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Romussi S, Giunti S, Andersen N, De Rosa MJ. C. elegans: a prominent platform for modeling and drug screening in neurological disorders. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2024; 19:565-585. [PMID: 38509691 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2024.2329103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Human neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases (NDevDs and NDegDs, respectively) encompass a broad spectrum of disorders affecting the nervous system with an increasing incidence. In this context, the nematode C. elegans, has emerged as a benchmark model for biological research, especially in the field of neuroscience. AREAS COVERED The authors highlight the numerous advantages of this tiny worm as a model for exploring nervous system pathologies and as a platform for drug discovery. There is a particular focus given to describing the existing models of C. elegans for the study of NDevDs and NDegDs. Specifically, the authors underscore their strong applicability in preclinical drug development. Furthermore, they place particular emphasis on detailing the common techniques employed to explore the nervous system in both healthy and diseased states. EXPERT OPINION Drug discovery constitutes a long and expensive process. The incorporation of invertebrate models, such as C. elegans, stands as an exemplary strategy for mitigating costs and expediting timelines. The utilization of C. elegans as a platform to replicate nervous system pathologies and conduct high-throughput automated assays in the initial phases of drug discovery is pivotal for rendering therapeutic options more attainable and cost-effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Romussi
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología de Invertebrados, Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca (INIBIBB), UNS-CONICET, Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | - Sebastián Giunti
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología de Invertebrados, Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca (INIBIBB), UNS-CONICET, Bahía Blanca, Argentina
- Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS), Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | - Natalia Andersen
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología de Invertebrados, Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca (INIBIBB), UNS-CONICET, Bahía Blanca, Argentina
- Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS), Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | - María José De Rosa
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología de Invertebrados, Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca (INIBIBB), UNS-CONICET, Bahía Blanca, Argentina
- Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS), Bahía Blanca, Argentina
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Wester LE, Lanjuin A, Bruckisch EH, Perez-Matos MC, Stine PG, Heintz C, Denzel MS, Mair WB. A single-copy knockin translating ribosome immunoprecipitation toolkit for tissue-specific profiling of actively translated mRNAs in C. elegans. CELL REPORTS METHODS 2023; 3:100433. [PMID: 37056370 PMCID: PMC10088236 DOI: 10.1016/j.crmeth.2023.100433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
Here, we introduce a single-copy knockin translating ribosome immunoprecipitation (SKI TRIP) toolkit, a collection of Caenorhabditis elegans strains engineered by CRISPR in which tissue-specific expression of FLAG-tagged ribosomal subunit protein RPL-22 is driven by cassettes present in single copy from defined sites in the genome. Through in-depth characterization of the effects of the FLAG tag in animals in which endogenous RPL-22 has been tagged, we show that it incorporates into actively translating ribosomes and efficiently and cleanly pulls down cell-type-specific transcripts. Importantly, the presence of the tag does not impact overall mRNA translation, create bias in transcript use, or cause changes to fitness of the animal. We propose SKI TRIP use for the study of tissue-specific differences in translation and for investigating processes that are acutely sensitive to changes in translation like development or aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura E. Wester
- Department of Molecular Metabolism, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Molecular Genetics of Ageing, Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing, 50668 Cologne, Germany
| | - Anne Lanjuin
- Department of Molecular Metabolism, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Emanuel H.W. Bruckisch
- Department of Molecular Genetics of Ageing, Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing, 50668 Cologne, Germany
| | - Maria C. Perez-Matos
- Department of Molecular Metabolism, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Peter G. Stine
- Department of Molecular Metabolism, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Caroline Heintz
- Department of Molecular Metabolism, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Martin S. Denzel
- Department of Molecular Genetics of Ageing, Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing, 50668 Cologne, Germany
- Altos Labs, Cambridge, UK
| | - William B. Mair
- Department of Molecular Metabolism, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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Transition from Animal-Based to Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs)-Based Models of Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Opportunities and Challenges. Cells 2023; 12:cells12040538. [PMID: 36831205 PMCID: PMC9954744 DOI: 10.3390/cells12040538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) arise from the disruption of highly coordinated mechanisms underlying brain development, which results in impaired sensory, motor and/or cognitive functions. Although rodent models have offered very relevant insights to the field, the translation of findings to clinics, particularly regarding therapeutic approaches for these diseases, remains challenging. Part of the explanation for this failure may be the genetic differences-some targets not being conserved between species-and, most importantly, the differences in regulation of gene expression. This prompts the use of human-derived models to study NDDS. The generation of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hIPSCs) added a new suitable alternative to overcome species limitations, allowing for the study of human neuronal development while maintaining the genetic background of the donor patient. Several hIPSC models of NDDs already proved their worth by mimicking several pathological phenotypes found in humans. In this review, we highlight the utility of hIPSCs to pave new paths for NDD research and development of new therapeutic tools, summarize the challenges and advances of hIPSC-culture and neuronal differentiation protocols and discuss the best way to take advantage of these models, illustrating this with examples of success for some NDDs.
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Ultrasound-driven exercise training ameliorates degeneration of ultrasonic responses in Caenorhabditis elegans. Neurosci Res 2023:S0168-0102(23)00023-8. [PMID: 36731541 DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2023.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The inevitability of age-related degeneration makes research on degradation mitigation attractive to humans, while exercise is considered an effective means due to its powerful impact on life and health. Caenorhabditis elegans is a model animal with a short life cycle and is widely used in health and aging studies. In this work, ultrasonic stimuli in the form of surface acoustic waves (SAWs) were used to induce behavioral activities in worms. As the worms grew, ultrasound-elicited behavioral responses started to decrease in the early adulthood stage. However, this situation was significantly ameliorated when ultrasonic training sessions at an effective acoustic pressure of 1.1 MPa were performed four times per day for 5 or 7 days, while ultrasonic responses in trained nematodes were stronger than those in untrained ones. These results suggest that long-term ultrasonic training might positively intervene in aging-related degeneration. Besides, it was found that exercise driven by long-term ultrasonic training had insignificant effects on the lifespan of worms. A preliminary exploration of the neural mechanisms underlying the sensation of SAWs was also conducted. The results show that, apart from touch receptor neurons (TRNs), polymodal nociceptors FLP and PVD neurons may also be involved in the perception of ultrasound in C. elegans. The results of this study may inspire related studies on other animals or humans.
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Parrales-Macias V, Harfouche A, Ferrié L, Haïk S, Michel PP, Raisman-Vozari R, Figadère B, Bizat N, Maciuk A. Effects of a New Natural Catechol- O-methyl Transferase Inhibitor on Two In Vivo Models of Parkinson's Disease. ACS Chem Neurosci 2022; 13:3303-3313. [PMID: 36347018 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.2c00356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
A tetrahydroisoquinoline identified in Mucuna pruriens ((1R,3S)-6,7-dihydroxy-1-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline-1,3-dicarboxylic acid, compound 4) was synthesized and assessed for its in vitro pharmacological profile and in vivo effects in two animal models of Parkinson's disease. Compound 4 inhibits catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) with no affinity for the dopaminergic receptors or the dopamine transporter. It restores dopamine-mediated motor behavior when it is co-administered with L-DOPA to C. elegans worms with 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium-damaged dopaminergic neurons. In a 6-hydroxydopamine rat model of Parkinson's disease, its co-administration at 30 mg/kg with L-DOPA enhances the effect of L-DOPA with an intensity similar to that of tolcapone 1 at 30 mg/kg but for a shorter duration. The effect is not dose-dependent. Compound 4 seems not to cross the blood-brain barrier and thus acts as a peripheral COMT inhibitor. COMT inhibition by compound 4 further validates the traditional use of M. pruriens for the treatment of Parkinson's disease, and compound 4 can thus be considered as a promising drug candidate for the development of safe, peripheral COMT inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Parrales-Macias
- Paris Brain Institute - ICM, Inserm, CNRS, Hôpital Pitié Salpêtrière, Sorbonne Université, Paris 75013, France
| | - Abha Harfouche
- CNRS, BioCIS, Université Paris-Saclay, Orsay 91400, France
| | - Laurent Ferrié
- CNRS, BioCIS, Université Paris-Saclay, Orsay 91400, France
| | - Stéphane Haïk
- Paris Brain Institute - ICM, Inserm, CNRS, Hôpital Pitié Salpêtrière, Sorbonne Université, Paris 75013, France
| | - Patrick P Michel
- Paris Brain Institute - ICM, Inserm, CNRS, Hôpital Pitié Salpêtrière, Sorbonne Université, Paris 75013, France
| | - Rita Raisman-Vozari
- Paris Brain Institute - ICM, Inserm, CNRS, Hôpital Pitié Salpêtrière, Sorbonne Université, Paris 75013, France
| | - Bruno Figadère
- CNRS, BioCIS, Université Paris-Saclay, Orsay 91400, France
| | - Nicolas Bizat
- Paris Brain Institute - ICM, Inserm, CNRS, Hôpital Pitié Salpêtrière, Sorbonne Université, Paris 75013, France
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Maia N, Nabais Sá MJ, Melo-Pires M, de Brouwer APM, Jorge P. Intellectual disability genomics: current state, pitfalls and future challenges. BMC Genomics 2021; 22:909. [PMID: 34930158 PMCID: PMC8686650 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-021-08227-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Intellectual disability (ID) can be caused by non-genetic and genetic factors, the latter being responsible for more than 1700 ID-related disorders. The broad ID phenotypic and genetic heterogeneity, as well as the difficulty in the establishment of the inheritance pattern, often result in a delay in the diagnosis. It has become apparent that massive parallel sequencing can overcome these difficulties. In this review we address: (i) ID genetic aetiology, (ii) clinical/medical settings testing, (iii) massive parallel sequencing, (iv) variant filtering and prioritization, (v) variant classification guidelines and functional studies, and (vi) ID diagnostic yield. Furthermore, the need for a constant update of the methodologies and functional tests, is essential. Thus, international collaborations, to gather expertise, data and resources through multidisciplinary contributions, are fundamental to keep track of the fast progress in ID gene discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuno Maia
- Centro de Genética Médica Jacinto de Magalhães (CGM), Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto (CHUPorto), Porto, Portugal. .,Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), and ITR - Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Maria João Nabais Sá
- Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), and ITR - Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Manuel Melo-Pires
- Serviço de Neuropatologia, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário do Porto (CHUPorto), Porto, Portugal
| | - Arjan P M de Brouwer
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Paula Jorge
- Centro de Genética Médica Jacinto de Magalhães (CGM), Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto (CHUPorto), Porto, Portugal.,Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), and ITR - Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Wang D, Dao M, Muntean BS, Giles AC, Martemyanov KA, Grill B. Genetic modeling of GNAO1 disorder delineates mechanisms of Gαo dysfunction. Hum Mol Genet 2021; 31:510-522. [PMID: 34508586 PMCID: PMC8863422 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddab235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
GNAO1 encephalopathy is a neurodevelopmental disorder with a spectrum of symptoms that include dystonic movements, seizures and developmental delay. While numerous GNAO1 mutations are associated with this disorder, the functional consequences of pathological variants are not completely understood. Here, we deployed the invertebrate C. elegans as a whole-animal behavioral model to study the functional effects of GNAO1 disorder-associated mutations. We tested several pathological GNAO1 mutations for effects on locomotor behaviors using a combination of CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing and transgenic overexpression in vivo. We report that all three mutations tested (G42R, G203R and R209C) result in strong loss of function defects when evaluated as homozygous CRISPR alleles. In addition, mutations produced dominant negative effects assessed using both heterozygous CRISPR alleles and transgenic overexpression. Experiments in mice confirmed dominant negative effects of GNAO1 G42R, which impaired numerous motor behaviors. Thus, GNAO1 pathological mutations result in conserved functional outcomes across animal models. Our study further establishes the molecular genetic basis of GNAO1 encephalopathy, and develops a CRISPR-based pipeline for functionally evaluating mutations associated with neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Wang
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
| | - Maria Dao
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Brian S Muntean
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Andrew C Giles
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Kirill A Martemyanov
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Brock Grill
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98101, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA.,Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
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Naß J, Abdelfatah S, Efferth T. Induction of stress resistance and extension of lifespan in Chaenorhabditis elegans serotonin-receptor knockout strains by withanolide A. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 84:153482. [PMID: 33611213 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2021.153482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Approximately 300 million people worldwide suffer from depression. The COVID-19 crisis may dramatically increase these numbers. Severe side effects and resistance development limit the use of standard antidepressants. The steroidal lactone withanolide A (WA) from Withania somnifera may be a promising alternative. Caenorhabditis elegans was used as model to explore WA's anti-depressive and anti-stress potential. METHODS C. elegans wildtype (N2) and deficient strains (AQ866, DA1814, DA2100, DA2109 and MT9772) were used to assess oxidative, osmotic or heat stress as measured by generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), determination of lifespan, and mRNA expression of serotonin receptor (ser-1, ser-4, ser-7) and serotonin transporter genes (mod-5). The protective effect of WA was compared to fluoxetine as clinically established antidepressant. Additionally, WA's effect on lifespan was determined. Furthermore, the binding affinities and pKi values of WA, fluoxetine and serotonin as natural ligand to Ser-1, Ser-4, Ser-7, Mod-5 and their human orthologues proteins were calculated by molecular docking. RESULTS Baseline oxidative stress was higher in deficient than wildtype worms. WA and fluoxetine reduced ROS levels in all strains except MT9772. WA and fluoxetine prolonged survival times in wildtype and mutants under osmotic stress. WA but not fluoxetine increased lifespan of all heat-stressed C. elegans strains except DA2100. Furthermore, WA but not fluoxetine extended lifespan in all non-stressed C. elegans strains. WA also induced mRNA expression of serotonin receptors and transporters in wildtype and mutants. WA bound with higher affinity and lower pKi values to all C. elegans and human serotonin receptors and transporters than serotonin, indicating that WA may competitively displaced serotonin from the binding pockets of these proteins. CONCLUSION WA reduced stress and increased lifespan by ROS scavenging and interference with the serotonin system. Hence, WA may serve as promising candidate to treat depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janine Naß
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Pharmacy, Johannes Gutenberg University, Staudinger Weg 5, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Sara Abdelfatah
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Pharmacy, Johannes Gutenberg University, Staudinger Weg 5, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Thomas Efferth
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Pharmacy, Johannes Gutenberg University, Staudinger Weg 5, 55128 Mainz, Germany.
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Wang W, Frankel WN. Overlaps, gaps, and complexities of mouse models of Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathy. Neurobiol Dis 2021; 148:105220. [PMID: 33301879 PMCID: PMC8547712 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2020.105220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Mouse models have made innumerable contributions to understanding the genetic basis of neurological disease and pathogenic mechanisms and to therapy development. Here we consider the current state of mouse genetic models of Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathy (DEE), representing a set of rare but devastating and largely intractable childhood epilepsies. By examining the range of mouse lines available in this rapidly moving field and by detailing both expected and unusual features in representative examples, we highlight lessons learned in an effort to maximize the full potential of this powerful resource for preclinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanqi Wang
- Department of Genetics & Development, Institute for Genomic Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States of America.
| | - Wayne N Frankel
- Department of Genetics & Development, Institute for Genomic Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States of America.
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Abboud C, Duveau A, Bouali-Benazzouz R, Massé K, Mattar J, Brochoire L, Fossat P, Boué-Grabot E, Hleihel W, Landry M. Animal models of pain: Diversity and benefits. J Neurosci Methods 2020; 348:108997. [PMID: 33188801 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2020.108997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Chronic pain is a maladaptive neurological disease that remains a major health problem. A deepening of our knowledge on mechanisms that cause pain is a prerequisite to developing novel treatments. A large variety of animal models of pain has been developed that recapitulate the diverse symptoms of different pain pathologies. These models reproduce different pain phenotypes and remain necessary to examine the multidimensional aspects of pain and understand the cellular and molecular basis underlying pain conditions. In this review, we propose an overview of animal models, from simple organisms to rodents and non-human primates and the specific traits of pain pathologies they model. We present the main behavioral tests for assessing pain and investing the underpinning mechanisms of chronic pathological pain. The validity of animal models is analysed based on their ability to mimic human clinical diseases and to predict treatment outcomes. Refine characterization of pathological phenotypes also requires to consider pain globally using specific procedures dedicated to study emotional comorbidities of pain. We discuss the limitations of pain models when research findings fail to be translated from animal models to human clinics. But we also point to some recent successes in analgesic drug development that highlight strategies for improving the predictive validity of animal models of pain. Finally, we emphasize the importance of using assortments of preclinical pain models to identify pain subtype mechanisms, and to foster the development of better analgesics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia Abboud
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Interdisciplinary Institute for Neuroscience, IINS, UMR 5297, F-33000 Bordeaux, France; Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, IMN, UMR 5293, F-33000 Bordeaux, France; Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), Lebanon
| | - Alexia Duveau
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, IMN, UMR 5293, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Rabia Bouali-Benazzouz
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, IMN, UMR 5293, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Karine Massé
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, IMN, UMR 5293, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Joseph Mattar
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), Lebanon
| | - Louison Brochoire
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, IMN, UMR 5293, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Pascal Fossat
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, IMN, UMR 5293, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Eric Boué-Grabot
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, IMN, UMR 5293, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Walid Hleihel
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), Lebanon; Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), Lebanon
| | - Marc Landry
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, IMN, UMR 5293, F-33000 Bordeaux, France.
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Growth and Activity of Caenorhabditis elegans Exposed to Mechanical Vibration During the Embryonic Period. BIOTECHNOL BIOPROC E 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s12257-019-0433-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Câmara DF, Machado ML, Arantes LP, Silva TC, Silveira TL, Leal JG, Dornelles L, Stefanello ST, Soares FAA. MPMT-OX up-regulates GABAergic transmission and protects against seizure-like behavior in Caenorhabditis elegans. Neurotoxicology 2019; 74:272-281. [PMID: 31415799 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2019.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2018] [Revised: 08/02/2019] [Accepted: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The signal transmission in the nervous system operates through a sensitive balance between excitatory (E) inputs and inhibitory (I) responses. Imbalances in this system contribute to the development of pathologies such as seizures. In Caenorhabditis elegans, the locomotor circuit operates via the coordinated activity of cholinergic excitatory (E) and GABAergic inhibitory (I) transmission. Changes in E/I inputs can cause uncontrolled electrical discharges, mimicking the physiology of seizures. Molecules derived from 1,3,4-oxadiazole have been found to exhibit diverse biological activities, including anticonvulsant effect. In this work, we study the activity of the compound 2-[(4-methoxyphenylselenyl)methylthio]-5-phenyl-1,3,4-oxadiazole (MPMT-OX) in the GABAergic and cholinergic systems. We demonstrate that MPMT-OX reduced the locomotor activity of C. elegans with a normal balance between the E/I systems and increased the resistance to paralysis in worms exposed to pentylenetetrazol and aldicarb. MPMT-OX increased seizure resistance and assisted in the recovery of locomotor activity in worms with deletions in the genes unc-46, which regulates the transport of GABA into vesicles, and unc-49, which encodes the GABAA receptor. C. elegans with deletions in the unc-25 and unc-47 genes did not respond to treatment. Therefore, we suggest that the compound MPMT-OX upregulates GABAergic signaling in a manner dependent on the unc-25 gene, which is responsible for GABA synthesis, and unc-47, which encodes the vesicular GABA transporter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela F Câmara
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, CCNE, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, CEP 97.105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Marina L Machado
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, CCNE, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, CEP 97.105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Leticia P Arantes
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, CCNE, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, CEP 97.105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Thayanara C Silva
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, CCNE, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, CEP 97.105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Tássia L Silveira
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, CCNE, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, CEP 97.105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Julliano G Leal
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, CCNE, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, CEP 97.105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Luciano Dornelles
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, CCNE, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, CEP 97.105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Sílvio T Stefanello
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, CCNE, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, CEP 97.105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Félix A A Soares
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, CCNE, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, CEP 97.105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil.
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Osuna-Luque J, Rodríguez-Ramos Á, Gámez-Del-Estal MDM, Ruiz-Rubio M. Behavioral Mechanisms That Depend on Dopamine and Serotonin in Caenorhabditis elegans Interact With the Antipsychotics Risperidone and Aripiprazole. J Exp Neurosci 2018; 12:1179069518798628. [PMID: 30245571 PMCID: PMC6144587 DOI: 10.1177/1179069518798628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Accepted: 08/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin participate in specific behavioral neuromuscular mechanisms in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Dopamine is involved in the gentle touch response and serotonin in the pharyngeal pumping rate. In its genome, the worm presents genes encoding dopamine and serotonin receptors orthologous to those of human genes. Risperidone and aripiprazole are a class of drugs known as atypical antipsychotics commonly used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and irritability associated with autism. Risperidone is an antagonist of the dopamine D2 and serotonin 5-HT2A receptors. Aripiprazole functions as a partial agonist of the dopamine D2 receptor and as a partial agonist and antagonist of 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A serotonin receptors, respectively. Our results show that risperidone and aripiprazole alter the touch response and pharyngeal pumping in wild-type worm animals. Furthermore, in the presence of the drugs, both behaviors change to varying degrees in dopamine (dop-1, dop-2, and dop-3), serotonin (ser-1), and tyramine (ser-2) receptor-deficient mutants. This variation in response reveals specific targets for these antipsychotics in the nematode. Interestingly, their effect on behavior persisted to some extent in successive generations, indicating that they might induce epigenetic changes throughout development. Sodium butyrate, a histone deacetylase inhibitor, eliminated the consecutive generation effect of both drugs. In addition, these transgenerational effects were also abolished after the dauer stage. These observations suggest that risperidone and aripiprazole, in addition to interacting with specific receptors impairing the function of the nervous system of the nematode, may lead to the deposition of long-lasting epigenetic marks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaime Osuna-Luque
- Department of Genetics, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain.,Maimónides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain.,University Hospital Reina Sofía, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Ángel Rodríguez-Ramos
- Department of Genetics, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain.,Maimónides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain.,University Hospital Reina Sofía, Córdoba, Spain
| | - María Del Mar Gámez-Del-Estal
- Department of Genetics, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain.,Maimónides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain.,University Hospital Reina Sofía, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Manuel Ruiz-Rubio
- Department of Genetics, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain.,Maimónides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain.,University Hospital Reina Sofía, Córdoba, Spain
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14
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Teo E, Batchu KC, Barardo D, Xiao L, Cazenave-Gassiot A, Tolwinski N, Wenk M, Halliwell B, Gruber J. A novel vibration-induced exercise paradigm improves fitness and lipid metabolism of Caenorhabditis elegans. Sci Rep 2018; 8:9420. [PMID: 29925926 PMCID: PMC6010440 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-27330-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2017] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Exercise has been known to reduce the risk of obesity and metabolic syndrome, but the mechanisms underlying many exercise benefits remain unclear. This is, in part, due to a lack of exercise paradigms in invertebrate model organisms that would allow rapid mechanistic studies to be conducted. Here we report a novel exercise paradigm in Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) that can be implemented under standard laboratory conditions. Mechanical stimulus in the form of vibration was transduced to C. elegans grown on solid agar media using an acoustic actuator. One day post-exercise, the exercised animals showed greater physical fitness compared to the un-exercised controls. Despite having higher mitochondrial reactive oxygen species levels, no mitohormetic adaptations and lifespan extension were observed in the exercised animals. Nonetheless, exercised animals showed lower triacylglycerides (TAG) accumulation than the controls. Among the individual TAG species, the most significant changes were found in mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acid residues. Such alteration resulted in an overall lower double bond index and peroxidation index which measure susceptibility towards lipid peroxidation. These observations are consistent with findings from mammalian exercise literature, suggesting that exercise benefits are largely conserved across different animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emelyne Teo
- NUS Graduate School for Integrative Sciences and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Diogo Barardo
- Department of Biochemistry, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Science Division, Yale-NUS College, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Linfan Xiao
- Science Division, Yale-NUS College, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Amaury Cazenave-Gassiot
- Singapore Lipidomics Incubator, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biochemistry, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Markus Wenk
- Singapore Lipidomics Incubator, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biochemistry, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Barry Halliwell
- Department of Biochemistry, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jan Gruber
- Department of Biochemistry, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
- Science Division, Yale-NUS College, Singapore, Singapore.
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15
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Vieira N, Bessa C, Rodrigues AJ, Marques P, Chan FY, de Carvalho AX, Correia-Neves M, Sousa N. Sorting nexin 3 mutation impairs development and neuronal function in Caenorhabditis elegans. Cell Mol Life Sci 2018; 75:2027-2044. [PMID: 29196797 PMCID: PMC11105199 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-017-2719-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2017] [Revised: 10/27/2017] [Accepted: 11/22/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The sorting nexins family of proteins (SNXs) plays pleiotropic functions in protein trafficking and intracellular signaling and has been associated with several disorders, namely Alzheimer's disease and Down's syndrome. Despite the growing association of SNXs with neurodegeneration, not much is known about their function in the nervous system. The aim of this work was to use the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans that encodes in its genome eight SNXs orthologs, to dissect the role of distinct SNXs, particularly in the nervous system. By screening the C. elegans SNXs deletion mutants for morphological, developmental and behavioral alterations, we show here that snx-3 gene mutation leads to an array of developmental defects, such as delayed hatching, decreased brood size and life span and reduced body length. Additionally, ∆snx-3 worms present increased susceptibility to osmotic, thermo and oxidative stress and distinct behavioral deficits, namely, a chemotaxis defect which is independent of the described snx-3 role in Wnt secretion. ∆snx-3 animals also display abnormal GABAergic neuronal architecture and wiring and altered AIY interneuron structure. Pan-neuronal expression of C. elegans snx-3 cDNA in the ∆snx-3 mutant is able to rescue its locomotion defects, as well as its chemotaxis toward isoamyl alcohol. Altogether, the present work provides the first in vivo evidence of the SNX-3 role in the nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neide Vieira
- School of Medicine, Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), University of Minho, Campus Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Carlos Bessa
- School of Medicine, Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), University of Minho, Campus Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Ana J Rodrigues
- School of Medicine, Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), University of Minho, Campus Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Paulo Marques
- School of Medicine, Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), University of Minho, Campus Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Fung-Yi Chan
- i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular-IBMC, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana Xavier de Carvalho
- i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular-IBMC, Porto, Portugal
| | - Margarida Correia-Neves
- School of Medicine, Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), University of Minho, Campus Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Nuno Sousa
- School of Medicine, Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), University of Minho, Campus Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal.
- ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal.
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16
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Opperman KJ, Mulcahy B, Giles AC, Risley MG, Birnbaum RL, Tulgren ED, Dawson-Scully K, Zhen M, Grill B. The HECT Family Ubiquitin Ligase EEL-1 Regulates Neuronal Function and Development. Cell Rep 2018; 19:822-835. [PMID: 28445732 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2017.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2017] [Revised: 03/01/2017] [Accepted: 03/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic changes in the HECT ubiquitin ligase HUWE1 are associated with intellectual disability, but it remains unknown whether HUWE1 functions in post-mitotic neurons to affect circuit function. Using genetics, pharmacology, and electrophysiology, we show that EEL-1, the HUWE1 ortholog in C. elegans, preferentially regulates GABAergic presynaptic transmission. Decreasing or increasing EEL-1 function alters GABAergic transmission and the excitatory/inhibitory (E/I) balance in the worm motor circuit, which leads to impaired locomotion and increased sensitivity to electroshock. Furthermore, multiple mutations associated with intellectual disability impair EEL-1 function. Although synaptic transmission defects did not result from abnormal synapse formation, sensitizing genetic backgrounds revealed that EEL-1 functions in the same pathway as the RING family ubiquitin ligase RPM-1 to regulate synapse formation and axon termination. These findings from a simple model circuit provide insight into the molecular mechanisms required to obtain E/I balance and could have implications for the link between HUWE1 and intellectual disability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karla J Opperman
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Scripps Florida, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Ben Mulcahy
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON M5G 1X5, Canada
| | - Andrew C Giles
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Scripps Florida, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Monica G Risley
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL 33431, USA
| | - Rayna L Birnbaum
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Scripps Florida, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA; Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Erik D Tulgren
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Ken Dawson-Scully
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL 33431, USA
| | - Mei Zhen
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON M5G 1X5, Canada; Department of Molecular Genetics and Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Brock Grill
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Scripps Florida, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA.
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17
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Schmeisser K, Parker JA. Worms on the spectrum - C. elegans models in autism research. Exp Neurol 2017; 299:199-206. [PMID: 28434869 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2017.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2017] [Revised: 04/10/2017] [Accepted: 04/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The small non-parasitic nematode Caenorhabditis elegans is widely used in neuroscience thanks to its well-understood development and lineage of the nervous system. Furthermore, C. elegans has been used to model many human developmental and neurological conditions to better understand disease mechanisms and identify potential therapeutic strategies. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is the most prevalent of all neurodevelopmental disorders, and the C. elegans system may provide opportunities to learn more about this complex disorder. Since basic cell biology and biochemistry of the C. elegans nervous system is generally very similar to mammals, cellular or molecular phenotypes can be investigated, along with a repertoire of behaviours. For instance, worms have contributed greatly to the understanding of mechanisms underlying mutations in genes coding for synaptic proteins such as neuroligin and neurexin. Using worms to model neurodevelopmental disorders like ASD is an emerging topic that harbours great, untapped potential. This review summarizes the numerous contributions of C. elegans to the field of neurodevelopment and introduces the nematode system as a potential research tool to study essential roles of genes associated with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathrin Schmeisser
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montreál (CRCHUM), 900 St-Denis Street, Montreál, Queb́ec H2X 0A9, Canada
| | - J Alex Parker
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montreál (CRCHUM), 900 St-Denis Street, Montreál, Queb́ec H2X 0A9, Canada; Department of Neuroscience, Université de Montreál, 2960 Chemin de la Tour, Montreál, Queb́ec H3T 1J4, Canada.
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18
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Schmeisser K, Fardghassemi Y, Parker JA. A rapid chemical-genetic screen utilizing impaired movement phenotypes in C. elegans: Input into genetics of neurodevelopmental disorders. Exp Neurol 2017; 293:101-114. [PMID: 28373024 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2017.03.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2016] [Revised: 03/23/2017] [Accepted: 03/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is the most common neurodevelopmental disorder with a constantly increasing prevalence. Model organisms may be tools to identify underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms, as well as aid the discovery and development of novel therapeutic approaches. A simple animal such as the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans may provide insights into the extreme complexity of ASD genetics. Despite its potential, using C. elegans in ASD research is a controversial approach and has not yet been used extensively in this context. In this study, we present a screening approach of potential C. elegans mutants as potential ASD models. We screened these mutants for motor-deficiency phenotypes, which can be exploited to study underlying mechanisms of the disorder. Selected motor-deficient mutants were then used in a comprehensive drug screen of over 3900 compounds, including many FDA-approved and natural molecules, that were analyzed for their ability to suppress motility defects caused by ASD-associated gene orthologues. This genetic-chemical approach, i.e. establishing C. elegans models for ASD and screening of a well-characterized compound library, might be a promising first step to understand the mechanisms of how gene variations cause neuronal dysfunction, leading to ASD and other neurological disorders. Positively acting compounds could also be promising candidates for preclinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathrin Schmeisser
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montreál (CRCHUM), 900 St-Denis Street, Montreál, Québec H2X 0A9, Canada
| | - Yasmin Fardghassemi
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montreál (CRCHUM), 900 St-Denis Street, Montreál, Québec H2X 0A9, Canada; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Université de Montreál, 2960 Chemin de la Tour, Montreál, Québec H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - J Alex Parker
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montreál (CRCHUM), 900 St-Denis Street, Montreál, Québec H2X 0A9, Canada; Department of Neuroscience, Université de Montreál, 2960 Chemin de la Tour, Montreál, Québec H3T 1J4, Canada.
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19
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Risley MG, Kelly SP, Jia K, Grill B, Dawson-Scully K. Modulating Behavior in C. elegans Using Electroshock and Antiepileptic Drugs. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0163786. [PMID: 27668426 PMCID: PMC5036823 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0163786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2016] [Accepted: 09/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The microscopic nematode Caenorhabditis elegans has emerged as a valuable model for understanding the molecular and cellular basis of neurological disorders. The worm offers important physiological similarities to mammalian models such as conserved neuron morphology, ion channels, and neurotransmitters. While a wide-array of behavioral assays are available in C. elegans, an assay for electroshock/electroconvulsion remains absent. Here, we have developed a quantitative behavioral method to assess the locomotor response following electric shock in C. elegans. Electric shock impairs normal locomotion, and induces paralysis and muscle twitching; after a brief recovery period, shocked animals resume normal locomotion. We tested electric shock responses in loss-of-function mutants for unc-25, which encodes the GABA biosynthetic enzyme GAD, and unc-49, which encodes the GABAA receptor. unc-25 and unc-49 mutants have decreased inhibitory GABAergic transmission to muscles, and take significantly more time to recover normal locomotion following electric shock compared to wild-type. Importantly, increased sensitivity of unc-25 and unc-49 mutants to electric shock is rescued by treatment with antiepileptic drugs, such as retigabine. Additionally, we show that pentylenetetrazol (PTZ), a GABAA receptor antagonist and proconvulsant in mammalian and C. elegans seizure models, increases susceptibility of worms to electric shock.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica G. Risley
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida, United States of America
| | - Stephanie P. Kelly
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida, United States of America
| | - Kailiang Jia
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida, United States of America
| | - Brock Grill
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Scripps Florida, Jupiter, Florida, United States of America
| | - Ken Dawson-Scully
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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20
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Illiano P, Lanzo A, Leo D, Paglione M, Zampi G, Gainetdinov RR, Di Schiavi E. ACaenorhabditis elegansmodel to study dopamine transporter deficiency syndrome. Eur J Neurosci 2016; 45:207-214. [DOI: 10.1111/ejn.13366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2016] [Revised: 07/21/2016] [Accepted: 08/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Placido Illiano
- Department of Neuroscience and Brain Technologies; Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia; Via Morego 30 16163 Genova Italy
| | - Ambra Lanzo
- Department of Biology, Agriculture and Food Science - National Research Council, CNR; Institute of Biosciences and BioResources, IBBR; Via Pietro Castellino 111 80131 Naples Italy
| | - Damiana Leo
- Department of Neuroscience and Brain Technologies; Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia; Via Morego 30 16163 Genova Italy
| | - Maria Paglione
- Department of Biology, Agriculture and Food Science - National Research Council, CNR; Institute of Biosciences and BioResources, IBBR; Via Pietro Castellino 111 80131 Naples Italy
| | - Giuseppina Zampi
- Department of Biology, Agriculture and Food Science - National Research Council, CNR; Institute of Biosciences and BioResources, IBBR; Via Pietro Castellino 111 80131 Naples Italy
| | - Raul R. Gainetdinov
- Institute of Translational Biomedicine; St. Petersburg State University; 199034 St. Petersburg Russia
- Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology; Skolkovo 143025 Moscow Russia
| | - Elia Di Schiavi
- Department of Biology, Agriculture and Food Science - National Research Council, CNR; Institute of Biosciences and BioResources, IBBR; Via Pietro Castellino 111 80131 Naples Italy
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21
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Norflus F, Bu J, Guyton E, Gutekunst CA. Behavioral analysis of the huntingtin-associated protein 1 ortholog trak-1 in Caenorhabditis elegans. J Neurosci Res 2016; 94:850-6. [PMID: 27319755 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.23756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2015] [Revised: 04/04/2016] [Accepted: 04/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The precise role of huntingtin-associated protein 1 (HAP1) is not known, but studies have shown that it is important for early development and survival. A Caenorhabditis elegans ortholog of HAP1, T27A3.1 (also called trak-1), has been found and is expressed in a subset of neurons. Potential behavioral functions of three knockout lines of T27A3.1 were examined. From its suspected role in mice we hypothesize that T27A3.1 might be involved in egg hatching and early growth, mechanosensation, chemosensation, sensitivity to osmolarity, and synaptic transmission. Our studies show that the knockout worms are significantly different from the wild-type (WT) worms only in the synaptic transmission test, which was measured by adding aldicarb, an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. The change in function was determined by measuring the number of worms paralyzed. However, when the T27A3.1 worms were tested for egg hatching and early growth, mechanosensation, chemosensation, and sensitivity to osmolarity, there were no significant differences between the knockout and WT worms. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fran Norflus
- Department of Biology, Clayton State University, Morrow, Georgia
| | - Jingnan Bu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Evon Guyton
- Department of Biology, Clayton State University, Morrow, Georgia
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22
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Caenorhabditis elegans as a Model to Study the Molecular and Genetic Mechanisms of Drug Addiction. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2015; 137:229-52. [PMID: 26810004 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2015.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Drug addiction takes a massive toll on society. Novel animal models are needed to test new treatments and understand the basic mechanisms underlying addiction. Rodent models have identified the neurocircuitry involved in addictive behavior and indicate that rodents possess some of the same neurobiologic mechanisms that mediate addiction in humans. Recent studies indicate that addiction is mechanistically and phylogenetically ancient and many mechanisms that underlie human addiction are also present in invertebrates. The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans has conserved neurobiologic systems with powerful molecular and genetic tools and a rapid rate of development that enables cost-effective translational discovery. Emerging evidence suggests that C. elegans is an excellent model to identify molecular mechanisms that mediate drug-induced behavior and potential targets for medications development for various addictive compounds. C. elegans emit many behaviors that can be easily quantitated including some that involve interactions with the environment. Ethanol (EtOH) is the best-studied drug-of-abuse in C. elegans and at least 50 different genes/targets have been identified as mediating EtOH's effects and polymorphisms in some orthologs in humans are associated with alcohol use disorders. C. elegans has also been shown to display dopamine and cholinergic system-dependent attraction to nicotine and demonstrate preference for cues previously associated with nicotine. Cocaine and methamphetamine have been found to produce dopamine-dependent reward-like behaviors in C. elegans. These behavioral tests in combination with genetic/molecular manipulations have led to the identification of dozens of target genes/systems in C. elegans that mediate drug effects. The one target/gene identified as essential for drug-induced behavioral responses across all drugs of abuse was the cat-2 gene coding for tyrosine hydroxylase, which is consistent with the role of dopamine neurotransmission in human addiction. Overall, C. elegans can be used to model aspects of drug addiction and identify systems and molecular mechanisms that mediate drug effects. The findings are surprisingly consistent with analogous findings in higher-level organisms. Further, model refinement is warranted to improve model validity and increase utility for medications development.
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23
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Torres F, Barbosa M, Maciel P. Recurrent copy number variations as risk factors for neurodevelopmental disorders: critical overview and analysis of clinical implications. J Med Genet 2015; 53:73-90. [DOI: 10.1136/jmedgenet-2015-103366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2015] [Accepted: 09/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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Abstract
Significant progress is being made in defining the genetic etiology of schizophrenia. As the list of implicated genes grows, parallel developments in gene editing technology provide new methods to investigate gene function in model systems. The confluence of these two research fields--gene discovery and functional biology--may offer novel insights into schizophrenia etiology. We review recent advances in these fields, consider the likely obstacles to progress, and consider strategies as to how these can be overcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shane E. McCarthy
- Stanley Institute of Cognitive Genomics, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Woodbury, NY
| | - W. Richard McCombie
- Stanley Institute of Cognitive Genomics, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Woodbury, NY
| | - Aiden Corvin
- Department of Psychiatry & Neuropsychiatric Genetics Research Group, Institute of Molecular Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland,*To whom correspondence should be addressed; Department of Psychiatry & Neuropsychiatric Genetics Research Group, Institute of Molecular Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland; tel: +353-1-8962467, fax: +353-1-8963405, e-mail:
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25
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Gámez-Del-Estal MM, Contreras I, Prieto-Pérez R, Ruiz-Rubio M. Epigenetic effect of testosterone in the behavior of C. elegans. A clue to explain androgen-dependent autistic traits? Front Cell Neurosci 2014; 8:69. [PMID: 24624060 PMCID: PMC3940884 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2014.00069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2013] [Accepted: 02/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Current research indicates that the causes of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are multifactorial and include both genetic and environmental factors. To date, several works have associated ASDs with mutations in genes that encode proteins involved in neuronal synapses; however other factors and the way they can interact with the development of the nervous system remain largely unknown. Some studies have established a direct relationship between risk for ASDs and the exposure of the fetus to high testosterone levels during the prenatal stage. In this work, in order to explain possible mechanisms by which this androgenic hormone may interact with the nervous system, C. elegans was used as an experimental model. We observed that testosterone was able to alter the behavioral pattern of the worm, including the gentle touch response and the pharyngeal pumping rate. This impairment of the behavior was abolished using specific RNAi against genes orthologous to the human androgen receptor gene. The effect of testosterone was eliminated in the nhr-69 (ok1926) deficient mutant, a putative ortholog of human AR gene, suggesting that this gene encodes a receptor able to interact with the hormone. On the other hand the testosterone effect remained in the gentle touch response during four generations in the absence of the hormone, indicating that some epigenetic mechanisms could be involved. Sodium butyrate, a histone deacetylase inhibitor, was able to abolish the effect of testosterone. In addition, the lasting effect of testosterone was eliminated after the dauer stage. These results suggest that testosterone may impair the nervous system function generating transgenerational epigenetic marks in the genome. This work may provide new paradigms for understanding biological mechanisms involved in ASDs traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Mar Gámez-Del-Estal
- Departamento de Genética, Universidad de Córdoba, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba Córdoba, Spain
| | - Israel Contreras
- Departamento de Genética, Universidad de Córdoba, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba Córdoba, Spain
| | - Rocío Prieto-Pérez
- Departamento de Genética, Universidad de Córdoba, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba Córdoba, Spain
| | - Manuel Ruiz-Rubio
- Departamento de Genética, Universidad de Córdoba, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba Córdoba, Spain
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