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Shrader SH, Mellen N, Cai J, Barnes GN, Song ZH. Cannabidiol is a behavioral modulator in BTBR mouse model of idiopathic autism. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1359810. [PMID: 38784096 PMCID: PMC11112039 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1359810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has drastically risen over the last two decades and is currently estimated to affect 1 in 36 children in the U.S., according to the center for disease control (CDC). This heterogenous neurodevelopmental disorder is characterized by impaired social interactions, communication deficits, and repetitive behaviors plus restricted interest. Autistic individuals also commonly present with a myriad of comorbidities, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety, and seizures. To date, a pharmacological intervention for the treatment of core autistic symptoms has not been identified. Cannabidiol (CBD), the major nonpsychoactive constituent of Cannabis sativa, is suggested to have multiple therapeutic applications, but its effect(s) on idiopathic autism is unknown. We hypothesized that CBD will effectively attenuate the autism-like behaviors and autism-associated comorbid behaviors in BTBR T+Itpr3tf/J (BTBR) mice, an established mouse model of idiopathic ASD. Methods Male BTBR mice were injected intraperitoneally with either vehicle, 20 mg/kg CBD or 50 mg/kg CBD daily for two weeks beginning at postnatal day 21 ± 3. On the final treatment day, a battery of behavioral assays were used to evaluate the effects of CBD on the BTBR mice, as compared to age-matched, vehicle-treated C57BL/6 J mice. Results High dose (50 mg/kg) CBD treatment attenuated the elevated repetitive self-grooming behavior and hyperlocomotion in BTBR mice. The social deficits exhibited by the control BTBR mice were rescued by the 20 mg/kg CBD treatment. Discussion Our data indicate that different doses for CBD are needed for treating specific ASD-like behaviors. Together, our results suggest that CBD may be an effective drug to ameliorate repetitive/restricted behaviors, social deficits, and autism-associated hyperactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah H. Shrader
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, United States
| | - Nicholas Mellen
- Departments of Neurology and Autism Center, Pediatric Research Institute, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, United States
| | - Jun Cai
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Research Institute, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, United States
| | - Gregory N. Barnes
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, United States
- Departments of Neurology and Autism Center, Pediatric Research Institute, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Research Institute, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, United States
| | - Zhao-Hui Song
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, United States
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Maisterrena A, de Chaumont F, Longueville JE, Balado E, Ey E, Jaber M. Female mice prenatally exposed to valproic acid exhibit complex and prolonged social behavior deficits. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2024; 131:110948. [PMID: 38244714 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2024.110948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized mainly by deficits in social communication and stereotyped and restricted behavior and interests with a male to female bias of 4.2/1. Social behavior in ASD animal models is commonly analyzed in males, and seldomly in females, using the widely implemented three-chambers test procedure. Here, we implemented a novel procedure, the Live Mouse Tracker (LMT), combining artificial intelligence, machine learning procedures and behavioral measures. We used it on mice that were prenatally exposed to valproic acid (VPA) (450 mg/kg) at embryonic day 12.5, a widely recognized and potent ASD model that we had previously extensively characterized. We focused on female mice offspring, in which social deficits have been rarely documented when using the 3-CT procedure. We recorded several parameters related to social behavior in these mice, continuously for three days in groups of four female mice. Comparisons were made on groups of 4 female mice with the same treatment (4 saline or 4 VPA) or with different treatments (3 saline and 1 VPA). We report that VPA females show several types of social deficits, which are different in nature and magnitude in relation with time. When VPA mice were placed in the LMT alongside saline mice, their social deficits showed significant improvement as early as 1 h from the start of the experiment, lasting up to 3 days throughout the duration of the experiment. Our findings suggest that ASD may be underdiagnosed in females. They also imply that ASD-related social deficits can be ameliorated by the presence of typical individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Maisterrena
- Université de Poitiers, Inserm, Laboratoire de Neurosciences Expérimentales et Cliniques U1084, Poitiers, France
| | - Fabrice de Chaumont
- Institut Pasteur, CNRS, Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions, Paris, France
| | - Jean-Emmanuel Longueville
- Université de Poitiers, Inserm, Laboratoire de Neurosciences Expérimentales et Cliniques U1084, Poitiers, France
| | - Eric Balado
- Université de Poitiers, Inserm, Laboratoire de Neurosciences Expérimentales et Cliniques U1084, Poitiers, France
| | - Elodie Ey
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, Inserm, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch, France
| | - Mohamed Jaber
- Université de Poitiers, Inserm, Laboratoire de Neurosciences Expérimentales et Cliniques U1084, Poitiers, France; CHU de Poitiers, Poitiers, France.
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Lazzerini Ospri L, Zhan JJ, Thomsen MB, Wang H, Komal R, Tang Q, Messanvi F, du Hoffmann J, Cravedi K, Chudasama Y, Hattar S, Zhao H. Light affects the prefrontal cortex via intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadh9251. [PMID: 38552022 PMCID: PMC10980283 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adh9251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024]
Abstract
The ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) is a part of the limbic system engaged in the regulation of social, emotional, and cognitive states, which are characteristically impaired in disorders of the brain such as schizophrenia and depression. Here, we show that intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) modulate, through light, the integrity, activity, and function of the vmPFC. This regulatory role, which is independent of circadian and mood alterations, is mediated by an ipRGC-thalamic-corticolimbic pathway. Lack of ipRGC signaling in mice causes dendritic degeneration, dysregulation of genes involved in synaptic plasticity, and depressed neuronal activity in the vmPFC. These alterations primarily undermine the ability of the vmPFC to regulate emotions. Our discovery provides a potential light-dependent mechanism for certain PFC-centric disorders in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jesse J. Zhan
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
- National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Michael B. Thomsen
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
- National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Hui Wang
- National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Ruchi Komal
- National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Qijun Tang
- National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Fany Messanvi
- National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Johann du Hoffmann
- National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Kevin Cravedi
- National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Yogita Chudasama
- National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Samer Hattar
- National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Haiqing Zhao
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
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Li YX, Tan ZN, Li XH, Ma B, Adu Nti F, Lv XQ, Tian ZJ, Yan R, Man HY, Ma XM. Increased gene dosage of RFWD2 causes autistic-like behaviors and aberrant synaptic formation and function in mice. Mol Psychiatry 2024:10.1038/s41380-024-02515-7. [PMID: 38503925 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-024-02515-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impaired social interactions, communication deficits and repetitive behaviors. A study of autistic human subjects has identified RFWD2 as a susceptibility gene for autism, and autistic patients have 3 copies of the RFWD2 gene. The role of RFWD2 as an E3 ligase in neuronal functions, and its contribution to the pathophysiology of ASD, remain unknown. We generated RFWD2 knockin mice to model the human autistic condition of high gene dosage of RFWD2. We found that heterozygous knockin (Rfwd2+/-) male mice exhibited the core symptoms of autism. Rfwd2+/- male mice showed deficits in social interaction and communication, increased repetitive and anxiety-like behavior, and spatial memory deficits, whereas Rfwd2+/- female mice showed subtle deficits in social communication and spatial memory but were normal in anxiety-like, repetitive, and social behaviors. These autistic-like behaviors in males were accompanied by a reduction in dendritic spine density and abnormal synaptic function on layer II/III pyramidal neurons in the prelimbic area of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), as well as decreased expression of synaptic proteins. Impaired social behaviors in Rfwd2+/- male mice were rescued by the expression of ETV5, one of the major substrates of RFWD2, in the mPFC. These findings indicate an important role of RFWD2 in the pathogenesis of autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Xia Li
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zhi-Nei Tan
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xu-Hui Li
- Center for Neuron and Disease, Frontier Institutes of Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Boyu Ma
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Frank Adu Nti
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xiao-Qiang Lv
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zhen-Jun Tian
- Institute of Sports Biology, College of Physical Education, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China
| | - Riqiang Yan
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Connecticut Health, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Heng-Ye Man
- Department of Biology, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Xin-Ming Ma
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Connecticut Health, Farmington, CT, USA.
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Gibson JM, Vazquez AH, Yamashiro K, Jakkamsetti V, Ren C, Lei K, Dentel B, Pascual JM, Tsai PT. Cerebellar contribution to autism-relevant behaviors in fragile X syndrome models. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113533. [PMID: 38048226 PMCID: PMC10831814 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113533] [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: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cerebellar dysfunction has been linked to autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Although cerebellar pathology has been observed in individuals with fragile X syndrome (FXS) and in mouse models of the disorder, a cerebellar functional contribution to ASD-relevant behaviors in FXS has yet to be fully characterized. In this study, we demonstrate a critical cerebellar role for Fmr1 (fragile X messenger ribonucleoprotein 1) in ASD-relevant behaviors. First, we identify reduced social behaviors, sensory hypersensitivity, and cerebellar dysfunction, with loss of cerebellar Fmr1. We then demonstrate that cerebellar-specific expression of Fmr1 is sufficient to impact social, sensory, cerebellar dysfunction, and cerebro-cortical hyperexcitability phenotypes observed in global Fmr1 mutants. Moreover, we demonstrate that targeting the ASD-implicated cerebellar region Crus1 ameliorates behaviors in both cerebellar-specific and global Fmr1 mutants. Together, these results demonstrate a critical role for the cerebellar contribution to FXS-related behaviors, with implications for future therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer M Gibson
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Anthony Hernandez Vazquez
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Kunihiko Yamashiro
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Vikram Jakkamsetti
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Chongyu Ren
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Katherine Lei
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Brianne Dentel
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Juan M Pascual
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Peter T Tsai
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
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Lazzerini-Ospri L, Zhan JJ, Thomsen MB, Wang H, Messanvi F, du Hoffmann J, Cravedi K, Komal R, Chudasama Y, Zhao H, Hattar S. WITHDRAWN: Light affects the prefrontal cortex via intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.22.556752. [PMID: 37808740 PMCID: PMC10557604 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.22.556752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
This manuscript has been withdrawn by bioRxiv following a formal request by the NIH Intramural Research Integrity Office owing to lack of author consent.
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Cording KR, Bateup HS. Altered motor learning and coordination in mouse models of autism spectrum disorder. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1270489. [PMID: 38026686 PMCID: PMC10663323 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1270489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder with increasing prevalence. Over 1,000 risk genes have now been implicated in ASD, suggesting diverse etiology. However, the diagnostic criteria for the disorder still comprise two major behavioral domains - deficits in social communication and interaction, and the presence of restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior (RRBs). The RRBs associated with ASD include both stereotyped repetitive movements and other motor manifestations including changes in gait, balance, coordination, and motor skill learning. In recent years, the striatum, the primary input center of the basal ganglia, has been implicated in these ASD-associated motor behaviors, due to the striatum's role in action selection, motor learning, and habit formation. Numerous mouse models with mutations in ASD risk genes have been developed and shown to have alterations in ASD-relevant behaviors. One commonly used assay, the accelerating rotarod, allows for assessment of both basic motor coordination and motor skill learning. In this corticostriatal-dependent task, mice walk on a rotating rod that gradually increases in speed. In the extended version of this task, mice engage striatal-dependent learning mechanisms to optimize their motor routine and stay on the rod for longer periods. This review summarizes the findings of studies examining rotarod performance across a range of ASD mouse models, and the resulting implications for the involvement of striatal circuits in ASD-related motor behaviors. While performance in this task is not uniform across mouse models, there is a cohort of models that show increased rotarod performance. A growing number of studies suggest that this increased propensity to learn a fixed motor routine may reflect a common enhancement of corticostriatal drive across a subset of mice with mutations in ASD-risk genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine R. Cording
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Helen S. Bateup
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
- Molecular and Cell Biology Department, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA, United States
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Li Y, Ma Y, Gao L, Wang T, Zhuang Y, Zhang Y, Zheng L, Liu X. Upregulation of Microglial Sirt6 and Inhibition of Microglial Activation by Vitamin D3 in Lipopolysaccharide-stimulated Mice and BV-2 Cells. Neuroscience 2023; 526:85-96. [PMID: 37352968 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2023.06.008] [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: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023]
Abstract
Vitamin D3 may suppress microglial activation and neuroinflammation, which play a central role in the pathophysiology of many neurological disorders. Sirt6 can remove histone 3 lysine 9 acetylation (H3K9ac) to repress expression of pathological genes and produce anti-inflammatory effects. However, whether vitamin D3 upregulates microglial Sirt6 to exert its protective effects against microglial activation and neuroinflammation is unclear. The effects of lower, normal, and higher dosages (1, 10 and 100 μg/kg/day) of vitamin D3 on behavioral and neuromorphological changes, brain inflammatory factors, Sirt6 and H3K9ac levels, and microglial Sirt6 distribution in hippocampus were evaluated in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated mice. In addition, the effects of vitamin D3 on inflammatory factors, reactive oxygen species, Sirt6, and H3K9ac were confirmed in LPS-stimulated BV-2 cells. We verified that vitamin D3 ameliorated the impaired sociability of LPS-stimulated mice by three-chamber test. In addition, vitamin D3 upregulated brain Sirt6 generation, reduced H3K9ac levels and inhibited generation of brain inflammatory factors. Moreover, vitamin D3 promoted microglial Sirt6 distribution and attenuated microglia displaying an activated morphology in the hippocampus of LPS-stimulated mice. Similarly, vitamin D3 upregulated Sirt6 generation and intensity, reduced H3K9ac levels, and inhibited the inflammatory activation of LPS-stimulated BV-2 cells. In conclusion, vitamin D3 may upregulate microglial Sirt6 to reduce H3K9ac and inhibit microglial activation, thereby antagonizing neuroinflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanning Li
- Center for Drug Discovery Innovation, College of Life Science, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang 050024, Hebei, People's Republic of China; Department of Molecular Biology, Hebei Key Lab of Laboratory Animal Science, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, Hebei, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yujie Ma
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hebei Key Lab of Laboratory Animal Science, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Lijie Gao
- Center for Drug Discovery Innovation, College of Life Science, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang 050024, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Ting Wang
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hebei Key Lab of Laboratory Animal Science, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuchen Zhuang
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hebei Key Lab of Laboratory Animal Science, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuping Zhang
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hebei Key Lab of Laboratory Animal Science, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Long Zheng
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hebei Key Lab of Laboratory Animal Science, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Xifu Liu
- Center for Drug Discovery Innovation, College of Life Science, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang 050024, Hebei, People's Republic of China.
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Frare C, Pitt SK, Hewett SJ. Sex- and age-dependent contribution of System x c- to cognitive, sensory, and social behaviors revealed by comprehensive behavioral analyses of System x c- null mice. Front Behav Neurosci 2023; 17:1238349. [PMID: 37649973 PMCID: PMC10462982 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2023.1238349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background System xc- (Sxc-) is an important heteromeric amino acid cystine/glutamate exchanger that plays a pivotal role in the CNS by importing cystine into cells while exporting glutamate. Although certain behaviors have been identified as altered in Sxc- null mutant mice, our understanding of the comprehensive impact of Sxc- on behavior remains incomplete. Methods To address this gap, we compared motor, sensory and social behaviors of male and female mice in mice null for Sxc- (SLC7A11sut/sut) with wildtype littermates (SLC7A11+/+) in a comprehensive and systematic manner to determine effects of genotype, sex, age, and their potential interactions. Results Motor performance was not affected by loss of Sxc- in both males and females, although it was impacted negatively by age. Motor learning was specifically disrupted in female mice lacking Sxc- at both 2 and 6 months of age. Further, female SLC7A11sut/sut mice at both ages exhibited impaired sociability, but normal spatial and recognition memory, as well as sensorimotor gating. Finally, pronounced open-space anxiety was displayed by female SLC7A11sut/sut when they were young. In contrast, young SLC7A11sut/sut male mice demonstrated normal sociability, delayed spatial learning, increased open-space anxiety and heightened sensitivity to noise. As they aged, anxiety and noise sensitivity abated but hyperactivity emerged. Discussion We find that the behavioral phenotypes of female SLC7A11sut/sut are similar to those observed in mouse models of autism spectrum disorder, while behaviors of male SLC7A11sut/sut resemble those seen in mouse models of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. These results underscore the need for further investigation of SLC7A11 in neurodevelopment. By expanding our understanding of the potential involvement of Sxc-, we may gain additional insights into the mechanisms underlying complex neurodevelopmental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sandra J. Hewett
- Department of Biology, Program in Neuroscience, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, United States
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Murari K, Abushaibah A, Rho JM, Turner RW, Cheng N. A clinically relevant selective ERK-pathway inhibitor reverses core deficits in a mouse model of autism. EBioMedicine 2023; 91:104565. [PMID: 37088035 PMCID: PMC10149189 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2023.104565] [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: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK/MAPK) pathway in the brain is hypothesized to be a critical convergent node in the development of autism spectrum disorder. We reasoned that selectively targeting this pathway could reverse core autism-like phenotype in animal models. METHODS Here we tested a clinically relevant, selective inhibitor of ERK pathway, PD325901 (Mirdametinib), in a mouse model of idiopathic autism, the BTBR mice. FINDINGS We report that treating juvenile mice with PD325901 reduced ERK pathway activation, dose and duration-dependently reduced core disease-modeling deficits in sociability, vocalization and repetitive behavior, and reversed abnormal EEG signals. Further analysis revealed that subchronic treatment did not affect weight gain, locomotion, or neuronal density in the brain. Parallel treatment in the C57BL/6J mice did not alter their phenotype. INTERPRETATION Our data indicate that selectively inhibiting ERK pathway using PD325901 is beneficial in the BTBR model, thus further support the notion that ERK pathway is critically involved in the pathophysiology of autism. These results suggest that a similar approach could be applied to animal models of syndromic autism with dysregulated ERK signaling, to further test selectively targeting ERK pathway as a new approach for treating autism. FUNDING This has beenwork was supported by Alberta Children's Hospital Research Foundation (JMR & NC), University of Calgary Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (NC), Kids Brain Health Network (NC), and Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NC).
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Affiliation(s)
- Kartikeya Murari
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Canada; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Schulich School of Engineering, University of Calgary, Canada; Department of Electrical and Software Engineering, Schulich School of Engineering, University of Calgary, Canada
| | - Abdulrahman Abushaibah
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Canada; Bachelor of Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Canada
| | - Jong M Rho
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Canada; Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Canada
| | - Ray W Turner
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Canada; Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Canada; Department of Cell Biology & Anatomy, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Canada
| | - Ning Cheng
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Canada; Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Canada; Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Canada.
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11
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Lehr AB, Hitti FL, Deibel SH, Stöber TM. Silencing hippocampal CA2 reduces behavioral flexibility in spatial learning. Hippocampus 2023; 33:759-768. [PMID: 36938702 DOI: 10.1002/hipo.23521] [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: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/21/2023]
Abstract
The hippocampus is a key structure involved in learning and remembering spatial information. However, the extent to which hippocampal region CA2 is involved in these processes remains unclear. Here, we show that chronically silencing dorsal CA2 impairs reversal learning in the Morris water maze. After platform relocation, CA2-silenced mice spent more time in the vicinity of the old platform location and less time in the new target quadrant. Accordingly, behavioral strategy analysis revealed increased perseverance in navigating to the old location during the first day and an increased use of non-spatial strategies during the second day of reversal learning. Confirming previous indirect indications, these results demonstrate that CA2 is recruited when mice must flexibly adapt their behavior as task contingencies change. We discuss how these findings can be explained by recent theories of CA2 function and outline testable predictions to understand the underlying neural mechanisms. Demonstrating a direct involvement of CA2 in spatial learning, this work lends further support to the notion that CA2 plays a fundamental role in hippocampal information processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew B Lehr
- Department of Computational Synaptic Physiology, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Frederick L Hitti
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Scott H Deibel
- Department of Psychology, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada
| | - Tristan M Stöber
- Institute for Neuroinformatics, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany.,Department of Neurology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany.,Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies, Frankfurt, Germany
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Arslan A, Fang Z, Wang M, Tan Y, Cheng Z, Chen X, Guan Y, J. Pisani L, Yoo B, Bejerano G, Peltz G. Analysis of structural variation among inbred mouse strains. BMC Genomics 2023; 24:97. [PMID: 36864393 PMCID: PMC9983223 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09197-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND 'Long read' sequencing methods have been used to identify previously uncharacterized structural variants that cause human genetic diseases. Therefore, we investigated whether long read sequencing could facilitate genetic analysis of murine models for human diseases. RESULTS The genomes of six inbred strains (BTBR T + Itpr3tf/J, 129Sv1/J, C57BL/6/J, Balb/c/J, A/J, SJL/J) were analyzed using long read sequencing. Our results revealed that (i) Structural variants are very abundant within the genome of inbred strains (4.8 per gene) and (ii) that we cannot accurately infer whether structural variants are present using conventional short read genomic sequence data, even when nearby SNP alleles are known. The advantage of having a more complete map was demonstrated by analyzing the genomic sequence of BTBR mice. Based upon this analysis, knockin mice were generated and used to characterize a BTBR-unique 8-bp deletion within Draxin that contributes to the BTBR neuroanatomic abnormalities, which resemble human autism spectrum disorder. CONCLUSION A more complete map of the pattern of genetic variation among inbred strains, which is produced by long read genomic sequencing of the genomes of additional inbred strains, could facilitate genetic discovery when murine models of human diseases are analyzed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Arslan
- grid.168010.e0000000419368956Department of Anesthesia, Pain and Perioperative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, 94305 Stanford, CA USA
| | - Zhuoqing Fang
- grid.168010.e0000000419368956Department of Anesthesia, Pain and Perioperative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, 94305 Stanford, CA USA
| | - Meiyue Wang
- grid.168010.e0000000419368956Department of Anesthesia, Pain and Perioperative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, 94305 Stanford, CA USA
| | - Yalun Tan
- grid.168010.e0000000419368956Department of Anesthesia, Pain and Perioperative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, 94305 Stanford, CA USA
| | - Zhuanfen Cheng
- grid.168010.e0000000419368956Department of Anesthesia, Pain and Perioperative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, 94305 Stanford, CA USA
| | - Xinyu Chen
- grid.168010.e0000000419368956Department of Anesthesia, Pain and Perioperative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, 94305 Stanford, CA USA
| | - Yuan Guan
- grid.168010.e0000000419368956Department of Anesthesia, Pain and Perioperative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, 94305 Stanford, CA USA
| | | | - Boyoung Yoo
- Dept. of Computer Science, Stanford School of Engineering, 94305 Stanford, CA USA
| | - Gill Bejerano
- Dept. of Computer Science, Stanford School of Engineering, 94305 Stanford, CA USA ,grid.168010.e0000000419368956Developmental Biology, Biomedical Data Science, Stanford School of Medicine, 94305 Stanford, CA USA
| | - Gary Peltz
- Department of Anesthesia, Pain and Perioperative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, 94305, Stanford, CA, USA.
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Crawley JN. Twenty years of discoveries emerging from mouse models of autism. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 146:105053. [PMID: 36682425 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
More than 100 single gene mutations and copy number variants convey risk for autism spectrum disorder. To understand the extent to which each mutation contributes to the trajectory of individual symptoms of autism, molecular genetics laboratories have introduced analogous mutations into the genomes of laboratory mice and other species. Over the past twenty years, behavioral neuroscientists discovered the consequences of mutations in many risk genes for autism in animal models, using assays with face validity to the diagnostic and associated behavioral symptoms of people with autism. Identified behavioral phenotypes complement electrophysiological, neuroanatomical, and biochemical outcome measures in mutant mouse models of autism. This review describes the history of phenotyping assays in genetic mouse models, to evaluate social and repetitive behaviors relevant to the primary diagnostic criteria for autism. Robust phenotypes are currently employed in translational investigations to discover effective therapeutic interventions, representing the future direction of an intensely challenging research field.
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14
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Thabault M, Turpin V, Balado É, Fernandes-Gomes C, Huot AL, Cantereau A, Fernagut PO, Jaber M, Galvan L. Age-related behavioural and striatal dysfunctions in Shank3 ΔC/ΔC mouse model of autism spectrum disorder. Eur J Neurosci 2023; 57:607-618. [PMID: 36656446 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are defined as a set of neurodevelopmental disorders and a lifelong condition. In mice, most of the studies focused on the developmental aspects of these diseases. In this paper, we examined the evolution of motor stereotypies through adulthood in the Shank3ΔC/ΔC mouse model of ASD, and their underlying striatal alterations, at 10 weeks, 20 weeks, and 40 weeks. We highlighted that motor stereotypies worsened at 40 weeks possibly carried by earlier striatal medium spiny neurons (MSN) alterations in GABAergic transmission and morphology. Moreover, we report that 20 weeks could be a critical time-point in the striatal-related ASD physiopathology, and we suggest that MSN alterations may not be the direct consequence of developmental issues, but rather be a consequence of other impairments occurring earlier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu Thabault
- Laboratoire de Neurosciences Expérimentales et Cliniques, Inserm, Université de Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | - Valentine Turpin
- Laboratoire de Neurosciences Expérimentales et Cliniques, Inserm, Université de Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | - Éric Balado
- Laboratoire de Neurosciences Expérimentales et Cliniques, Inserm, Université de Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | - Cloé Fernandes-Gomes
- Laboratoire de Neurosciences Expérimentales et Cliniques, Inserm, Université de Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | | | | | - Pierre-Olivier Fernagut
- Laboratoire de Neurosciences Expérimentales et Cliniques, Inserm, Université de Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | - Mohamed Jaber
- Laboratoire de Neurosciences Expérimentales et Cliniques, Inserm, Université de Poitiers, Poitiers, France.,Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | - Laurie Galvan
- Laboratoire de Neurosciences Expérimentales et Cliniques, Inserm, Université de Poitiers, Poitiers, France
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Parellada M, Andreu-Bernabeu Á, Burdeus M, San José Cáceres A, Urbiola E, Carpenter LL, Kraguljac NV, McDonald WM, Nemeroff CB, Rodriguez CI, Widge AS, State MW, Sanders SJ. In Search of Biomarkers to Guide Interventions in Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review. Am J Psychiatry 2023; 180:23-40. [PMID: 36475375 PMCID: PMC10123775 DOI: 10.1176/appi.ajp.21100992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to catalog and evaluate response biomarkers correlated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) symptoms to improve clinical trials. METHODS A systematic review of MEDLINE, Embase, and Scopus was conducted in April 2020. Seven criteria were applied to focus on original research that includes quantifiable response biomarkers measured alongside ASD symptoms. Interventional studies or human studies that assessed the correlation between biomarkers and ASD-related behavioral measures were included. RESULTS A total of 5,799 independent records yielded 280 articles for review that reported on 940 biomarkers, 755 of which were unique to a single publication. Molecular biomarkers were the most frequently assayed, including cytokines, growth factors, measures of oxidative stress, neurotransmitters, and hormones, followed by neurophysiology (e.g., EEG and eye tracking), neuroimaging (e.g., functional MRI), and other physiological measures. Studies were highly heterogeneous, including in phenotypes, demographic characteristics, tissues assayed, and methods for biomarker detection. With a median total sample size of 64, almost all of the reviewed studies were only powered to identify biomarkers with large effect sizes. Reporting of individual-level values and summary statistics was inconsistent, hampering mega- and meta-analysis. Biomarkers assayed in multiple studies yielded mostly inconsistent results, revealing a "replication crisis." CONCLUSIONS There is currently no response biomarker with sufficient evidence to inform ASD clinical trials. This review highlights methodological imperatives for ASD biomarker research necessary to make definitive progress: consistent experimental design, correction for multiple comparisons, formal replication, sharing of sample-level data, and preregistration of study designs. Systematic "big data" analyses of multiple potential biomarkers could accelerate discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mara Parellada
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid (Parellada, Andreu-Bernabeu, Burdeus, San José Cáceres, Urbiola); CIBERSAM, Spain (Parellada, Burdeus, San José Cáceres); School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, Madrid (Parellada); Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, and Butler Hospital, Providence, R.I. (Carpenter); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham (Kraguljac); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta (McDonald); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Mulva Clinic for the Neurosciences, Institute of Early Life Adversity Research, Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin (Nemeroff); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford (Rodriguez); Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, Calif. (Rodriguez); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis (Widge); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco (State, Sanders)
| | - Álvaro Andreu-Bernabeu
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid (Parellada, Andreu-Bernabeu, Burdeus, San José Cáceres, Urbiola); CIBERSAM, Spain (Parellada, Burdeus, San José Cáceres); School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, Madrid (Parellada); Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, and Butler Hospital, Providence, R.I. (Carpenter); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham (Kraguljac); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta (McDonald); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Mulva Clinic for the Neurosciences, Institute of Early Life Adversity Research, Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin (Nemeroff); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford (Rodriguez); Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, Calif. (Rodriguez); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis (Widge); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco (State, Sanders)
| | - Mónica Burdeus
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid (Parellada, Andreu-Bernabeu, Burdeus, San José Cáceres, Urbiola); CIBERSAM, Spain (Parellada, Burdeus, San José Cáceres); School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, Madrid (Parellada); Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, and Butler Hospital, Providence, R.I. (Carpenter); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham (Kraguljac); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta (McDonald); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Mulva Clinic for the Neurosciences, Institute of Early Life Adversity Research, Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin (Nemeroff); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford (Rodriguez); Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, Calif. (Rodriguez); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis (Widge); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco (State, Sanders)
| | - Antonia San José Cáceres
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid (Parellada, Andreu-Bernabeu, Burdeus, San José Cáceres, Urbiola); CIBERSAM, Spain (Parellada, Burdeus, San José Cáceres); School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, Madrid (Parellada); Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, and Butler Hospital, Providence, R.I. (Carpenter); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham (Kraguljac); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta (McDonald); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Mulva Clinic for the Neurosciences, Institute of Early Life Adversity Research, Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin (Nemeroff); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford (Rodriguez); Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, Calif. (Rodriguez); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis (Widge); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco (State, Sanders)
| | - Elena Urbiola
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid (Parellada, Andreu-Bernabeu, Burdeus, San José Cáceres, Urbiola); CIBERSAM, Spain (Parellada, Burdeus, San José Cáceres); School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, Madrid (Parellada); Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, and Butler Hospital, Providence, R.I. (Carpenter); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham (Kraguljac); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta (McDonald); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Mulva Clinic for the Neurosciences, Institute of Early Life Adversity Research, Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin (Nemeroff); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford (Rodriguez); Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, Calif. (Rodriguez); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis (Widge); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco (State, Sanders)
| | - Linda L Carpenter
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid (Parellada, Andreu-Bernabeu, Burdeus, San José Cáceres, Urbiola); CIBERSAM, Spain (Parellada, Burdeus, San José Cáceres); School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, Madrid (Parellada); Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, and Butler Hospital, Providence, R.I. (Carpenter); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham (Kraguljac); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta (McDonald); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Mulva Clinic for the Neurosciences, Institute of Early Life Adversity Research, Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin (Nemeroff); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford (Rodriguez); Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, Calif. (Rodriguez); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis (Widge); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco (State, Sanders)
| | - Nina V Kraguljac
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid (Parellada, Andreu-Bernabeu, Burdeus, San José Cáceres, Urbiola); CIBERSAM, Spain (Parellada, Burdeus, San José Cáceres); School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, Madrid (Parellada); Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, and Butler Hospital, Providence, R.I. (Carpenter); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham (Kraguljac); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta (McDonald); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Mulva Clinic for the Neurosciences, Institute of Early Life Adversity Research, Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin (Nemeroff); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford (Rodriguez); Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, Calif. (Rodriguez); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis (Widge); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco (State, Sanders)
| | - William M McDonald
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid (Parellada, Andreu-Bernabeu, Burdeus, San José Cáceres, Urbiola); CIBERSAM, Spain (Parellada, Burdeus, San José Cáceres); School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, Madrid (Parellada); Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, and Butler Hospital, Providence, R.I. (Carpenter); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham (Kraguljac); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta (McDonald); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Mulva Clinic for the Neurosciences, Institute of Early Life Adversity Research, Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin (Nemeroff); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford (Rodriguez); Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, Calif. (Rodriguez); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis (Widge); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco (State, Sanders)
| | - Charles B Nemeroff
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid (Parellada, Andreu-Bernabeu, Burdeus, San José Cáceres, Urbiola); CIBERSAM, Spain (Parellada, Burdeus, San José Cáceres); School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, Madrid (Parellada); Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, and Butler Hospital, Providence, R.I. (Carpenter); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham (Kraguljac); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta (McDonald); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Mulva Clinic for the Neurosciences, Institute of Early Life Adversity Research, Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin (Nemeroff); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford (Rodriguez); Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, Calif. (Rodriguez); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis (Widge); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco (State, Sanders)
| | - Carolyn I Rodriguez
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid (Parellada, Andreu-Bernabeu, Burdeus, San José Cáceres, Urbiola); CIBERSAM, Spain (Parellada, Burdeus, San José Cáceres); School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, Madrid (Parellada); Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, and Butler Hospital, Providence, R.I. (Carpenter); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham (Kraguljac); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta (McDonald); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Mulva Clinic for the Neurosciences, Institute of Early Life Adversity Research, Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin (Nemeroff); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford (Rodriguez); Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, Calif. (Rodriguez); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis (Widge); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco (State, Sanders)
| | - Alik S Widge
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid (Parellada, Andreu-Bernabeu, Burdeus, San José Cáceres, Urbiola); CIBERSAM, Spain (Parellada, Burdeus, San José Cáceres); School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, Madrid (Parellada); Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, and Butler Hospital, Providence, R.I. (Carpenter); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham (Kraguljac); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta (McDonald); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Mulva Clinic for the Neurosciences, Institute of Early Life Adversity Research, Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin (Nemeroff); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford (Rodriguez); Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, Calif. (Rodriguez); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis (Widge); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco (State, Sanders)
| | - Matthew W State
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid (Parellada, Andreu-Bernabeu, Burdeus, San José Cáceres, Urbiola); CIBERSAM, Spain (Parellada, Burdeus, San José Cáceres); School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, Madrid (Parellada); Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, and Butler Hospital, Providence, R.I. (Carpenter); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham (Kraguljac); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta (McDonald); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Mulva Clinic for the Neurosciences, Institute of Early Life Adversity Research, Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin (Nemeroff); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford (Rodriguez); Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, Calif. (Rodriguez); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis (Widge); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco (State, Sanders)
| | - Stephan J Sanders
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid (Parellada, Andreu-Bernabeu, Burdeus, San José Cáceres, Urbiola); CIBERSAM, Spain (Parellada, Burdeus, San José Cáceres); School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, Madrid (Parellada); Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, and Butler Hospital, Providence, R.I. (Carpenter); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham (Kraguljac); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta (McDonald); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Mulva Clinic for the Neurosciences, Institute of Early Life Adversity Research, Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin (Nemeroff); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford (Rodriguez); Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, Calif. (Rodriguez); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis (Widge); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco (State, Sanders)
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Gioia R, Seri T, Diamanti T, Fimmanò S, Vitale M, Ahlenius H, Kokaia Z, Tirone F, Micheli L, Biagioni S, Lupo G, Rinaldi A, De Jaco A, Cacci E. Adult hippocampal neurogenesis and social behavioural deficits in the R451C Neuroligin3 mouse model of autism are reverted by the antidepressant fluoxetine. J Neurochem 2022; 165:318-333. [PMID: 36583243 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Neuron generation persists throughout life in the hippocampus but is altered in animal models of neurological and neuropsychiatric diseases, suggesting that disease-associated decline in cognitive and emotional hippocampal-dependent behaviours might be functionally linked with dysregulation of postnatal neurogenesis. Depletion of the adult neural stem/progenitor cell (NSPCs) pool and neurogenic decline have been recently described in mice expressing synaptic susceptibility genes associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASDs). To gain further insight into mechanisms regulating neurogenesis in mice carrying mutations in synaptic genes related to monogenic ASDs, we used the R451C Neuroligin3 knock-in (Nlgn3 KI) mouse, which is characterized by structural brain abnormalities, deficits in synaptic functions and reduced sociability. We show that the number of adult-born neurons, but not the size of the NSPC pool, was reduced in the ventral dentate gyrus in knock-in mice. Notably, this neurogenic decline was rescued by daily injecting mice with 10 mg/Kg of the antidepressant fluoxetine for 20 consecutive days. Sustained treatment also improved KI mice's sociability and increased the number of c-Fos active adult-born neurons, compared with vehicle-injected KI mice. Our study uncovers neurogenesis-mediated alterations in the brain of R451C KI mouse, showing that the R451C Nlgn3 mutation leads to lasting, albeit pharmacologically reversible, changes in the brain, affecting neuron formation in the adult hippocampus. Our results suggest that fluoxetine can ameliorate social behaviour in KI mice, at least in part, by rescuing adult hippocampal neurogenesis, which may be relevant for the pharmacological treatment of ASDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Gioia
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin", Sapienza, University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Tommaso Seri
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin", Sapienza, University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- PhD program in Behavioral Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Tamara Diamanti
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin", Sapienza, University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania Fimmanò
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin", Sapienza, University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Marina Vitale
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin", Sapienza, University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Henrik Ahlenius
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Neurology, Stem Cells, Aging and Neurodegeneration, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund, Sweden
| | - Zaal Kokaia
- Lund Stem Cell Center, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Felice Tirone
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Micheli
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Biagioni
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin", Sapienza, University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Lupo
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin", Sapienza, University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Arianna Rinaldi
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin", Sapienza, University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Centre for Research in Neurobiology "D. Bovet", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella De Jaco
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin", Sapienza, University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Centre for Research in Neurobiology "D. Bovet", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuele Cacci
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin", Sapienza, University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Centre for Research in Neurobiology "D. Bovet", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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17
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Erdogan MA, Bozkurt MF, Erbas O. Effects of prenatal testosterone exposure on the development of autism-like behaviours in offspring of Wistar rats. Int J Dev Neurosci 2022; 83:201-215. [PMID: 36573444 DOI: 10.1002/jdn.10248] [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: 09/25/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A neurodevelopmental disease, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) occurs in males three times more commonly than girls. Higher prenatal testosterone exposure may result in autistic-like behaviour in boys, according to earlier research. It is unclear how fetal testosterone affects the development of autism. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that prenatal testosterone exposure in an animal model may result in autistic behaviours by modifying serotonin, dopamine, IGF-1 and oxytocin levels. MATERIALS AND METHODS Group 1 (control, n = 6) and Group 2 (testosterone undecanoate, n = 6) of female rats were randomly assigned. For 2-3 days during the oestrus cycle, female rats were housed with a reproductive male (three females/one male). On the 10th day of gestation, rats in Group 1 received 1 ml/kg% 0.9 NaCl saline, whereas rats in Group 2 received 250 mg/kg testosterone undecanoate. Until weaning on postnatal day 21 (P21), the mothers were permitted to care for their pups. On P21, 40 littermates-10 male and female for control and 10 male and female from mothers that exposed to testosterone-were arbitrarily split up and housed. On P50, these mature rats were tested for their behaviour. The rats were then sacrificed. The brain tissue was subjected to histological examinations as well as biochemical tests for homovanillic acid (HVA), 5-Hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), oxytocin and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). RESULTS The groups differed significantly in the behavioural examinations (three-chamber social test, passive avoidance learning analysis, open field test), with the testosterone-exposed groups exhibiting autistic symptoms to a higher extent. When compared with the control groups, testosterone exposure caused significant histological changes in the hippocampus CA1 and CA3 areas, including gliosis and cell death of neurons. In the testosterone-exposed groups, HVA, 5-HIAA and IGF-1 tissue expressions in the brain elevated, whereas oxytocin levels reduced. These findings point to a potential connection between neurodevelopmental disorders like ASD and exposure to testosterone during gestation. CONCLUSION Overall, we revealed that prenatal testosterone exposure led to autistic traits by elevating serotonin, dopamine and IGF-1 levels while lowering oxytocin levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mumin Alper Erdogan
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Izmir Katip Celebi University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Fatih Bozkurt
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Afyon Kocatepe University, Afyon, Turkey
| | - Oytun Erbas
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Demiroglu Bilim University, Istanbul, Turkey
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18
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Characterization of a mGluR5 Knockout Rat Model with Hallmarks of Fragile X Syndrome. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12091308. [PMID: 36143345 PMCID: PMC9504063 DOI: 10.3390/life12091308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The number of reported cases of neurodevelopmental disorders has increased significantly in the last few decades, but the etiology of these diseases remains poorly understood. There is evidence of a fundamental link between genetic abnormalities and symptoms of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), and the most common monogenetic inheritable form of ASDs is Fragile X Syndrome (FXS). Previous studies indicate that FXS is linked to glutamate signaling regulation by the G-protein-coupled metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5), which has been shown to have a regulatory role in neuroinflammation. We characterized the effect of knocking out mGluR5 in an organism known to have complex cognitive functions—the rat. The heterozygous phenotype is the most clinically relevant; therefore, we performed analysis in heterozygous pups. We showed developmental abnormalities in heterozygous mGluR5 knockout rats, as well as a significant increase in chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 1 (CXCL) expression, a hallmark indicator of early onset inflammation. We quantified an increase in microglial density in the knockout pups and quantified morphological phenotypes representative of greater reactivity in the male vs. female and postnatal day 28 heterozygous pups compared to postnatal day 14 heterozygous pups. In response to injury, reactive microglia release matrix metalloproteases, contribute to extracellular matrix (ECM) breakdown, and are responsible for eradicating cellular and molecular debris. In our study, the changes in microglial density and reactivity correlated with abnormalities in the mRNA expression levels of ECM proteins and with the density of perineuronal nets. We saw atypical neuropsychiatric behavior in open field and elevated plus tests in heterozygous pups compared to wild-type litter and age-matched controls. These results demonstrate the pathological potential of the mGluR5 knockout in rats and further support the presence of neuroinflammatory roots in ASDs.
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19
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Chen Y, Guo L, Han M, Zhang S, Chen Y, Zou J, Bai S, Cheng G, Zeng Y. Cerebellum Neuropathology and Motor Skill Deficits in Fragile X Syndrome. Int J Dev Neurosci 2022; 82:557-568. [DOI: 10.1002/jdn.10217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yu‐shan Chen
- Brain Science and Advanced Technology Institute, School of Medicine Wuhan University of Science and Technology Wuhan China
| | - Liu Guo
- Brain Science and Advanced Technology Institute, School of Medicine Wuhan University of Science and Technology Wuhan China
| | - Man Han
- Brain Science and Advanced Technology Institute, School of Medicine Wuhan University of Science and Technology Wuhan China
| | - Si‐ming Zhang
- Brain Science and Advanced Technology Institute, School of Medicine Wuhan University of Science and Technology Wuhan China
| | - Yi‐qi Chen
- Brain Science and Advanced Technology Institute, School of Medicine Wuhan University of Science and Technology Wuhan China
| | - Jia Zou
- Brain Science and Advanced Technology Institute, School of Medicine Wuhan University of Science and Technology Wuhan China
| | - Shu‐yuan Bai
- Brain Science and Advanced Technology Institute, School of Medicine Wuhan University of Science and Technology Wuhan China
| | - Gui‐rong Cheng
- Brain Science and Advanced Technology Institute, School of Medicine Wuhan University of Science and Technology Wuhan China
| | - Yan Zeng
- Brain Science and Advanced Technology Institute, School of Medicine Wuhan University of Science and Technology Wuhan China
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20
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Fang Z, Peltz G. An automated multi-modal graph-based pipeline for mouse genetic discovery. Bioinformatics 2022; 38:3385-3394. [PMID: 35608290 PMCID: PMC9992076 DOI: 10.1093/bioinformatics/btac356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
MOTIVATION Our ability to identify causative genetic factors for mouse genetic models of human diseases and biomedical traits has been limited by the difficulties associated with identifying true causative factors, which are often obscured by the many false positive genetic associations produced by a GWAS. RESULTS To accelerate the pace of genetic discovery, we developed a graph neural network (GNN)-based automated pipeline (GNNHap) that could rapidly analyze mouse genetic model data and identify high probability causal genetic factors for analyzed traits. After assessing the strength of allelic associations with the strain response pattern; this pipeline analyzes 29M published papers to assess candidate gene-phenotype relationships; and incorporates the information obtained from a protein-protein interaction network and protein sequence features into the analysis. The GNN model produces markedly improved results relative to that of a simple linear neural network. We demonstrate that GNNHap can identify novel causative genetic factors for murine models of diabetes/obesity and for cataract formation, which were validated by the phenotypes appearing in previously analyzed gene knockout mice. The diabetes/obesity results indicate how characterization of the underlying genetic architecture enables new therapies to be discovered and tested by applying 'precision medicine' principles to murine models. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION The GNNHap source code is freely available at https://github.com/zqfang/gnnhap, and the new version of the HBCGM program is available at https://github.com/zqfang/haplomap. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuoqing Fang
- Department of Anesthesia, Pain and Perioperative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Gary Peltz
- Department of Anesthesia, Pain and Perioperative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
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21
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Scaramella C, Alzagatiti JB, Creighton C, Mankatala S, Licea F, Winter GM, Emtage J, Wisnieski JR, Salazar L, Hussain A, Lee FM, Mammootty A, Mammootty N, Aldujaili A, Runnberg KA, Hernandez D, Zimmerman-Thompson T, Makwana R, Rouvere J, Tahmasebi Z, Zavradyan G, Campbell CS, Komaranchath M, Carmona J, Trevitt J, Glanzman D, Roberts AC. Bisphenol A Exposure Induces Sensory Processing Deficits in Larval Zebrafish during Neurodevelopment. eNeuro 2022; 9:ENEURO.0020-22.2022. [PMID: 35508370 PMCID: PMC9116930 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0020-22.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Because of their ex utero development, relatively simple nervous system, translucency, and availability of tools to investigate neural function, larval zebrafish are an exceptional model for understanding neurodevelopmental disorders and the consequences of environmental toxins. Furthermore, early in development, zebrafish larvae easily absorb chemicals from water, a significant advantage over methods required to expose developing organisms to chemical agents in utero Bisphenol A (BPA) and BPA analogs are ubiquitous environmental toxins with known molecular consequences. All humans have measurable quantities of BPA in their bodies. Most concerning, the level of BPA exposure is correlated with neurodevelopmental difficulties in people. Given the importance of understanding the health-related effects of this common toxin, we have exploited the experimental advantages of the larval zebrafish model system to investigate the behavioral and anatomic effects of BPA exposure. We discovered that BPA exposure early in development leads to deficits in the processing of sensory information, as indicated by BPA's effects on prepulse inhibition (PPI) and short-term habituation (STH) of the C-start reflex. We observed no changes in locomotion, thigmotaxis, and repetitive behaviors (circling). Despite changes in sensory processing, we detected no regional or whole-brain volume changes. Our results show that early BPA exposure can induce sensory processing deficits, as revealed by alterations in simple behaviors that are mediated by a well-defined neural circuit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney Scaramella
- Department of Psychology, California State University at Fullerton, Fullerton, CA 92831
| | - Joseph B Alzagatiti
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106
| | - Christopher Creighton
- Department of Psychology, California State University at Fullerton, Fullerton, CA 92831
| | - Samandeep Mankatala
- Department of Psychology, California State University at Fullerton, Fullerton, CA 92831
| | - Fernando Licea
- Department of Psychology, California State University at Fullerton, Fullerton, CA 92831
| | - Gabriel M Winter
- Department of Psychology, California State University at Fullerton, Fullerton, CA 92831
| | - Jasmine Emtage
- Department of Biology, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125
| | - Joseph R Wisnieski
- Department of Psychology, California State University at Fullerton, Fullerton, CA 92831
| | - Luis Salazar
- Department of Psychology, California State University at Fullerton, Fullerton, CA 92831
| | - Anjum Hussain
- Department of Neuroscience, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521
| | - Faith M Lee
- Department of Society and Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095
| | - Asma Mammootty
- Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63104
| | | | - Andrew Aldujaili
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095
| | - Kristine A Runnberg
- Department of Psychology, California State University at Fullerton, Fullerton, CA 92831
| | - Daniela Hernandez
- Department of Psychology, California State University at Fullerton, Fullerton, CA 92831
| | | | - Rikhil Makwana
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720
| | - Julien Rouvere
- Department of Psychology, California State University at Fullerton, Fullerton, CA 92831
| | - Zahra Tahmasebi
- Department of Psychology, California State University at Fullerton, Fullerton, CA 92831
| | - Gohar Zavradyan
- Department of Neuroscience, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521
| | | | - Meghna Komaranchath
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027
| | - Javier Carmona
- Department of Physics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095
| | - Jennifer Trevitt
- Department of Psychology, California State University at Fullerton, Fullerton, CA 92831
| | - David Glanzman
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095
- Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095
- Integrative Center for Learning and Memory, Brain Research Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095
| | - Adam C Roberts
- Department of Psychology, California State University at Fullerton, Fullerton, CA 92831
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22
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Assimopoulos S, Hammill C, Fernandes DJ, Spencer Noakes TL, Zhou YQ, Nutter LMJ, Ellegood J, Anagnostou E, Sled JG, Lerch JP. Genetic mouse models of autism spectrum disorder present subtle heterogenous cardiac abnormalities. Autism Res 2022; 15:1189-1208. [PMID: 35445787 PMCID: PMC9325472 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and congenital heart disease (CHD) are linked on a functional and genetic level. Most work has investigated CHD‐related neurodevelopmental abnormalities. Cardiac abnormalities in ASD have been less studied. We investigated the prevalence of cardiac comorbidities relative to ASD genetic contributors. Using high frequency ultrasound imaging, we screened 9 ASD‐related genetic mouse models (Arid1b(+/−), Chd8(+/−), 16p11.2 (deletion), Sgsh(+/−), Sgsh(−/−), Shank3 Δexon 4–9(+/−), Shank3 Δexon 4–9(−/−), Fmr1(−/−), Vps13b(+/−)), and pooled wild‐type littermates (WTs). We measured heart rate (HR), aorta diameter (AoD), thickness and thickening of the left‐ventricular (LV) anterior and posterior walls, LV chamber diameter, fractional shortening, stroke volume and cardiac output, mitral inflow Peak E and A velocity ratio, ascending aorta velocity time integral (VTI). Mutant groups presented small‐scale alterations in cardiac structure and function compared to WTs (LV anterior wall thickness and thickening, chamber diameter and fractional shortening, HR). A greater number of significant differences was observed among mutant groups than between mutant groups and WTs. Mutant groups differed primarily in structural measures (LV chamber diameter and anterior wall thickness, HR, AoD). The mutant groups with most differences to WTs were 16p11.2 (deletion), Fmr1(−/−), Arid1b(+/−). The mutant groups with most differences from other mutant groups were 16p11.2 (deletion), Sgsh(+/−), Fmr1(−/−). Our results recapitulate the associated clinical findings. The characteristic ASD heterogeneity was recapitulated in the cardiac phenotype. The type of abnormal measures (morphological, functional) can highlight common underlying mechanisms. Clinically, knowledge of cardiac abnormalities in ASD can be essential as even non‐lethal abnormalities impact normal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephania Assimopoulos
- Mouse Imaging Centre, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Sickkids Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Christopher Hammill
- Mouse Imaging Centre, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Sickkids Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Darren J Fernandes
- Mouse Imaging Centre, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Sickkids Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tara Leigh Spencer Noakes
- Mouse Imaging Centre, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Sickkids Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Yu-Qing Zhou
- Mouse Imaging Centre, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lauryl M J Nutter
- Sickkids Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,The Centre for Phenogenomics, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jacob Ellegood
- Mouse Imaging Centre, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Sickkids Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Evdokia Anagnostou
- Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - John G Sled
- Mouse Imaging Centre, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Sickkids Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jason P Lerch
- Mouse Imaging Centre, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Sickkids Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, The University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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23
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Villarreal-Martinez L, MartÍnez-Garza LE, Rodriguez-Sanchez IP, Alvarez-Villalobos N, Guzman-Gallardo F, Pope-Salazar S, Salinas-Silva C, Cepeda-Cepeda MG, Garza-Bedolla A, Dominguez-Varela IA, Villarreal-Martinez DZ, Treviño-Villarreal JH, Gomez-Almaguer D. Correlation Between CD133+ Stem Cells and Clinical Improvement in Patients with Autism Spectrum Disorders Treated with Intrathecal Bone Marrow-derived Mononuclear Cells. INNOVATIONS IN CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCE 2022; 19:78-86. [PMID: 35958968 PMCID: PMC9341312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a group of neurodevelopmental pathologies characterized by social and communication deficits, for which treatments are limited. Cell therapies, including intrathecal (IT) administration of bone marrow (BM) mononuclear cells (BM-MNC), improves symptoms in patients with ASD. Twenty-four patients diagnosed with ASD, according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Text Revision Fourth Edition (DSM-IV-TR) criteria, were autologously treated with IT BM-MNC, and the clinical effect was evaluated using the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) on Days 30 (n=24) and 180 (n=14) post-treatment. IT BM-MNC improved clinical outcomes by Day 30 (p=0.0039), and those benefits remained and were further accentuated by Day 180 post-treatment (n=14; p=<0.0001). Clinical benefit at Days 30 (p=0.001; r= -0.51) and 180 (p=0.01; r= -0.60) posttreatment positively correlated with the enrichment of a putative BM stem cell population expressing the cluster of differentiation 133+ (CD133+) surface marker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Villarreal-Martinez
- Drs. L Villarreal-Martinez, Alvarez-Villalobos, Guzman-Gallardo, Pope-Salazar, Salinas-Silva, Cepeda-Cepeda, Garza-Bedolla, Dominguez-Varela, DZ Villarreal-Martinez, Treviño-Villarreal, and Gomez-Almaguer are with Hematology Service, Hospital Universitario "Dr. José Eleuterio González" in Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Laura Elia MartÍnez-Garza
- Drs. Martínez-Garza and Rodriguez-Sanchez are with the Genetics Department, Hospital Universitario "Dr. José Eleuterio González" in Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Iram Pablo Rodriguez-Sanchez
- Drs. Martínez-Garza and Rodriguez-Sanchez are with the Genetics Department, Hospital Universitario "Dr. José Eleuterio González" in Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Neri Alvarez-Villalobos
- Drs. L Villarreal-Martinez, Alvarez-Villalobos, Guzman-Gallardo, Pope-Salazar, Salinas-Silva, Cepeda-Cepeda, Garza-Bedolla, Dominguez-Varela, DZ Villarreal-Martinez, Treviño-Villarreal, and Gomez-Almaguer are with Hematology Service, Hospital Universitario "Dr. José Eleuterio González" in Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Fernando Guzman-Gallardo
- Drs. L Villarreal-Martinez, Alvarez-Villalobos, Guzman-Gallardo, Pope-Salazar, Salinas-Silva, Cepeda-Cepeda, Garza-Bedolla, Dominguez-Varela, DZ Villarreal-Martinez, Treviño-Villarreal, and Gomez-Almaguer are with Hematology Service, Hospital Universitario "Dr. José Eleuterio González" in Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Sulia Pope-Salazar
- Drs. L Villarreal-Martinez, Alvarez-Villalobos, Guzman-Gallardo, Pope-Salazar, Salinas-Silva, Cepeda-Cepeda, Garza-Bedolla, Dominguez-Varela, DZ Villarreal-Martinez, Treviño-Villarreal, and Gomez-Almaguer are with Hematology Service, Hospital Universitario "Dr. José Eleuterio González" in Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Cynthia Salinas-Silva
- Drs. L Villarreal-Martinez, Alvarez-Villalobos, Guzman-Gallardo, Pope-Salazar, Salinas-Silva, Cepeda-Cepeda, Garza-Bedolla, Dominguez-Varela, DZ Villarreal-Martinez, Treviño-Villarreal, and Gomez-Almaguer are with Hematology Service, Hospital Universitario "Dr. José Eleuterio González" in Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Maria Guadalupe Cepeda-Cepeda
- Drs. L Villarreal-Martinez, Alvarez-Villalobos, Guzman-Gallardo, Pope-Salazar, Salinas-Silva, Cepeda-Cepeda, Garza-Bedolla, Dominguez-Varela, DZ Villarreal-Martinez, Treviño-Villarreal, and Gomez-Almaguer are with Hematology Service, Hospital Universitario "Dr. José Eleuterio González" in Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Alejandra Garza-Bedolla
- Drs. L Villarreal-Martinez, Alvarez-Villalobos, Guzman-Gallardo, Pope-Salazar, Salinas-Silva, Cepeda-Cepeda, Garza-Bedolla, Dominguez-Varela, DZ Villarreal-Martinez, Treviño-Villarreal, and Gomez-Almaguer are with Hematology Service, Hospital Universitario "Dr. José Eleuterio González" in Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Irving Armando Dominguez-Varela
- Drs. L Villarreal-Martinez, Alvarez-Villalobos, Guzman-Gallardo, Pope-Salazar, Salinas-Silva, Cepeda-Cepeda, Garza-Bedolla, Dominguez-Varela, DZ Villarreal-Martinez, Treviño-Villarreal, and Gomez-Almaguer are with Hematology Service, Hospital Universitario "Dr. José Eleuterio González" in Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Daniel Zacarias Villarreal-Martinez
- Drs. L Villarreal-Martinez, Alvarez-Villalobos, Guzman-Gallardo, Pope-Salazar, Salinas-Silva, Cepeda-Cepeda, Garza-Bedolla, Dominguez-Varela, DZ Villarreal-Martinez, Treviño-Villarreal, and Gomez-Almaguer are with Hematology Service, Hospital Universitario "Dr. José Eleuterio González" in Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Jose Humberto Treviño-Villarreal
- Drs. L Villarreal-Martinez, Alvarez-Villalobos, Guzman-Gallardo, Pope-Salazar, Salinas-Silva, Cepeda-Cepeda, Garza-Bedolla, Dominguez-Varela, DZ Villarreal-Martinez, Treviño-Villarreal, and Gomez-Almaguer are with Hematology Service, Hospital Universitario "Dr. José Eleuterio González" in Monterrey, Mexico
| | - David Gomez-Almaguer
- Drs. L Villarreal-Martinez, Alvarez-Villalobos, Guzman-Gallardo, Pope-Salazar, Salinas-Silva, Cepeda-Cepeda, Garza-Bedolla, Dominguez-Varela, DZ Villarreal-Martinez, Treviño-Villarreal, and Gomez-Almaguer are with Hematology Service, Hospital Universitario "Dr. José Eleuterio González" in Monterrey, Mexico
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24
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Silverman JL, Thurm A, Ethridge SB, Soller MM, Petkova SP, Abel T, Bauman MD, Brodkin ES, Harony‐Nicolas H, Wöhr M, Halladay A. Reconsidering animal models used to study autism spectrum disorder: Current state and optimizing future. GENES, BRAIN, AND BEHAVIOR 2022; 21:e12803. [PMID: 35285132 PMCID: PMC9189007 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), including autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual disability (ID), are pervasive, often lifelong disorders, lacking evidence-based interventions for core symptoms. With no established biological markers, diagnoses are defined by behavioral criteria. Thus, preclinical in vivo animal models of NDDs must be optimally utilized. For this reason, experts in the field of behavioral neuroscience convened a workshop with the goals of reviewing current behavioral studies, reports, and assessments in rodent models. Goals included: (a) identifying the maximal utility and limitations of behavior in animal models with construct validity; (b) providing recommendations for phenotyping animal models; and (c) guidelines on how in vivo models should be used and reported reliably and rigorously while acknowledging their limitations. We concluded by recommending minimal criteria for reporting in manuscripts going forward. The workshop elucidated a consensus of potential solutions to several problems, including revisiting claims made about animal model links to ASD (and related conditions). Specific conclusions included: mice (or other rodent or preclinical models) are models of the neurodevelopmental insult, not specifically any disorder (e.g., ASD); a model that perfectly recapitulates a disorder such as ASD is untenable; and greater attention needs be given to validation of behavioral testing methods, data analysis, and critical interpretation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill L. Silverman
- MIND Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral SciencesUniversity of California Davis School of MedicineSacramentoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Audrey Thurm
- Neurodevelopmental and Behavioral Phenotyping ServiceNational Institute of Mental HealthBethesdaMarylandUSA
| | - Sarah B. Ethridge
- Neurodevelopmental and Behavioral Phenotyping ServiceNational Institute of Mental HealthBethesdaMarylandUSA
| | - Makayla M. Soller
- MIND Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral SciencesUniversity of California Davis School of MedicineSacramentoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Stela P. Petkova
- MIND Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral SciencesUniversity of California Davis School of MedicineSacramentoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Ted Abel
- Department of Neuroscience and PharmacologyIowa Neuroscience Institute, University of IowaIowa CityIowaUSA
| | - Melissa D. Bauman
- MIND Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral SciencesUniversity of California Davis School of MedicineSacramentoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Edward S. Brodkin
- Department of PsychiatryPerelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Translational Research LaboratoryPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Hala Harony‐Nicolas
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and TreatmentIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Markus Wöhr
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Research Unit Brain and Cognition, Laboratory of Biological PsychologySocial and Affective Neuroscience Research Group, KU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium,Leuven Brain InstituteKU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium,Faculty of Psychology, Experimental and Biological Psychology, Behavioral NeurosciencePhilipps‐University of MarburgMarburgGermany,Center for Mind, Brain, and BehaviorPhilipps‐University of MarburgMarburgGermany
| | - Alycia Halladay
- Autism Science FoundationUSA,Department of Pharmacology and ToxicologyRutgers UniversityPiscatawayNew JerseyUSA
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Kong Y, Li QB, Yuan ZH, Jiang XF, Zhang GQ, Cheng N, Dang N. Multimodal Neuroimaging in Rett Syndrome With MECP2 Mutation. Front Neurol 2022; 13:838206. [PMID: 35280272 PMCID: PMC8904872 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.838206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT) is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by severe cognitive, social, and physical impairments resulting from de novo mutations in the X-chromosomal methyl-CpG binding protein gene 2 (MECP2). While there is still no cure for RTT, exploring up-to date neurofunctional diagnostic markers, discovering new potential therapeutic targets, and searching for novel drug efficacy evaluation indicators are fundamental. Multiple neuroimaging studies on brain structure and function have been carried out in RTT-linked gene mutation carriers to unravel disease-specific imaging features and explore genotype-phenotype associations. Here, we reviewed the neuroimaging literature on this disorder. MRI morphologic studies have shown global atrophy of gray matter (GM) and white matter (WM) and regional variations in brain maturation. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) studies have demonstrated reduced fractional anisotropy (FA) in left peripheral WM areas, left major WM tracts, and cingulum bilaterally, and WM microstructural/network topology changes have been further found to be correlated with behavioral abnormalities in RTT. Cerebral blood perfusion imaging studies using single-photon emission CT (SPECT) or PET have evidenced a decreased global cerebral blood flow (CBF), particularly in prefrontal and temporoparietal areas, while magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) and PET studies have contributed to unraveling metabolic alterations in patients with RTT. The results obtained from the available reports confirm that multimodal neuroimaging can provide new insights into a complex interplay between genes, neurotransmitter pathway abnormalities, disease-related behaviors, and clinical severity. However, common limitations related to the available studies include small sample sizes and hypothesis-based and region-specific approaches. We, therefore, conclude that this field is still in its early development phase and that multimodal/multisequence studies with improved post-processing technologies as well as combined PET–MRI approaches are urgently needed to further explore RTT brain alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Kong
- Department of Medical Imaging, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, China
- *Correspondence: Yu Kong
| | - Qiu-bo Li
- Department of Pediatrics, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Zhao-hong Yuan
- Department of Pediatric Rehabilitation, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Xiu-fang Jiang
- Department of Pediatric Rehabilitation, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Gu-qing Zhang
- Department of Medical Imaging, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, China
- Gu-qing Zhang
| | - Nan Cheng
- Department of Medical Imaging, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Na Dang
- Department of Medical Imaging, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, China
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Thabault M, Turpin V, Maisterrena A, Jaber M, Egloff M, Galvan L. Cerebellar and Striatal Implications in Autism Spectrum Disorders: From Clinical Observations to Animal Models. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:2294. [PMID: 35216408 PMCID: PMC8874522 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23042294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are complex conditions that stem from a combination of genetic, epigenetic and environmental influences during early pre- and postnatal childhood. The review focuses on the cerebellum and the striatum, two structures involved in motor, sensory, cognitive and social functions altered in ASD. We summarize clinical and fundamental studies highlighting the importance of these two structures in ASD. We further discuss the relation between cellular and molecular alterations with the observed behavior at the social, cognitive, motor and gait levels. Functional correlates regarding neuronal activity are also detailed wherever possible, and sexual dimorphism is explored pointing to the need to apprehend ASD in both sexes, as findings can be dramatically different at both quantitative and qualitative levels. The review focuses also on a set of three recent papers from our laboratory where we explored motor and gait function in various genetic and environmental ASD animal models. We report that motor and gait behaviors can constitute an early and quantitative window to the disease, as they often correlate with the severity of social impairments and loss of cerebellar Purkinje cells. The review ends with suggestions as to the main obstacles that need to be surpassed before an appropriate management of the disease can be proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu Thabault
- Laboratoire de Neurosciences Expérimentales et Cliniques, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Université de Poitiers, 86073 Poitiers, France; (M.T.); (V.T.); (A.M.); (M.J.); (M.E.)
| | - Valentine Turpin
- Laboratoire de Neurosciences Expérimentales et Cliniques, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Université de Poitiers, 86073 Poitiers, France; (M.T.); (V.T.); (A.M.); (M.J.); (M.E.)
| | - Alexandre Maisterrena
- Laboratoire de Neurosciences Expérimentales et Cliniques, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Université de Poitiers, 86073 Poitiers, France; (M.T.); (V.T.); (A.M.); (M.J.); (M.E.)
| | - Mohamed Jaber
- Laboratoire de Neurosciences Expérimentales et Cliniques, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Université de Poitiers, 86073 Poitiers, France; (M.T.); (V.T.); (A.M.); (M.J.); (M.E.)
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Poitiers, 86021 Poitiers, France
| | - Matthieu Egloff
- Laboratoire de Neurosciences Expérimentales et Cliniques, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Université de Poitiers, 86073 Poitiers, France; (M.T.); (V.T.); (A.M.); (M.J.); (M.E.)
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Poitiers, 86021 Poitiers, France
| | - Laurie Galvan
- Laboratoire de Neurosciences Expérimentales et Cliniques, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Université de Poitiers, 86073 Poitiers, France; (M.T.); (V.T.); (A.M.); (M.J.); (M.E.)
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Mario M. Cerebellar Disorders: At the Frontiers of Neurology, Psychiatry, and the Modern Approach to Psychology. THE NEW REVOLUTION IN PSYCHOLOGY AND THE NEUROSCIENCES 2022:105-122. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-06093-9_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
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Pietropaolo S, Marsicano G. The role of the endocannabinoid system as a therapeutic target for autism spectrum disorder: Lessons from behavioral studies on mouse models. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 132:664-678. [PMID: 34813825 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.11.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Recent years have seen an impressive amount of research devoted to understanding the etiopathology of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and developing therapies for this syndrome. Because of the lack of biomarkers of ASD, this work has been largely based on the behavioral characterization of rodent models, based on a multitude of genetic and environmental manipulations. Here we highlight how the endocannabinoid system (ECS) has recently emerged within this context of mouse behavioral studies as an etiopathological factor in ASD and a valid potential therapeutic target. We summarize the most recent results showing alterations of the ECS in rodent models of ASD, and demonstrating ASD-like behaviors in mice with altered ECS, induced either by genetic or pharmacological manipulations. We also give a critical overview of the most relevant advances in designing treatments and novel mouse models for ASD targeting the ECS, highlighting the relevance of thorough and innovative behavioral approaches to investigate the mechanisms acting underneath the complex features of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Giovanni Marsicano
- INSERM, U1215 NeuroCentre Magendie, 146 rue Léo Saignat, 33077, Bordeaux Cedex, France
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Involvement of Intestinal Goblet Cells and Changes in Sodium Glucose Transporters Expression: Possible Therapeutic Targets in Autistic BTBR T +Itpr3 tf/J Mice. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182111328. [PMID: 34769857 PMCID: PMC8583041 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182111328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental syndrome with a complicated etiology and could be responsible for disrupted gastrointestinal tract microbiota. The aim of this work was to study intestinal samples from an autistic animal model (BTBR mouse strain) to better describe gastrointestinal alterations. We performed a morphological and biological evaluation of small intestine samples. In terms of morphology, we studied the goblet cells, cells of intestinal mucosal responsible for the production and maintenance of the protective mucous blanket. Alterations in their secretion may indicate an altered rate of mucus synthesis and this is one of the possible causes of gastrointestinal problems. In terms of biological evaluation, impaired regulation of glucose homeostasis regulated by sodium-glucose transporters has been suggested as an important component of obesity and associated comorbidities; therefore, this study analyzed the expression of sodium/glucose transporter-1 and -3 in BTBR mice to better define their role. We demonstrated that, in BTBR mice as compared to C57BL/6J (B6) strain animals: (1) The goblet cells had different protein content in their vesicles and apparently a larger number of Golgi cisternae; (2) the expression and level of sodium/glucose transporters were higher. These findings could suggest new possible targets in autism spectrum disorder to maintain mucus barrier function.
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Animal models of developmental dyslexia: Where we are and what we are missing. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 131:1180-1197. [PMID: 34699847 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.10.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Developmental dyslexia (DD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder and the most common learning disability among both school-aged children and across languages. Recently, sensory and cognitive mechanisms have been reported to be potential endophenotypes (EPs) for DD, and nine DD-candidate genes have been identified. Animal models have been used to investigate the etiopathological pathways that underlie the development of complex traits, as they enable the effects of genetic and/or environmental manipulations to be evaluated. Animal research designs have also been linked to cutting-edge clinical research questions by capitalizing on the use of EPs. For the present scoping review, we reviewed previous studies of murine models investigating the effects of DD-candidate genes. Moreover, we highlighted the use of animal models as an innovative way to unravel new insights behind the pathophysiology of reading (dis)ability and to assess cutting-edge preclinical models.
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Altered Cerebellar Response to Somatosensory Stimuli in the Cntnap2 Mouse Model of Autism. eNeuro 2021; 8:ENEURO.0333-21.2021. [PMID: 34593517 PMCID: PMC8532344 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0333-21.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Atypical sensory processing is currently included within the diagnostic criteria of autism. The cerebellum is known to integrate sensory inputs of different modalities through its connectivity to the cerebral cortex. Interestingly, cerebellar malformations are among the most replicated features found in postmortem brain of individuals with autism. We studied sensory processing in the cerebellum in a mouse model of autism, knock-out (KO) for the Cntnap2 gene. Cntnap2 is widely expressed in Purkinje cells (PCs) and has been recently reported to regulate their morphology. Further, individuals with CNTNAP2 mutations display cerebellar malformations and CNTNAP2 antibodies are associated with a mild form of cerebellar ataxia. Previous studies in the Cntnap2 mouse model show an altered cerebellar sensory learning. However, a physiological analysis of cerebellar function has not been performed yet. We studied sensory evoked potentials in cerebellar Crus I/II region on electrical stimulation of the whisker pad in alert mice and found striking differences between wild-type and Cntnap2 KO mice. In addition, single-cell recordings identified alterations in both sensory-evoked and spontaneous firing patterns of PCs. These changes were accompanied by altered intrinsic properties and morphologic features of these neurons. Together, these results indicate that the Cntnap2 mouse model could provide novel insight into the pathophysiological mechanisms of autism core sensory deficits.
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Yoon J, Mao Y. Dissecting Molecular Genetic Mechanisms of 1q21.1 CNV in Neuropsychiatric Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:5811. [PMID: 34071723 PMCID: PMC8197994 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 05/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Pathogenic copy number variations (CNVs) contribute to the etiology of neurodevelopmental/neuropsychiatric disorders (NDs). Increased CNV burden has been found to be critically involved in NDs compared with controls in clinical studies. The 1q21.1 CNVs, rare and large chromosomal microduplications and microdeletions, are detected in many patients with NDs. Phenotypes of duplication and deletion appear at the two ends of the spectrum. Microdeletions are predominant in individuals with schizophrenia (SCZ) and microcephaly, whereas microduplications are predominant in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and macrocephaly. However, its complexity hinders the discovery of molecular pathways and phenotypic networks. In this review, we summarize the recent genome-wide association studies (GWASs) that have identified candidate genes positively correlated with 1q21.1 CNVs, which are likely to contribute to abnormal phenotypes in carriers. We discuss the clinical data implicated in the 1q21.1 genetic structure that is strongly associated with neurodevelopmental dysfunctions like cognitive impairment and reduced synaptic plasticity. We further present variations reported in the phenotypic severity, genomic penetrance and inheritance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yingwei Mao
- Department of Biology, Eberly College of Science, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA;
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Ellegood J, Petkova SP, Kinman A, Qiu LR, Adhikari A, Wade AA, Fernandes D, Lindenmaier Z, Creighton A, Nutter LMJ, Nord AS, Silverman JL, Lerch JP. Neuroanatomy and behavior in mice with a haploinsufficiency of AT-rich interactive domain 1B (ARID1B) throughout development. Mol Autism 2021; 12:25. [PMID: 33757588 PMCID: PMC7986278 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-021-00432-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND One of the causal mechanisms underlying neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) is chromatin modification and the genes that regulate chromatin. AT-rich interactive domain 1B (ARID1B), a chromatin modifier, has been linked to autism spectrum disorder and to affect rare and inherited genetic variation in a broad set of NDDs. METHODS A novel preclinical mouse model of Arid1b deficiency was created and validated to characterize and define neuroanatomical, behavioral and transcriptional phenotypes. Neuroanatomy was assessed ex vivo in adult animals and in vivo longitudinally from birth to adulthood. Behavioral testing was also performed throughout development and tested all aspects of motor, learning, sociability, repetitive behaviors, seizure susceptibility, and general milestones delays. RESULTS We validated decreased Arid1b mRNA and protein in Arid1b+/- mice, with signatures of increased axonal and synaptic gene expression, decreased transcriptional regulator and RNA processing expression in adult Arid1b+/- cerebellum. During neonatal development, Arid1b+/- mice exhibited robust impairments in ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) and metrics of developmental growth. In addition, a striking sex effect was observed neuroanatomically throughout development. Behaviorally, as adults, Arid1b+/- mice showed low motor skills in open field exploration and normal three-chambered approach. Arid1b+/- mice had learning and memory deficits in novel object recognition but not in visual discrimination and reversal touchscreen tasks. Social interactions in the male-female social dyad with USVs revealed social deficits on some but not all parameters. No repetitive behaviors were observed. Brains of adult Arid1b+/- mice had a smaller cerebellum and a larger hippocampus and corpus callosum. The corpus callosum increase seen here contrasts previous reports which highlight losses in corpus callosum volume in mice and humans. LIMITATIONS The behavior and neuroimaging analyses were done on separate cohorts of mice, which did not allow a direct correlation between the imaging and behavioral findings, and the transcriptomic analysis was exploratory, with no validation of altered expression beyond Arid1b. CONCLUSIONS This study represents a full validation and investigation of a novel model of Arid1b+/- haploinsufficiency throughout development and highlights the importance of examining both sexes throughout development in NDDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Ellegood
- Mouse Imaging Centre (MICe), Hospital for Sick Children, 25 Orde Street, Toronto, ON, M5T 3H7, Canada.
| | - S P Petkova
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, MIND Institute, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Group, University of California - Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - A Kinman
- Mouse Imaging Centre (MICe), Hospital for Sick Children, 25 Orde Street, Toronto, ON, M5T 3H7, Canada
| | - L R Qiu
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, FMRIB, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neuroscience, The University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - A Adhikari
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, MIND Institute, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - A A Wade
- Neuroscience Graduate Group, University of California - Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - D Fernandes
- Mouse Imaging Centre (MICe), Hospital for Sick Children, 25 Orde Street, Toronto, ON, M5T 3H7, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Z Lindenmaier
- Mouse Imaging Centre (MICe), Hospital for Sick Children, 25 Orde Street, Toronto, ON, M5T 3H7, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - A Creighton
- The Centre for Phenogenomics, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - L M J Nutter
- The Centre for Phenogenomics, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - A S Nord
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, MIND Institute, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Group, University of California - Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior, University of California - Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - J L Silverman
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, MIND Institute, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - J P Lerch
- Mouse Imaging Centre (MICe), Hospital for Sick Children, 25 Orde Street, Toronto, ON, M5T 3H7, Canada
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, FMRIB, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neuroscience, The University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Sünnetçi E, Durankuş F, Albayrak Y, Erdoğan MA, Atasoy Ö, Erbaş O. Effects of the Prenatal Administration of Tetanus Toxoid on the Sociability and Explorative Behaviors of Rat Offspring: A Preliminary Study. CLINICAL PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY AND NEUROSCIENCE 2021; 19:84-92. [PMID: 33508791 PMCID: PMC7851460 DOI: 10.9758/cpn.2021.19.1.84] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Revised: 06/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Objective Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a severely disabling psychiatric disease characterized by impairments in communication and social skills. Although efforts have been made to explore the etiology of ASD, its pathophysiology remains unclear. This issue is rendered more challenging by confounding data about the effects of vaccination on disease etiology. In this study, therefore, we investigated the neurodevelopmental effects of maternal tetanus toxoid administration on rat offspring. We hypothesized that the vaccine affects the sociability and preference for social novelty of rat offspring as well as the production of immunological and neurotrophic factors, including tumor necrosis factor-alfa (TNF-α), neuregulin-1 (NRG-1), neuron growth factor (NGF), and oxytocin. Methods The study involved 12 female and 4 male adult Sprague-Dawley rats (238 ± 10 g), which were assigned to two groups. Group 1 (control group) was given 0.5 ml of normal saline (0.9% NaCl) on the 10th day of pregnancy, whereas Group 2 (experimental group) was administered 0.5 ml of tetanus vaccine (tetanus toxoid, 40 IU). Results Maternal tetanus toxoid administration exerted beneficial effects on the sociability and explorative behaviors of the rats. The brain tissue levels of TNF-α, NGF, NRG-1, and oxytocin were higher in the experimental group than those among the controls. All these significant differences were found in both the male and female rats. Conclusion This study is the first to demonstrate the advantages of tetanus toxoid administration in relation to the sociability and explorative behaviors of rat offspring. The results showed that the vaccine also influences NRG-1, neuregulin, and oxytocin production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eda Sünnetçi
- Department of Pediatrics, Istanbul Training and Education Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | | | - Yakup Albayrak
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Tekirdağ Namık Kemal University, Tekirdağ, Turkey
| | - Mümin Alper Erdoğan
- Department of Physiology, Katip Çelebi University Medical School, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Özüm Atasoy
- Department of Radiation Oncolgy, Kartal Education and Research Hospital, Turkey
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Amodeo DA, Oliver B, Pahua A, Hitchcock K, Bykowski A, Tice D, Musleh A, Ryan BC. Serotonin 6 receptor blockade reduces repetitive behavior in the BTBR mouse model of autism spectrum disorder. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2021; 200:173076. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2020.173076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Molecular and Functional Imaging in Central Nervous System Drug Development. Mol Imaging 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-816386-3.00084-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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Solmaz V, Erdoğan MA, Alnak A, Meral A, Erbaş O. Erythropoietin shows gender dependent positive effects on social deficits, learning/memory impairments, neuronal loss and neuroinflammation in the lipopolysaccharide induced rat model of autism. Neuropeptides 2020; 83:102073. [PMID: 32736811 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2020.102073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
We aimed to evaluate the effects of EPO in the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced rat model of autism in terms of social deficits, learning and memory impairments, as well as their neurochemical correlates. Sixteen female Sprague Dawley rats randomly distributed into two equel groups, then were caged with fertile males for mating. At the 10th day of pregnancy, 0.5 ml %0,9 NaCl saline was given to first group, 100 μg/kg LPS was given to second group to induce autism. On postnatal 21th day, forty-eight littermates were divided into four groups as; 8 male, 8 female controls, 16 male and 16 female LPS-exposed. Then, LPS groups were also divided in to two groups as saline (1 mg/kg/day) and EPO 600 U/kg/day groups, and animals were treated 45 days. At 50th day, after behavioral evaluations, brain levels of TNF-α, nerve growth factor (NGF) were measured. Histologically, hippocampal neuronal density and GFAP expression were assessed. Three-chamber sociability and social novelty test, passive avoidance learning test were revealed significant differences among the EPO and control groups. Histologically, hippocampal CA1 & CA3 regions displayed significant alterations regarding gliosis (GFAP-positive cells) and regarding frontal cortical thickness in EPO groups compare to controls. Biochemical measurements of the brain levels of TNF-α and NGF levels showed significant differences between controls and EPO groups. According to our findings EPO treatment has beneficial effects on ASD-like symptoms, learning and memory processes, neuronal loss and neuroinflammation in the LPS induced rat model of autism, with some gender differences through inflammatory and neurotrophic pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Volkan Solmaz
- Memorial Hizmet Hospital, department of Neurology, İstanbul, Turkey..
| | - Mümin Alper Erdoğan
- Katip Celebi University, Medical Faculty, Department of Physiology, İzmir, Turkey..
| | - Alper Alnak
- Sakarya University Training and Research Hospital, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Unit. Sakarya, Turkey..
| | - Ayfer Meral
- Yuzuncü Yıl University, Medical Faculty, Department of Biochemistry, Van, Turkey..
| | - Oytun Erbaş
- Demiroğlu Bilim University, Medical Faculty, Department of Physiology, İstanbul, Turkey
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Arakawa H. Somatosensorimotor and Odor Modification, Along with Serotonergic Processes Underlying the Social Deficits in BTBR T+ Itpr3 tf/J and BALB/cJ Mouse Models of Autism. Neuroscience 2020; 445:144-162. [PMID: 32061779 PMCID: PMC8078887 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2020.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2019] [Revised: 02/02/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Autism is a complex spectrum of disorders characterized by core behavioral deficits in social communicative behavior, which are also required for comprehensive analysis of preclinical mouse models. As animal models of the core behavioral deficits in autism, two inbred mouse strains, BTBR T+ Itpr3tf/J (BTBR) and BALB/cJ (BALB), were compared with the standard social strain, C57BL/6J (B6), regarding a variety of behavioral factors underlying social communicative interactions, including olfactory and tactile sensory processes, social recognition abilities and behavioral expression strategies. Although both female BTBR and BALB mice can express social recognition and approach behavior depending on the stimuli they encounter, the available sensory modalities, along with modulation of the serotonergic system, differ between the two strains. BALB mice have deficits in using volatile olfactory cues and tactile information in a social context; they fail to exhibit a social approach to volatile cues and seek nonvolatile cues by exhibiting substantial sniff/contact behavior when allowed direct contact with social opponents. Systemic injection of the serotonin (5-HT1A) agonist buspirone has little effect on these social deficits, suggesting a congenitally degraded serotonergic system in BALB mice. In contrast, BTBR mice exhibit impaired body coordination and social motivation-modified olfactory signals, which are relevant to a reduced social approach. A systemic injection of the 5-HT1A agonist restored these social deficits in BTBR mice, indicating that a downregulated serotonergic system is involved in the social deficits exhibited by BTBR mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroyuki Arakawa
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Rodent Behavioral Core Department of Research Administration, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA.
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Fertan E, Wong AA, Purdon MK, Weaver ICG, Brown RE. The effect of background strain on the behavioral phenotypes of the MDGA2 +/- mouse model of autism spectrum disorder. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2020; 20:e12696. [PMID: 32808443 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The membrane-associated mucin (MAM) domain containing glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchor 2 protein single knock-out mice (MDGA2+/- ) are models of ASD. We examined the behavioral phenotypes of male and female MDGA2+/- and wildtype mice on C57BL6/NJ and C57BL6/N backgrounds at 2 months of age and measured MDGA2, neuroligin 1 and neuroligin 2 levels at 7 months. Mice on the C57BL6/NJ background performed better than those on the C57BL6/N background in visual ability and in learning and memory performance in the Morris water maze and differed in measures of motor behavior and anxiety. Mice with the MDGA2+/- genotype differed from WT mice in motor, social and repetitive behavior and anxiety, but most of these effects involved interactions between MDGA2+/- genotype and background strain. The background strain also influenced MDGA2 levels and NLGN2 association in MDGA2+/- mice. Our findings emphasize the importance of the background strain used in studies of genetically modified mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emre Fertan
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Aimée A Wong
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Michaela K Purdon
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Ian C G Weaver
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.,Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.,Brain Repair Centre, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Richard E Brown
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.,Brain Repair Centre, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
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40
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Perets N, Oron O, Herman S, Elliott E, Offen D. Exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells improved core symptoms of genetically modified mouse model of autism Shank3B. Mol Autism 2020; 11:65. [PMID: 32807217 PMCID: PMC7433169 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-020-00366-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Partial or an entire deletion of SHANK3 are considered as major drivers in the Phelan-McDermid syndrome, in which 75% of patients are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). During the recent years, there was an increasing interest in stem cell therapy in ASD, and specifically, mesenchymal stem cells (MSC). Moreover, it has been suggested that the therapeutic effect of the MSC is mediated mainly via the secretion of small extracellular vesicle that contains important molecular information of the cell and are used for cell-to-cell communication. Within the fraction of the extracellular vesicles, exosomes were highlighted as the most effective ones to convey the therapeutic effect. METHODS Exosomes derived from MSC (MSC-exo) were purified, characterized, and given via intranasal administration to Shank3B KO mice (in the concentration of 107 particles/ml). Three weeks post treatment, the mice were tested for behavioral scoring, and their results were compared with saline-treated control and their wild-type littermates. RESULTS Intranasal treatment with MSC-exo improves the social behavior deficit in multiple paradigms, increases vocalization, and reduces repetitive behaviors. We also observed an increase of GABARB1 in the prefrontal cortex. CONCLUSIONS Herein, we hypothesized that MSC-exo would have a direct beneficial effect on the behavioral autistic-like phenotype of the genetically modified Shank3B KO mouse model of autism. Taken together, our data indicate that intranasal treatment with MSC-exo improves the core ASD-like deficits of this mouse model of autism and therefore has the potential to treat ASD patients carrying the Shank3 mutation.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Perets
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
| | - O Oron
- Faculty of Medicine, Bar Ilan University, Tzfat, Israel
| | - S Herman
- Sacklar School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - E Elliott
- Faculty of Medicine, Bar Ilan University, Tzfat, Israel
| | - D Offen
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Sacklar School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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41
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Furlan Freguia C, Marriott A, Gill D, Kaleko M. Maternal treatment with oral intestinal alkaline phosphatase mitigates high fat diet-induced cognitive disorders in offspring mice. Behav Brain Res 2020; 392:112701. [PMID: 32464122 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2020.112701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Revised: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Intestinal alkaline phosphatase (IAP) is an endogenous enzyme that promotes gastrointestinal homeostasis by detoxifying inflammatory mediators, tightening the gut barrier and promoting a healthy microbiome. Oral IAP administration was efficacious in ameliorating diabetes in a high fat diet (HFD)-induced murine model. In humans, maternal obesity and diabetes during pregnancy have been associated with an increased risk of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). In mice, HFD-induced maternal obesity leads to offspring with cognitive deficiency. Here we investigated whether IAP administration to obese dams could ameliorate autism-like disorders in mice. Using a HFD murine model, we recapitulated that maternal obesity leads to male offspring with social deficits as shown by the three chamber test and reciprocal social interaction analyses. Notably, oral delivery of IAP to dams improved those deficiencies. In addition, a jumping behavior was noted in pups from obese dams, which was rescued by maternal IAP treatment. Our findings suggest that maternal treatment with IAP can relieve some ASD-like symptoms in offspring mice.
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42
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Solmaz V, Tekatas A, Erdoğan MA, Erbaş O. Exenatide, a GLP-1 analog, has healing effects on LPS-induced autism model: Inflammation, oxidative stress, gliosis, cerebral GABA, and serotonin interactions. Int J Dev Neurosci 2020; 80:601-612. [PMID: 32745285 DOI: 10.1002/jdn.10056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2020] [Revised: 07/19/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have established anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective effects of Exenatide in the central nervous system. Since these mechanisms are thought to have important roles in the pathophysiology of autism, we hypothesized that Exenatide may have healing effects in autism. We tested this hypothesis by examining the effects of Exenatide in an experimental autism model created by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exposure in the womb, with behavioral tests, histopathological examinations, and biochemical measurements. The autism model was created by administration of LPS (i.p) to pregnant rats on the 10th day of their pregnancy at a dose of 100 µg/kg. On postnatal 21st day, a total of four groups were formed from offspring with regard to sex distribution and treatment. After a 45-day treatment, behavioral analysis tests were performed on rats. Subsequently, the rats were sacrificed and biochemical analysis [superoxide dismutase, tumor necrotizing factor alpha, nerve growth factor, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid, and glutamic acid decarboxylase-67] and histopathological analysis were performed. On the 10th day of the intrauterine period, LPS exposure was found to disrupt behavioral findings, increase inflammation and hippocampal gliosis, and decrease 5-HIAA, GAD-67, and NGF, especially in male rats. However, among the rats exposed to LPS in the intrauterine period, recipients of Exenatide demonstrated significant amelioration of findings. Exenatide therapy shows positive effects on behavioral disorders in an LPS-induced autism model. This agent probably exerts its effects by suppressing inflammation and oxidative stress and reducing hippocampal gliosis. In addition, Exenatide has also been shown to positively affect cerebral serotonergic and GABAergic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Volkan Solmaz
- Department of Neurology, Memorial Hizmet Hospital, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Aslan Tekatas
- Department of Neurology, Medikent Hospital, Lüleburgaz, Tekirdağ, Turkey
| | - Mümin Alper Erdoğan
- Medical Faculty, Department of Physiology, Katip Celebi University, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Oytun Erbaş
- Medical Faculty, Department of Physiology, Demiroğlu Bilim University, İstanbul, Turkey
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43
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Cheng N, Pagtalunan E, Abushaibah A, Naidu J, Stell WK, Rho JM, Sauvé Y. Atypical visual processing in a mouse model of autism. Sci Rep 2020; 10:12390. [PMID: 32709898 PMCID: PMC7381655 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-68589-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Human social cognition relies heavily on the processing of various visual cues, such as eye contact and facial expressions. Atypical visual perception and integration have been recognized as key phenotypes in individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and may potentially contribute to impediments in normal social development, a hallmark of ASD. Meanwhile, increasing studies on visual function in ASD have pointed to detail-oriented perception, which has been hypothesized to result from heightened response to information of high spatial frequency. However, mixed results of human studies have led to much debate, and investigations using animal models have been limited. Here, using BTBR mice as a model of idiopathic ASD, we assessed retinal stimulus processing by full-field electroretinogram and found impaired photoreceptor function and retina-based alterations mostly in the cone pathway. Using the optokinetic reflex to evaluate visual function, we observed robustly enhanced visual response to finer spatial details and more subtle contrasts at only higher spatial frequencies in the BTBR mice, under both photopic and scotopic conditions. These behavioral results, which are similar to findings in a subset of ASD patients, indicate a bias toward processing information of high spatial frequencies. Together, these findings also suggest that, while enhancement of visual behaviors under both photopic and scotopic conditions might be due to alterations in visual processing common to both rod and cone pathways, these mechanisms are probably downstream of photoreceptor function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Cheng
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute (ACHRI), Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada.
| | - Eden Pagtalunan
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute (ACHRI), Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada.,O'Brien Centre for the Bachelor of Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Abdulrahman Abushaibah
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute (ACHRI), Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada.,O'Brien Centre for the Bachelor of Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Jessica Naidu
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute (ACHRI), Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada.,O'Brien Centre for the Bachelor of Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - William K Stell
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute and Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Jong M Rho
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute (ACHRI), Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada.,Departments of Neurosciences and Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Yves Sauvé
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Department of Physiology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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44
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Redecker TM, Kisko TM, Wöhr M, Schwarting RKW. Cacna1c haploinsufficiency lacks effects on adult hippocampal neurogenesis and volumetric properties of prefrontal cortex and hippocampus in female rats. Physiol Behav 2020; 223:112974. [PMID: 32473156 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2020.112974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The cross-disorder risk gene CACNA1C is strongly involved in the etiology of all major neuropsychiatric disorders, with women often being more affected by CACNA1C mutations than men. Human neuroimaging studies provided evidence that CACNA1C variants are associated with anatomical and functional brain alterations, such as decreased prefrontal volumes, microstructural changes in the hippocampus, and reduced hippocampal activity during memory tasks. In mouse models, Cacna1c alterations were repeatedly linked to disorder-like behavioral phenotypes and reduced adult hippocampal neurogenesis, which has been implicated in the pathology of neuropsychiatric disorders. Here, we applied a recently developed rat model and conducted two studies to investigate the effects of partial Cacna1c depletion on adult hippocampal neurogenesis and volumetric properties of the hippocampus and the prefrontal cortex in adult female constitutive heterozygous (Cacna1c+/-) rats and wildtype (Cacna1c+/+) littermate controls. In study 1, we analyzed proliferation versus survival of adult-born hippocampal cells based on a 5-bromodeoxyuridine assay ensuring neuronal cell-type specificity through applying an immunofluorescent multiple staining approach. In study 2, we performed a detailed volumetric analysis with high structural resolution of the dorsal hippocampus and the medial prefrontal cortex, including their major substructures. Our results indicate comparable levels of cell proliferation and neuronal survival in Cacna1c+/- rats and Cacna1c+/+ controls. Additionally, we found similar volumes of the dorsal hippocampus and the medial prefrontal cortex across major substructures irrespective of genotype, indicating that Cacna1c haploinsufficiency has no prominent effects on these brain features in female rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias M Redecker
- Behavioral Neuroscience, Experimental and Biological Psychology, Department of Psychology, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Gutenbergstr. 18, D-35037 Marburg, Germany
| | - Theresa M Kisko
- Behavioral Neuroscience, Experimental and Biological Psychology, Department of Psychology, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Gutenbergstr. 18, D-35037 Marburg, Germany
| | - Markus Wöhr
- Behavioral Neuroscience, Experimental and Biological Psychology, Department of Psychology, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Gutenbergstr. 18, D-35037 Marburg, Germany; Center for Mind, Brain, and Behavior (CMBB), Hans-Meerwein-Str. 6, D-35032 Marburg, Germany; Laboratory for Behavioral Neuroscience, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, DK-5230 Odense M, Denmark
| | - Rainer K W Schwarting
- Behavioral Neuroscience, Experimental and Biological Psychology, Department of Psychology, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Gutenbergstr. 18, D-35037 Marburg, Germany; Center for Mind, Brain, and Behavior (CMBB), Hans-Meerwein-Str. 6, D-35032 Marburg, Germany.
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45
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Pietropaolo S, Bellocchio L, Bouzón-Arnáiz I, Yee BK. The role of the endocannabinoid system in autism spectrum disorders: Evidence from mouse studies. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2020; 173:183-208. [PMID: 32711810 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2020.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
A substantive volume of research on autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has emerged in recent years adding to our understanding of the etiopathological process. Preclinical models in mice and rats have been highly instrumental in modeling and dissecting the contributions of a multitude of known genetic and environmental risk factors. However, the translation of preclinical data into suitable drug targets must overcome three critical hurdles: (i) ASD comprises a highly heterogeneous group of conditions that can markedly differ in terms of their clinical presentation and symptoms, (ii) the plethora of genetic and environmental risk factors suggests a complex, non-unitary, etiopathology, and (iii) the lack of consensus over the myriad of preclinical models, with respect to both construct validity and face validity. Against this backdrop, this Chapter traces how the endocannabinoid system (ECS) has emerged as a promising target for intervention with predictive validity. Recent supportive preclinical evidence is summarized, especially studies in mice demonstrating the emergence of ASD-like behaviors following diverse genetic or pharmacological manipulations targeting the ECS. The critical relevance of ECS to the complex pathogenesis of ASD is underscored by its multiple roles in modulating neuronal functions and shaping brain development. Finally, we argue that important lessons have been learned from the novel mouse models of ASD, which not only stimulate game-changing innovative treatments but also foster a consensual framework to integrate the diverse approaches applied in the search of novel treatments for ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanna Pietropaolo
- University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux Cedex, France; CNRS, INCIA, UMR 5287, Bat B2, Pessac Cedex, France.
| | - Luigi Bellocchio
- CNRS, INCIA, UMR 5287, Bat B2, Pessac Cedex, France; INSERM, U1215 NeuroCentre Magendie, Bordeaux Cedex, France
| | - Inés Bouzón-Arnáiz
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain; Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Benjamin K Yee
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health & Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
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46
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Aberrant Mitochondrial Morphology and Function in the BTBR Mouse Model of Autism Is Improved by Two Weeks of Ketogenic Diet. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21093266. [PMID: 32380723 PMCID: PMC7246481 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21093266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Revised: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a highly prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder that exhibits a common set of behavioral and cognitive impairments. Although the etiology of ASD remains unclear, mitochondrial dysfunction has recently emerged as a possible causative factor underlying ASD. The ketogenic diet (KD) is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that augments mitochondrial function, and has been shown to reduce autistic behaviors in both humans and in rodent models of ASD. The aim of the current study was to examine mitochondrial bioenergetics in the BTBR mouse model of ASD and to determine whether the KD improves mitochondrial function. We also investigated changes in mitochondrial morphology, which can directly influence mitochondrial function. We found that BTBR mice had altered mitochondrial function and exhibited smaller more fragmented mitochondria compared to C57BL/6J controls, and that supplementation with the KD improved both mitochondrial function and morphology. We also identified activating phosphorylation of two fission proteins, pDRP1S616 and pMFFS146, in BTBR mice, consistent with the increased mitochondrial fragmentation that we observed. Intriguingly, we found that the KD decreased pDRP1S616 levels in BTBR mice, likely contributing to the restoration of mitochondrial morphology. Overall, these data suggest that impaired mitochondrial bioenergetics and mitochondrial fragmentation may contribute to the etiology of ASD and that these alterations can be reversed with KD treatment.
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47
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Wenderski W, Wang L, Krokhotin A, Walsh JJ, Li H, Shoji H, Ghosh S, George RD, Miller EL, Elias L, Gillespie MA, Son EY, Staahl BT, Baek ST, Stanley V, Moncada C, Shipony Z, Linker SB, Marchetto MCN, Gage FH, Chen D, Sultan T, Zaki MS, Ranish JA, Miyakawa T, Luo L, Malenka RC, Crabtree GR, Gleeson JG. Loss of the neural-specific BAF subunit ACTL6B relieves repression of early response genes and causes recessive autism. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:10055-10066. [PMID: 32312822 PMCID: PMC7211998 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1908238117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Synaptic activity in neurons leads to the rapid activation of genes involved in mammalian behavior. ATP-dependent chromatin remodelers such as the BAF complex contribute to these responses and are generally thought to activate transcription. However, the mechanisms keeping such "early activation" genes silent have been a mystery. In the course of investigating Mendelian recessive autism, we identified six families with segregating loss-of-function mutations in the neuronal BAF (nBAF) subunit ACTL6B (originally named BAF53b). Accordingly, ACTL6B was the most significantly mutated gene in the Simons Recessive Autism Cohort. At least 14 subunits of the nBAF complex are mutated in autism, collectively making it a major contributor to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Patient mutations destabilized ACTL6B protein in neurons and rerouted dendrites to the wrong glomerulus in the fly olfactory system. Humans and mice lacking ACTL6B showed corpus callosum hypoplasia, indicating a conserved role for ACTL6B in facilitating neural connectivity. Actl6b knockout mice on two genetic backgrounds exhibited ASD-related behaviors, including social and memory impairments, repetitive behaviors, and hyperactivity. Surprisingly, mutation of Actl6b relieved repression of early response genes including AP1 transcription factors (Fos, Fosl2, Fosb, and Junb), increased chromatin accessibility at AP1 binding sites, and transcriptional changes in late response genes associated with early response transcription factor activity. ACTL6B loss is thus an important cause of recessive ASD, with impaired neuron-specific chromatin repression indicated as a potential mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendy Wenderski
- Department of Pathology, Stanford Medical School, Palo Alto, CA 94305
- Department of Genetics, Stanford Medical School, Palo Alto, CA 94305
- Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford Medical School, Palo Alto, CA 94305
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94305
| | - Lu Wang
- Department of Neuroscience, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037
- Rady Children's Institute of Genomic Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037
| | - Andrey Krokhotin
- Department of Pathology, Stanford Medical School, Palo Alto, CA 94305
- Department of Genetics, Stanford Medical School, Palo Alto, CA 94305
- Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford Medical School, Palo Alto, CA 94305
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94305
| | - Jessica J Walsh
- Nancy Pritztker Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford Medical School, Palo Alto, CA 94305
| | - Hongjie Li
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94305
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94305
| | - Hirotaka Shoji
- Division of Systems Medical Science, Institute for Comprehensive Medical Science, Fujita Health University, 470-1192 Toyoake, Aichi, Japan
| | - Shereen Ghosh
- Department of Neuroscience, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037
- Rady Children's Institute of Genomic Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037
| | - Renee D George
- Department of Neuroscience, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037
- Rady Children's Institute of Genomic Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037
| | - Erik L Miller
- Department of Pathology, Stanford Medical School, Palo Alto, CA 94305
- Department of Genetics, Stanford Medical School, Palo Alto, CA 94305
- Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford Medical School, Palo Alto, CA 94305
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94305
| | - Laura Elias
- Department of Pathology, Stanford Medical School, Palo Alto, CA 94305
- Department of Genetics, Stanford Medical School, Palo Alto, CA 94305
- Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford Medical School, Palo Alto, CA 94305
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94305
| | | | - Esther Y Son
- Department of Pathology, Stanford Medical School, Palo Alto, CA 94305
- Department of Genetics, Stanford Medical School, Palo Alto, CA 94305
- Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford Medical School, Palo Alto, CA 94305
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94305
| | - Brett T Staahl
- Department of Pathology, Stanford Medical School, Palo Alto, CA 94305
- Department of Genetics, Stanford Medical School, Palo Alto, CA 94305
- Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford Medical School, Palo Alto, CA 94305
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94305
| | - Seung Tae Baek
- Department of Neuroscience, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037
- Rady Children's Institute of Genomic Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037
| | - Valentina Stanley
- Department of Neuroscience, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037
- Rady Children's Institute of Genomic Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037
| | - Cynthia Moncada
- Department of Pathology, Stanford Medical School, Palo Alto, CA 94305
- Department of Genetics, Stanford Medical School, Palo Alto, CA 94305
- Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford Medical School, Palo Alto, CA 94305
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94305
| | - Zohar Shipony
- Department of Pathology, Stanford Medical School, Palo Alto, CA 94305
- Department of Genetics, Stanford Medical School, Palo Alto, CA 94305
- Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford Medical School, Palo Alto, CA 94305
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94305
| | - Sara B Linker
- Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037
| | - Maria C N Marchetto
- Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037
| | - Fred H Gage
- Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037
| | - Dillon Chen
- Department of Neuroscience, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037
- Rady Children's Institute of Genomic Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037
| | - Tipu Sultan
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Institute of Child Health, Children Hospital Lahore, 54000 Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Maha S Zaki
- Clinical Genetics Department, Human Genetics and Genome Research Division, National Research Centre, 12311 Cairo, Egypt
| | | | - Tsuyoshi Miyakawa
- Division of Systems Medical Science, Institute for Comprehensive Medical Science, Fujita Health University, 470-1192 Toyoake, Aichi, Japan
| | - Liqun Luo
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94305
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94305
| | - Robert C Malenka
- Nancy Pritztker Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford Medical School, Palo Alto, CA 94305
| | - Gerald R Crabtree
- Department of Pathology, Stanford Medical School, Palo Alto, CA 94305;
- Department of Genetics, Stanford Medical School, Palo Alto, CA 94305
- Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford Medical School, Palo Alto, CA 94305
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94305
| | - Joseph G Gleeson
- Department of Neuroscience, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037;
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037
- Rady Children's Institute of Genomic Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037
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48
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Gordon A, Geschwind DH. Human in vitro models for understanding mechanisms of autism spectrum disorder. Mol Autism 2020; 11:26. [PMID: 32299488 PMCID: PMC7164291 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-020-00332-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Early brain development is a critical epoch for the development of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In vivo animal models have, until recently, been the principal tool used to study early brain development and the changes occurring in neurodevelopmental disorders such as ASD. In vitro models of brain development represent a significant advance in the field. Here, we review the main methods available to study human brain development in vitro and the applications of these models for studying ASD and other psychiatric disorders. We discuss the main findings from stem cell models to date focusing on cell cycle and proliferation, cell death, cell differentiation and maturation, and neuronal signaling and synaptic stimuli. To be able to generalize the results from these studies, we propose a framework of experimental design and power considerations for using in vitro models to study ASD. These include both technical issues such as reproducibility and power analysis and conceptual issues such as the brain region and cell types being modeled.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Gordon
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Daniel H Geschwind
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Program in Neurobehavioral Genetics, Semel Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Center for Autism Research and Treatment, Semel Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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49
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Pascucci T, Colamartino M, Fiori E, Sacco R, Coviello A, Ventura R, Puglisi-Allegra S, Turriziani L, Persico AM. P-cresol Alters Brain Dopamine Metabolism and Exacerbates Autism-Like Behaviors in the BTBR Mouse. Brain Sci 2020; 10:brainsci10040233. [PMID: 32294927 PMCID: PMC7226382 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10040233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Revised: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in social interaction/communication, stereotypic behaviors, restricted interests, and abnormal sensory-processing. Several studies have reported significantly elevated urinary and foecal levels of p-cresol in ASD children, an aromatic compound either of environmental origin or produced by specific gut bacterial strains. Methods: Since p-cresol is a known uremic toxin, able to negatively affect multiple brain functions, the present study was undertaken to assess the effects of a single acute injection of low- or high-dose (1 or 10 mg/kg i.v. respectively) of p-cresol in behavioral and neurochemical phenotypes of BTBR mice, a reliable animal model of human ASD. Results: P-cresol significantly increased anxiety-like behaviors and hyperactivity in the open field, in addition to producing stereotypic behaviors and loss of social preference in BTBR mice. Tissue levels of monoaminergic neurotransmitters and their metabolites unveiled significantly activated dopamine turnover in amygdala as well as in dorsal and ventral striatum after p-cresol administration; no effect was recorded in medial-prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. Conclusion: Our study supports a gene x environment interaction model, whereby p-cresol, acting upon a susceptible genetic background, can acutely induce autism-like behaviors and produce abnormal dopamine metabolism in the reward circuitry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana Pascucci
- Department of Psychology and Centro "Daniel Bovet", Sapienza University of Rome, I-00185 Rome, Italy; (T.P.); (M.C.); (E.F.); (A.C.); (R.V.)
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, I-00143 Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Colamartino
- Department of Psychology and Centro "Daniel Bovet", Sapienza University of Rome, I-00185 Rome, Italy; (T.P.); (M.C.); (E.F.); (A.C.); (R.V.)
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, I-00143 Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Fiori
- Department of Psychology and Centro "Daniel Bovet", Sapienza University of Rome, I-00185 Rome, Italy; (T.P.); (M.C.); (E.F.); (A.C.); (R.V.)
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, I-00143 Rome, Italy
- European Brain Research Institute EBRI, I-00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Sacco
- Service for Neurodevelopmental Disorders & Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry and Neurogenetics, University “Campus Bio-Medico”, I-00128 Rome, Italy;
| | - Annalisa Coviello
- Department of Psychology and Centro "Daniel Bovet", Sapienza University of Rome, I-00185 Rome, Italy; (T.P.); (M.C.); (E.F.); (A.C.); (R.V.)
| | - Rossella Ventura
- Department of Psychology and Centro "Daniel Bovet", Sapienza University of Rome, I-00185 Rome, Italy; (T.P.); (M.C.); (E.F.); (A.C.); (R.V.)
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, I-00143 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Laura Turriziani
- Interdepartmental Program “Autism 0-90”, “Gaetano Martino” University Hospital, University of Messina, I-98125 Messina, Italy;
| | - Antonio M. Persico
- Interdepartmental Program “Autism 0-90”, “Gaetano Martino” University Hospital, University of Messina, I-98125 Messina, Italy;
- Correspondence:
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50
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Queen NJ, Boardman AA, Patel RS, Siu JJ, Mo X, Cao L. Environmental enrichment improves metabolic and behavioral health in the BTBR mouse model of autism. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2020; 111:104476. [PMID: 31648110 PMCID: PMC6914218 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2019.104476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2019] [Revised: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BTBR T + Itpr3tf/J (BTBR) mice are an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)-like model that exhibit behavioral and physiological deficits similar to those observed in patients with ASD. While behavioral therapy is a first line of treatment in ASD patients, comparable non-pharmacological treatments are less explored in murine models. Here, we administer a bio-behavioral intervention for BTBR mice by way of environmental enrichment (EE) - an experimental housing paradigm previously shown to improve systemic metabolism, learning/memory, anxious behavior, neurogenesis, locomotion, and immunocompetence in C57BL/6 mice. Juvenile BTBR mice were randomized to standard or EE housing and were subjected to metabolic and behavioral assessments up to 17 weeks. Following EE exposure, we report an EE-induced metabolic and behavioral phenotype. Male BTBR mice responded metabolically to EE, displaying reduced adiposity, increased lean mass, improved glycemic control, and decreased circulating leptin. The gene expressions of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (Bdnf) and its receptor (Ntrk2/TrkB) were upregulated in several brain areas in EE-BTBR males. EE-BTBR females showed modest reduction of adiposity and no changes in glycemic control, circulating leptin, or Bdnf/Ntrk2 gene expression. With regard to behavior, EE resulted in decreased anxiety, and increased social affiliation. Together, these results suggest that EE improves metabolic and behavioral health in BTBR mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas J Queen
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Amber A Boardman
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Ripal S Patel
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Jason J Siu
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Xiaokui Mo
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Lei Cao
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
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