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Lai W, Zhao Y, Chen Y, Dai Z, Chen R, Niu Y, Chen X, Chen S, Huang G, Shan Z, Zheng J, Hu Y, Chen Q, Gong S, Kang S, Guo H, Ma X, Song Y, Xia K, Wang J, Zhou L, So KF, Wang K, Qiu S, Zhang L, Chen J, Shi L. Autism patient-derived SHANK2B Y29X mutation affects the development of ALDH1A1 negative dopamine neuron. Mol Psychiatry 2024:10.1038/s41380-024-02578-6. [PMID: 38704506 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-024-02578-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) encompasses a range of neurodevelopmental conditions. Different mutations on a single ASD gene contribute to heterogeneity of disease phenotypes, possibly due to functional diversity of generated isoforms. SHANK2, a causative gene in ASD, demonstrates this phenomenon, but there is a scarcity of tools for studying endogenous SHANK2 proteins in an isoform-specific manner. Here, we report a point mutation on SHANK2, which is found in a patient with autism, located on exon of the SHANK2B transcript variant (NM_133266.5), hereby SHANK2BY29X. This mutation results in an early stop codon and an aberrant splicing event that impacts SHANK2 transcript variants distinctly. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) carrying this mutation, from the patient or isogenic editing, fail to differentiate into functional dopamine (DA) neurons, which can be rescued by genetic correction. Available SMART-Seq single-cell data from human midbrain reveals the abundance of SHANK2B transcript in the ALDH1A1 negative DA neurons. We then show that SHANK2BY29X mutation primarily affects SHANK2B expression and ALDH1A1 negative DA neurons in vitro during early neuronal developmental stage. Mice knocked in with the identical mutation exhibit autistic-like behavior, decreased occupancy of ALDH1A1 negative DA neurons and decreased dopamine release in ventral tegmental area (VTA). Our study provides novel insights on a SHANK2 mutation derived from autism patient and highlights SHANK2B significance in ALDH1A1 negative DA neuron.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanjing Lai
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau CNS Regeneration Institute of Jinan University, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Jinan University)-Ministry of Education, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Yingying Zhao
- Center for Cell Lineage and Development, CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hong Kong SAR, 999077, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yalan Chen
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau CNS Regeneration Institute of Jinan University, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Jinan University)-Ministry of Education, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Zhenzhu Dai
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau CNS Regeneration Institute of Jinan University, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Jinan University)-Ministry of Education, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Ruhai Chen
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau CNS Regeneration Institute of Jinan University, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Jinan University)-Ministry of Education, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Yimei Niu
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau CNS Regeneration Institute of Jinan University, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Jinan University)-Ministry of Education, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Xiaoxia Chen
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau CNS Regeneration Institute of Jinan University, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Jinan University)-Ministry of Education, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Shuting Chen
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau CNS Regeneration Institute of Jinan University, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Jinan University)-Ministry of Education, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Guanqun Huang
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau CNS Regeneration Institute of Jinan University, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Jinan University)-Ministry of Education, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Ziyun Shan
- Center for Cell Lineage and Development, CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Jiajun Zheng
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau CNS Regeneration Institute of Jinan University, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Jinan University)-Ministry of Education, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Yu Hu
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Qingpei Chen
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau CNS Regeneration Institute of Jinan University, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Jinan University)-Ministry of Education, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Siyi Gong
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau CNS Regeneration Institute of Jinan University, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Jinan University)-Ministry of Education, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Sai Kang
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau CNS Regeneration Institute of Jinan University, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Jinan University)-Ministry of Education, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Hui Guo
- Center for Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Xiaokuang Ma
- Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, 850004, USA
| | - Youqiang Song
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Kun Xia
- Center for Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Center for Cell Lineage and Development, CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China
| | - Libing Zhou
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau CNS Regeneration Institute of Jinan University, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Jinan University)-Ministry of Education, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Kwok-Fai So
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau CNS Regeneration Institute of Jinan University, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Jinan University)-Ministry of Education, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Kai Wang
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Shenfeng Qiu
- Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, 850004, USA
| | - Li Zhang
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau CNS Regeneration Institute of Jinan University, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Jinan University)-Ministry of Education, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
| | - Jiekai Chen
- Center for Cell Lineage and Development, CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China.
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hong Kong SAR, 999077, China.
| | - Lingling Shi
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau CNS Regeneration Institute of Jinan University, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Jinan University)-Ministry of Education, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
- Department of Psychiatry, the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510632, China.
- Co-innovation Center of Neuro-regeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226019, China.
- Department of Neurology, Hainan General Hospital (Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University), Haikou, China.
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Huang M, Qi Q, Xu T. Targeting Shank3 deficiency and paresthesia in autism spectrum disorder: A brief review. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1128974. [PMID: 36846568 PMCID: PMC9948097 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1128974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) includes a group of multifactorial neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by impaired social communication, social interaction, and repetitive behaviors. Several studies have shown an association between cases of ASD and mutations in the genes of SH3 and multiple ankyrin repeat domain protein 3 (SHANK3). These genes encode many cell adhesion molecules, scaffold proteins, and proteins involved in synaptic transcription, protein synthesis, and degradation. They have a profound impact on all aspects of synaptic transmission and plasticity, including synapse formation and degeneration, suggesting that the pathogenesis of ASD may be partially attributable to synaptic dysfunction. In this review, we summarize the mechanism of synapses related to Shank3 in ASD. We also discuss the molecular, cellular, and functional studies of experimental models of ASD and current autism treatment methods targeting related proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Huang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Sixth People’s Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China,Department of Anesthesiology, Suzhou Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Suzhou, China
| | - Qi Qi
- Department of Anesthesiology, Sixth People’s Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China,Department of Anesthesiology, Suzhou Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Suzhou, China
| | - Tao Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Sixth People’s Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China,Department of Anesthesiology, Suzhou Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Suzhou, China,*Correspondence: Tao Xu,
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Megagiannis P, Suresh R, Rouleau GA, Zhou Y. Reversibility and therapeutic development for neurodevelopmental disorders, insights from genetic animal models. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 191:114562. [PMID: 36183904 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2022.114562] [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: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental Disorders (NDDs) encompass a broad spectrum of conditions resulting from atypical brain development. Over the past decades, we have had the fortune to witness enormous progress in diagnosis, etiology discovery, modeling, and mechanistic understanding of NDDs from both fundamental and clinical research. Here, we review recent neurobiological advances from experimental models of NDDs. We introduce several examples and highlight breakthroughs in reversal studies of phenotypes using genetically engineered models of NDDs. The in-depth understanding of brain pathophysiology underlying NDDs and evaluations of reversibility in animal models paves the foundation for discovering novel treatment options. We discuss how the expanding property of cutting-edge technologies, such as gene editing and AAV-mediated gene delivery, are leveraged in animal models for the therapeutic development of NDDs. We envision opportunities and challenges toward faithful modeling and fruitful clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Platon Megagiannis
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital; Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Rahul Suresh
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital; Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Guy A Rouleau
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital; Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Yang Zhou
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital; Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 2B4, Canada.
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Electrophysiological and Behavioral Evidence for Hyper- and Hyposensitivity in Rare Genetic Syndromes Associated with Autism. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13040671. [PMID: 35456477 PMCID: PMC9027402 DOI: 10.3390/genes13040671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Our study reviewed abnormalities in spontaneous, as well as event-related, brain activity in syndromes with a known genetic underpinning that are associated with autistic symptomatology. Based on behavioral and neurophysiological evidence, we tentatively subdivided the syndromes on primarily hyper-sensitive (Fragile X, Angelman) and hypo-sensitive (Phelan–McDermid, Rett, Tuberous Sclerosis, Neurofibromatosis 1), pointing to the way of segregation of heterogeneous idiopathic ASD, that includes both hyper-sensitive and hypo-sensitive individuals. This segmentation links abnormalities in different genes, such as FMR1, UBE3A, GABRB3, GABRA5, GABRG3, SHANK3, MECP2, TSC1, TSC2, and NF1, that are causative to the above-mentioned syndromes and associated with synaptic transmission and cell growth, as well as with translational and transcriptional regulation and with sensory sensitivity. Excitation/inhibition imbalance related to GABAergic signaling, and the interplay of tonic and phasic inhibition in different brain regions might underlie this relationship. However, more research is needed. As most genetic syndromes are very rare, future investigations in this field will benefit from multi-site collaboration with a common protocol for electrophysiological and event-related potential (EEG/ERP) research that should include an investigation into all modalities and stages of sensory processing, as well as potential biomarkers of GABAergic signaling (such as 40-Hz ASSR).
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A recurrent SHANK1 mutation implicated in autism spectrum disorder causes autistic-like core behaviors in mice via downregulation of mGluR1-IP3R1-calcium signaling. Mol Psychiatry 2022; 27:2985-2998. [PMID: 35388181 PMCID: PMC9205781 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01539-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The genetic etiology and underlying mechanism of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) remain elusive. SHANK family genes (SHANK1/2/3) are well known ASD-related genes. However, little is known about how SHANK missense mutations contribute to ASD. Here, we aimed to clarify the molecular mechanism of and the multilevel neuropathological features induced by Shank1 mutations in knock-in (KI) mice. In this study, by sequencing the SHANK1 gene in a cohort of 615 ASD patients and 503 controls, we identified an ASD-specific recurrent missense mutation, c.2621 G > A (p.R874H). This mutation demonstrated strong pathogenic potential in in vitro experiments, and we generated the corresponding Shank1 R882H-KI mice. Shank1 R882H-KI mice displayed core symptoms of ASD, namely, social disability and repetitive behaviors, without confounding comorbidities of abnormal motor function and heightened anxiety. Brain structural changes in the frontal cortex, hippocampus and cerebellar cortex were observed in Shank1 R882H-KI mice via structural magnetic resonance imaging. These key brain regions also showed severe and consistent downregulation of mGluR1-IP3R1-calcium signaling, which subsequently affected the release of intracellular calcium. Corresponding cellular structural and functional changes were present in Shank1 R882H-KI mice, including decreased spine size, reduced spine density, abnormal morphology of postsynaptic densities, and impaired hippocampal long-term potentiation and basal excitatory transmission. These findings demonstrate the causative role of SHANK1 in ASD and elucidate the underlying biological mechanism of core symptoms of ASD. We also provide a reliable model of ASD with core symptoms for future studies, such as biomarker identification and therapeutic intervention studies.
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6
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Liu C, Wang Y, Deng J, Lin J, Hu C, Li Q, Xu X. Social Deficits and Repetitive Behaviors Are Improved by Early Postnatal Low-Dose VPA Intervention in a Novel shank3-Deficient Zebrafish Model. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:682054. [PMID: 34566559 PMCID: PMC8462462 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.682054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations of the SHANK3 gene are found in some autism spectrum disorder (ASD) patients, and animal models harboring SHANK3 mutations exhibit a variety of ASD-like behaviors, presenting a unique opportunity to explore the underlying neuropathological mechanisms and potential pharmacological treatments. The histone deacetylase (HDAC) valproic acid (VPA) has demonstrated neuroprotective and neuroregenerative properties, suggesting possible therapeutic utility for ASD. Therefore, SHANK3-associated ASD-like symptoms present a convenient model to evaluate the potential benefits, therapeutic window, and optimal dose of VPA. We constructed a novel shank3-deficient (shank3ab–/–) zebrafish model through CRISPR/Cas9 editing and conducted comprehensive morphological and neurobehavioral evaluations, including of core ASD-like behaviors, as well as molecular analyses of synaptic proteins expression levels. Furthermore, different VPA doses and treatment durations were examined for effects on ASD-like phenotypes. Compared to wild types (WTs), shank3ab–/– zebrafish exhibited greater developmental mortality, more frequent abnormal tail bending, pervasive developmental delay, impaired social preference, repetitive swimming behaviors, and generally reduced locomotor activity. The expression levels of synaptic proteins were also dramatically reduced in shank3ab–/– zebrafish. These ASD-like behaviors were attenuated by low-dose (5 μM) VPA administered from 4 to 8 days post-fertilization (dpf), and the effects persisted to adulthood. In addition, the observed underexpression of grm5, encoding glutamate metabotropic receptor 5, was significantly improved in VPA-treated shank3ab–/– zebrafish. We report for the first time that low-dose VPA administered after neural tube closure has lasting beneficial effects on the social deficits and repetitive behavioral patterns in shank3-deficient ASD model zebrafish. These findings provide a promising strategy for ASD clinical drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunxue Liu
- Department of Child Health Care, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Child Health Care, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingxin Deng
- Department of Child Health Care, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Jia Lin
- Center for Translational Medicine, Institute of Pediatrics, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defects Prevention and Control, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Chunchun Hu
- Department of Child Health Care, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiang Li
- Center for Translational Medicine, Institute of Pediatrics, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defects Prevention and Control, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiu Xu
- Department of Child Health Care, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, Shanghai, China
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7
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Bucher M, Niebling S, Han Y, Molodenskiy D, Hassani Nia F, Kreienkamp HJ, Svergun D, Kim E, Kostyukova AS, Kreutz MR, Mikhaylova M. Autism-associated SHANK3 missense point mutations impact conformational fluctuations and protein turnover at synapses. eLife 2021; 10:66165. [PMID: 33945465 PMCID: PMC8169116 DOI: 10.7554/elife.66165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Members of the SH3- and ankyrin repeat (SHANK) protein family are considered as master scaffolds of the postsynaptic density of glutamatergic synapses. Several missense mutations within the canonical SHANK3 isoform have been proposed as causative for the development of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). However, there is a surprising paucity of data linking missense mutation-induced changes in protein structure and dynamics to the occurrence of ASD-related synaptic phenotypes. In this proof-of-principle study, we focus on two ASD-associated point mutations, both located within the same domain of SHANK3 and demonstrate that both mutant proteins indeed show distinct changes in secondary and tertiary structure as well as higher conformational fluctuations. Local and distal structural disturbances result in altered synaptic targeting and changes of protein turnover at synaptic sites in rat primary hippocampal neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Bucher
- AG Optobiology, Institute of Biology, Humboldt-University, Berlin, Germany.,DFG Emmy Noether Guest Group 'Neuronal Protein Transport', Institute for Molecular Neurogenetics, Center for Molecular Neurobiology (ZMNH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany.,RG Neuroplasticity, Leibniz-Institute for Neurobiology (LIN), Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Stephan Niebling
- Molecular Biophysics and High-Throughput Crystallization, European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Yuhao Han
- DFG Emmy Noether Guest Group 'Neuronal Protein Transport', Institute for Molecular Neurogenetics, Center for Molecular Neurobiology (ZMNH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany.,Structural Cell Biology of Viruses, Centre for Structural Systems Biology (CSSB) and Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Dmitry Molodenskiy
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) Hamburg Unit, DESY, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Fatemeh Hassani Nia
- Institute of Human Genetics, Center for Obstetrics and Pediatrics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Hans-Jürgen Kreienkamp
- Institute of Human Genetics, Center for Obstetrics and Pediatrics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Dmitri Svergun
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) Hamburg Unit, DESY, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Eunjoon Kim
- Center for Synaptic Brain Dysfunctions, Institute for Basic Science (IBS) and Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Alla S Kostyukova
- DFG Emmy Noether Guest Group 'Neuronal Protein Transport', Institute for Molecular Neurogenetics, Center for Molecular Neurobiology (ZMNH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany.,The Gene and Linda Voiland School of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering, Washington State University (WSU), Pullman, United States
| | - Michael R Kreutz
- RG Neuroplasticity, Leibniz-Institute for Neurobiology (LIN), Magdeburg, Germany.,Leibniz Group 'Dendritic Organelles and Synaptic Function', Center for Molecular Neurobiology (ZMNH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Magdeburg, Germany.,Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Marina Mikhaylova
- AG Optobiology, Institute of Biology, Humboldt-University, Berlin, Germany.,DFG Emmy Noether Guest Group 'Neuronal Protein Transport', Institute for Molecular Neurogenetics, Center for Molecular Neurobiology (ZMNH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
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8
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Imbalanced post- and extrasynaptic SHANK2A functions during development affect social behavior in SHANK2-mediated neuropsychiatric disorders. Mol Psychiatry 2021; 26:6482-6504. [PMID: 34021263 PMCID: PMC8760046 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-021-01140-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 04/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Mutations in SHANK genes play an undisputed role in neuropsychiatric disorders. Until now, research has focused on the postsynaptic function of SHANKs, and prominent postsynaptic alterations in glutamatergic signal transmission have been reported in Shank KO mouse models. Recent studies have also suggested a possible presynaptic function of SHANK proteins, but these remain poorly defined. In this study, we examined how SHANK2 can mediate electrophysiological, molecular, and behavioral effects by conditionally overexpressing either wild-type SHANK2A or the extrasynaptic SHANK2A(R462X) variant. SHANK2A overexpression affected pre- and postsynaptic targets and revealed a reversible, development-dependent autism spectrum disorder-like behavior. SHANK2A also mediated redistribution of Ca2+-permeable AMPA receptors between apical and basal hippocampal CA1 dendrites, leading to impaired synaptic plasticity in the basal dendrites. Moreover, SHANK2A overexpression reduced social interaction and increased the excitatory noise in the olfactory cortex during odor processing. In contrast, overexpression of the extrasynaptic SHANK2A(R462X) variant did not impair hippocampal synaptic plasticity, but still altered the expression of presynaptic/axonal signaling proteins. We also observed an attention-deficit/hyperactivity-like behavior and improved social interaction along with enhanced signal-to-noise ratio in cortical odor processing. Our results suggest that the disruption of pre- and postsynaptic SHANK2 functions caused by SHANK2 mutations has a strong impact on social behavior. These findings indicate that pre- and postsynaptic SHANK2 actions cooperate for normal neuronal function, and that an imbalance between these functions may lead to different neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Lopez G, Conkrite KL, Doepner M, Rathi KS, Modi A, Vaksman Z, Farra LM, Hyson E, Noureddine M, Wei JS, Smith MA, Asgharzadeh S, Seeger RC, Khan J, Auvil JG, Gerhard DS, Maris JM, Diskin SJ. Somatic structural variation targets neurodevelopmental genes and identifies SHANK2 as a tumor suppressor in neuroblastoma. Genome Res 2020; 30:1228-1242. [PMID: 32796005 PMCID: PMC7545140 DOI: 10.1101/gr.252106.119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is a malignancy of the developing sympathetic nervous system that accounts for 12% of childhood cancer deaths. Like many childhood cancers, neuroblastoma shows a relative paucity of somatic single-nucleotide variants (SNVs) and small insertions and deletions (indels) compared to adult cancers. Here, we assessed the contribution of somatic structural variation (SV) in neuroblastoma using a combination of whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of tumor-normal pairs (n = 135) and single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping of primary tumors (n = 914). Our study design allowed for orthogonal validation and replication across platforms. SV frequency, type, and localization varied significantly among high-risk tumors. MYCN nonamplified high-risk tumors harbored an increased SV burden overall, including a significant excess of tandem duplication events across the genome. Genes disrupted by SV breakpoints were enriched in neuronal lineages and associated with phenotypes such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The postsynaptic adapter protein-coding gene, SHANK2, located on Chromosome 11q13, was disrupted by SVs in 14% of MYCN nonamplified high-risk tumors based on WGS and 10% in the SNP array cohort. Expression of SHANK2 was low across human-derived neuroblastoma cell lines and high-risk neuroblastoma tumors. Forced expression of SHANK2 in neuroblastoma cells resulted in significant growth inhibition (P = 2.6 × 10-2 to 3.4 × 10-5) and accelerated neuronal differentiation following treatment with all-trans retinoic acid (P = 3.1 × 10-13 to 2.4 × 10-30). These data further define the complex landscape of somatic structural variation in neuroblastoma and suggest that events leading to deregulation of neurodevelopmental processes, such as inactivation of SHANK2, are key mediators of tumorigenesis in this childhood cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gonzalo Lopez
- Division of Oncology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
- Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences and Icahn Institute for Data Science and Genomic Technology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, USA
| | - Karina L Conkrite
- Division of Oncology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
- Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
| | - Miriam Doepner
- Division of Oncology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
- Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
| | - Komal S Rathi
- Department of Biomedical and Health Informatics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
| | - Apexa Modi
- Division of Oncology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
- Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
- Genomics and Computational Biology, Biomedical Graduate Studies, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
| | - Zalman Vaksman
- Division of Oncology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
- Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
- Department of Biomedical and Health Informatics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
| | - Lance M Farra
- Division of Oncology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
- Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
| | - Eric Hyson
- Division of Oncology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
- Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
| | - Moataz Noureddine
- Division of Oncology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
- Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
| | - Jun S Wei
- Oncogenomics Section, Genetics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
| | - Malcolm A Smith
- Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
| | - Shahab Asgharzadeh
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90033, USA
- The Saban Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90027, USA
| | - Robert C Seeger
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90033, USA
- The Saban Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90027, USA
| | - Javed Khan
- Oncogenomics Section, Genetics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
| | - Jaime Guidry Auvil
- Office of Cancer Genomics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
| | - Daniela S Gerhard
- Office of Cancer Genomics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
| | - John M Maris
- Division of Oncology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
- Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
- Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
| | - Sharon J Diskin
- Division of Oncology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
- Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
- Department of Biomedical and Health Informatics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
- Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
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10
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Yoo T, Cho H, Park H, Lee J, Kim E. Shank3 Exons 14-16 Deletion in Glutamatergic Neurons Leads to Social and Repetitive Behavioral Deficits Associated With Increased Cortical Layer 2/3 Neuronal Excitability. Front Cell Neurosci 2019; 13:458. [PMID: 31649512 PMCID: PMC6795689 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2019.00458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Shank3, an abundant excitatory postsynaptic scaffolding protein, has been associated with multiple brain disorders, including autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and Phelan-McDermid syndrome (PMS). However, how cell type-specific Shank3 deletion affects disease-related neuronal and brain functions remains largely unclear. Here, we investigated the impacts of Shank3 deletion in glutamatergic neurons on synaptic and behavioral phenotypes in mice and compared results with those previously obtained from mice with global Shank3 mutation and GABAergic neuron-specific Shank3 mutation. Neuronal excitability was abnormally increased in layer 2/3 pyramidal neurons in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) in mice with a glutamatergic Shank3 deletion, similar to results obtained in mice with a global Shank3 deletion. In addition, excitatory synaptic transmission was abnormally increased in layer 2/3 neurons in mice with a global, but not a glutamatergic, Shank3 deletion, suggesting that Shank3 in glutamatergic neurons are important for the increased neuronal excitability, but not for the increased excitatory synaptic transmission. Neither excitatory nor inhibitory synaptic transmission was altered in the dorsal striatum of Shank3-deficient glutamatergic neurons, a finding that contrasts with the decreased excitatory synaptic transmission in global and Shank3-deficient GABAergic neurons. Behaviorally, glutamatergic Shank3-deficient mice displayed abnormally increased direct social interaction and repetitive self-grooming, similar to global and GABAergic Shank3-deficient mice. These results suggest that glutamatergic and GABAergic Shank3 deletions lead to distinct synaptic and neuronal changes in cortical layer 2/3 and dorsal striatal neurons, but cause similar social and repetitive behavioral abnormalities likely through distinct mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taesun Yoo
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Heejin Cho
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Haram Park
- Center for Synaptic Brain Dysfunctions, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Jiseok Lee
- Center for Synaptic Brain Dysfunctions, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Eunjoon Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, South Korea.,Center for Synaptic Brain Dysfunctions, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon, South Korea
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11
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Lu ZA, Mu W, Osborne LM, Cordner ZA. Eighteen-year-old man with autism, obsessive compulsive disorder and a SHANK2 variant presents with severe anorexia that responds to high-dose fluoxetine. BMJ Case Rep 2018; 2018:bcr-2018-225119. [PMID: 29991577 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2018-225119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The SHANK2 gene codes for a protein involved in organising the postsynaptic density and disruptions have been associated with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). ASDs are frequently comorbid with intellectual disability and anxiety disorders and emerging evidence suggests potentially common aetiologies. Here, we report the case of an 18-year-old man with ASD who presented with severe anorexia due to fear of food contamination, food avoidance and stereotypies attributable to underlying obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). The patient was found to be heterozygous for c.2518C>T (p.Pro840Ser), a likely damaging coding variant in the proline rich region of SHANK2 Interestingly, the patient's disordered eating behaviour began to improve only after high-dose fluoxetine was initiated to target OCD symptoms. Overall, this case highlights the utility of molecular genetic testing in clinical psychiatry and provides an example of how genetic information can inform clinicians in the treatment of complex neuropsychiatric syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen A Lu
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Weiyi Mu
- Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Lauren M Osborne
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Zachary A Cordner
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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12
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Cell-Type-Specific Shank2 Deletion in Mice Leads to Differential Synaptic and Behavioral Phenotypes. J Neurosci 2018; 38:4076-4092. [PMID: 29572432 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2684-17.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2017] [Revised: 02/27/2018] [Accepted: 03/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Shank2 is an excitatory postsynaptic scaffolding protein implicated in synaptic regulation and psychiatric disorders including autism spectrum disorders. Conventional Shank2-mutant (Shank2-/-) mice display several autistic-like behaviors, including social deficits, repetitive behaviors, hyperactivity, and anxiety-like behaviors. However, cell-type-specific contributions to these behaviors have remained largely unclear. Here, we deleted Shank2 in specific cell types and found that male mice lacking Shank2 in excitatory neurons (CaMKII-Cre;Shank2fl/fl) show social interaction deficits and mild social communication deficits, hyperactivity, and anxiety-like behaviors. In particular, male mice lacking Shank2 in GABAergic inhibitory neurons (Viaat-Cre;Shank2fl/fl) display social communication deficits, repetitive self-grooming, and mild hyperactivity. These behavioral changes were associated with distinct changes in hippocampal and striatal synaptic transmission in the two mouse lines. These results indicate that cell-type-specific deletions of Shank2 in mice lead to differential synaptic and behavioral abnormalities.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Shank2 is an abundant excitatory postsynaptic scaffolding protein implicated in the regulation of excitatory synapses and diverse psychiatric disorders including autism spectrum disorders. Previous studies have reported in vivo functions of Shank2 mainly using global Shank2-null mice, but it remains largely unclear how individual cell types contribute to Shank2-dependent regulation of neuronal synapses and behaviors. Here, we have characterized conditional Shank2-mutant mice carrying the Shank2 deletion in excitatory and inhibitory neurons. These mouse lines display distinct alterations of synaptic transmission in the hippocampus and striatum that are associated with differential behavioral abnormalities in social, repetitive, locomotor, and anxiety-like domains.
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13
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Han Q, Kim YH, Wang X, Liu D, Zhang ZJ, Bey AL, Lay M, Chang W, Berta T, Zhang Y, Jiang YH, Ji RR. SHANK3 Deficiency Impairs Heat Hyperalgesia and TRPV1 Signaling in Primary Sensory Neurons. Neuron 2016; 92:1279-1293. [PMID: 27916453 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2016.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2016] [Revised: 09/04/2016] [Accepted: 10/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Abnormal pain sensitivity is commonly associated with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and affects the life quality of ASD individuals. SHANK3 deficiency was implicated in ASD and pain dysregulation. Here, we report functional expression of SHANK3 in mouse dorsal root ganglion (DRG) sensory neurons and spinal cord presynaptic terminals. Homozygous and heterozygous Shank3 complete knockout (Δe4-22) results in impaired heat hyperalgesia in inflammatory and neuropathic pain. Specific deletion of Shank3 in Nav1.8-expressing sensory neurons also impairs heat hyperalgesia in homozygous and heterozygous mice. SHANK3 interacts with transient receptor potential subtype V1 (TRPV1) via Proline-rich region and regulates TRPV1 surface expression. Furthermore, capsaicin-induced spontaneous pain, inward currents in DRG neurons, and synaptic currents in spinal cord neurons are all reduced after Shank3 haploinsufficiency. Finally, partial knockdown of SHANK3 expression in human DRG neurons abrogates TRPV1 function. Our findings reveal a peripheral mechanism of SHANK3, which may underlie pain deficits in SHANK3-related ASDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingjian Han
- Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Yong Ho Kim
- Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Xiaoming Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Di Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Zhi-Jun Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Alexandra L Bey
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Mark Lay
- Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Wonseok Chang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Temugin Berta
- Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Yong-Hui Jiang
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
| | - Ru-Rong Ji
- Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
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14
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Uchino S, Waga C. Novel Therapeutic Approach for Autism Spectrum Disorder: Focus on SHANK3. Curr Neuropharmacol 2016; 13:786-92. [PMID: 26511836 PMCID: PMC4759317 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x13666151029105547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2015] [Revised: 03/16/2015] [Accepted: 03/15/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
SHANK3 is a synaptic scaffolding protein and plays an important role in neuronal
development. SHANK3 interacts with various synaptic molecules, including post-synaptic density-95
(PSD-95), homer and GluR1 AMPA receptor. SHANK3 gene is a causable gene of the Phelan-
McDermid syndrome (also known as the 22q13.3 deletion syndrome), whose manifestation is global
developmental delay and autistic behavior, especially shows severe speech and language deficit.
Additionally since cumulative gene analysis in autistic subjects identified several mutations in
SHANK3 gene, including deletion and duplication in a particular region, abnormality of SHANK3
gene is thought the be related with the neuropathology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We here review the recent
findings in regard to the roles of SHANK3 in higher brain functions, molecular-biologic studies of the complex
expression of Shank3 transcripts and production of SHANK3 isoforms, and behavioral studies of Shank3-mutant mice,
including our recent findings, and discuss a novel therapeutic approach for ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shigeo Uchino
- Department of Neurobiology, Faculty of Biosciences, School of Science and Engineering, Teikyo University, 1-1 Toyosatodai, Utsunomiya, Tochigi 320-8551, Japan.
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15
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Vijayakumar NT, Judy MV. Autism spectrum disorders: Integration of the genome, transcriptome and the environment. J Neurol Sci 2016; 364:167-76. [PMID: 27084239 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2016.03.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2015] [Revised: 02/18/2016] [Accepted: 03/10/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders denote a series of lifelong neurodevelopmental conditions characterized by an impaired social communication profile and often repetitive, stereotyped behavior. Recent years have seen the complex genetic architecture of the disease being progressively unraveled with advancements in gene finding technology and next generation sequencing methods. However, a complete elucidation of the molecular mechanisms behind autism is necessary for potential diagnostic and therapeutic applications. A multidisciplinary approach should be adopted where the focus is not only on the 'genetics' of autism but also on the combinational roles of epigenetics, transcriptomics, immune system disruption and environmental factors that could all influence the etiopathogenesis of the disease. ASD is a clinically heterogeneous disorder with great genetic complexity; only through an integrated multidimensional effort can modern autism research progress further.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Thushara Vijayakumar
- Department of Computer Science & IT., Amrita School of Arts & Sciences, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Amrita University, Kochi, India.
| | - M V Judy
- Department of Computer Science & IT., Amrita School of Arts & Sciences, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Amrita University, Kochi, India
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16
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Serret S, Thümmler S, Dor E, Vesperini S, Santos A, Askenazy F. Lithium as a rescue therapy for regression and catatonia features in two SHANK3 patients with autism spectrum disorder: case reports. BMC Psychiatry 2015; 15:107. [PMID: 25947967 PMCID: PMC4428105 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-015-0490-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2015] [Accepted: 04/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Phelan-Mc Dermid syndrome is a contiguous disorder resulting from 22q13.3 deletion implicating the SHANK3 gene. The typical phenotype includes neonatal hypotonia, moderate to severe intellectual disability, absent or delayed speech, minor dysmorphic features and autism or autistic-like behaviour. Recently, point mutations or micro-deletions of the SHANK3 gene have been identified, accompanied by a phenotype different from the initial clinically description in Phelan McDermid syndrome. CASE PRESENTATION Here we present two case studies with similar psychiatric and genetic diagnosis as well as similar clinical history and evolution. The two patients were diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders in childhood and presented regression with catatonia features and behavioural disorders after a stressful event during adolescence. Interestingly, both patients presented mutation/microdeletion of the SHANK3 gene, inducing a premature stop codon in exon 21. Different pharmacological treatments (antipsychotics, benzodiazepines, mood stabilizer drugs, antidepressants, and methylphenidate) failed to improve clinical symptoms and lead to multiple adverse events. In contrast, lithium therapy reversed clinical regression, stabilized behavioural symptoms and allowed patients to recover their pre-catatonia level of functioning, without significant side effects. CONCLUSION These cases support the hypothesis of a specific SHANK3 phenotype. This phenotype might be linked to catatonia-like deterioration for which lithium use could be an efficient treatment. Therefore, these cases provide an important contribution to the field of autism research, clinical genetics and possible pharmacological answers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvie Serret
- Autism Resources Center, University Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department, Children's Hospitals of Nice CHU-Lenval, CoBTek EA7276 University of Nice Sophia Antipolis, Nice, France.
| | - Susanne Thümmler
- Autism Resources Center, University Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department, Children's Hospitals of Nice CHU-Lenval, CoBTek EA7276 University of Nice Sophia Antipolis, Nice, France.
| | - Emmanuelle Dor
- Autism Resources Center, University Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department, Children's Hospitals of Nice CHU-Lenval, CoBTek EA7276 University of Nice Sophia Antipolis, Nice, France.
| | - Stephanie Vesperini
- Autism Resources Center, University Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department, Children's Hospitals of Nice CHU-Lenval, CoBTek EA7276 University of Nice Sophia Antipolis, Nice, France.
| | - Andreia Santos
- Autism Resources Center, University Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department, Children's Hospitals of Nice CHU-Lenval, CoBTek EA7276 University of Nice Sophia Antipolis, Nice, France.
| | - Florence Askenazy
- Autism Resources Center, University Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department, Children's Hospitals of Nice CHU-Lenval, CoBTek EA7276 University of Nice Sophia Antipolis, Nice, France.
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17
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Lee J, Chung C, Ha S, Lee D, Kim DY, Kim H, Kim E. Shank3-mutant mice lacking exon 9 show altered excitation/inhibition balance, enhanced rearing, and spatial memory deficit. Front Cell Neurosci 2015; 9:94. [PMID: 25852484 PMCID: PMC4365696 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2015.00094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2015] [Accepted: 03/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Shank3 is a postsynaptic scaffolding protein implicated in synapse development and autism spectrum disorders. The Shank3 gene is known to produce diverse splice variants whose functions have not been fully explored. In the present study, we generated mice lacking Shank3 exon 9 (Shank3 (Δ9) mice), and thus missing five out of 10 known Shank3 splice variants containing the N-terminal ankyrin repeat region, including the longest splice variant, Shank3a. Our X-gal staining results revealed that Shank3 proteins encoded by exon 9-containing splice variants are abundant in upper cortical layers, striatum, hippocampus, and thalamus, but not in the olfactory bulb or cerebellum, despite the significant Shank3 mRNA levels in these regions. The hippocampal CA1 region of Shank3 (Δ9) mice exhibited reduced excitatory transmission at Schaffer collateral synapses and increased frequency of spontaneous inhibitory synaptic events in pyramidal neurons. In contrast, prelimbic layer 2/3 pyramidal neurons in the medial prefrontal cortex displayed decreased frequency of spontaneous inhibitory synaptic events, indicating alterations in the ratio of excitation/inhibition (E/I ratio) in the Shank3 (Δ9) brain. These mice displayed a mild increase in rearing in a novel environment and mildly impaired spatial memory, but showed normal social interaction and repetitive behavior. These results suggest that ankyrin repeat-containing Shank3 splice variants are important for E/I balance, rearing behavior, and spatial memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiseok Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Changuk Chung
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Seungmin Ha
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Dongmin Lee
- Department of Anatomy and Division of Brain Korea 21, Biomedical Science, College of Medicine, Korea University Seoul, South Korea
| | - Do-Young Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Hyun Kim
- Department of Anatomy and Division of Brain Korea 21, Biomedical Science, College of Medicine, Korea University Seoul, South Korea
| | - Eunjoon Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology Daejeon, South Korea ; Center for Synaptic Brain Dysfunctions, Institute for Basic Science Daejeon, South Korea
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18
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Nemirovsky SI, Córdoba M, Zaiat JJ, Completa SP, Vega PA, González-Morón D, Medina NM, Fabbro M, Romero S, Brun B, Revale S, Ogara MF, Pecci A, Marti M, Vazquez M, Turjanski A, Kauffman MA. Whole genome sequencing reveals a de novo SHANK3 mutation in familial autism spectrum disorder. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0116358. [PMID: 25646853 PMCID: PMC4315573 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0116358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2014] [Accepted: 12/05/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Clinical genomics promise to be especially suitable for the study of etiologically heterogeneous conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Here we present three siblings with ASD where we evaluated the usefulness of Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) for the diagnostic approach to ASD. Methods We identified a family segregating ASD in three siblings with an unidentified cause. We performed WGS in the three probands and used a state-of-the-art comprehensive bioinformatic analysis pipeline and prioritized the identified variants located in genes likely to be related to ASD. We validated the finding by Sanger sequencing in the probands and their parents. Results Three male siblings presented a syndrome characterized by severe intellectual disability, absence of language, autism spectrum symptoms and epilepsy with negative family history for mental retardation, language disorders, ASD or other psychiatric disorders. We found germline mosaicism for a heterozygous deletion of a cytosine in the exon 21 of the SHANK3 gene, resulting in a missense sequence of 5 codons followed by a premature stop codon (NM_033517:c.3259_3259delC, p.Ser1088Profs*6). Conclusions We reported an infrequent form of familial ASD where WGS proved useful in the clinic. We identified a mutation in SHANK3 that underscores its relevance in Autism Spectrum Disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio I. Nemirovsky
- Plataforma de Bioinformática Argentina, Instituto de Cálculo, Pabellón 2, Ciudad Universitaria, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, UBA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Marta Córdoba
- Consultorio y Laboratorio de Neurogenética. Hospital JM Ramos Mejía. IBCN Eduardo de Robertis UBA-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Jonathan J. Zaiat
- Plataforma de Bioinformática Argentina, Instituto de Cálculo, Pabellón 2, Ciudad Universitaria, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, UBA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Sabrina P. Completa
- Plataforma de Bioinformática Argentina, Instituto de Cálculo, Pabellón 2, Ciudad Universitaria, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, UBA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Patricia A. Vega
- Consultorio y Laboratorio de Neurogenética. Hospital JM Ramos Mejía. IBCN Eduardo de Robertis UBA-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Dolores González-Morón
- Consultorio y Laboratorio de Neurogenética. Hospital JM Ramos Mejía. IBCN Eduardo de Robertis UBA-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Nancy M. Medina
- Consultorio y Laboratorio de Neurogenética. Hospital JM Ramos Mejía. IBCN Eduardo de Robertis UBA-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mónica Fabbro
- Instituto de Agrobiotecnología de Rosario (INDEAR), CONICET, Predio CCT, Rosario, Argentina
| | - Soledad Romero
- Instituto de Agrobiotecnología de Rosario (INDEAR), CONICET, Predio CCT, Rosario, Argentina
| | - Bianca Brun
- Instituto de Agrobiotecnología de Rosario (INDEAR), CONICET, Predio CCT, Rosario, Argentina
| | - Santiago Revale
- Instituto de Agrobiotecnología de Rosario (INDEAR), CONICET, Predio CCT, Rosario, Argentina
| | - María Florencia Ogara
- Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, IFIBYNE-CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Adali Pecci
- Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, IFIBYNE-CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Marcelo Marti
- Plataforma de Bioinformática Argentina, Instituto de Cálculo, Pabellón 2, Ciudad Universitaria, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, UBA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Departamento de Química Biológica, Pabellón 2, Ciudad Universitaria, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, UBA, INQUIMAE/CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Martin Vazquez
- Instituto de Agrobiotecnología de Rosario (INDEAR), CONICET, Predio CCT, Rosario, Argentina
| | - Adrián Turjanski
- Plataforma de Bioinformática Argentina, Instituto de Cálculo, Pabellón 2, Ciudad Universitaria, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, UBA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Departamento de Química Biológica, Pabellón 2, Ciudad Universitaria, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, UBA, INQUIMAE/CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Marcelo A. Kauffman
- Consultorio y Laboratorio de Neurogenética. Hospital JM Ramos Mejía. IBCN Eduardo de Robertis UBA-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- * E-mail:
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Wang X, Xu Q, Bey AL, Lee Y, Jiang YH. Transcriptional and functional complexity of Shank3 provides a molecular framework to understand the phenotypic heterogeneity of SHANK3 causing autism and Shank3 mutant mice. Mol Autism 2014; 5:30. [PMID: 25071925 PMCID: PMC4113141 DOI: 10.1186/2040-2392-5-30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2014] [Accepted: 03/13/2014] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Considerable clinical heterogeneity has been well documented amongst individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). However, little is known about the biological mechanisms underlying phenotypic diversity. Genetic studies have established a strong causal relationship between ASD and molecular defects in the SHANK3 gene. Individuals with various defects of SHANK3 display considerable clinical heterogeneity. Different lines of Shank3 mutant mice with deletions of different portions of coding exons have been reported recently. Variable synaptic and behavioral phenotypes have been reported in these mice, which makes the interpretations for these data complicated without the full knowledge of the complexity of the Shank3 transcript structure. Methods We systematically examined alternative splicing and isoform-specific expression of Shank3 across different brain regions and developmental stages by regular RT-PCR, quantitative real time RT-PCR (q-PCR), and western blot. With these techniques, we also investigated the effects of neuronal activity and epigenetic modulation on alternative splicing and isoform-specific expression of Shank3. We explored the localization and influence on dendritic spine development of different Shank3 isoforms in cultured hippocampal neurons by cellular imaging. Results The Shank3 gene displayed an extensive array of mRNA and protein isoforms resulting from the combination of multiple intragenic promoters and extensive alternative splicing of coding exons in the mouse brain. The isoform-specific expression and alternative splicing of Shank3 were brain-region/cell-type specific, developmentally regulated, activity-dependent, and involved epigenetic regulation. Different subcellular distribution and differential effects on dendritic spine morphology were observed for different Shank3 isoforms. Conclusions Our results indicate a complex transcriptional regulation of Shank3 in mouse brains. Our analysis of select Shank3 isoforms in cultured neurons suggests that different Shank3 isoforms have distinct functions. Therefore, the different types of SHANK3 mutations found in patients with ASD and different exonic deletions of Shank3 in mutant mice are predicted to disrupt selective isoforms and result in distinct dysfunctions at the synapse with possible differential effects on behavior. Our comprehensive data on Shank3 transcriptional regulation thus provides an essential molecular framework to understand the phenotypic diversity in SHANK3 causing ASD and Shank3 mutant mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoming Wang
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, 27710 Durham, NC, USA
| | - Qiong Xu
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, 27710 Durham, NC, USA ; Department of Child Health Care, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, 201102 Shanghai, China
| | - Alexandra L Bey
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University School of Medicine, 27710 Durham, NC, USA
| | - Yoonji Lee
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, 27710 Durham, NC, USA
| | - Yong-Hui Jiang
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, 27710 Durham, NC, USA ; Department of Neurobiology, Duke University School of Medicine, 27710 Durham, NC, USA
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Chaudhury A. Molecular handoffs in nitrergic neurotransmission. Front Med (Lausanne) 2014; 1:8. [PMID: 25705621 PMCID: PMC4335390 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2014.00008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2014] [Accepted: 03/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Postsynaptic density (PSD) proteins in excitatory synapses are relatively immobile components, while there is a structured organization of mobile scaffolding proteins lying beneath the PSDs. For example, shank proteins are located further away from the membrane in the cytosolic faces of the PSDs, facing the actin cytoskeleton. The rationale of this organization may be related to important roles of these proteins as “exchange hubs” for the signaling proteins for their migration from the subcortical cytosol to the membrane. Notably, PSD95 have also been demonstrated in prejunctional nerve terminals of nitrergic neuronal varicosities traversing the gastrointestinal smooth muscles. It has been recently reported that motor proteins like myosin Va play important role in transcytosis of nNOS. In this review, the hypothesis is forwarded that nNOS delivered to subcortical cytoskeleton requires interactions with scaffolding proteins prior to docking at the membrane. This may involve significant role of “shank,” named for SRC-homology (SH3) and multiple ankyrin repeat domains, in nitric oxide synthesis. Dynein light chain LC8–nNOS from acto-myosin Va is possibly exchanged with shank, which thereafter facilitates transposition of nNOS for binding with palmitoyl-PSD95 at the nerve terminal membrane. Shank knockout mice, which present with features of autism spectrum disorders, may help delineate the role of shank in enteric nitrergic neuromuscular transmission. Deletion of shank3 in humans is a monogenic cause of autism called Phelan–McDermid syndrome. One fourth of these patients present with cyclical vomiting, which may be explained by junctionopathy resulting from shank deficit in enteric nitrergic nerve terminals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arun Chaudhury
- Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School and VA Boston Healthcare System , Boston, MA , USA
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D'Antoni S, Spatuzza M, Bonaccorso CM, Musumeci SA, Ciranna L, Nicoletti F, Huber KM, Catania MV. Dysregulation of group-I metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptor mediated signalling in disorders associated with Intellectual Disability and Autism. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2014; 46 Pt 2:228-41. [PMID: 24548786 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2014.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2013] [Revised: 01/13/2014] [Accepted: 02/06/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Activation of group-I metabotropic glutamate receptors, mGlu1 and mGlu5, triggers a variety of signalling pathways in neurons and glial cells, which are differently implicated in synaptic plasticity. The earliest and much of key studies discovered abnormal mGlu5 receptor function in Fragile X syndrome (FXS) mouse models which then motivated more recent work that finds mGlu5 receptor dysfunction in related disorders such as intellectual disability (ID), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and autism. Therefore, mGlu1/5 receptor dysfunction may represent a common aetiology of these complex diseases. Furthermore, many studies have focused on dysregulation of mGlu5 signalling to synaptic protein synthesis. However, emerging evidence finds abnormal mGlu5 receptor interactions with its scaffolding proteins in FXS which results in mGlu5 receptor dysfunction and phenotypes independent of signalling to protein synthesis. Finally, both an increased and reduced mGlu5 functioning seem to be associated with ID and autism spectrum disorders, with important consequences for potential treatment of these developmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona D'Antoni
- Institute of Neurological Sciences, the National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Catania, Italy
| | - Michela Spatuzza
- Institute of Neurological Sciences, the National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Catania, Italy
| | | | | | - Lucia Ciranna
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, section of Physiology, University of Catania, Italy
| | - Ferdinando Nicoletti
- IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli (IS), Italy; University of Rome La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Kimberly M Huber
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Department of Neuroscience, Dallas, TX 75390-9111, USA
| | - Maria Vincenza Catania
- Institute of Neurological Sciences, the National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Catania, Italy; IRCCS Oasi Maria SS, Troina (EN), Italy.
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