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Hou X, Jing J, Jiang Y, Huang X, Xian Q, Lei T, Zhu J, Wong KF, Zhao X, Su M, Li D, Liu L, Qiu Z, Sun L. Nanobubble-actuated ultrasound neuromodulation for selectively shaping behavior in mice. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2253. [PMID: 38480733 PMCID: PMC10937988 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46461-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Ultrasound is an acoustic wave which can noninvasively penetrate the skull to deep brain regions, enabling neuromodulation. However, conventional ultrasound's spatial resolution is diffraction-limited and low-precision. Here, we report acoustic nanobubble-mediated ultrasound stimulation capable of localizing ultrasound's effects to only the desired brain region in male mice. By varying the delivery site of nanobubbles, ultrasound could activate specific regions of the mouse motor cortex, evoking EMG signaling and limb movement, and could also, separately, activate one of two nearby deep brain regions to elicit distinct behaviors (freezing or rotation). Sonicated neurons displayed reversible, low-latency calcium responses and increased c-Fos expression in the sub-millimeter-scale region with nanobubbles present. Ultrasound stimulation of the relevant region also modified depression-like behavior in a mouse model. We also provide evidence of a role for mechanosensitive ion channels. Altogether, our treatment scheme allows spatially-targetable, repeatable and temporally-precise activation of deep brain circuits for neuromodulation without needing genetic modification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuandi Hou
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, 999077, Hong Kong SAR, PR China
| | - Jianing Jing
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, 999077, Hong Kong SAR, PR China
| | - Yizhou Jiang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, 999077, Hong Kong SAR, PR China
| | - Xiaohui Huang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, 999077, Hong Kong SAR, PR China
| | - Quanxiang Xian
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, 999077, Hong Kong SAR, PR China
| | - Ting Lei
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, 999077, Hong Kong SAR, PR China
| | - Jiejun Zhu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, 999077, Hong Kong SAR, PR China
- Guangdong Institute of Intelligence Science and Technology, Hengqin, Zhuhai, 519031, Guangdong, China
| | - Kin Fung Wong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, 999077, Hong Kong SAR, PR China
| | - Xinyi Zhao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, 999077, Hong Kong SAR, PR China
| | - Min Su
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, 999077, Hong Kong SAR, PR China
| | - Danni Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, 999077, Hong Kong SAR, PR China
| | - Langzhou Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, 999077, Hong Kong SAR, PR China
| | - Zhihai Qiu
- Guangdong Institute of Intelligence Science and Technology, Hengqin, Zhuhai, 519031, Guangdong, China
| | - Lei Sun
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, 999077, Hong Kong SAR, PR China.
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Wang F, Liu Y. Identification of key genes, regulatory factors, and drug target genes of recurrent implantation failure (RIF). Gynecol Endocrinol 2020; 36:448-455. [PMID: 31646911 DOI: 10.1080/09513590.2019.1680622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Recurrent implantation failure (RIF) exacerbates the physical trauma of infertile women that undergone in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET). We aimed to identify the key genes, regulatory factors, and drug target genes involved in the RIF.Methods: The dataset GSE58144 that obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus mainly contained 43 RIF and 72 control endometrial samples. Differently expressed genes (DEGs) between RIF and control groups were firstly analyzed, followed by the pathway and Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis. Then, protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and miRNA-transcript factor (TF)-DEGs network were established. Finally, a drug-target interaction network was constructed.Results: A total of 399 DEGs were identified between the RIF and controls. In the PPI and key module network, UBE2I, PLK4, XPO1, AURKB, and NUP107 were identified as the hub genes, which mainly enriched in RNA transport and cell division cycle-related pathways and GO items. In the miRNA-TF-DEGs network, E2F4, SIN3A, miRNA489, miRNA199A, miRNA369-3P, miRNA422, and miRNA522 were considered as the key regulatory factors during RIF. In addition, HTR1A, NR3C1, and GABRA3 were the main targets of the drugs annotated in DrugBank.Conclusion: The effects of PLK4, XPO1, AURKB, and NUP107 on the RIF may be via affecting the proliferation and differentiation of endometrial stromal cells. Besides, SIN3A and miRNA199A may be crucial for embryo implantation. In addition, NR3C1 may be used as a possible target for the clinical therapy of RIF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Wang
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Yaofang Liu
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
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Sun N, Lei L, Wang Y, Yang C, Liu Z, Li X, Zhang K. Preliminary comparison of plasma notch-associated microRNA-34b and -34c levels in drug naive, first episode depressed patients and healthy controls. J Affect Disord 2016; 194:109-14. [PMID: 26807671 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2016.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2015] [Revised: 01/04/2016] [Accepted: 01/08/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common debilitating disease of unknown etiology. The expression of miRNA is closely related to depression and efficacy of antidepressant therapy. However, whether Notch-associated miRNAs expressions involved in first-episode of MDD are still unknown. METHODS In this study, the expression levels of Notch1, Hes1 mRNA and 5 miRNAs (miR-369-3p, miR-34b-5p, miR-34c-5p, miR-381 and miR-107) in peripheral blood leukocytes of 32 MDD patients and 32 healthy controls were detected using qRT-PCR method. We also assessed the severity of depressive symptom, suicide risk level, negative life events and event-related potential P300. RESULTS The expression levels of miR-34b-5p (62.49 as the median of cases group and 38.62 as median of control group) and miR-34c-5p (7.17 as the median of cases group and 5.45 as median of control group) in MDD patients were significantly higher than these in control subjects. NOTCH1 gene were significantly lower in MDD patients (5.35 as the median of cases group and 6.80 as median of control group), and was negatively correlated with the expression miR-34c-5p and miR-34b-5p. The expression level of miR-34b-5p and miR-369-3p were significantly lower in patients with suicide idea. N1 latency of P300 were positive correlated with miR-34c-5p, miR-107 and miR-381, and P2 latency of P300 were positive correlated with miR-34c-5p, miR-107 and miR-381. LIMITATIONS The sample size was small and the role of candidate miRNAs in the regulation of Notch1 gene and cognitive function are still need to be further investigated. CONCLUSIONS Differentially Notch-associated miRNAs expressions in peripheral blood might be involved in MDD, and the miR-34b-5p and miR-34c-5p levels in peripheral blood leukocytes are closely related to MDD, suicide idea and cognitive function, further studies with large sample size are warranted to test the feasibility of these miRNAs serving as biomarkers for MDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Sun
- Department of Psychiatry, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, 030001 Taiyuan, Shanxi, China; Nuring College of Shanxi Medical University, 030001 Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Lei Lei
- Department of Psychiatry, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, 030001 Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Yanfang Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, 030001 Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Chunxia Yang
- Department of Psychiatry, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, 030001 Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Zhifen Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, 030001 Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Xinrong Li
- Department of Psychiatry, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, 030001 Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Kerang Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, 030001 Taiyuan, Shanxi, China.
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Ren H, Zhang C, Huang C, Li N, Li M, Li Y, Deng W, Ma X, Xiang B, Wang Q, Li T. Unravelling genes and pathways implicated in working memory of schizophrenia in Han Chinese. Int J Mol Sci 2015; 16:2145-61. [PMID: 25608650 PMCID: PMC4307354 DOI: 10.3390/ijms16012145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2014] [Revised: 11/05/2014] [Accepted: 01/12/2015] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Working memory deficit is the core neurocognitive disorder in schizophrenia patients. To identify the factors underlying working memory deficit in schizophrenia patients and to explore the implication of possible genes in the working memory using genome-wide association study (GWAS) of schizophrenia, computerized delay-matching-to-sample (DMS) and whole genome genotyping data were obtained from 100 first-episode, treatment-naïve patients with schizophrenia and 140 healthy controls from the Mental Health Centre of the West China Hospital, Sichuan University. A composite score, delay-matching-to-sample total correct numbers (DMS-TC), was found to be significantly different between the patients and control. On associating quantitative DMS-TC with interactive variables of groups × genotype, one SNP (rs1411832), located downstream of YWHAZP5 in chromosome 10, was found to be associated with the working memory deficit in schizophrenia patients with lowest p-value (p = 2.02 × 10(-7)). ConsensusPathDB identified that genes with SNPs for which p values below the threshold of 5 × 10(-5) were significantly enriched in GO:0007155 (cell adhesion, p < 0.001). This study indicates that working memory, as an endophenotype of schizophrenia, could improve the efficacy of GWAS in schizophrenia. However, further study is required to replicate the results from our study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyan Ren
- Mental Health Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 28 Dian Xin Nan Road, Chengdu 610041, China.
| | - Chengcheng Zhang
- Mental Health Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 28 Dian Xin Nan Road, Chengdu 610041, China.
| | - Chaohua Huang
- Mental Health Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 28 Dian Xin Nan Road, Chengdu 610041, China.
| | - Na Li
- Mental Health Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 28 Dian Xin Nan Road, Chengdu 610041, China.
| | - Mingli Li
- Mental Health Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 28 Dian Xin Nan Road, Chengdu 610041, China.
| | - Yinfei Li
- Mental Health Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 28 Dian Xin Nan Road, Chengdu 610041, China.
| | - Wei Deng
- Mental Health Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 28 Dian Xin Nan Road, Chengdu 610041, China.
| | - Xiaohong Ma
- Mental Health Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 28 Dian Xin Nan Road, Chengdu 610041, China.
| | - Bo Xiang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Psychiatric Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 1 Ke Yuan 4 Road, Hi-Tech Developmental Zone, Chengdu 610041, China.
| | - Qiang Wang
- Mental Health Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 28 Dian Xin Nan Road, Chengdu 610041, China.
| | - Tao Li
- Mental Health Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 28 Dian Xin Nan Road, Chengdu 610041, China.
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Dempster EL, Wong CC, Lester KJ, Burrage J, Gregory AM, Mill J, Eley TC. Genome-wide methylomic analysis of monozygotic twins discordant for adolescent depression. Biol Psychiatry 2014; 76:977-83. [PMID: 24929637 PMCID: PMC4252163 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2014.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2013] [Revised: 03/14/2014] [Accepted: 04/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adolescent depression is a common neuropsychiatric disorder that often continues into adulthood and is associated with a wide range of poor outcomes including suicide. Although numerous studies have looked at genetic markers associated with depression, the role of epigenetic variation remains relatively unexplored. METHODS Monozygotic (MZ) twins were selected from an adolescent twin study designed to investigate the interplay of genetic and environmental factors in the development of emotional and behavioral difficulties. There were 18 pairs of MZ twins identified in which one member scored consistently higher (group mean within the clinically significant range) on self-rated depression than the other. We assessed genome-wide patterns of DNA methylation in twin buccal cell DNA using the Infinium HumanMethylation450 BeadChip from Illumina. Quality control and data preprocessing was undertaken using the wateRmelon package. Differentially methylated probes (DMPs) were identified using an analysis strategy taking into account both the significance and the magnitude of DNA methylation differences. The top differentially methylated DMP was successfully validated by bisulfite-pyrosequencing, and identified DMPs were tested in postmortem brain samples obtained from patients with major depressive disorder (n = 14) and matched control subjects (n = 15). RESULTS Two reproducible depression-associated DMPs were identified, including the top-ranked DMP that was located within STK32C, which encodes a serine/threonine kinase, of unknown function. CONCLUSIONS Our data indicate that DNA methylation differences are apparent in MZ twins discordant for adolescent depression and that some of the disease-associated variation observed in buccal cell DNA is mirrored in adult brain tissue obtained from individuals with clinical depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma L. Dempster
- University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter University, Exeter,Address correspondence to Emma L. Dempster, Ph.D., University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter University, RILD-Medical Research, Level 4, Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Barrack Rd, Exeter EX2 5DW, United Kingdom
| | - Chloe C.Y. Wong
- Social Genetic Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, King’s College London
| | - Kathryn J. Lester
- Social Genetic Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, King’s College London
| | - Joe Burrage
- University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter University, Exeter
| | - Alice M. Gregory
- Department of Psychology, Goldsmiths, University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan Mill
- University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter University, Exeter,Social Genetic Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, King’s College London
| | - Thalia C. Eley
- Social Genetic Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, King’s College London
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Ceremuga TE, Shellabarger P, Persson T, Fanning M, Galey P, Robinson D, Bertsch S, Ceremuga GA, Bentley M. Effects of tetrahydropalmatine on post-traumatic stress disorder-induced changes in rat brain gene expression. J Integr Neurosci 2013; 12:513-28. [DOI: 10.1142/s0219635213500313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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Valipour E, Kowsari A, Bayat H, Banan M, Kazeminasab S, Mohammadparast S, Ohadi M. Polymorphic core promoter GA-repeats alter gene expression of the early embryonic developmental genes. Gene 2013; 531:175-9. [PMID: 24055488 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2013.09.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2013] [Revised: 09/05/2013] [Accepted: 09/06/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Protein complexes that bind to 'GAGA' DNA elements are necessary to replace nucleosomes to create a local chromatin environment that facilitates a variety of site-specific regulatory responses. Three to four elements are required for the disruption of a preassembled nucleosome. We have previously identified human protein-coding gene core promoters that are composed of exceptionally long GA-repeats. The functional implication of those GA-repeats is beginning to emerge in the core promoter of the human SOX5 gene, which is involved in multiple developmental processes. In the current study, we analyze the functional implication of GA-repeats in the core promoter of two additional genes, MECOM and GABRA3, whose expression is largely limited to embryogenesis. We report a significant difference in gene expression as a result of different alleles across those core promoters in the HEK-293 cell line. Across-species homology check for the GABRA3 GA-repeats revealed that those repeats are evolutionary conserved in mouse and primates (p<1 × 10(-8)). The MECOM core promoter GA-repeats are also conserved in numerous species, of which human has the longest repeat and complexity. We propose a novel role for GA-repeat core promoters to regulate gene expression in the genes involved in development and evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Valipour
- Genetics Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Heidelberg LS, Warren JW, Fisher JL. SB-205384 is a positive allosteric modulator of recombinant GABAA receptors containing rat α3, α5, or α6 subunit subtypes coexpressed with β3 and γ2 subunits. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2013; 347:235-41. [PMID: 23902941 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.113.207324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Many drugs used to treat anxiety are positive modulators of GABAA receptors, which mediate fast inhibitory neurotransmission. The GABAA receptors can be assembled from a combination of at least 16 different subunits. The receptor's subunit composition determines its pharmacologic and functional properties, and subunit expression varies throughout the brain. A primary goal for new treatments targeting GABAA receptors is the production of subunit-selective modulators acting upon a discrete population of receptors. The anxiolytic 4-amino-7-hydroxy-2-methyl-5,6,7,8,-tetrahydrobenzo[b]thieno[2,3-b]pyridine-3-carboxylic acid, but-2-ynyl ester (SB-205384) is widely considered to be selective for α3-containing GABAA receptors. However, it has been tested only on α1-, α2-, and α3-containing receptors. We examined the activity of SB-205384 at recombinant receptors containing the six different α subunits and found that receptors containing the α3, α5, and α6 subunits were potentiated by SB-205384, with the α6 subunit conferring the greatest responsiveness. Properties associated with chimeric α1/α6 subunits suggested that multiple structural domains influence sensitivity to SB-205384. Point mutations of residues within the extracellular N-terminal domain identified a leucine residue located in loop E of the agonist binding site as an important determinant of high sensitivity to modulation. In the α6 subunit the identity of this residue is species-dependent, with the leucine found in rat subunits but not in human. Our results indicate that SB-205384 is not an α3-selective modulator, and instead acts at several GABAA receptor isoforms. These findings have implications for the side-effect profile of this anxiolytic as well as for its use in neuronal and animal studies as a marker for contribution from α3-containing receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura S Heidelberg
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience, University of South Carolina School of Medicine Columbia, South Carolina (J.W.W., J.L.F.); and Honors College, University of South Carolina-Columbia, Columbia, South Carolina (L.S.H.)
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Imai S, Mamiya T, Tsukada A, Sakai Y, Mouri A, Nabeshima T, Ebihara S. Ubiquitin-specific peptidase 46 (Usp46) regulates mouse immobile behavior in the tail suspension test through the GABAergic system. PLoS One 2012; 7:e39084. [PMID: 22720038 PMCID: PMC3375232 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0039084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2012] [Accepted: 05/18/2012] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The tail suspension test (TST) is widely recognized as a useful experimental paradigm for assessing antidepressant activity and depression-like behavior. We have previously identified ubiquitin-specific peptidase 46 (Usp46) as a quantitative trait gene responsible for decreasing immobility time in the TST in mice. This Usp46 mutation has a 3-bp deletion coding for lysine in the open reading frame, and we indicated that Usp46 is implicated in the regulation of the GABAergic system. However, it is not known precisely how the immobile behavior is regulated by the GABAergic system. Therefore, in the present study, we examined whether the immobility time is influenced by drugs affecting the action mediated by GABAA receptor using both 3-bp deleted (the Usp46 mutant) and null Usp46 (Usp46 KO) mice. Nitrazepam, an agonist at the benzodiazepine-binding site of the GABAA receptor, which potentiates the action of GABA, produced a dose-dependent increase in TST immobility time in the Usp46 mutant mice without affecting general behaviors. The Usp46 KO mice exhibited short immobility times comparable to the Usp46 mutant mice, which was also increased by nitrazepam administration. The effects of nitrazepam in the Usp46 mutant and KO mice were antagonized by flumazenil. These results indicate that the 3-bp deleted Usp46 mutation causes a loss-of-function phenotype, and that the GABAA receptor might participate in the regulation of TST immobility time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saki Imai
- Division of Biomodeling, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Takayoshi Mamiya
- Department of Chemical Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Meijo University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Akira Tsukada
- Division of Applied Genetics and Physiology, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yasuyuki Sakai
- Division of Biomodeling, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Akihiro Mouri
- Department of Chemical Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Meijo University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Toshitaka Nabeshima
- Department of Chemical Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Meijo University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Shizufumi Ebihara
- Division of Biomodeling, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
- * E-mail:
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Stephenson DT, O'Neill SM, Narayan S, Tiwari A, Arnold E, Samaroo HD, Du F, Ring RH, Campbell B, Pletcher M, Vaidya VA, Morton D. Histopathologic characterization of the BTBR mouse model of autistic-like behavior reveals selective changes in neurodevelopmental proteins and adult hippocampal neurogenesis. Mol Autism 2011; 2:7. [PMID: 21575186 PMCID: PMC3135520 DOI: 10.1186/2040-2392-2-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2010] [Accepted: 05/16/2011] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The inbred mouse strain BTBR T+ tf/J (BTBR) exhibits behavioral deficits that mimic the core deficits of autism. Neuroanatomically, the BTBR strain is also characterized by a complete absence of the corpus callosum. The goal of this study was to identify novel molecular and cellular changes in the BTBR mouse, focusing on neuronal, synaptic, glial and plasticity markers in the limbic system as a model for identifying putative molecular and cellular substrates associated with autistic behaviors. METHODS Forebrains of 8 to 10-week-old male BTBR and age-matched C57Bl/6J control mice were evaluated by immunohistochemistry using free-floating and paraffin embedded sections. Twenty antibodies directed against antigens specific to neurons, synapses and glia were used. Nissl, Timm and acetylcholinesterase (AchE) stains were performed to assess cytoarchitecture, mossy fibers and cholinergic fiber density, respectively. In the hippocampus, quantitative stereological estimates for the mitotic marker bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) were performed to determine hippocampal progenitor proliferation, survival and differentiation, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mRNA was quantified by in situ hybridization. Quantitative image analysis was performed for NG2, doublecortin (DCX), NeuroD, GAD67 and Poly-Sialic Acid Neural Cell Adhesion Molecule (PSA-NCAM). RESULTS In midline structures including the region of the absent corpus callosum of BTBR mice, the myelin markers 2',3'-cyclic nucleotide 3'-phosphodiesterase (CNPase) and myelin basic protein (MBP) were reduced, and the oligodendrocyte precursor NG2 was increased. MBP and CNPase were expressed in small ectopic white matter bundles within the cingulate cortex. Microglia and astrocytes showed no evidence of gliosis, yet orientations of glial fibers were altered in specific white-matter areas. In the hippocampus, evidence of reduced neurogenesis included significant reductions in the number of doublecortin, PSA-NCAM and NeuroD immunoreactive cells in the subgranular zone of the dentate gyrus, and a marked reduction in the number of 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) positive progenitors. Furthermore, a significant and profound reduction in BDNF mRNA was seen in the BTBR dentate gyrus. No significant differences were seen in the expression of AchE, mossy fiber synapses or immunoreactivities of microtubule-associated protein MAP2, parvalbumin and glutamate decarboxylase GAD65 or GAD67 isoforms. CONCLUSIONS We documented modest and selective alterations in glia, neurons and synapses in BTBR forebrain, along with reduced neurogenesis in the adult hippocampus. Of all markers examined, the most distinctive changes were seen in the neurodevelopmental proteins NG2, PSA-NCAM, NeuroD and DCX. Our results are consistent with aberrant development of the nervous system in BTBR mice, and may reveal novel substrates to link callosal abnormalities and autistic behaviors. The changes that we observed in the BTBR mice suggest potential novel therapeutic strategies for intervention in autism spectrum disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diane T Stephenson
- Neuroscience Biology, Pfizer Global Research and Development, Eastern Point Road, Groton, CT 06340, USA
| | - Sharon M O'Neill
- Neuroscience Biology, Pfizer Global Research and Development, Eastern Point Road, Groton, CT 06340, USA
| | - Sapna Narayan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai 400005 India
| | - Aadhya Tiwari
- Department of Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai 400005 India
| | - Elizabeth Arnold
- Neuroscience Biology, Pfizer Global Research and Development, Eastern Point Road, Groton, CT 06340, USA
| | - Harry D Samaroo
- Neuroscience Biology, Pfizer Global Research and Development, Eastern Point Road, Groton, CT 06340, USA
| | - Fu Du
- FD Neurotechnologies, Inc, Ellicott City, MD 21041, USA
| | - Robert H Ring
- Neuroscience Biology, Pfizer Global Research and Development, Eastern Point Road, Groton, CT 06340, USA
| | - Brian Campbell
- Neuroscience Biology, Pfizer Global Research and Development, Eastern Point Road, Groton, CT 06340, USA
| | - Mathew Pletcher
- Compound Safety Prediction Group, Pfizer Global Research & Development, Groton, CT 06340, USA
| | - Vidita A Vaidya
- Department of Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai 400005 India
| | - Daniel Morton
- Toxicologic Pathology, Pfizer Global Research and Development, 35 Cambridgepark Drive, Cambridge, MA 02140, USA
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Miller BH, Schultz LE, Gulati A, Su AI, Pletcher MT. Phenotypic characterization of a genetically diverse panel of mice for behavioral despair and anxiety. PLoS One 2010; 5:e14458. [PMID: 21206921 PMCID: PMC3012073 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0014458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2010] [Accepted: 12/07/2010] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Animal models of human behavioral endophenotypes, such as the Tail Suspension Test (TST) and the Open Field assay (OF), have proven to be essential tools in revealing the genetics and mechanisms of psychiatric diseases. As in the human disorders they model, the measurements generated in these behavioral assays are significantly impacted by the genetic background of the animals tested. In order to better understand the strain-dependent phenotypic variability endemic to this type of work, and better inform future studies that rely on the data generated by these models, we phenotyped 33 inbred mouse strains for immobility in the TST, a mouse model of behavioral despair, and for activity in the OF, a model of general anxiety and locomotor activity. Results We identified significant strain-dependent differences in TST immobility, and in thigmotaxis and distance traveled in the OF. These results were replicable over multiple testing sessions and exhibited high heritability. We exploited the heritability of these behavioral traits by using in silico haplotype-based association mapping to identify candidate genes for regulating TST behavior. Two significant loci (-logp >7.0, gFWER adjusted p value <0.05) of approximately 300 kb each on MMU9 and MMU10 were identified. The MMU10 locus is syntenic to a major human depressive disorder QTL on human chromosome 12 and contains several genes that are expressed in brain regions associated with behavioral despair. Conclusions We report the results of phenotyping a large panel of inbred mouse strains for depression and anxiety-associated behaviors. These results show significant, heritable strain-specific differences in behavior, and should prove to be a valuable resource for the behavioral and genetics communities. Additionally, we used haplotype mapping to identify several loci that may contain genes that regulate behavioral despair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brooke H. Miller
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute-Scripps Florida, Jupiter, Florida, United States of America
| | - Laura E. Schultz
- Department of Molecular Therapeutics, The Scripps Research Institute-Scripps Florida, Jupiter, Florida, United States of America
| | - Anisha Gulati
- Department of Molecular Therapeutics, The Scripps Research Institute-Scripps Florida, Jupiter, Florida, United States of America
| | - Andrew I. Su
- Genomic Institute of the Novartis Research Foundation, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Mathew T. Pletcher
- Department of Molecular Therapeutics, The Scripps Research Institute-Scripps Florida, Jupiter, Florida, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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