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Hanzel M, Fernando K, Maloney SE, Horn Z, Gong S, Mätlik K, Zhao J, Pasolli HA, Heissel S, Dougherty JD, Hull C, Hatten ME. Mice lacking Astn2 have ASD-like behaviors and altered cerebellar circuit properties. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2405901121. [PMID: 39150780 PMCID: PMC11348334 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2405901121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Astrotactin 2 (ASTN2) is a transmembrane neuronal protein highly expressed in the cerebellum that functions in receptor trafficking and modulates cerebellar Purkinje cell (PC) synaptic activity. Individuals with ASTN2 mutations exhibit neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), learning difficulties, and language delay. To provide a genetic model for the role of the cerebellum in ASD-related behaviors and study the role of ASTN2 in cerebellar circuit function, we generated global and PC-specific conditional Astn2 knockout (KO and cKO, respectively) mouse lines. Astn2 KO mice exhibit strong ASD-related behavioral phenotypes, including a marked decrease in separation-induced pup ultrasonic vocalization calls, hyperactivity, repetitive behaviors, altered behavior in the three-chamber test, and impaired cerebellar-dependent eyeblink conditioning. Hyperactivity and repetitive behaviors are also prominent in Astn2 cKO animals, but they do not show altered behavior in the three-chamber test. By Golgi staining, Astn2 KO PCs have region-specific changes in dendritic spine density and filopodia numbers. Proteomic analysis of Astn2 KO cerebellum reveals a marked upregulation of ASTN2 family member, ASTN1, a neuron-glial adhesion protein. Immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy demonstrate a significant increase in Bergmann glia volume in the molecular layer of Astn2 KO animals. Electrophysiological experiments indicate a reduced frequency of spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs), as well as increased amplitudes of both spontaneous EPSCs and inhibitory postsynaptic currents in the Astn2 KO animals, suggesting that pre- and postsynaptic components of synaptic transmission are altered. Thus, ASTN2 regulates ASD-like behaviors and cerebellar circuit properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michalina Hanzel
- Laboratory of Developmental Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY10065
| | - Kayla Fernando
- Neurobiology Department, Duke University, Durham, NC27710
| | - Susan E. Maloney
- Department of Psychiatry and the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Washington University Medical School, St. Louis, MO63130
| | - Zachi Horn
- Laboratory of Developmental Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY10065
- InVitro Cell Research LLC, Englewood, NJ07631
| | - Shiaoching Gong
- Helen and Robert Appel Alzheimer’s Disease Institute, Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY10021
| | - Kärt Mätlik
- Laboratory of Developmental Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY10065
| | - Jiajia Zhao
- Laboratory of Developmental Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY10065
| | - H. Amalia Pasolli
- Electron Microscopy Resource Center, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY10065
| | - Søren Heissel
- Proteomics Resource Center, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY10065
| | - Joseph D. Dougherty
- Department of Psychiatry and the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Washington University Medical School, St. Louis, MO63130
- Department of Genetics, Washington University Medical School, St. Louis, MO63130
| | - Court Hull
- Neurobiology Department, Duke University, Durham, NC27710
| | - Mary E. Hatten
- Laboratory of Developmental Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY10065
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2
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Hanzel M, Fernando K, Maloney SE, Gong S, Mätlik K, Zhao J, Pasolli HA, Heissel S, Dougherty JD, Hull C, Hatten ME. Mice lacking Astn2 have ASD-like behaviors and altered cerebellar circuit properties. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.18.580354. [PMID: 38405978 PMCID: PMC10888872 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.18.580354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Astrotactin 2 (ASTN2) is a transmembrane neuronal protein highly expressed in the cerebellum that functions in receptor trafficking and modulates cerebellar Purkinje cell (PC) synaptic activity. We recently reported a family with a paternally inherited intragenic ASTN2 duplication with a range of neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), learning difficulties, and speech and language delay. To provide a genetic model for the role of the cerebellum in ASD-related behaviors and study the role of ASTN2 in cerebellar circuit function, we generated global and PC-specific conditional Astn2 knockout (KO and cKO, respectively) mouse lines. Astn2 KO mice exhibit strong ASD-related behavioral phenotypes, including a marked decrease in separation-induced pup ultrasonic vocalization calls, hyperactivity and repetitive behaviors, altered social behaviors, and impaired cerebellar-dependent eyeblink conditioning. Hyperactivity and repetitive behaviors were also prominent in Astn2 cKO animals. By Golgi staining, Astn2 KO PCs have region-specific changes in dendritic spine density and filopodia numbers. Proteomic analysis of Astn2 KO cerebellum reveals a marked upregulation of ASTN2 family member, ASTN1, a neuron-glial adhesion protein. Immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy demonstrates a significant increase in Bergmann glia volume in the molecular layer of Astn2 KO animals. Electrophysiological experiments indicate a reduced frequency of spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs), as well as increased amplitudes of both spontaneous EPSCs and inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs) in the Astn2 KO animals, suggesting that pre- and postsynaptic components of synaptic transmission are altered. Thus, ASTN2 regulates ASD-like behaviors and cerebellar circuit properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michalina Hanzel
- Laboratory of Developmental Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA 10065
| | - Kayla Fernando
- Neurobiology Department, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Susan E. Maloney
- Dept of Psychiatry and the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Washington University Medical School, St Louis, MO, USA
| | | | - Kärt Mätlik
- Laboratory of Developmental Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA 10065
| | - Jiajia Zhao
- Laboratory of Developmental Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA 10065
| | - H. Amalia Pasolli
- Electron Microscopy Resource Center, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA 10065
| | - Søren Heissel
- Proteomics Resource Center, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA 10065
| | - Joseph D. Dougherty
- Dept of Psychiatry and the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Washington University Medical School, St Louis, MO, USA
- Dept of Genetics, Washington University Medical School, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Court Hull
- Neurobiology Department, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Mary E. Hatten
- Laboratory of Developmental Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA 10065
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3
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Abdolmaleky HM, Martin M, Zhou JR, Thiagalingam S. Epigenetic Alterations of Brain Non-Neuronal Cells in Major Mental Diseases. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:896. [PMID: 37107654 PMCID: PMC10137903 DOI: 10.3390/genes14040896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The tissue-specific expression and epigenetic dysregulation of many genes in cells derived from the postmortem brains of patients have been reported to provide a fundamental biological framework for major mental diseases such as autism, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depression. However, until recently, the impact of non-neuronal brain cells, which arises due to cell-type-specific alterations, has not been adequately scrutinized; this is because of the absence of techniques that directly evaluate their functionality. With the emergence of single-cell technologies, such as RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and other novel techniques, various studies have now started to uncover the cell-type-specific expression and DNA methylation regulation of many genes (e.g., TREM2, MECP2, SLC1A2, TGFB2, NTRK2, S100B, KCNJ10, and HMGB1, and several complement genes such as C1q, C3, C3R, and C4) in the non-neuronal brain cells involved in the pathogenesis of mental diseases. Additionally, several lines of experimental evidence indicate that inflammation and inflammation-induced oxidative stress, as well as many insidious/latent infectious elements including the gut microbiome, alter the expression status and the epigenetic landscapes of brain non-neuronal cells. Here, we present supporting evidence highlighting the importance of the contribution of the brain's non-neuronal cells (in particular, microglia and different types of astrocytes) in the pathogenesis of mental diseases. Furthermore, we also address the potential impacts of the gut microbiome in the dysfunction of enteric and brain glia, as well as astrocytes, which, in turn, may affect neuronal functions in mental disorders. Finally, we present evidence that supports that microbiota transplantations from the affected individuals or mice provoke the corresponding disease-like behavior in the recipient mice, while specific bacterial species may have beneficial effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamid Mostafavi Abdolmaleky
- Department of Medicine (Biomedical Genetics), Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA;
- Department of Surgery, Nutrition/Metabolism Laboratory, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Marian Martin
- Department of Neurology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY 10461, USA
| | - Jin-Rong Zhou
- Department of Surgery, Nutrition/Metabolism Laboratory, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Sam Thiagalingam
- Department of Medicine (Biomedical Genetics), Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA;
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
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4
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Li C, Saliba NB, Martin H, Losurdo NA, Kolahdouzan K, Siddiqui R, Medeiros D, Li W. Purkinje cell dopaminergic inputs to astrocytes regulate cerebellar-dependent behavior. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1613. [PMID: 36959176 PMCID: PMC10036610 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37319-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Dopamine has a significant role in motor and cognitive function. The dopaminergic pathways originating from the midbrain have received the most attention; however, the relevance of the cerebellar dopaminergic system is largely undiscovered. Here, we show that the major cerebellar astrocyte type Bergmann glial cells express D1 receptors. Dopamine can be synthesized in Purkinje cells by cytochrome P450 and released in an activity-dependent fashion. We demonstrate that activation of D1 receptors induces membrane depolarization and Ca2+ release from the internal store. These astrocytic activities in turn modify Purkinje cell output by altering its excitatory and inhibitory synaptic input. Lastly, we show that conditional knockout of D1 receptors in Bergmann glial cells results in decreased locomotor activity and impaired social activity. These results contribute to the understanding of the molecular, cellular, and circuit mechanisms underlying dopamine function in the cerebellum, revealing a critical role for the cerebellar dopaminergic system in motor and social behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Li
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Natalie B Saliba
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Hannah Martin
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Nicole A Losurdo
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
- Neuroscience Program, The University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Kian Kolahdouzan
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Riyan Siddiqui
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Destynie Medeiros
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.
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5
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Gala DS, Titlow JS, Teodoro RO, Davis I. Far from home: the role of glial mRNA localization in synaptic plasticity. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2023; 29:153-169. [PMID: 36442969 PMCID: PMC9891262 DOI: 10.1261/rna.079422.122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Neurons and glia are highly polarized cells, whose distal cytoplasmic functional subdomains require specific proteins. Neurons have axonal and dendritic cytoplasmic extensions containing synapses whose plasticity is regulated efficiently by mRNA transport and localized translation. The principles behind these mechanisms are equally attractive for explaining rapid local regulation of distal glial cytoplasmic projections, independent of their cell nucleus. However, in contrast to neurons, mRNA localization has received little experimental attention in glia. Nevertheless, there are many functionally diverse glial subtypes containing extensive networks of long cytoplasmic projections with likely localized regulation that influence neurons and their synapses. Moreover, glia have many other neuron-like properties, including electrical activity, secretion of gliotransmitters and calcium signaling, influencing, for example, synaptic transmission, plasticity and axon pruning. Here, we review previous studies concerning glial transcripts with important roles in influencing synaptic plasticity, focusing on a few cases involving localized translation. We discuss a variety of important questions about mRNA transport and localized translation in glia that remain to be addressed, using cutting-edge tools already available for neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalia S Gala
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QU, United Kingdom
| | - Joshua S Titlow
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QU, United Kingdom
| | - Rita O Teodoro
- iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School-Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa 1169-056, Portugal
| | - Ilan Davis
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QU, United Kingdom
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6
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Mitoma H, Manto M. Advances in the Pathogenesis of Auto-antibody-Induced Cerebellar Synaptopathies. CEREBELLUM (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2023; 22:129-147. [PMID: 35064896 PMCID: PMC9883363 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-021-01359-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The presence of auto-antibodies that target synaptic machinery proteins was documented recently in immune-mediated cerebellar ataxias. The autoantigens include glutamic acid decarboxylase 65 (GAD65), voltage-gated Ca2+ channel (VGCC), metabotropic glutamate receptor type 1 (mGluR1), and glutamate receptor delta (GluRdelta). GAD65 is involved in the synthesis, packaging, and release of GABA, whereas the other three play important roles in the induction of long-term depression (LTD). Thus, the auto-antibodies toward these synaptic molecules likely impair fundamental synaptic machineries involved in unique functions of the cerebellum, potentially leading to the development of cerebellar ataxias (CAs). This concept has been substantiated recently by a series of physiological studies. Anti-GAD65 antibody (Ab) acts on the terminals of inhibitory neurons that suppress GABA release, whereas anti-VGCC, anti-mGluR1, and anti-GluR Abs impair LTD induction. Notably, the mechanisms that link synaptic dysfunction with the manifestations of CAs can be explained by disruption of the "internal models." The latter can be divided into three levels. First, since chained inhibitory neurons shape the output signals through the mechanism of disinhibition/inhibition, impairments of GABA release and LTD distort the conversion process from the "internal model" to the output signals. Second, these antibodies impair the induction of synaptic plasticity, rebound potentiation, and LTD, on Purkinje cells, resulting in loss of restoration and compensation of the distorted "internal models." Finally, the cross-talk between glutamate and microglia/astrocytes could involve a positive feedback loop that accelerates excitotoxicity. This mini-review summarizes the pathophysiological mechanisms and aims to establish the basis of "auto-antibody-induced cerebellar synaptopathies."
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Mitoma
- Department of Medical Education, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mario Manto
- Unité des Ataxies Cérébelleuses, Service de Neurologie, Médiathèque Jean Jacquy, CHU-Charleroi, 6000 Charleroi, Belgium ,Service des Neurosciences, University of Mons, 7000 Mons, Belgium
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7
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Hasegawa H, Kondo M. Astrocytic Responses to Binge Alcohol Intake in the Mouse Hindbrain. Biol Pharm Bull 2023; 46:1194-1202. [PMID: 37661398 DOI: 10.1248/bpb.b23-00140] [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] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Ethanol is the most commonly used toxic chemical in human cultures. Ethanol predominantly damages the brain causing various neurological disorders. Astrocytes are important cellular targets of ethanol in the brain and are involved in alcoholic symptoms. Recent studies have revealed the diversity of astrocyte populations in the brain. However, it is unclear how the different astrocyte populations respond to an excess of ethanol. Here we examined the effect of binge ethanol levels on astrocytes in the mouse brainstem and cerebellum. Ethanol administration for four consecutive days increased the glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-immunoreactive signals in the spinal tract of the trigeminal nerve (stTN) and reticular nucleus (RN). Another astrocyte marker, aquaporin 4 (AQP4), was also increased in the stTN with a pattern similar to that of GFAP. However, in the RN, the immunoreactive signals of AQP4 were different from that of GFAP and were not changed by ethanol administration. In the cerebellum, GFAP-positive signals were found in all four astrocytic populations, and those in the Bergmann glia were selectively eliminated by ethanol administration. We next examined the effect of estradiol on the ethanol-induced changes in astrocytic immunoreactive signals. The administration of estradiol alone increased the AQP4-immunoreactivity in the stTN with a pattern similar to that of ethanol, whereas the co-administration of estradiol and ethanol suppressed the intensity of the AQP4-positive signals. Thus, binge levels of ethanol intake selectively affect astrocyte populations in the brainstem and cerebellum. Sex hormones can affect the ethanol-induced neurotoxicity via modulation of astrocyte reactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mari Kondo
- Laboratory of Hygienic Sciences, Kobe Pharmaceutical University
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8
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Gzielo K, Nikiforuk A. Astroglia in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:11544. [PMID: 34768975 PMCID: PMC8583956 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is an umbrella term encompassing several neurodevelopmental disorders such as Asperger syndrome or autism. It is characterised by the occurrence of distinct deficits in social behaviour and communication and repetitive patterns of behaviour. The symptoms may be of different intensity and may vary in types. Risk factors for ASD include disturbed brain homeostasis, genetic predispositions, or inflammation during the prenatal period caused by viruses or bacteria. The number of diagnosed cases is growing, but the main cause and mechanism leading to ASD is still uncertain. Recent findings from animal models and human cases highlight the contribution of glia to the ASD pathophysiology. It is known that glia cells are not only "gluing" neurons together but are key players participating in different processes crucial for proper brain functioning, including neurogenesis, synaptogenesis, inflammation, myelination, proper glutamate processing and many others. Despite the prerequisites for the involvement of glia in the processes related to the onset of autism, there are far too little data regarding the engagement of these cells in the development of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kinga Gzielo
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Behavioral Neuroscience and Drug Development, 12 Smętna Street, 31-343 Kraków, Poland;
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9
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Kelly E, Escamilla CO, Tsai PT. Cerebellar Dysfunction in Autism Spectrum Disorders: Deriving Mechanistic Insights from an Internal Model Framework. Neuroscience 2021; 462:274-287. [PMID: 33253824 PMCID: PMC8076058 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2020.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are highly prevalent neurodevelopmental disorders; however, the neurobiological mechanisms underlying disordered behavior in ASD remain poorly understood. Notably, individuals with ASD have demonstrated difficulties generating implicitly derived behavioral predictions and adaptations. Although many brain regions are involved in these processes, the cerebellum contributes an outsized role to these behavioral functions. Consistent with this prominent role, cerebellar dysfunction has been increasingly implicated in ASD. In this review, we will utilize the foundational, theoretical contributions of the late neuroscientist Masao Ito to establish an internal model framework for the cerebellar contribution to ASD-relevant behavioral predictions and adaptations. Additionally, we will also explore and then apply his key experimental contributions towards an improved, mechanistic understanding of the contribution of cerebellar dysfunction to ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elyza Kelly
- Department of Neurology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | | | - Peter T Tsai
- Departments of Pediatrics and Psychiatry, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
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10
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Chen S, Zhang K, Zhang B, Jiang M, Zhang X, Guo Y, Yu Y, Qin T, Li H, Chen Q, Cai Z, Luo S, Huang Y, Hu J, Mo W. Temporarily Epigenetic Repression in Bergmann Glia Regulates the Migration of Granule Cells. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2021; 8:2003164. [PMID: 34026436 PMCID: PMC8132163 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202003164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Forming tight interaction with both Purkinje and granule cells (GCs), Bergmann glia (BG) are essential for cerebellar morphogenesis and neuronal homeostasis. However, how BG act in this process is unclear without comprehensive transcriptome landscape of BG. Here, high temporal-resolution investigation of transcriptomes with FACS-sorted BG revealed the dynamic expression of genes within given functions and pathways enabled BG to assist neural migration and construct neuron-glia network. It is found that the peak time of GCs migration (P7-10) strikingly coincides with the downregulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) related genes, and the disruption of which by Setdb1 ablation at P7-10 in BG leads to significant migration defect of GCs emphasizing the criticality of Nfix-Setdb1 mediated H3K9me3 repressive complex for the precise regulation of GCs migration in vivo. Thus, BG's transcriptomic landscapes offer an insight into the mechanism by which BG are in depth integrated in cerebellar neural network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoxuan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress BiologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen UniversitySchool of Life SciencesXiamen UniversityXiamen361102China
- The Department of NeuroscienceSchool of MedicineXiamen UniversityXiamen361102China
| | - Kunkun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress BiologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen UniversitySchool of Life SciencesXiamen UniversityXiamen361102China
- The Department of NeuroscienceSchool of MedicineXiamen UniversityXiamen361102China
| | - Boxin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress BiologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen UniversitySchool of Life SciencesXiamen UniversityXiamen361102China
| | - Mengyun Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress BiologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen UniversitySchool of Life SciencesXiamen UniversityXiamen361102China
| | - Xue Zhang
- Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen UniversitySchool of MedicineXiamen361102China
| | - Yi Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress BiologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen UniversitySchool of Life SciencesXiamen UniversityXiamen361102China
| | - Yingying Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress BiologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen UniversitySchool of Life SciencesXiamen UniversityXiamen361102China
- National Institute for Data Science in Health and MedicineXiamen UniversityXiamen361102China
| | - Tianyu Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress BiologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen UniversitySchool of Life SciencesXiamen UniversityXiamen361102China
- National Institute for Data Science in Health and MedicineXiamen UniversityXiamen361102China
| | - Hongda Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress BiologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen UniversitySchool of Life SciencesXiamen UniversityXiamen361102China
| | - Qiang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress BiologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen UniversitySchool of Life SciencesXiamen UniversityXiamen361102China
| | - Zhiyu Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress BiologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen UniversitySchool of Life SciencesXiamen UniversityXiamen361102China
| | - Site Luo
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Coast and Wetland EcosystemsCollege of the Environment and EcologyXiamen UniversityXiamen361102China
| | - Yi Huang
- Department of Clinical LaboratoryFujian Provincial HospitalFuzhou350001China
- Provincial Clinical CollegeFujian Medical UniversityFuzhou350001China
| | - Jin Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress BiologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen UniversitySchool of Life SciencesXiamen UniversityXiamen361102China
| | - Wei Mo
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress BiologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen UniversitySchool of Life SciencesXiamen UniversityXiamen361102China
- The Department of NeuroscienceSchool of MedicineXiamen UniversityXiamen361102China
- National Institute for Data Science in Health and MedicineXiamen UniversityXiamen361102China
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11
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Ravi K, Paidas MJ, Saad A, Jayakumar AR. Astrocytes in rare neurological conditions: Morphological and functional considerations. J Comp Neurol 2021; 529:2676-2705. [PMID: 33496339 DOI: 10.1002/cne.25118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2020] [Revised: 01/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes are a population of central nervous system (CNS) cells with distinctive morphological and functional characteristics that differ within specific areas of the brain and are widely distributed throughout the CNS. There are mainly two types of astrocytes, protoplasmic and fibrous, which differ in morphologic appearance and location. Astrocytes are important cells of the CNS that not only provide structural support, but also modulate synaptic activity, regulate neuroinflammatory responses, maintain the blood-brain barrier, and supply energy to neurons. As a result, astrocytic disruption can lead to widespread detrimental effects and can contribute to the pathophysiology of several neurological conditions. The characteristics of astrocytes in more common neuropathologies such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease have significantly been described and continue to be widely studied. However, there still exist numerous rare neurological conditions in which astrocytic involvement is unknown and needs to be explored. Accordingly, this review will summarize functional and morphological changes of astrocytes in various rare neurological conditions based on current knowledge thus far and highlight remaining neuropathologies where astrocytic involvement has yet to be investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karthik Ravi
- University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Michael J Paidas
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Ali Saad
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Arumugam R Jayakumar
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA.,South Florida VA Foundation for Research and Education Inc, Miami, Florida, USA.,General Medical Research Neuropathology Section, R&D Service, Veterans Affairs Medical Centre, Miami, Florida, USA
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12
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Kishimoto Y, Hirono M, Atarashi R, Sakaguchi S, Yoshioka T, Katamine S, Kirino Y. Impairment of cerebellar long-term depression and GABAergic transmission in prion protein deficient mice ectopically expressing PrPLP/Dpl. Sci Rep 2020; 10:15900. [PMID: 32985542 PMCID: PMC7522223 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-72753-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Prion protein (PrPC) knockout mice, named as the “Ngsk” strain (Ngsk Prnp0/0 mice), show late-onset cerebellar Purkinje cell (PC) degeneration because of ectopic overexpression of PrPC-like protein (PrPLP/Dpl). Our previous study indicated that the mutant mice also exhibited alterations in cerebellum-dependent delay eyeblink conditioning, even at a young age (16 weeks of age) when neurological changes had not occurred. Thus, this electrophysiological study was designed to examine the synaptic function of the cerebellar cortex in juvenile Ngsk Prnp0/0 mice. We showed that Ngsk Prnp0/0 mice exhibited normal paired-pulse facilitation but impaired long-term depression of excitatory synaptic transmission at synapses between parallel fibres and PCs. GABAA-mediated inhibitory postsynaptic currents recorded from PCs were also weakened in Ngsk Prnp0/0 mice. Furthermore, we confirmed that Ngsk Prnp0/0 mice (7–8-week-old) exhibited abnormalities in delay eyeblink conditioning. Our findings suggest that these alterations in both excitatory and inhibitory synaptic transmission to PCs caused deficits in delay eyeblink conditioning of Ngsk Prnp0/0 mice. Therefore, the Ngsk Prnp0/0 mouse model can contribute to study underlying mechanisms for impairments of synaptic transmission and neural plasticity, and cognitive deficits in the central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasushi Kishimoto
- Laboratory of Neurobiophysics, Kagawa School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokushima Bunri University, Sanuki, Kagawa, 769-2193, Japan.
| | - Moritoshi Hirono
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Wakayama Medical University School of Medicine, Wakayama, 641-8509, Japan.
| | - Ryuichiro Atarashi
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, 889-2192, Japan
| | - Suehiro Sakaguchi
- Division of Molecular Neurobiology, Institute for Enzyme Research (KOSOKEN), Tokushima University, Tokushima, 770-8501, Japan
| | - Tohru Yoshioka
- Center of Excellence for Environmental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 807, Taiwan
| | - Shigeru Katamine
- Center for International Collaborative Research, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan
| | - Yutaka Kirino
- Laboratory of Neurobiophysics, Kagawa School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokushima Bunri University, Sanuki, Kagawa, 769-2193, Japan
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13
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Weisner PA, Chen CY, Sun Y, Yoo J, Kao WC, Zhang H, Baltz ET, Troy JM, Stubbs L. A Mouse Mutation That Dysregulates Neighboring Galnt17 and Auts2 Genes Is Associated with Phenotypes Related to the Human AUTS2 Syndrome. G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2019; 9:3891-3906. [PMID: 31554716 PMCID: PMC6829118 DOI: 10.1534/g3.119.400723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 09/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
AUTS2 was originally discovered as the gene disrupted by a translocation in human twins with Autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, and epilepsy. Since that initial finding, AUTS2-linked mutations and variants have been associated with a very broad array of neuropsychiatric disorders, sugg esting that AUTS2 is required for fundamental steps of neurodevelopment. However, genotype-phenotype correlations in this region are complicated, because most mutations could also involve neighboring genes. Of particular interest is the nearest downstream neighbor of AUTS2, GALNT17, which encodes a brain-expressed N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase of unknown brain function. Here we describe a mouse (Mus musculus) mutation, T(5G2;8A1)GSO (abbreviated 16Gso), a reciprocal translocation that breaks between Auts2 and Galnt17 and dysregulates both genes. Despite this complex regulatory effect, 16Gso homozygotes model certain human AUTS2-linked phenotypes very well. In addition to abnormalities in growth, craniofacial structure, learning and memory, and behavior, 16Gso homozygotes display distinct pathologies of the cerebellum and hippocampus that are similar to those associated with autism and other types of AUTS2-linked neurological disease. Analyzing mutant cerebellar and hippocampal transcriptomes to explain this pathology, we identified disturbances in pathways related to neuron and synapse maturation, neurotransmitter signaling, and cellular stress, suggesting possible cellular mechanisms. These pathways, coupled with the translocation's selective effects on Auts2 isoforms and coordinated dysregulation of Galnt17, suggest novel hypotheses regarding the etiology of the human "AUTS2 syndrome" and the wide array of neurodevelopmental disorders linked to variance in this genomic region.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Anne Weisner
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology
- Neuroscience Program
| | - Chih-Ying Chen
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, and
| | - Younguk Sun
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, and
| | | | | | | | | | - Joseph M Troy
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology
- Illinois Informatics Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana IL 61802
| | - Lisa Stubbs
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology,
- Neuroscience Program
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, and
- Illinois Informatics Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana IL 61802
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14
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Backstrom JR, Sheng J, Fischer RA, Sappington RM, Rex TS. Phenotypes of primary retinal macroglia: Implications for purification and culture conditions. Exp Eye Res 2019; 182:85-92. [PMID: 30902621 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2019.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Revised: 03/05/2019] [Accepted: 03/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Many neurodegenerations, including those of the visual system, have complex etiologies that include roles for both neurons and glia. In the retina there is evidence that retinal astrocytes play an important role in neurodegeneration. There are several approaches for isolating and growing primary retinal astrocytes, however, they often lead to different results. In this study, we examined the influence of culture conditions on phenotypic maturation of primary, purified retinal glia. We compared retinal astrocytes and Müller glia purified by immunomagnetic separation, as differentiation between these astrocyte subtypes is critical and immuno-based methods are the standard practice of purification. We found that while time in culture impacts the health and phenotype of both astrocytes and Müller glia, the phenotypic maturation of retinal astrocytes was most impacted by serum factors. These factors appeared to actively regulate intermediate filament phenotypes in a manner consistent with the induction of astrocyte-mesenchymal transition (AMT). This propensity for retinal astrocytes to shift along an AMT continuum should be considered when interpreting resulting data. Our goal is that this study will help standardize the field so that studies are replicable, comparable, and as accurate as possible for subsequent interpretation of findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon R Backstrom
- Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA.
| | - Jinsong Sheng
- Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA.
| | - Rachel A Fischer
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA.
| | - Rebecca M Sappington
- Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA; Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA.
| | - Tonia S Rex
- Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA; Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA.
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15
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Zhang XC, Shu LQ, Zhao XS, Li XK. Autism spectrum disorders: autistic phenotypes and complicated mechanisms. World J Pediatr 2019; 15:17-25. [PMID: 30607884 DOI: 10.1007/s12519-018-0210-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2017] [Accepted: 11/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a pervasive developmental neurological disorder, is characterized by impairments in social interaction and communication, and stereotyped, repetitive patterns of interests or behaviors. The mechanism of ASDs is complex, and genetic components and epigenetic modifications play important roles. In this review, we summarized the recent progresses of ASDs focusing on the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms. We also briefly discussed current animal models of ASD and the application of high-throughput sequencing technologies in studying ASD. DATA SOURCES Original research articles and literature reviews published in PubMed-indexed journals. RESULTS Individuals with ASDs exhibit a set of phenotypes including neurological alteration. Genetic components including gene mutation, copy-number variations, and epigenetic modifications play important and diverse roles in ASDs. The establishment of animal models and development of new-generation sequencing technologies have contributed to reveal the complicated mechanisms underlying autistic phenotypes. CONCLUSIONS Dramatic progress has been made for understanding the roles of genetic and epigenetic components in ASD. Future basic and translational studies should be carried out towards those candidate therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi-Cheng Zhang
- Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China
- Institute of Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310029, China
| | - Li-Qi Shu
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Xing-Sen Zhao
- Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China
- Institute of Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310029, China
| | - Xue-Kun Li
- Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China.
- Institute of Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310029, China.
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16
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An expandable embryonic stem cell-derived Purkinje neuron progenitor population that exhibits in vivo maturation in the adult mouse cerebellum. Sci Rep 2017; 7:8863. [PMID: 28821816 PMCID: PMC5562837 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-09348-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2016] [Accepted: 07/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The directed differentiation of patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells into cell-type specific neurons has inspired the development of therapeutic discovery for neurodegenerative diseases. Many forms of ataxia result from degeneration of cerebellar Purkinje cells, but thus far it has not been possible to efficiently generate Purkinje neuron (PN) progenitors from human or mouse pluripotent stem cells, let alone to develop a methodology for in vivo transplantation in the adult cerebellum. Here, we present a protocol to obtain an expandable population of cerebellar neuron progenitors from mouse embryonic stem cells. Our protocol is characterized by applying factors that promote proliferation of cerebellar progenitors. Cerebellar progenitors isolated in culture from cell aggregates contained a stable subpopulation of PN progenitors that could be expanded for up to 6 passages. When transplanted into the adult cerebellum of either wild-type mice or a strain lacking Purkinje cells (L7cre-ERCC1 knockout), GFP-labeled progenitors differentiated in vivo to establish a population of calbindin-positive cells in the molecular layer with dendritic trees typical of mature PNs. We conclude that this protocol may be useful for the generation and maturation of PNs, highlighting the potential for development of a regenerative medicine approach to the treatment of cerebellar neurodegenerative diseases.
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17
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Yenkoyan K, Grigoryan A, Fereshetyan K, Yepremyan D. Advances in understanding the pathophysiology of autism spectrum disorders. Behav Brain Res 2017; 331:92-101. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2017.04.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2017] [Revised: 04/16/2017] [Accepted: 04/18/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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