1
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Zhang W, Liu Q, Wang J, Liu L. Anaesthesia and brain development: a review of propofol-induced neurotoxicity in pediatric populations. J Dev Orig Health Dis 2024; 15:e2. [PMID: 38450456 DOI: 10.1017/s2040174424000059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
With the advancement of medical technology, there are increasing opportunities for new-borns, infants, and pregnant women to be exposed to general anaesthesia. Propofol is commonly used for the induction of anaesthesia, maintenance of general intravenous anaesthesia and sedation of intensive-care children. Many previous studies have found that propofol has organ-protective effects, but growing evidence suggests that propofol interferes with brain development, affecting learning and cognitive function. The purpose of this review is to summarize the latest progress in understanding the neurotoxicity of propofol. Evidence from case studies and clinical studies suggests that propofol has neurotoxicity on the developing brain. We classify the findings on propofol-induced neurotoxicity based on its damage mechanism. We end by summarizing the current protective strategies against propofol neurotoxicity. Fully understanding the neurotoxic mechanisms of propofol can help us use it at a reasonable dosage, reduce its side effects, and increase patient safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weixin Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Qi Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Junli Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Li Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
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2
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Samra AI, Kamel AS, Abdallah DM, El Fattah MAA, Ahmed KA, El-Abhar HS. Preclinical Evidence for the Role of the Yin/Yang Angiotensin System Components in Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Therapeutic Target of Astaxanthin. Biomedicines 2023; 11:3156. [PMID: 38137376 PMCID: PMC10740500 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11123156] [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: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) prevalence is emerging with an unclear etiology, hindering effective therapeutic interventions. Recent studies suggest potential renin-angiotensin system (RAS) alterations in different neurological pathologies. However, its implications in ASD are unexplored. This research fulfills the critical gap by investigating dual arms of RAS and their interplay with Notch signaling in ASD, using a valproic acid (VPA) model and assessing astaxanthin's (AST) modulatory impacts. Experimentally, male pups from pregnant rats receiving either saline or VPA on gestation day 12.5 were divided into control and VPA groups, with subsequent AST treatment in a subset (postnatal days 34-58). Behavioral analyses, histopathological investigations, and electron microscopy provided insights into the neurobehavioral and structural changes induced by AST. Molecular investigations of male pups' cortices revealed that AST outweighs the protective RAS elements with the inhibition of the detrimental arm. This established the neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory axes of RAS (ACE2/Ang1-7/MasR) in the ASD context. The results showed that AST's normalization of RAS components and Notch signaling underscore a novel therapeutic avenue in ASD, impacting neuronal integrity and behavioral outcomes. These findings affirm the integral role of RAS in ASD and highlight AST's potential as a promising treatment intervention, inviting further neurological research implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayat I. Samra
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo 11562, Egypt; (A.I.S.); (D.M.A.); (M.A.A.E.F.)
| | - Ahmed S. Kamel
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo 11562, Egypt; (A.I.S.); (D.M.A.); (M.A.A.E.F.)
| | - Dalaal M. Abdallah
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo 11562, Egypt; (A.I.S.); (D.M.A.); (M.A.A.E.F.)
| | - Mai A. Abd El Fattah
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo 11562, Egypt; (A.I.S.); (D.M.A.); (M.A.A.E.F.)
| | - Kawkab A. Ahmed
- Pathology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo 11562, Egypt;
| | - Hanan S. El-Abhar
- Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Future University in Egypt (FUE), Cairo 11835, Egypt;
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3
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Sokol DK, Lahiri DK. Neurodevelopmental disorders and microcephaly: how apoptosis, the cell cycle, tau and amyloid-β precursor protein APPly. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1201723. [PMID: 37808474 PMCID: PMC10556256 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1201723] [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: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent studies promote new interest in the intersectionality between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and Alzheimer's Disease. We have reported high levels of Amyloid-β Precursor Protein (APP) and secreted APP-alpha (sAPPa ) and low levels of amyloid-beta (Aβ) peptides 1-40 and 1-42 (Aβ40, Aβ42) in plasma and brain tissue from children with ASD. A higher incidence of microcephaly (head circumference less than the 3rd percentile) associates with ASD compared to head size in individuals with typical development. The role of Aβ peptides as contributors to acquired microcephaly in ASD is proposed. Aβ may lead to microcephaly via disruption of neurogenesis, elongation of the G1/S cell cycle, and arrested cell cycle promoting apoptosis. As the APP gene exists on Chromosome 21, excess Aβ peptides occur in Trisomy 21-T21 (Down's Syndrome). Microcephaly and some forms of ASD associate with T21, and therefore potential mechanisms underlying these associations will be examined in this review. Aβ peptides' role in other neurodevelopmental disorders that feature ASD and acquired microcephaly are reviewed, including dup 15q11.2-q13, Angelman and Rett syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah K. Sokol
- Section of Pediatrics, Department of Neurology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Debomoy K. Lahiri
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
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4
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Li X, Zhou P, Li Q, Peng B, Cun Y, Dai Y, Wei H, Liu X, Yu Y, Jiang Z, Fan Q, Zhang Y, Yang T, Chen J, Cheng Q, Li T, Chen L. Regressive Autism Spectrum Disorder: High Levels of Total Secreted Amyloid Precursor Protein and Secreted Amyloid Precursor Protein-α in Plasma. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:809543. [PMID: 35350428 PMCID: PMC8957840 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.809543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by social communication difficulties, repetitive behaviors, and parochial interests. Individuals with regressive ASD (RA), a unique subtype, have poor outcomes. Moreover, there are currently no validated blood-based biomarkers for ASD, hindering early diagnosis and treatment. This study was the first to examine plasma levels of total secreted amyloid precursor protein (sAPPtotal), secreted amyloid precursor protein-α (sAPPα), and secreted amyloid precursor protein-β (sAPPβ) in children diagnosed with RA (n = 23) and compare them with the levels in age-matched children with non-regressive ASD (NRA) (n = 23) and typically developing (TD) controls (n = 23). We found that sAPPtotal and sAPPα levels were significantly higher in children with RA than in children with NRA or in TD controls. In contrast, no difference was observed in sAPPβ levels. In conclusion, increased plasma levels of sAPPtotal and sAPPα may be valuable biomarkers for the early identification of ASD regression. Prospective studies will be conducted using a larger sample to further investigate these differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Li
- Growth, Development, and Mental Health of Children and Adolescence Center, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Health and Nutrition, Chongqing, China.,Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China.,China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Chongqing, China
| | - Ping Zhou
- Growth, Development, and Mental Health of Children and Adolescence Center, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Health and Nutrition, Chongqing, China.,Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China.,China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Chongqing, China
| | - Qiu Li
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Health and Nutrition, Chongqing, China.,Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China.,China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Chongqing, China
| | - Bin Peng
- School of Public Health and Management, Department of Health Statistics, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yupeng Cun
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China.,China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Chongqing, China
| | - Ying Dai
- Growth, Development, and Mental Health of Children and Adolescence Center, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Health and Nutrition, Chongqing, China.,Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China.,China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Chongqing, China
| | - Hua Wei
- Growth, Development, and Mental Health of Children and Adolescence Center, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Health and Nutrition, Chongqing, China.,Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China.,China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiao Liu
- Growth, Development, and Mental Health of Children and Adolescence Center, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Health and Nutrition, Chongqing, China.,Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China.,China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Chongqing, China
| | - Yang Yu
- Growth, Development, and Mental Health of Children and Adolescence Center, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Health and Nutrition, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhiyang Jiang
- Growth, Development, and Mental Health of Children and Adolescence Center, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Health and Nutrition, Chongqing, China.,Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China.,China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Chongqing, China
| | - Qiongli Fan
- Department of Pediatrics, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yuping Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ting Yang
- Growth, Development, and Mental Health of Children and Adolescence Center, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Health and Nutrition, Chongqing, China.,Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China.,China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Chongqing, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Growth, Development, and Mental Health of Children and Adolescence Center, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Health and Nutrition, Chongqing, China.,Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China.,China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Chongqing, China
| | - Qian Cheng
- Growth, Development, and Mental Health of Children and Adolescence Center, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Health and Nutrition, Chongqing, China.,Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China.,China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Chongqing, China
| | - Tingyu Li
- Growth, Development, and Mental Health of Children and Adolescence Center, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Health and Nutrition, Chongqing, China.,Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China.,China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Chongqing, China
| | - Li Chen
- Growth, Development, and Mental Health of Children and Adolescence Center, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Health and Nutrition, Chongqing, China.,Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China.,China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Chongqing, China
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5
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Lahiri DK, Maloney B, Wang R, Sokol DK, Rogers JT, Westmark CJ. How autism and Alzheimer's disease are TrAPPed. Mol Psychiatry 2021; 26:26-29. [PMID: 33184495 PMCID: PMC9487718 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-020-00928-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 10/03/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Debomoy K Lahiri
- Department of Psychiatry and Stark Neuroscience Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
- Medical & Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
- Indiana Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
| | - Bryan Maloney
- Department of Psychiatry and Stark Neuroscience Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Indiana Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Ruizhi Wang
- Department of Psychiatry and Stark Neuroscience Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Deborah K Sokol
- Department of Neurology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Jack T Rogers
- Department of Psychiatry, Neurochemistry lab, MGH, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Cara J Westmark
- Department of Neurology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
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6
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Cao J, Li Y, Zeng F, Liu X, Tao T, Qin Z. Propofol Exposure Disturbs the Differentiation of Rodent Neural Stem Cells via an miR-124-3p/Sp1/Cdkn1b Axis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:838. [PMID: 32984332 PMCID: PMC7481336 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulating studies have indicated that propofol may lead to neurotoxicity and its effect on neural stem cells (NSCs) may play pivotal role in propofol-related neurotoxicity. Previously, we found that propofol could promote NSCs proliferation and could regulate several microRNA expressions. However, the underlying mechanism between microRNAs and NSCs development after propofol exposure is still unclear. Our data first observed that rat primary neural stem cells exposed to propofol exhibited a cell cycle arrest status and an inclination to differentiate into GFAP+ or S100β+ cells. This phenomenon was accompanying with a lower miR-124-3p expression and could be reversed via overexpression miR-124-3p in NSCs. Using bioinformatic predictions and luciferase assay we confirmed that Sp1 (Specificity Protein 1) is the target gene of miR-124-3p, indicating that miR-124-3p may regulate NSCs development through Sp1. Further, knockdown of Sp1 rescue the effect of propofol on NSCs differentiation. Finally, we demonstrated that Sp1 could bind cdkn1b promoter region through chromatin immunoprecipitation assay, indicating that Sp1 affect NSC's cell cycle through cdkn1b directly. Overall, our study highlights the miR-124-3p/Sp1/cdkn1b axis to be important in propofol interfering the differentiation of NSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Cao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Shenzhen Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Anesthesiology, Cangzhou Central Hospital, Cangzhou, China
| | - Fanning Zeng
- Department of Anesthesiology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaolei Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Tao Tao
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Central People's Hospital of Zhanjiang, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Zaisheng Qin
- Department of Anesthesiology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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7
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Sokol DK, Maloney B, Westmark CJ, Lahiri DK. Novel Contribution of Secreted Amyloid-β Precursor Protein to White Matter Brain Enlargement in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:165. [PMID: 31024350 PMCID: PMC6469489 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The most replicated neuroanatomical finding in autism is the tendency toward brain overgrowth, especially in younger children. Research shows that both gray and white matter are enlarged. Proposed mechanisms underlying brain enlargement include abnormal inflammatory and neurotrophic signals that lead to excessive, aberrant dendritic connectivity via disrupted pruning and cell adhesion, and enlargement of white matter due to excessive gliogenesis and increased myelination. Amyloid-β protein precursor (βAPP) and its metabolites, more commonly associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD), are also dysregulated in autism plasma and brain tissue samples. This review highlights findings that demonstrate how one βAPP metabolite, secreted APPα, and the ADAM family α-secretases, may lead to increased brain matter, with emphasis on increased white matter as seen in autism. sAPPα and the ADAM family α-secretases contribute to the anabolic, non-amyloidogenic pathway, which is in contrast to the amyloid (catabolic) pathway known to contribute to Alzheimer disease. The non-amyloidogenic pathway could produce brain enlargement via genetic mechanisms affecting mRNA translation and polygenic factors that converge on molecular pathways (mitogen-activated protein kinase/MAPK and mechanistic target of rapamycin/mTOR), promoting neuroinflammation. A novel mechanism linking the non-amyloidogenic pathway to white matter enlargement is proposed: α-secretase and/or sAPPα, activated by ERK receptor signaling activates P13K/AKt/mTOR and then Rho GTPases favoring myelination via oligodendrocyte progenitor cell (OPC) activation of cofilin. Applying known pathways in AD to autism should allow further understanding and provide options for new drug targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah K. Sokol
- Pediatrics Section, Department of Neurology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Bryan Maloney
- Indiana Alzheimers Disease Center, Department of Psychiatry, Stark Neuroscience Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Cara J. Westmark
- Department of Neurology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Debomoy K. Lahiri
- Indiana Alzheimers Disease Center, Department of Psychiatry, Stark Neuroscience Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
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8
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Carter CJ. Autism genes and the leukocyte transcriptome in autistic toddlers relate to pathogen interactomes, infection and the immune system. A role for excess neurotrophic sAPPα and reduced antimicrobial Aβ. Neurochem Int 2019; 126:36-58. [PMID: 30862493 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2019.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2019] [Revised: 02/22/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Prenatal and early childhood infections have been implicated in autism. Many autism susceptibility genes (206 Autworks genes) are localised in the immune system and are related to immune/infection pathways. They are enriched in the host/pathogen interactomes of 18 separate microbes (bacteria/viruses and fungi) and to the genes regulated by bacterial toxins, mycotoxins and Toll-like receptor ligands. This enrichment was also observed for misregulated genes from a microarray study of leukocytes from autistic toddlers. The upregulated genes from this leukocyte study also matched the expression profiles in response to numerous infectious agents from the Broad Institute molecular signatures database. They also matched genes related to sudden infant death syndrome and autism comorbid conditions (autoimmune disease, systemic lupus erythematosus, diabetes, epilepsy and cardiomyopathy) as well as to estrogen and thyrotropin responses and to those upregulated by different types of stressors including oxidative stress, hypoxia, endoplasmic reticulum stress, ultraviolet radiation or 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene, a hapten used to develop allergic skin reactions in animal models. The oxidative/integrated stress response is also upregulated in the autism brain and may contribute to myelination problems. There was also a marked similarity between the expression signatures of autism and Alzheimer's disease, and 44 shared autism/Alzheimer's disease genes are almost exclusively expressed in the blood-brain barrier. However, in contrast to Alzheimer's disease, levels of the antimicrobial peptide beta-amyloid are decreased and the levels of the neurotrophic/myelinotrophic soluble APP alpha are increased in autism, together with an increased activity of α-secretase. sAPPα induces an increase in glutamatergic and a decrease in GABA-ergic synapses creating and excitatory/inhibitory imbalance that has also been observed in autism. A literature survey showed that multiple autism genes converge on APP processing and that many are able to increase sAPPalpha at the expense of beta-amyloid production. A genetically programmed tilt of this axis towards an overproduction of neurotrophic/gliotrophic sAPPalpha and underproduction of antimicrobial beta-amyloid may explain the brain overgrowth and myelination dysfunction, as well as the involvement of pathogens in autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- C J Carter
- PolygenicPathways, 41C Marina, Saint Leonard's on Sea, TN38 0BU, East Sussex, UK.
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9
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Corbett NJ, Hooper NM. Soluble Amyloid Precursor Protein α: Friend or Foe? ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2018; 1112:177-183. [PMID: 30637698 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-13-3065-0_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The "amyloidogenic" proteolytic processing of the cell surface amyloid precursor protein (APP) produces amyloid-β, which causes a range of detrimental effects in the neuron, such as synaptic loss, and plays a key role in Alzheimer's disease. In contrast, "non-amyloidogenic" proteolytic processing, which involves the cleavage of APP by α-secretase, produces soluble amyloid precursor protein α (sAPPα) and is the most predominant proteolytic processing of APP in the healthy brain. Current research suggests that sAPPα plays a role in synaptic growth and plasticity, but whether this role is protective or detrimental is age-dependent. This review looks at the effects of increasing sAPPα during three time-points in life (in development, young adult, ageing/neurodegeneration) when synaptic plasticity plays an important role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola J Corbett
- Division of Neuroscience & Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Nigel M Hooper
- Division of Neuroscience & Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
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10
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Marcello E, Borroni B, Pelucchi S, Gardoni F, Di Luca M. ADAM10 as a therapeutic target for brain diseases: from developmental disorders to Alzheimer's disease. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2017; 21:1017-1026. [PMID: 28960088 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2017.1386176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In the central nervous system a disintegrin and metalloproteinase 10 (ADAM10) controls several functions such as neurodevelopment, synaptic plasticity and dendritic spine morphology thanks to its activity towards a high number of substrates, including the synaptic cell adhesion molecules as the Amyloid Precursor Protein, N-cadherin, Notch and Ephrins. In particular, ADAM10 plays a key role in the modulation of the molecular mechanisms responsible for dendritic spine formation, maturation and stabilization and in the regulation of the molecular organization of the glutamatergic synapse. Consequently, an alteration of ADAM10 activity is strictly correlated to the onset of different types of synaptopathies, ranging from neurodevelopmental disorders, i.e. autism spectrum disorders, to neurodegenerative diseases, i.e. Alzheimer's Disease. Areas covered: We describe the most recent discoveries in understanding of the role of ADAM10 activity at the glutamatergic excitatory synapse and its involvement in the onset of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders. Expert opinion: A progress in the understanding of the molecular mechanisms driving ADAM10 activity at synapses and its alterations in brain disorders is the first step before designing a specific drug able to modulate ADAM10 activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Marcello
- a Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences , Università degli Studi di Milano , Milan , Italy
| | - Barbara Borroni
- b Neurology Unit, Centre for Neurodegenerative Disorders, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences , University of Brescia , Brescia , Italy
| | - Silvia Pelucchi
- a Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences , Università degli Studi di Milano , Milan , Italy.,c Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research, and Child Health , University of Florence , Florence , Italy
| | - Fabrizio Gardoni
- a Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences , Università degli Studi di Milano , Milan , Italy
| | - Monica Di Luca
- a Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences , Università degli Studi di Milano , Milan , Italy
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11
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Wang X, Song R, Lu W, Liu Z, Wang L, Zhu X, Liu Y, Sun Z, Li J, Li X. YXQN Reduces Alzheimer's Disease-Like Pathology and Cognitive Decline in APPswePS1dE9 Transgenic Mice. Front Aging Neurosci 2017; 9:157. [PMID: 28603494 PMCID: PMC5440527 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2017.00157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2016] [Accepted: 05/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the world's most common form of dementia, in which aggregation of amyloid-β (Aβ) is the hallmark. Unfortunately, few medicines have succeeded to completely cure AD. Yangxue Qingnao (YXQN) is a Chinese traditional medicine, and its pharmacological effect is improving cerebral blood flow. In this study, we firstly demonstrated that YXQN reduced AD-like pathology and cognitive impairment in APPswePS1dE9 (APP/PS1) mice with 2 months administration. Our data showed that YXQN substantially ameliorated behavioral defects in 10-month old APP/PS1 mice using Morris Water Maze and Y-maze tests, in which the cognitive ability of YXQN high-dose group approaches to wild type mice. Next, we focused on the brain pathological alterations in the YXQN group by three experiments, including thioflavin-S, congo-red, and Aβ-immunohistochemistry staining. The results demonstrated that the high-dose of YXQN dramatically suppressed amyloid plaques in the hippocampus and cortex of APP/PS1 mice, which showed a 47-72% reduction in plaque deposits, relative to the vehicle group. In addition, our data verified that YXQN decreased the cerebral amyloid load by attenuating β-secretase BACE1 and γ-secretase PS1 in the pathological processing of APP, and promoting the level of α-secretase ADAM10 in the physiological processing of APP to generate more sAPPα, which combats amyloidosis formation, and also carries out neurotropic and neuroprotective effect. Taken together, our results strongly suggest that YXQN could be a potential medicine for AD, and provide new evidence for further AD drug research and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowan Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Epigenetics of MOE, Institute of Genetics and Cytology, Northeast Normal UniversityChangchun, China
| | - Runmin Song
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Epigenetics of MOE, Institute of Genetics and Cytology, Northeast Normal UniversityChangchun, China
| | - Wenliang Lu
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Epigenetics of MOE, Institute of Genetics and Cytology, Northeast Normal UniversityChangchun, China
- School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacology, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, TianjinChina
| | - Ziyu Liu
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Epigenetics of MOE, Institute of Genetics and Cytology, Northeast Normal UniversityChangchun, China
| | - Lichun Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Epigenetics of MOE, Institute of Genetics and Cytology, Northeast Normal UniversityChangchun, China
| | - Xiaojuan Zhu
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Epigenetics of MOE, Institute of Genetics and Cytology, Northeast Normal UniversityChangchun, China
| | - Yanjun Liu
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Molecular Medicine, UCLA School of Medicine, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los AngelesCA, United States
| | - Zijie Sun
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, StanfordCA, United States
| | - Jiang Li
- Dental Hospital, Jilin University, ChangchunChina
| | - Xiaomeng Li
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Epigenetics of MOE, Institute of Genetics and Cytology, Northeast Normal UniversityChangchun, China
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12
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Not just amyloid: physiological functions of the amyloid precursor protein family. Nat Rev Neurosci 2017; 18:281-298. [PMID: 28360418 DOI: 10.1038/nrn.2017.29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 387] [Impact Index Per Article: 55.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Amyloid precursor protein (APP) gives rise to the amyloid-β peptide and thus has a key role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer disease. By contrast, the physiological functions of APP and the closely related APP-like proteins (APLPs) remain less well understood. Studying these physiological functions has been challenging and has required a careful long-term strategy, including the analysis of different App-knockout and Aplp-knockout mice. In this Review, we summarize these findings, focusing on the in vivo roles of APP family members and their processing products for CNS development, synapse formation and function, brain injury and neuroprotection, as well as ageing. In addition, we discuss the implications of APP physiology for therapeutic approaches.
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13
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Mockett BG, Richter M, Abraham WC, Müller UC. Therapeutic Potential of Secreted Amyloid Precursor Protein APPsα. Front Mol Neurosci 2017; 10:30. [PMID: 28223920 PMCID: PMC5293819 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2017.00030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2016] [Accepted: 01/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Cleavage of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) by α-secretase generates an extracellularly released fragment termed secreted APP-alpha (APPsα). Not only is this process of interest due to the cleavage of APP within the amyloid-beta sequence, but APPsα itself has many physiological properties that suggest its great potential as a therapeutic target. For example, APPsα is neurotrophic, neuroprotective, neurogenic, a stimulator of protein synthesis and gene expression, and enhances long-term potentiation (LTP) and memory. While most early studies have been conducted in vitro, effectiveness in animal models is now being confirmed. These studies have revealed that either upregulating α-secretase activity, acutely administering APPsα or chronic delivery of APPsα via a gene therapy approach can effectively treat mouse models of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other disorders such as traumatic head injury. Together these findings suggest the need for intensifying research efforts to harness the therapeutic potential of this multifunctional protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruce G. Mockett
- Department of Psychology, Brain Health Research Centre, Brain Research New Zealand, University of OtagoOtago, New Zealand
| | - Max Richter
- Department of Functional Genomics, Institute for Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, Heidelberg UniversityHeidelberg, Germany
| | - Wickliffe C. Abraham
- Department of Psychology, Brain Health Research Centre, Brain Research New Zealand, University of OtagoOtago, New Zealand
| | - Ulrike C. Müller
- Department of Functional Genomics, Institute for Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, Heidelberg UniversityHeidelberg, Germany
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14
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Erickson CA, Ray B, Wink LK, Bayon BL, Pedapati EV, Shaffer R, Schaefer TL, Lahiri DK. Initial analysis of peripheral lymphocytic extracellular signal related kinase activation in autism. J Psychiatr Res 2017; 84:153-160. [PMID: 27743527 PMCID: PMC5903443 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2016.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2016] [Revised: 08/02/2016] [Accepted: 09/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dysregulation of extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK) activity has been potentially implicated in the pathophysiology of autistic disorder (autism). ERK is part of a central intracellular signaling cascade responsible for a myriad of cellular functions. ERK is expressed in peripheral blood lymphocytes, and measurement of activated (phosphorylated) lymphocytic ERK is commonly executed in many areas of medicine. We sought to conduct the first study of ERK activation in humans with autism by utilizing a lymphocytic ERK activation assay. We hypothesized that ERK activation would be enhanced in peripheral blood lymphocytes from persons with autism compared to those of neurotypical control subjects. METHOD We conducted an initial study of peripheral lymphocyte ERK activation in 45 subjects with autism and 26 age- and gender-matched control subjects (total n = 71). ERK activation was measured using a lymphocyte counting method (primary outcome expressed as lymphocytes staining positive for cytosolic phosphorylated ERK divided by total cells counted) and additional Western blot analysis of whole cell phosphorylated ERK adjusted for total ERK present in the lymphocyte lysate sample. RESULTS Cytosolic/nuclear localization of pERK activated cells were increased by almost two-fold in the autism subject group compared to matched neurotypical control subjects (cell count ratio of 0.064 ± 0.044 versus 0.034 ± 0.031; p = 0.002). Elevated phosphorylated ERK levels in whole cell lysates also showed increased activated ERK in the autism group compared to controls (n = 54 total) in Western blot analysis. CONCLUSIONS The results of this first in human ERK activation study are consistent with enhanced peripheral lymphocytic ERK activation in autism, as well as suggesting that cellular compartmentalization of activated ERK may be altered in this disorder. Future work will be required to explore the impact of concomitant medication use and other subject characteristics such as level of cognitive functioning on ERK activation. TRIAL REGISTRATION Not applicable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig A Erickson
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
| | - Balmiki Ray
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Neuroscience Research Center, 320 West 15th Street, NB 200C, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
| | - Logan K Wink
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
| | - Baindu L Bayon
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Neuroscience Research Center, 320 West 15th Street, NB 200C, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
| | - Ernest V Pedapati
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
| | - Rebecca Shaffer
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
| | - Tori L Schaefer
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
| | - Debomoy K Lahiri
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Neuroscience Research Center, 320 West 15th Street, NB 200C, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
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15
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Westmark CJ, Chuang SC, Hays SA, Filon MJ, Ray BC, Westmark PR, Gibson JR, Huber KM, Wong RKS. APP Causes Hyperexcitability in Fragile X Mice. Front Mol Neurosci 2016; 9:147. [PMID: 28018172 PMCID: PMC5156834 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2016.00147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2016] [Accepted: 12/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyloid-beta protein precursor (APP) and metabolite levels are altered in fragile X syndrome (FXS) patients and in the mouse model of the disorder, Fmr1KO mice. Normalization of APP levels in Fmr1KO mice (Fmr1KO /APPHET mice) rescues many disease phenotypes. Thus, APP is a potential biomarker as well as therapeutic target for FXS. Hyperexcitability is a key phenotype of FXS. Herein, we determine the effects of APP levels on hyperexcitability in Fmr1KO brain slices. Fmr1KO /APPHET slices exhibit complete rescue of UP states in a neocortical hyperexcitability model and reduced duration of ictal discharges in a CA3 hippocampal model. These data demonstrate that APP plays a pivotal role in maintaining an appropriate balance of excitation and inhibition (E/I) in neural circuits. A model is proposed whereby APP acts as a rheostat in a molecular circuit that modulates hyperexcitability through mGluR5 and FMRP. Both over- and under-expression of APP in the context of the Fmr1KO increases seizure propensity suggesting that an APP rheostat maintains appropriate E/I levels but is overloaded by mGluR5-mediated excitation in the absence of FMRP. These findings are discussed in relation to novel treatment approaches to restore APP homeostasis in FXS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cara J. Westmark
- Department of Neurology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, MadisonMadison, WI, USA
| | - Shih-Chieh Chuang
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, State University of New York Downstate Medical CenterBrooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Seth A. Hays
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallas, TX, USA
| | - Mikolaj J. Filon
- Department of Neurology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, MadisonMadison, WI, USA
| | - Brian C. Ray
- Department of Neurology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, MadisonMadison, WI, USA
| | - Pamela R. Westmark
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, MadisonMadison, WI, USA
| | - Jay R. Gibson
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallas, TX, USA
| | - Kimberly M. Huber
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallas, TX, USA
| | - Robert K. S. Wong
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, State University of New York Downstate Medical CenterBrooklyn, NY, USA
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16
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Rachubinski AL, Hepburn S, Elias ER, Gardiner K, Shaikh TH. The co-occurrence of Down syndrome and autism spectrum disorder: is it because of additional genetic variations? Prenat Diagn 2016; 37:31-36. [DOI: 10.1002/pd.4957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2016] [Revised: 10/23/2016] [Accepted: 10/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Angela L. Rachubinski
- JFK Partners, Section of Developmental Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics; University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine; Aurora CO USA
| | - Susan Hepburn
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies; Colorado State University; Fort Collins CO USA
| | - Ellen R. Elias
- Section of Genetics and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics; University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine; Aurora CO USA
- Special Care Clinic; Children's Hospital Colorado; Aurora CO USA
| | - Katheleen Gardiner
- Section of Genetics and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics; University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine; Aurora CO USA
- Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome; University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine; Aurora CO USA
| | - Tamim H. Shaikh
- Section of Genetics and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics; University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine; Aurora CO USA
- Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome; University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine; Aurora CO USA
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17
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Westmark CJ, Sokol DK, Maloney B, Lahiri DK. Novel roles of amyloid-beta precursor protein metabolites in fragile X syndrome and autism. Mol Psychiatry 2016; 21:1333-41. [PMID: 27573877 PMCID: PMC5580495 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2016.134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2016] [Revised: 06/20/2016] [Accepted: 06/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common form of inherited intellectual disability and is associated with up to 5% of autism cases. Several promising drugs are in preclinical testing for FXS; however, bench-to-bedside plans for the clinic are severely limited due to lack of validated biomarkers and outcome measures. Published work from our laboratories has demonstrated altered levels of amyloid-beta (Aβ) precursor protein (APP) and its metabolites in FXS and idiopathic autism. Westmark and colleagues have focused on β-secretase (amyloidogenic) processing and the accumulation of Aβ peptides in adult FXS models, whereas Lahiri and Sokol have studied α-secretase (non-amyloidogenic or anabolic) processing and altered levels of sAPPα and Aβ in pediatric autism and FXS. Thus, our groups have hypothesized a pivotal role for these Alzheimer's disease (AD)-related proteins in the neurodevelopmental disorders of FXS and autism. In this review, we discuss the contribution of APP metabolites to FXS and autism pathogenesis as well as the potential use of these metabolites as blood-based biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Our future focus is to identify key underlying mechanisms through which APP metabolites contribute to FXS and autism condition-to-disease pathology. Positive outcomes will support utilizing APP metabolites as blood-based biomarkers in clinical trials as well as testing drugs that modulate APP processing as potential disease therapeutics. Our studies to understand the role of APP metabolites in developmental conditions such as FXS and autism are a quantum leap for the neuroscience field, which has traditionally restricted any role of APP to AD and aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cara J. Westmark
- University of Wisconsin, Department of Neurology, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Deborah K. Sokol
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatric Research, Indianapolis, IN USA
| | - Bryan Maloney
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatric Research, Indianapolis, IN USA
| | - Debomoy K. Lahiri
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatric Research, Indianapolis, IN USA
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18
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Finding novel distinctions between the sAPPα-mediated anabolic biochemical pathways in Autism Spectrum Disorder and Fragile X Syndrome plasma and brain tissue. Sci Rep 2016; 6:26052. [PMID: 27212113 PMCID: PMC4876513 DOI: 10.1038/srep26052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2015] [Accepted: 04/25/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and Fragile X syndrome (FXS) are developmental disorders. No validated blood-based biomarkers exist for either, which impedes bench-to-bedside approaches. Amyloid-β (Aβ) precursor protein (APP) and metabolites are usually associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). APP cleavage by α-secretase produces potentially neurotrophic secreted APPα (sAPPα) and the P3 peptide fragment. β-site APP cleaving enzyme (BACE1) cleavage produces secreted APPβ (sAPPβ) and intact Aβ. Excess Aβ is potentially neurotoxic and can lead to atrophy of brain regions such as amygdala in AD. By contrast, amygdala is enlarged in ASD but not FXS. We previously reported elevated levels of sAPPα in ASD and FXS vs. controls. We now report elevated plasma Aβ and total APP levels in FXS compared to both ASD and typically developing controls, and elevated levels of sAPPα in ASD and FXS vs. controls. By contrast, plasma and brain sAPPβ and Aβ were lower in ASD vs. controls but elevated in FXS plasma vs. controls. We also detected age-dependent increase in an α-secretase in ASD brains. We report a novel mechanistic difference in APP pathways between ASD (processing) and FXS (expression) leading to distinct APP metabolite profiles in these two disorders. These novel, distinctive biochemical differences between ASD and FXS pave the way for blood-based biomarkers for ASD and FXS.
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19
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Pérez C, Sawmiller D, Tan J. The role of heparan sulfate deficiency in autistic phenotype: potential involvement of Slit/Robo/srGAPs-mediated dendritic spine formation. Neural Dev 2016; 11:11. [PMID: 27089953 PMCID: PMC4836088 DOI: 10.1186/s13064-016-0066-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2015] [Accepted: 04/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are the second most common developmental cause of disability in the United States. ASDs are accompanied with substantial economic and emotional cost. The brains of ASD patients have marked structural abnormalities, in the form of increased dendritic spines and decreased long distance connections. These structural differences may be due to deficiencies in Heparin Sulfate (HS), a proteoglycan involved in a variety of neurodevelopmental processes. Of particular interest is its role in the Slit/Robo pathway. The Slit/Robo pathway is known to be involved in the regulation of axonal guidance and dendritic spine formation. HS mediates the Slit/Robo interaction; without its presence Slit's repulsive activity is abrogated. Slit/Robo regulates dendritic spine formation through its interaction with srGAPs (slit-robo GTPase Activating Proteins), which leads to downstream signaling, actin cytoskeleton depolymerization and dendritic spine collapse. Through interference with this pathway, HS deficiency can lead to excess spine formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Pérez
- Rashid Laboratory for Developmental Neurobiology, Silver Child Development Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, 3515 E Fletcher Ave., Tampa, FL 33613 USA
| | - Darrell Sawmiller
- Rashid Laboratory for Developmental Neurobiology, Silver Child Development Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, 3515 E Fletcher Ave., Tampa, FL 33613 USA
| | - Jun Tan
- Rashid Laboratory for Developmental Neurobiology, Silver Child Development Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, 3515 E Fletcher Ave., Tampa, FL 33613 USA
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20
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Feng D, Guo B, Liu G, Wang B, Wang W, Gao G, Qin H, Wu S. FGF2 alleviates PTSD symptoms in rats by restoring GLAST function in astrocytes via the JAK/STAT pathway. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2015; 25:1287-99. [PMID: 25979764 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2015.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2015] [Revised: 04/06/2015] [Accepted: 04/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
In our previous study, we demonstrated that fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) administration alleviated posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms via an "astrocyte-related" mechanism. We further investigated the changes in the astrocytic glutamate transporters GLAST and GLT-1 and in JAK/STAT3 signaling (which is involved in astrocyte activation and GLAST/GLT-1 function) in single prolonged stress (SPS) model rats. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), Western blot and immunohistochemistry analyses revealed a significant SPS-induced increase in the concentration of glutamate in the cerebrospinal fluid and decrease in GLAST/GLT-1 expression and JAK/STAT3 signaling. Treatment with FGF2 significantly alleviated GLAST/GLT-1 dysfunction, JAK/STAT3 signaling inhibition, and the behavioral abnormalities. The administration of the JAK/STAT pathway inhibitor AG490 blocked the effects of FGF2 on PTSD symptoms, astrocyte activation, and GLAST, but not GLT-1, expression in vivo and in vitro. Our findings suggest that astrocytic JAK/STAT signaling is associated with SPS-induced GLAST dysfunction and that FGF2 protects against PTSD symptoms by restoring astrocytic glutamate uptake via the JAK/STAT signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dayun Feng
- Department of Neurobiology and Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, PR China; Department of Neurosurgery and Institute for Functional Brain Disorders, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, PR China
| | - Baolin Guo
- Department of Neurobiology and Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, PR China
| | - Gaohua Liu
- Department of Psychosomatics, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, PR China
| | - Bao Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery and Institute for Functional Brain Disorders, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, PR China
| | - Wen Wang
- Department of Neurobiology and Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, PR China
| | - Guodong Gao
- Department of Neurosurgery and Institute for Functional Brain Disorders, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, PR China
| | - Huaizhou Qin
- Department of Neurosurgery and Institute for Functional Brain Disorders, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, PR China.
| | - Shengxi Wu
- Department of Neurobiology and Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, PR China.
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21
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Hwang SR, Kim CY, Shin KM, Jo JH, Kim HA, Heo Y. Altered expression levels of neurodevelopmental proteins in fetal brains of BTBR T+tf/J mice with autism-like behavioral characteristics. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART A 2015; 78:516-523. [PMID: 25849768 DOI: 10.1080/15287394.2015.1010466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Autism is a brain developmental disorder with characteristics of social interaction defects, language and communication dysfunction, and repetitive behavior. Occurrence of autism is continuously increasing, but the cause of autism is not clearly defined. Genetic linkage or environmental factors were proposed as sources for pathogenesis of autism. BTBR T+tf/J (BTBR) mice were reported as an appropriate animal model for autism investigation because of their similarities in behavioral abnormalities with human autistic subjects. The aim of this study was to evaluate expression levels of proteins involved with brain development at fetal stage of BTBR mice. FVB/NJ mice were used as a control strain because of their social behaviors. Level of fetal brain immunoglobulin (Ig) G deposit was also evaluated. Fetal brains were obtained at d 18 of gestational period. Thirty-one and 27 fetuses were obtained from 3 pregnant BTBR and FVB dams, respectively. The level of glial fibrillary acidic protein expression was significantly lower in fetal brains of BTBR than FVB/NJ mice. Expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and myelin basic protein was significantly more upregulated in BTBR than in FVB/NJ mice. No significant difference was obtained for nerve growth factor between the two strains. Levels of IgG isotypes deposited in fetal brain of BTBR mice were significantly higher than in FVB mice except for IgG1. Overall, these results suggest that prenatal alterations in expression of various fetal brain proteins may be implicated in aberrant behavioral characteristics of BTBR mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- So-Ryeon Hwang
- a Department of Occupational Health , College of Medical and Public Health Sciences, Catholic University of Daegu , Gyeongsan-si , Republic of Korea
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22
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Lee KM, Chiu KB, Renner NA, Sansing HA, Didier PJ, MacLean AG. Form follows function: astrocyte morphology and immune dysfunction in SIV neuroAIDS. J Neurovirol 2014; 20:474-84. [PMID: 24970236 DOI: 10.1007/s13365-014-0267-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2014] [Revised: 04/22/2014] [Accepted: 06/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Cortical function is disrupted in neuroinflammatory disorders, including HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND). Astrocyte dysfunction includes retraction of foot processes from the blood-brain barrier and decreased removal of neurotransmitters from synaptic clefts. Mechanisms of astrocyte activation, including innate immune function and the fine neuroanatomy of astrocytes, however, remain to be investigated. We quantified the number of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-labeled astrocytes per square millimeter and the proportion of astrocytes immunopositive for Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) to examine innate immune activation in astrocytes. We also performed detailed morphometric analyses of gray and white matter astrocytes in the frontal and parietal lobes of rhesus macaques infected with simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV), both with and without encephalitis, an established model of AIDS neuropathogenesis. Protoplasmic astrocytes (gray matter) and fibrous astrocytes (deep white matter) were imaged, and morphometric features were analyzed using Neurolucida. Gray matter and white matter astrocytes showed no change in cell body size in animals infected with SIV regardless of encephalitic status. In SIV-infected macaques, both gray and white matter astrocytes had shorter, less ramified processes, resulting in decreased cell arbor compared with controls. SIV-infected macaques with encephalitis showed decreases in arbor length in white matter astrocytes and reduced complexity in gray matter astrocytes compared to controls. These results provide the first evidence that innate immune activation of astrocytes is linked to altered cortical astrocyte morphology in SIV/HIV infection. Here, we demonstrate that astrocyte remodeling is correlated with infection. Perturbed neuron-glia signaling may be a driving factor in the development of HAND.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim M Lee
- Tulane National Primate Research Center, Covington, LA, USA
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23
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Zeidán-Chuliá F, de Oliveira BHN, Salmina AB, Casanova MF, Gelain DP, Noda M, Verkhratsky A, Moreira JCF. Altered expression of Alzheimer's disease-related genes in the cerebellum of autistic patients: a model for disrupted brain connectome and therapy. Cell Death Dis 2014; 5:e1250. [PMID: 24853428 PMCID: PMC4047885 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2014.227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2014] [Revised: 04/13/2014] [Accepted: 04/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Autism and Alzheimer's disease (AD) are, respectively, neurodevelopmental and degenerative diseases with an increasing epidemiological burden. The AD-associated amyloid-β precursor protein-α has been shown to be elevated in severe autism, leading to the 'anabolic hypothesis' of its etiology. Here we performed a focused microarray analysis of genes belonging to NOTCH and WNT signaling cascades, as well as genes related to AD and apoptosis pathways in cerebellar samples from autistic individuals, to provide further evidence for pathological relevance of these cascades for autism. By using the limma package from R and false discovery rate, we demonstrated that 31% (116 out of 374) of the genes belonging to these pathways displayed significant changes in expression (corrected P-values <0.05), with mitochondria-related genes being the most downregulated. We also found upregulation of GRIN1, the channel-forming subunit of NMDA glutamate receptors, and MAP3K1, known activator of the JNK and ERK pathways with anti-apoptotic effect. Expression of PSEN2 (presinilin 2) and APBB1 (or F65) were significantly lower when compared with control samples. Based on these results, we propose a model of NMDA glutamate receptor-mediated ERK activation of α-secretase activity and mitochondrial adaptation to apoptosis that may explain the early brain overgrowth and disruption of synaptic plasticity and connectome in autism. Finally, systems pharmacology analyses of the model that integrates all these genes together (NOWADA) highlighted magnesium (Mg(2+)) and rapamycin as most efficient drugs to target this network model in silico. Their potential therapeutic application, in the context of autism, is therefore discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Zeidán-Chuliá
- Centro de Estudos em Estresse Oxidativo, Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - B-H N de Oliveira
- Centro de Estudos em Estresse Oxidativo, Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - A B Salmina
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical, Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Chemistry, Krasnoyarsk State Medical University, Krasnoyarsk, Russia
| | - M F Casanova
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - D P Gelain
- Centro de Estudos em Estresse Oxidativo, Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - M Noda
- Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - A Verkhratsky
- 1] Faculty of Life Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK [2] IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain [3] Department of Neurosciences, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain
| | - J C F Moreira
- Centro de Estudos em Estresse Oxidativo, Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
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