1
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Giansante G, Mazzoleni S, Zippo AG, Ponzoni L, Ghilardi A, Maiellano G, Lewerissa E, van Hugte E, Nadif Kasri N, Francolini M, Sala M, Murru L, Bassani S, Passafaro M. Neuronal network activity and connectivity are impaired in a conditional knockout mouse model with PCDH19 mosaic expression. Mol Psychiatry 2024; 29:1710-1725. [PMID: 36997609 PMCID: PMC11371655 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02022-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023]
Abstract
Mutations in PCDH19 gene, which encodes protocadherin-19 (PCDH19), cause Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathy 9 (DEE9). Heterogeneous loss of PCDH19 expression in neurons is considered a key determinant of the disorder; however, how PCDH19 mosaic expression affects neuronal network activity and circuits is largely unclear. Here, we show that the hippocampus of Pcdh19 mosaic mice is characterized by structural and functional synaptic defects and by the presence of PCDH19-negative hyperexcitable neurons. Furthermore, global reduction of network firing rate and increased neuronal synchronization have been observed in different limbic system areas. Finally, network activity analysis in freely behaving mice revealed a decrease in excitatory/inhibitory ratio and functional hyperconnectivity within the limbic system of Pcdh19 mosaic mice. Altogether, these results indicate that altered PCDH19 expression profoundly affects circuit wiring and functioning, and provide new key to interpret DEE9 pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sara Mazzoleni
- Institute of Neuroscience, CNR, 20854, Vedano al Lambro, Italy
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20129, Milano, Italy
| | - Antonio G Zippo
- Institute of Neuroscience, CNR, 20854, Vedano al Lambro, Italy
- NeuroMI Milan Center for Neuroscience, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126, Milano, Italy
| | - Luisa Ponzoni
- Institute of Neuroscience, CNR, 20854, Vedano al Lambro, Italy
| | - Anna Ghilardi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20129, Milano, Italy
| | - Greta Maiellano
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20129, Milano, Italy
| | - Elly Lewerissa
- Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Department of Human Genetics, Department of Human Genetics Cognitive Neuroscience, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Eline van Hugte
- Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Department of Human Genetics, Department of Human Genetics Cognitive Neuroscience, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Nael Nadif Kasri
- Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Department of Human Genetics, Department of Human Genetics Cognitive Neuroscience, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Maura Francolini
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20129, Milano, Italy
| | | | - Luca Murru
- Institute of Neuroscience, CNR, 20854, Vedano al Lambro, Italy
- NeuroMI Milan Center for Neuroscience, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126, Milano, Italy
| | - Silvia Bassani
- Institute of Neuroscience, CNR, 20854, Vedano al Lambro, Italy.
- NeuroMI Milan Center for Neuroscience, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126, Milano, Italy.
| | - Maria Passafaro
- Institute of Neuroscience, CNR, 20854, Vedano al Lambro, Italy.
- NeuroMI Milan Center for Neuroscience, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126, Milano, Italy.
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2
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Vandael D, Jonas P. Structure, biophysics, and circuit function of a "giant" cortical presynaptic terminal. Science 2024; 383:eadg6757. [PMID: 38452088 DOI: 10.1126/science.adg6757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
The hippocampal mossy fiber synapse, formed between axons of dentate gyrus granule cells and dendrites of CA3 pyramidal neurons, is a key synapse in the trisynaptic circuitry of the hippocampus. Because of its comparatively large size, this synapse is accessible to direct presynaptic recording, allowing a rigorous investigation of the biophysical mechanisms of synaptic transmission and plasticity. Furthermore, because of its placement in the very center of the hippocampal memory circuit, this synapse seems to be critically involved in several higher network functions, such as learning, memory, pattern separation, and pattern completion. Recent work based on new technologies in both nanoanatomy and nanophysiology, including presynaptic patch-clamp recording, paired recording, super-resolution light microscopy, and freeze-fracture and "flash-and-freeze" electron microscopy, has provided new insights into the structure, biophysics, and network function of this intriguing synapse. This brings us one step closer to answering a fundamental question in neuroscience: how basic synaptic properties shape higher network computations.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Vandael
- Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA), A-3400 Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | - Peter Jonas
- Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA), A-3400 Klosterneuburg, Austria
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3
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Lenge M, Balestrini S, Napolitano A, Mei D, Conti V, Baldassarri G, Trivisano M, Pellacani S, Macconi L, Longo D, Rossi Espagnet MC, Cappelletti S, D'Incerti L, Barba C, Specchio N, Guerrini R. Morphometric network-based abnormalities correlate with psychiatric comorbidities and gene expression in PCDH19-related developmental and epileptic encephalopathy. Transl Psychiatry 2024; 14:35. [PMID: 38238304 PMCID: PMC10796344 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-024-02753-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Protocadherin-19 (PCDH19) developmental and epileptic encephalopathy causes an early-onset epilepsy syndrome with limbic seizures, typically occurring in clusters and variably associated with intellectual disability and a range of psychiatric disorders including hyperactive, obsessive-compulsive and autistic features. Previous quantitative neuroimaging studies revealed abnormal cortical areas in the limbic formation (parahippocampal and fusiform gyri) and underlying white-matter fibers. In this study, we adopted morphometric, network-based and multivariate statistical methods to examine the cortex and substructure of the hippocampus and amygdala in a cohort of 20 PCDH19-mutated patients and evaluated the relation between structural patterns and clinical variables at individual level. We also correlated morphometric alterations with known patterns of PCDH19 expression levels. We found patients to exhibit high-significant reductions of cortical surface area at a whole-brain level (left/right pvalue = 0.045/0.084), and particularly in the regions of the limbic network (left/right parahippocampal gyri pvalue = 0.230/0.016; left/right entorhinal gyri pvalue = 0.002/0.327), and bilateral atrophy of several subunits of the amygdala and hippocampus, particularly in the CA regions (head of the left CA3 pvalue = 0.002; body of the right CA3 pvalue = 0.004), and differences in the shape of hippocampal structures. More severe psychiatric comorbidities correlated with more significant altered patterns, with the entorhinal gyrus (pvalue = 0.013) and body of hippocampus (pvalue = 0.048) being more severely affected. Morphometric alterations correlated significantly with the known expression patterns of PCDH19 (rvalue = -0.26, pspin = 0.092). PCDH19 encephalopathy represents a model of genetically determined neural network based neuropsychiatric disease in which quantitative MRI-based findings correlate with the severity of clinical manifestations and had have a potential predictive value if analyzed early.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Lenge
- Child Neurology Unit and Laboratories, Neuroscience Department, Meyer Children's Hospital IRCCS, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - Simona Balestrini
- Child Neurology Unit and Laboratories, Neuroscience Department, Meyer Children's Hospital IRCCS, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - Antonio Napolitano
- Medical Physics Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, 00100, Rome, Italy
| | - Davide Mei
- Child Neurology Unit and Laboratories, Neuroscience Department, Meyer Children's Hospital IRCCS, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - Valerio Conti
- Child Neurology Unit and Laboratories, Neuroscience Department, Meyer Children's Hospital IRCCS, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - Giulia Baldassarri
- Medical Physics Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, 00100, Rome, Italy
| | - Marina Trivisano
- Neurology, Epilepsy and Movement Disorders, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Full Member of European Reference Network EpiCARE, 00165, Rome, Italy
| | - Simona Pellacani
- Child Neurology Unit and Laboratories, Neuroscience Department, Meyer Children's Hospital IRCCS, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - Letizia Macconi
- Pediatric Radiology Unit, Meyer Children's Hospital IRCCS, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - Daniela Longo
- Functional and Interventional Neuroimaging Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, 00165, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Simona Cappelletti
- Neurology, Epilepsy and Movement Disorders, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Full Member of European Reference Network EpiCARE, 00165, Rome, Italy
| | - Ludovico D'Incerti
- Pediatric Radiology Unit, Meyer Children's Hospital IRCCS, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - Carmen Barba
- Child Neurology Unit and Laboratories, Neuroscience Department, Meyer Children's Hospital IRCCS, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - Nicola Specchio
- Neurology, Epilepsy and Movement Disorders, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Full Member of European Reference Network EpiCARE, 00165, Rome, Italy
| | - Renzo Guerrini
- Child Neurology Unit and Laboratories, Neuroscience Department, Meyer Children's Hospital IRCCS, 50139, Florence, Italy.
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4
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Sun H, Xu J, Hu B, Liu Y, Zhai Y, Sun Y, Sun H, Li F, Wang J, Feng A, Tang Y, Zhao J. Association of DNA Methylation Patterns in 7 Novel Genes With Ischemic Stroke in the Northern Chinese Population. Front Genet 2022; 13:844141. [PMID: 35480311 PMCID: PMC9035884 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.844141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Ischemic stroke is a highly complex disorder. This study aims to identify novel methylation changes in ischemic stroke.Methods: We carried out an epigenome-wide study of ischemic stroke using an Infinium HumanMethylation 850K array (cases:controls = 4:4). 10 CpG sites in 8 candidate genes from gene ontology analytics top-ranked pathway were selected to validate 850K BeadChip results (cases:controls = 20:20). We further qualified the methylation level of promoter regions in 8 candidate genes (cases:controls = 188:188). Besides, we performed subgroup analysis, dose-response relationship and diagnostic prediction polygenic model of candidate genes.Results: In the discovery stage, we found 462 functional DNA methylation positions to be associated with ischemic stroke. Gene ontology analysis highlighted the “calcium-dependent cell-cell adhesion via plasma membrane cell adhesion molecules” item, including 8 candidate genes (CDH2/PCDHB10/PCDHB11/PCDHB14/PCDHB16/PCDHB3/PCDHB6/PCDHB9). In the replication stage, we identified 5 differentially methylated loci in 20 paired samples and 7 differentially methylated genes (CDH2/PCDHB10/PCDHB11/PCDHB14/PCDHB16/PCDHB3/PCDHB9) in 188 paired samples. Subgroup analysis showed that the methylation level of above 7 genes remained significantly different in the male subgroup, large-artery atherosclerosis subgroup and right hemisphere subgroup. The methylation level of each gene was grouped into quartiles, and Q4 groups of the 7 genes were associated with higher risk of ischemic stroke than Q1 groups (p < 0.05). Besides, the polygenic model showed high diagnostic specificity (0.8723), sensitivity (0.883), and accuracy (0.8777).Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that DNA methylation plays a crucial part in ischemic stroke. The methylation of these 7 genes may be potential diagnostic biomarker for ischemic stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongwei Sun
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Jia Xu
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Bifeng Hu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yue Liu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yun Zhai
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yanyan Sun
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Hongwei Sun
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Fang Li
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Jiamin Wang
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Anqi Feng
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Ying Tang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- *Correspondence: Jingbo Zhao, ; Ying Tang,
| | - Jingbo Zhao
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- *Correspondence: Jingbo Zhao, ; Ying Tang,
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5
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Yang C, Shi Y, Li X, Guan L, Li H, Lin J. Cadherins and the pathogenesis of epilepsy. Cell Biochem Funct 2022; 40:336-348. [PMID: 35393670 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.3699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Epilepsy is a nervous system disease caused by abnormal discharge of brain neurons, which is characterized by recurrent seizures. The factors that induce epilepsy include genetic and environmental factors. Genetic factors are important pathogenic factors of epilepsy, such as epilepsy caused by protocadherin-19 (PCDH-19) mutation, which is an X-linked genetic disease. It is more common in female heterozygotes, which are caused by mutations in the PCDH-19 gene. Epilepsy caused by environmental factors is mainly caused by brain injury, which is commonly caused by brain tumors, brain surgery, or trauma to the brain. In addition, the pathogenesis of epilepsy is closely related to abnormalities in some signaling pathways. The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is considered a new target for the treatment of epilepsy. This review summarizes these factors inducing epilepsy and the research hypotheses regarding the pathogenesis of epilepsy. The focus of this review centers on cadherins and the pathogenesis of epilepsy. We analyzed the pathogenesis of epilepsy induced by N-cadherin and PCDH-19 in the cadherin family members. Finally, we expect that in the future, new breakthroughs will be made in the study of the pathogenesis and mechanism of epilepsy at the cellular and molecular levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ciqing Yang
- Stem Cells & Biotherapy Engineering Research Center of Henan, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China.,Henan Key Laboratory of Medical Tissue Regeneration, Xinxiang, China
| | - Yaping Shi
- Stem Cells & Biotherapy Engineering Research Center of Henan, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Xiaoying Li
- Stem Cells & Biotherapy Engineering Research Center of Henan, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Lihong Guan
- Stem Cells & Biotherapy Engineering Research Center of Henan, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Han Li
- Stem Cells & Biotherapy Engineering Research Center of Henan, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Juntang Lin
- Stem Cells & Biotherapy Engineering Research Center of Henan, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China.,Henan Key Laboratory of Medical Tissue Regeneration, Xinxiang, China
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6
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Hoshina N, Johnson-Venkatesh EM, Hoshina M, Umemori H. Female-specific synaptic dysfunction and cognitive impairment in a mouse model of PCDH19 disorder. Science 2021; 372:372/6539/eaaz3893. [PMID: 33859005 PMCID: PMC9873198 DOI: 10.1126/science.aaz3893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Revised: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Protocadherin-19 (PCDH19) mutations cause early-onset seizures and cognitive impairment. The PCDH19 gene is on the X-chromosome. Unlike most X-linked disorders, PCDH19 mutations affect heterozygous females (PCDH19HET♀ ) but not hemizygous males (PCDH19HEMI♂ ); however, the reason why remains to be elucidated. We demonstrate that PCDH19, a cell-adhesion molecule, is enriched at hippocampal mossy fiber synapses. Pcdh19HET♀ but not Pcdh19HEMI♂ mice show impaired mossy fiber synaptic structure and physiology. Consistently, Pcdh19HET♀ but not Pcdh19HEMI♂ mice exhibit reduced pattern completion and separation abilities, which require mossy fiber synaptic function. Furthermore, PCDH19 appears to interact with N-cadherin at mossy fiber synapses. In Pcdh19HET♀ conditions, mismatch between PCDH19 and N-cadherin diminishes N-cadherin-dependent signaling and impairs mossy fiber synapse development; N-cadherin overexpression rescues Pcdh19HET♀ phenotypes. These results reveal previously unknown molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the female-specific PCDH19 disorder phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Hisashi Umemori
- Corresponding author. Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Center for Life Sciences 13074, Boston, MA 02115,
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7
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Disrupted Excitatory Synaptic Contacts and Altered Neuronal Network Activity Underpins the Neurological Phenotype in PCDH19-Clustering Epilepsy (PCDH19-CE). Mol Neurobiol 2021; 58:2005-2018. [PMID: 33411240 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-020-02242-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
PCDH19-Clustering Epilepsy (PCDH19-CE) is an infantile onset disorder caused by mutation of the X-linked PCDH19 gene. Intriguingly, heterozygous females are affected while hemizygous males are not. While there is compelling evidence that this disorder stems from the coexistence of WT and PCDH19-null cells, the cellular mechanism underpinning the neurological phenotype remains unclear. Here, we investigate the impact of Pcdh19 WT and KO neuron mosaicism on synaptogenesis and network activity. Using our previously established knock-in and knock-out mouse models, together with CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing technology, we demonstrate a reduction in excitatory synaptic contacts between PCDH19-expressing and PCDH19-null neurons. Significantly altered neuronal morphology and neuronal network activities were also identified in the mixed populations. In addition, we show that in Pcdh19 heterozygous mice, where the coexistence of WT and KO neurons naturally occurs, aberrant contralateral axonal branching is present. Overall, our data show that mosaic expression of PCDH19 disrupts physiological neurite communication leading to abnormal neuronal activity, a hallmark of PCDH19-CE.
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8
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Right Place at the Right Time: How Changes in Protocadherins Affect Synaptic Connections Contributing to the Etiology of Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Cells 2020; 9:cells9122711. [PMID: 33352832 PMCID: PMC7766791 DOI: 10.3390/cells9122711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
During brain development, neurons need to form the correct connections with one another in order to give rise to a functional neuronal circuitry. Mistakes during this process, leading to the formation of improper neuronal connectivity, can result in a number of brain abnormalities and impairments collectively referred to as neurodevelopmental disorders. Cell adhesion molecules (CAMs), present on the cell surface, take part in the neurodevelopmental process regulating migration and recognition of specific cells to form functional neuronal assemblies. Among CAMs, the members of the protocadherin (PCDH) group stand out because they are involved in cell adhesion, neurite initiation and outgrowth, axon pathfinding and fasciculation, and synapse formation and stabilization. Given the critical role of these macromolecules in the major neurodevelopmental processes, it is not surprising that clinical and basic research in the past two decades has identified several PCDH genes as responsible for a large fraction of neurodevelopmental disorders. In the present article, we review these findings with a focus on the non-clustered PCDH sub-group, discussing the proteins implicated in the main neurodevelopmental disorders.
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9
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Serratto GM, Pizzi E, Murru L, Mazzoleni S, Pelucchi S, Marcello E, Mazzanti M, Passafaro M, Bassani S. The Epilepsy-Related Protein PCDH19 Regulates Tonic Inhibition, GABA AR Kinetics, and the Intrinsic Excitability of Hippocampal Neurons. Mol Neurobiol 2020; 57:5336-5351. [PMID: 32880860 PMCID: PMC7541378 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-020-02099-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
PCDH19 encodes for protocadherin-19 (PCDH19), a cell-adhesion molecule of the cadherin superfamily preferentially expressed in the brain. PCDH19 mutations cause a neurodevelopmental syndrome named epileptic encephalopathy, early infantile, 9 (EIEE9) characterized by seizures associated with cognitive and behavioral deficits. We recently reported that PCDH19 binds the alpha subunits of GABAA receptors (GABAARs), modulating their surface availability and miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents (mIPSCs). Here, we investigated whether PCDH19 regulatory function on GABAARs extends to the extrasynaptic receptor pool that mediates tonic current. In fact, the latter shapes neuronal excitability and network properties at the base of information processing. By combining patch-clamp recordings in whole-cell and cell-attached configurations, we provided a functional characterization of primary hippocampal neurons from embryonic rats of either sex expressing a specific PCDH19 short hairpin (sh)RNA. We first demonstrated that PCDH19 downregulation reduces GABAAR-mediated tonic current, evaluated by current shift and baseline noise analysis. Next, by single-channel recordings, we showed that PCDH19 regulates GABAARs kinetics without altering their conductance. In particular, GABAARs of shRNA-expressing neurons preferentially exhibit brief openings at the expense of long ones, thus displaying a flickering behavior. Finally, we showed that PCDH19 downregulation reduces the rheobase and increases the frequency of action potential firing, thus indicating neuronal hyperexcitability. These findings establish PCDH19 as a critical determinant of GABAAR-mediated tonic transmission and GABAARs gating, and provide the first mechanistic insights into PCDH19-related hyperexcitability and comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Erika Pizzi
- Department of Bioscience, University of Milan, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Murru
- Institute of Neuroscience, CNR, 20129, Milan, Italy.,NeuroMI Milan Center for Neuroscience, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126, Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Mazzoleni
- Institute of Neuroscience, CNR, 20129, Milan, Italy.,Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, 20129, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Pelucchi
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Marcello
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Michele Mazzanti
- Department of Bioscience, University of Milan, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Passafaro
- Institute of Neuroscience, CNR, 20129, Milan, Italy.,NeuroMI Milan Center for Neuroscience, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Bassani
- Institute of Neuroscience, CNR, 20129, Milan, Italy. .,NeuroMI Milan Center for Neuroscience, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126, Milan, Italy.
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10
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Lenge M, Marini C, Canale E, Napolitano A, De Masi S, Trivisano M, Mei D, Longo D, Rossi Espagnet MC, Lucenteforte E, Barba C, Specchio N, Guerrini R. Quantitative MRI-Based Analysis Identifies Developmental Limbic Abnormalities in PCDH19 Encephalopathy. Cereb Cortex 2020; 30:6039-6050. [PMID: 32582916 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhaa177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 05/30/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Protocadherin-19 (PCDH19) is a calcium dependent cell-adhesion molecule involved in neuronal circuit formation with prevalent expression in the limbic structures. PCDH19-gene mutations cause a developmental encephalopathy with prominent infantile onset focal seizures, variably associated with intellectual disability and autistic features. Diagnostic neuroimaging is usually unrevealing. We used quantitative MRI to investigate the cortex and white matter in a group of 20 PCDH19-mutated patients. By a statistical comparison between quantitative features in PCDH19 brains and in a group of age and sex matched controls, we found that patients exhibited bilateral reductions of local gyrification index (lGI) in limbic cortical areas, including the parahippocampal and entorhinal cortex and the fusiform and lingual gyri, and altered diffusivity features in the underlying white matter. In patients with an earlier onset of seizures, worse psychiatric manifestations and cognitive impairment, reductions of lGI and diffusivity abnormalities in the limbic areas were more pronounced. Developmental abnormalities involving the limbic structures likely represent a measurable anatomic counterpart of the reduced contribution of the PCDH19 protein to local cortical folding and white matter organization and are functionally reflected in the phenotypic features involving cognitive and communicative skills as well as local epileptogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Lenge
- Child Neurology Unit and Laboratories, Neuroscience Department, Children's Hospital A. Meyer - University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy.,Functional and Epilepsy Neurosurgery Unit, Neurosurgery Department, Children's Hospital A. Meyer - University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy.,Clinical Trial Office, Children's Hospital A. Meyer-University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Carla Marini
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Maternal Child Department, University Hospital Ospedali Riuniti, 60100 Ancona, Italy
| | - Edoardo Canale
- Paediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS 'G. Gaslini' Institute, 16100 Genova, Italy
| | - Antonio Napolitano
- Medical Physics Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, 00100 Rome, Italy
| | - Salvatore De Masi
- Clinical Trial Office, Children's Hospital A. Meyer-University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Marina Trivisano
- Rare and Complex Epilepsy Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, 00100 Rome, Italy
| | - Davide Mei
- Child Neurology Unit and Laboratories, Neuroscience Department, Children's Hospital A. Meyer - University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Daniela Longo
- Neuroradiology Unit, Imaging Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, 00100 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Camilla Rossi Espagnet
- Neuroradiology Unit, Imaging Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, 00100 Rome, Italy.,NESMOS Department, Sapienza University, 00100 Rome, Italy
| | - Ersilia Lucenteforte
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Carmen Barba
- Child Neurology Unit and Laboratories, Neuroscience Department, Children's Hospital A. Meyer - University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Nicola Specchio
- Rare and Complex Epilepsy Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, 00100 Rome, Italy
| | - Renzo Guerrini
- Child Neurology Unit and Laboratories, Neuroscience Department, Children's Hospital A. Meyer - University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy.,IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, 56018 Pisa, Italy
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11
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Yang L, Liu J, Su Q, Li Y, Yang X, Xu L, Tong L, Li B. Novel and de novo mutation of PCDH19 in Girls Clustering Epilepsy. Brain Behav 2019; 9:e01455. [PMID: 31714027 PMCID: PMC6908879 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.1455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Revised: 09/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND PCDH19 has become the second most relevant gene in epilepsy after SCN1A. Seizures often provoked by fever. METHODS We screened 152 children with fever-sensitive epilepsy for gene detection. Their clinical information was followed up. RESULTS We found eight PCDH19 point mutations (four novel and four reported) and one whole gene deletion in 10 female probands (seven sporadic cases and three family cases) who also had cluster seizures. The common clinical features of 16 patients in 10 families included fever-sensitive and cluster seizures, mainly focal or tonic-clonic seizures, and absence of status epilepticus, normal intelligence, or mild-to-moderate cognitive impairment, the onset age ranges from 5 months to 20 years. Only four patients had multiple or focal transient discharges in interictal EEG. Focal seizures originating in the frontal region were recorded in four patients, two from the parietal region, and one from the occipital region. CONCLUSION PCDH19 mutation can be inherited or de novo. The clinical spectrum of PCDH19 mutation includes PCDH19 Girls Clustering Epilepsy with or without mental retardation, psychosis, and asymptomatic male. The onset age of PCDH19 Girls Clustering Epilepsy can range from infancy to adulthood. Sisters in the same family may be sensitive to the same antiepileptic drugs. And our report expands the mutation spectrum of PCDH19 Girls Clustering Epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, Qilu Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Department of Pediatrics, Linyi People's Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Linyi, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, Qilu Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Quanping Su
- Central Laboratory, Linyi People's Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Linyi, China
| | - Yufen Li
- Department of Pediatrics, Linyi People's Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Linyi, China
| | - Xiaofan Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, Qilu Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Liyun Xu
- Department of Pediatrics, Linyi People's Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Linyi, China
| | - Lili Tong
- Department of Pediatrics, Qilu Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Baomin Li
- Department of Pediatrics, Qilu Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, China
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12
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Niazi R, Fanning EA, Depienne C, Sarmady M, Abou Tayoun AN. A mutation update for the PCDH19 gene causing early-onset epilepsy in females with an unusual expression pattern. Hum Mutat 2019; 40:243-257. [PMID: 30582250 DOI: 10.1002/humu.23701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2018] [Revised: 11/26/2018] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The PCDH19 gene consists of six exons encoding a 1,148 amino acid transmembrane protein, Protocadherin 19, which is involved in brain development. Heterozygous pathogenic variants in this gene are inherited in an unusual X-linked dominant pattern in which heterozygous females are affected, while hemizygous males are typically unaffected, although they pass on the pathogenic variant to each affected daughter. PCDH19-related disorder is known to cause early-onset epilepsy in females characterized by seizure clusters exacerbated by fever and in most cases, onset is within the first year of life. This condition was initially described in 1971 and in 2008 PCDH19 was identified as the underlying genetic etiology. This condition is the result of pathogenic loss-of-function variants that may be de novo or inherited from an affected mother or unaffected father and cellular interference has been hypothesized to be the culprit. Heterozygous females are symptomatic because of the presence of both wild-type and mutant cells that interfere with one another due to the production of different surface proteins, whereas nonmosaic hemizygous males produce a homogenous population of cells. Here, we review novel pathogenic variants in the PCDH19 gene since 2012 to date, and summarize any genotype-phenotype correlations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rojeen Niazi
- Division of Genomic Diagnostics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Elizabeth A Fanning
- Division of Genomic Diagnostics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Christel Depienne
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.,Inserm U 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris, 06 UMR S 1127, Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière, Paris, France.,IGBMC, CNRS UMR 7104/INSERM U964/Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | - Mahdi Sarmady
- Division of Genomic Diagnostics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.,The University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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13
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Trivisano M, Pietrafusa N, Terracciano A, Marini C, Mei D, Darra F, Accorsi P, Battaglia D, Caffi L, Canevini MP, Cappelletti S, Cesaroni E, de Palma L, Costa P, Cusmai R, Giordano L, Ferrari A, Freri E, Fusco L, Granata T, Martino T, Mastrangelo M, Bova SM, Parmeggiani L, Ragona F, Sicca F, Striano P, Specchio LM, Tondo I, Zambrelli E, Zamponi N, Zanus C, Boniver C, Vecchi M, Avolio C, Dalla Bernardina B, Bertini E, Guerrini R, Vigevano F, Specchio N. Defining the electroclinical phenotype and outcome of PCDH19-related epilepsy: A multicenter study. Epilepsia 2018; 59:2260-2271. [PMID: 30451291 DOI: 10.1111/epi.14600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2017] [Revised: 10/18/2018] [Accepted: 10/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Marina Trivisano
- Neurology Unit; Department of Neuroscience; Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital; IRCCS; Rome Italy
- Clinic of Nervous System Diseases; University of Foggia; Foggia Italy
| | - Nicola Pietrafusa
- Neurology Unit; Department of Neuroscience; Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital; IRCCS; Rome Italy
| | | | - Carla Marini
- Pediatric Neurology Unit and Laboratories; Children’s Hospital Meyer-University of Florence; Florence Italy
| | - Davide Mei
- Pediatric Neurology Unit and Laboratories; Children’s Hospital Meyer-University of Florence; Florence Italy
| | - Francesca Darra
- Department of Life and Reproduction Sciences; University of Verona; Verona Italy
| | | | | | - Lorella Caffi
- Neuropsychiatric Unit; University of Bergamo; Bergamo Italy
| | - Maria P. Canevini
- Epilepsy Center; San Paolo Hospital; Milan Italy
- Department of Health Sciences; University of Milan; Milan Italy
| | - Simona Cappelletti
- Unit of Clinical Psychology; Department of Neuroscience; Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital; IRCCS; Rome Italy
| | | | - Luca de Palma
- Neurology Unit; Department of Neuroscience; Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital; IRCCS; Rome Italy
| | - Paola Costa
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo; Trieste Italy
| | - Raffaella Cusmai
- Neurology Unit; Department of Neuroscience; Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital; IRCCS; Rome Italy
| | - Lucio Giordano
- Child Neuropsychiatric Unit; Civilian Hospital; Brescia Italy
| | - Annarita Ferrari
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience; Clinical Neurophysiology Laboratory; IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation; Pisa Italy
| | - Elena Freri
- Department of Pediatric Neuroscience; IRCCS Foundation, Carlo Besta Neurological Institute; Milan Italy
| | - Lucia Fusco
- Neurology Unit; Department of Neuroscience; Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital; IRCCS; Rome Italy
| | - Tiziana Granata
- Department of Pediatric Neuroscience; IRCCS Foundation, Carlo Besta Neurological Institute; Milan Italy
| | - Tommaso Martino
- Clinic of Nervous System Diseases; University of Foggia; Foggia Italy
| | - Massimo Mastrangelo
- Pediatric Neurology Unit; Vittore Buzzi Hospital; ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco; Milan Italy
| | - Stefania M. Bova
- Pediatric Neurology Unit; Vittore Buzzi Hospital; ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco; Milan Italy
| | - Lucio Parmeggiani
- Department of Neuropediatrics; Regional Hospital of Bolzano; Bolzano Italy
| | - Francesca Ragona
- Department of Pediatric Neuroscience; IRCCS Foundation, Carlo Besta Neurological Institute; Milan Italy
| | - Federico Sicca
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience; Clinical Neurophysiology Laboratory; IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation; Pisa Italy
| | - Pasquale Striano
- Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit; Department of Neurosciences; Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, and Maternal and Child Health, G. Gaslini Institute, University of Genoa; Genoa Italy
| | - Luigi M. Specchio
- Clinic of Nervous System Diseases; University of Foggia; Foggia Italy
| | - Ilaria Tondo
- Unit of Clinical Psychology; Department of Neuroscience; Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital; IRCCS; Rome Italy
| | - Elena Zambrelli
- Epilepsy Center; San Paolo Hospital; Milan Italy
- Department of Health Sciences; University of Milan; Milan Italy
| | - Nelia Zamponi
- Child Neuropsychiatric Unit; University of Ancona; Ancona Italy
| | - Caterina Zanus
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo; Trieste Italy
| | - Clementina Boniver
- Child Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology Unit; Department of Women’s and Children’s Health; University Hospital of Padua; Padua Italy
| | - Marilena Vecchi
- Child Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology Unit; Department of Women’s and Children’s Health; University Hospital of Padua; Padua Italy
| | - Carlo Avolio
- Clinic of Nervous System Diseases; University of Foggia; Foggia Italy
| | | | - Enrico Bertini
- Unit of Neuromuscular and Neurodegenerative Disorders; Department of Neurosciences; Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital; IRCCS; Rome Italy
| | - Renzo Guerrini
- Pediatric Neurology Unit and Laboratories; Children’s Hospital Meyer-University of Florence; Florence Italy
| | - Federico Vigevano
- Neurology Unit; Department of Neuroscience; Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital; IRCCS; Rome Italy
| | - Nicola Specchio
- Neurology Unit; Department of Neuroscience; Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital; IRCCS; Rome Italy
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