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Xu QW, Larosa A, Wong TP. Roles of AMPA receptors in social behaviors. Front Synaptic Neurosci 2024; 16:1405510. [PMID: 39056071 PMCID: PMC11269240 DOI: 10.3389/fnsyn.2024.1405510] [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: 03/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
As a crucial player in excitatory synaptic transmission, AMPA receptors (AMPARs) contribute to the formation, regulation, and expression of social behaviors. AMPAR modifications have been associated with naturalistic social behaviors, such as aggression, sociability, and social memory, but are also noted in brain diseases featuring impaired social behavior. Understanding the role of AMPARs in social behaviors is timely to reveal therapeutic targets for treating social impairment in disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia. In this review, we will discuss the contribution of the molecular composition, function, and plasticity of AMPARs to social behaviors. The impact of targeting AMPARs in treating brain disorders will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Wei Xu
- Douglas Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Amanda Larosa
- Douglas Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Tak Pan Wong
- Douglas Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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2
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Italia M, Salvadè M, La Greca F, Zianni E, Pelucchi S, Spinola A, Ferrari E, Archetti S, Alberici A, Benussi A, Solje E, Haapasalo A, Hoffmann D, Katisko K, Krüger J, Facchinetti R, Scuderi C, Padovani A, DiLuca M, Scheggia D, Borroni B, Gardoni F. Anti-GluA3 autoantibodies define a new sub-population of frontotemporal lobar degeneration patients with distinct neuropathological features. Brain Behav Immun 2024; 118:380-397. [PMID: 38485064 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2024.03.018] [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: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Autoantibodies directed against the GluA3 subunit (anti-GluA3 hIgGs) of AMPA receptors have been identified in 20%-25% of patients with frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD). Data from patients and in vitro/ex vivo pre-clinical studies indicate that anti-GluA3 hIgGs negatively affect glutamatergic neurotransmission. However, whether and how the chronic presence of anti-GluA3 hIgGs triggers synaptic dysfunctions and the appearance of FTLD-related neuropathological and behavioural signature has not been clarified yet. To address this question, we developed and characterized a pre-clinical mouse model of passive immunization with anti-GluA3 hIgGs purified from patients. In parallel, we clinically compared FTLD patients who were positive for anti-GluA3 hIgGs to negative ones. Clinical data showed that the presence of anti-GluA3 hIgGs defined a subgroup of patients with distinct clinical features. In the preclinical model, anti-GluA3 hIgGs administration led to accumulation of phospho-tau in the postsynaptic fraction and dendritic spine loss in the prefrontal cortex. Remarkably, the preclinical model exhibited behavioural disturbances that mostly reflected the deficits proper of patients positive for anti-GluA3 hIgGs. Of note, anti-GluA3 hIgGs-mediated alterations were rescued in the animal model by enhancing glutamatergic neurotransmission with a positive allosteric modulator of AMPA receptors. Overall, our study clarified the contribution of anti-GluA3 autoantibodies to central nervous system symptoms and pathology and identified a specific subgroup of FTLD patients. Our findings will be instrumental in the development of a therapeutic personalised medicine strategy for patients positive for anti-GluA3 hIgGs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Italia
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences (DiSFeB), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Michela Salvadè
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences (DiSFeB), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Filippo La Greca
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences (DiSFeB), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Elisa Zianni
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences (DiSFeB), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Pelucchi
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences (DiSFeB), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessio Spinola
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences (DiSFeB), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Ferrari
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences (DiSFeB), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvana Archetti
- Department of Laboratories, Central Laboratory of Clinical Chemistry Analysis. ASST Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy
| | - Antonella Alberici
- Neurology Unit, Centre for Neurodegenerative Disorders, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Alberto Benussi
- Neurology Unit, Centre for Neurodegenerative Disorders, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Eino Solje
- Institute of Clinical Medicine - Neurology, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland; Neuro Center, Neurology, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Annakaisa Haapasalo
- A. I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Dorit Hoffmann
- A. I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Kasper Katisko
- Institute of Clinical Medicine - Neurology, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland; Neuro Center, Neurology, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Johanna Krüger
- Research Unit of Clinical Medicine, Neurology, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland; Neurocenter, Neurology, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland; Medical Research Center, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
| | - Roberta Facchinetti
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "Vittorio Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Caterina Scuderi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "Vittorio Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Padovani
- Neurology Unit, Centre for Neurodegenerative Disorders, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Monica DiLuca
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences (DiSFeB), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Diego Scheggia
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences (DiSFeB), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Barbara Borroni
- Neurology Unit, Centre for Neurodegenerative Disorders, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Gardoni
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences (DiSFeB), University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
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Ryding M, Mikkelsen AW, Nissen MS, Nilsson AC, Blaabjerg M. Pathophysiological Effects of Autoantibodies in Autoimmune Encephalitides. Cells 2023; 13:15. [PMID: 38201219 PMCID: PMC10778077 DOI: 10.3390/cells13010015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The heterogeneity of autoantibody targets in autoimmune encephalitides presents a challenge for understanding cellular and humoral pathophysiology, and the development of new treatment strategies. Thus, current treatment aims at autoantibody removal and immunosuppression, and is primarily based on data generated from other autoimmune neurological diseases and expert consensus. There are many subtypes of autoimmune encephalitides, which now entails both diseases with autoantibodies targeting extracellular antigens and classical paraneoplastic syndromes with autoantibodies targeting intracellular antigens. Here, we review the current knowledge of molecular and cellular effects of autoantibodies associated with autoimmune encephalitis, and evaluate the evidence behind the proposed pathophysiological mechanisms of autoantibodies in autoimmune encephalitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matias Ryding
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense, Denmark;
- Neurobiology Research, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense, Denmark
| | - Anne With Mikkelsen
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Odense University Hospital, 5000 Odense, Denmark;
| | | | - Anna Christine Nilsson
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense, Denmark;
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Odense University Hospital, 5000 Odense, Denmark;
| | - Morten Blaabjerg
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense, Denmark;
- Neurobiology Research, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense, Denmark
- Department of Neurology, Odense University Hospital, 5000 Odense, Denmark;
- Brain Research—Inter Disciplinary Guided Excellence (BRIDGE), 5000 Odense, Denmark
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Zhang T, Musheshe N, van der Veen CHJTM, Kessels HW, Dolga A, De Deyn P, Eisel U, Schmidt M. The Expression of Epac2 and GluA3 in an Alzheimer's Disease Experimental Model and Postmortem Patient Samples. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2096. [PMID: 37626593 PMCID: PMC10452319 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11082096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the most prevalent neurodegenerative diseases, characterized by amyloid beta (Aβ) and hyperphosphorylated tau accumulation in the brain. Recent studies indicated that memory retrieval, rather than memory formation, was impaired in the early stage of AD. Our previous study reported that pharmacological activation of hippocampal Epac2 promoted memory retrieval in C57BL/6J mice. A recent study suggested that pharmacological inhibition of Epac2 prevented synaptic potentiation mediated by GluA3-containing AMPARs. In this study, we aimed to investigate proteins associated with Epac2-mediated memory in hippocampal postmortem samples of AD patients and healthy controls compared with the experimental AD model J20 and wild-type mice. Epac2 and phospho-Akt were downregulated in AD patients and J20 mice, while Epac1 and phospho-ERK1/2 were not altered. GluA3 was reduced in J20 mice and tended to decrease in AD patients. PSD95 tended to decrease in AD patients and J20. Interestingly, AKAP5 was increased in AD patients but not in J20 mice, implicating its role in tau phosphorylation. Our study points to the downregulation of hippocampal expression of proteins associated with Epac2 in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Zhang
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, University of Groningen, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands; (T.Z.); (N.M.); (C.H.J.T.M.v.d.V.); (A.D.)
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands;
| | - Nshunge Musheshe
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, University of Groningen, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands; (T.Z.); (N.M.); (C.H.J.T.M.v.d.V.); (A.D.)
| | - Christina H. J. T. M. van der Veen
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, University of Groningen, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands; (T.Z.); (N.M.); (C.H.J.T.M.v.d.V.); (A.D.)
| | - Helmut W. Kessels
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Amalia Dolga
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, University of Groningen, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands; (T.Z.); (N.M.); (C.H.J.T.M.v.d.V.); (A.D.)
- Institute for Asthma and COPD, GRIAC, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Peter De Deyn
- Department of Neurology and Alzheimer Research Center, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands;
- Laboratory of Neurochemistry and Behavior, Experimental Neurobiology Unit, University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Ulrich Eisel
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands;
| | - Martina Schmidt
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, University of Groningen, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands; (T.Z.); (N.M.); (C.H.J.T.M.v.d.V.); (A.D.)
- Institute for Asthma and COPD, GRIAC, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
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Sun Y, Zhang L, Liu P, Peng G. Autoimmunity and Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration: From Laboratory Study to Clinical Practice. Clin Interv Aging 2023; 18:495-503. [PMID: 37008802 PMCID: PMC10065017 DOI: 10.2147/cia.s394286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) is a group of neurodegenerative diseases with heterogenous clinical, genetic, and pathological characteristics that show similar impairment of areas in the frontal and/or temporal lobes. Prime doctors' lack of awareness of this complex disease makes early identification and accurate intervention difficult. Autoimmune diseases and autoantibodies are manifestations of different levels of autoimmune reactions. This review presents research findings examining the relationship between autoimmunity and FTLD in terms of autoimmune diseases and autoantibodies with a focus on identifying potential diagnosis and treatment approaches. The findings indicate that the same or similar pathophysiological mechanisms may exist from clinical, genetic, and pathological perspectives. However, the existing evidence is not sufficient to extract substantial conclusions. On the basis of the current situation, we propose future research patterns using prospective studies on large populations and combined clinical and experimental research. Autoimmune reactions or, more generally, inflammatory reactions should receive increased attention from doctors and scientists of all disciplines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Sun
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lumi Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ping Liu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Guoping Peng
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Guoping Peng, Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, #79 Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310003, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86 13588150613, Email
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Anti-AMPA Receptor Autoantibodies Reduce Excitatory Currents in Rat Hippocampal Neurons. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:ph16010077. [PMID: 36678574 PMCID: PMC9864520 DOI: 10.3390/ph16010077] [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: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The GluR3 subunit of α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptors (AMPARs) has been identified as a target for autoantibodies (Aabs) in autoimmune encephalopathy and other diseases. Recent studies have proposed mechanisms by which these Aabs act, but their exact role in neuronal excitability is yet to be established. Patient Aabs have been shown to bind to specific regions within the GluR3 subunit. GLUR3B peptides were designed based on described (ELISA) immunogenic epitopes for Aabs and an immunisation strategy was used to generate novel anti-AMPAR Aabs. Target-specific binding and specificity of affinity-purified anti-AMPAR Aabs was confirmed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, immunocytochemistry and Western blot. Functional anti-AMPAR Aab effects were determined on excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) from primary hippocampal neurons using whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology. Acute (10 or 30 min) or longer-term (24 h) application of anti-AMPAR Aabs caused a significant reduction in the mean frequency of spontaneous and miniature EPSCs in hippocampal neurons. Our data demonstrate that anti-AMPAR Aabs targeting peptides linked to auto-immune diseases mediate inhibitory effects on neuronal excitability at the synaptic level, such effects may lead to disruption of the excitatory/inhibitory balance at a network level.
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Hansen N, Juhl AL, Grenzer IM, Hirschel S, Teegen B, Fitzner D, Bartels C, Timäus C, Wiltfang J, Malchow B. Cerebrospinal Fluid Total Tau Protein Correlates With Longitudinal, Progressing Cognitive Dysfunction in Anti-Neural Autoantibody-Associated Dementia and Alzheimer's Dementia: A Case-Control Study. Front Immunol 2022; 13:837376. [PMID: 35309366 PMCID: PMC8927820 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.837376] [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: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Neural autoantibody-associated dementia (NABD) is an increasing phenomenon in memory clinics with a high impact on later therapy. Biomarkers are lacking that differentiate this type of dementia from neurodegenerative dementia such as Alzheimer’s dementia (AD). Our aim is to analyze neurodegeneration markers and their relationship to progressing cognitive dysfunction in NABD and AD to test for tools differentiating these two forms of dementia prior to neural autoantibody testing. Methods In our retrospective, observational study, we investigated 14 patients with dementia and serum and/or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) neural autoantibodies as well as 14 patients with AD by relying on recent CSF and clinical criteria for AD. Patient files were checked for psychopathology, neuropsychological test performance, autoimmune indicators, CSF, and MRI results. Results Our patient groups did not differ in their psychopathology, autoimmune indicators, or MRI profile. The progression of cognitive dysfunction [as measured by the difference in Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores since disease onset, and the yearly progression rate (MMSE loss/per year)] did not vary significantly between groups. Total tau protein was significantly higher in AD patients than NABD patients revealing no signs of Alzheimer’s disease pathology in their CSF (p < 0.05). Total tau protein levels in CSF correlated with cognitive decline since disease onset (r = 0.38, p < 0.05) and yearly progression rates (r = 0.56, p < 0.005) in all patients. Discussion Our results suggest that the progression of cognitive dysfunction as defined by MMSE does not seem to be an appropriate biomarker for distinguishing NABD from AD. However, the total tau protein level in CSF might be a relevant molecular biomarker that can indicate disease pathology and/or progression in both known AD and NABD, which is often accompanied by axonal degeneration. Total tau protein may be an additional diagnostic tool with which to differentiate anti-neural-associated dementia from AD if further research confirms these proof-of-concept findings in larger patient cohorts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niels Hansen
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Aaron Levin Juhl
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Insa Maria Grenzer
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Sina Hirschel
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | | | - Dirk Fitzner
- Department of Neurology, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Claudia Bartels
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Charles Timäus
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Jens Wiltfang
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Göttingen, Germany.,Neurosciences and Signaling Group, Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Berend Malchow
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
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