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Giua G, Strauss B, Lassalle O, Chavis P, Manzoni OJ. Adaptive group behavior of Fragile X mice in unfamiliar environments. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2024; 135:111111. [PMID: 39074527 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2024.111111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 07/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024]
Abstract
Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) stands out as a prominent cause of inherited intellectual disability and a prevalent disorder closely linked to autism. FXS is characterized by substantial alterations in social behavior, encompassing social withdrawal, avoidance of eye contact, heightened social anxiety, increased arousal levels, language deficits, and challenges in regulating emotions. Conventional behavioral assessments primarily focus on short-term interactions within controlled settings. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive examination of the adaptive group behavior of Fmr1 KO male mice over a three-day period, without introducing experimental interventions or task-based evaluations. The data unveiled intricate behavioral anomalies, with the most significant changes manifesting during the initial adaptation to unfamiliar environments. Notably, certain behaviors exhibited a gradual return to typical patterns over time. This dynamic Fmr1 KO phenotype exhibited heightened activity, featuring increased exploration, amplified social interest, and an unconventional approach to social interactions characterized by a higher frequency of shorter engagements. These findings contribute to the growing understanding of social behavior in individuals with FXS and underscore the significance of comprehending their adaptive responses in various environmental contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Giua
- INMED, INSERM U1249, Marseille, France; Aix-Marseille University, France
| | - Benjamin Strauss
- INMED, INSERM U1249, Marseille, France; Aix-Marseille University, France
| | - Olivier Lassalle
- INMED, INSERM U1249, Marseille, France; Aix-Marseille University, France
| | - Pascale Chavis
- INMED, INSERM U1249, Marseille, France; Aix-Marseille University, France
| | - Olivier J Manzoni
- INMED, INSERM U1249, Marseille, France; Aix-Marseille University, France.
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Westmark PR, Gholston AK, Swietlik TJ, Maganti RK, Westmark CJ. Ketogenic Diet Affects Sleep Architecture in C57BL/6J Wild Type and Fragile X Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14460. [PMID: 37833907 PMCID: PMC10572443 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Nearly half of children with fragile X syndrome experience sleep problems including trouble falling asleep and frequent nighttime awakenings. The goals here were to assess sleep-wake cycles in mice in response to Fmr1 genotype and a dietary intervention that reduces hyperactivity. Electroencephalography (EEG) results were compared with published rest-activity patterns to determine if actigraphy is a viable surrogate for sleep EEG. Specifically, sleep-wake patterns in adult wild type and Fmr1KO littermate mice were recorded after EEG electrode implantation and the recordings manually scored for vigilance states. The data indicated that Fmr1KO mice exhibited sleep-wake patterns similar to wild type littermates when maintained on a control purified ingredient diet. Treatment with a high-fat, low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet increased the percentage of non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep in both wild type and Fmr1KO mice during the dark cycle, which corresponded to decreased activity levels. Treatment with a ketogenic diet flattened diurnal sleep periodicity in both wild type and Fmr1KO mice. Differences in several sleep microstructure outcomes (number and length of sleep and wake bouts) supported the altered sleep states in response to a ketogenic diet and were correlated with altered rest-activity cycles. While actigraphy may be a less expensive, reduced labor surrogate for sleep EEG during the dark cycle, daytime resting in mice did not correlate with EEG sleep states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela R. Westmark
- Department of Neurology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA; (P.R.W.); (A.K.G.); (T.J.S.); (R.K.M.)
| | - Aaron K. Gholston
- Department of Neurology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA; (P.R.W.); (A.K.G.); (T.J.S.); (R.K.M.)
- Molecular Environmental Toxicology Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Timothy J. Swietlik
- Department of Neurology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA; (P.R.W.); (A.K.G.); (T.J.S.); (R.K.M.)
| | - Rama K. Maganti
- Department of Neurology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA; (P.R.W.); (A.K.G.); (T.J.S.); (R.K.M.)
| | - Cara J. Westmark
- Department of Neurology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA; (P.R.W.); (A.K.G.); (T.J.S.); (R.K.M.)
- Molecular Environmental Toxicology Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA
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Premoli M, Fyke W, Bellocchio L, Lemaire V, Wolley-Roberts M, Bontempi B, Pietropaolo S. Early Administration of the Phytocannabinoid Cannabidivarin Prevents the Neurobehavioral Abnormalities Associated with the Fmr1-KO Mouse Model of Fragile X Syndrome. Cells 2023; 12:1927. [PMID: 37566006 PMCID: PMC10416983 DOI: 10.3390/cells12151927] [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] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Phytocannabinoids, including the non-addictive cannabis component cannabidivarin (CBDV), have been reported to hold therapeutic potential in several neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). Nonetheless, the therapeutic value of phytocannabinoids for treating Fragile X syndrome (FXS), a major NDD, remains unexplored. Here, we characterized the neurobehavioral effects of CBDV at doses of 20 or 100 mg/kg in the Fmr1-knockout (Fmr1-KO) mouse model of FXS using two temporally different intraperitoneal regimens: subchronic 10-day delivery during adulthood (Study 1: rescue treatment) or chronic 5-week delivery at adolescence (Study 2: preventive treatment). Behavioral tests assessing FXS-like abnormalities included anxiety, locomotor, cognitive, social and sensory alterations. Expression of inflammatory and plasticity markers was investigated in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. When administered during adulthood (Study 1), the effects of CBDV were marginal, rescuing at the lower dose only the acoustic hyper-responsiveness of Fmr1-KO mice and at both doses their altered hippocampal expression of neurotrophins. When administered during adolescence (Study 2), CBDV at both doses prevented the cognitive, social and acoustic alterations of adult Fmr1-KO mice and modified the expression of several inflammatory brain markers in both wild-type littermates and mutants. These findings warrant the therapeutic potential of CBDV for preventing neurobehavioral alterations associated with FXS, highlighting the relevance of its early administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marika Premoli
- CNRS, EPHE, INCIA, UMR 5287, Univ. Bordeaux, 33000 Bordeaux, France
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - William Fyke
- CNRS, EPHE, INCIA, UMR 5287, Univ. Bordeaux, 33000 Bordeaux, France
- Graduate Program in Neural and Behavioral Science, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, 450 Clarkson Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA
| | - Luigi Bellocchio
- INSERM, U1215 NeuroCentre Magendie, Group Endocannabinoids and Neuroadaptation, University of Bordeaux, 33077 Bordeaux, France
| | - Valerie Lemaire
- CNRS, EPHE, INCIA, UMR 5287, Univ. Bordeaux, 33000 Bordeaux, France
| | | | - Bruno Bontempi
- CNRS, EPHE, INCIA, UMR 5287, Univ. Bordeaux, 33000 Bordeaux, France
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Life B, Bettio LE, Gantois I, Christie BR, Leavitt BR. Progranulin is an FMRP target that influences macroorchidism but not behaviour in a mouse model of Fragile X Syndrome. CURRENT RESEARCH IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2023; 5:100094. [PMID: 37416094 PMCID: PMC10319828 DOI: 10.1016/j.crneur.2023.100094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
A growing body of evidence has implicated progranulin in neurodevelopment and indicated that aberrant progranulin expression may be involved in neurodevelopmental disease. Specifically, increased progranulin expression in the prefrontal cortex has been suggested to be pathologically relevant in male Fmr1 knockout (Fmr1 KO) mice, a mouse model of Fragile X Syndrome (FXS). Further investigation into the role of progranulin in FXS is warranted to determine if therapies that reduce progranulin expression represent a viable strategy for treating patients with FXS. Several key knowledge gaps remain. The mechanism of increased progranulin expression in Fmr1 KO mice is poorly understood and the extent of progranulin's involvement in FXS-like phenotypes in Fmr1 KO mice has been incompletely explored. To this end, we have performed a thorough characterization of progranulin expression in Fmr1 KO mice. We find that the phenomenon of increased progranulin expression is post-translational and tissue-specific. We also demonstrate for the first time an association between progranulin mRNA and FMRP, suggesting that progranulin mRNA is an FMRP target. Subsequently, we show that progranulin over-expression in Fmr1 wild-type mice causes reduced repetitive behaviour engagement in females and mild hyperactivity in males but is largely insufficient to recapitulate FXS-associated behavioural, morphological, and electrophysiological abnormalities. Lastly, we determine that genetic reduction of progranulin expression on an Fmr1 KO background reduces macroorchidism but does not alter other FXS-associated behaviours or biochemical phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Life
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6H 0B3, Canada
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 4H4, Canada
| | - Luis E.B. Bettio
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, V8P 5C2, Canada
| | - Ilse Gantois
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, H3A 2T5, Quebec, Canada
- Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Research Centre, McGill University, Montreal, H3A 2T5, Quebec, Canada
| | - Brian R. Christie
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, V8P 5C2, Canada
- Island Medical Program, University of British Columbia, Victoria, BC, V8P 5C2, Canada
- Center for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Blair R. Leavitt
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6H 0B3, Canada
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 4H4, Canada
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia Hospital, Vancouver, BC, V6T 2B5, Canada
- Center for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
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Sharghi S, Flunkert S, Daurer M, Rabl R, Chagnaud BP, Leopoldo M, Lacivita E, Hutter-Paier B, Prokesch M. Evaluating the effect of R-Baclofen and LP-211 on autistic behavior of the BTBR and Fmr1-KO mouse models. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1087788. [PMID: 37065917 PMCID: PMC10097904 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1087788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
IntroductionAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a persistent neurodevelopmental condition characterized by two core behavioral symptoms: impaired social communication and interaction, as well as stereotypic, repetitive behavior. No distinct cause of ASD is known so far; however, excitatory/inhibitory imbalance and a disturbed serotoninergic transmission have been identified as prominent candidates responsible for ASD etiology.MethodsThe GABAB receptor agonist R-Baclofen and the selective agonist for the 5HT7 serotonin receptor LP-211 have been reported to correct social deficits and repetitive behaviors in mouse models of ASD. To evaluate the efficacy of these compounds in more details, we treated BTBR T+ Itpr3tf/J and B6.129P2-Fmr1tm1Cgr/J mice acutely with R-Baclofen or LP-211 and evaluated the behavior of animals in a series of tests.ResultsBTBR mice showed motor deficits, elevated anxiety, and highly repetitive behavior of self-grooming. Fmr1-KO mice exhibited decreased anxiety and hyperactivity. Additionally, Fmr1-KO mice’s ultrasonic vocalizations were impaired suggesting a reduced social interest and communication of this strain. Acute LP-211 administration did not affect the behavioral abnormalities observed in BTBR mice but improved repetitive behavior in Fmr1-KO mice and showed a trend to change anxiety of this strain. Acute R-Baclofen treatment improved repetitive behavior only in Fmr1-KO mice.ConclusionOur results add value to the current available data on these mouse models and the respective compounds. Yet, additional studies are needed to further test R-Baclofen and LP-211 as potential treatments for ASD therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirin Sharghi
- Department of Neuropharmacology, QPS Austria GmbH, Grambach, Austria
- Institute for Biology, Karl-Franzens-Universität Graz, Graz, Austria
- *Correspondence: Shirin Sharghi,
| | - Stefanie Flunkert
- Department of Neuropharmacology, QPS Austria GmbH, Grambach, Austria
| | - Magdalena Daurer
- Department of Neuropharmacology, QPS Austria GmbH, Grambach, Austria
| | - Roland Rabl
- Department of Neuropharmacology, QPS Austria GmbH, Grambach, Austria
| | | | - Marcello Leopoldo
- Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Enza Lacivita
- Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | | | - Manuela Prokesch
- Department of Neuropharmacology, QPS Austria GmbH, Grambach, Austria
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Fmr1-KO mice failure to detect object novelty associates with a post-test decrease of structural and synaptic plasticity upstream of the hippocampus. Sci Rep 2023; 13:755. [PMID: 36641518 PMCID: PMC9840621 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-27991-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Mice with deletion of the FMR1 gene show episodic memory impairments and exhibit dendritic spines and synaptic plasticity defects prevalently identified in non-training conditions. Based on evidence that synaptic changes associated with normal or abnormal memory emerge when mice are cognitively challenged, here we examine whether, and how, fragile entorhinal and hippocampal synapses are remodeled when mice succeed or fail to learn. We trained Fmr1 knockout (KO) and wild-type C57BL/6J (WT) mice in the novel object recognition (NOR) paradigm with 1 h or 24 h training-to-test intervals and then assessed whether varying the time between the presentation of similar and different objects modulates NOR performance and plasticity along the entorhinal cortex-hippocampus axis. At the 1 h-interval, KO mice failed to discriminate the novel object, showed a collapse of spines in the lateral entorhinal cortex (LEC), and of long-term potentiation (LTP) in the lateral perforant path (LPP), but a normal increase in hippocampal spines. At the 24 h, they exhibited intact NOR performance, typical LEC and hippocampal spines, and exaggerated LPP-LTP. Our findings reveal that the inability of mice to detect object novelty primarily stands in their impediment to elaborate, and convey to the hippocampus, sensory/perceptive object representations.
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Petroni V, Subashi E, Premoli M, Memo M, Lemaire V, Pietropaolo S. Long-term behavioral effects of prenatal stress in the Fmr1-knock-out mouse model for fragile X syndrome. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:917183. [PMID: 36385949 PMCID: PMC9647640 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.917183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is a major neurodevelopmental disorder and the most common monogenic cause of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). FXS is caused by a mutation in the X-linked FMR1 gene leading to the absence of the FMRP protein, inducing several behavioral deficits, including motor, emotional, cognitive, and social abnormalities. Beside its clear genetic origins, FXS can be modulated by environmental factors, e.g., stress exposure: indeed the behavioral phenotype of FXS, as well as of ASD patients can be exacerbated by the repeated experience of stressful events, especially early in life. Here we investigated the long-term effects of prenatal exposure to unpredictable chronic stress on the behavioral phenotype of the Fmr1-knock-out (KO) mouse model for FXS and ASD. Mice were tested for FXS- and ASD-relevant behaviors first at adulthood (3 months) and then at aging (18 months), in order to assess the persistence and the potential time-related progression of the stress effects. Stress induced the selective emergence of behavioral deficits in Fmr1-KO mice that were evident in spatial memory only at aging. Stress also exerted several age-specific behavioral effects in mice of both genotypes: at adulthood it enhanced anxiety levels and reduced social interaction, while at aging it enhanced locomotor activity and reduced the complexity of ultrasonic calls. Our findings underline the relevance of gene-environment interactions in mouse models of neurodevelopmental syndromes and highlight the long-term behavioral impact of prenatal stress in laboratory mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Petroni
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, INCIA, UMR 5287, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Enejda Subashi
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, INCIA, UMR 5287, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Marika Premoli
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Maurizio Memo
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Valerie Lemaire
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, INCIA, UMR 5287, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Susanna Pietropaolo
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, INCIA, UMR 5287, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
- *Correspondence: Susanna Pietropaolo,
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The role of the dorsal striatum in a mouse model for fragile X syndrome: Behavioral and dendritic spine assessment. Brain Res 2022; 1795:148060. [PMID: 36030973 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2022.148060] [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: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS), a leading monogenic cause of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), typically occurs as the result of a mutation silencing the Fmr1 gene, preventing production of the fragile X messenger ribonucleoprotein (FMRP). FXS is characterized, in part, by hyperactivity, impaired behavioral flexibility, and the development of repetitive, or stereotyped, behaviors. While these phenotypes are influenced by striatal activity, few studies have examined FXS or FMRP in the context of striatal function. Here, we report enhanced repetitive behaviors in Fmr1 knockout (KO) compared to wild type (WT) mice according to multiple measures, including quantity and intensity of stereotypic behaviors in an open field and nose poking activity in an unbaited hole board test. However, using a baited version of the hole board assay, we see that KO mice do show some behavioral flexibility in that they make changes in their nose poking behavior following familiarization with an appetitive bait. By contrast, repeated exposure to cocaine (15 mg/kg) promotes repetitive behavior in both WT and KO mice, in a manner mostly independent of genotype. Branch length alterations in medium spiny neurons (MSNs) of the dorsolateral striatum (DLS) are similar between WT cocaine-treated and KO saline-treated mice, possibly suggesting shared synaptic mechanisms. Overall, we suggest that scoring open field behavior is a sensitive measure for repetitive sensory-motor behaviors in Fmr1 KO mice. In addition, our findings show that synaptic contacts onto MSNs in the DLS should be examined in conjunction with measures of stereotypical behavior.
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Monday HR, Kharod SC, Yoon YJ, Singer RH, Castillo PE. Presynaptic FMRP and local protein synthesis support structural and functional plasticity of glutamatergic axon terminals. Neuron 2022; 110:2588-2606.e6. [PMID: 35728596 PMCID: PMC9391299 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2022.05.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Learning and memory rely on long-lasting, synapse-specific modifications. Although postsynaptic forms of plasticity typically require local protein synthesis, whether and how local protein synthesis contributes to presynaptic changes remain unclear. Here, we examined the mouse hippocampal mossy fiber (MF)-CA3 synapse, which expresses both structural and functional presynaptic plasticity and contains presynaptic fragile X messenger ribonucleoprotein (FMRP), an RNA-binding protein involved in postsynaptic protein-synthesis-dependent plasticity. We report that MF boutons contain ribosomes and synthesize protein locally. The long-term potentiation of MF-CA3 synaptic transmission (MF-LTP) was associated with the translation-dependent enlargement of MF boutons. Remarkably, increasing in vitro or in vivo MF activity enhanced the protein synthesis in MFs. Moreover, the deletion of presynaptic FMRP blocked structural and functional MF-LTP, suggesting that FMRP is a critical regulator of presynaptic MF plasticity. Thus, presynaptic FMRP and protein synthesis dynamically control presynaptic structure and function in the mature mammalian brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah R Monday
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, New York, NY 10461, USA.
| | - Shivani C Kharod
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, New York, NY 10461, USA
| | - Young J Yoon
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, New York, NY 10461, USA; Department of Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, New York, NY 10461, USA
| | - Robert H Singer
- Department of Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, New York, NY 10461, USA
| | - Pablo E Castillo
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, New York, NY 10461, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, New York, NY 10461, USA.
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Dey R, Chattarji S. The same stress elicits different effects on anxiety-like behavior in rat models of Fmr1 and Pten. Behav Brain Res 2022; 428:113892. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2022.113892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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Payán-Gómez C, Ramirez-Cheyne J, Saldarriaga W. Variable Expressivity in Fragile X Syndrome: Towards the Identification of Molecular Characteristics That Modify the Phenotype. Appl Clin Genet 2021; 14:305-312. [PMID: 34262328 PMCID: PMC8273740 DOI: 10.2147/tacg.s265835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS), is an X-linked inherited genetic disease. FXS is the leading cause of inherited intellectual disability and autism in the world. Those affected are characterized by intellectual disability, language deficit, typical facies, and macroorchidism. Alterations in the FMR1 gene have been associated with FXS. The majority of people with this condition have an allele with an expansion of more than 200 repeats in a tract of CGGs within the 5' untranslated region, and this expansion is associated with a hypermethylated state of the gene promoter. FXS has incomplete penetrance and variable expressivity. Intellectual disability is present in 100% of males and 60% of females. Autism spectrum disorder symptoms appear in 50% to 60% of males and 20% of females. Other characteristics such as behavioral and physical alterations have significant variations in presentation frequency. The molecular causes of the variable phenotype in FXS patients are becoming clear: these causes are related to the FMR1 gene itself and to secondary, modifying gene effects. In FXS patients, size and methylation mosaicisms are common. Secondary to mosaicism, there is a variation in the quantity of FMR1 mRNA and the protein coded by the gene Fragile Mental Retardation Protein (FMRP). Potential modifier genes have also been proposed, with conflicting results. Characterizing patients according to CGG expansion, methylation status, concentration of mRNA and FMRP, and genotypification for possible modifier genes in a clinical setting offers an opportunity to identify predictors for treatment response evaluation. When intervention strategies become available to modulate the course of the disease they could be crucial for selecting patients and identifying the best therapeutic intervention. The purpose of this review is to present the information available about the molecular causes of the variability of the expression incomplete penetrance and variable expressivity in FXS and their potential clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- César Payán-Gómez
- Deparment of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Julian Ramirez-Cheyne
- Health Faculty, Universidad del Valle, Cali, Colombia
- Hospital Universitario del Valle, Cali, Colombia
| | - Wilmar Saldarriaga
- Health Faculty, Universidad del Valle, Cali, Colombia
- Hospital Universitario del Valle, Cali, Colombia
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Huebschman JL, Davis MC, Tovar Pensa C, Guo Y, Smith LN. The fragile X mental retardation protein promotes adjustments in cocaine self-administration that preserve reinforcement level. Eur J Neurosci 2021; 54:4920-4933. [PMID: 34133054 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Revised: 05/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
The fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP), an RNA-binding protein, regulates cocaine-induced neuronal plasticity and is critical for the normal development of drug-induced locomotor sensitization, as well as reward-related learning in the conditioned place preference assay. However, it is unknown whether FMRP impacts behaviors that are used to more closely model substance use disorders. Utilizing a cocaine intravenous self-administration (IVSA) assay in Fmr1 knockout (KO) and wild-type (WT) littermate mice, we find that, despite normal acquisition and extinction learning, Fmr1 KO mice fail to make a normal upward shift in responding during dose-response testing. Later, when given access to the original acquisition dose under increasing fixed ratio (FR) schedules of reinforcement (FR1, FR3, and FR5), Fmr1 KO mice earn significantly fewer cocaine infusions than WT mice. Importantly, similar deficits are not present in operant conditioning using a palatable food reinforcer, indicating that our results do not represent broad learning or reward-related deficits in Fmr1 KO mice. Additionally, we find an FMRP target, the activity-regulated cytoskeleton-associated protein (Arc), to be significantly reduced in synaptic cellular fractions prepared from the nucleus accumbens of Fmr1 KO, compared with WT, mice following operant tasks reinforced with cocaine but not food. Overall, our findings suggest that FMRP facilitates adjustments in drug self-administration behavior that generally serve to preserve reinforcement level, and combined with our similar IVSA findings in Arc KO mice may implicate Arc, along with FMRP, in behavioral shifts that occur in drug taking when drug availability is altered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L Huebschman
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, Texas, USA.,Texas A&M Institute for Neuroscience, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Megan C Davis
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, Texas, USA
| | - Catherina Tovar Pensa
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, Texas, USA
| | - Yuhong Guo
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, Texas, USA
| | - Laura N Smith
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, Texas, USA.,Texas A&M Institute for Neuroscience, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
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13
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The m 6A-epitranscriptome in brain plasticity, learning and memory. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2021; 125:110-121. [PMID: 34053866 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2021.05.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Activity-dependent gene expression and protein translation underlie the ability of neurons to dynamically adjust their synaptic strength in response to sensory experience and during learning. The emerging field of epitranscriptomics (RNA modifications) has rapidly shifted our views on the mechanisms that regulate gene expression. Among hundreds of biochemical modifications on RNA, N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant reversible mRNA modification in the brain. Its dynamic nature and ability to regulate all aspects of mRNA processing have positioned m6A as an important and versatile regulator of nervous system functions, including neuronal plasticity, learning and memory. In this review, we summarise recent experimental evidence that supports the role of m6A signalling in learning and memory, as well as providing an overview of the underlying molecular mechanisms in neurons. We also discuss the consequences of perturbed m6A signalling and/or its regulatory networks which are increasingly being linked to various cognitive disorders in humans.
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14
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Goo N, Bae HJ, Park K, Kim J, Jeong Y, Cai M, Cho K, Jung SY, Kim DH, Ryu JH. The effect of fecal microbiota transplantation on autistic-like behaviors in Fmr1 KO mice. Life Sci 2020; 262:118497. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.118497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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15
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Altered anxiety and social behaviors in a mouse model of Fragile X syndrome treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy. J Clin Neurosci 2020; 73:245-251. [PMID: 32067828 DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2020.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Revised: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is a common mental retardation syndrome. Anxiety and abnormal social behaviors are prominent features of FXS in humans. To better understand the effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) on these behaviors, we analyzed anxiety-related and social behaviors in Fmr1 knockout mice treated by HBOT. In the open field test, HBOT group mice preferred the periphery to central areas and tended to run or walk along the wall. The results suggested that thigmotaxis was significantly increased in the HBOT group compared with the control group. In the elevated plus maze test, the percentage of distance traveled was significantly increased in the open arm and significantly decreased in the closed arm for HBOT group mice compared with control group mice. These results suggested that HBOT group mice displayed enhanced motor activity in the open arm and exhibited fewer anxiety-related behaviors. In the three-chambered social approach test, the HBOT group mice made more approaches to the wire cup containing an acquaintance mouse than control group mice in the sociability test and made more approaches to the wire cup containing a stranger mouse than control group mice in the social novelty preference test. The results suggested that HBOT group mice showed increased levels of social interaction and decreased "social anxiety" than the control group to partner mice in this test. Our findings indicated that HBOT resulted in altered anxiety and social behavior in Fmr1 knockout mice and could possibly be used as a treatment for FXS.
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16
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Bertoldi ML, Zalosnik MI, Fabio MC, Aja S, Roth GA, Ronnett GV, Degano AL. MeCP2 Deficiency Disrupts Kainate-Induced Presynaptic Plasticity in the Mossy Fiber Projections in the Hippocampus. Front Cell Neurosci 2019; 13:286. [PMID: 31333414 PMCID: PMC6619486 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2019.00286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2019] [Accepted: 06/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Methyl cytosine binding protein 2 (MeCP2) is a structural chromosomal protein involved in the regulation of gene expression. Mutations in the gene encoding MeCP2 result in Rett Syndrome (RTT), a pervasive neurodevelopmental disorder. RTT is one of few autism spectrum disorders whose cause was identified as a single gene mutation. Remarkably, abnormal levels of MeCP2 have been associated to other neurodevelopmental disorders, as well as neuropsychiatric disorders. Therefore, many studies have been oriented to investigate the role of MeCP2 in the nervous system. In the present work, we explore cellular and molecular mechanisms affecting synaptic plasticity events in vivo in the hippocampus of MeCP2 mutant mice. While most studies addressed postsynaptic defects in the absence of MeCP2, we took advantage of an in vivo activity-paradigm (seizures), two models of MeCP2 deficiency, and neurobiological assays to reveal novel defects in presynaptic structural plasticity in the hippocampus in RTT rodent models. These approaches allowed us to determine that MeCP2 mutations alter presynaptic components, i.e., disrupts the plastic response of mossy fibers to synaptic activity and results in reduced axonal growth which is correlated with imbalanced trophic and guidance support, associated with aberrant expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and semaphorin 3F. Our results also revealed that adult-born granule cells recapitulate maturational defects that have been only shown at early postnatal ages. As these cells do not mature timely, they may not integrate properly into the adult hippocampal circuitry. Finally, we performed a hippocampal-dependent test that revealed defective spatial memory in these mice. Altogether, our studies establish a model that allows us to evaluate the effect of the manipulation of specific pathways involved in axonal guidance, synaptogenesis, or maturation in specific circuits and correlate it with changes in behavior. Understanding the mechanisms underlying the neuronal compromise caused by mutations in MeCP2 could provide information on the pathogenic mechanism of autistic spectrum disorders and improve our understanding of brain development and molecular basis of behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Laura Bertoldi
- Departamento de Química Biológica Ranwel Caputto, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Córdoba, Argentina.,Centro de Investigaciones en Química Biológica de Córdoba (CIQUIBIC), CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Maria Ines Zalosnik
- Departamento de Química Biológica Ranwel Caputto, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Córdoba, Argentina.,Centro de Investigaciones en Química Biológica de Córdoba (CIQUIBIC), CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Maria Carolina Fabio
- Instituto de Investigaciones Médicas Mercedes y Martin Ferreyra (INIMEC), CONICET, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Susan Aja
- Center for Metabolism and Obesity Research, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - German A Roth
- Departamento de Química Biológica Ranwel Caputto, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Córdoba, Argentina.,Centro de Investigaciones en Química Biológica de Córdoba (CIQUIBIC), CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Gabriele V Ronnett
- Center for Metabolism and Obesity Research, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States.,Department of Neuroscience, The Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Alicia L Degano
- Departamento de Química Biológica Ranwel Caputto, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Córdoba, Argentina.,Centro de Investigaciones en Química Biológica de Córdoba (CIQUIBIC), CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
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17
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Verma V, Paul A, Amrapali Vishwanath A, Vaidya B, Clement JP. Understanding intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorders from common mouse models: synapses to behaviour. Open Biol 2019; 9:180265. [PMID: 31185809 PMCID: PMC6597757 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.180265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Normal brain development is highly dependent on the timely coordinated actions of genetic and environmental processes, and an aberration can lead to neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). Intellectual disability (ID) and autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a group of co-occurring NDDs that affect between 3% and 5% of the world population, thus presenting a great challenge to society. This problem calls for the need to understand the pathobiology of these disorders and to design new therapeutic strategies. One approach towards this has been the development of multiple analogous mouse models. This review discusses studies conducted in the mouse models of five major monogenic causes of ID and ASDs: Fmr1, Syngap1, Mecp2, Shank2/3 and Neuroligins/Neurnexins. These studies reveal that, despite having a diverse molecular origin, the effects of these mutations converge onto similar or related aetiological pathways, consequently giving rise to the typical phenotype of cognitive, social and emotional deficits that are characteristic of ID and ASDs. This convergence, therefore, highlights common pathological nodes that can be targeted for therapy. Other than conventional therapeutic strategies such as non-pharmacological corrective methods and symptomatic alleviation, multiple studies in mouse models have successfully proved the possibility of pharmacological and genetic therapy enabling functional recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijaya Verma
- Neuroscience Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research , Jakkur, Bengaluru 560 064, Karnataka, India
| | - Abhik Paul
- Neuroscience Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research , Jakkur, Bengaluru 560 064, Karnataka, India
| | - Anjali Amrapali Vishwanath
- Neuroscience Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research , Jakkur, Bengaluru 560 064, Karnataka, India
| | - Bhupesh Vaidya
- Neuroscience Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research , Jakkur, Bengaluru 560 064, Karnataka, India
| | - James P Clement
- Neuroscience Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research , Jakkur, Bengaluru 560 064, Karnataka, India
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18
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Angelakos CC, Tudor JC, Ferri SL, Jongens TA, Abel T. Home-cage hypoactivity in mouse genetic models of autism spectrum disorder. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2019; 165:107000. [PMID: 30797034 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2019.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2017] [Revised: 11/28/2018] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Genome-wide association and whole exome sequencing studies from Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) patient populations have implicated numerous risk factor genes whose mutation or deletion results in significantly increased incidence of ASD. Behavioral studies of monogenic mutant mouse models of ASD-associated genes have been useful for identifying aberrant neural circuitry. However, behavioral results often differ from lab to lab, and studies incorporating both males and females are often not performed despite the significant sex-bias of ASD. In this study, we sought to investigate the simple, passive behavior of home-cage activity monitoring across multiple 24-h days in four different monogenic mouse models of ASD: Shank3b-/-, Cntnap2-/-, Pcdh10+/-, and Fmr1 knockout mice. Relative to sex-matched wildtype (WT) littermates, we discovered significant home-cage hypoactivity, particularly in the dark (active) phase of the light/dark cycle, in male mice of all four ASD-associated transgenic models. For Cntnap2-/- and Pcdh10+/- mice, these activity alterations were sex-specific, as female mice did not exhibit home-cage activity differences relative to sex-matched WT controls. These home-cage hypoactivity alterations differ from activity findings previously reported using short-term activity measurements in a novel open field. Despite circadian problems reported in human ASD patients, none of the mouse models studied had alterations in free-running circadian period. Together, these findings highlight a shared phenotype across several monogenic mouse models of ASD, outline the importance of methodology on behavioral interpretation, and in some genetic lines parallel the male-enhanced phenotypic presentation observed in human ASDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher C Angelakos
- Neuroscience Graduate Group, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
| | - Jennifer C Tudor
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States; Department of Biology, Saint Joseph's University, Philadelphia, PA 19131, United States
| | - Sarah L Ferri
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States; Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States
| | - Thomas A Jongens
- Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
| | - Ted Abel
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States; Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States.
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19
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Zhang T, Zhang S, Song X, Zhao X, Hou C, Li Z, Gao J. Loss of Lgl1 Disrupts the Radial Glial Fiber-guided Cortical Neuronal Migration and Causes Subcortical Band Heterotopia in Mice. Neuroscience 2018; 400:132-145. [PMID: 30597194 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2018.12.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Revised: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Radial glial cells (RGCs) are neuronal progenitors and function as scaffolds for neuronal radial migration in the developing cerebral cortex. These functions depend on a polarized radial glial scaffold, which is of fundamental importance for brain development. Lethal giant larvae 1 (Lgl1), a key regulator for cell polarity from Drosophila to mammals, plays a key role in tumorigenesis and brain development. To overcome neonatal lethality in Lgl1-null mice and clarify the role of Lgl1 in mouse cerebral cortex development and function, we created Lgl1 dorsal telencephalon-specific knockout mice mediated by Emx1-Cre. Lgl1Emx1 conditional knockout (CKO) mice had normal life spans and could be used for function research. Histology results revealed that the mutant mice displayed an ectopic cortical mass in the dorsolateral hemispheric region between the normotopic cortex and the subcortical white matter, resembling human subcortical band heterotopia (SBH). The Lgl1Emx1 CKO cortex showed disrupted adherens junctions (AJs), which were accompanied by ectopic RGCs and intermediate progenitors, and disorganization of the radial glial fiber system. The early- and late-born neurons failed to reach the destined position along the disrupted radial glial fiber scaffold and instead accumulated in ectopic positions and formed SBH. Additionally, the absence of Lgl1 led to severe abnormalities in RGCs, including hyperproliferation, impaired differentiation, and increased apoptosis. Lgl1Emx1 CKO mice also displayed deficiencies in anxiety-related behaviors. We concluded that Lgl1 is essential for RGC development and neural migration during cerebral cortex development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Zhang
- School of Life Science and Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Experimental Teratology, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, China
| | - Sen Zhang
- School of Life Science and Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Experimental Teratology, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, China
| | - Xinli Song
- School of Life Science and Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Experimental Teratology, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, China
| | - Xiaohan Zhao
- School of Life Science and Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Experimental Teratology, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, China
| | - Congzhe Hou
- School of Life Science and Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Experimental Teratology, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, China
| | - Zhenzu Li
- Department of Bioengineering, Shandong Polytechnic, Jinan 250104, China
| | - Jiangang Gao
- School of Life Science and Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Experimental Teratology, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, China.
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20
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Pinar C, Yau SY, Sharp Z, Shamei A, Fontaine CJ, Meconi AL, Lottenberg CP, Christie BR. Effects of Voluntary Exercise on Cell Proliferation and Neurogenesis in the Dentate Gyrus of Adult FMR1 Knockout Mice. Brain Plast 2018; 4:185-195. [PMID: 30598869 PMCID: PMC6311353 DOI: 10.3233/bpl-170052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common cause of inherited intellectual disability that can be traced to a single gene mutation. This disorder is caused by the hypermethylation of the Fmr1 gene, which impairs translation of Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein (FMRP). In Fmr1 knockout (KO) mice, the loss of FMRP has been shown to negatively impact adult hippocampal neurogenesis, and to contribute to learning, memory, and emotional deficits. Conversely, physical exercise has been shown to enhance cognitive performance, emotional state, and increase adult hippocampal neurogenesis. In the current experiments, we used two different voluntary running paradigms to examine how exercise impacts adult neurogenesis in the dorsal and ventral hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG) of Fmr1 KO mice. Immunohistochemical analyses showed that short-term (7 day) voluntary running enhanced cell proliferation in both wild-type (WT) and Fmr1 KO mice. In contrast, long-term (28 day) running only enhanced cell proliferation in the whole DG of WT mice, but not in Fmr1 KO mice. Interestingly, cell survival was enhanced in both WT and Fmr1 KO mice following exercise. Interestingly we found that running promoted cell proliferation and survival in the ventral DG of WTs, but promoted cell survival in the dorsal DG of Fmr1 KOs. Our data indicate that long-term exercise has differential effects on adult neurogenesis in ventral and dorsal hippocampi in Fmr1 KO mice. These results suggest that physical training can enhance hippocampal neurogenesis in the absence of FMRP, may be a potential intervention to enhance learning and memory and emotional regulation in FXS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Pinar
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, British Columbia, VIC, Canada
| | - Suk-Yu Yau
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, British Columbia, VIC, Canada
| | - Zoe Sharp
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, British Columbia, VIC, Canada
| | - Arian Shamei
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, British Columbia, VIC, Canada
| | - Christine J Fontaine
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, British Columbia, VIC, Canada
| | - Alicia L Meconi
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, British Columbia, VIC, Canada
| | - Carina P Lottenberg
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, British Columbia, VIC, Canada
| | - Brian R Christie
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, British Columbia, VIC, Canada
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21
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Melancia F, Trezza V. Modelling fragile X syndrome in the laboratory setting: A behavioral perspective. Behav Brain Res 2018; 350:149-163. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2018.04.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2018] [Revised: 04/24/2018] [Accepted: 04/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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22
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Bausch AE, Ehinger R, Straubinger J, Zerfass P, Nann Y, Lukowski R. Loss of Sodium-Activated Potassium Channel Slack and FMRP Differentially Affect Social Behavior in Mice. Neuroscience 2018; 384:361-374. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2018.05.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2017] [Revised: 05/22/2018] [Accepted: 05/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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23
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Nolan SO, Lugo JN. Reversal learning paradigm reveals deficits in cognitive flexibility in the Fmr1 knockout male mouse. F1000Res 2018; 7:711. [PMID: 30057755 PMCID: PMC6051189 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.14969.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Loss of FMR1 is associated with Fragile X syndrome, amongst the most prevalent inherited intellectual disability. Despite extensive research in this area, previous studies have failed to detect consistent evidence of cognitive impairments in the Morris water maze (MWM) task in the Fmr1 knockout (KO) mouse. However, few studies have examined cognitive flexibility in a reversal form of the MWM task, which may illuminate subtle learning deficits. Methods: Adult male Fmr1 wildtype (WT) and KO mice were bred and tested in the MWM reversal paradigm. The testing paradigm consisted of two blocks per day, with 4 trials per block to locate a hidden platform. After the last trials on the fourth day of testing, the animals were given a probe trial with the platform removed. The following week, the location of the platform was switched to the opposite quadrant and the animals received 2 more days of testing, with 4 blocks in total. Results: As expected, Fmr1 KO mice did not display a learning deficit during the acquisition phase, F genotype (1, 24) = 0.034, p = 0.854, and performed similarly on the probe trial, F genotype (1, 23) = 0.024, p = 0.877. However, during the reversal phase of learning, Fmr1 KO mice showed deficits in their ability to learn the new location of the platform, F genotype (1, 23) = 3.93, p = 0.059. Further independent samples t-testing revealed that KO animals displayed significantly higher latency to reach the hidden platform during the third trial, t(23) = -2.96, p < 0.01. Conclusions: While previous studies have not demonstrated deficits in spatial memory in the Fmr1 KO model, it is possible that the acquisition phase of the task is less sensitive to deficits in learning. Future studies using this model to evaluate therapeutic interventions should consider utilizing the MWM reversal paradigm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne O. Nolan
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Baylor University, Waco, TX, 76798, USA
| | - Joaquin N. Lugo
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Baylor University, Waco, TX, 76798, USA
- Institute of Biomedical Studies, Baylor University, Waco, TX, 76798, USA
- Department of Biology, Baylor University, Waco, TX, 76798, USA
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24
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Zeidler S, Pop AS, Jaafar IA, de Boer H, Buijsen RAM, de Esch CEF, Nieuwenhuizen‐Bakker I, Hukema RK, Willemsen R. Paradoxical effect of baclofen on social behavior in the fragile X syndrome mouse model. Brain Behav 2018; 8:e00991. [PMID: 29785777 PMCID: PMC5991574 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Revised: 03/29/2018] [Accepted: 03/31/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is a common monogenetic cause of intellectual disability, autism spectrum features, and a broad range of other psychiatric and medical problems. FXS is caused by the lack of the fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP), a translational regulator of specific mRNAs at the postsynaptic compartment. The absence of FMRP leads to aberrant synaptic plasticity, which is believed to be caused by an imbalance in excitatory and inhibitory network functioning of the synapse. Evidence from studies in mice demonstrates that GABA, the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, and its receptors, is involved in the pathogenesis of FXS. Moreover, several FXS phenotypes, including social behavior deficits, could be corrected in Fmr1 KO mice after acute treatment with GABAB agonists. METHODS As FXS would probably require a lifelong treatment, we investigated the effect of chronic treatment with the GABAB agonist baclofen on social behavior in Fmr1 KO mice on two behavioral paradigms for social behavior: the automated tube test and the three-chamber sociability test. RESULTS Unexpectedly, chronic baclofen treatment resulted in worsening of the FXS phenotypes in these behavior tests. Strikingly, baclofen treatment also affected wild-type animals in both behavioral tests, inducing a phenotype similar to that of untreated Fmr1 KO mice. CONCLUSION Altogether, the disappointing results of recent clinical trials with the R-baclofen enantiomer arbaclofen and our current results indicate that baclofen should be reconsidered and further evaluated before its application in targeted treatment for FXS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shimriet Zeidler
- Department of Clinical GeneticsErasmus University Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Andreea S. Pop
- Department of Clinical GeneticsErasmus University Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Israa A. Jaafar
- Department of Clinical GeneticsErasmus University Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Helen de Boer
- Department of Clinical GeneticsErasmus University Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Ronald A. M. Buijsen
- Department of Clinical GeneticsErasmus University Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Celine E. F. de Esch
- Department of Clinical GeneticsErasmus University Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | | | - Renate K. Hukema
- Department of Clinical GeneticsErasmus University Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Rob Willemsen
- Department of Clinical GeneticsErasmus University Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
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25
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Boutet I, Collin CA, MacLeod LS, Messier C, Holahan MR, Berry-Kravis E, Gandhi RM, Kogan CS. Utility of the Hebb-Williams Maze Paradigm for Translational Research in Fragile X Syndrome: A Direct Comparison of Mice and Humans. Front Mol Neurosci 2018; 11:99. [PMID: 29643767 PMCID: PMC5882825 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2018.00099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2017] [Accepted: 03/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
To generate meaningful information, translational research must employ paradigms that allow extrapolation from animal models to humans. However, few studies have evaluated translational paradigms on the basis of defined validation criteria. We outline three criteria for validating translational paradigms. We then evaluate the Hebb–Williams maze paradigm (Hebb and Williams, 1946; Rabinovitch and Rosvold, 1951) on the basis of these criteria using Fragile X syndrome (FXS) as model disease. We focused on this paradigm because it allows direct comparison of humans and animals on tasks that are behaviorally equivalent (criterion #1) and because it measures spatial information processing, a cognitive domain for which FXS individuals and mice show impairments as compared to controls (criterion #2). We directly compared the performance of affected humans and mice across different experimental conditions and measures of behavior to identify which conditions produce comparable patterns of results in both species. Species differences were negligible for Mazes 2, 4, and 5 irrespective of the presence of visual cues, suggesting that these mazes could be used to measure spatial learning in both species. With regards to performance on the first trial, which reflects visuo-spatial problem solving, Mazes 5 and 9 without visual cues produced the most consistent results. We conclude that the Hebb–Williams mazes paradigm has the potential to be utilized in translational research to measure comparable cognitive functions in FXS humans and animals (criterion #3).
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Boutet
- School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | | | | | - Claude Messier
- School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | | | - Elizabeth Berry-Kravis
- Pediatrics, Biochemistry, and Neurology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Reno M Gandhi
- School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Cary S Kogan
- School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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26
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Carreno-Munoz MI, Martins F, Medrano MC, Aloisi E, Pietropaolo S, Dechaud C, Subashi E, Bony G, Ginger M, Moujahid A, Frick A, Leinekugel X. Potential Involvement of Impaired BK Ca Channel Function in Sensory Defensiveness and Some Behavioral Disturbances Induced by Unfamiliar Environment in a Mouse Model of Fragile X Syndrome. Neuropsychopharmacology 2018; 43:492-502. [PMID: 28722023 PMCID: PMC5770751 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2017.149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2017] [Revised: 06/12/2017] [Accepted: 07/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
In fragile X syndrome (FXS), sensory hypersensitivity and impaired habituation is thought to result in attention overload and various behavioral abnormalities in reaction to the excessive and remanent salience of environment features that would normally be ignored. This phenomenon, termed sensory defensiveness, has been proposed as the potential cause of hyperactivity, hyperarousal, and negative reactions to changes in routine that are often deleterious for FXS patients. However, the lack of tools for manipulating sensory hypersensitivity has not allowed the experimental testing required to evaluate the relevance of this hypothesis. Recent work has shown that BMS-204352, a BKCa channel agonist, was efficient to reverse cortical hyperexcitability and related sensory hypersensitivity in the Fmr1-KO mouse model of FXS. In the present study, we report that exposing Fmr1-KO mice to novel or unfamiliar environments resulted in multiple behavioral perturbations, such as hyperactivity, impaired nest building and excessive grooming of the back. Reversing sensory hypersensitivity with the BKCa channel agonist BMS-204352 prevented these behavioral abnormalities in Fmr1-KO mice. These results are in support of the sensory defensiveness hypothesis, and confirm BKCa as a potentially relevant molecular target for the development of drug medication against FXS/ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Isabel Carreno-Munoz
- INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, U1215, Bordeaux, France,University of Bordeaux, Neurocentre Magendie, U1215, Bordeaux, France,University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Donostia, Spain
| | - Fabienne Martins
- INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, U1215, Bordeaux, France,University of Bordeaux, Neurocentre Magendie, U1215, Bordeaux, France
| | - Maria Carmen Medrano
- INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, U1215, Bordeaux, France,University of Bordeaux, Neurocentre Magendie, U1215, Bordeaux, France
| | - Elisabetta Aloisi
- INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, U1215, Bordeaux, France,University of Bordeaux, Neurocentre Magendie, U1215, Bordeaux, France
| | - Susanna Pietropaolo
- University of Bordeaux, INCIA, Pessac, France,CNRS, INCIA, UMR 5287, Pessac, France
| | - Corentin Dechaud
- INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, U1215, Bordeaux, France,University of Bordeaux, Neurocentre Magendie, U1215, Bordeaux, France
| | - Enejda Subashi
- INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, U1215, Bordeaux, France,University of Bordeaux, Neurocentre Magendie, U1215, Bordeaux, France
| | - Guillaume Bony
- INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, U1215, Bordeaux, France,University of Bordeaux, Neurocentre Magendie, U1215, Bordeaux, France
| | - Melanie Ginger
- INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, U1215, Bordeaux, France,University of Bordeaux, Neurocentre Magendie, U1215, Bordeaux, France
| | | | - Andreas Frick
- INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, U1215, Bordeaux, France,University of Bordeaux, Neurocentre Magendie, U1215, Bordeaux, France
| | - Xavier Leinekugel
- INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, U1215, Bordeaux, France,University of Bordeaux, Neurocentre Magendie, U1215, Bordeaux, France,Neurocentre Magendie, INSERM U1215, Université de Bordeaux, 146 rue Leo Saignat, 33077 Bordeaux, France, Tel: +33 6 09 55 53 39, Fax: +33 5 57 57 36 69, E-mail:
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McGraw CM, Ward CS, Samaco RC. Genetic rodent models of brain disorders: Perspectives on experimental approaches and therapeutic strategies. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL GENETICS PART C-SEMINARS IN MEDICAL GENETICS 2018; 175:368-379. [PMID: 28910526 PMCID: PMC5659732 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.c.31570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2017] [Accepted: 06/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Neurobehavioral disorders comprised of neurodegenerative, neurodevelopmental, and psychiatric disorders together represent leading causes of morbidity and mortality. Despite significant academic research and industry efforts to elucidate the disease mechanisms operative in these disorders and to develop mechanism‐based therapies, our understanding remains incomplete and our access to tractable therapeutic interventions severely limited. The magnitude of these short‐comings can be measured by the growing list of disappointing clinical trials based on initially promising compounds identified in genetic animal models. This review and commentary will explore why this may be so, focusing on the central role that genetic models of neurobehavioral disorders have come to occupy in current efforts to identify disease mechanisms and therapies. In particular, we will highlight the unique pitfalls and challenges that have hampered success in these models as compared to genetic models of non‐neurological diseases as well as to symptom‐based models of the early 20th century that led to the discovery of all major classes of psychoactive pharmaceutical compounds still used today. Using examples from specific genetic rodent models of human neurobehavioral disorders, we will highlight issues of reproducibility, construct validity, and translational relevance in the hopes that these examples will be instructive toward greater success in future endeavors. Lastly, we will champion a two‐pronged approach toward identifying novel therapies for neurobehavioral disorders that makes greater use of the historically more successful symptom‐based approaches in addition to more mechanism‐based approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher M McGraw
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Christopher S Ward
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas.,Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Rodney C Samaco
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas.,Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.,Program in Translational Biology and Molecular Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
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Saré RM, Song A, Loutaev I, Cook A, Maita I, Lemons A, Sheeler C, Smith CB. Negative Effects of Chronic Rapamycin Treatment on Behavior in a Mouse Model of Fragile X Syndrome. Front Mol Neurosci 2018; 10:452. [PMID: 29375310 PMCID: PMC5770365 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2017.00452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2017] [Accepted: 12/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS), the most common form of inherited intellectual disability, is also highly associated with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). It is caused by expansion of a CGG repeat sequence on the X chromosome resulting in silencing of the FMR1 gene. This is modeled in the mouse by deletion of Fmr1 (Fmr1 KO). Fmr1 KO mice recapitulate many of the behavioral features of the disorder including seizure susceptibility, hyperactivity, impaired social behavior, sleep problems, and learning and memory deficits. The mammalian target of rapamycin pathway (mTORC1) is upregulated in Fmr1 KO mice and is thought to be important for the pathogenesis of this disorder. We treated Fmr1 KO mice chronically with an mTORC1 inhibitor, rapamycin, to determine if rapamycin treatment could reverse behavioral phenotypes. We performed open field, zero maze, social behavior, sleep, passive avoidance, and audiogenic seizure testing. We found that pS6 was upregulated in Fmr1 KO mice and normalized by rapamycin treatment, but, except for an anxiogenic effect, it did not reverse any of the behavioral phenotypes examined. In fact, rapamycin treatment had an adverse effect on sleep and social behavior in both control and Fmr1 KO mice. These results suggest that targeting the mTOR pathway in FXS is not a good treatment strategy and that other pathways should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel M Saré
- Section on Neuroadaptation and Protein Metabolism, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Alex Song
- Section on Neuroadaptation and Protein Metabolism, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Inna Loutaev
- Section on Neuroadaptation and Protein Metabolism, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Anna Cook
- Section on Neuroadaptation and Protein Metabolism, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Isabella Maita
- Section on Neuroadaptation and Protein Metabolism, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Abigail Lemons
- Section on Neuroadaptation and Protein Metabolism, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Carrie Sheeler
- Section on Neuroadaptation and Protein Metabolism, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Carolyn B Smith
- Section on Neuroadaptation and Protein Metabolism, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, United States
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Binder MS, Lugo JN. NS- Pten knockout mice show sex- and age-specific differences in ultrasonic vocalizations. Brain Behav 2017; 7:e00857. [PMID: 29201556 PMCID: PMC5698873 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2017] [Revised: 09/12/2017] [Accepted: 09/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The goal of this study was to identify changes in quantitative and qualitative aspects of neonatal ultrasonic vocalizations USVs in neuron-subset specific (NS-Pten) knockout males and females when compared with wild-type male and female mice. BACKGROUND One signaling cascade that plays a crucial role in the development of an autistic-like phenotype is the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. Mouse models that illustrate this connection include Fmr1, Tsc1, and NS-Pten-deficient mice. While numerous studies have investigated ultrasonic vocalizations in Fmr1 knockout and Tsc1 heterogenous mice, none have investigated USVs in NS-Pten knockout mice using a full spectrum recording system. METHODS We recorded ultrasonic vocalizations from NS-Pten wild-type and knockout male and female mice on postnatal days 8 and 11. On these days, we measured the number and quality of calls emitted from pups when they were removed from their mothers. RESULTS We found that knockout pups emitted fewer vocalizations for both sexes (p < .05). Knockout males had calls of a shorter duration and lower peak amplitude on day 8, while showing a shorter duration, lower peak amplitude, and higher peak and fundamental frequency on day 11 (p < .001). Knockout females vocalized at a lower peak amplitude and fundamental frequency, and a higher peak frequency on day 8, while showing a shorter duration and a higher peak and fundamental frequency on day 11 (p < .001). Spectrographic analyses also revealed significant differences in call type for both genotypes and sexes (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS These findings demonstrate that deletion of NS-Pten results in significant decreases in vocalizations across both sexes. Additionally, our findings indicate that the aberrant vocalizations and increased call duration seen in other mTOR models are also present in NS-Pten knockout mice. Our study provides evidence of a connection between hyperactive mTOR signaling and neonatal ultrasonic vocalizations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew S Binder
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Baylor University Waco TX USA
| | - Joaquin N Lugo
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Baylor University Waco TX USA.,Department of Biology Baylor University Waco TX USA.,Institute of Biomedical Studies Baylor University Waco TX USA
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Wu YJ, Hsu MT, Ng MC, Amstislavskaya TG, Tikhonova MA, Yang YL, Lu KT. Fragile X Mental Retardation-1 Knockout Zebrafish Shows Precocious Development in Social Behavior. Zebrafish 2017; 14:438-443. [PMID: 28829283 DOI: 10.1089/zeb.2017.1446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is a generally hereditary form of human mental retardation that is caused by triplet repeat expansion (CGG) mutation in fragile X mental retardation 1 (fmr1) gene promoter and that results in the absence of the fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) expression. The common symptoms of FXS patients include learning disabilities, anxiety, autistic behaviors, as well as other behavioral abnormalities. Our previous results demonstrated the behavioral abnormalities in fmr1 knockout (KO) zebrafish such as fear memory impairment and autism-like behavior. Here, we studied the functional role of fmr1 gene on the development of social behavior by behavioral experiments, including shoaling behavior, shoaling preference, light/dark test, and novel tank task. Our results demonstrated that precocious development of shoaling behavior is found in fmr1 KO zebrafish without affecting the shoaling preference on conspecific zebrafish. The shoaling behavior appeared after 14 days postfertilization (dpf), and the level of shoaling elevated in fmr1 KO zebrafish. Furthermore, the fmr1 KO zebrafish at 28 dpf expressed higher anxiety level in novel tank task. These results suggest that the change of shoaling behavior in fmr1 KO zebrafish may result from hyperactivity and an increase of anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao-Ju Wu
- 1 Department of Life Science, National Taiwan Normal University , Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Mao-Ting Hsu
- 1 Department of Life Science, National Taiwan Normal University , Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Chong Ng
- 2 Center for General Education, National Quemoy University , Quemoy, Taiwan
| | - Tamara G Amstislavskaya
- 3 Laboratory of Experimental Models of Neurodegenerative Processes, Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution "Scientific Research Institute of Physiology and Basic Medicine" (SRIPhBM) , Novosibirsk, Russia .,4 Institute of Medicine and Psychology, Novosibirsk State University , Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Maria A Tikhonova
- 3 Laboratory of Experimental Models of Neurodegenerative Processes, Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution "Scientific Research Institute of Physiology and Basic Medicine" (SRIPhBM) , Novosibirsk, Russia .,4 Institute of Medicine and Psychology, Novosibirsk State University , Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Yi-Ling Yang
- 5 Department of Biochemical Science and Technology, National Chia-Yi University , Chia-Yi, Taiwan
| | - Kwok-Tung Lu
- 1 Department of Life Science, National Taiwan Normal University , Taipei, Taiwan
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Prefrontal Cortex Dysfunction in Fragile X Mice Depends on the Continued Absence of Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein in the Adult Brain. J Neurosci 2017; 37:7305-7317. [PMID: 28652410 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0571-17.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2017] [Revised: 05/09/2017] [Accepted: 06/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Fragile X Syndrome (FX) is generally considered a developmental disorder, arising from a mutation that disrupts the transcription of Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein (FMRP). However, FMRP regulates the transcription of other proteins and participates in an unknown number of protein-protein interactions throughout life. In addition to known developmental issues, it is thus likely that some dysfunction is also due to the ongoing absence of FMRP. Dissociating dysfunction due to developmental dysregulation from dysfunction due to the continued absence of FMRP is necessary to understand the different roles of FMRP and to treat patients effectively throughout life. We show here that FX model mice display substantial deficits in a PFC-dependent task. We then use conditional knock-out mice to eliminate FMRP only in the PFC alone of adult mice. We observe an increase in the proportion of nonlearners and a delay in the onset of learning in both FX and conditional knock-out mice. The results suggest that these deficits (1) are due to the absence of FMRP in the PFC alone and (2) are not the result of developmental dysregulation. Furthermore, PFC-associated deficits are rescued by initiating production of FMRP in adult conditional restoration mice, suggesting that PFC dysfunction may persist as long as FMRP is absent and therefore can be rescued after development. The data suggest that it is possible to dissociate the roles of FMRP in neural function from developmental dysregulation, and that PFC function can be restored in the adult FX brain.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The absence of Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein (FMRP) from birth results in developmental disabilities and lifelong impairments. We show here that in mouse models PFC dysfunction in Fragile X Syndrome (FX) can be attributed to the continued absence of FMRP from the PFC, independent of FMRP status during development. Furthermore, initiation of FMRP production in the PFC of adult FX animals rescues PFC function. The results suggest that at least some FX-specific neurological defects can be rescued in the adult FX brain after development.
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Hodges SL, Nolan SO, Reynolds CD, Lugo JN. Spectral and temporal properties of calls reveal deficits in ultrasonic vocalizations of adult Fmr1 knockout mice. Behav Brain Res 2017; 332:50-58. [PMID: 28552599 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2017.05.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2016] [Revised: 03/22/2017] [Accepted: 05/24/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The Fmr1 knockout (KO) mouse has commonly been used to investigate communication impairments, one of the key diagnostic symptoms observed in Fragile X syndrome (FXS) and Autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Many studies have found alterations in ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) in neonatal Fmr1 KO mice, however, there is limited research investigating whether these deficits continue into adulthood. In the present study, we examine differences in female urine-induced ultrasonic vocalizations, scent marking behavior, odor discrimination, and open field activity in adult male Fmr1 KO and wildtype (WT) mice. Overall, we found extensive alterations between genotypes in both spectral and temporal properties of ultrasonic vocalizations. There was no difference in the average number of calls emitted by both genotypes, however, Fmr1 KO mice emitted calls of a higher frequency, decreased amplitude, and shorter duration than WT mice. Spectrographic analyses revealed statistically significant differences between genotypes in the types of calls emitted. Contrastingly, we found no differences in scent marking behavior, a form of social communication, or in odor discrimination and activity levels of the mice. The results corroborate previous studies emphasizing the importance of qualitative differences observed in vocalization behavior of Fmr1 KO mice, rather than quantitative measurements such as number of calls emitted. Overall, the study confirms the presence of abnormalities in vocalization behavior in adult Fmr1 KO mice that we believe are consistent with communication deficits seen in the syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha L Hodges
- Institute of Biomedical Studies, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76798, USA
| | - Suzanne O Nolan
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76798, USA
| | - Conner D Reynolds
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76798, USA; Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
| | - Joaquin N Lugo
- Institute of Biomedical Studies, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76798, USA; Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76798, USA.
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Phf8 loss confers resistance to depression-like and anxiety-like behaviors in mice. Nat Commun 2017; 8:15142. [PMID: 28485378 PMCID: PMC5436068 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms15142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2016] [Accepted: 03/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
PHF8 is a histone demethylase with specificity for repressive modifications. While mutations of PHF8 have been associated with cognitive defects and cleft lip/palate, its role in mammalian development and physiology remains unexplored. Here, we have generated a Phf8 knockout allele in mice to examine the consequences of Phf8 loss for development and behaviour. Phf8 deficient mice neither display obvious developmental defects nor signs of cognitive impairment. However, we report a striking resiliency to stress-induced anxiety- and depression-like behaviour on loss of Phf8. We further observe misregulation of serotonin signalling within the prefrontal cortex of Phf8 deficient mice and identify the serotonin receptors Htr1a and Htr2a as direct targets of PHF8. Our results clarify the functional role of Phf8 in mammalian development and behaviour and establish a direct link between Phf8 expression and serotonin signalling, identifying this histone demethylase as a potential target for the treatment of anxiety and depression.
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Bonasera SJ, Chaudoin TR, Goulding EH, Mittek M, Dunaevsky A. Decreased home cage movement and oromotor impairments in adult Fmr1-KO mice. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2017; 16:564-573. [PMID: 28218824 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2016] [Revised: 01/16/2017] [Accepted: 02/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is a common inherited disorder that significantly impacts family and patient day-to-day living across the entire life span. The childhood and adolescent behavioral consequences of FXS are well appreciated. However, there are significantly fewer studies (except those examining psychiatric comorbidities) assessing behavioral phenotypes seen in adults with FXS. Mice engineered with a genetic lesion of fragile X mental retardation 1 (Fmr1) recapitulate important molecular and neuroanatomical characteristics of FXS, and provide a means to evaluate adult behavioral phenotypes associated with FXS. We give the first description of baseline behaviors including feeding, drinking, movement and their circadian rhythms; all observed over 16 consecutive days following extensive environmental habituation in adult Fmr1-KO mutant mice. We find no genotypic changes in mouse food ingestion, feeding patterns, metabolism or circadian patterns of movement, feeding and drinking. After habituation, Fmr1-KO mice show significantly less daily movement during their active phase (the dark cycle). However, Fmr1-KO mice have more bouts of activity during the light cycle compared with wild types. In addition, Fmr1-KO mice show significantly less daily water ingestion during the circadian dark cycle, and this reduction in water intake is accompanied by a decrease in the amount of water ingested per lick. The observed water ingestion and circadian phenotypes noted in Fmr1-KO mice recapitulate known clinical aspects previously described in FXS. The finding of decreased movement in Fmr1-KO mice is novel, and suggests a dissociation between baseline and novelty-evoked activity for Fmr1-KO mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- S J Bonasera
- Division of Geriatrics, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE
| | - T R Chaudoin
- Division of Geriatrics, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE
| | - E H Goulding
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
| | - M Mittek
- Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE
| | - A Dunaevsky
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, Monroe-Meyer Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
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Scharkowski F, Frotscher M, Lutz D, Korte M, Michaelsen-Preusse K. Altered Connectivity and Synapse Maturation of the Hippocampal Mossy Fiber Pathway in a Mouse Model of the Fragile X Syndrome. Cereb Cortex 2017; 28:852-867. [DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhw408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2016] [Accepted: 12/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- F Scharkowski
- Division of Cellular Neurobiology, Zoological Institute, TU Braunschweig, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Michael Frotscher
- ZMNH, Institute for Structural Neurobiology, D-20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - David Lutz
- ZMNH, Institute for Structural Neurobiology, D-20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Martin Korte
- Division of Cellular Neurobiology, Zoological Institute, TU Braunschweig, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
- Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, AG NIND, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
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Vershkov D, Benvenisty N. Human pluripotent stem cells in modeling human disorders: the case of fragile X syndrome. Regen Med 2017; 12:53-68. [DOI: 10.2217/rme-2016-0100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Human pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) generated from affected blastocysts or from patient-derived somatic cells are an emerging platform for disease modeling and drug discovery. Fragile X syndrome (FXS), the leading cause of inherited intellectual disability, was one of the first disorders modeled in both embryonic stem cells and induced PCSs and can serve as an exemplary case for the utilization of human PSCs in the study of human diseases. Over the past decade, FXS-PSCs have been used to address the fundamental questions regarding the pathophysiology of FXS. In this review we summarize the methodologies for generation of FXS-PSCs, discuss their advantages and disadvantages compared with existing modeling systems and describe their utilization in the study of FXS pathogenesis and in the development of targeted treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Vershkov
- The Azrieli Center for Stem Cells & Genetic Research, Department of Genetics, Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University, Jerusalem 91904, Israel
| | - Nissim Benvenisty
- The Azrieli Center for Stem Cells & Genetic Research, Department of Genetics, Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University, Jerusalem 91904, Israel
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Wang GX, Smith SJ, Mourrain P. Sub-synaptic, multiplexed analysis of proteins reveals Fragile X related protein 2 is mislocalized in Fmr1 KO synapses. eLife 2016; 5. [PMID: 27770568 PMCID: PMC5098911 DOI: 10.7554/elife.20560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2016] [Accepted: 10/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The distribution of proteins within sub-synaptic compartments is an essential aspect of their neurological function. Current methodologies, such as electron microscopy (EM) and super-resolution imaging techniques, can provide the precise localization of proteins, but are often limited to a small number of one-time observations with narrow spatial and molecular coverage. The diversity of synaptic proteins and synapse types demands synapse analysis on a scale that is prohibitive with current methods. Here, we demonstrate SubSynMAP, a fast, multiplexed sub-synaptic protein analysis method using wide-field data from deconvolution array tomography (ATD). SubSynMAP generates probability distributions for that reveal the functional range of proteins within the averaged synapse of a particular class. This enables the differentiation of closely juxtaposed proteins. Using this method, we analyzed 15 synaptic proteins in normal and Fragile X mental retardation syndrome (FXS) model mouse cortex, and revealed disease-specific modifications of sub-synaptic protein distributions across synapse classes and cortical layers. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.20560.001
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Affiliation(s)
- Gordon X Wang
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, United States.,Center for Sleep Sciences and Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, United States.,Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, United States
| | - Stephen J Smith
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, United States.,Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, USA
| | - Philippe Mourrain
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, United States.,Center for Sleep Sciences and Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, United States.,INSERM 1024, Ecole Normale Supérieure, Paris, France
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Devi U, Kumar V, Gupta PS, Dubey S, Singh M, Gautam S, Rawat JK, Roy S, Yadav RK, Ansari MN, Saeedan AS, Kaithwas G. Experimental Models for Autism Spectrum Disorder Follow-Up for the Validity. REVIEW JOURNAL OF AUTISM AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s40489-016-0088-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Bostrom C, Yau SY, Majaess N, Vetrici M, Gil-Mohapel J, Christie BR. Hippocampal dysfunction and cognitive impairment in Fragile-X Syndrome. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2016; 68:563-574. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.06.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2016] [Revised: 06/21/2016] [Accepted: 06/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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Abstract
The aims of this study were to investigate behaviour relevant to human autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and the fragile X syndrome in adolescent Fmr1 knockout (KO) mice and to evaluate the tissue levels of striatal monoamines. Fmr1 KO mice were evaluated in the open field, marble burying and three-chamber test for the presence of hyperactivity, anxiety, repetitive behaviour, sociability and observation of social novelty compared with wild-type (WT) mice. The Fmr1 KO mice expressed anxiety and hyperactivity in the open field compared with WT mice. This increased level of hyperactivity was confirmed in the three-chamber test. Fmr1 KO mice spent more time with stranger mice compared with the WT. However, after a correction for hyperactivity, their apparent increase in sociability became identical to that of the WT. Furthermore, the Fmr1 KO mice could not differentiate between a familiar or a novel mouse. Monoamines were measured by HPLC: Fmr1 KO mice showed an increase in the striatal dopamine level. We conclude that the fragile X syndrome model seems to be useful for understanding certain aspects of ASD and may have translational interest for studies of social behaviour when hyperactivity coexists in ASD patients.
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Zupan B, Sharma A, Frazier A, Klein S, Toth M. Programming social behavior by the maternal fragile X protein. GENES, BRAIN, AND BEHAVIOR 2016; 15:578-87. [PMID: 27198123 PMCID: PMC9879598 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2015] [Revised: 05/11/2016] [Accepted: 05/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The developing fetus and neonate are highly sensitive to maternal environment. Besides the well-documented effects of maternal stress, nutrition and infections, maternal mutations, by altering the fetal, perinatal and/or early postnatal environment, can impact the behavior of genetically normal offspring. Mutation/premutation in the X-linked FMR1 (encoding the translational regulator FMRP) in females, although primarily responsible for causing fragile X syndrome (FXS) in their children, may also elicit such maternal effects. We showed that a deficit in maternal FMRP in mice results in hyperactivity in the genetically normal offspring. To test if maternal FMRP has a broader intergenerational effect, we measured social behavior, a core dimension of neurodevelopmental disorders, in offspring of FMRP-deficient dams. We found that male offspring of Fmr1(+/-) mothers, independent of their own Fmr1 genotype, exhibit increased approach and reduced avoidance toward conspecific strangers, reminiscent of 'indiscriminate friendliness' or the lack of stranger anxiety, diagnosed in neglected children and in patients with Asperger's and Williams syndrome. Furthermore, social interaction failed to activate mesolimbic/amygdala regions, encoding social aversion, in these mice, providing a neurobiological basis for the behavioral abnormality. This work identifies a novel role for FMRP that extends its function beyond the well-established genetic function into intergenerational non-genetic inheritance/programming of social behavior and the corresponding neuronal circuit. As FXS premutation and some psychiatric conditions that can be associated with reduced FMRP expression are more prevalent in mothers than full FMR1 mutation, our findings potentially broaden the significance of FMRP-dependent programming of social behavior beyond the FXS population.
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Affiliation(s)
- B. Zupan
- Weill Cornell Medical College, Department of Pharmacology, New York, NY, 10065, USA,Vassar College, Department of Psychology, Poughkeepsie, NY, 12604, USA
| | - A. Sharma
- Weill Cornell Medical College, Department of Pharmacology, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - A. Frazier
- Vassar College, Department of Psychology, Poughkeepsie, NY, 12604, USA
| | - S. Klein
- Weill Cornell Medical College, Department of Pharmacology, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - M. Toth
- Weill Cornell Medical College, Department of Pharmacology, New York, NY, 10065, USA
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Freudenberg F, Carreño Gutierrez H, Post AM, Reif A, Norton WHJ. Aggression in non-human vertebrates: Genetic mechanisms and molecular pathways. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2016; 171:603-40. [PMID: 26284957 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.32358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2015] [Accepted: 07/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Aggression is an adaptive behavioral trait that is important for the establishment of social hierarchies and competition for mating partners, food, and territories. While a certain level of aggression can be beneficial for the survival of an individual or species, abnormal aggression levels can be detrimental. Abnormal aggression is commonly found in human patients with psychiatric disorders. The predisposition to aggression is influenced by a combination of environmental and genetic factors and a large number of genes have been associated with aggression in both human and animal studies. In this review, we compare and contrast aggression studies in zebrafish and mouse. We present gene ontology and pathway analyses of genes linked to aggression and discuss the molecular pathways that underpin agonistic behavior in these species. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Freudenberg
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | | | - Antonia M Post
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Andreas Reif
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - William H J Norton
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology and Behaviour, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
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Behavioral Phenotype of Fmr1 Knock-Out Mice during Active Phase in an Altered Light/Dark Cycle. eNeuro 2016; 3:eN-NWR-0035-16. [PMID: 27294193 PMCID: PMC4901146 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0035-16.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2016] [Revised: 03/14/2016] [Accepted: 03/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most commonly inherited form of intellectual disability and is a disorder that is also highly associated with autism. FXS occurs as a result of an expanded CGG repeat sequence leading to transcriptional silencing. In an animal model of FXS in which Fmr1 is knocked out (Fmr1 KO), many physical, physiological, and behavioral characteristics of the human disease are recapitulated. Prior characterization of the mouse model was conducted during the day, the inactive phase of the circadian cycle. Circadian rhythms are an important contributor to behavior and may play a role in the study of disease phenotype. Moreover, changes in the parameters of circadian rhythm are known to occur in FXS animal models. We conducted an investigation of key behavioral phenotypes in Fmr1 KO mice during their active phase. We report that phase did not alter the Fmr1 KO phenotype in open field activity, anxiety, and learning and memory. There was a slight effect of phase on social behavior as measured by time in chamber, but not by time spent sniffing. Our data strengthen the existing data characterizing the phenotype of Fmr1 KO mice, indicating that it is independent of circadian phase.
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Functional magnetic resonance imaging in awake transgenic fragile X rats: evidence of dysregulation in reward processing in the mesolimbic/habenular neural circuit. Transl Psychiatry 2016; 6:e763. [PMID: 27003189 PMCID: PMC4872441 DOI: 10.1038/tp.2016.15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2015] [Revised: 12/06/2015] [Accepted: 01/19/2016] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Anxiety and social deficits, often involving communication impairment, are fundamental clinical features of fragile X syndrome. There is growing evidence that dysregulation in reward processing is a contributing factor to the social deficits observed in many psychiatric disorders. Hence, we hypothesized that transgenic fragile X mental retardation 1 gene (fmr1) KO (FX) rats would display alterations in reward processing. To this end, awake control and FX rats were imaged for changes in blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) signal intensity in response to the odor of almond, a stimulus to elicit the innate reward response. Subjects were 'odor naive' to this evolutionarily conserved stimulus. The resulting changes in brain activity were registered to a three-dimensional segmented, annotated rat atlas delineating 171 brain regions. Both wild-type (WT) and FX rats showed robust brain activation to a rewarding almond odor, though FX rats showed an altered temporal pattern and tended to have a higher number of voxels with negative BOLD signal change from baseline. This pattern of greater negative BOLD was especially apparent in the Papez circuit, critical to emotional processing and the mesolimbic/habenular reward circuit. WT rats showed greater positive BOLD response in the supramammillary area, whereas FX rats showed greater positive BOLD response in the dorsal lateral striatum, and greater negative BOLD response in the retrosplenial cortices, the core of the accumbens and the lateral preoptic area. When tested in a freely behaving odor-investigation paradigm, FX rats failed to show the preference for almond odor which typifies WT rats. However, FX rats showed investigation profiles similar to WT when presented with social odors. These data speak to an altered processing of this highly salient novel odor in the FX phenotype and lend further support to the notion that altered reward systems in the brain may contribute to fragile X syndrome symptomology.
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45
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Mun HS, Saab BJ, Ng E, McGirr A, Lipina TV, Gondo Y, Georgiou J, Roder JC. Self-directed exploration provides a Ncs1-dependent learning bonus. Sci Rep 2015; 5:17697. [PMID: 26639399 PMCID: PMC4671055 DOI: 10.1038/srep17697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2015] [Accepted: 11/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the mechanisms of memory formation is fundamental to establishing optimal educational practices and restoring cognitive function in brain disease. Here, we show for the first time in a non-primate species, that spatial learning receives a special bonus from self-directed exploration. In contrast, when exploration is escape-oriented, or when the full repertoire of exploratory behaviors is reduced, no learning bonus occurs. These findings permitted the first molecular and cellular examinations into the coupling of exploration to learning. We found elevated expression of neuronal calcium sensor 1 (Ncs1) and dopamine type-2 receptors upon self-directed exploration, in concert with increased neuronal activity in the hippocampal dentate gyrus and area CA3, as well as the nucleus accumbens. We probed further into the learning bonus by developing a point mutant mouse (Ncs1P144S/P144S) harboring a destabilized NCS-1 protein, and found this line lacked the equivalent self-directed exploration learning bonus. Acute knock-down of Ncs1 in the hippocampus also decoupled exploration from efficient learning. These results are potentially relevant for augmenting learning and memory in health and disease, and provide the basis for further molecular and circuit analyses in this direction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ho-Suk Mun
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X5, Canada.,Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Bechara J Saab
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X5, Canada.,Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada.,Preclinical Laboratory for Translational Research into Affective Disorders, University of Zurich Hospital for Psychiatry, August-Forel-Str 7, CH-8008, Zurich, Switzerland.,Neuroscience Center Zurich, Zurich, CH-8057, Switzerland
| | - Enoch Ng
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X5, Canada.,Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Alexander McGirr
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X5, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 2A1, Canada
| | - Tatiana V Lipina
- Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution, Scientific Research Institute of Physiology and Basic Medicine, Novosibirsk, 630117, Russia
| | - Yoichi Gondo
- Mutagenesis and Genomics Team, RIKEN BioResource Center, Tsukuba 305-0074, Japan
| | - John Georgiou
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X5, Canada
| | - John C Roder
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X5, Canada.,Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada.,Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada.,Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada
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Schaefer TL, Davenport MH, Erickson CA. Emerging pharmacologic treatment options for fragile X syndrome. APPLICATION OF CLINICAL GENETICS 2015; 8:75-93. [PMID: 25897255 PMCID: PMC4396424 DOI: 10.2147/tacg.s35673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common single gene cause of intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder. Caused by a silenced fragile X mental retardation 1 gene and the subsequent deficiency in fragile X mental retardation protein, patients with FXS experience a range of physical, behavioral, and intellectual debilitations. The FXS field, as a whole, has recently met with some challenges, as several targeted clinical trials with high expectations of success have failed to elucidate significant improvements in a variety of symptom domains. As new clinical trials in FXS are planned, there has been much discussion about the use of the commonly used clinical outcome measures, as well as study design considerations, patient stratification, and optimal age range for treatment. The evidence that modification of these drug targets and use of these failed compounds would prove to be efficacious in human clinical study were rooted in years of basic and translational research. There are questions arising as to the use of the mouse models for studying FXS treatment development. This issue is twofold: many of the symptom domains and molecular and biochemical changes assessed and indicative of efficacy in mouse model study are not easily amenable to clinical trials in people with FXS because of the intolerability of the testing paradigm or a lack of noninvasive techniques (prepulse inhibition, sensory hypersensitivity, startle reactivity, or electrophysiologic, biochemical, or structural changes in the brain); and capturing subtle yet meaningful changes in symptom domains such as sociability, anxiety, and hyperactivity in human FXS clinical trials is challenging with the currently used measures (typically parent/caregiver rating scales). Clinicians, researchers, and the pharmaceutical industry have all had to take a step back and critically evaluate the way we think about how to best optimize future investigations into pharmacologic FXS treatments. As new clinical trials are coming down the drug discovery pipeline, it is clear that the field is moving in a direction that values the development of molecular biomarkers, less subjective quantitative measures of symptom improvement, and rating scales developed specifically for use in FXS in conjunction with drug safety. While summarizing preclinical evidence, where applicable, and discussing challenges in FXS treatment development, this review details both completed clinical trials for the targeted and symptomatic treatment of FXS and introduces novel projects on the cusp of clinical trial investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tori L Schaefer
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Matthew H Davenport
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Craig A Erickson
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
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48
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Tan AM. Dendritic spine dysgenesis in neuropathic pain. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2015; 131:385-408. [PMID: 25744680 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2014.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The failure of neuropathic pain to abate even years after trauma suggests that adverse changes to synaptic function must exist in a chronic pathological state in nociceptive pathways. The chronicity of neuropathic pain therefore underscores the importance of understanding the contribution of dendritic spines--micron-sized postsynaptic structures that represent modifiable sites of synaptic contact. Historically, dendritic spines have been of great interest to the learning and memory field. More recent evidence points to the exciting implication that abnormal dendritic spine structure following disease or injury may represent a "molecular memory" for maintaining chronic pain. Dendritic spine dysgenesis in dorsal horn neurons contributes to nociceptive hyperexcitability associated with neuropathic pain, as demonstrated in multiple pain models, i.e., spinal cord injury, peripheral nerve injury, diabetic neuropathy, and thermal burn injury. Because of the relationship between dendritic spine structure and neuronal function, a thorough investigation of dendritic spine behavior in the spinal cord is a unique opportunity to better understand the mechanisms of sensory dysfunction after injury or disease. At a conceptual level, a spinal memory mechanism that engages dendritic spine remodeling would also contribute to a broad range of intractable neurological conditions. Molecules involved in regulating dendritic spine plasticity may offer novel targets for the development of effective and durable therapies for neurological disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Michael Tan
- Department of Neurology and Center for Neuroscience and Regeneration Research, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA; Rehabilitation Research Center, Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, USA; Hopkins School, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.
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49
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Isgor C, Pare C, McDole B, Coombs P, Guthrie K. Expansion of the dentate mossy fiber-CA3 projection in the brain-derived neurotrophic factor-enriched mouse hippocampus. Neuroscience 2014; 288:10-23. [PMID: 25555929 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2014.12.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2014] [Revised: 12/10/2014] [Accepted: 12/13/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Structural changes that alter hippocampal functional circuitry are implicated in learning impairments, mood disorders and epilepsy. Reorganization of mossy fiber (MF) axons from dentate granule cells is one such form of plasticity. Increased neurotrophin signaling is proposed to underlie MF plasticity, and there is evidence to support a mechanistic role for brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in this process. Transgenic mice overexpressing BDNF in the forebrain under the α-calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II promoter (TgBDNF mice) exhibit spatial learning deficits at 2-3months of age, followed by the emergence of spontaneous seizures at ∼6months. These behavioral changes suggest that chronic increases in BDNF progressively disrupt hippocampal functional organization. To determine if the dentate MF pathway is structurally altered in this strain, the present study employed Timm staining and design-based stereology to compare MF distribution and projection volumes in transgenic and wild-type mice at 2-3months, and at 6-7months. Mice in the latter age group were assessed for seizure vulnerability with a low dose of pilocarpine given 2h before euthanasia. At 2-3months, TgBDNF mice showed moderate expansion of CA3-projecting MFs (∼20%), with increased volumes measured in the suprapyramidal (SP-MF) and intra/infrapyramidal (IIP-MF) compartments. At 6-7months, a subset of transgenic mice exhibited increased seizure susceptibility, along with an increase in IIP-MF volume (∼30%). No evidence of MF sprouting was seen in the inner molecular layer. Additional stereological analyses demonstrated significant increases in molecular layer (ML) volume in TgBDNF mice at both ages, as well as an increase in granule cell number by 8months of age. Collectively, these results indicate that sustained increases in endogenous BDNF modify dentate structural organization over time, and may thereby contribute to the development of pro-epileptic circuitry.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Isgor
- Department of Biomedical Science, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, United States
| | - C Pare
- Department of Biomedical Science, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, United States
| | - B McDole
- Department of Biomedical Science, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, United States
| | - P Coombs
- Department of Biomedical Science, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, United States
| | - K Guthrie
- Department of Biomedical Science, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, United States.
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50
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Kim L, He L, Maaswinkel H, Zhu L, Sirotkin H, Weng W. Anxiety, hyperactivity and stereotypy in a zebrafish model of fragile X syndrome and autism spectrum disorder. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2014; 55:40-9. [PMID: 24681195 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2014.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2014] [Revised: 03/14/2014] [Accepted: 03/14/2014] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common form of inherited intellectual disability and is caused by a loss of function of the fragile X mental retardation (fmr1) gene. Animal fmr1-knockout (KO) models are not only of interest for the study of FXS, but have also important implications for our understanding of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Here we report the behavioral changes in fmr1-knockout zebrafish in an open field with two white and two transparent walls. The neophobic responses that in wild-type (WT) zebrafish normally occur during the first 5-10 min in an unfamiliar environment (such as freezing, hypo-activity and preferences for the bottom and opaque walls of the tank), were weakened in fmr1 mutants, suggesting a reduction of novelty-induced anxiety. The fmr1-KO zebrafish showed somewhat increased vertical activity beyond the 'neophobic phase', but no overall hyperactivity. The mutants demonstrated a clear habituation-independent preference for the transparent walls. Whether this was attributable to altered spatial information processing or to reduced avoidance of open spaces is discussed. Finally, since restrictive repetitive (or stereotypical) behaviors are frequently present in FXS and ASD patients, we analyzed relative turning angles, directional and preferential turning ratios and performed frequency-domain analysis. However, no indications of abnormal movement patterning were detected. The possible reasons for the absence of stereotypical behaviors are discussed in terms of behavioral endpoint selection and of eliciting conditions. Overall, our findings are consistent with those reported in fmr1-KO mice and suggest that further analysis of the fmr1-KO zebrafish model has potential to deepen our understanding of FXS and ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lily Kim
- Research and Development, xyZfish, Ronkonkoma, NY, USA
| | - Lucy He
- Research and Development, xyZfish, Ronkonkoma, NY, USA
| | | | - Liqun Zhu
- Research and Development, xyZfish, Ronkonkoma, NY, USA
| | - Howard Sirotkin
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of Stony Brook, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Wei Weng
- Research and Development, xyZfish, Ronkonkoma, NY, USA
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