regulation of gut motility is unknown. We tested how evoking Ca2+ signaling in enteric glia affects the neural control of intestinal motility. METHODS We used a novel chemogenetic mouse model that expresses the designer receptor hM3Dq under the transcriptional control of the glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) promoter (GFAP::hM3Dq mice) to selectively trigger glial Ca2+ signaling. We used in situ Ca2+ imaging and immunohistochemistry to validate this model and assessed gut motility by measuring pellet output and composition, colonic bead expulsion time, small intestinal transit time, total gut transit time, colonic migrating motor complex (CMMC) recordings and muscle tension recordings. RESULTS hM3Dq receptor expression is confined to GFAP-positive enteric glia in the intestines of GFAP::hM3Dq mice. In these mice, application of the hM3Dq agonist clozapine-N-oxide (CNO) selectively triggers intracellular Ca2+ responses in enteric glia. Glial activation drove neurogenic contractions in the ileum and colon but had no effect on neurogenic relaxations. CNO enhanced the amplitude and frequency of CMMCs in ex vivo preparations of the colon and CNO increased colonic motility in vivo. CNO had no effect on the composition of fecal matter, small intestinal transit or whole gut transit. CONCLUSIONS Glial excitability encoded by intracellular Ca2+ signaling functions to modulate excitatory enteric circuits. Selectively triggering glial Ca2+ signaling might be a novel strategy to improve gut function in motility disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David E. Fried
- Department of Physiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
| | - Brian D. Gulbransen
- Department of Physiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
- Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
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29
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Grubišić V, Parpura V. The second brain in autism spectrum disorder: could connexin 43 expressed in enteric glial cells play a role? Front Cell Neurosci 2015; 9:242. [PMID: 26190971 PMCID: PMC4490256 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2015.00242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2015] [Accepted: 06/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir Grubišić
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham Birmingham, AL, USA ; Neuroscience Program, Department of Physiology, Michigan State University East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Vladimir Parpura
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham Birmingham, AL, USA
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