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Falcão M, Monteiro P, Jacinto L. Tactile sensory processing deficits in genetic mouse models of autism spectrum disorder. J Neurochem 2024. [PMID: 38837765 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.16135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2024] [Revised: 05/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Altered sensory processing is a common feature in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), as recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Although altered responses to tactile stimuli are observed in over 60% of individuals with ASD, the neurobiological basis of this phenomenon is poorly understood. ASD has a strong genetic component and genetic mouse models can provide valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying tactile abnormalities in ASD. This review critically addresses recent findings regarding tactile processing deficits found in mouse models of ASD, with a focus on behavioral, anatomical, and functional alterations. Particular attention was given to cellular and circuit-level functional alterations, both in the peripheral and central nervous systems, with the objective of highlighting possible convergence mechanisms across models. By elucidating the impact of mutations in ASD candidate genes on somatosensory circuits and correlating them with behavioral phenotypes, this review significantly advances our understanding of tactile deficits in ASD. Such insights not only broaden our comprehension but also pave the way for future therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margarida Falcão
- Department of Biomedicine-Experimental Biology Unit, Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto (FMUP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Patricia Monteiro
- Department of Biomedicine-Experimental Biology Unit, Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto (FMUP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Luis Jacinto
- Department of Biomedicine-Experimental Biology Unit, Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto (FMUP), Porto, Portugal
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Verbesselt J, Walsh LK, Mitchel MW, Taylor CM, Finucane BM, Breckpot J, Zink I, Swillen A. Association of behavioural and social-communicative profiles in children with 16p11.2 copy number variants: a multi-site study. JOURNAL OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY RESEARCH : JIDR 2024. [PMID: 38657658 DOI: 10.1111/jir.13141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the established knowledge that recurrent copy number variants (CNVs) at the 16p11.2 locus BP4-BP5 confer risk for behavioural and language difficulties, limited research has been conducted on the association between behavioural and social-communicative profiles. The current study aims to further delineate the prevalence, nature and severity of, and the association between, behavioural and social-communicative features of school-aged children with 16p11.2 deletion syndrome (16p11.2DS) and 16p11.2 duplication (16p11.2Dup). METHODS A total of 68 individuals (n = 47 16p11.2DS and n = 21 16p11.2Dup) aged 6-17 years participated. Standardised intelligence tests were administered, and behavioural and social-communicative skills were assessed by standardised questionnaires. Scores of both groups were compared with population norms and across CNVs. The influence of confounding factors was investigated, and correlation analyses were performed. RESULTS Compared with the normative sample, children with 16p11.2DS showed high rates of social responsiveness (67%) and communicative problems (69%), while approximately half (52%) of the patients displayed behavioural problems. Children with 16p11.2Dup demonstrated even higher rates of social-communicative problems (80-90%) with statistically significantly more externalising and overall behavioural challenges (89%). In both CNV groups, there was a strong positive correlation between behavioural and social-communicative skills. CONCLUSIONS School-aged children with 16p11.2 CNVs show high rates of behavioural, social responsiveness and communicative problems compared with the normative sample. These findings point to the high prevalence of autistic traits and diagnoses in these CNV populations. Moreover, there is a high comorbidity between behavioural and social-communicative problems. Patients with difficulties in both domains are vulnerable and need closer clinical follow-up and care.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Verbesselt
- Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Research Group Experimental Oto-Rhino-Laryngology (ExpORL), Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - L K Walsh
- Autism & Developmental Medicine Institute, Geisinger, Lewisburg, PA, USA
| | - M W Mitchel
- Autism & Developmental Medicine Institute, Geisinger, Lewisburg, PA, USA
| | - C M Taylor
- Autism & Developmental Medicine Institute, Geisinger, Lewisburg, PA, USA
| | - B M Finucane
- Autism & Developmental Medicine Institute, Geisinger, Lewisburg, PA, USA
| | - J Breckpot
- Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Centre for Human Genetics, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - I Zink
- Research Group Experimental Oto-Rhino-Laryngology (ExpORL), Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- MUCLA, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - A Swillen
- Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Centre for Human Genetics, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Monday HR, Wang HC, Feldman DE. Circuit-level theories for sensory dysfunction in autism: convergence across mouse models. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1254297. [PMID: 37745660 PMCID: PMC10513044 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1254297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) exhibit a diverse range of behavioral features and genetic backgrounds, but whether different genetic forms of autism involve convergent pathophysiology of brain function is unknown. Here, we analyze evidence for convergent deficits in neural circuit function across multiple transgenic mouse models of ASD. We focus on sensory areas of neocortex, where circuit differences may underlie atypical sensory processing, a central feature of autism. Many distinct circuit-level theories for ASD have been proposed, including increased excitation-inhibition (E-I) ratio and hyperexcitability, hypofunction of parvalbumin (PV) interneuron circuits, impaired homeostatic plasticity, degraded sensory coding, and others. We review these theories and assess the degree of convergence across ASD mouse models for each. Behaviorally, our analysis reveals that innate sensory detection behavior is heightened and sensory discrimination behavior is impaired across many ASD models. Neurophysiologically, PV hypofunction and increased E-I ratio are prevalent but only rarely generate hyperexcitability and excess spiking. Instead, sensory tuning and other aspects of neural coding are commonly degraded and may explain impaired discrimination behavior. Two distinct phenotypic clusters with opposing neural circuit signatures are evident across mouse models. Such clustering could suggest physiological subtypes of autism, which may facilitate the development of tailored therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah R. Monday
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | | | - Daniel E. Feldman
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
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Forrest MP, Dos Santos M, Piguel NH, Wang YZ, Hawkins NA, Bagchi VA, Dionisio LE, Yoon S, Simkin D, Martin-de-Saavedra MD, Gao R, Horan KE, George AL, LeDoux MS, Kearney JA, Savas JN, Penzes P. Rescue of neuropsychiatric phenotypes in a mouse model of 16p11.2 duplication syndrome by genetic correction of an epilepsy network hub. Nat Commun 2023; 14:825. [PMID: 36808153 PMCID: PMC9938216 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36087-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuropsychiatric disorders (NPDs) are frequently co-morbid with epilepsy, but the biological basis of shared risk remains poorly understood. The 16p11.2 duplication is a copy number variant that confers risk for diverse NPDs including autism spectrum disorder, schizophrenia, intellectual disability and epilepsy. We used a mouse model of the 16p11.2 duplication (16p11.2dup/+) to uncover molecular and circuit properties associated with this broad phenotypic spectrum, and examined genes within the locus capable of phenotype reversal. Quantitative proteomics revealed alterations to synaptic networks and products of NPD risk genes. We identified an epilepsy-associated subnetwork that was dysregulated in 16p11.2dup/+ mice and altered in brain tissue from individuals with NPDs. Cortical circuits from 16p11.2dup/+ mice exhibited hypersynchronous activity and enhanced network glutamate release, which increased susceptibility to seizures. Using gene co-expression and interactome analysis, we show that PRRT2 is a major hub in the epilepsy subnetwork. Remarkably, correcting Prrt2 copy number rescued aberrant circuit properties, seizure susceptibility and social deficits in 16p11.2dup/+ mice. We show that proteomics and network biology can identify important disease hubs in multigenic disorders, and reveal mechanisms relevant to the complex symptomatology of 16p11.2 duplication carriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc P Forrest
- Department of Neuroscience, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
- Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Marc Dos Santos
- Department of Neuroscience, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
- Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Nicolas H Piguel
- Department of Neuroscience, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
- Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Yi-Zhi Wang
- Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Nicole A Hawkins
- Department of Pharmacology Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Vikram A Bagchi
- Department of Neuroscience, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
- Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Leonardo E Dionisio
- Department of Neuroscience, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
- Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Sehyoun Yoon
- Department of Neuroscience, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
- Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Dina Simkin
- Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
- Department of Pharmacology Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Maria Dolores Martin-de-Saavedra
- Department of Neuroscience, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
- Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ruoqi Gao
- Department of Neuroscience, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
- Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Katherine E Horan
- Department of Neuroscience, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
- Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Alfred L George
- Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
- Department of Pharmacology Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Mark S LeDoux
- Department of Psychology, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN, 38152, USA
- Veracity Neuroscience LLC, Memphis, TN, 38157, USA
| | - Jennifer A Kearney
- Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
- Department of Pharmacology Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Jeffrey N Savas
- Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
- Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Peter Penzes
- Department of Neuroscience, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
- Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
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