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Jeon S, Park J, Likhite S, Moon JH, Shin D, Li L, Meyer KC, Lee JW, Lee SK. The postnatal injection of AAV9-FOXG1 rescues corpus callosum agenesis and other brain deficits in the mouse model of FOXG1 syndrome. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2024; 32:101275. [PMID: 39022742 PMCID: PMC11253142 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2024.101275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
Heterozygous mutations in the FOXG1 gene manifest as FOXG1 syndrome, a severe neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by structural brain anomalies, including agenesis of the corpus callosum, hippocampal reduction, and myelination delays. Despite the well-defined genetic basis of FOXG1 syndrome, therapeutic interventions targeting the underlying cause of the disorder are nonexistent. In this study, we explore the therapeutic potential of adeno-associated virus 9 (AAV9)-mediated delivery of the FOXG1 gene. Remarkably, intracerebroventricular injection of AAV9-FOXG1 to Foxg1 heterozygous mouse model at the postnatal stage rescues a wide range of brain pathologies. This includes the amelioration of corpus callosum deficiencies, the restoration of dentate gyrus morphology in the hippocampus, the normalization of oligodendrocyte lineage cell numbers, and the rectification of myelination anomalies. Our findings highlight the efficacy of AAV9-based gene therapy as a viable treatment strategy for FOXG1 syndrome and potentially other neurodevelopmental disorders with similar brain malformations, asserting its therapeutic relevance in postnatal stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shin Jeon
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, FOXG1 Research Center, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York (SUNY), Buffalo, NY 14260, USA
- Department of Systems Pharmacology & Translational Therapeutics, Institute for Immunology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jaein Park
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, FOXG1 Research Center, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York (SUNY), Buffalo, NY 14260, USA
| | - Shibi Likhite
- The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Ji Hwan Moon
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, FOXG1 Research Center, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York (SUNY), Buffalo, NY 14260, USA
- Samsung Genome Institute, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul 06351, Korea
| | - Dongjun Shin
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, FOXG1 Research Center, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York (SUNY), Buffalo, NY 14260, USA
| | - Liwen Li
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, FOXG1 Research Center, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York (SUNY), Buffalo, NY 14260, USA
| | - Kathrin C. Meyer
- The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Jae W. Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, FOXG1 Research Center, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York (SUNY), Buffalo, NY 14260, USA
| | - Soo-Kyung Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, FOXG1 Research Center, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York (SUNY), Buffalo, NY 14260, USA
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2
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Artimagnella O, Maftei ES, Esposito M, Sanges R, Mallamaci A. Foxg1 regulates translation of neocortical neuronal genes, including the main NMDA receptor subunit gene, Grin1. BMC Biol 2024; 22:180. [PMID: 39183266 PMCID: PMC11346056 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-024-01979-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mainly known as a transcription factor patterning the rostral brain and governing its histogenesis, FOXG1 has been also detected outside the nucleus; however, biological meaning of that has been only partially clarified. RESULTS Prompted by FOXG1 expression in cytoplasm of pallial neurons, we investigated its implication in translational control. We documented the impact of FOXG1 on ribosomal recruitment of Grin1-mRNA, encoding for the main subunit of NMDA receptor. Next, we showed that FOXG1 increases GRIN1 protein level by enhancing the translation of its mRNA, while not increasing its stability. Molecular mechanisms underlying this activity included FOXG1 interaction with EIF4E and, possibly, Grin1-mRNA. Besides, we found that, within murine neocortical cultures, de novo synthesis of GRIN1 undergoes a prominent and reversible, homeostatic regulation and FOXG1 is instrumental to that. Finally, by integrated analysis of multiple omic data, we inferred that FOXG1 is implicated in translational control of hundreds of neuronal genes, modulating ribosome engagement and progression. In a few selected cases, we experimentally verified such inference. CONCLUSIONS These findings point to FOXG1 as a key effector, potentially crucial to multi-scale temporal tuning of neocortical pyramid activity, an issue with profound physiological and neuropathological implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osvaldo Artimagnella
- Laboratory of Cerebral Cortex Development, SISSA, Via Bonomea 265, 34136, Trieste, Italy
- Present Address: IRCCS Centro Neurolesi "Bonino-Pulejo", Messina, Italy
| | - Elena Sabina Maftei
- Laboratory of Cerebral Cortex Development, SISSA, Via Bonomea 265, 34136, Trieste, Italy
| | - Mauro Esposito
- Laboratory of Computational Genomics, SISSA, via Bonomea 265, 34136, Trieste, Italy
- Present Address: Neomatrix SRL, Rome, Italy
| | - Remo Sanges
- Laboratory of Computational Genomics, SISSA, via Bonomea 265, 34136, Trieste, Italy
| | - Antonello Mallamaci
- Laboratory of Cerebral Cortex Development, SISSA, Via Bonomea 265, 34136, Trieste, Italy.
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3
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Narita A, Asano H, Kudo H, Miyata S, Shutoh F, Miyoshi G. A novel quadrant spatial assay reveals environmental preference in mouse spontaneous and parental behaviors. Neurosci Res 2024:S0168-0102(24)00102-0. [PMID: 39134225 DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2024.08.002] [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: 08/01/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024]
Abstract
Environmental factors have well-documented impacts on brain development and mental health. Therefore, it is crucial to employ a reliable assay system to assess the spatial preference of model animals. In this study, we introduced an unbiased quadrant chamber assay system and discovered that parental pup-gathering behavior takes place in a very efficient manner. Furthermore, we found that test mice exhibited preferences for specific environments in both spontaneous and parental pup-gathering behavior contexts. Notably, the spatial preferences of autism spectrum disorder model animals were initially suppressed but later equalized during the spontaneous behavior assay, accompanied by increased time spent in the preferred chamber. In conclusion, our novel quadrant chamber assay system provides an ideal platform for investigating the spatial preference of mice, offering potential applications in studying environmental impacts and exploring neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorder models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aito Narita
- Department of Developmental Genetics and Behavioral Neuroscience, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-39-22 Showa-machi, Maebashi city, Gunma 371-8511, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Asano
- Department of Developmental Genetics and Behavioral Neuroscience, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-39-22 Showa-machi, Maebashi city, Gunma 371-8511, Japan
| | - Hayato Kudo
- Department of Developmental Genetics and Behavioral Neuroscience, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-39-22 Showa-machi, Maebashi city, Gunma 371-8511, Japan
| | - Shigeo Miyata
- Department of Developmental Genetics and Behavioral Neuroscience, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-39-22 Showa-machi, Maebashi city, Gunma 371-8511, Japan
| | - Fumihiro Shutoh
- Division of Informatics, Bioengineering and Bioscience, Maebashi Institute of Technology, 460-1 Kamisadori-machi, Maebashi city, Gunma 371-0816, Japan
| | - Goichi Miyoshi
- Department of Developmental Genetics and Behavioral Neuroscience, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-39-22 Showa-machi, Maebashi city, Gunma 371-8511, Japan.
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4
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Liuzzi G, Artimagnella O, Frisari S, Mallamaci A. Foxg1 bimodally tunes L1-mRNA and -DNA dynamics in the developing murine neocortex. Development 2024; 151:dev202292. [PMID: 38655654 PMCID: PMC11190451 DOI: 10.1242/dev.202292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Foxg1 masters telencephalic development via a pleiotropic control over its progression. Expressed within the central nervous system (CNS), L1 retrotransposons are implicated in progression of its histogenesis and tuning of its genomic plasticity. Foxg1 represses gene transcription, and L1 elements share putative Foxg1-binding motifs, suggesting the former might limit telencephalic expression (and activity) of the latter. We tested such a prediction, in vivo as well as in engineered primary neural cultures, using loss- and gain-of-function approaches. We found that Foxg1-dependent, transcriptional L1 repression specifically occurs in neopallial neuronogenic progenitors and post-mitotic neurons, where it is supported by specific changes in the L1 epigenetic landscape. Unexpectedly, we discovered that Foxg1 physically interacts with L1-mRNA and positively regulates neonatal neopallium L1-DNA content, antagonizing the retrotranscription-suppressing activity exerted by Mov10 and Ddx39a helicases. To the best of our knowledge, Foxg1 represents the first CNS patterning gene acting as a bimodal retrotransposon modulator, limiting transcription of L1 elements and promoting their amplification, within a specific domain of the developing mouse brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Liuzzi
- Laboratory of Cerebral Cortex Development, SISSA, Trieste 34136, Italy
| | | | - Simone Frisari
- Laboratory of Cerebral Cortex Development, SISSA, Trieste 34136, Italy
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5
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Cheffer A, Garcia-Miralles M, Maier E, Akol I, Franz H, Srinivasan VSV, Vogel T. DOT1L deletion impairs the development of cortical parvalbumin-expressing interneurons. Cereb Cortex 2023; 33:10272-10285. [PMID: 37566909 PMCID: PMC10545437 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhad281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The cortical plate (CP) is composed of excitatory and inhibitory neurons, the latter of which originate in the ganglionic eminences. From their origin in the ventral telencephalon, maturing postmitotic interneurons migrate during embryonic development over some distance to reach their final destination in the CP. The histone methyltransferase Disruptor of Telomeric Silencing 1-like (DOT1L) is necessary for proper CP development and layer distribution of glutamatergic neurons. However, its specific role on cortical interneuron development has not yet been explored. Here, we demonstrate that DOT1L affects interneuron development in a cell autonomous manner. Deletion of Dot1l in Nkx2.1-expressing interneuron precursor cells results in an overall reduction and altered distribution of GABAergic interneurons in the CP from postnatal day 0 onwards. We observed an altered proportion of GABAergic interneurons in the cortex, with a significant decrease in parvalbumin-expressing interneurons. Moreover, a decreased number of mitotic cells at the embryonic day E14.5 was observed upon Dot1l deletion. Altogether, our results indicate that reduced numbers of cortical interneurons upon DOT1L deletion result from premature cell cycle exit, but effects on postmitotic differentiation, maturation, and migration are likely at play as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arquimedes Cheffer
- Department of Molecular Embryology, Medical Faculty, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Freiburg 79104, Germany
| | - Marta Garcia-Miralles
- Department of Molecular Embryology, Medical Faculty, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Freiburg 79104, Germany
| | - Esther Maier
- Department of Molecular Embryology, Medical Faculty, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Freiburg 79104, Germany
| | - Ipek Akol
- Department of Molecular Embryology, Medical Faculty, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Freiburg 79104, Germany
- Faculty of Biology, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Freiburg 79104, Germany
| | - Henriette Franz
- Department of Molecular Embryology, Medical Faculty, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Freiburg 79104, Germany
| | - Vandana Shree Vedartham Srinivasan
- Department of Molecular Embryology, Medical Faculty, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Freiburg 79104, Germany
| | - Tanja Vogel
- Department of Molecular Embryology, Medical Faculty, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Freiburg 79104, Germany
- Center for Basics in NeuroModulation (NeuroModul Basics), Medical Faculty, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Freiburg 79104, Germany
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6
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Singh N, Siebzehnrubl FA, Martinez-Garay I. Transcriptional control of embryonic and adult neural progenitor activity. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1217596. [PMID: 37588515 PMCID: PMC10426504 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1217596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Neural precursors generate neurons in the embryonic brain and in restricted niches of the adult brain in a process called neurogenesis. The precise control of cell proliferation and differentiation in time and space required for neurogenesis depends on sophisticated orchestration of gene transcription in neural precursor cells. Much progress has been made in understanding the transcriptional regulation of neurogenesis, which relies on dose- and context-dependent expression of specific transcription factors that regulate the maintenance and proliferation of neural progenitors, followed by their differentiation into lineage-specified cells. Here, we review some of the most widely studied neurogenic transcription factors in the embryonic cortex and neurogenic niches in the adult brain. We compare functions of these transcription factors in embryonic and adult neurogenesis, highlighting biochemical, developmental, and cell biological properties. Our goal is to present an overview of transcriptional regulation underlying neurogenesis in the developing cerebral cortex and in the adult brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niharika Singh
- Division of Neuroscience, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, Cardiff University School of Biosciences, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Florian A. Siebzehnrubl
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, Cardiff University School of Biosciences, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Isabel Martinez-Garay
- Division of Neuroscience, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
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Lee H, Price J, Srivastava DP, Thuret S. In vitro characterization on the role of APOE polymorphism in human hippocampal neurogenesis. Hippocampus 2023; 33:322-346. [PMID: 36709412 PMCID: PMC10947111 DOI: 10.1002/hipo.23502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Hippocampal neurogenesis (HN) is considered an important mechanism underlying lifelong brain plasticity, and alterations in this process have been implicated in early Alzheimer's disease progression. APOE polymorphism is the most common genetic risk factor for late-onset Alzheimer's disease where the ε4 genotype is associated with a significantly earlier disease onset compared to the neutral ε3 allele. Recently, APOE has been shown to play an important role in the regulation of HN. However, the time-dependent impact of its polymorphism in humans remains elusive, partially due to the difficulties of studying human HN in vivo. To bridge this gap of knowledge, we used an in vitro cellular model of human HN and performed a time course characterization on isogenic induced pluripotent stem cells with different genotypes of APOE. We found that APOE itself was more highly expressed in ε4 at the stem cell stage, while the divergence of differential gene expression phenotype between ε4 and ε3 became prominent at the neuronal stage of differentiation. This divergence was not associated with the differential capacity to generate dentate gyrus granule cell-like neurons, as its level was comparable between ε4 and ε3. Transcriptomic profiling across different stages of neurogenesis indicated a clear "maturation of functional neurons" phenotype in ε3 neural progenitors and neurons, while genes differentially expressed only in ε4 neurons suggested potential alterations in "metabolism and mitochondrial function." Taken together, our in vitro investigation suggests that APOE ε4 allele can exert a transcriptome-wide effect at the later stages of HN, without altering the overall level of neurogenesis per se.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyunah Lee
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and NeuroscienceKing's College LondonLondonUK
| | - Jack Price
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and NeuroscienceKing's College LondonLondonUK
| | - Deepak P. Srivastava
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and NeuroscienceKing's College LondonLondonUK
- MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental DisordersKing's College LondonLondonUK
| | - Sandrine Thuret
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and NeuroscienceKing's College LondonLondonUK
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8
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Differential vulnerability of adult neurogenic niches to dosage of the neurodevelopmental-disorder linked gene Foxg1. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:497-514. [PMID: 35318461 PMCID: PMC9812795 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01497-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The transcription factor FOXG1 serves pleiotropic functions in brain development ranging from the regulation of precursor proliferation to the control of cortical circuit formation. Loss-of-function mutations and duplications of FOXG1 are associated with neurodevelopmental disorders in humans illustrating the importance of FOXG1 dosage for brain development. Aberrant FOXG1 dosage has been found to disrupt the balanced activity of glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons, but the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. We report that FOXG1 is expressed in the main adult neurogenic niches in mice, i.e. the hippocampal dentate gyrus and the subependymal zone/olfactory bulb system, where neurogenesis of glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons persists into adulthood. These niches displayed differential vulnerability to increased FOXG1 dosage: high FOXG1 levels severely compromised survival and glutamatergic dentate granule neuron fate acquisition in the hippocampal neurogenic niche, but left neurogenesis of GABAergic neurons in the subependymal zone/olfactory bulb system unaffected. Comparative transcriptomic analyses revealed a significantly higher expression of the apoptosis-linked nuclear receptor Nr4a1 in FOXG1-overexpressing hippocampal neural precursors. Strikingly, pharmacological interference with NR4A1 function rescued FOXG1-dependent death of hippocampal progenitors. Our results reveal differential vulnerability of neuronal subtypes to increased FOXG1 dosage and suggest that activity of a FOXG1/NR4A1 axis contributes to such subtype-specific response.
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9
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Hirose T, Sugitani Y, Kurihara H, Kazama H, Kusaka C, Noda T, Takahashi H, Ohno S. PAR3 restricts the expansion of neural precursor cells by regulating hedgehog signaling. Development 2022; 149:277212. [DOI: 10.1242/dev.199931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT
During brain development, neural precursor cells (NPCs) expand initially, and then switch to generating stage-specific neurons while maintaining self-renewal ability. Because the NPC pool at the onset of neurogenesis crucially affects the final number of each type of neuron, tight regulation is necessary for the transitional timing from the expansion to the neurogenic phase in these cells. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this transition are poorly understood. Here, we report that the telencephalon-specific loss of PAR3 before the start of neurogenesis leads to increased NPC proliferation at the expense of neurogenesis, resulting in disorganized tissue architecture. These NPCs demonstrate hyperactivation of hedgehog signaling in a smoothened-dependent manner, as well as defects in primary cilia. Furthermore, loss of PAR3 enhanced ligand-independent ciliary accumulation of smoothened and an inhibitor of smoothened ameliorated the hyperproliferation of NPCs in the telencephalon. Thus, these findings support the idea that PAR3 has a crucial role in the transition of NPCs from the expansion phase to the neurogenic phase by restricting hedgehog signaling through the establishment of ciliary integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomonori Hirose
- Yokohama City University School of Medicine 1 Department of Molecular Biology , , Yokohama 236-0004 , Japan
- Cancer Institute 2 Department of Cell Biology , , , Tokyo 135-8550 , Japan
- Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research 2 Department of Cell Biology , , , Tokyo 135-8550 , Japan
| | - Yoshinobu Sugitani
- Cancer Institute 2 Department of Cell Biology , , , Tokyo 135-8550 , Japan
- Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research 2 Department of Cell Biology , , , Tokyo 135-8550 , Japan
- Juntendo University School of Medicine 3 Department of Pathology and Oncology , , Tokyo 113-8421 , Japan
| | - Hidetake Kurihara
- Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine 4 Department of Anatomy and Life Structure , , Tokyo 113-8421 , Japan
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Science, Aino University 5 , Osaka 567-0012 , Japan
| | - Hiromi Kazama
- Yokohama City University School of Medicine 1 Department of Molecular Biology , , Yokohama 236-0004 , Japan
| | - Chiho Kusaka
- Yokohama City University School of Medicine 1 Department of Molecular Biology , , Yokohama 236-0004 , Japan
| | - Tetsuo Noda
- Cancer Institute 2 Department of Cell Biology , , , Tokyo 135-8550 , Japan
- Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research 2 Department of Cell Biology , , , Tokyo 135-8550 , Japan
- Director's Room, Cancer Institute, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research 6 , Tokyo 135-8550 , Japan
| | - Hidehisa Takahashi
- Yokohama City University School of Medicine 1 Department of Molecular Biology , , Yokohama 236-0004 , Japan
| | - Shigeo Ohno
- Yokohama City University School of Medicine 1 Department of Molecular Biology , , Yokohama 236-0004 , Japan
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10
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Erickson KR, Farmer R, Merritt JK, Miletic Lanaghan Z, Does MD, Ramadass K, Landman BA, Cutting LE, Neul JL. Behavioral and brain anatomical analysis of Foxg1 heterozygous mice. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0266861. [PMID: 36223387 PMCID: PMC9555627 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0266861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
FOXG1 Syndrome (FS) is a devastating neurodevelopmental disorder that is caused by a heterozygous loss-of-function (LOF) mutation of the FOXG1 gene, which encodes a transcriptional regulator important for telencephalic brain development. People with FS have marked developmental delays, impaired ambulation, movement disorders, seizures, and behavior abnormalities including autistic features. Current therapeutic approaches are entirely symptomatic, however the ability to rescue phenotypes in mouse models of other genetic neurodevelopmental disorders such as Rett syndrome, Angelman syndrome, and Phelan-McDermid syndrome by postnatal expression of gene products has led to hope that similar approaches could help modify the disease course in other neurodevelopmental disorders such as FS. While FoxG1 protein function plays a critical role in embryonic brain development, the ongoing adult expression of FoxG1 and behavioral phenotypes that present when FoxG1 function is removed postnatally provides support for opportunity for improvement with postnatal treatment. Here we generated a new mouse allele of Foxg1 that disrupts protein expression and characterized the behavioral and structural brain phenotypes in heterozygous mutant animals. These mutant animals display changes in locomotor behavior, gait, anxiety, social interaction, aggression, and learning and memory compared to littermate controls. Additionally, they have structural brain abnormalities reminiscent of people with FS. This information provides a framework for future studies to evaluate the potential for post-natal expression of FoxG1 to modify the disease course in this severe neurodevelopmental disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsty R. Erickson
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Rebekah Farmer
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Jonathan K. Merritt
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Zeljka Miletic Lanaghan
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Mark D. Does
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Vanderbilt University Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Karthik Ramadass
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Vanderbilt University Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Bennett A. Landman
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Vanderbilt University Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Laurie E. Cutting
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Department of Special Education, Peabody College, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey L. Neul
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Department of Special Education, Peabody College, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
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11
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Younger S, Boutros S, Cargnin F, Jeon S, Lee JW, Lee SK, Raber J. Behavioral Phenotypes of Foxg1 Heterozygous Mice. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:927296. [PMID: 35754477 PMCID: PMC9214218 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.927296] [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: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
FOXG1 syndrome (FS, aka a congenital variant of Rett syndrome) is a recently defined rare and devastating neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by various symptoms, including severe intellectual disability, autistic features, involuntary, and continuous jerky movements, feeding problems, sleep disturbances, seizures, irritability, and excessive crying. FS results from mutations in a single allele of the FOXG1 gene, leading to impaired FOXG1 function. Therefore, in establishing mouse models for FS, it is important to test if heterozygous (HET) mutation in the Foxg1 gene, mimicking genotypes of the human FS individuals, also manifests phenotypes similar to their symptoms. We analyzed HET mice with a null mutation allele in a single copy of Foxg1, and found that they show various phenotypes resembling the symptoms of the human FS individuals. These include increased anxiety in the open field as well as impairment in object recognition, motor coordination, and fear learning and contextual and cued fear memory. Our results suggest that Foxg1 HET mice recapitulate at least some symptoms of the human FS individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Skyler Younger
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Sydney Boutros
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | | | - Shin Jeon
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States.,Department of Systems Pharmacology & Translational Therapeutics, Institute for Immunology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Jae W Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Soo-Kyung Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Jacob Raber
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States.,Departments of Neurology and Radiation Medicine, Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
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Frisari S, Santo M, Hosseini A, Manzati M, Giugliano M, Mallamaci A. Multidimensional Functional Profiling of Human Neuropathogenic FOXG1 Alleles in Primary Cultures of Murine Pallial Precursors. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031343. [PMID: 35163265 PMCID: PMC8835715 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
FOXG1 is an ancient transcription factor gene mastering telencephalic development. A number of distinct structural FOXG1 mutations lead to the “FOXG1 syndrome”, a complex and heterogeneous neuropathological entity, for which no cure is presently available. Reconstruction of primary neurodevelopmental/physiological anomalies evoked by these mutations is an obvious pre-requisite for future, precision therapy of such syndrome. Here, as a proof-of-principle, we functionally scored three FOXG1 neuropathogenic alleles, FOXG1G224S, FOXG1W308X, and FOXG1N232S, against their healthy counterpart. Specifically, we delivered transgenes encoding for them to dedicated preparations of murine pallial precursors and quantified their impact on selected neurodevelopmental and physiological processes mastered by Foxg1: pallial stem cell fate choice, proliferation of neural committed progenitors, neuronal architecture, neuronal activity, and their molecular correlates. Briefly, we found that FOXG1G224S and FOXG1W308X generally performed as a gain- and a loss-of-function-allele, respectively, while FOXG1N232S acted as a mild loss-of-function-allele or phenocopied FOXG1WT. These results provide valuable hints about processes misregulated in patients heterozygous for these mutations, to be re-addressed more stringently in patient iPSC-derivative neuro-organoids. Moreover, they suggest that murine pallial cultures may be employed for fast multidimensional profiling of novel, human neuropathogenic FOXG1 alleles, namely a step propedeutic to timely delivery of therapeutic precision treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Frisari
- Cerebral Cortex Development Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience, SISSA, Via Bonomea 265, 34136 Trieste, Italy; (S.F.); (M.S.)
| | - Manuela Santo
- Cerebral Cortex Development Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience, SISSA, Via Bonomea 265, 34136 Trieste, Italy; (S.F.); (M.S.)
| | - Ali Hosseini
- Neuronal Dynamics Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience, SISSA, Via Bonomea 265, 34136 Trieste, Italy; (A.H.); (M.M.); (M.G.)
| | - Matteo Manzati
- Neuronal Dynamics Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience, SISSA, Via Bonomea 265, 34136 Trieste, Italy; (A.H.); (M.M.); (M.G.)
| | - Michele Giugliano
- Neuronal Dynamics Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience, SISSA, Via Bonomea 265, 34136 Trieste, Italy; (A.H.); (M.M.); (M.G.)
| | - Antonello Mallamaci
- Cerebral Cortex Development Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience, SISSA, Via Bonomea 265, 34136 Trieste, Italy; (S.F.); (M.S.)
- Correspondence:
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Akol I, Gather F, Vogel T. Paving Therapeutic Avenues for FOXG1 Syndrome: Untangling Genotypes and Phenotypes from a Molecular Perspective. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23020954. [PMID: 35055139 PMCID: PMC8780739 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23020954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Development of the central nervous system (CNS) depends on accurate spatiotemporal control of signaling pathways and transcriptional programs. Forkhead Box G1 (FOXG1) is one of the master regulators that play fundamental roles in forebrain development; from the timing of neurogenesis, to the patterning of the cerebral cortex. Mutations in the FOXG1 gene cause a rare neurodevelopmental disorder called FOXG1 syndrome, also known as congenital form of Rett syndrome. Patients presenting with FOXG1 syndrome manifest a spectrum of phenotypes, ranging from severe cognitive dysfunction and microcephaly to social withdrawal and communication deficits, with varying severities. To develop and improve therapeutic interventions, there has been considerable progress towards unravelling the multi-faceted functions of FOXG1 in the neurodevelopment and pathogenesis of FOXG1 syndrome. Moreover, recent advances in genome editing and stem cell technologies, as well as the increased yield of information from high throughput omics, have opened promising and important new avenues in FOXG1 research. In this review, we provide a summary of the clinical features and emerging molecular mechanisms underlying FOXG1 syndrome, and explore disease-modelling approaches in animals and human-based systems, to highlight the prospects of research and possible clinical interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ipek Akol
- Department of Molecular Embryology, Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany; (I.A.); (F.G.)
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Center for Basics in NeuroModulation (NeuroModul Basics), Medical Faculty, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Fabian Gather
- Department of Molecular Embryology, Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany; (I.A.); (F.G.)
| | - Tanja Vogel
- Department of Molecular Embryology, Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany; (I.A.); (F.G.)
- Center for Basics in NeuroModulation (NeuroModul Basics), Medical Faculty, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Correspondence:
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Human neuropathology confirms projection neuron and interneuron defects and delayed oligodendrocyte production and maturation in FOXG1 syndrome. Eur J Med Genet 2021; 64:104282. [PMID: 34284163 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmg.2021.104282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The Forkhead transcription factor FOXG1 is a prerequisite for telencephalon development in mammals and is an essential factor controlling expansion of the dorsal telencephalon by promoting neuron and interneuron production. Heterozygous FOXG1 gene mutations cause FOXG1 syndrome characterized by severe intellectual disability, motor delay, dyskinetic movements and epilepsy. Neuroimaging studies in patients disclose constant features including microcephaly, corpus callosum dysgenesis and delayed myelination. Currently, investigative research on the underlying pathophysiology relies on mouse models only and indicates that de-repression of FOXG1 target genes may cause premature neuronal differentiation at the expense of the progenitor pool, patterning and migration defects with impaired formation of cortico-cortical projections. It remains an open question to which extent this recapitulates the neurodevelopmental pathophysiology in FOXG1-haploinsufficient patients. To close this gap, we performed neuropathological analyses in two foetal cases with FOXG1 premature stop codon mutations interrupted during the third trimester of the pregnancy for microcephaly and corpus callosum dysgenesis. In these foetuses, we observed cortical lamination defects and decreased neuronal density mainly affecting layers II, III and V that normally give rise to cortico-cortical and inter-hemispheric axonal projections. GABAergic interneurons were also reduced in number in the cortical plate and persisting germinative zones. Additionally, we observed more numerous PDGFRα-positive oligodendrocyte precursor cells and fewer Olig2-positive pre-oligodendrocytes compared to age-matched control brains, arguing for delayed production and differentiation of oligodendrocyte lineage leading to delayed myelination. These findings provide key insights into the human pathophysiology of FOXG1 syndrome.
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FoxG1 regulates the formation of cortical GABAergic circuit during an early postnatal critical period resulting in autism spectrum disorder-like phenotypes. Nat Commun 2021; 12:3773. [PMID: 34145239 PMCID: PMC8213811 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-23987-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Abnormalities in GABAergic inhibitory circuits have been implicated in the aetiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). ASD is caused by genetic and environmental factors. Several genes have been associated with syndromic forms of ASD, including FOXG1. However, when and how dysregulation of FOXG1 can result in defects in inhibitory circuit development and ASD-like social impairments is unclear. Here, we show that increased or decreased FoxG1 expression in both excitatory and inhibitory neurons results in ASD-related circuit and social behavior deficits in our mouse models. We observe that the second postnatal week is the critical period when regulation of FoxG1 expression is required to prevent subsequent ASD-like social impairments. Transplantation of GABAergic precursor cells prior to this critical period and reduction in GABAergic tone via Gad2 mutation ameliorates and exacerbates circuit functionality and social behavioral defects, respectively. Our results provide mechanistic insight into the developmental timing of inhibitory circuit formation underlying ASD-like phenotypes in mouse models. Cortical excitatory/inhibitory (E/I) imbalance is a feature of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Here, the authors show that FoxG1 regulates the formation of cortical GABAergic circuits affecting social behaviour during a specific postnatal time window in mouse models of ASD.
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Ma ZX, Zhang RY, Rui WJ, Wang ZQ, Feng X. Quercetin alleviates chronic unpredictable mild stress-induced depressive-like behaviors by promoting adult hippocampal neurogenesis via FoxG1/CREB/ BDNF signaling pathway. Behav Brain Res 2021; 406:113245. [PMID: 33745981 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2021.113245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2020] [Revised: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Quercetin, a naturally occurring flavonoid, has been reported to exert antidepressant effects, however, the underlying mechanisms are still uncertain. Recent studies have demonstrated that Forkhead box transcription factor G1 (FoxG1) regulates the process of adult hippocampal neurogenesis (AHN) and exerts neuroprotective effects. In this study, we explored whether quercetin plays an anti-depressant role via regulation of FoxG1 signaling in mice and revealed the potential mechanisms. To explore the antidepressant effects of quercetin, mice were subjected to behavioral tests after a chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) exposure. We found that chronic quercetin treatment (15 mg/kg, 30 mg/kg) obviously restored the weight loss of mice caused by CUMS and alleviated CUMS-induced depression-like behaviors, such as increased sucrose consumption, improved locomotor activity and shorten immobility time. In addition, to clarify the relationship between quercetin and AHN, we detected neurogenesis markers in the dentate gyrus (DG) of the hippocampus. Furthermore, FoxG1-siRNA was employed and then stimulated with quercetin to further investigate the mechanism by which FoxG1 participates in the antidepressant effects of quercetin. Our results indicate that chronic quercetin treatment dramatically increased the number of doublecortin (DCX)-positive and BrdU/NeuN-double positive cells. Besides, the expression levels of FoxG1, p-CREB and Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) were also enhanced by quercetin in the DG. Strikingly, quercetin failed to reverse the levels of p-CREB and BDNF after FoxG1-siRNA was performed in SH-SY5Y cells and Neural Progenitor Cells (NPCs). Our results thus far suggest that quercetin might exert antidepressant effects via promotion of AHN by FoxG1/CREB/ BDNF signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhong-Xuan Ma
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Nanjing Brain Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ru-Yi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Wen-Juan Rui
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Nanjing Brain Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhi-Qing Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Nanjing Brain Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Xia Feng
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Nanjing Brain Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China.
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Mercurio S, Alberti C, Serra L, Meneghini S, Berico P, Bertolini J, Becchetti A, Nicolis SK. An early Sox2-dependent gene expression programme required for hippocampal dentate gyrus development. Open Biol 2021; 11:200339. [PMID: 33622105 PMCID: PMC8061699 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.200339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The hippocampus is a brain area central for cognition. Mutations in the human SOX2 transcription factor cause neurodevelopmental defects, leading to intellectual disability and seizures, together with hippocampal dysplasia. We generated an allelic series of Sox2 conditional mutations in mouse, deleting Sox2 at different developmental stages. Late Sox2 deletion (from E11.5, via Nestin-Cre) affects only postnatal hippocampal development; earlier deletion (from E10.5, Emx1-Cre) significantly reduces the dentate gyrus (DG), and the earliest deletion (from E9.5, FoxG1-Cre) causes drastic abnormalities, with almost complete absence of the DG. We identify a set of functionally interconnected genes (Gli3, Wnt3a, Cxcr4, p73 and Tbr2), known to play essential roles in hippocampal embryogenesis, which are downregulated in early Sox2 mutants, and (Gli3 and Cxcr4) directly controlled by SOX2; their downregulation provides plausible molecular mechanisms contributing to the defect. Electrophysiological studies of the Emx1-Cre mouse model reveal altered excitatory transmission in CA1 and CA3 regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Mercurio
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 2, 20126 Milano, Italy
| | - Chiara Alberti
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 2, 20126 Milano, Italy
| | - Linda Serra
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 2, 20126 Milano, Italy
| | - Simone Meneghini
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 2, 20126 Milano, Italy
| | - Pietro Berico
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 2, 20126 Milano, Italy
| | - Jessica Bertolini
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 2, 20126 Milano, Italy
| | - Andrea Becchetti
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 2, 20126 Milano, Italy
| | - Silvia K Nicolis
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 2, 20126 Milano, Italy
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18
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Niklison-Chirou MV, Agostini M, Amelio I, Melino G. Regulation of Adult Neurogenesis in Mammalian Brain. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21144869. [PMID: 32660154 PMCID: PMC7402357 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21144869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Adult neurogenesis is a multistage process by which neurons are generated and integrated into existing neuronal circuits. In the adult brain, neurogenesis is mainly localized in two specialized niches, the subgranular zone (SGZ) of the dentate gyrus and the subventricular zone (SVZ) adjacent to the lateral ventricles. Neurogenesis plays a fundamental role in postnatal brain, where it is required for neuronal plasticity. Moreover, perturbation of adult neurogenesis contributes to several human diseases, including cognitive impairment and neurodegenerative diseases. The interplay between extrinsic and intrinsic factors is fundamental in regulating neurogenesis. Over the past decades, several studies on intrinsic pathways, including transcription factors, have highlighted their fundamental role in regulating every stage of neurogenesis. However, it is likely that transcriptional regulation is part of a more sophisticated regulatory network, which includes epigenetic modifications, non-coding RNAs and metabolic pathways. Here, we review recent findings that advance our knowledge in epigenetic, transcriptional and metabolic regulation of adult neurogenesis in the SGZ of the hippocampus, with a special attention to the p53-family of transcription factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Victoria Niklison-Chirou
- Centre for Therapeutic Innovation (CTI-Bath), Department of Pharmacy & Pharmacology, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, UK;
- Blizard Institute of Cell and Molecular Science, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 2AT, UK
| | - Massimiliano Agostini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy; (M.A.); (I.A.)
| | - Ivano Amelio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy; (M.A.); (I.A.)
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2HU, UK
| | - Gerry Melino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy; (M.A.); (I.A.)
- Correspondence:
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19
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Hou PS, hAilín DÓ, Vogel T, Hanashima C. Transcription and Beyond: Delineating FOXG1 Function in Cortical Development and Disorders. Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 14:35. [PMID: 32158381 PMCID: PMC7052011 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.00035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Forkhead Box G1 (FOXG1) is a member of the Forkhead family of genes with non-redundant roles in brain development, where alteration of this gene's expression significantly affects the formation and function of the mammalian cerebral cortex. FOXG1 haploinsufficiency in humans is associated with prominent differences in brain size and impaired intellectual development noticeable in early childhood, while homozygous mutations are typically fatal. As such, FOXG1 has been implicated in a wide spectrum of congenital brain disorders, including the congenital variant of Rett syndrome, infantile spasms, microcephaly, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and schizophrenia. Recent technological advances have yielded greater insight into phenotypic variations observed in FOXG1 syndrome, molecular mechanisms underlying pathogenesis of the disease, and multifaceted roles of FOXG1 expression. In this review, we explore the emerging mechanisms of FOXG1 in a range of transcriptional to posttranscriptional events in order to evolve our current view of how a single transcription factor governs the assembly of an elaborate cortical circuit responsible for higher cognitive functions and neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Shan Hou
- Laboratory for Developmental Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Education and Integrated Arts and Sciences, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan.,Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Darren Ó hAilín
- Department of Molecular Embryology, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Tanja Vogel
- Department of Molecular Embryology, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Center for Basics in NeuroModulation (NeuroModul Basics), Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Carina Hanashima
- Laboratory for Developmental Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Education and Integrated Arts and Sciences, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Integrative Bioscience and Biomedical Engineering, Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Waseda University Center for Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Tokyo, Japan
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20
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Wu S, Zhang Y, Li Y, Wei H, Guo Z, Wang S, Zhang L, Bao Z. Identification and expression profiles of Fox transcription factors in the Yesso scallop (Patinopecten yessoensis). Gene 2020; 733:144387. [PMID: 31972308 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2020.144387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2019] [Revised: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The forkhead box (Fox) gene family is a family of transcription factors that play important roles in a variety of biological processes in vertebrates, including early development and cell proliferation and differentiation. However, at present, studies on the mollusk Fox family are relatively lacking. In the present study, the Fox gene family of the Yesso scallop (Patinopecten yessoensis) was systematically identified. In addition, the expression profiles of the Fox gene family in early development and adult tissues were analyzed. The results showed that there were 26 Fox genes in P. yessoensis. Of the 26 genes, 24 belonged to 20 subfamilies. The Fox genes belonging to the I, Q1, R and S subfamilies were absent in P. yessoensis. The other 2 genes formed 2 independent clades with the Fox genes of other mollusks and protostomes. They might be new members of the Fox family and were named FoxY and FoxZ. P. yessoensis contained a FoxC-FoxL1 gene cluster similar in structure to that of Branchiostoma floridae, suggesting that the cluster might already exist in the ancestors of bilaterally symmetrical animals. The gene expression analysis of Fox showed that most of the genes were continuously expressed in multiple stages of early development, suggesting that Fox genes might be widely involved in the regulation of embryo and larval development of P. yessoensis. Nine Fox genes were specifically expressed in certain tissues, such as the nerve ganglia, foot, ovary, testis, and gills. For the 9 genes that were differentially expressed between the testis and ovary, their expression levels were analyzed during the 4 developmental stages of gonads. The results showed that FoxL2, FoxE and FoxY were highly expressed in the ovary during all developmental stages, while FoxZ was highly expressed in the testis during all developmental stages. The results suggested that these genes might play an important role in sex maintenance or gametogenesis. The present study could provide a reference for evolutionary and functional studies of the Fox family in metazoans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoxuan Wu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Yang Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Yajuan Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Huilan Wei
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Zhenyi Guo
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Shi Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China; Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, Shandong, China
| | - Lingling Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China; Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, Shandong, China.
| | - Zhenmin Bao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China; Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, Shandong, China
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21
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Balan S, Toyoshima M, Yoshikawa T. Contribution of induced pluripotent stem cell technologies to the understanding of cellular phenotypes in schizophrenia. Neurobiol Dis 2019; 131:104162. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2018.04.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2017] [Revised: 04/23/2018] [Accepted: 04/28/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
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22
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Cortical Seizures in FoxG1+/- Mice are Accompanied by Akt/S6 Overactivation, Excitation/Inhibition Imbalance and Impaired Synaptic Transmission. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20174127. [PMID: 31450553 PMCID: PMC6747530 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20174127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The correct morphofunctional shaping of the cerebral cortex requires a continuous interaction between intrinsic (genes/molecules expressed within the tissue) and extrinsic (e.g., neural activity) factors at all developmental stages. Forkhead Box G1 (FOXG1) is an evolutionarily conserved transcription factor, essential for the cerebral cortex patterning and layering. FOXG1-related disorders, including the congenital form of Rett syndrome, can be caused by deletions, intragenic mutations or duplications. These genetic alterations are associated with a complex phenotypic spectrum, spanning from intellectual disability, microcephaly, to autistic features, and epilepsy. We investigated the functional correlates of dysregulated gene expression by performing electrophysiological assays on FoxG1+/- mice. Local Field Potential (LFP) recordings on freely moving animals detected cortical hyperexcitability. On the other hand, patch-clamp recordings showed a downregulation of spontaneous glutamatergic transmission. These findings were accompanied by overactivation of Akt/S6 signaling. Furthermore, the expression of vesicular glutamate transporter 2 (vGluT2) was increased, whereas the level of the potassium/chloride cotransporter KCC2 was reduced, thus indicating a higher excitation/inhibition ratio. Our findings provide evidence that altered expression of a key gene for cortical development can result in specific alterations in neural circuit function at the macro- and micro-scale, along with dysregulated intracellular signaling and expression of proteins controlling circuit excitability.
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Yu B, Liu J, Su M, Wang C, Chen H, Zhao C. Disruption of Foxg1 impairs neural plasticity leading to social and cognitive behavioral defects. Mol Brain 2019; 12:63. [PMID: 31253171 PMCID: PMC6599246 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-019-0484-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2019] [Accepted: 06/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The transcription factor Foxg1 is known to be continuously expressed at a high level in mature neurons in the telencephalon, but little is known about its role in neural plasticity. Mutations in human FOXG1 cause deficiencies in learning and memory and limit social ability, which is defined as FOXG1 syndrome, but its pathogenic mechanism remains unclear. To examine the role of Foxg1 in adults, we crossed Camk2a-CreER with Foxg1fl/fl mice and conditionally disrupted Foxg1 with tamoxifen in mature neurons. We found that spatial learning and memory were significantly impaired when examined by the Morris water maze test. The cKO mice also showed a significant reduction in freezing time during the contextual and cued fear conditioning test, indicating that fear conditioning memory was affected. A remarkable reduction in Schaffer-collateral long-term potentiation was also recorded. Morphologically, the dendritic arborization and spine densities of hippocampal pyramidal neurons were significantly reduced. Primary cell culture further confirmed altered dendritic complexity after Foxg1 deletion. Our results indicated that Foxg1 plays an important role in maintaining the neural plasticity, which is vital to high-grade function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baocong Yu
- Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Diseases, MOE, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Junhua Liu
- Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Diseases, MOE, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Mingzhao Su
- Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Diseases, MOE, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Chunlian Wang
- Key Lab of Cognition and Personality, MOE, School of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Huanxin Chen
- Key Lab of Cognition and Personality, MOE, School of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Chunjie Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Diseases, MOE, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
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Testa G, Mainardi M, Olimpico F, Pancrazi L, Cattaneo A, Caleo M, Costa M. A triheptanoin-supplemented diet rescues hippocampal hyperexcitability and seizure susceptibility in FoxG1 +/- mice. Neuropharmacology 2019; 148:305-310. [PMID: 30639390 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2019.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2018] [Revised: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 01/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The Forkhead Box G1 (FOXG1) gene encodes a transcription factor with an essential role in mammalian telencephalon development. FOXG1-related disorders, caused by deletions, intragenic mutations or duplications, are usually associated with severe intellectual disability, autistic features, and, in 87% of subjects, epileptiform manifestations. In a subset of patients with FoxG1 mutations, seizures remain intractable, prompting the need for novel therapeutic options. To address this issue, we took advantage of a haploinsufficient animal model, the FoxG1+/- mouse. In vivo electrophysiological analyses of FoxG1+/- mice detected hippocampal hyperexcitability, which turned into overt seizures upon delivery of the proconvulsant kainic acid, as confirmed by behavioral observations. These alterations were associated with decreased expression of the chloride transporter KCC2. Next, we tested whether a triheptanoin-based anaplerotic diet could have an impact on the pathological phenotype of FoxG1+/- mice. This manipulation abated altered neural activity and normalized enhanced susceptibility to proconvulsant-induced seizures, in addition to rescuing altered expression of KCC2 and increasing the levels of the GABA transporter vGAT. In conclusion, our data show that FoxG1 haploinsufficiency causes dysfunction of hippocampal circuits and increases the susceptibility to a proconvulsant insult, and that these alterations are rescued by triheptanoin dietary treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Testa
- Laboratory of Biology "Bio@SNS", Scuola Normale Superiore, Piazza dei Cavalieri, 7, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Marco Mainardi
- Laboratory of Biology "Bio@SNS", Scuola Normale Superiore, Piazza dei Cavalieri, 7, 56124, Pisa, Italy; Institute of Neuroscience, Italian National Research Council (CNR), Via Moruzzi, 1, 56124, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Francesco Olimpico
- Laboratory of Biology "Bio@SNS", Scuola Normale Superiore, Piazza dei Cavalieri, 7, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Laura Pancrazi
- Institute of Neuroscience, Italian National Research Council (CNR), Via Moruzzi, 1, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Antonino Cattaneo
- Laboratory of Biology "Bio@SNS", Scuola Normale Superiore, Piazza dei Cavalieri, 7, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Matteo Caleo
- Laboratory of Biology "Bio@SNS", Scuola Normale Superiore, Piazza dei Cavalieri, 7, 56124, Pisa, Italy; Institute of Neuroscience, Italian National Research Council (CNR), Via Moruzzi, 1, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Mario Costa
- Laboratory of Biology "Bio@SNS", Scuola Normale Superiore, Piazza dei Cavalieri, 7, 56124, Pisa, Italy; Institute of Neuroscience, Italian National Research Council (CNR), Via Moruzzi, 1, 56124, Pisa, Italy.
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25
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Zhu W, Zhang B, Li M, Mo F, Mi T, Wu Y, Teng Z, Zhou Q, Li W, Hu B. Precisely controlling endogenous protein dosage in hPSCs and derivatives to model FOXG1 syndrome. Nat Commun 2019; 10:928. [PMID: 30804331 PMCID: PMC6389984 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-08841-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2018] [Accepted: 01/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Dosage of key regulators impinge on developmental disorders such as FOXG1 syndrome. Since neither knock-out nor knock-down strategy assures flexible and precise protein abundance control, to study hypomorphic or haploinsufficiency expression remains challenging. We develop a system in human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) using CRISPR/Cas9 and SMASh technology, with which we can target endogenous proteins for precise dosage control in hPSCs and at multiple stages of neural differentiation. We also reveal FOXG1 dose-dependently affect the cellular constitution of human brain, with 60% mildly affect GABAergic interneuron development while 30% thresholds the production of MGE derived neurons. Abnormal interneuron differentiation accounts for various neurological defects such as epilepsy or seizures, which stimulates future innovative cures of FOXG1 syndrome. By means of its robustness and easiness, dosage-control of proteins in hPSCs and their derivatives will update the understanding and treatment of additional diseases caused by abnormal protein dosage. Altered dosage of developmental regulators such as transcription factors can result in disorders, such as FOXG1 syndrome. Here, the authors demonstrate the utility of SMASh technology for modulating protein dosage by modeling FOXG1 syndrome using human pluripotent stem cell-derived neurons and neural organoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenliang Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Institute for Stem cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Boya Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Institute for Stem cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Mengqi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Institute for Stem cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Fan Mo
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Institute for Stem cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Tingwei Mi
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yihui Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Institute for Stem cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhaoqian Teng
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Institute for Stem cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qi Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China. .,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China. .,Institute for Stem cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Wei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China. .,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China. .,Institute for Stem cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Baoyang Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China. .,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China. .,Institute for Stem cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
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26
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Yamada S, Yamazaki D, Kanda Y. 5-Fluorouracil inhibits neural differentiation via Mfn1/2 reduction in human induced pluripotent stem cells. J Toxicol Sci 2019; 43:727-734. [PMID: 30518710 DOI: 10.2131/jts.43.727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
5-fluorouracil (5-FU) has been widely used for the treatment of tumors. Regardless of its widespread use as an anti-cancer drug, 5-FU therapy can cause several side effects, including developmental toxicity and neurotoxicity. However, the potential action of 5-FU at the early fetal stage has not yet been completely elucidated. In the present study, we investigated the effect of 5-FU exposure on neural induction, using human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) as a model of human fetal stage. 5-FU exposure reduced the expression of several neural differentiation marker genes, such as OTX2, in iPSCs. Since the neural differentiation process requires ATP as a source of energy, we next examined intracellular ATP content using iPSCs. We found that 5-FU decreased intracellular ATP levels in iPSCs. We further focused on the effects of 5-FU on mitochondrial dynamics, which plays a role of ATP production. We found that 5-FU induced mitochondrial fragmentation and reduced the level of mitochondrial fusion proteins, mitofusin 1 and 2 (Mfn1/2). Double knockdown of Mfn1/2 genes in iPSCs downregulated the gene expression of OTX2, suggesting that Mfn mediates neural differentiation in iPSCs. Taken together, these results indicate that 5-FU has a neurotoxicity via Mfn-mediated mitochondria dynamics in iPSCs. Thus, mitochondrial dysfunction in iPSCs could be used as a possible marker for cytotoxic effects of drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shigeru Yamada
- Division of Pharmacology, National Institute of Health Sciences, Japan.,Pharmacological Evaluation Institute of Japan (PEIJ), Japan
| | - Daiju Yamazaki
- Division of Pharmacology, National Institute of Health Sciences, Japan
| | - Yasunari Kanda
- Division of Pharmacology, National Institute of Health Sciences, Japan
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27
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Abstract
Brain development is a highly regulated process that involves the precise spatio-temporal activation of cell signaling cues. Transcription factors play an integral role in this process by relaying information from external signaling cues to the genome. The transcription factor Forkhead box G1 (FOXG1) is expressed in the developing nervous system with a critical role in forebrain development. Altered dosage of FOXG1 due to deletions, duplications, or functional gain- or loss-of-function mutations, leads to a complex array of cellular effects with important consequences for human disease including neurodevelopmental disorders. Here, we review studies in multiple species and cell models where FOXG1 dose is altered. We argue against a linear, symmetrical relationship between FOXG1 dosage states, although FOXG1 levels at the right time and place need to be carefully regulated. Neurodevelopmental disease states caused by mutations in FOXG1 may therefore be regulated through different mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuwan C Hettige
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Psychiatric Genetics Group, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Carl Ernst
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Psychiatric Genetics Group, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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28
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FOXG1 Regulates PRKAR2B Transcriptionally and Posttranscriptionally via miR200 in the Adult Hippocampus. Mol Neurobiol 2018; 56:5188-5201. [PMID: 30539330 PMCID: PMC6647430 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-018-1444-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2018] [Accepted: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Rett syndrome is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that is mainly caused by mutations in MECP2. However, mutations in FOXG1 cause a less frequent form of atypical Rett syndrome, called FOXG1 syndrome. FOXG1 is a key transcription factor crucial for forebrain development, where it maintains the balance between progenitor proliferation and neuronal differentiation. Using genome-wide small RNA sequencing and quantitative proteomics, we identified that FOXG1 affects the biogenesis of miR200b/a/429 and interacts with the ATP-dependent RNA helicase, DDX5/p68. Both FOXG1 and DDX5 associate with the microprocessor complex, whereby DDX5 recruits FOXG1 to DROSHA. RNA-Seq analyses of Foxg1cre/+ hippocampi and N2a cells overexpressing miR200 family members identified cAMP-dependent protein kinase type II-beta regulatory subunit (PRKAR2B) as a target of miR200 in neural cells. PRKAR2B inhibits postsynaptic functions by attenuating protein kinase A (PKA) activity; thus, increased PRKAR2B levels may contribute to neuronal dysfunctions in FOXG1 syndrome. Our data suggest that FOXG1 regulates PRKAR2B expression both on transcriptional and posttranscriptional levels.
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29
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Cargnin F, Kwon JS, Katzman S, Chen B, Lee JW, Lee SK. FOXG1 Orchestrates Neocortical Organization and Cortico-Cortical Connections. Neuron 2018; 100:1083-1096.e5. [PMID: 30392794 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2018.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2018] [Revised: 08/16/2018] [Accepted: 10/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The hallmarks of FOXG1 syndrome, which results from mutations in a single FOXG1 allele, include cortical atrophy and corpus callosum agenesis. However, the etiology for these structural deficits and the role of FOXG1 in cortical projection neurons remain unclear. Here we demonstrate that Foxg1 in pyramidal neurons plays essential roles in establishing cortical layers and the identity and axon trajectory of callosal projection neurons. The neuron-specific actions of Foxg1 are achieved by forming a transcription complex with Rp58. The Foxg1-Rp58 complex directly binds and represses Robo1, Slit3, and Reelin genes, the key regulators of callosal axon guidance and neuronal migration. We also found that inactivation of one Foxg1 allele specifically in cortical neurons was sufficient to cause cerebral cortical hypoplasia and corpus callosum agenesis. Together, this study reveals a novel gene regulatory pathway that specifies neuronal characteristics during cerebral cortex development and sheds light on the etiology of FOXG1 syndrome. VIDEO ABSTRACT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Cargnin
- Papé Family Pediatric Research Institute, Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Ji-Sun Kwon
- Papé Family Pediatric Research Institute, Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Sol Katzman
- Genomics Institute, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
| | - Bin Chen
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
| | - Jae W Lee
- Papé Family Pediatric Research Institute, Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Soo-Kyung Lee
- Papé Family Pediatric Research Institute, Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA; Vollum Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA.
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30
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Vineeth VS, Dutta UR, Tallapaka K, Das Bhowmik A, Dalal A. Whole exome sequencing identifies a novel 5 Mb deletion at 14q12 region in a patient with global developmental delay, microcephaly and seizures. Gene 2018; 673:56-60. [PMID: 29920362 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2018.06.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2018] [Revised: 06/11/2018] [Accepted: 06/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Rett syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting the nervous, musculoskeletal and gastroenteric systems. Affected individuals show normal neonatal development for 6-18 months followed by sudden growth arrest, psychomotor retardation and a broad spectrum of clinical features. Sequence variants in MECP2 gene have been identified as the major genetic etiology accounting for 90-95% of patients. Apart from MECP2, pathogenic sequence variants and copy number variants of FOXG1 gene lead to congenital type of Rett syndrome which is a more severe form and characterised by absence of early normal development as seen in classical Rett syndrome. In this report we describe a female child with global developmental delay, microcephaly and myoclonic seizures harbouring a 5 Mb deletion in 14q12 locus resulting in deletion of single copy of brain specific genes FOXG1, PRKD1 and NOVA1. Whole exome sequencing ruled out any possible role of other pathogenic single nucleotide variants and/or indels as the etiology for the observed phenotype. However, copy number variation analysis from the whole exome data detected a ~ 5 Mb microdeletion at the long arm of chromosome 14q12 region. The deletion was confirmed through array Comparative Genomic Hybridization and validated by quantitative PCR. Further, parents were analysed for mosaicism through metaphase Fluorescence in-situ Hybridisation. Our report broadens the phenotype of atypical Rett syndrome and reiterates the role of exome sequencing not only in detection of point mutation/small indels but also for detection of large deletions/duplication in coding regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Venugopal S Vineeth
- Diagnostics Division, Centre for DNA Fingerprinting & Diagnostics, Hyderabad, India
| | - Usha R Dutta
- Diagnostics Division, Centre for DNA Fingerprinting & Diagnostics, Hyderabad, India
| | - Karthik Tallapaka
- Department of Medical Genetics, Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad, India
| | - Aneek Das Bhowmik
- Diagnostics Division, Centre for DNA Fingerprinting & Diagnostics, Hyderabad, India.
| | - Ashwin Dalal
- Diagnostics Division, Centre for DNA Fingerprinting & Diagnostics, Hyderabad, India
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31
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Yamada S, Yamazaki D, Kanda Y. Silver nanoparticles inhibit neural induction in human induced pluripotent stem cells. Nanotoxicology 2018; 12:836-846. [PMID: 29902946 DOI: 10.1080/17435390.2018.1481238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been widely used as consumer products due to their antibacterial activities. Despite their extensive use, AgNPs have been reported to cause various types of cytotoxicity, including neurotoxicity. However, the potential action of AgNPs on early fetal development has not been elucidated. This study determined the effects of AgNPs on neural induction in human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), used as a model for human fetal stage development. It was observed that exposure to AgNPs reduced the expression of several neural differentiation marker genes, including OTX2, an early biomarker for neurogenesis in iPSCs. Since neural differentiation requires ATP as a source of energy, the intracellular ATP content was also measured. It was observed that AgNPs decreased intracellular ATP levels in iPSCs. Since AgNPs suppressed energy production, a critical mitochondrial function, the effects of AgNPs on mitochondrial dynamics were further studied. The results revealed that AgNPs induced mitochondrial fragmentation and reduced the level of mitochondrial fusion protein mitofusin 1 (Mfn1). Previously, we reported that knockdown of Mfn1 in iPSCs inhibited neural induction via OTX2 downregulation. This suggested that AgNPs could induce cytotoxicity, including neurodevelopmental toxicity, via Mfn1-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction in iPSCs. Thus, mitochondrial function in iPSCs can be used for assessing the cytotoxic effects associated with nanomaterials, including AgNPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shigeru Yamada
- a Division of Pharmacology , National Institute of Health Sciences , Kanagawa , Japan.,b Pharmacological Evaluation Institute of Japan (PEIJ) , Kanagawa , Japan
| | - Daiju Yamazaki
- a Division of Pharmacology , National Institute of Health Sciences , Kanagawa , Japan
| | - Yasunari Kanda
- a Division of Pharmacology , National Institute of Health Sciences , Kanagawa , Japan
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32
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Atkinson PJ, Dong Y, Gu S, Liu W, Najarro EH, Udagawa T, Cheng AG. Sox2 haploinsufficiency primes regeneration and Wnt responsiveness in the mouse cochlea. J Clin Invest 2018; 128:1641-1656. [PMID: 29553487 DOI: 10.1172/jci97248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2017] [Accepted: 02/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
During development, Sox2 is indispensable for cell division and differentiation, yet its roles in regenerating tissues are less clear. Here, we used combinations of transgenic mouse models to reveal that Sox2 haploinsufficiency (Sox2haplo) increases rather than impairs cochlear regeneration in vivo. Sox2haplo cochleae had delayed terminal mitosis and ectopic sensory cells, yet normal auditory function. Sox2haplo amplified and expanded domains of damage-induced Atoh1+ transitional cell formation in neonatal cochlea. Wnt activation via β-catenin stabilization (β-cateninGOF) alone failed to induce proliferation or transitional cell formation. By contrast, β-cateninGOF caused proliferation when either Sox2haplo or damage was present, and transitional cell formation when both were present in neonatal, but not mature, cochlea. Mechanistically, Sox2haplo or damaged neonatal cochleae showed lower levels of Sox2 and Hes5, but not of Wnt target genes. Together, our study unveils an interplay between Sox2 and damage in directing tissue regeneration and Wnt responsiveness and thus provides a foundation for potential combinatorial therapies aimed at stimulating mammalian cochlear regeneration to reverse hearing loss in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick J Atkinson
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Yaodong Dong
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA.,Department of Otology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Shuping Gu
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Wenwen Liu
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Elvis Huarcaya Najarro
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Tomokatsu Udagawa
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Alan G Cheng
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
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33
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Lixing X, zhouye J, Liting G, Ruyi Z, Rong Q, Shiping M. Saikosaponin- d -mediated downregulation of neurogenesis results in cognitive dysfunction by inhibiting Akt/Foxg-1 pathway in mice. Toxicol Lett 2018; 284:79-85. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2017.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2017] [Revised: 10/30/2017] [Accepted: 11/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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34
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Harada K, Yamamoto M, Konishi Y, Koyano K, Takahashi S, Namba M, Kusaka T. Hypoplastic hippocampus in atypical Rett syndrome with a novel FOXG1 mutation. Brain Dev 2018; 40:49-52. [PMID: 28781028 DOI: 10.1016/j.braindev.2017.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2017] [Revised: 06/24/2017] [Accepted: 07/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The forkhead box G1 (FOXG1) gene encodes a brain-specific transcription factor and is associated with a congenital variant of atypical Rett syndrome (RTT); several FOXG1 mutations have been identified. The congenital variant of RTT shows a hypoplastic corpus callosum, delayed myelination, and frontal and temporal atrophy. Although no report has described a hippocampal abnormality in humans, the current study suggests that FOXG1 also regulates neurogenesis in the postnatal hippocampus. In the present case, severe developmental delay was observed in a patient with a congenital variant of RTT from about 4months, in conjunction with acquired microcephaly, hypotonia, limited motor function, absent purposeful hand use, and repetitive jerky movements of the upper limbs. A novel missense mutation was identified in FOXG1 on gene analysis (c. 569T>A, p. Ile190Asn). The patient showed not only the typical cerebral abnormalities of a congenital variant of RTT, but also a hypoplastic hippocampus. This novel mutation and cerebral findings may provide new insights into the pathophysiology of the congenital variant of RTT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kotoha Harada
- Department of Pediatrics, Shodoshima Central Hospital, Japan.
| | - Mayumi Yamamoto
- Department of Pediatrics, Shodoshima Central Hospital, Japan
| | - Yukihiko Konishi
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, Japan
| | - Kaori Koyano
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, Japan
| | | | - Masanori Namba
- Department of Pediatrics, Kagawa Rehabilitation Center, Japan
| | - Takashi Kusaka
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, Japan
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35
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Regulatory variants of FOXG1 in the context of its topological domain organisation. Eur J Hum Genet 2017; 26:186-196. [PMID: 29289958 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-017-0011-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2017] [Revised: 08/28/2017] [Accepted: 08/31/2017] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
FOXG1 syndrome is caused by FOXG1 intragenic point mutations, or by long-range position effects (LRPE) of intergenic structural variants. However, the size of the FOXG1 regulatory landscape is uncertain, because the associated topologically associating domain (TAD) in fibroblasts is split into two domains in embryonic stem cells (hESC). Indeed, it has been suggested that the pathogenetic mechanism of deletions that remove the stem-cell-specific TAD boundary may be enhancer adoption due to ectopic activity of enhancer(s) located in the distal hESC-TAD. Herein we map three de novo translocation breakpoints to the proximal regulatory domain of FOXG1. The classical FOXG1 syndrome in these and in other translocation patients, and in a patient with an intergenic deletion that removes the hESC-specific TAD boundary, do not support the hypothesised enhancer adoption as a main contributor to the FOXG1 syndrome. Also, virtual 4 C and HiC-interaction data suggest that the hESC-specific TAD boundary may not be critical for FOXG1 regulation in a majority of human cells and tissues, including brain tissues and a neuronal progenitor cell line. Our data support the importance of a critical regulatory region (SRO) proximal to the hESC-specific TAD boundary. We further narrow this critical region by a deletion distal to the hESC-specific boundary, associated with a milder clinical phenotype. The distance from FOXG1 to the SRO ( > 500 kb) highlight a limitation of ENCODE DNase hypersensitivity data for functional prediction of LRPE. Moreover, the SRO has little overlap with a cluster of frequently associating regions (FIREs) located in the proximal hESC-TAD.
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36
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AP2γ controls adult hippocampal neurogenesis and modulates cognitive, but not anxiety or depressive-like behavior. Mol Psychiatry 2017; 22:1725-1734. [PMID: 27777416 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2016.169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2016] [Revised: 07/27/2016] [Accepted: 08/04/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Hippocampal neurogenesis has been proposed to participate in a myriad of behavioral responses, both in basal states and in the context of neuropsychiatric disorders. Here, we identify activating protein 2γ (AP2γ, also known as Tcfap2c), originally described to regulate the generation of neurons in the developing cortex, as a modulator of adult hippocampal glutamatergic neurogenesis in mice. Specifically, AP2γ is present in a sub-population of hippocampal transient amplifying progenitors. There, it is found to act as a positive regulator of the cell fate determinants Tbr2 and NeuroD, promoting proliferation and differentiation of new glutamatergic granular neurons. Conditional ablation of AP2γ in the adult brain significantly reduced hippocampal neurogenesis and disrupted neural coherence between the ventral hippocampus and the medial prefrontal cortex. Furthermore, it resulted in the precipitation of multimodal cognitive deficits. This indicates that the sub-population of AP2γ-positive hippocampal progenitors may constitute an important cellular substrate for hippocampal-dependent cognitive functions. Concurrently, AP2γ deletion produced significant impairments in contextual memory and reversal learning. More so, in a water maze reference memory task a delay in the transition to cognitive strategies relying on hippocampal function integrity was observed. Interestingly, anxiety- and depressive-like behaviors were not significantly affected. Altogether, findings open new perspectives in understanding the role of specific sub-populations of newborn neurons in the (patho)physiology of neuropsychiatric disorders affecting hippocampal neuroplasticity and cognitive function in the adult brain.
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37
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Murine pluripotent stem cells with a homozygous knockout of Foxg1 show reduced differentiation towards cortical progenitors in vitro. Stem Cell Res 2017; 25:50-60. [PMID: 29080444 DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2017.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2017] [Revised: 10/13/2017] [Accepted: 10/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Foxg1 is a transcription factor critical for the development of the mammalian telencephalon. Foxg1 controls the proliferation of dorsal telencephalon progenitors and the specification of the ventral telencephalon. Homozygous knockout of Foxg1 in mice leads to severe microcephaly, attributed to premature differentiation of telencephalic progenitors, mainly of cortical progenitors. Here, we analyzed the influence of a Foxg1 knockout on differentiation of murine pluripotent stem cells (mPSCs) in an in vitro model of neuronal development. Murine PSCs were prone to neuronal differentiation in embryoid body like culture with minimal medium conditions, based on the intrinsic default of PSCs to develop into cortical progenitors. Differences between Foxg1 wildtype (Foxg1WT) and knockout (Foxg1KO) mPSCs were analyzed. Several mPSC lines with homozygous mutations in Foxg1 were produced using the CRISPR/Cas9 system leading to loss of functional domains. Analysis of mRNA expression using quantitative Real-Time (q) PCR revealed that Foxg1KO mPSCs expressed significantly less mRNA of Foxg1, Emx1, and VGlut1 compared to Foxg1WT controls, indicating reduced differentiation towards dorsal telencephalic progenitors. However, the size of the derived EB-like structures did not differ between Foxg1WT and Foxg1KO mPSCs. These results show that loss of dorsal telencephalic progenitors can be detected using a simple and rapid differentiation protocol. This study is a first hint that this differentiation method can be used to analyze even extreme phenotypes that are lethal in vivo.
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Encinas JM, Fitzsimons CP. Gene regulation in adult neural stem cells. Current challenges and possible applications. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2017; 120:118-132. [PMID: 28751200 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2017.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2017] [Revised: 07/17/2017] [Accepted: 07/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Adult neural stem and progenitor cells (NSPCs) offer a unique opportunity for neural regeneration and niche modification in physiopathological conditions, harnessing the capability to modify from neuronal circuits to glial scar. Findings exposing the vast plasticity and potential of NSPCs have accumulated over the past years and we currently know that adult NSPCs can naturally give rise not only to neurons but also to astrocytes and reactive astrocytes, and eventually to oligodendrocytes through genetic manipulation. We can consider NSPCs as endogenous flexible tools to fight against neurodegenerative and neurological disorders and aging. In addition, NSPCs can be considered as active agents contributing to chronic brain alterations and as relevant cell populations to be preserved, so that their main function, neurogenesis, is not lost in damage or disease. Altogether we believe that learning to manipulate NSPC is essential to prevent, ameliorate or restore some of the cognitive deficits associated with brain disease and injury, and therefore should be considered as target for future therapeutic strategies. The first step to accomplish this goal is to target them specifically, by unveiling and understanding their unique markers and signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Manuel Encinas
- Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, Bizkaia Science and Technology Park, 205, 48170 Zamudio, Spain; Ikerbasque, The Basque Science Foundation, María Díaz de Haro 3, 6(th) Floor, 48013 Bilbao, Spain; University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Barrio Sarriena s/n, 48940 Leioa, Spain.
| | - Carlos P Fitzsimons
- Neuroscience Program, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, University of Amsterdam, SciencePark 904, 1098XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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Liu YN, Lu SY, Yao J. Application of induced pluripotent stem cells to understand neurobiological basis of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2017; 71:579-599. [PMID: 28393474 DOI: 10.1111/pcn.12528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The etiology of neuropsychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, usually involves complex combinations of genetic defects/variations and environmental impacts, which hindered, for a long time, research efforts based on animal models and patients' non-neuronal cells or post-mortem tissues. However, the development of human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology by the Yamanaka group was immediately applied to establish cell research models for neuronal disorders. Since then, techniques to achieve highly efficient differentiation of different types of neural cells following iPSC modeling have made much progress. The fast-growing iPSC and neural differentiation techniques have brought valuable insights into the pathology and neurobiology of neuropsychiatric disorders. In this article, we first review the application of iPSC technology in modeling neuronal disorders and discuss the progress in the accompanying neural differentiation. Then, we summarize the progress in iPSC-based research that has been accomplished so far regarding schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao-Nan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Si-Yao Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Jun Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
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40
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DNA Methyltransferase 1 Is Indispensable for Development of the Hippocampal Dentate Gyrus. J Neurosci 2017; 36:6050-68. [PMID: 27251626 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0512-16.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2016] [Accepted: 04/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Development of the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG) in the mammalian brain is achieved through multiple processes during late embryonic and postnatal stages, with each developmental step being strictly governed by extracellular cues and intracellular mechanisms. Here, we show that the maintenance DNA methyltransferase 1 (Dnmt1) is critical for development of the DG in the mouse. Deletion of Dnmt1 in neural stem cells (NSCs) at the beginning of DG development led to a smaller size of the granule cell layer in the DG. NSCs lacking Dnmt1 failed to establish proper radial processes or to migrate into the subgranular zone, resulting in aberrant neuronal production in the molecular layer of the DG and a reduction of integrated neurons in the granule cell layer. Interestingly, prenatal deletion of Dnmt1 in NSCs affected not only the developmental progression of the DG but also the properties of NSCs maintained into adulthood: Dnmt1-deficient NSCs displayed impaired neurogenic ability and proliferation. We also found that Dnmt1 deficiency in NSCs decreased the expression of Reelin signaling components in the developing DG and increased that of the cell cycle inhibitors p21 and p57 in the adult DG. Together, these findings led us to propose that Dnmt1 functions as a key regulator to ensure the proper development of the DG, as well as the proper status of NSCs maintained into adulthood, by modulating extracellular signaling and intracellular mechanisms. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Here, we provide evidence that Dnmt1 is required for the proper development of the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG). Deletion of Dnmt1 in neural stem cells (NSCs) at an early stage of DG development impaired the ability of NSCs to establish secondary radial glial scaffolds and to migrate into the subgranular zone of the DG, leading to aberrant neuronal production in the molecular layer, increased cell death, and decreased granule neuron production. Prenatal deletion of Dnmt1 in NSCs also induced defects in the proliferation and neurogenic ability of adult NSCs. Furthermore, we found that Dnmt1 regulates the expression of key extracellular signaling components during developmental stages while modulating intracellular mechanisms for proliferation and neuronal production of NSCs in the adult.
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41
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Yamada S, Kubo Y, Yamazaki D, Sekino Y, Kanda Y. Chlorpyrifos inhibits neural induction via Mfn1-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction in human induced pluripotent stem cells. Sci Rep 2017; 7:40925. [PMID: 28112198 PMCID: PMC5256306 DOI: 10.1038/srep40925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2016] [Accepted: 12/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Organophosphates, such as chlorpyrifos (CPF), are widely used as insecticides in agriculture. CPF is known to induce cytotoxicity, including neurodevelopmental toxicity. However, the molecular mechanisms of CPF toxicity at early fetal stage have not been fully elucidated. In this study, we examined the mechanisms of CPF-induced cytotoxicity using human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). We found that exposure to CPF at micromolar levels decreased intracellular ATP levels. As CPF suppressed energy production that is a critical function of the mitochondria, we focused on the effects of CPF on mitochondrial dynamics. CPF induced mitochondrial fragmentation via reduction of mitochondrial fusion protein mitofusin 1 (Mfn1) in iPSCs. In addition, CPF reduced the expression of several neural differentiation marker genes in iPSCs. Moreover, knockdown of Mfn1 gene in iPSCs downregulated the expression of PAX6, a key transcription factor that regulates neurogenesis, suggesting that Mfn1 mediates neural induction in iPSCs. Taken together, these results suggest that CPF induces neurotoxicity via Mfn1-mediated mitochondrial fragmentation in iPSCs. Thus, mitochondrial dysfunction in iPSCs could be used as a possible marker for cytotoxic effects by chemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shigeru Yamada
- Division of Pharmacology, National Institute of Health Sciences, Tokyo, Japan.,Pharmacological Evaluation Institute of Japan (PEIJ), Kanagawa, Japan.,Division of Pharmacology, National Institute of Health Sciences, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yusuke Kubo
- Division of Pharmacology, National Institute of Health Sciences, Tokyo, Japan.,Division of Pharmacology, National Institute of Health Sciences, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Daiju Yamazaki
- Division of Pharmacology, National Institute of Health Sciences, Tokyo, Japan.,Division of Pharmacology, National Institute of Health Sciences, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuko Sekino
- Division of Pharmacology, National Institute of Health Sciences, Tokyo, Japan.,Division of Pharmacology, National Institute of Health Sciences, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasunari Kanda
- Division of Pharmacology, National Institute of Health Sciences, Tokyo, Japan.,Division of Pharmacology, National Institute of Health Sciences, Tokyo, Japan
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Boggio E, Pancrazi L, Gennaro M, Lo Rizzo C, Mari F, Meloni I, Ariani F, Panighini A, Novelli E, Biagioni M, Strettoi E, Hayek J, Rufa A, Pizzorusso T, Renieri A, Costa M. Visual impairment in FOXG1-mutated individuals and mice. Neuroscience 2016; 324:496-508. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2016.03.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2015] [Revised: 03/01/2016] [Accepted: 03/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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43
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Bowers M, Jessberger S. Linking adult hippocampal neurogenesis with human physiology and disease. Dev Dyn 2016; 245:702-9. [PMID: 26890418 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.24396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2016] [Revised: 02/12/2016] [Accepted: 02/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
We here review the existing evidence linking adult hippocampal neurogenesis and human brain function in physiology and disease. Furthermore, we aim to point out where evidence is missing, highlight current promising avenues of investigation, and suggest future tools and approaches to foster the link between life-long neurogenesis and human brain function. Developmental Dynamics 245:702-709, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Bowers
- Laboratory of Neural Plasticity, Faculty of Medicine and Science, Brain Research Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sebastian Jessberger
- Laboratory of Neural Plasticity, Faculty of Medicine and Science, Brain Research Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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44
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Humann J, Mann B, Gao G, Moresco P, Ramahi J, Loh LN, Farr A, Hu Y, Durick-Eder K, Fillon SA, Smeyne RJ, Tuomanen EI. Bacterial Peptidoglycan Traverses the Placenta to Induce Fetal Neuroproliferation and Aberrant Postnatal Behavior. Cell Host Microbe 2016; 19:388-99. [PMID: 26962947 PMCID: PMC4787272 DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2016.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2015] [Revised: 02/04/2016] [Accepted: 02/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Maternal infection during pregnancy is associated with adverse outcomes for the fetus, including postnatal cognitive disorders. However, the underlying mechanisms are obscure. We find that bacterial cell wall peptidoglycan (CW), a universal PAMP for TLR2, traverses the murine placenta into the developing fetal brain. In contrast to adults, CW-exposed fetal brains did not show any signs of inflammation or neuronal death. Instead, the neuronal transcription factor FoxG1 was induced, and neuroproliferation leading to a 50% greater density of neurons in the cortical plate was observed. Bacterial infection of pregnant dams, followed by antibiotic treatment, which releases CW, yielded the same result. Neuroproliferation required TLR2 and was recapitulated in vitro with fetal neuronal precursor cells and TLR2/6, but not TLR2/1, ligands. The fetal neuroproliferative response correlated with abnormal cognitive behavior in CW-exposed pups following birth. Thus, the bacterial CW-TLR2 signaling axis affects fetal neurodevelopment and may underlie postnatal cognitive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Humann
- Department of Infectious Diseases, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Beth Mann
- Department of Infectious Diseases, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Geli Gao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Philip Moresco
- Department of Infectious Diseases, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Joseph Ramahi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Lip Nam Loh
- Department of Infectious Diseases, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Arden Farr
- Department of Infectious Diseases, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Yunming Hu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Kelly Durick-Eder
- Department of Infectious Diseases, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Sophie A Fillon
- Department of Infectious Diseases, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Richard J Smeyne
- Department of Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Elaine I Tuomanen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA.
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45
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Aguillon R, Blader P, Batut J. Patterning, morphogenesis, and neurogenesis of zebrafish cranial sensory placodes. Methods Cell Biol 2016; 134:33-67. [PMID: 27312490 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mcb.2016.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Peripheral sensory organs and ganglia found in the vertebrate head arise during embryonic development from distinct ectodermal thickenings, called cranial sensory placodes (adenohypophyseal, olfactory, lens, trigeminal, epibranchial, and otic). A series of patterning events leads to the establishment of these placodes. Subsequently, these placodes undergo specific morphogenetic movements and cell-type specification in order to shape the final placodal derivatives and to produce differentiated cell types necessary for their function. In this chapter, we will focus on recent studies in the zebrafish that have advanced our understanding of cranial sensory placode development. We will summarize the signaling events and their molecular effectors guiding the formation of the so-called preplacodal region, and the subsequent subdivision of this region along the anteroposterior axis that gives rise to specific placode identities as well as those controlling morphogenesis and neurogenesis. Finally, we will highlight the approaches used in zebrafish that have been established to precisely label cell populations, to follow their development, and/or to characterize cell fates within a specific placode.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Aguillon
- Centre de Biologie du Développement (CBD, UMR5547), Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | - P Blader
- Centre de Biologie du Développement (CBD, UMR5547), Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | - J Batut
- Centre de Biologie du Développement (CBD, UMR5547), Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, Toulouse, France
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46
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Kawaguchi D, Sahara S, Zembrzycki A, O'Leary DDM. Generation and analysis of an improved Foxg1-IRES-Cre driver mouse line. Dev Biol 2016; 412:139-147. [PMID: 26896590 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2016.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2015] [Revised: 02/10/2016] [Accepted: 02/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Foxg1 expression is highly restricted to the telencephalon and other head structures in the early embryo. This expression pattern has been exploited to generate conditional knockout mice, based on a widely used Foxg1-Cre knock-in line (Foxg1(tm1(cre)Skm)), in which the Foxg1 coding region was replaced by the Cre gene. The utility of this line, however, is severely hampered for two reasons: (1) Foxg1-Cre mice display ectopic and unpredictable Cre activity, and (2) Foxg1 haploinsufficiency can produce neurodevelopmental phenotypes. To overcome these issues, we have generated a new Foxg1-IRES-Cre knock-in mouse line, in which an IRES-Cre cassette was inserted in the 3'UTR of Foxg1 locus, thus preserving the endogenous Foxg1 coding region and un-translated gene regulatory sequences in the 3'UTR, including recently discovered microRNA target sites. We further demonstrate that the new Foxg1-IRES-Cre line displays consistent Cre activity patterns that recapitulated the endogenous Foxg1 expression at embryonic and postnatal stages without causing defects in cortical development. We conclude that the new Foxg1-IRES-Cre mouse line is a unique and advanced tool for studying genes involved in the development of the telencephalon and other Foxg1-expressing regions starting from early embryonic stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daichi Kawaguchi
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
| | - Setsuko Sahara
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Andreas Zembrzycki
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Dennis D M O'Leary
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
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47
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Frullanti E, Amabile S, Lolli MG, Bartolini A, Livide G, Landucci E, Mari F, Vaccarino FM, Ariani F, Massimino L, Renieri A, Meloni I. Altered expression of neuropeptides in FoxG1-null heterozygous mutant mice. Eur J Hum Genet 2016; 24:252-7. [PMID: 25966633 PMCID: PMC4717204 DOI: 10.1038/ejhg.2015.79] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2014] [Revised: 03/13/2015] [Accepted: 03/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Foxg1 gene encodes for a transcription factor essential for telencephalon development in the embryonic mammalian forebrain. Its complete absence is embryonic lethal while Foxg1 heterozygous mice are viable but display microcephaly, altered hippocampal neurogenesis and behavioral and cognitive deficiencies. In order to evaluate the effects of Foxg1 alteration in adult brain, we performed expression profiling in total brains from Foxg1+/- heterozygous mutants and wild-type littermates. We identified statistically significant differences in expression levels for 466 transcripts (P<0.001), 29 of which showed a fold change ≥ 1.5. Among the differentially expressed genes was found a group of genes expressed in the basal ganglia and involved in the control of movements. A relevant (three to sevenfold changes) and statistically significant increase of expression, confirmed by qRT-PCR, was found in two highly correlated genes with expression restricted to the hypothalamus: Oxytocin (Oxt) and Arginine vasopressin (Avp). These neuropeptides have an important role in maternal and social behavior, and their alteration is associated with impaired social interaction and autistic behavior. In addition, Neuronatin (Nnat) levels appear significantly higher both in Foxg1+/- whole brain and in hippocampal neurons after silencing Foxg1, strongly suggesting that it is directly or indirectly repressed by Foxg1. During fetal and neonatal brain development, Nnat may regulate neuronal excitability, receptor trafficking and calcium-dependent signaling and, in the adult brain, it is predominantly expressed in parvalbumin-positive GABAergic interneurons. Overall, these results implicate the overexpression of a group of neuropeptides in the basal ganglia, hypothalamus, cortex and hippocampus in the pathogenesis FOXG1 behavioral impairments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Frullanti
- Genetica Medica, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, Siena, Italy
| | | | | | - Anna Bartolini
- Genetica Medica, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, Siena, Italy
| | - Gabriella Livide
- Genetica Medica, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, Siena, Italy
| | | | - Francesca Mari
- Genetica Medica, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, Siena, Italy
- Medical Genetics, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Flora M Vaccarino
- Child Study Center and Department of Neurobiology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Francesca Ariani
- Genetica Medica, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, Siena, Italy
- Medical Genetics, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | | | - Alessandra Renieri
- Genetica Medica, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, Siena, Italy
- Medical Genetics, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
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48
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Liu YQ, Zhan LB, Bi TT, Liang LN, Sun XX, Sui H. Neural stem cell neural differentiation in 3D extracellular matrix and endoplasmic reticulum stress microenvironment. RSC Adv 2016. [DOI: 10.1039/c6ra04370d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Neural stem cell neural differentiation was protected by nanomatrix and extracellular matrix proteins under the endoplasmic reticulum stress condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Qiu Liu
- Academy of Integrative Medicine
- Dalian Medical University
- Dalian 116044
- China
| | - Li-Bin Zhan
- School of Basic Medical Sciences
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine
- Nanjing 210023
- China
- The Second Affiliated Hospital
| | - Ting-Ting Bi
- Academy of Integrative Medicine
- Dalian Medical University
- Dalian 116044
- China
| | - Li-Na Liang
- Academy of Integrative Medicine
- Dalian Medical University
- Dalian 116044
- China
| | - Xiao-Xin Sun
- Academy of Integrative Medicine
- Dalian Medical University
- Dalian 116044
- China
| | - Hua Sui
- Academy of Integrative Medicine
- Dalian Medical University
- Dalian 116044
- China
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49
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Mitrousis N, Tropepe V, Hermanson O. Post-Translational Modifications of Histones in Vertebrate Neurogenesis. Front Neurosci 2015; 9:483. [PMID: 26733796 PMCID: PMC4689847 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2015.00483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2015] [Accepted: 12/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The process of neurogenesis, through which the entire nervous system of an organism is formed, has attracted immense scientific attention for decades. How can a single neural stem cell give rise to astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and neurons? Furthermore, how is a neuron led to choose between the hundreds of different neuronal subtypes that the vertebrate CNS contains? Traditionally, niche signals and transcription factors have been on the spotlight. Recent research is increasingly demonstrating that the answer may partially lie in epigenetic regulation of gene expression. In this article, we comprehensively review the role of post-translational histone modifications in neurogenesis in both the embryonic and adult CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos Mitrousis
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Vincent Tropepe
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, Centre for the Analysis of Genome Evolution and Function, University of Toronto Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ola Hermanson
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet Stockholm, Sweden
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50
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Lennartsson A, Arner E, Fagiolini M, Saxena A, Andersson R, Takahashi H, Noro Y, Sng J, Sandelin A, Hensch TK, Carninci P. Remodeling of retrotransposon elements during epigenetic induction of adult visual cortical plasticity by HDAC inhibitors. Epigenetics Chromatin 2015; 8:55. [PMID: 26673794 PMCID: PMC4678690 DOI: 10.1186/s13072-015-0043-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2015] [Accepted: 11/09/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The capacity for plasticity in the adult brain is limited by the anatomical traces laid down during early postnatal life. Removing certain molecular brakes, such as histone deacetylases (HDACs), has proven to be effective in recapitulating juvenile plasticity in the mature visual cortex (V1). We investigated the chromatin structure and transcriptional control by genome-wide sequencing of DNase I hypersensitive sites (DHSS) and cap analysis of gene expression (CAGE) libraries after HDAC inhibition by valproic acid (VPA) in adult V1. RESULTS We found that VPA reliably reactivates the critical period plasticity and induces a dramatic change of chromatin organization in V1 yielding significantly greater accessibility distant from promoters, including at enhancer regions. VPA also induces nucleosome eviction specifically from retrotransposon (in particular SINE) elements. The transiently accessible SINE elements overlap with transcription factor-binding sites of the Fox family. Mapping of transcription start site activity using CAGE revealed transcription of epigenetic and neural plasticity-regulating genes following VPA treatment, which may help to re-program the genomic landscape and reactivate plasticity in the adult cortex. CONCLUSIONS Treatment with HDAC inhibitors increases accessibility to enhancers and repetitive elements underlying brain-specific gene expression and reactivation of visual cortical plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Lennartsson
- />Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, NOVUM, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- />Genome Science Lab, RIKEN, Hirosawa, Wako-shi, Saitama 351-0198 Japan
| | - Erik Arner
- />Division of Genomic Technologies, RIKEN Center for Life Science Technologies, RIKEN Yokohama Institute, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045 Japan
| | - Michela Fagiolini
- />Lab for Neuronal Circuit Development, RIKEN Brain Science Institute, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako-shi, Saitama, 351-0198 Japan
- />F. M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115 USA
| | - Alka Saxena
- />Division of Genomic Technologies, RIKEN Center for Life Science Technologies, RIKEN Yokohama Institute, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045 Japan
| | - Robin Andersson
- />Department of Biology and BRIC, The Bioinformatics Centre, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Hazuki Takahashi
- />Division of Genomic Technologies, RIKEN Center for Life Science Technologies, RIKEN Yokohama Institute, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045 Japan
| | - Yukihiko Noro
- />Division of Genomic Technologies, RIKEN Center for Life Science Technologies, RIKEN Yokohama Institute, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045 Japan
| | - Judy Sng
- />Lab for Neuronal Circuit Development, RIKEN Brain Science Institute, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako-shi, Saitama, 351-0198 Japan
- />F. M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115 USA
- />Department of Pharmacology, National University of Singapore, 10 Medical Drive 05-34, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Albin Sandelin
- />Department of Biology and BRIC, The Bioinformatics Centre, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Takao K. Hensch
- />Lab for Neuronal Circuit Development, RIKEN Brain Science Institute, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako-shi, Saitama, 351-0198 Japan
- />F. M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115 USA
- />Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, 52 Oxford Street, Cambridge, MA 02138 USA
| | - Piero Carninci
- />Division of Genomic Technologies, RIKEN Center for Life Science Technologies, RIKEN Yokohama Institute, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045 Japan
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