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Jha NK, Chen WC, Kumar S, Dubey R, Tsai LW, Kar R, Jha SK, Gupta PK, Sharma A, Gundamaraju R, Pant K, Mani S, Singh SK, Maccioni RB, Datta T, Singh SK, Gupta G, Prasher P, Dua K, Dey A, Sharma C, Mughal YH, Ruokolainen J, Kesari KK, Ojha S. Molecular mechanisms of developmental pathways in neurological disorders: a pharmacological and therapeutic review. Open Biol 2022; 12:210289. [PMID: 35291879 PMCID: PMC8924757 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.210289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Developmental signalling pathways such as Wnt/β-catenin, Notch and Sonic hedgehog play a central role in nearly all the stages of neuronal development. The term 'embryonic' might appear to be a misnomer to several people because these pathways are functional during the early stages of embryonic development and adulthood, albeit to a certain degree. Therefore, any aberration in these pathways or their associated components may contribute towards a detrimental outcome in the form of neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and stroke. In the last decade, researchers have extensively studied these pathways to decipher disease-related interactions, which can be used as therapeutic targets to improve outcomes in patients with neurological abnormalities. However, a lot remains to be understood in this domain. Nevertheless, there is strong evidence supporting the fact that embryonic signalling is indeed a crucial mechanism as is manifested by its role in driving memory loss, motor impairments and many other processes after brain trauma. In this review, we explore the key roles of three embryonic pathways in modulating a range of homeostatic processes such as maintaining blood-brain barrier integrity, mitochondrial dynamics and neuroinflammation. In addition, we extensively investigated the effect of these pathways in driving the pathophysiology of a range of disorders such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and diabetic neuropathy. The concluding section of the review is dedicated to neurotherapeutics, wherein we identify and list a range of biological molecules and compounds that have shown enormous potential in improving prognosis in patients with these disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niraj Kumar Jha
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering and Technology (SET), Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201310, India
| | - Wei-Chih Chen
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Sanjay Kumar
- Department of Life Science, School of Basic Science and Research, Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201310, India
| | - Rajni Dubey
- Department of Medicine Research, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Lung-Wen Tsai
- Department of Medicine Research, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei 11031, Taiwan,Department of Information Technology Office, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei 11031, Taiwan,Graduate Institute of Data Science, College of Management, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Rohan Kar
- Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA), Gujarat 380015, India
| | - Saurabh Kumar Jha
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering and Technology (SET), Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201310, India
| | - Piyush Kumar Gupta
- Department of Life Science, School of Basic Science and Research, Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201310, India
| | - Ankur Sharma
- Department of Life Science, School of Basic Science and Research, Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201310, India
| | - Rohit Gundamaraju
- ER Stress and Mucosal Immunology Laboratory, School of Health Sciences, University of Tasmania, Launceston, Tasmania 7248, Australia
| | - Kumud Pant
- Department of Biotechnology, Graphic Era deemed to be University Dehradun Uttarakhand, 248002 Dehradun, India
| | - Shalini Mani
- Department of Biotechnology, Jaypee Institute of Information Technology, A-10, Sector 62, Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201301, India
| | - Sandeep Kumar Singh
- Indian Scientific Education and Technology Foundation, Lucknow 226002, India
| | - Ricardo B. Maccioni
- Laboratory of Neurosciences and Functional Medicine, International Center for Biomedicine (ICC) and Faculty of Sciences, University of Chile, Santiago de Chile, Chile
| | - Tirtharaj Datta
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering and Technology (SET), Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201310, India
| | - Sachin Kumar Singh
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara 144411, Punjab, India
| | - Gaurav Gupta
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Suresh Gyan Vihar University, Mahal Road, 302017 Jagatpura, Jaipur, India
| | - Parteek Prasher
- Department of Chemistry, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun 248007, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Kamal Dua
- Discipline of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2007, Australia
| | - Abhijit Dey
- Department of Life Sciences, Presidency University, 86/1 College Street, Kolkata 700073, India,Department of Applied Physics, School of Science, and
| | - Charu Sharma
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, PO Box 15551, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Yasir Hayat Mughal
- Department of Health Administration, College of Public Health and Health Informatics, Qassim University, Buraidah, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Kavindra Kumar Kesari
- Department of Applied Physics, School of Science, and,Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems, School of Chemical Engineering, Aalto University, Espoo 00076, Finland
| | - Shreesh Ojha
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, PO Box 15551, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
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Extrinsic Regulators of mRNA Translation in Developing Brain: Story of WNTs. Cells 2021; 10:cells10020253. [PMID: 33525513 PMCID: PMC7911671 DOI: 10.3390/cells10020253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 01/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Extrinsic molecules such as morphogens can regulate timed mRNA translation events in developing neurons. In particular, Wingless-type MMTV integration site family, member 3 (Wnt3), was shown to regulate the translation of Foxp2 mRNA encoding a Forkhead transcription factor P2 in the neocortex. However, the Wnt receptor that possibly mediates these translation events remains unknown. Here, we report Frizzled member 7 (Fzd7) as the Wnt3 receptor that lays downstream in Wnt3-regulated mRNA translation. Fzd7 proteins co-localize with Wnt3 ligands in developing neocortices. In addition, the Fzd7 proteins overlap in layer-specific neuronal subpopulations expressing different transcription factors, Foxp1 and Foxp2. When Fzd7 was silenced, we found decreased Foxp2 protein expression and increased Foxp1 protein expression, respectively. The Fzd7 silencing also disrupted the migration of neocortical glutamatergic neurons. In contrast, Fzd7 overexpression reversed the pattern of migratory defects and Foxp protein expression that we found in the Fzd7 silencing. We further discovered that Fzd7 is required for Wnt3-induced Foxp2 mRNA translation. Surprisingly, we also determined that the Fzd7 suppression of Foxp1 protein expression is not Wnt3 dependent. In conclusion, it is exhibited that the interaction between Wnt3 and Fzd7 regulates neuronal identity and the Fzd7 receptor functions as a downstream factor in ligand Wnt3 signaling for mRNA translation. In particular, the Wnt3-Fzd7 signaling axis determines the deep layer Foxp2-expressing neurons of developing neocortices. Our findings also suggest that Fzd7 controls the balance of the expression for Foxp transcription factors in developing neocortical neurons. These discoveries are presented in our manuscript within a larger framework of this review on the role of extrinsic factors in regulating mRNA translation.
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Abstract
Developmental signaling pathways control a vast array of biological processes during embryogenesis and in adult life. The WNT pathway was discovered simultaneously in cancer and development. Recent advances have expanded the role of WNT to a wide range of pathologies in humans. Here, we discuss the WNT pathway and its role in human disease and some of the advances in WNT-related treatments.
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Oliva CA, Montecinos-Oliva C, Inestrosa NC. Wnt Signaling in the Central Nervous System: New Insights in Health and Disease. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2018; 153:81-130. [PMID: 29389523 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2017.11.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Since its discovery, Wnt signaling has been shown to be one of the most crucial morphogens in development and during the maturation of central nervous system. Its action is relevant during the establishment and maintenance of synaptic structure and neuronal function. In this chapter, we will discuss the most recent evidence on these aspects, and we will explore the evidence that involves Wnt signaling on other less known functions, such as in adult neurogenesis, in the generation of oscillatory neural rhythms, and in adult behavior. The dysfunction of Wnt signaling at different levels will be also discussed, in particular in those aspects that have been found to be linked with several neurodegenerative diseases and neurological disorders. Finally, we will address the possibility of Wnt signaling manipulation to treat those pathophysiological aspects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina A Oliva
- Center for Aging and Regeneration (CARE-UC), Pontifical Catholic University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Carla Montecinos-Oliva
- Center for Aging and Regeneration (CARE-UC), Pontifical Catholic University of Chile, Santiago, Chile; Interdisciplinary Institute for Neuroscience (IINS), University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Nibaldo C Inestrosa
- Center for Aging and Regeneration (CARE-UC), Pontifical Catholic University of Chile, Santiago, Chile; Center for Healthy Brain Ageing, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Center of Excellence in Biomedicine of Magallanes (CEBIMA), University of Magallanes, Punta Arenas, Chile.
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Guglielmi L, Servettini I, Caramia M, Catacuzzeno L, Franciolini F, D'Adamo MC, Pessia M. Update on the implication of potassium channels in autism: K(+) channelautism spectrum disorder. Front Cell Neurosci 2015; 9:34. [PMID: 25784856 PMCID: PMC4345917 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2015.00034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2014] [Accepted: 01/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are characterized by impaired ability to properly implement environmental stimuli that are essential to achieve a state of social and cultural exchange. Indeed, the main features of ASD are impairments of interpersonal relationships, verbal and non-verbal communication and restricted and repetitive behaviors. These aspects are often accompanied by several comorbidities such as motor delay, praxis impairment, gait abnormalities, insomnia, and above all epilepsy. Genetic analyses of autistic individuals uncovered deleterious mutations in several K+ channel types strengthening the notion that their intrinsic dysfunction may play a central etiologic role in ASD. However, indirect implication of K+ channels in ASD has been also reported. For instance, loss of fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) results in K+ channels deregulation, network dysfunction and ASD-like cognitive and behavioral symptoms. This review provides an update on direct and indirect implications of K+ channels in ASDs. Owing to a mounting body of evidence associating a channelopathy pathogenesis to autism and showing that nearly 500 ion channel proteins are encoded by the human genome, we propose to classify ASDs - whose susceptibility is significantly enhanced by ion channels defects, either in a monogenic or multigenic condition - in a new category named “channelAutismSpectrumDisorder” (channelASD; cASD) and introduce a new taxonomy (e.g., Kvx.y-channelASD and likewise Navx.y-channelASD, Cavx.y-channelASD; etc.). This review also highlights some degree of clinical and genetic overlap between K+ channelASDs and K+ channelepsies, whereby such correlation suggests that a subcategory characterized by a channelASD-channelepsy phenotype may be distinguished. Ultimately, this overview aims to further understand the different clinical subgroups and help parse out the distinct biological basis of autism that are essential to establish patient-tailored treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Guglielmi
- Section of Physiology and Biochemistry, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia School of Medicine, Perugia Italy
| | - Ilenio Servettini
- Section of Physiology and Biochemistry, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia School of Medicine, Perugia Italy
| | - Martino Caramia
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Perugia Italy
| | - Luigi Catacuzzeno
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Perugia Italy
| | - Fabio Franciolini
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Perugia Italy
| | - Maria Cristina D'Adamo
- Section of Physiology and Biochemistry, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia School of Medicine, Perugia Italy
| | - Mauro Pessia
- Section of Physiology and Biochemistry, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia School of Medicine, Perugia Italy
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6
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Iliff AJ, Renoux AJ, Krans A, Usdin K, Sutton MA, Todd PK. Impaired activity-dependent FMRP translation and enhanced mGluR-dependent LTD in Fragile X premutation mice. Hum Mol Genet 2012; 22:1180-92. [PMID: 23250915 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/dds525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Fragile X premutation-associated disorders, including Fragile X-associated Tremor Ataxia Syndrome, result from unmethylated CGG repeat expansions in the 5' untranslated region (UTR) of the FMR1 gene. Premutation-sized repeats increase FMR1 transcription but impair rapid translation of the Fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP), which is absent in Fragile X Syndrome (FXS). Normally, FMRP binds to RNA and regulates metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR)-mediated synaptic translation, allowing for dendritic synthesis of several proteins. FMRP itself is also synthesized at synapses in response to mGluR activation. However, the role of activity-dependent translation of FMRP in synaptic plasticity and Fragile X-premutation-associated disorders is unknown. To investigate this question, we utilized a CGG knock-in mouse model of the Fragile X premutation with 120-150 CGG repeats in the mouse Fmr1 5' UTR. These mice exhibit increased Fmr1 mRNA production but impaired FMRP translational efficiency, leading to a modest reduction in basal FMRP expression. Cultured hippocampal neurons and synaptoneurosomes derived from CGG KI mice demonstrate impaired FMRP translation in response to the group I mGluR agonist 3,5-dihydroxyphenylglycine. Electrophysiological analysis reveals enhanced mGluR-mediated long-term depression (mGluR-LTD) at CA3-CA1 synapses in acute hippocampal slices prepared from CGG KI mice relative to wild-type littermates, similar to Fmr1 knockout mice. However, unlike mGluR-LTD in mice completely lacking FMRP, mGluR-LTD in CGG knock-in mice remains dependent on new protein synthesis. These studies demonstrate partially overlapping synaptic plasticity phenotypes in mouse models of FXS and Fragile X premutation disorders and support a role for activity-dependent synthesis of FMRP in enduring forms of synaptic plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam J Iliff
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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7
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Roy S, Zhao Y, Allensworth M, Farook MF, LeDoux MS, Reiter LT, Heck DH. Comprehensive motor testing in Fmr1-KO mice exposes temporal defects in oromotor coordination. Behav Neurosci 2011; 125:962-9. [PMID: 22004265 DOI: 10.1037/a0025920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS; MIM #300624), a well-recognized form of inherited human mental retardation is caused, in most cases, by a CGG trinucleotide repeat expansion in the 5'-untranslated region of FMR1, resulting in reduced expression of the fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP). Clinical features include macroorchidism, anxiety, mental retardation, motor coordination, and speech articulation deficits. The Fmr1 knockout (Fmr1-KO) mouse, a mouse model for FXS, has been shown to replicate the macroorchidism, cognitive deficits, and neuroanatomical abnormalities found in human FXS. Here we asked whether Fmr1-KO mice also display appendicular and oromotor deficits comparable to the ataxia and dysarthric speech seen in FXS patients. We employed standard motor tests for balance and appendicular motor coordination, and used a novel long-term fluid-licking assay to investigate oromotor function in Fmr1-KO mice and their wild-type (WT) littermates. Fmr1-KO mice performed equally well as their WT littermates on standard motor tests, with the exception of a raised-beam task. However, Fmr1-KO mice had a significantly slower licking rhythm than their WT littermates. Deficits in rhythmic fluid-licking in Fmr1-KO mice have been linked to cerebellar pathologies. It is believed that balance and motor coordination deficits in FXS patients are caused by cerebellar neurophathologies. The neuronal bases of speech articulation deficits in FXS patients are currently unknown. It is yet to be established whether similar neuronal circuits control rhythmic fluid-licking pattern in mice and speech articulation movement in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Snigdha Roy
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee 38163, USA
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Keith D, El-Husseini A. Excitation Control: Balancing PSD-95 Function at the Synapse. Front Mol Neurosci 2008; 1:4. [PMID: 18946537 PMCID: PMC2526002 DOI: 10.3389/neuro.02.004.2008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2008] [Accepted: 01/30/2008] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Excitability of individual neurons dictates the overall excitation in specific brain circuits. This process is thought to be regulated by molecules that regulate synapse number, morphology and strength. Neuronal excitation is also influenced by the amounts of neurotransmitter receptors and signaling molecules retained at particular synaptic sites. Recent studies revealed a key role for PSD-95, a scaffolding molecule enriched at glutamatergic synapses, in modulation of clustering of several neurotransmitter receptors, adhesion molecules, ion channels, cytoskeletal elements and signaling molecules at postsynaptic sites. In this review we will highlight mechanisms that control targeting of PSD-95 at the synapse, and discuss how this molecule influences the retention and clustering of diverse synaptic proteins to regulate synaptic structure and strength. We will also discuss how PSD-95 may maintain a balance between excitation and inhibition in the brain and how alterations in this balance may contribute to neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dove Keith
- Department of Psychiatry and the Brain Research Centre, University of British Columbia Vancouver, BC, Canada
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9
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Keith D, El-Husseini A. Excitation Control: Balancing PSD-95 Function at the Synapse. Front Mol Neurosci 2008; 1:4. [PMID: 18946537 DOI: 10.3389/neuro.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2008] [Accepted: 01/30/2008] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Excitability of individual neurons dictates the overall excitation in specific brain circuits. This process is thought to be regulated by molecules that regulate synapse number, morphology and strength. Neuronal excitation is also influenced by the amounts of neurotransmitter receptors and signaling molecules retained at particular synaptic sites. Recent studies revealed a key role for PSD-95, a scaffolding molecule enriched at glutamatergic synapses, in modulation of clustering of several neurotransmitter receptors, adhesion molecules, ion channels, cytoskeletal elements and signaling molecules at postsynaptic sites. In this review we will highlight mechanisms that control targeting of PSD-95 at the synapse, and discuss how this molecule influences the retention and clustering of diverse synaptic proteins to regulate synaptic structure and strength. We will also discuss how PSD-95 may maintain a balance between excitation and inhibition in the brain and how alterations in this balance may contribute to neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dove Keith
- Department of Psychiatry and the Brain Research Centre, University of British Columbia Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Lauterborn JC, Rex CS, Kramár E, Chen LY, Pandyarajan V, Lynch G, Gall CM. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor rescues synaptic plasticity in a mouse model of fragile X syndrome. J Neurosci 2007; 27:10685-94. [PMID: 17913902 PMCID: PMC6672822 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2624-07.2007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 200] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Mice lacking expression of the fragile X mental retardation 1 (Fmr1) gene have deficits in types of learning that are dependent on the hippocampus. Here, we report that long-term potentiation (LTP) elicited by threshold levels of theta burst afferent stimulation (TBS) is severely impaired in hippocampal field CA1 of young adult Fmr1 knock-out mice. The deficit was not associated with changes in postsynaptic responses to TBS, NMDA receptor activation, or levels of punctate glutamic acid decarboxylase-65/67 immunoreactivity. TBS-induced actin polymerization within dendritic spines was also normal. The LTP impairment was evident within 5 min of induction and, thus, may not be secondary to defects in activity-initiated protein synthesis. Protein levels for both brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a neurotrophin that activates pathways involved in spine cytoskeletal reorganization, and its TrkB receptor were comparable between genotypes. BDNF infusion had no effect on baseline transmission or on postsynaptic responses to theta burst stimulation, but nonetheless fully restored LTP in slices from fragile X mice. These results indicate that the fragile X mutation produces a highly selective impairment to LTP, possibly at a step downstream of actin filament assembly, and suggest a means for overcoming this deficit. The possibility of a pharmacological therapy based on these results is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie C Lauterborn
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, California 92697-4292, USA.
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Abstract
Research in the field of neurosciences and genetics has given us great insight into the understanding of learning and behavior and changes in the brain in response to experience. It is seen that brain is dynamically changing throughout life and is capable of learning at any time. Critical periods of neuroplasticity for various streams of development are also better understood. Technological advances in non invasive imaging techniques and advances in molecular genetics have helped us understand the basis of many developmental disorders which may help in planning effective intervention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nandini Mundkur
- Department of Developmental Pediatrics Bangalore Children Hospital Bangalore, India.
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12
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Ito M. 'Nurturing the brain' as an emerging research field involving child neurology. Brain Dev 2004; 26:429-33. [PMID: 15351077 DOI: 10.1016/j.braindev.2003.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2002] [Revised: 02/05/2003] [Accepted: 02/05/2003] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
'Nurturing the brain' is an emerging research field integrating brain science, child care and education, which also involves child neurology. It has emerged from the recent remarkable progress in brain science and strong social demands for improvements in child care and education. This article reviews the current status of three major research themes in this field. First, developmental disorders represented by attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, autism and Asperger syndrome often introduce difficulties in child care and education, which are to be addressed by appropriate assessment and treatment of affected children based on new knowledge of the pathogenesis of these disorders. Second, recent progress in research on the critical/sensitive periods of development of brain structures and functions promises useful advice for teachers and parents regarding optimal timing and ways of teaching various subjects. Third, the development of the brain throughout infancy, childhood and adolescence is paralleled by the growth and maturation of the mind. Neuronal mechanisms underlying the theory of mind, mirror neurons, internal model, cognitive control, and cognitive emotion regulation are important themes that bridge our understandings of the brain and the mind.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masao Ito
- Brain Science Institute, RIKEN, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan.
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Henderson CM. Genetically-Linked Syndromes in Intellectual Disabilities. JOURNAL OF POLICY AND PRACTICE IN INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES 2004. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1741-1130.2004.04005.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Abstract
Clinical disorders of brain plasticity are common in the practice of child neurology. Children have an enhanced capacity for brain plasticity compared to adults as demonstrated by their superior ability to learn a second language or their capacity to recover from brain injuries or radical surgery such as hemispherectomy for epilepsy. Basic mechanisms that support plasticity during development include persistence of neurogenesis in some parts of the brain, elimination of neurons through apoptosis or programmed cell death, postnatal proliferation and pruning of synapses, and activity-dependent refinement of neuronal connections. Brain plasticity in children can be divided into four types: adaptive plasticity that enhances skill development or recovery from brain injury; impaired plasticity associated with cognitive impairment; excessive plasticity leading to maladaptive brain circuits; and plasticity that becomes the brain's 'Achilles' Heel' because makes it vulnerable to injury. A broad group of pediatric neurologic disorders can be understood in terms of their impact on fundamental mechanisms for brain plasticity. These include neurofibromatosis, tuberous sclerosis, Fragile X syndrome, other inherited forms of mental retardation, cretinism, Coffin-Lowry syndrome, lead poisoning, Rett syndrome, epilepsy, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy and cerebral palsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael V Johnston
- Department of Neurology and Developmental Medicine, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 707 North Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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15
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Abstract
Plasticity includes the brain's capacity to be shaped or moulded by experience, the capacity to learn and remember, and the ability to reorganize and recover after injury. Mechanisms for plasticity include activity-dependent refinement of neuronal connections and synaptic plasticity as a substrate for learning and memory. The molecular mechanisms for these processes utilize signalling cascades that relay messages from synaptic receptors to the nucleus and the cytoskeleton to control the structure of axons and dendrites. Several paediatric neurological disorders such as neurofibromatosis-1, Fragile X syndrome, Rett syndrome, and other syndromic and non-specific forms of mental retardation involve lesions in these signalling pathways. Acquired disorders such as hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy, lead poisoning and epilepsy also involve signalling pathways including excitatory glutamate receptors. Information about these 'plasticity pathways' is useful for understanding their pathophysiology and potential therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael V Johnston
- Department of Neurology and Developmental Medicine, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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