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Caudal D, François V, Lafoux A, Ledevin M, Anegon I, Le Guiner C, Larcher T, Huchet C. Characterization of brain dystrophins absence and impact in dystrophin-deficient Dmdmdx rat model. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0230083. [PMID: 32160266 PMCID: PMC7065776 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0230083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is a severe muscle-wasting disease caused by mutations in the DMD gene encoding dystrophin, expressed mainly in muscles but also in other tissues like retina and brain. Non-progressing cognitive dysfunction occurs in 20 to 50% of DMD patients. Furthermore, loss of expression of the Dp427 dystrophin isoform in the brain of mdx mice, the most used animal model of DMD, leads to behavioral deficits thought to be linked to insufficiencies in synaptogenesis and channel clustering at synapses. Mdx mice where the locomotor phenotype is mild also display a high and maladaptive response to stress. Recently, we generated Dmdmdx rats carrying an out-of frame mutation in exon 23 of the DMD gene and exhibiting a skeletal and cardiac muscle phenotype similar to DMD patients. In order to evaluate the impact of dystrophin loss on behavior, we explored locomotion parameters as well as anhedonia, anxiety and response to stress, in Dmdmdx rats aged from 1.5 to 7 months, in comparison to wild-type (WT) littermates. Pattern of dystrophin expression in the brain of WT and Dmdmdx rats was characterized by western-blot analyses and immunohistochemistry. We showed that dystrophin-deficient Dmdmdx rats displayed motor deficits in the beam test, without association with depressive or anxiety-like phenotype. However, Dmdmdx rats exhibited a strong response to restraint-induced stress, with a large increase in freezings frequency and duration, suggesting an alteration in a functional circuit including the amygdala. In brain, large dystrophin isoform Dp427 was not expressed in mutant animals. Dmdmdx rat is therefore a good animal model for preclinical evaluations of new treatments for DMD but care must be taken with their responses to mild stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorian Caudal
- Therassay Platform, CAPACITES, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France
- * E-mail:
| | - Virginie François
- Nantes Gene Therapy Laboratory, Université de Nantes, INSERM UMR 1089, Nantes, France
| | - Aude Lafoux
- Therassay Platform, CAPACITES, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | | | | | - Caroline Le Guiner
- Nantes Gene Therapy Laboratory, Université de Nantes, INSERM UMR 1089, Nantes, France
| | | | - Corinne Huchet
- Therassay Platform, CAPACITES, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France
- Nantes Gene Therapy Laboratory, Université de Nantes, INSERM UMR 1089, Nantes, France
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Stay TL, Miterko LN, Arancillo M, Lin T, Sillitoe RV. In vivo cerebellar circuit function is disrupted in an mdx mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Dis Model Mech 2019; 13:dmm040840. [PMID: 31704708 PMCID: PMC6906634 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.040840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a debilitating and ultimately lethal disease involving progressive muscle degeneration and neurological dysfunction. DMD is caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene, which result in extremely low or total loss of dystrophin protein expression. In the brain, dystrophin is heavily localized to cerebellar Purkinje cells, which control motor and non-motor functions. In vitro experiments in mouse Purkinje cells revealed that loss of dystrophin leads to low firing rates and high spiking variability. However, it is still unclear how the loss of dystrophin affects cerebellar function in the intact brain. Here, we used in vivo electrophysiology to record Purkinje cells and cerebellar nuclear neurons in awake and anesthetized female mdx (also known as Dmd) mice. Purkinje cell simple spike firing rate is significantly lower in mdx mice compared to controls. Although simple spike firing regularity is not affected, complex spike regularity is increased in mdx mutants. Mean firing rate in cerebellar nuclear neurons is not altered in mdx mice, but their local firing pattern is irregular. Based on the relatively well-preserved cytoarchitecture in the mdx cerebellum, our data suggest that faulty signals across the circuit between Purkinje cells and cerebellar nuclei drive the abnormal firing activity. The in vivo requirements of dystrophin during cerebellar circuit communication could help explain the motor and cognitive anomalies seen in individuals with DMD.This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trace L Stay
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute of Texas Children's Hospital, 1250 Moursund Street, Suite 1325, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Lauren N Miterko
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute of Texas Children's Hospital, 1250 Moursund Street, Suite 1325, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Marife Arancillo
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute of Texas Children's Hospital, 1250 Moursund Street, Suite 1325, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Tao Lin
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute of Texas Children's Hospital, 1250 Moursund Street, Suite 1325, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Roy V Sillitoe
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute of Texas Children's Hospital, 1250 Moursund Street, Suite 1325, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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Helleringer R, Le Verger D, Li X, Izabelle C, Chaussenot R, Belmaati-Cherkaoui M, Dammak R, Decottignies P, Daniel H, Galante M, Vaillend C. Cerebellar synapse properties and cerebellum-dependent motor and non-motor performance in Dp71-null mice. Dis Model Mech 2018; 11:dmm.033258. [PMID: 29895670 PMCID: PMC6078407 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.033258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2017] [Accepted: 06/04/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent emphasis has been placed on the role that cerebellar dysfunctions could have in the genesis of cognitive deficits in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). However, relevant genotype-phenotype analyses are missing to define whether cerebellar defects underlie the severe cases of intellectual deficiency that have been associated with genetic loss of the smallest product of the dmd gene, the Dp71 dystrophin. To determine for the first time whether Dp71 loss could affect cerebellar physiology and functions, we have used patch-clamp electrophysiological recordings in acute cerebellar slices and a cerebellum-dependent behavioral test battery addressing cerebellum-dependent motor and non-motor functions in Dp71-null transgenic mice. We found that Dp71 deficiency selectively enhances excitatory transmission at glutamatergic synapses formed by climbing fibers (CFs) on Purkinje neurons, but not at those formed by parallel fibers. Altered basal neurotransmission at CFs was associated with impairments in synaptic plasticity and clustering of the scaffolding postsynaptic density protein PSD-95. At the behavioral level, Dp71-null mice showed some improvements in motor coordination and were unimpaired for muscle force, static and dynamic equilibrium, motivation in high-motor demand and synchronization learning. Dp71-null mice displayed altered strategies in goal-oriented navigation tasks, however, suggesting a deficit in the cerebellum-dependent processing of the procedural components of spatial learning, which could contribute to the visuospatial deficits identified in this model. In all, the observed deficits suggest that Dp71 loss alters cerebellar synapse function and cerebellum-dependent navigation strategies without being detrimental for motor functions. Summary: Dp71 is the most prominent dystrophin gene product in the adult brain. Here, multiple approaches including behavioral tests and electrophysiology are adopted to explore the role of Dp71 in the cerebellum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romain Helleringer
- Molecules and Circuits Department, Paris-Saclay Institute of Neuroscience (Neuro-PSI), UMR 9197, Université Paris Sud, CNRS, Université Paris Saclay, 91405 Orsay, France
| | - Delphine Le Verger
- Cognition and Behavior Department, Paris-Saclay Institute of Neuroscience (Neuro-PSI), UMR 9197, Université Paris Sud, CNRS, Université Paris Saclay, 91405 Orsay, France
| | - Xia Li
- Molecules and Circuits Department, Paris-Saclay Institute of Neuroscience (Neuro-PSI), UMR 9197, Université Paris Sud, CNRS, Université Paris Saclay, 91405 Orsay, France
| | - Charlotte Izabelle
- Cognition and Behavior Department, Paris-Saclay Institute of Neuroscience (Neuro-PSI), UMR 9197, Université Paris Sud, CNRS, Université Paris Saclay, 91405 Orsay, France
| | - Rémi Chaussenot
- Cognition and Behavior Department, Paris-Saclay Institute of Neuroscience (Neuro-PSI), UMR 9197, Université Paris Sud, CNRS, Université Paris Saclay, 91405 Orsay, France
| | - Mehdi Belmaati-Cherkaoui
- Cognition and Behavior Department, Paris-Saclay Institute of Neuroscience (Neuro-PSI), UMR 9197, Université Paris Sud, CNRS, Université Paris Saclay, 91405 Orsay, France
| | - Raoudha Dammak
- Molecules and Circuits Department, Paris-Saclay Institute of Neuroscience (Neuro-PSI), UMR 9197, Université Paris Sud, CNRS, Université Paris Saclay, 91405 Orsay, France
| | - Paulette Decottignies
- Molecules and Circuits Department, Paris-Saclay Institute of Neuroscience (Neuro-PSI), UMR 9197, Université Paris Sud, CNRS, Université Paris Saclay, 91405 Orsay, France
| | - Hervé Daniel
- Molecules and Circuits Department, Paris-Saclay Institute of Neuroscience (Neuro-PSI), UMR 9197, Université Paris Sud, CNRS, Université Paris Saclay, 91405 Orsay, France
| | - Micaela Galante
- Molecules and Circuits Department, Paris-Saclay Institute of Neuroscience (Neuro-PSI), UMR 9197, Université Paris Sud, CNRS, Université Paris Saclay, 91405 Orsay, France
| | - Cyrille Vaillend
- Cognition and Behavior Department, Paris-Saclay Institute of Neuroscience (Neuro-PSI), UMR 9197, Université Paris Sud, CNRS, Université Paris Saclay, 91405 Orsay, France
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Chahrour M, O'Roak BJ, Santini E, Samaco RC, Kleiman RJ, Manzini MC. Current Perspectives in Autism Spectrum Disorder: From Genes to Therapy. J Neurosci 2016; 36:11402-11410. [PMID: 27911742 PMCID: PMC5125207 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2335-16.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2016] [Revised: 08/23/2016] [Accepted: 08/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a constellation of neurodevelopmental presentations with high heritability and both phenotypic and genetic heterogeneity. To date, mutations in hundreds of genes have been associated to varying degrees with increased ASD risk. A better understanding of the functions of these genes and whether they fit together in functional groups or impact similar neuronal circuits is needed to develop rational treatment strategies. We will review current areas of emphasis in ASD research, starting from human genetics and exploring how mouse models of human mutations have helped identify specific molecular pathways (protein synthesis and degradation, chromatin remodeling, intracellular signaling), which are linked to alterations in circuit function and cognitive/social behavior. We will conclude by discussing how we can leverage the findings on molecular and cellular alterations found in ASD to develop therapies for neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Chahrour
- Eugene McDermott Center for Human Growth and Development, Departments of Neuroscience and Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390,
| | - Brian J O'Roak
- Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239
| | - Emanuela Santini
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, New York 10003
| | - Rodney C Samaco
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Program in Translational Biology and Molecular Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Robin J Kleiman
- Translational Neuroscience Center, F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, and
| | - M Chiara Manzini
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC 20037
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Petkova MV, Morales-Gonzales S, Relizani K, Gill E, Seifert F, Radke J, Stenzel W, Garcia L, Amthor H, Schuelke M. Characterization of a Dmd (EGFP) reporter mouse as a tool to investigate dystrophin expression. Skelet Muscle 2016; 6:25. [PMID: 27382459 PMCID: PMC4932663 DOI: 10.1186/s13395-016-0095-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2016] [Accepted: 06/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dystrophin is a rod-shaped cytoplasmic protein that provides sarcolemmal stability as a structural link between the cytoskeleton and the extracellular matrix via the dystrophin-associated protein complex (DAPC). Mutations in the dystrophin-encoding DMD gene cause X-linked dystrophinopathies with variable phenotypes, the most severe being Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) characterized by progressive muscle wasting and fibrosis. However, dystrophin deficiency does not only impair the function of skeletal and heart muscle but may also affect other organ systems such as the brain, eye, and gastrointestinal tract. The generation of a dystrophin reporter mouse would facilitate research into dystrophin muscular and extramuscular pathophysiology without the need for immunostaining. RESULTS We generated a Dmd (EGFP) reporter mouse through the in-frame insertion of the EGFP coding sequence behind the last Dmd exon 79, which is known to be expressed in all major dystrophin isoforms. We analyzed EGFP and dystrophin expression in various tissues and at the single muscle fiber level. Immunostaining of various members of the DAPC was done to confirm the correct subsarcolemmal location of dystrophin-binding partners. We found strong natural EGFP fluorescence at all expected sites of dystrophin expression in the skeletal and smooth muscle, heart, brain, and retina. EGFP fluorescence exactly colocalized with dystrophin immunostaining. In the skeletal muscle, dystrophin and other proteins of the DAPC were expressed at their correct sarcolemmal/subsarcolemmal localization. Skeletal muscle maintained normal tissue architecture, suggesting the correct function of the dystrophin-EGFP fusion protein. EGFP expression could be easily verified in isolated myofibers as well as in satellite cell-derived myotubes. CONCLUSIONS The novel dystrophin reporter mouse provides a valuable tool for direct visualization of dystrophin expression and will allow the study of dystrophin expression in vivo and in vitro in various tissues by live cell imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mina V Petkova
- Department of Neuropediatrics, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany ; NeuroCure Clinical Research Center, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Susanne Morales-Gonzales
- Department of Neuropediatrics, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany ; NeuroCure Clinical Research Center, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Karima Relizani
- Université de Versailles St-Quentin, INSERM U1179 and LIA BAHN Centre Scientifique de Monaco, Montigny-le Bretonneux, France
| | - Esther Gill
- Department of Neuropediatrics, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany ; NeuroCure Clinical Research Center, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Franziska Seifert
- Department of Neuropediatrics, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany ; NeuroCure Clinical Research Center, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Josefine Radke
- Institute of Neuropathology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Werner Stenzel
- Institute of Neuropathology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Luis Garcia
- Université de Versailles St-Quentin, INSERM U1179 and LIA BAHN Centre Scientifique de Monaco, Montigny-le Bretonneux, France
| | - Helge Amthor
- Université de Versailles St-Quentin, INSERM U1179 and LIA BAHN Centre Scientifique de Monaco, Montigny-le Bretonneux, France
| | - Markus Schuelke
- Department of Neuropediatrics, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany ; NeuroCure Clinical Research Center, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Chaussenot R, Edeline JM, Le Bec B, El Massioui N, Laroche S, Vaillend C. Cognitive dysfunction in the dystrophin-deficient mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy: A reappraisal from sensory to executive processes. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2015; 124:111-22. [PMID: 26190833 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2015.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2015] [Revised: 07/09/2015] [Accepted: 07/10/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is associated with language disabilities and deficits in learning and memory, leading to intellectual disability in a patient subpopulation. Recent studies suggest the presence of broader deficits affecting information processing, short-term memory and executive functions. While the absence of the full-length dystrophin (Dp427) is a common feature in all patients, variable mutation profiles may additionally alter distinct dystrophin-gene products encoded by separate promoters. However, the nature of the cognitive dysfunctions specifically associated with the loss of distinct brain dystrophins is unclear. Here we show that the loss of the full-length brain dystrophin in mdx mice does not modify the perception and sensorimotor gating of auditory inputs, as assessed using auditory brainstem recordings and prepulse inhibition of startle reflex. In contrast, both acquisition and long-term retention of cued and trace fear memories were impaired in mdx mice, suggesting alteration in a functional circuit including the amygdala. Spatial learning in the water maze revealed reduced path efficiency, suggesting qualitative alteration in mdx mice learning strategy. However, spatial working memory performance and cognitive flexibility challenged in various behavioral paradigms in water and radial-arm mazes were unimpaired. The full-length brain dystrophin therefore appears to play a role during acquisition of associative learning as well as in general processes involved in memory consolidation, but no overt involvement in working memory and/or executive functions could be demonstrated in spatial learning tasks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rémi Chaussenot
- Paris-Saclay Neuroscience Institute, UMR 9197, CNRS, F-91405 Orsay, France; Univ. Paris-Sud, UMR 9197, F-91405 Orsay, France; Université Paris-Saclay, France
| | - Jean-Marc Edeline
- Paris-Saclay Neuroscience Institute, UMR 9197, CNRS, F-91405 Orsay, France; Univ. Paris-Sud, UMR 9197, F-91405 Orsay, France; Université Paris-Saclay, France
| | - Benoit Le Bec
- Paris-Saclay Neuroscience Institute, UMR 9197, CNRS, F-91405 Orsay, France; Univ. Paris-Sud, UMR 9197, F-91405 Orsay, France; Université Paris-Saclay, France
| | - Nicole El Massioui
- Paris-Saclay Neuroscience Institute, UMR 9197, CNRS, F-91405 Orsay, France; Univ. Paris-Sud, UMR 9197, F-91405 Orsay, France; Université Paris-Saclay, France
| | - Serge Laroche
- Paris-Saclay Neuroscience Institute, UMR 9197, CNRS, F-91405 Orsay, France; Univ. Paris-Sud, UMR 9197, F-91405 Orsay, France; Université Paris-Saclay, France
| | - Cyrille Vaillend
- Paris-Saclay Neuroscience Institute, UMR 9197, CNRS, F-91405 Orsay, France; Univ. Paris-Sud, UMR 9197, F-91405 Orsay, France; Université Paris-Saclay, France.
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Schara U, Busse M, Timmann D, Gerwig M. Cerebellar-dependent associative learning is preserved in Duchenne muscular dystrophy: a study using delay eyeblink conditioning. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0126528. [PMID: 25973604 PMCID: PMC4431835 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0126528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2015] [Accepted: 04/03/2015] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Besides progressive muscle weakness cognitive deficits have been reported in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Cerebellar dysfunction has been proposed to explain cognitive deficits at least in part. In animal models of DMD disturbed Purkinje cell function has been shown following loss of dystrophin. Furthermore there is increasing evidence that the lateral cerebellum contributes to cognitive processing. In the present study cerebellar-dependent delay eyeblink conditioning, a form of associative learning, was used to assess cerebellar function in DMD children. Methods Delay eyeblink conditioning was examined in eight genetically defined male patients with DMD and in ten age-matched control subjects. Acquisition, timing and extinction of conditioned eyeblink responses (CR) were assessed during a single conditioning session. Results Both groups showed a significant increase of CRs during the course of learning (block effect p < 0.001). CR acquisition was not impaired in DMD patients (mean total CR incidence 37.4 ± 17.6%) as compared to control subjects (36.2 ± 17.3%; group effect p = 0.89; group by block effect p = 0.38; ANOVA with repeated measures). In addition, CR timing and extinction was not different from controls. Conclusions Delay eyeblink conditioning was preserved in the present DMD patients. Because eyeblink conditioning depends on the integrity of the intermediate cerebellum, this older part of the cerebellum may be relatively preserved in DMD. The present findings agree with animal model data showing that the newer, lateral cerebellum is primarily affected in DMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrike Schara
- Department of Neuropediatrics, Developmental Neurology and Social Pediatrics,University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Melanie Busse
- Department of Neuropediatrics, Developmental Neurology and Social Pediatrics,University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Dagmar Timmann
- Department of Neurology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Marcus Gerwig
- Department of Neurology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- * E-mail:
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Snow WM, Anderson JE, Fry M. Regional and genotypic differences in intrinsic electrophysiological properties of cerebellar Purkinje neurons from wild-type and dystrophin-deficient mdx mice. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2014; 107:19-31. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2013.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2013] [Revised: 10/10/2013] [Accepted: 10/25/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Perronnet C, Chagneau C, Le Blanc P, Samson-Desvignes N, Mornet D, Laroche S, De La Porte S, Vaillend C. Upregulation of brain utrophin does not rescue behavioral alterations in dystrophin-deficient mice. Hum Mol Genet 2012; 21:2263-76. [PMID: 22343141 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/dds047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Dystrophin, the protein responsible for X-linked Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), is normally expressed in both muscle and brain, which explains that its loss also leads to cognitive deficits. The utrophin protein, an autosomal homolog, is a natural candidate for dystrophin replacement in patients. Pharmacological upregulation of endogenous utrophin improves muscle physiology in dystrophin-deficient mdx mice, and represents a potential therapeutic tool that has the advantage of allowing delivery to various organs following peripheral injections. Whether this could alleviate cognitive deficits, however, has not been explored. Here, we first investigated basal expression of all utrophins and dystrophins in the brain of mdx mice and found no evidence for spontaneous compensation by utrophins. Then, we show that systemic chronic, spaced injections of arginine butyrate (AB) alleviate muscle alterations and upregulate utrophin expression in the adult brain of mdx mice. AB selectively upregulated brain utrophin Up395, while reducing expression of Up113 and Up71. This, however, was not associated with a significant improvement of behavioral functions typically affected in mdx mice, which include exploration, emotional reactivity, spatial and fear memories. We suggest that AB did not overcome behavioral and cognitive dysfunctions because the regional and cellular expression of utrophins did not coincide with dystrophin expression in untreated mice, nor did it in AB-treated mice. While treatments based on the modulation of utrophin may alleviate DMD phenotypes in certain organs and tissues that coexpress dystrophins and utrophins in the same cells, improvement of cognitive functions would likely require acting on specific dystrophin-dependent mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Perronnet
- Univ Paris-Sud, Centre de Neurosciences Paris-Sud, UMR8195, Orsay F-91405, France
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Kueh S, Dempster J, Head S, Morley J. Reduced postsynaptic GABAA receptor number and enhanced gaboxadol induced change in holding currents in Purkinje cells of the dystrophin-deficient mdx mouse. Neurobiol Dis 2011; 43:558-64. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2011.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2010] [Revised: 04/18/2011] [Accepted: 05/05/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
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Dystrophins, utrophins, and associated scaffolding complexes: role in mammalian brain and implications for therapeutic strategies. J Biomed Biotechnol 2010; 2010:849426. [PMID: 20625423 PMCID: PMC2896903 DOI: 10.1155/2010/849426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2009] [Accepted: 03/14/2010] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Two decades of molecular, cellular, and functional studies considerably increased our understanding of dystrophins function and unveiled the complex etiology of the cognitive deficits in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), which involves altered expression of several dystrophin-gene products in brain. Dystrophins are normally part of critical cytoskeleton-associated membrane-bound molecular scaffolds involved in the clustering of receptors, ion channels, and signaling proteins that contribute to synapse physiology and blood-brain barrier function. The utrophin gene also drives brain expression of several paralogs proteins, which cellular expression and biological roles remain to be elucidated. Here we review the structural and functional properties of dystrophins and utrophins in brain, the consequences of dystrophins loss-of-function as revealed by numerous studies in mouse models of DMD, and we discuss future challenges and putative therapeutic strategies that may compensate for the cognitive impairment in DMD based on experimental manipulation of dystrophins and/or utrophins brain expression.
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